Game Rant - GR Originals

What Happened to Elrond After Lord of the Rings?

Kiona Delana Jones — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 01:00:17 GMT

Elrond was a crucial part of forming the fellowship in the Lord of the Rings, but he was living on borrowed time even before its nine members set out for Mount Dooom. All Elves eventually make the Great Journey to Valinor, the Land Across the Sea. Some made it immediately, while others made it after setting down roots in Middle Earth and creating long lives for themselves among its many inhabitants. Elrond followed in the footsteps of his parents, Elwing and Eärendil, and experienced great joys and deep sorrows.

What Happened To Rohan After Lord Of The Rings?

kate bove — Wed, 31 May 2023 22:00:18 GMT

A fictional kingdom of Men in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Rohan plays a key role in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. A longtime ally of the kingdom of Gondor — the so-called greatest kingdom of Men during the Third Age — Rohan is known for its cavalry, the Rohirrim. In The Two Towers, the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, members of the Fellowship spend time in Rohan, though it’s anything but majestic at first.

Marvel’s Wolverine Could Have Had an Engaging Mechanic with Bone Claws

Jared Stewart — Wed, 31 May 2023 20:41:10 GMT

Next to nothing is currently known about Marvel’s Wolverine, and it will probably be some time before fans hear more about it while Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has its time in the sun. Insomniac is now commonly known for its charming science-fiction adventures in the Ratchet and Clank franchise, but its Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise is gradually transitioning from that same endearing tone to a much darker take. This is likely in preparation for how graphic and mature a Wolverine game will need to be since one of the few details shared about it thus far is that Marvel’s Wolverine will feature brutal violence dished out by the player.

Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart Seems Lonely on the PC

Max Borman — Wed, 31 May 2023 20:36:23 GMT

PlayStation seems to be going all in on the PC market these days with titles like The Last of Us Part 1 and Marvel's Spider-man making a home for themselves on the platform, and those hits will soon be joined by Insomniac Games’ Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. The game originally served as a major launch title for the PS5, but now more gamers will be able to get their hands on it, which is pretty exciting even though it also seems like a strange choice.

Ninja Gaiden Fans Should Check Out This New Game

Matt Karoglou — Wed, 31 May 2023 20:04:48 GMT

In the weeks following the launch of the Nintendo Switch, the Switch eShop was somewhat of a barren wasteland in terms of available titles. The Switch's early days were heavily reliant on players making their way through Zelda: Breath of the Wild's hundreds of potential hours of content, with new releases for fans to sink their teeth into few and far between. One of the early bright spots on the Switch eShop was a game called Kamiko published by Flyhigh Works - a top-down Zelda-like similar to Link to the Past. Recently, Studio PICO had Flyhigh Works publish its newest indie game, Shinobi Non Grata, which is another retro throwback, although its inspirations are much different.

Street Fighter 6 Has Set a High Bar For Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8

Daniel Amoroso — Wed, 31 May 2023 20:01:00 GMT

Street Fighter 6's imminent release kicks off the latest round of sequels from the genre's biggest hitters. Both Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8 are expected to release in the near future, with the former being given a September 2023 release date, and the latter expected to show its hand soon. Fans of each series will be hoping that their respective titles will reign supreme over the opposition, and early reports confirm that Street Fighter 6 has set a high bar, with many critics praising the game as a true return to form for the series.

Borderlands 4 Has a Chance to Correct One Huge Missed Opportunity

Richard Warren — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:58:20 GMT

When it comes to Borderlands 4, everyone has their own ideas about what the game should include. Players have pushed for the return of mechanics like Borderlands 3’s Diamond Armory, argued for a wide variety of traditional raid bosses, and made requests about where the story should go next. However, one feature that Borderlands has made use of for over a decade could be expanded upon if Gearbox was interested in doing so: SHiFT codes.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Could Have Done More With One Area

Martin Wood — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:40:26 GMT

Though The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom did an excellent job of reimagining a familiar Hyrule, the changes made to Eventide Island seem to have overlooked the potential this notorious location had following on from Breath of the Wild. As one of the game's more interesting and challenging shrine quests, Eventide Island was a testament to players' wits and ingenuity to prove they had mastered Breath of the WIld's various abilities, mechanics, and strategies when stripped back to the very basics. But The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom falls short of attempting to deliver the same challenge, leaving the island as little more than optional exploration.

2023 is Ironically a Big Year for the Far Cry Franchise

Cameron Swan — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:25:35 GMT

Debuting in 2004, the Far Cry franchise is almost 20 years old, and it's seen better days. Though it might not hold up too well today, the first Far Cry was an impressive title for its era, boasting a primitive open-world and some excellent CryEngine graphics. Far Cry 2 was a great follow-up, establishing a lot of the groundwork that the rest of the franchise would continue to build upon for the next 15 years. The franchise really hit the big time with Far Cry 3, widely considered to be one of the greatest open-world games of all time.

The Argument For Hollow Knight: Silksong to Feature Its Own Leg Eater

Liam Ferguson — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:08:10 GMT

Hollow Knight: Silksong still feels far away, but hopefully its recent delay is its last. The game sparks excitement for many Soulslike fans, as its predecessor delivered the genre's epic adventures through a post-apocalyptic world in a stylized, two-dimensional package. Set in partially subterranean kingdoms populated by bugs, Hollow Knight and Hollow Knight: Silksong present a fascinating and unique setting that players can't wait to revisit in the shoes of Hornet, the first game’s princess-protector of Hallownest.

All Hope is Not Lost For Starfield's Multiplayer

Lauren Beeler-Beistad — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:52:55 GMT

With the imminent launch of Starfield on the horizon, Bethesda's intergalactic action RPG is arguably one of the most anticipated releases of the year. After two previous delays, the game's new release date of September 6 now feels closer than ever, but Bethesda's decision to not include multiplayer has some eager fans disappointed with the lack of a mode that could make Starfield a gaming experience that goes above and beyond for players. Despite the initial lack of multiplayer, all hope isn't lost quite yet for those who were looking forward to having an epic sci-fi multiplayer experience.

The Best Possible Settings for Forza Horizon 6

Devin Ellis Friend — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:31:38 GMT

The Forza Horizon games are iconic for their gorgeous environments almost as much as their cars, and there are some prime locations where the next game could be set. The series has already set its previous titles in various places around the world. However, a lot of the best possible locations have yet to be the home of a Forza Horizon game. Since the game could take place almost anywhere in the world, there is no shortage of options. When it comes to Forza Horizon 6, there are a lot of perfect locations to choose from.

Immortals of Aveum Dev Talks Packing Power and Spectacle into Magic Gameplay

Allison Call — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:30:18 GMT

Immortals of Aveum is an upcoming ambitious project from Ascendant Studios, one that fuses FPS gameplay akin to Call of Duty with magic perhaps more fitting to Magic: The Gathering. Immortals of Aveum looked to past games like Hexen, while trying to forge ahead with something truly unique for the studio.

After Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Hyrule Warriors Has the Perfect Blueprint for a Sequel

Martin Wood — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:28:47 GMT

Just as Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity helped reshape and explore Zelda: Breath of the Wild's history, Omega Force could follow up this Zelda spin-off with another retelling of Hyrule's legacy through the lore Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has now established. Though Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has a tenuous relationship to the canon of Zelda, something which was the target of speculation ahead of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it still served as an interesting insight into the world before Zelda: Breath of the Wild. So while it might remain just as non-canon as its predecessor, there is room for a potential follow-up to Age of Calamity.

What To Expect of Rainbow Six Siege's Upcoming Frost Rework

Jude Calvar Infante — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:28:10 GMT

Rainbow Six Siege has just released their second seasonal update of Year 8, dubbing it Operation Dread Factor. The newest season of Rainbow Six Siege brings in new defensive operator Fenrir, the Consulate map rework, the new observation blocker gadget, and other balance changes in Ubisoft's tactical shooter. However, one feature that was originally supposed to appear in Operation Dread Factor was the controversial rework for the operator Frost, the operator notorious among the playerbase because of her special gadget: the Welcome Mats.

Kraven's Faction in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Has to Avoid One Big Miles Morales Mistake

Cameron Swan — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:27:31 GMT

For the most part, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales was an improvement on its predecessor in just about every way. Though its length was rightfully criticized, and some fans still prefer the first game's story, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales delivered a slew of improvements when it comes to the series' combat mechanics, traversal, and side activities. But it wasn't all perfect, and there's one big pitfall that Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales fell into that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 needs to desperately avoid.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Has One of Two Paths to Follow in a Sequel

Tucker Taussig — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:26:53 GMT

Star Wars: Jedi Survivor delivered on its promise to iterate and improve on the first title on almost every front, but there are some who lament the shift to go wide instead of tall, with fewer total planets Cal Kestus can explore, opting for a greater attention to detail and scale in the ones present. The sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will have Respawn faced with a choice in design priorities, deciding whether it should go further down the current route, or go back to the more linear but varied planets of the original.

Call of Duty 2023 Could End Up Repeating History if it's 'Modern Warfare 3'

Cameron Swan — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:19:07 GMT

As should be expected of any franchise that's lasted for over two decades, the Call of Duty series has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. While Call of Duty has seen all-time greats like Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 4, Modern Warfare 2, and Black Ops, it's also attached its name to games like Call of Duty: Ghosts and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. Both were absolutely fine games, but ones that certainly didn't live up to the legacy or promise of what the series can be at its best.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC Could Turn the Story's Biggest Shock into a Postgame Plot

Devin Ellis Friend — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:07:43 GMT

WARNING: Major spoilers for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet ahead

Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters May Be a Double-Edged Katana

Brie Hoban — Wed, 31 May 2023 18:07:02 GMT

Mortal Kombat 1, the series' 12th mainline entry, is set to shake up the franchise in more ways than one. The first trailer for Mortal Kombat 1 revealed that the game takes place in a new timeline, created by Fire God Liu Kang. Following its debut, the game's official site was updated with a detailed FAQ, introducing key new features for the upcoming title. Perhaps the most unique of these features is Kameo Fighters, which sees members of Mortal Kombat's extensive roster return in supporting roles. While the addition will allow for some fan-favorite characters to return to Liu Kang's timeline, Kameo Fighters may be a double-edged sword, as developer NetherRealm Studios confirms they are chosen separately from the main roster.

What to Expect From Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3

Cameron Swan — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:59:47 GMT

Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2 has been one of the most exciting Seasons in the game's six-year-long history, with a slew of crossover events including iconic IPs like Star Wars, Attack on Titan, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, some exciting new points of interest, and a ton of new weapons and vehicles. But all good things must come to an end, and for Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2, that end is almost in sight.

How Diablo 4's Microtransactions Compare to Diablo Immortal

Jake Selway — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:49:52 GMT

Diablo 4 is a title with a lot to live up to, with the franchise's last mainline release coming over a decade ago. With a high level of gameplay quality already being expected of the game, other recent elements of the IP may only make it more difficult for Blizzard to win over anyone still on the fence.

Final Fantasy 16 is Hiding a Dark Secret

Brie Hoban — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:40:54 GMT

Final Fantasy 16 is just around the corner, and much of the title's gameplay has been presented in great detail. Of the title's newest features, none are quite as exhilarating, or unique, as Final Fantasy 16's Eikon battles. Eikons, previously referred to as Summons or Eidolons, have existed within the Final Fantasy series since its very beginning, allowing players to call upon their incredible power in certain battles. Eikons will play a much bigger role in Final Fantasy 16, with individual characters, called Dominants, being hosts to the creatures and wielding their unique abilities. Protagonist Clive Rosfield is one such character. However, his Eikon stands in direct contrast to the others revealed thus far, proving that Final Fantasy 16 is still hiding a dark secret.

Why Community Voting is The Sims 4’s Best Strategy Yet

Shayna Josi — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:33:06 GMT

Community has always been at the heart of The Sims, and the game has benefited from a development cycle that has coincided with the golden age of social media where communities migrated onto online platforms, making discussions more accessible and relevant than ever before. With a game like The Sims 4 that imitates life and technology, and allows for real-time updates, the sky is the limit for potential content, especially with the opportunity the developer has to tap into the community's opinions.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Should Lean on Resident Evil 2 Remake in One Regard

Liam Ferguson — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:24:20 GMT

As the years go by, it seems more and more classic horror game franchises are being remade. Dead Space's polished remake of its first title is only the most recent example. The Resident Evil franchise kicked off the trend with the stellar 2002 Resident Evil remake, and eventually began work on remaking the rest of its mainline entries. New to this trend is Silent Hill, with a Silent Hill 2 remake in the works at Bloober Team. The Silent Hill 2 project likely owes its life to the success of Resident Evil's remakes, though it remains to be seen if it can hold a torch to those titles' excellence.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Should Fix One Core Component Of The Original Game

Carlos Zotomayor — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:23:49 GMT

Now that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater has been announced, people are free to speculate on how Konami plans to improve the original game. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater showcased Hideo Kojima's fictional spin on the Cold War and became one of the best entries in the Metal Gear franchise. Whether Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will succeed or fail without its original director remains to be seen, but it is safe to assume fans are eager to see how it pans out.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Dropped The Ball With One Character

Martin Wood — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:23:16 GMT

Though many familiar faces returned to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom alongside many new ones, one beloved character in particular from Zelda: Breath of the Wild did not reappear despite having the perfect opportunity to do so. Among the many details that made Zelda: Breath of the Wild so popular among players was the character of Kass, a nomadic minstrel encountered throughout Hyrule with his melodic accordion and wise words shared with Link. But even though Kass played an integral role in some of the game's shrines and DLC, he is nowhere to be found in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Lessons Mortal Kombat 1 Can Learn from MKX and MK11

Liam Ferguson — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:20:51 GMT

After years of near-silence, Mortal Kombat 1 suddenly appeared to NetherRealm Studios' fanbase. The game is only a few months away now, and will receive its first gameplay demonstration as part of the 2023 Summer Game Fest. Mortal Kombat 1's name came as a surprise to those who had been anticipating a Mortal Kombat 12, but its nature as a reboot was expected. Mortal Kombat 11, and its Aftermath story expansion, ended in a place where it would be difficult to do anything other than explore a brand new Mortal Kombat timeline, courtesy of the newly ascended Fire God Liu Kang.

Immortals of Aveum Dev Talks Implementing Red, Green, and Blue Magic

Allison Call — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:21:41 GMT

Immortals of Aveum is a highly anticipated project by Ascendant Studios, showcasing its ambitious vision. Its announcement took place at The Game Awards 2022, and the game is currently under the direction of Bret Robbins, the former creative director of Dead Space.

LOTR: What Caused The Downfall of Gondor?

kate bove — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:01:26 GMT

Dubbed the greatest realm of Men by the end of the Third Age in Middle-earth, Gondor has a storied past. The kingdom figures prominently into The Return of the King, the final book in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and plays a key role in the restoration of Middle-earth following the War of the One Ring.

The Best Diablo 4 Builds to Use on Launch

Brendan Paul Dick — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:56:33 GMT

The official launch of Diablo 4 is right around the corner, with early access just a few days away. As players begin to preload Diablo 4 and prepare themselves to face the horrors that await, many will be contemplating the best build to use right out of the gate. With a myriad of talents to choose from and insane min-maxing potential from item rolls and the Paragon Board, the prospect of picking the right build can be overwhelming.

Overwatch 2 is Taking the Right Steps for LGBTQ+ Rights

Martin Wood — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:55:25 GMT

Alongside its upcoming Pride event, Overwatch 2 has officially confirmed a few more of its characters as LGBTQ+, something that strengthens representation for the gay community within the gaming industry. Many LGBTQ+ characters exist within Overwatch, so the recent revelation hasn't come as a shock to many players, as some were even suspected of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or otherwise even before confirmation. But the latest official announcements have helped increase Overwatch 2's representation by adding Pharah and Baptiste to this list.

How Alone in the Dark Remake Turns its Setting Into a Character

Cameron Lucas — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:40:32 GMT

After years in the shadows, the remake of the classic Alone in the Dark looks to revitalize the pioneering series. A survival horror genre originator, Alone in the Dark released back in 1992 and set the tone for games that followed such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Despite some unfortunate detours over the years that ruined the reputation of the franchise, the upcoming remake has serious potential to recapture what made the original so special. Alone in the Dark was one of the first games to feature a rich story about its creepy setting as the main source of its horror, and the remake is already showing a commitment to the same foundation.

Destiny 2 Players Demand Update On Missing Content Promised by Bungie

Akshay Patel — Wed, 31 May 2023 14:56:38 GMT

Destiny 2 players are voicing their frustration with Bungie’s radio silence on a few promises it made but has yet to deliver upon. This isn’t the first time the player base has asked for an update on missing content in Destiny 2, and the list of things only seems to get longer every time this topic resurfaces.

Honkai: Star Rail Fan Builds Astral Express in Genshin Impact

Jackie Arias — Wed, 31 May 2023 14:23:09 GMT

A Honkai: Star Rail fan built an impressive replica of the Astral Express in Genshin Impact. Both HoYoverse titles have received massive praise from gamers, and comparisons between their characters and gameplay have been everywhere. One of them is the ability to build and customize one's space in Genshin Impact.

Persona 6 Can Beat P5 in Scale With One Simple Calendar Change

Stan Hogeweg — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:18 GMT

Although it wasn't part of the franchise's original concept, social simulation has become central to the Persona franchise. Although it might change a little, much like how Persona 5 upgraded Social Links into Confidants, Persona 6 will undoubtedly feature a social life for the protagonist that involves careful time management and a balance of different activities. Given how useful Confidants already are, Persona 6 could consider focusing on upgrading the protagonist's schedule rather than changing the Confidants themselves. Atlus could use this game to give the protagonist -- and therefore the player -- far more free time to make friends.

June’s Xbox Games Showcase Needs Clarification for One Game

Jared Stewart — Tue, 30 May 2023 23:59:29 GMT

It’s currently anyone’s guess what will show up during the Xbox Games Showcase in June, let alone what promises might be made or reevaluated. Indeed, Xbox has been in a bit of hot water lately with assurances given during the last Xbox Games Showcase not panning out how they were intended, which has led to a bunch of disappointments regarding its first-party titles. Still, there is no telling how a game like Starfield will turn out, and a tenable Soulslike game is still slated to launch on Xbox Game Pass—that is, if it does actually release this summer.

Minecraft Trails and Tales' Archaeology Mechanic is Hopefully Just Getting Started

Stan Hogeweg — Tue, 30 May 2023 23:58:31 GMT

Minecraft's Trails and Tales update is just around the corner. It's a little uncommon in that it's an update largely driven by player creativity, since it adds a lot of blocks that vastly improve players' ability to decorate and be creative, but it's light on major new mechanics, aside from some mobs. Archaeology is perhaps the biggest exception. Minecraft will now feature a variety of ruins where players can carefully dig for ancient treasure like pottery shards. While this is a nice piece of detail for the overworld, the archaeology mechanic should ideally come to a ton of new Minecraft regions in the future.

Cyberpunk 2077's Tarot Cards Make For an Impossible Quest

Andrea Gonzalez — Tue, 30 May 2023 22:55:45 GMT

Although it is set in a future world with intensive cybernetic augmentations and sentient AI, Cyberpunk 2077 has several allusions to spiritual beliefs which may or may not have merit within the game's world. There are several instances where spirituality is alluded to with circumstantial evidence of its presence, but the most prominent piece of spiritual symbolism has to do with Cyberpunk 2077's collectible tarot cards, which give hints about what things are to come in the story.

How a Midnight Suns Sequel Could Improve Over the Original

Matt Karoglou — Tue, 30 May 2023 21:47:20 GMT

The announcement that XCOM studio Firaxis was working on a Marvel-themed tactics game was a welcome surprise to fans of the studio's previous work. Marvel's Midnight Suns was an unfortunate case of a game that was critically loved but fell far short of sales expectations, partially owed to both the game's release window and the niche gameplay genre used for a mass appeal IP. While game director Jake Solomon has left Firaxis and is expected to be starting up his own studio, there is still a strong case for Firaxis to release a sequel that improves on what worked in Marvel's Midnight Suns while jettisoning the more controversial elements.

One World of Warcraft: Dragonflight Villain Has a Surprising Connection to Chromie

Kelly Schmidt — Tue, 30 May 2023 21:10:33 GMT

World of Warcraft: Dragonflight is looking forward to some intriguing content coming in the next few months. While the Embers of Neltharion patch is in full swing, the next update will be called Fractures in Time and focuses on the Bronze Dragonflight. World of Warcraft will finally give the stage to these time-bending dragons and their constant battle with fate itself.

Destiny 2's Navigator Exotic is Broken in a Good Way

Andrea Trama — Tue, 30 May 2023 21:03:27 GMT

Destiny 2's Season of the Deep is already being regarded as one of the best in the game's history, and that's likely because of several factors, such as the nostalgic feeling of exploring the depths of Titan as well as the highly-praised Ghosts of the Deep Dungeon. What makes Destiny 2's Ghosts of the Deep Dungeon a popular addition is that each of the main encounters doesn't feel like the same mechanic over and over again, which is more than what can be said about the Root of Nightmares Raid from Lightfall's launch. As customary with new pieces of content like Dungeons and Raids, Ghosts of the Deep also comes with its signature Exotic weapon, a trace rifle called The Navigator, which is quite broken - but in a good way.

What The Rumored 'P5T' Persona 5 Spin-Off Could Be

Drew Swanson — Tue, 30 May 2023 20:58:12 GMT

Fans of Persona 5 could be in for another new spin-off title if recent rumors and a new domain registration are any indications. The Japanese domain for P5T.jp was recently registered, but without any publicly available ownership, it's unclear who this domain actually belongs to. However, developer Atlus has a history of using this naming convention for its Persona games when registering its online domains, leading fans of the series to speculate that a new spin-off entry could be in the works alongside the developer's other rumored projects.

Overwatch 2's New Symmetra Event is Another Example of a Recurring Problem

Luci S — Tue, 30 May 2023 20:48:24 GMT

Overwatch 2 is still a highly controversial topic in the gaming world lately, despite a recent blog post from its game director, Aaron Keller, that attempted to clear up any misconceptions about upcoming content. The disappointing news that the promised long-term progression of Hero Mode has been scrapped has led some Overwatch 2 players to boycott the game entirely. Blizzard is actively working to regain the trust of its playerbase with developer updates, a fresh content roadmap, and new challenges, but only time will tell if it can succeed.

Why Games Like Mass Effect, Dragon Age Need Unpopular Companions

Shayna Josi — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:56:45 GMT

One of BioWare's strengths is the ability to create companions that are memorable for all the right reasons: they're the ride-or-die heroes, best friends, and love interests that make the journey worth traveling. One could ask any BioWare fan about their favorite Dragon Age or Mass Effect companion, and they'll likely have an answer that includes Garrus, Tali, Alistair, Varric, Dorian, or Morrigan, who are all some of the most popular companions found in BioWare games over the years.

Why Rainbow Six Siege's New Fenrir Character is Called Fenrir

Paolo Josiel Arias — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:55:55 GMT

Rainbow Six Siege players were treated to a lot of new content when Operation Dread Factor was launched on May 30, 2023. This event follows the seasonal tradition of map reworks and quality-of-life updates. The most important addition, however, is Fenrir, a two-health and two-speed defender with tons of traps. The operator comes equipped with five F-NATT Dread Mines, which can induce fear in trackers by blocking their vision for a short period, allowing Fenrir and his teammates to go in for the kill. While this gadget is certainly unique, the most interesting thing about Fenrir is his background and why his name references Norse mythology.

Comparing Halo 5 and Halo Infinite - What They Got Right and Wrong

Brad R. Edwards — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:19:37 GMT

Not everyone expected that the Halo series would live on into the 2020s, especially when in 2013, Bungie released Halo Reach, which was to be its final Halo game. Since then, 343 Studios has produced a number of Halo games that have had mixed reception. While fans have praised the visuals and some of the new gameplay concepts from the much-loved franchise, many have been displeased with the overall direction that the series has gone in.

Every Diablo 4 Server Slam and Beta Reward Players Will be Able to Claim on Launch

Drew Swanson — Tue, 30 May 2023 18:27:11 GMT

With the launch of Diablo 4 fast approaching, players who participated in the pre-release betas like the Server Slam may have some goodies waiting for them when logging in for the first time. Blizzard offered participants the chance to earn certain special cosmetic items for their characters by completing specific tasks during the open beta that ran from March 24-26 and the Server Slam beta, which ran from May 12-14. Diablo 4 players who took part in these betas will want to claim any rewards they earned during those periods in order to show off their accomplishments to other players.

Malignant Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Tue, 30 May 2023 18:00:19 GMT

The 2021 film Malignant is one of the most well-known James Wan horror movies and is also famous for its memorable ending. Madison Lake-Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis) is pregnant and having horrifying visions that are taking over her life. Several other great horror movies came out in 2021, including Saint Maud, Candyman, and Last Night in Soho. The consensus is that while Malignant isn't perfect, it's entertaining and unexpected enough to keep audiences engaged.

The Fellowship Has a Special Focus in the New The Lord of the Rings Set for Magic the Gathering

Matti Robinson — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:40:17 GMT

In its latest venture into otherworldly franchises, Wizards of the Coast has crafted a Magic: The Gathering collection that uniquely captures the essence of The Lord of the Rings. The card set titled The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth is a complete set featuring pre-constructed Commander decks, Collector's Boosters, Starter Kits, and more. It was a tremendous undertaking from the Magic: The Gathering team, and it is soon available for players to indulge in.

The One Ring and Others Are the Hottest Upcoming Collectibles in Magic the Gathering

Matti Robinson — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:36:17 GMT

In the world of Magic the Gathering, the thrill of the game is often paired with the excitement of assembling a treasured collection. With the release of The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, Wizards of the Coast infuses the game with a host of cards that double up as The Lord of the Rings collectibles. From moments of thrilling drama in Middle-earth to fan-favorite characters, these unique cards are capturing the imaginative world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in a new way.

Magic The Gathering - The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth Card Set Breakdown

Matti Robinson — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:30:19 GMT

Brought to life by a joint venture between Wizards of the Coast and Middle-earth Enterprises, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth sets a new milestone for Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond brand. Universes Beyond is a unique initiative that merges the worlds of renowned entertainment franchises with the card game. The brand has already drawn inspiration from celebrated franchises such as Dungeons & Dragons, Transformers, Warhammer, and Fortnite.

Alone in the Dark Remake Takes a Page Out of Diablo 4’s Playbook

Christopher Castellaw — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:07:11 GMT

After last year’s surprise announcement of a reimagined version of the survival-horror classic Alone in the Dark, developer Pieces Interactive went quiet, leaving players wondering what shape the game would take. Following months of silence, Pieces Interactive has now revealed more information about Alone in the Dark’s all-star cast and cosmic horror-inspired gameplay, and released a playable teaser that provides a taste of what awaits players in the full release. This short teaser is not only a great way to reignite interest in the long-dormant series, but it also wisely takes a page from the playbook of another classic franchise.

There May Be More to Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake's Title Than Meets the Eye

Matt Karoglou — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:05:51 GMT

Metal Gear Solid fans were treated to quite a surprise during the May 24 PlayStation Showcase thanks to the reveal of not only a Metal Gear Solid collection coming to PSN, but also confirmation that a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 is currently in development. Metal Gear Solid 3 is often cited as the pinnacle of the entire Metal Gear Solid franchise thanks to its engaging survival mechanics alongside the series' trademark stealth action, as well as one of the most poignant narratives in all of video games. Interestingly, the remake has dropped the "3" from its title and has replaced it with the delta symbol (in other words, a triangle).

The Best Elden Ring Keepsake For Every Character Archetype

Cameron Lucas — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:01:49 GMT

One of Elden Ring’s major selling points has always been the massive variety of builds that players can choose for their character, with a plethora of interchangeable options defining the game’s status as a prolific RPG. From the outset, Elden Ring offers 10 different starting classes that each approach the game with their own styles before allowing the player to further explore stat progression on their own.

Ubisoft’s Star Wars Game Can Fill a Gap Left by Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Cameron Swan — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:34:10 GMT

As far as sequels go, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor offered just about everything fans could want in a follow-up. With refined skill trees, a slew of new Force abilities, new lightsaber stances, new enemy types, and much, much more, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor improved upon its predecessor in almost every way, and it's earned critical acclaim for doing so. But despite its great reception, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor isn't perfect.

A Proper Demon Slayer Game Would be Wise to Learn from Dead Island 2, Dying Light 2

Anthony Bussing — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:28:38 GMT

The Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles game is a highly praised adaptation of the anime due to the featured cinematic combat styles and the familiar story that fans already know and love. Even though Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles is still a relatively young game, there’s still more to explore in the universe of the Demon Slayer anime with future video game adaptations. In order to tap into some of the unused potentials of Demon Slayer adaptations, the key may be lying in features found in recent zombie games.

Rumors Surrounding PlayStation's Showcase Point Toward a Specific Outcome

Cameron Swan — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:17:11 GMT

Opinions are divided on the latest PlayStation Showcase. On one hand, many fans were pleased with the sheer number of new announcements, re-reveals, and deep-dives PlayStation Showcase delivered, with titles like Bungie's Marathon, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater remake all being clear highlights of the event. They were surrounded by smaller but still noteworthy reveals like Ghostrunner 2, The Plucky Squire, and Ultros to make for a worthwhile show. On the other hand, though, some fans were disappointed with PlayStation Showcase's lack of focus, and its lack of gameplay reveals for its upcoming first-party exclusives.

Diablo 4 Dev Defines the World Bosses' Role In the Endgame Grind

Shane Robert Moyer — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:10:17 GMT

Players that hopped into Diablo 4's server slam event in May had plenty to do to occupy the seemingly short length of time they were allowed to roam. Most spent that time in the world of Sanctuary exploring, fighting hordes of demons and evil entities that threatened the peace, or playing through the first act of Diablo 4's campaign story. During their explorations, many players may have seen others at or near the max level of 20 waiting in a specific section of the map named The Crucible.

Why Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Ending Comes with a Caveat

Zackari Greif — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:07:11 GMT

The latest big release on the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, has stolen the attention of gamers everywhere for a number of reasons. Not only is it more open than its predecessor, but it also features new abilities such as Fuse, Ultrahand, and Recall that have kept players fairly busy due to the almost limitless potential that they hold. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's story has also been praised by fans and seen as rather epic and thought-provoking.

Diablo 4 Devs Reveal Why They Didn't Include Diablo 3's Rifts

Shane Robert Moyer — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:05:17 GMT

With Diablo 4 set to release June 6, old and new fans are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to hack-n-slash their way across the world of Sanctuary once again. This is the first major mainline entry in over 11 years, with Diablo 3 originally releasing in 2012. Diablo 3 has changed significantly during that time, and Blizzard has learned quite a few lessons on what players want in a Diablo game. With Diablo 4, developers knew they had to change the endgame, which meant changing one of the more controversial systems in Diablo 3: Rifts and Greater Rifts.

The Elder Scrolls 6 Should See This Forgotten Daedra Lord's Return

Daniel DeAngelo — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:04:51 GMT

Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls 6 during its E3 2018 press conference. This was probably a mistake on Bethesda's part, as it's been five years and the game is still a long way off, with Bethesda still focused on the upcoming Starfield. The Elder Scrolls 6 might not launch until 2026 or later, which is a long time for fans who have been waiting since Skyrim's Dragonborn DLC was released in December 2012.

How The Lizard Could Impact Marvel's Spider-Man 2's Story

Cameron Swan — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:03:43 GMT

First announced back in 2021, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has finally given fans their very first look at gameplay, and by all accounts, it was worth the wait. Over the course of 13 minutes, Marvel's Spider-Man 2's first gameplay trailer confirmed a plethora of features and new additions coming to the sequel, from the ability to play as both Miles Morales and Peter Parker, to the prevalence of the iconic Symbiote suit in both the story and gameplay, to brand new traversal mechanics like the Web Wings.

Diablo 4 Review

Shane Robert Moyer — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:00:18 GMT

The freezing and unabating snowstorm whips around the player as they trudge through the growing snow. Giant wolves, almost as tall as a man, are lurking just outside the lantern light before attacking with fangs and claws. The player stumbles into a small town, seeking respite from the storm - only to find it carries a dark and twisted secret that could lead to the end of the world. This is Diablo 4, and its bloody and dark-Gothic tale created by Blizzard is just beginning.

The Argument for and Against Stryker Returning in Mortal Kombat 1

Cameron Lucas — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:56:21 GMT

Mortal Kombat 1 is only months away, and with its reboot scenario there is much speculation about the direction that the roster will take. Although it's only confirmed to feature classic characters so far, Mortal Kombat 1 is likely to continue a series staple of bringing surprising fighters back to the roster. There have technically been over 60 playable fighters that have appeared in the history of Mortal Kombat, but some stick out as truly memorable among fans for better or for worse. A prime example of this dynamic is a classic kombatant like Stryker, a realistic police officer who finds himself between ironically unique and straight up controversial.

Marvel's Wolverine Should Include These Sentries as Unique Mini-Bosses

Cameron Swan — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:26:35 GMT

Though it didn't make the cut for the recent PlayStation Showcase, there's still a great deal of hype surrounding Marvel's Wolverine. With Insomniac already having knocked it out of the park twice with Spider-Man, and the sequel looking better by the second, it seems as though it's the right developer for the job. This is good news, as fans have been desperately wanting a great X-Men game - and more specifically, a great Wolverine game - for ages.

If Mortal Kombat 1's Leaked DLC Fighters are True, Netherrealm Has One Big Challenge to Overcome

Trey Griffeth — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:06:54 GMT

Mortal Kombat 1 had barely been revealed before rumors of its DLC characters were already beginning to circulate on the internet. Unconventional DLC characters have been a thing for the franchise since the release of the 2011 reboot and the latest game does not appear to be an exception to this rule. If the latest DLC leaks are to be believed, developer NetherRealm has a big challenge to overcome in Mortal Kombat 1.

Hasbro Reveals New Hulk Figure Based on Thor: Ragnarok

Joshua Duckworth — Tue, 30 May 2023 14:01:17 GMT

Hasbro reveals a new Gladiator Hulk figure based on his appearance in Thor: Ragnarok, complete with five accessories such as an alternate head and gladiator helmet. Like other Marvel Legends figures, this figure is a 6-inch scale, but it stands tall at 8.375 inches without the helmet. Hulk's helmet, however, adds a little length to it, making it 9.25 inches overall to reflect his size and stature.

Harry Potter: What Is The Point Of The House Cup?

Aya Tsintziras — Tue, 30 May 2023 14:01:17 GMT

Life at Hogwarts is never dull, and this beloved Harry Potter setting is a wonderful and sometimes frightening place. While some students and teachers can't be trusted, this is where Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) learns more about his identity after years of living with the terrible Dursley family. When Harry adjusts to Hogwarts, he learns about the many traditions and spends time in the beautiful dining hall. And as he bonds with Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), he also finds out about the House Cup.

How Books Of Clash Graphic Novelist Used Personal Experiences To Write Eight-Volume Series

Adrienne Romero — Tue, 30 May 2023 13:00:19 GMT

On the surface, Clash of Clans is a mobile game where players lead their troops to build an indestructible village, attacking other players in the process. But with the franchise's upcoming and first-ever graphic novel, Books of Clash, Supercell hopes to add a whole new layer to its universe and overall fan experience.

Twilight Princess, Ocarina of Time Influenced Tears of the Kingdom's Zelda, Says Actor

Joey Brown — Tue, 30 May 2023 11:30:17 GMT

Something relatively unique to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, is that the games feature voice-acted dialogue in a series that has largely relied on text boxes to convey speech. This poses some unique challenges for voice actors who are essentially blazing the trail when it comes to how their characters are portrayed vocally, and it was important for Tears of the Kingdom voice actress Patricia Summersett to represent Princess Zelda in the booth faithfully.

Street Fighter 6 Review

Liam Ferguson — Tue, 30 May 2023 07:05:16 GMT

Once, Street Fighter was the leading franchise of fighting games. It had enough clout that SF4's success pulled the entire genre out of a dark age, but this relationship crumbled in 2016 with the bare-bones release of Street Fighter 5. Among other controversies, it lacked conventional arcade and story modes at launch, and the bugs in its rollback netcode were never fully squashed. Leading competitors overtook Street Fighter in casual audience popularity, and SF5's gradual improvements couldn't regain lost ground. A full console generation later, Street Fighter 6 needed to not only prove its worth as a new fighting game but also mend the wounds its predecessor left.

The Last of Us' Multiplayer Game Might Be in the Same Boat as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Tucker Taussig — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:56:59 GMT

With its notable absence during the PlayStation Showcase and a later clarification online, it seems as though Naughty Dog is going back to the drawing board on its previously announced The Last of Us multiplayer game. The highly anticipated title may have been leaning too hard into trends in gaming that are now beginning to fall out of favor, and with Naughty Dog's pedigree, it only makes sense that the studio refuses to show more information on a The Last of Us game that it knows needs more time in the oven.

Nicolas Cage Roles That Would Make Perfect Dead by Daylight Skins

Jared Stewart — Mon, 29 May 2023 22:16:35 GMT

Dead by Daylight has shared an interconnected relationship with licensed, theatrical IPs for a while now, which is part of what helps its longevity prosper as an asymmetrical horror game. Contributing to either the survivor catalog or killer catalog, new characters arrive in DLC chapters almost all the time. Dead by Daylight’s Ash Williams survivor took on Bruce Campbell’s likeness a while back as DLC, for example, and Nicolas Cage is set to be the next survivor in Dead by Daylight as an adaptation of the actor himself.

Final Fantasy 16 Shouldn’t Rely Too Much on its Eikons

William Arthur Carter — Mon, 29 May 2023 21:50:51 GMT

Final Fantasy 16 is releasing in a packed year for AAA games. From The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to Marvel's Spider-Man 2, 2023 is shaping up to be something great, but even with those titles in place, the Square Enix-owned IP is still one of the giants of the industry that will demand a lot of attention. The sixteenth mainline game is scheduled to launch in June, and with it, Final Fantasy's legacy of excellence (with some notable hiccups) will hope to continue. At the recent PlayStation Showcase, it was given more time to shine with a trailer that gave fans the biggest glimpse into Valisthea yet.

Tears of the Kingdom's Zelda Voice Actor Talks How Interpretation Influences Her Character

Joey Brown — Mon, 29 May 2023 21:24:58 GMT

For decades, the relationship between Link and Princess Zelda has been at the forefront of fan speculation, and the recent release of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has reinvigorated that discussion. On one side of the fandom are those who interpret the relationship as romantic, while others perceive it as more platonic and even familial.

Marathon Proves PlayStation is Keeping its Promise About Bungie

Matt Karoglou — Mon, 29 May 2023 20:45:42 GMT

Prior to the May 24 PlayStation Showcase, many fans speculated that there would be a reveal of Bungie's first new IP since being acquired by Sony in 2022. What was less expected was that the new IP was going to be a revival of Bungie's Marathon, albeit with a style and tone much more consistent with the studio's work on Destiny rather than the linear 90s FPS the series was known for. Perhaps most surprising about the reveal of Marathon is the confirmation that the title will be multi-platform and support cross-play at launch, making good on Sony's promise regarding its acquisition of the developer and commitment to allowing it to continue making titles for non-Sony hardware.

The Fallout Franchise Has More in Common with Red Dead Redemption Than You Think

Drew Swanson — Mon, 29 May 2023 20:27:19 GMT

The Fallout and Red Dead Redemption franchises are home to two of gaming's most popular open worlds with their detailed world-building and environmental design making their respective worlds feel alive. But despite being two entirely different genres set across vastly different time periods, the Fallout and Red Dead Redemption series share a lot more in common than just their open worlds. As each series has gone on, the similarities in the games' greater themes and lore have become more closely aligned than fans might realize at first glance.

Fairgames Has Serious Watch Dogs Vibes

William Arthur Carter — Mon, 29 May 2023 20:23:39 GMT

The much-anticipated PlayStation showcase that took place on May 24 confirmed a handful of rumors and showed glimpses if plenty of new titles coming to consoles in the future. From a remake of Konami classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater to the announcement of a sequel to the long-overlooked Dragon's Dogma, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The show kicked off with Fairgames before Jim Ryan welcomed players to the festivities, and the game that whetted players' appetites for more had some obvious parallels to another well-established property: Watch Dogs.

Spider-Man: The Best Comics to Read Before Across the Spider-Verse

Barrett Edwards Smith — Mon, 29 May 2023 20:01:17 GMT

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the long-awaited sequel to 2018’s animated masterpiece Into the Spider-Verse, is finally about to swing into theaters. As such, there’s no better time to take a deep dive into the source material that inspired the Spider-Verse films.

One Dragon’s Dogma 2 Character Looks A Lot Like Elden Ring’s Melina

Josh Childs — Mon, 29 May 2023 19:36:12 GMT

One character in the new Dragon’s Dogma 2 reveal trailer looks strikingly similar to Elden Ring’s iconic character, Melina. The similarities between the two are so explicit that any Elden Ring fan would be able to notice.

Persona 6: The Case for P5 Royal's Jose to Become a Party Member

Stan Hogeweg — Mon, 29 May 2023 19:13:15 GMT

One of the biggest questions facing Persona 6 right now is how closely it'll tie itself into the past games. While the current generation of mainline Persona games are all playable as standalone experiences, they reference each other to varying degrees. Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are extensively interconnected, with each team encountering the other multiple times, while Persona 5 kept the past games at arms length with much subtler references. It'd make sense for Persona 6 to give P5 some time in the spotlight, given its popularity, but maybe it should go even farther and make Persona 5 Royal's Jose playable.

Elden Ring Player Accidentally Cheeses Godskin Noble

Tucker Taussig — Mon, 29 May 2023 19:11:11 GMT

The Godskin Noble makes several appearances over the course of Elden Ring, and this might be their most abrupt ending for this gamer's playthrough. Cheesing bosses is a storied tradition in FromSoft titles, but this bridge-side topple could prove difficult to replicate in Elden Ring.

Mortal Kombat 1: Homelander's Biggest Strength Wouldn't Be Gameplay-Related

Trey Griffeth — Mon, 29 May 2023 17:00:20 GMT

Earlier this month it was leaked that Homelander would be part of Mortal Kombat 1's DLC packs. This would continue the franchise's tradition of having new fighter characters who feel very out of place with the rest of the series. If the leaks are true, Homelander's biggest strength in Mortal Kombat 1 would not be gameplay related.

How Starfield Compares to Star Citizen

Jessica Barnes — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:56:52 GMT

Bethesda's upcoming Starfield promises to be an intriguing addition to the developer's catalog of games, and fans of the sci-fi genre are looking forward to seeing what new elements it could bring to the table. From the first glimpses of the title in action, Bethesda has tried to impress players with Starfield's visuals, features, and unique aspects. However, some gamers have been making comparisons to other yet-to-be-released games such as Star Citizen, and are wondering if the two titles might have more in common than it seems.

Borderlands 4 Has to Avoid a Common Villain Mistake That BL3 Fell Victim To

Richard Warren — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:46:18 GMT

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Borderlands 3.Though there was a lot to love in Borderlands 3, there were plenty of criticisms leveled at the game as well, many of which were directed at the story. Fans were disappointed with how Maya’s fate was handled, annoyed by how rushed moments like the big Tannis reveal were, and sad that certain characters did not appear. Ava was another negative point for many, though at the center of most critiques were The Calypso Twins.

The Next Modern Warfare Game Has to Stop Avoiding the Classic Spec Ops Style

Cameron Swan — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:37:30 GMT

For the last 15 years, a third game mode has been a staple of the Call of Duty franchise. Beginning with Call of Duty: World at War's Zombies mode all the way back in 2008, every Call of Duty since has had at least one additional mode on top of campaign and multiplayer, ranging from Black Ops 4's surprisingly great Blackout battle royale mode, to Call of Duty: Ghosts' lackluster Extinction mode. But by far one of the most beloved additional modes in Call of Duty history is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's Spec Ops mode.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Should Lean More on The Callisto Protocol Than Resident Evil

Brie Hoban — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:34:42 GMT

Silent Hill 2 is easily among the best horror games ever made. When it was released in 2001, the title was met with instant critical acclaim, with Silent Hill 2's heavy themes of trauma, guilt, and mental illness being viewed as a turning point in the medium. A modern remake of Silent Hill 2 was announced in October 2022, to the delight of longtime fans. However, one aspect of the game needs a major update. When it was released, Silent Hill 2 featured a clunky combat system, even for the time. The Silent Hill 2 Remake will require a brand-new combat system and should lean towards last year's The Callisto Protocol over the much more popular, and weapon-heavy, Resident Evil.

Neva’s Art Style Could Be a Gift and a Curse

William Arthur Carter — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:30:20 GMT

Among the litany of games revealed at the showcase was Neva, the next project from developer Nomada Studio, the team behind 2018 gem Gris. That game was one of the few to come to Nintendo Switch before other home consoles, and helped to cement Nintendo's machine as one that is perfectly suited to indie and smaller budget titles. The developer's upcoming offering is coming to the PlayStation 5 in 2024, and already looks to have captured the charm of the game that preceded it, as so much of that game's quality was in the way it looked.

Diablo 4's Betas Should Have Given Players Access to One of the Coolest Gameplay Features

Jessica Barnes — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:21:34 GMT

Fans of Blizzard's action RPG dungeon crawler series have been looking forward to Diablo 4 for a long time, and thankfully its release is finally imminent. With Diablo 4's launch only days away, many are looking forward to diving into the rich world of angels, demons, and a whole host of other dangers. But for some, Diablo 4's launch will be an extension of their experience so far if they managed to check out the game's betas. However, the game's early glimpses would've benefitted from showcasing one promised gameplay feature.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Can Pick Up Right Where Miles Morales Left Off With One Character

Richard Warren — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:15:18 GMT

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Spider-Man: Miles Morales.Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s gameplay segment at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase gave fans of the franchise a whole lot to be excited about. Seeing Peter’s Symbiote suit in action was incredible, with a number of awesome new abilities on display. The Lizard looked extremely intimidating, while Kraven’s design is as comic accurate as Insomniac could get. The confirmation that players would be able to switch between Miles and Peter made for a terrific reveal, too.

Is GTA Online Auto Shop Worth It?

Devin Ellis Friend — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:15:13 GMT

One of several options available to Grand Theft Auto Online players is running an auto shop, but it can be questioned whether it is really worth the money. Among the many activities and business opportunities available to players, there needs to be a good reason for one to stand out. Otherwise, the player will simply choose one of Grand Theft Auto Online's many other options from the significant list of things available to them in Los Santos. The auto shop does have its share of perks for players who buy it. Even so, it should be analyzed to see the true value of its features.

Destiny 2's Season 21 Continues a Heyday for Warlocks

Anthony Bussing — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:13:17 GMT

When it comes to the Strand subclasses in Destiny 2, Warlocks arguably have the best builds compared to Titans and Hunters. For the most part, Warlocks have been able to outperform the other classes with the Strand’s ranged abilities, and the latest update for the subclass continues to take Warlocks to the next level. As of Season of the Deep, Destiny 2’s Warlocks have some seriously powerful options for buildcrafting with the Strand subclass.

HBO's The Last of Us Has the Perfect Blueprint to Adapt The Last of Us Part 2

Jake Selway — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:02:43 GMT

With HBO's The Last of Us TV adaptation being so successful, it is no wonder that fans are already desperate to see the next season. The show opened up the franchise to a whole new audience, many of whom may be unaware of the events of the second game.

The Matrix Revolutions Ending, Explained

Christian Colby Eltell — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:00:19 GMT

In 2003, two sequels to one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made were released: The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. While The Matrix had an overwhelmingly positive reception, the sequels were polarizing, particularly the third film. The Matrix Revolutions is viewed by many as the weakest film of the series. Many feel that the focus is on grand visual effects and action sequences rather than character development, and thought the conclusion was anticlimactic.

The Plucky Squire Looks Like a Good Alternative for LittleBigPlanet Fans

Martin Wood — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:00:18 GMT

During the latest PlayStation Showcase, The Plucky Squire received an updated trailer giving players a better look at the dimension-hopping storybook adventure which could place it as the next LittleBigPlanet success story. At its inception, the LittleBigPlanet series was an alternative to a sweeping trend in the gaming industry of increasing realism and violence that matched improving technology and maturing players. With its strong emphasis on community and creativity, LittleBigPlanet earned critical acclaim and secured itself as a game for everyone, but with no new mainline LittleBigPlanet games since 2014, The Plucky Squire could pick up this mantle instead.

Two of World of Warcraft’s Playable Races Are Facing Extinction

Kelly Schmidt — Mon, 29 May 2023 15:57:17 GMT

World of Warcraft has a myriad of interesting and unique races that players can choose to be their own characters. Each one has a background, culture, and a special place in World of Warcraft’s story. There are two races in the game, however, whose current situations will make it extremely difficult to carry on beyond the foreseeable future.

Everything Mass Effect 4 Can Learn from Each Game in the Trilogy

Shayna Josi — Mon, 29 May 2023 15:55:11 GMT

The Mass Effect trilogy is one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time for good reason. It's filled to the brim with unforgettable characters, intricate worldbuilding, a sweeping score, and a plot that leaves players on the edge of their seats. It's regularly hailed by critics and fans alike as BioWare's magnum opus.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Fans Should Keep An Eye On This Upcoming Game

Jessica Barnes — Mon, 29 May 2023 15:47:43 GMT

Fans of futuristic vehicular combat titles have lots to look forward to, with both Synduality: Echo of Ada and Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon on the horizon. While most players might be more familiar with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon thanks to its powerhouse developer FromSoftware, they still shouldn't sleep on Synduality: Echo of Ada. The two titles might have many differences, but gamers could enjoy Game Studio Inc.'s third-person action RPG just as they would Armored Core 6's release thanks to its similar vibe but unique elements.

How Elden Ring's Lichdragon Fortissax Became a Key Character in the Lore

Brendan Paul Dick — Mon, 29 May 2023 15:45:18 GMT

Nearly every single boss encounter in Elden Ring is epic and memorable. If FromSoftware has proven anything through its catalog, it's that it knows how to craft engaging and difficult boss fights. Oftentimes, though, the deep lore and engrossing stories behind these bosses can be overlooked. The optional battle against Lichdragon Fortissax in Elden Ring is a prime example. While the fight is applauded for its visual design and tricky mechanics, it's entirely possible for players to miss the backstory tied to Fortissax.