By Chris E. Hayner on Nov 09, 2018 12:17 am
The first season of Mayans MC has come to an end and what a story it told. Sons of Anarchy fans hoping for a nice and easy follow up to the original series were in for a shock quickly, as they learned this particular club is riddled with fractures among its members. Still, through new characters, a different location, and a healthy dose of references and Easter egg nods to Sons of Anarchy, Mayans MC has managed to become an exciting show to watch. One that, quite honestly, we can't wait to have return. How closely were you paying attention to this season, though? Did you realize the show was stuffed with Sons of Anarchy references, ranging from bringing back fan-favorite characters to even small nods to former plots? After watching this season, we've dug through so much Sons of Anarchy lore that it's as if the original show never ended. Thankfully, that's amounted to a pretty comprehensive collection of the Easter eggs dropped into Mayans MC by co-creator Kurt Sutter and his creative partners on the series. How many of these did you spot? And what did we miss? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
1. RIP SAMCRO
The references to Sons of Anarchy start from the opening seconds of Mayans MC. Signaling the end of one era and the beginning of another, EZ Reyes runs over a dead crow--the spiritual representation of Sons of Anarchy. In the original series, crows were often shown in relation to the club, including the series finale when one is shown after the death of Jax Teller.
2. Welcome Back, Gemma
Also appearing in the first episode of Mayans is the former SAMCRO queen herself, Gemma Teller. Gemma pops up in a flashback to EZ's time at Stockton State Prison, which we'll get to. She doesn't have much to say, other than calling EZ and Emily "a**holes." Then again, this is Gemma we're talking about, so it works.
3. Serving time at Stockton State Prison
Stockton State Prison may not be a place in the real world, but it has a lot of history in the Sons of Anarchy universe. Whenever a club member got locked up, this is where they landed. Most notably, it's where Otto spend his entire run on the show. Knowing that it's where EZ went after he was sentenced, putting him behind bars at a time when the majority of SAMCRO was locked up, created numerous crossover opportunities in the future.
4. It's not Mayans without Alvarez
And what would the Mayans be without El Padrino? While the Season 1 finale sets up an interesting story for Alvarez leaving the club to work for Miguel Galindo, his importance to this club cannot be understated. Having Alvarez, a regular figure on Sons of Anarchy, come to Mayans MC not only legitimized this group but the show as a whole. He's the bridge between the two series, helping fans more easily slide into this new piece of the world.
5. We missed you, Chucky
When Chucky first popped up on Mayans, something felt right about it. On Sons of Anarchy, he was the little compulsive masturbator that could and knowing he's not only survived this world but thrived in it makes us happy. Now, though, after being won by Coco in a poker game, he works for the Mayans.
6. Nothing good comes from the Galindo Cartel
The Galindo Cartel was bad news on Sons of Anarchy, beginning with their arrival in Season 4 of the original show. With Mayans, they're an even more powerful force thanks to their new leadership in Miguel Galindo.
7. Leave a message after the beep
This particular Easter egg doesn't really mean anything for the larger story of this universe, but it's a very clever wink to fans of the franchise. In the episode "Búho/Muwan," a card is seen with a phone number written in it. Had fans called the number immediately following the episode, they would have heard the voice of Gemma Teller. "Hi, you've reached the Teller-Morrow Garage. Nobody's here to take your call--because we're all f***ing dead," she said.
8. Lincoln Potter is back to cause trouble
Where the Galindos go, so goes Lincoln Potter. Chances are this is the last Sons of Anarchy face you expected to see on Mayans MC, but his introduction on the new series has really helped to drive this first season--and whatever is to come.
9. A clever way to run guns and a nod to the past
This is another clever nod to Sons of Anarchy that doesn't necessarily mean anything larger. It was the Season 2 episode "Eureka" that saw SAMCRO hiding the guns they were running in bedrolls, making what looks like a charity run an easy opportunity to move their illegal firearms. When the Sons reemerge on Mayans, it's revealed they're still trafficking their weapons the same way.
10. The return of the crow
While the series premiere of Mayans MC showed a dead crow being eaten by a dog, the Season 1 finale turns the tables. Now the dog is dead, being eaten by crows. This makes it clear that something big is coming and SAMCRO is going to be involved.
11. What did you do, Happy
Of all of the people it could have been, Happy was the killer? When SAMCRO member Happy arrived in the Mayans MC Season 1 finale, it was exciting to see. Now, though, knowing he's the man who killed EZ's mom, it sets up a heartbreaking Season 2. What's more, it could very well end up putting SAMCRO and the Mayans at odds with each other, leading to even more Easter eggs when the show returns.
By Matt Espineli on Nov 08, 2018 11:00 pm
Fishing King
When shooting deers, robbing trains, and hunting for hidden treasure proves arduous, sometimes it's nice to sit back, relax, and do a little fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2. After a while, you're likely to get pretty good at it. But after a dozen successful catches, chances are you're getting curious about the bigger fish out there. The ones the most worth setting out your line for. Lucky for you, there are plenty of Legendary fish to catch, but you can't just set up shop at any ordinary lake to find them. There are special locations all around the world where you can catch Legendary fish. You first discover the existence of Legendary fish in the Stranger mission called "A Fisher of Fish" when you're given a map by Jeremy Gill, the man fishing on the pier of the northeast shore of Flat Iron Lake. When you find a Legendary fishing spot, it'll automatically get marked on your map. But if you've yet to happen upon these locations yourself, we've got you covered. In this feature, we highlight all of the Legendary fish locations, as well as some basic tips on how to catch them. Out of the 14 total Legendary fish locations, we've gathered the the first 10, which are the safest to see for folks who may have not gotten far into the game. We'll be posting the rest at a later date, so make sure to check back later. You can refer to the screenshot of the map above as a reference to the general locations of each fish, but chances are you have this already and want the specifics. In which case, click ahead! For a full examination on how to properly fish, we suggest you check out our Red Dead 2 fishing guide. If you're curious about guides concerning other subjects, check out out our features highlighting all the tips you should know before playing and things the game doesn't tell you. We also have guides on more specific subjects, like top horse breeds and fishing. Though, if you want to have some extra fun instead, be sure to read our feature detailing the game's cheat codes. Red Dead Redemption 2 is out now on PS4 and Xbox One. Don't forget to read our review. But back to the subject at hand: do you have any useful tips that'll help nab these Legendary fishes? Let us know in the comments below.
Legendary Fish Tips
Real quick, here are some general tips for catching Legendary fish. As you'd expect, catching one is no easy task. It takes a bit of patience and a whole lot of line to wrestle these fishes into submission. Your spool is likely to run out of line and even threaten to snap with these suckers attached. The best advice we can give is to try to catch them when they're near shore, so as to decrease your reeling time significantly and improve your odds of landing the fish. Another useful tip to consider after a Legendary fish has snagged your line is to pull your rod upwards (by tilting your stick down). As you do this, reel in your line for a few seconds, and then pull up again. Repeat this process enough and you'll soon enough have a Legendary fish in your hands. It all takes practice, determination, and a bit of luck.
Legendary Bluegill
The Legendary Bluegill fishing spot is on the eastern side of Flat Iron Lake, located just southwest of Rhodes. It's on a jutted-out piece of land south of Clemens Point. You'll find spot at the southern edge of that land right where a tiny spot of water is. It's worth noting that you must get further in the story for this spot to trigger. Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure
Legendary Bullhead Catfish
The Bullhead Catfish is found on Sisika island, which is located just northeast of Saint Denis. Be wary, you can't swim to the island, as both you and your horse will lack the stamina to successfully make it there. Try to find a rowboat along Saint Denis' shoreline and docks instead. Once you've found yourself a boat, make your way to the southwestern edge of the island. The Bullhead Catfish fishing spot should be located to the west of the island penitentiary on a small piece of land. Recommended Lure: Special River Lure
Legendary Chain Pickerel
The Chain Pickerel fishing spot is located nearby your first gang camp at Horseshoe Overlook. Simply head west towards the Dakota River. The spot should be a little ways past where it says "River" on the map right alongside the thin and long segment of land there. You'll see a fallen tree and some rocks around. Recommended Lure: Special River Lure
Legendary Lake Sturgeon
Lake Sturgeon is on the southern railroad bridge that leads into Saint Denis. You're going to want to stand at the edge of the bridge to avoid getting run over by incoming trains. Recommended Lure: Special River Lure
Legendary Longnose Gar
You'll find the Longnose Gar at the northwest edge of the Lakay peninsula where there are a few lakeside homes. If you're having trouble, simply get to the "L" in "Lakay" on the map and head northwest. You can't miss it. Recommended Lure: Special Swamp Lure
Legendary Muskie
The Muskie fishing spot is at the Van Horn Trading Post right at the foot of the lighthouse. Simply move past the lighthouse and towards its shoreline to find the optimal position to cast your line. Recommended Lure: Special River Lure
Legendary Perch
The Perch fishing spot is at the Elysian Pond, which is located directly northeast of the "E" in "Hanover" on the map. You'll know you're in the right place when you see a small waterfall off in the distance. There's more significance to this land, which you can find out more about in our guide to getting an easy $2,000. Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure
Legendary Smallmouth Bass
The Smallmouth Bass spot is at Owanjilla Lake, which is directly west of Strawberry. The western path out of Strawberry should take you right to it. Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure
Legendary Sockeye Salmon
The Sockeye Salmon spot is located at Isabella Lake, which is in the mountain region north of Valentine. It's snowy up there, so bring a thick winter jacket with you before heading up that direction. The lake is located directly south of the "A" in "Ambarino" on the map. Approach the southernmost side of the lake to highlight the fishing spot on the map. Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure
Legendary Steelhead Trout
The Steelhead Trout spot is at Willard's Rest, which is at the northeastern edge of the world map, directly north of Annesburg. Approach the large waterfall from its right side and the fishing location should pop up. Recommended Lure: Special River Lure
By Dan Auty on Nov 08, 2018 09:06 pm
While a movie flop might ensure that there is no a direct sequel, a box office bomb has never stopped producers rebooting a property if they think there is still money to be made. This is the case with this week's biggest US movie release, The Girl in the Spider's Web. It's the second attempt to tap into the huge popularity of the novel series focusing on hacker Lisbeth Salander, following the commercial disappointment of 2011's The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. We'll know soon enough if there if this one gets a sequel or if we'll be seeing yet another reboot in seven years time. Fans of dark cinema will also get to check out the latest JJ Abrams produced horror/thriller, Overlord, which pitches US soldiers against scary genetically altered Nazis in World War II. There's also the animated version of the much-loved Dr Seuss book The Grinch Who Saved Christmas, while UK audiences can check out the acclaimed thriller Widows a week before it arrives in the US. On the small screen, Netflix continue its run of impressive movies from notable directors. This week it's the turn of David McKenzie, who previously made the brilliant thriller Hell or High Water, and who reteams with star Chris Pine for the historical epic Outlaw King. So here's the week's new releases in the both the US and UK, in both theaters and on streaming...
The Girl in the Spider's Web
See it in US theaters on November 9 Although David Fincher's 2011 adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo didn't do well as expected, the lead character, Lisbeth Salander, returns to the screen this Friday. The Girl in the Spider's Web is based on the first Salander novel written by another author (Larson died in 2004), and stars The Crown's Claire Foy as the iconic hacker, taking over from Rooney Mara. Reviews so far suggest that director Fede Alvarez has taken the series in a more action-focused direction than the psychological angle of Fincher movie and the original Swedish movie trilogy. But Foy is a fantastic choice for Salander, and the Alvarez's previous films, the hit Don't Breathe and the Evil Dead remake, have shown that he is an expert at delivering dark but commercial thrills.
Overlord
See it in US and UK theaters on November 9 There were rumours earlier this year that this JJ Abrams-produced World War II horror film would form the next part of the Cloverfield universe. After all, 10 Cloverfield Lane and this year's The Cloverfield Paradox started life as unconnected movies with different titles before being rewritten to form part of Abrams' loose sci-fi series, so it wouldn't be surprising if he had the same thing in mind for Overlord. However, what has emerged is very much its own thing--a scary, thrilling film in which a squad of US soldiers are forced to parachute into occupied France, where they encounter a group of Nazis performing some terrifying experiments. Abrams rarely puts his name to flops (let's just pretend The Cloverfield Paradox never happened), and this will more than satisfy horror fans craving some post-Halloween scares.
Time Freak
See it in US theaters on November 9 2019 is set to be a big year for Sophie Turner--as well as the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, in which she plays Sansa Stark, she is set to take the lead role in Dark Phoenix, the latest movie in the X-Men series. Ahead of that we have Time Freak, a time-travelling romantic comedy in which Turner plays the ex-girlfriend of a young physics genius, played by Asa Butterfield (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Hugo). In order to win her back, he does the obvious--invents a time machine to restart their relationship more successfully. It's essentially a teen remake of Groundhog Day, and Turner's high profile should help this one at the box office.
The Grinch
See it in US and UK theaters on November 9 The classic Dr. Seuss story How the Grinch Saved Christmas was adapted into a hit Jim Carrey movie 18 years ago, and a new animated version hits the screen this week. Doctor Strange and Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch provides the voice of the Holiday-hating title character, and the cast also includes Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation), musician Pharrell WIlliams, and screen legend Angela Lansbury (Beauty and the Beast, Murder She Wrote). The movie was actually meant to be released last year, which doesn't always bode well, but it's a much-loved story and younger audiences will lap it up.
Widows
See it in UK theaters on November 9 Oceans' Eight isn't the only female-led heist movie to come our way in 2018. Widows is the latest film from Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave) and is written by Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn. The movie focuses on four women whose husbands are killed in a failed heist, who then decide to finish the job themselves. It's based on a British TV show of the same name from the 1980s, and the star-studded cast includes Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, and Get Out's Daniel Kaluuya. Films like 12 Years and Shame proved that McQueen can deliver prestigious, acclaimed dramas, and the advance buzz suggests that he's equally adept at edgy, commercial crime thrillers.
Won't You Be My Neighbor
See it in UK theaters on November 9 Fred Rogers is a TV institution, spending nearly 40 years as the host of the educational kids show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood before his death in 2003. In the US, this movie has become the highest-grossing biographical documentary of all time, and while Rogers isn't so well known in the UK, this is unquestionably one of the year's best docs. It's a moving, honest exploration of both the man himself and the huge influence he had on several generations of children.
Outlaw King
See it in on Netflix on November 9 This historical epic has had plenty of publicity in advance of Friday's Netflix debut--largely focused on the fact that star Chris Pine (Star Trek) has a full-frontal nude scene. But aside from that, it's a big, lavish movie that tells the story of Robert the Bruce, the Scottish king who waged war upon the English in early 14th century. The movie has been compared to Mel Gibson's Braveheart in terms of both subject matter and spectacular battle scenes, and the cast also includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron), Florence Pugh (the new AMC thriller Little Drummer Girl), and Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones).
By Steve Watts on Nov 08, 2018 08:23 am
Hearthstone: Rastakhan's Rumble Cards
Hearthstone is getting in fighting shape for its next expansion. This time, trolls take the forefront, with a once-in-a-generation brawl called Rastakhan's Rumble. The trolls all worship their own spirits and have their own champions, leading to some powerful smack-downs. Rastakhan's Rumble will add dozens of new cards and new mechanics when it launches on December 4. You can check out all the cards so far in the gallery above. Each of the nine tribes of trolls has its own champion, represented by a class Legendary card. They each also worship their own Loa--ancient spirits that are collectible cards of their own. Spirits are made to build-arounds for powerful effects, and they start with Stealth to enable combos. The expansion also introduces a new keyword, Overkill. Anytime an Overkill card deals more damage than needed to take down a minion, it will trigger an added effect. One example we've seen so far, the Warrior weapon Sul'thraze, lets the player attack again if the Overkill takes down a minion. As usual, a separate single-player component will be coming as well. Rumble Run puts you in the shoes of a troll champion to prove yourself in gladiatorial combat. Two separate pre-purchase bundles are available for Rastakhan's Rumble. The first costs $20 for 17 card packs and the "Ready to Rumble" card back. The second for $50 gives you a full 50 packs, the card back, and the King Rastakhan alternate Shaman hero.
By Array on Nov 08, 2018 07:04 am
It's hard to believe that Red Dead Redemption 2 has been out for a couple weeks now. To think we were all desperately awaiting its launch only some time ago. It's even crazier to think that Rockstar only spoonfed us small details about how the game would play in the two or so months before its launch. But now we've got the game and everyone is slowly learning all there is to know about its story and myriad gameplay systems. Some have even been fortunate enough to beat the roughly 50-hour game. In our time spent playing Red Dead 2, we've grown to love so much about it. This adventure across the sprawling frontier of the Old West is packed with all sorts of thrilling and emotional moments, as well as an attention to detail across its systems and locations not often seen anywhere else. Our love for Rockstar's latest effort only continues to grow with every hour we spend in its world. In this feature, you'll find 20 things that we at GameSpot adore about Red Dead 2. Contained are brief musings on all the tidbits we enjoyed, such as the game's night sky, spending time at the Van der Linde camp, or just the way Arthur twirls his revolver back into his holster. If you haven't already read our Red Dead 2 review, be sure to read it! GameSpot's Kallie Plagge wrote: "While Red Dead Redemption was mostly focused on John Marston's story, Red Dead 2 is about the entire Van der Linde gang--as a community, as an idea, and as the death rattle of the Wild West. It is about Arthur, too, but as the lens through which you view the gang, his very personal, very messy story supports a larger tale. Some frustrating systems and a predictable mission structure end up serving that story well, though it does take patience to get through them and understand why. Red Dead Redemption 2 is an excellent prequel, but it's also an emotional, thought-provoking story in its own right, and it's a world that is hard to leave when it's done." Though, if you're more in the market for guides, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out our guides roundup containing features highlighting all the tips you should know before playing and things the game doesn't tell you. And if you want to have some extra fun, read our feature detailing the game's cheat codes. Anyway, what do you love most about Red Dead 2? Don't hesitate to write your dissertations in the comments below!
Staring at the Night Sky
One of my favorite activities in any good-looking video game is to spend time admiring the sky, and in this regard, Red Dead 2 does not disappoint. In particular, the nighttime skies are breathtaking. As a kid, I wanted to be an astronomer, but having always lived in areas where light pollution is unavoidable, it was difficult to fully appreciate what the sky really looks like at night. Plenty of other games offer a nice night sky to take in--even something like Skyrim, which was never an especially good-looking game, has gotten me to strain my character's neck to look up at the stars. But Red Dead 2 (which I'm lucky enough to be playing on Xbox One X) is a visually stunning game, and there are few, if any, sights in it that I love to sit and admire more than the skies at night. Whenever nighttime rolls around, rather than let Arthur catch some Zs or do some thievin', I try to find an elevated or isolated area where I can take it all in. Whether it's trying to spot constellations or simply taking in the gorgeous nebulae, it's one of the most peaceful, serene, and enjoyable ways to take a break from the the regular outlaw life. At least, until a bear or wolf catches you off-guard and mauls you to death. But hey, there are worse ways to die than under that beautiful night sky. -- Chris Pereira, Engagement Editor
You Can't Take Anything For Granted
I'm sure you've heard many variations of why so-and-so loves Red Dead 2's open world, and for good reason. It's unquestionably gorgeous, varied, and bustling with life in ways that lend credence to the sense of time and place. But enjoying the wilderness and taking advantage of more civilized distractions requires you to take care of Arthur, which is sometimes easier said than done given all that he goes through. He has to regularly eat or sleep, and if he wants to be in the good graces of those around him, he must also bathe and dress to fit in, not to mention visit the barber once in a while. Though we are privileged to be able to see all that is Red Dead 2's amazing open world, there's a level of responsibility that comes with every choice. That give-and-take relationship makes each step along the way feel like the small piece of a grand adventure where nothing can be taken for granted. -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
How Hostile Nature Is
A thing I love to do in Red Dead 2 is watch nature take place around me, either hidden away in a bush or from afar with binoculars--just watching to see what the animals of the world do when Arthur isn't shooting arrows or bullets at their vitals.I was looking around inside a shack near a frozen lagoon to the north of the map and heard roaring and commotion outside, which was pretty stark against the relative silence of the frigid northern area. On the ice there was a huge grizzly bear guarding a freshly killed white-tailed deer, with three wolves circling the carcass and the hairy behemoth above it. Keeping my distance I watched as one brave (stupid) wolf lunged forward before being crushed in between the bear's jaws and tossed aside. The rest of the wolves were actually visibly perturbed by seeing what was likely the alpha of the pack get completely crunched by a blood-covered beast the size of a stagecoach.Each turned their tail and ran and I was left viewing this magnificent creature savor the meal it so viciously defended. It was really one of the most memorable scenes I've had in the game so far--at least until I put a bolt action round through its eye because I needed its pelt, that is. -- Dave Jewitt, Video Producer
The Amazing Soundtrack
A lot of noise (sorry) has been made about Woody Jackson's score for Red Dead 2. It dynamically lifts and accentuates the game's poignant moments, amps up during combat, and is a comforting partner while you're roaming the plains. There's no shortage of catchy ditties ("I got a girl in Valentine, who likes to drink that fancy wine" is a real earworm), and sitting around a campfire as Arthur and the rest of the Van der Linde gang sing along is always a memorable, yet completely missable, activity that brings you ever closer to the members of the ragtag troupe. I encourage you to go check it out every time you hear someone drunkenly belt out a few bars. Josh Homme's crooning Cruel, Cruel World is a perfect ending song to the long, emotional journey, and just as Far Away by Jose Gonzalez will forever be associated with crossing the border into Mexico in the first game, so will D'Angelo's Unshaken be intrinsically linked to key moments in Red Dead 2. -- Lucy James, Video Producer
Arthur's Diary: Musings Of A Desperado
Arthur Morgan's struggles are constant. If lawmen, bounty hunters, and other bandits weren't enough, the world has become a mudslide beneath his feet. As an outlaw, he's desperately trying to find footing in an age trying to bury him and his kind. His life is a tempest of clashing ideologies, foolhardy ambition, and questionable schemes. Arthur Morgan is a man in turmoil. So much so that, at times, it can be hard to get a sense for who he is and who he wants to be. However, for each noteworthy moment of his life (of which there are many) there's an entry in his diary, and this is easily my favourite part of Red Dead 2. The memoirs scribbled into the leatherbound notebook provide the raw, honest truth of his experience. It chronicles everything from train heists and bank robberies to fleeting encounters with odd folk and ventures into unfamiliar parts of the world. In charming prose and surprisingly good sketches, Arthur lays himself bare on page. He spends so much of the game caught in the crossfire of other people's words and bullets that his perspective is often lost. The diary is a place where his voice is the loudest, and it's a heartfelt one, sometimes speaking of happiness and hope, other times of doubt and frustration. Games regularly stumble with humanizing their heroes and making them relatable, especially when those heroes are doing morally questionable things. But Arthur's diary gave me an honest, personal insight into the mind of a very complicated man. -- Tamoor Hussain, Editor
You Can Let The Horse Drive
There are a lot of things I like about Red Dead 2, but there are plenty I also find frustrating. The game's overall pace can be grating, with a lot of activities and systems feeling more like working a fairly irritating job than escaping into the Old West. That's why the system that lets you turn on horse autopilot is my favorite thing in the game. Set your destination on your map, get your horse up to speed on the trail, and activate the cinematic camera, and you can just set the controller down and relax. The ability to leave the driving to the horse made Red Dead 2 so much better for me, fixing what was honestly among the most tedious parts of the game. Horse autopilot, as I like to call it, is an essential feature. It changes something about Red Dead 2 that at first felt like it was completely disrespectful to players' time--guiding your horse down endless trails with nothing much but scenery to look at--into a chance to relax between gunfights and hunting sessions. -- Phil Hornshaw, Editor
Everything That Happens At Camp
It's possible to wander around the world of Red Dead 2 and rarely drop by the Van der Linde gang's camp, but those stops between missions to drop off supplies and money are always my favorite. It started with a party that kicked off after one of the story missions, but every visit back to camp holds some hidden gems if you just listen and look around. The interactions between other members of the gang can be telling looks into their characters--or just tidbits of ongoing animosity between them. Still, those small character moments are often when Red Dead 2 is at its best, giving you a sense that the gang is a realistic group of people who rely on each other, clash with each other, and have history with each other. Getting a glimpse of John Marston's troubles with Abigail, Hosea's creeping worries that maybe Dutch really doesn't have a plan, Charles' struggles with his identity--they all make the world a lot more realistic than painstaking animations of brushing your horse or skinning animals ever could. -- Phil Hornshaw, Editor
Horses Nuzzle Each Other!
You spend a lot of time on horseback in Red Dead 2, as well as feeding, brushing, and generally caring for your steed. Rockstar has done a pretty good job of making the animals feel realistic and natural--they get scared of gunfire and predators and require calming under stress. They'll rear up and toss you when they don't like what nonsense you're getting up to, and an agitated horse will definitely kick you halfway across the West if you get too close at the wrong time. Like a lot of things in Red Dead 2, though, the best thing about horses is how they act when nobody's messing with them. The game is full of elements that make horses seem more realistic, and we're not just talking about how they poop sometimes or how their balls shrink in response to weather. Specifically, horses are nice to each other. It's moments like watching two horses nuzzle each other that makes it all the more heart-wrenching when yours falls down a ravine because you're an idiot of a rider and you have to put it out of its misery. -- Phil Hornshaw, Editor
A House Robbery That Takes Some Turns
There are a lot of secretly great missions in Red Dead 2, but one that stuck with me in particular had some ridiculous emotional swings. It starts in Rhodes, where you can meet a homeless old man named Compson who has fallen on some seriously hard times. He asks you to go to his repossessed house, break in, and steal some important items out of it before the bank gets to them. What follows is a Gone Home-style meandering through the detritus of the old man's life. You find a variety of notes, letters, pictures, and even drawings by little children, that allow you to track the man's life from relative wealth and prominence, to destitution. Part of what makes the story work is that, unlike most notes found in games like this one, Red Dead 2 provides voice-over narration for each one that add a lot of character. The mission starts as a sad story about Compson's decline as his wife dies and child disowns him, until you find the hidden room beneath the house and the ledger that reveals his former trade: tracking down escaped slaves. It's Arthur's eventual, disgusted confrontation with Compson that elevates the whole thing, though, as you realize that Compson has gotten what he deserves, but he'll never understand why that's the case. For a mission that's largely walking through a house and finding objects, this one is definitely one of Red Dead 2's heavier moments and features a great bit of writing. -- Phil Hornshaw, Editor
An Awkward Bath
It's little things in Red Dead 2 that make it stand out. You can change clothes, shave, and add pomade to your hair at your tent, for instance. And if you head into town, you can get yourself a bath, just like a real cowboy. It's lucky that Red Dead 2 isn't so realistic that you can smell Arthur Morgan, because the experience would probably not be present. At one point, I wandered into a building in one of Red Dead 2's towns, where a man offered me the opportunity to bathe. Why not, I figured, since I was flush with cash and not doing anything in particular at that moment, in true Wild West fashion. And when the game prompted me again to ask if I wanted a "Deluxe Bath," I again thought, why not? What results from that decision is a scene in which a woman physically bathes Arthur and the pair make small talk. The scene isn't a sexual encounter, but it comes off as one in which both parties are feeling pretty awkward the entire time. At one point, Arthur remarks, "Some parts of me might never have been this clean." The woman bathing him laughs and replies, "I'm not really sure what to do with that!" The bath really doesn't escalate into anything more than a bath, but it was good for a laugh and a moment that made me feel almost as uncomfortable as Arthur for initiating it. Those little moments make RDR2 a lot of fun to explore--and it was enough to send me googling to find out what hygiene in the Old West was actually like (spoiler: not great). -- Phil Hornshaw, Editor
The Start Of A New Day
There are many special touches throughout the story that show off Arthur's personality. However, some of the most impressionable moments that gave me pause happened when starting up the game. Upon loading the save file, you'll find Arthur waiting around in the last place you left off, usually passing the time in his own sort of way. In some cases, you'll see him leaning against a lamppost outside a saloon, sleeping against a rock, or resting atop his horse as he admires the scene around him. You'll never know where things will pick up with him when loading up the game. What makes these scenes so noteworthy is how they often frame Arthur against the backdrop of the environment. Not only does this give him and the setting a proper sense of scale, but it also presents a feeling of isolation, which is in keeping with his outlaw lifestyle. The game often presents these moments as lonely periods of reflection, wistfully taking in the scenery before getting back to when you assume control. These little moments, however brief they are, offer a surprising amount of humanity to the character and his place in the world, which is a nice reminder to have when starting up your next session in his boots. -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Jack Marston Is A Precious Angel
There's a lot to take in around camp in Red Dead 2, but one of my absolute favorite ways to spend time is watching, eavesdropping on, and interacting with Jack Marston. At around four years old, Jack is by far the youngest member of the Van der Linde gang and as such is the main beacon of hope, purity, and innocence in everyone's lives. In an early mission, you take Jack fishing as a favor to his mother, Abigail, and he gets bored and instead makes a necklace out of flowers for her. He's the perfect child, really. Even just helping him on and off your horse is adorable. He also looks really dapper in 1899 clothing and sometimes stands with his arms behind his back like he's thinking really hard about the world, but he's probably thinking about the storybook he accidentally left at the gang's previous camp. In short, I would kill or die for Jack Marston. -- Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
You Can Pet Dogs
What is the point of putting dogs in games if you can't pet them? The dogs in Red Dead 2 are just doing their best with their short lives and we owe it to them to give pats at every opportunity. In addition to petting dogs, you can also praise them (or scold them, but you can ignore that prompt). You can't pet cats, which is unfortunate and suggests some kind of animal hierarchy, but it's nice to give love to dogs in addition to your trusty steed. Sometimes the dog will even follow you around a bit. Also, without spoiling anything, be sure to study dogs the way you would wild game. Some of them have very good descriptions. -- Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
Getting Drunk With Lenny
Early on in Red Dead 2, there's a story mission that comes out of nowhere. It seems more like the kind of side mission you'd do toward the end of a game when you're just messing around, but nope--this one's required. In it, you go out with Lenny, one of the best members of the Van der Linde gang, for a drink. One drink quickly turns into many, many drinks, and pretty soon you're both hammered and having a fantastic old-timey night. Eventually, you lose Lenny somewhere in the saloon, at which point you have to stumble around looking for him. The normal prompts you'd see elsewhere in the game--greet, antagonize, calling someone's name--are scrambled, resulting in Arthur shouting things like "Lemmy" or in you picking the option to "gret" someone. It's truly one of the funniest missions I've done in a long time. -- Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
You Can Just Stumble Upon A Serial Killer's Murder Scenes
This is kind of a weird one, sure, but I really geeked out over it. I was riding in the bayou, minding my own business, when I spotted an eerily lit tree just off the main road. I did what anyone alone at night would do: I got off my horse to investigate. I then discovered a headless torso hanging from the branches, intestines spilling out onto the ground. Around the back of the tree, I found the head and part of a map (which was in its mouth, something Arthur wasn't too pleased about). And then I realized what I had found: a serial killer. Well, a clue to finding the serial killer, anyway. Now, Red Dead 2 is set in 1899, shortly after Jack the Ripper in London and H.H. Holmes in Chicago, so I appreciated the realism. I was also completely not expecting anything like it, and to find a crime scene like this totally at random in an enormous open world was exciting. It's a weird, obtuse mission to solve, and it's the perfect combination of gruesome, creepy, and a little bit cheesy. Basically, I like solving murders. -- Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
Arthur Doesn't Know All the Words to Songs
Arthur and the Van der Linde gang are big fans of music. You can often hear them singing together while sitting by a campfire, rowing a boat, or riding drunk on horseback. It's a pleasant quality of the gang that never stops being endearing--especially speaking from the perspective of someone who loves impromptu singalongs among friends. What adds to this is how Rockstar has curated a selection of songs for the game that are either contemporary to the time or even much older. The attention to detail helps cement a sense of authenticity to the world and its inhabitants' exposure to popular music. However, this believability in music is elevated in how the game's characters sing these songs. One thing you'll notice during the big celebration in camp during Chapter 2 is the fact that Arthur doesn't know all the words to the songs sung by the campfire. I loved this little detail, as it expressed a sincerity to Arthur, showing that while he may not know all the words, he at least cares to join alongside his friends and share in that moment. It's fun hearing the great joy Arthur feels singing certain lyrics. It's delivered so infectiously as to bring a smile to your face--in that same way you feel when you sing along to a song you love with your friends. Red Dead 2 does a splendid job of showcasing the eternal unifying power that music can supply in these intimate moments shared amongst its characters. You don't need to know the words to participate. You need only surrender and come together as family for those short yet sweet few minutes. -- Matt Espineli, Editor
You Can Twirl Your Pistol Back Into Your Holster
If you've watched enough Western films, you'll likely be a fan of all the tense yet elegant quickdraw duels that often take place. But the best is what follows after the bullets stop flying, when the lone gunfighter on-screen twirls their revolver back into the holster of their gun belt. As if their near effortless accuracy wasn't already enough to cement their dominance in a gunfight, they gotta go on and add that stylish flourish at the end. It's almost cocky, but gosh, don't I just love it. That's why it brings me such joy to see this maneuver made available to you in Red Dead 2. Sure, you can just holster your gun with the simple press of L1/LB, but if you press it twice, you'll twirl it right back into your gun holster just like the best of 'em. I love Western films with nearly every fiber of my being, so to be able to twirl your gun at the end of every gunfight is a dream come true. If Rockstar decides to release DLC, my one wish would be for them to add different twirling animations. Heck, what if they end up adding more in Red Dead Online? Don't even get me started. -- Matt Espineli, Editor
Greeting NPCs
One aspect that makes Western films so captivating to viewers is how they capture a simpler, more personable time in American history where towns were small and folks were just trying to eke out a living in the wild countryside. There was a self-determined freedom there that is ever-so-distant from the aloofness of modern civilization--one that appeals to countless generations of American audiences. As a modern viewer, I found these settings charming despite their romanticized depictions often acting as a means to express an idealized vision of American identity and politics. To see a chaotic world where hospitality remains paramount often gives warmth to the dramatic proceedings taking place between gunfighters, outlaws, and those caught in the crossfire. Red Dead 2 offers you access to this geniality with the ability to greet NPCs. While the system isn't overly complex, I can't help but love taking the time to just walk up to someone in town and greet them. A simple "howdy" allows me to participate in the cheeriness of that hospitality, to express a kindness to folks who probably have it just as tough as Arthur--if not harder. After all, living out in the West wasn't easy no matter what version of it you look at. Not everyone responds in kind, but to be able at least give them the time of day is an aspect of Red Dead 2 that makes its world all the more believable and enchanting. -- Matt Espineli, Editor
Highway Robbers Can Appear at Random and Pull You Over
After spending enough time riding across the world on horseback, you're inevitably going to have to deal with some of society's more lawless inhabitants. Imagine my surprise being pulled over by some highway robbers for the first time. It occurs seemingly at random, and you're given a couple options towards how to react. You can either shoot first and ask questions later, or even comply with their demands only to turn the tables at an instant with some precise quickdraw. Whatever you choose to do, one thing is clear: These moments are awesome. The story offers you plenty of opportunities to feel like a stoic and graceful gunslinger, but it's in these confrontations that spring out organically in the world that you get to enact those moments with your own tilt on Arthur's morality. There's nothing pushing you any which way; just your own instincts and your own philosophy in that moment. Of course, they're wonderful for reenacting some of your favorite Western film moments too, but let's not get into that--unless you want another 600 words on all the quickdraw holdup scenes I'm hopelessly trying to act out (to varying degrees of success). -- Matt Espineli, Editor
The Bar Brawls: Let's Dance, Raccoon Man
My love for Red Dead 2 was solidified after a bar fight. Not the Valentine bar fight everyone runs into with Tommy, but coincidentally, it would be my second fight in that bar. I figured I'd revisit that rowdy watering hole to soak in the atmosphere on my own time. I'm instantly drawn to what appears to be the town drunk rambling loudly, wearing a raccoon-skinned hat. I listen to Raccoon Man's rant about how only real men defecate indoors, and how he once "killed a pack wolves with [his] bare hands." His only audience is an unimpressed bartender, so I walk closer to the drunk, showing that I am in fact interested. Raccoon Man gets one look at me and decks me across the face. What follows is an intense two-minute bar fight that leaves me barely alive, but victorious. Bloody faced with the entire bar watching, I walk over Raccoon Man's unconscious body, pick up his staple hat, and wear it as I walk out the bar. Roughly 10 real-time hours later, I go back to Valentine and find myself visiting the bar again. Sure enough, Raccoon Man is there, tucked away in the far back corner of the bar at a table, mumbling to himself. I approach him, curious if he was too blacked out to remember me. He does not react to me, and I'm bummed… until I notice he's bald. The idea pops instantly. I sprint out of the bar, grab his raccoon hat from my horse, bust back through the swinging doors wearing the man's prized headwear with one ultimate question on my mind: "Will he notice me now?" The second I step into his eyesight, from across bar packed with people, he stands up, and beelines towards me. We fight once more, gloriously, till sundown. And once again, he stays down. -- Rob Handlery, Senior Video Producer
By Chris Pereira on Nov 08, 2018 03:46 am
Target's Best Black Friday 2018 Game Sales
Target has already released its Black Friday 2018 ad, and we've rounded up all of its deals in various categories, as listed below. But just what is worth heading out to Target (or browsing over to its website) for during Black Friday 2018? We're highlighting what we think are the retailer's best game deals this year to help you more easily plan ahead. We'll be doing the same with other retailers as their deals are revealed, along with a broader look at all the best deals to make shopping as pain-free as possible for you. Most of Target's gaming deals involve PS4 and Xbox One, with individual games (rather than accessories or consoles) representing the bulk of the offers. Still, there is a nice mixture of things, including a great doorbuster deal on a PS4 bundle with Spider-Man, as well as a free game for buying a Nintendo Switch. And while not every big fall release is on sale--you'll be paying full price for Red Dead Redemption 2, at least at Target--many others are discounted. Among others, those include: - NBA 2K19
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
- Forza Horizon 4
Black Friday this year takes place on November 23, although Target's deals will be available from November 22-24. Specific store hours on Thanksgiving Day will vary by location, as some states have previously banned stores from opening on Thursday. You can see the store's full ad on its website. Read on for all the best gaming deals at Target (in no particular order), and see all of our coverage in our Black Friday deals roundup.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey -- $35 (PS4/Xbox One)
The newest game in the Assassin's Creed Odyssey series is a good one, embracing the foray into Witcher-style RPG gameplay that 2017's Origins experimented with. It boasts a huge map, some fun naval gameplay, and a ton to do. It only just released in October, so $35 is a nice price to see so soon. Buy at Target: PS4, Xbox One See all the Assassin's Creed Odyssey Black Friday deals Read our Assassin's Creed Odyssey review
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 -- $45 (PS4/Xbox One)
Call of Duty games tend to hold their value for a long time, and significant discounts are uncommon. $15 off for a game that launched just last month represents a solid deal, and perhaps makes the asking price a bit more palatable if you're upset over the lack of single-player or only care about a single one of its modes (such as the new Blackout battle royale). Buy at Target: PS4, Xbox One See all the Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Black Friday deals Read our Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 review
God of War -- $25 (PS4)
One of the standout games from the first half of the year is God of War. The series formerly known best for its violence returned with a surprisingly touching father-son story--paired with some excellent combat featuring Kratos's new axe weapon, which works a lot like Thor's hammer. Familiarity with the franchise helps, but this is certainly a game you can jump into without having played the previous ones. Buy at Target Read our God of War review
NBA 2K19 -- $30 (PS4/Xbox One)
NBA 2K is routinely considered the best NBA sim series around, and this year is no different. While its microtransactions remain a sore spot for some players, $30 gets you a lot of game here, as you can focus on running a team, managing your own created character, or any number of other modes. Buy at Target: PS4, Xbox One Read our NBA 2K19 review
SoulCalibur VI -- $35 (PS4/Xbox One)
Another recent release, SoulCalibur VI released in late October and represented a welcome return for the weapons-based fighting game series. Alongside a robust character creator, it continues the series' proclivity for including fighters from other franchises--in this case, The Witcher's Geralt. Buy at Target: PS4, Xbox One Read our SoulCalibur VI review
PS4 with Marvel's Spider-Man -- $200
Although Target isn't selling Spider-Man itself at a discount, those who don't yet have a PS4 are in for a nice bundle. $200 for a PS4 on its own represents a decent deal, but Target is throwing in a free copy of Insomniac's fun open-world take on the webslinger to sweeten things. Read our Spider-Man review
Forza Horizon 4 -- $35 (Xbox One)
Forza's alternating release schedule continued this fall, with its Horizon sub-series of open-world games seeing the launch of Forza Horizon 4. It's an incredibly fun game that offers a surprising amount of variety for a racing game. One thing to be aware of before buying it is that, like all first-party Xbox One games, it's available through Xbox Game Pass, meaning you get complete access to the game for as long as you're a subscriber. If you want to own a copy, $35 is easily the cheapest price offered so far. Buy at Target Read our Forza Horizon 4 review
Xbox One S Minecraft bundle with $20 Target gift card -- $200
Those in the market for an Xbox One have a variety of options at Target this Black Friday. While this specific bundle includes Minecraft and a Target gift card, the store's ad says all Xbox One consoles will be $70 off, potentially letting you get any pack-in game you want.
Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- $300
While this doesn't represent a discount over Switch's standard price, we don't tend to see the system go on sale often (and certainly not outside of places like Ebay). As such, getting a $60 game (which itself, like most Nintendo games, is rarely discounted by much) for free by picking up the system isn't half bad, especially considering that Deluxe is a great package of Mario Kart content. Read our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle -- $25 (Nintendo Switch)
When Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle first leaked, it looked like a joke of an idea. In fact, it turned out to be a truly pleasant surprise, offering a take on XCOM-esque tactics gameplay that filled a void which otherwise still hasn't been well addressed on Switch. Kingdom Battle hasn't been discounted steeply often, so getting it for $25 is a bargain worth considering. Buy at Target Read our Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle review
Doom -- $15 (PS4/Xbox One)
If you're looking for a new game on the cheaper end of the spectrum, you could do far worse than Doom. The reboot offered a stellar blend of intense shooter gameplay and extreme violence, complemented by a great soundtrack. Buy at Target: PS4, Xbox One Read our Doom review
PS4/Xbox One controllers -- $40
Whether you already own a PS4 or Xbox One, or you're getting one for the first time this Black Friday, you may want to pick up extra controllers for some local multiplayer action. Regular prices on controllers are steep, but $40 is close to as cheap as we ever see official controllers go, so this represents a good opportunity to stock up on what you need.
By Phil Hornshaw on Nov 08, 2018 02:06 am
When You Play the Game of Thrones, You Win or You Die
Reigns: Game of Thrones is tightly tied in with the show going into Season 8, but it's not canon.
(Note: This post is full of spoilers for Game of Thrones Season 7 and Reigns: Game of Thrones, so read on at your own risk.) The newly released Reigns: Game of Thrones on PC and mobile is in an interesting position. Ahead of the final season of HBO's hit show, it toes a precarious line by bringing players into the story as it stands at the end of Season 7, without spoiling anything of the upcoming final season. Reigns' developer Nerial, in partnership with HBO, handles that proposition by turning Reigns: Game of Thrones' entire experience into a hypothetical exercise. The whole game is about working through potential conclusions to the Long Night, the super-long winter in which the White Walkers will try to take over the world, by seeing how various rulers might successfully repel the undead invasion. Reigns: Game of Thrones isn't canon for the show, but it definitely has a strong handle on the state of the story. When last we left Westeros in Game of Thrones in Season 7, Cersei Lannister sat the Iron Throne, while Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister were all hoping to convince her to join an alliance against the White Walkers. Cersei seemed poised to stab everyone in the back--and then the Night King brought down the Wall. Where the story goes from here is anybody's guess, but fans have been guessing a lot. There are fan theories that dig deep into Westerosi lore, both from the TV show and George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels on which it's based, to try to anticipate how the story will unfold when the war with the White Walkers begins in earnest. What's interesting about Reigns is that it's fully aware of all these possibilities, and the game is basically a series of fan theories playing themselves out through the choices you make as you play. Can Daenerys's dragons repel the White Walkers? Will Arya complete her list? Is Tyrion destined to be a dragon rider? Is Jaime the brother from Cersei's prophecy, destined to kill her? What's interesting about Reigns is that it's so fully aware of all the show's plot threads, it feels like it might contain some real hints about what might actually happen. They're largely hypothetical, of course, but the story ideas in the game are right in line with where the show seems to be headed. A few of the plot elements in Reigns even hit on things the show hasn't mentioned, but that have appeared in the novels, raising the question of whether the game might be teasing where Season 8 is headed. Here are a few of the interesting elements that show up in Reigns that could be very important to the final season of Game of Thrones.
1. The Identity of Azor Ahai
There's a huge amount of speculation among fans as to who will turn out to the the Prince That Was Promised.
The Red Witch Melisandre is at the center of Reigns: Game of Thrones, as she searches for the prophesied Prince Who Was Promised, the legendary Azor Ahai. In the faith of the Lord of Light, Azor Ahai was a hero who fought back the darkness using Lightbringer, a flaming sword created from stabbing it into the heart of his beloved. Melisandre thinks Azor Ahai will be reborn as a hero in the current Westeros, who will lead the battle against the White Walkers--she previously thought that person was Stannis Baratheon, until his death. The show has also thrown some wrenches into the prophecy, noting that the Valyrian word for "Prince" could also mean "Princess." What's more, fans of the books also theorize that the prophecy could be a mistranslation, because the words for "lord" and "light" are almost identical to the words for "gold" and "hand." Jaime Lannister, of course, sports a gold hand, which suggests the ambiguity in the language in the books was intentional. Reigns goes with that idea, too; if you play as Jaime Lannister on the Iron Throne, the people of Westeros will come to believe you're Azor Ahai. Varys plays up the idea, providing Jaime with a gold hand attached to a glowing sword, and Jaime leads the united kingdom against the White Walkers, to victory. While Reigns has a different solution for every character, it's interesting that the ending that specifically mentions Azor Ahai and Lightbringer is the one for Jaime. At the very least, HBO and Nerial seem to have provided a little more credence to the idea that Jaime really could be the Prince Who Was Promised.
2. The Dragon Riders
The cryptic message "the dragon has three heads" is often taken to mean that three characters we know will ride Daenerys' dragons.
Another prophecy-style bit of information that's been kicking around the books and show is "the dragon has three heads," a portent going back all the way to the second book, A Clash of Kings, and Daenerys' visit to the House of the Undying. In the books, Daenerys has a vision of her brother Rhaegar and his son, Aegon. In the vision, Rhaegar says that Aegon is the Prince Who Was Promised--we now know that baby was Jon Snow--and then adds, "There must be one more. The dragon has three heads." That part didn't make it into the show, but the idea of the three dragon riders has been floating around the show for quite a while anyway. Things have changed in Season 7, though, with the Night King killing the third dragon, Viserion, and turning him into a wight. The show still needs a rider for Daenerys's other dragon, Rhaegal, though, and Reigns has a suggestion for that possibility. When working through the game as Daenerys, players can get tasked with choosing a rider for Rhaegal. Significantly, Jon Snow isn't on the docket because he's missing beyond the Wall. The remaining candidates are Tyrion, Jaime Lannister, Gendry, and Sansa Stark. While the show might default Rhaegal to be ridden by Jon, since he's also a Targaryen, fans have theorized about who that third rider could have been, and Reigns is playing into those fan theories. Of the choices, Rhaegal rejects Tyrion, Gendry doesn't go for it, and Jaime freaks out and tries to kill the dragon. The right choice for Rhaegal's rider is Sansa. It might be a moot point since there are two Targaryens and only two dragons remaining in the show, but then again, Sansa turning out to be the other dragon rider would be a fascinating twist for the show.
3. The Horn of Winter
The Horn of Winter wasn't just a weapon against the Wall--it also is supposed to summon giants, but it hasn't been mentioned in the show.
Probably the biggest question mark when it comes to things left out of the show in adapting the books for TV is the Horn of Winter, a mythical, magical object that supposedly had the power to bring down the Wall. Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall, was searching for the horn to use it as a bargaining chip to get the wildlings through the Wall and away from the White Walkers, but in the books, Tormund told Jon Snow that Mance never found it. The horn hasn't even been mentioned in the show--although it may have been glimpsed at least once--and since the Night King destroyed the Wall with the undead Viserion, the horn wasn't necessary. The Horn of Winter isn't just for destroying the Wall, though. In the books, it also has the power to raise giants from the earth that could stop the White Walkers, which would make it very useful in the final battle during the Long Night. While the show hasn't mentioned the Horn of Winter, it does come up in Reigns, as one of the means of defeating the White Walkers. When playing the scenario in which Gendry, Robert Baratheon's bastard, sits the Iron Throne, the horn is discovered in Qarth by Arya Stark. She brings it back to Westeros, where Gendry can use it to beat the White Walkers. The horn summons metal giants from the earth that manage to destroy the White Walkers. While it seems very unlikely that Season 8 will see Gendry leading, uh, anybody, the fact that the Horn of Winter shows up in the game at all seems significant.
4. Uniting the Seven Kingdoms
Putting aside old rivalries is the only way anyone's going to survive the Long Winter, but that means dealing with Cersei.
The big drama of Seasons 7 and 8 is the continuing hostilities between Cersei Lannister in King's Landing and, more or less, the rest of Westeros, who are much more concerned with the looming White Walker threat. Just about everyone is convinced that only a united Westeros could survive the Long Night, but of course, Cersei doesn't really care. Reigns poses one interesting, and plausible-sounding, way in which the hatchet could be buried between the Lannisters and the Starks for the good of the realm, though: Sansa marries Jaime. That story idea requires Cersei being removed from power, of course, and most of the storylines in Reigns start with the idea that Cersei has been deposed and some other person has taken the Iron Throne--already a big leap from the show. But Sansa becoming such a practical leader that she makes that alliance, and Jaime becoming honorable enough to go along with it, rings true for the arcs of both characters. It might be a later development in the show, perhaps popping up after Cersei has finally been dealt with, but it seems like a solution to the show's animosities in line with the way Martin's story has been unfolding.
5. The "Fire" Part of "A Song of Ice and Fire"
Wildfire has come up enough in the show that it seems like a keystone in the fight against the White Walkers.
More than once, wildfire has been a major part of the story in Game of Thrones, which doesn't seem like an accident. Fire is the only way to dispose of the wights in the Night King's army, after all, and dragon fire is the current plan for stopping them from wiping out Westeros. The Pyromancers of King's Landing would be pretty useful in the fight against the undead, one assumes, and Reigns has the same idea. In Tyrion's story in the game, players can commission the Pyromancers to create a whole bunch of wildfire to use against the White Walkers. What's interesting is how Tyrion uses the wildfire to defeat the undead. He plants all the kingdom's wildfire under the God's Eye, the largest inland lake in Westeros, and then lures the White Walkers there for a final battle. When the walkers are in place, Tyrion has the wildfire detonated, destroying the entire army. While there are way more moving pieces in the show, the idea that wildfire would have come up in two major moments in the show--the Battle of the Blackwater and the destruction of the Sept of Baelor--but not against the White Walkers doesn't make a ton of sense. The God's Eye plot line definitely have the feel of a Tyrion plot that could actually make its way into the show, even if it doesn't singlehandedly end the war.
6. Arya the Faceless Queen
Arya Stark's list is getting is shorter, but Cersei Lannister's name still waits to be crossed off.
Watching Arya become a Faceless assassin and take out the people on her kill list has been one of the most fun and deadliest arcs in Game of Thrones. There's one name that looms larger than all the others on Arya's list, and it's still there: Cersei Lannister. Reigns has an idea for how their conflict could play out that would be an interesting twist on what we've seen in the show. When players take on the role of Arya, they start by sneaking into the Red Keep and assassinating Cersei, before claiming her face. Arya then impersonates Cersei for the rest of the game, leading Westeros and uniting with Jon, Sansa, and Daenerys in the battle against the White Walkers. Arya specifically makes the whole ruse work by revealing her true identity to her siblings and allies, creating a pact that allows them to unite the warring houses without anyone actually knowing what's up. That's probably a big leap--even Melisandre comments that the idea Arya could pretend to be Cersei basically for years and not get caught is pretty far-fetched--but allowing Arya to assassinate and impersonate Cersei would be a fun and bloody way for her to get her revenge, wrap up the war, and get Westeros on track to fight the army of the dead.
7. The Secrets of Valyrian Steel
Valyrian steel is one of the few things that can kill White Walkers, but there's only so much of it in Westeros.
Game of Thrones has made it pretty clear that Samwell Tarly's brain is going to be essential to stopping the White Walkers. Reigns has a suggestion for what it is Sam is going to discover, and how his contribution to the war effort plays out. When playing Reigns as Jon, you can discover some information about how Valyrian steel is forged. Valyrian steel is a very big deal--it's a special metal that's supposedly imbued with magic that can kill White Walkers. It's also super rare, and very few people in the world know how to make it. When players learn something about Valyrian steel, it causes Sam to remember some things he read in a book (as usual). Sam discovers the real secret to forging Valyrian steel, and that information allows Jon to outfit the armies of Westeros with weapons for killing White Walkers. With Valyrian steel weapons, the armies of the dead fall before the living. It's not the most glamorous or dramatic of secrets for Sam to discover, but that makes it feel even more possible.
8. What About Jon Snow?
There's surprisingly little about Jon in Reigns: Game of Thrones, which might be telling.
One major character who's story is pretty thin in Reigns is Jon Snow. In the last few seasons of the show, we've learned his true Targaryen parentage and seen him come back from the dead. Jon Snow has had the most success so far in fighting White Walkers, and he seems like the most likely candidate to be Azor Ahai. The other details in Reigns feel like they could be hinting at possible story elements in the future of Game of Thrones; in the case of Jon, it's the lack of details that seems significant. If Game of Thrones has more planned for Jon in Season 8, it would make sense for Reigns to actually hold back a lot of that information, and keep Jon's story a bit more sparse. That would help the show keep potential spoilers away from viewers. Where other ideas, like Tyrion's wildfire plan or Jaime bearing Lightbringer, could be hints at the direction of the show that might or might not be true, anything specific about Jon would probably wind up being right in line with the show's actual plot points. Reigns is keeping away from fan theories and speculation about Jon in order to avoid actually accidentally confirming anything. Or, of course, all of this idle speculation could be just that, and Reigns could be a very clever but ultimately inconsequential addition to the Game of Thrones story that's nothing like Season 8. The game is so in line with the details of the show that that seems unlikely, though. We're stuck waiting until 2019 to find out for sure.
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