Updates from

GameSpot - Galleries

GameSpot Image Galleries

In the 10/25/2018 edition:

Fallout 76 Beta Survival Guide: Tips On What You Should Do First
Here's Destiny 2's New Gear, Auto Rifle, And Halloween Masks From Festival Of The Lost 2018
10 Essential Tips To Survive In Destiny 2's New Haunted Forest Activity
Every WWE Woman On The Main Roster, Ranked Before Evolution
Best PS4 Game Exclusives Now Available (October 2018 Update)
The Best PS4 Games Now Available (October 2018 Update)
The Best New Xbox One, PS4, PC, And Switch Games To Play (October 2018 Update)
Red Dead Redemption 2: How GTA 5, Bully, Max Payne 3, And More Influenced RDR2
Black Ops 4 Guide: Tips For Playing Blackout, Multiplayer, And Zombies
Black Ops 4 Black Market: Every Blackout Operation First Strike Item
Red Dead Redemption 2's New Features: Gun Durability, Swimming, Fishing, Horse Bonding, And More
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 Blackout Tips To Know Before Playing
Every New Skin From Overwatch Halloween Terror 2018
PS4's $200 "Elite-Style" Controller: Scuf Vantage Review

Fallout 76 Beta Survival Guide: Tips On What You Should Do First

By Alessandro Fillari on Oct 24, 2018 11:25 pm

Welcome To West Virginia

Compared to earlier entries in the series, Fallout 76 is very different kind of game. It's the series' first online game, with a far more in-depth focus on survival and crafting. This new approach on the familiar post-apocalyptic RPG's mechanics will take some time getting used to--and players will be doing that together in a shared world. In the beta for Fallout 76 on Xbox One--with PC and PS4 coming next week--those who've pre-ordered will get an early chance to dive into Bethesda's experimental take on the Fallout experience, with all of their progress carried over into the final game.

In this feature, we've come up with several tips and a short list of things to do during your first few hours exploring the ruins of West Virginia. As the earliest game in the Fallout timeline, set only 25 years after the bombs fell, the inhabitants of Vault 76 will explore a world that's still in disarray after the nuclear apocalypse. Though the setting of West Virginia was largely spared from the bombs, radiation and chaos have seeped into the valley, irreparably altering wildlife, and unearthing creatures that many thought to be legend.

The first of Fallout 76's betas is now behind us, but Bethesda has already announced when the next test will take place. Expect plenty more between now and the full game's release date on November 14.

We recently went hands-on with Fallout 76, and came away with a number of interesting observations. While the main hook is the focus on surviving a violent, irradiated world full of other players online, the familiar aspects of the Fallout experience are alive and well in 76--there are even some surprises for the eagle-eyed fans to uncover. With that, here's a quick survival guide to help you overcome the odds.

For more info on Fallout 76, be sure to check out footage from the first 50 minutes of the game, and along with our chat with Pete Hines about the current state of the game, and what lies ahead.

Explore The Vault

Instead of being rushed out the Vault door like in other Fallout games, with hostile Vault-tec security or irradiated radroaches nipping at your heels, you're afforded the chance to calmly prepare yourself for the expedition on the surface. After creating your character and taking a quick photo of yourself for you nametag, you'll grab your new pip-boy and get to explore the vault at your leisure--and even interact with other players starting out as well.

Once you leave your room, be sure to examine every point of interest on your way up to the entrance. These stops will get you stocked up with new items and supplies, which includes a starting set of Perk Cards, purified water, and the all important C.A.M.P device--allowing you to build structures in the outside world. Around the Vault, you'll find various holotapes that tell you more about the residents of the bunker, which includes the vault Overseer who's gone missing. Once you're ready, make your way towards the exit of the Vault. Though rest assured, if at any time you want to return, the Vault's door will always be open to you--even allowing for fast travel at no cost.

Stick With The Beginning Story Missions

Once outside, you'll start the early missions of the main story. In an interesting approach that's different from past Fallout games, many of the tutorial segments take place in the open world. In a more trial-by-fire approach, you'll gradually learn more about the many systems at work while collecting a set of new weapons and supplies. Despite being given some basic survival items from the bunker, you're still an unprepared Vault Dweller in a new world, and you'll need to get new supplies fast in order to survive.

Though you may have the urge to get started on your adventure and explore on your own, it's really in your best interest to take on the early missions in the main quest. Right outside the Vault door is a Mr. Gusty robot, who will let you know where to go next in your quest to find the Overseer. Within the first 10 minutes of stepping outside, you'll acquire new weapons, armor, and get used to the more nuanced mechanics in Fallout 76. This will go a long way in helping you get your feet wet in the open world, and you'll still come across many side events and opportunities to take on.

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Building your character up from scratch is one of the hallmarks of the Fallout series, and 76 is no different. However, the early hours of Fallout 76 are not as generous as other games in the series, and it'll take time to gradually build up to the more familiar archetypes of previous games. But before you reach that point, you'll need to understand that you'll often have to work with what you have at your disposal--even if it's mostly scraps of items and word-down weapons that have seen better days. It's important for you to get out of your comfort zone and try out new methods and solutions for survival that you wouldn't normally take on in other games.

Rethink What Makes You SPECIAL

Given the more survivalist nature of Fallout 76, you'll have to be constantly on your toes and adapt to any situation that comes you way. The systems at work in-game allows for more flexibility, letting you refocus your character's strengths at anytime. Once you start leveling up, you'll be able to allocate SPECIAL points and gain new Perk Cards for your character. While all the SPECIAL points you invest are set in stone, the new perks you can set on your deck can be swapped out at any time.

As you increase in power from leveling up and acquiring new gear, you'll be able to flesh out your character in more interesting ways. Players that often favor firearms and explosives may find themselves in a position where they'll have to double down on melee weapons and hacking, and many of the perks you find will offer up some interesting buffs to make builds that were made on the fly seem worthwhile.

Group Up

Just outside of Vault 76, you'll encounter other players who have also started their journey. While you're totally free to explore on your own and take on whatever challenges that come from being a lone wanderer in West Virginia, there are many benefits to exploring in a group. When in a group, you and your squad can communicate with each other through voice-chat--though only in short-range--which will allow you to coordinate quests and how you'll clear our some of the more challenging locations housing Scorched, Ghouls, and Super Mutants. Though this is totally doable on your own, getting a group can lessen the hassle and spare some precious resources that you would end up spending on your own.

Grouping up in a Fallout game is still a new concept, so it's better to get a feel for it sooner rather than later. To team up with others, walk over to another player and invite them into a party. If they accept the invite, you'll partner up instantly. Up to four people can work together, with each member getting their own share of the loot. However, if you want to splinter off from the group and do your own thing, you're free to do so. If you've put a lot of distance between you and your group and want to return to them, you can open up the map and fast travel to a party member, allowing you to great distances without much hassle.

Always Be Collecting

Scavenging for junk items and gear is a normal part of your journey in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. While the cheap desk fans, baseballs, and plastic cups may not seem so valuable, breaking them down to basic materials can lead to crafting new weapons, armor, and support items. The screws from a desk fan for instance can be used to craft higher-end weapon and armor upgrades your paltry starting weapons, which will help even the odds when things get tough. Moreover, items can be gathered from the game world itself, including downed tree logs, which offer wood.

However, it's important not to get too greedy when exploring and junking all these items. With the deeper survival mechanics in place, every item you have in your inventory has a set weight. And with all those items added up, you'll likely find yourself overencumbered at the worst possible time. If you can't find a workbench to scrap items, you can always stay on the lookout for stash boxes, which are often located in residential areas, red rocket stations, or can be built with the C.A.M.P.. Despite this being an online game, you're not racing against others to scavenge the nearby ruins for junk. Every player will get their own haul of items, and you're never left empty handed after seeing another squad of vault dwellers rummage through a place.

Get Crafting and Stay Healthy

While there are plenty of supplies and new weapons to find in the field, these tools won't be in that great of a condition and you're much better off not leaving things to chance. The gear you create and modify with your own hands with the resources are what make the difference between surviving a shootout with Mole Miners or finding yourself face-first in the dirt.

Once you have those materials, it's best to start investing them into better items and supplies. Along with the weapon and armor workbenches, you'll need to utilize the cooking and chem stations to craft food, clean water, and healing items in order to stay healthy. While you certainly able to eat whatever stale food or use worn down weapons and armor, it all has to be done with caution. Poor weapons will breakdown fast, and dirty water and rotten food can lead to diseases and sickness for your characters--including the particularly nasty case of Radworms.

Take In The Sights

Starting out in the Western portion of the map, set in the Appalachian region, you're in a prime spot to branch out into the other parts of the West Virginian wilderness. Your map is one of the most valuable resources you have, which highlights many of the major attractions in the area--akin to an amusement park guide. But in between those major points of interests, there are many different areas that house valuable loot, interesting story details, and some usual monsters to fight. Moreover, you'll often find events and side-missions while exploring, which can open up some interesting diversions.

While the entire map is free to explore at the beginning, it would be best not to branch out too far into other regions. Here are some interesting locations that you can explore in the early hours of Fallout 76, all located in reasonable distance from the Vault

- Top of the World Ski Lodge: Located in the center of the map on top of a mountain, making it one of the highest spots in game. Resembling an old-school, gimmicky resort, this ski-lodge now houses bloatflies and Super Mutants. When exploring this site, you'll also be able to find one of the game's more unusual melee weapons known as the Ski Sword.

- The Greenbrier Resort: Found just south of the ski lodge, this resort is an extremely ritzy location that feels more like a time capsule than a ruin. With an army of Protectrons maintaining the grounds and keeping nasty foes out, the resort is in surprisingly good condition having survived more than twenty years of no activity. While exploring the inside, you will find mobs feral ghouls, all of whom have kept their attachment to the posh lifestyle of their past lives.

- Horizon's Rest: Located just west of the Top of the World ski lodge, this ruined plane has been converted into a multi-level living quarters for survivors. However, the owners have since abandoned it, leaving behind an armory filled with weapons, ammo, and armor for anyone who's able to find the clues to unlock it.

Challenge Another Player

Once you reach level 5, Fallout 76's player vs player gameplay will open up. Despite every character coming from the same Vault, where they shared safety and comfort from the outside elements, all previous friendships formed in the bunker are tossed by the wayside. While you're not committed to taking part in PVP, you may come across a relentless player who's got their eye on you. When another person attacks you, they will only deal chip damage to your character--a small fraction of their actual attack power. However, it does add up over time, and they can kill you if you've lost enough health--or if they just happen to catch you after a nasty scrape with some monsters.

If this happens, you have several options at your disposal; you can fast-travel away from them, block them, or even try to engage them in a fight. The later option can go a number of different ways, especially if you're up against a stronger player, but it lead to interesting results--the winner takes any junk items that their opponent had upon their defeat. Since this is a first for the series, you may want to try out player combat as early as you can to get a feel for it. While you can usually avoid PVP, there may come a situation where dueling could work out for you, especially if they're an underleveled annoyance. However, it's usually in your best interest to keep fights clean. If you ambush others and take them out with chip damage--with the other player not fighting back--you'll be marked as a murderer and left with a large target on your back for others to see.

Take Your Time

To put it bluntly, Fallout 76 features the largest map of the series--there is no way you'll experience many of the game's more defining events during the early hours. With so much ground to cover, it's a good thing to take your time and soak up all the details during the beginning of your journey. While many players will be eager to dive into the questline dealing with the nukes, which Bethesda have been teasing since the game's reveal, this is an event that will take several hours to work up to. Moreover, many of these quests will require high-end gear, such as power armor and high end, as it puts you face to face with some of the game's most dangerous monsters, including 76's new elite foe known as the Scorchbeast.

Once you've amassed an arsenal of weapons, supplies, and strengthened your character to a point where you can handle many of the tougher challenges, you'll be able to venture out into West Virginia's more notorious areas, which includes the Savage Divide and The Mire. But you're better off taking things slow, and enjoying yourself until that time comes.

Here's Destiny 2's New Gear, Auto Rifle, And Halloween Masks From Festival Of The Lost 2018

By Chris Pereira on Oct 24, 2018 11:22 pm

Check out the spooky new items available for Halloween

Bungie is making up for skipping last Halloween in a big way. October 2017 came only a month after Destiny 2's release, so the franchise's annual Halloween event, Festival of the Lost, skipped Year One of the new game. For 2018, Bungie is doing more than ever with the event. Most significantly, it's introduced a brand-new activity type (which arguably makes better use of the Infinite Forest than the DLC that added it ever did). But another big highlight is the new gear, masks, and other rewards you can get your hands on. We're now in Week 2 of the event, and while the overall slate of items available hasn't changed, you can check out Eververse for some new direct-purchase options, including a new Exotic Sparrow. Here's the full rundown on 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. Once you complete some initial missions for her, you'll receive the Fighting Lion, an Exotic grenade launcher, and its accompanying catalyst. It's at this point the new Haunted Forest activity opens in full and Holliday becomes a vendor offering bounties, masks, and a gun.

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. Tess at Eververse will also task you to equip a mask and complete a challenge--these can be seen in the director and include the daily and weekly tasks attached to various planets and activities, such as playing a match in Gambit or completing the Flashpoint.

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. Better yet, it'll be available at Power level 600.

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 is now live 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.

10 Essential Tips To Survive In Destiny 2's New Haunted Forest Activity

By Phil Hornshaw on Oct 24, 2018 10:19 pm

The Haunted Forest is Spooky--and Tricky

There are a few things you're going to want to know to excel in the Haunted Forest.

Destiny 2's big Halloween-themed event, the Festival of the Lost, is live until November 6 and is going to keep players busy this year. While there's the usual crop of special Halloween-themed cosmetic items and masks players can get for their characters, this year also sees the addition of a new special activity called the Haunted Forest. It recasts the Infinite Forest from Destiny 2's Curse of Osiris expansion as a horror-themed spook-zone, where players try to take down as many enemies as they can, as fast as they can, to earn special Festival rewards. That includes Horror Story, a level 600 auto rifle with some extremely solid perks.

You'll first unlock access to the Haunted Forest as part of the Festival of the Lost quest line picked up from Amanda Holliday on the Tower. She provides players with their first masks, which they'll need to wear when they venture into the forest. Completing the quest line opens up the forest for entry, accessible from the Tower map. It comes in two varieties: the first includes matchmaking with other players, and the second is locked, allowing players to venture in with their own fireteams or alone.

The Haunted Forest seems pretty straightforward at first, but it carries key differences from the Infinite Forest players are used to seeing. It's dark and scary, which make it difficult to navigate, and the Haunted Forest version contains special enemies that don't show up regularly in the Infinite Forest. It also has different requirements for success than usual that can trip up new players.

There's also a new, special currency in the Haunted Forest: Fragmented Souls, which can be returned to Holliday to buy more masks and other special rewards. Those include the Festival's level 600 auto rifle, Horror Story. Like other activities, you'll need to complete bounties and get as far as you can in the Haunted Forest to earn it, as well as to complete the special Festival of the Lost Triumphs Bungie has added to the game.

Here are 10 tips to help you overcome the terror and maximize your survivability in the Haunted Forest.

It's Not About Speed, It's About Speedy Kills

Don't race through the Haunted Forest; taking down enemies is how you advance

The Haunted Forest differs from the regular Infinite Forest in that your progression isn't about distance covered. You'll often see players sprinting through Strike missions that take place in the Infinite Forest, hoping to reach the far end of the area quickly in order to progress to the Strike's boss. You have the opposite goal in the Haunted Forest--you want to kill as many enemies as you can, as fast as you can. Moving forward through each new area of the forest is just a means of finding new baddies to blast, so try to balance pushing forward and clearing out enemies. Whatever gets you more targets faster is the better plan.

When you're trying to gauge how far into the Haunted Forest you've delved, look for the "Branch" number on your screen. Along with the branch you're currently on, you'll find a percentage that shows how many enemies you need to kill to get to the Nightmare, or boss, of that branch. It seems you're responsible for killing 50 enemies per branch to move on to the Nightmare.

Know Which Modifiers Are Messing With You

Each new branch gets its own modifiers, and knowing how they affect you will save your life.

The deeper into the Haunted Forest you get, the more difficult it becomes, specifically because of the modifiers applied to each new branch after the first. Knowing what modifiers you're facing is key to staying alive, because you'll need to change your fighting styles accordingly. You'll see the Glass modifier on Branch 2, which makes you much easier to kill, but comes with faster recovery; Attrition on Branch 3, which means your health and shield won't recharge on their own, but get restored by Light drops from enemies; Grounded on Branch 4, which greatly increases the damage you take while airborne; and Blackout on Branch 5, which disables your radar and makes enemy melee attacks much more deadly. From there the Haunted Forest will start doubling up modifiers to make things even more ridiculous.

Stick With Your Team

You're unlikely to make it far as a lone wolf in the Haunted Forest.

An essential part of surviving the Haunted Forest is staying together, especially in the later levels. Efficiently taking down bad guys is how you advance through the forest, and while it might feel like splitting up is the better way to go about that, it mostly just makes it easy to get overwhelmed. Do your best not to get too far ahead of your team; you're better off supporting each other if you want to get to the really hard branches of the Haunted Forest.

Don't Resurrect Yourself If You Can Avoid It

You can lose a ton of time by resurrecting yourself, rather than letting teammates revive you.

One big reason you'll want to stay with your team: you want them to revive you. As you work through a branch of the Haunted Forest, you'll open more and more areas with enemies in them and physically move deeper into the forest. If you die and resurrect yourself, rather than be revived by a teammate, though, you'll be transported all the way back to the beginning of the area and be forced to walk all the way back to where your team is. That can eat up a ton of critical time, so avoid resurrecting yourself unless you absolutely have to, or if you're early in a branch. Otherwise, you'll probably cost your team the ability to get to one of the later branches for all the time wasted.

You're Free to Resurrect in the Nightmare Arena

Make it to the battle against a Nightmare, though, and you're free to resurrect as often as you need.

Every time you hit 100 percent on a branch, you'll be transported to a special room where you'll face a Nightmare boss, as well as a handful of its minions. This room is always the same no matter what branch you're on, and once you're here, you're free to resurrect yourself without fear of getting sent back to the beginning of a branch. The Nightmare room is also the same for every branch, meaning ammo dropped in previous Nightmare fights will likely still be around in later ones if you need it. Remember that the timer is still running when you fight the Nightmare, so try to focus on the boss and take it down as fast as you can; you get nothing for clearing out the little guys harassing you while you fight.

Keep Your Masks Upgraded

Masks have perks of their own, and you can upgrade them as you advance through the Haunted Forest.

Though the Haunted Forest is only supposedly a 200-Power-Level area, you'll take a significant hit to your Power when you run it, since you'll have to be wearing one of Holliday's Festival of the Lost masks. Those masks do have benefits, though, apart from being hilarious: they get special perks that only apply in the Haunted Forest. You can apply one of three perks to each mask you get, although choose carefully, because they're permanent. Once you've applied a perk, killing Nightmare bosses in the forest will allow you to upgrade them, unlocking better and better benefits. You get a new perk upgrade with every 10 Nightmares killed, so don't forget to apply them.

Beware the Invincible Nightmare!

You're being haunted by the Invincible Nightmare in the Haunted Forest, and it is not very nice.

Stalking the Haunted Forest like a slasher movie villain is the Invincible Nightmare, a towering Hive Knight much like those that keep showing up in the Dreaming City's Ascendant Challenges. Like Jason Voorhees or Freddy Krueger, though, this one can't be killed. It'll just hunt you through the forest, trying to wreck you and your teammates, which is particularly problematic when you're working through branches with Glass and Blackout modifiers. If you see the Nightmare, avoid it at all costs, because you can't do anything against it. Try to keep a lookout for it, too, because it likes to hide motionless in the dark until your team gets close, and it can ravage players in just one or two hits on later branches.

Watch Your Step To Stay Alive

It's easy to wander off a ledge in the Haunted Forest, so move carefully.

This one might go without saying, but it's easy to rush around the Haunted Forest, trying to beat the timer, and forget that it's full of easily missed edges and drop-offs that can kill you. It's especially easy to overlook those drops because the Haunted Forest is largely very dark and spooky. In an activity where death can be a major pain, either because it requires a teammate to help you or because it can cost you a ton of valuable time, it's best to avoid your usual paths through the Haunted Forest that require big jumps or daredevil approaches. In fact, sticking to the clear path through the forest is often a better way to get to enemies more reliably, and to stay close to your team so they can revive you when you do die. Avoid the unnecessary risks of tempting fate over the Haunted Forest's pits.

Don't Panic When the Timer Runs Out, But Play Smarter

When the timer runs out, dying will end your Haunted Forest run--but you can still finish your current branch if you're careful.

Eventually, the 15-minute timer on your Haunted Forest run will expire, with a message that the forest will be collapsing on you. That makes it tempting to rush, but when the timer runs out, you should do the opposite: slow down, take your time, and play smarter. The Haunted Forest lets you stay and complete whatever branch you're currently working on through to the Nightmare at the end, provided your whole team isn't killed. Without the timer, you have no reason to rush and every reason to stay alive, so it's best to change tactics, especially on higher branches where you can get taken out in one shot by the Invincible Nightmare, or even enemies like snipers. Note also that you'll have much longer timers on your self-resurrection ability once the Haunted Forest timer expires--a full 30 seconds.

The Invincible Nightmare's Pit is Scary, But It Won't Cost You Anything

Don't worry if you get trapped in the Invincible Nightmare's pit--even if you meet your fate there, you still get your loot.

This is a spoiler for the best part of the Haunted Forest, so if you want to be surprised, quit reading. If not, know that once the timer has expired and you've died, you'll be zapped to a place where you can claim a chest and collect all the Fractured Souls you've earned for fighting through the forest. Bungie has one more trick up its sleeve, though: a hidden pit beneath the bridge you have to cross to reach the chest, which traps you with the monstrous Invincible Nightmare. It's a funny joke, but don't worry too much if you're panicked that this horror movie twist just cost you your winnings. If you can't open the chest, you'll find them at the Postmaster. There's also a secret exit from the pit hidden toward the ceiling on one of the side walls that will let you avoid becoming another slasher victim.

Every WWE Woman On The Main Roster, Ranked Before Evolution

By Kevin Wong on Oct 24, 2018 05:45 am

On Sunday, October 28, WWE Evolution will air on the WWE Network. It is the first all-women's pay-per-view in the company's history--an event that took years of incremental steps to finally happen. Hopefully, it's a rousing success viewerwise, so WWE will know there's an existing audience for these sorts of events.

In recognition of this latest benchmark in the Women's Evolution, here are the 27 women on the main roster who are pushing the envelope further, one match at a time. We ranked them in order from worst to best, based upon their skills, their accolades, and their potential moving forward.

Check out the match card for the WWE Evolution PPV. And check in on Sunday, October 28, when we'll be covering the event in full with live updates.

27. Dana Brooke

Because she was Emma's backup muscle, Dana Brooke was brought up from NXT much too soon--an unfortunate mismanagement of a promising talent. Brooke needs to go back down to the Performance Center and get a hard reboot because her career isn't working out the way it should.

26. Lana

Lana was an incredibly gifted manager who traded that in to become a below average wrestler.

25. Tamina

Physically imposing and dominant, Tamina has never been able to transition out of her "enforcer" role into something more substantive. She's the silent type--a woman of few words--but in a business filled of trash talkers, that can hold a person back.

24. Brie Bella

Brie has struggled with her ring work since returning to the squared circle. She's better off in her current role--cheering on sister Nikki from ringside--until she can shake off the ring rust.

23. Billie Kay

There are two IIconics, but Billie Kay is certainly the supporting role in her duo. She works well in that regard, but she needs to define herself better if she ever wants to be a breakout solo performer.

22. Liv Morgan

Morgan is currently booked as the weakest member of the Riott Squad; Ruby is the leader, and Morgan often piggybacks on Sarah Logan to get to ringside. Yes, it's a cute gimmick. But no, it doesn't do her long-term prospects any favors.

21. Alicia Fox

One of the longest tenured performers in the company, Foxy knows her role--to enhance everyone else on the roster. She loses, but she looks really good doing it, and she always does it in a way that makes her opponent look dominant.

20. Zelina Vega

The manager of Andrade "Cien" Almas, Vega is a great talker, but she's fought in the ring sparingly--always with Almas and not on her own. There's not enough of a body of work to judge her quite yet, but her charisma gives her promising start.

19. Sarah Logan

When all is said and done, Logan might be the breakout star of the Riott Squad. She's built like a tank, and she had a standout performance at the first women's Royal Rumble. Her whole aura--as a country backwoods girl who loves to whup ass--is unique to the roster and sets her apart.

18. Mickie James

The veteran is still going strong, and is debatably a better worker now than she was during her first run. Her match against Asuka at NXT Takeover: Toronto, remains her best showing since her return. Hopefully, she'll have the chance at a featured storyline in the next six months.

17. Natalya

One of the last graduates of the famous Hart family Dungeon, Natalya is impeccably consistent. She's a solid hand in the ring, and though she may never get the multiple title reigns of her counterparts, she is a vital mentor and wealth of knowledge to the other women. You can thank Natalya that Rousey is as good as she is; she trained the former UFC women's champion in secret for months before her in-ring debut at Wrestlemania 34.

16. Carmella

Carmella wasn't quite ready to be Smackdown women's champion when she cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase. But she did manage to piss off everyone in the audience during her reign; she's a great heel character, even if she isn't as great of a wrestler. Carmella is currently involved in an entertaining mixed tag run with R-Truth. A little more in-ring polish, and she'll be good to go.

15. Ruby Riott

Ruby Riott's greatest ability is to make everything look like it hurts--she sells like no one's business, and she seems to have power behind every one of her shots. She has an alternative tattooed look that may have hurt her in the prior Divas era, but hopefully, the writers can see past that and give her a chance.

14. Mandy Rose

WWE has tried to give the "throwback diva gimmick" to multiple wrestlers, but it's never worked out the way they wanted it to. They tried it with Eva Marie. They tried it with Lana. They tried it with "Emmalina" (remember that?). But with Mandy Rose, the company may have finally struck gold. She's has a great presence and solid skills; she's just biding her time, since the roster is so crowded.

13. Peyton Royce

The breakout star of the IIconics, Peyton Royce has fundamental chain wrestling skills that run contradictory to the way she's booked. If WWE ever lets her progress beyond the petty, mean girl schtick she's currently running, Royce could be a massive star. Again, though, it's crowded at the top. She may need to wait awhile longer for her shot. But it's coming, eventually.

12. Naomi

Sometimes, the biggest stars have odd beginnings. Trish Stratus started out as a valet for Test and Albert. And Naomi started as a backup dancer "Funkadactyl" for Brodus Clay. Fast forward almost seven years later, and Naomi is a two-time Smackdown women's champion (the first African-American woman to hold the title). She's has an array of athletic, high-impact moves and one of the best entrances in all of WWE, man or woman. Feel the Glow.

11. Nia Jax

Like many other promising NXT prospects, Nia Jax was given too much, too soon when she moved up to the main roster. But unlike many others, she rose to the occasion, and captured the Raw women's title at Wrestlemania 34. Jax continues to improve, and she works really well with smaller competitors who apply ring psychology, and target her limbs to cut her down to size.

10. Nikki Bella

The longest reigning Divas champion in history has adjusted to the increasing demands of the Women's Evolution, training herself from a passable talent to a legitimately good one; see her match against Charlotte Flair at Night of Champions (2015) for proof.

A serious neck injury nearly ended her career, but she's back on track now. Expect Nikki to put up a decent fight against Ronda Rousey at WWE Evolution.

9. Bayley

The lovable, huggable Bayley has been spinning wheels for the better part of a year. She was an NXT women's champion who was one half of the greatest WWE women's match of all time (Sasha Banks vs. Bayley at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn). She was a Raw women's champion who successfully defended her title at Wrestlemania 33. But now, she's stuck in an aimless "are they friends or aren't they?" feud with Sasha Banks.

WWE fans know exactly how much Bayley is capable of, if she were given the chance. Whenever she finally taps into the bad girl underneath the good girl persona, watch out.

8. Sonya Deville

Yes, this is an abnormally high placement on a roster with so many former world champions. But Sonya Deville has "it," whatever "it" is that makes a future world champion. She has an MMA background, and it shows; when she bounces on her toes, she has the look and presence of a panther, ready to pounce and kill.

Deville is losing more than she's winning these days; no one said that paying dues was easy or fun. But the potential to go much further is there, should WWE take a risk and decide to pull the trigger.

7. Ember Moon

A great look (those red eyes!), a great attitude (a love for Game of Thrones and nerdy culture), and sharp skills (the Eclipse finisher is sick). What's not to like? Ember Moon is a former NXT Women's Champion, and before Charlotte beat Asuka at Wrestlemania, Moon had come the closest to defeating the Empress of Tomorrow. She put on an instant classic with Asuka at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III.

And although Moon has never clinched a main roster title, she's been well-protected since moving up; she's only lost two singles matches since her Raw debut. It won't be long before she gets a shot at the big time.

6. Alexa Bliss

Little Miss Bliss is smaller than every other competitor, but she's more clever and cruel. She plays mind games to throw her opponents off her scent, and she uses her opponents' strengths against them; when someone charges at her, she'd much rather get out of the way and have the opponent crash into the ring post, rather than counter it head-on.

Still, there's a limit to what cleverness can get you in WWE. And Rousey might be the personification of that limit.

5. Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks is currently working as a babyface. And although she's decent at it, she is uncommonly good at playing a villain. It's not so much her mic skills; it's her body language, and the way she struts, smirks, and takes pleasure in her opponent's pain.

Banks recently returned to in-ring action, after a brief hiatus due to a back injury. Maybe once Rousey is done dismantling the Bellas, Banks can can turn heel and have her shot at the Baddest Woman on the Planet.

4. Asuka

It hurts to say, but Asuka hasn't been the same since her loss to Charlotte at Wrestlemania 34. Since then, she's failed to recapture the Smackdown women's title from Carmella, and she's currently involved in a buddy/buddy storyline with Naomi, in which they bond over not being able to understand each other.

Asuka will always be a dangerous threat, because she's Asuka after all. And it's great that they're giving the rest of the women's roster a chance to shine. But even so, it's been awhile since Asuka has been legitimately scary. We're looking forward to when that'll happen again.

3. Ronda Rousey

Has there ever been a wrestler with a debut as incredible as Ronda Rousey? She managed, along with Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kurt Angle, to put on the best match of Wrestlemania 34. It's moments like this that you remember: Rousey is an Olympic medalist, and she belongs to the 1% of the 1% of athletes on this planet. It would take someone that talented to pick the business up so quickly.

The only reason she's not at the top of this list is because she's still relatively unproven; she's fought less than 30 matches since her April debut. But the future looks bright.

2. Charlotte Flair

The Queen is recently deposed, but it's only temporary; WWE has invested too much time and effort into Charlotte Flair to turn back now.

She is the most decorated woman on the current roster, with seven world title reigns to her name. She's defeated everyone on the roster aside from Ronda Rousey, and even handed Asuka her first WWE loss. But she's not the current MVP of the women's division. That honor goes to someone a little more unexpected.

1. Becky Lynch

For years, Becky Lynch was one of the purest babyfaces in the women's division. And as a result, she got stepped on by everyone, especially Charlotte, who used her to get what she wanted but wouldn't hesitate to backstab her if it meant winning the title. And after awhile, it became a typical story: Becky tries hard. Becky falls short. And repeat. It's a testament to the woman's charisma that the fans kept cheering her, regardless.

When Becky finally turned heel and attacked Charlotte this past September, the Brooklyn crowd roared its approval. FINALLY. After years of being a treated like a doormat and a lackey, Becky was getting some of her own back. And WWE, rather than fighting it, decided to roll with it and turned Becky into a tweener--a take-no-crap asskicker in the mold of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. They also had Becky beat Charlotte clean at Hell in a Cell to capture the Smackdown women's championship. Becky, for her part, seems to be relishing her newfound dark side.

We know the pendulum will eventually swing the other way, and Charlotte will be the de facto champion for years to come. But until then, this is exciting, uncharted territory. Currently, Becky Lynch is the top woman in WWE, and we cannot wait to see what she does next with her brand new spotlight.

Best PS4 Game Exclusives Now Available (October 2018 Update)

By Jordan Ramée on Oct 24, 2018 05:42 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.

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our The Last of Us Remastered review, Carolyn Petit wrote, "In addition to the visual enhancements and the inclusion of map packs and story DLC, The Last of Us Remastered has other nice little features, like a photo mode that lets you stop the action at any time, position the camera to your liking, and share the screenshot with others, applying frames and filters if you choose. And there are commentary tracks on in-game cinematics featuring the creative director and principal actors. The Last of Us is a great action game that you should play if you haven't already. And if you have played it before, the improvements here aren't so dramatic as to make the game feel like a new experience, but it is definitely one worth revisiting. In the world of The Last of Us, as in our own world, love might destroy you, but it's also one of the only things worth fighting for."

MLB The Show

For review, we gave:

MLB 14: The Show an 8/10

MLB 15: The Show an 8/10.

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 PS4 Games Now Available (October 2018 Update)

By Matt Espineli on Oct 24, 2018 05:42 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.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 -- 8/10

"Black Ops 4 isn't short on content, and its three main modes are substantial. Multiplayer introduces more tactical mechanics without forcing you into them, and it largely strikes a good balance. Zombies has multiple deep, secret-filled maps to explore, though its returning characters don't hold up and prove distracting. Finally, Blackout pushes Call of Duty in an entirely new direction, making use of aspects from both multiplayer and Zombies for a take on the battle royale genre that stands on its own. Sure, there isn't a traditional single-player campaign, but with the depth and breadth of what is there, Black Ops 4 doesn't need it." [Read the review]

-- Kallie Plagge

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

"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

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

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

-- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer

What Remains of Edith Finch -- 9/10

"Developer Giant Sparrow managed to strike the delicate balance between joy and sorrow in 2012's The Unfinished Swan, but What Remains of Edith Finch transcends even the latent sadness of that game, finding the beauty--even sometimes the fun--in what's always fundamentally a tragedy. It's not often that a game's plot slips past the bitterness of grief to finally get to the acceptance, but that's the triumph in What Remains of Edith Finch. Ultimately, if the game has any resemblance of a moral, it's that the bravest, most beautiful thing every one of us does is choose to keep going, despite knowing what's coming." [read the full review]

-- Justin Clark

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 9/10

"The New Colossus never lets you forget who and why you're fighting. Nazi brutality is on full display, from the blown-out, irradiated remains of Manhattan to each of the resistance members, who all carry mental scars if not physical ones. You're never given a chance between cutscenes, missions, and even downtime on the U-boat to lose sight of the Reich's cruelty. Wolfenstein's tense gameplay elevates this further by giving you the power to truly resist--and come out of each battle ready for another fight." [read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Sonic Mania -- 9/10

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

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

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

"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

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

By Matt Espineli on Oct 24, 2018 05:41 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.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas -- 7/10

"Starlink is an interesting and enjoyable open-world game, one that fully understands the appeal of exploring new planets and dogfighting in the cold depths of space. With a small fleet of ships at your disposal, it can be a lot of fun to progressively assault and weaken the Forgotten Legion's hold on the galaxy. It's just a shame that if you're interested in the physical models, you'll have to spend more to get the same experience as the digital version." [Read the review]

-- James O'Connor

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales -- 8/10

"Don't be tricked into thinking Thronebreaker is simply a lengthy tutorial for what is to come when Gwent opens its multiplayer. Its tale is mandatory if you're looking for more Witcher lore to chew on and manages to engage you with a strong cast of well-written characters and a suitably dark plot that challenges your morals every chance it can. Thronebreaker interweaves Gwent into its story in smart ways that keep it from feeling like an intrusive method for resolving combat situations, helping you learn its intricate systems while engaging in unique quests and rulesets. Gwent was a side attraction in The Witcher 3, but through Thronebreaker, it's blossomed into something new that stands on its own as a proud member of the Witcher family." [Read the review]

-- Alessandro Barbosa

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 -- 8/10

-- Kallie Plagge

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

"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

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

"Three years after its initial release on PC, Undertale has found its way to the Nintendo Switch--and of course, the game is every bit as charming, challenging, and harrowing as it was the first time around. Undertale may seem like a straightforward retro-style RPG, but it subverts player expectations every chance it gets, which never gets stale because of clever writing and an evocative chiptune soundtrack. Thankfully, it plays just as well as it does on other platforms without any performance hitches or bugs after putting about four hours into this version. Like its console counterparts, you can fill the screen with an adaptive border that thematically fits with the location you're in (Undertale plays in a 4:3 aspect ratio). Dodging enemy attacks in the bullet hell-style defensive phase in combat works just as well with the Joy-Con analog sticks.

Undertale isn't afraid to break convention, and because it does so in a way that's thoughtful and humorous throughout, the result is an emotional rollercoaster that fills us with determination." [Read the review]

-- Michael Higham

NBA 2K19 -- 7/10

"It's impressive that the game of basketball has translated to controllers and screens in the way it has. If you want to immerse yourself in the sport and culture, NBA 2K19 has you covered with a breadth of content. But even that has its limitations after several years of iterations. Although those willing to grind for everything will eventually get rewarded, the system of VC still comes off as exploitative. But there's a lot of fun to be had in NBA 2K19 despite its flaws, especially if you have a strong love for the sport." [Read the review]

-- Michael Higham, Associate Editor

Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10

"Ultimately, this is a return to form for the Valkyria Chronicles series as a whole. It stays so true to the franchise's first iteration that it'll feel as if almost no time has passed in the decade or so since the original game first came out. In revisiting the concerns and the environments of the first, it makes the most of those parallels and invites comparison in a way that highlights its strengths. Valkyria Chronicles 4 doesn't necessarily tell a new tale, but it doesn't have to; for all of its clichés and expected twists, there's a charm to the game's unwillingness to let up as it drives you and your friends forward at a rapid clip towards its bittersweet end." [Read the review]

-- Edmond Tran

Frozen Synapse 2 -- 8/10

"It's hard not to be drawn in by Frozen Synapse 2's style, but it's even harder to pull away once the game's combat gets its hooks in you. While the single-player mode ambles through both high and low points, the multiplayer remains a steadfastly enjoyable experience. The anticipation as squads approach in preparation for battle is both thrilling and nerve-wracking, and the ability to switch between multiplayer games on the fly makes tracking multiple games elegantly simple. Technical hiccups aside, Frozen Synapse 2's incredible style and strong tactical combat make it wonderfully gratifying." [Read the review]

-- James Swinbanks

Marvel's Spider-Man -- 9/10

-- 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

"The Messenger takes the best parts of the action-platformers it takes influence from and reinterprets them well. With clever writing, well-designed levels, and balanced difficulty curve, the game continuously hooks you with enticing skill-based challenges and satisfying payoffs. Your character might have an immediate imperative to delivering a world-saving scroll, but the journey there is definitely one to savor." [Read the full review]

-- Alexander Pan

Into the Breach -- 9/10

"There is so much strategic joy in seeing the potential destruction a swarm of giant monsters is about to unleash on a city, then quickly staging and executing elaborate counter maneuvers to ruin the party. Into The Breach's focus on foresight makes its turn-based encounters an action-packed, risk-free puzzle, and the remarkable diversity of playstyles afforded by unique units keeps each new run interesting. It's a pleasure to see what kind of life-threatening predicaments await for you to creatively resolve in every new turn, every new battle, and every new campaign. Into The Breach is a pristine and pragmatic tactical gem with dynamic conflicts that will inspire you to jump back in again, and again, and again." [Read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran

Yakuza Kiwami 2 -- 8/10

"The tale of Tokyo and Osaka, Kiryu and Sayama's partnership, and Kiryu and Goda's rivalry remains one of the Yakuza's best stories, and Kiwami 2's minor missteps don't affect the heart of that experience. The modernization of its presentation and its mechanics elevate it, making it absolutely worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time. Yakuza is an exemplary, if flawed series that does an incredible job of steeping you in contemporary Japanese-style crime drama, and establishing an evocative sense of place. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an excellent example of the series at its best, coupling its most memorable stories and characters with its most sophisticated mechanics yet." [Read the review]

-- Edmond Tran, Editor and Senior Video Producer

Guacamelee 2 -- 9/10

-- 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

Red Dead Redemption 2: How GTA 5, Bully, Max Payne 3, And More Influenced RDR2

By Array on Oct 24, 2018 05:38 am

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.

RDR2 releases 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.

Black Ops 4 Guide: Tips For Playing Blackout, Multiplayer, And Zombies

By Matt Espineli on Oct 24, 2018 05:31 am

Call of Duty Black Ops 4 is a dedicated multiplayer game--there's no single-player campaign in sight. Classic modes like multiplayer and zombies remain but replacing the single-player campaign this year is none other than Blackout, a battle royale mode where up to 100 players fight to come out on top. Every part of Black Ops 4 is designed to throw you into heated competitive matches against other players.

These multiplayer modes may be a tad overwhelming for both returning players and newcomers. After all, the game sort of just throws you into the menu screen without much explanation of each or insight towards what's new. To prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead, we've gathered 17 tips that should help you across all three of Black Ops 4's major multiplayer modes.

If you're looking for more guides, be sure to check out feature highlighting Blackout tips you should know before starting, as well as our Blackout character unlock guide. You can also read our informative feature that details Black Ops 4 as a whole in all of its modes. For folks more curious about how Blackout compares to Fortnite and PUBG, check out our in-depth comparison feature.

In the meantime, how are you enjoying Black Ops 4? Got any tips that you don't see here? Let us know in the comments below.

Multiplayer: Focus On The Objective! (Unless Team Deathmatch)

For veteran Call of Duty players, sticking to the objective in an objective-focused mode should be obvious. But for newcomers jumping in for the first time, this might not be clear, especially if they haven't played Call of Duty or are more familiar with the series' older entries. Black Ops 4 introduces far more objective-focused modes than ever before, so unless you're playing Team Deathmatch, you want to assist your squadmates in claiming flags in Domination, holding control points in Control, and collecting as many dog tags as you can in Kill Confirmed. You'll naturally earn your team points as you support them in these modes and focus on the objective at hand, so don't get too hung up on your kill count.

Multiplayer: Give Yourself Time To Heal

The biggest change to Black Ops 4 is non-regenerating health. If you want to recover health, you need to use Stim-Shots to recover, which is mapped to L1/LB. It takes a few seconds to administer, so take extra care to pull back or find cover away from your current firefight when in the red. You also can't shoot while using the Stim-Shot, so make sure you're not putting yourself in harm's way by walking around a blind corner or into a wide-open space.

Multiplayer: Be Careful Of The Time To Kill

Speaking of health, Black Ops 4 increases the amount of HP players have, which in turn increases the time to kill. Be sure that you have ample time to kill an opposing player and try not to take unnecessary risks. Take note of their health and avoid sprinting around corners, as this will reduce your ability to aim after spotting them.

Multiplayer: Invest In What You Want

When you first start playing matches, don't be careless with your weapon loadouts. It's essential to decide early on which types of weapons and equipment you want to invest in, as you'll want the stuff you use the most to be at a high level when you inevitably unlock the ability to create your own class. Stick with leveling up weapons that suit your playstyle the most, or else you'll be spending extra hours reconfiguring your loadout on account of your lack of focus.

Also, make note of your shortcomings. Once you unlock Create-a-Class and gain access to the Pick 10 system--which allots you a specific amount of points to create a customized loadout--you'll want to start customizing your weapons and equipment further to make up for what you lack in.

Multiplayer: Spend Wisely In Heist Mode

In Heist mode, it's best to save your initial $500 for the second round. When you're spending cash, try to consider whether or not you'll use an item. It's best to save expensive upgrades for later rounds when you've got more cash. To save on spending money in subsequent rounds, be on the lookout for ammo and health pickups scattered across the map.

Out of all the possible purchasing options, make sure that you're always buying body armor. With no respawns during each round, the few extra shots of protection it offers can make all the difference.

Blackout: Stick The Landing

Getting to the ground first is one of the most important things you need to master. You'll start the match in a helicopter that flies across the island. Like other battle royale games, the way to drop down precisely where you want--and quickly--is to tradeoff between speed and distance. When you exit the helicopter, head straight down. You know you're reaching max speed when your character's arms tuck in. The right side of screen shows both your speed in meters per second and downward facing arrows. You want to hit three down triangles and then start flying up and down in long, wave-shaped movements towards your chosen landing zone.

Blackout: Landing Zone Tips

Landing in remote places is a huge gamble but doing so in a small unmarked village can be even worse than a larger area. If a team has landed before you, then you have nowhere to run. Larger areas may attract more players but typically have more buildings to explore. It's also easier to an untouched building to loot equipment. A great example of this is landing at Turbine, where there are several large warehouses. However, certain areas, such as Firing Range and Nuketown Island, attract an especially large number of players. Don't go there unless you're confident in your skills.

Blackout: Wingsuit Essentials

When you jump out of the helicopter, you'll use your wingsuit to land. You might not know, however, that it can be deployed at any time during a match. It's useful to do so when jumping off tall places, such as the Dam or Lighthouse. This is helpful in making a hasty escape when things go south. You can deploy the wingsuit by running and then holding the jump button.

Blackout: Avoid Buildings In The Final Circle (Unless You Got A Trophy System)

Don't hide in buildings during the final moments of a match when the battle area is at its smallest; you're likely to get killed by grenades, cluster bombs, or any other explosive throwables. Though, if you have the trusty Trophy System, you can just zap any incoming explosive right out of the air. Regardless, it's a good rule of thumb to avoid camping out in buildings during this moment of the match.

Blackout: Use Vehicles Wisely

Blackout has a good mix of transportation options. There are helicopters, boats, ATVs, and heavy trucks. But be careful; driving these noisy vehicles can give away your location, especially as the map shrinks over the course of the match. Also, you're a prime target for anyone with Hellion Salvo rocket launcher since it also locks onto vehicles.

Helicopters are incredibly useful if you need to get to a safety zone quickly. There are several scattered across the map; a few places to find them are the Construction Site, Turbine, Factory, Firing Range, and Cargo Docks.

Blackout: Support And Scavenge

When playing in a squad, Blackout has plenty of options available for you to help out your team, such as sharing ammo with teammates from the inventory menu. Some actions in the game can even be performed without fully going into your menus. You can use the D-pad to scroll through a downed enemy's inventory, and with a single button press you can equip a weapon attachment from the ground without going into your inventory.

Zombies: Keep An Eye Out For Parts

Always be on the lookout for parts, which can be used at workbenches to construct useful weapons and equipment. In IX, these parts build the Acid Trap, the Bull Shield, and the Death of Orion, while in Voyage of Despair, they're used to create the Riot Shield and the Distillation Kit. In Blood of the Dead, the parts create a Special Shield. Unfortunately, parts don't have set locations where you can find them, as they randomly spawn in different areas of the map.

Zombies: Ship Maps in Voyage of Despair

In Voyage of Despair, pay close attention to the ship maps strewn about each area. You can use them to get better acquainted with your surroundings, as well as find specific rooms in the ship.

Zombies: The Sentinel Artifact in Voyage of Despair

Typically, in Zombie mode you often need to flip a switch in order to open up closed-off areas of the map. But in Voyage of Despair, this is facilitated by finding the Sentinel Artifact, which is located on the ship's Poop Deck. Obtaining the Sentinel Artifact also unlocks special portals you can use to warp to different areas of the ship.

Zombies: Where To Find Pack-A-Punches

The Pack-a-Punch is a handy station you can use to increase the power of your weapons. In Voyage of Despair, you can only access it once you've activated four stone altars scattered across the map. You can find these stations in the following locations:

Poop Deck
Engine Room
Lower Grand Staircase
Cargo Hold

The Pack-a-Punch shifts locations from one stone station to the next in Voyage of Despair. But don't worry, if you arrive at the wrong one, you'll be told exactly which stone station is housing the Pack-a-Punch.

In IX, the Pack-a-Punch is unlocked by activating gongs to spawn zombie champions that you must defeat. Killing them rewards you their heads, which you take to a circular room in the colosseum's underground sections called The Temple. Sticking the four zombie champion heads to the center altar unlocks the Pack-a-Punch. The gongs are found in the following locations:

Ra Altar room
Danu Altar room
Odin Altar room
Zeus Altar room

The Pack-A-Punch in the Blood of the Dead is unlocked by picking up the Warden's Key and crafting the Spectral Shield. You use the weapon to charge the voltage conductors on the roof of the prison, which unlocks the Pack-a-Punch.

Zombies: Use Red Valves To Drain The Water In Voyage of Despair

When exploring the lower regions of the ship, keep an eye out for red valves. You can use these to drain the water, making it easier to navigate.

Zombies: Workbenches

As stated, workbenches are used to create special weapons and equipment. Regardless of which map you play, always be on the lookout for workbenches. They often lead to the creation of weapons and items that will often lead you to success.

IX only has one workbench, which you use to craft the Brazen Bull and is located in The Pit. In Voyage of Despair, there are a total of two workbenches. The Poop Deck workbench is used to create the Riot Shield, a useful defensive item that allows you to defend yourself from both the front and rear. The Engine Room workbench is used to create the Distillation Kit--an item that allows you to craft new ammo types for the incredibly powerful Kraken, which you get after defending and opening the map's special chest. Lastly, the workbenches in Blood of the Dead craft the Spectral Shield; they're located in the Docks and the Cell Block Third Floor.

Black Ops 4 Black Market: Every Blackout Operation First Strike Item

By Jordan Ramée on Oct 24, 2018 03:54 am

Blackout's Black Market

Call of Duty's Black Market, an in-game shop for cosmetic items, has returned in Black Ops 4, and there are already dozens of unlockables to earn. Many of these items are for Blackout, Black Ops 4's battle royale mode, and you'll earn them by simply playing the game.

In Black Market, the Contraband Stream tracks your progression towards each new item. The available items are swapped out for new ones with each seasonal change, which takes place approximately every two months. Operation First Strike, the first collection of items, is going on right now, and it includes new Blackout calling cards, emotes, signature weapons, Specialist skins, and tags.

The entire assortment of cosmetics included in Operation First Strike are listed in the following gallery. Click through to see everything you can earn.

The Black Market will also experience limited-time events, which offer opportunities for unlocking special cosmetic items. The first event started on October 20 for PS4 and begins on October 27 for Xbox One and PC. It will allow you to earn Halloween-themed gear and skins. In November, the Black Market will update to support real-money purchases.

We think Black Ops 4 is great. In our Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 review, GameSpot reviews editor Kallie Plagge gave the game an 8/10, writing, "Black Ops 4 isn't short on content, and its three main modes are substantial. Multiplayer introduces more tactical mechanics without forcing you into them, and it largely strikes a good balance. Zombies has multiple deep, secret-filled maps to explore, though its returning characters don't hold up and prove distracting. Finally, Blackout pushes Call of Duty in an entirely new direction, making use of aspects from both multiplayer and Zombies for a take on the battle royale genre that stands on its own. Sure, there isn't a traditional single-player campaign, but with the depth and breadth of what is there, Black Ops 4 doesn't need it."

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is available for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.

Calling Card - Hunting Party

Calling Card - Last Stand

Calling Card - Duel

Calling Card - Frontier Terror

Calling Card - Mad Rush

Calling Card - Warhorse

Calling Card - Rift Warriors

Calling Card - Aerobic Assassin

Calling Card - Bike Flight

Calling Card - Nice Ride

Calling Card - Powered Up

Emote - Take A Selfie

Emote - Sit Down

Emote - Make It Rain

Emote - Beat Your Chest

Emote - Hula Hoop

Emote - Bust A Move

Signature Weapon - Sandstorm

Signature Weapon - Damascus

Signature Weapon - Blinding Glory

Specialist Skin - Pistolera

Specialist Skin - Red Orchid

Specialist Skin - Bone Daddy

Specialist Skin - Berserker

Specialist Skin - Ghost Hunter

Specialist Skin - Espiritu

Specialist Skin - Auxilia

Specialist Skin - Granadera

Specialist Skin - Sell Sword

Specialist Skin - Mecanico

Specialist Skin - Bombero

Specialist Skin - Gallowglass

Specialist Skin - Rayos X

Specialist Skin - Autopsia

Specialist Skin - Ojo De Vida

Specialist Skin - Ronin

Specialist Skin - Hudson

Tag - Skate Devil

Tag - Falling In Love

Tag - Dead Eye

Tag - Pizza Fiend

Tag - DJ Angel

Tag - Harmburger

Tag - Onslaught

Tag - Sweet Tooth

Tag - Hysterics

Tag - Brain Freeze

Tag - Cosmic Combat

Tag - Lactose Intolerance

Tag - Smoking Section

Tag - High Voltage

Tag - Visionary

Tag - Breacher

Tag - Mad Dog

Tag - Eureka

Tag - Doctor's Orders

Tag - Duck And Cover

Tag - Killer Cat

Tag - Bottleneck

Red Dead Redemption 2's New Features: Gun Durability, Swimming, Fishing, Horse Bonding, And More

By Edmond Tran on Oct 24, 2018 01:47 am

Red Dead Redemption 2: All The New Features

Red Dead Redemption 2's release is now just days away, with it set to arrive for PS4 and Xbox One on October 26. Recently, a number of us here at GameSpot had a chance to try out the game, and 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.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 Blackout Tips To Know Before Playing

By Array on Oct 24, 2018 01:45 am

Blackout Basics

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is a bit of a different beast from previous games in the series. The classic Call of Duty multiplayer modes return, but the game is far more focused on multiplayer than ever before, shedding the single-player campaign that previous entries have offered. Not only that, but there's a completely new mode called Blackout. Those familiar with battle royale games such as Fortnite and PUBG will feel right at home in this 100-player mode.

If you spend most of your time with Call of Duty games, chances are that Blackout will be incredibly foreign to you. After all, it's a much slower-paced affair compared to the more frenetic speed of Call of Duty's standard multiplayer modes. If you want to come out on top in Blackout, you need to ditch many of the strategies and behaviors that once earned you victory in previous games. And even if you are a battle royale veteran, Black Ops 4 still has a wealth of its own unique mechanics and systems that you'll need to get accustomed to.

In this feature, we highlight a number of useful tips to know before jumping into Blackout. If you've had a chance to play the beta, you may be familiar with some of what we're about to discuss. Developer Treyarch has added and adjusted a few aspects of the game since, so be sure to read ahead. Changes also continue to roll in, and we're seeing new features like the Black Market and a Halloween event implemented.

If all of this talk about Blackout confuses you, be on the lookout for our article that goes over everything you need to know about the mode. You can also read our informative feature that details Black Ops 4 as a whole in all of its modes. For folks more curious about how Blackout compares to Fortnite and PUBG, check out our in-depth comparison feature. Otherwise, be on the lookout for more Black Ops 4 guides in the coming days.

In the meantime, how do you feel about Blackout? Got any tips concerning the mode that you don't see here? Let your voice be heard in the comments below.

Stick The Landing

Getting to the ground first is one of the most important things you need to master. You'll start the match in a helicopter that flies across the island. Unlike in other battle royale games, the way to drop down precisely where you want--and quickly--is to trade off between speed and distance. When you exit the helicopter, head straight down. You know you're reaching max speed when your character's arms tuck in. The right side of screen shows both your speed in meters per second and downward facing arrows. You want to hit three down triangles and then start flying up and down in long, wave-shaped movements towards your chosen landing zone.

Landing Zone Tips

Landing in remote places is a huge gamble, but doing so in a small unmarked village can be even worse than a larger area. If a team has landed before you, then you have nowhere to run. Larger areas may attract more players but typically have more buildings to explore. It's also easier to get to a separate building where you can gather equipment. A great example of this is landing at Turbine, where there are several large warehouses. However, certain areas, such as Firing Range and Nuketown Island, attract an especially large number of players. Don't go there unless you're confident in your skills.

Wingsuit Essentials

Zombie Rewards (Be Careful!)

Going to zombie-infested areas, such as Asylum or any of the beams of light on the map, can get you high-level weapons and armor. There is a chance that a super zombie will show up; killing it yields even better rewards. However, the ensuing gunfire will likely draw a lot of attention in the process. Alternatively, if you'd rather avoid engaging with zombies, you can always ambush teams trying to nab weapons and equipment from zombies and steal their stuff instead.

Avoid Buildings In The Final Circle (Unless You Got A Trophy System)

Use Vehicles Wisely

Where To Find Yourself Some Helicopters

Helicopters are incredibly useful if you need to get to a safety zone quickly. There several scattered across the map; you can find them are the Construction Site, Estates, Turbine, Factory, Firing Range, Nuketown Island, and Cargo Docks.

Hellion Salvo Is Your Friend

If players in vehicles are giving you trouble, then seek out the Hellion Salvo rocket launcher, which can lock onto them with ease. If you find yourself about to be on the receiving end of the Hellion Salvo, try to break line of sight as fast as possible or abandon ship.

Support And Scavenge

Practice in Solo Training (And Even Standard Multiplayer)

Despite not having a single-player campaign, Black Ops 4 does have a solo training mode with Specialist videos and a brief cinematic story. Doing this will unlock multiplayer characters for Blackout, as well as teach you how to use many of the gadgets that appear as pickups in battle royale. Black Ops 4's standard multiplayer mode also offers some learning opportunities that can benefit you in Blackout, as you can familiarize yourself with weapons and gadgets that fit your playstyle in a more contained combat space.

Using Specialist Weapons In Blackout

As stated, many of the specialist weapons can be found all across the map in Blackout. Here are some pointers on a few that may not easy to understand out the gate.

Recon's Sensor Dart has a huge vertical cone and is best fired into elevated places where it is hard to spot.
Battery's Cluster Grenade sticks to surfaces and shoots mini bombs straight out from where it lands, like a shotgun blast. It is intended to be used to reach around corners. It's very dangerous to throw a cluster grenade on a wall or at an enemy right in front of you.
Torque's Razor Wire is meant to be placed under windows Rainbow Six Siege-style to trap vaulting opponents, as opposed to obvious places out in the open. Torque's Barricade can also be found in Blackout and is helpful cover that can be deployed when caught in the open.

Every New Skin From Overwatch Halloween Terror 2018

By Array on Oct 24, 2018 01:38 am

'Tis The Season

The annual Overwatch Halloween Terror event returns for 2018, and it's still 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)

PS4's $200 "Elite-Style" Controller: Scuf Vantage Review

By Michael Higham on Oct 24, 2018 01:36 am

The Scuf Vantage For PlayStation 4

The Scuf Vantage For PlayStation 4

PlayStation 4 owners have had a few options outside of the DualShock 4 courtesy of Scuf Gaming's series of controllers. Both the Infinity 4PS and Impact offer programmable paddles, modular parts, among other features, but cost well over $100. PS4's new Scuf Vantage doubles down on this design philosophy by incorporating even more features while making customization more user-friendly, but for an even higher asking price. Admittedly, this makes the Vantage a gamepad for a specific crowd; those who are dedicated to competitive play and want a distinct advantage at their fingertips, particularly in first- or third- person shooters.

We spent time using the wireless version of the Scuf Vantage playing Fortnite and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, two big games that can benefit greatly from the controller's features. Controls to build structures and cycle through build options can be mapped to the paddles and side buttons (called sax buttons) so you can keep moving and aiming all the while. When it comes to Black Ops 4, looting items and managing inventory in Blackout becomes second-nature and a bit less cumbersome when mapping the proper actions to the extra inputs as well.

Additional buttons aren't the only things that Scuf changes up from the original DualShock design, and we breakdown those features throughout this gallery. The Bluetooth wireless Scuf Vantage is available now for $200 USD and comes with some optional accessories--a wired-only version is also available for $170 USD. Both controllers are highly moddable as you can get different magnetic faceplates, analog sticks, rings around the sticks, though it's at an extra cost.

We did a breakdown of Scuf's previous controllers, the Infinity 4PS and Impact, so be sure to check that out in addition to this review. If you're a PS4 user in European territories, take a look at our reviews of the the Razer Raiju and Nacon Revolution controllers, which are exclusive overseas.

What's In The Box

What's In The Box

You get a little more than just the controller if you pick up a Scuf Vantage. The wireless model comes with a 10-foot micro USB cable, two convex extended analog sticks, extended L2 and R2 trigger caps, black anti-friction rings (that can replace the neon yellow ones), and a semi-hard case to fit the controller and accessories.

DualShock 4 And Xbox One Controller Comparisons

DualShock 4 And Xbox One Controller Comparisons

The Scuf Vantage doesn't differ much in terms of overall size compared to the Xbox One controller and DualShock 4. It appears to have a lot more in common with the Xbox One pad even though this is a PS4 controller licensed by Sony.

An important thing to note is that although this is a PS4 controller, it's missing some of the functionality of the DualShock 4. For example, pairing the Vantage to your PS4 must be done manually in the Devices section of the system settings. The process is simple but in our experience, shutting off the system completely means having to pair the Vantage again. That being said, you cannot boot your PS4 with the Vantage, but you can at least wake the system from Rest Mode.

Controller Body

Controller Body

The first thing that'll jump out when looking at the Scuf Vantage is the offset analog stick placement, which takes after the Microsoft's approach with Xbox controllers. It may feel foreign to those who've used DualShocks exclusively, but it's a comfortable design that takes little to no time adjusting to.

Although it looks bulky at first glance, the Vantage doesn't feel cumbersome to hold. However, the backside of the controller's handles have a strange rubber-like texture that feels more slick than grippy when moisture gets in the mix.

Removing The Faceplate

Removing The Faceplate

The Vantage's faceplate is magnetic, meaning it can pop out if you get underneath it. There are two points toward the bottom of the handles where this can be done easily. Thankfully, it stays perfectly in place when using the controller.

Revealing the insides of the Vantage, you'll see two rumble modules are on each handle and can be painlessly removed, which of course gets rid of the rumble feature but also reduces overall weight substantially. You can also pull out the analog sticks at this point and swap in different ones if you wish--it's all tool-less. The faceplate has anti-friction rings around the opening for the sticks that are also interchangeable--if you don't like the neon yellow accent, black rings come in the package.

Paddles

Paddles

The Vantage features four programmable paddles on the back (we explain how to map these later on). These can provide a distinct advantage in games that require using both analog sticks all the time, namely shooters. Instead of using face buttons and the d-pad for critical actions, these can be relegated to the paddles to help you stay on the move.

A downside is that these paddles are quite tough to actuate since they're fairly stiff. The force required to use the paddles can get in the way of being a convenient option for repeatable actions. And it also hampers the usefulness of the innermost pair of paddles, which require a bit more reach.

Sax Buttons

Sax Buttons

S1 and S2 are what Scuf calls the sax buttons, which are located on the side just below L1 and R1. These are new to Scuf's lineup and are a welcome addition since they're conveniently located and make a total of six programmable buttons. Even though they're light to the touch, they're hardly ever mistakenly pressed.

Mapping Buttons To Paddles

Mapping Buttons To Paddles

On the left is the switch for using the Vantage in either Bluetooth wireless mode or wired USB mode. At the bottom of the controller, you'll find a 3.5mm audio input for headphones/microphones, and the slim touch bar above works as a sensible volume control option. However, the audio jack and touch bar only work in wired mode.

The slider on the right side initiates the button mapping mode. When active, you simultaneously press the button you want to program and the paddle or sax button you want that input mapped to. This mapping process is a huge improvement over previous Scuf controllers that required a magnetic tool to map any of the buttons.

Triggers

Triggers

One downside of the Vantage is that L1 and R1 are stiffer than a standard DualShock, making them more difficult to press. The L2 and R2 triggers, however, have a slick and consistent pressure. You can also shorten the throw of L2 and R2 with the adjustable nubs on the back of the triggers; it can help quicken trigger pulls since they'll bottom out sooner. Extended trigger caps come packaged, but they don't offer any tangible benefit.

D-pad

D-pad

You'll have two options for the directional pad. By default a tactile four-way d-pad comes attached to the controller. It has a crunchy feel that requires a little too much force to actuate comfortably, and it also protrudes from the controller face significantly making it unusable for fighting games.

Alternatively, there's circular disc d-pad that you can easily swap in. Unfortunately, it's made with a grippy rubberized texture. While that design choice works extremely well for the analog sticks, the grip negates its usefulness in fighting games and makes quarter-circle motions woefully uncomfortable. Despite being easy to pluck out, both options never got dislodged during use.

Analog Sticks

Analog Sticks

Like Scuf's other controllers, the Vantage's analog sticks are a highlight. Both the concave and extended convex style sticks are made with a soft, grippy rubber-like texture that adheres to your thumbs comfortably. Moving the sticks also feels great since there's little resistance or friction, resulting in a slightly smoother feel over the DualShock 4.

Face Buttons

Face Buttons

The face buttons feel more like the Xbox One controller than they do the DualShock 4. There's a somewhat cushioned feel to pressing them down and they stick out slightly more so than the DualShock.

Verdict

Verdict

There's no denying the Scuf Vantage offers distinct upsides if you're serious about competitive shooters. The paddles could benefit from loosening up in terms of actuation, but their presence along with the convenient sax buttons on the side make pulling off actions in certain games easier, freeing up your thumbs to stay on the analog sticks at all times. Some of the basic features such as analog stick motion and triggers have improved as well.

However, there are notable concessions like a lack of key system functions, stiff paddles, and a rigid d-pad. Considering the wireless Scuf Vantage carries a price tag close to a base PS4 console, it has a few too many flaws for a strong recommendation.

Recent Articles:

13 Possession Movies So Scary They'll Make You Look Twice At Everyone You Know

You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.

https://Gamefeed.us10.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=b01828b2bfdd2acf079c9de40&id=55a5ab23e0&e=96854223cb&c=fb749c1410

Gamefeed

https://Gamefeed.us10.list-manage.com/profile?u=b01828b2bfdd2acf079c9de40&id=55a5ab23e0&e=96854223cb

demo-mailchimp-gamefeed15032015@mailcatch.com

VCard:

Gamefeed

Mumbai, Mh 400001

Add us to your address book

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Images from GameSpot - Galleries On 10/25/2018

GameSpot - Galleries

Fallout 76 Beta Survival Guide: Tips On What You Should Do First

Welcome To West Virginia

Explore The Vault

Stick With The Beginning Story Missions

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Rethink What Makes You SPECIAL

Group Up

Always Be Collecting

Get Crafting and Stay Healthy

Take In The Sights

Challenge Another Player

Take Your Time

Here's Destiny 2's New Gear, Auto Rifle, And Halloween Masks From Festival Of The Lost 2018

Check out the spooky new items available for Halloween

10 Essential Tips To Survive In Destiny 2's New Haunted Forest Activity

The Haunted Forest is Spooky--and Tricky

It's Not About Speed, It's About Speedy Kills

Know Which Modifiers Are Messing With You

Stick With Your Team

Don't Resurrect Yourself If You Can Avoid It

You're Free to Resurrect in the Nightmare Arena

Keep Your Masks Upgraded

Beware the Invincible Nightmare!

Watch Your Step To Stay Alive

Don't Panic When the Timer Runs Out, But Play Smarter

The Invincible Nightmare's Pit is Scary, But It Won't Cost You Anything

Every WWE Woman On The Main Roster, Ranked Before Evolution

27. Dana Brooke

26. Lana

25. Tamina

24. Brie Bella

23. Billie Kay

22. Liv Morgan

21. Alicia Fox

20. Zelina Vega

19. Sarah Logan

18. Mickie James

17. Natalya

16. Carmella

15. Ruby Riott

14. Mandy Rose

13. Peyton Royce

12. Naomi

11. Nia Jax

10. Nikki Bella

9. Bayley

8. Sonya Deville

7. Ember Moon

6. Alexa Bliss

5. Sasha Banks

4. Asuka

3. Ronda Rousey

2. Charlotte Flair

1. Becky Lynch

Best PS4 Game Exclusives Now Available (October 2018 Update)

Marvel's Spider-Man -- 9/10

Alienation

Alone With You

Bloodborne

Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviours

Everybody's Golf

Everybody's Gone To The Rapture

Fighting EX Layer

Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age

Final Fantasy 14 Online: A Realm Reborn

Galak-Z: The Dimensional

God Eater 2: Rage Burst

God Of War (2018)

God Of War 3 Remastered

Gravity Rush 2

Gran Turismo Sport

Grim Fandango Remastered

Here They Lie

Horizon Zero Dawn

Iconoclasts