By Chris E. Hayner on Aug 17, 2018 12:23 am
When Deadpool 2 hit theaters, you might have assumed it would be impossible to somehow load in more dirty jokes or gratuitous violence. How wrong you were, though. While the film is certainly raunchy, perhaps even more so than the first Deadpool, there's always room for more. That's proven by the Super Duper cut of the movie, which has been released on Digital HD. This version of Deadpool 2 first debuted at San Diego Comic-Con and will arrive on Blu-ray on August 21. The new cut of the film adds 15 minutes to the running time. That includes not only scenes completely omitted from the theatrical cut of the film, but alternate lines of dialogue, new and longer fight scenes, and even some new music choices. Of course, the new material also includes the fabled "kill baby Hitler" deleted scene that the film's writers discussed back when the movie hit theaters--and it's even more bizarre than you might have imagined. There's a lot more to be found in the over two-hour running time, though. Finding every single little difference is a difficult task, though. Thankfully, GameSpot has done the work for you. After studying both versions of the film closely, we've found every change made in the Super Duper cut. Save yourself some time and let us guide you through this new cut of Deadpool 2.
The first change comes when Deadpool faces off with the Chinese gangsters at the beginning of the film. Upon crashing through a window, he apologizes and says he thought this bar full of villains was an "anal bleaching party." In the theatrical cut, he simply counts the men in Spanish before they open fire.
After being pumped full of lead by the gangsters in the theatrical version, he quickly jumps up to fight back. In the extended cut, though, he plays dead for a bit.
He also tells the bartender that smoking is bad for her, because Deadpool cares.
This is where the changes get more difficult to point out. Different angles and takes are used throughout this fight scene, showing Deadpool dealing even more mayhem.
The scene at the funeral in Sicily is extended, as Deadpool says "Let's see Captain America do that" after firing a ton of bullets.
Additionally, the fight in a Tokyo bathhouse is also much longer in this cut, featuring far more carnage. And when he comes face to face with a massive man's groin, an alternate line is used. "Looks like you left a little landing strip there," Deadpool says. "I like it." In the theatrical cut, he made a joke about being molested by his Boy Scouts leader.
The strip club scene is also extended and includes nudity that was cut from the theatrical version.
After reuniting with Dopinder, the cab driver asks if it was a mission accomplished. "In a George W. sort of way," Deadpool jokes, referring to the former US president.
Deadpool's pep talk with Dopinder, who wants to become a contract killer, is also quite a bit longer in the new cut.
In the theatrical version, Weasel says Wade smells like someone "s*** in a Civil War wound." In the new cut, he instead says, "You smell like sour kraut left in the warm rain. Like wet garbage and hot urine. You smell like a dog ate kitty litter and farted his way out of the living room. You smell like Rush Limbaugh's couch cushions after shark week."
When Wade says he's happy David Bowie is alive, Dopinder almost spoils that particular celebrity death for him, before being waved off by Weasel. In the theatrical cut, the two simply nod at each other, agreeing not to tell Wade about Bowie's demise.
After being made to mop up Deadpool's urine, Dopinder questions Weasel's contract killer lessons, which he doesn't do in the theatrical version.
While Deadpool attempts commit suicide by blowing himself up in the theatrical cut, the extended version includes two other failed attempts. In one, he takes a dive into a polar bear habitat at the zoo.
The other attempt shows Deadpool drinking a bottle of drain cleaner on a building, before hopping off to his hopeful death--which fails.
A scene removed from the theatrical version shows Russell's arrival at the evil mutant school.
The dialogue between Deadpool and Colossus when they first get to the X-Mansion is altered.
As Deadpool explores the mansion in Charles Xavier's wheelchair, he makes a different joke after noticing all of the painting that are hanging. "All these old guys on the wall," he says. "Who lives here, Calista Flockhart?" In the theatrical cut, he says, "All these elderly white men on the walls, should've brought my rape whistle."
There is also an additional joke when Deadpool gets mad at the lack of X-Men cameos. "You'd think the studio would throw us a bone--one that doesn't end up in my mouth," he says. "The first movie made more money than the guy who invented pants."
Cable's arrival in the current year is moved up quite a bit in the film, and that scene plays much longer as the two rednecks--played by Matt Damon and Alan Tudyk--go on at length about the paper products they use in the bathroom.
Back at the X-Mansion, there is a new scene of Colossus working out in the yard.
Meanwhile, Deadpool is going through the X-Men refrigerator and replacing the paper labels on foods with velcro. It's all an attempt to show Colossus he's become nicer--he hasn't.
While the theatrical cut shows flashbacks to Russell being tortured at the mutant school, that scene plays out in its entirety in this version of the film.
In the theatrical version of the film, Wade is wearing Cerebro when Colossus comes to tell him they have a mission. In the new cut, he's actually reading an erotic novel titled "The Canadian Mounted" and smoking.
Once at the mutant school, Deadpool calls the creepy employee a long list of names. However, the extended cut adds one more: Miguel.
When consoling Russell, Deadpool had a different line in the new cut. Harking back to the words of Blind Al earlier, he tells the kid, "A wise woman once said to me, 'Speak up, I can't hear you with the pity dick in your mouth.'"
When told Russell would be sent to the Ice Box detention facility, Deadpool had some unkind words for the location. "That place makes Hitler's anus look like Waikiki," he jokes. As we'll learn later, he's kind of hung up on Hitler.
After being tackled by Colossus for firing on the mutant school staff, Deadpool calls the metal giant "Shiny Gandhi" when told he's not X-Men material.
The scene in which Wade is shown to his cell in the Ice Box is extended, giving the Merc plenty of time to joke about his new home. "I see myself as more of an east coast Hufflepuff," he says. "I've made a critical error on my Airbnb reservation. This is not what the website looked like at all. I love the decor, though. I had no idea hopeless was a color."
There's also an alternate line once Russell enters the cell. In the theatrical version, Wade says, "Another disgusting mutant off the streets. We'll sleep well tonight. Let's get a taco." In the extended cut, he says, "Another disgusting minority off the streets. We'll sleep well tonight. Let's get a bagel."
After getting his powers back in the Ice Box, Deadpool looks at the camera and says, "Donde esta la biblioteca," which he believes means "I don't bargain." It does not. This is a callback to his fight with Chinese gangsters earlier in the film.
During his first fight with Cable, Wade asks the soldier different questions about the future. "Is Dubstep still a thing?" he wonders. "Do people still homebrew? Does Dopinder ever find love?"
When talking to Deadpool about building a team of heroes, Weasel has some big plans for who they should pick. "A team of some highly-skilled motherf**ers," he says. "I'm talking some Ocean's 14 s**. Rogue Two, John Wick 3, but with the original directors."
Domino's introduction is extended to include more of her and Deadpool fighting over whether luck is a superpower.
Peter also gets more of an introduction, in which we learn he has both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Cable explaining people's threshold for pain to Weasel is extended. Weasel still has no threshold whatsoever.
After the massive failure of the X-Force skydiving entrance, Deadpool has a very funny line. "Whoever planned this stunt was smoking a lot of jazz cabbage, I'll tell you that much," he jokes.
While fighting on the prisoner transport truck, Cable tells Deadpool, "There's nothing I can't kill." In the extended cut, the response calls back to the Tokyo bathhouse fight. "As Scoutmaster Kevin used to say, there's a first time for everything, son," he jokes.
After Cable unloads a clip into Deadpool, the Merc gets an alternate line where he simply says, "Whoa, those bullets are super fast."
In the alternate cut, when Cable asks Wade if he'd stop those who killed Vanessa if he could go back in time, he says, "No, I'd buy them all a bouquet of handjobs." Then he says, of course, he would. But he wouldn't kill a kid. The scene also includes Wade farting after he and Cable come to an agreement. Who doesn't love a good fart joke?
Another scene dropped entirely from the theatrical cut finds Russell and Juggernaut after they destroyed a big and tall store while looking for matching outfits. Sadly, there was nothing in Juggernaut's size.
When the movie returns to Deadpool and the team in the car, headed to the X-Mansion looking for help, an alternate line is given. "And that is just the first five steps to a prostate-assisted orgasm," Deadpool jokes.
The entire sequence in the cab is also extended, as Deadpool continues to rail against what he believes is Cable's racism, while Domino gets a few more lines of dialogue about what a mistake this all is.
Once at the mansion, it's revealed that the X-Men are still using the velcro labeling system he implemented in an earlier deleted scene.
Meanwhile, back at the mutant school, Russell and Juggernaut arrive. While the scene is almost identical, it gives the headmaster the line, "They will not replace us."
When Deadpool and company arrive, there's an alternate line when the Merc sees the teddy bear attached to Cable's belt. Staring at it, he says, "I've been meaning to ask you, what's with the dirty, disgusting hobo bear?"
As the team begins their attack on the school, the hip-hop song in the theatrical version if replaced by Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle."
The scene of Domino fighting Juggernaut is extended in the new cut, showing her putting the playground to good use.
When Colossus rescues Deadpool, the Merc does more than make dirty hand gestures as thanks. He also attempts to perform oral sex on him, before Colossus stops him.
Colossus and Juggernaut's battle is set to a different song in the new cut. The new track is "Fight Dirty" by Guignol & Mischief Brew.
As he's dying, after taking a bullet from Cable, an alternate take of Deadpool's goodbye to Negasonic Teenage Warhead is used. In it, he tells the teenager that he liked her hair better in the first movie. "I think everyone did." Additionally, Yukio offers a different "Hi Wade" than the one used in the theatrical cut.
During his goodbye to Russell, Deadpool says he can have his superhero suit. "You might want to get it steam cleaned, especially around the pants," he says. "And let it out a little in the waist."
When Wade is reunited with Vanessa after his death, the cover of A-Ha's Take Me On isn't used. Instead, the song Ashes, which Celine Dion recorded for the film, plays.
In an alternate take, Vanessa gets new lines when explaining heaven to Wade. "It's pretty f***ing awesome up here," she says. "I can have anything I want!" He wonders, "Can every day be International Women's Day?" She quickly shoots back, "It is heaven."
Before they part, sending Wade back to the world of the living, he asks her not to have sex with Elvis. In the theatrical version, she asks the same of him and Colossus. In the new cut, though, she simply says, "Ooo, too late!"
After going back in time and saving the day without dying, Deadpool says goodbye to Negasonic. In a rare moment of appreciation, she replies, "Our door is always open." Naturally, he can't have actual feelings and fires back, "That's kind, but I'm not ready to date again. Let alone two women."
There are a few changes in the post-credits, as well. The first happens when Deadpool goes back in time to save Peter from dying with the rest of the X-Force. In the alternate take, he tells his Sugar Bear, "X-Force is just a marketing tool designed by Fox executives to keep Josh Brolin employed."
After killing the Deadpool from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the Merc had a lot more to say to Logan in the new cut. "Look, eventually you're going to hang up the claws and it's going to make a lot of people very sad," he tells Wolverine. "But one day your old pal Wade's going to ask you to get back in the saddle again. And when he does, say yes."
Ryan Reynolds, the actor, gets an alternate line after reading the Green Lantern script--before Deadpool puts him out of his misery. Looking at the script, he says, "God d***, that's beautiful." It was not.
The last major addition is an all-new sequence in the credits, in which Deadpool goes back in time to kill baby Hitler, though it proves to be more difficult than he expected.
One final scene revisits Deadpool trying to kill baby Hitler. Instead, he says he'll just send Cable back to do it and changes the baby's diaper. He really is a kid person.
By Matt Espineli on Aug 17, 2018 12:07 am
Switch Games That You Need To Play
The release of the Nintendo Switch marked the beginning of a new generation for Nintendo. After the lukewarm reception of the Wii U, many were beginning to wonder if the company would be able to survive in today's console market. However, it defied all expectations with its hybrid console/handheld console. Alongside the Switch's release was the universally praised The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, giving it the killer app it needed to quickly rise to the top of console sales charts and dramatically increase Nintendo's revenue. In the year since its launch, there has been no shortage of amazing games coming, from huge first-party games like Mario and Splatoon to indie darlings like Owlboy and Celeste. There's even great third-party games, like Octopath Traveler and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. The library only seems to be expanding and improving with every consecutive release. In this feature, we're taking a look back at the best Switch games so far. This includes games that have received a score of 8 or higher on GameSpot since the console's release, as well as reviews for new games and updates to reviews of older games that were ported to Switch. Check out our choices for the best games released on the Switch. And with the console's library continuing to expand, make sure to check back often as we update this feature over the coming weeks and months. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our retrospective feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we want to see from the console. The Switch already has hundreds of games, so many that some are bound to fly under our radar. The games covered here are only a small handful of the experiences out there. Which games do you think are some of the Switch's finest? 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
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
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 full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Captain Toad
"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 full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 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 full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
West of Loathing -- 8/10
"There are a few minor issues--inventory management on Switch becomes cumbersome as you collect an increasing amount of things, fights with a lot of enemies can obscure some pertinent information, and the stakes sometimes feel a little too low to be completely motivating. But West of Loathing's focus on maintaining a flexible, open-ended nature and lighthearted, humorous feel keeps you engaged in what feels like an imaginative pen-and-paper Dungeons and Dragons campaign, led by a game master whose only goal is to make sure you're laughing and having a fun time. West of Loathing's visuals are monochromatic, but there's enjoyable comedy painted between every line, a pitch-perfect Spaghetti Western soundtrack, and a full spectrum of role-playing possibilities to choose from that make it a consistently enjoyable madcap cowboy jaunt." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor and Video Producer
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
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection -- 8/10
"That's more or less the story of the 30th Anniversary Collection. It won't satisfy every specific demand, but it's still a big collection of awesome games and behind-the-scenes content that no Street Fighter fan should miss. Street Fighter is a series worth celebrating and Digital Eclipse has managed to do so in a manner that feels respectful to the series and to the people who keep the spirit of arcade battles alive." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition -- 8/10
"Those returning to the fray will likely be a little disappointed as there just isn't enough new content to rouse fresh excitement. For newcomers, though, Hyrule warriors is a delightful, bizarre outing that opens up the Zelda series, taking us places we've been before, just with thousands of monsters and awesome, screen-clearing magical attacks." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Battle Chasers: Nightwar -- 8/10
"Beyond the challenge of combat, Battle Chasers is sustained through the strength of its story, a rollicking tale that takes our heroes literally to hell and back. It's bolstered by some sharp dialogue, gorgeous artwork, and an ensemble that plays extremely well off of each other. Lots of work has gone into Nightwar since its first release, and the balancing improvements make it an easy game to recommend on all platforms." [Read the full review] -- Justin Clark
Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze -- 9/10
"Tropical Freeze isn't a heavy-hitter from Nintendo in the same way Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey are, but it's a fantastic platformer that's bursting with creativity and expertly designed challenges. It's tuned just right--always tough but rarely frustrating--to ensure that even the most common moments feel great. If you missed out when the game first debuted back in 2014, give it a shot today. It easily stands the test of time." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Bayonetta 2 -- 10/10
"But it's a challenge you'll want to experience again as soon as you put down the controller. Bayonetta 2's combat is so expertly constructed, and its presentation so joyously insane, that you'd have to try so very hard to get bored of it all. In a year filled with the promise of ever more elaborate experiences on all the shiny new hardware, that Bayonetta 2--a homage to classic game design and escapism--should be the most fun I've had playing a game all year is unexpected. But maybe it shouldn't have been. After all, its predecessor still stands as one of the finest games of its genre. To have surpassed that with Bayonetta 2, and to have created a game that will be remembered as an absolute classic, is nothing short of astonishing." [Read the review] -- Mark Walton
Celeste -- 9/10
"It's a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I'd been on the same journey as Madeline. Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain." [Read the full review] -- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer
Dragon Quest Builders -- 8/10
"The excellence of Dragon Quest Builders illustrates the versatility of this 30-year-old franchise as much as it speaks to the engrossing appeal of Minecraft-inspired creation. The story-advancing draw of quests goes hand-in-hand with the depth of a crafting system that cleverly uses monster drops as some of the game's building tools. Whether you want to focus on completing assignments or build with no specific purpose, the game is feature-rich enough to suck up untold hours, even if this happens to be your first Dragon Quest experience." [Read the review] -- Miguel Concepcion, Editor
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -- 8/10
"The original version of Skyrim is still an immense, engrossing RPG, and the quality, number, and variety of its quests makes it as easy to become lost in its world as ever. With the addition of Zelda-themed gear that's actually useful--and the fact that you can play anywhere--the Switch version of Skyrim is a great excuse to revisit a much-loved RPG." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Golf Story -- 8/10
"It can take a little while for the narrative to ramp up in Golf Story and for you to feel like you've really cultivated the skills of a champion, but based on the sheer scope of what the game delivers, there's likely something for everyone to enjoy whether their shtick is mini-golfing or terrorising delinquents with frisbees. It has successfully captured the trappings of yesteryear's RPGs, and the witticisms and idiosyncrasies of the characters you encounter are a great palate cleanser between rounds. Switch has had a swathe of indies hit its eShop recently, but if you're looking for something that'll give you satisfaction in terms of an interesting story and a rewarding mechanic, then Golf Story is certainly par for the course." [Read the full review] -- Ginny Woo
Gorogoa -- 8/10
"Few games take the concept of altering reality to as artistic a level as Gorogoa. This labor of love made chiefly by one developer is a gorgeous and intriguing puzzle game that works because of its stunning art and intelligent puzzle design. Far from a traditional game, Gorogoa is a slow and methodical trip into the surreal." [Read the full review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Kirby Star Allies -- 8/10
"Star Allies is yet another Kirby game, but it's up there with some of the best. It's an artistic showcase, and a great opportunity for co-op platforming. The one real complaint you can levy at it is that it gates off its more challenging aspects, but the fact that they are present to begin with will please anyone who's grown weary of the series' painless platforming." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild -- 10/10
"No matter how gorgeous its environments are, how clever its enemies are, and how tricky its puzzles get, the fact that Breath of the Wild continues to surprise you with newfound rules and possibilities after dozens of hours is by far its most valuable quality. It's a game that allows you to feel gradually more and more empowered yet simultaneously manages to retain a sense of challenge and mystery--which, together, creates a steady, consistent feeling of gratification throughout the entire experience. Breath of the Wild is a defining moment for The Legend of Zelda series, and the most impressive game Nintendo has ever created." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle -- 9/10
"Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves. It's a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes, because Kingdom Battle's unique turn-based tactics system is in every way a pleasure to engage with. Coupled with the annoyingly infectious allure of Rabbids, and the always delightful, colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is an implausibly engrossing formula that is positively challenging and endlessly charming." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- 9/10
"For Mario Kart fans, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might look like more of the same with small Double Dash-inspired tweaks. But thanks to a series of updates both big and almost unseen, it's the version of Mario Kart to get. If you don't own a Wii U or skipped out on Mario Kart 8 the first time around--or even if you've played it before--Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is worth your time. It plays beautifully on Switch in both handheld and docked mode, and its core racing is as exciting as ever. And, most notably, it completely revamps the original's lackluster Battle Mode, rounding out an already great racing game." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Mr. Shifty -- 8/10
"Mr. Shifty isn't a huge game in terms of length, but the three- to four-hour campaign is ample. It's like a shot of adrenalin, offering an exciting, intense experience, and it's easy to forgive the game's performance flaws when it so consistently makes you feel like a badass." [Read the full review] -- James O'Connor
NBA 2K18 -- 8/10
"NBA 2K18 is a hardcore sports simulation. If you want to get good, you have to put in the work. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your skills no matter how you want to play. And the fact that there's so much to do is a bonus, because on the court, NBA 2K18 is also an amazingly well-crafted experience." [Read the full review] -- Seth Macy
Night in the Woods -- 9/10
"From beginning to end to epilogue, Night in the Woods is ultimately open to individual interpretation. How you relate to it depends on your own experiences and choices, including Mae's dialogue and who you decide to spend time with. Though its charming and angsty story works well on its own merits, it's special because of how it prioritizes conveying emotion over telling a straight narrative." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Owlboy -- 9/10
"Owlboy is consistently charming and surprising, and when its final act doubles down on every front, it's bittersweet to see it end. As you relish the outcome of the final battle and watch the closing cutscene, you can't help but reflect on the beginning of your adventure and how far the world and its inhabitants have come. You'll never be able to play Owlboy for the first time again, but the memories of its magic moments stick with you. This is more than a treat for fans of old-school games; Owlboy is a heartfelt experience that will touch anyone with an affinity for great art and storytelling." [Read the review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 Plus -- 8/10
"Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 creates an exciting dynamic where ghosts are still dangerous, but the overall game is more forgiving than the original--and it's more entertaining as a result. Arcade ports tend to be games we play in short bursts--mostly for the nostalgia factor. Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 certainly relies on that nostalgia to a point, but it handles the classic game in a way that plays with expectations to surprise you. It's the same game enhanced in the right directions to be make an old concept fun, innovative, and challenging all over again." [Read the review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Puyo Puyo Tetris -- 8/10
"Overflowing with colorful personality, Puyo Puyo Tetris revels in its weirdness. It provides solid versions of both puzzle games and merges the two in bizarre, frantic ways that adds a fresh dash of style to these long-running series. With an array of game variations spanning single-player, along with on- and offline multiplayer, it's an incredibly meaty package that should satisfy gamers for a long time to come." [Read the full review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Rive -- 8/10
"Rive is demanding, but it pushes the kind of near-thoughtless play that shoot-em-ups strive to achieve. When faced with an onslaught of enemies and environmental hazards, you'll have to think fast or die. Rive also doesn't run all that long, but what's here is excellent, top-notch action, and the game delivers some of the most memorable moments in a shoot-em-up in years." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Rocket League -- 9/10
"For people new to the game, they have a lot to look forward to regardless, as it's one of the most fascinating sports games in memory. Nevermind if you don't like soccer or couldn't care less about the growing esports community. Rocket League is a unique game that redefines the concept of what a sports game can be, and Psyonix continues to support it with new content on a regular basis. It's been around for a while, but now that it's on Switch, there's no better time to give it a shot." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment -- 8/10
"Specter of Torment is a finely-crafted 2D platformer that is satisfying in all respects. Simply controlling Specter Knight--flying through the air and slicing through enemies--is a joy in itself, and being able to push your ability to control these skills in overcoming the game's cleverly-designed and challenging levels is always an exhilarating feeling. Specter of Torment is a focussed, polished, and satisfyingly challenging game that's well worth experiencing whether or not you've had the pleasure of playing Shovel Knight." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor
Sonic Mania -- 9/10
"Sonic Mania methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series' best with its smart and interpretive design. An excellent 2D platformer, Sonic Mania goes beyond expectations, managing to be not only a proper evolution of the series' iconic formula, but the best Sonic game ever made." [Read the full review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Splatoon 2 -- 8/10
"At first glance, Splatoon 2 seems very similar to the first game. But all the small changes, and even the bigger ones in single player and League Battles, make for a fresh take on the already unique shooter. If you played a lot of the original, the sequel has enough to keep you coming back, and if you're new to the game, it's a fantastic place to jump in." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Stardew Valley -- 9/10
"The sheer number of things to accomplish in Stardew Valley can keep you interested beyond the original three in-game years you need to reach the end of your story--you may just want to start over rather than continue on. You'll work quite hard to gather enough money for your first horse, so that you can quickly move to the mines to get a mineral to complete a bundle at the community center. It's all centered around whatever it is you want to accomplish that day. And that's truly what makes Stardew Valley such a lovely experience, it encourages you to go out and be the best you can be, in whichever task that brings you the most joy. Stardew Valley motivates naturally, with blissful optimism." [Read the full review] -- Mary Kish
SteamWorld Dig 2 -- 9/10
"Every advancement Dig 2 makes to its story and mechanics strengthens your initiative to progress. There's an overwhelming sense of momentum that runs through the adventure; as if developer Image & Form sifted the original in a pan, removing its redundancies while expanding upon what made it so fun to persistently play. In your quest to acquire every upgrade and explore every nook and cranny, there's no shortage of hidden collectables to discover. And with post-game content that unlocks after you unearth every secret, the desire to keep digging intensifies. Dig 2 manages to not only be an exceptional successor, but a great adventure in its own right. Where the first game was a diamond in the rough, Dig 2 is a polished jewel." [Read the full review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Super Mario Odyssey -- 10/10
"Odyssey is sustained beyond its major milestones not only through colorful worlds and hidden challenges, but through the sheer joy of controlling Mario, who's never felt more responsive or dynamic in action. Even with everything new that's been introduced, Nintendo's forward-thinking platformer retains the series' classic handcrafted appeal, which is even more impressive when you realize how densely packed each kingdom is. Mario's latest outing is big, bold, and bursting with new ideas, and like Breath of the Wild, is another instance of Nintendo going above and beyond to redefine our expectations. It's a shining example of refined creativity, and another crown jewel for Switch that is without equal." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Lumines Remastered -- 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 full review] -- Justin Clark
By Array on Aug 17, 2018 12:02 am
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 Matt Espineli on Aug 16, 2018 11:57 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 Matt Espineli on Aug 16, 2018 11:52 pm
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.
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - The Final Season Episode 1 -- 8/10
"The full scope and breadth of The Walking Dead: The Final Season has yet to be laid out, though perhaps the best hint can be found in the game's fancy, HBO-esque title sequence, showing Clementine and A.J. walking into Ericson, but also showing a silhouetted dead walker rotting away in the front yard, being overtaken by ivy, and, eventually, sprouting a yellow flower. Beautiful things are possible in the new world and the new ways to play that Telltale has laid out in Done Running. But something ugly and horrifying is likely to happen first, and it is going to be captivating to watch." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Phantom Doctrine -- 9/10
"In spite of the lackluster visuals, Phantom Doctrine succeeds in making an incredible impression with its intricate and engaging mechanics. There is a lot to admire, with a single-player campaign taking about 40 hours to complete, full of varied and interesting mainline missions and procedurally-generated side content. The ability to play as either a CIA, KGB, or Mossad agent (the latter unlocked after one complete playthrough) also offers the tantalizing prospect of different narrative perspectives. Phantom Doctrine takes the familiar framework of isometric turn-based strategy and confidently repurposes it into a unique and satisfying experience. It wholly embodies the paranoia and tension of the 1980's Cold War setting in every aspect of its numerous gameplay systems, and completely immerses you in that all-encompassing state of mind." [Read the review] -- Alexander Pan
Flipping Death -- 7/10
"Flipping Death's logic is sometimes too ridiculous for its own good, and frustrating platforming sections add some tarnish. But the game's silly puzzles, self-aware humor, and crazy characters still make a wonderful experience filled with plenty of chuckles, which help to leave you satisfied as the credits roll." [Read the review] -- Seamus Mullins
Madden 19 -- 8/10
"Madden 19 is an excellent football game that improves on last year's entry in almost every way. There are problems, but there has never been a football game that more authentically represents the NFL than this in terms of presentation, controls, and depth." [Read the review] -- Eddie Makuch
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
By Matt Espineli on Aug 16, 2018 11:48 pm
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 Chris Reed on Aug 16, 2018 11:01 pm
Now that the week is well underway, it's a good time to take stock of the video game discounts that are live and handpick the best of the bunch. We've got all the best deals on fantastic games for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC in the pages ahead. What sales are we picking from? We've scrounged through some of the best deals available this week at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and GameStop, as well as on digital storefronts like the Microsoft Store and the PlayStation Store. We've got big discounts on games like Mario Tennis Aces, God of War, and GTA 5. Then again, some of us don't have to pay for select games at all. If you're a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscriber, you can get August's batch of free games on the applicable systems. PS Plus members can pick up games like Mafia III, Dead by Daylight on PS4 and Bound by Flame and Serious Sam 3 BFE on PS3. Xbox Live Gold members owners can grab Forza Horizon 2, For Honor, and Disney Epic Mickey 2. And if you have an Amazon Prime account, don't forget to grab your seven free PC games from Twitch this month, either. We have to pay for the rest of the games we want this week, so let's get to the goods. Here are the week's best deals on games across all platforms. Some links to supporting retailers are automatically made into affiliate links, and GameSpot may receive a small share of those sales.
Mario Tennis Aces (Switch)
Help Mario and his cohorts smack the dust off of all the tennis balls in the Mushroom Kingdom in this recent Switch release, on sale for 25% off.
God of War (PS4)
A more mature Kratos visits the realms of Norse mythology in this action game. But don't worry, he still eviscerates plenty of enemies, be they mortal, beast, or god.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III - Zombies Chronicles Edition (Xbox One)
With Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 landing October 12, now is a good time to pick up its predecessor. The Zombies Chronicles edition comes with the base game and includes eight remastered maps from Zombies modes in previous games.
Star Wars Battlefront II (PS4 and Xbox One)
After a spotty launch last year, this game has improved greatly in the months since. If you were reluctant to pick it up before, maybe these sale prices will push you over the edge. Just make sure it's not into a Sarlacc pit. - Star Wars Battlefront II (digital) -- $9 (with Xbox Live Gold) -- Xbox One
- Star Wars Battlefront II (physical) -- $25 -- PS4 | Xbox One
Grand Theft Auto V (PS4 and Xbox One)
With nearly 100 million units of sold, it's a surprise anyone has yet to purchase this blockbuster. Even so, it was the number 3 best-selling game of June and PS4's top-selling game last month. Maybe this deal will help move even more copies.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)
Nintendo rarely puts its first-party games on sale, but right now anyone with a Switch who hasn't visited Hyrule can do so for $15 less than usual.
Tekken 7 (PS4)
Anyone looking for a fighting game that's mechanically complex enough to keep you coming back for a long time can pick up this one for just $20 on PS4.
Jackbox Party Bundle (PC)
For the next two weeks, PC gamers can pick up a Humble Bundle containing 10 Jackbox and You Don't Know Jack games for just $12. Not bad if you have people over and are looking for something to do.
The Crew 2 (PS4)
Ubisoft's latest cross-country racing game lets you change your vehicle from a car to a boat to a plane with the press of a button. What's not to like about that? PlayStation Plus members get a bonus discount on this one.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
Sure, it originally launched on Wii U, but this version of Nintendo's latest racing combat game comes with all the DLC, improved graphics, and new content (including a battle mode that isn't terrible). Pick it up this week for 25% off.
By Mat Elfring on Aug 16, 2018 09:41 pm
If the rumors are true, there will be changes coming in the final days to the Summerslam card, which seems finalized as of this writing. Because of this, the predictions for the matches may change slightly based on the final match card, so keep checking back leading up to Sunday, August 19 when WWE's Summerslam airs. Coming to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York--for a fourth year in a row--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 Dan Auty on Aug 16, 2018 02:04 pm
The plot twist has long been a staple of horror. It's a genre that relies on tension, mystery, and surprises, and how better to shock an audience than by making them question everything they've seen so far? Of course, it's also something that's very hard to get right. Some of the best plot twists in horror are as famous as the movies themselves--films such as Psycho, The Sixth Sense, and Saw are famous for their shocking final revelations. These would be great films even if they didn't deliver a twist, but those final plot revelations add to their effect, making them must-sees for fans of the genre. Of course, for every one of those there are a dozen movies that get it badly wrong, delivering ridiculous, predictable, and laughable twists endings. There's nothing worse than a plot twist that insults the viewers and actually diminishes the movie before. Better a film ends with a normal ending, with the good guys surviving and the villain defeated, than it tries a shocking plot-reversal that totally fails. So here's some of the very best twists in horror. Many of these are final reveals that change everything we thought we knew about the plot and characters. Some of them are more subtle, others come from absolutely nowhere, and there are even those that are very silly, but are so crazy that they work in adding to the fun of watching the movie. Also, it goes without saying that there are big spoilers ahead--we're going to tell you what happens in each of these movies. Let's twist!
21. Carnival Of Souls (1962)
Very little in this classic low budget chiller makes logical sense, and that includes the ending. A woman survives a car accident, in which her vehicle plunges into a deep lake. For the rest of the film she experiences all sorts of strange visions and ghostly apparitions, until we discover--you guessed it--that she died in the lake. By modern standards it's perhaps a bit predictable, but back '62 this sort of twist wasn't nearly so familiar, and the movie's weird, dreamlike atmosphere makes it work.
20. The Orphan (2009)
Some twists are so ridiculous that it seems incredible that the writers didn't abandon them before they ever reached a second draft of the script. The Orphan has such a final reveal, but somehow it adds to the fun of watching this preposterous shocker, especially if you know it in advance. It turns out that the evil killer "child" that we've been watching for two hours is in fact a psychopathic 33-year-old former sex worker born with a rare hormonal disorder that gives her the appearance of a nine-year-old girl. Yes, you read that correctly.
19. The Descent (2005)
Enjoying the twist at the end of Neil Marshall's claustrophobic chiller actually depends on which version you see. The movie should end with the shock of realising that lead character Sarah hasn't escaped from the cave network in which she and her spelunking pals are trapped, hunted by dozens of flesh-eating cave creatures. Instead the happy scene in which she finally emerges into daylight is simply a hallucination, and she remains deep underground, unable to find a way out. Unfortunately, the movie's American distributor decided that was all a bit bleak, so simply ended the film with her "escape", and didn't cut back to the final, horrifying reveal. Boo.
18. High Tension (2003)
One of the more controversial twists on this list, the revelation at the end of Alexandre Aja's French gorefest is either a brilliant subversion of the entire storyline, or a stupid, nonsensical plot point that adds nothing to the movie. Having watched a young woman called Marie attempt to survive against a deranged killer who seems intent on slaughtering everyone she encounters, we find out that it was Marie doing the killing all along. Some fans loved it, many more hated it--but it's undeniably got the movie plenty of attention.
17. Goodnight Mommy (2014)
There are few things creepier in horror than weird kids, and the nightmarish Belgian movie Goodnight Mommy has two of 'em. Twins Elias and Lukas spend their days playing in and around a huge, isolated house, trying to avoid their strict, domineering mother, who is recovering from plastic surgery. The pair become convinced that this woman is not, in fact, their mom, and tie her to the bed and torture her to find out the truth. We eventually discover that the car accident that disfigured her also killed Lukas, and Elias has been playing out a fantasy in his head that his brother is still with him.
16. Angel Heart (1987)
Alan Parker's film is a dark, thrilling mix of film noir and satanic horror with two huge stars (Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro) and a big twist in the final minutes. A private detective called Harry Angel is hired to find a missing man and heads to New Orleans, where a series of brutal murders are taking place. The surprise is that Harry is searching for himself, and that the man who hired him is actually the devil (although, his name--Louis Cypher--is a bit of a giveaway!)
15. Don't Breathe (2016)
This recent home invasion hit contains a double-twist, which leads into one of the most notorious scenes in a horror movie for some time. If you've seen the film, you know the scene! A trio of teen thieves break into the house of an old blind man with the intention of stealing the huge payment he received after his daughter was killed in a car accident. Unfortunately, the man (played by Avatar's Stephen Lang and known only as The Blind Man) is a super-tough former Marine who doesn't need his eyesight to kick their asses. The invaders discover that he has been keeping the woman who accidentally killed his daughter prisoner in his basement. To double down on this, he has impregnated her in order for her to replace the child that she took from him. Inevitably, gets grimmer from there--let's just say a turkey baster is involved. Eeewww.
14. The Mist (2007)
Without doubt the cruellest twist on this list. This Stephen King adaptation ends with main character David and his young son escaping into the dense, terrifying mist in which monsters, madness, and death lurk. Believing that their situation is hopeless and wanting to spare his son a horrifying death, he shoots him. Unfortunately, the mist clears soon after and an army convoy rattles up, blasting monsters and offering sanctuary. This ending didn't feature in King's novella but was added by writer/director Frank Darabont. However, King was a fan, and subsequently described it as "the most shocking ending ever."
13. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Everything about George Romero's zombie classic was shocking for audiences in 1968--the gore, the scares, the stark matter-of-style style, and the ending. The final twist still packs a punch. Having survived the night, holed up in a farmhouse and under siege by zombies, our hero Ben emerges into the daylight, only to be suddenly shot dead by a local posse and tossed onto a pile of corpses. It's an absolute gut-punch, made all the more powerful by the fact that the movie was made at the height of the civil rights movement, and Romero shows us a strong, brave black character killed by an unthinking white mob.
12. The Orphanage (2007)
A decade before he was thrilling audiences with his blockbuster dinosaur sequel Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, J.A. Bayona made his directing debut with this superb Spanish language chiller. The final twist is both clever and deeply tragic. A young boy goes goes missing soon after his family move into a former orphanage, but it turns out the strange sounds that his mom heard afterwards were not ghosts, but the boy himself, who has been accidentally trapped in the cellar during a game.
11. Black Christmas (1974)
While the huge success of 1978's Halloween is frequently credited for launching the slasher movie craze of the early '80s, the earlier Black Christmas deserves some credit too. This seasonal shocker focuses on a house full of female students who are menaced by a unknown killer known as Billy, who has a habit of calling the house phone at night to announce his gruesome intentions. The big twist is that all the calls are coming from within the house itself. Not ever finding out the identity of the killer adds to the chilling ambiguity of this classic.
10. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven's slasher favorite gave '90s horror a much-needed kickstart and ushered in an era of knowing, self-referential horror. Scream's greatest asset is that it still works as a slick, scary slasher movie as well as a deconstruction of the genre, and features a great twist. The set-up is a classic whodunnit as to the identity of the movie's masked, horror movie-quoting killer, but it turns out there are two murderers, each taking turns behind the mask to confuse the cops while they pick off their pals.
9. Jacob's Ladder (1990)
Viewed these days, the twist at the end of the surreal, scary Jacob's Ladder seems like a total cliché--basically, it's all in the main character's head. But back in 1990 it was a genuine surprise, and is helped by the dark, paranoid atmosphere, Adrian Lyne's direction, and Tim Robbins' powerful lead performance. Robbins plays a Vietnam vet who suffers from nightmarish visions and hallucinations, only for us to discover that he is still in 'Nam and these horrific experiences are merely the final visions of a dying man.
8. Seven (1995)
David Fincher's modern masterpiece is one of the darkest, most gripping serial killer movies ever made. The miserable, oppressive tone throughout never once suggests that we're going to get a happy ending, but few audiences were prepared for the gut-punch of its final twist. Mad killer John Doe lures detectives Mills and Somerset out into the desert, with the promise that he will complete his series of murders based on the seven deadly sins. By delivering Mill's pregnant wife's severed head in a box to him, he does just that. Doe is the sin of envy, jealous of Mills' seemingly perfect life, which he had to destroy. And Mills becomes wrath, blowing Doe's brains out in anguished vengeance. Bleak, man.
7. April Fool's Day (1986)
April Fool's Day was released towards the end of the slasher movie craze of the '80s. And for much of the movie it seems like a fairly standard--albeit funny and entertaining--entry. The final twist, however, is quite a radical one, when we discover that none of the gory murders in the preceding 80 minutes are real, and the whole thing has been an elaborate prank on the lead character. To be fair, the clue is in the movie's title, but audiences were so used to generic holiday-themed slashers by that point that it actually works.
6. Les Diaboliques (1955)
Back in 1955 audiences weren't expecting filmmakers to pull the rug from under their feet, and the final revelation of Henri-Georges Clouzot's French masterpiece was a groundbreaking surprise. A woman called Christine plots to kill her abusive husband Michael, with the help of his mistress. The crime seemingly works but in a stunning sequence, Michael emerges alive from the bathtub in which his "body" has been placed. Christine drops dead of a heart attack and the true plot is revealed--Micheal's "murder" was all a hoax, and Christine was the intended victim all along.
5. The Others (2001)
As in The Sixth Sense a couple of years earlier, the clues to the twist at the end of Alejandro Amenábar's gothic classic are actually right there in front of us, making it even more fun on a second viewing. Grace (Nicole Kidman) lives in an old deserted house with her children, and three mysterious staff members, who have randomly turned up for work one day. Increasingly, Grace hears what she thinks are supernatural sounds, leading her (and us) to believe that the house is haunted, and that the three strangers have something to do with it. And while it turns out that the strange trio ARE ghosts, we discover that Grace and her kids are also dead, and they are the ones haunting the house. The sounds they are hearing are from the real world.
4. Saw (2004)
In comparison with the increasingly ridiculous and convoluted sequels that followed, the original Saw is surprisingly simple and straightforward. But that doesn't stop writer/director James Wan and co-writer Leigh Whannell throwing in one of the genre's great twists. Two men are trapped in a dirty, abandoned room for the entire movie by the evil Jigsaw, each chained to the wall with the body of what looks like a former victim on the floor. But in the final revelation, the "corpse" stands up, revealing himself to be none other than Jigsaw himself. Gotcha!
3. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's classic features one of the all-time great movie twists--it's not Norman Bates' mom committing gruesome acts of murder in the rundown Bates Motel, but Norman himself, dressed up in a dress and wig while mom's bones sit in the attic. Hitchcock knew he had a doozy of a twist, and even appeared in the movie's trailers, imploring audiences not to give away the ending as "it's the only one we have."
2. The Sixth Sense (1999)
You'd be forgiven for thinking M. Night Shyamalan invented the movie twist, given how famous, influential, and parodied the final reveal at the end of his debut movie has been. It's a twist that everyone knows (Bruce Willis's cop character is dead all along) and given how obvious it seems in retrospect, it's amazing that it worked as well as it is did. But it really did, and the gobsmacking surprise of this final twist made the movie one of the 1999's biggest hits and launched the career of one of the modern era's most successful filmmakers.
1. The Wicker Man (1973)
This 1973 British classic delivers one of the most shocking final moments in horror. Mainland cop Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) is investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island. After discovering that the islanders are part of an ancient cult, he believes that the girl will be offered as a sacrifice to the Pagan gods they worship. But too late he learns that HE is the sacrifice! Poor Neil is imprisoned in a giant Wicker Man, which is slowly engulfed in flames as the islanders dance merrily around it.
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