Game Rant - Editorial

My Hero Academia 397: What To Expect From The Chapter

Rei Penber — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:30:25 GMT

My Hero Academia marked its return with chapter 396 and kicked off the fight between All Might and All For One in quite some style. However, right now, all eyes are on My Hero Academia chapter 397 because fans are obsessed with how good the previous chapter was and they want to see this incredible Clash of the Titans continue.

Destiny 2's The Final Shape Raid is in a Rough Spot in One Key Area

Andrea Trama — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 21:30:23 GMT

Destiny 2 is still gripped by its Lightfall era, with two seasons left to go before The Final Shape expansion drops, and Season of the Deep being a few weeks away from the finish line. Even though Season of the Deep's lore fixed most of what was wrong with the Lightfall expansion, Season 22 will likely equally important in many ways, as Bungie has already teased that it will revolve around resurrecting Savathun and working with her. Season 22 will also entail the return of another Raid from the franchise's past, and while that is going to be a challenge for Bungie in many ways, the ultimate test is the one that The Final Shape's Raid will have to endure.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is Time for One Darkspawn Question to be Answered

Trey Griffeth — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 21:15:23 GMT

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has been in the works for nearly nine years and left fans with more than a few burning questions. The various endings for the previous game were satisfying in their own right but also set up a lot for the sequel. There is one question from Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf needs to resolve.

Jujutsu Kaisen 232: What To Expect From The Chapter

Rei Penber — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 21:14:23 GMT

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 231 dropped recently and it finally saw the fight between Sukuna and Gojo Satoru progress towards its climax. For the longest time, this fight has been moving back and forth without any solid indication as to who is going to emerge victorious. While that hasn't changed, the fight is finally starting to move towards its end, as was confirmed by both Satoru and Sukuna themselves and that is something Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 232 could focus on more.

How Baldur's Gate 3's Way of the Open Hand Makes the Monk Feel Unstoppable

Andrea Gonzalez — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 21:00:25 GMT

Monks in Baldur's Gate 3 are an interesting class to play as because while their focus is on getting into the thick of the action to deliver some devastating blows to enemies, they do not wear any armor. This means that as fun as they can be to play, they are not among Baldur's Gate 3's beginner-friendly classes.

Why Cyberpunk 2077's Corpo Path is its Most Satisfying

Trey Griffeth — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:46:24 GMT

While the release of Cyberpunk 2077 may have been botched, later patches allowed players to have a more satisfying adventure throughout Night City. The game offers many paths for gamers to take and the amount of content that can be found feels nearly limitless. However, one Cyberpunk 2077 route, in particular, is more satisfying than the others.

Immortals of Aveum: What is a Triarch Magnus, Explained

Brie Hoban — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:31:25 GMT

Immortals of Aveum is one of August 2023's most anticipated titles. Immortals of Aveum features first-person, magic-based combat, and a narrative that CEO and game director of Ascendant Studios, Bret Robbins, describes as a mixture of Doom, BioShock, and God of War. Players will take on the role of Jak, a battlemage fighting in humanity's conflict over the control of Aveum's magic. However, Jak is unlike other battle mages, as he boasts the title of Triarch Magnus. Within the world of Aveum, magic is divided into colors, and individuals are given titles based on the number of colors that they can access. As a Triarch Magnus, Jak is the rarest breed of magic wielder, and this depth of ability sees both him and the player forced into the title's conflict against their will.

Pokemon Gen 10 Should Learn a Valuable Lesson From Scarlet and Violet, Diablo 4

Andrea Trama — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:19:36 GMT

Pokemon games have gone a long way when it comes to improving and even drastically changing the core formula of the franchise, with Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet being prime examples of this for different reasons. One of the biggest outliers in terms of features for Gen 9 was the fact that it broke a massive Pokemon tradition with tall grass, as random encounters are entirely gone from the title and replaced with overworld spawns. Yet, Pokemon Sword and Shield first and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet later, as well as Diablo 4 more recently, all prove that Gen 10 games need to go one extra mile to make the open-world experience the best it can be.

Flying Dragon Agheel is a Perfect Introduction to Elden Ring’s Many Dragon-type Bosses

Jared Carvalho — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:15:24 GMT

The presence of dragons have been a long-running tradition among FromSoftware's boss roster, with Elden Ring being no exception thanks to the inclusion of enemies like Flying Dragon Agheel. However, while this enemy type is a common trope for the developer, the most recent outing of them outshines many of the previous attempts to make compelling dragon boss designs by FromSoftware right from the beginning.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Continues One Annoying PC Gaming Trend

Max Borman — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:00:27 GMT

Baldur's Gate 3 has finally left early access and it has not disappointed RPG fans. Players everywhere are calling it one of the best RPGs ever made, and they will likely be lost in its fantasy world for years to come. It is very impressive what Larian Studios has been able to pull off, and hopefully this is just the start of what is to come. While that all sounds fantastic, Baldur's Gate 3 also adopted a troubling PC gaming trend.

World of Warcraft’s Trial of Style Is More Than Just a Competition

Kelly Schmidt — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:35:20 GMT

World of Warcraft entertains its players with a constant stream of in-game events, many of which pop up only a few times a year. One such recurring holiday is called the Trial of Style and gives players a way to relax and try something different. However, World of Warcraft’s transmog mini-event is hiding great rewards players might not know about.

Cosmetics Should Not Be The Only MW2 Content That Carries Over To Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Christopher Castellaw — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:30:25 GMT

Following months of speculation, gamers finally received word earlier this week that a reveal of what’s believed to be a Sledgehammer Games-led Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is coming next week. Whatever gameplay is shown as part of the Modern Warfare 3 reveal is sure to grab headlines, but some fans of the franchise’s most recent entry might be more interested in learning what Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 content will transfer to the sequel. Even though it’s very likely that players will be able to transfer cosmetic purchases from Modern Warfare 2 into the new game, the same can’t safely be said for other customization options.

Console Exclusivity Will Have to Face the Reaper Sooner or Later

Max Borman — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:19:42 GMT

Platform exclusivity between PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch has been a major driving force in the gaming industry since some of the earliest consoles. Games like Marvel's Spider-Man and The Last of Us gave players a reason to buy a PlayStation while hits like Halo and Gears of War drew players to an Xbox. These not only helped prop up their respective systems but also gave fans unique and exciting experiences to check out no matter where they chose to play their games. This model has become the primary focus of these studios for years, but times may soon be changing.

One Piece 1090: What To Expect From The Chapter

Rei Penber — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:01:28 GMT

With the Siege of Egghead Island having finally begun, all fans are currently looking at One Piece chapter 1090 and hoping for the Egghead Incident to finally kick start. One Piece chapter 1089 was pivotal in delivering a proper setup for what is to come. Not only did fans get to see the reaction to the news about both Luffy and Garp all over the world but, at the same time, the aftermath of the usage of the Motherflame was also revealed.

Venom Has a Few Obvious Paths for Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Liam Ferguson — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:01:27 GMT

The launch of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 approaches, and marketing has ramped up to prepare for it. By this point, what seems to be all the central figures in the game have been revealed, with any major unknowns being well-hidden. Peter Parker and Miles Morales return in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 as cooperating Spider-Men, pooling their efforts and allies to pull through rough spots in both of their lives. Unfortunately, things will only get more complicated with the appearance of Kraven the Hunter and Venom on top of New York City's many other active villains and vigilantes.

One Comic Book Storyline Would Give Yuri Lowenthal an Interesting Challenge in Marvel’s Spider-Man 3

Jared Stewart — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:00:15 GMT

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, as a sequel, has many expectations to meet or exceed. Insomniac has already drawn criticisms for swapping Peter’s face model in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, for example, with that same criticism being pointed toward Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s Mary Jane despite her face model not having changed. The actual story and gameplay of the sequel is not drawing criticism, though, and instead fans are excited to see how narrative events will affect its core characters, such as how the symbiote is clearly affecting Peter’s tone in dialogue.

One God of War Ragnarok Character Needs More Time to Shine in The Next Game

Gozie Ibekwe — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 18:30:25 GMT

God of War: Ragnarok has its fair share of headline acts, from the fan-favorite Kratos to the All-Father of Norse mythology, Odin. In light of the chaos of Fimbulwinter and starry cast members, it is easy for other quality contributors to get lost in the frenzy that envelopes the fantasy world. One such character is the official of Svartalfheim, Durlin, a dwarf with particularly intriguing lore and a marvel of visual design. Consigned to a small role in the events of Santa Monica's flagship blockbuster release, Durlin impressed gamers with his tenacity and backstory, and his persona is worth expanding on in God of War's next installment.

Dual-Wielding Crossbows is One of Baldur's Gate 3's Most Welcome Surprises

Andrea Gonzalez — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 18:02:24 GMT

Baldur's Gate 3 offers many weapon types and spells that players can use to overcome any adversary, many of which are standard to a fantasy setting. This includes many ranged options, including fireballs and longbows, but one type of physical ranged attack stands out as one of Baldur's Gate 3's most pleasant surprises.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 231: The Climax Of Satoru Vs Sukuna

Rei Penber — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:30:26 GMT

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen 230, "Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 9" by Gege Akutami, translated by John Werry, and Lettered by Snir Aharon, available in English from MangaPlus.

Diablo 4 Shot Itself in the Foot by Changing One Key Launch Feature

Andrea Trama — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:30:25 GMT

When it first launched in early access and then worldwide just a few days later, Diablo 4 was largely praised for its gameplay loop, how fun and engaging its ARPG features were, and how much of a breath of fresh air it was overall, especially coming from Blizzard. However, fans' reception has changed massively since then, and one of the main culprits is Diablo 4's first season, which not only undermined some of the core conceits that made fans happy, but also introduced little incentive to play seasonal characters instead of Eternal Realm ones. The patch did a lot of damage to the game's reputation and player morale, but one of the worst outcomes was that a key launch feature was gutted.

My Hero Academia Chapter 396: All Might Vs Fate

Rei Penber — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:01:28 GMT

Warning: The following contains spoilers for My Hero Academia Chapter 396, "A Quirkless Fight," by Kohei Horikoshi, translated by Caleb Cook, and Lettered by John Hunt, available in English from Viz Media.

What Boss Fights In an Egyptian God of War Game Could Look Like

Drew Swanson — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:01:27 GMT

With God of War Ragnarok capping off the series' Norse saga, many fans have started speculating about what mythology the next game could feature. Among the most popular choices is Egyptian mythology as it would be closely linked to Kratos' home of Greece and is the source of a wide variety of gods that could make for potential foes. It will be hard for this next title to top some of the boss fights from God of War Ragnarok, but the pantheon of Egyptian gods could hold the potential for some new and innovative boss mechanics.

One Piece 1089: Return To Egghead

Rei Penber — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:30:26 GMT

Warning: The following contains spoilers for chapter 1089 of One Piece, "Under Siege," by Eiichiro Oda, translated by Stephen Paul, and lettered by Vanessa Satone, now available in English from MangaPlus.

Overwatch 2's Season 6 Balance Changes Are a Step in The Right Direction

Jake Selway — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:00:27 GMT

The heavily anticipated Season 6 of Overwatch 2 is set to launch on August 10, bringing with it a new wave of content for fans to sink their teeth into. As well as introducing a new support hero and fresh game modes, Season 6 thankfully comes with balance changes that should improve the health of the title.

A Resident Evil 5 Remake Could Change a Moment Fans Have Made Fun of For Years

Jake Selway — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:31:24 GMT

A potential remake for Resident Evil 5 seems as likely as it ever has been. With the title originally releasing in 2009 and involving a spate of iconic characters that are relevant to this day, a remake of the game could be a massive hit with fans.

Fortnite is Missing One Big Cosmetic Opportunity

Martin Wood — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:00:27 GMT

While Fortnite has always led with strong superhero representation, it's time that Epic Games opens the door for other comic book characters beyond Marvel and DC to add to its ever-expanding range of player cosmetic items. Given that both Marvel and DC are two of the best-known comic publishers, it was virtually inevitable that Fortnite would have added Outfits, Pickaxes, Gliders, and more cosmetics based on its classic superheroes. But with the entertainment landscape changing for superhero content, Epic Games needs to ensure it adapts along with it by partnering with then-lesser-known comic books and their recent successful adaptations.

Why Assassin's Creed Hexe is Perhaps the Most Interesting of All Upcoming AC Games

Cameron Swan — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:30:24 GMT

At the start of the year, Ubisoft delayed its infamous pirate game Skull and Bones once again, and soon after, it was reported that the publisher had axed a slew of in-development projects. It's no secret that Ubisoft's recent output hasn't been bringing in the same revenue the company is used to, and in an attempt to course correct, the publisher is doing some extreme reallocation of resources, choosing to pump most of its studios into its biggest franchises. And of course, one of Ubisoft's hottest IPs is Assassin's Creed.

Xbox Game Pass is Passing Up a Golden Opportunity This August

Cameron Swan — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:00:26 GMT

The last month or two have been great reminders of why Xbox Game Pass is a service worth subscribing to. While the first half of 2023 has been jam-packed with huge video game releases, all vying for gamers' attention at the same time, and the second half looks as though it's going to be doing the same, this middle Summer period is rather quiet, and it's moments like these where Xbox Game Pass really shines.

Why Fallout 76's Fog Crawlers Could Remain Exclusive to It

Devin Ellis Friend — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 13:00:26 GMT

Fog Crawlers were a frightening sight in Fallout 76, but there's a good chance that they will remain restricted to that game. While Fallout 76 managed to introduce a fair amount of concepts that could get a second shot elsewhere in the series, one of its more unique monsters may not have the same opportunity. That's not due to a lack of creativity or quality, of course. Fog Crawlers are awfully striking creatures that make for interesting encounters in-game. The issue lies less with the creatures themselves and more with the various details surrounding its existence.

How The Sims 4's Horse Ranch DLC Compares to Red Dead Redemption 2

Gozie Ibekwe — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 12:30:22 GMT

Animals play a dominant role in flagship RPGs as companions, from the all-seeing eagles of the Assassin's Creed franchise to Epona from The Legend of Zelda, and each franchise assigns varying levels of importance to these creatures. Horses are proud and majestic beings, and they form an essential component of traversal mechanics in most open-world games like Elden Ring. These animals typically require some form of care or upgrade as players progress through playthroughs since the companion gives the advantage of speedy travel and mounted combat in fighting titles. In The Sims 4 Horse Ranch DLC, enjoyers of the pioneer life simulator finally got access to the equine majesty, and the way Maxis lets players care for their mounts is comparable to that of Red Dead Redemption 2.

Starfield is a New Beginning for Bethesda

Cameron Swan — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 12:00:29 GMT

Having been in the game since the mid-1980s, Bethesda is one of the longest-running high-profile Western developers out there, and the studio has only continued to grow in popularity over the last three decades. Getting its start with sports titles like Wayne Gretzky Hockey, Bethesda would go on to reach mainstream popularity with its The Elder Scrolls series, which began all the way back in 1994. The rest is history, and now Bethesda is one of the most renowned developers in the industry, with its next major AAA project, Starfield, dropping in just over a month.

Resident Evil 5's Remake Can Give One Character The Carlos Treatment

Brie Hoban — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:30:24 GMT

The Resident Evil franchise has been terrifying fans since the 1990s, and its modern remakes have introduced a new generation of fans to some of gaming's most influential horror titles. In addition to updating Resident Evil classics for a new era with pristine graphics and modern action-shooter controls, the RE Remakes have opened the door to more complex and emotional portrayals of their characters. Following the release of Resident Evil 4 Remake earlier this year, fans are expecting Resident Evil 5 Remake to be the next modern remake to be announced. If so, Resident Evil 5 Remake has the opportunity to give another core character the "Carlos Treatment", dramatically improving their depiction and impact on the Resident Evil mythos.

Hades 2 Needs to Break Its Silence Soon

William Arthur Carter — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:00:25 GMT

It can be a monumental effort to create and release a quality indie game, let alone one that can stand alongside some of the best in the business. Hades accomplished this, and while it was the property of Supergiant, which is beloved in the industry, the small team and development cycle meant it was a surprise to see it win plenty of Game of the Year Awards over the likes of The Last of Us 2, Ghost of Tsushima, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It's infinitely replayable by design, but that didn't stop the developer from crafting a sequel, the aptly-titled Hades 2.

How Baraka's New Character Bio and Look in Mortal Kombat 1 Can Impact the Game's Narrative

Cameron Swan — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:00:25 GMT

Mortal Kombat 1 is taking the long-running fighting game franchise in some bold new directions, and for the most part, fans are really looking forward to seeing how everything shakes down. Following on from the end of Mortal Kombat 11's Aftermath DLC, Fire God Liu Kang has created his own "perfect" universe, reviving all of his lost friends in the process. But while familiar faces like Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, and Johnny Cage are all present in Liu Kang's new universe, they're not quite the same characters they once were.

Destiny 2's Gambit Updates Sound a Lot Like a Swan Song

Andrea Trama — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 01:01:24 GMT

Destiny 2's Season of the Deep is about to end after a successful run that managed to rectify several issues with the Lightfall campaign, and Bungie is preparing to host a massive showcase at the end of the month that will detail both Season 22 and The Final Shape expansion. Ahead of this showcase, however, Bungie released a Destiny 2 State of the Game post to address some pain points, upcoming changes, and the many challenges the team is facing. Of all the problems with the game right now, Destiny 2 players are upset that Bungie failed to properly address those concerning PvP and Gambit, with the latter getting the even shorter end of the stick.

Why Sojourn's "Calling" Is an Exciting Shift For Overwatch 2's Animated Shorts

Richard Warren — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 00:47:46 GMT

Overwatch 2 fans have been waiting quite some time for a new animated short, with several months having passed since Kiriko got her time in the spotlight. Fortunately, the wait is always worth it, as the level of polish, storytelling, and character development within the animated shorts has yet to disappoint. Sojourn’s “Calling” short is another success, and intriguingly, it ends on a cliffhanger that will be followed up on via in-game Overwatch 2 story missions - a first for the series.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Fans May Want to Keep Their Eye on Humble Bundle

Max Borman — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 00:30:22 GMT

It seems like Baldur's Gate 3 has been a hit with RPG fans so far, and some are even calling it one of the best RPGs ever made. Larian Studios was able to craft such an exciting experience that truly gives players the freedom to tell the story they want to tell. That has not only set a high bar for future fantasy games but has also helped cement Baldur's Gate as a massive IP that will likely not go anywhere anytime soon, and Humble Bundle seems to have noticed the hype.

The Next Batman Series Should Take an Earth One Approach

Tessandra Zoe Smith — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 00:00:25 GMT

Batman: Arkham Asylum and its sequels gave fans of Bruce Wayne and his superhero alter ego a deeply faithful vision of what a Batman game could be. It stuck to the source material closely while leaning into its darkness. The series balanced its dark atmosphere with fast-paced combat that maintained a larger than life comic book feel. The Arkham series nailed what it set out to do and contains some of the most memorable moments of the Batman franchise, so instead of setting out to do it again, the next series of Batman games needs to go its own way; it ought to take some notes from Batman: Earth One.

Anime and Soulslike Fans May Want to Check Out Little Witch Nobeta

Gozie Ibekwe — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 23:30:22 GMT

At first glance, the worlds of Soulslike games and anime seemingly lack any points of intersection, but Little Witch Nobeta bridges the gap with an unexpected crossover between Japanese culture and the dark-themed genre. Developer Pupuya Games combines the aesthetic of a magic girl with the dark setting in a third-person shooter RPG, and this union gives players a distinctive gaming experience. Little Witch Nobeta features an anime-inspired cast and action-centric gameplay, delivering a refreshing take on the gloomy scenery in a change of pace from the dark themes that have propelled Souls games to stardom. With gleaming reviews from its player base and critics alike, Little Witch Nobeta has something to offer lovers of anime and the Soulslike genre, and both sets of fans should check out the 3D action shooter.

The Epic Games Store Free Games for August 10 Show Different Sides of Humanity

Zackari Greif — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 23:00:26 GMT

It's become a weekly tradition for Epic Games Store players that each week on Thursday, they check the "free games" part of the website to see what titles are available to add to their libraries at no extra charge while also planning for what's yet to come. Just like the week before, and the week before that, the games for August 3 are free to snag and the Epic Games Store titles available on August 10 have been announced alongside them.

The Argument For a Matchmaking Feature in Diablo 4

Anthony Bussing — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 22:30:22 GMT

Given how beneficial it is to play Diablo 4 in co-op, Blizzard should strongly consider how some form of a matchmaking feature could benefit the player base by providing solo players extra assistance and benefits. The grind to reach max level and complete the Paragon Point Boards in Diablo 4 is an extremely long journey, and playing with a party is a great way to help alleviate the grind that some players may be missing out on.

If Clive Appears in Kingdom Hearts 4, Square Enix Has to Get One Thing Right

Jared Carvalho — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 22:00:26 GMT

Many players are hopeful that Kingdom Hearts 4 will not only return to including more classic Final Fantasy characters in the way that previous titles had. However, with the success of Final Fantasy 16, even more players are hopeful that the new protagonist Clive will make an appearance in the next title to fight alongside Sora and his friends.

Death Stranding 2 Should Take More of a Show, Not Tell Approach

Jared Carvalho — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 21:30:23 GMT

The atmosphere and world of the original Death Stranding are one of the game's most prominent features, but the exposition-heavy storytelling could be improved on in Death Stranding 2. With a new storyline that hopefully doesn't take so much emphasis on revealing the secrets of the past, the more in-the-moment storyline and the outlook to the future have more opportunities for the Death Stranding story to be shown rather than being told.

GTA Online's Vapid Liberator Shouldn't be a FOMO Indicator

Devin Ellis Friend — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 21:00:26 GMT

Grand Theft Auto Online's Vapid Liberator is in danger of being an icon of the FOMO mentality in gaming. While it's one of the game's more striking vehicles, its scarcity may be overshadowing its performance. While its appearances have become something of a tradition for Grand Theft Auto Online, it could be treated better than it currently is. As it stands, the Liberator is an impressive truck that suffers greatly from the restrictions that players have to face in acquiring one. Despite how cool it is, it's a stern reminder of a worrisome trait of modern gaming.

One Piece: What To Expect From The Egghead Incident

Rei Penber — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 21:00:25 GMT

One Piece's Egghead Island arc is currently reaching its climax and fans are very excited for the story to unfold from here onwards. The Egghead Island arc spanned all over the New World and gave fans different points of view, focusing quite a bit on all power factions in the world. Fans got to see quite a bit of the Revolutionary Army, thanks to Sabo and Dragon, some major fights involving the Worst Generation, thanks to Kid and Law, and even the Marines in action, thanks to Garp.

Predicting A Pokemon Legends Kanto's Starters

Drew Swanson — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 20:00:26 GMT

A sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus is all but confirmed after the success of the title breathed new life into the series' formula. While recent rumors point towards this Pokemon Legends: Arceus follow-up taking place in a past version of the Unova Region, it could head somewhere more iconic. A Pokemon Legends game set in Kanto's past seems like a no-brainer given the popular status of Gen 1 among fans, and it would give players a chance to explore the region with a brand-new set of starters.

Fallout 4 Vault Tier List

Gozie Ibekwe — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 19:30:23 GMT

The people of Fallout showcase the indomitable human spirit through their stubborn survival in a barren land. The hardships are brutal in the years following the world's nuclear conflict, and only the strong survive in Fallout 4's Commonwealth. As humanity raced towards its doom, Vault-Tec Corporation constructed livable vaults it claimed were for citizens to ride out the inevitable nuclear storm that loomed. However, as Fallout 2 revealed, the company had much more sinister plans in mind, carrying out all sorts of cruel experiments on the residents of its vaults. There are quite a few of these chambers in the Fallout franchise, and Fallout 4's vaults can be ranked based on their depth.

More Games Should Follow Baldur’s Gate 3’s Pre-order Model

Max Borman — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 19:00:25 GMT

After months of anticipation, Baldur's Gate 3 has finally arrived, and it has quickly become one of the best RPGs around. Almost everything in it feels satisfying to play, and it may be the perfect treat for Dungeons and Dragons fans. It is made even better by the fact that Larian Studios seems to be listening and celebrating its fans, and Baldur's Gate 3's pre-order bonus makes that abundantly clear.

Persona 5 Tactica and Other Major Tactical RPGs Coming Out in 2023

Nickolas Davis — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 18:31:23 GMT

Persona 5 Tactica is set to come out later this year to the joy of many tactical RPG fans out there who have been waiting on a new Persona or Shin Megami Tensei game in this genre. There are a number of other games in the tactical RPG genre coming out in the near future along with Persona 5 Tactica for everyone who can't get enough of the strategy and battling that comes with this style of gaming.

What to Expect From Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's MW2/Warzone Reveal

Cameron Swan — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 18:00:25 GMT

Despite rumblings at the start of the year that 2023 would be the first break in a nearly two-decade-long tradition, Call of Duty is definitely getting a new entry this year, and it seems as though all the recent leaks are true. Over the last few months, renowned Call of Duty leakers have taken to the internet to spread a plethora of rumors, all pointing to 2023's Call of Duty being Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, a direct continuation of last year's Modern Warfare 2. And with both Sledgehammer Games—the studio allegedly working on the sequel—and Activision posting tongue-in-cheek teases, it does seem as though this year's entry will in fact be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and a reveal might be right around the corner.

Why Civilization 7 Should Launch with an Accelerated Time Feature

Christopher Castellaw — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 17:31:32 GMT

Ever since the announcement that Firaxis Games had begun work on Civilization 7, fans of the franchise have speculated about what’s next for the strategy series. While it’s safe to assume that there will be a slew of new features in Civilization 7 whenever the game arrives, to keep the franchise feeling fresh, Firaxis needs to ensure that one long-overdue quality-of-life feature makes the final cut. Although the slow, methodical gameplay is what has kept some fans coming back for over 30 years, Civilization 7 needs to finally give players the option to enjoy the game at their own pace by adding an accelerated time feature.

How Hades 2 Is Expanding the Theme of Fatherhood

Cameron Swan — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 17:00:24 GMT

Themes are an integral part of storytelling, no matter the medium. Whether it's a TV show, movie, comic book, or video game, any story needs to have at least one central theme that the character's journey revolves around. This theme can be just about anything, from themes of revenge to love to acceptance to sadness, and as long as at least one theme is there, a story will have a good chance of resonating with at least a portion of the audience. Being the sequel to one of the best Indie games in recent years, it's likely that Hades 2 is going to have a very strong central theme.

Assassin's Creed Red Has Been a Long Time Coming

William Arthur Carter — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 16:00:25 GMT

There are few single-player gaming series' with quite the lofty reputation as Assassin's Creed. Though it has had its bumps and scrapes since it debuted 16 years ago, the peaks have been significant, with wonderful settings, intriguing characters, and engaging stories that fuse the modern with the historic. After the disappointing decline of Watch Dogs, it perhaps stands alone as Ubisoft's flagship franchise. It's a relief, then, that it shows no signs of stopping, even though it has abandoned its annual release format. Assassin's Creed Red is in the pipeline, and it has the potential to be another hit.

Why Valheim Fans Should Check Out Codename: Islands

Gozie Ibekwe — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 16:00:24 GMT

Valheim has stolen the hearts of millions with its Viking-themed adventures and captivating gameplay since its early access release in 2021, amassing an immense fanbase and becoming one of Steam's top-grossing indie games. As Valheim continues to enthrall players with the hardships of its sandbox world, the yarn of gaming development keeps spinning, and while waiting for the Ashlands Update, players should pay attention to other emerging titles in the genre. The upcoming Codename: Islands gets its inspiration from leading titles in the sandbox category, and this survival co-op sets its stage in an enigmatic, uncharted ocean world. Valheim fans are familiar with facing harsh elements, and Codename: Islands has a few tricks up its sleeves to engage gamers.

Star Wars: Why Couldn’t Anakin Beat Obi-Wan In Revenge Of The Sith?

Cameron Miller — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 16:00:21 GMT

One of the most talked-about battles in the entire Star Wars series is the fated duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar in Revenge Of The Sith. It is arguably the most cinematic and impactful battle in all of Star Wars, but it is a fight that left a lot of people with different questions. One of the major things fans have pondered is exactly why the incredibly powerful Anakin, who was arguably at the peak of his power during their duel, was unable to beat Obi-Wan. The latter was a powerful Jedi, but not anywhere near Anakin’s level.

How Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach is Full of Irony After the RUIN DLC

Zackari Greif — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 15:30:23 GMT

The amount of context and content that players get in Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach RUIN is no doubt surprising. As fans waited for a year and a half for the free DLC expansion, it would have been hard to not only see the size of RUIN back then. The fact that it features an entirely new character who ended up revealing the full picture of the game's story was exciting for players as it was, but as Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach RUIN returns the game to its more horrific and strategic roots, it's a great return to form that many series loyalists felt at home with.

Gen 10 Needs To Do Right By Fossil Pokemon

Martin Wood — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 15:00:22 GMT

Though they were once a distinctive tradition within Pokemon games, the series' most recent generations have been inconsistent with Fossil Pokemon and have now left Gen 10 with the responsibility of reviving a historic Pokemon trope. As one of Pokemon's oldest design staples, Fossil Pokemon have featured in every generation up until Gen 6, almost consistently as a pair where players choose one of the two. Despite returning with a twist inspired by real-life archeology in Gen 8, no new Fossils were added in both Gen 7 and Gen 9's Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Why the Fortnite x Jujutsu Kaisen Crossover Makes Sense

Luci S — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 14:30:31 GMT

Since Fortnite debuted in 2017, it's completely revolutionized the battle royale genre. With 400 million registered users as of June 2023, the free-to-play shooter is still very popular six years later. The success of Fortnite is thanks to several important factors, but perhaps the most crucial is Epic Games' willingness to collaborate with several different pop culture figures.

Starfield is Raising the Bar for Mass Effect 4

Cameron Swan — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 14:00:26 GMT

As far as Sci-Fi gaming franchises go, Mass Effect is definitely up there as one of the greatest of all time. While the series' last entry was an immense disappointment, the original Mass Effect trilogy is still considered to be a masterpiece, with some great combat mechanics, excellent writing, and top-tier world-building, something that BioWare excels in. And though Mass Effect 4 is confirmed to be in the works, it isn't the Sci-Fi game on people's radar right now, Starfield is.

Insomniac Has No Shortage of Options For Its Rumored Multiplayer Game

Richard Warren — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 13:00:24 GMT

Insomniac Games certainly seems deserving of the title “PlayStation’s busiest studio.” Not only did the developer release Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet and Clank: Rift back-to-back at the start of the PS5 generation, but it also has three more games in development. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is right around the corner, Marvel’s Wolverine is set to keep the superhero love going, and a third, unannounced game is in the works.

Resident Evil Chris Redfield Tier List

Nickolas Davis — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 12:31:24 GMT

Chris Redfield has the honorable distinction of appearing in more main series Resident Evil titles than any other character. That gives him a lot more to compare and contrast here in comparison with his Resident Evil protagonist counterparts like Leon Kennedy and Jill Valentine.

Persona 6 is Atlus' Chance to Hone Persona 5 Royal's Villain Formula

Drew Swanson — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 12:00:23 GMT

Persona 5 Royal has arguably some of the best villains in the series, and some of the most memorable villains in gaming as a whole. There is a lot of satisfaction of playing as the Phantom Theives and changing these evildoers' hearts by traversing their Palaces and stealing their treasure. However, there are definitely some Persona 5 Royal foes who are much better villains than others due to their distinct connection to the Phantom Thieves. Persona 6 should continue to refine this approach to its big bads in order to achieve a more well-rounded rogues' gallery.

Fallout 5 Shouldn't Leave One Iconic Fallout 4 NPC in the Dust

Cameron Lucas — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 10:30:23 GMT

Fallout 4 is still remembered as one of Bethesda's strongest modern RPGs, and the massive amount of quests throughout the game world is a huge part of the title’s lasting impact. Following the success of Fallout 3 and New Vegas alike, Fallout 4 elevated the franchise through the expansion of its narrative experience. With a fully voiced protagonist for the first time, even side objectives across the Commonwealth became more immersive than ever. Fallout 5 may not be slated to come any time soon, but Bethesda should remember the charm of one side quest in particular going into the next Fallout.

Mortal Kombat 1's Big Threat is a Complete Mystery, and That's Exciting

Cameron Swan — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 10:00:24 GMT

The Mortal Kombat franchise has a pretty rich history of antagonists. Over the last three decades, Mortal Kombat may have only had a handful of unique primary villains, but each of those has been incredibly iconic, and each has surrounded themselves with almost equally iconic minions. Of course, the most memorable Mortal Kombat villain team is the original one, with Shao Kahn leading the pack, and Shang Tsung acting as his vice-villain.

Nintendo Franchises That Need Launch Titles on the Switch Successor

Nickolas Davis — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 19:00:24 GMT

The various rumors springing up about a Nintendo Switch successor make it seem as though the console is all but officially confirmed at this point. An important factor associated with the launch of any new gaming hardware is what games will be available to play immediately after the system hits shelves, and Nintendo has a lot of potential with its various franchises to give the Switch successor a major launch.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Approach to the Great Fairies is a Huge Upgrade

Liam Ferguson — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:31:14 GMT

Much of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is built on its predecessor Breath of the Wild. The newer game wouldn't be possible without the older one, even if much of it now makes its predecessor seem primitive. Hyrule could not feel so large and detailed were it not for Breath of the Wild laying its foundation, and many things like the more individualized dungeons and even Tears of the Kingdom's much-praised arm powers could only have come about with their components already prepared.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R Season 2 DLC Roster Predictions

Cameron Lucas — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:30:24 GMT

The most recent video game entry in the iconic manga and anime franchise, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R was last year's update to the 2013 original. A 3D fighter in the vein of games like Tekken that also channels the technical nature of Capcom's classic Heritage for the Future, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is widely considered the most aesthetically accurate adaptation of JoJo to date.

The Sims 5 Faces a Huge Roadblock

Cameron Swan — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:21:14 GMT

When it comes to life-simulation games, none does it better than the OG. For 23 years, The Sims has been the definitive series for life-simulation gameplay, with each entry offering more advanced mechanics and features than the last, culminating in The Sims 4, a game that offers just about everything fans could want in a life-sim title. And with the addition of DLC, The Sims 4 has truly become the ultimate life-sim experience, one that The Sims 5 is going to have a tough time competing against.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Has a Vendor Problem

Max Borman — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:05:28 GMT

Baldur's Gate 3 is finally here, and it has not disappointed so far. It has everything that RPG and Dungeons and Dragons fans have wanted for years and sets a very high bar for future fantasy titles. Not only is it an immersive singleplayer RPG that players can sink months into, but it is also an incredible co-op experience for anyone looking to conquer a fantasy world with their friends. However, not everything about Baldur's Gate 3's co-op experience is perfect.

Every Feature Valheim Still Needs to Be 'Complete'

Anthony Bussing — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:00:24 GMT

From highly requested features within the community to officially confirmed features that will arrive in future updates, Valheim potentially has a lot in store before the game fully releases. Given the current state of Valheim, there are a few particular features that deserve an update, overhaul, or introduction to the game before it will feel like a complete experience.

Immortals Fenyx Rising Has So Much Franchise Potential

Cameron Swan — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:00:14 GMT

Gamers are still only seeing the start of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's influence on the gaming world, despite it being six years old, and despite a sequel just releasing. Breath of the Wild's unique approach to open-world game design, its unique cel-shaded art style, and its emphasis on player-made adventure are all elements that are slowly being incorporated into other big video game projects. But one of the first games to try and imitate Breath of the Wild, and come close to succeeding, was Ubisoft's Immortals Fenyx Rising.

How One of Persona 5 Royal's Confidants Makes a Case for a Simpler Persona 6

Drew Swanson — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:30:25 GMT

Persona 5 Royal is a very ambitious game full of complex, interweaving mechanics that sometimes end up feeling more convoluted than helpful. Although some of the mechanics it introduces are a major improvement over past entries, Persona 5 Royal has a few that end up underutilized or largely ignored due to how many features players need to keep track of as they make their way through the game. This mechanic overload is embodied by Ichiko Ohya's Confidant, and her unpopularity among fans makes a strong case for Persona 6 to streamline its gameplay.

Why Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeons Remain One of FromSoftware's Best Feats

Matt Karoglou — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:08:31 GMT

Perhaps no other game in FromSoftware's impressive library is as universally acclaimed as Bloodborne. Even with all of its awards and sales milestones, Elden Ring still had detractors who bemoaned the transition to an open-world format after previous FromSoftware titles featured carefully crafted semi-open spaces that creatively looped in on one another via shortcuts and hidden passages. Nearly 10 years since its release, Bloodborne is still cited by many as the absolute pinnacle of the Soulsborne formula pioneered by FromSoftware. In addition to its gothic-turned-cosmic horror atmosphere, aggressive push-forward combat, and incredible boss design, one of the game's best features is arguably its Chalice Dungeons.

Overwatch 2's Prop Hunt is Good, But It Needs One Thing to Be Truly Great

Gozie Ibekwe — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:56:15 GMT

Hide and Seek might be a folk children's game, but it never gets old, as more developers in flagship FPS franchises incorporate the element into their games. Since the first appearance of prop hunts in Counter-Strike: Source in 2012, it has become a classic mode, with games like Call of Duty and Fortnite introducing the mechanism into their gameplay to add a captivating element. Overwatch 2 is the latest FPS to hop on the bandwagon with its Mischief and Magic limited-time game mode, allowing players to mimic objects in the environment to hide from hunters. As prop hunts increase in popularity in the gaming world, Blizzard is playing catch up to the trend, and Overwatch 2's rendition needs one thing to reach its potential and truly pop off the charts.

The Goriest Fatalities Revealed for Mortal Kombat 1 So Far

Cameron Swan — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:49:48 GMT

A lot is about to change in the Mortal Kombat universe. With Fire God Liu Kang taking control of Kronika's hourglass and creating his very own universe, Mortal Kombat 1 is about to flip some of the series' most beloved characters on their head. Enemies will become brothers, villains will become heroes, and nothing will be quite how fans expect it to be in Mortal Kombat 1 However, despite all the changes, there's still one thing fans can rely truly on: Fatalities.

Persona 6 Should Bring Back a Social Link Structure From P3 and P4

Devin Ellis Friend — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:43:20 GMT

Persona 6 can bring back a tried-and-true Social Link dynamic that previous games have found great success in using. Past Persona titles have used all sorts of setups for Social Links, with Persona 5 even giving them a new angle in the form of Confidants, granting bonuses with each Link. It's virtually a guarantee that Persona 6 will continue this tradition, granting its protagonist a new list of Social Links to form with various members of the game's supporting cast. While designing these Social Links, the developers can take a few notes from those that worked in the past.

Fallout 76 Could Learn a Thing or Two From FF14's Deep Dungeons

Gozie Ibekwe — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:31:24 GMT

Fallout 76 may have suffered a disappointing launch in 2018 and endured its fair share of up and downs, but the title has turned its fortunes around with significant improvements over the years. With major updates and DLCs, such as Wastelanders and Nuka World on Tour, the game has introduced human NPCs, engaging quest lines, and seasonal events, making it a more enjoyable gaming experience. Despite these updates, many fans still believe Fallout 76 has some weaknesses in terms of endgame content, as its dungeons didn't contain the necessary in-depth material to maintain excitement in the fan base. Given this underperformance, Bethesda could take a leaf out of Final Fantasy 14's book and implement its deep dungeons in a post-apocalyptic form.

What to Know About Armored Core 6 Before Release

Cameron Swan — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:52:08 GMT

For the last decade or so, FromSoftware has been making quite the name for itself. In 2011, a tiny game by the name of Dark Souls hit the market, and it quickly became a sensation among gaming critics. Two direct sequels and three successors later and FromSoftware is now known across the globe for its phenomenal Soulsborne series, but that's far from the only franchise the developer has worked on. In just a few weeks, fans will finally be able to get their hands on Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

Call of Duty 2023 Could Give Black Ops Cold War The Wrong Kind of Competition

Jake Selway — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:30:27 GMT

While not officially confirmed, it is strongly rumored that this year will see the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, spearheaded by Sledgehammer Games. With MW2 only having released towards the end of last year, it is quite uncharacteristic for the sub-franchise to get successive titles two years in a row.

How Stardew Valley Could Benefit from a Prequel

Martin Wood — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:31:31 GMT

While many hope Stardew Valley could someday receive a well-deserved sequel, the slice-of-life farming sim could benefit much more from a prequel exploring its already rich and mysterious history. Released at a time when indie games garnered plenty of attention and support from players, Stardew Valley has since become a fan favorite through its distinctive style, open-ended game design, and the influences of cult classics like Harvest Moon. So though developer ConcernedApe is currently working on Haunted Chocolatier, fans are still interested in seeing a Stardew Valley sequel and perhaps eventually becoming a long-term series.

What to Know About Blasphemous 2 Before Release

Matt Karoglou — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:00:24 GMT

In just a few short weeks, The Game Kitchen will release the long-awaited Blasphemous 2, a sequel to its incredible Metroidvania and Soulslike hybrid from 2019. Since its initial announcement, fans have waited patiently for any new information surrounding the title. Thankfully, The Game Kitchen and publisher Team 17 have been graciously providing info for the title over the last several months and allowing members of games media to get a hands-on hour with the game back in May. Going off of what's been shown so far, Blasphemous 2 looks to up the ante of the first game in every way while also leaning more heavily into its Metroidvania half.

NPCs That Can Use an Update in The Next Animal Crossing

Drew Swanson — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:31:03 GMT

There are many popular and iconic NPCs in the Animal Crossing series who play various roles in the player's town and help support the overall gameplay experience. Animal Crossing: New Horizons added a handful of new faces to this roster such as Orville and Wilbur of Dodo Airlines, Flick the Bug-Off host, and C.J. the Fishing Tourney host, but many classic characters were sidelined in the process. As such, there are a few NPCs that deserve to be revitalized in a sequel to Animal Crossing: New Horizons in order to give them a more useful function within the game.

Fallout 3 and New Vegas' Darkest Quests Prove a Fallout Horror Game Would Do Well

Trey Griffeth — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:01:23 GMT

In 2008, the third installment in the Fallout series, Fallout 3, hit shelves worldwide and blew gamers away everywhere. Two years later, the first Bethesda era spin-off game, New Vegas, was released. While it had a rough start, the Obsidian-made game went on to be considered one of the Fallout franchise's best installments. Both games used the same engine, gameplay mechanics, monster and enemy designs, and had a few quests that were similar in nature.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Could Start an Awesome Trend For The PS5

Richard Warren — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:30:23 GMT

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is shaping up to be a massive success. Not only did the first two games in the franchise sell incredibly well, guaranteeing a big fan base for the upcoming sequel, but Sony has been wise to treat the game like a big release. Alongside a collector’s edition for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 with an impressive statue that shows Venom and the two wall-crawlers doing battle, a special console and controller have been created. Intriguingly, fans were also able to purchase the faceplates for the console separately.

Predicting Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC's Leaked Dark-Type New Form

Andrea Trama — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:00:25 GMT

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet may not have had the best of receptions at launch because of all the issues with frame rates and visual glitches that ruined the experience for some fans, but they are still some of the most revolutionary games in the series. Thanks to an open-world formula that gives players freedom over what they want to do and where they want to go, Gen 9 takes several good ideas from previous games and merges them into one big adventure. The time-traveling aspect of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is tangible in many ways, from the storyline to the Paradox Pokemon in Paldea, but the same theme might stretch to the DLC and even go as far as connect the games with a Pokemon Legends Unova - all with a Dark-type critter.

How Civilization 7 Could Be a Big Step Forward for the Franchise

Cameron Swan — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:31:23 GMT

The Civilization franchise made its triumphant debut in 1991, and despite being around for over three decades now, the series' general formula has largely stayed pretty much the same. The first Civilization game tasked players with choosing a nation, and leading it to one of several different possible victory conditions, all while managing individual military units and building up cities to make them more efficient. And though it'll all look suitably modern, with plenty of new bells and whistles, it's likely that Civilization 7 will follow essentially the same formula just as the rest of the franchise has before it.

Fallout 76 Shouldn’t Leave Solo Players in the Dust

Anthony Bussing — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:00:24 GMT

Despite belonging to a primarily single-player franchise, Fallout 76 is stacked in favor of playing together with multiple other people, rather than playing it alone. Playing Fallout 76 in co-op can offer players a staggering amount of stackable buffs, while playing solo provides significantly fewer benefits in comparison. Specifically, solo players only have one buff to utilize in Fallout 76. Since the game still has a few years left in its continued support and development, Fallout 76 should give solo players a much-needed set of buffs at some point in the future.

One Key Difference Between Zelda: A Link to the Past and Tears of the Kingdom Shows How the Franchise Has Grown

Lauren Beeler-Beistad — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 10:31:22 GMT

Many years have passed between the release of A Link to the Past and the most recent The Legend of Zelda installment, Tears of the Kingdom. However, when comparing the two entries in the long-running franchise, there is an unexpected sign of just how far the Zelda games have come; A Link to the Past started a tradition of adding Mario-centric Easter eggs into the games.

Why [SPOILERS] is Perfect for Mortal Kombat 1's Second DLC

Brie Hoban — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 10:00:24 GMT

Mortal Kombat 1 is among this year's most anticipated titles. Following Liu Kang's reinvention of the series' universe, the door has been opened for new and exciting versions of fan-favorite characters to take the spotlight. However, the past few months have seen that spotlight shift toward Mortal Kombat 1's DLC fighters, an element that is usually focused upon post-release. Mortal Kombat 1's DLC packs have been the subject of online leaks, each revealing additions to the main roster and new Kameo fighters. The title's second DLC pack seemingly includes plenty of fan favorites, but one, in particular, seems especially perfect for Mortal Kombat 1's main roster, as their penchant for over-the-top violence and a decades-long legacy align with that of the Mortal Kombat franchise.

Doctor Who: What Happens To The Ood?

Will Sikich — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:01:24 GMT

This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who Season 2 episodes "The Impossible Planet" and "The Satan Pit," Season 4 episode "Planet of the Ood," and Christmas special "The End of Time."

Path of Exile 2's Huntress is Basically Diablo 2's Amazon

Andrea Trama — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 21:14:19 GMT

Grinding Gear Games recently held its first ExileCon since 2019, back when the company first unveiled Path of Exile 2 to the world, putting a big hype train in motion that would unfortunately soon find obstructions on its path through Covid. This year, GGG doubled down on everything about the game, including the revelation that Path of Exile 2 will be a standalone game contrary to what was stated back then, all while both PoE 2 and the original game keep getting new updates for players to enjoy. Sharing the same ARPG roots means that many comparisons can be drawn between GGG's upcoming game and the Diablo franchise, and an easy one stems from the similarities shared by the Huntress and the Amazon.

Why The Sims 5 Should Bring Back The Sims 2's Serial Killer

Gozie Ibekwe — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 19:49:35 GMT

The Sims franchise has seen a lot of quirky characters over the years, and the latest edition, The Sims 4, continues this tradition with the possessed people of Strangerville and the creepy bloodsucking Straud vampire family. While there isn't much danger in playthroughs of The Sims 4, these characters combined with the presence of dangerous beings like The Mother give room for Maxis to bring back a previously explored dynamic to the series in The Sims 5. The Sims 2, the formative installment of the franchise, had a few pre-made characters that gave players the creeps, and many believed one in particular among these eccentric beings was a serial killer.

Dead by Daylight’s Alien Already Has the Perfect Memento Mori Idea

Jared Stewart — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 19:24:53 GMT

Dead by Daylight features unique finisher executions that killer characters can perform with the required offering brought to a match called Memento Moris. These kills are fascinating in how they can further represent a killer character’s originality, with some being more creative or elaborate than others, but fans seldom see Dead by Daylight’s Memento Mori kills unless a character is being experimented with in a pre-release PTB or if the killer player happens to be completing an associable tome challenge.

Destiny 2's Confirmed Plans for The Final Shape Raises Questions About Cayde-6, More

Andrea Trama — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:53:17 GMT

Destiny 2's Lightfall era was likely the most anticipated an expansion and its accompanying seasons have ever been for Bungie's looter-shooter, and a good part of that hype was coming from the incredible success of the stories told with The Witch Queen as well as its gameplay. The Final Shape and its seasons were a big question mark, however, as Lightfall was received poorly as an expansion due to narrative hiccups that the seasonal loop for Season of Defiance couldn't really help fix. As such, the general consensus was that being cautiously optimistic about The Final Shape was the best play, but things might have changed for the better with Bungie's confirmed plans - although some burning questions remain.

Final Fantasy 14's Dawntrail Expansion Signals a Changing of the Guard

Tessandra Zoe Smith — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:42:47 GMT

Final Fantasy 14 is one of gaming's greatest comeback stories. When the title originally launched, it was an unmitigated disaster. After a shutdown, the title was revived by Square Enix's Creative Business Unit III under the watchful eye of Naoki Yoshida. Over the proceeding decade, the team went on to tell one of the greatest stories the Final Fantasy franchise and the MMO genre has ever seen. This comeback has been well documented and fueled Final Fantasy 14's meteoric rise as one of the leaders of the MMO genre. Now, after four expansions, the fifth was announced, and Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail marks a new chapter in the game's legacy.

Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence Explained

Trey Griffeth — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:32:48 GMT

Released in late 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 was a game with a hugely controversial launch. With numerous performance issues, it had a mixed reception from gamers and critics alike. However, the developer stuck with it and continued to work on and patch the game for years following its disastrous release. Now, over two and half years later, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty feels like the end of a redemption arc for the troubled game. Before the DLC was announced, however, the game received a ton of other tie-in pieces of media.

Blasphemous 2’s Take on Dark Souls’ Homeward Bone is Great to Have in the Base Game

Jared Stewart — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:23:32 GMT

Now that August has arrived, there’s likely going to be at least one game release fans cling to considering how many launch this month. PC players are already able to enjoy the massively sprawling Baldur’s Gate 3, for example, while a handful of games are neatly packed into the last couple of August’s weeks. AAA titles like Immortals of Aveum and Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon will likely have the loudest reception due to that status, but indie sequel Blasphemous 2 and the reputation it has as a dark fantasy Metroidvania are not to be so easily brushed aside.

What to Know About Immortals of Aveum Before Release

Cameron Swan — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:22:52 GMT

The first-person shooter genre has remained one of the most popular in the gaming space ever since its initial debut all the way back in the 1990s with games like Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Quake. Huge franchises like Call of Duty, Halo, and Battlefield all put their own unique spin on the first-person shooter genre, and have done for the past two decades. But just when it seems like the FPS genre has reached its limits, a game like Immortals of Aveum comes around, proving that the genre is still capable of learning a few new tricks.

How Super Mario Bros. Wonder Might Put Its Own Twist on Bowser

Brie Hoban — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 17:34:15 GMT

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to usher in Mario's wackiest adventure yet. Announced during the June 2023 Nintendo Direct, the title will see Mario featured in a unique 2D adventure, alongside Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Daisy. At the center of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the titular Wonder Flower, a power-up that allows Mario and his friends to enter a topsy-turvy world, where anything can happen. Within this new world, inanimate objects spring to life, helping or hindering Mario as he progresses through the stage. While this new power will no doubt empower Mario at times, it also opens the door for Super Mario Bros. Wonder to put its own unique twist on Bowser, who has a history of pushing new power-ups to their limit in his plan to defeat Mario.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC's Carmine and Kieran May Play Bigger Roles Than You Think

Devin Ellis Friend — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 17:08:48 GMT

Carmine and Kieran may only be debuting in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC chapters, but they could turn out to be more important than expected. While Pokemon Scarlet and Violet already told several stories over the course of its runtime, the DLC hints at further adventures for the ninth generation. Kitakami and Blueberry Academy are already looking promising in regards to what they can add to the game, being completely new areas for the player to explore. There is already a good possibility that Carmine and Kieran themselves could be equally significant additions to Scarlet and Violet.