Game Rant - Explainer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Razer vs Logitech: Who Makes The Better Mouse?

Megan Miri Reyes — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:02:09 GMT

There’s no doubt that Razer and Logitech are leaders in the PC gaming world, especially when it comes to gaming mice. The Razer Basilisk Ultimate wireless mouse is the best gaming mouse of 2023 (so far), but Logitech wasn’t far behind with their own high-performance mouse options.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: How are Solid Snake and Naked Snake Different?

Drew Swanson — Mon, 29 May 2023 15:17:07 GMT

Warning: This article contains major spoilers for the Metal Gear series. Proceed at your own risk.The revival of Konami's Metal Gear Solid franchise with the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was the highlight of the recent PlayStation Showcase for many. The status of the series had been up in the air following the departure of its creator Hideo Kojima from the company following the release of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, and the dismal release of Metal Gear Survive without Kojima helming the project left the series in a dire state. Now that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater looks to remake one of the series' most popular entries, players will get the opportunity to relive the iconic origins of Naked Snake.

Fight Club Ending, Explained

Kiona Delana Jones — Mon, 29 May 2023 01:00:19 GMT

The first rule of Fight Club is not to talk about it, but it’s been 24 years since the film’s original release, so it should be safe to at least talk about the ending. Fight Club aside, the 90s was an interesting time in filmmaking. Donnie Darko, for example, had a demonic rabbit tell its titular star (Jake Gyllenhaal) the world was ending in 28 days. It was an off-the-wall look into how someone might behave (or misbehave) with an apocalypse looming ahead. The film’s surrealist commentary on societal norms, however, took a backseat to what it had to say about mental health issues in young White men at the time.

Gattaca Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:19 GMT

The 1997 sci-fi movie Gattaca has an all-star cast that includes Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke and a memorable ending that makes for a very satisfying movie-watching experience. The film stands out because it has sci-fi elements but a love story as well, and this combination makes it incredibly engaging. Audiences and critics alike loved Gattaca. The film has an 82% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer and an 87% Audience Score.

Everything Revealed So Far About PlayStation's New Project Leonardo Controller

Paolo Josiel Arias — Sun, 28 May 2023 21:56:39 GMT

Controllers are the tactile connection between the player and the game, and while Sony’s PS5 gamepad has a comfortable and optimized interface for most gamers, it may not be for everyone. Some people may have medical conditions which make it difficult for them to grip a normal DualSense gamepad, so they either miss out on playing PlayStation titles, or buy a more accessible but more expensive third-party controller. The PlayStation team doesn’t want this important part of its audience to feel left out, so at CES 2023, they announced Project Leonardo, a controller kit that prioritizes accessibility.

Moon Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Sun, 28 May 2023 20:00:18 GMT

The 2009 sci-fi movie Moon features an incredible performance from Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell, an astronaut who makes a terrifying discovery after being in space for almost three years. While there are countless movies that are set in space, this is definitely one of the most interesting and well-crafted. Unlike more recent releases that can feel cheesy and like a vehicle to show off special effects, Moon tells an honest and sad story about one man who feels more alone with every new fact that he learns. While audiences don't learn a ton about him or his background, he still feels like a fully formed character, which is important.

Game Rant Recap for 05/22/23 – 05/28/23

Jared Stewart — Sun, 28 May 2023 19:12:59 GMT

The PlayStation Showcase aired this week with a surprise reveal of a long-rumored Konami remake, a rebooted Bungie IP, and Insomniac Games’ most highly anticipated release for this year. Today, Game Rant’s weekly recap takes a look at some of the most notable headlines from the past week.

All Confirmed Features for AEW Fight Forever

Raul Landaverde — Sun, 28 May 2023 18:30:15 GMT

Releasing on June 29, AEW Fight Forever will be AEW's first foray into console and PC gaming with several features for wrestling fans to discover. The upcoming wrestling game includes a dense roster of AEW professional wrestlers, allowing fans to experience iconic matches and wrestling maneuvers seen on AEW programming in a new way. Moreover, AEW Fight Forever lets AEW fans enjoy new and original content, including mini-games and a robust customization suite.

Where Tears of the Kingdom Lands in the Zelda Timeline Explained

Jared Carvalho — Sun, 28 May 2023 18:01:54 GMT

While much of the timeline for older Legend of Zelda titles has been set in stone by the Hyrule Historia, Tears of the Kingdom and its predecessor hold a strange placement in the ongoing lore of Hyrule. It is already apparent that Breath of the Wild is at the end of the timeline, as time travel and changes to the established ancient past in this latest title appear to redefine that placement entirely.

Which Diablo 4 Class is Best For You?

Drew Swanson — Sun, 28 May 2023 10:00:18 GMT

With the launch of Diablo 4 right around the corner, many players are preparing by planning out their builds based on the game's class system. The betas for Diablo 4 gave players a chance to test out some build options prior to its release, with the latest open beta giving the closest look at how the game will actually play at launch. Taking the information gleaned from these betas, it's clear that each class in Diablo 4 plays very differently from one another, and players will need to carefully evaluate which class is the right one for them.

The Marvels: Monica Rambeau's Powers Explained

Kiona Delana Jones — Sun, 28 May 2023 01:00:19 GMT

Monica Rambeau has finally made her MCU debut, leaving fans shivering with anticipation over what her powers will look like in The Marvels. Monica has held many titles and accomplished much throughout Marvel Comics. She was the original Captain Marvel long before she adopted the name Photon. While some saw this as a demotion of her character, it didn’t stop Monica from blazing a trail as one of the most powerful Marvel superheroes. So, many were thrilled to learn she was finally making her first appearance in the MCU back in 2019. Monica has been an Avenger.

Prometheus Ending, Explained

Christian Colby Eltell — Sun, 28 May 2023 00:00:19 GMT

Just over a decade ago, acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott returned to the Alien franchise with the 2012 feature Prometheus. After several action-packed films like James Cameron's Aliens, David Fincher's Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection, along with the Alien vs. Predator spin-offs, Scott brings the horror element back into the series, as well as an intriguing origin story.

Diablo 4's Shadow Sniper Build Explained

Matt Karoglou — Sat, 27 May 2023 15:45:17 GMT

Alongside the Sorcerer and Necromancer, the Rogue is one of the more versatile and powerful classes in Diablo 4. One of the qualities that makes playing as a Rogue compelling is the class' ability to operate as a ranged class or an up-close-and-personal DPS dealer with high dexterity and agility to quickly get in and out of enemy mobs. The Shadow Sniper is a purely ranged Rogue build that deals incredible damage thanks to the use of Shadow Imbuement to make everything on screen explode. Any Diablo 4 players looking to use the Rogue while also being capable of clearing mobs in a single attack should give the Shadow Sniper build a shot.

Xbox Game Pass Already Has 3 Day One Games Confirmed for June 2023

Dalton Cooper — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:37:16 GMT

Thanks to previous release date announcements, the Xbox Game Pass subscription service already has three day one games confirmed for June 2023. Xbox Game Pass is going into June coming off a mixed showing for May 2023 that saw some solid new additions to the lineup as well as one of its most high-profile flops to date.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty - What is the FIA?

Jessica Barnes — Fri, 26 May 2023 23:55:49 GMT

The first and only major expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 is on the horizon, and fans are more than a little hyped for Phantom Liberty's release. Building on the much-improved foundations of Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty is a spy-thriller DLC that will see protagonist V "take on an impossible mission of espionage and survival" with new characters, locations, and storylines. Although many of the elements of the DLC will already be familiar to players, there are some aspects that still remain a mystery.

Spider-Man 2 Villain Explained: Who is Kraven the Hunter?

Dalton Cooper — Fri, 26 May 2023 15:41:59 GMT

Spider-Man 2's main villain is Kraven the Hunter, a character that newer Spider-Man fans may not be totally familiar with. Kraven the Hunter has been featured in the Spider-Man comic books for decades, and he's also made appearances on various Spider-Man animated series. However, it's safe to say that the majority of casual fans are most familiar with the villains that have appeared in live-action Spider-Man movies and the Insomniac video game. Those individuals may have no clue who Kraven the Hunter is, as he has yet to make his live-action film debut and wasn't in the 2018 Spider-Man game.

Star Trek: What Is A Bat'leth?

Kiona Delana Jones — Thu, 25 May 2023 20:00:18 GMT

The bat’leth might seem like an ordinary weapon, but the meaning it has for Klingons goes beyond the battlefield. This melee weapon was introduced in Star Trek: The Next Generation back in the 1990s, making it a relatively new addition to the lore of a species that has been in the franchise since the late 1960s. Klingons have undergone many changes since their first appearance. Most of them have been physical, but there have been cultural changes as well.

All Features Confirmed for Hades 2 So Far

Shayna Josi — Thu, 25 May 2023 17:21:30 GMT

It's been several months since Supergiant Games announced that it's secretly been developing Hades 2, despite never creating a sequel to one of their games before. In a blog post, the developer stated that it's not yet done with the world of Hades, and Hades 2 brought with it opportunities to tell stories that didn't have the space to be told with Zagreus' story. As one of the most anticipated games of the year, players are excited to return to the world of Greek mythology with a whole new cast of characters and some awesome new surprises.

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty: Explaining The Most Important Members of the New United States

Andrea Gonzalez — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:15:09 GMT

In Cyberpunk 2077, the United States is in a far different place than in our time, having severely fragmented in the decades leading up to the game. The setting of Night City is treated as a city-state despite being in California, which in itself separated from the United States to become a "Free State" along with places such as Idaho and Oregon. The nation still exists in the form of the New United States of America (NUSA), and although it was not focused on in Cyberpunk 2077's base game, it'll play a pivotal role in its Phantom Liberty DLC.

All Symbiote Powers Revealed for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Cameron Swan — Wed, 24 May 2023 22:16:17 GMT

It's finally happened. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has received its first gameplay trailer. After waiting almost two years since its initial announcement, fans have finally been treated to a fairly lengthy gameplay showcase for Marvel's Spider-Man 2, showcasing a lot of the same gameplay fans know and love, while also confirming some heavily rumored features.

How Honkai Star Rail and Genshin Impact Are Connected

Luci S — Wed, 24 May 2023 15:28:15 GMT

HoYoverse's newest gacha, Honkai: Star Rail, has seen plenty of attention since its premiere last month, especially with the Genshin Impact community taking a liking to the space RPG. The incredibly successful Honkai: Star Rail can be played separately from its older sibling due to its standalone storyline, but this hasn't stopped people from noticing all the ways in which the two are connected.

I Am Legend Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:18 GMT

There are countless movies and TV shows about viruses that turn people into zombies, some more compelling and well-developed than others. The 2007 movie I Am Legend is one of Will Smith's most famous movies. And it was so popular that a sequel, I Am Legend 2, is in the works. Robert Neville (Will Smith) is wandering around New York City, convinced that he's alone after a virus has decimated the majority of the world's population. It's a chilling premise that leads into a fast-paced and interesting movie.

Pokemon Fans Should Keep An Eye On June 8

Brie Hoban — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:19:27 GMT

The Pokemon franchise has spawned generations of weird and wacky titles from other developers, each trying to capitalize on the original idea while adding unique and bizarre gimmicks. While many stick to the central themes and lighthearted nature of the Pokemon franchise, one upcoming title, Palworld, will deliver something much darker. Unlike Pokemon, Palworld is a survival-adventure game and players will need to contend with hunger, temperature, and resource management to survive each day. While those elements are standard to survival games, another feature of the genre is proving especially controversial, as Palworld allows players to manufacture guns, which both the player and their Pals - Palworld's version of Pokemon - can equip. The title has been quiet for the last year, but Pokemon fans should keep an eye on June 8th, as Palworld is confirmed to appear at Summer Game Fest.

Fallout 76’s Smiling Man Cranks The Creepy Factor Up to a 10

Ramey Abdelhamed — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:09:37 GMT

One of Fallout 76's most appealing traits is that it is filled to the brim with iconic cryptids. From gangly wendigos to extraterrestrials from the great beyond, the game has no shortage of variety. But one cryptid stands above the rest for being the creepiest by far, and it isn't even close.

Minority Report Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:00:19 GMT

Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, the sci-fi/action movie Minority Report was a massive hit with audiences and critics. The film grossed over $300 million when it was released in 2002 and further solidified Cruise as an action star who could lead any film or franchise. This was in the middle of his Mission Impossible fame and a few decades after he blew everyone away in the original Top Gun.

One Piece: The Reason For Cobra's Assassination, Explained

Rei Penber — Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:19 GMT

The latest Reverie held in One Piece has sent shockwaves throughout the world and the consequences of this gathering have shaken the very foundation of the One Piece world. This year's Reverie was full of major incidents and even saw a war break out within the Holy Land of Marijoa as well. Among all the drama and chaos atop the Red Line in the Holy Land of Marijoa, there was also the curious case of the death of King Cobra.

The Butterfly Effect Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:18 GMT

The 2004 science-fiction/thriller film The Butterfly Effect is famous for its entertaining and, at times, corny premise. It follows Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher), a young adult who travels back in time to change the terrible and dark events of his and his friends' past. He learns about The Butterfly Effect, a theory that even small alternations can cause massive ripples. According to Britannica.com, the theory comes from Edward Lorenz, who figured out that weather patterns can affect each other. He realized that when a butterfly in China moves, the United States can see certain weather afterward.

One Piece: The History Of The Nefertari Family, Explained

Rei Penber — Mon, 22 May 2023 21:00:18 GMT

One Piece chapter 1084 dropped recently and, much to the surprise of the fans, the author of the story, Oda, dove deep into the history of the Nefertari Family. This family has been central to the Arabasta arc of the story and has not come into play since, however, fans know that it has great significance attached to it, given that they have ties to the Void Century and the Celestial Dragons.

What to Expect From Like a Dragon Gaiden

Drew Swanson — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:16:53 GMT

Like a Dragon fans are set to have a great 2023 with Like a Dragon: Ishin releasing earlier this year and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name on the horizon. The game was originally announced alongside Like a Dragon: Ishin and Like a Dragon 8 back in September 2022, with the former scheduled for release in early 2023 and the latter not expected until 2024. As if these games weren't enough to get fans excited, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name was also announced for a 2023 release date, giving the series a solid output schedule over the next couple of years.

Xbox Sale Lets You Save Big on Assassin's Creed Games

John Bonelli — Mon, 22 May 2023 17:14:47 GMT

Pretty much every Assassin's Creed title, including the franchise's various DLCs, is now available to Xbox users at discounted prices. The massive Assassin's Creed sale comes just ahead of next month's Ubisoft Forward where crucial details about Assassin's Creed Mirage are expected to be revealed.

Star Trek: Who Are The Founders?

Kiona Delana Jones — Mon, 22 May 2023 16:01:18 GMT

The Founders were the ever-shifting force behind the Dominion, an alliance of species that waged one of the bloodiest wars in Star Trek's history. Before the Founders first appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, they were a name whispered among those who knew of them by reputation alone. They were basically the boogeyman of space. No one had to see them in person for their presence to be feared. In fact, they were only referenced three times in Deep Space 9 before making their debut in the finale episode of Season 2.

Skyrim Mod Turns the Game Into a More Immersive Survival Experience

Andrew Heaton — Mon, 22 May 2023 13:47:20 GMT

Surviving in the harsh wilderness of Skyrim just got a lot more immersive thanks to a mod that takes survival aspects from other custom add-ons and tweaks them to make this province of Tamriel a little more believable. While The Elder Scrolls 6 is still in development, fans of the series are keeping themselves busy with the fifth installment in Bethesda's epic fantasy franchise, and modifying the heck out of the game is just one way the community is extending the shelf life.

Bones and All Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Mon, 22 May 2023 01:00:18 GMT

Maren Yearly (Taylor Russell) and Lee (Timothée Chalamet) are cannibals who fall deeply in love in the 2022 horror movie Bones And All, and the movie tells their sad story before delivering a shocking ending. The characters are called "eaters" and while they can't help their instincts to kill people, they have moral compasses and wish that they could live regular lives. That sets them apart from the way that cannibals are depicted in most films.

All The PvE Features That Overwatch 2 Has Scrapped

Cameron Lucas — Mon, 22 May 2023 00:34:49 GMT

Blizzard has officially announced that Overwatch 2’s promised PvE experiences will not be arriving after all, leaving several long-awaited features behind. Back in 2019, Overwatch 2 was unveiled to the masses at BlizzCon. With the original Overwatch still ever-popular and receiving updates at the time, the sequel needed to shake things up. Blizzard delivered, shocking fans with beautifully animated cinematic trailers showcasing an emotional narrative surrounding the Overwatch cast. This was the official reveal of Overwatch 2, and the gameplay that was shown focused on the PvE experience that Blizzard was gearing up to push the IP forward.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Pascal Does an Adorable Thing if You Follow Him

Clayton Sterling Cyre — Sun, 21 May 2023 21:47:10 GMT

An Animal Crossing: New Horizons fan has discovered an adorable detail regarding Pascal if players follow him for an extended duration. Pascal was introduced with the Animal Crossing franchise in Wild World where he would randomly visit towns and reward players with ship-themed furniture, but Animal Crossing: New Horizons features the character differently.

Game Rant Recap for 05/15/23 – 05/21/23

Jared Stewart — Sun, 21 May 2023 19:23:32 GMT

Mortal Kombat 12 is finally officially unveiled with a different title, fans of Insomniac Games potentially have a lot to look forward to next week, and unfortunate news concerning Blizzard’s latest team-based PvP shooter. Today, Game Rant’s weekly recap takes a look at some of the most notable headlines from the past week.

One Piece: The True Power Of The Revolutionary Army Commanders, Explained

Rei Penber — Sun, 21 May 2023 15:01:18 GMT

The Revolutionary Army is one of the strongest forces in the world of One Piece. Established by none other than Monkey D. Dragon, this army has grown significantly over the years. The Revolutionary Army was established around 20 years ago in the story. While their start wasn't as impressive, in time, they went on to establish an incredible force capable of rivaling the Three Great Powers and even the World Government itself.

Infinity Pool Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Sun, 21 May 2023 01:00:20 GMT

After his horror movies Antiviral and Possessor were released in 2012 and 2020, Brandon Cronenberg wrote and directed Infinity Pool, which came out in January 2023. Like his famous and celebrated father David Cronenberg, he makes films that fit into the body horror subgenre and pulls no punches when it comes to violence, gore, and strong themes.

PC Gamers Can Claim 2 Big Games Completely Free Right Now

Dalton Cooper — Sat, 20 May 2023 18:13:12 GMT

At the time of this writing, PC gamers can claim both Death Stranding and Metro: Last Light Complete Edition completely free of charge, but the offers don't last forever. PC gamers are often treated to free games with no subscriptions necessary, though the freebies are only ever available to claim within a limited window.

How Long to Beat Every Diablo Game Before Diablo 4 Releases

Jake Selway — Sat, 20 May 2023 15:15:25 GMT

Diablo 4 is set to release on June 6, with excitement around the game only increasing as this date draws closer. With the title promising to be one of the most large-scale in the franchise's history, it is clear to see why the release is garnering so much interest.

2 Original Mortal Kombat Characters Are Still Missing from the MK1 Roster

Dalton Cooper — Sat, 20 May 2023 15:07:44 GMT

The Mortal Kombat 1 roster includes almost all the original Mortal Kombat playable characters, but two are still missing from the lineup at the time of this writing: Kano and Sonya Blade. Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a reboot of sorts for the Mortal Kombat franchise. While its story technically follows up on the events of the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expansion, Mortal Kombat 1 is starting fresh with a new universe, meaning characters who were killed off in previous entries can come back, and the franchise can work with a mostly clean slate.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet TCG's Most Valuable Cards

Drew Swanson — Sat, 20 May 2023 13:00:20 GMT

The Pokemon TCG has exploded in popularity in recent years leading to many rare cards from new sets garnering high price tags among collectors. Now that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially kicked off Gen 9, the Pokemon TCG has released its first expansion featuring the creatures and characters from these latest games. As expected, there are several highly sought-after cards in this expansion that have become quite valuable due to their popularity and rarity.

All Features Confirmed for Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC So Far

Jake Selway — Sat, 20 May 2023 10:30:19 GMT

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that has been tarnished by the infamous way in which it launched. Despite the massive community that had been waiting for the release for years, the title quickly lost a lot of its player-base due to its initial buggy nature.

Star Trek: The Jem'Hadar, Explained

Kiona Delana Jones — Sat, 20 May 2023 00:00:19 GMT

The Jem’Hadar were the loyal foot soldiers of the Dominion and genuinely one of the fiercest warriors in Star Trek, but how high was the price for their collective loyalty? During Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the United Federation of Planets and its allies went to war with the Dominion. It was long, bloody, grueling, and took the lives of many Starfleet officers as well as those who stood beside them. While the Changelings who founded the Dominion started the fight, they left the Vorta in charge. The latter then sent the Jem’Hadar to get their hands dirty.

Star Trek: Miles O'Brien's Time Travel, Explained

Kiona Delana Jones — Fri, 19 May 2023 20:00:19 GMT

Chief Engineer Miles O’Brien (Colm Meaney) is the kind of Star Trek character who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes, though, that works out in his favor. The Starfleet officer had a knack for getting into trouble on The Next Generation. His storylines on Deep Space Nine were just as chaotic, and just as likely to have him narrowly escaping the clutches of death.

What to Expect From BlizzCon 2023

Luci S — Fri, 19 May 2023 19:30:19 GMT

BlizzCon is set to return in just a few month's time as Blizzard recently confirmed it will run from November 3rd to the 4th at the Anaheim Convention Center. This convention will not only be the first in-person event since 2019 but also the first since the online 2022 BlizzCon was canceled. The studio is best known for titles like Diablo, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Hearthstone following the foundation of the company in 1991.

The Unwritten Rules of Fallout 4 Explained

Anthony Bussing — Fri, 19 May 2023 18:12:08 GMT

Although Fallout 4 is a single-player game, the community of players has collectively established a general set of rules to abide by when playing the game. Since Fallout 4 is one of many cult Fallout games still being played to this day, many of the community’s unwritten rules aim towards influencing players to utilize the unique additions for this entry in the franchise.

Resident Evil 4: How Luis Serra Bridges the Gap with RE3’s Nemesis

Trey Griffeth — Fri, 19 May 2023 17:01:21 GMT

The remake of Resident Evil 4 hit store shelves and digital storefronts worldwide in late March. The game was well-received by critics and was one of the fastest-selling games in the franchise, having moved over 4.5 million copies worldwide in just a couple of weeks. The Resident Evil 4 remake would feature many differences from the original, but one of its biggest was a bit more subtle.

Mortal Kombat 1 is Already Avoiding One of MK11's Biggest Controversies

Dalton Cooper — Fri, 19 May 2023 15:45:09 GMT

Mortal Kombat 1 is avoiding a controversy that plagued Mortal Kombat 11 by ensuring that Mileena is part of the roster right off the bat. Following months of leaks and rumors, NetherRealm Studios finally revealed Mortal Kombat 1, the 12th main series entry in the long-running fighting game franchise. The reveal happened with a heart-pounding trailer that confirmed some of the characters that will make up the game's roster.

The Marvels: Who Is Park Seo-joon Playing?

kate bove — Fri, 19 May 2023 14:00:17 GMT

In April 2023, Marvel Studios released the first full-length trailer for The Marvels — the Carol Danvers-helmed ensemble film that’s serving as “Captain Marvel 2,” so to speak. Brie Larson returns as Carol, a.k.a. Captain Marvel, the ex-Air Force pilot-turned-superhero, but this time the human-Kree hybrid is joined by other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) heroes with extraordinary powers: Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), who fans last saw getting her cells rewritten in 2021’s WandaVision, and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a Captain Marvel superfan who becomes the body-morphing hero Ms. Marvel in her 2022 self-titled Disney Plus miniseries.

Star Wars: Who Is Maz Kanata?

kate bove — Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:20 GMT

Introduced in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, Maz Kanata is one of the more memorable characters created for the Star Wars sequel trilogy. After meeting protagonists Rey and Finn, Han Solo takes the duo to Maz Kanata’s castle-turned-watering hole, which is where Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber calls out to Rey, leading her down the path of the Jedi.

The Kingdom Hearts TV Pilot (That Never Was), Explained

kate bove — Thu, 18 May 2023 23:00:18 GMT

Over two decades ago, Square Enix’s Tetsuya Nomura and Shinji Hashimoto created Kingdom Hearts, a collaboration between the acclaimed Final Fantasy developer and The Walt Disney Company. Since the first game’s release in 2002, the action role-playing game (RPG) has grown into a 13-game, multi-platform series, shipping more than 36 million copies worldwide. Like any highly profitable property, Kingdom Hearts boasts every tie-in imaginable, from collectible figurines to a best-selling manga series. However, one glaringly obvious tie-in eludes the Disney-Square Enix crossover: a Kingdom Hearts TV show (or movie).

All the Games That Could be At PlayStation's May 24 Showcase

Shane Michael O'Gorman — Thu, 18 May 2023 17:49:24 GMT

After months of rumors and over a year and a half without an official presentation on the same scale, Sony formally announced yesterday that a PlayStation showcase will be held next Wednesday. Teased to be roughly an hour in length and containing new details on upcoming PS5 and PSVR2 titles from PlayStation's many first party studios, the event has immediately garnered a lot of attention and hype from fans who have been clamoring new information for what feels like an eternity.

Every Game at the May 2023 Humble Games Showcase

Max Borman — Thu, 18 May 2023 17:33:23 GMT

Video game announcement season is fast approaching, and it seems like Humble Games is kicking things off this week with its own showcase. This studio not only supports a plethora of charities throughout the year, but it has also begun making its mark in the gaming industry. As Humble Games celebrates its three-year anniversary, it seems set to take the indie market by storm if this showcase is anything to go by.

Hellraiser's Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Thu, 18 May 2023 01:00:18 GMT

Directed by Clive Barker, the 1987 horror movie Hellraiser made an impression with its Cenobites who love pain and follow their leader, Pinhead. The iconic image of a villain with a white face and pins all over is definitely unforgettable. The movie was a box office success and has led to a franchise that includes 10 movies. A remake, which David Bruckner directed, was released in 2022 on Hulu.

Street Fighter 6 Kimberly's Story and Gameplay Breakdown

Paolo Josiel Arias — Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:19 GMT

Street Fighter 6’s release is looming, which has players excited about the game’s newest ninja: Kimberly Jackson. Unlike Luke, who was introduced in Street Fighter 5, Kimberly is a brand-new character. As such, not a lot is known about her, apart from a brief background and an exhibition of skills in her gameplay trailer.

Star Trek: Bajor, Explained

Kiona Delana Jones — Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:17 GMT

Bajorans spent a long time cultivating their peaceful presence in the galaxy. What put Bajor on the map of Star Trek planets to watch out for, and what’s pushed them forward in their new-found freedom? Located in the Bajoran system, the M-class planet is the gravitational center of at least five known moons, including Jeraddo and Derna. It’s also the largest in the Alpha Quadrant, with a population of around 3.8 million Bajorans. Fans get a sense of how beautiful the landscape is whenever they’re treated to slow-panning camera shots of its capitals and places of worship.

Fallout 76 Couriers Explained

Anthony Bussing — Wed, 17 May 2023 22:30:18 GMT

Fallout 76 is a perfect environment to role-play with other players, and the community is known to have formed a few distinguishable factions of real-life players. One reputable faction of players in Fallout 76, known as Couriers, has dedicated itself to providing services to other players in the game and has proved invaluable to the game’s experience. While some players may never need this group's assistance, it’s in every player’s favor to at least be aware of their existence regardless.

Star Trek: Orbs of the Prophets, Explained

Kiona Delana Jones — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:00:18 GMT

The Orbs of the Prophets are mystical artifacts that solidified the faith of Bajorans, making them one of the few Star Trek species that practices a fully realized religion. 30,000 years ago, the first Orb of the Prophet appeared over the skies of Bajor. It was all the proof Bajorans needed that there were powerful celestial beings watching over them. Back then, Bajorans had no concrete proof of their existence. But they looked to the stars and felt in their hearts there was something bigger at work, much like Earth-based religions.

Every Amouranth Ban Explained

Jake Selway — Wed, 17 May 2023 19:58:41 GMT

The huge scale of the Twitch streaming platform means that it hosts a wide range of content creators. Many say this is one of the largest appeals of the service, with there being forms of content for everyone to enjoy.

Resident Evil 4 Remake Players Can’t Afford to Overlook These Precious Items

Josh Childs — Wed, 17 May 2023 19:47:31 GMT

Resident Evil 4 Remake can be quite punishing. If players aren’t adequately equipped with the right items, some of RE4 Remake’s enemies can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a couple of items that can make combat significantly more forgiving.

May 25 is Going to Be an Exciting Day for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers

Dalton Cooper — Wed, 17 May 2023 16:21:29 GMT

May 25 seems like it's going to be one of the biggest days for Xbox Game Pass subscribers in the month of May. Microsoft recently pulled the curtain back on all the games Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to in the second half of May 2023, and while there are other days that will be exciting, May 25 has the highest concentration of new additions.

Jacob's Ladder Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Wed, 17 May 2023 01:00:18 GMT

Critically acclaimed and incredibly haunting, the 1990 horror movie Jacob's Ladder has an ending that shocks and stuns. With an unforgettable performance by Tim Robbins in the main role and a message about PTSD and grief, Jacob's Ladder has been talked about ever since its release. Written by Bruce Joel Rubin and directed by Adrian Lyne, the movie doesn't follow a traditional story formula, which is what makes it so different and interesting.

Fortnite's New Ranked System Explained

Luci S — Tue, 16 May 2023 21:37:50 GMT

To the surprise of some, Epic Games officially declared that Ranked Play would be debuting in Fortnite on May 17, after a slight delay. The game mode has been highly anticipated for years, but developers only recently decided to announce the new option via patch notes. It appears that Fortnite's Ranked Season Zero is set to end when Chapter 4 Season 3 does, but will continue to be updated and improved over the following seasons.

Street Fighter 6 Luke's Story and Gameplay Breakdown

Paolo Josiel Arias — Tue, 16 May 2023 21:26:10 GMT

Street Fighter 6 is set to release on June 2, 2023, and all eyes are on the game’s new poster boy: Luke Sullivan. This character debuted in Street Fighter 5’s final season pass, though not much is known about Luke in the current game besides the fact that he once worked with one of the most popular characters in the franchise. However, Capcom is continuously revealing new details about Street Fighter 6 as its release date nears, including new information about Luke’s gameplay and lore.

Let The Right One In's Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Tue, 16 May 2023 01:00:17 GMT

The 2008 Swedish horror movie Let The Right One In tells the devastating story of a 12-year-old boy's romance with a vampire. Adapted from the book by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the film is as emotionally upsetting as it is scary. The movie doesn't shy away from the inner world of the main character and the pain that he is going through at such a young age.

Diablo 4's Necromancer Shouldn't Keep its Skeletons in the Closet on Launch

Andrea Trama — Mon, 15 May 2023 21:05:23 GMT

Diablo 4's recent Server Slam beta was quite a success for players and Blizzard developers alike, as fans got to engage with the game's starting area and challenges once more before launch, all while providing direct and indirect feedback about the state of the classes. Diablo 4's Sorcerer was nerfed with the beta's release, for example, having a good chunk of damage removed from the Chain Lightning skill, which was a necessary evil to make builds more diverse. The Necromancer also got its fair share of buffs and nerfs with the Server Slam beta's launch, with underused skills like Blood Lance getting a great boost in power and overtuned ones like Corpse Explosion and Bone Spear getting a damage reduction.

One Piece: The Siege of Marijoa, Explained

Rei Penber — Mon, 15 May 2023 19:00:18 GMT

One Piece 1083 revealed quite a lot of interesting plot developments to the fans. As expected, the story is now focusing on the Revolutionary Army and their war against the celestial dragons. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army intends to remove them from power and establish a new world order where the powerful do not prey on the powerless.

Why Some Gamers Are Comparing Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Redfall

Drew Swanson — Mon, 15 May 2023 18:40:15 GMT

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is already proving to be a strong contender for Game of the Year, receiving generally glowing praise from fans and critics alike. The acclaim for the game comes largely from the ways in which Nintendo has been able to iterate upon the successful formula of Zelda: Breath of the Wild while still making the experience feel fresh. However, the game has stirred some controversy among fans on social media as comparisons are being drawn between The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Arkane Studios' latest title Redfall.

One Piece: The Holy Knights, Explained

Rei Penber — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:30:19 GMT

One Piece chapter 1083 dropped recently and it focused quite heavily on the Revolutionary Army. Specifically, the chapter covered the events of the Reverie through Sabo's eyes as he led an attack on the Holy Land of Marijoa.

Taylor Swift Bad Blood Security Guard Concert Drama Explained

Dalton Cooper — Mon, 15 May 2023 15:41:17 GMT

A recent incident during a Philadelphia performance of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert saw the world-famous music star interrupt her hit song "Bad Blood" to scold a security guard. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert has been a massive success so far, and it still has three months to go.

One Piece: Karasu's Susu Susu no Mi, Explained

Rei Penber — Mon, 15 May 2023 15:01:19 GMT

Karasu is one of the most important characters in One Piece when it comes to the Revolutionary Army. Introduced to the fans as the Commander of the Northern Forces of the Revolutionary Army, Karasu is a man worth 400 million berries, which is the second-highest bounty among the Revolutionary Army Commanders. He is known to be an extremely dangerous person and upon his debut, shortly after the Whole Cake Island arc, fans saw him utilize his Devil Fruit powers.

Star Trek: How Are Vulcans Different From Humans?

Kiona Delana Jones — Sun, 14 May 2023 20:00:18 GMT

Spock (Leonard Nimoy) was the first of many Vulcans introduced in Star Trek, and it wasn’t just his pointy ears and sharp eyebrows that made him stand out among his human peers. After all, though Vulcans are humanoid, they are very distinct from their round-eared brethren. One of the most memorable moments of the series, for example, came from Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) pointing out that Vulcans' hearts are located in a different section of the body than they are in humans. There’s even the rumor that humans don’t smell pleasant to Vulcans, though that could be more fandom speculation than established canon.

Every Country in Final Fantasy 16 Explained

Cameron Lucas — Sun, 14 May 2023 18:56:23 GMT

With the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 16 right around the corner, fans of the beloved series have eagerly been looking forward to exploring the land of Valisthea, and this new world is set to focus on a massive geopolitical narrative that drives the conflict of the game. What's clear already is that Final Fantasy 16 has expansive lore concerning the developments and interactions of its several different countries, known as the six realms across Valisthea.

Game Rant Recap for 05/08/23 – 05/14/23

Jared Stewart — Sun, 14 May 2023 18:34:45 GMT

Nintendo’s latest behemoth of a game released this weekend with most fans enjoying its creative sandbox, this year’s hottest indie Metroidvania moves further and further away, and a highly anticipated fighting game is set to have an open beta next weekend. Today, Game Rant’s weekly recap takes a look at some of the most notable headlines from the past week.

The Unwritten Rules of Mortal Kombat Explained

Joseph Andress — Sun, 14 May 2023 18:25:34 GMT

The fighting game genre is filled with fierce competitive scenes, each of them with their own unwritten rules and etiquette. Whether its pre-match rituals or a general agreement to not spam certain moves, these unofficial regulations ensure a smooth and mostly satisfying experience for players. As one of the oldest fighting games in the industry, Mortal Kombat has built up a sizable list of unwritten rules to bring some order to the chaotic nature of the franchise. It may seem antithetical to the bloody mayhem of Mortal Kombat, but if any gamer is interested in pursuing its competitive scene or even just general online gameplay, these rules are essential.

Genshin Impact Version 3.7 Breakdown

Jude Calvar Infante — Sun, 14 May 2023 14:00:19 GMT

Genshin Impact's Version 3.7 Special Program aired on May 5, 2023, revealing all the new features being introduced in the upcoming update. There will be plenty of content for players to enjoy, whether it may be the new major event, the new character Kirara, character re-run banners, or Yoimiya's second story quest.

Every Zelda Game on Nintendo Switch Online

Josh Childs — Sun, 14 May 2023 13:00:18 GMT

For anyone new to The Legend of Zelda, it can be difficult to determine where to start in the series. Fortunately, Nintendo Switch Online provides an easily accessible way to play through many of the classic video games that established The Legend of Zelda as the iconic series and household name that it is today.

Diablo 4's Cold Archer Build Explained

Matt Karoglou — Sat, 13 May 2023 18:15:17 GMT

The Rogue class makes its triumphant return in Diablo 4 after not appearing in the series since the original game. One of the benefits to the Rogue is the class' versatility regarding how players choose to utilize it. Between options for up close and fast melee combat, ranged crowd control, and devious traps and debuffs, the Rogue is a bit of a "Jack of all trades" class for those looking for something outside a pure melee or magic based play style. Where the Rogue class truly shines in Diablo 4 is with a bow, and the Cold Archer build emphasizes just how powerful (and fun) the Rogue class can be.

New Free Steam Game is a Marriage Between Flappy Bird and Dark Souls

Joshua Duckworth — Sat, 13 May 2023 16:58:46 GMT

With Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom out now and garnering instant critical acclaim and commercial success, many a developer and publisher are likely gun-shy to release much in the next week or so. There are other games releasing in the coming days, such as Humanity, The Outlast Trials on PC, and LEGO 2K Drive, but there's a notable four-day difference between Humanity and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, one free indie game has apparently decided to go toe-to-toe with Link, as Flappy Souls released on May 11 as a free-to-play game on Steam.

Mortal Kombat 12 Leaks Explained

Shane Michael O'Gorman — Sat, 13 May 2023 15:45:18 GMT

It's hard to believe that the Mortal Kombat franchise has already been around for three decades, but such is the reality as Mortal Kombat 12 was confirmed to be in development a short while ago. After numerous rumors pointing to its existence, Warner Bros. Interactive announced the game during an investor's meeting, teasing more information to come in the future. However, fans didn't need to wait that long as a recent leak may have given away some intriguing details.

Naruto: The Difference Between Ninjutsu And Shinjutsu, Explained

Rei Penber — Sat, 13 May 2023 15:01:19 GMT

The world of Naruto is filled with incredible powers utilized by the many shinobi who inhabit it. In an age where shinobi strength was everything in Naruto, the power of ninjutsu prospered.

Every Twitch Streamer to Jump to Kick So Far

Jake Selway — Sat, 13 May 2023 14:45:18 GMT

Twitch is a streaming platform that has long enjoyed a large dominance over the streaming scene, with some of the biggest creators within the medium using the service as their go-to platform. However, as the service inexorably begins hosting a wider range of high-profile creators, more and more controversies begin to arise, and other aspiring platforms attempt to capitalize on the resulting tension.

What to Expect from Stardew Valley Update 1.6

Brendan Paul Dick — Sat, 13 May 2023 13:00:18 GMT

After almost two years, a new update for Stardew Valley is on the horizon. The last major update, version 1.5, was absolutely massive, adding new locations, NPCs, furniture, and items, overhauling the game in a serious fashion. Currently, there is no official date set for the release of the version 1.6 update for Stardew Valley, but fans should expect it by late 2023 at the earliest considering Stardew Valley is worked on by solo developer, ConcernedApe, who is also hard at work on another project.

Drag Me To Hell Ending, Explained

Aya Tsintziras — Sat, 13 May 2023 01:01:17 GMT

While Justin Long is known for horror movies Jeepers Creepers and Barbarian, he also starred in the 2009 movie Drag Me To Hell which has compelling themes and a killer ending. Written and directed by Sam Raimi, Drag Me To Hell tells the shocking story of loan officer Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) whose run-in with an upset older client causes death and destruction.