By Matt Espineli on Aug 03, 2018 11:56 pm
In a galaxy full of surprises...
With the release of the No Man's Sky Next update, thousands of players are jumping back into the game to explore its massive procedurally-generated universe. As you'd expect, there are going to be plenty of fun discoveries; players have found oddly colored planets, goofy alien creatures, and an abundance of new elemental resources. But there are those who travel even deeper into the galaxy's farthest reaches to uncover bizarre stuff quite unlike anything we've seen in No Man's Sky before. The Next update has proven to be a substantial offering that keeps rewarding folks with a wealth of intriguing discoveries and surprises. Much of what has been found are the weird results of the game's procedural generation. But there are other discoveries that seem to have been intentionally inserted into the game--parts that had not existed prior to the update. Chief among these additions are what the game calls "Biological Horrors." From just one look at these hideous creatures, it's obvious they're a nod by developer Hello Games to the iconic Xenomorph from the Alien franchise. Aside from surprising new wildlife, there are even unexpected remnants of the game's past that you can find, which should prove intriguing enough for both newcomers and returning players to explore. But we won't spoil too much of what lies ahead, so be sure to click ahead to some of the weirdest discoveries in No Man's Sky so far. If you're curious to know more about all the major changes brought to No Man's Sky, you can read out in-depth explainer. Also, if you're a returning player, chances are you're wondering if you should start a new save or simply continue your old save. Luckily, we've compiled a helpful feature to help you answer that very question. In the meantime, what weird discoveries have you made in No Man's Sky? How did you find them? Give us the whole story in the comments below!
The Xenomor...err "Biological Horrors"
The Next update introduces a variety of new creatures--some docile, some hostile. But perhaps the most terrifying addition to the mix are what the game refers to as Biological Horrors. As recounted by Twitter user Xalavier Nelson Jr., this creature is basically the Xenomorph from the Alien film franchise, and it's out to kill. There are even eggs in the game that strongly resemble the iconic ones the Xenomorphs emerge from. If you land on a planet with these creatures roaming about, approach with extreme caution.
Dead Space-Stations
Space stations have been completely redesigned in No Man's Sky Next to feature completely new layouts. However, a few of the old stations still exist in the galaxy, and they're seemingly abandoned. You'll occasionally encounter these vacant space stations in your travels, and what's great is that their layouts are exactly the same as they were before the Next update. If you ever happen upon one of these stations, be sure to explore it. There's not much in the way of resources to obtain within, but you'll be rewarded with one heck of a creepy little jaunt through some moodily lit hallways and chambers.
Donut Island
There's an abundance of fascinating creatures and landmasses to discover across the myriad planets you chart. Every once in a while, you'll find an intriguing oddity, but Reddit member Lunitari696 found something more: an island surrounded by endless ocean that straight-up looks like a chocolate-dipped donut. It's nothing mind blowing, but it sure is one of the weirder discoveries. Plus, it looks delicious. It makes us wonder if there's a landmass resembling a Simpsons-esque sprinkled donut somewhere else in the galaxy.
A Frigate of Hungry Ghosts
It's possible to purchase a frigate by closing in on one and calling them on the radio. You can then inspect their stats and see if it's one you'd like to buy. Some frigates have crews staffed by particular alien species, but according to Reddit user phoisgood495, some are staffed by ghosts. Yes, ghosts. To make matters more interesting, it appears they're hungry ghosts? If that isn't an instant purchase, then we don't know what is.
Drab Planets
The planets in No Man's Sky have been made to be more diverse visually and geographically. But there are some planets that are a tad different--but still very much striking. We encountered a planet that's literally devoid of color, almost to the point of being monochromatic. It's admittedly bizarre; though, we have to wonder what living on a planet such as this would be like. It would probably result in some sort of permanent eye damage. It's as if the visible color spectrum has been impacted, because even your ship appears monochromatic.
A Giant Honey Pot
If you were all about the chocolate donut island from earlier, then this giant honey pot discovered by Reddit user ezeekiel will most likely tickle your fancy. While we understand this isn't an actual honey pot, it sure as heck strongly resembles one. It seems like there's another in the distance as well. We're sure that if Winnie the Pooh saw this, he'd likely stop everything he's doing and get on a spaceship to see all these honey pots.
This Flying Tentacle Insect
We've managed to meet more than a few odd-looking creatures during our travels. Some have been horrifying (like the aforementioned Biological Horrors) while others have been cuddly and cute. But much like the classic Brachiosaurus scene from Jurassic Park, we've also found creatures that humble us and make us feel like only a speck in the game's expansive universe. One of the most memorable creatures we've discovered was this flying tentacle insect creature. It made us cautious when we first saw it; after all, a weird-looking creature like this has to be a threat of some kind, right? Fortunately, it was in no way hostile, instead appearing content floating around without much concern for our presence.
A Spaceship-Stealing Alien
It's one thing for an alien to try to kill you, but it's another thing entirely when it legitimately tries to steal your stuff. A tall, slender-limbed alien with horns seemingly grabbed Reddit user Seek87's spaceship and started running away with it. We hope Seek87 was able to put an end to this alien's unexpected thievery. After all, no one should have to endure being stranded on a planet without a ship.
The Pink Panther
As you know, the Traveller race's appearance varies greatly. Some look bug-like or cat-like, but others appear amphibious or entirely alien. Twitter user kimisaru happened upon a more cat-like Traveller who strongly resembles the iconic Pink Panther. Was this intentional or simply a goofy coincidence on part of the procedural-generation? Who knows! All that matters is now the Pink Panther theme song is most likely playing in your head.
By Jordan Ramée on Aug 03, 2018 11:43 pm
The PlayStation 4 launched in November 2013 and Sony's done a phenomenal job making sure a stream of excellent exclusives continues to launch on the platform. That trend isn't slowing down in 2018, with the phenomenal God of War releasing earlier this spring and Insomniac Games' Spider-Man on its way in just a few months. Click ahead to view GameSpot's highest-rated PS4 exclusives since the console's launch. The titles are in alphabetical order and don't reflect our own personal ranking of each game. The list only includes games we've awarded an 8/10 or higher. We've also limited the gallery based on console exclusivity, so you'll see a few games in this gallery that are also available on PC or PS Vita. This means games that originally released for PS2 or PS3 and launched again on the PS4 without any additional content (like Beyond: Two Souls) are not included. Remasters, remakes, and reboots are all fair game though. Be sure to check out our list of the best cheap PS4 games to find the best deals on some of these exclusives, including top-tier titles like The Last of Us Remastered and Bloodborne. Think you've got an insane amount of GameSpot knowledge? Put it to the test. We've reviewed a lot of PS4 exclusives since the console's debut in 2013, but only one of them has gotten a perfect 10/10 review score. Do you know what it is? Click ahead to find out, and we'll send a virtual high five your way if you happen to know the answer. If you also happen to know which PS3 game released again on PS4 with a perfect 10/10 GameSpot score (but couldn't make this list because it's not a remaster), then we offer you a virtual salute. Also, let us know what your favorite PS4 exclusive is in the comment section down below. Doesn't matter if the game was critically acclaimed or criminally underrated. Be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch console exclusives and best Xbox One console exclusives as well.
Alienation
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Alientation review, Jason D'Aprile wrote, "Alienation is a refined and intense shooter that looks and sounds great, and offers fantastically chaotic and violent action. While the game sometimes feels a little too eager to kill players and lacks local play, with a full troop online, it's easily one of the best all-out action multiplayer games in recent memory."
Alone With You
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Alone With You review, Jason D'Aprile wrote, "This is a game that warrants repeated playthroughs to see both endings and experience other relationship choices. Alone With You bears some heavy thematic overlap with [games] like SOMA, Everyone's Gone to Rapture, and other story-centric releases that focus on the nature of what makes you human, the importance of relationships and contact, and mortality. It's different enough to feel new despite its retro roots, delivering impactful scenes that shine thanks to a stellar script that brings its few, but emotionally charged, characters to life."
Bloodborne
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Bloodborne review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "The finest treasures are found within the city of Yharnam and the forests, lakes, and purgatories beyond it. Only Bloodborne would be so bold as to bury an entire factional player-versus-player mechanic within an optional region, which is in turn buried within a series of oblique steps you might miss if you aren't exploring every nook and cranny, or ignore the game's enigmatic hints. I finished Bloodborne in less time than I did Dark Souls II, yet I treasure it more in spite of its few missteps. In death there is life, and in blood, there is redemption. More hyperbole, yes, but for a game this theatrical, only hyperbole will do."
Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviours
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviours review, Heidi Kemps wrote, "Even with [its issues], Darius Burst is one of the best traditional shooters to come out in years. The visual design is excellent, the music is avant-garde and memorable, the boss encounters are thrilling, and it's chock-full of challenges to keep you coming back and playing more. If you enjoy these sorts of games at all and are craving a finely-crafted, intense shooting experience that will keep you hooked for a long time, then Darius Burst: Chronicle Saviours is a worthy."
Everybody's Golf
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Everybody's Golf review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Ultimately, [bothersome NPCs] are the only notable blemishes in an otherwise splendid and activity-loaded sequel, which also happens to be the best golf game on the PlayStation 4. Longtime fans will find comfort in the familiar controls and deep progression system, while newcomers will find the on-boarding experience easy and welcoming. Between the lengthy career mode and online play, you are never short of competition to test your nerves. And no matter how ridiculously superhuman your linksman skills become--there are awards for getting a hole in one on a par-5, after all--Everybody's Golf's strict adherence to the sport's strategic underpinnings is never compromised."
Everybody's Gone To The Rapture
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Everybody's Gone to the Rapture review, Alexa Ray Corriea wrote, "Everybody's Gone to the Rapture uses subtle cues to guide you through its world and then gives you the space to digest what you find. It's a wonderful example of what games can achieve narratively while presenting minimal physical engagement and tasking player imagination with the rest. That sense of futility never leaves you, but whether or not you cling to the story's threads of hope is entirely up to you; no happy ending is forced on you--just an ending. The moral of the story is whatever you think it is, and there's no wrong way to feel as you sift through its bright, empty world. And while I had my moments of frustration in navigation, that didn't stop it from dazzling me. I left Shropshire exhausted, spent, and utterly impressed by The Chinese Room's magnificently crafted journey, both in how it brought me to its conclusion and the conclusion itself."
Fighting EX Layer
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Fighting EX Layer review, Heidi Kemps wrote, "On a pure gameplay level, Fighting EX Layer is an absolute treat. What it lacks in bells and whistles it delivers in pure, fun combat. This is a game made for the sort of people who will spend hours perfecting an impractical, extremely-precise combo in training mode simply for the satisfaction of having done it. If that describes you, then Fighting EX Layer will be worth everything you put into it."
Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "While its enhancements do not translate into a brand new game for existing fans, [Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age] is nonetheless invigorating. For an experience that can last over a hundred hours, the subtle tweaks therein go a long way in showcasing Final Fantasy 12's grand trek in a new light. Its epic, lore-abundant story and its time-tested Gambit System should also appeal to those who missed out on the mainline series' trip to Ivalice the first time around. And thanks in part to the new audio and speed options, The Zodiac Age is an ideal definitive edition: one that improves the game over its original version across the board.
Final Fantasy 14 Online: A Realm Reborn
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Final Fantasy 14 Online: A Realm Reborn review, Pete Davison wrote, "There's no traditional PVP, and at times the grind can grow tedious, but if you press on, you find a vast and charming supporting cast, complex classes with plenty of interesting augmentations along the way, and a reworked MMORPG that combines new and old elements to weave together a satisfying and modern Final Fantasy that does its part to cater to longtime franchise fans and MMO enthusiasts alike. This is an admirable redesign, especially on the PlayStation 4, which very well may be considered the best venue to experience the staggering world and cornucopia of additional content. Even if you're still trekking through Vana'diel, consider making yourself a new home in Eorzea--we'd love to have you."
Galak-Z: The Dimensional
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Galak-Z: The Dimensional review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "But in the end, [Galak-Z: The Dimensional] is about learning as you go, and making the best of what you have. It's a layered, complex system, and even now, 20 hours after I started it, there are upgrades I haven't found, techniques I haven't practiced, and possibilities I haven't considered. Galak-Z pummelled me, knocked me to the ground and kicked me when I was down. But when I finally got the upper hand, and beat the final season with only a sliver of health left, the victory was all the more rewarding.
God Eater 2: Rage Burst
We gave the game an 8/10. In our God Eater 2: Rage Burst review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Good sequels strike a balance between reproducing familiar systems and introducing new features. Rage Burst shares many similarities with Resurrection, to the degree that you wouldn't be blamed for mistaking the former for an expansion pack of the latter at a glance. But Rage Burst is bolstered by a beefed-up combat system and scores of stylish, powerful loot, making frequent, sometimes repetitive questing, more enjoyable than it was in Resurrection."
God Of War (2018)
We gave the game a 9/10. In our God of War review, Peter Brown wrote, "In many ways God of War is what the series has always been. It's a spectacular action game with epic set pieces, big-budget production values, and hard-hitting combat that grows more feverish and impressive as you progress. What may surprise you is how mature its storytelling has become. Like Kratos, God of War recalls the past while acknowledging the need to improve. Everything new it does is for the better, and everything it holds onto benefits as a result. Kratos is no longer a predictable brute. God of War is no longer an old-fashioned action series. With this reboot, it confidently walks a new path that will hopefully lead to more exciting adventures to come."
God Of War 3 Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our God of War 3 Remastered review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "Then again, this is not a series known for its sophisticated storytelling. Kratos is the vessel for an instinctive kind of gameplay that is rarely this successful. Your rewards for following God of War III's linear trail are genre-defining combat, excellent pacing, and the innate joy of watching enemies spew forth clusters of glowing red orbs when they fall. It's the ever-compelling quest for shinies, accomplished by slamming your cestus into the ground, then gutting a centaur and watching its viscera spill onto the floor. Your reward is more power, which you use to earn more shinies and to see more entrails. That the game finds so many ways to stay consistently fresh within this traditional structure is a feat worthy of the gods."
Gravity Rush 2
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Gravity Rush 2 review, Peter Brown wrote, "With a wealth of stories big and small to chew on, Gravity Rush 2 fulfills the needs of both a sequel and a prequel. The first Gravity Rush had enough going for it, but Gravity Rush 2 is stuffed with things to love. While its stealth missions are lame and it's disappointing to experience camera issues from time to time, Gravity Rush 2 excels in almost every other respect, making its predecessor seem quaint by comparison. This is easily one of the best video game sequels in recent memory, and an adventure truly worthy of its excellent lead character."
Gran Turismo Sport
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Gran Turismo Sport review, James Swinbanks wrote, "Ultimately, where you fall on GT Sport will mirror how you feel about racing games in general. If you're looking for a highly focused console racing sim, GT Sport is excellent, but don't come looking for a robust 'Gran Turismo' experience. You won't find it. Casual fans will feel the pinch of the scaled-down offering and the intimidating push towards racing online. But for sim-racers with a competitive spirit, it's easy to look past the smaller car and track roster and appreciate the incredibly detailed and responsive driving model, which is better than anything the series has offered before."
Grim Fandango Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Grim Fandango Remastered review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "Grim Fandango's greatest triumph, however, is that you needn't overflow with nostalgia to appreciate its greatness. There is only this boisterous world and the unionized bee-demons that inhabit it, which you see through the eyes of one Manny Calavera, an everyday hero that has rightfully earned a place in video game history. Even if you don't know what happens at the end of the line, you're guaranteed to enjoy the trip."
Here They Lie
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Here They Lie review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Here They Lie pulls you in by appealing to your curiosities of what's around the corner--but you're also motivated to stick to the main path, because a part of you just wants to get the hell out of this urban nightmare. As a dark, well-crafted psychological journey in VR, the game captures the distinct duality of being a curious observer--and, conversely, a participant who simply wants to survive and escape. Its enigmatic visuals, choice-driven narrative, and provocations on morality are the driving forces that warrant multiple playthroughs, and all of those aforementioned elements combine to make Here They Lie one of the standout offerings among the PSVR's launch lineup."
Horizon Zero Dawn
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Horizon Zero Dawn review, Peter Brown wrote, "This is the first departure from the Killzone series for developer Guerrilla Games, and though you might think the team took a risk by stepping out of its FPS comfort zone to create a third-person open-world action game, you'd never know it was their first rodeo. For every minor imperfection, there's an element of greatness that recharges your desire to keep fighting and exploring [Horizon Zero Dawn's] beautiful and perilous world. Guerrilla Games has delivered one of the best open-world games of this generation, and redefined its team's reputation in the process.
Iconoclasts
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Iconoclasts review, Matt Espineli wrote, "When Iconoclasts' end credits begin to roll, it's bittersweet to see the journey come to a close. After solving every puzzle and witnessing the finale of its poignant narrative, you can't help but reflect on the growth of its characters and your impact onto the world. The game will shock and surprise you with how gripping its story is, and it's likely to do so again in subsequent playthroughs of New Game+ with your expanded knowledge of character histories and events. Iconoclasts may be a callback to the style and mechanics of old-school games, but it's also a sincere and compelling adventure that anyone with respect for fantastic storytelling and 2D-action can enjoy."
I Expect You To Die
We gave the game an 8/10. In our I Expect You To Die review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "But the annoyances caused by these hiccups pale in comparison to the thrills I Expect You to Die delivers. Through well designed puzzles, intense escape room scenarios, and a kineticism absent in video games on standard screens, I Expect You to Die knows exactly how to leverage the magic of VR, and proves it almost every step of the way."
Infamous: Second Son
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Infamous: Second Son review, Tom McShea wrote, "[Infamous: Second Son] focuses on pure enjoyment. It communicates that through the excellent combat that forces you to concoct crazy tactics to overthrow the invading forces. It draws you in further through its incredible visuals that not only hint at the PlayStation 4's impressive power, but employ a sensible artistic touch that makes Seattle a place you want to explore. It uses a complementary score to underline dramatic moments, and the sound effects pop with flair. And yet, for all of the elements in which Second Son excels, the narrative fails to carry its share of the weight. Still, don't become mired in the negativity as Delsin so often does. Instead, just laugh at the cheesy dialogue and chortle at how extreme the morality system is. Second Son is a great game that knows exactly what it is, and sucks you in with its unfiltered fun."
The Inpatient
We gave the game an 8/10. In our The Inpatient review, Justin Clark wrote, "The Inpatient doesn't just do right by Until Dawn, but stands right alongside it as one of the strongest horror experiences on PlayStation 4. It's a game far less concerned with pushing you towards what's lurking down every corridor than feeding you the worst ideas of what could be."
Invisible, Inc. Console Edition
We gave the game an 8/10. In out Invisible, Inc. Console Edition review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "Nonetheless, this emotional distance is merely a minor issue. I don't care much about Invisible, Inc.'s throwaway story and its last-minute grasps at meaningful themes, or about my agents' personal backgrounds. Like the game, my efforts are focused on getting the job done, emotionally disengaged but intellectually centered. I bask in the stylish cutscenes and the sharp voiceover, but my attachment is not to the agency or its people but to the sheer pleasure of a successful heist."
The King Of Fighters XIV
We gave the game an 8/10. In our The King of Fighters XIV review, Matt Espineli wrote, "With plenty of opportunities available online or off, [The King of Fighters XIV] is a well-executed addition to the revered fighting series. Those disappointed in its new visuals may be unwilling to give it a chance, but if you remain steadfast in parsing through the multiple layers of its mechanics, you'll be rewarded with one of the most accessible, satisfying entries in the series to date."
The Last Guardian
We gave the game a 9/10. In our The Last Guardian review, Peter Brown wrote, "It isn't clear whether or not The Last Guardian means to be frustrating at times--if it's a concerted effort to test your patience for a lovable-yet-stubborn creature. Your affection for Trico and sympathy for both characters blossom nonetheless, culminating in an enrapturing series of revelations that cements your attachment to their personalities. Trico is the undeniable star of the show, exhibiting believable physicality and emotional range, but the boy is a valuable lesson in how to be patient and resilient when faced with unforeseen challenges."
The Last Of Us Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our The Last of Us Remastered review, Carolyn Petit wrote, "In addition to the visual enhancements and the inclusion of map packs and story DLC, The Last of Us Remastered has other nice little features, like a photo mode that lets you stop the action at any time, position the camera to your liking, and share the screenshot with others, applying frames and filters if you choose. And there are commentary tracks on in-game cinematics featuring the creative director and principal actors. The Last of Us is a great action game that you should play if you haven't already. And if you have played it before, the improvements here aren't so dramatic as to make the game feel like a new experience, but it is definitely one worth revisiting. In the world of The Last of Us, as in our own world, love might destroy you, but it's also one of the only things worth fighting for."
MLB The Show
For review, we gave: MLB 14: The Show an 8/10 MLB 15: The Show an 8/10. MLB The Show 16 an 8/10. MLB The Show 17 an 8/10. MLB The Show 18 a 9/10.
Moss
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Moss review, Alessandro Barbosa wrote, "It's a testament to just how well Moss understands PlayStation VR and works with the device instead of trying to bend it to a will it was never designed for. Moss wouldn't feel right without it at all, and its many strengths are married to the interactions that only full immersion can manufacture. Unsurprisingly, then, Moss is easily one of PlayStation VR's best titles to date, even if it's a little too eager to get you in and out of its world."
Nex Machina: Death Machine
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Nex Machina: Death Machine review, Jason D'Aprile wrote, "Limited multiplayer options aside, [Nex Machina: Death Machine] is a game that confidently meets expectations. It's difficult, intensely satisfying, and packed with enough secrets and lofty secondary objectives to keep you enraptured for hours. It's a classic game at heart, but with refined challenges and exacting mechanics, it feels right at home in the modern era."
Nioh
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Nioh review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Although the spectre of potential failure hangs heavy over any play session, dying in Nioh is never genuinely disheartening. This is thanks in part to the various avenues of character growth and many approaches you can utilize to tackle a difficult section or boss fight. It shouldn't be surprising that the foresight and patience needed to survive a battle in Dark Souls translates well to the fundamentals of samurai combat here. Nioh's most invigorating and intimidating moments occur when you feel you're at equal footing with your opponent. And it's during these encounters that one careless move can result in your demise or the right string of thoughtful actions can make you feel invincible."
Persona 5
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Persona 5 review, Lucy James wrote, "Within Persona 5 is a complex set of interconnected gameplay mechanics, and in almost every aspect Atlus has executed on its vision exceptionally, barring the pacing issues towards the end. At every turn, it presents something to marvel at, whether it's the fluid combat, vibrant world, or the many memorable characters. It's a game I could talk about for hours; I haven't mentioned the ability to connect to the Thieves Guild, which lets you see how other players spent their day or ask them for help answering questions at school. Or the thumping acid-jazz-infused soundtrack that I've not been able to get out of my head. Or even just the joy of seeing how it stylishly transitions between menus. But that encapsulates why Persona 5 is a game that shouldn't be missed. It's stuffed to bursting point with gameplay ideas and presentation flourishes--there's an overwhelming level of artistry in every part of Persona 5, making it a truly standout entry in the series. It's a refined, effortlessly stylish RPG that will be talked about for years to come."
Pyre
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Pyre review, Peter Brown wrote, "And thus it's all too easy to fall in love with Pyre. It's immediately attractive. Its songs dance in your head long after they debut. And before you know it, you find yourself driven to get better at rites and perform at the top of your game. Likewise, you can't help but reflect on your partners in the Downside--those you trained, as well as those you neglected. Supergiant Games has created something special that lives on in your heart. And against great odds, it's invented a sport that could have stood on its own without the story it's attached to--but it's so much better because it is."
Ratchet & Clank (2016)
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Ratchet & Clank review, Cassidee Moser wrote, "Ratchet & Clank is every bit as dynamic and fun as the 2002 original. It's endearing and entertaining, a veritable power fantasy fueled by rockets and carried by specialty gadgets. Re-introducing a classic franchise to a new generation is a difficult task indeed, but Ratchet & Clank is a shining example of how it can be done."
Republique Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Republique Remastered review, Justin Clark wrote, "Needless to say, despite its mobile game roots, the world of [Republique Remastered] is meant to immerse, to beckon the player's curiosity, and to involve them enough in the city-state's ins and outs enough to get Hope out of danger. In transitioning to consoles, the game remains largely successful at that."
Salt And Sanctuary
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Salt and Sanctuary review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Salt and Sanctuary is wholly engrossing from every angle, from its happy marriage of combat and exploration to its ominously gripping art direction. Its world is rich in ambiguity, well designed to fill up message boards with discussions on the theoretical histories of its bosses to the origins of the seven Creeds. For as much as it unabashedly borrows from Dark Souls, it's an achievement that Ska Studios managed to give its homage an identity of its own that can be appreciated on its own merits."
Shadow Of The Colossus (2018)
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Shadow of the Colossus review, Edmond Tran wrote, "Shadow of the Colossus is a tremendous journey, and one well worth taking and retaking. The visual overhaul is stunning, thoroughly enhancing every facet of Wander and Agro's excellent adventure. Galloping through the tranquil world is always breathtaking; felling a monumental colossus is always humbling. Shadow of the Colossus is a beautiful reconstruction of an already exceptional title. It continues to be a modern classic and is an extraordinary game that everyone must experience."
Super Rude Bear Resurrection
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Super Rude Bear Resurrection review, Chris Pereira wrote, "For all of these minor gripes, none of them stand in the way of enjoying nearly every second of playtime. On the strength of its pacing and basic mechanics alone, Super Rude Bear Resurrection would make for an extremely engaging platformer. The addition of its corpse mechanic elevates it to something greater, allowing it to simultaneously serve as an extreme challenge for the most diehard platforming fans as well as a game that can be enjoyed by the novice crowd. Super Rude Bear Resurrection demands a lot from you, but the satisfaction of success is immense in the end."
Tearaway
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Tearaway review, John Robertson wrote, "Tearaway's most lasting feature is not within the game itself, but through the inclusion of printable blueprints. Through standard progression and by taking photographs of certain objects, you earn blueprints that allow you to create your own origami editions of your favourite elements from within the game. Be warned, though, that even when you follow the instructions, some of these are incredibly tricky propositions, but if you've got the patience, it's worth the effort to take the theme of connecting worlds to that next step. The fact that it's so tempting to spend time creating these paper models is a testament to how appealing and attractive Tearaway is. It's just a shame that one of the Vita's best experiences feels as long as a piece of paper is thick."
Tooth And Tail
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Tooth and Tail review, Daniel Starkey wrote, "Rotating through the band of 20 fighters will offer plenty of depth on its own, too. There's plenty of room to fake out foes by overbuilding one type and feinting a foe into countering that so you can sweep them with your own reserves. If you don't have quite the squads you need to deal with enemies in the best way, you'll have to adapt -- and strong variety will give you the tools to come up with unique combinations and tactics on the fly. When all of that comes together in a tight, four-player battle royale, it is a thing of beauty."
Transistor
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Transistor review, Carolyn Petit wrote, "Transistor is always a good-looking game, but in [certain] instances, it demonstrates a rare knack for combining its visuals and music to powerfully convey both narrative information and tone, driving the story forward with Red's own unwavering resolve. So in the end, yes, Transistor is a fun action role-playing game with a neat combat system, but beautiful moments like these make it more than that. They make it a game with a soul."
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
We gave the collection an 8/10. In our Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "At various times throughout the Uncharted games, our protagonist carries the ring of Francis Drake on a leather band around his neck. The ring's inscription reads: "Sic Parvus Magna," or, "greatness from small beginnings." I can't imagine a better way to encapsulate this collection. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune was a fine game in 2007, but its wrinkles are deeper now, its age more apparent. With Uncharted 2 and [Uncharted 3], though, Naughty Dog transcended Drake's own small beginnings. The Nathan Drake Collection is a firsthand account of Naughty Dog's growth as a storyteller, and this collection is the best way to relive that history, and witness its transformation up close."
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
We gave the game a perfect 10/10. In our Uncharted 4: A Thief's End review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "And most of all, as its final moments make clear, this is a story about storytelling--the importance we lend our idols, legends, and myths. How we pass down the ones that inspire us. How an old photo of three friends sitting on a pile of gold can unleash a flood of memories. Uncharted 4 is a challenge to the medium. In its writing, in its design, in its understanding of what makes games unique, Uncharted 4 is something to aspire to. It's a shining example. And we'll be talking about it for years to come."
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Uncharted: The Lost Legacy review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "The Lost Legacy doesn't signify a new era for Uncharted so much as it presents an opportunity to show the series from new perspectives, for which Chloe and the AI-controlled Nadine are perfectly capable. With a new playable treasure hunter comes new settings and character motivations, wrapped in a comfortingly familiar Uncharted package. The thrill of playing through set pieces that call back scenes from the earlier games is all the more enhanced when seen through the gameplay mechanics introduced in A Thief's End. The initial hours of The Lost Legacy give an "Uncharted Greatest Hits" vibe, but it grows into a more nuanced, clever experience, ranking among the best in the series while also making its own mark as a standalone Uncharted that isn't anchored to Nathan Drake's harrowing exploits."
Until Dawn
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Until Dawn review, Alexa Ray Corriea wrote, "I didn't expect to have so much fun with Until Dawn, and the depth with which my choices mattered and affected the final outcome encouraged repeat playthroughs. The visuals can be wonky at times, but in the end Until Dawn succeeds in being a thoughtful use of familiar mechanics, a great achievement in player-driven narrative, and a horror game you shouldn't miss."
Wipeout Omega Collection
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Wipeout Omega Collection review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "By focusing on this specific era of the series, Wipeout Omega Collection maintains a level of cohesion you wouldn't get if this compilation included, say, Wipeout Pure or Fusion. While each of the three games exude style and stimulation in their own distinct ways, they collectively showcase the best elements of franchise's engrossing racing and silky smooth visuals. And even though it doesn't completely scratch the itch that only a completely new PS4 sequel can offer, this collection is easily the next best thing."
Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Yakuza 6: The Song of Life review, Edmond Tran wrote, "Yakuza 6 reins in its scope, but doubles down on what has made the series great. It's a unique and fascinating representation of the modern Japanese experience, worth playing even if you're a newcomer. The narrative is dramatic and sincere, and the game's endearing characters--coming from all walks of life--are interesting studies. The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you've kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu."
By Matt Espineli on Aug 03, 2018 11:31 pm
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.
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 Matt Espineli on Aug 03, 2018 10:00 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 Michael Rougeau on Aug 03, 2018 08:51 pm
The Infinity War Blu-ray has arrived.
The Avengers: Infinity War home release date is upon us. That means we can finally relive the pain and horror of Infinity War's bleak, tragic ending on repeat in the comfort of our own living rooms if we want. More importantly, it also means we get to dig into the movie's special features and learn new details about the movie, like just what was going on with Hulk. The Avengers: Infinity War Blu-ray, which releases on August 14, comes with four featurettes: one focusing on the chemistry among all the characters, one focused on Thanos himself, and one each for both of the major battles in the movie (Titan and Wakanda). They come with a handful of deleted scenes, which include both a surprising MCU cameo that was cut from the movie and the second half of a scene that explains how the Guardians knew to head to Titan. On Infinity War's digital release, which is out now, you can also find a special exclusive featurette called the director's roundtable. In it, MCU movie directors Jon Favreau, Joe and Anthony Russo, Ryan Coogler, James Gunn, Peyton Reed, Joss Whedon, and Taika Waititi sit down for an extended chat about how their separate visions and talents have come together to form the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There's also a very revealing audio commentary. All these Infinity War special features form a fun and informative watch, so we put together this highlights list of our favorite things we learned. When you're done, don't forget to refresh yourself on what Infinity War's after credits scene means for the MCU's future, including the upcoming Captain Marvel.
1. There are around 2900 visual effects shots in Avengers: Infinity War.
According to executive producer Victoria Alonso. That's out of 3,000 total shots--so only 100 shots in the whole movie didn't rely on CGI.
2. Making Civil War the lead-up to Infinity War was extremely deliberate.
"Part of the reason why we were drawn to tell the story of Civil War and one of the reasons why we thought it was such a great place to leave the Avengers, divided, was because we knew that the greatest threat they would ever face would be coming in Thanos," says co-director Anthony Russo. "For storytellers, you want your heroes to be at their lowest point when they meet their worst threat."
3. The Titan battle was shot entirely on a soundstage.
4. Executive producer Victoria Alonso calls Infinity War "one big CG scene."
"The environment is CG, the weapons are CG, every shot is dense in layers."
5. Josh Brolin performed all the motion and performance capture for Thanos himself.
6. The showdown between Dr. Strange and Thanos was rendered and animated before Benedict Cumberbatch gave his performanc
This allowed the other departments to work on the scene's effects long before Cumberbatch shot his lines on a green screen.
7. The Wakanda battle was one of the most challenging thing the Russos have ever shot.
"Probably the most physically challenging thing that we've ever done was execute that Wakanda sequence," Anthony Russo says.
8. The Wakanda battle was shot on a physical location.
"It was a big ranch in Georgia that we turned into the fields of Wakanda," Anthony Russo says. The river running through the field was artificially dug for the movie and used a pump capable of churning through 30,000 gallons of water per minute.
9. The Russos coordinated with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler about Wakanda's geography.
"We actually had to work in tandem with Ryan Coogler. He and his team had maps of Wakanda and that was very helpful to us so that we could look at where we wanted to place the battle, understand strategy, so it's literally like doing a Jenga puzzle," Joe Russo says.
10. The Wakandan army included 70 extras on set, plus stunt people.
Their numbers were digitally expanded, and 10,000 "Outriders," Thanos's creatures, were added as well.
11. Rain was a big problem during filming in Georgia.
They would try to shoot actors' close-ups on rainy days, and hope the sun would come out the next.
12. The Russos thought hard about who would go in the snap.
"In terms of our choices about who Thanos would end up eradicating with his snap, you know, it was very story-focused. How do we pay off each individual character's storyline most profoundly?" Anthony Russo says. "The first person to go is Bucky Barnes, and it's shot from Captain America's perspective. We're watching Cap go through the experience of watching him go away. We're watching Okoye, whose number one mission it is in life to protect the king, she watches the king go in front of her. And to see those characters react in those situations is very powerful and resonant."
13. The filmmakers refer to the snap as "the bloodbath sequence."
Executive producer Trinh Tran throws the phrase in casually during the Wakanda battle featurette.
14. Many of the actors involved didn't know it was happening.
"The bloodbath sequence, we had gathered the whole entire talent there circled around our directors, and basically revealed to them that morning of when they came on set, that that scene was happening, that some of them were gonna be, you know, disappearing," says Tran.
15. Infinity War's production included 6,000 crew members spread around the world.
"It's about as massive a production as you can mount," says Joe Russo.
16. There's a deleted scene in which the Guardians receive several encoded messages from Nebula.
She warns them that Thanos is taking Gamora to Titan, which is how the Guardians know to go there, and why they're on Titan when Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man show up.
17. There's another deleted scene where Happy Hogan shows up in New York.
It's an extended version of the early scene between Tony Stark and Pepper, where Happy shows up and berates them about their upcoming nuptials. It honestly doesn't fit the tone of the movie.
18. Jon Favreau says he was hired to direct Iron Man because of Elf.
"What really hit was Elf, because Elf made money, and I was sort of like on a list of directors that were hirable," Favreau says in the director's roundtable feature.
19. The Russo brothers were "most impressed" by the first 10 minutes of the original Iron Man.
"That's a ballsy interpretation of a narcissist, who's presented as a drunk and a jerk. And this is the guy that I'm supposed to get on board with, who goes on this amazing journey throughout the course of the movie, and I do get on board with him. And I think that that was unique," Joe Russo says.
20. Taika Waititi couldn't join for the directors roundtable so they propped an iPad over a Hawaiian shirt with a hat on
This is amazing.
21. The Avengers' post-credits shawarma scene was born from a joke.
"I made a joke about, 'We should see them all eating shawarma for 30 seconds,' and then two months later [Kevin Feige] is like, 'I think we can do it,'" says Avengers director Joss Whedon.
22. They shot the shawarma scene after the movie had already premiered.
To Jon Favreau's amazement, Whedon admits they shot that scene after the movie had premiered already. "It did not go out in Europe because we didn't have time. It was during, while we were doing press, after the premiere, at the hotel. There was a shawarma place like three blocks away. We got everybody in there," Whedon says. They had to cover Chris Evans' beard (likely for filming Snowpiercer) with a prosthetic, which he blocked with his hand during the scene.
23. James Gunn wrote one of Guardians' favorite scenes in response to a note from Joss Whedon.
"Joss, you were the hugest influence on me, because I turned in my first draft of the screenplay [for Guardians of the Galaxy], and I was really afraid, because I felt good about it, but I actually thought it was too funny," Gunn says. "And the thing you said to me...was, 'Just make it more James Gunn.'" He went home after receiving that note and wrote the scene where the Guardians sit around laughing at Quill's "12 percent of a plan."
24. James Gunn thinks of Rocket as a furry, cute version of Frankenstein's monster.
"For me, Rocket is Frankenstein's monster. He is this little creature that was this innocent animal, who was turned into something that isn't what he was supposed to be, and is completely alone and completely lost, and has no connection, has no tenderness from anyone," Gunn says. "To me that was the seed from which the entire story grew."
25. The Russos wanted viewers to really believe that Thor was going to kill Thanos.
"We needed to create a situation where you really believed that Thor was going to kill Thanos. That was the story of the film--his journey to that," Anthony Russo says. "This guy has lost everything. And it's this level of sadness that imbues him with that underdog quality that then becomes the heart of the movie, and you start to root for, and you believe that's sort of the energy that's gonna carry you into the climax."
By Array on Aug 03, 2018 08:30 pm
The directors and writers revealed plenty of new tidbits on the Infinity War Blu-ray.
If you're looking to check out every special feature on Avengers: Infinity War's home release, you're going to have to peep the digital version. It comes with an exclusive "directors roundtable" feature in which several MCU directors--from Joss Whedon to Taika Waititi--sit down together to discuss the cinematic universe they've built. But there's more to this package that true Marvel fans won't want to miss out on, especially Infinity War's audio commentary track. (The digital version is available to buy now, while the Blu-ray isn't out until August 14. But remember, if you buy the physical version, you get a digital copy as well, so that's definitely the most complete option.) In Infinity War's audio commentary, directors Joe and Anthony Russo, as well as writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, reveal tons of new information, from facts about the movie's production to their reasoning behind various decisions. Obviously you're going to want to watch the movie again first, but when you're done, check it out again with the audio commentary on. All the other Infinity War special features are a fun and informative watch, so we also put together a highlights list of our favorite things we learned from the deleted scenes, featurettes, and more. When you're done, don't forget to refresh yourself on what Infinity War's after credits scene means for the MCU's future, including the upcoming Captain Marvel.
1. There's a cameo by Thor director Sir Kenneth Branagh.
"This was an amazing surprise, by the way, and we had this idea very late in editorial, to ask the amazing Sir Kenneth Branagh to come in and do the opening distress call over the logo, that carries us and sets the stage and carries us into the scene with Thor and Thanos and Loki on the Ark," detailed Joe Russo.
2. They wanted to keep the plot simple.
"We wanted to keep the plot very simple, with very simple MacGuffins, because we have so many characters in the movie that we knew if the plot was complicated, it would take too much story real estate to explain the plot, and that would take away from the character interactions, which we also knew would be the highlight of the film," stated Markus.
3. They didn't have the script for Thor: Ragnarok when they started working on Infinity War.
"The first scene of this movie changed a bunch, and until we figured out that they were going to end on a trip off of a destroyed Asgard, we didn't know where Thanos would find Loki," said McFeely.
4. Creating Thanos was one of the first visual effects they tested.
Because he was so central to the movie, and the difficulty in creating him was the highest, they knew they had to get him right.
5. Valkyrie definitely survived Thanos's attack.
"Several Asgardians have escaped. I've gone on record saying that Valkyrie has escaped with some of the Asgardians," said Joe Russo. There's a hint that Korg may also be among them: "All I can say is pray for Korg," added Markus.
6. Earlier versions of the script had more scenes of characters in their everyday lives.
But the plot had to move too quickly to allow for much of that--Thanos's breakneck pace left little room.
7. They talk about why the attack on Xandar happens off-screen.
"We wrote versions of Thanos attacking Xandar, and it had a similar purpose in the script to what Knowhere does now," explained Markus. "It was a place where Thanos and Gamora encounter each other. But the fact of the matter is, you know exactly what--if Thanos went to Xandar to get that stone, you know what happened. It was a big battle, and he got it." They decided to cut it from the script to avoid being repetitive, and to maximize how emotional it was every time Thanos got ahold of one.
8. They're aware that Tony having the Captain America flip phone on him is slightly ridiculous.
"And he luckily carries around the burner phone, fully charged--well to be fair we did have another scene between Pepper and Tony that illustrated where the phone came from, but it was a reshoot scene that we then opted to revert back to the park scene," stated Joe Russo.
9. There's a specific reason why Tony accepts that he needs to call Steve.
"When he says, 'Steve might be able to help,' it's because Tony knows that Wanda is on the run with Steve, and he knows that Vision has been stepping out and maybe having a relationship with Wanda, and he had been cool with that and probably not called Vision to task for it," said McFeely.
10. This entire long shot was done on the lot at Pinewood Studios.
It was on a green screen. The shot was designed to ground you with the characters, and it was inspired by Spielberg's directing.
11. Doctor Strange is meant to be one of the most powerful characters in the MCU at this point.
"We wanted to advance his power levels since the end of Doctor Strange, because it has been a few years, and that he's been doing his work and he's a diligent study and he's now one of the more powerful characters in the Marvel universe," said Joe Russo.
12. We should have faith in Doctor Strange.
By Infinity War's ending, it could be easy to get frustrated with Doctor Strange for so easily giving the Time Stone up to Thanos. But we should have faith in him, apparently: "He generally comes off as the adult in the room, very reassuring, and that regardless of what happens over the course of the movie, I think Strange might know how this is going to work out. I have faith in him," said McFeely. "You need that kind of character in a movie like this, where there's a lot of spinning plates, and a lot of the spinning plates are off balance," said Joe Russo.
13. Ebony Maw was inspired by the Marvel character Mephistopheles.
"He is inspired a little bit by Mephistopheles from the original Starlin books...there are some directly quoted lines from the book that we put in his mouth," said Joe Russo.
14. They changed the Black Order/Children of Thanos in deliberate ways.
They thought these characters were too powerful in the books, and didn't want them to outshine Thanos himself. In addition, they wanted the sub-villains' powers to match up in interesting ways with the heroes', which is why, for example, the Maw is a wizard--or a "techno-mage," as they call him.
15. Maw burning his hand on the amulet is a deliberate nod to Raiders of the Lost Ark.
16. Only two days pass over the entire course of the movie.
"I'm not even sure exactly what the amount of elapsed time in this movie is, it can't be more than maybe two days," said Markus. "Yeah, at most," replied Joe Russo.
17. They see Peter Quill as a Peter Pan-like figure.
"Quill is a very interesting character to us," said Joe Russo. "He's sort of like a Peter Pan character. His mother was dying of cancer, he was kidnapped at the age of 10, raised by pirates, you know, he's unique."
18. Thor's meeting with the Guardians was one of the earliest scenes shot and cut.
And it changed very little through the end of production.
19. Earlier drafts had more backstory for the Black Order.
"Ultimately, the movie was getting too crowded, too hard to follow," said Joe Russo. "In the books there's a backstory between Proxima and Corvus that they're married, only hinted at in the slightest way here by the fact that they are paired up to retrieve a stone, and the way that Proxima responds when Corvus gets stabbed by Natasha."
20. The Alan Silvestri-composed Avengers theme music was deliberately used at only a couple of points in the movie.
"It's very Pavlovian for many of us, in terms of the emotional reaction we get from it," explained Anthony Russo.
21. They deliberately put the movie's couples in difficult situations.
"Characters at several points in the movie--characters in relationships--are put in situations where one is asked to kill the other to protect the universe," said Joe Russo. "We're used to heroes sacrificing themselves, it's almost a given," added Markus. "But what's the next step? What are you willing to give up?" "I know all these people will jump on the grenade," explained McFeely. "Will they throw somebody else on the grenade?"
22. They always wanted to save the Soul Stone reveal for this movie.
"We never wanted to give that chip away," said McFeely. "We didn't want it to be somewhere you already knew, we didn't want some other movie to plant it. We wanted to use it as a story point."
23. There's a subtle way they show that Gamora can sense that Thanos has been there.
"There are two shots in the movies where Zoe silently absorbs the presence of Thanos," said Joe Russo. "One is over her shoulder when they first arrive at the Ark, and they see all the dead bodies floating in space. It's a very subtle shot of her twisting her head knowing there's very few people in the universe who could enact that kind of destruction. And then again here, feeling it as she's landing, that they may be too late."
24. The illusion scene was Thanos's test to determine whether Gamora still cares for him.
"He uses this whole thing as a test to see if she still cares for him, and that reaction tell him that she does," stated McFeely. "This is one of the most interesting things that Thanos does, and you realize that he has an inner life and an emotional life that's important to him," added Anthony Russo.
25. They answer the question "Why doesn't Thanos just double the resources in the universe?"
"People have asked us why Thanos didn't just use the Stones to double the resources in the universe," explained Joe Russo. "Clearly he is not...he was told no to an idea that he had, that he felt was the only solution, and then was proved right to himself when that solution was not acted upon. So his messianic complex, he is now committed to following through on the idea he had many, many years ago. He's not a stable--although he appears stable at times--he is not a stable individual."
26. There were drafts where Captain America and Iron Man reunited around this point.
But their differences are too severe, and it caused the pace to "grind to a halt."
27. Ebony Maw's death was inspired by Indiana Jones.
It was inspired by the moment Jones putt down his whip and pulled out a revolver in Raiders of the Lost Ark. "Something quick and efficient would be more surprising than something belabored, because there's an incredible amount of action in the movie, it felt like we didn't need another five minute action sequence," said Joe Russo.
28. Thanos capturing Nebula was the catalyst for Thanos's quest, and thus the entire movie.
"The catalyst for the whole movie was when Thanos figured out where the Soul Stone was, because he captured Nebula on his ship and rooted around in her brain and found out that Gamora knew where the Soul Stone was," explained McFeely. "It's the reason why he has not gone after the Stones at this point; because the minute he does, the forces of the universe are going to line up against him," added Joe Russo.
29. Rocket was hiding Thor's new eye in his ear, not his butt.
"I think a lot of people assume that Rocket had put it up his ass to get it out," revealed Joe Russo. "It was up his ear, remember?"
30. There were multiple possible versions of the scene where Thor gets his new weapon.
"We had scenes where it was trapped by basically a dragon, all sorts of things," McFeely said. "But this scene, not only does it provide a test for Thor, but it also shows what Thanos has wrought, right? And that's the second element. You get your little myth about the forging of the gauntlet, and that he's a ruthless SOB."
31. This was the first scene they shot, in the first few days of shooting.
They used the scene to figure out the tonal balance between the Guardians and the Avengers.
32. There's a specific reason they brought Red Skull back.
They knew that when the movie got to the planet Vormir, they'd need a character to reveal the location's rules--i.e. how to obtain the Soul Stone--in a way no one would doubt. "That dovetailed nicely with a fetish Chris and I have of bringing Red Skull back into the universe," explained McFeely.
33. Making Eitri look giant was a challenge.
"It's very complicated to change scale on a character," Russo said. "When you have other characters in frame, when you're working with a giant character, so it was a very laborious process of matching lenses, moving Peter in for his shots bringing him out then moving Hemsworth in for his shots, and then changing the scale for each of them. It required the most math and science of anything we did in the film."
34. The filmmakers were unfamiliar with the Wakanda war chants while shooting.
The filmmakers were unfamiliar with the Wakandan war chants while shooting, because Black Panther was still in production. "When the actors came from across Atlanta, from the set of Black panther, over to ours to do this, they just started doing it. And it was awesome," Markus says.
35. Rocket's "space dogs" line came from a test audience member.
"There was a focus group after one of the test screenings. Somebody was commenting on something that happened in this section of the film, and he said, 'You know those space dogs?' We thought it was hilarious, so we incorporated it into Bradley Cooper's read," Anthony Russo says.
36. Chris Pratt improvised a line in this scene.
The line "For the record, this was my plan" was improvised by Pratt.
37. The filmmakers know exactly which stones Thanos is using at any given time.
For example, in this scene, he's using the Power Stone to destroy the moon, and the Space Stone to pull it down to the surface.
38. Paul Bettany had one of the most uncomfortable costumes while shooting.
"Paul Bettany wears one of the most restrictive and intense costumes of any of the cast, completely painted up, his head is encased, his body's encased," Anthony Russo says. As they point out, that's not pleasant when you're shooting Georgia in 90 degree heat with 90% humidity.
39. Bruce Banner's arc was designed to make Banner a hero in his own right, regardless of the Hulk.
"This is an arc that makes Banner a hero, and not just someone who whines for the Hulk's help the whole time. Banner has to step up and solve the problem on his own," Joe Russo says.
40. There was a version where this is Captain America's entrance into the movie.
"There was a draft where that tackle was Cap's first appearance in the movie. They called us insane, and we may well have been," Markus says.
41. Captain America will have a "big story" in Avengers 4.
"We know we have two movies to tell the character arcs, and so some characters are going to better served in the second story. I think it's OK to say that Cap has a big story in the second one," McFeely says.
42. This is one of the only uses of the Soul Stone in the movie.
Thanos uses it to determine which Doctor Strange is the real one.
43. In the commentary, they refer to Bruce Banner as "the herald from space."
In the commentary (though not in the film), they refer to Bruce Banner as "the herald from space," a role in the comics filled by the Silver Surfer, a character for whom Disney doesn't have the rights. "This is what Bruce Banner has been warning them about, as the herald from space, for the whole movie. And now it's here," Markus says.
44. Thanos is transported into the Soul Stone's internal world here.
"Are we committing to it being Soul World?" McFeely asked. "Of course it is," Joe Russo replies. "Thanos is transported, through the power that was needed or required to wipe out half the life in the universe, into this dream state inside the Soul Stone." "And he is allowed one last meeting with that which he gave up to get there, the spiritual representation of his daughter," Markus finishes.
45. Spider-Man's death wasn't so brutal, originally.
"If I remember correctly, it was, 'I don't feel so good,' Tony looked at him, he said, 'I'm sorry,' and disappeared," Joe Russo says. "And then on the day, we kept driving to put more and more emotion into it, and just went up to Tom and said, 'You don't want to go. You're a child. And you're using your strength as Spider-Man to fight this.' And then that was the performance that came out."
46. There's one last Easter egg here.
"For our eagle-eyed viewers, you'll see, to the right there, a scarecrow made of Thanos's armor. That is an homage [to the comics]," Joe Russo says.
By Chris E. Hayner on Aug 03, 2018 04:28 am
Avengers: Infinity War is missing some very important characters
Avengers: Infinity War boasts an enormous cast--it's bursting at the seams with characters both new and old. It features existing members of the Avengers teaming up with the Guardians of the Galaxy and the people of Wakanda. With a villain as powerful as Thanos to deal with, it makes sense that such a powerful group of individuals would be needed to stop him. But what about all of the characters who still didn't managed to make the cut for the big new movie? This is where you should stop reading if you haven't seen the movie, as we're about to dive pretty deep into spoiler territory--consider yourself warned. It could easily be argued that Infinity War included too many characters for its nearly three-hour running time. However, there were some faces fans had their hope on that were nowhere to be found. Instead, the Marvel Cinematic Universe faithful are forced to wait a year to see whether or not Thanos turned them to dust of if they'll be able to join the fight in Avengers 4. With Infinity War's home release upon us, we have learned that at least one character--Happy Hogan--was in the movie at one point, only to be cut. Luckily, his appearance lives on in the form of a silly deleted scene. After watching Avenger: Infinity War too many times to count, GameSpot has come up with the definitive list of characters we were sad to see didn't take part in the battle against the big, purple jerk. Some of them seem like smart and powerful additions to the crew; others are named Korg and we love him too much to leave him out. Separately, there have been enough questions about one Guardians of the Galaxy side character--Kraglin--to warrant an official answer from James Gunn (who has since been fired from his role for Guardians 3). Spoilers: No, he's not in the movie, but that doesn't mean he died during the four-year gap between Guardians 2 and Infinity War. Infinity War's special features have also informed us that Valkyrie didn't die, either. We don't yet know most of the faces we'll see in 2019's Avengers 4--whatever it ends up being called--but the cast may have some room for expansion after Infinity War killed off so many characters when Thanos snapped his fingers. Avengers 4 arrives in theaters on May 3, 2019.
Valkyrie
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok While at least half of the surviving Asgardians were wiped out by Thanos in search of the Tesseract--and half of those turned to dust when the Mad Titan snapped his fingers, in theory--many fans were expecting Tessa Thompson's breakout Ragnarok character to play some role in the right for the universe. Hopefully, that changes in Avengers 4.
Grandmaster
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok It's hard to know where Infinity War could have fit Grandmaster in, but every MCU movie needs a taste of Jeff Goldblum now. Given that he's the brother of the Collector--whose death is alluded to in the film--a case can be made for him to appear.
Hawkeye
Last seen in: Captain America: Civil War Hawkeye was the sad question mark looming over Infinity War. He's an original member of the Avengers who didn't appear. The movie explains his absence with a throwaway line--he's under house arrest--but it really wasn't enough. All of existence was at stake.
Laura Barton
Last seen in: Avengers: Age of Ultron You might not have expected Laura to appear in the film. However, the actress who plays her, Linda Cardellini, appeared in a promotional photoshoot for the film. If Hawkeye is still under house arrest, chances are she'll show up soon.
Ant-Man
Last seen in: Captain America: Civil War As with Hawkeye, Ant-Man is on house arrest during Infinity War. Which is unfortunate, because he would have been a useful weapon against Thanos.
The Wasp
Last seen in: Ant-Man While Hope van Dyne's Wasp alter ego hasn't been properly introduced yet--it was teased in the Ant-Man post-credits sequence--Infinity War could have been an intriguing way to integrate her into the MCU. Think of what Captain America: Civil War did for Spider-Man. Now the question remains of how Ant-Man and the Wasp fit into Marvel's timeline after Infinity War.
Hank Pym
Last seen in: Ant-Man It's not so much that fans were expecting Hank Pym to show up and be part of the fight against Thanos. Instead, it's that they were told as much by Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier). In an interview to promote the film, Stan claimed he filmed a battle scene that included Michael Douglas as Hank. Perhaps he was mistaken and it was actually for Avengers 4.
Janet van Dyne
Last seen in: Ant-Man As with her on-screen husband, Sebastian Stan also teased that Michelle Pfeiffer would be in the massive battle scene as Janet van Dyne, mother of Hope and the original Wasp. And yet, there's no mention of her anywhere in the film.
Korg
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok Like Valkyrie, Korg garnered quite a few fans in Thor: Ragnarok. What's more, he survived the destruction of Asgard and was last seen traveling through space with Thor and the rest of the gang. However, he's not mentioned when Thanos destroys the ship or at any point after that. He's definitely not dead, though. Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, has confirmed that much.
Miek
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok Much like his big buddy Korg, Miek is alive and well--for now, anyway. It's just unclear exactly where he's at. Our money is on wherever Korg wound up.
Sharon Carter (Agent 13)
Last seen in: Captain America: Civil War The last time Sharon Carter was in the picture, she was making out with a fugitive Captain America after helping him steal government property. However, she went back to her job at the CIA. Sharon could have been an interesting source of information for Cap and the rest of the team--given that the CIA knows everything. Alas, there is no mention of her anywhere in the film.
Happy Hogan
Last seen in: Spider-Man: Homecoming Pepper Potts, who made a cameo in Spider-Man: Homecoming, got a nice moment in Infinity War. What was missing, though, was Happy Hogan. After playing some sort of mentor to Spider-Man and acting as Tony Stark's right-hand man for so long, it felt strange to not see him in the movie.
W'Kabi
Last seen in: Black Panther The Wakandan absences are the most noticeable in the movie. W'Kabi, for instance, is one of the country's fiercest warriors--and he serves at the hand of the king. While that didn't work out when Killmonger was reigning, it's a little surprising he didn't end up back on the front lines with his entire nation in danger.
Nakia
Last seen in: Black Panther Likewise, where was Nakia? In Black Panther, she showed herself to be quite a fierce warrior--which is something the Avengers and Wakanda could have used more of. While it's possible she was on assignment in another country, her not being there was glaring.
War Rhinos
Last seen in: Black Panther Yes, the vibranium-plated rhinos in Black Panther were silly and the CGI that brought them to life wasn't the best. However, when you're fighting a power as massive as the Black Order, why wouldn't you send them into battle to mow the enormous monsters down?
Phil Coulson
Last seen in: Agents of SHIELD Sure, Coulson has been largely banished to the Marvel TV universe. However, Clark Gregg has been announced to be bringing everyone's favorite SHIELD agent back to the big screen in Captain Marvel. Would it have been so hard to have him in the car with Maria Hill and Nick Fury during the post-credits scene?
Nova Corp
Last seen in: Guardians of the Galaxy When they were last seen, the Nova Corp was taking care of the Power Stone on Xandar. Of course, that's before Thanos came to town, took the stone, the decimated half of the planet. Still, that doesn't mean members of the Nova Corps didn't survive--specifically Nova Prime.
Kraglin
Last seen in: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Though Sean Gunn appeared in Infinity War as the motion capture performer responsible for Rocket--as he's done in both Guardians movies--his character Kraglin was nowhere in sight. That's a bit concerning, given that he was last seen cruising through space with Star-Lord and the rest of the gang. Thankfully, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn promises Kraglin is alive and well. The MCU isn't done with him yet.
Adam Warlock
Last mentioned in: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn made it clear before the movie released that Adam Warlock would not appear in Infinity War. Still, given the character's connection to the Infinity Gauntlet in the comics, many fans expected he would be where the Soul Stone came from. Looks like you'll have to wait for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to get a look at Adam.
The Defenders
Last seen in: Marvel's Defenders Yes, the Netflix shows take place in the MCU. No, they never crossover and probably never will. If it didn't happen in Infinity War, the biggest entry in the MCU yet, it's never going to happen. Let's all collectively agree to move on.
Shuri
Last seen in: Avengers: Infinity War Alright, this is a cheat. Shuri was in Infinity War. How could she possibly be on this list? Because there simply wasn't enough of her. While operating on Vision is an important role to play in the movie, the viewing public demands more of this amazing character.
By Chris E. Hayner on Aug 03, 2018 04:27 am
Infinity War makes some massive changes to things established elsewhere in the MCU
There's no doubt about it, Avengers: Infinity War is the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most massive entry yet--something that, as expected, didn't change after the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp. It's packed with characters, plot developments, game-changing moments, and a massive cliffhanger that leaves a year for fans to cope with everything they've witnessed. This is where we warn you to stop reading if you've yet to see the movie, as we are going to dig into some heavy spoiler territory. If you haven't seen it yet, you can now do so from the comfort of your home. That's not all Infinity War is packing, though. In addition to the death, destruction, and insanity that unfolds throughout the nearly three-hour movie--along with some Easter eggs and references--there are also some major changes made to MCU canon. Things established in previous movies throughout Marvel's 10-year streak of superhero adventures are altered to better fit the story of Infinity War. There's little doubt that these changes will impact the MCU for years to come, given the movies Marvel already has on the way. Ant-Man and The Wasp may or may not have ultimately impacted things hugely, but with Captain Marvel on the way, we may learn some key information with heavy implications for the next Avengers movie. While Ant-Man himself didn't factor into Infinity War at all, thanks to the deal he cut with the government, Captain America, Thor, and the rest of the surviving Avengers are going to need all of the help they can get their hands on in Avengers 4. That's also, most likely, where Captain Marvel will come into play. In the movie's post-credits scene, Nick Fury sends out a distress message to the female superhero that's getting her own standalone film in early 2019--just in time to introduce fans to her before she swoops in to help save the day in Avengers 4. Come along with GameSpot as we take a look at what, exactly, has been changed in Marvel's latest outing. Additionally, you can see our look at every character that died in Infinity War, as well as those that didn't end up in the movie at all.
Scarlet Witch's disappearing accent
When first introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Scarlet Witch, like her brother Quicksilver, had a thick Eastern European accent. When she returned in Captain America: Civil War, her accent wasn't quite as strong, but it was still there. If you've seen Infinity War, though, you know the accent is practically nonexistent. You can hear it very briefly toward the end of the film, but other than that it sounds like actress Elizabeth Olsen has ditched it for good.
No more eyepatch
Thor losing his eye was one of the pivotal moments of Thor: Ragnarok. It also signaled a new, Odin-style look for the character, along with his haircut and losing the cape. It was a long time coming for a hero that hasn't really changed his physical appearance since the character was first introduced in 2011. However, Infinity War didn't waste much time in giving Thor his eye back--someone else's false eye, to be clear--making the eyepatch a thing of the past.
Out with the hammer, in with the axe
Another major development in Ragnarok was the destruction of Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige explained upon the movie's release that it was one of the things the studio wanted to change about Thor as the character evolved. In the movie, Thor was able to embrace his powers without a hammer to do the heavy-lifting. Infinity War went back on that particular development, though, as he now has the Stormbreaker axe to harness his energy.
A long-forgotten villain isn't quite so dead
When Captain America: The First Avenger first hit theaters in 2011, many fans lamented at how unimportant the villainous Red Skull ended up being. He was dispatched by Cap in the movie and never heard from again--until now. According to Infinity War, instead of dying, Red Skull actually ended up becoming the protector of the Soul Stone. That brought him and Thanos together for one devious sequence in the movie, as the former HYDRA leader led the Mad Titan to his next Infinity Stone.
Rhodes gets his legs back thanks to technology
Following the events of Civil War, Rhodey was left paralyzed after the War Machine suit crashed from a very high altitude. The end of the movie shows him using a pair of mechanized leg braces to help him learn to start walking again. Fast forward to Infinity War, where there's no sign that he once lost the ability to walk. The braces have seemingly cured him of any paralysis.
Hulk isn't very nice to Bruce Banner
In Ragnarok, it's established that Bruce is losing control over when he reverts back to his normal self from the Hulk, alluding to the big green guy being at the wheel, instead. It's such a big piece of the story that he spends a portion of the film refusing to go green, for fear he would never be Bruce again, before finally relenting. For Infinity War, though, the tables have turned. Throughout the movie, Banner tried desperately to transform, but it's Hulk who refuses. Why? It's never really explained. Perhaps he's just humiliated by the smackdown Thanos lays on him at the beginning of the movie.
You're the Iron Spider now, like it or not
As fans know, Infinity War isn't the first time they've seen the Iron Spider costume. At the end of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker is offered the suit by Tony Stark. He turns it down, though, opting to stick to his neighborhood and learn the ways of a superhero. However, now there's no turning back. He has the suit and he's been to space. Returning to his old costume would be silly.
No Hawkeye or Ant-Man
Infinity War managed to explain the absences of Hawkeye and Ant-Man with a simple line. They cut deals with the government and went home, where they're now under house arrest. How, exactly, that works, is a bit confusing. Civil War ends with Steve Rogers arriving to break his friends out of jail. Did those two just stay behind in hopes that the government that turned on them would start treating them nicely?
Tony Stark and his glowing heart
After Iron Man 3, Tony Stark underwent the surgery to have the arc reactor removed from his chest, leaving future Iron Man suits to be powered by a built-in source. Cut to Infinity War, where Tony has developed nanotechnology for his new suit and it's all powered by, you guessed it, an arc reactor. It's unclear exactly how this new reactor--and the suit it contains--are attached to Tony, but it certainly doesn't seem to be something he can quickly remove.
Thor's fake Infinity Gauntlet
Fans first saw the Infinity Gauntlet in Thor, then again in Ragnarok, when Hela declared it was a fake. While that clears up how Thanos has the real deal, there's a problem. In Infinity War, it's revealed that Eitri created it for Thanos on Nidavellir--meaning it didn't exist in Thor and there would likely be no fakes. That's one little plot hole the movie never addresses.
That other Infinity Gauntlet
Likewise, Infinity War never explains how Thanos already has the gauntlet in the Avengers: Age of Ultron post-credits scene.
Thanos's motivations in Avengers vs. Infinity War
In a post-credits scene from Marvel's Avengers, The Other tells Thanos that humans are stronger than they thought. "They are unruly and therefore cannot be ruled," he tells the Mad Titan. Is Thanos trying to rule over Earth or wipe out half of its population? Clearly, by the time Infinity War rolls around, the villain has his plan in place. It seems like it was a very different one than earlier in the MCU, though.
By Steve Watts on Aug 03, 2018 03:54 am
Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project Expansion Cards
Hearthstone is gearing up for another expansion, and it looks pretty substantial. This time the update comes with a theme focused all around the noble pursuit of science. At least, as noble as it can be when headed up by the notorious Dr. Boom. The dastardly doctor has assembled a team of nine class-based scientists to manage their own wild experiments, to disastrous results. The Boomsday Project will add 135 new cards, with a slew of new card types and keywords. You can see every card coming in the expansion above. The nine scientists make up the class-specific Legendary cards for this expansion. Boomsday Project will introduce Legendary spells for the first time, which are engineered to have big and unique effects. These will not, however, specifically synergize with the new Legendary class minions representing the aforementioned scientists. "That's actually something that we talked about, linking them up so they work together, but we decided in the end, most of them are not going to work together," lead designer Mike Donais explained. "We wanted you not to have to own both Legendaries to sort of build the deck that that Legendary is focused on. So in most cases, you actually don't have any synergy between the two." Another new spell type, Projects, focuses on symmetric effects that impact both players. The player who takes better advantage of these symmetric effects will have a huge leg-up on the competition. Due to their unique effects, these were especially tricky to play-test. We'll also see a new card, Shrink Ray, that could signal the return of Control Paladins. New Omega cards will be playable throughout a game for a decent stat ratio, but are given extra power boosts if played once you've reached the 10-Mana threshold. Finally, a new Magnetic keyword will allow you to join Mechs together, inheriting their stats and any keywords or special abilities. As such, the expansion is introducing a lot of new Mechs--both Magnetic and frames that can be built upon. The single-player component, the Puzzle Lab, will take a different tack than the last few expansions. Rather than a series of boss fights like Dungeon Run or Monster Hunt, these will focus on standalone puzzles. You'll have to spot the lethal, imitate the opponent's board state, or just survive, for example. The expansion will launch on August 7, and Puzzle Lab will follow two weeks later. Two separate pre-purchase bundles are now available: a 50-pack bundle for $50 with a golden class Legendary and a Mecha-Jaraxxus card back, or an 80-pack bundle for $80 with the Mecha-Jaraxxus Warlock hero. Blizzard describes this pricing model as an experiment of its own, as the studio is still testing different types of pre-order bundles.
By Mat Elfring on Aug 03, 2018 03:33 am
After hearing about the exclusive Venom footage Sony showed off at Comic-Con this year, symbiote fans were pumped for the studio to release something more to the general public. With its release date coming up later this year, Sony has now unveiled a new trailer for the movie. It features not only numerous looks at actor Tom Hardy as Venom, but also our first peek at Riot, one of the symbiotes that Eddie Brock will have to contend with. Back in April, the trailer the studio released gave us a good idea what the movie is about. Eddie Brock is a journalist investigating Dr. Carlton Drake, who is doing experiments on people involving the symbiotes, which were collected from the debris of a spaceship. Somehow, Brock and a symbiote--named Venom--become united, and Brock deals with trying to keep his sanity and control of his body. His mental instability, which comes from the comics, may explain why it's so hard to understand him. Venom stars Hardy as Eddie Brock, Michelle Williams as Anne Weying, and Riz Ahmed as Dr. Carlton Drake. At the Comic-Con panel, Ahmed described his character as a genius who asks, "What does the future of humanity look like?" Apparently, it's an evolution of the human species by way of symbiotic bonding. With the release of the latest trailer, we know a bit more about what's going on in this movie, including who is playing the symbiotic villain towards the end of the video. There is also another person with a symbiote attached to them as well, and a few more shots of Venom we haven't seen before. Riot is a prominent part of the trailer, and he comes to the big-screen following his comic debut in 1993. He has a history with Drake in the comics that the upcoming movie appears to be drawing on. You can read more about that in our explainer, Who is Riot? Here's everything new and notable from the fresh Venom trailer. Venom comes to theaters on October 5.
Different color symbiotes
In previous trailers, we saw multiple containers with symbiotes in them. The one above is yellow, which quickly reminded me of the miniseries Lethal Protector, where the Life Foundation unleashed five new symbiotes. Both Phage and Scream were orange and yellow, respectively. Could this be one of those two?
Drake is running experiments
We've seen this before in previous trailers, but Drake seems very hands-on with his work. We see yet another symbiote, and it looks different from the one in the previous slide. If so, that means Sony could be fully adapting Lethal Protector, sans Spider-Man.
The battle for Brock
Brock is having an internal struggle for his mind and body, and much like the last trailer, we see that Brock is having visual hallucinations, seeing Venom in the window of a card. Additionally, he's going though physical changes as we his body change as he fights off Venom.
Things are getting weird
There's a brief scene featuring Venom's face coming off of Brock's body and talking to him.
Venom is huge
Up to this point, we haven't seen how large Venom is. In the comics, he's a lot bigger than Spider-Man and other heroes in the Marvel Universe. In a wide-shot, we see Venom holding someone up. Venom towers over this guy.
Yes, he's licking that guy
Is it weird to say that an iconic part of Venom is his ridiculously long tongue? Yeah? Well, it's in the trailer, and he licks a guy. This probably won't be the only time we see something like this.
More symbiotes
Aside from Venom and the one we think may be Scream, there's also actress Michelle Williams who uses a symbiote to create a blade-like weapon coming out of her arm. Williams is playing Donna Diego in the film, and in the comics, Diego is better known as Scream.
Riot is here
Without a doubt, this is Riot, the symbiote Venom will be fighting in the movie. Riot is a lot like Venom. He's large, powerful, and overall, just a gigantic brute.
Who is Riot? Spoilers!
At the very end of the trailer, we see both Venom and Riot being torn apart, and the person inside the Riot symbiote is none other than Carlton Drake. That's a bit of a divergence from the comic, as Drake didn't bond with a symbiote. However, he did become a spider-monster in Spider-Man: The Arachnis Project.
By Dan Auty on Aug 03, 2018 03:02 am
Since the horror genre's very earliest days, filmmakers have delighted in shocking audiences and pushing back the boundaries of what is acceptable on-screen. A big part of why horror fans keep coming back for more is the hope that the next movie will really deliver something they've never seen before. Of course, screen taboos have shifted over the decades--what was considered shocking in the 1930s might seem laughable today, and audiences back then would have been utterly appalled by what is considered mainstream entertainment in 2018. Cannibalism is one of the on-screen taboos that still has the power to upset viewers. We've been watching people eat other people in horror movies for decades, but there is something so primal and unpleasant about the concept, that no matter how many times you've seen it, even the strongest stomach can be turned by onscreen cannibalism if delivered effectively by a director. The most controversial cycle of cannibal movies came from Italy during the late-'70s and early-'80s. These were exploitation movies, often set in South America, in which people from the "civilized" world were captured and eaten by the natives. This sub-genre didn't last long, but the most extreme examples remain notorious today, for both their staged violent content and the real-life animal cruelty that the filmmakers included to increase their notoriety. Beyond those movies, cannibalism has taken on different forms in horror. Sometimes played for laughs, sometimes as an allegory, and often for old-fashioned scares. So, here's a look at some of the best, scariest, and most shocking cannibal movies ever made. As once you've done that, check out our guide to the best possession movies, the best exploding heads in horror, and the horror sequels that are better than the originals. Hope you're hungry...
11. Trouble Every Day (2001)
Director Claire Denis is better known for acclaimed arthouse dramas such as Beau Travail than for her work on cannibal horror movies, but in 2001, she combined both sensibilities to deliver the disturbing Trouble Every Day. It stars French icon Beatrice Dalle (Betty Blue) as a strange, cannibalistic woman who is kept locked up by her husband, and Vincent Gallo (Buffalo 66) as an American man who is obsessed with her. It's slow, arty, and not a conventional horror movie by any means. But fans of strange, adventurous filmmaking will appreciate this uncompromising mix of sex and violence.
10. Cannibal Apocalypse (1980)
For many decades, the Italian film industry was known for taking its lead from Hollywood--from Star Wars to Jaws, the success of an American film could result in dozens of quickly-produced copies and rip-offs. In 1980, with the Italian cannibal cycle in full swing, director Antonio Margheriti decided to cash-in on the success of the Vietnam war classic Apocalypse Now and deliver a movie titled--what else?--Cannibal Apocalypse. In this ludicrous but hugely entertaining cult favorite, a pair of Vietnam vets return from the war infected with a cannibal virus and set about causing all sorts of man-eating mayhem on the streets of Atlanta. It has tons of gore, stars genre veteran John Saxon (A Nightmare of Elm Street, Black Christmas), and has a wildly inappropriate but totally awesome disco/funk soundtrack. What more do you need?
9. We Are What We Are (2010)
While many of the movies on the list make the cannibals a villainous threat, in Mexico's We Are What We Are they are the main characters. The film follows a family who are left with the problems of finding their next meal when the father dies, as it had been his role to provide for them. So they set about trying to kidnap people from the local town, with varying degrees of success, while the police slowly realise what is happening. It's a dark, intense film that perhaps suffers from having too few sympathetic characters, but it's strikingly directed by Jorge Michel Grau and lingers in the mind long after the end. There was a surprisingly good American remake, with the same title, in 2013, too.
8. The Green Inferno (2013)
While cannibal movies have taken many forms over the past few decades, there has been little attempt to revive the jungle-based Third World horrors of the infamous Italian cannibal films of the early '80s. However, in 2013, director Eli Roth attempted to update the sub-genre for younger audiences who probably weren't familiar with those earlier cult favourites with The Green Inferno. Like his successful Hostel movies, Roth gives his movie a political edge, in this case sending a bunch of young, naive environmental activists into the Amazon rainforest to protest about the destruction of ancient tribes by an unscrupulous logging company. Of course, they are soon captured by one of these tribes and put on the dinner menu. The Green Inferno is a bit of a tonal mess, as Roth jumps from satire to bawdy college humor to gruesome flesh-eating shocks and back again. But horror fans won't be disappointed with the gore levels, and it's good to see the jungle-based cannibal movie still has some life in it.
7. Ravenous (1999)
Ravenous is one of those bizarre genre mash-ups that shouldn't work, but somehow does. It's a darkly funny horror/western, that was beset with various production problems and was a commercial failure upon release. However, it's a hugely entertaining movie that has gained a cult following in subsequent years, and is well worth reappraisal. Guy Pearce plays an army captain during the Mexican-American War of the 1840s, who is posted to a remote snowbound military outpost and encounters a mysterious man called Colquhoun (Robert Carlyle), who tells him stories about having to eat human flesh in order to survive the winter. Things get darker and more weird from there, but while the film certainly delivers the gruesome goods, it's also beautifully directed Antonia Bird (who took over after the original director was fired during production), frequently very funny, and has an amazing score by Michael Nyman and Blur's Damon Albarn.
6. Parents (1989)
Bob Balaban is best known as an actor in such classic movies as Close Encounters of The Third Kind, Gosford Park, and most recently Isle of Dogs, but in 1989, he made his directing debut with this comedic horror oddity. It's set in the 1950s and focuses on a ten-year-old boy named Michael who is convinced that his parents are cannibals. Much of the movie's success relies the audience being unsure if mom and dad--played by Mary Beth Hurt and Randy Quaid--are really the flesh-munching monsters that Michael imagines them to be. Parents never takes itself very seriously, but great performances and a witty pastiche of '50s suburbia have helped it gain a strong cult following over the years.
5. Hannibal (2001)
Although Anthony Hopkins made a massive impact as serial killer Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter in 1991's Silence of the Lambs, we didn't really get to see him do much cannibalizing. That certainly wasn't the case for the follow-up, Ridley Scott's Hannibal. While Silence was subtle and controlled, Hannibal goes the other way. It's ludicrous, over-the-top, and wildly entertaining, and it ends with one of the maddest scenes you're likely to see in such a high-profile movie. Corrupt Department of Justice official Paul Krendler (Ray Liotta) has been captured by Lecter, drugged, and has had the top of his skull removed. As he sits there, tied to a chair and unaware that his brain is exposed, Lecter proceeds to fry up part of his grey matter and feed it to him. Mmmmm.
4. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
The Hills Have Eyes is one of those rare remakes that improves on the original. Wes Craven's 1977 original was an enjoyably grimy horror thriller, but Alexandre Aja's remake is scarier, bloodier, and way more intense. It's got an incredibly simple premise--a family's car breaks down in the New Mexico desert, and they are targeted by a group of terrifying, mountain-dwelling cannibal mutants. And they really are scary, helped by outstanding unpleasant make-up effects from vfx experts KNB. One by one, these mutants hunt, kill, and eat their unlucky victims.
3. Cannibal Ferox (1981)
Cannibal Ferox is far from the best of the Italian cannibal movies, but it might be the most shocking. While it certainly lacks any of Cannibal Holocaust's intelligence, it delivers some of the most graphic and upsetting scenes in any of the sub-genre. It's got the same basic plot as the others (First World explorers are caught and eaten by Third World cannibals), but the level of sadism and nastiness is cranked to the max, as director Umberto Lenzi and effects whiz Gianetto de Rossi deliver some convincingly brutal scenes. The marketing claim that Cannibal Ferox was "banned in 31 countries" seems unlikely, but it does hint at what lies within. This movie is not for the faint-hearted.
2. Raw (2016)
Some of the most impressive horror movies of the past decade have originated from France, and Raw is one of them. The movie got some notoriety during festival screenings, with its gorier cannibal scenes causing fainting and walkouts. But while it certainly got some strong sequences, there's a lot more to it than just gory shocks. Directed by Julia Ducournau, it's a coming-of-age story about lifelong vegetarian named Justine who starts to experience cannibalistic urges after she starts at veterinary school. Raw has a strange, dreamlike atmosphere and a surprising amount of dark humor, plus a fantastic lead performance from Garance Marillier, who gives Justine plenty of emotional depth as she struggles to control her increasing desire to eat human meat.
1. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Ruggero Deodato's classic remains the Italian cannibal cycle's defining work. It's unquestionably the "best" of the sub-genre, but what makes it so successful as a piece of cinema also makes it, at times, incredibly hard to watch. It's a film of two halves--the first sees an American anthropologist head into Amazon jungle to find out what happened to a team of documentary makers who disappeared months earlier. He discovers that they were all killed out there, and the rest of the movie allows us to see the reels of film they shot there, as they manipulate, provoke, and torture the natives in order to get some sensationalist footage. Of course, it all goes very wrong for them. Cannibal Holocaust is at times, a powerful, extremely well-made comment on the role of the documentarian and the influence of the "civilized" world upon more remote people. But it's also a brutal, exploitative film in its own right. The indefensible animal violence is still in there, and there are some truly gruelling scenes as the filmmakers have the tables turned on them and become dinner for the cannibal tribes. Deodato's impressive found-footage technique was a clear influence on movies such as The Blair Witch Project, and the film still retains its power to shock and provoke almost 40 years later.
By Mat Elfring on Aug 03, 2018 02:53 am
By now, hopefully, you've seen Avengers: Infinity War; if not, you can finally do so from the comfort of your couch thanks to the home release. If you have, you've no doubt wondered where 2019's Avengers 4 will go, considering just how many characters died during Infinity War. It likely goes without saying that everyone who passed away with the dreaded "Thanos Snap" can't stay dead forever in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; the MCU would barely have any heroes left to fight new bad guys (or to show up in sequels we know are on the way). That said, there's a good chance that not everyone will come back to life in the fourth Avengers movie or be killed in that film. With that in mind, we're taking a look at the major players that Thanos killed and figuring out their chances of survival after the Mad Titan is completely defeated. Obviously, Infinity War spoilers are ahead. We don't know much about Avengers 4, which hits theaters on May 3, 2019, and that includes something as simple as its title. We have learned that Warlock--who appeared in a cocoon during a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 mid-credit scene--will not be in the next Avengers movie. Surprisingly enough, most of what Infinity War directors Joe and Anthony Russo shot for Infinity War made it into the film. However, deleted scenes from the home release have shown off what could have been--although in a lot of cases, it's understandable why the moments didn't make it into the final product. That includes a fan-favorite cameo and a humorous scene that fills in a sequence involving the Guardians. The accompanying special features have also revealed some key Infinity War details. Keep in mind, this is all speculation, with little to no backing evidence for these claims. Obviously, a few characters on this list will be coming back--as they have future movies in the works--but for everyone one else listed, we simply looked at their possible future within the MCU to see if bringing them back made sense. We're starting off with who is definitely staying dead. Click here to jump to who is coming back to life.
7. Staying Dead: Heimdall
Asgard is gone, and we're still not entirely sure how many of the leftover Asgardians actually survived the Thanos Snap. In the grand scheme of things, Heimdall has no Bifrost to guard, and he was straight-up killed by Thanos in the opening of the movie. As much as we love him, he doesn't serve much of a purpose in the future of the MCU, and it's ok if he stays dead.
6. Staying Dead: Falcon
Falcon has been a secondary character in the Captain America films. He's essentially part of the B-Team (sorry, Falcon fans). And while many members of the B-Team will pave the way for a new generation of Avengers, Falcon will most likely not be a part of it.
5. Staying Dead: Maria Hill
Like Falcon, Hill has more or less been involved in SHIELD's coming and goings, as well as whatever Steve Rogers is up to both on the small and big screen. While Agents of SHIELD still airs on ABC--where it's in its fifth season--Hill hasn't appeared on an episode in three years. SHIELD itself isn't what it used to be, mainly since Winter Soldier, so Hill doesn't really have a place in the MCU anymore.
4. Staying Dead: Black Order
(Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Cull Obsidian) We don't know much about the Black Order, but they sure were cool. Yes, there is a chance that we could learn a bit more about the adopted sons and daughter of Thanos, but when the dust settles at the end of Avengers 4, these characters will be all kaput. There is no reason to keep them around.
3. Staying Dead: Gamora
This is a tough decision to make, but if anyone on the Guardians is going to die for real, it has to be Gamora. She has such an important role on the team and her growing relationship with Star-Lord was a nice addition to Infinity War. However, because Thanos sacrificed her, and she's trapped in the Soul Stone, we have a feeling there's no coming back from that. Additionally, we saw in Infinity War that Star-Lord lost it when he heard Gamora died. This will change him, but will it be for better or worse? How will this affect the team in the long run?
2. Staying Dead: Nick Fury
What in the heck has Nick Fury been up to anyway? We'll learn more about the character in 2019's Captain Marvel, but aside from the post-credit sequence in Infinity War, Fury hasn't been in a Marvel movie since 2015's Age of Ultron. He's not a character that's needed in the current MCU. He may have help set everything apart, but it's grown so much without him. Additionally, if Fury stays dead, this could pave the way for Stark to take over in a mentorship role for the future Avengers, much like he did in Homecoming.
1. Staying Dead: Loki
Loki's story has run its course in the MCU. He's been a friend and a foe throughout his numerous appearances in movies, and strangely enough, he's been incredibly entertaining along the way. Before the next phase at Marvel can start, it needs to say goodbye to its first major villain, and that's Loki.
6. Coming Back: Bucky
Bucky staying alive after Avengers 4 is debatable, as his fate could go either way. Is he completely needed for the future of the MCU? Not necessarily, but there has been so much development for Bucky through Captain America, Winter Soldier, Civil War, his post-credit scene in Black Panther, and now in Infinity War, that killing him off seems like a waste. We see him as a leader in the future of the MCU, even though he's been along a whole lot longer than most of the other characters in these franchises.
5. Coming Back: Doctor Strange
Even though there has only been one movie dealing with the mystic side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's already gone through a leadership change. Doctor Strange is now the Sorcerer Supreme and keeping him dead weakens that element of the MCU. In order to build on this aspect, Strange needs to stay alive, so we can all have more magical moments.
4. Coming Back: Vision & Scarlet Witch
While some may think this duo's lives are up for debate, these two will be the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Infinity War hinted that Vision can function without the Mind Stone, and we have a feeling Shuri worked her magic to make that happen. Furthermore, who doesn't want a love story between Avengers? Both Vision and Scarlet Witch are extremely powerful characters who haven't reached their full potential, which could help make for future storylines as well.
3. Coming Back: Most Of The Guardians of the Galaxy
(Drax, Groot, Star-Lord, And Mantis) At the end of Infinity War, Rocket and Nebula were the last standing members of the Guardians, and Nebula is an associate of the team at best. Considering there is a third Guardians movie on the horizon, the team will need actual members to function properly. We don't see anyone from the team mentioned above staying dead after Avengers 4. We may not be able to handle it as we're still getting over the death of Yondu.
2. Coming Back: Spider-Man
Much like Black Panther, Spider-Man: Homecoming already has a sequel in the works. Secondly, this is a new Spider-Man, and one that's actually in the MCU, so getting rid of the web-slinger is not the best idea. It feels like Sony finally got it right with casting someone who looks like and can play a teenager, so why waste it now?
1. Coming Back: Black Panther
The return of T'Challa is a no-brainer. Aside from the fact a Black Panther sequel has been confirmed by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, the character is so new to the MCU, and there is so much to explore--and not just in Wakanda. There is a huge demand from fans for more Black Panther, so there is no way he's going anywhere, anytime soon.
By Michael Rougeau on Aug 03, 2018 02:41 am
Avengers: Infinity War spoilers ahead!
Like any war, Avengers: Infinity War had casualties--lots of them. Many fans of the Marvel comics expected this ending, but that didn't make it any less impactful when the movie hit theaters earlier this year. By the end of Infinity War, Thanos had claimed all six Infinity Stones he was hunting for, which provided him with the power to eliminate half the universe's sentient life with a snap of his fingers. So naturally, he did. And now, thanks to the movie's home release, you can grieve over these deaths from the comfort of your couch. There were plenty of ways that the Avengers and their allies could have prevented this outcome throughout the movie. Doctor Strange could have let Tony Stark die instead of giving up the Time Stone, and Gamora could have let Thanos kill Nebula rather than guiding him to the Soul Stone. Star-Lord could have kept his cool despite learning of Gamora's death, and Thor could have "gone for the head," as Thanos himself put it. All the characters who disintegrated at the end of Avengers: Infinity War can (and probably will) come back to life through some sort of magic in Avengers 4 next year. But for now, they're dead as dead can be. And don't forget the other characters who lost their lives earlier in the movie--chances are they're actually gone for good. So as far as we know, here's every character who died in Avengers: Infinity War. If you're interested in something a little more lighthearted, the home release's special features have brought with them some fun deleted scenes--one involving a character missing from the movie (sorry, it's not Hawkeye), and another filling in a moment we had to assume happened. In all, the special features have revealed numerous details, including just what was going on with Hulk.
1. Heimdall
Thor's friend Heimdall bites it in the opening scene after Thanos attacks the Asgardians' ship.
2. Loki
Loki also dies in the opening scene, after trying rather unwisely to shank Thanos.
3. Gamora
Thanos throws Gamora off a cliff to her death to secure the Soul Stone.
4. Vision
Vision dies when Thanos tears the Mind Stone from his head. No surprise there.
5. Ebony Maw
Ebony Maw gets iced when Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange Aliens him out of his own ship.
6. Corvus Glaive
Vision kills Corvus Glaive with his own weapon.
7. Proxima Midnight
Proxima Midnight gets cut down by a giant space lawnmower in Wakanda.
8. Cull Obsidian
Cull Obsidian is defeated and killed by Bruce Banner in the Hulkbuster armor.
9. Bucky
Bucky got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
10. Black Panther
T'Challa got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
11. Groot
Groot got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
12. Scarlet Witch
Wanda got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
13. Falcon
Sam got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
14. Mantis
Mantis got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
15. Drax
Drax got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
16. Star-Lord
Peter Quill got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
17. Doctor Strange
Stephen Strange got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
18. Spider-Man
Peter Parker got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
19. Nick Fury
Nick Fury got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
20. Maria Hill
Maria Hill got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
21. Half of everyone here
Yes, half of everyone else on Earth got disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers.
22. The Collector?
Presumably, Thanos killed the Collector when he visited him offscreen.
23. Valkyrie?
It's unclear what happened to Valkyrie--did she die when Thanos attacked? Thor must think so, or he would have tried to rescue her. Hopefully she'll pop up again.
24. Korg?
Taika Waititi's beloved stone warrior may have gone out when Valkyrie did--or maybe not.
25. All the other Asgardians?
Thanos absolutely decimated the Asgardians' ship just before Infinity War's opening scene, so hopefully we'll learn in a future MCU movie whether any of them survived.
By Array on Aug 03, 2018 02:40 am
The Best Xbox One Backwards Compatible Games
One of the best things Microsoft has done with Xbox One is make good on its commitment to backwards compatibility. New backwards compatible games are being added all the time. As with the most recent additions--Overlord and Overlord II--these are shared by Major Nelson on Twitter at 9 AM PT on Twitter, although there's no particular schedule for how many are released (if any) on a given day. It's always a mystery as to when we'll get more; we only know what time it'll be and that it'll come on a weekday, but the next batch of games usually isn't far off. Even without a proper schedule for new releases, the past few years have seen the list of backwards compatible games grow quite long--and, as a result, it can be extremely difficult to find those that are worthwhile. Not only are there 400+ Xbox 360 games that can be played on Xbox One, but more than 30+ original Xbox titles are also supported. Beyond the consistent rollout of games, Microsoft has publicly made it clear that backwards compatibility is a real priority for the company. "I see games as an art form," Xbox boss Phil Spencer said last year. "Console games can get lost when hardware generations go away. It can become more challenging to play the games of our past ... There's something to be learned from experiencing what I played as a kid. There's good business there for the content owners, but as players, it's nice to be able to understand how our art form has progressed." Spencer subsequently made it clear that backwards compatibility is--despite reports suggesting it's ignored--a feature that people do use. He wrote off data that said otherwise and pointed to an example of strong sales for an old Call of Duty game when it was added to the service: "I think the best signal we had so far is when Black Ops II landed and that month it hit NPD's Top 10 that month for game sales. An Xbox 360 game that's years old, that shows that people care." The feature has only gotten better with the release of the Xbox One X, as it offers much sharper visuals in these old games; some even have specific enhancements on top of a resolution increase. But whether you play on an X, an Xbox One S, or even the standard Xbox One, you're treated to a feature that is currently unmatched by both PS4 and Nintendo Switch. While not providing access to everything available on Xbox 360 and the original Xbox, the supported backwards compatible games from the two include classics ranging from expansive RPGs and thrilling adventures to XBLA gems and old arcade games refined for the big screen. Among these are all-time greats like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the Mass Effect Trilogy, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to name a few. But if you want a challenge that's faster to jump into, the likes of Ikaruga or Super Meat Boy will do the trick. To help you parse through the giant list of supported games, we've compiled a list of our personal favorites to highlight which backwards compatible titles are worth your time. If you want to pick something out yourself, you can peruse the entire list of Xbox One backwards compatible games. Which Xbox One backwards compatible games do you love the most? Are there any games would you like to be added in the future? Let us know in the comments below.
Alan Wake
Unfortunately, Alan Wake has been removed from all digital platforms, which includes the Xbox Store. However, if you can snag yourself a physical copy of it (or already own it digitally), then Alan Wake will take you on an adventure that you won't soon forget. Set in the Pacific Northwest town of Bright Falls (and taking significant inspiration from the television series Twin Peaks), Alan Wake features the titular character taking a vacation with his wife, who hopes the break will help her husband with his writing block. Things quickly take a turn for the worse, as Alan's wife disappears, and he's forced to confront the darkness that shrouds Bright Falls and ultimately question his own sanity. It's a compelling narrative that'll have you aching for a proper sequel. Thankfully, the two DLC story expansions are now free, so you'll at least have something to tide you over. | Mat Paget
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Desmond Miles' trip through time ended with Assassin's Creed III, and Ubisoft's follow-up title put players into the role of a nameless Abstergo employee. It was a clean slate for the franchise, offering a great point for new players to jump in without having to start from Altair's story. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag steps back from the grand ideologies of the Assassins and Templars, as well as the convoluted Those Who Came Before storyline, to deliver a relatable tale of one man's quest for redemption. Edward Kenway isn't all that different from a young Ezio; he has a good heart but he's brash and selfish. Over the course of Black Flag, Edward grows from a greedy pirate into a humbled hero. The inclusion of both traditional assassination missions and new naval combat along with the lush islands and open seas of the Caribbean made for one of the best games in the franchise. | Jordan Ramee
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Rockstar constantly refines its open-world action games, which we've seen through the Grand Theft Auto series and Red Dead Redemption. But the one that always stands out to me is Bully, because it traded gratuitous violence and adult stories for the rough-and-tumble fisticuffs and hijinx of a rambunctious high school. I vividly remember the theme song that plays while walking Bullworth Academy, rushing to make it to class on time, and scrapping with the bullies in missions to become the most respected student on campus. Bully expands beyond that with loads of fun mini-games, silly characters based on high school stereotypes, and an expansive open world. While it may be a bit wonky in terms of controls and technical performance compared to modern games, everything it does right comes together for a game worth playing today. | Michael Higham
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Countless so-called Metroidvania games have drawn inspiration from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, but more than two decades later, few can approach its greatness. It evolved the well-established Castlevania series in numerous ways, offering a non-linear castle to explore and RPG-style progression while maintaining the satisfying side-scrolling action of earlier titles. I came to it years after its original release and still thoroughly enjoyed it, and it's something that I still routinely find myself booting up. Exploring Castle Dracula is one of the great pleasures in gaming, and it's a testament to its design that fans of the game still have its layout memorized so many years later. I'll spare you a reference to the twist in case you've managed to avoid it all these years, but whether you're a fan of more recent Metroidvania-style games who missed out on this progenitor of the genre or someone who's never dabbled in these types of games, you owe it to yourself to see why Symphony of the Night is regarded as an all-time classic. | Chris Pereira
Crackdown
Despite initially being written off by many as "that game with the Halo 3 beta," I was immediately taken with the concept of Crackdown--an open-world game where you play as a superhero special agent who can pick up and throw cars or leap over buildings. A decade later, the fairly basic set of goals you're given leave something to be desired, but the core gameplay remains extremely fun. Hunting down agility orbs and dealing with villainous gangs is still tremendously satisfying, particularly with a friend online. Its cel-shaded art style still looks good, and with backwards compatibility introducing some impressive Xbox One X enhancements to the visuals, Crackdown is a game that's well worth picking up. | Chris Pereira
Dead Space
Let's face facts: there's practically no chance that EA will bring back Dead Space, at least not as we know it. While it's sad to think that one of the most intriguing sci-fi horror series out there has been pushed to the sidelines, the fact that Dead Space is backwards compatible on Xbox One is at least worth celebrating. I know, it's also on PC, but if you're in a console-only household, Xbox One is the only current-gen console you can look to. And why should you play Dead Space? In short: it's a spooky-as-hell third-person action game with fantastic art direction, and features one of the coolest "guns" in gaming. The enemies you face are drastically distorted humans with malformed and elongated limbs that make great targets for your Plasma Cutter--a maintenance tool that fires energy beams, making it an equally effective sidearm. Dead Space manages to juggle cool tech and a scary setting unlike any other game out there, and if you haven't tried it in the past, you really should if you have an Xbox One at home. | Peter Brown
Fallout 3
Fallout 3 kicked off the series' modern era and helped cement Bethesda Game Studios' reputation as a leader in the field of open-world RPGs. The open-ended structure allows you to freely roam a post-apocalyptic wasteland (so long as you can survive) and seek out stories in the most unlikely and dangerous places. The dialogue choices are numerous, allowing you to shape the story and your character with a great amount of freedom, staying true to the series' RPG roots. Likewise, despite the shift to a first-person perspective, Bethesda implemented the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, better known as VATS, to allow for strategic menu-based combat. It was an unusual mechanic but one that quickly gained favor for how it effectively bridged the gap between Fallout old and new. Fallout 3 was hugely ambitious at the time of its release, and persists as one of the all-time great open-world RPGs 10 years later. | Peter Brown
Fallout: New Vegas
Obsidian has the magic touch when it comes to RPGs, and Fallout: New Vegas is a prime example. The vast brown deserts of Nevada might not sound very appealing, but New Vegas shines through incredibly clever writing and masterful quest design. Vaguely aligned factions and active societies fill the world with distinct charisma. I'll never forget the high-class casino that acts as a front to a secret bourgeois cannibalistic society and the reveal of Mr. House's true identity while overlooking the entirety of New Vegas. Quests like these are plentiful, and they're surrounded by such intricate lead-up and dialogue sequences that plant genuine curiosity in your head to see them to the end. Fallout can easily drop in swing tunes and old-time jazz for a great soundtrack, and it's all the more fitting with the Vegas theme. But since this is a post-apocalyptic wild west, classic country-western songs diversify the tracklist and are burnt into my memories of trekking the dangerous deserts with a big iron on my hip. | Michael Higham
Far Cry: Blood Dragon
While I've personally grown tired of the franchise formula that was established with Far Cry 3, the one post-Far Cry 2 game in the series that I'm still quite taken with is Blood Dragon. The spin-off infuses Far Cry 3's gameplay with a dystopian '80s flavor. Despite being set in 2007, the game boasts a unique look, as it's essentially made to imitate the way '80s movies tended to imagine the future; there's fog everywhere, with neon colors and lasers paired with a matching synth soundtrack. You play as a stereotypical action hero named Rex "Power" Colt, who's voiced by Terminator and Aliens star Michael Biehn. It's all very over-the-top, satirical in nature, and it pairs quite nicely with Far Cry's gameplay. Blood Dragon's distinct enough to make it worth a try even if you find the Far Cry games somewhat rote. | Chris Pereira
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
If I had to pick a favorite Grand Theft Auto game in the series, I will always point to San Andreas. As a sort of ode to '90s hip-hop culture and satire of Southern California street gangs, San Andreas was an odd reflection of home. Sure, it's a GTA game, violent and absurd overall, but the way characters talked, the music that played, and just the way the city streets looked were all too familiar. In addition, Rockstar layered some light RPG elements that made the streets of Los Santos feel more lived-in. Sometimes I wouldn't even do missions, and instead hit the gym or shop for clothes. Of course, San Andreas includes an expansive open world beyond Los Santos with Las Venturas, the Vegas stand-in, and San Fierro to imitate San Francisco. Some of the mission designs are dated and the shooting mechanics aren't refined like modern entries, but San Andreas is still a ton of fun and has a unique personality that few games can match. Carl Johnson (CJ) still stands as one of the best GTA characters, ever. | Michael Higham
Halo: Reach
After Halo 3: ODST took a detour from John-117's story to focus on the mission of one squad of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, Halo: Reach took that same format of working within a squad and reapplied it to a group of Spartans. Taking place prior to the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, the story of how the planet Reach fell is a rollercoaster of empowering firefights and emotional sacrifices. It was Bungie's last Halo title before handing the reins over to 343 Industries, and it shows. Halo: Reach takes the best online multiplayer and single-player campaign elements that Bungie spent perfecting over Master Chief's original trilogy and combines it into one incredible game. I'll still boot up Halo: Reach from time to time, and the servers for SWAT are still loaded with thousands of players waiting to vote to play on Sword Base. | Jordan Ramee
Hitman: Blood Money
Before the 2016 franchise revival, Hitman: Blood Money was the peak of Agent 47 hijinx. At its core, Blood Money succeeds because of expertly designed missions; everything from creating a specific atmosphere for each level to weaving all the variables that can play out were on point. So many clever assassinations stand out to me, like loading a prop gun with real ammo that's supposed to be fired during an opera play or strangling a target with the handy fiberwire during mardi gras wearing a big yellow bird costume. This is where Hitman got its dark sense of humor, and it breathes life into an otherwise stoic assassin. Because it nails down the Hitman formula that's been refined with the recent entry, Blood Money has aged well and very much feels like a modern game. It's a little less forgiving and doesn't have the slew of interesting challenges from 2016's game, but Blood Money has some of the series' most memorable missions--and they remain just as fun today. | Michael Higham
Ikaruga
Japanese developer Treasure has another game on this list that's also a vertical-scrolling arcade shooter, but Ikaruga's reputation is unlike any of its peers'. Where so many games of this type bank on nuanced mechanics and subtle differences to standout in the eyes of enthusiasts, Ikaruga's big mechanic is so well known that it's gone on to inspire other developers who make games in entirely different genres. I'm talking about the black-and-white color switching mechanic, which both gives you the ability to absorb incoming enemy shots of the same color and alter your affinity to impart greater damage to enemies of the opposite color. Getting to the end of a stage in a game with one-hit deaths is challenging enough, but if you are after the top spot on a leaderboard you also have to know how to maximize your score by chaining together attacks as the appropriate color. It's tough, but Ikaruga is also a beautiful game that showcases an amount of maturity that feels unique compared to the rest of Treasure's output. While it's not everyone's cup of tea, Ikaruga is still an easy game to appreciate. | Peter Brown
Jet Set Radio
Jet Set Radio is a series that Sega may never bring back, but at least the HD port of the original Dreamcast hit is playable on Xbox One. It combines rollerblading and graffiti in a goofy cel-shaded metropolis, and apart from its sequel (which sadly isn't backwards compatible), there's no game like it. Jet Set Radio's expressive characters are only matched by the eclectic soundtrack that ranges from hip hop to Japanese rock, and it's so beloved that the lead composer, Hideki Naganuma, is regularly berated on Twitter to bring the series back, despite simply being in charge of music. Its reputation hasn't faded in 18 years, and if you don't know why, you owe it to play it and find out for yourself. | Peter Brown
Mass Effect Trilogy
BioWare's famed trilogy is defined by choice, and you'll make hundreds across all three games. Some of these decisions will be incredibly difficult, even heart-wrenching; I've spent many an evening thinking through the possible moral ramifications of my decisions. The trilogy really begins to show your impact when choices you made in the first game snowball into increasingly dire situations across the next two entries. I've only played the original Mass Effect once, but poured close to a thousand hours into the second and several hundred in the third. Each title is a masterpiece in its own right, and the latter two are mechanically sound third-person RPG-shooter hybrids that still hold up years after release. Mass Effect 2 is my favorite video game of all time, mostly because it's the best interstellar dating sim on the market. Over the course of three games, you'll fall in love with these characters and the rich sci-fi universe of Mass Effect. | Jordan Ramee
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Most people love Metal Gear for the series' stealth-centric games, but that doesn't mean the action-packed Rising should be ignored; far from it! Not only does it manage to fit right into the timeline and (in a roundabout way) the series' overall attitude, it is an excellent action game that, like Bayonetta and Vanquish, perfectly showcases why Platinum Games is so beloved. The standout feature of the blade-based combat system is Raiden's ability to literally slice through enemies--a process you can control, lopping off limbs or bisecting torsos with laser accuracy. It's an impressive feat of programming, and a unique mechanic that (as far as I know) has never been truly replicated. Worry not if you've always been turned off by Metal Gear's confusing storyline. Rising is all about over-the-top katana mayhem, and when it does make an effort to tell a story, it delivers goofy melodrama that anyone can appreciate. | Peter Brown
Mirror's Edge
When Mirror's Edge released, the gaming world had never seen anything like it. First-person platforming was practically a no-no, but EA DICE proved it's possible under the right set of circumstances. The trick, at least the one that made Mirror's Edge such a revelation, was to simplify pathfinding by using clever visual cues and implement contextual animations to create a sense of flow. In one stage you will leap across rooftops, wall run, smash through windows, and slide under enemy fire before taking the aggressor out. It's basically Parkour: The Game. While its sequel, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, tried to go for a more open-world design, the original game is focused enough to be tackled in small sessions, which also encourages you to attempt run after run through a single level, chasing your best times and most stylish performances. It's an endlessly cool game that may never get old. | Peter Brown
Ninja Gaiden Black
The original Ninja Gaiden reboot was something to behold back in 2004. As one of the fastest and most challenging action games of its era, Ryu Hayabusa's revenge mission where he fights ninjas, demons--and pretty much everything in between--was a knockout when it came to delivering thrills and moments of white-knuckle challenge. I'll even admit that I earned the lowly title of Ninja Dog on occasions, which was Ninja Gaiden's not-so-subtle way of saying 'git gud' back in the day. The game consistently delivered fast-paced action, and in the months after its release, it managed to get even better. As one of the early games on the original Xbox to use downloadable content, new weapons, monsters, and challenges were eventually added in, making the game even more of a stellar title. This culminated in the release of Ninja Gaiden Black, essentially the definitive edition of the core game. While Ninja Gaiden (2004) was remade again in the form of Sigma on PS3, I still think of Black as the best way to play Ryu Hayabusa's gory and over-the-top descent through the demonic underworld. Even after the releases of Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising, and several installments Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden Black hasn't lost its touch, and it still stands still one of the greatest action games ever made. | Alessandro Fillari
Panzer Dragoon Orta
I've always had a deep respect for Sega's strange shooter series Panzer Dragoon, and the last entry, Panzer Dragoon Orta, remains a stellar tribute to its bizarre world. The series' otherworldly presentation--along with its own fictional language--gave it a sense of depth and wonder that felt all its own. While much of the series had its home on the short-lived Sega Saturn, 2003's Panzer Dragoon Orta was released on the original Xbox, showing a noticeable visual and technical upgrade over its predecessors. Diving back into the game after all these years made me appreciate how much thought and craft went into the game, which has held up spectacularly. Along with a wealth of hidden lore and concept art to find, it also comes with an unlockable version of the original game--which stands as one of the greatest game rewards of all time. If you're at all curious about the Panzer Dragoon series, Orta is the most accessible point of entry, and it still brims with that sense of otherworldly wonder that the series is all about. | Alessandro Fillari
Peggle
Peggle has received a sequel you can and should play on Xbox One, but more Peggle action is still a good thing. Fortunately, the original game is playable through backwards compatibility, and it holds up nicely. The basic Peggle formula--a sort of take on pachinko and pinball, but with tremendous sound design--is still as delightful as ever. You launch balls into a board filled with pegs and various obstacles in the hopes of hitting them and removing them from play. Finishing a round hilariously causes "Ode to Joy" to play as your ball sails across the screen one last time in slow motion, but the euphoric build-up of sound effects when you pull off an exceptional shot is one of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had in a game. | Chris Pereira
Radiant Silvergun
Remember Sega Saturn? While not a powerhouse in the US or Europe, it found great success in Japan where arcade ports were plentiful. One of the most well-known Japanese-exclusive Saturn games is Radiant Silvergun, and thanks to Microsoft's effort years ago to pump up the Xbox Marketplace with Japanese games, westerners finally got an official release on Xbox 360 and can still enjoy the game on Xbox One today. The most notable feature of this vertical-scrolling shooter is the large number of weapons you can pick from, which differ more in behavior than you might expect. Like many games by developer Treasure, Radiant Silvergun is a technical showcase (for its time) that also manages to be a great game with timeless appeal. | Peter Brown
Rainbow Six Vegas 1 and 2
In between its old-school tactical shooter phase and the current competitive multiplayer focus, Rainbow Six took a trip to Vegas and balanced its military sim roots with some more approachable shooter gameplay. Both Rainbow Six Vegas 1 and 2 captured the gaudy spectacle of the city's nightlife with bright lights and rows of slot machines, which often served as cover from enemy fire. I've had so many memorable multiplayer matches; taking cover and having the camera switch to third-person, rappelling down skyscrapers to crash through windows, or turning upside down on a rappel line to pop shots are a few of the amazing moments in competition. Servers are still online, so if you can get a group of dedicated players to play a few matches or terrorist hunt missions, you're guaranteed a great time. | Michael Higham
Red Dead Redemption
Of all the games that are backwards compatible on Xbox One, Red Dead Redemption tops the list as the most exciting. When it was added to the program earlier this year, not only did people finally have a way to replay one of the best games of the last generation on a current-gen console, they also got the option to play it in 4K on Xbox One X. This open-world western proved that Rockstar Games is capable of more than just Grand Theft Auto, and with the sequel on the way, now is the perfect time to see why Red Dead Redemption is such a big deal. | Peter Brown
Saint's Row: The Third
Saints Row was always a little silly, but The Third is clearly the point where Volition realized the franchise could no longer compete with Grand Theft Auto and chose instead to double down on the ridiculous. Saints Row: The Third is non-stop parody of open-world action games and pop culture references, and I love every second of it. There's something positively magical about playing as a loud-mouthed crime boss who's weaving between traffic on her motorcycle to save her friends from a ticking time bomb as government soldiers try to stop her while Bonnie Tyler's "I Need a Hero" plays over the radio. All of which occurs in what might be the most normal level in the game. Saints Row: The Third also does a good job recapping the events of the previous two games and introduces franchise favorite Kinzie Kensington, so it's a nice jumping on point if you're looking to play Saints Row IV or Agents of Mayhem. | Jordan Ramee
Shadows of the Damned
Shadows of the Damned was a match made in heaven for me. The quirky Suda 51 brought his comedic writing chops and teamed up with Resident Evil 4 director Shinji Mikami and Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka to make a shooter that, at the time, felt more like a Resident Evil 4 sequel than any game before it, including Resident Evil 5. The buddy-demon hunter adventure saw Garcia Hotspur and Johnson, the trusty skull sidekick that also turns into a number of different guns, venture into Hell to rescue Hotspur's love. There is quite the variety of enemies, levels, and crude jokes. While a sequel is what I truly want, I'll gladly play through it again for the umpteenth time to revisit it all. | Mat Paget
Skate 3
The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series may go down as having the "best" skateboarding games of all time, but none of them capture the sport quite like the Skate series does. And while the first two Skate games had a more structured campaign the open-world skateboarding sandbox of Skate 3 is still as fun to flip, grind, and bail in as it was the day it came out. Tackling a specific spot over and over again in Skate 3 mirrors what real-life skateboarding is like, though I can actually pull off a darkslide or a benihana in Skate 3. And with its surprisingly breathtaking 4K enhancements on the Xbox One X, I can't recommend it enough. | Mat Paget
Spec Ops: The Line
Six years after release, I'm still reeling from the emotional fallout of Spec Ops: The Line. This unsettling game tackles the mental and emotional cost of war, and its moral quandaries stick with you long after you've put the game down and had a good cry. Despite having third-person shooter mechanics that are okay at best, Spec Ops: The Line kept me playing. Long after it forced me to kill innocent civilians, I was frantically shooting enemy combatants in a desperate attempt to justify my own in-game atrocities. But war doesn't work that way. I don't think I'll ever forget what white phosphorus does to a person, and if you play this game, you won't either. | Jordan Ramee
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a gaming classic, and it was one of the best-written stories in the Star Wars canon prior to Disney neutering its relevance. The game utilizes similar combat, squadmate recruitment, and morality mechanics that BioWare would eventually use for both Mass Effect and Dragon Age: Origins. The game lets you fulfill your fantasy of living as a Jedi or a Sith, as you explore a galaxy far, far away, four millennia before the events of A Phantom Menace. I loved exploring ancient Tatooine and Kashyyyk on the Jedi path, but not nearly as much as seeing brand-new planets, like the ancient Sith homeworld Korriban, or flirting with Bastila. | Jordan Ramee
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is one of the best Star Wars video games of all time. Although its gameplay is largely untouched from its predecessor, KOTOR II implements elements of grey to the previously black or white morality system. New lightsaber styles also add a level of strategy, and there's twice as many people you can try to smooch. My favorite Star Wars droid, HK-47, also returns from the original KOTOR, and he continues to deliver unparalleled levels of sarcastic murder puns and sass. Despite its removal from the Star Wars canon, if you love Bioware's RPGs and the adventures of a galaxy far, far away, you need to play this game. Its incredible narrative will hook you in 15 minutes. | Jordan Ramee
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Prior to The Clone Wars animated series, the only hint that the clone army was more than a faceless batch of characters was Star Wars: Republic Commando. This video game moved past the uniform helmets to reveal each clone had their own personality, likes and dislikes, and skill set. I fell in love with the troopers through Republic Commando, and the clones have remained my favorite Star Wars characters ever since. Taking the lead of Delta Squad as the dependable Boss and directing the demolitions expert Scorch, computer-savvy Fixer, and weapons specialist Sev offered a more tactical experience than 2004's Star Wars: Battlefront. New enemy types and weapons keep the game fresh across its three different locations, and the story is one of the best in the Star Wars Legends universe. | Jordan Ramee
Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy has become something of a reference point for games that have come after it--and with good reason, as it's an exceptionally well designed game. It's a tough platformer where death can come at any instant--and you will die many, many times. And as heartbreaking as those deaths can sometimes be, it's invariably your own fault; SMB offers extremely tight controls and a deeply satisfying wall-jumping mechanic (made all the better by the way Meat Boy leaves behind a trail of meat wherever he moves). With hundreds of levels and numerous secrets to uncover, there's a lot to enjoy here. But most importantly, playing this original Xbox 360 version means you get to enjoy the brilliant original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky that's missing from SMB's most recent re-releases. | Chris Pereira
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
Capcom managed to do a lot of awesome things for Street Fighter V, but Street Fighter IV is still relevant for a lot of fighting game fans due to its massive roster and years' worth of competitive refinement. Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition marks the penultimate upgrade for the game, but you can also download the Ultra Street Fighter IV DLC to convert it into the ultimate version of the game on Xbox One. Whether you are a serious competitor or a casual fighting game fan who just likes to mash out a few combos with friends on the weekends, SFIV has loads of great characters to experiment with, and tons of personality to keep you entertained along the way. | Peter Brown
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind takes me back--to six-years-old Aiden. Even though I was far too young to be playing such an intense RPG, and 90 percent of the story went right over my head, I couldn't help but get utterly consumed in how fantastical and insurmountable Vvardenfell seemed. Maybe it was my child-like wonder, or maybe it was just Bethesda's magic. At the time, I hadn't really played anything like it, and boy were the giant mushroom houses and terrifying Cliff Racers just as cool as kicking tail during Lara's Tomb Raider adventures. Morrowind was the first RPG that really made me fall in love with the more serious and immersive side of gaming, and even though its graphics haven't aged particularly well, it still holds that obnoxiously special place in my heart that I can't let go of, a place where I forge my own story, and escape into some far-off land. And, you know, knock the daylights out of some cultists. That too. | Aiden Strawhun
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
"Stop right there, Criminal Scum! You've violated the law!" Once you get past the potato faces, Oblivion's hyper-saturated graphics really are something special. Oblivion also took a lot of the annoying mechanics in Morrowind and made them just a little bit better. Any race could wear any armor, birthsigns could be changed, vampirism was part of the main game, the list goes on. One minute you have the incredibly lush, almost ethereal expanses of Cyrodiil, the next, there's an actual demon invasion. It's a wonderful contrast that I don't think the other Elder Scrolls games quite capture, as they're dark and morose, and somewhat brooding--but Oblivion is brimming with energy and color. | Aiden Strawhun
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The beautiful thing about The Witcher series is that if you're looking to hop into the latest entry, you don't need to play the previous titles. However, they do add a considerable amount of context to the expansive cast of characters, and particularly to every one of Geralt's relationships. The Witcher 2 is a mostly on-rails, linear RPG. That doesn't stop it from being an incredible, dramatic, and enticing adventure, however. The world is detailed and lush, as you'd expect from the series, and the choices you make throughout the story determine some pretty major outcomes. Just make sure to spend some time between story missions to smell the roses--er, the monsters, rather. | Aiden Strawhun
Viva Pinata
Rare's output under Microsoft has been uneven, but one bright spot shines above the rest. Viva Pinata is a sweet refuge from the norm--a sim that defies easy categorization. It bears a lot in common with farming sims like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley. Instead of standard livestock, though, you're raising up beautifully designed candy-animals with punny names like "fudgehog" and "chewnicorn." The look is distinctly family-friendly, but under the surface the gameplay is surprisingly deep. I lost many nights to converting "sour" pinatas, facilitating my animals' feeding and mating habits, and even managing the food chain. (Some pinatas eat others, you see.) I'm partial to the first, but the semi-sequel Trouble in Paradise is mostly a revision for the better. Either way you can't go wrong, and they're both available on Xbox One. | Steve Watts
By Meg Downey on Aug 03, 2018 02:39 am
Avengers: Infinity War spoilers ahead!
With a decade and 20 movies under its belt, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become pretty self-sufficient. While Avengers: Infinity War was obviously drawing its major plot points and some fun scenes straight from its comic book source material, the majority of the movie was actually layered with callbacks and references to other MCU movies--and some of them may not have been all that obvious. So if you didn't happen to brush up on your MCU history, or if you decided not to do the 31-hour long marathon prior to your Infinity War viewing, don't worry too hard. We're looking out for you. Here is a breakdown of Infinity War's biggest Easter eggs, references, and callbacks to previous MCU movies and beyond. Fortunately, it's easier to now go back and pick these out or enjoy them for yourself. Infinity War has been released digitally, with a physical 4K/Blu-ray/DVD launch coming later in August. However you watch it, you can pause and rewind all of your favorite moments to see if there are any further secrets just waiting to be discovered--make sure to let us know if you spot any. Even if what's on film has already been analyzed in its entirety, Infinity War's special features are teaching us new things. Some of that comes in the form of deleted scenes, including one with a fan-favorite character's cameo and another featuring the Guardians. Beyond that, we've also learned what was going on with Hulk, among many other details.
1. Asgardian Refugees
Infinity War opens with a distress signal from an Asgardian refugee ship in the process of being attacked by Thanos and the Black Order, so if you skipped Thor: Ragnarok, this might have been a little out of left field for you. Ragnarok ended with Asgard being completely destroyed by the demon Surtur, with the survivors narrowly escaping on a spaceship. The post credits sequence, however, showed that same ship coming face to face with Thanos's fleet, apparently just moments before the start of Infinity War.
2. We Have a Hulk
In a last ditch effort to get Thanos and his Children off their ship, Loki attempts to con him into a fight with the ultimate punchline "we have a Hulk." This is a callback to Iron Man pulling nearly the exact same move on Loki himself back in the first Avengers movie. Apparently Loki's learned a few lessons since then.
3. Loki and the Tesseract
It was Loki's possession of the Tesseract that ultimately sealed the Asgardian refugee ship's fate. But until that moment, we weren't actually technically sure that he even had it. Loki was shown giving the Tesseract a suspicious glance during Thor: Ragnarok as he moved through Odin's vault before the ultimate destruction of the planet, but the camera cut away before we saw if he picked it up or not. Unfortunately, the fact that he did really isn't a surprise--Loki's infatuation with the Infinity Stones has been a major motivating factor in just about all of his betrayals dating back to the first Avengers movie (and it was in just about every trailer).
4. The Stark/Potts Wedding
Tony Stark and Pepper Potts are engaged! But we knew that, of course, because we actually got to see him pop the question back at the very end of Spider-Man: Homecoming. Apparently Pepper said yes, though it happened offscreen, because things definitely seem to be going pretty well these days--at least until the whole Thanos thing happens.
5. That's the Cauldron of the Cosmos
After being summoned by Doctor Strange, Tony wastes no time using sacred artifacts in the Sanctum Sanctorum as his personal furniture. The Cauldon of the Cosmos that Tony takes up leaning on is one of Strange's time-bending tools from the comics which allows him to look into the past and alternate futures.
6. Rhodey's Price
We briefly see James Rhodes out of his War Machine armor discussing the Sokovia Accords, where he talks about the "price" he's paid for his choice to sign. This is a direct nod to his tragic accident after the airport fight in Captain America: Civil War--which also happens to be why he's wearing a harness over his hips and legs. The accident left him with limited mobility, maybe even partially paralyzed from the waist down.
7. Even the MCU loves Spongebob
During their first encounter with Cull Obsidian and Ebony Maw, Tony wastes no time in tossing out a couple of witty rejoinders. He calls the Maw "Squidward" before properly engaging him in the fight--and while the resemblance is certainly uncanny, the Maw doesn't seem all that bothered by the comparison.
8. Strange's Parlor Tricks
Poor Doctor Strange is no stranger (get it?) to people not quite taking his powers seriously. During he and Tony's first fight side-by-side, Tony makes a wisecrack about Strange making "balloon animals," which places Tony squarely in the ranks of the dubiously canonical MCU late night hosts club where this Jimmy Kimmel sketch exists.
9. Rocket's Prosthetic Problem
When Rocket, Groot, and Thor arrive on Earth during the battle for Wakanda, Rocket almost immediately teams up with (or, rather, is picked up by) Bucky Barnes. First, he wants to know how much for Bucky's gun--not for sale--then, he wants to know how much or Bucky's metal arm. Bucky rolls his eyes by way of response, but Rocket's not that worried. He's gonna get that arm. Rocket's love for prosthetics, especially cybernetic enhancements, dates all the way back to the first Guardians of the Galaxy's scene in the Kyln prison. And honestly, at this point, it's a borderline fetish. He doesn't make good on his promise to disarm the Winter Soldier this time around, but hey, there's always Avengers 4.
10. Like Footloose?
During their first encounter, Drax urges Star-Lord to tell Tony, Peter, and Strange about the "dance off to save the universe," which gets a predictably mixed reaction from the Avengers. He's of course referring to the final battle with Ronan the Accuser in Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 1, in which Peter started, well, dancing to distract Ronan from the Power Stone. Peter's love of Kevin Bacon and Footloose were his inspiration for the move.
11. Space McDonalds
During their first major encounter with Thanos, Quill snaps that he looks like "Grimace" who, of course, is one of the classic McDonalds mascots--more specifically, the giant purple chicken-nugget shaped guy. Grimace was originally introduced as "Evil Grimace" in, uh, McDonalds lore(?) so Quill's probably more accurate here than even he realizes.
12. The Collector's Infinity Stone
While Thor explains the situation to the Guardians of the Galaxy during their first encounter, he tells them The Collector in Knowhere has the Reality Stone. When they assure him that isn't possible because "only an idiot" would entrust a Stone to someone like The Collector, Thor fires back "or a genius." His defensiveness is rooted in the fact that two of his close friends -- Sif and Volstagg -- were actually the ones to give the Stone over to him in the mid credits scene of Thor: The Dark World.
13. Reality Warping with Mantis and Drax
During their first big fight with Thanos in Knowhere, Mantis and Drax are two of the Reality Stone's most obvious victims. Drax is turned into a heap of cube-shaped stone and Mantis is unfolded like a spool of ribbon. Don't worry--they both get better the second Thanos leaves. Their temporary "deaths," however, were actually direct call outs to the fates of Nebula and Eros in the original Infinity Gauntlet comics mini series.
14. The Fate of the Power Stone
Thanos actually starts the movie with one Infinity Stone already set into the Gauntlet -- the purple Power Stone, which he got by "destroying Xandar." We got a firsthand look at both Xandar and its ruling body, the Nova Corps, during the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, where the stone was left in their care.
15. The Iron Spider Suit
The end of Spider-Man Homecoming is actually where the Iron Spider suit was introduced, but Peter rejected it the first time around. Thank goodness Tony kept it around, or things would have gotten pretty dicey for our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in this movie.
17. Torturing Strange
While Ebony Maw holds Doctor Strange captive on his spaceship, he uses a series of crystalline needles to effectively try and torture the Time Stone out of his grasp. This is a repurposed scene from the comics event Infinity, where Strange is actually imprisoned by the Maw in his own mind and tortured in a strikingly similar way.
18. Teen Groot is a Gamer
Teen Groot is a pretty relatable kid, considering he's actually an all-but-immortal tree alien. He spent about 80% of his time on screen in Infinity War with his face buried in a video game, the title of which is actually a double Easter Egg. It's a reference to both the game Defenders and Marvel's Defenders, the team of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage who currently exist in the strange liminal space of the Netflix MCU.
19. The Blue Man
The Russo Brothers continue their valiant efforts to blend the MCU and the world of Arrested Development after Civil War's Bluth Stair Car cameo. This time, it was Tobias Funke himself, in full Blue Man regalia, locked away in the Collector's vault. Apparently he blew himself straight into space.
20. The White Wolf
Bucky Barnes, the (ex?) Winter Soldier, is brought into the fray by T'Challa as he enjoys what looks like a pretty quiet, pastoral life. If you're confused as to exactly what happened to Bucky between the end of Captain America: Civil War and this moment, look to the post credits scene of Black Panther, where we see Bucky wake up in Wakanda, his brain washing "cured" by T'Challa's sister Shuri.
21. Doctor Strange's Time Stone
Like Thanos, Doctor Strange also starts the movie in possession of an Infinity Stone, but he didn't exactly destroy an entire planet to get it. The story of Strange and his relationship to the Eye of Agamotto, the locket in which the stone is kept, can be found in -- surprise! -- Doctor Strange, where he used it to defeat the ancient cosmic demon Dormammu.
22. Bruce Banner's Green Problem
Bruce Banner spends the entirety of Infinity War completely unable to transform into the Hulk. While we're still not exactly sure why that is, a lot of hints can be found in Thor: Ragnarok, where we learned that, prior to ending up on the ill fated Asgardian refugee ship, he spent several years on the planet Sakaar unable to turn back into Bruce Banner. It's also possible that Hulk simply doesn't want to emerge again after being defeated by Thanos in Infinity War's opening scene. The two of them have a lot to work out, and not a lot of time to do it.
23. The Secret Avengers
There's still quite a bit of tension between the two separate factions of the Avengers in the wake of Civil War, which is why it's actually a pretty big deal that Vision and Wanda were having their little romantic liaisons even now. It's also why Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, and Natasha Romanoff were able to burst into the scene like a well oiled machine when Corvus Glaive and Proxima Midnight attacked--they've been spending the last two years operating as fugitive superheroes.
24. Vision's Consciousness
While Vision obviously has the Mind Stone, a major element of Infinity War's plot revolves around the idea that more than just the Stone is what's keeping him sentient. Bruce banner rattles off a list of different sources for Vision's identity including himself, Tony Stark, Jarvis, and Ultron as different AI consciousnesses that are working and learning from one another inside him. We actually see this in action during Vision's creation back in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where he's first introduced as a repurposed body Ultron intends to hijack.
25. Killed by a Dark Elf
While Rocket tries to (awkwardly) console Thor prior to their arrival at Nidavellir, Thor gives a pretty bleak run down of his family history. We just watched Thanos murder Loki at the start of this movie. The sister? That's Hela, the villain of Thor: Ragnarok, which also happens to be the movie where Odin died. His mother who was killed by a Dark Elf? That's Friga, who was murdered by Malekith in Thor: The Dark World. And the "best friend," of course, was Heimdall, who also died in Infinity War's opening.
26. Off to Vormir
It may not look like much on screen but the planet Vormir actually is a place from Marvel comics--it's just not a very populated or important one. Vormir is a relatively backwater planet in one of the many arms of the Kree Empire, populated by lizard-like people who apparently have all either died off or peaced out for the MCU incarnation.
27. Keeping up with the Quills
When Peter tries to one-up Thor's tragic backstory, he talks about his traumatic experiences with his father--which also just so happens to be the plot of Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2. There we learn that Peter's father is actually Ego, the Living Planet, who seduced and impregnated his human mother in the process of trying to create a perfect heir.
28. Welcome to Nidavellir
To replace his lost hammer Mjolnir, Thor, Rocket and Groot travel to a place called Nidavellir, home of an ancient and magical forge built around the heart of a dying star. Nidavellir is actually one of the "nine realms" of Marvel's Norse mythology, recast for the MCU to actually be a totally independent planet-slash-space station rather than some sort of alternate dimension.
29. Watching the Sun Rise
Thanos's final moments in the film show him living out his own prophetic wishes--he wanted to watch the sun rise on a universe grateful for his accomplishments. This moment is actually borrowed and repurposed from the Infinity Gauntlet mini series where Thanos becomes a humble farmer after having his eyes opened to the truth of his endless quest to woo Mistress Death.
30. Calling Captain Marvel
In the final moments of the post-credits scene, we see that Nick Fury has sent a distress signal using what looks suspiciously like a very sci-fi 1990s beeper. The symbol on the screen loads as a gold star across a blue and red background--an icon associated with Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, who is set to debut in her very own solo movie come 2019.
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