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The Biggest Gaming News For October 11, 2022

Joshua Robertson — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:47:08 GMT

It's been another big day of news and an even bigger one for VR fans. Meta has unveiled its fancy new VR headset called the Quest Pro, although it's going to put a pretty massive hole in your wallet.

The Lost Art Of Practical Effects In Horror Movies

Eric Switzer — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:43:32 GMT

They just don’t make ‘em like they used to do they? I don’t mean to sound like a boomer, but when I watch modern horror movies - even the good ones - it always feels like there’s something missing. As CGI has become easier and more cost effective over the years, the art of creating practical effects has been largely abandoned by Hollywood. Most horror productions, which are already notoriously low cost, simply can’t afford the time and energy it takes to pull off a believable practical effect anymore. I’ve loved a lot of the horror movies that have come out over the past few years, but I can’t help but think they’re not reaching their full potential without some good old-fashioned practical gore.

Jurassic World: Legacy of Isla Nublar Review - Funko Games Spared No Expense

Eric Switzer — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 20:42:19 GMT

Ever since I discovered legacy games, I haven’t wanted to play anything else. Regular old board games feel primitive compared to the games like Pandemic Legacy and Betrayal Legacy, which evolve and change over time. Like video games, legacy games have campaigns that tell one continuous story, with each session functioning like a level. Upgrades and penalties your characters acquire carry over between games, and most will even have you make permanent alterations to the game board. The first time a legacy game asked me to tear up a card I was both terrified and excited. Now, I only want to play board games that tell you to destroy the components. There’s nothing quite like playing a tabletop game that can only be played once. Playing them with friends is an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend.

Return To Monkey Island Ruins Elaine's Character

Ryan Thomas Bamsey — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:56:41 GMT

Elaine Marley-Threepwood is a crucial part of the Monkey Island series. From the outset, she’s established as a powerful, capable woman with as much wit and intelligence as Guybrush, the supposed hero of the series. Initially, she is kidnapped by the undead pirate captain LeChuck, leading us to believe that she’s another damsel in distress that we must save. However when we valiantly rush to her aid, we end up messing up what turns out to be Elaine’s gambit to destroy him once and for all.

Lisa The Boy Scout Is Not Canon, But It Proves The Simpsons Still Belongs On TV

Stacey Henley — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:00:14 GMT

The latest episode of The Simpsons, Lisa The Boy Scout, follows the traditions of the likes of Barthood, Brick Like Me, A Serious Flanders, Woo-hoo Dunnit?, Thanksgiving of Horror, and The Great Phatsby. If you don't know what any of those are, I probably don't care too much about your opinions on the episode, nor The Simpsons in general. Those are all relatively modern episodes wherein the show has looked at its own stale formula and tried something new. The internet is full of people who no longer watch The Simpsons explaining why The Simpsons is no longer any good and hey, broken clocks. Occasionally The Simpsons produces a dud. It's way off the pace of the Golden Age, but then so is pretty much every comedy on television. There are arguments and debates swirling around Lisa The Boy Scout, but the way it has managed to capture the public conversation once more is further proof that the show is still going strong.

Magic: The Gathering Content Creators Are Exhausted

Joe Parlock — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:30:13 GMT

Earlier this year, I worried there was too much stuff launching for Magic: The Gathering in 2022. In particular, I pointed out that the last few months of the year would be chaos, with Dominaria United, Unfinity, Brothers’ War, and Jumpstart 2022 all scheduled to launch within a three-month gap. I knew it was going to be hectic, but barely halfway through the quarter from hell, myself and many other Magic content creators of all kinds are beginning to feel like we’ve been caught in a multi-car pileup.

Kratos' Stoicism Reflects A Clumsy But Sincere Attempt To Untangle Toxic Masculinity

Harvey Randall — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:00:15 GMT

God of War has had a long roar of PlayStation exclusivity, but with God of War Ragnarok set to release on November 9 and the acclaimed reboot up for grabs on Steam, I decided to see how the title holds up to a newcomer. I stumbled out of the experience in a satisfied action-RPG afterglow roughly forty hours later. I’d smashed, slashed, and parried my way through a spectacular experience filled with meaty combat, beautiful art direction and plenty of collectibles to snag.

Hypnospace Outlaw Is A Nostalgic Trip Back To When The Internet Didn't Completely Suck

Andy Kelly — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:44:43 GMT

There was a time, long ago, when the internet wasn't always there. It was something you 'went on' rather than the constant background radiation it is now. It was an event. An occurrence. If you were born in the 1980s you've almost certainly started romanticising the superior internet of the 2000s, when it felt like a cool underground club full of creative weirdos rather than an all-consuming Hell that—speaking as someone who is terminally online—underpins everything we think, say, and do. I get misty-eyed thinking about warez, Napster, forums, Winamp skins, and MSN Messenger alerts the way previous generations would be overcome with nostalgia for Glenn Miller, singalongs around the piano, and the Lindy Hop—and it's only going to get worse as I get older.

Overwatch 2 Has Brought Back My Tank Anxiety

Jade King — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:30:14 GMT

Being a tank is scary. You need to lead the way, make the decisions, and be the driving force for your team that encourages them to push forward and claim victory. I’ve written about the role in Final Fantasy 14 and how it will never be for me, but Overwatch was an exception.

In Liz We Trust? Is The Perfect Satirical Take On Truss' First Weeks As UK Prime Minister

Issy van der Velde — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:10:30 GMT

Video games are political. Always have been, always will be, just like any art form. However, some are clearly more political than others, and In Liz We Trust? wears its politics proudly on its sleeve.

Street Fighter 6's Battle Hub Feels Like PlayStation Home In The Best Possible Way

George Foster — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:00:13 GMT

Street Fighter 6 is incredible. I’ve said as much since my hands-on time with it at EGX, already proclaiming it as one of the best games of what looks to be a frighteningly stacked year, but the more I see and the more I think about it, the more certain I am that this is Capcom’s return to fighting form and something truly special in the genre.

A Deep Dive Into All The Things On Luz Noceda's Desktop

Jade King — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:52:52 GMT

Luz Noceda is a massive gamer. It’s fitting given that I won’t stop writing about The Owl House and I also happen to be a massive gamer. We are kindred spirits radiating pure gay energy and nothing can stop us. We also have similar tastes in games if her laptop desktop is anything to go by. It is filled with legally distinct bangers that totally aren’t inspired by the real world. Well, except one of them, because apparently Hades is just built different.

Overwatch 2's Challenges Range From Borderline Impossible To Waving Hello

James Troughton — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:32:12 GMT

Overwatch 2 has gone free-to-play, ditching loot boxes for a battle pass and challenge system, but the challenges are wildly varied in difficulty. One even seems borderline impossible.

Interview: How Master Chief Twerked With Megan Thee Stallion

Rhiannon Bevan — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:30:13 GMT

Over the weekend, gaming Twitter was only talking about one thing: Megan Thee Stallion twerking with Master Chief at TwitchCon. Given the quality of the costume - and the fact that whoever was in it had some dance moves of their own - it was widely assumed to be a tie-in promotional event from Microsoft. But that was not the case at all. This was a grassroots endeavour, and one that only happened because of a very passionate crowd, and a guy rocking up to a party in full cosplay.

Final Fantasy 8's Triple Triad Is The Greatest Minigame

Andy Kelly — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 11:00:13 GMT

Every couple of years I feel the urge to replay Final Fantasy 8, and every time I do fall into the same trap. Your first objective is simple: meet Quistis, your teacher, at the front gate of mercenary school Balamb Garden. Squall is late for his appointment at the Fire Cave, where he has to defeat Ifrit to enter the next stage of his SeeD training. Time is running out—the field exam is tomorrow—but I have other things to do. Disregarding the pressing urgency of the plot, every time I play this game I spend at least 2 hours playing Triple Triad. It makes no sense from a story perspective. Or maybe it does. Squall is a bad boy rebel after all. But Quistis is gonna be waiting at that gate till I build a nice starter deck.

The Biggest Gaming News For October 10, 2022

Justin Reeve — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:11 GMT

Ah, yes, the work week. Welcome to another Monday. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that you’ve been hard at work all day, so you’ve probably gotten behind on everything that’s been going on in the wider world of gaming. That is unless you’re Canadian because if you are, you’ve probably been celebrating Thanksgiving a month early for some reason. In any case, you’re going to be needing to get back up to speed, so let’s dive right in. Today, we heard that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is going to have the same controversial phone requirement as Overwatch 2, TwitchCon attendees were encouraged to jump into that dangerous foam pit that everyone has been talking about, and Platinum plans to make more live service games despite Babylon’s Fall being an incredible flop. These are just our top stories and so read on for the rest.

Diary Of A Pokemon First Timer: I Wasn't Prepared For Lavender Town

Andy Kelly — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:56:35 GMT

I've always wanted to get into Pokemon, but never knew where to start. So I asked TheGamer's Pokemon-obsessed editors which game in the series I should play first, settling (somewhat controversially) on Let's Go because A) it's new-ish B) I know all the Pokemon from the anime and C) it's on Switch, my console of choice. Here, then, is an account of my first steps as a Pokemon trainer.

The Great Debate: Was Revealing The Secret Of Monkey Island A Mistake?

Meg Pelliccio — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:00:13 GMT

Despite being called The Secret of Monkey Island, the first game of the Monkey Island series never really delved into what the eponymous Secret actually was. The focus is on Guybrush Threepwood and his wacky misadventures as he cavorts around the Caribbean, confronting undead pirates and finding love. The series didn’t become a success thanks to the allure of some mysterious secret, and the title became something of a relic.

We Need To Talk About Rick & Morty Keeping It In The Family

Stacey Henley — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:00:13 GMT

Through thick and thin, I have kept up with Rick & Morty. It seems odd having to caveat one of the most popular shows on television, but inconsistent seasons and an obnoxiously rabid fanbase means I always have to keep how I feel about Rick & Morty at arm's length. During season five's strong opening, I sang the show's praises as it seemed to have returned to its all-timer form, before spectacularly staining the bedsheets brown. It then recovered for an almighty sign off, and that left me a little confused as to where the show might go in season six. This time around, I've been more contemplative, not rushing to write about the show on a week by week basis but watching it simply as a fan. As a result, I've enjoyed it more. Is that because season six is just a better season, or had the internet's obsession with Rick & Morty driven me to watch it as a critic scanning for takes rather than a fan looking for enjoyment? Either way, there's one issue I can't stay silent on any longer - why is the show so obsessed with incest these days?

We All Owe Adriana Chechik A Lot More Respect

Stacey Henley — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:30:13 GMT

If you've ever masturbated to porn, you owe porn stars your respect. It's as simple as that. You can call out issues in the adult industry, have problems with its glorification or the way it warps society's sexual mores, and object to any number of controversies, drawbacks, and failings of sex work, but if you use it, you respect it. No exceptions. We often have the same contempt we have for sex workers as we do our garbage collectors and fast food workers. You don't get to belittle garbage collectors if you still want your garbage collected, and you don't get to bully fast food workers and still expect your cheeseburger with fries. When it comes to Adriana Chechik though, we don't seem to have gotten the message.

Advanced Warfare Is The Best Call Of Duty And I'm Tired Of Pretending Its Not

Jade King — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:00:13 GMT

While they’ve since been shot down, last week saw a few rumours flying about the internet claiming that Sledgehammer Games was working on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare 2. It was too good to be true, and it seems we won’t be returning to the near future to hop about in exoskeletons and throw terrorists into lamp posts. Life is so unfair, since a sequel would have ruled. Call me a fool, but it’s the best campaign the series has ever seen.

The Owl House Has Given Us The Perfect Coming Out Scene For Luz And Amity

Jade King — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:45:46 GMT

The Owl House Season 3 is almost upon us, and the hype is reaching fever pitch. Last week saw a panel hosted at New York Comic-Con that unveiled a new trailer, plenty of details, and six minutes of the full special that have now emerged online. Fans are losing their collective minds, and after watching it for myself, I’m right there along with them. It’s everything I was hoping for, setting the stage for three specials set to tell a surprisingly ambitious story.

Jon Stewart's The War On Gender Stands Up For Trans Kids In Ways The Mainstream Never Has Before

Jade King — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:30:13 GMT

Transgender people have grown accustomed to mainstream media treating us as lesser beings. We are political bargaining chips or points of debate used to sway voters who are still ignorant of our existence or want to strip away our rights. Like homosexuals before us, our rights are being torn to pieces with dwindling healthcare options and bigoted legislation that demonises us, making life harder and crueller to navigate. Things aren’t getting any better, so any and all support from those outside of our circles is essential. But even that is rare, with comedians and corporations seeing us as quick punchlines or expendable pieces of representation with a clear capitalist incentive behind acknowledging us in the first place. I am very tired, but Jon Stewart has given me hope.

Magic: The Gathering's Latest Bans Hit The Meathook Massacre And Yorion, Sky Nomad

Joe Parlock — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:13:54 GMT

Magic: The Gathering’s latest ban and restricted announcement has knocked out two of the most-played cards in their respective formats, potentially causing a huge shakeup in their metagames.

Street Fighter 6 Brings Good Vibes Back To The Series

Stacey Henley — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:00:13 GMT

Street Fighter has always been some way off my favourite fighting game. Tekken will always be the king to me, but Mortal Kombat, Injustice, and Marvel Vs. Capcom, are also well ahead of Street Fighter in my estimation. Whether or not they ‘count’ may be another story, but Smash and the newly emerged MultiVersus would also be ahead of Street Fighter. Whisper it, but even Dead Or Alive is ahead of Street Fighter’s rank. I’m not an expert in fighting games, so this is less a comment on their quality or competitive viability so much as it is their vibes.

Overwatch 2's Latest Character Is Another Pastiche Of Cultural Stereotypes

Brian Hendershot — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:01:13 GMT

When Overwatch launched in 2016, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Its cast was a self-proclaimed mix of “oddities,” whose “soaring ideals of freedom and equality would never be forgotten.” It felt like a video game for everyone. No more deciphering who the undercover Asian was or playing as another square-jawed white man: I could play D.Va, a mech pilot from Korea, or Mei, the sarcastically apologetic Chinese scientist. And despite some noticeable missteps with characters like Tracer, Symmetra, and Pharah, Blizzard seemed earnest in its attempt to create an inclusive video game, despite everything behind the scenes.

I Can’t Believe The Super Mario Bros. Movie Still Hasn’t Shown Off Peach

Stacey Henley — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:00:13 GMT

Yesterday we saw the first trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and it’s like, fine. Despite Mario’s cultural impact, I don’t think anyone loves Mario. As a games journalist, I deal with a lot of people who make a single video game too large a part of their identity, and want to fistfight anyone who stops short of total adoration. I don’t see this for Mario. Pokemon, Zelda, God of War, The Last of Us, Halo, Tomb Raider, Ghost of Tsushima, and Red Dead Redemption all see these types of fans far more often. You can’t really ruin Mario. And they haven’t! Seems like every other Illumination picture. Pratt’s doing a New York thing and it’s fine. Mario is fine. But there was no Anya Taylor-Joy and that makes me sad.

This Week In Elden Ring: Erdtree At Home, Inspiration From Dark Souls, And Punching Bosses

Vaspaan Dastoor — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:41:23 GMT

Another mixed bag this week in the Elden Ring roundup, but this time we have a rare bit of business related news as well. Sony has been flirting with FromSoftware for a while now, and while it hasn't completely acquired the studio, it has ensured that the studio's games will continue launching on PlayStation consoles.

The Microsoft And Activision Merger Has Revealed How Much Money Xbox Game Pass Makes

Lu-Hai Liang — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:36:45 GMT

Brazil became the second country to approve Microsoft's merger with Activision Blizzard last week, following approval from Saudi Arabia in August. But Microsoft is waiting on decisions from respective market regulators from the UK, US, and EU, so it's by no means a done deal yet.

The Biggest Gaming News For October 9, 2022

Justin Reeve — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 03:12:08 GMT

Here we are once again enjoying a sleepy Sunday. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely been catching up on some sleep, so I’m behind on the latest gaming news by approximately 23 hours. That’s right. I just got up half an hour ago. In any case, let’s get back up to speed. We heard that a FIFA Hero Pack mistake threw the Ultimate Team transfer market into chaos, the inspiration for GMod is finally going to be released after nearly two decades, and a quality assurance company contracted to work on Cyberpunk 2077 somehow managed to get away with some pretty big lies. There’s more where this came from, so read on for the rest.

Has There Ever Been A Pokemon Trainer More Random Than Grimsley?

Eric Switzer — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 23:20:13 GMT

Have you seen that TikTok trend about Pokemon Gym Leaders? They all make the same joke: there’s a guy wearing cargo shorts with a mosquito net on his face and a magnifying glass in his hand saying “How did you guess I was a Bug-type trainer?” For the most part, the personality of Pokemon Trainers and Gym Leaders is pretty on the nose. Fire-type trainers have fiery tempers, Ghost-type trainers are spooky little goths, and Fighting-type trainers are really into Taekwondo. The Pokemon series loves sticking to formulas, and this has been an enduring one going all the way back to Gen 1’s Sabrina and Lt. Surge.

Can We Finally Admit That Pokemon Legends: Arceus Is Bad?

Eric Switzer — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:26:14 GMT

When it comes to new releases, I try my best not to yuck anyone’s yum. I remember how excited everyone was for Pokemon Legends: Arceus when it came out in January, and how much fun everyone was having hunting down their Big Buizel and save scumming to hunt shinies more efficiently. Except for one (earned) diatribe against Bagin the Bag Man, I kept my mouth shut at the time. For once we actually got a new kind of Pokemon game, and I’m glad people were enjoying it, even if I wasn’t.

Kiriko Represents Everything Overwatch 2 Aspires To Be

Eric Switzer — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:14:35 GMT

It’s going to take awhile before we really understand what all of the changes in Overwatch 2 add up to. Even as someone with more than 600 hours played, I’m still trying to figure out what the transition to 5v5 actually means. Right away it was clear that Overwatch 2 is a much faster game. Fewer shields and abilities that CC means more movement, more big plays, and more snowballs. Skilled players have a much better chance of carrying games now, which means heroes with low TTK are even more valuable than ever before. This is the sense I got right away, but what solidified this belief was the design of the three new characters. Sojourn, Junker Queen, and especially Kiriko represent a commitment Overwatch 2 has to independence and personal performance. I’m still undecided on whether that will be better or worse for the game in the long run, but it’s clear Blizzard has rebuilt the game with a focus on the individual over the team.

The Big Question: What's The Best Video Game Movie?

Rhiannon Bevan — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:31:32 GMT

The Super Mario Bros. discourse is coming in thick and fast, as the first trailer was shown off this week. Everything from Mario’s voice to the film’s premise is being debated right now, which brings back the age-old question: what makes a good video game movie?

This Week In Pokemon: New Scarlet & Violet Features, Poke Splatfest, And More

Rhiannon Bevan — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:45:12 GMT

The headlines this week were dominated by the new Scarlet & Violet trailer, which is hardly a surprise. Scarlet & Violet is shaping up to be the biggest upgrade in the series yet, introducing dozens of new features, seemingly without taking away from the older, tried and tested aspects of a Pokemon game.

There Will Never Be Anything In A Game Scarier Than the Sonic Drowning Music

Mike Drucker — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:44:36 GMT

Hey, it’s almost Halloween! It’s that special day when we celebrate the ghosts of the fallen returning to seek revenge on the living by eating candy and doing cosplay, but worse. Comic-Con? One hundred percent solid costume that took months of careful preparation. Halloween? Some bag of shit you found in a box in your garage. What a world.

Apex Legends Heirlooms Are Cheaper To Buy In Real Life, And You Get To Keep Them

Ben Sledge — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:16:13 GMT

Heirlooms are Apex Legends’ most coveted cosmetic. There’s a miniscule chance that you’ll open up those stunning red shards in your regular Apex Packs, and if you do, you then have to decide which character to spend them on. I still haven’t decided who to use mine on since unlocking them a couple of weeks ago. Go back to my OG main Bloodhound, or learn to play Valkyrie because her heirloom is far cooler?

It Took Me Way Too Long To Play Skyrim

Andrew King — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:00:14 GMT

By the time I finally got into The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, its world had been razed. Not by the fire-breathing dragons that inhabit the lands of Tamriel, but by the six years that had passed since its initial release.

The Steam Deck Hasn’t Helped Me Tackle My Backlog But Touching Grass Has

Lex Luddy — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:00:14 GMT

I think a lot about time these days. After three almost three years of living through an all-consuming pandemic, it’s fair to spend some time contemplating my mortality and the ticking clock. I think about the things I have done but more often, about the things I haven’t; birthdays I’ve not spent with friends, a godchild I’ve hardly seen grow up, and weirdly enough, the video games I haven’t played.

Need For Speed Is Never Going To Recapture Its Glory Days

Jade King — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 15:45:13 GMT

Need for Speed has been losing its way for decades. That’s no secret. Each new entry is a reboot, a way for Electronic Arts to revitalise interest in a franchise that for a long time now has fallen behind the likes of Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo. Arcade racers aren’t especially commonplace these days either, so it’s doubly strange that one of the original founders of the genre has struggled so long to keep up. So what keeps going wrong?

Guessing Which Overwatch Support Would Be The Most Supportive In An Emotional Crisis

Stacey Henley — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 15:30:13 GMT

Yesterday I took a look at how good each of the Overwatch 2 Tanks would be at driving a tank. We had some laughs, had some fun, but then it was time to put away childish toys and become a gamer. I played a few rounds of Overwatch 2 and, as is tradition, I lost badly. The fact D.Va is an expert tank driving in real life did not help me play any better as her. I'm wounded. Lost. I feel like I can't go on. I need support. Emotional support. So then, let's rank all of the Overwatch 2 Supports by how supportive they would be in an emotional crisis.

Remembering That Time Crash Bandicoot Rode A Sickass Motorbike

Stacey Henley — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 15:00:13 GMT

This week our Features Editor Andrew King reviewed Jumping for Joy, a non-fiction book about the history of platformers, and it has prompted me to revisit my love of the genre. Though I find many modern day efforts to be both too simplistic and too overstuffed with poorly executed concepts, platformers remain my favourite genre in my heart. Either that or maybe video games were just better when I was a kid - whatever works. In any case, this all led me to thinking about Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, my personal favourite video game of all time. It was when platformers peaked, having seen a slow and consistent rise to that point before falling off a cliff shortly after. But there's one thing we don't talk about enough - that time Crash Bandicoot rode a sickass motorbike.

The Next Mario Sport Game Should Be Rugby And You Can’t Convince Me Otherwise

Lex Luddy — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 15:00:13 GMT

Mario is quite the sportsman. Over the years he’s proven himself more than capable at playing tennis, golf, baseball, football, basketball, and almost every Olympic and Winter Olympic sport at a professional level. Its really very impressive that a full-time plumber, carpenter, doctor, boxing referee, and Koopa murderer even has the free time to learn the rules of all these sports.

Dragon Age Dreadwolf, I Want To See The Lesbian Companion

Stacey Henley — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 14:30:13 GMT

Dragon Age Dreadwolf is still far too far away. BioWare recently teased a little bit of the game's codex, and with that a tiny sliver of what the game has in store, but it still feels like the game is lurking in the shadows, dealing in whispers. We've seen concept art, a vague voiceover trailer, confirmation that Solas is back (and at least initially, the villain), a glance at Minrathous, and a title that gives very little away.

The Biggest Gaming News For October 8, 2022

Justin Reeve — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 02:17:13 GMT

Welcome to yet another weekend filled with late nights, plenty of gaming, and a whole bunch of getting behind on the latest news. Let’s get you back up to speed, preferably in a hurry. Today, we heard that Mei has been bugging out in Overwatch 2, Persona 3 and 4 ports are on the way, and Deathloop is officially in the same universe as my favorite game ever, Dishonored. These are just our top stories and so read on for the rest.

Biggest Video Game News Of The Week (October 1 - 7)

Josh Coulson — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 20:31:39 GMT

It's-a me! Back to recap some of the biggest stories in the video game world from the past week and yes, the Mario Movie trailer has clouded my memories of everything else that has ever existed just as much as it continues to do for everyone else. Some other pretty major stuff happened this week, though. CD Projekt outlined its plans from now until the end of time and Overwatch 2 finally launched with quite a few issues in tow. More on all of that and a few other things as we revisit some of the biggest stories in the video game world from the past seven days.

Tyo'to Tayuun And Fruity Snacks Discuss Fishing Discovery In FFXIV

Meg Pelliccio — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 19:00:14 GMT

Whenever a large update or major expansion launches for Final Fantasy 14, most players are drawn to the big hitters — main scenario quests, jobs, and duties. There’s also the appeal of extra side content, glamour gear, minions, mounts, and other shiny additions we can’t wait to get stuck into. Part of experiencing new content is discovering it in the first place. Sure, we know where to get the next quest, but what about that minion we saw in the patch notes? Or that nice-looking armor? We work tirelessly to delve into the inner workings of new content to benefit the whole community.

Interview: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Devs On Why It Went For 3v4

George Foster — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 18:45:00 GMT

“You’re gonna hear the word authentic a lot,” Sumo Digital executive producer Darren Campion tells me as I sit down to talk to him about The Texas Chain Saw Massacre at EGX. Judging by the eerily lifelike Leatherface mask staring at me as I enter the room, I’ve got a feeling that he’s right.

TheGamer Staff Weekend Plans, Featuring Overwatch 2

Andrew King — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 18:00:13 GMT

October, the scariest month of the year, has finally arrived. That means it's time to confront the most terrifying thing in games. That's right, I'm talking about the queue to get into a match of Overwatch 2. Hey-o!

Whatever Happened To The Backpack Sidekicks From Banjo-Kazooie, Jak And Daxter, And Ratchet & Clank?

Andrew King — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 16:45:13 GMT

Jak and Daxter was a 3D platformer about a kid wearing a backpack. Banjo-Kazooie was a 3D platformer about a bear wearing a backpack. Ratchet & Clank was a 3D platformer about a lombax wearing a backpack.

Quiz: Are These Games The Remakes And Remasters Or The Originals?

Stacey Henley — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 16:30:13 GMT

We’re stuck in an infinite loop at TheGamer. What happens is a new remake or remaster is announced or revealed, and then lots of people get excited about it, because they love whatever game it is dearly. I point out that actually, it kinda sucks that we’re having our childhoods sold back to us, especially when the original games are still widely available and often cheaper, if not outright free. Then everybody who loves these games lines up to tell me how the original games are garbage. Just big ol’ stinky garbage games. Anyone who fell in love with them must have been a fool and if I have to look at the original for even a minute, blood will start to pour from my eyeballs.

Pokemon Go’s Pikachu Costumes Would Be Better If They Had Shiny Hats

Ben Sledge — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 16:16:13 GMT

We all hate Pokemon wearing hats, right? I didn’t mind it when Pikachu was swamped by Ash’s cap in the anime – that was adorable – and when that same lil guy appeared in Pokemon Go, I was happy to see him. Then there was a Halloween Pikachu in a Mimikyu costume. Still cute. That was accompanied by Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander in significantly less cute Halloween costumes. Then Pikachu wore a Santa hat. Then a witch hat. Then a bowler hat. Pikachu wears a variety of hats, from standard caps in collaboration with fashion brands, to different party hats, to flower crowns. You get the picture, we’re bored of Pikachu costumes.

Cassette Beasts Is The Retro Pokemon Game Of Your Dreams

Ben Sledge — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 16:00:14 GMT

I’ve been following the development of Cassette Beasts for a little over two years now, since my interest was first piqued by screenshots the developer posted on Twitter. It was a great concept, a pixel art Pokemon-like with a retro aesthetic. Music plays a big role in the idea, as you record monsters onto cassettes rather than catch them with Poke Balls, with the additional twist that they can fuse together in battle to become more powerful forms in an almost Yu-Gi-Oh fashion.

Guessing How Well Every Overwatch Tank Could Drive A Real Tank

Stacey Henley — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 15:46:13 GMT

When I play Overwatch, I bounce between DPS and Tank heroes. Entirely because of Mercy's design I have dabbled in Support, but I'm frankly not that great at it, so DPS and Tanks it is. I'm in the mood to write about Overwatch, but at the time of writing Overwatch 2 has not yet launched and the original has been shut down. I missed the beta, haven't played for at least a year, and I'm nowhere near enough of an expert to comment on anything meaningful. That's why I'm ranking all of Overwatch's Tanks by how well they could drive a real tank.

I'm Always Confused By Robert In The Last Of Us

Andrew King — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 15:00:14 GMT

It's tough to beat The Last of Us for the sheer elegance of its opening level. Super Mario Bros. might have it beat for the speed with which it gets you into the action, but few games set up their lead character's personality and worldview as efficiently and emotionally as The Last of Us does. We meet Joel, who is overworked and a little terse, but warm, with his daughter Sarah. We watch as the family attempts to escape the outbreak that has hit their town. And we watch as Sarah dies in Joel's arms. It's a baptism by fire.

Pallet Town Recaptured My Passion For Pokemon

Stacey Henley — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 14:30:13 GMT

Welcome class to your Introduction to Bible Studies! It's actually my weekly Kanto column, but I'm sure regular readers are tired of this preamble by now. In short, for the past few months I have been playing Pokemon Blue all over again, imagining myself less as a trainer and more as a tourist, detailing whatever it is that makes Kanto so special. This week, we've been around the world in 80 pixels and find ourselves back in Pallet Town. You can read up on my first steps in Pallet here, and on the complete journey so far here. Without further ado, let's dive in.

Pokemon's Dynamax Gimmick Will Be Greatly Missed

Ben Sledge — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 14:00:13 GMT

There’s a clear tier list of Pokemon battle gimmicks. Mega Evolution, while the worst thing to happen to Pokemon by starting this whole uninspired trend, is the original and the best. Z-Crystals are obviously the worst, at least from a competitive standpoint. I’m not sure whether Legends: Arceus’ Strong and Agile styles even count, but the game’s lack of emphasis on battling puts them solidly in the middle.

The Biggest Gaming News For October 7, 2022

Joshua Robertson — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 01:44:10 GMT

You've finally made it to the end of the week, but before you kick your feet up with some those fancy video games, here's all the biggest gaming news that happened over the course of the day. One such story was the reveal that a new Crash Bandicoot might be revealed during this year's Game Awards show.

Farigiraf Is Giving Me Existential Dread

Eric Switzer — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 22:42:48 GMT

Why is Pokemon physiology so terrifying? Why are these Game Freaks injecting tragedy and body horror into so many Pokemon they create? Is Clive Barker ghost writing all of the Pokedex entries? I have so many questions about Farigiraf, the recently-announced evolution of Girafarig, but they’re not fun questions. They're the kind of questions that give me existential dread. I’m not even sure I want to know the answer, they may just make me more confused and upset.

There Was No Chance Chris Pratt's Mario Was Going To Be Good

Eric Switzer — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 22:26:05 GMT

I had an… extreme reaction when it was revealed that Chris Pratt is playing Mario. I do not enjoy seeing Mr. Pratt’s face or hearing his voice ever since he became Hollywood’s de facto bland, inoffensive everyman, and from what little I know about his politics and personal life, I don’t imagine I’d enjoy him on a personal level either. Mario on the other hand, is a man I quite enjoy. He and I go way back to the NES days, and I’ve always loved his work. There was no way Chris Pratt was ever going to be good, no matter how much he tried to hype us up about it. The trailer debuted and, as expected, Mario opened his mouth and Chris Pratt’s normal speaking voice came out - albeit with the lightest dusting of a Brooklyn accent.

My Favorite Piece Of Gaming Symbolism Is The Leaning Tower In The Last Of Us

Andrew King — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 20:00:13 GMT

In the recent trailer for The Last of Us TV show, one of the game’s most subtly iconic images is preserved in live-action form. In a brief shot in the official teaser for the HBO series, thunder and lightning crackle, illuminating a pair of crumbling skyscrapers. One of the towers is still standing tall. The other is leaning over, kept from falling by the other.

Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck Dock Review: Fills A Gap In The Market

Ben Sledge — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 19:00:13 GMT

A dock for the Steam Deck is a no-brainer. While the concept of a more powerful Nintendo Switch equipped with your entire Steam library is great, it’s currently an impossible dream. Valve hasn’t made a dock for the Steam Deck, or at least it hasn’t made one available to buy. I was just hooking my console up with a variety of hubs and wires, but it left the handheld lying nervously on the TV stand or my work desk.

This Week In Modding: Limited-Time Cyberpunk Event, Far Cry 2 Remaster, And More

Rhiannon Bevan — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 18:39:49 GMT

We had no shortage of mods to cover this week. Unsurprisingly, fan creations for Cyberpunk 2077 continue to dominate the headlines, but we also have a couple of stories from games we don’t usually cover, like Far Cry 2.

I Can't Wait To Shower With Tsareena In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Stacey Henley — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 17:31:13 GMT

Folks, we live in a modern world. I'm a modern woman. I'm evolved, and so is my love. I've written a few articles now about the darling Pokemon Tsareena, and we've all had a good laugh. TheGamer staff and TheGamer readers have all had a good chuckle about how I turn any new piece of Pokemon news into a Tsareena story, how I use Tsareena to illustrate my Pokemon stories, how I joke about my love for my mangosteen queen. Well we are not a joke, and neither is our love. Tsareena is my first, my last, my everything. Nobody baby but you and me. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet understands this love. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will let me tshower with Tsareena.

Amsterdam Is The First Time Taylor Swift Has Let Me Down

Stacey Henley — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 17:31:13 GMT

Amsterdam is out in cinemas today, and I’ll probably be checking it out sometime this week. I have a subscription ticket to my local cinema, where for the low cost of one and a half regular tickets per month, I can see as many movies as many times as I like for free. Amsterdam has a few screenings across the weekend, but I won’t be hitting it up for a double feature with The Woman King. Instead, I’ll be stealing it. And the police can’t do anything about it, because they won’t witness it first hand. That’s how it works, right?

The Scariest Thing About Smile Is Its Depiction Of Mental Health

James Troughton — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:30:13 GMT

Smile takes the compelling premise of It Follows using a smiling presence rather than a chasing beast. As with It Follows, Smile sees its characters pass on a pursuing demon to each other, but rather than a creature constantly trying to catch you instead it’s a menacing, smiling figure staring at you. Unfortunately, where It Follows explores sex and promiscuity, Smile tackles the lofty themes of trauma and suicide without tact whatsoever.

The Owl House New York Comic Con Panel Was A Bittersweet Return For A Beloved Show

Jade King — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:00:13 GMT

The Owl House panel at New York Comic Con this week was a bittersweet occasion. It is the show’s first (and at least while it’s on the air, last) panel where some creators and cast can gather to celebrate with fans about a story and characters that have captured hearts in a way few fictional universes have. Disney unfortunately didn’t renew it for a third season, and thus the narrative will be concluded through three extended specials aiming to tell a single, overarching tale.

No More Heroes 3 Is Yet Another Game I Wish Didn't Launch On Nintendo Switch

Jade King — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:30:13 GMT

No More Heroes 3 didn’t run especially well on the Nintendo Switch, but it launched as an exclusive for the platform, so fans didn’t really have a choice if they wanted to play it. Like previous entries, it didn’t take long for superior ports to surface that improved on what came before. Travis Touchdown probably hates shitty framerates too.

Jack Black Is Already The Perfect Bowser

Jade King — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:00:13 GMT

The Super Mario movie received its first trailer this week. Well, kinda. It was more like two individual clips introducing different characters than a traditional trailer outlining everything we can expect. Nintendo and Illumination are being very tight-lipped about the whole thing, eager to ensure not too much leaks out, and it can control the messaging of what will likely be the biggest video game adaptation of all time.

Tara Strong Says Charles Martinet Should Voice Mario In New Movie

Rhiannon Bevan — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 13:46:48 GMT

Tara Strong, the voice actress best known for being in everything ever, is criticizing the recently unveiled Super Mario Bros. movie for recasting its lead. This comes just after Chris Pratt debuts his voice work as the iconic plumber, which doesn't sound too far off his regular voice.

She-Hulk And Daredevil Bonked In The Newest Episode And Fans Are Mixed

James Troughton — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 12:16:24 GMT

Years of campaigning, calling for Marvel to bring Charlie Cox back as Daredevil, and years of worry about how the MCU would handle him, were all put to bed last night. Literally. MCU Daredevil bangs in both ways.

Super Mario Bros. Movie Trailer Easter Eggs You Might Have Missed

Josh Coulson — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 09:30:13 GMT

There are now two distinct eras in human history. Before we had all seen the Super Mario Bros. Movie trailer, and now. The first look at Nintendo and Illumination's joint venture that will bring an animated Mario to the big screen for the first time is now out in the world. Jack Black as Bowser is terrific, the Mushroom Kingdom looks great, and even the brief glimpse we got of Luigi and the noises he made already has me convinced Charlie Day has nailed the role.

TheGamer's Best Features Of The Week: Pokemon Goes Far Cry, Mario Movie Poster, And More

James Troughton — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 22:30:14 GMT

It’s Thursday and on Thursdays, we look back at the past week of features at TheGamer. We’ve been writing about everything from the exploitative Blonde movie to the new Mario poster, but I promise it’s not all films.

Overwatch Was Better With Loot Boxes

Eric Switzer — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 20:01:03 GMT

Before you post this on your angry gamer subreddit, hear me out. I think paid video game loot boxes are vile. They are predatory in nature, designed to exploit players and obscure the real cost of in-game items. I think every country in the world should outlaw them, and I’m glad Overwatch got rid of them. At the same time, Overwatch 2’s monetization is terrible. In the transition to free-to-play, we lost the ability to earn things for free. Though I’m mostly positive on the gameplay changes, it’s hard to ignore that Overwatch 2’s progression is worse in almost every way. I don't love admitting it, but Overwatch was better off with loot boxes.

Sifu DLC Gamescom Preview: Old Dog, New Tricks

Issy van der Velde — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 20:00:14 GMT

I completely missed the boat on Sifu when it launched earlier this year. I was far too busy playing Elden Ring and comparing it to HBO teen dramas. However, after trying out the upcoming DLC at Gamescom I want to rectify that. It adds both challenging and silly options to the game, meaning all you seasoned sifus out there will have a reason to come back - whether that’s for laughs or to prove you can overcome even the most insurmountable odds is up to you.

The Last Hero Of Nostalgaia’s Satirical Take On Dark Souls Was The Highlight Of EGX

George Foster — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 19:52:34 GMT

There were some pretty big games at EGX 2022, including Street Fighter 6 and Sonic Frontiers, two games which I was already pretty much sold on and whose EGX demos just further cemented that excitement.

Lechonk Might Be An Ingredient In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Joshua Robertson — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:50:32 GMT

Nintendo and Game Freak have given us an even closer look at Pokemon Scarlet & Violet thanks to its latest gameplay trailer, revealing new details such as a minimap, an evolution for Girafarig called Farigiraf, and the ability to craft TMs. One of the lengthier portions of the trailer gave us a look at the new "Picnics" mechanic, building on the campsites you can set up in Pokemon Sword & Shield.

Should Video Game Adaptations Be As Faithful To The Source Material As The Last Of Us?

Andrew King — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:01:12 GMT

For a long time, video game fans just wanted to see adaptations that didn’t have seething contempt for the source material. You watch enough movies like Super Mario Bros., where the games mostly seemed to serve to provide a few character names and proper nouns, and it's easy to long for a movie or TV show that actually engages with what the game it's adapting is about. But over the past few years, video game movies and TV have become increasingly faithful to the games they’re based on. HBO’s The Last of Us, judging by early teases, seems like it will be the most faithful yet. I’m not convinced that that’s a good thing.

Jumping For Joy: The History Of Platform Video Games Review - Green Hill Known

Andrew King — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 17:00:13 GMT

Jumping for Joy: The History of Platform Video Games strikes a successful balance, providing a thorough recounting of the facts of the genre’s biggest players while still offering a subjective curated list of forgotten platformers. We might start with Green Hill Zone and Bowser’s Castle, but there’s plenty of time for the stuff worth seeing off the beaten path.

CD Projekt Red's Transparency About The Future Is A Double-Edged Sword

Jade King — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:30:13 GMT

In a somewhat unexpected move, CD Projekt Red has unveiled all the projects it will be working on for the next decade or so. Probably longer actually, given it announced not only a new trilogy of games set in The Witcher universe, but also a prequel, a spin-off, a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, and a new IP we currently know nothing about. That’s a whole lot of stuff.

Need For Speed Unbound Is The Perfect Direction For The Series

Issy van der Velde — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:06:15 GMT

Need For Speed has been fairly quiet since Heat launched three years ago. It was a much-needed return to the basics that made the Underground era so popular: illegal street racing, extensive customisation options, and high-octane cop chases. The trailer for Unbound just dropped early - or accidentally. With the amount of leaks this game has seen rising to obscene levels - I am now all aboard the hype Mitsubishi. This is the exact direction the series needs to go in.

Thank God They Didn't Let The Russo Brothers Make An Aragorn Series

Ben Sledge — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:45:12 GMT

The Rings of Power is on a roll; it’s currently the most-watched TV series on our screens, and fans are frantically theorising as the first season comes to a head. Is Halbrand Sauron? Is The Stranger Gandalf? Why is Gil-galad like that? That story about Mithril cannot be true, surely?

I Can't Take FIFA 23's 'Lengthy' Players Seriously

Ben Sledge — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:15:15 GMT

FIFA’s a weird game. The best IRL players aren’t necessarily the best in the video game, despite it functioning as a football simulator. While the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Mohammed Salah will tear up the virtual pitch as well as they will the grassy rectangle we call Anfield, some players just aren’t built right.

I'm More Excited For CDPR's New IP Than Witcher Or Cyberpunk

Stacey Henley — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:00:13 GMT

This week, CD Projekt Red revealed far more about its future than even the most hopeful fans could have expected. In some ways, it's an attempt to reclaim its image - CDPR was once the peoples' company, putting players ahead of profit. It was a transparent, parasocial genius. Then it launched Cyberpunk 2077 in such an awful state it was pulled from sale, and continued various anti-consumer tactics by relisting the game for sale on PS4 while telling us not to buy it on PS4, then revealing the Phantom Liberty expansion would be new-gen and PC only, despite the game launching on last-gen consoles. It needs to do a lot to claw back its reputation, and this seems like a start, although it comes with major caveats. Through it all though, the thing I have my eye on most is Project Hadar, its new IP.

I Already Don't Like Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's Far Cry-Style Enemy Base Attacks

Stacey Henley — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 13:49:49 GMT

I'm sold on Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. I've had my heart broken before, but I never learn. This Pokemon game looks like it has everything I want from a Pokemon game, and my heart is already all in. I'm just waiting for The Pokemon Company to call. I'm a lot more positive on Legends: Arceus than a lot of other Pokemon fans, and have always thought that Scarlet & Violet following on from Legends' open world sensibilities was a master stroke. The latest trailer shows off a lot of Pokemon busy work, but honestly, that kind of nonsense only makes me love it more. I filled the currydex in Galar. I can't wait to make Gardevoir a sandwich. There's one element of the latest trailer which puts a damper on my excitement though, and that's the Far Cry-style bases. Why on earth do they exist?

The Weirdest Game You've Ever Played Is Still Only Half As Weird As Killer7

Andy Kelly — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:33:50 GMT

Killer7 is one of those games that nimbly evades any kind of traditional classification. Trying to pin a genre on it is futile. It's beyond genre. There's first-person shooting, third-person exploration, and Resident Evil-style puzzles, but it combines these familiar elements in a way that is both baffling and bewitching. Fans of similarly offbeat new-wave band Devo often describe the genre of their music as, simply, 'Devo', and that's the best way to categorise Killer7. What kind of game is it? It's a Killer7 game, and there's nothing else like it.

Loved Return To Monkey Island? Now Play Thimbleweed Park, Its Dark, Twisted Cousin

Andy Kelly — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 10:12:49 GMT

Thimbleweed Park is a game about a murder in a small town. Except it's not, really. That's the catalyst that sets the plot in motion, but it's a red herring. The game tees itself up as a procedural detective game with a vaguely X-Files flavour, but it's not long before you're being dragged down some very surprising rabbit holes by writer/director Ron Gilbert—creator of Monkey Island and other fine point-and-click adventures. Terrible Toybox, Gilbert's studio, recently released the magnificent Return to Monkey Island, reuniting us with Guybrush Threepwood. But Thimbleweed Park, its first game, is a much stranger affair.

Behind The Scenes Of GTA Online’s Mario Kart Meet Up

Issy van der Velde — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:10:45 GMT

You’ve probably seen loads of videos of car meet-ups in GTA Online. A bunch of virtual gear heads get together in a dark parking lot to show off their suped-up tuners and tricked-out exotics. Well, have you ever seen one with Mario Kart-style go karts? What about one with an airshow? How about both combined? Well, that’s the kind of meet-up iOSGamer’s crew, We Da Best Events, hosts.

The Biggest Gaming News For October 5, 2022

Joshua Robertson — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:29:25 GMT

Well, it seems like EA really can't keep a lid on things at the minute, as Need for Speed Unbound has suffered yet another leak. It's a Japanese retailer that's in bother this time around though, as it has pretty much confirmed already leaked details.

Why I'm Hopeful For Overwatch 2, Despite Everything

Eric Switzer — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 22:10:13 GMT

Overwatch 2 might be the first sequel in history that players of the original begged the developers not to make. Through a small handful of gameplay changes and minor visual updates, it just barely manages to justify its own existence. It feels like it’s Blizzard’s attempt to restructure the monetization into a more profitable, industry-standard model, which people have rightly pointed out benefits the publisher, but doesn’t actually provide any value to the players. At first blush, Overwatch 2 comes across like a dark tulpa of the original - a product designed to increase profits and engagement without offering anything that meaningfully increases enjoyment. Within the broader context, Overwatch 2 follows this year’s Diablo: Immortal as just another anti-consumer title from a mega corp that used to actually care about its fans and reputation. There’s never been a particularly good answer to the question “Why does Overwatch 2 exist?”, and I don’t anticipate there ever will be.

Why Did Overwatch 2 Remove My Favorite Feature?

Eric Switzer — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 21:01:46 GMT

Hello, welcome. You’ve fallen into my trap. I will now spend the next 500+ words defending Overwatch’s much-maligned medal system. While I agree with the consensus that Overwatch 2’s scoreboard is better, the implementation leaves a lot to be desired. Most notably, there’s no longer a post-match screen that reveals your overall performance. I earned those gold medals Blizzard, why won’t you give them to me?

Detective Games Don't Get Much Better Than Sherlock Holmes: Crimes And Punishments

Andy Kelly — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:47:11 GMT

A great mystery can intrigue you with its premise alone. All it takes is a single sentence to grab hold of your imagination and refuse to let go. This is something detective game Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments understands. Among the mind-bending mysteries it asks you to solve is a train mysteriously disappearing in the middle of the night, a murder in a windowless sauna whose door was locked from the inside, and a sailor gruesomely pinned to a wall with a whaling harpoon. You immediately want to know what happened, right?

The Next FIFA Should Be A Live-Service Game

Stacey Henley — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:01:13 GMT

During my review of FIFA 23, I mentioned several times that it seemed like EA was treating it like a live-service game; both in how the embargoes were rolled out and in how the game presents itself. There is one crucial distinction here though, and that is that for all it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it charges you £70 each year for a fresh release that completely resets your progress like a stand-alone title. This is the last FIFA ever as the naming rights license comes to an end, so it presents a unique opportunity for EA - should the next FIFA, or rather the first EA Sports FC, transform the game into a live-service title?

What Do We Actually Want From A Sequel To Cyberpunk 2077?

Andrew King — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:30:13 GMT

The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 are getting sequels. That isn't surprising. But the sheer amount of sequels CD Projekt Red announced is a bit of a shock.

Corsair K100 Air Wireless Keyboard Review - Lightweight And Tactile

Jade King — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:30:13 GMT

I’m far too used to chunky keyboards. Metal behemoths covered in mechanical keys that could easily break in a car window, outfitted with absurd amounts of customisation and features I will probably never use because I play most of my games using a controller. Yet I also type a lot of words as part of my regular job, so having a keyboard that understands me is essential. After using it for a few weeks, the Corsair K100 Wireless is lightweight, functional, and surprisingly adept at everything I threw at it.

Manor Lords Is Technically Outstanding And Full Of Potential

Harry Alston — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:30:13 GMT

Several hunters return from the woods with deer carcasses over their backs. An ox drags a pile of timber towards the new granary being built on the edge of town. On top of the hill, which overlooks the valleys and rivers below, a windmill spins in the Spring wind. This is Manor Lords. It’s only a demo, but I’m already blown away.

Overwatch 2's Updated Hero Bios Are A Mess

George Foster — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:23:45 GMT

You probably don't need to be told this, but Overwatch 2 has had a pretty rough launch overall, with players reporting crashes across all systems, queue issues, and more. One of the more surprising issues that has popped up isn't a technical one at all - it's that the character bios, lore, and overall direction of the story in Overwatch 2 have been dramatically nerfed.

Wait, How Does Dragon Ownership Work In House Of The Dragon?

Andrew King — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:00:13 GMT

This article contains spoilers for all released episodes of House of the Dragon.

Jennifer Hale Being Confirmed As Bayonetta Is More Exciting Than Any Trailer

Stacey Henley — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:30:13 GMT

Ever since the first trailer for Bayonetta 3, fans have suspected Jennifer Hale's involvement. The actor, perhaps best known for her role as FemShep in Mass Effect, has a highly distinct voice, although like any good voice actor she's capable of a huge range of vocal performances. Rivet in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Krem in Dragon Age are both wildly different from each other and from FemShep, and both are superb performances from Hale. However, FemShep is quite close to her regular speaking voice, and those wry tones seemed to be present in Bayonetta 3’s reveal trailer. Recently, Hale's involvement in the project (as Bayonetta herself, no less) was confirmed, and that only makes me more excited for Nintendo's action-blockbuster.

Cyberpunk 2077's Best Twist Was Ruined In One Of Its Earliest Trailers

Jade King — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:30:13 GMT

Cyberpunk 2077 was released seven years after its first teaser trailer was unveiled. It didn’t enter full production until the release of The Witcher 3 expansion pack Blood and Wine, so that first sliver of footage was little more than a concept of what this tabletop adaptation hoped to be when all was said and done. All things considered, it was a pretty accurate glimpse at the studio’s ambition in both atmosphere, visual design, and even future gameplay ramifications.