By Kallie Plagge on Sep 21, 2018 09:38 pm
Best of the Best
Xbox One launched over four years ago, which means over four years of games! As such, it can be hard to decide what to play. From exclusives to the top multi-platform games to indies, there's a lot to choose from--and even though people joke that the Xbox One has no games, that's just not true! We've picked out the best Xbox One games so far. This includes many of the games that received an 8 or higher on GameSpot, and we've prioritized games that were nominated for our Best Xbox One Game list in the years those games released. It also includes Assassin's Creed: Origins, which was one of GameSpot's top Xbox One games of 2017 due to its performance on the Xbox One X. While there are plenty of new games, we haven't included the hundreds of backwards compatible games on Xbox One, which includes many original Xbox and Xbox 360 favorites. Xbox also has a subscription service called which lets you download and play a selection of over 100 games that varies slightly from month to month. For more Xbox One games, see our roundups of the best cheap games on Xbox One, and make sure to check out our gallery of the Xbox One exclusive games confirmed for 2018 as well as the biggest Xbox One games of 2018 for everything coming to the console.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice -- 8/10
"Hellblade's most notable achievement is the handling of an incredibly sensitive subject matter within an engaging and well-crafted action/adventure game. At its heart, the story is about Senua's struggle to come to terms with her illness. In the process, she learns to find the strength within herself to endure, and to make peace with her past. And in a profound and physical way, we go through those same struggles with her, and come away with a better understanding of a piece of something that many people in the world struggle with." [read the full review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10
"Ultimately, this is a return to form for the Valkyria Chronicles series as a whole. It stays so true to the franchise's first iteration that it'll feel as if almost no time has passed in the decade or so since the original game first came out. In revisiting the concerns and the environments of the first, it makes the most of those parallels and invites comparison in a way that highlights its strengths. Valkyria Chronicles 4 doesn't necessarily tell a new tale, but it doesn't have to; for all of its clichés and expected twists, there's a charm to the game's unwillingness to let up as it drives you and your friends forward at a rapid clip towards its bittersweet end." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran
Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition -- 10/10
"From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made in both its original and Definitive incarnations, with the latter proving that even the most complicated role-players can be ported successfully to gamepad-limited consoles. This immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of recent years, and it remains an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats." [Read the review] -- Brett Todd
PES 2019 -- 9/10
"For as long as EA continues to develop FIFA and hold a monopoly over official licences, PES will be the scrappy underdog just hoping for a surprise upset, even when it's fielding the likes of London Blue and PV White Red. The lack of licences for top-tier leagues remains a disheartening sticking point, but PES continues to make brilliant strides on the pitch, building on what was already an incredibly satisfying game of football to produce one of the greatest playing football games of all time. It might be lacking off the pitch, but put it on the field against the competition and a famous giant killing wouldn't be all that surprising." [Read the review] -- Richard Wakeling
Dead Cells -- 9/10
"Dead Cells is a fascinating amalgam of several of today's most popular indie genres. It juggles elements of tough-as-nails action games and Metroid-inspired exploration platformers, with the procedurally generated levels and random item allotments found in roguelikes. It's impressive how it all comes together without a hitch, especially given that the persistent character growth found in games like Dark Souls or Metroid squarely conflicts with the randomized resets emblematic of Rogue-inspired games." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Far Cry 5 -- 9/10
"Despite some brief irritations and missed opportunities with its narrative, spending time in the world of Hope County remains absolutely delightful. Far Cry 5 boasts a wonderfully harmonious flow to its adventure, with its smart changes to exploration, discovery, and progression distinctly bolstering the enjoyment of creatively engaging and experimenting with its spectacular open world." [read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
Monster Hunter: World -- 8/10
"Ever since the title was first announced last year, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations. It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large." [read the full review] -- Ginny Woo
Celeste -- 9/10
"It's a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I'd been on the same journey as Madeline. Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain." [read the full review] -- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer
What Remains of Edith Finch -- 9/10
"Developer Giant Sparrow managed to strike the delicate balance between joy and sorrow in 2012's The Unfinished Swan, but What Remains of Edith Finch transcends even the latent sadness of that game, finding the beauty--even sometimes the fun--in what's always fundamentally a tragedy. It's not often that a game's plot slips past the bitterness of grief to finally get to the acceptance, but that's the triumph in What Remains of Edith Finch. Ultimately, if the game has any resemblance of a moral, it's that the bravest, most beautiful thing every one of us does is choose to keep going, despite knowing what's coming." [read the full review] -- Justin Clark
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 9/10
"The New Colossus never lets you forget who and why you're fighting. Nazi brutality is on full display, from the blown-out, irradiated remains of Manhattan to each of the resistance members, who all carry mental scars if not physical ones. You're never given a chance between cutscenes, missions, and even downtime on the U-boat to lose sight of the Reich's cruelty. Wolfenstein's tense gameplay elevates this further by giving you the power to truly resist--and come out of each battle ready for another fight." [read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Sonic Mania -- 9/10
"Sonic Mania methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series' best with its smart and interpretive design. An excellent 2D platformer, Sonic Mania goes beyond expectations, managing to be not only a proper evolution of the series' iconic formula, but the best Sonic game ever made." [read the full review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Cuphead -- 8/10
"Everything you've heard about Cuphead is true. It is a difficult side-scrolling shooter with relentless boss battles that demand rapid-fire actions and reactions. Think for too long, and you won't stand a chance against the game's toughest enemies. Battles may only last three minutes at most, but they feel far longer when you know that you can only absorb three hits before you have to start from scratch. When you are navigating your way around bullets, smaller enemies, and pitfalls, while simultaneously trying to damage your primary target, toppling Cuphead's imposing bosses is both a monumental and rewarding task." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Assassin's Creed Origins -- 7/10
"Assassin's Creed has undergone many changes in its long and storied history, and Origins feels like the first step in the start of a new journey. It has its fair share of problems, but the vision for its future is one worth pursuing." [read the full review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Stardew Valley -- 9/10
"On the surface, Stardew Valley is a game about farming, but there are more adventures awaiting curious players beyond cultivating a rich and bountiful garden. From mining and fishing to making friends and falling in love, Stardew Valley's Pelican Town is stuffed with rewarding opportunities. As modern day woes give way to pressing matters on the farm and within your newfound community, Stardew Valley's meditative activities often lead to personal reflection in the real world. It's a game that tugs at your curiosity as often as it does your heart." [read the full review] -- Mary Kish
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard -- 8/10
"By the end of the campaign, I was ready for the game to be over, but that's okay. RE7 ends just as it starts to outstay its welcome, and after the fact, I felt like I'd survived a truly harrowing journey. The boss fights may be slightly inconsistent and certain sections might drag after a while, but RE7 is still a remarkable success. It has a clear vision and executes it with impressive patience and precision. By returning to horror, Resident Evil has once again become something special." [read the full review] -- Scott Butterworth
Night in the Woods -- 9/10
"Both intensely personal and widely relatable, Night in the Woods doesn't just tell a story--it gracefully captures complex, often unpleasant feelings and experiences. From the quiet melancholy of doing nothing on a rainy day to the emotional vacuum of severe depression, I felt deeply, sometimes too deeply, while wandering through the cartoon-animal version of a small Midwestern town. Its witty writing and character development keep its crushing existential themes grounded, making Night in the Woods one of the most evocative games I've played in a long time." [read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Overwatch -- 9/10
"Overwatch is an exercise in refined chaos. There are multitudes of layers hiding beneath the hectic surface, and they emerge, one after another, the more you play. This is a shooter that knows how to surprise, one that unfolds at a frantic pace, one that takes a handful of great ideas, and combines them into something spectacular." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Battlefield 1 -- 9/10
"EA DICE splendidly interprets the early 20th century as a world in technological transition while humanizing the war's participants through well crafted, albeit fictional, narrative vignettes. Combined with an enthralling multiplayer component, the overall result is the studio's best work since Battlefield: Bad Company 2." [read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Titanfall 2 -- 9/10
"Titanfall 2 demonstrates a vitality that its predecessor couldn't. Whereas the first Titanfall kept up its breakneck pace throughout the entirety of every match, Titanfall 2 understands that sometimes, dialing things back for a few moments can make the long run much more enjoyable. In many ways, Titanfall 2 feels like the game Respawn should have made in 2013. It's a fantastic sequel. It's a fluid shooter. It's a spectacular game." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Dishonored 2 -- 8/10
"Any time I'm given a choice between stealth and action, I go stealth. I love the hold-your-breath tension of hoping a guard didn't spot you and the hard-earned triumph of executing a perfectly timed plan. Dishonored 2 delivers that sneaky satisfaction, arming you with stealth essentials like hiding bodies, peering through keyholes, and silent takedowns. But it's also an incredible engine for gleeful chaos, one so engrossing and amusing that I kind of accidentally beat the entire campaign raining hilarious, elaborate death on my enemies." [read the full review] -- Scott Butterworth
Forza Horizon 3 -- 9/10
"With Forza Horizon 3, Turn 10 and Playground Games affirm the series' status as the driving game for everyone. The new emphasis on off-road options isn't at the expense of traditional races, thanks to the sheer volume of activities. All the while, Playground Games' calculated kitchen-sink design philosophy and rich reward system persistently tempt you to explore beyond your comfort zone, whether it's gifting your first Ariel Nomad buggy or reminding you that stunt races can impress thousands of fans. Enhancing your own brand might feel like a strange motivation to hit the road, but pulling off sick e-drifts on a mile-long series of curves makes the PR work worthwhile." [read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Inside -- 8/10
"This is a beautiful, haunting, and memorable game, a worthy follow-up to Limbo. Its puzzles, although rarely difficult, are engaging complements to the story. The real achievement of this game, though, is the way that it crafts its narrative: detailed environments convey the bizarre world that you travel through; introspective moments are filled with minimalist sound design and just the barest touches of music; and the things you must do to complete your journey force you to confront the realities of humanity, freedom, and existence." [read the full review] -- Alex Newhouse
Dark Souls III -- 8/10
"Dark Souls III is a game of valleys and peaks, down through dungeons and up over castle walls. It's a plummet into places we shouldn't be--an escape from places we don't belong. But of course, we fight our way through the darkness, and find our way out. There are a few stumbles along the way, but in the end, Dark Souls III is well worth the riveting climb." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt -- 10/10
"Where the Witcher 2 sputtered to a halt, The Witcher 3 is always in a crescendo, crafting battle scenarios that constantly one-up the last, until you reach the explosive finale and recover in the glow of the game's quiet denouement. But while the grand clashes are captivating, it is the moments between conflicts, when you drink with the local clans and bask in a trobairitz's song, that are truly inspiring." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Halo 5: Guardians -- 8/10
"Halo 5: Guardians is fueled by new ideas and propelled by some of the boldest changes to this storied franchise yet. Some of these changes fail, but others succeed, and although Halo 5 falters at times, it whisks us through black holes and across war torn tropical islands at a rapid pace. We can only surrender to its velocity." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Rise of the Tomb Raider -- 9/10
"Rise of the Tomb Raider's first shot pans over the vast, foreboding landscape we'll soon come to know. In many ways, it functions as a promise on the part of Crystal Dynamics: there are big things ahead of us. And at the end of Lara's journey, after we've seen her through this adventure, and experienced everything the world has to offer, it's clear that promise was kept." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Ori and the Blind Forest -- 9/10
"It consistently surprises you with new tricks: gravitational divergences, new ways to move through its spaces, and carefully designed levels that require you to think quickly and respond. It is not as snappy as, say, a typical Mario platformer, seeking instead a broader gameplay arc stretching across a single, interconnected world. It's a superb and thematically consistent approach that allows Ori and the Blind Forest to build joy on a bed of heartache, adding a new layer of mechanical complexity with each ray of hope." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain -- 10/10
"There has never been a game in the series with such depth to its gameplay, or so much volume in content. The best elements from the past games are here, and the new open-world gameplay adds more to love on top. When it comes to storytelling, there has never been a Metal Gear game that's so consistent in tone, daring in subject matter, and so captivating in presentation. The Phantom Pain may be a contender for one of the best action games ever made, but is undoubtedly the best Metal Gear game there is." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Fallout 4 -- 9/10
"Fallout 4 is an engrossing game that lures you in with mystery and the promise of adventure. Its wretched wasteland can be captivating, and you never know what odd person or settlement lies around the next bend. Fallout 4 uses its dark world as a canvas for exciting combat and gripping stories, and when you dig deeper into its post-nuclear-apocalypse version of Boston--defending yourself from violent scavengers and using your wits to climb social ladders--you become attached to the new you, and ultimately invested in the fate of your new world." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor -- 8/10
"This is a great game in its own right, narratively disjointed but mechanically sound, made up of excellent parts pieced together in excellent ways. I already knew what future lay in store for Middle-earth as I played Shadow of Mordor; I'm hoping that my own future might one day bring another Lord of the Rings adventure as stirring as this one." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Dragon Age: Inquisition -- 9/10
"Inquisition's characters and world recall the grand gestures of the original Dragon Age, even though the game as a whole is so structurally different to its predecessors. It offers the thrill of discovery and the passion of camaraderie. It features a glee club called The Sing-Quisition, and a dwarf with writer's block. It establishes connections with its world in big ways and small, with the sight of a titanous temple and the smirk of an Orlesian commander in love. Dragon Age: Inquisition is a wonderful game and a lengthy pilgrimage to a magical world with vital thematic ties to one we already know." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition -- 8/10
"Lara herself is so well crafted that I grew attached to her exploits and was sad to say goodbye when the credits rolled. And the exquisite visual design is so breathtaking that I continually found myself staring at the scenery instead of pushing onward. Tomb Raider is a great reinvention of this enduring franchise that made me eager to see where Lara goes in her future." [read the full review] -- Tom McShea
Forza Motorsport 5 -- 9/10
"All of this combined makes Forza Motorsport 5 an outstanding improvement to an already excellent racing franchise. It's far more than just a great racing sim, or a gorgeous showcase for the types of feats the Xbox One hardware is capable of. This is a game built on the romantic thrill of motorsport in all its forms, and that love for its subject matter is all but impossible to resist." [read the full review] -- Shaun McInnis
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag -- 9/10
"There's an incredible scope to what you can do in Black Flag, with a level of harmony between its component parts that encourages you to try it all, and a story that keeps you invested throughout the whole thing. If there was ever any question that Assassin's Creed needed something ambitious to get the series back on track, Black Flag is that game and then some." [read the full review] -- Shaun McInnis
By Array on Sep 21, 2018 09:34 pm
With the release of Marvel's Spider-Man, Insomniac Games has proven that it was the right studio for the job. And you can tell as you play it: Insomniac displays an intimate understanding of the character through the story, as well as the combat and web-slinging mechanics. It's not often that a studio gets a superhero game right, but when it does, it's fantasy wish-fulfilment of the highest order. But all of this joy for Spider-Man has us eager for the next big game that'll do justice to another iconic comic book superhero. Marvel Games has acknowledged several times in the past that it's always looking for new studios to partner with to adapt its properties into games, and with the success of Spider-Man, it's probably looking to do more. And we're sure the owners of other big superhero properties are likely doing the same. Naturally, this has us thinking about all the superhero games that we want and the studios we'd love to make them. After all, there are hundreds of comic book characters out there who deserve games, but have yet to get one that does them justice. We've compiled our ideas, and we'll admit that the folks in our office have a bit of a bias towards Marvel, but you'll find a few surprise concepts based on obscure superheroes as you click ahead. In the meantime, which game studio would you put in charge of your favorite superhero? Let us know in the comments below!
Wolverine Game By The Yakuza Developers
Wolverine has had a rather mixed offering of games over the years. While some have come close to capturing the spirit of this scrappy mutant, many attempts have fallen flat. As a Wolverine fan, I'd like to see a game based on my favorite story featuring the character, his first mini-series written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Frank Miller. Set in Japan, the series revolves around Wolverine fighting to reclaim his honor after being humiliated by the criminal father of his beloved, Mariko Yashida. Wolverine often gets criticized for being a one-dimensional character, but Claremont's decision to compare him to a ronin gave him more nuance and depth. If it's one thing that every Wolverine game has failed to do, it's placing the character in a high-stakes emotional story. After all, there isn't much that can pose a meaningful threat to Wolverine due to his self-healing ability and adamantium claws. In fact, most Wolverine games have lacked self-awareness for how cheesy and overpowered he is. If there's one studio that's great at handling serious melodrama with cheesy, over-the-top violence, it's the studio behind the cult favorite Yakuza series. So, who better to handle a Wolverine game than them? I can easily see the Yakuza devs taking what made that Wolverine mini-series so good and pushing it into entirely new directions. It wouldn't be too tough for them to adapt the character either, given the fact Wolverine speaks fluent Japanese and could easily fit into the worlds they typically create. With the Yakuza studio's upcoming Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, it certainly seems like they're interested in making games based on popular intellectual properties. It would be an unusual and unorthodox move for Marvel to tap on the studio to make a Wolverine game, but it's one that I think would fit the character the best. -- Matt Espineli
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl By Double Fine
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is hands down, one of Marvel's finest books right now. Penned by Ryan North of Dinosaur Comics, it's genuinely and consistently funny, filled with heart and wholesome lessons to be learned. Squirrel Girl is more than a capable fighter (she's canonically beaten up the entire Marvel Universe, after all) but her typical course of action when it comes to stopping villains is just like, talking and empathizing with them, explaining situations and causing them to see the error of their ways. She's befriended Galactus, Kraven, Loki, Hydra robot Brain Drain, and even dated a Sentinel. Her alter ego, Doreen Green, is also an incredibly capable computer science student, a skill which comes in hand for world-saving situations more often than you'd think--she taught Count Nefaria how to count to ten on one hand using binary language, for gosh sakes. The character's propensity for comedy, conversation, and off-the-wall situations would be perfect for an adventure born from Tim Schafer and his team at Double Fine, whose games always have a strong sense of levity and charm no matter what the genre, and permeate throughout everything--from the dialogue, to the world, to flavour text. Some Pikmin-like squirrel management comes to mind as a nice mechanic, but honestly, a narrative adventure game with branching paths would be perfect for the style of heroism that Squirrel Girl succeeds at (it's also a proven formula! Check out the choose-your-own-adventure issue of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #7). -- Edmond Tran
Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) By Keita Takahashi
Kamala Khan is one of Marvel's most interesting contemporary heroes. As a Pakistani-American teen based in Jersey City, her inherent life situation gives her enough problems. But after getting hit with the Terrigen Mist and getting inhuman powers, she assumes the former mantle of her idol, Captain Marvel, and things get even more complicated in the way only the best teenage superhero stories can. But more importantly, her skills revolve around her ability to EMBIGGEN! That is, growing, shrinking, and stretching her body in all sorts of manners to physically overwhelm her foes. You know who's made some great games about growing, shrinking, and stretching? Keita Takahashi of Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby fame. That's the link. That's all I've got. I'm sure it'll be good. Marvel, I'll text you my bank details. -- Edmond Tran
Marvel: Civil War By NetherRealm Studios
While the issue of an overall lack of quality Marvel games is the real crime here, it's hard to believe that with the amount of Marvel characters in the MCU alone, no one has stepped up to create a mano-a-mano fighter for modern consoles. You wouldn't even need to think of an excuse or a new storyline for pitting all these characters against each other, because Marvel already has one! The Civil War storyline from the films, while impactful in its own universe, was nothing compared to the ripple effect the original series had to Marvel Comics as a whole. While I can appreciate the absurdity and campiness of a game like Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite, imagine the narrative quality of the writing and cinematic cutscenes of Injustice, paired with the Civil War storyline which has yet to be faithfully recreated in popular entertainment (I'm looking at you, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2). And that's before I've even brought up the fighting mechanics the studio is renowned for! With Disney ever present in licensing, I doubt we're ever going to see The Punisher perform a fatality, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to see a "Heroic Brutality" from Dr. Strange, or what Rocket Raccoon looks like after a "Babality". -- Nick Sherman
Judge Dredd By MachineGames
2012's Dredd, the movie starring Karl Urban, is one of my favorite action flicks, and when I'm not waiting impatiently on news of a follow-up, I'm thinking about how awesome a Judge Dredd game could be if handled by the right developer. I always thought Starbreeze Studios would be a great fit, with their history of creating immersive first-person shooters that make a point of putting you into that world. However, with many of their staff leaving and the studio transitioning into more of a publisher role, I'd have to go with the studio where some of those talented developers went: MachineGames, which has carried on the first-person legacy with the Wolfenstein series. The most recent Dredd movie is already structured like a video game. He deals with an easy-peesy crook, where we learn about his ability-changing, swiss-army-knife gun, The Lawgiver--let's call that the tutorial. We're then introduced to his new partner, a telepathic rookie, before going on to where the meat of the movie takes place: the crime-infested, slum tower of Peach Trees. Judge Dredd slowly makes his way up the tower as he fights junkies, crooks, and other baddies (sometimes in slow-motion, which yes, is explained in the story). All of this is prime material for a video game. MachineGames is known for its exhilarating first-person shooting that's housed with beautifully crafted cutscenes, compelling stories, and interesting characters. Dredd isn't the most complex character, but there are plenty of captivating moments, both humorous and earnest, in between the flying bullets--things the Wolfenstein games have excelled at. If anyone could make a Judge Dredd game with both the high-intensity action and engaging storytelling, it would absolutely be MachineGames. -- Mat Paget
Fantastic Four By Epic Games
The Fantastic Four were Marvel's first superhero team, and I don't need to explain how each member brings a unique set of powers to the table. But I do need to ask a question: how many Metroidvanias are based on the idea of switching characters? Rather than unlock, say, a grappling hook, you could instead rescue Mr. Fantastic and then use his stretching abilities to literally reach new parts of the map. Sue Storm could use her invisibility to sneak past guards and cameras. Now picture Epic Games' Shadow Complex, but instead of being set in a massive underground military base, it's an elaborate hideout in which Dr. Doom has trapped his nemeses. With each hero you rescue, you can access new parts of the hideout and complete various challenges. Remember the Sue Storm invisibility thing? Shadow Complex literally has cameras that lock doors if they spot you. If four characters feels limited, Epic could explore adding Fantastic Four-adjacent heroes to the game, like the Inhumans. The team has seen plenty of temporary members over the years too--even Spider-Man joined up at one point--so there are many possibilities for more heroes to unlock. -- Tony Wilson
Task Force X / Suicide Squad By BioWare
Task Force X is created and controlled by Amanda Waller, a ruthless government official who stops at nothing to keep America safe from foreign powers. The team performs secret black ops missions, and is usually entirely composed of the criminals that the Justice League puts away. Task Force X is nicknamed the Suicide Squad because the team's missions are always exceptionally dangerous and Waller inserts bombs into the necks of every squad member, so she can blow off the head of anyone who disobeys her. The convicts have no say in whether they accept a particular assignment or not, but each successful mission earns a year off the sentence of every surviving member. Let BioWare make a Suicide Squad game. You'd play the part of a soldier that Amanda assigns to watch the squad for her while in the field. You'd start out with Deadshot and Harley Quinn on your team, each of which would have their unique abilities that you'd direct them to use. Between missions, Waller would order you visit the cells of other criminals, like Captain Boomerang, Killer Frost, Enchantress, and Poison Ivy, to slowly build a larger team, similar to the Mass Effect games. The major caveat in this game would be building rapport with the criminals you'd recruit. You'd need to talk to them between missions, and then plan accordingly based on what you learned. Forcing June Moone to become Enchantress again and again might ultimately drive her to depression and suicidal thoughts. Refusing to deliver Deadshot's letters to his daughter might foster a dangerous resentment that ends with him betraying you. If any convicts get too out of line, then Waller will kill them and you'll lose that squadmate forever. -- Jordan Ramee
Star Power By Hello Games
After spying a strange star, astronomer Danica Maris is gifted with super powers that allow her to transform into Star Power, a Star Powered Sentinel. Danica is a brilliant scientist and creative problem solver, and as Star Power she can fly, breathe in space, and travel at near light speed. She also has enhanced strength and durability, as well as a sentient computerized assistant--that she nicknames Mitch--who helps her decipher alien languages and navigate between different solar systems. Hello Games could create an incredible Star Power video game. Although Danica does occasionally kick some major butt, she's an explorer first so she doesn't necessarily need something as combat heavy as an action-RPG. Danica would rather use her powers to see the galaxy and figure out the mystery behind the disappearance of the other Star Powered Sentinels. Star Power the game wouldn't need as many planets as No Man's Sky, and Hello Games could use those extra resources to craft a few more challenging puzzles that you'd need to solve as you explored. You'd fly around from planet to planet, needing to replenish your star energy to make longer jumps to other systems. The game would never tell you where you'd need to go next, and instead hint at a destination you'd need to find. You'd have the power to punch through an asteroid or blast a hole in a mountain, but you'd need to restrain yourself from acting out on the people you'd meet. You're a symbol of hope and peace after all. Hello Games could throw in some humorous radio conversations between Danica and her friends--like Shi, Grex, and Kaylo--and add a few aerial dog fights with Danica's enemies--like Black Hole Bill and the Void Angels--to create a little variety to space travel. -- Jordan Ramee
Captain America By Naughty Dog
It's quite an achievement that Marvel Studios has been able to make Captain America one of the most likable superheroes in its roster. After all, the character has often been seen as a boy scout by mainstream media due to his WWII-era roots. Across all Marvel Studios' output, Cap's films rank among its most universally praised, offering a slick display of drama, action, and political intrigue. Given Captain America's more recent popularity, a game starring the super soldier would be a no brainer, but who could Marvel get to handle his rich history of story arcs and characters? Naughty Dog would be the best fit for Cap. Given their expertise in storytelling, the studio definitely has the chops to adhere to the quality of Cap's cinematic offerings, while also being able to formulate their own message with the character. In the comics, Cap's stories tends to fall more on the serious side, often dealing with political thriller plots that are packed with intriguing espionage and superhero action. Underlying the comic book heroism are themes that offer grander critiques on contemporary politics and world issues. But the best Cap stories have focused on his inner struggles with his place in the world, as well his responsibilities as a soldier. He often has to make tough decisions, some of which aren't the most heroic. Naughty Dog are masters of characterization, so they'd easily be at home with the more complex issues that Cap faces. At the same time, there's a goofier James Bond-like super spy side to Cap that Naughty Dog could adapt well given its work on the more light-hearted Uncharted series. Imagine what one of their over-the-top action set pieces would look like if they had Cap's eccentric supervillains and all the ricocheting antics of his vibranium shield. It would be amazing! And their penchant for great feeling gameplay mechanics would surely bode well for the biggest challenge of making a Captain America game: shield combat mechanics. As a huge Captain America fan, it would be a dream for Marvel and Naughty Dog to make a superhero game based on him. Heck, a Captain America game in general that hits all the notes the movies do and more would be a dream come true. But let's be real, what I really want is this game's sequel: a Bucky Cap/Winter Soldier game. Make it happen, Marvel! -- Matt Espineli
By Matt Espineli on Sep 21, 2018 09:30 pm
When you first jump into Marvel's Spider-Man, you're likely going to be taken aback by the complexities of its combat and web-swinging. Developer Insomniac has done a great job at making each system an interesting one that allows you to be creative while also expressing yourself as a player. While web-swinging will undoubtedly be easier to pick up, you're likely going to run into some issues properly executing the right combat moves during the right situations in a fight. There's a lot to the mechanics at work and it might catch you off guard, especially if you're more accustomed to the systems of other superhero games. Spider-Man is a much more agile and acrobatic character to play as than, say, Batman from the Arkham games. So, if you're thrown off by that, don't worry: we were too. But with enough practice, you can embrace and learn all the skills and abilities that Spider-Man has to offer and more. To help prepare you for the challenges ahead, we've compiled 11 tips you should know before starting Spider-Man. In this feature, we outline the best practices in combat, the types of skills you should prioritize unlocking in the game's skill tree, and other habits you should follow in order to come out successful. Spider-Man releases on September 7 on PS4. GameSpot reviewer Edmond Tran said the game is "a superior Spider-Man experience that leaves a lasting impression." You can read more in our full review. As the day goes on, look out for our in-depth guide highlighting the best skills, as well as our feature about the coolest best mods and suits mods in the game. And if you're loving what you're playing, you're in luck. The game's first DLC expansion is set to launch on October 23. In the meantime, were there any Spider-Man tips you have that you don't see here? Let us know about them in the comments below.
Repair The Security Towers ASAP
This might seem a given, but the sooner you can repair all of the Oscorp security towers, the better. Otherwise, you're going to be staring at a completely fuzzed out map for a decent chunk of the game. An effective crimefighter needs to have full awareness of their environment, so make repairing the police towers the first thing you do.
Practice The Basics of Combat
While web-swinging is pretty easy to understand and execute, combat takes a while to wrap your head around. Spider-Man has a pretty wide range of attacks and dodges at the start of the game that require quick reflexes to properly execute. Some moves are situational, but others have to be linked together with another move to be effective. For example, the Air Launcher (Hold square) can be combined with Yank Down (Hold triangle) for a powerful slam attack to the ground that knocks back nearby enemies. Take time to study the move list menu to watch footage of what each one does and the types of situations they're most useful in. It's best not to button mash, as later you'll acquire upgrades that reward perfectly-timed hits and dodges. If you're looking for a great venue to practice, then seek out Thug Crimes and Fisk Hideouts; there are plenty of enemies there you can test your skills against. Mastering the basics puts you in good shape for when you start unlocking gadgets and suit upgrades, which require intimate understanding of Spider-Man's repertoire to find the most powerful combinations (More on that later).
Unlock Enemy-Focused Combat Skills
Your early runnings as Spider-Man can be a bit tough when fighting against brutes and enemies equipped with shields or firearms, as they can easily fluster and overpower you if you're not careful. To help shift the odds in your favor, it's a good idea to unlock combat skills focused on hurting the different enemy types. Do you hate it when shielded enemies knock you back? Bunker Buster allows you to do the same to them and even launch them off buildings. Are you powerless to the Brute's constant pummeling? Wrecking Ball allows you to grab these meatheads and spin throw them, hurting surrounding enemies in the process. These enemy-focused skills tend to be a bit higher up on their respective skill trees, but they're well worth getting. After all, nothing is more satisfying than dismantling the tactics of the bad guys and showing them what's what.
Web Slinging Skills Are Essential and Cool
While combat skills and defensive maneuvers are essential aspects of your repertoire, there really isn't anything more essential to the Spider-Man Experience™ than web-slinging. So if you're into that kind of thing, we would recommend diving straight into that particular skill tree first. You'll earn some very useful abilities to help you traverse the city more efficiently and make the opening hours of the game much more invigorating. Aim to get the Point Launch, Quick Recovery, and Charge Jump as soon as possible, and you'll be flying through the city in record time.
Don't Forget To Craft Suit Powers And Mods
It can be easy to get lost in the action of Spider-Man's exploits and the ensuing drama of his double life--so much so that you neglect to upgrade his suit's capabilities. There's a wealth of equippable suit mods that each grant you special combat capabilities, like slow down time after a perfect dodge, instantly shock enemies who hit you, or generate Gadget refills after performing Finishers. And suits are more than just cosmetic unlockables, they actually give you access to special suit powers that can you equip no matter which suit you wear. These powers give Spider-Man special attributes, like bulletproof armor or the ability to throw enemies without having to web them up. All of these upgrades will be completely lost on you if you ignore them or simply stick to the ones assigned to you during the game's tutorial. Take advantage of suit powers and mods to enhance your Spidey tactics and abilities, but just make sure to check in every once in a while to see what you've unlocked for upgrade.
Diversify Your Side Activities
As you complete side activities and nab more of the game's myriad collectables, you'll earn special tokens used to upgrade Spider-Man's gadgets and craft new suit mods and powers. These upgrades require all manner of tokens to unlock, so when you're out in the world, try to diversify the types of activities you do. This way you'll always be racking in enough tokens to unlock the best Spider-Man's arsenal has to offer. When you hover over an activity on the map screen, it'll tell you the type of tokens you'll be rewarded, as well as how many you'll get. Some activities can even be repeated for additional token rewards. As a crimefighter, you'll want to keep yourself preoccupied, but try to avoid doing the same thing over and over.
Build A One Man Army: Be Creative
As Uncle Ben once said, with new suits, comes new suit powers. Or something like that. Our memory is a bit hazy. But by combining Suit powers with your gadgets, along with the three Suit Mod slots, you're able to create some spectacular combos. For example, if you're fighting a bunch of goons, you could shoot a loaded-up Web Bomb, then let out an ear-splitting solo with the Rock Out power to send them all flying. Maybe you want to take to the skies and pair the suspension matrix with low gravity for some serious hangtime. Or you could just let your robots to do the dirty work for you: use the Spider Drone and Spider Bro for a tag team takedown. Spider-Man's combat is all about creatively combining the effects of your gadgets, suit powers, and suit mods together for disastrous results. Be a responsible crime fighter and take time to mix n' match to see what works best. That's how Uncle Ben would've wanted it. You don't want to let him down, do you?
Ground Floor
As much fun as it is to swing through the city, there's still a whole world out there on the sidewalks to New York to explore, so take some time out of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Manning to appreciate the details on the ground floor. Give people high fives! Eavesdrop on the chatter! Check out the iconic New York City landmarks! Read the Daily Bugle! And sometimes, folks on the street might inform you about nearby crimes in the area.
Stop The Crime, Or Pay With Time
If you're a completionist and can't possibly imagine yourself NOT getting all of Spider-Man's spiffy new suits, then you're going to want to listen up. In order to unlock the final outfit (which we won't spoil here), you'll need to complete each of Manhattan's nine districts. That means finishing every single side quest, completing all the activities, and finding every collectible. This is why we cannot emphasize enough: do not skip crime activities. If you see a red exclamation icon pop up on your mini-map, make that your top priority. You'll want to complete as many as you can over the course of the main story, otherwise you're going to be spending a whole lot of time wandering the streets, searching for thugs to beat up. See a crime happening? Take 'em down. That's the Spidey way.
Seek Out Challenges
Later on, you'll come across stations that allow you to take on challenges. They might be combat or stealth focused or might have you chasing a drone across the city rooftops. Make sure not to skip these, as they'll reward you valuable tokens needed to acquire high-level upgrades for your gadgets and suit powers, especially when you break the high score record.
You Never Know What Nerdy Stuff You Might Find
Spider-Man is deeply entrenched in the character's extensive lore. As you advance the game's story, you'll notice a variety of references to the comics and movies. But if you take time to explore and look more closely at Insomniac's take on Spider-Man's Manhattan, you'll discover an abundance of Marvel references scattered all around. For example, there are several landmarks that are direct nods to famous Marvel characters and organizations. When you're not out fighting crime, be sure to set aside time to search for these references. It may not benefit your progression directly, but it's well worth doing--if only to be in awe of all the little details packed into the world.
By Matt Espineli on Sep 21, 2018 09:29 pm
Despite having its own unique interpretation of the web-slinger's established world, Insomniac's Spider-Man is deeply entrenched in Marvel's expansive lore. The game makes reference to several characters and entities from the comics and movies, which includes mentions of the Avengers, Damage Control, Crusher Hogan, and a lot more. If you're an avid comic book reader or even a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you're likely to catch onto these subtle nods and details. But if you're among the many who love the character but may not be familiar with the more obscure facets of his world and those inhabit it, these references might swing over your head. During our time spent playing the game, we discovered a wealth of references and easter eggs that we'd be remiss not to share. With so many clever details to notice and discover in Spider-Man's bustling world, we've highlighted the most fascinating Easter eggs and Marvel references. There's a lot of late game story details present in this feature, so if you haven't beaten the game, we recommend you bookmark this page and return once you've cleared the game. If that doesn't bother you, feel free to click ahead. Spider-Man is out now and it's a fantastic game that exudes passion for the character at every turn. For our full thoughts on the game, be sure to read our review. You can also check out our guides detailing all the tips we wish we knew before starting the game, as well as our in-depth skills guide. And if you're loving what you're playing, you're in luck. The game's first DLC expansion is set to launch on October 23. In the meantime, were there any Spider-Man or Marvel Easter eggs you discovered that you don't see here? Feel free to let us know about them in the comments below.
Famous Landmarks
There's a ton of landmarks in Insomniac's take of Manhattan. Some are real--like Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building--but others not so much. After all, this isn't our Manhattan, it's Marvel's version of the famous real-life burrough. As one of Marvel's central superhero (and supervillain) hubs, there are a ton of iconic locations packed in that Marvel fans will recognize. The first major one folks will notice is likely the Avengers Tower located in the Upper East Side district, but there's so much more scattered around! You can find the Wakanda Embassy in the Midtown district; Peter will make a comment about King T'challa aka Black Panther, wondering if he was bitten by a radioactive panther in order to get his powers. Dr. Strange's home--the Sanctum Sanctorum--is located exactly where it should be in Greenwich Village. And there's even some deeper, like Damage Control HQ, an organization specializing in cleaning up the wreckage of superhero fights. And The Bar With No Name, which is a hidden speakeasy where supervillains can drink and relax in peace. Spider-Man is littered with Marvel landmarks. We're only scratching the surface here, so we highly encourage you to explore and see the rest for yourself!
Mr. Phillip Chang
One of the side-missions has you helping out a fella named Phillip Chang, an ESU student who has you looking for his missing classmates. He's a resourceful guy, having developed advanced facial recognition technology that allows him to track down people via their social media feeds. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit creepy, but it helped Spidey save the day. Anyway, Phillip Chang is actually a character from the comics; though, his origins are much different. Peter attended university with Chang and they were even labmates for a time. He was a pivotal character in a story arc involving a deadly gang known as the Tiger's Claw. In his teenage years, Chang lived a troubled life, becoming involved with an underworld organization in China. However, he renounced his ways when the effects of his criminal dealings tragically took the lives of his parents. Chang then moved to the U.S., attending college at ESU where he met Peter Parker. But this peace was soon disturbed by the Tiger's Claw, who noticed Chang's impressive fighting ability and wished to make him their leader. Of course, Chang was reluctant and refused, but this triggered a series of events that ended with Spider-Man saving Chang from the clutches of the Tiger's Claw.
Otto's AIM Contract
After losing their support from the grant committee and having all their resources revoked from them by Norman Osborn, Otto calls in some favors and takes on a few grants in order to fund his research. One of the funding partners should be instantly recognizable to Marvel fans. If you examine some of the new equipment in the lab, you'll discover paperwork detailing a grant from A.I.M. aka Advanced Idea Mechanics. Peter remarks that their reputation is a tad shady, which is a bit of an understatement if we're talking about the very same organization from the comics. A.I.M. is a privately funded organization of terrorist arms dealers and scientists whose sole mission is to overthrow the governments of the world through the use of technology and scientific advancement. Their list of clientele and allies includes big-name supervillains, like Red Skull, Hydra, General Thunderbolt Ross, and the Serpent Society--which is an enterprise of criminals and mercenaries dressed as snakes. So yeah, pretty shady.
The Taskmaster
About halfway through the game you'll run into a shadowy figure who challenges you to complete some difficult tasks involving beating/sneaking up on goons, disarming bombs, and chasing drones. This menacing foe is none other than Taskmaster, a supervillain who battles Spider-Man every once in a while in the comics. Though, he has also made appearances in the comics of The Avengers, Deadpool, Daredevil, and more. Fighting game fans will likely recognize this skull-faced mercenary, as he was featured several years ago in the roster of Marvel vs. Capcom 3. As you complete Taskmaster's challenges, you'll start to learn that he has what's called "photographic reflexes," which allows him to duplicate almost any physical activity he sees by simply seeing it performed once. It's literally the reason why he's setup these challenges throughout Manhattan; he wants to take you down by learning your every move. What a creep!
Screwball
In the side-mission, Internet Famous, you get wrapped up in an internet challenge that takes a turn for the worse. After scanning a QR code, you're forced to complete combat and puzzle trials under a strict time limit in order to reveal the location of a kidnapping victim. The individual forcing you to do all this is a social media personality known as Screwball, who is only trying to take advantage of your involvement with the challenge to wrack up more subscribers. Screwball definitely has some screws loose, that's for sure. Her whole shtick is the same in the comics, committing crimes while a camera crew films her and then uploading the footage on YouTube to earn money. She makes it a point to get Spider-Man in the footage, as she acknowledges that her internet hits are even better with him around. It's worth noting that Screwball was first introduced in 2008 right around the early years of YouTube; her antics are more relevant now than ever before.
Spider-Man 2 Reference
During the latter half of the game, Spider-Man needs to make a quick save in order to stop a speeding subway train after dispatching Mr. Negative. His first attempt should be a familiar one to Spider-Man fans, as it's the same method that he used to save a subway train in Spider-Man 2. The game makes a very clear nod to this, even going as far as to having Spider-Man say "That totally worked the first time!" when it inevitably fails. Nice one, Insomniac, we see watchu doin'.
Backpack Collectibles
The game's 55 backpacks are more than just mindless collectibles you grab to upgrade Spider-Man's abilities. They each represent and inform a little about Peter Parker's life and history as a superhero. For example, you can find the last pair of glasses Peter used before he got his powers and even his Mk I web shooters! But there's a lot of other fascinating references and tidbits in-between, like a business card for Daredevil's law practice, and vials containing the blood of The Lizard and the sand of..well, Sandman--both are iconic supervillains from the comics. There's even a lovely nod to the past with the Arm Web collectible, which Peter comments he tried to use to glide short distances, but never worked. This Arm Web is an iconic aspect of Spider-Man's early designs in the comic books by artist Steve Ditko, who often drew the character with these underarm webs for aesthetic purposes. The references don't stop at characters and in-universe lore, though. There's a pin for the Spidey Squad, a real-life Spider-Man fan club. Peter acknowledges their presence in-game as his one and only fan club who always supports him when J. Jonah Jameson attempts to attack his reputation. The backpack collectibles are rich with narrative details that reference both Spider-Man and Marvel history. Don't hesitate to grab them in your travels!
Yuri Watanabe's Potential Secret
Yuri Watanabe is one of your closest allies in the game. As you'd expect, she exists in the comics, but she has a much more fascinating alter ego that's not yet confirmed to exist in this game's universe. In a similar vein, Yuri is an NYPD captain and ally of Spider-Man, but at night she acts as a ghostly vigilante known as the Wraith. She's technically the fourth person to take on the mantle of Wraith, but we won't go too hard on the specifics of the history of that. What matters is that there exists a possibility that this version of Yuri could very well become the Wraith. But will it happen? Time will tell.
The Black Cat
As you'll gather, the stakeout side activity centers around a thief named Black Cat, who is alluded to have quite the history with Spider-Man. In the comics, Black-Cat is a major character. She started out as a supervillain to Spider-Man, but this ended when the two eventually fell in love. Acting as on-again, off-again romantic partners, the couple worked together on several occasions to fight crime. However, the relationship inevitably ended when Black Cat eventually fell back into her thieving ways. Black Cat is considered one of Spider-Man's most trusted allies. However, at this point in the game's universe, she appears to be going through that same lapse she experienced in the comics. Though, were they romantic partners in this universe? That much remains unsaid. We imagine these stakeouts are a teaser for the upcoming Spider-Man DLC, titled The Heist, where Black Cat is to be prominently featured.
Dr. Morgan Michaels
In your quest to stop the "Devil's Breath" attack, you meet an Oscorp biochemist by the name of Dr. Morgan Michaels. Aside from showing remorse for his actions, you don't get much more out of him. However, this scientist is a lot more in the Marvel universe. In the comics, Michaels is better known as Morbius the Living Vampire. That's right, a vampire. A brilliant scientist, Michaels suffered from a rare blood disease, which he attempted to solve with an experimental treatment involving vampire bats and electroshocks. Of course, this didn't work out, instead instilling in him a thirst for blood and an intense aversion to sunlight. The resulting shift in his physiology rendered him into an unstable creature of the night. He would go on to fight Spider-Man a few times, but would ultimately become an anti-hero who preys on the blood of criminals.
Those Spider-Suits!
You unlock a multitude of suits as you progress through the story. A few of them are canonical to the story, but the others are all based on Spider-Man suits from the comics and movies. Some standouts include the Stark Suit from Spider-Man: Homecoming; the Scarlet Spider suit from the infamous Clone Saga arc; and the Spirit Spider suit, which is based on an alternate-universe version of Spider-Man who returns from the dead with supernatural abilities. For the full rundown on where each Spider-Man is from, check out our feature highlighting each one and their background.
By Array on Sep 21, 2018 09:29 pm
Classic Suit (Damaged)
Spider-Man on PS4 has finally arrived and the word is in: the game is practically every bit the superhero simulator we were hoping for. Insomniac Games nailed the traversal, which effectively means that every moment in the game makes you feel like Spider-Man. The dramatic camera angles, the sense of speed, and the characterization of Spidey are easy qualities to love. The sheer number of unlockables also ensures that you're never far away from a new look or skill to add to your Spider-Man fantasy. In this feature, we are going to take a look at every suit that you can earn while leveling up and completing challenges, as well their relevant reference points and suit powers. If you're still early in the game, beware: you will be spoiled if you continue through the gallery. That said, you can also check out our beginner guides for the game, including a look at the best skills to prioritize in your unlock tree, and useful tips to keep in mind as you start off. But if you're here for suits and have no interest in our advice, read on. The first suit we're going to look at is the one you wear at the start of the game, the classic Spider-Man suit, although it's quickly in need of repairs after the opening missions. This kicks off the beginning of a series of upgrades, all thanks to your unlikely patron, Otto Octavius.
Advanced Suit
The Advanced Suit is the first new suit that you unlock, and was designed exclusively for the game by Insomniac. Its suit power, Battle Focus, allows you to generate a charge that can be used to either heal yourself or use powerful finishing moves.
Classic Suit (Repaired)
Once you get your Classic Suit back, it comes with the suit power, Web Blossom. Trigger it to watch Spider-Man leap in the air and spray webbing on almost everything in his immediate surroundings.
Noir Suit
This suit, inspired by 2009's Spider-Man Noir comic-book run, looks cool and grants you an effective suit power. With Sound of Silence activated, enemies that become alerted to your presence will refrain from calling backup.
Scarlet Spider Suit
The origins of this particular suit are a bit unusual. It's the suit of Ben Reilly--a mysterious clone of Peter Parker--who at one point fought crime in Manhattan alongside Spider-Man during the events of infamous comic book arc, The Clone Saga. Its suit power, Holo Decoy, spawns figments of Spider-Man as he moves for a short period of time, and enemies that attack them will wind up stunned as a result.
Spider Armor MK II
This black and yellow suit was designed back in 2011 to help protect Spider-Man from gunfire, and that's exactly what it does when you activate the Bullet Proof suit power.
Secret War Suit
This suit is in reference to the 2004 Secret War comics, and its suit power is one of the most effective in the game. Trigger the Arms Race power to emit an EMP blast that stuns every enemy within a short range, freeing yourself from a swarm of bad guys and opening them up to attack.
Stark Suit
This suit made its debut in the 2016 Captain America: Civil War film and has since appeared in subsequent Marvel films: Spider-Man: Homecoming and Avengers: Infinity War. Its suit power is the Spider-Bro, a mechanical friend that can zap enemies during combat to make them drop their guard.
Negative Suit
The Negative Suit is designed to mimic the game's major villain, Mr. Negative. In addition to its unusual look, its suit power emits a devastating shockwave of negative energy.
Electrically Insulated Suit
This lightly padded suit debuted in issue #425 of The Amazing Spider-Man in 1997 when Spider-Man and the X-Men fought Electro. Activating its Electric Punch suit power charges your fists with electricity and lets you stun enemies on impact.
Spider-Punk Suit
Rock Out to blast enemies with a wave of "righteous sound" with the Spider-Punk's suit power, or simply enjoy his unorthodox superhero costume. Spider-Punk first appeared in comics in 2015, and is the alter ego of an alternate-universe version Hobie Brown aka The Prowler.
Wrestler Suit
Throwing enemies into other enemies is one of the great joys during combat in Spider-Man, and the King of the Ring suit power granted to you by the Wrestler Suit allows you to snag bad guys without having to web them up first. It seems to be the game's version of the wrestling gear Spider-Man wore on the night Uncle Ben was murdered.
Fear Itself Suit
If you just want to punch villains really hard and not bother with a lot of footwork during a fight, using the Fear Itself's suit power, Quad Damage, is the way to go. The suit itself is based on Spider-Man's appearance from the Marvel crossover Fear Itself, which ran in 2011. The outfit has Spider-Man sporting bracelets made from Asgardian uru, the same magical metal used to create Thor's hammer.
Stealth ("Big Time") Suit
This black and green suit gives you a power that, when activated, makes you invisible to non-alerted enemies. This is a popular suit that's appeared in a lot of games since its comic debut in 2010. In the comics, Peter developed the suit using new technology he created from his job at Horizon Labs. It's closely associated by fans with the "Big Time" storylines.
Spider Armor Mk III
If you recall what the previous Spider Armor Mk model did, then it makes perfect sense that this suit takes bullet proofing one step further. Though it won't work for sniper fire, every other incoming bullet will bounce right off of this suit and fire back at the shooter when you activate the Titanium Alloy Plates suit power. In the comics, the Spider Armor Mk III was developed by Peter as a last resort suit to combat the Sinister Six. How fitting given its power and armored appearance.
Spider-Man 2099 Black
Spider-Man 2099 was a popular 1992 comic series that jumped ahead in time and presented a new hero behind the mask, Miguel O'Hara. The Low Gravity suit power associated with it increases your hang-time while activated.
Iron Spider Suit
The Iron Spider suits is one of the coolest in the game. It looks awesome, and comes with a suit power that causes metallic arms to rise from Spider-Man's back and attack nearby enemies. Though the original Iron Spider suit debuted back in 2006, this version was popularized in Avengers: Infinity War.
Velocity Suit
If you have a need for speed, this Velocity Suit's power Blitz will make you spring away from danger faster in combat, and send enemies flying farther than usual based on your momentum. The suit was designed specifically for the game by artist Adi Granov, who is known more famously for his art in the classic Iron Man: Extremis storyline.
Spider Armor Mk IV
This Spider Armor Mk series returns to a sleeker look for the fourth model. Its suit power can generate a temporary forcefield that protects you from all incoming damage. In the comics, the suit was created by Peter for his friend, Hobie Brown, to use in order to impersonate him. There's more to that story, but we'll spare you the details. Comics amirite?
Spirit Spider Suit
And now for something completely different. This out-there suit is based on a 2011 comic that more or less resulted in Peter Parker becoming infused with the power of the damned. This manifests itself when you use the Spirit Fire suit power, which sets enemies ablaze with mysterious blue flames.
Spider-Man 2099 White Suit
The alternate Spider-Man 2099 suit has a very useful suit power, Concussive Blast, that can send enemies flying off of buildings, making them easy one-hit-kill targets. The suit itself is the second one that O'Hara wears and it was designed by Peter during the All-New, All-Different Spider-Man arc.
Vintage Comic Book Suit
This understated suit is still rather impressive given how its rendered with a cel-shaded visual style that makes it pop. As an homage to its roots in classic Spider-Man comics, its suit power causes Spider-Man to release a series of bad jokes and one-liners that are so cringeworthy that they effectively stun nearby enemies.
Last Stand Suit
This leather-clad suit comes late in the game, which is probably for the better given how impactful its suit power can be. Using Unrelenting Fury prevents enemies, even those with shields, from blocking your attacks. This suit is a reference to a short-lived look at an alternate-future Peter Parker that appeared in 2003.
Undies
More Peter Parker than Spider-Man, swinging and kicking around in your underwear is a thing you can do if you need a laugh, but the suit power you get when you unlock this suit is no laughing matter: activate Equalizer to take out enemies with a single blow, but watch out as this punishing rule will also apply to you. Tread lightly, true believer.
Homemade Suit
This kitchy suit comes from Spider-Man: Homecoming and it can be yours if you take the time to find the 55 backpacks scattered across the map. Without a suit power, this one is more for the entertainment value of seeing Spider-Man in a funny outfit that it is a useful addition to your repertoire.
ESU Suit
Completing all of the photography challenges in Spider-Man will net you this collegiate outfit so you can proudly rep Peter Parker's alma mater--its unofficial suit power. You unlock it by nabbing all of the secret photos.
Anti-Ock Suit
This great-looking suit is unique to the game, and offers the very helpful Resupply suit power, which can be used to refill your gadgets when activated.
Dark Suit
The Dark Suit is earned after you complete all of the Black Cat activities in the game, and is a striking red-and-black suit with looks that make up for its lack of a suit power.
By Matt Espineli on Sep 21, 2018 09:27 pm
The Cutting Edge
There's always an abundance of new games that come out every month. Some are incredibly big-budget releases that we've been eagerly waiting years for while others are smaller, more surprising independent titles that no one sees coming. In addition, there's plenty of other games found near and around those releases. You get games from mid-sized publishers and even the occasional remaster or re-release of gaming's most definitive adventures. There's a lot of exciting games coming out in the future. We recently got to see debut gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077, and we already can't wait for it. In addition, Nintendo did a Direct presentation and announced 22 upcoming Switch games. With so many games coming out year-round, it can be difficult keeping track of what's worth playing. To help keep you in the know, we've compiled all the best new games you absolutely need to play right now. The point of this feature is to focus on the latest and greatest games, so the choices you'll find here have been limited to the past couple months. What you'll find in the slides ahead are games rated 7 or higher by GameSpot. However, you'll occasionally find some lower-rated ones that have been chosen to be included by an incredibly passionate member of our team. We won't hesitate to highlight experiences some members of our staff absolutely love--even if there are others who may not agree. The games included in this feature are ones we personally believe you should check out in some capacity. Here's a brief taste of what you'll see. Best Games To Play Right NowCheck out the slides ahead for all the games we've highlighted as the best out right now. And as the months go by, we'll be continually cycling out the older games with the most cutting-edge experiences out now, so be sure to keep checking back as often as you can. Which new games have you been playing recently? Let us know in the comments below.
The Gadrens Between -- 8/10
"It may only take two to three hours to see everything The Gardens Between has to offer, but the warm and fuzzy feelings from start to finish ensure that your memories of playing it will live on. The expressive faces of the two teens and the relatable memories they share will speak to anyone who's ever had a close childhood friend, and while the puzzles won't go down as the most ingenious or demanding, they nevertheless give you more time to spend frolicking in a nostalgic and heartwarming world where friendship is all that matters." [Read the review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Wasteland 2 (Nintendo Switch) -- 7/10
"Wasteland 2 is still a very special outing. If you haven't spent your time in this irradiated desert just yet, this is one of the best times to do so--especially since the portability of the Switch reissue lets you take the journey on long treks of your own, or as a dense RPG to curl and nestle in with, as you might with an excellent book. On such a screen, the interpersonal dramas feel a bit more intimate, the tension of sneaking your way pay this or that NPC a bit more tangible. Plus, in the Switch's handheld mode, the rather dated-looking visuals aren't so grating. All-told it's a phenomenal port and still one of the better RPGs in recent years." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
428: Shibuya Scramble -- 8/10
"A few bugs, however, don't ruin the game. 428 is a truly rare beast, a special and unique experience that would have once been completely passed over for a Western release. While it's not without its flaws, it's hard to think of many other games that blend text-driven storytelling and well-constructed visuals and sound this well. From the first hour of the in-game day, you'll be riveted by this story's unexpected twists and turns. If you want a story- and character-driven game with a presentation you won't see anywhere else, 428 is a game not to be missed." [Read the review] -- Heidi Kemps
Undertale (Switch) -- 9/10
"Three years after its initial release on PC, Undertale has found its way to the Nintendo Switch--and of course, the game is every bit as charming, challenging, and harrowing as it was the first time around. Undertale may seem like a straightforward retro-style RPG, but it subverts player expectations every chance it gets, which never gets stale because of clever writing and an evocative chiptune soundtrack. Thankfully, it plays just as well as it does on other platforms without any performance hitches or bugs after putting about four hours into this version. Like its console counterparts, you can fill the screen with an adaptive border that thematically fits with the location you're in (Undertale plays in a 4:3 aspect ratio). Dodging enemy attacks in the bullet hell-style defensive phase in combat works just as well with the Joy-Con analog sticks. Undertale isn't afraid to break convention, and because it does so in a way that's thoughtful and humorous throughout, the result is an emotional rollercoaster that fills us with determination." [Read the review] -- Michael Higham
NBA 2K19 -- 7/10
"It's impressive that the game of basketball has translated to controllers and screens in the way it has. If you want to immerse yourself in the sport and culture, NBA 2K19 has you covered with a breadth of content. But even that has its limitations after several years of iterations. Although those willing to grind for everything will eventually get rewarded, the system of VC still comes off as exploitative. But there's a lot of fun to be had in NBA 2K19 despite its flaws, especially if you have a strong love for the sport." [Read the review] -- Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10
"Ultimately, this is a return to form for the Valkyria Chronicles series as a whole. It stays so true to the franchise's first iteration that it'll feel as if almost no time has passed in the decade or so since the original game first came out. In revisiting the concerns and the environments of the first, it makes the most of those parallels and invites comparison in a way that highlights its strengths. Valkyria Chronicles 4 doesn't necessarily tell a new tale, but it doesn't have to; for all of its clichés and expected twists, there's a charm to the game's unwillingness to let up as it drives you and your friends forward at a rapid clip towards its bittersweet end." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran
Frozen Synapse 2 -- 8/10
"It's hard not to be drawn in by Frozen Synapse 2's style, but it's even harder to pull away once the game's combat gets its hooks in you. While the single-player mode ambles through both high and low points, the multiplayer remains a steadfastly enjoyable experience. The anticipation as squads approach in preparation for battle is both thrilling and nerve-wracking, and the ability to switch between multiplayer games on the fly makes tracking multiple games elegantly simple. Technical hiccups aside, Frozen Synapse 2's incredible style and strong tactical combat make it wonderfully gratifying." [Read the review] -- James Swinbanks
Marvel's Spider-Man -- 9/10
"Minor shortcomings don't detract from Insomniac's achievement in creating a game that feels like an authentic interpretation of a beloved creation. The feeling of embodying Spidey and using his abilities is astonishing, and the time spent on exploring its major characters help make its story feel heartfelt, despite superhero bombast. There have been open-world Spider-Man games before, but none so riveting and full of personality, none that explore and do justice to this many facets of the universe. Insomniac has created a superior Spider-Man experience that leaves a lasting impression, one that has you longing for just one more swing around New York City, even after the credits roll." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Producer
NBA live 19 -- 7/10
"NBA Live 19 is a capable and competent basketball game that offers a multitude of different ways to play and numerous reasons to keep coming back. Its impressive attention to detail complements the strong foundation set by its presentation and gameplay. However, the AI logic and animation problems are impossible to ignore given they're at the heart of the experience the entire game is based on. These issues, combined with a lackluster franchise mode and a push towards microtransactions, detract from what is an otherwise solid basketball game." [Read the review] -- Eddie Makuch
Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition -- 10/10
"From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made in both its original and Definitive incarnations, with the latter proving that even the most complicated role-players can be ported successfully to gamepad-limited consoles. This immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of recent years, and it remains an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats." [Read the review] -- Brett Todd
Planet Alpha -- 7/10
"While there are moments of frustration in its platforming, and the puzzles are relatively unsophisticated, the locations of Planet Alpha will most certainly stick with you. It doesn't matter why you're there, or what it is you're looking for. There's great pleasure in just existing on this planet, in navigating its harsh terrain and admiring its vistas, and the sheer beauty of it all makes the game's shortcomings easy to bear." [Read the review] -- James O'Connor
Strange Brigade -- 7/10
"The grand result is an amusing adventure that makes a powerful case for more creativity with level design, setting, and pacing in co-op shooters, without thoroughly capitalizing on all of its own best ideas. Traps and their extensive use within many of the levels are a joy, and the underpinning gunplay is strong enough to warrant a sturdy recommendation, but it all comes to a head well before it should." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
Two Point Hospital -- 8/10
"It's remarkable that it's taken so long for a spiritual successor to Theme Hospital to show up, but now that it's here, it feels like it's been well worth the wait. The exaggerated, cartoon look and relaxed approach to management make it inviting enough for most players, while the deeper aspects of its economy are enough to keep seasoned players engaged. Two Point Hospital not only re-works an old formula into something modern and enjoyable, it also iterates on the classic brand of irresistible charm and wit, making something that's truly wonderful." [Read the review] -- James Swinbanks
PES 2019 -- 9/10
"For as long as EA continues to develop FIFA and hold a monopoly over official licences, PES will be the scrappy underdog just hoping for a surprise upset, even when it's fielding the likes of London Blue and PV White Red. The lack of licences for top-tier leagues remains a disheartening sticking point, but PES continues to make brilliant strides on the pitch, building on what was already an incredibly satisfying game of football to produce one of the greatest playing football games of all time. It might be lacking off the pitch, but put it on the field against the competition and a famous giant killing wouldn't be all that surprising." [Read the review] -- Richard Wakeling
F1 2018 -- 9/10
"F1 2018 is brilliant, and the most complete Formula One game to date. The changes to career mode make it the strongest and most appealing it's ever been thanks to the revamped upgrade system, while the simulation-like additions to the driving model bring you closer than ever to the feeling of sitting on the grid with 1000+ horsepower at your feet, without overwhelming those who just want to jump in and drive." [Read the review] -- James Swinbanks
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age -- 9/10
"Innovation in games is talked about a lot, but it's also great to see traditional gameplay formulas that have been around for decades presented exceptionally well. Dragon Quest XI is one of the best modern examples of this; its beautiful presentation, both visual- and story-wise, combines with a tried-and-true gameplay formula for a journey that's full of heart and soul. Once you find yourself sucked into the world of Dragon Quest XI, it's going to be hard to put down until you reach the grand finale." [Read the full review] -- Heidi Kemps
The Messenger -- 8/10
"The Messenger takes the best parts of the action-platformers it takes influence from and reinterprets them well. With clever writing, well-designed levels, and balanced difficulty curve, the game continuously hooks you with enticing skill-based challenges and satisfying payoffs. Your character might have an immediate imperative to delivering a world-saving scroll, but the journey there is definitely one to savor." [Read the full review] -- Alexander Pan
Into the Breach -- 9/10
"There is so much strategic joy in seeing the potential destruction a swarm of giant monsters is about to unleash on a city, then quickly staging and executing elaborate counter maneuvers to ruin the party. Into The Breach's focus on foresight makes its turn-based encounters an action-packed, risk-free puzzle, and the remarkable diversity of playstyles afforded by unique units keeps each new run interesting. It's a pleasure to see what kind of life-threatening predicaments await for you to creatively resolve in every new turn, every new battle, and every new campaign. Into The Breach is a pristine and pragmatic tactical gem with dynamic conflicts that will inspire you to jump back in again, and again, and again." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran
Yakuza Kiwami 2 -- 8/10
"The tale of Tokyo and Osaka, Kiryu and Sayama's partnership, and Kiryu and Goda's rivalry remains one of the Yakuza's best stories, and Kiwami 2's minor missteps don't affect the heart of that experience. The modernization of its presentation and its mechanics elevate it, making it absolutely worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time. Yakuza is an exemplary, if flawed series that does an incredible job of steeping you in contemporary Japanese-style crime drama, and establishing an evocative sense of place. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an excellent example of the series at its best, coupling its most memorable stories and characters with its most sophisticated mechanics yet." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor and Senior Video Producer
Guacamelee 2 -- 9/10
"Everything about Guacamelee 2 comes off as smarter and more thoughtful than the first game, even while indulging in its self-aware shenanigans and Rick & Morty-esque dimensional hijinks. The game never stops finding new ways to hook you in, to the point that even the most painstaking and intensive playthroughs feel like they just fly by. Saving the numerous timelines in Guacamelee 2 is just as much about partaking in a marvel of devious, meticulous game design as it is about saving Juan and his family from peril." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - The Final Season Episode 1 -- 8/10
"The full scope and breadth of The Walking Dead: The Final Season has yet to be laid out, though perhaps the best hint can be found in the game's fancy, HBO-esque title sequence, showing Clementine and A.J. walking into Ericson, but also showing a silhouetted dead walker rotting away in the front yard, being overtaken by ivy, and, eventually, sprouting a yellow flower. Beautiful things are possible in the new world and the new ways to play that Telltale has laid out in Done Running. But something ugly and horrifying is likely to happen first, and it is going to be captivating to watch." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Phantom Doctrine -- 9/10
"In spite of the lackluster visuals, Phantom Doctrine succeeds in making an incredible impression with its intricate and engaging mechanics. There is a lot to admire, with a single-player campaign taking about 40 hours to complete, full of varied and interesting mainline missions and procedurally-generated side content. The ability to play as either a CIA, KGB, or Mossad agent (the latter unlocked after one complete playthrough) also offers the tantalizing prospect of different narrative perspectives. Phantom Doctrine takes the familiar framework of isometric turn-based strategy and confidently repurposes it into a unique and satisfying experience. It wholly embodies the paranoia and tension of the 1980's Cold War setting in every aspect of its numerous gameplay systems, and completely immerses you in that all-encompassing state of mind." [Read the review] -- Alexander Pan
Flipping Death -- 7/10
"Flipping Death's logic is sometimes too ridiculous for its own good, and frustrating platforming sections add some tarnish. But the game's silly puzzles, self-aware humor, and crazy characters still make a wonderful experience filled with plenty of chuckles, which help to leave you satisfied as the credits roll." [Read the review] -- Seamus Mullins
Madden 19 -- 8/10
"Madden 19 is an excellent football game that improves on last year's entry in almost every way. There are problems, but there has never been a football game that more authentically represents the NFL than this in terms of presentation, controls, and depth." [Read the review] -- Eddie Makuch
Unavowed -- 9/10
"But Unavowed's greatest strength is that it maintains an admirable focus on incredible characterization that feeds into every quest and conversation. Every question you ask, every decision you make, and every sacrifice you make carries you and your team members on an impassioned journey that epitomizes the best qualities of an adventure game. It never rests on tropes, a strong sense of empathy is present through its entirety, and not only do you come to wholly understand character motivations, the way these people deal with supernatural situations helps to build a bond between them and you as a player. From its wonderfully realized locations and its inviting, three-dimensional characters, Unavowed will have you eager to discover the captivating stories lurking in the demonic underworld of New York City." [Read the review] -- David Rayfield
Monster Hunter World (PC) -- 8/10
"Ever since the title was first announced, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations. It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large." [Read the review] -- Ginny Woo
Overcooked 2 -- 8/10
"Overcooked 2 undoubtedly shines in local co-op and the versus arcade modes. New recipes and obstacles provide a fresh challenge for veterans, but it remains approachable for new players with simple controls and short playtimes. The new throwing mechanic, too, adds a new dimension to both strategy and the inevitable chaos without overcomplicating things. It's a strong foundation, and with the right friends, Overcooked 2 is one of the best couch co-op games around." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Dead Cells -- 9/10
"Dead Cells is a phenomenal effort to blend together some very disparate genres into a tight, cohesive whole. It's one of the better examples of how to remix ideas without losing their individual strengths." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
No Man's Sky Next -- 8/10
"At its absolute best, No Man's Sky is a measured, gentle experience where you are rarely the agent of change, but a perpetual visitor who's constantly dwarfed by the magnitude of a universe neutral to your presence. It is not your job in these stories to colonize the universe. Your job is to comprehend it. Your job is to recognize the spirituality in it. The primary gimmick of No Man's Sky, since day one, has been awe. The best things about the Next update feed that gimmick. While features like multiplayer and base-building certainly put more proverbial asses in seats, they're also the least memorable additions to an otherwise thoughtful experience." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
By Matt Espineli on Sep 21, 2018 09:08 pm
In the beginning of Marvel's Spider-Man, you're not armed with many special moves in combat and web-swinging. And when you gain access to the skill tree, there are so many skills to choose from that you might wonder where to even start. Spanning three separate trees (Innovator, Defender, and Webslinger) with 11 skills in each, you're free to prioritize however you wish. Amidst all of these skills, there are some that we believe to be absolutely worth getting. To help you be the most effective crime fighter there is, we've gathered 12 of the best skills to unlock first. In this feature, we discuss some of the most worthwhile skills and the reason why they're so useful. Though, if none of these skills suit your fancy, feel free to use our suggestions as a basis to figure out what works best for your playstyle. It's worth noting that you can unlock all of the skills by the end of the game. However, with so few skill points to go around early on, you're going to want to spend wisely. If all this talk of skills is getting you pumped, you can play Marvel's Spider-Man on September 7. According to GameSpot reviewer Edmond Tran, the game is "a superior Spider-Man experience that leaves a lasting impression, one that has you longing for just one more swing around New York City, even after the credits roll." You can read more in our full review. But if you're looking for more guides, you can also check out our feature detailing all the tips we wish we knew before starting the game. Which skills do you think are most worth unlocking first? Shout your opinions in the comments below.
Perfect Dodge (Defender)
As one of the first skills you can unlock, you'd be hard-pressed not to nab Perfect Dodge an hour or two after the skill tree is made available. But we cannot understate the importance of this skill, as it clues you in on the moment an attack is about to land. Not only that, but it generates bonus Focus and automatically makes Spider-Man counter with a Web Shot to an enemy's face. Master this skill and it'll get you out of trouble more times than you can count.
Quick Zip (Webslinger)
Quick Zip is a must if you're looking to pick up some serious speed while you're web-swinging. It basically allows you to Web Zip a second time without losing altitude, which comes in handy during tense chases or the web-swinging challenges you'll take on throughout the game.
Point Launch Boost (Webslinger)
Point Launch Boost is another brilliant web-swinging skill that helps you continually build up speed and momentum by hitting jump as soon as you make contact with a point. As a souped-up version of the standard Point Launch, it massively increases the distance traveled, further contributing to your general mood of feeling like the king of the world. It's always a good idea to use if you're lagging behind in a chase, and when performed in conjunction with Quick Zip, you'll close the distance in no time.
Wrecking Ball (Innovator)
Brutes can be a handful early on, locking you out of basic punching combos with their guard and overwhelming you with constant pummeling. Aside from throwing objects at them or webbing them and punching them back, there's not much you can do to physically hurt them. But with Wrecking Ball, these once frustrating foes can be webbed and thrown with ease. It's just about as functional as a typical Web Throw, but gosh if it's not just rewarding to finally do away with these meatheads.
Bunker Buster (Webslinger)
Like brutes, shield enemies can be a bit of a hassle. While they're easy to counter with a well-executed Dodge Under, shield enemies are generally a stressor in combat that can cause you to change your attack strategy by simply existing on the field. If you're like us and hate changing plans last-minute, then invest in the path to unlock the Bunker Buster Skill. It allows your Swing Kick to knock these well-guarded nuisances on their butts. Though, let's be real, the best time to use Bunker Buster is when you're on a rooftop where you can just knock shield enemies right off the edge. There's nothing malicious about that, right?
Throw (Defender)
Throw is...well, a throw. Performed by pressing square and then holding triangle, this tactical maneuver tosses your opponent in any direction you please. It's useful when you want to do some quick crowd control in a fight or throw any annoying brutes or gunmen off a roof. Hmm, we're starting to notice a theme here...
Payback (Defender)
Those pesky gunmen are the bane of our existence in combat, and it seems the game acknowledges this. You need only look to the appropriately named Payback skill, which lets you to perform an instant takedown on rifle and pistol enemies after a Perfect Dodge. If that sounds like your idea of a good time (we know it does), then invest in this skill ASAP.
Yank And Throw (Innovator)
Piggybacking off that sentiment of gunmen being quite annoying, Yank And Throw is another way to vent out your frustrations. All the skills preceding it are incredibly useful for disarming these enemies, but it's Yank And Throw that reigns supreme, completely disarming their weapons and hurling it right back them with concussive force.
Ground Strike (Defender)
Ground Strike allows you to smash down on the ground with explosive force--either after an air combo or when you're high up enough in the air. When a fight starts to get hectic, Ground Strike is a great way to throw enemies off balance, buying you time to retreat or set up a devastating Gadget combo. It also comes in handy when you want to land on a dime in the middle of web-swinging.
Chain Finisher (Defender)
Who doesn't want to perform two instant K.O.s in a row? Chain Finisher is a powerful skill that lets you to perform a second Finisher on basic enemies regardless of the Focus you have after performing the first one. If you're able to keep generating Focus consistently, this skill can make short work of large groups. That, and it's just straight up satisfying.
Air Yank (Webslinger)
Air Yank provides a useful way to initiate an air combo after a jump. It's also great after performing an air combo, allowing you to yank an additional enemy up to your level for another fruitful beating. You can even use it a few inches out from the edge of a rooftop to grab a foe from the safety of their perch and leave them to fall… Okay, that's the last time, we swear!
Air Tricks (Webslinger)
Air Tricks isn't so much useful as it is awesome. Have you ever wanted to feel even more cool while web-swinging? Is that even possible? Yes! Yes, it is! Air Tricks lets you perform aerial tricks to earn extra Focus and XP. While you could realistically use it to grind out XP, know that it doesn't offer you that much and that it specifically locks you out of leveling up with its earnings alone. Still, doing moonsaults all the way down after jumping off the Empire State Building has a special charm that's too difficult to pass up, especially if you're able to launch right back into a web-swing just before you hit the ground!
By Michael Rougeau on Sep 21, 2018 08:30 pm
A troubled production makes for some fascinating special features.
Solo's famously troubled production made for a slightly weird hodgepodge of a movie--although an enjoyable one, too. And it also makes for some fascinating special features, as director Ron Howard, writers Lawrence and Jonathan Kasdan, and the rest of the cast and crew behind Solo take to the Blu-ray to reveal what it was like to work on this movie. Did you know that George Lucas dropped by the set when production resumed after the hiatus following the original directors' departure--on Ron Howard's first day? What about the special mud they brought in to make Chewie's filthy fur when we first meet him look just right? Or did you ever wonder how all these actors reacted when they found out they'd been cast in a Star Wars movie? Across multiple featurettes and a roundtable interview featuring the entire cast and Ron Howard, Solo's special features answer these questions and more. Solo may not have been the strongest Star Wars movie ever, and it wasn't exactly a smash box office hit. But many Star Wars fans who flew into theaters to watch it found it to be an enjoyable, if somewhat safe, movie. There were even some surprises--like the way Solo addressed the "Han shot first" controversy head on, or how its most incredibly shocking cameo came to be. Elsewhere in the special features, we even learned why Han Solo was kicked out of the Imperial Navy. Click through for the craziest things we learned from Solo's special features. When you're done, check out all the tidbits that co-writer Jonathan Kasdan posted on Twitter after not being asked to record an audio commentary track, plus 33 Star Wars Easter eggs and references you might have missed in Solo.
1. When Alden Ehrenreich found out he'd been cast as Han Solo, he went to the beach by himself.
The actor says during a roundtable with the cast and director Ron Howard that since he couldn't tell anyone, he went to the beach and rode an amusement park ride by himself. Donald Glover replies that it's "the most Alden answer I've ever heard." Ehrenreich also told his "nana," who proceeded to tell tons of people, against his instructions.
2. Donald Glover immediately called his dad.
He and his dad had watched the original Star Wars movies together all his life, and he said he felt like his whole life had been leading up to this.
3. Joonas Suotamo, who plays Chewbacca, opened a bottle of champagne with his fiance.
And then he went and played LEGO Star Wars on a PS3.
4. The original Star Wars movies inspired Paul Bettany to become an actor.
"In 1977 I was 6 years old and I was taken away from a rainy, dreary London by these movies," says Bettany, who plays Dryden Vos in Solo. "I mean, I think it was really instrumental in me wanting to be in this business."
5. Alden auditioned six times for the role of Han Solo.
Some of the auditions took place on the Millennium Falcon, while others involved acting alongside a puppet of a dog as a stand-in for Chewbacca--mostly so they could maintain the illusion of Ehrenreich not knowing quite what he was auditioning for, to keep it secret longer.
6. People started recognizing Donald Glover as Lando immediately as the casting was announced.
From random strangers on the street, to the guy giving him his pizza, to the employees at the airport the very next day, people instantly starting calling Glover Lando as soon as the news broke. It kind of freaked him out, apparently.
7. Thandie Newton has an origin story for her character, Val, and Woody Harrelson's Beckett.
"We talked about it a little bit, you know, I feel like Beckett saved her life at some point, and I feel like it may have been very perilous for him to do that, so there's a sense of gratitude and loyalty there," Newton said.
8. Dryden Vos's face was done with CG.
"They were able to track it without putting the dots on my face," Bettany says. He didn't see what his face would look like in the movie until director Ron Howard sent him a photo that he wasn't even supposed to see yet.
9. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who played the droid L3, wore a Green Man suit while shooting.
"The suit was such an extraordinary experience in itself," Waller-Bridge says. "You don't really ever get to wear a skin tight green sock very often in life."
10. Glover and Waller-Bridge also have a theory for how Lando and L3 met.
"I think it started violently probably," Waller-Bridge says. "I feel like we were probably in a bar, and I needed you to get out of there," Glover continues.
11. George Lucas himself visited the set.
He showed up somewhat unexpectedly on Ron Howard's first day on the movie, which was the cast's return from hiatus. They were shooting the closet scene between Han and Qi'ra, which Emilia Clarke claims gave her a "stubble rash."
12. Lucas made at least one contribution to the movie.
According to Ron Howard, as they filmed the closet scene on the Millennium Falcon, Lucas leaned over to him and suggested that Han wouldn't hang Lando's cape back up, but would throw it carelessly over his shoulder. Howard loved the note, and it's in the final movie.
13. Emilia Clarke says Kit Harington is "desperate" to be in Star Wars.
Clarke says her Game of Thrones cast members want to talk about Star Wars with her constantly. "Kit, who plays Jon Snow, is desperate to be in it," she says during the roundtable.
14. The Kasdans got a box of Star Wars toys from Lucasfilm every year on Christmas.
In the "Kasdan on Kasdan" featurette, Jonathan Kasdan, who co-wrote Solo with his father Lawrence Kasdan--who worked on the originals--describes getting a box of Star Wars toys every year.
15. Lawrence Kasdan basically implies he's never seen the prequels.
"I've written four of these movies, but [Jonathan] knows more detail," he says. "He's very funny about it. He thinks it's sort of charming and pitiful that I don't know some basic facts. There's a whole group of movies I know almost nothing about, and he's seen those...I'm sort of an original--you know, I'm faithful to the originals."
16. One of the biggest challenges was making the Millennium Falcon look new.
"One of the biggest challenges with Solo was to take the Falcon and say, 'OK, this is actually now back in time. What did the Falcon look like when it was under Lando?'" says set decorator Lee Sandales in the featurette "Remaking the Millennium Falcon."
17. They considered many modifications for the Millennium Falcon.
These include a Smokey and the Bandit-inspired decal as well as hot rod flames. Ultimately, they settled on some blue accents and larger rear fins, which is what wound up in the final film.
18. The Millennium Falcon's bar in Solo was inspired by earlier movies.
These included the Skywalker homestead in A New Hope, and the kitchen in Rogue One, according to assistant art director Liam Georgensen.
19. The Falcon's silver headphones are another reference.
Likewise, the silver headphones seen on the ship in Solo are a nod to a pair of headphones visible in the background during A New Hope, according to Georgensen.
20. The Falcon set used in Solo wasn't built for this film.
The set used in Solo is actually the same set built for Episode VII, The Force Awakens. Underneath the shiny new construction is the older, more shabby version. "If we were to take down certain bits of this set, the older pieces of the set are still there," Georgensen says.
21. They kept as much of the chase scene practical and "in camera" as possible.
The goal with the car chase early in the movie, according to producer Simon Emanuel, was to make it feel like a chase from a 1970s movie. They did as much of it practically, with stunt drivers, as possible.
22. They have a map of Corellia designed specially for the chase scene.
"They all turned to me and said, 'Give us a map, James," says Lucasfilm design supervisor James Clyne. He drew on designs of other Star Wars places, including the Death Star and Cloud City. "They're all very simple shapes."
23. They pictured Corellia as "a Star Wars version of Venice [Italy]."
"But an industrial Venice," says set decorate Lee Sandales. They shot much of the city scenes at a power plant in Southampton, England.
24. The speeder Han steals is a mix of many different elements.
"Designing a Star Wars vehicle is a balance of making something look fantastic and visionary, but also keeping it grounded," says Georgensen. They took visual inspiration from muscle cars like Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers, while they used parts from sources as different as fighter jets and grocery store displays to build it.
25. Alden wanted to know how to really drive it.
"Alden loved it," says Senior art director Gary Tomkins. "He was very keen to work out how all the controls worked, because we have levers, and afterburners, and ignition switches and things. So I spent maybe an hour with him just going through the different controls. I was just making it up, of course, because it's not a real speeder. But at least then in his head he knew exactly how, if it were a real speeder, how he could drive it."
26. The sound of the big truck that chases Han and Qi'ra was created using a "pulse jet engine."
We have no idea what that is, but apparently very few people in the world know how to build them. They recorded their sound out in the desert, and they became the basis for the truck's sound in the movie.
27. The character Rio is part practical, part CG.
Rio, voiced by Jon Favreau, is one of the most underused characters in the movie. The practical portion was played by a circus performer in a suit, while other parts were animated in CG.
28. The explosion after the train heist involved setting off firecrackers underwater.
They filmed it using high speed cameras and played it in slow motion.
29. Chewie's dialogue is written into the script.
Despite the fact that we can't understand him and it basically doesn't matter what he's saying, the Kasdans wrote all Chewie's dialogue into the script. "We wanted Alden to know what was being said to him, so he would know what to play, regardless of what he interpreted from the moan," says Jonathan Kasdan.
30. They had to record new sounds for Chewbacca.
They wanted Chewie to be introduced into the movie with a terrifying roar, but that sound didn't exist in Chewie's existing audio library of noises. "The main recording of Chewbacca is a bear that Ben Burtt, the original sound designer, recorded many, many years ago," says supervising sound editor Tim Nielsen. "But because the original bear only made so many sounds, Chewbacca's vocabulary's always been a little bit limited." For Solo, they spent time recording the noises of bears and other animals, including a very cute sea lion.
31. Getting Chewie muddy was a huge challenge.
"We've never done anything like this with Chewbacca before. He's always been clean, dry," says supervising animatronic designer Maria Cork. They tested different kinds of mud, including mud from the dead sea. With the mud caked on, she says, the suit weighed six or seven times as much as normal. "I was so happy when we got through that scene," says Chewie actor Joonas Suotamo.
32. L3 wasn't always a humanoid droid.
"Once upon a time, she was actually an R2 type droid, and she'd modified herself and given herself legs and arms and continued to evolve," says producer Simon Emanuel in the featurette "Becoming a Droid: L3-37." At one point in here design, she even had Leia's hair buns.
33. They used original Millennium Falcon sound effects for L3.
There's a moment in Solo when L3 hits her head and emits a unique sound. If you listen closely in A New Hope, the Millennium Falcon makes the same sound. It emphasizes even more that L3 becomes part of the Falcon after her "death" in Solo. "We wanted to have that connective tissue," says supervising sound editor Matthew Wood.
34. They had a Sabacc trainer on set.
Steven Bridges, Sabacc trainer, explains the rules of the game in the featurette "Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso."
35. The creatures in the Sabacc scene are a combination of puppets and people in suits.
They're designed in such detail, and the puppeteers have such minute control over them, that the actors are often surprised how lifelike they are when they get into a scene with them.
36. The visual effects during the Kessel Run were practical--sort of.
"What we set out to do is make it as immersive and realistic as possible," says visual effects supervisor Rob Bredow. "The special effects department actually built this rig so it could spin, and turn, and rattle. And then Industrial Light and Magic created the media that would go around this wrap-around screen. And it was completely photorealistic, and it was high enough quality, that the camera could photograph it directly. And on set, we had multiple projectors that were all lined up, so the shots that you see on the set are actually what you see in the film. We shook the cockpit a little bit. It was basically like going on a very custom ride at Disneyland."
37. The Millennium Falcon's sound in this movie includes a "really old air conditioner."
The buttons and switches on this old hotel air conditioner had an almost musical quality, according to supervising sound editor Tim Nielsen.
By Mat Elfring on Sep 21, 2018 03:27 am
Even more WWE superstars were added to the roster for WWE 2K19 recently, as 2K revealed its DLC for the upcoming game. This batch added 11 wrestlers to the game, none of which were playable in previous versions. It includes Raw superstar Bobby Lashley, and NXT superstars Lacey Evans, Ricochet, and EC3. We've also gotten to go hands-on with MyCareer and found that overall, 2K19 is fun again. One of the selling points of the WWE 2K games is the gigantic roster of playable rosters, and WWE 2K19 will not be scaling things back. 2K has shared a huge portion of the game's lineup of wrestlers, and 2K19 offers a sizable plethora of superstars to choose from when the game releases on October 9, 2018. Last year's WWE 2K18 ended up with over 180 wrestlers--the largest in the history of the series to that point--and 2K19 has already topped that. Here's a detailed look at every member of the 2K19 roster. During the most recent weekly roster reveal from 2K, Rusev and Lana revealed the latest WWE 2K19 playable superstars with Cesaro and Sheamus, also known as The Bar. The focus for this batch was legendary WWE wrestlers. The large reveal had a few new additions to the game, including Ted DiBiase, who has been only a manager in previous games. Additionally, fan favorites like Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Booker T will be included in the new game. Fans of both Daniel Bryan are going to be very happy as 2K is bringing back Showcase Mode for WWE 2K19, which follows the career of the superstar. From his first match as Bryan Danielson to his feuds with The Miz, it will be covered in the upcoming game. Among the new features are the Million Dollar Challenge, which takes place within the new Challenge Mode. Cover star AJ Styles headlines the roster, while those who pre-order will get bonus characters Ronda Rousey and Rey Mysterio. Additionally, the $130 Wooooo! Edition of the game has been announced which comes with a bunch of exclusives including a season pass, exclusive roster additions, a piece of Ric Flair's robe, early access to play, and more. This year's edition will be skipping Nintendo Switch, after last year's port featured a bevy of problems from frame rate issues to resolution dropping down to 540p, even in docked mode. However, the game will still be released in early October for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. If you're interested in pre-ordering WWE 2K19, check out our pre-order guide, with all the info about what each edition contains, where to buy it, and pricing. As release approaches, we'll keep you updated with all the newly confirmed superstars in the game, as well as a breakdown of which shows these wrestlers are from and how many new additions will be playable. You can find links to the latest updates below as well. Above, you can find every playable character we know about so far. Confirmed playable characters breakdown (so far): - Total wrestlers: 200
- New to the series: 40
- Raw superstars: 52
- Smackdown superstars: 50
- Legends: 54
- NXT superstars: 28
- 205 Live: superstars: 12
- Men's division: 159
- Women's division: 41
Jump ahead to the latest updates:
AJ Styles (Smackdown)
Cover star.
Ronda Rousey (Raw)
New to the series. Pre-order bonus character.
Rey Mysterio (Legend)
New to the series. Pre-order bonus character.
Ric Flair (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains exclusive Wrestlemania 24 attire.
Charlotte (Smackdown)
Deluxe edition contains exclusive Wrestlemania 32 attire.
Dusty Rhodes (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character.
"Macho Man" Randy Savage (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character in his Wrestlemania VIII attire.
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character.
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character.
2002 Undertaker (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains the character in his 2002 Bikertaker outfit.
Daniel Bryan (Smackdown)
2K announced that the Daniel Bryan's career will be the subject of WWE 2K19's Showcase Mode. There will be 11 different models of Bryan, each with its own unique moveset and look. Additionally, GameSpot talked to Bryan about his longtime feud with WWE superstar The Miz.
Randy Orton (Smackdown)
John Cena
Kane (Smackdown)
Kofi Kingston (Smackdown)
Tyler Bate (NXT UK)
Pete Dunne (NXT UK)
Angelo Dawkins (NXT)
Braun Strowman (Raw)
Finn Balor (Raw)
Kairi Sane (NXT)
Liv Morgan (Raw)
Montez Ford (NXT)
Sarah Logan (Raw)
Ruby Riott (Raw)
The Velveteen Dream (NXT)
Adam Cole (NXT)
Akam (Raw)
Aleister Black (NXT)
Alexa Bliss (Raw)
Alicia Fox (Raw)
Apollo Crews (Raw)
Baron Corbin (Raw)
Bayley (Raw)
Bianca Belair (NXT)
Big Show (Raw)
Bo Dallas (Raw)
Bobby Fish (NXT)
Bobby Roode (Raw)
Bray Wyatt (Raw)
Brock Lesnar (raw)
Chad Gable (Raw)
Curt Hawkins (Raw)
Curtis Axel (Raw)
Dana Brooke (Raw)
Dash Wilder (Raw)
Dean Ambrose (Raw)
Dolph Ziggler (Raw)
Drew McIntyre (Raw)
Elias (Raw)
Sasha Banks (Raw)
Ember Moon (Raw)
Fandango (Raw)
Goldust (Raw)
Heath Slater (Raw)
Jason Jordan (Raw)
Jinder Mahal (Raw)
Johnny Gargano (NXT)
Kassius Ohno (NXT)
Kevin Owens (Raw)
Konnor (Raw)
Lana (Smackdown)
Lars Sullivan (NXT)
Matt Hardy (Raw)
Mickie James (Raw)
Mojo Rawley (Raw)
Natalya (Raw)
Nia Jax (Raw)
Nick Miller (NXT)
No Way Jose (Raw)
Oney Lorcan (NXT)
Otis Dozovic (NXT)
Rezar (Raw)
Titus O'Neil (Raw)
Rhyno (Raw)
Roderick Strong (NXT)
Roman Reigns (Raw)
Rusev (Smackdown)
Sami Zayn (Raw)
Scott Dawson (Raw)
Seth Rollins (Raw)
Shane Thorne (NXT)
Shayna Baszler (NXT)
Triple H
Tucker Knight (NXT)
Tyler Breeze (Raw)
Viktor (Raw)
Zack Ryder (Raw)
Kyle O'Reilly (NXT)
Aiden English (Smackdown)
Akira Tozawa (205 Live)
Alexander Wolfe (Smackdown)
Andrade Cien Almas (Smackdown)
Ariya Daivari (205 Live)
Asuka (Smackdown)
Becky Lynch (Smackdown)
Big E (Smackdown)
Billie Kay (Smackdown)
Brie Bella (Smackdown)
Carmella (Smackdown)
Cedric Alexander (205 Live)
Cesaro (Smackdown)
Chris Jericho (Legend)
Drew Gulak (205 Live)
Epico Colon (Smackdown)
Eric Young (Smackdown)
Gran Metalik (205 Live)
Harper (Smackdown)
Hideo Itami (205 Live)
Jack Gallagher (205 Live)
Jeff Hardy (Smackdown)
Jey Uso (Smackdown)
Jimmy Uso (Smackdown)
Kalisto (205 Live)
Karl Anderson (Smackdown)
Killian Dane (Smackdown)
Lince Dorado (205 Live)
Luke Gallows (Smackdown)
Mandy Rose (Smackdown)
Maryse (Smackdown)
The Miz (Smackdown)
Mustafa Ali (205 Live)
Naomi (Smackdown)
Nikki Bella (Smackdown)
Noam Dar (205 Live)
Paige (Smackdown)
Peyton Royce (Smackdown)
Primo Colon (Smackdown)
Rowan (Smackdown)
R-Truth (Smackdown)
Samoa Joe (Smackdown)
Sheamus (Smackdown)
Shelton Benjamin (Smackdown)
Shinsuke Nakamura (Smackdown)
Sin Cara (Smackdown)
Sonya Deville (Smackdown)
Tamina (Smackdown)
TJP (Smackdown)
Tony Nese (205 Live)
Tye Dillinger (Smackdown)
Xavier Woods (Smackdown)
Alundra Blayze (Legend)
Andre The Giant (Legend)
Bam Bam Bigelow (Legend)
Batista (Legend)
Beth Phoenix (Legend)
Big Boss Man (Legend)
Booker T (Legend)
Bret "Hit Man" Hart (Legend)
British Bulldog (Legend)
Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake (Legend)
Christian (Legend)
Diamond Dallas Page (Legend)
Diesel (Legend)
Eddie Guerrero (Legend)
Edge (Legend)
Goldberg (Legend)
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine (Legend)
Ivory (Legend)
Jacqueline (Legend)
Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart (Legend)
Kevin Nash (Legend)
Kurt Angle (Legend)
Lex Luger (Legend)
Lita (Legend)
Mr. McMahon (Legend)
Mr. Perfect (Legend)
Papa Shango (Legend)
"Ravishing" Rick Rude (Legend)
Razor Ramon (Legend)
Sycho Sid (Legend)
Rick "The Model" Martel (Legend)
Ricky Morton (Legend)
Rikishi (Legend)
Robert Gibson (Legend)
Tatanka (Legend)
Ted DiBiase (Legend)
Scott Hall (Legend)
Shawn Michaels (Legend)
Stephanie McMahon (Legend)
Sting (Legend)
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin (Legend)
The Godfather (Legend)
The Rock (Legend)
Trish Stratus (Legend)
Ultimate Warrior (Legend)
The Undertaker (Legend)
Vader (Legend)
Bobby Lashley (Raw)
DLC
Candice LeRae (NXT)
DLC
Dakota Kai (NXT)
DLC
EC3 (NXT)
DLC
Hanson (NXT)
DLC
Lacey Evans (NXT)
DLC
Lio Rush (205 Live)
DLC
Mike & Maria Kanellis (Smackdown)
DLC
Ricochet (NXT)
DLC
Rowe (NXT)
DLC
By Michael Rougeau on Sep 21, 2018 03:01 am
Solo: A Star Wars Story spoilers ahead!
Solo: A Star Wars Story tells the tale of famed space scoundrel Han Solo--and we mean the whole story. This movie covers how Han met Chewie, how he met Lando, how he won the Millennium Falcon, how he completed the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, where he got his iconic blaster, and even how he got his name. If that sounds like a lot of origin to cram into one movie, it's because it is. But those aren't the only Star Wars references in Solo--not by a long shot. In fact, Solo doubtless features more Star Wars Easter eggs, references, inside jokes, and callbacks than we could possibly spot ourselves. There's even one that Dryden Vos actor Paul Bettany was sworn to secrecy over--and we still have no idea what he's referring to. With Solo seeing its home release this month--it's already out digitally and releases on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD on September 25--we've compiled a few dozen things to keep you pausing and rewinding. Here's every Star Wars Easter egg and reference in Solo we've spotted so far. What's your favorite? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below. And don't miss our other Solo coverage, including our history of the Millennium Falcon, where Solo takes place in the Star Wars timeline, whether C-3PO gets his usual cameo, and everything you need to know about the Star Wars card game sabacc. And since you're not worried about spoilers, we even have a rundown of Solo's most shocking cameo. Solo may not have been the box office success Disney hoped for, but Episode IX is still on the way next year. Outside of that, however, the company may have plans to slow the release of new Star Wars movies. Of course, there's still plenty on the way on the TV front, though. "I made the timing decision, and as I look back, I think the mistake that I made--I take the blame--was a little too much, too fast," Disney CEO Bob Iger said recently. "You can expect some slowdown, but that doesn't mean we're not going to make films. J.J. [Abrams] is busy making [Episode] IX. We have creative entities, including [Game of Thronescreators David] Benioff and [D.B.] Weiss, who are developing sagas of their own, which we haven't been specific about. And we are just at the point where we're going to start making decisions about what comes next after J.J.'s. But I think we're going to be a little bit more careful about volume and timing. And the buck stops here on that."
1. The Golden Dice
Han's golden dice were featured prominently hanging in the Millennium Falcon in the more recent Star Wars movies, and they were even present in the originals, though they were less of a focus. The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary originally stated that Han used the dice in the game of sabacc that won him the Falcon, but Solo revealed that he had the dice on a chain as a lucky charm even earlier than that.
2. The Imperial March
The famous Imperial March song is heard at the recruitment center on Corellia. It's a fun meta joke that shows the song was actually used by the Empire for propaganda purposes.
3. "So Low"
Did you think "Solo" was Han's natural last name? A fair assumption, maybe, but it turns out he actually got his name from an Empire recruiter on Corellia.
4. Chewie's Bandolier
Chewbacca gets his signature ammo bandolier in Solo, then apparently wears it for the rest of his life, for some reason.
5. Chewie's name
Han notes in Solo that "Chewbacca" is a mouthful, although it appears to be Woody Harrelson's character, Tobias Beckett, who actually gives the Wookie his famed nickname.
6. What's Old Is New
It's a small design touch, but the few non-hologram screens we see in Solo are what we today would consider "old." Like Rogue One, Solo keeps up the design from the original Star Wars movies, despite technology having advanced in the real world since then.
7. The VCX-100
The fictional ship that Han mentions in his first sabacc game with Lando (fictional in the sense that he doesn't have it) is a VCX-100 model. Fans will know of another famous VCX-100: the Ghost from Star Wars Rebels.
8. Teräs Käsi
Emilia Clarke's character, Qi'ra, is a formidable fighter thanks to her knowledge of the "Teräs Käsi" fighting style. Teräs Käsi has been mentioned in Star Wars before, most notably in the title of the 1997 PlayStation game Star Wars: Masters of Teräs Käsi.
9. Bossk
Thandie Newton's character, Val, mentions a few other bounty hunters early in Solo. One is Bossk, a Trandoshan bounty hunter who's popped up in Star Wars before, including in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
10. Zan Sisters
Val also mentions "the Zan sisters," which is likely a reference to Zan and Zu Pike, twin sisters and masters of the Teräs Käsi fighting style who first appeared in the 1996 novel Shadows of the Empire.
11. "Han," Like "Pan"
When Han finally meets Lando, actor Donald Glover pronounces "Han" just like Billy D. Williams, the original Lando, did back in the day: like "pan." Han initially corrects him, but quickly lets it go, which apparently leads to Lando pronouncing his name wrong for the rest of their lives.
12. "I Know"
The moment when Han replies "I know" to Lando's "I hate you" is a reference to the famous scene in Empire Strikes Back when Han replies the same to Leia's "I love you."
13. Wizard Chess
We learn in Solo that the Millennium Falcon's Dejarik board was already installed by the time Han won the ship from Lando. In Star Wars, Dejarik is a popular two-player game in which teams of holographic creatures battled each other on a circular board.
14. That's Not C-3PO
C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels has appeared as the iconic golden droid in every live action Star Wars movie--until now. However, Daniels does have a cameo in Solo--just not as C-3PO. You can spot him during the droid rebellion on Kessel.
15. Recognize That Blaster?
Han gets his iconic blaster from Tobias Beckett, then apparently never upgrades to a less cobbled together gun for the rest of his life.
16. Who Killed Aurra Sing?
It's mentioned in Solo that Tobias Beckett infamously killed Aurra Sing, a character who first appeared in the background in Phantom Menace.
17. Warwick's Returning Character
Actor Warwick Davis has appeared previously in Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, The Force Awakens, Rogue One, The Last Jedi, and Star Wars Rebels. But we rarely see his face, as he often portrays an alien or droid. Solo, in which Davis plays the "pirate" Weazel, is one of the only exceptions--and it's even more notable because Davis played the same minor character in The Phantom Menace. He even gets a line in Solo.
18. The Gangster On Tatooine
The Tatooine gangster Tobias Beckett refers to toward the end of Solo is no doubt none other than Jabba the Hutt, who Han will go on to work for, and, later, owe money to.
19. A Good Bad Feeling
The line "I've got a bad feeling about this" is uttered in most Star Wars movies (all if you count droid speak). Solo plays with the line a bit when Han says, "I have a good feeling about this," before flying into the storm.
20. She's In The Ship
L3's melding with the Millennium Falcon may seem strange at first--does anyone remember the Falcon having an onboard AI? But it's actually a reference to a C-3PO line in Empire Strikes Back: "Sir, I don't know where your ship learned to communicate, but it has the most peculiar dialect," the protocol droid says. L3's marriage with the ship explains that quite neatly. If that wasn't enough, the scene in Solo is punctuated by what we know to be the classic Falcon start-up noise, implying L3 herself may be the source of the iconic sound effect.
21. The Rebellion Begins
Han Solo may be a scoundrel, but he ultimately makes the right choice and hands the goods over to the "pirates" who've been hounding him throughout the movie. It's implied that these fighters form the seed of what will eventually become the Rebellion, indicating that Han was helping them from the very beginning, whether he intended to or not.
22. Han Shot First
The scene in which Han shoots Tobias Beckett is a direct reference to the scene George Lucas changed in A New Hope. In the original version, Han shot Greedo, but Lucas later altered it so that Greedo takes a shot at him. In Solo, we learn that Han really is the type of person who shoots first.
23. Benthic Two Tubes
As Reddit users pointed out, the extremely minor character Benthic Two Tubes from Rogue One appears in Solo, although he's simply named "Tubes" here.
24. The Kessel Run
The Kessel Run Han and the rest of Solo's characters heroically pull off was, of course, first mentioned in A New Hope. In Solo, we finally got to find out exactly what it is.
25. Holy S*** It's Darth Maul
The leader of Crimson Dawn turns out to be none other than Darth Maul, and if you're confused about that, don't worry--we got you covered.
26. Welcome To Dathomir
At the end of the movie, Maul tells Qi'ra to join him on Dathomir, a planet that's popped up multiple times throughout Star Wars history. The planet has a strong association with the dark side, implying Qi'ra is going full evil should we ever see her again.
27. Fair And Square
At the very end of the movie, Han points out to Lando that he won their sabacc rematch "fair and square," a reference to Lando's earlier cheating. It's also a reference to the original trilogy scene between Han and Lando, where Han once again uses the phrase.
28. Colo Claw Fish
Dryden Vos offers our heroes "colo claw fish." That's a reference to the giant fish seen on Naboo in Episode 1. Thanks reader Medleystudios72 for pointing this one out!
29. Lando's diaries
In recording his audio diary, The Calrissian Chronicles, Lando makes references to three real world books: Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu, Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon, and Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of ThonBoka, all published in 1983. Thanks reader Medleystudios72 for pointing this one out!
30. The Maw
This wasn't the first appearance of The Maw. The giant black hole near Kessel was first mentioned in the 1994 novel Jedi Search. Thanks reader Medleystudios72 for pointing this one out!
31. Hands Up
Chewie pulls the arms off a guard on Kessel, just like Han Solo described way back in A New Hope. Thanks reader Medleystudios72 for pointing this one out!
32. Droid discrimination
When we meet L3 in the tavern where Han and Lando play sabacc, she's lamenting the fact that "They don't serve my kind here." That's reminiscent of C-3PO and R2's treatment in the cantina on Tatooine in A New Hope. Thanks reader Medleystudios72 for pointing this one out!
33. The disguise
The disguise Beckett wears on Kessel has been seen once before--Lando wore it to infiltrate Jabba's palace in Return of the Jedi. Thanks reader Medleystudios72 for pointing this one out!
By Array on Sep 21, 2018 02:34 am
It's been a big month for Destiny 2, with Bungie releasing the Forsaken DLC, its new Raid, and new content after the Raid was beaten. The latest addition to the game is the revamped Iron Banner. This is the first instance of the Crucible mode since Forsaken's release, and it features one major change--as well as new armor, weapons, and bounties. Here's how it works and what you can get your hands on. Each class gets a brand-new set of Legendary armor, with one piece for each slot. There are also six Legendary weapons. All of this gear can be obtained from Iron Banner Engrams, which you receive for cashing in Iron Banner tokens earned by completing matches. However, that's not your only way of obtaining most of these items. Two of the weapons and each piece of armor for your class can also be purchased for 10 Legendary Shards and 10 Iron Banner tokens. But in order to buy each one, you have to complete a corresponding bounty available from Lord Saladin (who's located in the Tower in his usual spot, on a floor above Shaxx). All of these are done in Iron Banner matches and task you with doing things like winning matches and capturing zones. Complete a bounty and you'll receive 25 Iron Banner Tokens, a piece of random Legendary gear, and the ability to purchase the associated piece of Iron Banner gear. Here's the full lineup of Iron Banner bounties, all of which provide seven days to complete. They're all fairly self-explanatory, if a bit difficult given the competitive environment they have to be completed in. The one possible exception is Unrelenting, which calls for you to land final blows while your team has a Power Play. That simply means you have to get the last hit on an enemy while your team controls all three capture zones. One thing to note: both Unrelenting and To Be Precise offer Powerful gear rewards. They're difficult, but worth trying to complete. - Lightbearer -- Land Super final blows in the Iron Banner (25)
- In the Zone -- Capture zones in the Iron Banner (50)
- Iron in the Blood -- Complete matches in the Iron Banner (30)
- Shine On -- Generate Orbs of Light in the Iron Banner (100)
- Iron Victory -- Win matches in the Iron Banner (10)
- Unrelenting -- Land final blows while your team has a Power Play (15)
- To Be Precise -- Land precision final blows in the Iron Banner (100)
One issue players have encountered is that Iron Banner Engrams are not unlocking at the stated Power level. However, Bungie has confirmed the Engrams are simply listing the wrong Power level--these are not intended to be Powerful rewards. A new update was released on Thursday, September 20, but that didn't include any fixes for this or anything else tied to Crucible or Iron Banner. This iteration of Iron Banner essentially works as it has in the past, with Control as the game mode. However, for the first time in Destiny 2 Iron Banner, level advantages are enabled. What that means is your Power level is a factor in your performance, unlike in a standard Crucible match. In other words, you'll need to account for Power level when selecting your loadout--you'll be at a disadvantage if you use lesser gear that you may like more. Of course, you can always infuse it, though that process is now more expensive than it used to be. The return of Iron Banner comes alongside the release of update 2.0.3. This doesn't introduce any big new features, but it does resolve a number of lingering issues with the game. That includes one where you'd lose the Offering to the Oracle item if your inventory didn't have room for it; now, it'll be sent to the Postmaster.
By Edmond Tran on Sep 21, 2018 02:05 am
Red Dead Redemption 2: All The New Features
A number of GameSpot staff members recently had the chance to see and play a near-final build of Red Dead Redemption 2, which releases in about a month's time on PS4 and Xbox One. Despite some initial familiarity as a Rockstar game, we discovered a wealth of new features and systems once we scratched the surface. There are a lot of mechanics to tell you about, a lot of stuff that we haven't seen the full scope of, and potentially a lot of things we haven't even seen yet. And that's without diving into Red Dead Online, which largely remains a mystery and won't launch until November (and even then, only as a beta). But we're excited to share all the things we discovered in our time with this highly anticipated open-world Western, so we've compiled all the things we noticed in this handy gallery. You'll learn more about the nitty-gritty details about towns, your horse, your weapons, customization, Arthur himself, and more. We'll continue to update it as we uncover the breadth of Red Dead Redemption 2's systems. Please note that due to the limited amount of available media, not all images will be completely representative of the features they're depicting. If you haven't already seen our primary Red Dead Redemption 2 preview covering the story missions we saw, make sure you read: Red Dead Redemption 2: We Played It, Here's Everything We Saw. What do you think of all these new additions? Lets us know in the comments below, and check out all of our coverage through the following links. Red Dead Redemption 2 News And Details
You Can Play The Whole Game In First Person
The entirety of Red Dead Redemption 2 can be played in first-person, much like Grand Theft Auto V when it was released on PS4, Xbox One, and later, PC. Like GTA V, this feels like a much more involved first-person experience than a conventional FPS because your actions feel more weighty, and animations are more confronting. We were trampled by a horse at one point, and it felt awful.
You Can Disable The HUD
The HUD is minimal by default, only showing the mini-map in the bottom left corner, with meters fading in as it becomes necessary. An expanded HUD option shows you a larger minimap, but there's also the option to turn everything off, as well as an option to only have a compass on the screen.
Cinematic Camera Has A New Implementation
If you're familiar with Rockstar open-world games, then you're probably familiar with the cinematic camera mode, which can be triggered while you're driving and activates when you're fast-traveling in a cab. In Red Dead Redemption 2, the cinematic camera will now automatically trigger in certain instances, like the long journey to a mission location, and will frame the journey with a montage of shots that emphasize the landscape and traveling group. You can break out of it at any time, but it's a nice touch, an enjoyable filmic framing of what might have otherwise been a standard journey. As long as you hold X on PS4 or A on Xbox One to keep pace with the pack (like RDR1), you can just sit back and enjoy the naturally-flowing conversation and scenery. This feature can also be triggered manually during gameplay.
You Can Inspect Everything
We spent a lot of time in town exploring stores, where items could be examined and purchased off the shelf individually, or via a catalog at the front counter. Switching to first person, you can make Arthur manipulate the object in his hands as he takes a close look at it. This is also how you'll interact with environmental narrative objects like notes and photographs. You can also inspect your weapons, which is great for appreciating any customizations you've made to them.
There Are A Variety of Business, Activities, and Secret Stores
We spent time in town browsing the gunsmith and general store, sitting down for a bowl of oatmeal and playing some Five Finger Fillet. Rockstar told us that some stores would have more illicit secret businesses in back rooms.
Your Weapons Are Visible On Your Person
Drawing on learnings from Max Payne 3, all of the weapons Arthur carries will be visible on his body. You'll be limited to carrying two long guns (or one long gun and one bow), two sidearms, a knife, a lasso, and a bunch of throwables. When we switched weapons in the demo, Arthur would carry his rifle in his left hand while he used his pistol in the other.
There's A Kill Cam That Changes Depending On Your Honor
Visible weapons aren't the only Max Payne 3 DNA in the game--when you take out the final opponent during a gunfight, a kill cam will frame that final blow. This will change depending on Arthur's moral standing: If you've been a naughty cowboy, these kill cams will be gorier. If you've been upstanding and honorable, they'll be framed in a more heroic fashion.
You Can Break Enemy Weapons
Speaking of heroic behavior, if you want to go the more non-lethal route, it's possible to shoot weapons out of enemy hands. Not only that, but you can even shoot directly at their weapons and break them. This seems like a handy technique if you're looking to be an outlaw with a heart of gold as opposed to a straight-up cold-blooded killer.
Dead Eye Has Five Levels Now
Red Dead Redemption's version of bullet time-style slowdown returns in the sequel, and it has more levels to it. We were able to deduce that Level 1 allows for slowdown, Level 2 allows you to paint targets and unleash a barrage of shots, and Level 3 allows you to manually pick your shooting points. However, Rockstar also mentioned that you had the ability to highlight critical hit points with higher levels, which will come in very handy for making clean kills when hunting animals.
You Can Customise Your Guns
In Red Dead Redemption 2, you're able to examine environmental objects in great detail, and you can do the same to your weapons, by clicking the right analog stick from the weapon wheel. That's handy because it lets you admire the customizations you can perform on them at gunsmiths, like personalized engravings and leather wraps.
You Can Craft Weapons
Aside from gun customization, you can craft special kinds of weapons and ammo. For example, you can craft molotovs and split-point bullets. This should make the going easier when caught up in firefights.
Your Guns Can Degrade And Jam
You need to take care of your weapon in Red Dead Redemption 2. You have the option to clean it, which is incredibly important to do regularly because guns can rust and jam due to disrepair and environmental conditions. This one's sure to be a controversial feature, if Far Cry 2, which also featured gun jamming, was anything to go by.
You Can Fire Warning Shots
By having your gun unholstered and holding Up on the d-pad, you can fire warning shots into the air. This is handy for intimidating people, scaring off animals, or generally being a rowdy buffoon while you're riding around.
Shooting Is Not Your Only Option, Try Talking
Aiming at people with your gun holstered will give you access to a contextual menu, which lets you chat to people in the world. You'll often find the option to verbally defuse or agitate situations with other inhabitants in the world, and these interactions seemed quite fluid and natural during our short time with the game. For example, when a carriage rode past us, we had the option to call out to them to stop, greet them in a friendly manner, or antagonize them. We called out to the carriage and were then given the option to hitch a ride among other things, but we took too long to make a decision and the driver rode off. We called out again, and Arthur's dialogue was more unsure and desperate.
The Eyewitness System Returns
The eyewitness system means that nearby onlookers to a crime can report you to lawmen, and like the first Red Dead Redemption, the effect of eyewitnesses can be mitigated if you manage to catch up with them and either kill or bribe them before they report the crime. In the sequel, however, you have more options. You can speak to them in various temperaments in an attempt to intimidate or convince them not to report you, or you can beat them like a heartless jerk.
Melee Combat Has Been Expanded
We weren't able to get into the mechanical intricacies of this one during our demo, but Rockstar reps mentioned that melee combat had been expanded. We were shown a fistfight where Arthur used grapple moves, blocks, and a variety of different punches to knock out his opponent.
Hunting Is More Realistic, Laborious, And Confronting
The ability to hunt animals and sell their meat and pelts returns, but with a more realistic (and therefore more confronting) presentation. Once you successfully kill an animal, you can skin it. But where Red Dead Redemption's skinning animation didn't focus on the animal, Red Dead Redemption 2's most certainly does. You'll see Arthur pull his knife out, get on his hands and knees, plunge his knife into the poor beast, carve the pelt from its flesh, peel it off the body, and roll it up into a bundle. You'll almost certainly wince the first time you see it. Arthur actually carries the pelt now, and he'll need to store it on his horse to free up his hands. Similarly, to get the meat off a hunted animal, you'll manually have to pick up the bloodied carcass and carry it to a butcher. We had to load a hunted deer on our horse and ride it into the nearest town, where we had the option of getting it chopped up into cookable components or simply selling it whole.
Time Is Cruel
Rockstar reps wanted us to know that these meat components had an expiration date--time would eventually take its toll and both the fresh pelt and carcass would start to rot and attract vermin, reducing its value and making us generally unpleasant to be around.
Time To Shave
Time also has an effect on Arthur's hair, which will grow longer over time. Customizing Arthur's haircut and facial hair styling is also dependent on length since you're allowed to cut things shorter, but won't have access to anything that requires more hair--a more realistic take on personal grooming compared to GTA V.
Time To Open
Time will also affect towns over the course of the game. While exploring, we noticed a half-constructed building and were told that these would eventually become new storefronts as days passed.
Stay Clean
NPCs will certainly react to the stink of your rotting deer corpse if you've been around it too long, or just haven't taken a bath in a while. Arthur needs to get clean and change his clothes every once in a while, since townsfolk may refuse to talk or serve him based on his appearance--having a lot of blood on your jacket doesn't attract the best reactions.
You Can Layer Your Clothes
Rockstar reps explained that the game's clothing customization options will be comprehensive--each character will have different sets to coincide with weather conditions, while customizations would allow layering and minor adjustments, like the option to roll up your sleeves or tuck your pants into your boots. It's unclear whether outfits will have perks like RDR1, but we know that the type of clothes you wear will affect Arthur's performance. For example, if you wear a weighty jacket during a hot summer day, your running stamina will take a big hit.
You Get A Camera. Yes, You Can Take Selfies
We started a side quest during our time with Red Dead Redemption 2, and the mission giver handed Arthur a camera. This camera could be used at any time via your inventory, and yes, the first thing we did was take a selfie. These aren't arm-out handheld selfies, though. The mode is titled "self-portrait" and will frame Arthur's whole body as if the camera was set up on a tripod. You'll be able to adjust expressions and poses, too--expect to see a whole bunch of self-portraits depicting Arthur squatting in front of various things.
You Need To Eat
Arthur's core meters are health, stamina, and dead eye, and you'll need to keep him fed with snacks and meals to keep his well-being topped up. If your health or stamina falls below a certain level, Arthur will experience dizziness--he'll have trouble walking, and his vision will be blurry. Arthur can carry snacks on him for a quick boost, but eating meals in town areas and in camp are more effective.
You Can Gain And Lose Weight
Sure, you need to eat. But don't overdo it! Arthur can both lose and gain weight, much like Carl Johnson in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Presumably, you'll also lose weight by performing strenuous physical activities like sprinting.
Get Better By Doing
In our demo, we noticed that stamina limit could be raised by running. This suggests a similar progression system to previous Rockstar Games where your skill with something increases the more you perform that action.
Horses Are Complex Creatures
Your horse will have its own set of health and stamina meters, and like Arthur, you'll need to keep it fed as well. You'll also need to keep it clean and brushed, since it can become less effective, and you can pet your horse, which acts as a mechanism to calm it down after it's been spooked. We were told that bonding with your horse by caring for it and riding it regularly can unlock additional skills and improve responsiveness. During our hands-on, we were able to rear our horse on its hind legs, perform drifts to change direction quickly (apologies to equestrian enthusiasts), and move our horse precisely by performing dressage techniques. You can bond with multiple horses and stable them in different locations around the world, as different breeds will be better suited to certain situations. A Clydesdale warhorse, for example, would be more suitable in a battle than the Tennessee walking horse, which is more of an all-rounder. And yes, they poop.
Your Horse's Saddlebags Hold Everything
Because Arthur can only carry a limited amount of weapons, your horse also acts as your storage. Being in close proximity to your horse will give you access to your entire arsenal, but you'll need to transfer guns onto your person if you decide to stray. You can move your horse without mounting it, thankfully, by grabbing the reins and leading it on foot. This gamut of horse interactions is accessed by Red Dead Redemption 2's new contextual menu, by holding L2 with your gun holstered and aiming at your horse. Also, you can also rob other people's saddlebags. Just make sure no-one is watching.
Side Missions Are Potentially More Involved
The aforementioned side quest was a multi-part mission that we weren't allowed the time to pursue. In it, a biographer fed up with his drunken subject asked Arthur to track down a number of famed gunslingers to ask them about who was the best, with the strong insinuation that we would have to duel them ourselves. We were handed a number of photographs of the targets, each with some handwritten notes on the back. Physically analyzing these notes and photographs was likely the key to narrowing down our search, reminiscent of the Treasure Maps from the first Red Dead Redemption.
Camps Are Complex And Affected By Time
Your camp will not wait for you. We were told that the members of your gang who reside at camp will come and go, and finding out where exactly they've gone from others will be the basis of a number of quests and side quests. We found that the day and night cycle will also affect who you're able to interact with at camp. For example, we looked for our gang's cook to try and fix up some of the deer we had prepared earlier, but he was sleeping, and though we prodded him awake, we didn't feel mean enough to make him cook. The stockpiling of supplies like these is just one of the ways you can affect camp morale. We're told camp morale is an optional mechanic, but keeping this raised can provide Arthur with additional supplies and bonuses.
Gang Members Can Join You In Free-Roam
Rockstar told us that if available, gang members will offer to join you on free-roam activities, giving you access to the same kind of assistance saw in the story missions, like asking them to go ahead and take out an enemy. You can also spend time talking to gang members at camp, including Read Dead 1 protagonist John Martson, and even butt into conversations midway to add your two cents. Unfortunately, due to the time of day in our demo, we didn't have many of these opportunities to explore.
You Can Swim
Unlike John Marston, it's possible for Arthur to swim. Though, it's worth noting that he isn't all that great at it.
You Have An Instinct Vision Called Eagle Eye
When you're tracking and hunting animals, you can activate what's called the Eagle Eye system. This displays key details in the environment that can help you close in on nearby game. It can also be used to see the scent coming off your body; a handy detail you can use to determine whether or not you should approach animals who might catch onto your presence.
You Can Swap Your Hat
Last, but certainly not least, we noted that while you can easily lose your hat in the midst of a shootout, Arthur can swap his hat for any other hat that just happened to fall off someone else's head by no doing of your own. Because at the end of the day, if you can't wear the hat you want, what is the point of even playing? We'll continue to update this gallery as we discover more things about Red Dead Redemption 2. If you haven't already seen our primary Red Dead Redemption 2 preview covering the story missions we saw, make sure you read Red Dead Redemption 2: We Played It, Here's Everything We Saw.
By Dan Auty on Sep 21, 2018 02:01 am
The fall traditionally sees the release of the many of the prestigious movies that are awards-contenders, and 2018 is no different. Over the next few months, expect to see films such as First Man, Widows, and If Beale Street Could Talk hitting theaters, while many of the big summer movies move to VoD and streaming. Of course, the big talk in Hollywood this week was the Emmy awards which rewarded the biggest and best TV shows of the past year. But there's still several great movies being released. This week, the fantasy adventure movie The House With a Clock in Its Walls hits theaters, which stars Cate Blanchett and Jack Black in the lead roles. John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix star in the comedy western The Sisters Brothers, and there's violent teen satire in the over-the-top Assassination Nation. On digital formats, the thriller Sicario: Day of the Soldado and horror sequel The First Purge are out to buy, while dinosaur blockbuster Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is now available to rent. The landscape for consuming movies has really changed over the past few years. The biggest films still debut in the old fashioned-way--in theaters, with home releases still a few months off. But with the rise of streaming and Video on Demand, we are increasingly seeing simultaneous releases for smaller movies, with films getting a limited theatrical release on the same day that they are available to buy and rent digitally. The rise of Netflix and Amazon as major players in film production has also disrupted standard release patterns. Netflix in particular has attracted some major directors, and their movies will bypass theaters entirely and premiere worldwide on the streaming platform. And of course, movies that did get a theatrical release continue to move to digital platforms after a few months. This is a great way to catch up on movies you might have missed on the big screen--or are keen to rewatch. So here's our look at the best and most interesting new movies in theaters and available to watch at home this week.
The House With a Clock in Its Walls
Watch it in theaters on September 21 After a brief diversion into action territory with this year's Death Wish remake, Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever) returns to the genre he is best known for with this gothic fantasy. It's an adaptation of the much-loved 1973 novel of the same name about a young orphan boy who helps his uncle and a friendly witch find a magical clock with apocalyptic powers. This is a more family-friendly slice of gothic chills than Roth's usual brand of gruesome horror, and the impressive cast includes Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, and Kyle MacLachlan.
The Sisters Brothers
Watch it in theaters on September 21 While the western is far from the popular genre it once was, there are still great movies within the genre released each year. The dark and brooding Hostiles was released back in December, and the Coen brothers' much-anticipated The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs is due on Netflix soon. Before that we have The Sisters Brothers, an offbeat western based on Patrick deWitt's acclaimed novel. It stars John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix as a pair of mercenaries who are hired to track down a chemist (Riz Ahmed), who has invented a mysterious formula that allows prospectors to find where gold is hidden. The strength of the cast, which also includes Jake Gyllenhaal, and rave festival reviews makes this well worth checking out.
Assassination Nation
Watch it in theaters on September 21 This dark satire takes the high school movie into some wild places. A group of teenage girls are targeted by the older members of their town when their phones are mysteriously hacked, and things soon descend into chaos and violence. Assassination Nation is sure to play well to horror fans and those who like their movies a little dangerous, and many of its themes are relevant to what is going on society today. The movie's tongue-in-cheek content warning says it all: "drug use, sexual content, toxic masculinity, homophobia, transphobia, guns, nationalism, racism, kidnapping, the male gaze, sexism, swearing, torture, violence, gore, weapons, and fragile male egos."
Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Own it digitally on September 18 The drug cartel thriller Sicario was one of the most gripping movies of recent years, and this sequel continues to deliver the brutal goods. This time the movie focuses on attempts by the CIA to incite an all-out war between rival drug gangs in Mexico, and Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro reprise their roles as a shady CIA operative Graver and vengeful Mexican mercenary Gillick respectively. In his review for GameSpot, writer Michael Rougeau said that Day of the Soldado is "well written, well acted, tense, topical, and complex, and in every way a worthy follow-up to Sicario--even if it wasn't needed to begin with."
Siberia
Own it digitally on September 18 Keanu Reeves has remained one of Hollywood's most prolific and popular stars for 30 years now, and with the third John Wick movie now in production, he shows little sign of slowing down. While we wait for that, we have Siberia, a crime thriller in which he plays a diamond merchant who finds himself in trouble with gangsters when a mission to Russia to sell some dubious rocks goes wrong. Reviews from its theatrical release suggest it's more of a drama than the John Wick movies, but Keanu gets to flex his action muscles too.
The First Purge
Own it digitally on September 18 The Purge series has become one of the most successful horror franchises of recent years--there have been four movies since 2015, and the TV show is currently airing weekly. The First Purge is the latest film and its hits digital formats this week. It's a prequel that looks at the creation of the single night of legalised crime known as The Purge. While reviews weren't as good for this one as previous entries (GameSpot's review said that "Whatever thin veil of subtlety this series ever possessed is gone from this movie"), the series goes from strength to strength commercially and fans will want to check this out.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Rent it digitally on September 18 The latest movie in the series of dinosaur thrillers is now available to rent at home. Fallen Kingdom sees Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprise their roles from 2014's Jurassic World, and features the welcome return of Jeff Goldblum's Dr Ian Malcolm. Director J.A. Bayona takes the action to the island of Isla Nublar and uses his previous experience in horror to deliver perhaps the scariest movie in the franchise so far. Back in June, GameSpot's Michael Rougeau said in his Fallen Kingdom review that the movie was "a hell of a ride, an exciting, terrifying, and funny follow-up that will have you at full attention until it ultimately sags in its third act."
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