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In the 10/17/2018 edition:

New Overwatch Halloween Terror 2018 Skins
Destiny 2 Festival Of The Lost Rewards: New Auto Rifle, Halloween Masks, And More
Destiny 2: Forsaken Iron Banner Is Live With These Curated Weapons, Armor
Spider-Man PS4: All The Suits You Can Get + New DLC Suits
12 Best Horror Movie Monster Origin Stories You Might Have Missed
40 Horror Movies That Are Actually Based On True Stories
Red Dead Redemption 2: The Influence Of GTA 5, Max Payne 3, Bully, And More
All Of Red Dead Redemption 2's New Features: Fishing, Horse Bonding, Secret Passages, Swimming, And More
20 Ghastly Horror Short Films You Can Watch For Free Online
22 Movies Every True Horror Fan Needs To See And Where To Stream Them
The Best Nintendo Switch Games Out Now (October 2018 Update)
Best PS4 Games Right Now (October 2018 Update)
The Best PS4 Game Exclusives Out Now (October 2018 Update)
The Best New Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC Games To Play (October 2018 Update)
Best Xbox One Games Right Now (October 2018 Update)

New Overwatch Halloween Terror 2018 Skins

By Array on Oct 17, 2018 12:16 am

'Tis The Season

The annual Overwatch Halloween Terror event returns for 2018, and it's live right now. As always, its release means Blizzard has added a variety of new cosmetic rewards to obtain from special event-specific loot boxes. The highlight, of course, are the nine new skins--including six Legendary ones--for the game's vast array of heroes and villains. While some of these simply dress someone up in a Halloween costume, a few transform their corresponding character into a frightful monster. Here's everything on tap for this year.

Undead McCree and Spider Widowmaker--both Epic skins--are among the new options introduced for Overwatch's 2018 event. There are also Legendary skins, such as Jack-O'Lantern Wrecking Ball and Swamp Monster Doomfist. Like previous years, skins can be found in limited-time loot boxes or be bought for 3000 credits. The Halloween-themed skins from previous years, meanwhile, are offered at a discount. Halloween Terror 2018 is now live and continues until October 31. Once it's over, you'll have to wait for next year to unlock any skins you missed.

Click through the images above to see all the new skins that have been released for this year's event. You can also check our video showcasing all the new skins. If you're eager to get your hands on some, buying a bundle of 50 loot boxes will net you 10 bonus ones for free.

Halloween Terror's PvE mode, Junkenstein's Revenge, has also r eturned. Taking place in an alternate reality, Junkenstein's Revenge tells the story of Dr. Junkenstein (Junkrat) and the Witch of the Wilds (Mercy) attempting to take over the fictional kingdom of Adlersbrunn. Their schemes are thwarted by a team of heroes composed of the Alchemist (Ana), the Gunslinger (McCree), the Archer (Hanzo), the Soldier (Solder 76), the Countess (Widowmaker), the Swordsman (Genji), the Monk (Zenyatta), and the Viking (Torbjorn).

Alongside this, there's an alternate version called Junkenstein's Revenge: Endless Night that mixes up the formula. For 2018, there are now 10 options for who you can play as. The new additions to the rotation are Tracer and Brigitte. The update introducing the event also makes a variety of changes to characters, as detailed in the patch notes--most notably, it reworks Torbjorn.

Jack-O'-Lantern Wrecking Ball (Legendary)

Undead McCree

Enchanted Armor Pharah (Legendary)

Spider Widowmaker (Epic)

Banshee Moira (Legendary)

Swamp Monster Doomfist (Legendary)

Destiny 2 Festival Of The Lost Rewards: New Auto Rifle, Halloween Masks, And More

By Chris Pereira on Oct 17, 2018 12:12 am

Check out the spooky new items available for Halloween

Coming not long after Destiny 2's launch, last October didn't see the franchise's annual Halloween event, Festival of the Lost, take place. That changes for 2018, and Bungie is doing more than ever, adding a brand-new activity type, among other things. But of course the highlight for many players is the new gear and rewards you can get your hands on, all of which you can check out above. The new update is live, and with it comes Festival of the Lost 2018.

A fixture of Festival of the Lost in the original Destiny was the variety of masks you can obtain and wear, and this year is no different. Among those we've already gotten a look at are Petra, Shaxx, and the Traveler, though the best of the bunch might be Cayde's chicken friend. Masks can be obtained by purchasing them with Fragmented Souls. This is a new type of currency earned by completing Festival of the Lost daily bounties offered by Amanda Holliday.

We don't yet know if there will be other ways of getting your hands on masks. However, we do know there is a special Bright Engram--the Ephemeral Engram--that you'll receive in addition to the usual Steadfast Engram every time you fill the XP bar (assuming you've reached the level cap). These Engrams will contain a variety of new items, some of which will also be sold for Bright Dust at Eververse during the event.

Many of these items are also pictured above--there are Sparrows, ships, Ghosts (including one that looks like a cat), Ghost Projections, emotes, and more. In terms of usable gear, we know there's a new auto rifle called Horror Story that you'll be able to purchase with the aforementioned Fragmented Souls.

Alongside all of these new items to acquire, there are new activities to take part in. First and foremost is the Haunted Forest, where you'll take on increasingly difficult enemies over the course of a 15-minute run in a modified Infinite Forest. This can be played solo or with a Fireteam of three (with matchmaking available if your friends are too scared to dive in). There's also a murder mystery involving the cryptarch Master Ives; you'll have to find out who killed him over the course of a questline that rewards Powerful gear.

Festival of the Lost goes live today, October 16, and runs until November 6. Its debut coincides with the return of Iron Banner, which has been revamped with better rewards and easier bounties to complete. Additionally, a new update--patch 2.0.4--launches today.

Destiny 2: Forsaken Iron Banner Is Live With These Curated Weapons, Armor

By Array on Oct 17, 2018 12:00 am

October may not be as big of a month for Destiny 2 as September, but there's nonetheless a lot going on. In addition to two major patches and Festival of the Lost, Iron Banner has returned for its second outing during Forsaken. As with the previous instance, Power levels remain a factor, but you'll now find it's easier to increase your power by taking part. Here's what you need to know and a look at all of the gear--both weapons and armor--you can acquire from this instance of the event.

The big change for October's Iron Banner involves bounties. Although they have the same goals as last time around, they're easier to complete, as Bungie has lowered the requirements for almost all of them, and replaced another. You'll need to generate fewer Orbs, kill fewer enemies with precision hits, and so on. Better yet, each bounty you complete will reward you with Powerful gear--last time, only two bounties offered items that could bump up your Power level.

Each bounty you complete also grants you access to purchase a corresponding item that has "curated" rolls. For instance, the Claws of the Wolf pulse rifle comes with Outlaw and Kill Clip. You can see all of these curated items (along with all of the weapons and armor up for grabs) in our gallery.

Here's the updated list of Iron Banner bounties:

Lightbearer -- Land Super final blows in the Iron Banner (20)
In the Zone -- Capture zones in the Iron Banner (50)
Iron in the Blood -- Complete matches in the Iron Banner (15)
Shine On -- Generate Orbs of Light in the Iron Banner (50)
Iron Victory -- Win matches in the Iron Banner (7)
To Be Precise -- Land precision final blows in the Iron Banner (50)
All in a Week's Work -- Defeat other Guardians in the Iron Banner (150)

With the release of Forsaken, 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; as noted above, completing bounties will allow you to buy specific versions of these weapons with desirable perks from Shaxx.

Iron Banner works much like it has in the past, with Control as the game mode. But post-Forsaken, Iron Banner has level advantages enabled, which wasn't the case during the first year of Destiny 2. Your Power level will partially determine your performance, unlike in a standard Crucible match.

Spider-Man PS4: All The Suits You Can Get + New DLC Suits

By Array on Oct 16, 2018 11:23 pm

Classic Suit (Damaged)

Spider-Man on PS4 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. We also take a look at all the game's new DLC suits, which we'll be updating with more information on their abilities as soon as they're released.

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.

DLC Suits: Scarlet Spider II, Resilient Suit, Spider-UK

There are some new suits in Spider-Man's first DLC, titled The Heist. The red and black suit is Scarlet Spider II. The Resilient Suit is at the center, which is an original design by Marvel illustrator Gabriele Dell'Otto. Rounding out the trio is the Spider-UK suit from the Spider-Verse.

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.

12 Best Horror Movie Monster Origin Stories You Might Have Missed

By Dan Auty on Oct 16, 2018 10:16 pm

When you think about origin stories, you're probably going to recount the time Peter Parker got bitten by a radioactive spider and was given superpowers. But what if we told you that most iconic horror movie characters have origin stories just as--if not more--compelling to their Marvel counterparts?

The horror genre is filled with monsters, killers, ghosts, and demons, most of which have a backstory that explains who they are and why they became such iconic characters. From a guy covered in bees to a boy who almost drowned, Hollywood sure does know how to provide compelling backstories for some of the worsts horror movie villains.

We've rounded up the 12 best horror movie origins from the past 40 years. Many of these origin stories aren't laid out in one film though. You have to watch the whole series to piece together the story for yourself. If you're looking for more origin-based horror movie trivia, check out these horror movies based on true stories.

Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)

While the masked killer of the seemingly endless Friday the 13th franchise is one of the 1980s' most famous horror villains, he did become the series' main character until the second entry. However, his origin is laid out in the original 1980 movie. Jason was born with terrible facial deformities, and was kept isolated from the outside world by his mother, who worked as a cook at Camp Crystal Lake. Forced to bring him to work one day, Jason was tormented by bullies and thrown in the lake. His poor mom, believing him to be dead, unleashed a vengeful killing spree, ultimately meeting her own grisly demise. Jason survived, and soon took up the machete and mask to stalk the camp again and again and again (and again).

Pinhead (Hellraiser)

The needle-faced being at the center of the Hellraiser movies was once a former soldier called Elliot Spencer. Disillusioned with life after World War I, Spencer came across the Lament Configuration, a demonic puzzlebox that enslaved Spencer and turned him into the soul-craving , torture-loving Cenobite leader. By Hellraiser 3: Hell on Earth, Pinhead had shed his human attributes and become an agent of evil, gathering victims for his Cenobite army. Give me a Rubicks Cube any day.

Sadako (The Ring)

Kids have long made for scary horror villains, and there are few more terrifying than Sadako, the ghostly girl at the center of classic Japanese horror The Ring, plus the range of sequels, spinoffs, and remakes that followed in its wake. There are actually several variations on Sadako's origins depending on which movie you watch, but they all ultimately center upon a girl who was drowned in a well and returned as a vengeful ghost to pass a curse from victim to victim.

Brundlefly (The Fly)

Of all the villainous characters on the list, Brundlefly is probably the most tragic. The half-man/half-insect creature in David Cronenberg's 1986 classic The Fly started out as brilliant scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum). He was developing top-secret teleportation pods, but when Brundle drunkenly tested the pods he failed to notice a harmless housefly in there with him. His DNA was fused with the fly, and he spends the rest of movie slowly, painfully, disgustingly turning into a vomiting, philosophizing, hate-filled fly-man.

Candyman (Candyman)

It's hard to blame the supernatural being at center of Candyman, Bernard Rose's terrifying Clive Barker adaptation, for the gory mayhem he unleashes, given his gruesome origin story. Originally the son of a slave, in the late 19th century he was accepted into polite society and became a renowned artist. But his relationship with a white woman led an angry mob to cut off his hand, replace it with a hook, cover his body in honey, and let a swarm of bees sting him to death. Of course, 100 years later there is one way to summon Candyman--as any horror fan knows, you do not want to say his name five times into a mirror. Go on, we dare you...

Chucky (Child's Play)

Chucky started life as an innocent, if a bit creepy-looking, plastic doll. In the original 1998 smash Child's Play, voodoo-obsessed serial killer Charles Lee Ray is cornered and shot in a toy shop by cops; as he dies, he transfers his evil spirit into a nearby 'Good Guy' doll. Soon the toy is alive, inhabited by Ray to continue his killing spree across the next six Chucky movies.

Jigsaw (Saw)

Better known as John Kramer, the trap-setting mastermind of the Saw movies is certainly one the more inventive cinematic serial killers. In fact, Kramer barely considers himself a killer at all. His elaborate, gruesome traps are intended to test their victims' will to live, following his own terminal cancer diagnosis. We're fairly sure that there would be better way to celebrate life than the face-shredding, gut-splitting, limb-slicing devices that Jigsaw invents, but it certainly makes for some entertainingly gruesome viewing.

Michael Myers (Halloween)

The origins of the masked killer in the Halloween franchise has long been a source of some controversy amongst horror fans. In John Carpenter's original movie, Myers was simply an insane murderer who was imprisoned for his killing his sister at an early age. As a young adult, he escapes, returns home, and keeps killing again. Simple and scary.

Three years later, Halloween II revealed (or rather, suddenly invented) that the character played by Jamie Lee Curtis in the first movie is in fact Michael's sister, and his return to Haddonfield was for a family reunion. Not so simple! And if that wasn't enough, Rob Zombie's 2007 remake introduced yet more backstory. White-trash parents, animal killing, papier-mache mask making--it's yawn-worthy stuff. Michael is one villain who doesn't need a backstory--his utter commitment to killing is more than enough.

However, the 2018 Halloween movie disavows all the other sequels to simply make Michael Myers a masked maniac again, with no connection to Laurie Strode. He's just a monster with a thirst for murder.

The Blair Witch (The Blair Witch Project)

Unlike the other villains on this list, the Blair Witch doesn't ever really appear on-screen, but she a terrifying presence that looms over the three Blair Witch movies. She started life as Elly Kedward, a woman who lived in the Maryland town of Blair. Accused of witchcraft, Kedward was banished by the townspeople and hung from a tree, heavy stones tied to all her limbs. When all of her accusers and many of the town's children vanished the following year, the remaining residents fled the town and the curse of the Blair Witch became established as a local legend.

The Poltergeist (Poltergeist)

Tobe Hooper's spooky 1982 romp was written by Steven Spielberg, who by all accounts had quite a bit to do with the directing as well. But whoever made it, the unseen spirits that mount a campaign to torment the Freeling family and kidnap their young daughter make for a scary ride. Late in the movie we discover that the Freeling's house was built on a former cemetery; the headstones were moved to a new location, but the bodies remained in the ground. Cue possessed dolls, evil trees, horrific hallucinations, talking TVs, and lots of noise and lights. Time to move.

Pennywise (It)

To be strictly accurate, Pennywise the clown is only one of several guises adopted by the unnamed shapeshifting entity of It, the smash hit adaptation of Stephen King's classic novel, but it's the one that everyone remembers. Pennywise is a terrifying clown that feeds on the fears of its young victims. As far as we know, the creature originates from an undiscovered intergalactic void, termed the Macroverse in King's novel, that has come to earth to feed on the young. But whether appearing as Pennywise the clown, a giant spider, or freaky orange lights, It is one scary, er, thing.

Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)

Of all the great horror characters of the 1980s, none are more famous than Freddy Krueger. Created by Wes Craven and played by Robert Englund in seven Nightmare on Elm Street movies, Krueger's origin story is concisely described in the first movie: "the bastard son of a thousand maniacs." Freddy's poor mom was accidentally locked in an asylum, where she was repeatedly raped by inmates, one of the them fathering Freddy. Abused and tormented as a child, Freddy returned to his hometown of Springwood as a young man and set about kidnapping and murdering dozens of children. After he was freed by police on technicality, Krueger was burned alive by the parents of his victims, but was of course reborn as the dream-inhabiting, razor-fingered, wise-cracking horror icon.

40 Horror Movies That Are Actually Based On True Stories

By Michael Rougeau on Oct 16, 2018 08:57 pm

There's nothing scarier than a true horror story.

No matter how terrifying a horror movie can be, you know in the back of your head that the events that are taking place aren't real. There's no way a a kid's doll became possessed by the soul of a serial killer and went on a rampage, murdering everyone in sight. Don't get too comfy because plenty of these movies have roots in reality.

Now, before you go burning all your precious Cabbage Patch Kids, you'll probably want to know which horror classics are based on actual or true events. Luckily, lots of horror movies seem to pull from one serial killer, and he's been dead since the '80s, so there's no need to cower in the corner until the end of days. Some of these films stray far from the bounds of reality, while others stick true to their non-fiction source material. Either way, they're all terrifying in their own rights.

Here are 40 movies, all of which are inspired by or based on actual events, and after reading this, you may just want to watch them all over again with your new perspective. How many have you seen? Let us know in the comments below.

The Blob (1958)

The fiction: An alien blob terrorizes a small town in Pennsylvania, growing larger and more aggressive as it devours people whole.

The fact: The Blob was inspired by a 1950 incident involving a handful of Philadelphia police officers who witnessed a mysterious, gelatinous alien mass fall from the sky. It allegedly dissolved before long, and thankfully didn't eat anyone. (source)

Psycho (1960)

The fiction: A young woman is murdered by a motel manager who occasionally cosplays as his dead mother, who's still decomposing in his house.

The fact: Psycho's story, adapted from a 1959 book of the same name, is based loosely on the real world murderer Ed Gein, whose fixation on his mother and other qualities are mirrored in the character Norman Bates. (source)

The Exorcist (1973)

The fiction: Two priests and a mother attempt to save a 12-year-old girl from demonic possession.

The fact: The Exorcist was adapted from the 1971 novel of the same name. The book was based at least partially on the story of an unidentified 13-year-old boy who exhibited signs of possession in Cottage City, MD in 1949. (source)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

The fiction: A group of friends are terrorized by an isolated family of rural cannibals, including the now-iconic Leatherface.

The fact: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was marketed as "based on a true story," which isn't entirely accurate--although Leatherface was inspired by real life killer Ed Gein, who also wore human skin over his own. (source)

Deranged (1974)

The fiction: A deranged man becomes obsessed with corpses, eventually resorting to creating new ones. The film was subtitled "The Confessions of a Necrophile" in the US.

The fact: Like so many other horror films of the era, Deranged killer Ezra Cobb was based on the murderer Ed Gein. (source)

Jaws (1975)

The fiction: An enormous shark terrorizes beachgoers off the coast of the fictional New England town of Amity Island.

The fact: Jaws was inspired by the 1916 deaths in New Jersey of five victims at the teeth of one ferocious rogue shark. (source)

The Hills Have Eyes (1976)

The fiction: A family is terrorized by savages in the Nevada desert who turn out to all be part of one big, cannibalistic clan.

The fact: The Hills Have Eyes and its 2006 remake are modern retellings of the story of Sawney Bean, who legend has it led a clan of dozens of cannibals in killing over 1,000 people in Scotland around the 16th century. (source)

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

The fiction: A "Phantom" killer in a simple mask terrorizes the small town of Texarkana, Texas.

The fact: The Town That Dreaded Sundown was based on similar murders that took place in Texarkana between February and May of 1946. It was even shot there, with several locals cast as extras. (source)

Eaten Alive (1977)

The fiction: The proprietor of a rural Texas hotel attacks victims and feed them to his pet crocodile.

The fact: The events of Eaten Alive, which also went by the alternate titles Death Trap, Horror Hotel, and Starlight Slaughter, were based on the real life "alligator killer," Joe Ball. Ball murdered at least two women in the 1930s, and rumor is he disposed of the bodies by feeding them to the pet alligators he kept at his Elmendorf, Texas bar. (source)

Audrey Rose (1977)

The fiction: In one of his earliest roles, Anthony Hopkins plays Elliot Hoover, who becomes convinced that a 10-year-old girl is the reincarnation of his dead daughter.

The fact: Audrey Rose was adapted from a novel of the same title by Frank De Felitta, who was inspired to explore reincarnation in his writing after his 6-year-old son allegedly began spontaneously playing ragtime piano. (source)

The Amityville Horror (1979)

The fiction: A young couple find their new home already inhabited by unfriendly spirits.

The fact: Based on Jay Anson's book of the same name, The Amityville Horror is a well known retelling of Ronald J. DeFeo Jr.'s real life murder of his parents and four siblings, and the subsequent events experienced by the house's later owners. (source)

The Entity (1982)

The fiction: A woman is attacked by a paranormal, invisible attacker.

The fact: The Entity was adapted from the novel of the same name by Frank De Felitta (also the author of Audrey Rose). It was based on the story of a Culver City, Calif. woman who believed she was being raped by ghosts. (source)

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

The fiction: The infamous Freedy Krueger stalks and kills a group of teenagers in their dreams.

The fact: Wes Craven was inspired by reports of Asian men throughout the '70s and '80s dying in their sleep, a phenomenon that at the time was labeled "Asian Death Syndrome." (source)

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

The fiction: The Walking Dead's Michael Rooker plays Henry, a serial killer on a crime spree.

The fact: The movie tells a fictionalized version of the real life of killer Henry Lee Lucas. (source)

The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

The fiction: An ethnobotanist--a scientist who studies how native cultures use plants for medicine and other purposes--investigates a drug that allegedly creates Voodoo zombies.

The fact: It was based on the nonfiction book of the same name by real world ethnobotanist Wade Davis, who investigated the story of alleged zombie Clairvius Narcisse. (source)

Child's Play (1988)

The fiction: A child's doll is possessed by the soul of a serial killer.

The fact: Chucky's story was inspired by Robert, a haunted doll that allegedly talked and inspired fits of rage in its young owner. Robert is still on display in the Florida Key West Martello Museum. (source)

Fire in the Sky (1993)

The fiction: A group of men are investigated for murder after a friend was apparently abducted by aliens.

The fact: In 1975 Travis Walton claimed to have been abducted by a UFO, although he was never able to prove it. (source)

The Dentist (1996)

The fiction: Amid various hallucinations, a sadistic dentist gets revenge on his cheating wife.

The fact: It's been speculated that The Dentist was based on the true story of Dr. Glennon Edward Engleman, a Missouri dentist who, over decades, convinced multiple women to marry other men, who he would then murder. They'd split the insurance checks. (source)

Ravenous (1999)

The fiction: A US soldier during the Mexican-American War is assigned to a remote mountain fort, where he encounters a stranger who turns out to be a murderous cannibal.

The fact: Ravenous was inspired both by the Donner Party, the infamous group of pioneers who were forced to resort to cannibalism after becoming stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and by Alfred Packer, who apparently ate his companions on a gold-prospecting expedition when they became stranded in the Rockies. (source)

From Hell (2001)

The fiction: Scotland Yard investigates the murders committed by the infamous Jack the Ripper, uncovering conspiracies along the way.

The fact: From Hell, based on a graphic novel by Alan Moore, speculates on the real murderer Jack the Ripper, who was never definitively identified. (source)

Dahmer (2002)

The fiction: A recluse in Wisconsin captures, murders, and does really unspeakable things to a total of 17 male victims.

The fact: It's about Jeffrey Dahmer. Do you really need a source for that? By the way, yes, that's Hawkeye.

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

The fiction: A man investigates the Mothman, a strange red-eyed creature that appears to signify impending disasters.

The fact: Real world journalist John Keel wrote the book The Mothman Prophecies after investigating hundreds of reports of sightings and other strange phenomena in Point Pleasant, West Virginia during the late 1960s. (source)

Open Water (2003)

The fiction: A scuba-diving couple find themselves stranded in shark-infested Caribbean waters.

The fact: The true story involves Tom and Eileen Lonergan, who were left behind while scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef because their tour guides failed to take a head count. Their bodies were never found. (source)

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

The fiction: An attorney defends a priest accused of negligent homicide after an exorcism.

The fact: In real life a German woman named Anneliese Michel died after being subjected to an exorcism. She was found to have been malnourished and dehydrated, and her parents and the responsible priests were charged with negligent homicide and sentenced to three years' probation. Her epilepsy was likely the real culprit. (source)

Wolf Creek (2005)

The fiction: Three backpackers are hunted by a madman through the Australian outback.

The fact: Writer and director Greg McLean said Wolf Creek was based on three separate real life Australian serial killers: Ivan Milat, AKA The Backpacker Killer, who murdered backpackers in the '90s; Bradley Murdoch, who allegedly tried to kidnap a woman after murdering her boyfriend; and the Snowtown Murders, a series of 11 grisly murders carried out by four men and one woman in the small town of Snowtown in South Australia. (source)

Them (2006)

The fiction: A couple are attacked in their home by a group of sadistic children and teenagers.

The fact: Them is reportedly based on the story of an Austrian couple murdered at their home in the Czech Republic. That said, the details on those alleged real events are hard to come by, so take this one with a grain of salt. (source)

The Girl Next Door (2007)

The fiction: A young woman is tortured and killed in suburban America.

The fact: Real life Sylvia Likens was tortured, humiliated, and sexually abused for months by her caretakers, the Baniszewski family, and various neighborhood youths, leading to her death. It's really soul-wrenching stuff; do yourself a favor and don't look into it any further. (source)

Borderland (2007)

The fiction: A group of college students discover a cult that practices human sacrifice in Mexico.

The fact: The real story is of Adolfo Constanzo, a "witch doctor" who ingratiated himself with cartels in Mexico as he racked up a crazy body count as a serial killer. He used human remains to perform "spells" and attracted an impressive following of cult members and accomplices. He wasn't caught until he murdered an American college student in 1989. (source)

Zodiac (2007)

The fiction: Investigators hunt the Zodiac Killer, who was active in the San Francisco Bay area during the '60s and '70s.

The fact: David Fincher's film was based on James Vanderbilt's 1986 nonfiction book of the same name. The Zodiac Killer was a real serial killer directly linked to at least five murders in the late '60s. He was never positively identified. (source)

Primeval (2007)

The fiction: A team of American journalists travel to the African country Burundi to hunt a giant crocodile.

The fact: The real crocodile is named Gustave, and he's reportedly 20 feet long and over 60 years old. They say he's claimed more than 300 victims, and he may still be at large today. (source)

The Strangers (2008)

The fiction: A couple is harassed in their home by a group of masked intruders.

The fact: This beloved slasher was inspired by three separate sources: a personal experience of writer/director Bryan Bertino's in which strangers knocked on his door while his parents were away, and he later found out they'd been responsible for break-ins in the area; the Manson Family murders, in which followers of infamous killer Charles Manson murdered five people in a home invasion, including actress Sharon Tate; and the Keddie Cabin Murders, which involved a woman and her children staying at a remote resort in California. (source)

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

The fiction: A family moves into a haunted house that used to be a mortuary.

The fact: The Reed family experienced strange events, including apparitions of a man with long black hair, after moving into a former funeral home in the '80s. The house was allegedly rid of the unfriendly ghost(s) after a three-hour exorcism, although the Catholic church denies having performed it. (source)

The Rite (2011)

The fiction: An American seminary student travels to Italy to take a course on exorcism, and he eventually witnesses real supernatural events.

The fact: The Rite is based loosely on the life of a real priest, father Gary Thomas, who is one of the few to complete a 40-hour Vatican course on exorcism. Journalist Matt Baglio wrote about him in his book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, which served as the film's inspiration. (source)

Silent House (2011)

The fiction: A young woman is terrorized in her family vacation home.

The fact: Silent House is a remake of a 2010 Uruguyan film called La Casa Muda ("The Silent House"), which was based on an incident that allegedly occurred in a village in Uruguay in the 1940s. (source)

The Possession (2012)

The fiction: A young girl inadvertently purchases a haunted box at a yard sale. Scary stuff ensues.

The fact: The Possession was originally titled "The Dibbuk Box," after the story of a haunted box that supposedly terrorized multiple owners. (source)

The Conjuring (2013)

The fiction: A pair of paranormal investigators attempt to rid a family of their home's irate spirits.

The fact: The Conjuring was famously based on just one of the many historical incidents involving real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. (source)

The Sacrament (2013)

The fiction: Journalists accompany a co-worker and document their attempt to rescue a relative from an abusive cult.

The fact: The cult was inspired by the Peoples Temple settlement Jonestown in Guyana, which made the phrase "drink the Kool-Aid" famous after its nearly 1,000 members died from drinking poisoned Flavor Aid in a mass suicide (although, it's been reported, some gulped it down less willingly than others. (source)

Annabelle (2014)

The fiction: A couple is harassed by the soul of a cultist murderer that's trapped inside a creepy doll.

The fact: The doll Annabelle originated in The Conjuring, but it wasn't until the 2014 film Annabelle that she got her own backstory. The doll itself is based on a real life alleged haunted doll, also named Annabelle, investigated by the paranormal experts Ed and Lorrain Warren. (source)

Deliver Us From Evil (2014)

The fiction: A veteran NYPD officer and a renegade priest wrestle with real evil.

The fact: The movie was based on Ralph Sarchie's book Beware the Night, which documents his work as a demonologist. The plot of the movie is entirely fictional, but it allegedly is true to the character of the writer himself. (source)

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The fiction: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren reluctantly help a family haunted by demons in England.

The fact: Like the other movies in the extended Conjuring universe, The Conjuring 2 is based on a real case the Warrens investigated: the Enfield Poltergeist, one of England's most infamous hauntings. (source)

Red Dead Redemption 2: The Influence Of GTA 5, Max Payne 3, Bully, And More

By Array on Oct 16, 2018 05:27 pm

Red Dead Redemption 2 is Rockstar's most ambitious game to date. With nearly 20 years of experience and almost 30 games under its belt, it's clear that the studio is pulling from its rich history in order to make its biggest game to date. Eight Rockstar studios around the globe are putting bits and pieces of eight different games into Red Dead Redemption 2,.

The physical health mechanics from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas appear in Red Dead Redemption 2, for example, and they're expanded to affect your character's own personal hygiene. RDR2's weapon handling emulates Max Payne 3 by only allowing your character to carry as many guns as they can physically hold with their hands and available holsters. Heck, even the NPC interaction from Bully is present, although with improvements that allow you to respond to characters in a variety of ways depending on what's going on.

With so many past elements showing up in the upcoming open-world adventure, it seems like the game is a true culmination of everything Rockstar has learned. In this gallery, we detail eight of Rockstar's biggest games from the last 15 years and what they contribute to Red Dead Redemption 2.

Red Dead Redemption 2 launches on October 26 for PS4 and Xbox One. Pre-orders are available now at a number of in-store and online retailers, and there's some extra content tied to specific platforms and timed exclusive DLC. If you're curious about all the new features in the game, check out our round-up of everything we know, including the game's most surprising details.

What do you find the most intriguing about the way Red Dead Redemption 2 takes elements from past Rockstar games? Let us know in the comments below.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004): Physical Health

In 2004, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was the biggest game that Rockstar had ever shipped. Alongside a sprawling map with three distinct cities, San Andreas allowed you to morph CJs body as you played. For example, if you gorged on Meat Stacks at Burger Shot, CJ would start to get plump. Conversely if you ate healthily and hit the gym every now and then, CJ would get buff. An in-shape CJ would garner more respect and have greater sex appeal while a chubbier CJ would have less luck with the ladies.

As unique as this mechanic was at the time, Rockstar has not revisited it in any subsequent games until now. Like CJ, Arthur Morgan will change and evolve depending on how you play. His beard and hair will grow over time if you don't get him a trim. You can even make him look sharp by slicking his hair back. If you overindulge, Arthur will put on some weight, and even deride himself when he catches his reflection in mirrors. And if he doesn't clean himself every now and then, Arthur will start to get stanky. NPCs and gang members respond to Arthur differently depending on his hygiene and personal upkeep, even take him aside to suggest that he wash himself.

The Warriors (2005): Melee Combat

The Warriors was a notable contribution to Rockstar's output mostly due to its overall quality as a licensed game based on a film. It wonderfully worked in the style of its source material into its small sandbox world. Not only that, but it expanded upon the story of the film, giving its characters more background. However, The Warriors' most notable quality was its melee combat, which was modeled after classic 2D beat-em-ups. While this would be later expanded in Bully, it was in The Warriors that we saw Rockstar's first attempt at melee combat.

Subsequent Rockstar games dabbled in melee, but none really went for it in the way The Warriors and Bully did. Red Dead Redemption 2 seems to be bringing melee back, giving Morgan the ability to duke it out with enemies by punching, kicking, and even stunning and throwing them. There's some pretty gnarly sound effects accompanying each blow, bringing it more in line with the level of violence seen in The Warriors.

Bully (2006): NPC Interaction

Compared to Rockstar's previous open world games, Bully was rather unique. It was a much more intimate experience: Bullworth Academy was far smaller than a city, there were no guns, and if you were a good student you'd be spending a lot of time in class. But the scope, no matter how narrow it was compared to GTA, was the right fit: Bully became an influential addition to Rockstar's catalogue in its own right.

One of Bully's more interesting parts was the way you interacted with NPCs. You could greet them either positively or negatively. You could talk your way out of trouble, and even apologize to someone you injured. While it wasn't as fleshed out as it could have been, it did allow you to respond to social situations in unique ways.

Rockstar briefly revisited this mechanic in Red Dead Redemption where a tap of a button allowed John to tip his cowboy hat to those around him. But now Rockstar is expanding this mechanic in Red Dead Redemption 2. If you target an NPC without your gun equipped, you're given a handful of options for social interactions. You can greet, threaten, or rob an NPC. Depending on how they respond to Arthur, he can continue the conversation or just walk away. Based on the first several hours, this adds another layer of complexity to the world. NPCs feature a wider range of attitudes toward you--they aren't all either simply docile or shooting at you. You can diffuse encounters in ways you see fit.

Grand Theft Auto IV (2008): Sense Of Place

Grand Theft Auto IV was a bit of a departure from previous entries in the franchise. Many of the features from San Andreas and Bully had disappeared, and the over-the-top tone was replaced with a more realistic one. Gone were the jetpacks and planes of San Andreas and the '80s nostalgic decadence of Vice City. And while some players lamented the loss of this wackiness, Rockstar replaced it with something just as important: A strong sense of place. Liberty City felt alive. You could follow NPCs going about their business and Niko could just hang out and befriend key characters. Since GTA IV, Rockstar has opted--for the most part--to create more grounded and realistic experiences that offer a stronger warmth and presence. GTA IV's vision of a more realistic take on the open-world genre can be seen in nearly all of Rockstar's subsequent games and is pushed much further than before in Red Dead Redemption 2.

L.A. Noire (2011): Environmental Interaction

L.A. Noire was an unusual game for Rockstar and its developer Team Bondi. Combat was put on the backburner in favor of a slower-paced experience that asked you to carefully explore crime scenes, gather evidence, and question witnesses. If you weren't thorough, you could completely botch a case, the perp would get away, and yet, the story would continue. Not everyone loved it, but to this day, there are still very few games like it.

One of L.A. Noire's key mechanics is the ability to examine and manipulate objects found in the environment in order to piece together how the crime went down. L.A. Noire wasn't the first game to do this, and it certainly won't be the last, but it's the only Rockstar game to date that allowed you to interact with the environment to this extent. Red Dead Redemption 2 aims to do something similar. While you may not be solving cases, Arthur Morgan can pick up certain objects in the environment and examine them as you would in L.A. Noire. Instead of exploring the wild frontier you might find yourself holed up in a house examining pictures and notes left by the previous residents. You can even inspect your weapons and shop items.

Max Payne 3 (2012): Shooting And Weapon Management

Max Payne 3 is a bold game. While we wouldn't call it realistic--you hang from a helicopter and shoot rockets out of the sky during an early section of the game--its mechanics made it feel like one of Rockstar's most grounded experiences to date. If Max takes a bullet to the head, he goes down immediately, even on the easiest difficulty. But what stands out is how the game handled weapon management. Max could only carry as many guns as he had hands and holsters. This meant that if you were using a pistol and had a rifle, Max would carry the rifle in his other hand. If you decided to dual wield handguns, Max would toss his rifle on the ground. Even the reload animations were different depending on what weapons Max was using.

These mechanics are returning in Red Dead Redemption 2. Every weapon Arthur carries appears on his body. This means you can only take a few weapons with you into a firefight. The rest of your firearms are stored in your saddlebag. Weapon management isn't the only thing the game borrows from Max Payne 3. At the end of a firefight in Max Payne, you would be treated to a gruesome slow motion kill cam. If you're into that sort of thing, you'll be happy to know that this feature is returning in Red Dead Redemption 2 and it will change based on your morale. If you're a good cowboy, the killcams will look more heroic--but if you are villainous, it will be gorier.

Grand Theft Auto V (2013): Practice Skills And First-Person View

To no one's surprise, Red Dead Redemption 2 expands on many of Grand Theft Auto V's mechanics. A notable example is stat building. As you played GTA V, Trevor, Michael, and Franklin's stats would increase in logical ways. If they swam a lot, their lung capacity would increase, if they drove everywhere, their driving skill would increase, and so on. Red Dead Redemption 2 takes a similar approach with Arthur's skills. The more he runs, the better his stamina gets, and the more he shoots, the more his sharpshooting increases.

GTA V was also the first Rockstar game--unless you count Midnight Club--to support a first-person camera. It offered a radically different feel to GTA and it's returning for Red Dead Redemption 2. If you want, you can play the whole game in first person from the very beginning. It even allows you to tweak the first person camera settings to your liking. But remember, just because you can't see Arthur, it doesn't mean he shouldn't bath every now and then.

Grand Theft Auto Online (2013-Present): Multiplayer Scope And Variety

Grand Theft Auto Online is a different beast from Rockstar's various games. While plenty of its games support multiplayer, GTA Online is far bigger and far deeper than anything the studio had released previously. It's built off the openworld structure of Red Dead Redemption's multiplayer. Players can purchase property, build out their garages with exotic supercars, and even start their own businesses. And of course, it has plenty of cooperative and competitive missions and gametypes to participate in.

To this day, Rockstar still releases free updates for GTA Online and it continues to be a massive source of income for the studio. We don't know much about Red Dead Redemption 2's online component yet, but it sounds like it will be building off of GTA Online. You will once again be able to explore a massive world as a cowboy or cowgirl and partake in various missions and competitive game modes. Unlike GTA Online, the slower pace of Red Dead Redemption 2 might elevate the more intimate moments that arise. Despite this, it sounds like fans of GTA Online should feel comfortable with Red Dead Online. Though, it's worth noting that, like GTA Online, it won't be available until a few weeks after Red Dead Redemption 2 launches.

All Of Red Dead Redemption 2's New Features: Fishing, Horse Bonding, Secret Passages, Swimming, And More

By Edmond Tran on Oct 16, 2018 04:14 am

Red Dead Redemption 2: All The New Features

A number of GameSpot staff were able to play a near-final build of Red Dead Redemption 2 recently, which releases in a few week's time (October 26) 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).

Rockstar recently released a second gameplay trailer that shows off a few other new features that we didn't get the chance to see first hand, but it's easy to imagine how they might fit into the game based on our experience. We'll continue to update this gallery as Rockstar releases new details up to launch. 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.

You Can Discover Secret Passages

The latest trailer showed Arthur moving a bookcase to reveal a secret stairwell. Could this be how you get to the aforementioned secret shops, or could it lead to some a secret stash of riches?

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.

You Can Donate Money To Those In Need

About halfway through the second gameplay trailer, we can see Arthur donating money to a beggar on the sidewalk, following a button prompt. Odds are that this will impact Arthur in some way, whether it be related to his reputation stats or a potential quest down the road.

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.

You Can Fish

If the gruesome realities of hunting and cleaning your kill are too much for you to stomach, you can opt to fish instead.

You Can Herd Cattle

Life in the old west isn't all about looting and shooting and running away from bounty hunters. Sometimes you need to take in some fresh air and get to work on some good, old-fashioned chores. Herding cattle could be the relaxing respite from hard livin' we need. After all, what's a cowboy without cows?

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.

This manifests itself in a new way via what's known as the Core system. Although health, stamina, and Deadeye meters are separate from the Cores, how they perform depends on the state of a corresponding Core. For instance, the health Core dictates how quickly health regenerates, and likewise for stamina. If you're low on health but the corresponding health Core has been maintained well, the rate at which you generate health will be increased.

To keep your individual cores in good shape, you'll need to level up Arthur's strength, grit, dexterity, and instinct attributes. Leveling up Cores is reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which reflected the way CJ behaved on the character itself; if you ate too much junk food, you'd gain weight, or if you spent a lot of time sprinting around the city, you'd have better stamina. Similarly, in Red Dead Redemption 2 there are activities that you'll do simply by playing the game which, over time, will improve your Core. Running, for example, once again improves your stamina, while taking damage and then restoring health will build your Health core.

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.

You Can Dance (If You Want To!)

If you find yourself at camp and the mood strikes you, you can break a leg and dance with your gang. The simple moves in the trailer seems fairly traditional, but we'll put good money on there being sillier options whenever Red Dead Online launches.

Catch A Stage Show

Assuming he isn't too stinky to make it past the ushers, Arthur can kick back and catch a show at the local theater.

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.

20 Ghastly Horror Short Films You Can Watch For Free Online

By Mat Elfring on Oct 16, 2018 03:36 am

A woman gets a flat tire on the road, but she's being stalked by something malevolent.

Directed by Vick Krishna

Watch it here

22 Movies Every True Horror Fan Needs To See And Where To Stream Them

By Dan Auty on Oct 16, 2018 03:07 am

These Are The Movies You Need To See

Every decade has its share of great horror movies, and the very best have become true cinematic classics that are every bit as important as more "prestigious" films. From Bride of Frankenstein, Psycho, and Night of the Living Dead to Halloween, The Exorcist, and The Shining, these are movies which even the most casual horror fan knows, and they continue to influence the genre today.

Whether it be out-of-nowhere jump scares or a terrifying atmospheric tone throughout the movie, truly classic films in the horror genre provide scares to its audience on multiple levels. However, because the genre is so vast, there are a plethora of these movies released every year, and because of this, many fly under the radar.

But what are these films that true horror fans need to see? Everyone has their favorites, but we've gathered 22 movies that all lovers of zombies, ghosts, killers, and demons need to check out. Whether you're into supernatural haunts, mad scientists reanimating the undead, or monstrous atrocities creating havoc on screen, there's something on this list just for you. Some of these movies are available on streaming services, which are notes.

How many have you seen?

Black Sunday (1960)

Mario Bava is the godfather of Italian horror, and one of the most influential filmmakers ever to work in the genre. Black Sunday is perhaps his finest film; a striking, dreamlike slice of gothic madness that feels very different to the movies that were being served up by better known horror flick production houses such as Hammer at that time. Black Sunday is best known for the opening scene in which Barbara Steele has a metal mask hammered onto her face, but the whole movie is a macabre must-see.

Streaming on: Shudder

Society (1990)

There's no other horror movie quite like Society. A satire of 1980s class and privilege, it plays out like a weird, gloopy soap opera, as ex-Baywatch star Billy Warlock discovers that his privileged, status-obsessed friends and parents are in fact shape-shifting, power-mad sex mutants. Directed by Re-Animator producer Brian Yuzna, Society is funny, cheesy, disturbing, and a deeply subversive one-off.

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Shudder

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920)

The silent era threw up many great horror movies, but few have the power of Robert Wiene's masterpiece of German Expressionism. Wiene adopted a surreal, dreamlike tone for this story of an insane hypnotist who uses his power to make others commit terrible crimes. The weird set design, crazy camera angles, and shocking final twist made the film feel way of ahead of its time, and they still impress today.

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Martin (1977)

In the years between his undead masterpieces Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead, George Romero tried his hand at a few non-zombie movies, the best of which was this vampire classic. A disturbing tale of addiction and urban alienation, Martin took familiar vampire myths and placed them in the real world, as a lonely young man attempts to fit in with regular society while fighting an uncontrollable lust for blood.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

Part of the 3D craze of the 1950s, Creature from the Black Lagoon might play out like a more typical '50s monster movie when watched today, but it still holds an eerie power. The creature is one of all the all-time great movie monsters, and the underwater sequences are still hugely impressive, as the iconic Gill-Man glides and dives through the water, stalking scientist Julie Adams, with whom he is besotted.

Re-Animator (1985)

The 1980s was the decade of comedy horror, and there are few better than Re-Animator. Stuart Gordon's adaptation of HP Lovecraft's short story features a hilariously unhinged performance from Jeffrey Combs as maverick doctor Herbert West, who is obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. Re-Animator has it all--great characters, a hilariously sharp script, wonderfully meaty make-up effects, and tons of madcap energy.

Streaming on: Shudder

Freaks (1932)

While most infamous horror films have been endlessly copied, remade, and recycled, there is no other movie like Tod Browning's Freaks. After the success of the Bela Lugosi-starring Dracula, Browning used the leeway he had with the studio to make this tragic story of life among a family of circus freaks. At heart this is a moving family drama about outsiders, but the movie's nightmarish tone and disturbing imagery led to over 20 minutes of cuts. Sadly, the full version is lost forever, but even in its truncated form, Freaks remains one of the most notorious movies of all time.

Pulse (2001)

Part of the wave of Japanese horror that followed the success of The Ring in the early 2000s, Pulse stands apart from the rest. It's weird, ambitious, funny, and very, very scary. While many of the individual elements might be familiar to fans of Japanese horror--long-haired ghosts, freaky children, young people being menaced by an unseen terror--director Kiyoshi Kurosawa's treatment of this material is anything but traditional. The film is a strange, surreal experience that strains the boundaries of logic and combines a persistent sense of impending doom with some truly terrifying scenes.

Streaming on: Shudder

The Innocents (1961)

No horror list would be complete without a creepy kid movie, and there are few creepier that The Innocents. Adapted from the classic ghost story The Turn of the Screw, it's a restrained slice of gothic terror, about a governess who is employed to look after a pair of kids who she comes to believe have been possessed by ghosts. As well as the potent atmosphere, eerie sound design, and striking monochrome photography, the movie also boasts a groundbreaking electronic score.

The Beyond (1981)

He might not be as critically revered as Dario Argento or Mario Bava, but for many fans of Italian horror, Lucio Fulci is every bit as vital. The Beyond is a potent blend of zombie shocker and gothic mystery; at times it's stilted, clunky, and silly, but it also possesses an oppressive atmosphere of otherworldly strangeness and some outrageously over-the-top gore effects.

Streaming on: Shudder

Cat People (1942)

This 1942 classic marked the first collaboration between producer Val Lewton and pioneering director Jaques Tourneur. The studio expected a horror quickie with a snappy title, but alongside the melodrama and sometimes dated acting, Lewton and Tourneur brought a level of artistry unusual for this sort of low-budget fare. The idea of cat women becoming deadly through arousal was radical for the age, and Tourneur's directorial style differed substantially from his horror contemporaries, with the use of shadows and sound creating some truly memorable sequences.

Suspiria (1977)

Legendary Italian director Dario Argento's supernatural chiller is one of the most distinctive horror movies of the 1970s. The mix of intriguing mystery, gory violence, eye-popping visuals, and an ear-splitting score made the director a favorite among horror aficionados across the world. Much of this crazy tale of ballerinas and witches might not make logical sense, but man, it looks and sounds incredible.

It Follows (2014)

Perhaps the best indie horror of the past decade, It Follows avoids many of the cliches of modern teen horror and places a group of believable kids into a terrifyingly surreal situation, evoking a constant feeling of dread without relying on lavish effects. The film has an almost fairytale-like tone, with gliding camerawork and terror that results almost entirely from scenes of people walking quickly in the direction of the main characters.

Streaming on: Netflix

Dracula (1958)

While Bela Lugosi was the first actor to officially portray Bram Stoker's legendary vampire, for many horror fans, Christopher Lee is the definitive Drac. Hammer's first Dracula movie (retitled Horror of Dracula the US) remains one of the very best. Lee is a suave and charismatic Count, while Peter Cushing is every bit his equal as Van Helsing. It's a stylish, bloody, exciting gothic treat.

Audition (1999)

Japanese maverick Takashi Miike might be one of the most prolific directors working, and Audition is one of his very best. What starts as a quirky romantic drama about a lonely businessman looking for love ultimately turns into a terrifying, disturbing vortex of physical and psychological torment. The film takes its time to reach the horror, but when it does, it delivers one of the genre's most shattering final sequences.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

One of the most controversial horror movies of the 1980s, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a raw, unflinching look at the day-to-day life of its titular killer, as he moves from town to town, victim to victim. Anchored by a terrifying debut performance from future Guardians of the Galaxy star Michael Rooker, Henry's power comes from its stark, non-judgmental tone and matter-of-fact depiction of violence. It's still a tough watch, but it's up there with the decade's finest movies.

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Black Christmas (1974)

While Halloween was the movie that started the slasher craze of the late '70s and '80s, it was predated by this seasonal Canadian shocker. A group of students are menaced at Christmas by a campus killer who torments them over a phone line. It's tense and scary, and features one of the earliest uses of the now-clichéd killer's POV shot. Director Bob Clark later made another Christmas classic, the perennial family favorite A Christmas Story, which features a lot less hacking and slashing.

Streaming on: Shudder

Inside (2007)

The late-2000s saw a wave of bloody French horror movies, including Switchblade Romance, Martyrs, and Frontier(s). Inside is argubaly the most gruesome of the lot, and while it lacks Martyrs' fearsome intelligence, the breathtaking level of inventive splatter and super-stylized gore makes it a must-see for gorehounds. Given the entire plot revolves around Beatrice Dalle trying to get an unborn baby out of her victim's belly, it's certainly not for the squeamish. But for those with a strong enough stomach, it delivers the meaty goods.

Eyes Without A Face (1960)

One of the very best horror movies to emerge from France, Eyes Without a Face was a controversial take on the mad scientist genre. Directed by former documentary-maker Georges Franju, it focuses on a scientist who kidnaps young women at night and transplants their faces onto the disfigured features of his daughter. While many critics and viewers were impressed by the movie's style and haunting atmosphere, just as many were were appalled by its dark themes and graphic scenes of surgery.

Phantasm (1979)

Don Coscarelli's mind-bending debut is a true independent effort, with few concessions made to the rules of conventional filmmaking. This small-town tale of brothers who become involved with a sinister corpse-harvesting operation was shot on weekends over the space of many months, with the script written and rewritten as it went along. And it shows, in the best possible way, in everything from the flying blood-draining metal spheres and killer grave-robbing space midgets to the iconic villainous Tall Man. This no-budget gem inspired four sequels and is also one of JJ Abrams' favourite movies; he produced the recent 4K restoration, and used the killer spheres as his inspiration for The Force Awakens' Captain Phasma.

Streaming on: Shudder

Onibaba (1964)

Long grass has never been scarier than in this masterpiece of Japanese horror. It's a period folktale about an impoverished mother and daughter-in-law who survive by murdering soldiers and selling their possessions. That is, until the day they encounter a samurai with a cursed mask. It's the incredible atmosphere generated by film's setting--desolate swampland populated by grass tall enough to entirely disappear into--that helps build the movie's unique, terrifying power, as the women descend into madness.

The Changeling (1980)

George C. Scott stars as a grieving father who moves into a haunted house in this super creepy chiller. The Changeling is old-fashioned in the best sense of the term, taking its time to set up the story and ensuring that the audience is fully invested in the characters before delivering the horror goods. Director Peter Medak is a master at evoking maximum chills from minimal props; who would've thought that a bouncing rubber ball or a wheelchair could be so scary? The movie also features one of the most frightening seances in horror--an unnerving scene that was a clear influence on latter-day horror hits like The Conjuring and Insidious.

The Best Nintendo Switch Games Out Now (October 2018 Update)

By Matt Espineli on Oct 16, 2018 02:54 am

Switch Games That You Need To Play

The release of the Nintendo Switch marked the beginning of a new generation for Nintendo. After the lukewarm reception of the Wii U, many were beginning to wonder if the company would be able to survive in today's console market. However, it defied all expectations with its hybrid console/handheld console. Alongside the Switch's release was the universally praised The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, giving it the killer app it needed to quickly rise to the top of console sales charts and dramatically increase Nintendo's revenue.

In the year since its launch, there has been no shortage of amazing games coming, from huge first-party games like Mario and Splatoon to indie darlings like Owlboy and Celeste. There's even great third-party games, like Octopath Traveler and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. The library only seems to be expanding and improving with every consecutive release.

In this feature, we're taking a look back at the best Switch games so far. This includes games that have received a score of 8 or higher on GameSpot since the console's release, as well as reviews for new games and updates to reviews of older games that were ported to Switch. Check out our choices for the best games released on the Switch. And with the console's library continuing to expand, make sure to check back often as we update this feature over the coming weeks and months.

For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our retrospective feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we want to see from the console.

The Switch already has hundreds of games, so many that some are bound to fly under our radar. The games covered here are only a small handful of the experiences out there. Which games do you think are some of the Switch's finest? Let us know in the comments below.

Dragon Ball FighterZ -- 9/10

"FighterZ is complex and distinct enough to be enjoyed by fighting game competitors, but there's no question that it's been designed to tap into the hearts of Dragon Ball's most dedicated fans, and no doubt those same qualities will win people over who've never given the series a chance. Where past games attempted to get there through huge character rosters and deliberately predictable trips down memory lane, FighterZ has bottled the essence of what makes the series' characters, animation, and sense of humor so beloved and reconfigured it into something new: a Dragon Ball fighting game that can go toe-to-toe with the best of the genre." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Undertale -- 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 full review]

-- Michael Higham

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

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

Dead Cells -- 9/10

"Dead Cells is a fascinating amalgam of several of today's most popular indie genres. It juggles elements of tough-as-nails action games and Metroid-inspired exploration platformers, with the procedurally generated levels and random item allotments found in roguelikes. It's impressive how it all comes together without a hitch, especially given that the persistent character growth found in games like Dark Souls or Metroid squarely conflicts with the randomized resets emblematic of Rogue-inspired games." [Read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2

"In a way, the entire collection itself is the museum--an entire series, with all its beauty and its blemishes, on display for its audience to judge and assess years later. Parts of this legacy have aged horribly, but they're still undeniably a piece of Mega Man X history. We've been told that the upcoming Mega Man 11 was greenlit thanks in part to fan interest in the original Mega Man Legacy Collection. If Capcom follows with a proper sequel to Mega Man X, this compilation provides valuable lessons on what the series is, what it isn't, and what it can be when given the chance." [Read the full review]

-- Steve Watts

Octopath Traveler -- 8/10

"Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for. And all the while, you're treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around. Octopath will likely be a divisive game due to its fractured storytelling, but it's one worth playing despite its lesser qualities. Its high points are simply too good to ignore." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Captain Toad

"Despite a smattering of minor complaints, Captain Toad stands as a pint-sized version of Nintendo's stellar first party pedigree. It's among the best Mario spin-offs around and a delightful iteration on old ideas." [Read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 8/10

"As long as you're able to play the entire game in docked mode, The New Colossus is the same fantastic game it is on other platforms. It runs well and, despite some minor visual compromises, it still looks pretty good. Handheld mode is unfortunately far less optimized, and the Joy-Cons simply don't feel as good to use as the Pro Controller. If Switch is your only way to play it, The New Colossus is absolutely worth your time--just not on the go." [Read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

West of Loathing -- 8/10

"There are a few minor issues--inventory management on Switch becomes cumbersome as you collect an increasing amount of things, fights with a lot of enemies can obscure some pertinent information, and the stakes sometimes feel a little too low to be completely motivating. But West of Loathing's focus on maintaining a flexible, open-ended nature and lighthearted, humorous feel keeps you engaged in what feels like an imaginative pen-and-paper Dungeons and Dragons campaign, led by a game master whose only goal is to make sure you're laughing and having a fun time. West of Loathing's visuals are monochromatic, but there's enjoyable comedy painted between every line, a pitch-perfect Spaghetti Western soundtrack, and a full spectrum of role-playing possibilities to choose from that make it a consistently enjoyable madcap cowboy jaunt." [Read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Editor and Video Producer

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle -- 9/10

"Whether playing through the story mode alone or against hardened opponents online, Cross Tag Battle is an absolute joy with a surplus of possibilities within its wide roster and versatile fighting system. Even with all the ridiculousness of the overarching plot, I reveled in the charm of my favorite characters and embraced the many moments of fan service. It's a masterful unification of styles and mechanics from four different universes that compels you to dig deeper and dedicate the time to getting the most out of the beloved members of this cast." [Read the full review]

-- Michael Higham, Associate Editor

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection -- 8/10

"That's more or less the story of the 30th Anniversary Collection. It won't satisfy every specific demand, but it's still a big collection of awesome games and behind-the-scenes content that no Street Fighter fan should miss. Street Fighter is a series worth celebrating and Digital Eclipse has managed to do so in a manner that feels respectful to the series and to the people who keep the spirit of arcade battles alive." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition -- 8/10

"Those returning to the fray will likely be a little disappointed as there just isn't enough new content to rouse fresh excitement. For newcomers, though, Hyrule warriors is a delightful, bizarre outing that opens up the Zelda series, taking us places we've been before, just with thousands of monsters and awesome, screen-clearing magical attacks." [Read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Battle Chasers: Nightwar -- 8/10

"Beyond the challenge of combat, Battle Chasers is sustained through the strength of its story, a rollicking tale that takes our heroes literally to hell and back. It's bolstered by some sharp dialogue, gorgeous artwork, and an ensemble that plays extremely well off of each other. Lots of work has gone into Nightwar since its first release, and the balancing improvements make it an easy game to recommend on all platforms." [Read the full review]

-- Justin Clark

Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze -- 9/10

"Tropical Freeze isn't a heavy-hitter from Nintendo in the same way Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey are, but it's a fantastic platformer that's bursting with creativity and expertly designed challenges. It's tuned just right--always tough but rarely frustrating--to ensure that even the most common moments feel great. If you missed out when the game first debuted back in 2014, give it a shot today. It easily stands the test of time." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Bayonetta 2 -- 10/10

"But it's a challenge you'll want to experience again as soon as you put down the controller. Bayonetta 2's combat is so expertly constructed, and its presentation so joyously insane, that you'd have to try so very hard to get bored of it all. In a year filled with the promise of ever more elaborate experiences on all the shiny new hardware, that Bayonetta 2--a homage to classic game design and escapism--should be the most fun I've had playing a game all year is unexpected. But maybe it shouldn't have been. After all, its predecessor still stands as one of the finest games of its genre. To have surpassed that with Bayonetta 2, and to have created a game that will be remembered as an absolute classic, is nothing short of astonishing." [Read the review]

-- Mark Walton

Celeste -- 9/10

"It's a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I'd been on the same journey as Madeline. Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain." [Read the full review]

-- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer

Dragon Quest Builders -- 8/10

"The excellence of Dragon Quest Builders illustrates the versatility of this 30-year-old franchise as much as it speaks to the engrossing appeal of Minecraft-inspired creation. The story-advancing draw of quests goes hand-in-hand with the depth of a crafting system that cleverly uses monster drops as some of the game's building tools. Whether you want to focus on completing assignments or build with no specific purpose, the game is feature-rich enough to suck up untold hours, even if this happens to be your first Dragon Quest experience." [Read the review]

-- Miguel Concepcion, Editor

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -- 8/10

"The original version of Skyrim is still an immense, engrossing RPG, and the quality, number, and variety of its quests makes it as easy to become lost in its world as ever. With the addition of Zelda-themed gear that's actually useful--and the fact that you can play anywhere--the Switch version of Skyrim is a great excuse to revisit a much-loved RPG." [Read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Golf Story -- 8/10

"It can take a little while for the narrative to ramp up in Golf Story and for you to feel like you've really cultivated the skills of a champion, but based on the sheer scope of what the game delivers, there's likely something for everyone to enjoy whether their shtick is mini-golfing or terrorising delinquents with frisbees. It has successfully captured the trappings of yesteryear's RPGs, and the witticisms and idiosyncrasies of the characters you encounter are a great palate cleanser between rounds. Switch has had a swathe of indies hit its eShop recently, but if you're looking for something that'll give you satisfaction in terms of an interesting story and a rewarding mechanic, then Golf Story is certainly par for the course." [Read the full review]

-- Ginny Woo

Gorogoa -- 8/10

"Few games take the concept of altering reality to as artistic a level as Gorogoa. This labor of love made chiefly by one developer is a gorgeous and intriguing puzzle game that works because of its stunning art and intelligent puzzle design. Far from a traditional game, Gorogoa is a slow and methodical trip into the surreal." [Read the full review]

-- Jason D'Aprile

Kirby Star Allies -- 8/10

"Star Allies is yet another Kirby game, but it's up there with some of the best. It's an artistic showcase, and a great opportunity for co-op platforming. The one real complaint you can levy at it is that it gates off its more challenging aspects, but the fact that they are present to begin with will please anyone who's grown weary of the series' painless platforming." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild -- 10/10

"No matter how gorgeous its environments are, how clever its enemies are, and how tricky its puzzles get, the fact that Breath of the Wild continues to surprise you with newfound rules and possibilities after dozens of hours is by far its most valuable quality. It's a game that allows you to feel gradually more and more empowered yet simultaneously manages to retain a sense of challenge and mystery--which, together, creates a steady, consistent feeling of gratification throughout the entire experience. Breath of the Wild is a defining moment for The Legend of Zelda series, and the most impressive game Nintendo has ever created." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle -- 9/10

"Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves. It's a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes, because Kingdom Battle's unique turn-based tactics system is in every way a pleasure to engage with. Coupled with the annoyingly infectious allure of Rabbids, and the always delightful, colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is an implausibly engrossing formula that is positively challenging and endlessly charming." [Read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Editor

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- 9/10

"For Mario Kart fans, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might look like more of the same with small Double Dash-inspired tweaks. But thanks to a series of updates both big and almost unseen, it's the version of Mario Kart to get. If you don't own a Wii U or skipped out on Mario Kart 8 the first time around--or even if you've played it before--Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is worth your time. It plays beautifully on Switch in both handheld and docked mode, and its core racing is as exciting as ever. And, most notably, it completely revamps the original's lackluster Battle Mode, rounding out an already great racing game." [Read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Mr. Shifty -- 8/10

"Mr. Shifty isn't a huge game in terms of length, but the three- to four-hour campaign is ample. It's like a shot of adrenalin, offering an exciting, intense experience, and it's easy to forgive the game's performance flaws when it so consistently makes you feel like a badass." [Read the full review]

-- James O'Connor

NBA 2K18 -- 8/10

"NBA 2K18 is a hardcore sports simulation. If you want to get good, you have to put in the work. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your skills no matter how you want to play. And the fact that there's so much to do is a bonus, because on the court, NBA 2K18 is also an amazingly well-crafted experience." [Read the full review]

-- Seth Macy

Night in the Woods -- 9/10

"From beginning to end to epilogue, Night in the Woods is ultimately open to individual interpretation. How you relate to it depends on your own experiences and choices, including Mae's dialogue and who you decide to spend time with. Though its charming and angsty story works well on its own merits, it's special because of how it prioritizes conveying emotion over telling a straight narrative." [Read the review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Owlboy -- 9/10

"Owlboy is consistently charming and surprising, and when its final act doubles down on every front, it's bittersweet to see it end. As you relish the outcome of the final battle and watch the closing cutscene, you can't help but reflect on the beginning of your adventure and how far the world and its inhabitants have come. You'll never be able to play Owlboy for the first time again, but the memories of its magic moments stick with you. This is more than a treat for fans of old-school games; Owlboy is a heartfelt experience that will touch anyone with an affinity for great art and storytelling." [Read the review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 Plus -- 8/10

"Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 creates an exciting dynamic where ghosts are still dangerous, but the overall game is more forgiving than the original--and it's more entertaining as a result. Arcade ports tend to be games we play in short bursts--mostly for the nostalgia factor. Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 certainly relies on that nostalgia to a point, but it handles the classic game in a way that plays with expectations to surprise you. It's the same game enhanced in the right directions to be make an old concept fun, innovative, and challenging all over again." [Read the review]

-- Jason D'Aprile

Puyo Puyo Tetris -- 8/10

"Overflowing with colorful personality, Puyo Puyo Tetris revels in its weirdness. It provides solid versions of both puzzle games and merges the two in bizarre, frantic ways that adds a fresh dash of style to these long-running series. With an array of game variations spanning single-player, along with on- and offline multiplayer, it's an incredibly meaty package that should satisfy gamers for a long time to come." [Read the full review]

-- Jason D'Aprile

Rive -- 8/10

"Rive is demanding, but it pushes the kind of near-thoughtless play that shoot-em-ups strive to achieve. When faced with an onslaught of enemies and environmental hazards, you'll have to think fast or die. Rive also doesn't run all that long, but what's here is excellent, top-notch action, and the game delivers some of the most memorable moments in a shoot-em-up in years." [Read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Rocket League -- 9/10

"For people new to the game, they have a lot to look forward to regardless, as it's one of the most fascinating sports games in memory. Nevermind if you don't like soccer or couldn't care less about the growing esports community. Rocket League is a unique game that redefines the concept of what a sports game can be, and Psyonix continues to support it with new content on a regular basis. It's been around for a while, but now that it's on Switch, there's no better time to give it a shot." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment -- 8/10

"Specter of Torment is a finely-crafted 2D platformer that is satisfying in all respects. Simply controlling Specter Knight--flying through the air and slicing through enemies--is a joy in itself, and being able to push your ability to control these skills in overcoming the game's cleverly-designed and challenging levels is always an exhilarating feeling. Specter of Torment is a focussed, polished, and satisfyingly challenging game that's well worth experiencing whether or not you've had the pleasure of playing Shovel Knight." [Read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Editor

Sonic Mania -- 9/10

"Sonic Mania methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series' best with its smart and interpretive design. An excellent 2D platformer, Sonic Mania goes beyond expectations, managing to be not only a proper evolution of the series' iconic formula, but the best Sonic game ever made." [Read the full review]

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

Splatoon 2 -- 8/10

"At first glance, Splatoon 2 seems very similar to the first game. But all the small changes, and even the bigger ones in single player and League Battles, make for a fresh take on the already unique shooter. If you played a lot of the original, the sequel has enough to keep you coming back, and if you're new to the game, it's a fantastic place to jump in." [Read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Stardew Valley -- 9/10

"The sheer number of things to accomplish in Stardew Valley can keep you interested beyond the original three in-game years you need to reach the end of your story--you may just want to start over rather than continue on. You'll work quite hard to gather enough money for your first horse, so that you can quickly move to the mines to get a mineral to complete a bundle at the community center. It's all centered around whatever it is you want to accomplish that day. And that's truly what makes Stardew Valley such a lovely experience, it encourages you to go out and be the best you can be, in whichever task that brings you the most joy. Stardew Valley motivates naturally, with blissful optimism." [Read the full review]

-- Mary Kish

SteamWorld Dig 2 -- 9/10

"Every advancement Dig 2 makes to its story and mechanics strengthens your initiative to progress. There's an overwhelming sense of momentum that runs through the adventure; as if developer Image & Form sifted the original in a pan, removing its redundancies while expanding upon what made it so fun to persistently play. In your quest to acquire every upgrade and explore every nook and cranny, there's no shortage of hidden collectables to discover. And with post-game content that unlocks after you unearth every secret, the desire to keep digging intensifies. Dig 2 manages to not only be an exceptional successor, but a great adventure in its own right. Where the first game was a diamond in the rough, Dig 2 is a polished jewel." [Read the full review]

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

Super Mario Odyssey -- 10/10

"Odyssey is sustained beyond its major milestones not only through colorful worlds and hidden challenges, but through the sheer joy of controlling Mario, who's never felt more responsive or dynamic in action. Even with everything new that's been introduced, Nintendo's forward-thinking platformer retains the series' classic handcrafted appeal, which is even more impressive when you realize how densely packed each kingdom is. Mario's latest outing is big, bold, and bursting with new ideas, and like Breath of the Wild, is another instance of Nintendo going above and beyond to redefine our expectations. It's a shining example of refined creativity, and another crown jewel for Switch that is without equal." [Read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Lumines Remastered -- 8/10

"Lumines is the kind of game that temporarily rewires your brain, splicing together its ability to recognize visual patterns and audible rhythms simultaneously and forcing you to do the hard but delightful work of putting that ability to use. Having that experience so lovingly presented--and on the Switch, having Lumines handheld again for the first time in six years--is an occasion worth celebrating." [Read the full review]

-- Justin Clark

The Missing: JJ Macfield and the Island of Memories -- 8/10

"The faltering plot twist doesn't detract from the overall experience. The Missing is smaller and more mechanically conventional than Deadly Premonition or D4, but its components remain focused on distinctly a Swery game: a dark, idiosyncratic experience that tells a deeply personal story that's as confronting as it is sincere. It is absolutely not for everyone, but as the game reminds us, there is nothing wrong with that." [Read the review]

-- David Wildgoose

Best PS4 Games Right Now (October 2018 Update)

By Matt Espineli on Oct 16, 2018 02:53 am

The Best Around

It feels just like yesterday, but PS4 launched over four years ago, and a ton of games have come out in that time. As such, it can be tough to sort through all of them and decide what to play. Luckily, we at GameSpot have played tons of PS4 over the years and have more than a few recommendations to start you off with--whether you're a new PS4 owner or have had the console and are just looking for something you might've missed.

In this feature, we've collected the best PS4 games so far. This includes many of the games that have received an 8 or higher on GameSpot, and we've prioritized games that were nominated for our end-of-year Best PS4 Game lists. Check out our choices for the best games released on the PS4. And with the console's library continuing to expand, make sure to check back often as we update this feature over the coming weeks and months.

For more PS4 games on a budget, see our roundups of the best cheap games on PS4, and make sure to check out our gallery of the best PS4 exclusive games confirmed for 2018 as well as the biggest PS4 games of 2018 for everything coming to the console.

There are heaps of amazing PS4 games out there. Which PS4 games do you love the most? Doesn't matter if it's popular or incredibly underrated. Let us know in the comments below.

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

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

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

Dead Cells -- 9/10

-- Daniel Starkey

Onrush -- 9/10

"When it comes to crumpling metal and high speed thrills, not all of Onrush's game modes are on equal footing in terms of consistent excitement. Yet its foundations are so strong, and so unique, that it's easy to lose hours upon hours barreling around these disparate tracks. The question of longevity will, of course, depend on post-release support, with new classes, game modes, and tracks potentially on the horizon. Considering you need 12 players to fill a full room, it would be a shame if Onrush doesn't find the kind of audience that will give it the lifespan it deserves. Part of this will depend on how Codemasters iterates on the game from here on out, but they've shown a proficiency in knowing how arcade racing games click, and Onrush is such a bold, refreshing twist on the genre that there should be little hesitation in putting your faith in them to succeed."

-- Richard Wakeling

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life -- 8/10

"Yakuza 6 reins in its scope, but doubles down on what has made the series great. It's a unique and fascinating representation of the modern Japanese experience, worth playing even if you're a newcomer. The narrative is dramatic and sincere, and the game's endearing characters--coming from all walks of life--are interesting studies. The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you've kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu." [read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Video Producer

God Of War -- 9/10

"In many ways God of War is what the series has always been. It's a spectacular action game with epic set pieces, big-budget production values, and hard-hitting combat that grows more feverish and impressive as you progress. What may surprise you is how mature its storytelling has become. Like Kratos, God of War recalls the past while acknowledging the need to improve. Everything new it does is for the better, and everything it holds onto benefits as a result. Kratos is no longer a predictable brute. God of War is no longer an old-fashioned action series. With this reboot, it confidently walks a new path that will hopefully lead to more exciting adventures to come." [read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Bloodborne -- 9/10

"The finest treasures are found within the city of Yharnam and the forests, lakes, and purgatories beyond it. Only Bloodborne would be so bold as to bury an entire factional player-versus-player mechanic within an optional region, which is in turn buried within a series of oblique steps you might miss if you aren't exploring every nook and cranny, or ignore the game's enigmatic hints. I finished Bloodborne in less time than I did Dark Souls II, yet I treasure it more in spite of its few missteps. In death there is life, and in blood, there is redemption. More hyperbole, yes, but for a game this theatrical, only hyperbole will do." [read the full review]

-- Kevin VanOrd

Monster Hunter: World -- 8/10

"Ever since the title was first announced last year, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations. It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large." [read the full review]

-- Ginny Woo

Celeste -- 9/10

-- 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

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

Stardew Valley -- 9/10

"On the surface, Stardew Valley is a game about farming, but there are more adventures awaiting curious players beyond cultivating a rich and bountiful garden. From mining and fishing to making friends and falling in love, Stardew Valley's Pelican Town is stuffed with rewarding opportunities. As modern day woes give way to pressing matters on the farm and within your newfound community, Stardew Valley's meditative activities often lead to personal reflection in the real world. It's a game that tugs at your curiosity as often as it does your heart." [read the full review]

-- Mary Kish

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard -- 8/10

"By the end of the campaign, I was ready for the game to be over, but that's okay. RE7 ends just as it starts to outstay its welcome, and after the fact, I felt like I'd survived a truly harrowing journey. The boss fights may be slightly inconsistent and certain sections might drag after a while, but RE7 is still a remarkable success. It has a clear vision and executes it with impressive patience and precision. By returning to horror, Resident Evil has once again become something special." [read the full review]

-- Scott Butterworth

Night in the Woods -- 9/10

"Both intensely personal and widely relatable, Night in the Woods doesn't just tell a story--it gracefully captures complex, often unpleasant feelings and experiences. From the quiet melancholy of doing nothing on a rainy day to the emotional vacuum of severe depression, I felt deeply, sometimes too deeply, while wandering through the cartoon-animal version of a small Midwestern town. Its witty writing and character development keep its crushing existential themes grounded, making Night in the Woods one of the most evocative games I've played in a long time." [read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Overwatch -- 9/10

"Overwatch is an exercise in refined chaos. There are multitudes of layers hiding beneath the hectic surface, and they emerge, one after another, the more you play. This is a shooter that knows how to surprise, one that unfolds at a frantic pace, one that takes a handful of great ideas, and combines them into something spectacular." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End -- 10/10

"Uncharted 4's gameplay pushes the narrative forward, the narrative feeds off its gameplay, and every detail coalesces to create something bigger. Uncharted 4 bounces between set pieces and personal moments with such grace, with such skill and poise and affection for its characters, that you don't mind when the guns stop firing, and the smoke clears, and Nathan gets a moment to breathe." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Titanfall 2 -- 9/10

"Titanfall 2 demonstrates a vitality that its predecessor couldn't. Whereas the first Titanfall kept up its breakneck pace throughout the entirety of every match, Titanfall 2 understands that sometimes, dialing things back for a few moments can make the long run much more enjoyable. In many ways, Titanfall 2 feels like the game Respawn should have made in 2013. It's a fantastic sequel. It's a fluid shooter. It's a spectacular game." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Dishonored 2 -- 8/10

"Any time I'm given a choice between stealth and action, I go stealth. I love the hold-your-breath tension of hoping a guard didn't spot you and the hard-earned triumph of executing a perfectly timed plan. Dishonored 2 delivers that sneaky satisfaction, arming you with stealth essentials like hiding bodies, peering through keyholes, and silent takedowns. But it's also an incredible engine for gleeful chaos, one so engrossing and amusing that I kind of accidentally beat the entire campaign raining hilarious, elaborate death on my enemies." [read the full review]

-- Scott Butterworth

Dark Souls III -- 8/10

"I didn't expect to have so much fun with Until Dawn, and the depth with which my choices mattered and affected the final outcome encouraged repeat playthroughs. The visuals can be wonky at times, but in the end Until Dawn succeeds in being a thoughtful use of familiar mechanics, a great achievement in player-driven narrative, and a horror game you shouldn't miss." [read the full review]

-- Alexa Ray Corriea

The Last Guardian -- 9/10

"It isn't clear whether or not The Last Guardian means to be frustrating at times--if it's a concerted effort to test your patience for a lovable-yet-stubborn creature. Your affection for Trico and sympathy for both characters blossom nonetheless, culminating in an enrapturing series of revelations that cements your attachment to their personalities. Trico is the undeniable star of the show, exhibiting believable physicality and emotional range, but the boy is a valuable lesson in how to be patient and resilient when faced with unforeseen challenges.

When the book closes on their story, it's hard not to open it up again and begin anew. The trials you overcome endear you to both characters, but the emotions Trico elicits make you want to give it another chance--to be the patient, effective partner it truly deserves." [read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Rocket League -- 9/10

"The joy of Rocket League rests on the countless plans that are conceived and discarded every other second in any given match. Trying to predict where and how the ball will bounce next is a game within the game. Despite the use of cars, Rocket League emulates the emotional surges typical of The Beautiful Game, such as the rush of an unexpected fast break or a well-timed header into a goal. With Rocket League, the promising concept of combining two wonderful things--cars and soccer--is equally magnificent in execution. You can't say the same thing about, say, combining cake and fruit to make fruitcake, as the comedian Jim Gaffigan observed." [read the full review]

-- Miguel Concepcion

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice -- 8/10

"Hellblade's most notable achievement is the handling of an incredibly sensitive subject matter within an engaging and well-crafted action/adventure game. At its heart, the story is about Senua's struggle to come to terms with her illness. In the process, she learns to find the strength within herself to endure, and to make peace with her past. And in a profound and physical way, we go through those same struggles with her, and come away with a better understanding of a piece of something that many people in the world struggle with." [read the full review]

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

MLB The Show 18 -- 9/10

"Sony's flagship baseball franchise has never been better. With its best-in-class controls and visuals, and impeccable attention to detail for the small stuff, MLB The Show 18 is worth catching for any baseball fan." [read the full review]

Horizon: Zero Dawn -- 9/10

"This is the first departure from the Killzone series for developer Guerrilla Games, and though you might think the team took a risk by stepping out of its FPS comfort zone to create a third-person open-world action game, you'd never know it was their first rodeo. For every minor imperfection, there's an element of greatness that recharges your desire to keep fighting and exploring Zero Dawn's beautiful and perilous world. Guerrilla Games has delivered one of the best open-world games of this generation, and redefined its team's reputation in the process." [read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Nier: Automata -- 9/10

"Thanks to Platinum Games' knack for riveting and gratifying combat, Automata is Yoko Taro's most exciting game to date. The combat mechanics click after hurdling a low learning curve, and the end result is a skillful dance where balletic dodges complement wushu-inspired aggression. Moreover, this multi-ending trip is generously peppered with surprises and revelations, as well as easter eggs that call back to the first game and the Drakengard series from which Nier spun off. It's a meaty, often exhilarating trek that showcases Platinum Games' and Yoko Taro's unique blend of genius." [read the full review]

-- Miguel Concepcion

Persona 5 -- 9/10

"Within Persona 5 is a complex set of interconnected gameplay mechanics, and in almost every aspect Atlus has executed on its vision exceptionally, barring the pacing issues towards the end. At every turn, it presents something to marvel at, whether it's the fluid combat, vibrant world, or the many memorable characters. It's a game I could talk about for hours; I haven't mentioned the ability to connect to the Thieves Guild, which lets you see how other players spent their day or ask them for help answering questions at school. Or the thumping acid-jazz-infused soundtrack that I've not been able to get out of my head. Or even just the joy of seeing how it stylishly transitions between menus. But that encapsulates why Persona 5 is a game that shouldn't be missed. It's stuffed to bursting point with gameplay ideas and presentation flourishes--there's an overwhelming level of artistry in every part of Persona 5, making it a truly standout entry in the series. It's a refined, effortlessly stylish RPG that will be talked about for years to come." [read the full review]

-- Lucy James, Video Producer

Unravel Two -- 8/10

"With its charming yarnlings and a newfound style of platforming, Unravel Two remains welcoming even at its most foreboding. Sure, a forest fire breaks out in one of the latter stages, but even then, the race to keep ahead of the blaze is fun and frantic instead of stressful. In almost every moment you're given ample time and space to breathe and take in the stunning photorealistic world from the viewpoint of the tiniest creatures. It's a game with boisterous birds, chases through meadows, and most importantly a cheerful partnership with a companion who's always got your back. With only six chapters that run roughly 30 minutes apiece, Unravel Two doesn't last long, but it's a game where the time you have is meaningful, memorable, and downright pleasant from beginning to end."

-- Justin Clark

Madden NFL 18 -- 9/10

"Overall, Madden 18 marks an unusually large shakeup in a series that, due to its annualized releases, rarely features much more than small, iterative changes. The Frostbite engine allows the game to reach new levels of realism in its visuals, and EA has put a lot of effort into constantly evolving the game to keep it in line with real-world events. But it is the Longshot story mode that defines Madden 18. Some of Longshot is unnecessary spectacle, but its lasting value comes from the humanity that it brings to the game. The moments of vulnerability and sincerity between Devin Wade and Colt Cruise during the story are worthy of celebration and give the overall game a weight that Madden hasn't had before. And if that's not enough to entice you, it's also simply a terrific football game." [read the full review]

-- Alex Newhouse

Far Cry 5 -- 9/10

"Despite some brief irritations and missed opportunities with its narrative, spending time in the world of Hope County remains absolutely delightful. Far Cry 5 boasts a wonderfully harmonious flow to its adventure, with its smart changes to exploration, discovery, and progression distinctly bolstering the enjoyment of creatively engaging and experimenting with its spectacular open world." [read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Producer/Editor

Transistor -- 8/10

"Transistor is always a good-looking game, but in these instances, it demonstrates a rare knack for combining its visuals and music to powerfully convey both narrative information and tone, driving the story forward with Red's own unwavering resolve. So in the end, yes, Transistor is a fun action role-playing game with a neat combat system, but beautiful moments like these make it more than that. They make it a game with a soul." [read the full review]

-- Carolyn Petit

Yakuza 0 -- 8/10

"Unless you have a strong aversion to violence, sex, or middling graphics, you owe it to yourself to give Zero a chance. Its story will surprise you, its inhabitants will make you laugh at every turn, and its ambitious scope will redefine how you think about open-world games. It's a fascinating adventure no matter how you approach it, and it's proof positive that a game can be wildly inconsistent yet remain a great experience." [read the full review]

Inside -- 8/10

"This is a beautiful, haunting, and memorable game, a worthy follow-up to Limbo. Its puzzles, although rarely difficult, are engaging complements to the story. The real achievement of this game, though, is the way that it crafts its narrative: detailed environments convey the bizarre world that you travel through; introspective moments are filled with minimalist sound design and just the barest touches of music; and the things you must do to complete your journey force you to confront the realities of humanity, freedom, and existence." [read the full review]

-- Alex Newhouse

Blazblue: Cross Tag Battle -- 9/10

-- Michael Higham, Associate Editor

The Crew 2 -- 8/10

"I'm annoyed by the game's lack of public interaction and meaningless gear system, but I'll fondly recall both the tension of flinging sprint boats back and forth through the narrow, artificial canals of The Venetian in Las Vegas, and the easygoing satisfaction of an hour-long hypercar race from New York to San Francisco, where I listened to a podcast and enjoyed the rolling scenery. Despite its shortcomings, The Crew 2 still displays admirable strengths, which lie in its player-friendly features, freedom of movement, and its willingness to bend the rules in order to make things exciting and varied for an accessible, American-themed thrillride." [Read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Video Producer

No Man's Sky Next -- 8/10

"At its absolute best, No Man's Sky is a measured, gentle experience where you are rarely the agent of change, but a perpetual visitor who's constantly dwarfed by the magnitude of a universe neutral to your presence. It is not your job in these stories to colonize the universe. Your job is to comprehend it. Your job is to recognize the spirituality in it. The primary gimmick of No Man's Sky, since day one, has been awe. The best things about the Next update feed that gimmick. While features like multiplayer and base-building certainly put more proverbial asses in seats, they're also the least memorable additions to an otherwise thoughtful experience." [Read the full review]

-- Justin Clark

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

Assassin's Creed Odyssey -- 8/10

"Despite this, Assassin's Creed Odyssey's ambition is admirable, which is reflected in its rich attention to detail for the era and its approach to handling the multi-faceted narrative with strong protagonists at the lead. While its large-scale campaign--clocking in at over 50 hours--can occasionally be tiresome, and some features don't quite make the impact they should, Odyssey makes great strides in its massive and dynamic world, and it's a joy to venture out and leave your mark on its ever-changing setting." [Read the review]

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise -- 8/10

"Lost Paradise may replicate the Yakuza series' format, but it's filled with a passion for FotNS that makes it fantastic all on its own. While previous games based on the property have adapted its story and characters with some success, few have managed to not only nail the style and tone but redefine what's possible with its world and characters. RGG Studios has done a splendid job at evoking the justice-fueled power fantasy Kenshiro represents, succeeding in revealing more about the historic and beloved character in amusing and unexpected ways." [Read the review]

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

The Best PS4 Game Exclusives Out Now (October 2018 Update)

By Jordan Ramée on Oct 16, 2018 02:52 am

The PlayStation 4 launched in November 2013 and Sony's done a phenomenal job making sure a stream of excellent exclusives continues to launch on the platform. That trend isn't slowing down in 2018, with the phenomenal God of War releasing earlier this spring and Insomniac Games' Spider-Man on its way in just a few months.

Click ahead to view GameSpot's highest-rated PS4 exclusives since the console's launch. The titles are in alphabetical order and don't reflect our own personal ranking of each game. The list only includes games we've awarded an 8/10 or higher. We've also limited the gallery based on console exclusivity, so you'll see a few games in this gallery that are also available on PC or PS Vita. This means games that originally released for PS2 or PS3 and launched again on the PS4 without any additional content (like Beyond: Two Souls) are not included. Remasters, remakes, and reboots are all fair game though.

Be sure to check out our list of the best cheap PS4 games to find the best deals on some of these exclusives, including top-tier titles like The Last of Us Remastered and Bloodborne.

Think you've got an insane amount of GameSpot knowledge? Put it to the test. We've reviewed a lot of PS4 exclusives since the console's debut in 2013, but only one of them has gotten a perfect 10/10 review score. Do you know what it is? Click ahead to find out, and we'll send a virtual high five your way if you happen to know the answer. If you also happen to know which PS3 game released again on PS4 with a perfect 10/10 GameSpot score (but couldn't make this list because it's not a remaster), then we offer you a virtual salute.

Also, let us know what your favorite PS4 exclusive is in the comment section down below. Doesn't matter if the game was critically acclaimed or criminally underrated. Be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch console exclusives and best Xbox One console exclusives as well.

For review, we gave:

MLB 14: The Show an 8/10

MLB 15: The Show an 8/10.

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Tooth and Tail review, Daniel Starkey wrote, "Rotating through the band of 20 fighters will offer plenty of depth on its own, too. There's plenty of room to fake out foes by overbuilding one type and feinting a foe into countering that so you can sweep them with your own reserves. If you don't have quite the squads you need to deal with enemies in the best way, you'll have to adapt -- and strong variety will give you the tools to come up with unique combinations and tactics on the fly.

When all of that comes together in a tight, four-player battle royale, it is a thing of beauty."

Transistor

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Transistor review, Carolyn Petit wrote, "Transistor is always a good-looking game, but in [certain] instances, it demonstrates a rare knack for combining its visuals and music to powerfully convey both narrative information and tone, driving the story forward with Red's own unwavering resolve. So in the end, yes, Transistor is a fun action role-playing game with a neat combat system, but beautiful moments like these make it more than that. They make it a game with a soul."

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

We gave the collection an 8/10.

In our Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "At various times throughout the Uncharted games, our protagonist carries the ring of Francis Drake on a leather band around his neck. The ring's inscription reads: "Sic Parvus Magna," or, "greatness from small beginnings."

I can't imagine a better way to encapsulate this collection. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune was a fine game in 2007, but its wrinkles are deeper now, its age more apparent.

With Uncharted 2 and [Uncharted 3], though, Naughty Dog transcended Drake's own small beginnings. The Nathan Drake Collection is a firsthand account of Naughty Dog's growth as a storyteller, and this collection is the best way to relive that history, and witness its transformation up close."

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

We gave the game a perfect 10/10.

In our Uncharted 4: A Thief's End review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "And most of all, as its final moments make clear, this is a story about storytelling--the importance we lend our idols, legends, and myths. How we pass down the ones that inspire us. How an old photo of three friends sitting on a pile of gold can unleash a flood of memories. Uncharted 4 is a challenge to the medium. In its writing, in its design, in its understanding of what makes games unique, Uncharted 4 is something to aspire to. It's a shining example. And we'll be talking about it for years to come."

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

We gave the game a 9/10.

In our Uncharted: The Lost Legacy review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "The Lost Legacy doesn't signify a new era for Uncharted so much as it presents an opportunity to show the series from new perspectives, for which Chloe and the AI-controlled Nadine are perfectly capable. With a new playable treasure hunter comes new settings and character motivations, wrapped in a comfortingly familiar Uncharted package. The thrill of playing through set pieces that call back scenes from the earlier games is all the more enhanced when seen through the gameplay mechanics introduced in A Thief's End. The initial hours of The Lost Legacy give an "Uncharted Greatest Hits" vibe, but it grows into a more nuanced, clever experience, ranking among the best in the series while also making its own mark as a standalone Uncharted that isn't anchored to Nathan Drake's harrowing exploits."

Until Dawn

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Until Dawn review, Alexa Ray Corriea wrote, "I didn't expect to have so much fun with Until Dawn, and the depth with which my choices mattered and affected the final outcome encouraged repeat playthroughs. The visuals can be wonky at times, but in the end Until Dawn succeeds in being a thoughtful use of familiar mechanics, a great achievement in player-driven narrative, and a horror game you shouldn't miss."

Wipeout Omega Collection

We gave the game a 9/10.

In our Wipeout Omega Collection review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "By focusing on this specific era of the series, Wipeout Omega Collection maintains a level of cohesion you wouldn't get if this compilation included, say, Wipeout Pure or Fusion. While each of the three games exude style and stimulation in their own distinct ways, they collectively showcase the best elements of franchise's engrossing racing and silky smooth visuals. And even though it doesn't completely scratch the itch that only a completely new PS4 sequel can offer, this collection is easily the next best thing."

Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Yakuza 6: The Song of Life review, Edmond Tran wrote, "Yakuza 6 reins in its scope, but doubles down on what has made the series great. It's a unique and fascinating representation of the modern Japanese experience, worth playing even if you're a newcomer. The narrative is dramatic and sincere, and the game's endearing characters--coming from all walks of life--are interesting studies. The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you've kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu."

Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise review, Matt Espineli wrote, "Lost Paradise may replicate the Yakuza series' format, but it's filled with a passion for FotNS that makes it fantastic all on its own. While previous games based on the property have adapted its story and characters with some success, few have managed to not only nail the style and tone but redefine what's possible with its world and characters. RGG Studios has done a splendid job at evoking the justice-fueled power fantasy Kenshiro represents, succeeding in revealing more about the historic and beloved character in amusing and unexpected ways."

The Best New Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC Games To Play (October 2018 Update)

By Matt Espineli on Oct 16, 2018 02:51 am

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 Now

Assassin's Creed Odyssey -- 8/10
Marvel's Spider-Man -- 9/10
Yakuza Kiwami 2 -- 8/10
Guacamelee 2 -- 9/10
Madden 19 -- 8/10
Unavowed -- 9/10
Forza Horizon 4 -- 8/10
Phantom Doctrine -- 9/10
Dead Cells -- 9/10
Overcooked 2 -- 8/10
Super Mario Party -- 7/10
Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age -- 9/10
Monster Hunter World (PC) -- 8/10

Check 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.

Chasm -- 8/10

"Even when its flaws are obvious, Chasm is a well-crafted adventure, and during the more than 12 hours I spent playing through my first time, I got lost only once. That's a huge bonus in a genre where getting lost is often the most frustrating aspect. Even after I finished, I was eager to venture forth on a new adventure, to test my combat mettle against harder foes and find the one secret that eluded me the first time through. It's a shame the randomization of the world isn't that big of a deal and the challenge could be better balanced, but the superb combat and visual design ensure your time with Chasm will be well spent." [Read the review]

-- Tom McShea

Luigi's Mansion (3DS) -- 7/10

"Seventeen years after its first release, with one sequel out and another on its way, there's still nothing quite like Luigi's Mansion. Nintendo's strange foray into the paranormal has aged well--I was surprised at how much of it had stuck in my memory, and how good it felt being back in its haunted halls. It's a basic port with a few issues, but Luigi's Mansion still remains a charming and enjoyable game." [Read the review]

-- James O'Connor

The Missing: JJ Macfield and the Island of Memories -- 8/10

-- David Wildgoose

Super Mario Party -- 7/10

"Most of Super Mario Party's varied assortment of 80 minigames are fun, especially if you've got a full group of four players, as the NPCs aren't smart or skilled enough to pose much of a challenge until you unlock Master difficulty. The new Partner Party, River Survival, and Sound Stage modes add enjoyable alternatives to Mario Party mode--which at least returns to its competitive roots. And even if the unique character dice blocks don't shake up Super Mario Party's four boards enough to give Mario Party mode some longevity, they implement small moments of strategy into a series that has for too long solely relied on randomness to determine a winner." [Read the review]

-- Jordan Ramee, Associate Editor

Destiny 2: Forsaken -- 8/10

"There is a lot to do in Forsaken, so much so that it can be difficult to see it all. That also means that, for the average player, this expansion has a much longer tail than previous iterations of Destiny 2. The variety and flexibility of activities established in the base game still work to make grinding a good time, and Gambit adds a consistently entertaining mode to the roster. The endgame, while difficult to reach, is also where the most satisfaction can be found." [Read the review]

-- Kallie Plagge

Mega Man 11 -- 7/10

"Mega Man 11 is a good action game that you can easily identify with, but it's far too uneven and bumpy to hold up against some of the best installments in the venerable franchise. At its best, it's a terrific retro romp with exciting boss encounters and unique gimmicks. At its worst, it's a frustrating experience whose too-long levels toss out infuriating obstacles to progress at the worst times. But even with these issues, it just feels good to see Mega Man back in action, and Mega Man 11 will hopefully be the start of many new robotic adventures to come." [Read the review]

-- Heidi Kemps

Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise -- 8/10

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

Assassin's Creed Odyssey -- 8/10

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

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

-- 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

-- 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

-- 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

-- Heidi Kemps

The Messenger -- 8/10

-- Alexander Pan

Into the Breach -- 9/10

-- 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

-- 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

Best Xbox One Games Right Now (October 2018 Update)

By Kallie Plagge on Oct 16, 2018 02:46 am

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

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10

-- Edmond Tran

Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition -- 10/10

-- Brett Todd

PES 2019 -- 9/10

-- Richard Wakeling

Dead Cells -- 9/10

-- Daniel Starkey

Far Cry 5 -- 9/10

-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer

Monster Hunter: World -- 8/10

-- Ginny Woo

Celeste -- 9/10

-- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer

What Remains of Edith Finch -- 9/10

-- Justin Clark

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 9/10

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Sonic Mania -- 9/10

-- 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

-- Mary Kish

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard -- 8/10

-- Scott Butterworth

Night in the Woods -- 9/10

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Overwatch -- 9/10

-- 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

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Dishonored 2 -- 8/10

-- 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

-- 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.

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt -- 10/10

-- 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

-- 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

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Fallout 4 -- 9/10

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor -- 8/10

-- Kevin VanOrd

Dragon Age: Inquisition -- 9/10

-- 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

-- Shaun McInnis

Assassin's Creed Odyssey -- 8/10

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

Forza Horizon 4 -- 8/10

-- Edmond Tran

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Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Images from GameSpot - Galleries On 10/17/2018

GameSpot - Galleries

New Overwatch Halloween Terror 2018 Skins

'Tis The Season

Jack-O'-Lantern Wrecking Ball (Legendary)

Undead McCree

Enchanted Armor Pharah (Legendary)

Spider Widowmaker (Epic)

Banshee Moira (Legendary)

Swamp Monster Doomfist (Legendary)

Destiny 2 Festival Of The Lost Rewards: New Auto Rifle, Halloween Masks, And More

Check out the spooky new items available for Halloween

Destiny 2: Forsaken Iron Banner Is Live With These Curated Weapons, Armor

Spider-Man PS4: All The Suits You Can Get + New DLC Suits

Classic Suit (Damaged)

DLC Suits: Scarlet Spider II, Resilient Suit, Spider-UK

Advanced Suit

Classic Suit (Repaired)

Noir Suit

Scarlet Spider Suit

Spider Armor MK II

Secret War Suit

Stark Suit

Negative Suit

Electrically Insulated Suit

Spider-Punk Suit

Wrestler Suit

Fear Itself Suit

Stealth ("Big Time") Suit

Spider Armor Mk III

Spider-Man 2099 Black

Iron Spider Suit

Velocity Suit

Spider Armor Mk IV

Spirit Spider Suit

Spider-Man 2099 White Suit

Vintage Comic Book Suit

Last Stand Suit

Undies

Homemade Suit

ESU Suit

Anti-Ock Suit

Dark Suit

12 Best Horror Movie Monster Origin Stories You Might Have Missed

Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)

Pinhead (Hellraiser)

Sadako (The Ring)

Brundlefly (The Fly)

Candyman (Candyman)

Chucky (Child's Play)

Jigsaw (Saw)

Michael Myers (Halloween)

The Blair Witch (The Blair Witch Project)

The Poltergeist (Poltergeist)

Pennywise (It)

Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)

40 Horror Movies That Are Actually Based On True Stories

There's nothing scarier than a true horror story.

The Blob (1958)

Psycho (1960)

The Exorcist (1973)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Deranged (1974)

Jaws (1975)

The Hills Have Eyes (1976)

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

Eaten Alive (1977)

Audrey Rose (1977)

The Amityville Horror (1979)

The Entity (1982)

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

Child's Play (1988)

Fire in the Sky (1993)

The Dentist (1996)

Ravenous (1999)

From Hell (2001)

Dahmer (2002)