By GameSpot Staff on Dec 04, 2018 11:28 pm
Every month, WWE puts on at least one PPV or major event. However, between NXT, special events overseas,WWE's ill-advised deal with Saudi Arabia, and the random televised shows--like Starrcade--the WWE Network produces more PPV-esque content than anyone realizes. This was a crazy year in WWE, filled with some incredible highs and some pretty terrible lows. But when it comes to the best WWE events of the year, what makes the cut? GameSpot's wrestling fans, Mat Elfring, Chris E. Hayner, and Kevin Wong, came together to figure out what tops the list for WWE in 2018 and put together the 10 best PPVs. They looked at the overall card, the highlights of each show, the talent involved, and the amount of beach balls popped by security at each event in order to figure out what WWE event stands tall above the rest. Aside from the best PPV of the year, we've also figured out nine more WWE events that stood tall above the rest, and we've taken WWE PPVs, major WWE Network events, and NXT Takeover's into consideration when putting this together. So here are the 10 best WWE PPVs of 2018, presented in no particular order, except for the best one of the year, which will be at the end. Other entertainment galleries to check out:
Survivor Series
2018's Survivor Series was set up to fail. WWE spent to much time building up its ill-advised Saudi Arabia show, Crown Jewel--and completely ignoring the all-women's show Evolution--so when Survivor Series finally rolled around, all anyone cared about was Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey. Sadly, because Lynch suffered a real-life injury that occured on Raw. By the time Charlotte was chosen as Lynch's successor, there was really nothing to look forward to on the Survivor Series card. However, at least Becky Lynch's invasion of Raw, prior to this PPV, gave us one of the best moments of the year. However, aside from a couple of stinkers on the card--one of which gave us Drake Maverick peeing himself--the show was pretty fantastic. Sure, even though the commentary team really tried to sell the Raw vs. Smackdown storyline--which never stuck--the in-ring storytelling is where things mattered. Rewatch Rollins vs. Nakamura, Murphy vs. Ali, Bryan vs. Lesnar, or Rousey vs. Charlotte and watch how good the in-match builds are as well as the aftermatch--mainly for Charlotte beating Rousey within an inch of her life. The wrestlers has to carry this show on their collective backs with their ability because the traditional Survivor Series storylines simply weren't there. The fact, that overall, this turned out to be an incredibly entertaining and good PPV is a testament to the talent on this roster. -- Mat Elfring
NXT Takeover: Chicago II
Like many Takeover events in 2018, Chicago II was highlighted by a vicious battle between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa--the feud that ruled over NXT this year. This particular bout was a Chicago Street Fight that pushed each man to their limit, with Ciampa gaining the victory. The card also features a fantastic bout between The Undisputed Era and Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch, plus an excellent showdown between two up-and-comers in NXT, Velveteen Dream and Ricochet. This show, like all Takeovers, is the perfect example of what makes NXT so special. The wrestling is top notch, mixed with characters fans love to rally behind. -- Chris E. Hayner
Royal Rumble
What makes this Royal Rumble stand out are the number of good choices that were made. First and foremost, WWE decided to hold the first ever Women's Royal Rumble on the show--and featured it in the main event. The women's revolution has led to a lot of firsts for the female superstars in WWE, and this was easily the most exciting one yet. What's more, WWE embraced the future in its winners for both Royal Rumble matches--Asuka and Shinsuke Nakamura. All too often, WWE likes to rely on its older hands, like having Randy Orton win the match in 2017. It's about time they look forward with their winners. Unfortunately, neither of the winners walked away from WrestleMania 34 with the titles they were competing for and WWE has yet to elevate either Asuka or Nakamura to the main event. The rest of the Royal Rumble card wasn't too special, but this was clearly a two-match show and those two matched delivered more than we could have expected. -- Chris E. Hayner
NXT Takeover: New Orleans
It was possibly the biggest NXT Takeover of all time, taking place the night before WrestleMania 34. I dare you to watch this and WrestleMania and think that WWE's annual granddaddy of them all was the better show. It's not. In fact, it's not even close to the quality of Takeover: New Orleans. Headlined by one of many groundbreaking Johnny Gargano/Tommaso Ciampa matches that took place throughout 2018, the show also features a six-man ladder match for the NXT North American Championship, a triple threat Tag Team Championships match featuring The Undisputed Era, The Authors of Pain, and Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong. This show also features Shayna Baszler's first championship win, when she submitted Ember Moon for the NXT Women's Championship. From top-to-bottom, this was a fantastic show that blew Mania out of the water. -- Chris E. Hayner
Fastlane
The annual March PPV is rarely good. The main feuds are already set in stone, and there aren't going to be any sudden twists or swerves in the storyline; those get saved and held over for Wrestlemania, which takes place less than a month later. But this year's Fastlane managed to be a lot of fun. Rather than trying trying to wow us with narrative advancements, WWE buckled down and delivered a solid, athletic wrestling show, from top to bottom. The main event was also the show's highlight: AJ Styles took on and defeated John Cena, Baron Corbin, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler in a six-pack challenge for the WWE Championship. Other standout matches included Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev, and Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode for the United States Championship. Fastlane was also the event where Asuka, 2018 Royal Rumble winner, made the decision we hoped she would, and challenged Charlotte Flair to a championship match at Wrestlemania 34. -- Kevin Wong
NXT Takeover: Wargames II
NXT's Wargames II was one of those very rare instances where every single match on the card could have been the main event for a PPV. Well, except for the whole Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno match, as that came together last minute and the match lasted mere seconds. However, right after that was Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler, which was fantastic, and there is a reason a bout between these two is mentioned twice on this list, as they are a couple of the best performers in WWE this year. Both Tomasso and Ciampa appeared on the card, but not fighting each other in two incredibly exceptional matches during the evening. Gargano took on former champ Aleister Black in a hard-hitting, brutal bout, while Ciampa defended his title against Velveteen Dream--a personal favorite of mine. The whole show closed out with the titular Wargames match, which in itself is a gimmick match with a laundry list of rules. However, it was the perfect close to the evening with a match full of high and lows, making the bout very fitting of that main event spot, if you completely forget about the name of this PPV for a moment. Overall, the card was small, the storylines were built up exceptionally well, and it is how WWE should book its PPVs each month. Less is more, and NXT proves that time and time again. -- Mat Elfring
Wrestlemania 34
Wrestlemania is supposed to WWE's premiere event, but it doesn't always feel like that. And while part of the focus, for me, was all the times that the camera cut to John Cena in the crowd, looking back, this was actually a really fun show. Because this was early in the year, you've probably forgotten about a few huge moments during the night. First, Asuka's winning streak was broken by Charlotte. Ronda Rousey had her first match, teaming with Kurt Angle to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, and the match was a ton of fun. Also, Braun Strowman won the Raw Tag Team Championships and his partner was a 10-year-old boy he picked from the audience. It was also the return of Daniel Bryan, and he did not disappoint, even though it wasn't a solo contest. This evening also marked the start of Shinsuke Nakamura hitting AJ Styles in the groin, which would be a continuing trend for most of the year. The weakest part of the night was the main event, with yet another Lesnar/Reigns match for the Universal Championship. It was actually one of the better Wrestlemania events offering up tons of surprises and plenty of memorable moments. -- Mat Elfring
NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV
The fourth and final--for now-- Brooklyn Takeover saw Tomasso Ciampa retain the NXT Championship against Johnny Gargano, as the feuding duo somehow found new ways to brutalize each other in a Last Man Standing match. This show also features the first title win for Ricochet, who defeated Adam Cole in a fantastic bout for the NXT North American Championship. This is also the show that saw Kairi Sane regain the NXT Women's Championship after defeating the practically unbeatable Shayna Baszler. -- Chris E. Hayner
Money In The Bank
Moving forward, WWE plans to make the Money in the Bank a "major" PPV, on the same level of prestige as Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, and Summerslam. And this year's Money in the Bank was a perfect way to begin that rebranding. There were a couple of missteps on the card. Asuka lost to Carmella via a James Ellsworth distraction, which did neither woman any favors. There was a lifeless Sami Zayn vs. Bobby Lashley match that wasn't very compelling. But the best matches on the card more than made up for them. Both Money in the Bank matches delivered, and the women's match led to a same night cash-in Ronda Rousey took on Nia Jax in her second match with the company, and Rousey added new moves to her repertoire, like a flying knee, a flying crossbody, and a judo throw that took Jax off her feet. The highlight of the evening was AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match. Finally, the two of men lived up to their NJPW encounter at Wrestle Kingdom 10; This match was 30 minutes of pure, physical storytelling, and it was one of the best WWE matches all year. -- Kevin Wong
Best of the Year: Evolution
In 2018, WWE made gigantic strives to try an elevate the women's division as much as possible, which all culminated in October's all-women's PPV, Evolution. Since we started reviewing the PPVs earlier this year, Evolution scored the highest between the two reviewers scoring the show an average of 7.8 for all its matches. And yes, the 6-woman tag match between The Riott Squad and Natalya, Sasha Banks, & Bayley was the quintessential pee break/filler for the evening, but when you look at what transpired before this match and after it, you understand why this Sunday Night Raw match was on the card. Prior to that, there was the Mae Young Classic finals between Toni Storm and Io Shirai, which Chris E. Hayner said, "They threw out the best they had for this match and it was the exact kind of match I love." And Mat Elfring said, "This match was a gateway drug to indie wrestling. It felt like something you'd seem more in NJPW or ROH rather than a WWE event." Then after the filler match, there were two of WWE's best matches of the year. First, it was Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Bazsler for the NXT Women's Championship, which gave the average WWE viewer just an idea of how great NXT is, week after week. Following that was the Last Woman Standing match between Becky Lynch and Charlotte for the Smackdown Women's Championship, which was undoubtedly the best WWE match of the year. Even the Ronda Rousey match against Nikki Bella was a lot of fun It is easily the strongest main roster WWE PPV of the year, and while NXT tends to put on a brilliant PPV product, this is the only WWE show which highlighted the main roster, superstars from the past, NXT, and stars who have yet to make a name within WWE with the Mae Young Classic. It is a total package for what WWE's women's division has become the past two years, which all culminates with this moment. -- Mat Elfring
By GameSpot Staff on Dec 04, 2018 09:30 pm
This year was an interesting one for WWE. In many ways, it was a year of rebuilding, as for the first time since his debut, John Cena was largely absent. His schedule has been shrinking in recent years, but he was more of an afterthought than ever in 2018. In his absence, though, so many have stepped up to potentially become the new face of WWE. The world of professional wrestling is different now than when Cena rose to stardom--just as his arrival was different than when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was announced as the top star--and what fans expect from the king--or queen--of the hill has changed. It's not just character that matters nor is it simply technical wrestling ability. Instead, it's a hybrid of the two being found under the exact right circumstances that finds viewers flocking to certain superstars. Becky Lynch's character is on fire, even with a broken face, but if she couldn't deliver "The Man" in the ring, would anyone care? AJ Styles may consider himself "the face that runs the place" on SmackDown Live, but if he wasn't able to deliver intense and compelling promos, in addition to his stellar in-ring work, that show could wind up faceless. So who had the best 2018? Luckily for you, GameSpot's intrepid wrestling nerds--Mat Elfring, Chris E. Hayner, and Kevin Wong--have watched far more WWE than you'll ever need to and have figured out exactly who won the year. Take a look at our 10 best WWE wrestlers of 2018 and sound off in the comments with who you think should take top honors this year. Other entertainment galleries to check out:
10. Shayna Bazsler (tie)
While there is a lot of focus on Ronda Rousey's transition from MMA into WWE, what Shayna Bazsler is doing in NXT is what every former-mixed martial artist should strive to be. 2018 was a huge year for her, as her televised in-ring debut was in early January--aside from her appearing on 2017's Mae Young Classic. Her character was well-defined from the get-go: she was ruthless, attacking other competitors in and out of the ring and cold-hearted. After a few matches, which ended with Bazsler attacking her opponent afterwards, the Queen of Spades won the NXT Women's Championship from Ember Moon at NXT Takeover: New Orleans. Then, Bazsler began her ongoing feud with Kairi Sane. The two couldn't be any more different as competitors inside and outside the ring. They are polar opposites, but the feud works exceptionally well. While Bazsler did end up losing the title to Sane, she regained it back at WWE Evolution, in one of the best matches on the card that evening. When Bazsler eventually gets called up to the main roster, she's going to bring and intenseness and level of character work the women's division hasn't seen yet. -- Mat Elfring
10. Kairi Sane (tie)
You cannot talk about Shayna Bazsler's year without mentioning what a great year Kairi Sane had as well. The two faced each other in 2017's Mae Young Classic, in which Sane won the tournament. While Bazsler is an MMA fighter, Sane is a pirate. No, really, she's a pirate. After she first won the NXT Women's Championship from Bazsler at Takeover: Brooklyn IV, Sane kept the title in a treasure chest. Stylistically, the two couldn't be more different, which makes the rivalry work exceptionally well. While she has been--before she got sick--competing weekly on NXT, her match of the year came from the WWE PPV Evolution, the company's first-ever all-women's PPV. Sane turned heads during that match, but that wasn't her only appearance on this year's main roster. She also had a spot in the women's Royal Rumble match and in the Women's Battle Royale at Wrestlemania. More than likely, we'll be seeing her on the main roster, which is great because she brings so much to the ring. -- Mat Elfring
9. AJ Styles
You don't hold the WWE Championship (the real one, not the fake one) for 371 consecutive days, and not make it on this list. Not since The Rock has a wrestler so thoroughly made WWE Smackdown his own; it truly is, in 2018, the house that AJ Styles built. Styles began 2018 with a feud against Shinsuke Nakamura, whom he wrestled in a legendary match years ago, when both men were signed to NJPW. It culminated in a Last Man Standing match at Money in the Bank, which he won after kicking Nakamura in the balls (he had it coming, followed by a Phenomenal Forearm from the ring to the announcer's table to the floor. He recently lost the WWE Championship to Daniel Bryan on Smackdown, which is a shame. Such a winning champion deserved more closure, a bigger stage to lose it on, than that. -- Kevin Wong
8. Elias
Elias followed a reliable playbook to become one of the top babyfaces on raw; he started as a heel. His character was an rude, entitled singer/songwriter, who would only be fit for the worst dives and coffee shops along Route 66, Elias even released an album's worth of music, just to get himself and his opponents over And slowly but surely, despite Elias insulting people's hometowns and telling the audience to shut their mouths, fans started rooting for the drifter. And now that he's a babyface with some great skits (he began singing songs about his opponent instead of the hometown), he needs some great matches to go along with them. A run at the Intercontinental championship could be a good start. -- Kevin Wong
7. Alexa Bliss
SmackDown Live may have The Miz as its best heel, but Raw has "The Goddess" herself, Alexa Bliss. Miss Five Feet of Fury has proven time and again to be one of the most effective villains in all of WWE. She's a cheater, a bully, a "mean girl," and also one of the more dominant WWE Women's Champions of 2018. Not bad for the woman who spent the beginning of her NXT career championing "glitter, glitz, sparkle, Bliss." After all, let's be honest. Before Ronda Rousey showed up and became the centerpiece of the Raw women's division following WrestleMania, Alexa Bliss was the best thing going on the red brand. Her promos are fiery, she's exciting to watch in the ring, and her real-life love of cosplay has made her one of the best-looking characters in recent memory. And somehow, even after being pulled from active competition due to injuries in late 2018, she's managed to still sit at the top of the mountain, dragging every woman on the roster while having others do her dirty work. Alexa Bliss is a villain in the absolute best way and hopefully that's something that doesn't change anytime soon. -- Chris E. Hayner
6. Charlotte Flair
Over the past couple of years, Charlotte has tweaked her public image in two seemingly contradictory ways. The first is that she went from being called "Charlotte" to being called by her full name, "Charlotte Flair." The second is that she dropped her father's signature taunts and showboating moves. No more "Flair Flops." No more "Flair Flips." No more references to herself as "genetically superior." In other words, she's learned to emphasize the right things about her lineage: the name, and all the grandeur that signifies, but none of the comedy spots and pratfalls of The Dirtiest Player in the Game. Charlotte is a consummate athlete who can (and should!) physically dominate and win cleanly. She had the best match at Wrestlemania 34 against Asuka. She had the best match at WWE Evolution against Becky Lynch. She might be the showstealer again at TLC: Tables, Ladders, and Chairs when she faces Lynch again. Charlotte is the establishment's champion; other women will hold the title and take it from her but it will always, in the end, come back to her. -- Kevin Wong
5. Tommaso Ciampa
Who knew Tommaso Ciampa had it in him to be the biggest and best heel going in NXT--and possibly all of WWE? Turning on Johnny Gargano in 2017 was the best possible thing for Ciampa, as he worked his way to the top of the card and has been one of the most dominant NXT Champions ever? What's more, he did it while making the audience absolutely hate him, something that's hard for any heel to do in 2018. We could talk about Ciampa's incredible in-ring work all day, but what earns him a spot on this list is the character he's created. From his crazy-person beard to his time walking to the ring with no entrance music--while he basked in the jeers from the crowd--to his despicable acts, which include pulling up the mats on the floor to perform moves onto solid concrete, Ciampa is heel personified. And he's the kind of character WWE needs more of. -- Chris E. Hayner
4. Johnny Gargano
When DIY broke up, there was some fear that either Tommaso Ciampa or Johnny Gargano would become the Marty Jannetty of the duo. Thankfully, the answer was neither. Both superstars got exponentially better and more popular following the breakup and, for my money, Gargano just barely edged out current NXT Champion Ciampa. Seeing this babyface underdog refuse to give up again and again as he got so close to the title, only to be denied was compelling TV. Matched with his in-ring skill, and it's hard to find a bad thing to say about this stretch of Gargano's persona other than something would have to change eventually. Then something changed. His attack on Aleister Black, which is now turning him full-blown heel, adds a wonderful new dimension to Johnny Wrestling and one I can't wait to see taken even further in 2019. -- Chris E. Hayner
3. Velveteen Dream
When the character of Velveteen Dream was first introduced on NXT, I wasn't a fan. He played too much like a hacky '90s Attitude Era role, I thought. Boy, was I wrong. The Dream has become the most exciting person to watch on NXT and seems destined to be just as big of a deal when he finally makes it to the main roster. The idea that an over-the-top character inspired by Prince would make sense in the more reality-driven modern era of professional wrestling seems ridiculous. Thankfully, Dream marries a dedication to his persona--from entrance and music to in-ring mannerisms--with wrestling skills that make him second to almost none. When a Velveteen Dream match is on the card, you can bet you're in for something special. Now NXT just needs to give him a title. -- Chris E. Hayner
2. The Miz
While he may not have had the winningest of years in 2018, it's hard to imagine a more important male superstar in WWE at this point than The Miz, which is kind of shocking if you think about it. The Miz was destined to fail from the very beginning when WWE chose to loudly remind everyone he was a reality TV alum. Miz, though, took that identity and turned it into perhaps the best heel persona on the modern era-and one that gets better every week. While he is criminally underused and isn't where he belongs--in the WWE Championship picture--The Miz is, by far, the most dependable player the company has and is showing no signs of slowing down. That, as they say, is awesome. -- Chris E. Hayner
1. Becky Lynch
No one in wrestling has had a bigger year than Becky Lynch. She kicked off her 2018 losing at the Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, and Money In The Bank, which seemed par for the course for the Lass Kicker. However, her career then took a turn for the better after months and months of losing at PPVs. This led the very babyface Lynch to take on Charlotte and Carmella at Summerslam for the Smackdown Women's Championship, and of course, Lynch didn't win, but she did turn on Charlotte, becoming a heel in the process. Lynch truly realized her full potential in the following months, beating Charlotte for the Women's Championship at Hell in a Cell. Charlotte's father's, Ric Flair, motto was "To be the man, you have to beat the man." After Lynch beat Charlotte, she took on the moniker of "The Man." In the past few months, Lynch has dominated everything on Smackdown, leading up to Survivor Series, and cut some of the best promos of her career. She could not have been more over, but after her nose was accidentally broken while invading Raw, somehow, Lynch became easily the most talked about WWE superstar, even though she was not medically to participate at Survivor Series. This also lead to the massive Twitter-feud between her and Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey, which has really shown just how ahead of the curve Lynch is as a performer and a wrestler that completely embraces her character. There is no one in WWE right now more in-tune with sports entertainment as a whole than The Man. -- Mat Elfring
By Dan Auty on Dec 04, 2018 05:08 pm
There are some huge movies just around the corner--the next few weeks will see the release of Aquaman, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, Mary Poppins Returns, and Bumblebee. But, like last week's, it's another quiet one. That's not say the movies lined up in the US are bad--both Vox Lux and Mary Queen of Scots arrive with big stars (including Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Margot Robbie) and good reviews, but they are unlikely to last long on screens before these huge studio monsters roll in. The UK sees the release of several movies that already hit US screens back in the Fall, including the brilliant satire Sorry to Bother You and Robert Redford's final movie, The Old Man & The Gun. There's also the release of the first My Hero Academia movie, Two Heroes, which is a must-see for anime fans. Over on Netflix, the big budget Jungle Book adaptation Mowgli makes its streaming debut. This lavish, star-studded movie is directed by Lord of the Rings/Planet of the Apes star Andy Serkis, and is a darker take on the classic novel. There's also the Young Adult adaptation Dumplin', starring Jennifer Aniston and featuring the songs of country legend Dolly Parton. So here's the week's new releases in the both the US and UK.
Vox Lux
See it in US and UK theaters on December 7 As an actor, Brady Corbet is best known for acclaimed movies such as Mysterious Skin and Melancholia, but he is now emerging as one of the most interesting young directors working. Following his amazing period drama Childhood of a Leader, we have Vox Lux. This is a satire about the perils of fame, starring Natalie Portman as a former teen pop star having to deal with her fading career, a teenage daughter, and various traumatic events that have shaped her life. The movie also stars Jude Law as a sleazy manager and rising star Stacy Martin, and reviews suggest it is a strange and engrossing look at the dark side of celebrity.
Mary Queen of Scots
See it in US theaters on December 7 This historical drama was originally set to Scarlett Johansson back in 2007, but then languished in development hell for a decade before Suicide Squad-star Margot Robbie and Lady Bird's Saoirse Ronan were cast in the lead roles. Ronan plays the title character, with Robbie as her cousin, rival, and English monarch, Queen Elizabeth I. While the story of their rivalry has been filmed before--most notably in the Cate Blanchett-starring Elizabeth: The Golden Age, this version tells it more from Mary's point of view. It's the movie debut for acclaimed theater director Josie Rourke, and the cast also includes former Doctor Who David Tennant, Guy Piece (Iron Man 3), Jack Lowden (Dunkirk), and Gemma Chan (appearing in the upcoming Captain Marvel).
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
See it in UK theaters on December 4 This is the first movie from the popular superhero anime and manga My Hero Academia, and it has already proved to be a big hit in Japan and the US. It's set between Seasons 2 and 3 of the anime, but also works as a standalone story. In his review for GameSpot, Dave Klein described the movie is "missed opportunity," in that it didn't develop any of the characters, but nevertheless stated that "if you're looking for a fun extra dose of My Hero, Two Heroes is is certain to satisfy that craving."
White Boy Rick
See it in UK theaters on December 7 Yann Demange's tense Irish thriller '71 was one of the best and most gripping independent movies of the last few years, and his US debut, White Boy Rick, arrives in UK theaters this weekend. It's got a great cast--including Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Eddie Marsan--and a fascinating strange-but-true storyline. It focuses on Richard Wershe Jr. (played by newcomer Richie Merritt), a teenager who, at age 14, became the youngest ever FBI informant.
The Old Man & The Gun
See it in UK theaters on December 7 Legendary actor Robert Redford has confirmed that this crime drama will be his final movie. It's a moving, elegiac way for him to close his career and focuses on the real-life story of Forrest Tucker, a bank robber who was arrested at the age of 76, having performed more than 80 hold-ups in his life. The film is directed by David Lowery, who made last year's beautiful and moving fantasy A Ghost Story.
Sorry To Bother You
See it in UK theaters on December 7 Boots Riley's Sorry To Bother You is an absurd, ambitious, hugely imaginative dark sci-fi comedy, and one of 2018's best movies. Atlanta's Lakeith Stanfield plays an African-American telemarketer who discovers that using a white accent on the phone causes him to excel at his job. Soon he is climbing the corporate ladder but finds himself embroiled in a sinister conspiracy. Riley assembles a stellar cast--including Tessa Thompson, Forest Whitaker, Terry Crews, Danny Glover, and Armie Hammer--and directs with flair and imagination.
Mowgli
See it on Netflix on December 7 This adaptation of the classic novel The Jungle Book was originally due to arrive in theaters back in late 2016. But following the huge success of Disney's own Jungle Book movie, the rival version was delayed, and ultimately sold to Netflix. Directed by Planet of the Apes and Black Panther star Andy Serkis, the all-star cast includes Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Serkis himself, and it is a darker take on the story than the Disney version. With Disney's own sequel also in development, it remains to be see how many Jungle Books the public actually wants, but at least this offers something a little different.
Dumplin'
See it on Netflix on December 7 Dumplin' is based on Julie Murphy's popular 2015 Young Adult novel, and stars Jennifer Aniston as a former beauty queen who now runs her own pageant. When her lovestruck daughter Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) enters the pageant to prove her self-worth, an inevitable clash between mom and daughter occurs. Director Anne Fletcher previously made the hugely popular teen dance hit Step Up, and Dumplin' should prove to be a similarly successful mix of drama, comedy, and music. The movie's positive teen message is supported by a soundtrack by none-other than country legend Dolly Parton, who sings 12 songs, six of them brand new tunes for the movie.
By Meg Downey on Dec 04, 2018 04:08 am
We may be a little less than a month away from the new year, but that doesn't mean we're not already eagerly anticipating some of the new year's best new comics. From all new #1s at Marvel and DC to revivals of cult classic franchises at Image, Boom, and Dynamite, 2019 is shaping up to be a powerhouse year for every corner of the comic book industry. There's something in the mix for everyone, whether you're a fan of the dense, cape-and-cowl continuities to be found in superhero stories or you're looking for an experience that might be a little more niche (and a little less historically convoluted.) We've got noir thrillers, TV show spin offs, long awaited returns and some left field debuts. Of course, these are only ten of the dozens and dozens of comics set to premier next year. Have a book you can't wait to pick up that didn't make the cut or flew under the radar? Let us know in the comments below, and keep checking back here at GameSpot Universe for even more coverage of 2018's very best comics, TV, and movies as well as our picks for 2019's breakout series' to watch.
1. Daredevil
Matt Murdock is getting a brand new #1 this February with an all new creative team made up of Chip Zdarsky (Jughead, Peter Parker: Spider-Man) and Marco Checchetto (Old Man Hawkeye). This represents the first writing change for the Man Without Fear since Charles Soule took over the character in 2015. Not much is known about Zdarsky and Checchetto's new direction but, based on the single ominous teaser image available and the dire "Death of Daredevil" mini event that is preceding the run, it's pretty safe to say Matt has a rocky road ahead of him. But then again, when does he not?
2. Young Justice
For the first time in the Rebirth era, the fan favorite trio of Conner Kent, Bart Allen, and Tim Drake are set to be reunited in a brand new Young Justice #1 from creative team Brian Michael Bendis and Pat Gleason. Young Justice is one of the flagship books for Bendis' new Wonder Comics imprint, an in continuity line up of new and familiar faces designed to target younger readers in the same way that Bendis' Ultimate line--which gave rise to characters like Miles Morales--did back at Marvel.
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy may not be coming back to TV (at least, not yet) but she is making a triumphant return to comics with a brand new series reboot from co-creators Jordie Bellaire and Dan Mora. A complete "reimagining" of the series in total--meaning neither an adaptation of the TV show itself or a continuation of the previous comics series which ran for years under publisher Dark Horse--the new Buffy #1 is set to launch in January from Boom! Studios. Whether or not this vampire slaying resurgence will herald any Buffy-related news for other mediums is, of course, yet to be seen, but fans will absolutely want to keep a close eye on the new ongoing.
4. Black Widow
Natasha Romanoff is no stranger to new #1s, having just finished out a stunning run by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee back in 2017. However, after she fared less than well in the Secret Empire event and was brought back to life through the Tales of Suspense mini series, things in Natasha's world have been flipped upside down. Now, horror veterans the Soska Sisters are set to take over with a brand new Black Widow series, marking their first ongoing work with Marvel. Where do the people who brought us films like American Mary see Black Widow headed in her new, recently resurrected life? We can't wait to find out.
5. Naomi
Another new title under the Wonder Comics banner helmed by Brian Michael Bendis, Naomi is the first completely original character to be given her own book as part of the imprint. Described by Bendis as a small town girl who is inspired to look into her own adoption after Superman comes (literally) crashing through the city during a fight. Co-written by David F. Walker and Bendis himself with art by Jamal Campbell, Naomi's story--according to Bendis--is going to push the very boundaries of the DC Universe and uncover whole corners of the superheroic world that fans have never seen before.
6. Criminal
Fans of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips' creator own series Criminal, rejoice! After a three year hiatus, the crime drama is returning with a brand new #1 through Image Comics--and this time, it's an ongoing monthly book rather than a limited series. Previously published in short bursts of ten-or-less issue installments, Criminal netted itself an Eisner for best limited series in 2007, and returned for a grand total of four volumes of noir-flavored goodness. Brubaker and Phillips will be continuing the story this January with a double-sized volume premier.
7. Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt
Mega-obscure Charlton Comics hero Peter Cannon, aka Thunderbolt, is making a return to Dynamite Comics under the stewardship of Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard. After his creation in 1966, Cannon has bounced sporadically back and forth between publishers and universes, enjoying a brief stint in the DCU and going on to be a formative touchstone for the character Ozymandias in Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen--but has since largely languished unused and mostly forgotten. With any luck, Gillen and Wijngaard will be able to turn this classic hero into a compelling, thrilling story worthy of its history.
8. Ironheart
While Ironheart #1 technically debuted at the end of November this year, we're still counting it as a series to watch in 2019--largely because it features the highly anticipated solo series debut of fan-favorite Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, who first came to prominence as the "new" Iron Man while Tony Stark found himself--er, we'll say incapacitated for a while. While Riri is very new to the Marvel universe, she's already proven herself to be a juggernaut in terms of both her heroism and her resourcefulness, crafting her very own version of the Iron Man armor and using it to step out of Tony's massively looming shadow. Written by Even Ewing with art by Kevin Libranada, Ironheart will continue in 2019 as one of a series to watch at Marvel--and a title that absolutely should not be missed.
9. Female Furies
Dovetailing perfectly with the breakout success of the Eisner Award winning limited series, Mister Miracle, Cecil Castellucci and Adriana Melo are bringing a brand new Female Furies #1 to comic shops everywhere in February of next year. While the series is stand alone and not actually related to Mister Miracle--meaning you don't have to have read Mister Miracle to jump in, it will continue to build on DC's brand new, Rebirth-era reimagining of Jack Kirby's famous Fourth World saga and characters, diving deep into the lives of the Furies themselves, a team of brutal, elite military generals who serve under the warlord Darkseid from his hellish realm of Apokolips.
10. Wonder Twins
Rounding out the list, we have a final selection from the Wonder Comics imprint--though this one may seem a bit left-of-field. Returning to the mainline DC Universe for the first time since the New 52 relaunch back in 2011 are a pair of Saturday morning cartoon favorites: the Wonder Twins. But wait, there's more--with a creative team made up of Mark Russell, famous for bringing modern spins to classic properties like Snagglepuss and The Flintstones and Stephen Byrne, who helped usher in the Rebirth era of Green Arrow, Wonder Twins is bringing all the absurdity of America's favorite camp-infused shape shifting siblings to the DCU. After all, what would it really be like if you were a teenager who had a psychic link to your brother or sister that you could never actually turn off and an alien monkey as a pet? We can't wait to find out.
By Array on Dec 04, 2018 01:05 am
Every PS4 Game Coming In 2019 And Beyond
The end of 2018 is almost upon us, with some of the biggest games of the year dropping just in time for you to fill out your holiday season play schedule. That means it's also time to start looking at the games slated for 2019, which already looks to have quite a few contenders for your time and attention. The current year has had some heavy hitters, but 2019 has more than its share of notable games coming down the line. While there won't be a Red Dead Redemption 2 or a Fallout 76 to dominate the conversation, there are still some huge names on (or possibly just over) the horizon--like a post-Mass Effect turn by BioWare, the return of old-school Resident Evil, and Hideo Kojima's next effort. We're taking a look at all the biggest games we know are coming to Sony's flagship console in 2019 and beyond. The list is already pretty massive, with names like BioWare's Anthem, Ubisoft's pirate game Skull & Bones, Sucker Punch's follow-up to Infamous: Second Son, Ghosts of Tsushima, and From Software's ninja title Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Other big-name games we're expecting to be released in 2019 or beyond include The Witcher developer CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077, the much-anticipated The Last of Us: Part II, and Life is Strange developer Dontnod's Twin Mirror. Click through this feature for brief descriptions of all the big games coming next year or later, including when we might expect them and why they're worthy of your attention. And while these are the games that have caught our eye, be sure to leave your own most anticipated titles in the comments below. Other galleries looking forward to 2019:
Anthem
Anthem is possibly BioWare's most ambitious title. Focusing on the exploits of heavily armored freelancers in on a hostile alien planet, you'll work together with other players online to take on dangerous missions while exploring the furthest reaches of the world. While this sounds a lot like Destiny, BioWare's approach to the concept of the shared-world shooter looks like an interesting change of pace from other games in the genre, and we can't wait to see more. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: February 22, 2019
Babylon's Fall
Babylon's Fall is the latest game by famed studio Platinum Games. Based on the reveal trailer, the upcoming project appears to be fantasy-themed action game. You appear to play as a knight with unique magical abilities. While that's not much to go on, Platinum's pedigree with titles like the Bayonetta series, Nier: Automata, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance suggest Babylon's Fall will be an action-adventure game that packs some forward-thinking ideas. Platforms: PS4, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Beyond Good And Evil 2
We saw a teaser of Ubisoft's spunky new space adventure, Beyond Good & Evil 2, at E3 last year. What we know now is that it will be a prequel to the 2003 game and that players can choose a male or female character and explore different planets. Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC (Expected) | Release Date: TBA 2019
Bloostained: Ritual of the Night
A side-scrolling action-RPG, Bloodstained is the current generation's answer to the classics of the Castlevania series. It's led by Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi, and looks to be a spiritual successor to some of the best games in that franchise, most notably Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It takes place in a castle, it's a side-scroller, and it looks to have heavy Metroidvania leanings--so SotN fans, take note. Platforms: PS4, PC, Xbox One, Switch | Release Date: TBA 2019
Code Vein
Bandai Namco's third-person action-RPG Code Vein gets described as "anime Dark Souls," but with a post-apocalyptic setting. And with the enemies searching for blood--and the risk that you might join their ranks--it seems to have something of a vampire vibe as well. Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC | Release Date: TBA
Control
Control is the latest game by Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Alan Wake and Quantum Break. The debut trailer showcased a strangely shifting world, with a protagonist who can fly and control objects using telekinesis. You take on the role of the director of a government agency tasked with dealing with some supernatural weirdness, using some fun supernatural powers. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Cyberpunk 2077
The next game from the creators of The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077, is set in a dystopian, sci-fi future world. The game now appears more bright and vibrant than it did during its initial tease a few years back. It appears to take place in a dazzling city of dreams, a metropolis of giant buildings adorned with dazzling screens, where organic skin is meshed with futuristic tech. Cyberpunk looks to be just as deep as The Witcher, with plenty to do in Night City. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Expected) | Release Date: TBA
The Dark Pictures - Man of Medan
The folks behind Until Dawn are back with a new cinematic horror title in The Dark Pictures--Man of Medan. The game finds four Americans in the South Pacific, with gameplay that looks similar to Until Dawn in that it'll have players completing puzzles while also struggling to avoid getting murdered. Even better, though, is that Man of Medan is the first of an anthology of horror games. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | TBA 2019
Days Gone
Days Gone takes players to a post-apocalyptic open world, set in the Pacific Northwest. The action-adventure/survival-horror game puts you in the shoes of Deacon St. John, once an outlaw and now trying to survive in a devastated world. While on the road, Deacon must battle Freakers, zombie-like humans and animals that have become mindless and violent and travel in fast-moving hordes, much like the zombies in World War Z. Expect a heavy emphasis on crafting as you drive around on your motorcycle, hunting bounties. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: April 26, 2019
Dead or Alive 6
Kasumi, Hayate, Helena, and plenty of other familiar faces return to the arena in Dead or Alive 6. This fighting game will continue to utilize the franchise's staple complexity when it comes to combos and counters, while upping the realism of its visuals. Two new mechanics, Fatal Rush and Break Gauge, shake up the combat by introducing an easier way for beginners to compete. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: February 15, 2019
Death Stranding
Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima no longer works for Konami, but his new studio's game looks significantly weirder than that often-bizarre series. We don't know much about Death Stranding's gameplay other than it's an open-world action game and there seems to be a lot of walking. But it'll feature The Walking Dead's Norman Reedus, what appears to be a very important baby, strange ghost-like entities, and Mads Mikkelsen. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: TBA
Devil May Cry 5
After years of waiting, we're finally getting a brand new Devil May Cry game. And in a rather surprising twist, it's a direct continuation to the first four Devil May Cry games. Protagonist Nero seems to be leading Devil May Cry 5, but we'll also see Dante returning as a character as well. Expect plenty of over-the-top weapons and stylish kills coming back to the action-adventure series. Platforms: Xbox One, PC | Release Date: March 8, 2019
Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal is the upcoming sequel to the critically-acclaimed Doom reboot from 2016. The game takes everything that the previous game did and pushes it forward: the Doomslayer is more powerful than before, the number of enemies have doubled, and it takes place on Earth. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Expected) | Release Date: TBA 2019
Dying Light 2
In the sequel to the first-person apocalyptic survival shooter, players will have plenty more chances to practice their sweet parkour while killing zombies. However, this time around, player's choices will have real effects on the world, while also pushing the story down different paths. It's also much bigger, and will continue the first game's use of day and night to present players with challenges and force them to come up with strategies to survive a zombie-infested city. Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
The Elder Scrolls VI
Bethesda finally announced the next game in the Elder Scrolls series: The Elder Scrolls VI. No other details about the game were provided outside of a short teaser. It shows a mountainous region and some fog accompanied by a version of the iconic Dovahkiin music. A setting wasn't specified, although fans are sure to do some sleuthing to narrow down the list of possibilities. Hopefully, we'll get more details sooner than later. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Expected) | Release Date: TBA
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is the long-awaited remake of the fan-favorite RPG. Announced at E3 2015, there has been few details about the game since. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: TBA
Ghost Of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is the latest game by developer Sucker Punch Productions, the studio responsible for Infamous and Sly Cooper. The game is set on the island of Tsushima during the Mongol invasions of Japan in 1294. You play as a lone samurai turned vengeful assassin--fighting to drive out the Mongol army from Japan. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: TBA
Judge Eyes
Details are a little thin on Judge Eyes, the next title from the team behind the Yakuza series, but it seems to involve playing as a former lawyer turned detective investigating a series of murders in Japan. Gameplay has you investigating crime scenes and trying to solve the mystery. Expect "something completely different" from the Yakuza series, as well. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: TBA 2019
Jump Force
Jump Force unites a bunch of manga heroes from stories like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece into a fighting game that also meets the real world. Even more manga characters will show up, like those from Death Note, in order to advance the game's story, giving manga fans all sorts of reasons to check it out. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: February 15, 2019
Kingdom Hearts III
We've gotten sneak peeks at some of the worlds and characters that Kingdom Hearts III will contain, including Hercules, Monsters Inc., and Toy Story. We're not sure exactly where the story will specifically take Sora and friends, but we do know it is the direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts 2 and an end to the saga. Platforms: Xbox One, PS4 | Release Date: January 29, 2019
The Last Of Us: Part II
There is a huge amount of hype for Naughty Dog's next big game, The Last of Us: Part II, and hopefully we'll be learning a potential release date for the game soon. You play as Ellie this time around, not Joel. It appears she has some sort of vendetta this time around. Based on its most recent gameplay, it's likely from the death of a loved one. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: TBA
Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus puts players back in control of Artyom. Even though Artyom will be venturing above ground this time, there will still be plenty of mutated creatures to gun down and unsettling environments to explore. Metro Exodus is much bigger than the other games in the series, but like the other games in the franchise, you'll have freedom in how you solve problems and your choices will affect how things play out. Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC | Release Date: February 22, 2019
Nioh 2
In a rather surprising announcement, Sony announced the sequel to the critically-acclaimed samurai-action game Nioh. Not much is known about Nioh 2's story or if you'll be playing as the original's protagonist, WIlliam Adams. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: TBA
Psychonauts 2
More than 14 years after its predecessor's release, Double Fine is bringing a sequel to its classic, hilarious third-person action-adventure title in Psychonauts 2. The main cast from the original returns, and you can expect all kinds of sweet mental powers and the ability to venture into the twisted minds of other characters. Platforms: PS4, PC, Xbox One | TBA
Rage 2
Rage 2 is perhaps the most unlikely sequel to be announced, but with id Software bringing veteran open world developer Avalanche Studios along for the ride there's plenty of reason to be excited about its potential. Avalanche has years of experience crafting large and chaotic worlds in games like Mad Max and Just Cause, with vehicle combat and special effects chief among their notable talents. Id, of course, is the studio that pioneered first-person shooting and continues to deliver hard-hitting games like 2016's Doom. It could be a match made in heaven, but we won't know until it ships sometime in 2019. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: June 2019
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 Remake takes the 1998 survival-horror game of the same name and remakes it from the ground up. While it faithfully recreates the game's environment and story beats, it takes liberties with the appearance and gameplay of the original. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: January 29, 2019
Sea of Solitude
Sea of Solitude is an upcoming EA Originals game about a lonely girl whose emotions manage to turn her into a monster and the world into a flooded post-apocalyptic world. She must explore this world in order to find a way to turn back into a human. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Expected) | Release Date: TBA 2019
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the long-awaited new game from acclaimed studio, From Software. It appears to be expanding upon the classic Dark Souls formula by introducing stealth-action elements and more acrobatic maneuvers. Platforms: Xbox One, PC (Expected) | Release Date: March 22, 2019
Shenmue III
A true sequel to the well-loved RPG Shenmue II, director Yu Suzuki's crowdfunded Shenmue III finally has a release date in 2019. Set in 1987, it picks back up with the story of martial artist Ryo Hazuki--but it won't be finishing it, leaving room for more returns to the world of Shenmue in the future. Platforms: PS4, PC | Release Date: August 27, 2019
Skull & Bones
Ubisoft's Skull & Bones sets sail in the Indian Ocean, setting you on a quest to become a pirate of the ages. The game will feature single- and multiplayer options and is centered around naval warfare. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Spelunky 2
The follow-up to the phenomenal rogue-like side-scroller Spelunky doubles down on what was cool about the game--including its intense challenge. With Spelunky 2, indie developer Derek Yu is bringing new characters, and maybe even better, more multiplayer support. Platforms: PS4, PC | TBA 2019
Starfield
For the first time in 25 years, Bethesda is creating a new IP. We don't know much about Starfield. However, based on the game's title and brief teaser trailer, it's probably safe to say that this RPG will take place in space. Platforms: The next generation of consoles, PC (Expected) | Release Date: TBA
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order is the upcoming Star Wars game created by Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind the well-received Titanfall series. It takes place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope during Darth Vader's persecution of the Jedi. The game will star a young Jedi Padawan who escaped Order 66 after the events of Revenge of the Sith. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Expected) | Release Date: Holiday 2019
Tom Clancy's The Division 2
Ubisoft Massive is at work on The Division 2, a follow-up to its open-world shooter, as it looks to build upon the foundation established in the previous game. This time around it's set in Washington D.C. and deals with the exploits of the Division attempting to reclaim the capital. Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One | Release Date: March 18, 2019
Trials Rising
RedLynx's 2.5D motocross series is back, with more tracks like Mount Everest and the Eiffel Tower. More exciting in Trials Rising are the ways you can play and compete with other players, with online multiplayer, the ability to see other people's performance on tracks, and a local multiplayer tandem mode, where two players control the same bike. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch | February 12, 2019
Twin Mirror
Dontnod Entertainment is partnering with Bandai Namco to bring Twin Mirror, a new psychological thriller, to PC, PS4, and Xbox One in 2019. Based on the E3 2018 trailer, the story focuses on a character named Sam who wakes up one day to discover a shocking amount of blood on his clothing with no memory of the cause. As Sam attempts to piece together the events from the night before, he will explore both the real world and surreal manifestations of his own psyche. Twin Mirror looks intriguing so far, but being one big mystery, we'll have to wait until we see more of the game to get a grasp of how we ultimately fit into Sam's harrowing investigation. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Wasteland 3
Developer inXile Entertainment's revitalization of the Wasteland franchise, Wasteland 2, was well-received by critics and players alike. The story continues in Wasteland 3, another squad-based top-down CRPG, set in the icy post-apocalyptic wastelands of Colorado. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Wolfenstein: Youngblood is set in an alternate 1980s Paris and follows the events of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. It stars series protagonist BJ Blazkowicz's twin daughters, who are working together to continue the fight against the Nazis. The game can be played solo or co-op. Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch (Expected) | Release Date: TBA 2019
Beyond 2019: Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey
Survival game Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey delves into humanity's past some 10 million years, where the precursors to humans must do everything they can not to get eaten and begin the long road of evolution. It spans the next 9 million years, focusing on survival not just of the individual, but of the species. Apart from a fascinating premise--you play as an ape living in a lush jungle full of lethal predators, with a focus placed on creating a lineage that can survive the ages--Ancestors is the current project of Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Desilets. There's no release date set for the game yet, but it's a project that's been in the works since at least 2015, so it seems likely we'll at least be hearing about how it's shaping up in 2019. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA
Recent Articles:
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment