Summary If the early to mid-2000s was the era of the linear military shooter, the 2010s and 20s have undoubtedly been the era of the open-world game. From the massive hit that isMinecraft, to games likeGod of War, players can’t seem to get enough of wide open landscapes that they can explore to their heart’s content. One of the ways open-world games have evolved over the past decade, however, is to ingrain more creatively focused mechanics into the gameplay loop....

WhileOverwatch 2has undoubtedly been a popular release since its recent launch on October 4, it remains that the game has had a cloud of controversy that has consistently hung over it. Be it the current similarities that the new release shares with the originalOverwatch,or its new battle pass monetization system, there are certain elements of the game that have not gone down well with fans. A main portion of the criticism stemming fromOverwatch 2’saforementioned battle pass system surrounds the fact that the best cosmetic skins in the game can no longer organically be unlocked without microtransactions....

Narrative adventure games have experimented with all manner of different subgenres, settings, and narrative frameworks over the years. Whether its the docile life of the titularFirewatch, or the existential dread of sentient androids inDetroit: Become Human, the genre is certainly flexible and brimming with potential. One of the narrative adventure series to gain a ton of traction early-on wasLife is Strange;an equal parts time traveling superhero tale and coming-of-age drama. The time-travelling adventure of the first entry seemingly set a precedent, butLife is Strange 2flipped expectations in numerous ways, meaning the next game may also change the formula....

Pokemon GOdevelopers at Nianticoffer players with Shiny Heatran encounters through 5-star raids. The Standard variant of Heatran is set as a 5-star raid boss, and defeating it may reward players with a Shiny Heatran encounter. But winning against Heatran as a 5-star boss is extremely hard, and one must prepare thoroughly. Pokemon GOtrainers can get a Shiny Heatran, but it requires defeating numerousHeatran 5-star raids. Winning a single raid takes proper preparation; winning numerous requires a strategic roster, a team of trainers, and extensive meta-knowledge....

Resident Evil 4takes inspiration from several classic horror icons. The franchise as a whole has always been inspired by filmmakers like George A. Romero. Though Stuart Gordon’sDagonhas never been mentioned by Capcom or anyone involved with the game, it’s hard not to notice all the similarities. Finally, a feature-length take on corrupted cultists in a Spanish village. The worksof H. P. Lovecraft areinfluential in a way that very few other authors have achieved....

There are plenty of spells to choose from inThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition.Thanks to the Creation Club items being included, the selection of spells has expanded enormously, and there’s so much more to choose from. It’s given players the opportunity to try out new spells — wizards even have some better options to choose from. RELATED:Skyrim: Every New Rare Curios Item (And What They Do) There are so many ways tocustomize a character’s buildinSkyrim, and one’s magical specialties are a vital aspect of many builds....

The rebreather is an essential item inSons of the Forestfor those who want to explore underwater for an extended time. Players can spend hours running around the island’s forest and beaches, but sometimes, the inaccessible areas hold the best secrets. Finding the rebreather is the first step in continuing the story campaign, and it gives players access to some of the best weapons and key items. Depending on the spawn point, getting to the rebreather can be a quick trip or a slow, cannibal-filled trek across the forest....

While thePlayStation 5has been the topic of lots of discussion in recent weeks, one of the most talked about aspects of the console has been its size. The massive, unique design of the console was chosen for one core reason. according to the Mechanical and Thermal Design Engineer of thePS5. After complaints about the loudness of the PlayStation 4 fan, Sony claims to have focused on creating a quieter system with the PS5....

Summary An update forMarvel’s Spider-Man 2has been issued that corrects the inclusion of a Cuban flag in the home of Miles Morales, who is Puerto Rican. Puerto RicanSpider-Manfans were especially disappointed to see the incorrect flag used and questioned how the mistake may have happened. While Insomniac hasn’t provided an explanation, it has now released an apology for the mistake alongside Thursday’sSpider-Man 2patch. In Miles Morales' Harlem home, where he lives with his mother Rio Morales, there’s a large painting in the hallway of a flag....

The world ofThe Witcheris filled with all forms of monsters, from towering Chorts to small but equally terrifying Botchlings. These beasts roam all across the Continent, only to be slain by Witchers should they be deemed threats to human settlements. This practice has gone on for centuries, wiping out hordes and hordes of monsters – so much so that the people ofThe Witcher 3regard the mutated monster slayers as relics of a bygone age....

Multiplayer games are great, and crossplay makes them better. Thanks to crossplay, friends, families, and partners don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars just to play the same game, or stick to old titles that may have overstayed their welcome. Late 2023 and 2024’s slate of cross-platform multiplayer games have varied gameplay. There’s a game for everyone: casual experiences for parties, time commitments perfect for weekly hangouts, soothing environments to make a home in, and harried fights for survival....

WithPokemon Legends: Arceussmashing sales records on the Switch and a recent 4-part story inPokemon Journeysthat references it heavily but doesn’t directly adapt it, many fans began to wonder whether the game will receive its own full-fledged anime. Those fans have been proven half-right, as in the last Pokemon Presents broadcast, it was announced thatPokemon Legends: Arceuswill be receiving an ONA (that’s Original Net Animation) releasing this summer in Japan. So far, an English release date has not been provided....

Leading up to its release this past December,The Callisto Protocolwas generating a fair bit of hype. Aiming to be aspiritual successor to theDead Spacefranchise, and even including many members of that original development team, the game was shaping up to be something special. Unfortunately, despite the creative team at Striking Distance Studios best efforts,The Callisto Protocolwas hit with a mixed reception and didn’t live up to its potential in the eyes of many....