By Array on Sep 26, 2018 10:41 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 Jordan Ramée on Sep 26, 2018 10:39 pm
Classic PS1 Games
Sony has announced that the company is taking a page out of Nintendo's book and producing a mini version of an old console that plays classic games. Called PlayStation Classic, the console comes preloaded with 20 different PS1 games. Sony has already announced five of them, but the remaining 15 are still a mystery. We've got our own ideas as to what should be included on the PlayStation Classic. In the following gallery, we've laid out our choices for 14 games that we hope make it onto Sony's upcoming console. We've left one spot open, so let us know in the comments below which PlayStation game should fill out that final slot and why it deserves to be there. The PlayStation Classic costs $100 / $130 CAN and will release on December 3, exactly 24 years after the original console launched in Japan. You can pre-order it right now. Currently, only Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms have been confirmed for the Playstation Classic. First releasing in Japan in 1994, the original PlayStation spread across the world in 1995. For the following four years, hundreds of different games arrived on the console. The PlayStation would ultimately be superseded by the much more popular PlayStation 2 in 1999, but Sony's original console set the stage for some of gaming's longest running franchises and gave the Nintendo 64 some healthy competition.
Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
If Sony wants its mini console to be a time capsule of influential games from the PS1 era, it's hard to find a better inclusion than Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It seems as if every other week there's a slew of new "Metroidvania" games hitting the market, and half of that moniker is due to this masterclass in game form and function. It defined Castlevania for a generation, and it changed action-RPGs forever. But this is no staid relic or academic slog. Everything about Symphony of the Night holds up beautifully and is still fun to play today. The combat is so sharp and responsive that modern games like Dead Cells are praised for matching it. The RPG hooks are deep but not suffocating. The exploration is rich and varied and surprising. It's one of the pinnacles of the genre and the platform, and it absolutely deserves to be included. -- Steve Watts
Chrono Cross
To say that Chrono Cross had some big shoes to fill would be a massive understatement. Its predecessor, Chrono Trigger, stands as one of the 16-bit era's most impressive and memorable role-playing games, with an inventive time-travel focused narrative and several different endings over the course of its story. Chrono Cross would rekindle the same type of magic when it released on PlayStation, but it also did enough to make a name for itself. Chrono Cross is still one of the original PlayStation's finest RPGs. Though it remains a contentious game among fans of the series, it still provided a memorable and heartfelt journey through time and space. Joining the lead character Serge was a massive roster of smugglers, rangers, magicians, and other vagabonds from across two parallel dimensions. Throughout the mostly non-linear story, you'd often head to places and run into people you'd least expect. Even without a fondness for the original, Chrono Cross works as a complex and involved RPG, and its spot in the PlayStation Classic's lineup would allow a new audience to see what was so special about it. -- Alessandro Fillari
Digimon World
Digimon and Pokemon have butted heads on a lot--anime, card games, and video games mostly--with the latter franchise winning out popularity-wise when it comes to games. In Japan, PlayStation's Digimon World came out about a month before Game Boy's Pokemon Red, and the pocket monsters beat out the digital ones in a landslide. That doesn't mean Digimon World deserves to fade into obscurity, though. Bandai Namco's 1999 game has you team up with a partner--either Agumon or Gabumon--before venturing out and catching "feral" Digimon that you then train, raise, and evolve. Where Pokemon Red and Digimon World differ is in how you raise your monsters, with Pokemon solely focusing on growth through combat and Digimon relying on both battles and multiple systems of micromanagement, such as sleeping and feeding. Remember Tamagotchi? Digimon World is like that but in 3D and with an actual story. The game would be great on PlayStation Classic as something relaxing to check on between playing other titles. -- Jordan Ramee
Driver
While it was Grand Theft Auto that would go on to receive much of the acclaim and success (and huge amounts of money) with its open-world games, it was Driver that first offered a similar style of driving action. Unlike the top-down games in the GTA series on PS1, Driver presented you with a third-person perspective not unlike that of Gran Turismo and Need for Speed, but it offered a wide-open world to explore. It's hard to overstate how thrilling the prospect of this was in 1999; you weren't bound to closed tracks, but instead were free to explore condensed versions of real-world cities like San Francisco. While there are games like the Forza Horizon series that continue to offer open-world driving action, there's still nothing quite like Driver, with its thrilling, mission-based police chases and dedicated burnout button. It's been bested in countless ways, but its basic formula remains enjoyable to this day, and it well deserves a spot on the PlayStation Classic alongside any of the other, bigger-name racing games that Sony could choose. -- Chris Pereira
Grand Theft Auto 2
Fortnite might be the hottest thing going right now, but it's hard to overstate the sustained success that Grand Theft Auto V has enjoyed since its release. GTA as a franchise has been hugely popular ever since it went 3D with PS2's GTA III, and PlayStation Classic could offer a fun nostalgia trip (and history lesson) by taking us back to GTA's more modest days as a top-down action game. Rockstar has done this to a small degree with a special mode in GTA Online, but why not do it right and include GTA 2 in the PlayStation Classic? Particularly for those who have played the GTA III-era of games but none of the earlier entries, GTA 2 would be a great way to see how many of III's ideas were already firmly established. Stealing cars, freely roaming the city, Rampages, wanted levels, side missions with vehicles like taxis, hidden packages--this was a game that firmly had the roadmap of GTA established. It simply took the less abstract third-person viewpoint of III to really catch on. All of that aside, GTA 2 would be worth including because it remains very fun. -- Chris Pereira
Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver
As the years go by, it seems like the cult favorite Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is slowly getting lost to time. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and directed by Amy Hennig (Uncharted series), Soul Reaver is the quintessential entry in the long-dormant Legacy of Kain series, whose last entry released in 2003. The game puts you in control of Raziel, a vampire lieutenant turned soul-sucking wraith after being betrayed by the tyrannical vampire lord Kain. Brought back to life by the Elder God, Raziel must embark on a journey across the desolate kingdom of Nosgoth to exact vengeance against his former master and vampiric brethren. Soul Reaver's grim narrative and intriguing characters remain some of gaming's most memorable. Its combat system--which focused on taking advantage of vampiric weaknesses--is incredibly clever and creative. And its bevy of puzzles to solve and secrets to unearth still keeps you constantly engaged with the lore that covers the game's haunting world. Sony could do right in including this dark gothic epic in the PlayStation Classic's game lineup--not only to remind folks what it is, but to give them an opportunity to experience one of the console's best third-person action-adventure games. Make it happen, Sony! -- Matt Espineli
Mega Man Legends
Mega Man has had plenty of spin-offs. Maybe too many. But even by the gonzo standards that brought us Mega Man Star Force, Legends is uniquely zany. Capcom's first attempt to experiment with Mega Man in full 3D produced a strange Zelda-like concoction with loot and dungeon-crawling elements. Exploring the ruins underneath a humble town uncovered mechanized destroyers--Reavers--and a compelling mystery about their origins and purpose. It didn't work perfectly. Mega Man Legends was oftentimes difficult and imprecise to control, a side effect of new technology finding its footing. What set Mega Man Legends apart the most, though, was its lovable cast of characters. This was an early example of a game taking full advantage of the PS1 disc space with a staggering amount of voice acting, and each of them brought character and flavor to their roles. Mega Man and Roll were the earnest heroes, of course, and they were joined by a quirky cast of villains: the frazzled Teisel, take-no-guff Tron, and baby Bon-Bonne. It would be worth revisiting just to fall in love with these characters again--and revive demands for the cancelled Mega Man Legends 3. -- Steve Watts
Metal Gear Solid
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Metal Gear Solid was a defining game of the PlayStation era. Featuring a unique brand of stealth-action gameplay, Hideo Kojima's homage to western-centric military action films featured a remarkably mature story, coupled with some fourth wall-breaking weirdness that ultimately made for one of the 1990s' most memorable 3D games. And with the coming release of the PlayStation Classic, Metal Gear Solid totally deserves a spot on the throwback console's lineup. What made Metal Gear Solid so groundbreaking at the time was that it was keenly aware of itself as a game. Along with some clever use of the then-new controller vibration, several moments throughout the game pulled tricks on players. In one of gaming's most iconic boss battles, the villain Psycho Mantis uses his mind-bending powers to read the protagonist Solid Snake's mind. But as it turns out, he was reading the player's memory card to name drop Konami games they played recently. While it seems like a neat gimmick, this was mind-blowing back in the day, and it's also a testament to the game's forward and out-of-the-box thinking. Metal Gear Solid, even today, is a remarkable game, and the PlayStation Classic would be sorely lacking without it. -- Alessandro Fillari
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
If you thought Limbo was the world's first dark puzzle-platformer, you probably haven't played Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. In Abe's Oddysee, you controlled an enslaved alien who discovers the factory in which he and his fellow Mudokons are forced to work is preparing to turn them all into snack cakes. That's when this unlikely hero burst into action, trying to escape the factory and save as many of his fellow slaves along the way. If you made one mistake, you'd get peppered with bullets, ground up by saw blades, mauled by dog-like creatures, or subjected to other, even worse fates. It was a tough game, but by the time you made your way to freedom you probably loved the doofy, farting protagonist. -- Chris Reed
Resident Evil 2
Following up on the original Resident Evil's success, Resident Evil 2 took things much further. Bringing the scares and sense of dread to an overrun city, the sequel introduced two of the series' most memorable characters and upped the stakes by making their struggle for survival more of a connected journey. While the original game introduced the concept of the survival horror game, Resident Evil 2 perfected it, making for one of the best action-horror games on the PlayStation. With the remake of Resident Evil 2 releasing next year on January 25, now would be a perfect time to get players refreshed or even introduced to the original game. What made Resident Evil 2 so innovative was that it greatly expanded upon the concept of two playable protagonists. Known as the Zapping system, each character had their own particular campaign and perspective on events. After finishing one character's story, you'd move on to the next, and often deal with the choices from the previous run--such as one character leaving little to no ammo for the other survivor. It all made for an experience that tasked players to think ahead, which was a series hallmark. Though Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3 were fantastic games, the middle point of the trilogy is the game that best used all these aspects of survival horror, making for one of the PlayStation's best horror titles. -- Alessandro Fillari
Silent Hill
The original 1999 Silent Hill has this eerily timeless quality that still produces a good scare in even long-time horror game veterans. Ironically, it's been able to stand the test of time by relying on the PlayStation's hardware limitations instead of trying to push for realistic graphics. The mysterious fog that blankets the town is supposed to hide that draw distance on the original PlayStation isn't very good, but it also keeps Silent Hill's frightening horrors hidden from you until they're within striking distance. It's terrifying to hear the soft sounds of something approaching and not being able to see what it is. If the Resident Evil franchise is the primary inspiration behind shooter-heavy modern-day survival horror games like Dead Space and The Evil Within, then Silent Hill is the precursor to horror titles where your options for fighting back are very limited. For that alone, it deserves to be remembered, but Silent Hill is also a major influence for moving horror video games away from the Western-style of blood and gore and towards the Japanese style of psychological terror. Putting it on the PlayStation Classic is a good way of keeping the game from fading into grainy obscurity and will help dull the pain of losing PS4's Silent Hills. -- Jordan Ramee
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
While skateboarding was popular in the late '90s, the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series elevated it to unbelievable levels and acted as somewhat of a gateway for many future skaters. This was done by way of an easy-to-learn, hard-to-master trick system that had players pulling off grinds, flips, and grabs in an attempt to land a high score. Of course, that was just the first game; Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 allowed you to link all of these tricks together into mind-bending combos. At first, these combos seemed impossible and only doable by those who made the game, but to the players who just didn't stop playing, they soon became second nature. I can't count how many times I've played through each entry in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. Even today, I'll throw the disc into my console just to speed through each level and revisit the virtual playgrounds that are burned into my mind. The game I revisit the most is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 on the original PlayStation, as its levels are some of my favorite in the series. However, none of them are quite as memorable as Warehouse from the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Paired with Superman by Goldfinger, it's my generation's version of Super Mario Bros.' 1-1. Thanks to those licensed soundtracks, and the roster of real pro skaters, THPS 1 and 2 are not likely to be included on the PlayStation Classic, but that doesn't mean either shouldn't. This series is one of the best the PlayStation has ever seen. -- Mat Paget
Twisted Metal 2
A system like PlayStation Classic is surely meant to evoke nostalgia and represent what made the platform special back in the day. If so, an entry from the Twisted Metal series--one of the platform's defining exclusive franchises--is an essential inclusion. There are plenty of Twisted Metal games to choose from, as a total of five were released on PS1. The easy choice is Twisted Metal 2: the final PS1 entry from David Jaffe and developer SingleTrac before 989 Studios took over and created a lesser copycat that lacked the soul of the first two games. Twisted Metal 2 represents the best the series would have to offer until the PS2's Black in 2001. It offers a demolition derby-style arena filled with gun-equipped cars, with the simple goal of wiping out the competition. With a varied arsenal of weapons, distinct vehicles, and numerous secrets to uncover, it made for a killer multiplayer experience--which would pair nicely with the predominantly single-player lineup of games revealed for the PlayStation Classic so far. -- Chris Pereira
By Matt Espineli on Sep 26, 2018 10:34 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.
Life Is Strange 2 Episode 1 -- 8/10
"As the first episode of Life Is Strange 2 concludes, Sean finds himself driving south, away from Arcadia Bay, the setting of the first game. The references to that town and all that happened within it are few and far between in the sequel, but the excellence in character and worldbuilding remain. Dontnod retains its expertise in depicting a teenager's unique struggles with their identity, relationships, and the way they fit into their world, while adding new gameplay mechanics that lend a stronger emotional investment to your decision-making. Life Is Strange 2: Episode 1 is a triumphant first chapter, featuring a narrative that fearlessly reflects the lives of two Latino brothers living in our politically-charged climate." [Read the review] -- Jess McDonell
Forza Horizon 4 -- 8/10
"There's such a diverse range of activities stuffed into every corner of Horizon 4, and meaningful changes contribute to smart driving dynamics and a more consistent sense of achievement. Everything you do in Horizon feels valuable, no matter how big or small--from the basic thrills of speeding a fast car down a gorgeous mountain highway to spending time tinkering with your favorite ride to manage seasonal road conditions to just hanging out with friends and strangers online and goofing off in friendly games. The charm of the Horizon series is as palpable as ever, a winning, all-inclusive recipe that celebrates the joy of driving above all else." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran
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 Chris E. Hayner on Sep 26, 2018 10:30 pm
With so much TV, it's very hard to know what to watch. Now, with the upcoming fall season, it's about to get a lot worse. Not only are there new shows on network TV and cable, but streaming services have their own new shows--and there's even a new streaming platform about to launch. So what should you watch this fall? It's a difficult question, but one GameSpot has the answers to. After digging through the fall season's new offerings, we've found there are plenty of things to get excited about--from horror, to sci-fi, to spin-offs, to some very interesting comic book adaptations. Whether it's Netflix's adaptation of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, or the latest series based on the works of George RR Martin--which appears to be very different from Game of Thrones--these are the shows you absolutely will not want to miss in the next few months. At the very least you're going to want to give them a shot. Follow along as GameSpot guides you through the 9 shows you need to be prepared for this fall. And if we missed something you're excited for, sound off in the comments! There's always room for another show, even if it means losing a few more hours of sleep.
1. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Premieres October 28 on Netflix Why you can't miss it: Hailing from the same producers as Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is anything but a spin-off of the CW series. Instead, this adaptation of the Archie Comics series is a dark and twisted thriller taking inspiration from a number of classic horror films, including The Exorcist. That it's premiering just before Halloween is all you really need to know about The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. It's going to be scary, and that's a good thing. Who's in it: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina stars Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men) as the titular teenage witch. The series also stars Michelle Gomez (Doctor Who), Lucy Davis (Wonder Woman), and Miranda Otto (24: Legacy).
2. Mayans MC
Premieres September 4 on FX Why you can't miss it: It's been nearly four years since Sons of Anarchy ended, but the outlaw world created by Kurt Sutter is back. Mayans MC follows a new club filled with new characters, but the mayhem and motorcycles are still plentiful. What Mayans does different, though, is what matters most. With a Latino gang working for drug cartels on the border between the United States and Mexico, the Hispanic culture flowing through the veins of Mayans MC can be seen in every single frame. It helps it to stand out from what came before. Still, it delivers on the kind of action and MC calamities that Sons of Anarchy fans have been missing since the series ended. Who's in it: Mayans MC stars JD Pardo, Sarah Bolger, Michael Irby, Danny Pino, Carla Baratte, and Clayton Cardenas. It's Edward James Olmos you're going to want to pay attention to, though, as the acting legend puts in a fantastic performance.
3. Manifest
Premieres September 24 on NBC Why you can't miss it: We all miss Lost. There will never be another show like it, but Manifest sure is trying. The series revolves around the mystery of Montego Air Flight 828, which magically disappeared for five years before landing safely--with the passengers having lost mere hours. The best thing about shows like Manifest is the mystery behind it all. Whether it'll be able to engage viewers on the level that Lost managed to remains to be seen, but it's certainly worth a shot. Who's in it: Manifest stars Josh Dallas, Melissa Roxburgh, Athena Karkanis, and JR Ramirez.
4. The Purge
Premieres September 4 on USA Why you can't miss it: Blessed be our New Founding Fathers for letting us Purge and cleanse our souls! By now practically everyone should know what The Purge is. After four films, the franchise about a world where all crime is legal for a 12-hour period once a year is haunting. And now it's coming to TV once each week. The first season of The Purge takes place during a single year's event and follows several different characters as they attempt to survive--or celebrate--Purge night. What it does differently from the movies it put the spotlight on the wealthy, as well as the struggling. Who's in it: The Purge stars Gabriel Chavarria, Lee Tergesen, Amanda Warren, Colin Woodell, and Hannah Emily.
5. Nightflyers
Premieres in 2018 on Syfy Why you can't miss it: Game of Thrones won't be back until some time in 2019. There will be plenty of George RR Martin on TV this fall, though. Nightflyers is based on a novella by Martin. Instead of Westeros, though, this series is set in space, as the crew of an advanced ship looks for new life. Don't expect this to be your standard space adventure, as this psychological thriller pushes the boundaries of the crew's sanity. And based on a description of the series, the scariest moments and figures aren't what they'll find on their adventures, but are instead already on their ship. Who's in it: Nightflyers stars Gretchen Mol, Eoin Macken, Jodie Turner-Smith, and David Ajala.
6. Star Wars Resistance
Premieres October 7 on Disney Channel Why you can't miss it: It'll be a while before Star Wars: The Clone Wars returns on Disney's streaming service, but there is a new animated Star Wars series incoming. Star Wars Resistance is set before the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and follows a resistance pilot who is spying on the First Order. Who's in it: The series will feature a plethora of new characters, as well as guest appearances by Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) and Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma). BB-8 will also appear in the series.
7. Maniac
Premieres September 21 on Netflix Why you can't miss it: Someone gave Cary Fukunaga, the director and one of the producers behind the first season of True Detective, a Netflix show, and that alone is exciting. Maniac follows two people looking for answers to their mental health issues as they undergo an experimental new treatment. While that may seem straightforward, the trailers for Maniac paint a very different picture. The imagery looks like something out of a '70s sci-fi film and the story feels epic, as the two leads--Superbad stars Jonah Hill and Emma Stone, reunited for the first time since the film--venture through the drug trials and their own minds, looking for relief. Who's in it: In addition to Hill and Stone Maniac stars Justin Theroux, Sonoya, Mizuno, and Julia Garner.
8. The Haunting of Hill House
Premieres October 12 on Netflix Why you can't miss it: Based on a 1959 novel, The Haunting of Hill House is another scary show you're going to want to binge leading up to Halloween. While Netflix says their take is a modern reimagining of the source material, clearly some things will stay the same--including the horrifying nature of Hill House itself. The spooky mansion will be home to four siblings who grew up in it, only to reunite as adults and go back into the haunting above and face their fears. Given that the series is written and directed by Mike Flanagan, whose horror credits include Gerald's Game, Oculus, and Ouija: Origin of Evil, chances are this is going to be a very scary late night binge. Who's in it: The Haunting of Hill House stars Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, and Annabeth Gish.
9. Titans
Premieres October 12 on DC Universe Why you can't miss it: It's live-action Teen Titans and Robin says "F*** Batman" in the trailer. What more do you need to know? The jury is still out on Titans, but it's definitely something you'll want to keep an eye on. After all, this is the first original series for the DC Universe streaming service. It will be used as a measuring stick for the other shows the service plans to introduce. Besides, it's the live-action adventures of Robin, Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy. The series comes from producers Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns, Akiva Goldsman, and Sarah Schechter. If anyone should know how to build a good DC TV show, it's them. It should be interesting to see what they come up with when they don't have any network restrictions holding them back. Who's in it: Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop, Teagan Croft, and Ryan Potter. Additionally, Alan Ritchson will appear as Hawk, while Minda Kelly plays Dove.
By Chris E. Hayner on Sep 26, 2018 10:25 pm
What a horribly cursed town Riverdale is, especially if your name is Archie Andrews (KJ Apa). The teen has been through a lot in two seasons. He slept with his teacher, started and ended a football career, seemingly started and ended a music career, helped track a serial killer, joined the mafia, and now has been framed for murder. The first photos for Riverdale Season 3 have arrived and it looks like that little framed for murder problem isn't going away for at least half an episode. In the photos, Archie is in court, being represented by his mom (Molly Ringwald). Across the courtroom is the prosecutor, Ms. Wright (Penelope Ann Miller). It doesn't seem like his trial will last long, though, as other photos from the episode show Archie as a free man, hanging out at the ol' swimming hole with his friends Jughead (Cole Sprouse), Betty (Lili Reinhart), and Veronica (Camila Mendes). Chances are he wouldn't be allowed to hang out with his friends and go swimming if he were found guilty. What these photos don't do is give any hints about the overarching story for Season 3. However, given that it was Hiram (Mark Consuelos) that framed Archie for murder, it seems the war between the mafia boss and his former teen underling is far from over. Riverdale returns to The CW on Wednesday, October 10. Before then, check out our spoilers and teases for Season 3.
By Chris E. Hayner on Sep 26, 2018 10:25 pm
Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina won't bring its brand of scares until closer to Halloween. If you just can't wait, though, a big batch of photos from the new series has arrived, and they are positively spellbinding. The images are the first introduction the world is being given to a majority of the main characters on Chilling Adventures. While Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) and her journey are obviously front-and-center on the series, the world of Greendale is populated with some very interesting--and peculiar--people that make up her family, friends, and foes. Whether it's her aunts Zelda (Miranda Otto) and Hilda (Lucy Davis), the trio of Weird Sisters that look down on Sabrina, or her boyfriend Harvey (Ross Lynch)--who is somehow completely oblivious to the teen witch's magical antics--there are a number of new faces fans will get to know when the series debuts. Perhaps the most exciting and intriguing piece of the puzzle is Sabrina's cousin Ambrose (Chance Perdomo). After being placed under house arrest by the Witches Council at some point in his life, he's forbidden to leave their shared home. That won't stop him from getting into whatever trouble his cousin is causing, though. Rounding out the cast are Michelle Gomez, Richard Coyle, Jaz Sinclair, and Bronson Pinchot. The first season of the series will consist of 10 episodes, with Netflix having already ordered a second season. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina debuts on the streaming service on October 26, just in time for a Halloween binge. Don't forget to check out the first official teaser for the new series, as well as the 9 shows we think you need to be watching this fall.
Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka)
Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch)
The Weird Sisters (Adeline Rudolph, Tati Gabrielle, and Abigail Cowen)
Aunt Zelda (Miranda Otto)
Aunt Hilda (Lucy Davis)
Mary Wardell/Madam Satan (Michelle Gomez)
Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka)
Father Blackwood (Richard Coyle), Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka), Aunt Hilda (Lucy Davis), and Aunt Zelda (Miranda Otto)
Father Blackwood (Richard Coyle)
Ambrose Spellman (Chance Perdomo)
Susie Putnam (Lachlan Watson) and Rosalind Walker (Jaz SInclair)
Nicholas Scratch (Gavin Leatherwood)
Susie Putnam (Lachlan Watson), (Jaz Sinclair), Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka), and Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch)
By Chris E. Hayner on Sep 26, 2018 10:06 pm
Sure, you can watch Stranger Things at home. Chances are you've done that countless times and loved it. What if you could visit the Upside Down in real-life, though? Yes, an actual Upside Down--some kind of dark dimension filled with slime and dead trees and monsters--might not be your idea of a good vacation. But what if you could take a stroll through a replica that probably won't kill you? That's what Universal Studios has built with its Stranger Things attraction at Halloween Horror Nights in the Hollywood and Orlando parks. The haunted maze pulls visitors into the first season of the Netflix series, retracing the steps of Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) as she searches for her missing son. GameSpot was one of a few outlets to visit Universal Studios Hollywood for a tour of its Stranger Things maze while under construction. During the tour, Universal Studios Hollywood creative director John Murdy spilled many secrets about the new maze and how his team managed to translate a show as spooky and otherworldly as Stranger Things into a live experience. We were also able to snap some photos of the maze--and get our hands on some others for your viewing pleasure. Halloween Horror Nights opens at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando on Friday, September 14 and runs through November 3. It runs on select nights through Halloween. Make sure to check out our coverage of the other TV and movie-based mazes the event is pulling off this year.
Why they needed a soundstage
Though mazes for the event are typically built in massive tents constructed around the park, Stranger Things required something more. When a soundstage on the lot became available, Murdy knew he had his solution. "Only about two months ago Family Feud was filmed in here," he said. "And now we're in." As for why this particular maze demanded a different type of space, there were a couple of reasons. First and foremost, lighting was a concern. "There's a lot of the Upside Down where you needed to have complete control, even though we build mazes in tents and everything," Murdy explained. "Having complete control of the lighting was really important." The other chief reason was a soundstage offers a much higher ceiling than the tents, which leads to some of the biggest sets ever seen in a Horror Nights maze--including a massive scene set in the Hawkins National Laboratory.
Working with the Duffer brothers on the maze
When it comes to creating a maze based on a known property, it always starts with a pitch to the creative teams behind the movie or show. Luckily for Murdy, Stranger Things co-creators the Duffer brothers are fans of Halloween Horror Nights. "I pitched it to Netflix initially," he said. "I didn't personally pitch it to Duffer brothers, [Netflix was] going to present it to them. And so I said, 'Well I'll send you my treatment.' And that's usually about a hundred pages. And they called me as soon as they had the meeting with the Duffer brothers and [were] like, 'You won't believe this, there's no notes.'" While Murdy and his team have been doing this long enough that it's not often that he would get a long list of notes back, "it's rare that you get none." "They agreed 100% with our approach," he said. "They couldn't have agreed more." That approach is to solely focus on Season 1 of the series, rather than a mix of both installments.
Integrating the kids without having them throughout the maze
While Horror Nights mazes are typically filled with actors in costume, Stranger Things presented an odd dilemma. "What to do with the kids was a big decision we had to make because obviously on the show they're all 12," Murdy explained. "We just quickly realized that's not going to work, we got to figure out how to deliver the kids in a different way." The answer was to use audio from the first season--the voices of the kids. "There's 5.1 surround sound system throughout this sequence and multi-channel audio everywhere," he said. "So all throughout the maze, you're hearing the kids on the walkie-talkies calling to each other looking for their friend who's missing." Keep your eyes open, though. You still might see a couple kids along the way.
Recreating the Byers home
When it came to the actual design of the maze, that's where the obsessive work of Murdy and his team began. They poured over the show countless times, studied photos, and tried to recreate everything as closely as possible to what was seen on the show. When it came to the Byers' home, that wasn't necessarily easy. "It's set in the 1980s but really for the Byers that means the '70s because they're not a wealthy family," Murdy admitted. "Most everything they have in this house came from the '70s." That meant sourcing out furniture, recreating wallpaper patterns, and looking for appropriate touches to fill the house with, including rotary phones that the Horror Nights team had to have altered by a special effects company, in order for them to react to what's happening within the maze.
Building Castle Byers--twice
It also meant things outside of the house needed to be built, like Castle Byers--Will's fort that he uses to escape from the real world. To make sure it was accurate to what fans remember, the maze-building team received on-set photography to use as a reference. Murdy said he pulled around 30,000 pictures from the show for reference. And when it comes to Castle Byers, that department has to do it all twice--once for our world and once for the Upside Down, which has its own fort.
How they created the Demogorgon suit
What's a Stranger Things maze without a Demogorgon scaring visitors? Or in the case of Horror Nights, several Demogorgons. If you're going to be stepping into the maze, don't freak out when the beast is suddenly standing in front of you. "This is a full-blown creature suit that our performers are going to be wearing," Murdy teased. How does one create a Demogorgon in real life, though? While originally Murdy planned to use the same molds the show did, there was a problem. "Quickly, you realize how much is CGI," he admitted. "So like when they did the Demogorgon on set, they had a guy in a creature costume but his head inside the head petals was all a big green hood. So all of the teeth and the mouth and the movement was CGI." Instead, the Universal team used an animated "hero" head--one used for certain shots in the series--and sculpted their own version of it for the costume. From the teeth to the head petals, the massive Demogorgon will be haunting the maze, thanks to the event's artists.
Bringing the Upside Down to life
Building the Upside Down created another challenge for the team, due to it being mostly CGI on the series. To recreate that, the Horror Nights team created a forest of trees that look rotten in a pitch-black room. From there, dozens of small fiber optic lights have been hung throughout the area, creating the creepy light orbs seen in the Upside Down. "And then we're projecting on top of all of it," Murdy said. The process of creating this particular piece of the maze took multiple layers and steps, but should ultimately be one of the most impressive pieces of the maze.
And that includes a very dead Barb
Yes, we have all come to terms with the fact that Barb is dead. Still, you wouldn't expect a Stranger Things Season 1 maze to not shout out the untimely death of Nancy's best friend, right? Murdy and his team simply couldn't help themselves when they created this particular dead body to help decorate the Upside Down. Happy trails, Barb.
An Easter egg hunt
What's a fun haunted maze without Easter eggs to search for? Like most of the brand-based mazes that came before it, Stranger Things is filled with fun nods to the rest of the franchise. The only one we could get Murdy to point out takes place in the classroom scene of the maze, which comes near the end. In it, there's a Rube Goldberg device believed to be built by the boys in Season 1. It's the sort of thing where you won't see it if you're not looking too carefully, but noticing it helps to make the experience all the more exciting.
By Chris E. Hayner on Sep 26, 2018 10:05 pm
It's been 20 years since Blade rampaged into theaters. While in 2018, the Marvel Cinematic Universe reigns supreme in the comic book movie world, 1998 was a simpler time. Films based on graphic novels and comics weren't an automatic win, and you had just as much chance to be Howard the Duck as you did Batman Returns. Blade helped show viewers that you could take a comic book idea and gear it towards an audience that wasn't made up of children. This movie was rated R and took its violence and gore very seriously. In doing so, it became a modest box office success and fan favorite movie that still holds up two decades later. Still, even with 20 years of love for Blade, there's plenty you may not know about the film. Thankfully, some of those things are now coming to light thanks to producer Robert Engelman and star Eric Edwards (Pearl). The two took part in a screening of the movie presented by Screamfest in Los Angeles recently, which I was able to attend. After the film, they fielded questions from the audience. In between regaling the audience with stories of making a comic book movie before they were cool, Edwards and Engelman both shared some very interesting into about their time on the set of Blade, including these nine pieces of trivia you have probably never heard before. After you've checked out these facts, don't forget to take a look at our complete ranking of Marvel movies, from best to worst, according to critics
1. The director was not easy to work with.
While the final cut of Blade is great, it was a hard road to go down for Engelman. One of the biggest issues was director Stephen Norrington. "He was an unbelievable nightmare to work with," the producer said. "He was completely crazy and imbalanced." For Engelman, it was a truly bizarre experience filled with highs and lows. "We had the strangest relationship," he continues. "We would fight all day long. Everyone on the crew thought we'd hated each other. Then in dailies, it'd be the cameraman, Steve, and me. We'd get all these sheets of paper, roll them up in little balls and we'd just throw them at the screen. We'd just laugh, race around in our chairs, and then the next day we'd go back to fighting."
2. However, there's one thing the director did perfectly--Blade's tattoos.
One of the most interesting visual aspects of Blade was the ink on the titular Daywalker. Blade was covered in intricate tattoos, care of Norrington. "[He] was a complete crazy guy, but a brilliant visualist," Engelman admitted. "He actually drew all the tattoos for Wesley Snipes. He drew half the sets. I mean, it really was his vision."
3. Pearl was initially going to be a gay vampire.
While it was a small role in the film, it's hard to forget Pearl, the massive vampire Blade encounters. Originally, though, the character was going to be quite different. "I read it and well originally the vampire was probably gay," Edwards revealed. "We were talking [and] in one draft they wanted like a young boy laid across my stomach, but I guess they decided not to. Which I thought was funny cause I always played it that way."
4. Wesley Snipes didn't necessarily give the movie everything he had
Blade is clearly one of Snipes' best roles, but that doesn't mean he was always giving 100%. "Wesley was great," Engelman said. "Wesley was a bit lazy. He wanted to leave early on Friday, come in late on Monday. And the first day he says, 'Actually, I don't think Blade is gonna talk very much.'' Well, I knew what that meant. He didn't need to have any lines. But he was terrific. He took it real seriously, and he was Wesley."
5. There's one big reason Snipes wanted to do this movie.
While playing a comic book superhero in a Marvel movie seems like an obviously good idea in 2018, 1998 was a different time. Comic book films didn't necessarily mean instant success and the MCU was still years away from existing. Knowing it was something of a gamble, Edwards asked Snipes what make him say yes to Blade while the two were on set. "He goes, 'Bob, I get to kill everyone. I get to be as vicious as possible and everyone cheers and I'm not a bad guy.' He says, 'Where else can I do that?' So he just loved the idea that he could be this vampire killer and just go crazy" Edwards explained.
6. The Pearl costume was very difficult to put on.
Given the all of the special effects for Pearl were done practically, that means Edwards had to wear a massive costume. However, it was a more complicated process than most probably think. "The suit was this huge contraption where it had a floor that was on hydraulics that they would lower down," the actor said. "I would get in, I would sit in first, and the guy who played my left arm would come in, the guy who played my right arm would come in. These two puppeteers and then they would raise us up, lock it, and once I was in then they would attach my head to the body of this huge suit. And that I think took 45 minutes to an hour to do. And then it, it only took like 15 minutes to pop off."
7. What's more, the entire set for those scenes was built around Pearl.
Given the size of Pearl, it was impossible to fit the character into a set that was already designed. Instead, they had to create the space with Pearl in mind. "You know, normally, you know you say, 'Here's the actor. You move to where we want,'" Engelman remembered. "In this case, it was all about you and then the set, we would move around you. It was a little strange. We had a great, great production designer, Kirk Petruccelli, and he just did a fabulous job and with Steve. Like I said, Steve would do a lot of Photoshop and design it and then Kirk would then take it to a whole different level, and then we tie it in with the effects and the stunts."
8. How did they make Wesley look so good in his fight scenes?
Throughout the film, Blade is getting into some fierce hand-to-hand combat with a number of vampires and in each skirmish, Snipes looks like a supremely talented fighter. How is that done? Pit him against supremely talented people. "What the secret was is, for example, in the scene in the archive, with the little girl," Engelman said. "She's a real martial artist. She's done it her whole life. She started at age five. Wesley does a bunch of roundhouse kicks and then you have a real, you have a really good martial artist who then takes the hit and flips and does all this stuff and it makes Wesley look like he's incredibly good." Still, that's not to take away from Snipes own abilities. He continued, "Wesley is good. He is a very good martial artist for someone who, in their later years, has studied it and really worked on it. But it is different than some of the people we hired who've been raised their whole life doing martial arts. So, the secret was, you put someone really good, like a Billy Blanks or one of those people next to him, and it's the way they take the hit that really makes Wesley look so great."
9. The original ending of the movie was very different.
Initially, the ending of Blade was going to see Frost (Stephen Dorff) literally turning into the blood god La Magra, which was essentially a swirling mass of blood. While that ending was shot, there were some on the creative team that new at the script stage it was a bad idea. "Some of us knew it cause we read the script and said this isn't working," Edwards revealed. "But the studio didn't believe it, and it wasn't [until] we had shot the ending and they just felt it wasn't enough. You know, it really just didn't have enough oomph to it and Steve came up with a new version, and it cost a ton of money, and New Line supported it." That new version is the now iconic sword fight between Blade and a possessed Frost. Thankfully, this is the version fans got to see.
By Mat Elfring on Sep 26, 2018 04:00 am
Since his first, full appearance in 1988's The Amazing Spider-Man #300, Venom has captivated the minds of an entire generation. While the Venom symbiote's first appearance came almost 50 issues earlier, it wasn't until David Michelinie and Todd McFarlane put the black costume onto journalist Eddie Brock that fans caught their first glimpse of what eventually become a wildly-popular character. With Venom coming to theaters on October 5, we're taking a look at all of Venom's appearances in this history of video gaming. From his early appearances in handhelds to Venom becoming a playable character in more recent fighters, the anti-hero symbiote has appeared in plenty of games. So here they all are, ranked from worst to best. The upcoming movie follows journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) who uncovers human experimentation at the Life Foundation run by Dr. Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). Brock finds himself in the middle of it all when an alien symbiote bonds with him, turning him into the super-powered anti-hero Venom. If you're looking for more on Venom, check out every appearance the character had in movies and television series.
22. The Amazing Spider-Man (1990)
Console: Gameboy In this relatively short game, Venom appears as the final boss, dropping down on Spider-Man, shooting webs, in a sewer. It was not a great game, and Venom's appearance as a boss was tedious. You could barely even tell Spider-Man was fighting Venom.
21. Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects (2005)
Consoles: GameCube, PS2, PSP, DS, Xbox You probably don't remember this game--because it wasn't good--but you could play as Venom in this 3D fighting game. While this version of Venom is interesting, and it's nice you get to play as him, the game itself is very poor.
20. The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin (1990)
Consoles: Sega Genesis, Game Gear, Sega CD Venom appears halfway through the game as one of the bosses, where Spider-Man fights him on some rooftops. His movements are repetitive, and you can take him down with ease, so there isn't anything very memorable about this appearance.
19. Spider-Man (1995)
Consoles: SNES, Sega Genesis In this side-scrolling beat 'em up, Venom appeared as the final boss of the game. The game itself wasn't bad, and Venom--as a boss--had some varying moves that kept this final fight relatively fun, for another cookie-cutter side-scroller.
18. Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety (1995)
Consoles: SNES, Sega Genesis Separation Anxiety was based on a story from the comics, and once again, you could play as either Venom or Spider-Man in order to try and take down Carnage. The problem with the game is that this was just a complete retread of Maximum Carnage from the previous year, so running around as Venom, punching bad guys just wasn't exciting or new this time around.
17. Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth (2012)
Consoles: Xbox 360 and Wii U In this chaotic and forgettable fighter, Venom is a playable character. This is the only Marvel game to be published by Ubisoft. Additionally, utilizing the Wii U controls added a huge learning curve to the game that didn't help make it any more enjoyable.
16. Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (2007)
Consoles: Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360 Inside of an ancient church, players get to fight Venom. However, the only way to beat him is by getting rid on the symbiote webs on some old bells and then ringing them. It's a predictable and repetitive battle for a game that was downright mediocre.
15. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Consoles: Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Windows, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360 Based on the Sam Rami night terror of the same name, Spider-Man 3 loosely follows the plot of the movie, and the final boss of the game is none other than Venom. The game itself is pretty fun, but Venom's appearance in it is a constant reminder of how bad he was in the feature film.
14. Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (2011)
Consoles: Windows, iOS In this online game, there were multiple versions of Venom to play as. You could play as the traditional Venom, Anti-Venom, or even Agent Venom. The character was a mission boss as well. It's a game for younger players, but Venom's bubbly design did make him fun to play as, even if the game is just another button masher.
13. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (2009)
Consoles: Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, and Xbox 360 In this game, Spider-Man can switch between his traditional costume and the symbiote costume. You get to fight Venom early on in the game, but Eddie Brock ends up also being the final boss, when you fight a gigantic Venom. While Web of Shadows is a middle-of-the-road game in terms of fun, Venom's final boss appearance is pretty fantastic and reminds players of another time he appeared in a video game, which you'll see on the next page.
12. Spider-Man: The Video Game (1991)
Console: Arcade In this beat 'em up game, Spider-Man and company fight Venom on two occasions, back to back. First is a normal battle on the ground, then Venom gets gigantic, and Spidey and friends have to shoot projectiles at him while climbing a building. This was the first time players got to take on a gigantic Venom, and the character design looked fantastic for its time.
11. Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage (1994)
Consoles: SNES, Sega Genesis Based on the comic story of the same name, you play as either Spider-Man or Venom to take down Carnage and his symbiotic gang. While this game came out when side-scrolling beat 'em ups were at their height, what made this game really cool was that this was the first time you could play as Venom. It presented him as a hero for the first time.
10. Spider-Man (2000)
Consoles: PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Windows Spider-Man was really the first Marvel 3D adventure game releasing on multiple systems--though the GBC version was a side scrolling beat 'em up. Halfway through the game, Spider-Man fights Venom. The game is great and Venom fits into the story exceptionally well. The graphics haven't aged well, but this is the best appearance of the character in a game where you can't play as him.
9. Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)
Consoles: Arcade, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360 Returning to the MvC sequel, Venom's gameplay was relatively the same as his appearance in the first. Regardless of nothing really being changed for the character, he was still exciting to play as in this game.
8. Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2014)
Consoles: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and Xbox One As long as you purchased the physical Disney Infinity figure, Venom was playable in the game. And while having to spend extra money to play as him was a bummer, Venom looked so awesome as a Disney Infinity character. Somehow, the horror elements of the character still come out in the family-friendly redesign.
7. Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of the Superheroes (1998)
Consoles: Arcade, Dreamcast (Later released on PlayStation 3) Venom made his first fighting game appearance in the first Marvel vs. Capcom, which--as the name suggests--pitted characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes against each other. The character design was fantastic and fit the Capcom fighting universe exceptionally well, and his character sprites are unforgettable. How does he fit into the story? Who cares? It's a fighting game.
6. Lego Marvel Superheroes (2013)
Consoles: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows In this Lego adventure game, Venom was a purchasable character with in-game currency. He could use his symbiote ability to phase through walls or turn into a hulking character that could move heavy objects. His varied gameplay made him essential in certain levels, so playing as him became part of your routine to unlock everything for each level. Luckily, he thrashed through bad guys and breakables easily, so he was a must-have.
5. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (2006)
Consoles: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, GameBoy Advance, Windows, Xbox and Xbox 360 Now we're talking! Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was the spiritual successor to the X-Men Legends series, which was available for multiple systems. However, Venom was only a playable character on the Xbox 360, as long as you bought the Villains Pack DLC. While Venom was exciting to play as, the fact you had to purchase more content to unlock him was a bit of a bummer for an era where DLC was as predominant as it is now.
4. Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 (2017)
Consoles: Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and iOS There is a whole lot of Venom in the newest Lego Marvel game, as long as you work to unlock it all. You can play as Venom, Ultimate Venom, Venom 2099, Carnom (Carnage and Venom hybrid), and Agent Venom. You know what you're getting when you buy a Lego adventure game, but this round offered up a lot of variety for those looking to play as Venom, and the inclusion of Agent Venom was a welcoming surprise and helped vary up the gameplay if you're looking to use someone wearing the Venom symbiote.
3. Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)
Consoles: Nintendo DS, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows, Game Boy Advance Venom was a huge part of the Ultimate Spider-Man game. Spider-Man starts off in a fight with the villain, and later, you get to take control of Venom himself. This happens in both the console and handheld versions, even though they're both very different games. Ultimate Spider-Man is a fantastic adaptation of the comic book source material, and the game really nailed the look and feel of Venom's comic book counterpart.
2. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (2017)
Consoles: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One After being left out of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Venom made his return to Infinite last year. His gameplay and moves were very similar to his last appearance in he Capcom series. The redesign of the character, his animations, and sound were all vastly improved since his last appearance, and because of this, McC: Infinite is one of Venom's best appearances.
1. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (2009)
Consoles: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii Topping the list is a no brainer: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. With the Ultimate Alliance sequel, Venom became a playable character on all systems without having to purchase DLC. However, you had to unlock him by playing the Wakanda level. The character had two costumes, the Ultimate Alliance and the Ultimate comics version. To this date, there is no better version of Venom in a game. He had a variety of moves that we've seen in the comics, and the creepy aesthetic of Venom came off well on screen.
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