For as much as superhero movies have taken over the box office over the past decade, it's surprising how few major video games are based on comic books these days. Switch owners have one to look forward to, because Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order has been announced as a Nintendo Switch exclusive. It's set to launch sometime in 2019, but you can pre-order a copy now.
Developed by Team Ninja, this follow-up to 2009's Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 will be an action-RPG starring many of the superheroes we've seen on the big screen in recent years. We know it will include the Avengers, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and an assortment of familiar villains like Thanos, the Black Order, Kingpin, Sandman, and Green Goblin. The game description also states it will feature an original story, along with local and online multiplayer for up to four players.
If you're ready to secure your copy of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 for yourself, read on to find out where it's currently available and how much it costs.
Pre-Order Bonus
No pre-order bonuses have been announced yet for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, but we'll update this section if that changes.
Standard Edition
So far, no special editions of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 have been announced. If that changes, we'll add additional editions below.
Some DLC is minor--new character skins, a new weapon, a random new mode thrown in for fun. But other DLC and expansions are game-changing, letting you experience a game from an entirely new perspective or vastly improving what was already there. In 2018, the best expansions reinvented games for the better. This includes Destiny 2, which had a rough time earlier in the year and got just the boost it needed, as well as Civilization VI, which had a strong foundation and whose first DLC refined it in a number of ways. All the expansions on this list were released in the calendar year, though some of the base games were released earlier. In no particular order, here are the best expansions of 2018.
After two mediocre expansions, Destiny 2 was struggling going into the final quarter of 2018. It had a good foundation in its outstanding shooting and movement mechanics as well as a variety of activities for different types of players, but it was lacking a compelling endgame for the most dedicated Guardians. Forsaken finally answered the call--so much so that it took weeks for us to properly dive into all of it. A fun new mode in Gambit, extensive endgame activities like the Ascendant Challenge, and a new Raid added a much-needed layer of satisfying things to do and powerful loot to chase. Forsaken both filled in what was missing from Destiny 2 and reminded us what we liked about the game in the first place.
When it released in 2016, No Man's Sky was caught between what it was in reality and what people expected it to be. The Next update not only added a number of things that had been promised at launch, but it also doubled down on the best parts of No Man's Sky as it's always been. Next introduced true multiplayer--a much-requested feature--as well as base building and other sandbox-y elements. It also brought with it a number of improvements, namely visual enhancements that made the already ethereal world feel even more alive and look more beautiful. Perhaps most importantly, Next made us give No Man's Sky a second chance--it reminded us of the awe-inspiring, breathtakingly lonely game that No Man's Sky had always been.
Prey: Mooncrash
Prey was a divisive game for us in 2017, as its outstanding level design and rewarding combat were somewhat let down by uneven pacing and a lackluster story. The Mooncrash DLC capitalizes on all the best things about Prey--meaning its immersive sim elements--by recontextualizing them in the structure of a roguelike and keeping the story to a minimum. Because Mooncrash takes place in a simulation that you can reset, you're encouraged to experiment and find creative solutions to problems in the environment. That is, after all, what we liked about Prey in the first place, and Mooncrash allows us to enjoy it all over again.
As the first expansion to Civ VI, Rise and Fall faced a difficult challenge: How do you add to a game that's already deep to begin with? The base game has plenty going on, and any new features could have been in danger of bloating its systems. But Rise and Fall added smart tweaks and improvements that complemented the base game while changing it for the better. The headlining feature, the Ages system, introduced rewards for improvement and consequences for stagnation. This in effect helps prevent players from coasting to victory on a strong lead and gives an edge to underdogs who play smart. That, alongside smaller improvements, make Rise and Fall a standout expansion in 2018.
Sonic Mania had both the nostalgia factor and smart design, making it one of the best--if not the best--Sonic games ever made. Sonic Mania Plus, an update to the digital version that was included with the physical one, made it even better. It added new characters with their own unique abilities as well as Encore mode, which takes you through remixed versions of the base game's stages. Both the new characters and the new mode let you experience Sonic Mania differently than you did before, and that in turn showcases what's so great about the game to begin with.
GameSpot will be unveiling our picks for the best games and entertainment of 2018 throughout December. Head to our Best of 2018 hub to see all the winners so far.
Season 7 of Fortnite is now live across all platforms, and it's introduced a ton of new features and content to the hit battle royale game, including a snow biome, new pets, and more. Now it appears a new sword is on the way, which would make it the first weapon of its kind in Fortnite.
The official Fortnite Twitter account shared a brief video teasing the arrival of the sword. The weapon appears to belong to the Ice King--the new Legendary skin you can unlock through the Season 7 Battle Pass. "Coming soon... a weapon fit for a King," the tweet reads, while the accompanying video shows the Ice King pulling the sword from a pedestal atop a snowy mountain.
Epic didn't reveal exactly when the mysterious sword will appear in Fortnite, only noting that it's coming soon. However, the developer frequently introduces new weapons and items to the game on a weekly basis, so the sword will presumably arrive as part of this week's update.
A lot has changed in Fortnite since the game's big 7.00 patch. The iceberg that could be spotted in the ocean toward the end of Season 6 has collided into the island, creating a new snowy environment to explore. Moreover, Epic introduced the game's first aerial vehicle, the X-4 Stormwing plane, which seats up to five players and allows you shoot at opponents from the skies.
PlayStation 4 is riding high. Having hit its stride early in this generation, it has maintained momentum with big exclusives that add to an ever-growing and impressive library of games. Two of the year's best games, God of War and Spider-Man, were only on PS4. Those came alongside competitive console versions of popular cross-platform titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Dead Cells. Tetris Effect, meanwhile, capitalizes incredibly well on the PlayStation VR, Sony's consumer-friendly virtual reality contender. In alphabetical order, here are our picks for the best PS4 games of 2018, and what made them standouts in a year chock full of great games.
This surprising indie game is a prime example of the phrase "more than the sum of its parts." At first, the mishmash of influences and homages seem to contradict one another. It's a Metroidvania game--a genre known for its character progression--but this is also a roguelike, meaning it's built specifically around dying and resetting from near-zero. Though Dead Cells does have a handful of permanent abilities tucked away in obscure corners, for the most part you're no more powerful on your 20th run than your first. What truly makes the difference is how you shape the game's economy and weapon selection organically as you progress through each run.
Purchasing a new weapon or secondary gadget from the vendor will also add it to the pool of items you can find in the world during a run. By steering your choices toward the weapons that fit your playstyle, you can increase the chances of finding the right set to progress further than you have before. It's this constant push and pull on the game's economy that creates a meta-strategy running throughout the experience. Do you reserve your hard-earned cash for only a handful of weapons to increase their odds, or do you collect everything you can in an effort to find what works? Over time Dead Cells becomes an experience of tinkering with the game's systems, and then fine-tuning the smaller variables nested inside it, with each passing run.
This year Sony Santa Monica showed how to modernize a classic with impeccable grace and style. Gone was Kratos' unfocused rage, replaced by a weary, simmering anger kept barely contained under the surface. The new Kratos is aging, tired, and skeptical. Most significantly, he's now a father, trying to avoid leading his progeny down the same path that caused him so much pain in his own life. This Kratos feels beaten down, just short of broken, when the inciting events begin.
The level design is cleverly built around his new weapon, the Leviathan Axe. Both a melee weapon and a projectile, the game's puzzles and combat are built around the Leviathan Axe's ability to boomerang back on command, a la Thor's Hammer in the Marvel universe. It's a unique differentiator to the usual gameplay style, providing a synthesis to the the overall experience's various component parts.
When the mayhem does start, it carries a new level of emotional resonance that had been missing from the series. Kratos is far from a perfect father, but his world-weariness carries real tenderness for the boy. The ultimate revelations at the end of the game set the stage for more God of Wars to come, with a newfound resonance. This new take on Kratos manages to move beyond his legacy without rejecting it. Instead, it embraces those violent and sometimes campy roots and contextualizes them as mistakes from his past, while building for the franchise's future.
Rockstar has gained a reputation for its bombastic action and cheeky humor. However, Red Dead Redemption 2 subverted expectations by being quiet and somber, and making its gameplay meticulous in a way that aimed to put you into the worn leather boots of an Old West gunslinger. Those who embraced the experience were rewarded with a rich story of loss and distrust in the waning days of westward expansion. Prequels can often feel unnecessary or staid thanks to the audience already knowing events that come after the story. Red Dead Redemption 2 sidestepped this pitfall by focusing less on what happened and more on how it felt.
The vast open world presents almost every environment and weather pattern one can imagine. The plains and mountains are teeming with wildlife to hunt for food or trade. Your horse is a stable companion and bonds with you. Your guns can be crafted and customized to a degree that it feels like a cowhand's old reliable tool. The bank heists and train robberies are just as carefully crafted as the rest, putting you in tense scenarios where anything can and often does go wrong. These moments, paired with the camaraderie at camp, build the gang to be much more than a plot device or set dressing. The bonds you build between characters touch on themes of loyalty and honor, even among thieves.
To truly capture the feeling of embodying Spider-Man, the one element that stands above all others is the web-swinging. Through a combination of sophisticated physics systems, Spider-Man's traversal is fluid and versatile in a way few games can hope to match. The mission waypoints spread widely across a realistic Manhattan backdrop were easy to manage thanks in large part to this intuitive system. Combat is also given a distinct personality that expressed the wallcrawler's individuality. The webslinger is light on his toes and improvisational, making his animations slightly off-kilter. The character carries himself with a grace that always looks moments away from losing his balance, and the combat expresses that beautifully.
Insomniac also crafted a resonant story that pays homage to the spirit of the world while building its own surprising continuity. Characters like MJ and Miles are given their own agency and practical parts in the story, while villains like Mr. Negative and Norman Osborn are given sympathetic motivations. The heart of the story lies with Otto Octavius, Peter's scientist boss, friend, and mentor. Through it all, though, Spider-Man--both the character and the game--never becomes cynical. Peter Parker spends his spare time volunteering at a homeless shelter, even after a tough day of trading blows with superpowered weirdos. Doing and being good can be difficult, even heartbreaking, but Peter does it regardless. That's the kind of inspirational message superheroes were made for.
Tetris has been done dozens of times on almost every platform, so it may be difficult to see what would set a new one apart. The involvement of Rez and Lumines designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi has made this version of Tetris distinct in a way that few others are, pairing a variety of musical styles and genres with the gaming perfection of Tetris, set against various backdrops and visualizer styles. The result will have you engaging with--and experiencing--music you may not have tried before. Somehow, though, the selections fit the mood so well that it's difficult not to get caught up in them.
A new Zone mechanic lets you build up a meter to pause the action and hover your tetriminos, giving you more time to consider your choices. For newcomers it provides an assist tool when the board feels overwhelming, while also opening up more scoring opportunities for veterans. It's this inventive reconsideration of Tetris fundamentals that makes Tetris Effect an inviting playground for any level. It also ties nicely into one of the game's other standout features, VR. Enveloped in a VR headset, your consciousness can sink into the game and focus on it with all the intellectual and emotional wrinkles that it brings. The experience can be profound on a level you may never have expected from a classic puzzle game.
While the 3DS has been slowly winding down since the launch of the Nintendo Switch last year, the handheld still saw the release of several standout games. Throughout its history, the 3DS has offered a variety of games that take a unique approach to familiar concepts. Whether it's an involved JRPG experience, a narrative-focused adventure, or a bizarre puzzle-action game, the 3DS has always had something for everyone, and that certainly continued throughout 2018. In our look back on 2018, GameSpot has rounded up some of the best 3DS games released this year, some of which revived classic games in a particularly interesting way. For more roundups focusing on the best games of 2018, be sure to visit our hub page detailing the highlights of this year's titles.
Following in the footsteps of The Legend of Legacy, developer Cattle Call's The Alliance Alive kept the familiar JPRG mechanics and style while also telling a darker story. This role-playing game focused on a band of characters as they traveled across several continents, facing against challenging foes to save the known the world. It all seems like traditional fantasy fare, but The Alliance Alive embraces it wholeheartedly throughout. With a clever twist on traditional JRPG character growth, where your characters gain power by repeatedly using their familiar skills, The Alliance Alive gives you plenty of options to advance the power of your band of adventurers. This JRPG was a throwback to the more straightforward games of past and as a result was one of the highlights for the 3DS in 2018.
While the Pokemon series has seen its fair share of creative spin-offs, Detective Pikachu is an especially unique addition to the series. The strange point-and-click detective game stars a wise-cracking Pikachu with a grown man's voice, and it is up to him--and you--to solve a series of crimes. This Layton-esque turn for the Pokemon series is a clever and worthwhile entry in the 3DS' impressive library of games. Many Pokemon spin-offs have come and gone, but Detective Pikachu's endearing charm left such a lasting impression, that it even spawned the first live-action film for the Pokemon series. In case you missed it, here's the debut trailer for the film adaptation of Detective Pikachu.
The original Luigi's Mansion was a particularly odd title for the titular character's solo outing, but it still managed to play to all the strengths of the GameCube and to the character's endearing charm. It eventually got a sequel on the 3DS in the form of Dark Moon, and after its success, the same developers revisited Luigi's original adventure. Luigi's Mansion on 3DS is largely the same game as the original, with some added innovations to take advantage of the handheld's hardware--including Amiibo support. Luigi's Mansion on 3DS turned out to be a particularly fun remake of the original, giving the character more deserved time in the spotlight.
As one of the Nintendo DS' most unique JRPG titles, Radiant Historia offers a compelling blend of complex strategy and role-playing mechanics, along with a sprawling story set across a detailed and ever-changing time period. With the remake on 3DS, Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology went even further with its predecessor's time-travel focused narrative, while also adding in a number of worthwhile updates and revisions to the original. It not only offers returning fans new story beats to admire but also gives newcomers a better appreciation for the constantly shifting nature of the game's complex narrative. Radiant Historia new outing on the 3DS not only improved upon the original's impressive systems, it also gave added incentive for fans to dive back into the complex time-travel plot.
It's hard to fathom that the WarioWare series has already been around for 15 years--but it has, and we're all the better for it. In WarioWare Gold, the nightmare gallery of over 300 micro mini-games are sent your way in rapid succession--things like plucking someone's nose hair, sumo wrestling an opponent, and even repeating basic gameplay actions from classic NES games. Though there's a story mode that justifies the nonsensical spitfire of out of context micro-games, the why is quickly thrown by the wayside in favor of having you dive head-first into the madness. WarioWare's weird and carefree style is what made the series so endearing over the years, and its WarioWare Gold shows that the game's charm hasn't overstayed its welcome just yet.
The spectacular new trailer for the upcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters is here. The movie is the sequel to 2014's Godzilla and it sees the legendary monster joined by several other giant creatures, including the fearsome three-headed King Ghidorah.
While the first trailer only gave us fleeting glimpses of the new monsters, this latest one puts the emphasis on the epic action that the movie looks set to deliver. We see Ghidorah emerging from a volcano, the winged Rodan doing battle with jet fighters, and the moth-like Mothra swooping into battle. There's also a few humans in there, including Stranger Things star Millie Bobbie Brown, The Conjuring's Vera Farmiga, and Game Night's Kyle Chandler. But really, this one is about the monsters. Check it out above.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is directed by Michael Dougherty, whose previous credits include the Christmas monster movie Krampus. It also stars Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), Ken Watanabe (Inception), O'Shea Jackson Jr (Straight Outta Compton), and Charles Dance (Game of Thrones). It hits theaters on May 31, 2019.
It's the latest entry in Legendary Pictures' so-called MonsterVerse, following Godzilla and last year's Kong: Skull Island. The fourth movie in the series will be Godzilla vs Kong, which is now in production and scheduled for a May 2020 release. The cast includes Alexander Skarsgård (Hold the Dark), Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta), and Demián Bichir (Alien Covenant).
There's no shortage of ways to get great deals on PC games. Steam has regular sales, as do storefronts like Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, and the Humble Store. But best deals are generally on bundles of games. And right now, you can get a 12-month subscription to Humble Monthly for $99. The deal ends at 11:59 PM PT December 15 (2:59 AM ET December 16), so don't wait too long.
What comes with a Humble Monthly subscription? Each month, you receive a bundle of around eight or nine PC games, some of which are announced and made available at the start of the cycle, and the rest come as a surprise at the end. The value of each month's games generally adds up to around $200. Considering this deal's pricing breaks down to $8.33 per month, that's quite a deal.
The games revealed so far for this month are Just Cause 3 XXL Edition, Project Cars 2, and Wizard of Legend. If you subscribe, you can download and play those titles immediately. The rest of the month's games will be revealed and made available to subscribers on January 4.
In addition to the monthly game bundles, a Humble Monthly subscription grants you access to the Trove, a collection of dozens of games you can download and play any time as long as you have an active membership. A cut of your subscription payment goes to charity as well. Finally, all Humble Monthly subscribers get 10% off Humble Store purchases. You can find more information in Humble Monthly's FAQ.
Mortal Kombat 11 was announced at the Game Awards, and it's already just around the corner with an April 23, 2019 release date. You can play early, though, by pre-ordering to earn yourself a spot in the beta. The test will kick off for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in March.
The announcement mentions select retailers for the beta but doesn't specify which are participating, so be sure to check with yours. The beta won't be available on Nintendo Switch or PC, each of which are also getting MK11. Pre-ordering will also net you Shao Kahn as a playable character.
NetherRealm will be giving the first extended look at the game on January 17, 2019. The event will feature a keynote talk along with the gameplay debut. It will take place simultaneously in both Los Angeles and London at 11 AM PT / 7 PM UTC. It will be livestreamed on Twitch.
The announcement referenced a "time bending story," which fits what we saw in the debut trailer at the Game Awards. In it, we saw two different versions of Scorpion from different eras of Mortal Kombat. It seems likely that this time the alternate retro costumes won't just be for cosmetic purposes, but rather different versions of characters will play heavily into the story. NetherRealm has become known for its unique fighting game campaigns in both Mortal Kombat and Injustice, which interweave several characters stories to tell one larger meta-plot.
Naturally, it's pretty gruesome too. The debut trailer made a point of showing both Raiden and Scorpion being roughed up in a handful of ways, so be sure to check out the trailer if you missed it the first time around.
Capcom has pulled back the curtain on a load of new content on the way to its hit action RPG, Monster Hunter World. Along with the "massive" Iceborne expansion, the publisher announced that a new collaboration featuring Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is coming to the game, and it'll be available early next year.
The famed Witcher finds himself in the New World after being transported by a portal. According to Capcom, players will "get to utilize his signature fighting style" to take on an assortment of Witcher-inspired quests, which will "offer a unique gameplay experience blending RPG mechanics of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with Monster Hunter World's game systems."
No further details on the Witcher collaboration have been announced yet, but Capcom says it will share additional information "at a later date." The crossover event is slated to arrive as a free update on PS4 and Xbox One in early 2019, with a PC release set to follow soon afterward. You can watch the first trailer for the Witcher 3 Monster Hunter World collaboration above.
The crossover event is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of new content on the way to Monster Hunter World. Next fall, Capcom will release the aforementioned Iceborne expansion, a "massive" update that will introduce new quest ranks, environments, monsters, and gear. Iceborne will also add a new storyline that picks up after the ending of the base game.
Before either of those arrive, Capcom will bring back the Kulve Taroth Siege beginning December 20. This time around, the quest will feature a more formidable Arch-Tempered version of the monster that offers a chance to get even more powerful rewards. The publisher also announced it is hosting an Appreciation Fest in January to celebrate the game's first anniversary. This will encompass new anniversary quests that give players a chance to earn "special equipment."
In the meantime, there is still time to take part in Monster Hunter World's current seasonal event, the Winter Star Fest. The event is scheduled to run through December 17 and features "almost all" previous Event Quests, along with a handful of new ones, daily limited bounties, and new hunter and Palico gear to forge.
Everyone's favorite super-fast blue hedgehog makes his big screen debut next year, with the release of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie. The first poster has now been released, and it hints at a slightly different look for Sonic.
It's a motion poster, which shows several bolts of blue light zooming across the screen, before it forms a partial silhouette of Sonic. He's instantly recognisable of course, but there's a few differences worth noting, presumably because in the movie he'll have to interactive with human actors. His limbs are definitely a bit more humanoid, with noticeably muscular legs. He's also wearing realistic sneakers, rather than the more cartoonish type we're used to seeing him (they're the right color at least). Check it out below:
Sonic the Hedgehog is released on November 15, 2019. It's set to star Westworld's James Marsden, with comedian Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic and Jim Carrey as the evil Dr. Robotnik. It's directed by Jeff Fowler, who is making his feature debut, but won an Oscar in 2005 for his animated short Gopher Broke. It's produced by Deadpool director Tim Miller.
2016 marked the 25th anniversary of the Sonic franchise. The latest instalments in the series were Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces, both of which were released in 2017. A new Sonic racing game, Team Sonic Racing, is due out next year.
A new week means a new set of video game deals is available at Best Buy. Whether you do your gaming on a PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, you'll likely find something worth playing available at a nice discount. This week finds quite a few games on sale, including recent hits like Black Ops 4 and Battlefield V, plus discounts on consoles and accessories. Let's look at some of this week's biggest savings opportunities at Best Buy.
If you're looking for freebies, you have a few options. The digital standard edition of Battlefield V comes with a free set of dog tags. Buying FIFA 19 gets you a pair of shoelaces. And My Best Buy members who pre-order Anthem get a $10 reward certificate (sign up for free here). Select other pre-orders qualify for that deal as well.
Monster Hunter World is getting a icy-themed expansion, but you'll have to wait a while before you can break the ice. In a special stream, Capcom announced Iceborne, a massive expansion set to launch for PS4 and Xbox One in fall of 2019. PC release details are to be announced. Presumably, you'll have to deal with some frigid monsters; you can see the debut trailer below.
Iceborne will introduce new quest ranks, locales, monsters, moves, and gear, according to Capcom. It'll also offer a new story that picks up from where World left off. Despite being compared with some of the standalone, expanded versions of previous games, Iceborne is explicitly a DLC expansion for World and will require that game to play. A price was not announced.
That wasn't the only Monster Hunter World surprise unveiled on the stream, though. The company also announced Geralt from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt would be appearing in the game through a collaboration with CD Projekt Red. The presentation referenced Geralt finding himself in the New World, so it will include a new type of Witcher gameplay and even Geralt's own voice actors. That will come early next year.
If you're curious about Monster Hunter World but haven't dipped in yet, you can sample a free trial version of the base game on PS4 and Xbox One for a limited time. The Trial Version lets you play quests up to 3-star level and online multiplayer up to Hunter Rank 4. You can transfer your save data from the trial into the full game. That will kick off on December 12 and end on December 17.
For current players, the special event Kulve Taroth Siege event will come back on December 20. This time the monster will be an Arch Tempered version, offering even better rewards. A special Appreciation Fest event is planned for January 2019, with celebratory decorations in the Gathering Hub and some new quests and gear.
"Ever since the title was first announced, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations," critic Ginny Woo said in GameSpot's Monster Hunter World review. "It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large."
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate might have only launched for Nintendo Switch a few days ago, but it's already breaking records. The fighting game has become the console's biggest ever launch, according to sales monitor Chart-Track, meaning it also performed better in its opening weekend than Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee did combined in theirs.
Red Dead Redemption 2 remains at No.2 for the week ending December 8, while FIFA 19 drops two places to No.3. Below these, Battlefield V spends a third consecutive week at No.4 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe benefits from hardware bundling with Switch consoles and Smash Bros. to finish at No.5.
Three new entries hit the chart this week: Just Cause 4 debuts at No.6, PUBG's PS4 release helps it re-enter the ranking at No.22, and Sega Mega Drive Classics' Switch debut helps it break back in at No.33.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has been a critical success as much as a commercial one. Edmond Tran awarded the game a 9/10 in our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate review-in-progress, saying its "diverse content is compelling, its strong mechanics are refined, and the encompassing collection is simply superb."
You can read the full top 10 sales chart for this week below, courtesy of UKIE and GfK Chart-Track. Note this table does not include digital sales data, and so should not be considered representative of all UK game sales.
Stranger Things Season 3 is coming next year, and now, Netflix has announced the titles of all eight episodes in the upcoming season. Netflix hasn't shared much in the way of specific plot details on the third season, so these episode titles are almost all there is to go on.
Here they are:
Suzie, Do You Copy?
The Mall Rats
The Case Of The Missing Lifeguard
The Sauna Test
The Source
The Birthday
The Bite
The Battle Of Starcourt
Stranger Things Season 3 takes place in Summer 1985. Season 1 took place in 1983, with Season 2 beginning just before Halloween in 1984. Season 3 premieres on Netflix in April 2019
Stranger Things premiered in 2016, with Season 2 arriving in 2017. The wait for a new season now is the longest ever, and that might be the result of Season 3 having even more special effects.
Season 3's story emphasis is expected to shift away from Will. "We're going to give Will a break," producer Shawn Levy said previously. "We're not going to put Will through hell for a third season in a row. He'll be dealing with stuff, but he won't be at rock bottom the way we forced the amazing Noah [Schnapp] to play."
At least two new cast members are joining the show for Season 3, including Carey Elwes and Jake Busey. Busey will play Bruce, who is a "corrupt and sexist news reporter," while Elwes is Mayor Kline, a "slick and self-serving politician."
A 16-bit Stranger Things video game was announced at The Game Awards. Matt and Ross Duffer were on stage to premiere a new Stranger Things Season 3 game--you can re-watch that reveal below.
Capcom is trying something new on the business side for Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition. The publisher announced that the game is adding optional "sponsored content" on December 11, and it will come in the form of advertisements to tell you about the Capcom Pro Tour competitive gaming event, content bundles for the game, and extra costumes you can buy.
The ads will show up in "several locations" throughout the game, including loading screens, tournament stages, and even on characters themselves. Specifically, characters will now have a new "Ad Style" option that will display sponsored content on clothing or the character model itself. The ads on stages, meanwhile, will display sponsored content in clear sight. And the loading screen ads are exactly what they sound like; Capcom clarified that the loading screen with ads enabled won't be longer than when they're disabled.
An example of Capcom Pro Tour ads in Street Fighter V
The important thing here is that these ads are entirely optional. If you do decide to view the ads, you'll be rewarded with extra Fight Money (the game's currency) when you play Ranked and Casual matches. There is an upper limit on the Fight Money payouts, however, though Capcom did not say what it is.
Capcom's blog post suggests that the sponsored content functionality is switch on by default. It can be toggled off in the Battle Settings menu. You can choose to only see ads where you want them, too; so you could choose to only see the costume ads or the stage and loading screen ads. Go to Capcom's blog post to learn more.
As Gamasutra reminds us, advertisements in games is nothing new, but what's notable here is that Street Fighter V is not a free-to-play game. Still, it is not unprecedented for full price games to feature ads. EA's FIFA franchise displays well-known global brands on the sidelines. Additionally, back in 2008, Barack Obama's campaign spent money to buy ads in 18 different video games, and he eventually went on to win the Presidency that year.
An example of more ads in Street Fighter V stages
Most major video game publishers are looking at ways to make more money from games in new ways, and in-game advertising is just one of those ways, alongside microtransactions.
Ads in Street Fighter V launch on December 11, and it will interesting to see how players react. We also don't know yet what other gaming or non-gaming brands might sign up to put ads in Street Fighter V. Another question some may be asking is if Capcom is adding ads to Street Fighter V to make up for how it failed to reach Capcom's sales targets.
The game was originally released in 2016 for PS4 and PC, while the better-received Arc
After a long hiatus, Capcom is bringing the Devil May Cry series back to its core storyline and set of characters in serious style. Set for a worldwide release on March 8, 2019 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Devil May Cry 5 is the next major entry in the series, bringing back a sense of style and action that the series helped popularize since its debut in 2001. With multiple playable characters, new weapons systems, and a surprising number of callbacks to previous games, DMC5 looks to be the game that many long-time fans have been waiting for.
There's still much to learn about DMC5 and all of its new combat mechanics--including the new co-op mode that was revealed during the trailer at The Game Awards. There's been a lot to take in ever since its debut at E3 2018, so we've broken things down to a few key points of interest. Here's everything we know about Capcom's upcoming return to stylish-action with Devil May Cry 5.
Devil May Cry 5 is an upcoming action-adventure game. Developed by Capcom, the long-running DMC series has always been about fast, stylish action while using a variety of unique weapons. Over the last 16 years, the series has gone on to inspire a particular brand of action gameplay, where fast-paced action and challenging battles go hand-in-hand. With every game, the stakes and scope of the series has grown, and DMC5 looks to be the most detailed and elaborate entry yet.
DMC5 seeks to continue that tradition of stylish action by telling the next major story in the series. With three playable characters--Dante, Nero, and the newcomer V--you'll go through several missions slashing and shooting demons and other monsters. Running on the RE Engine, the same framework powering Resident Evil 7 and the Resident Evil 2 remake, the game will feature the most detailed and richly realized visuals the series has seen yet. According to the developers, DMC5 will be the biggest game in the franchise has seen yet, incorporating a number of new features and innovations into the core gameplay.
When Does It Release And How Can I Catch Up?
DMC5's release date on PC, PS4, and Xbox One is set for March 8, 2019. If you want to catch up and play the previous games, you can check out the DMC HD Collection compiling the first three games on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Also, DMC4 Special Edition is available on the same platforms and offers a updated take on original the game, while also adding in three additional characters to play as. DmC: Definitive Edition, an update of Ninja Theory's reboot, is also an excellent entry in the series. If you're interested in checking that out, the Definitive Edition is available on PS4 and Xbox One (no PC release, unfortunately).
The Reveal Trailer
After years of rumors and speculation, Devil May Cry 5 made its debut during Microsoft's E3 2018 press conference. The trailer began with an enigmatic voice-over talking over widespread carnage and bloodshed, with characters explaining that another demonic invasion has reached Earth. Afterward, we finally saw the return of Nero, riding around in his mobile headquarters with a neon blue Devil May Cry logo on the side. The trailer ended with a tease of Dante riding along on an strange, demonic motorcycle--giving a familiar smirk to the viewer.
Can I Start With This Game?
Though this game references storylines and characters from across the 16 year history, it's totally possible to jump straight into DMC5. Just like with previous games, there will be digest material to help you get up to speed. But more importantly, the game will work as a standalone title, and won't require you to know every single character and their relationships. With that said, the game's plot will make more of an impact if you're familiar with the series.
What's New In DMC5?
Though many details about DMC5 are still under wraps, the game focuses on offering the same thrilling moments of action--with some added twists. In addition to new weapons and tweaks to existing characters, and even an online co-op mode, DMC5 will also feature a new training level called the Void mode. In this practice area, which can be pulled up in between missions, you'll be sucked into a space that allows you to experiment with the different moves and weapons you have available for the three playable characters. Pulling from Capcom's wealth of experience from fighting games, you can apply a whole set of options to your sparring partner--adjusting AI, attack damage, and other options--allowing you to get a feel for what your character can do.
How Does Nero Play?
Returning from DMC4, Nero is one of the main leads in DMC5. However, some things have changed since his first appearance that was quickly apparent from watching the debut trailer. For starters, his primary moveset is largely the same, using his Blue Rose revolver and Red Queen sword in tandem, which can charged up for extra damage. However, the Devil Bringer from the previous game--allowing him to yank and grapple enemies from afar--is gone, and he'll now have to rely on the new Devil Breaker system.
Crafted by series newcomer Nico, who works as a shopkeeper in their mobile headquarters, you'll be able to purchase upgrades and new items from her--including new Devil Breakers. Essentially, Devil Breakers are disposable arms that offer Nero different skills and modifiers to his moveset. For instance, the Gerbera arm will allow Nero to fire off projectile lasers, the Tomboy will amplify Nero's sword and gun strength (at the cost of disabling lock-on), and the Buster Arm will function similarly to his original Devil Bringer. However, there is a tradeoff to having these weapons. The prosthetic arms are extremely fragile and will break once you've taken enough damage from enemies or if you want to switch over to another weapon--destroying the equipped arm. However, there are plenty of arms scattered around the levels, allowing to find a new one fairly easily.
Where Does DMC5 Fit In The Series Timeline?
Devil May Cry 5 is a direct sequel to the events of DMC4, which saw Nero and Dante face off against Sanctus and the Order of Sparda. While the previous games only seldom referenced past events, opting to keep things more in the moment, DMC5 will have some direct callbacks to the other games--even explaining who crafted Dante's iconic weapons. Interestingly enough, Devil May Cry 2 will also play into the canon despite having been largely dismissed by fans and the developers in past years. Here's the current chronological order for the series.
DMC5 is a continuation of the story prior to Ninja Theory's reboot. Though DmC: Devil May Cry ended at a point that hinted at a another game, the upcoming DMC title is a direct sequel to 2008's Devil May Cry 4. There are no plans to continue on with Ninja Theory's reboot.
The Gamescom 2018 Trailer
In this new trailer, we got to see more of Nero in action--including his time-stopping devil breaker Ragtime--while also getting a peak at Dante's new weapons and moveset. During the debut trailer, we saw Dante riding a motorcycle, which is a constant throughout the series, but this trailer revealed that it also serves a new weapon for him, called the Cavaliere-B. The weaponized motorcycle turns into two large chainsaws, allowing him to combo back and forth into the vehicle and melee forms.
Is There A Demo?
Yes, the demo for DMC5 is out now on Xbox One. This demo, the same build from Gamescom 2018 and PAX West 2018, is a short mission with Nero fighting his way through the streets, culminating in a boss fight against Goliath. Unfortunately, it's only available at this time on Xbox One as an exclusive. However, in the months leading up to the release, a second demo will be made available for fans on multiple platforms.
How Does Co-Op Play Work?
Revealed during The Game Awards 2018, DMC5 features a new mechanic called the Cameo System, allowing players to team up online. Interestingly enough, this is the second time that co-op has appeared in the series--the first appearance being in Devil May Cry 3 during a particular boss battle. Throughout the campaign, certain stages will allow for players to choose from multiple character to play as. If you're online, then you'll load into the same stage with another player who's picked a different character, allowing you to complete the level together. After the level's completion, you can even rate the style of their performance. If you're offline, then the game's AI will control the other characters instead.
How Does Dante Play?
The original devil hunter makes a comeback, and he's exactly how you remember him from previous games. With the largest arsenal of weapons, Dante will be able to swap between a variety of swords, gauntlets, and other firearms on the fly--all while taking advantage of different combat styles and his signature devil trigger, which greatly amplifies his core damage and restores any lost health. After defeating major bosses throughout the game, Dante will acquire a new weapon for him to take advantage of, adding another deadly tool to his set.
One of the newer innovations for Dante is the option to customize specific loadouts for his melee and firearms. In the pre-mission menu, you can choose which weapons you want to bring with you in mission. If you want to come in fully armed--with up to four melee and firearms each--then you can do so. But if you're feeling more traditional and want to stick with one melee and firearm, you can do that too. Dante will also be able to use his different combat styles--Swordmaster, Gunslinger, Trickster, and Royal Guard--which can open up new moves to use for his weapons.
Are There Microtransactions?
During TGS 2018, we learned from our demo that DMC5 will feature a form of microtransactions for players to take advantage of. Using a similar method from Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition, these purchases will only allow you access to Red Orbs--DMC's currency--and they won't throw the game's balance out of whack, according to Capcom. Many of the major abilities and upgrades you can find are tied to the story, thus requiring you to earn access to them.
Will There Be Post-Launch Updates?
During the recent news drop during The Game Awards 2018, Capcom revealed plans to release the game's survival mode Bloody Palace the month after launch. Since DMC2, Bloody Palace has been one of the game's toughest challenges, pushing players to fight through 100 floors of enemies. During certain milestones after completing 10 or so floors, you'll face off against a returning boss from the campaign. At launch, the Bloody Palace won't be available, arriving as a free update in April 2019.
The TGS 2018 Trailer
At TGS 2018, Capcom released a new trailer revealing more of Dante and Nero's respective movesets and weapons. The original devil hunter also shows off a brand-new weapon known as the Balrog. This close-range, brawler-focused weapon features two distinct fighting modes channeling punches and kicks. At the end of the trailer, we also got another tease of the elusive third playable character referred to as V.
How Does V Play?
During the reveal of the new trailer at The Game Awards 2018, we finally saw gameplay of DMC5's new playable character V in action. In a stark contrast from Dante and Nero, V's combat skills focus primarily on his demonic familiars--returning DMC1 monsters Shadow, Griffon, and Nightmare. In the gameplay footage, we saw the character summon demons to fight against, with him staying at a distance as the beasts conjure up spikes, strike at close-range, and fire large energy beams against the enemies.
However when it comes down to it, V is still capable of fighting at close-range. With his cane, he can finish off weakened demons and mount some of the larger beasts as well. Also, V is capable of using several fake out teleport attacks to lure enemies in to strike them from behind. This character is certainly a big change from the others, and it'll be interesting to see just how different his moveset becomes when he gains additional moves and abilities.
The Game Awards 2018 Trailer
During The Game Awards, we saw a brand new trailer revealing more of DMC5's plot and trio of characters. Facing off against the big bad--a powerful demon named Urizen--Dante, Nero, Lady, and Trish seemed to have met their match. Dante himself even has his trusty sword, the Rebellion, shattered in the conflict. Throughout the trailer, we got to see plenty of action between the different playable characters--including V, who made his gameplay debut. Throughout the footage, we got to see V's particular combat style in action, focusing more on ranged combat and having his demonic familiars do his bidding. We also saw new footage of Dante's new firearm known as the Faust. Not letting up on the style, this weapon is demonic cowboy hat that uses red orbs as ammo--allowing you to cash in to summon meteors and other dangerous projectiles.
Is There A Special Edition?
Capcom plans to offer deluxe editions of Devil May Cry 5 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The Digital Deluxe Edition (priced at $80) comes with the full game, four unique Devil Breakers for Nero--including Mega Man's mega-buster--DLC song packs, and alternate color-schemes for characters and weapons. The US will also get a special Collector's Edition ($150) that comes with the Deluxe version, an artbook, enamel pins, a bumper sticker, and special model of the Nico's motorhome. You can read more about these in our DMC5 pre-order guide.
However, if you're looking for the ultimate way to experience Devil May Cry 5, then you may to check out the Japan-only Limited Edition. Cost upwards of $8600, this edition comes with the deluxe edition and a replica leather jacket modeled after Dante's threads in-game. If you're a die-hard fan that won't miss spending several thousand dollars for video-game memorabilia, then you want to invest in this edition of the game.
Another major pop singer is coming to Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Square Enix has announced that the "Firework" singer will arrive in the mobile game starting December 12.
Perry agreed to give her likeness to the game, where she'll appear as multiple playable characters starting later this week. She'll only be in the game for a limited time.
Not only that, but Perry wrote a new song, "Immortal Flame," for Brave Exvius, and you can watch a strange video for that song in the embed below.
Perry is just the latest famous pop singer to lend her likeness to Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. In 2017, the mega-star Ariana Grande appeared in the game for a limited time. She also worked on a remix of her song "Touch It" for the game.
We can only imaging which pop star will come to Final Fantasy Brave Exvius next. The game was originally released in 2016 for iOS and Android. It's been downloaded more than 9 million times, though Grande and now Perry's involvement will surely help that figure grow.
You can download Final Fantasy Brave Exvius through the links below:
V1 Interactive, the studio founded by Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto, has revealed a first look at the team's new game. As posted on the developer's website, the image shows a city/settlement that has presumably seen better days.
The image's caption says that the picture shows just a "glimpse into a small corner of the larger world we're building." More information about V1's untitled game will be revealed "soon," the developer said. "We've still got some miles to tread before we can pull the curtain all the way back, so stay tuned!"
The image apparently contains some clues and mysteries. Someone zoomed in on a creature walking on the fallen structure on the right-hand side of the image, and Lehto--presumably joking--said this is the protagonist from the game.
Whatever this game is, it will be published by Private Division, which is the newly established independent games label run by Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto parent company Take-Two. Private Division is also publishing The Outer Worlds, which is the intriguing-looking sci-fi RPG from the Microsoft-owned Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian, along with the super-ambitious PC and console game Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey from Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Desilets.
Another co-creator of the Halo universe, Alex Seropian, is working on a new game as well. Seropian's studio, Industrial Toys, was acquired by Electronic Arts, and CFO Blake Jorgensen said the project is "innovative." But it's probably not launching soon.
What do you make of the first image from V1's new game? It's giving me some Destiny vibes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The newest Farming Simulator game got off to a strong start. Farming Simulator 19 sold more than 1 million combined physical and digital copies over its first 10 days, it was announced today. A press release points out that the success is particularly notable given that Farming Simulator 19's release date--November 20--came amid a busy season for blockbuster releases.
1 million copies sold in 10 days represents a new franchise sales record, according the CEO of developer Giants Software, Christian Amman. "It's incredible to see the impact of the team's hard work. Farming Simulator 19 offers so many new opportunities and our players are thrilled about them. Never before has a Farming Simulator game reached the one million mark so quickly and we are proud and happy that so many players join us on this amazing journey."
Publisher Focus Home Interactive COO John Bert added that the company is "extremely proud" of Giants Software, adding that the new sales milestone reflects the game's commitment to quality. Farming Simulator 19 boasts a "mostly positive" aggregate review score on Steam after more than 4,500 reviews.
New for the 2019 edition of Farming Simulator was a "complete overhaul" of the game's graphics engine, which Giants Software says delivers the "most striking and immersive visuals and effects." The game also adds a major new license in John Deere, along with a number of new locations in America and Europe to create and expand a farm. The game also adds rideable horses for the first time.
Farming Simulator 19 is out now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
The brand-new trailer for Avengers: Endgame was unsurprisingly very popular. The video, which was released on Friday morning, become the "most-viewed trailer in history." It picked up 289 million views in its first 24 hours across all channels.
That is well ahead of Avengers: Infinity War's first trailer, which tallied 230 million views over its first day earlier this year. It's yet another success for Disney, which owns Marvel, as the media giant's new trailer Lion King picked up 224.6 million first-day views just recently.
To the greatest fans in the world, thank you for being there from the beginning til the endgame and making Marvel Studios' #AvengersEndgame the most viewed trailer in history with 289M views in 24 hours! pic.twitter.com/WqWRzENmI1
The new Avengers trailer came after what fans thought was a long wait, even though Disney/Marvel never said when the trailer might arrive. The new trailer confirmed the movie's name, Endgame, a title that makes a lot of sense given what is expected to happen after the dramatic, cliff-hanger ending of Infinity War.
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