There is no question that we’re well into a trend of games being remade and remastered. Some, like Final Fantasy 7 (remade in 2020) have been in demand for over a decade, while others such as Destroy All Humans! came as more of a surprise. However, remakes and remasters are designed specifically to recreate or re-imagine a game. Here, diverting from the original design can be seen as a detriment in any place outside of something advantageous, such as controls. There are games, however, that just seem to copy the designs and mechanics of others without any admitted connection.

This sort of occurrence isn’t anything new. Developers have long been influenced by other games and have even become quite successful in the process. Even going back to the early 90s, the term “Doom Clones” was the early description of what ultimately became the FPS genre. Games like Heretic, Duke Nukem 3D, Rise of the Triad, and Dark Forces all fell into this category having similar core designs.

Building a genre with a new style of game is something I’ve always believed benefits the gaming community. The MOBA craze some years ago lead to a large number of innovations of the style. However, like most of these crazes, the cream usually rises to the top and the rest of the games wither away. Dota 2 and League of Legends stand miles above the handful that remain in both quality and player base. Yet that’s not the case for every new genre. Soulslike games, spawned from Dark Souls and Demon Souls, have a variety of extremely similar games thriving among fans of the series.

The real reason I’ve come to this topic though, is Valorant. I don’t believe anyone has taken even a short look at the gameplay and not drawn obvious connections to Counter-Strike. Several games have adopted Counter-Strike’s design over the many years it has been around to varying degrees of success. Few though have been quite as evocative as Valorant. It feels as if it was almost designed specifically to pull players over from the CS. The weapons are similar in design, position, functionality, and even spray patterns. If not for the stand-out addition of unique tech and magical abilities, the games would be nearly indistinguishable.

Is this a problem taken on its own? I don’t believe so. As a friend once told me, “Originality is overrated, and execution is absolutely everything.” This is certainly true, though I’d place an emphasis on having the huge financial backing required to have strong marketing. Many extremely well-executed games have fallen to the wayside without that to bolster their spread. This, of course, is something of which Riot Games has tons. The success of League of Legends has given them the financial power to make a lot of moves lately, especially in developing new games. It doesn’t matter if they’re original or not – they can finance marketing on a level greater than nearly anyone out there.

We have yet to see if Valorant has the staying power necessary to take on Counter-Strike. Somehow, coming from a mod in 2000, Counter-Strike has managed to consistently grow to the point that it is the top game on Steam at any given time. It’s more popular than ever, so it’s no surprise rich companies are trying to take a piece of those million-plus concurrent players. Those are numbers rarely seen these days outside Battle Royale games – which itself drove the latest trend of derivative and copy-cat games.

This isn’t to say that originality doesn’t succeed in the gaming industry. Indie games thrive on pushing the boundaries of what we expect where publishers wouldn’t want to risk the money. One of the other more popular games on Steam is Rocket League, a game that still stands alone with its strange car-based soccer game genre. Though I suppose you could say that it is just derivative of soccer – and you’d be right. However, it’s only derivative, in the video gaming world, of Psyonix’s previous mouthful-title Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars.

The full spectrum of games from the outright clones to the completely original will each face their own challenges in finding success. Games may not have to be that unique to grow and be appreciated, but I still find value in that originality. I can sit back and enjoy remakes, remasters, and heavily inspired games without much thought of their similarity to other games. Familiarity means less time I have to spend figuring things out. Yet, there will always be something special when I come across a game that makes me feel the way I did when I first played Katamari Damacy. Sometimes unique games can give you an entirely new perspective on what you enjoy.

What games have you enjoyed that have felt unique and original? Do you find value or comfort in familiar game designs in new titles? Let us know in the comments!

Article updated. Original publish date April 25, 2020.

In 2020 it was revealed developer IO Interactive was working on a James Bond game known as Project 007 which, understandably, shook the video game world. Still in production (now titled 007 First Light and targeted for release March, 2026, there’s a possibility that their James Bond game could be the best ever made.

But we’re not talking about those kinds of Bond games today. We’re talking about the other kind of James Bond game. They’re the kinds of games that exist to remind you that all-time classics like GoldenEye 007 are largely an anomaly. The fact is that most James Bond games have been either mediocre or something much, much worse.

These are the five worst James Bond games ever made.

5. Tomorrow Never Dies

If I’m being honest, there are worse Bond games than Tomorrow Never Dies. Some of the older Bond titles or Goldeneye: Rogue Agent could easily occupy this spot.

However, Tomorrow Never Dies holds a special spot in many people’s memories due to the fact it was the James Bond game that PlayStation fans had to rely on while N64 gamers were spending sleepless nights with GoldenEye 007. It was never close to being close enough.

The game was also pretty bad in its own right, even if it falls short of all-time bad status. Picture a worse version of Syphon Filter with that game’s creative weapons and action sequences, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what Tomorrow Never Dies had to offer. Honestly, the PlayStation would never get a Bond game that came close to competing with GoldenEye.

4. James Bond Jr.

The whole James Bond Jr. concept has always been odd. So James Bond has a nephew whose life as a teenage spy often mimics that of his uncle’s? Even for a time when everything was being turned into a cartoon, that’s a pretty weak premise.

Somehow, though, the James Bond Jr. games manage to be much worse than the show. Both the NES and SNES versions of the game are pretty bad, but it’s the SNES edition that feels worthy of real scorn. Despite benefiting from the console’s increased processing power, the game plays like the abandoned project of a high school student developer.

Again, there was potential for this adaption to actually be a fairly enjoyable platformer, but a complete lack of effort turns this into an embarrassing curiosity.

3. A View to A Kill (Commodore 64)

The only reason that A View to A Kill doesn’t take the top spot on this list is that it was made in 1985. You kind of have to give games from that era a little credit compared to more modern titles (with one exception we’ll discuss in a bit).

Still, the Commodore 64 version of A View to A Kill is indefensible. The text adventure edition of this title works well enough, but the developers of this game attempted to create a visual adventure for Bond that largely consists of awkward driving sequences. No amount of begrudging credit for ambition makes it easy to forgive this game for its awful glitch-filled gameplay that is borderline unplayable.

I don’t know if it’s possible to actually like this game.

2. 007 Racing

I fully understand if you clicked on this article expecting to see this game in the top spot, but the truth of the matter is that I have to give 007 Racing credit for at least thinking outside the box. There’s a world where this game was actually a fun distraction.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world. We live in the other world where 007 Racing is ruined by ungodly controls, poor level design, and an absolutely unforgivable hesitance to embrace anything fun.

007 Racing could have been a series of compelling racing missions, a Mario Kart-esque racing title, or a Twisted Metal-like car combat multiplayer game. It was somehow a little of all of those things and yet not enough of any of them.

1. Live And Let Die

Given what we’ve looked at thus far, you may be wondering what makes Live so “special.” Why is it worthy of the honor of the worst James Bond game ever made?

Well, the main reason is that it’s not really a James Bond game at all. This was just going to be a generic boat action game before its publishers realized that there was a boat in the latest James Bond movie and they could just slap the license onto what they already had.

We’ve seen some lazy Bond games in the past, but it’s a special kind of lazy to have a James Bond game that was almost literally thrown together at the last minute.

Article updated. Original publish date: Nov 19, 2020

In 2021, Bethesda and Wolfenstein developer MachineGames announced a team up to make a modern Indiana Jones title. It was entirely unexpected but welcome in ways that feel hard to describe.

However, questions remained regarding the Indiana Jones game’s ability to usurp the Uncharted series which has become the default way to replicate an Indiana Jones-like film experience in a video game.

So has there ever been an Indiana Jones game that has replicated or surpassed the brilliance of the Uncharted franchise? That’s the question we’ll try to answer today as we look at some of the best Indiana Jones games so far to see how they stack up.

Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures

One of the first noteworthy Indiana Jones games was released later in the SNES’ lifespan (94/95). For some reason, it never seemed to get the attention you’d think it would have.

That’s a shame because this really is a very fun game. Essentially an Indiana Jones-themed take on the SNES Star Wars titles, Greatest Adventures retells the events of the first three Indiana Jones movies. Its various gameplay sequences even include vehicle and platforming events.

Actually, the game’s biggest shortcoming is that it tries a little too hard to replicate the mechanics of its Star Wars siblings. So far as that goes, it rarely surpasses the brilliance of those incredible titles and fails to find its own way outside of the visuals of the movies themselves.

Is it a better Indiana Jones game than Uncharted? No

Indiana Jones And The Infernal Machine

As the first fully-3D Indiana Jones game, The Infernal Machine was burdened by the fact it was released after the Tomb Raider series became iconic for advancing 3D gaming with the help of Indiana Jones-like themes.

What’s interesting about The Infernal Machine is how much it embraces Tomb Raider‘s innovations. More of a platform puzzler than a straight-up action game, The Infernal Machine actually attempted to replicate some of the more subtle adventuring elements of the franchise.

Sadly, the impressiveness of that effort can’t hide Infernal Machine‘s technical shortcomings. This was a rough era for 3D gaming, and while Infernal Machine made the most of what was available, it’s very difficult to revisit this game today and not wish you were playing either Uncharted or some of the latter 3D Indiana Jones titles.

Is it a better Indiana Jones game than Uncharted? No

Indiana Jones And The Emperor’s Tomb

Somewhat strangely released in 2003 far from the release of any Indiana Jones movie or show, The Emperor’s Tomb tried to pick up where Infernal Machine left off by offering an original 3D Indiana Jones adventure that felt true to the films.

Honestly, it succeeded in ways that exceeded any expectations. Emperor’s Tomb features a genuinely compelling story complimented by exciting action sequences spread across a bountiful amount of levels. Honestly, it’s still playable and enjoyable to this day.

Well…mostly. The game’s rough platforming sections do take some of the fun out of the experience and remind you that developers hadn’t quite figured out 3D cameras by 2005. Still, this is a more than worthwhile adventure you should absolutely check out.

Is it a better Indiana Jones game than Uncharted? Close, but not quite

Indiana Jones And The Fate Of Atlantis

We’re going all the way back to 1992 to talk about a game that many people refer to as the greatest Indiana Jones title ever made.

You know what? They’re absolutely right. Made by Lucasarts at the height of their point-and-click adventure creativity, The Fate of Atlantis‘ compelling narrative, devious puzzles, and wonderful environments raise a compelling argument that Fate of Atlantis is also the best adventure game ever made.

Adventure is really the keyword here. Fate of Atlantis taps into the pure adventurous spirit of the Indiana Jones films while using the stylings of the genre to offer an experience that no 3D action title could ever quite replicate. That’s why it stands alone amongst otherwise noteworthy adaptations.

Is it a better Indiana Jones game than Uncharted? Yes

Article updated. Original publish date Jan. 12, 2021.

What are the most underrated PlayStation 4 Exclusives?

Released in North America on November 15, 2013, the PlayStation 4 will be remembered for many things but its most lasting legacy may be its incredible collection of exclusive titles. At a time when it felt like true exclusives were harder to come by, the PlayStation 4 delivered hit after hit.

In fact, there were so many great PlayStation 4 exclusives that we’re willing to bet you missed out on many of the best. If you’ve got a PS4 sitting in your closet, here are some games that are worth checking out before you decide to retire PlayStation 4s for good. These are some underrated PlayStation 4 exclusives that deserve a chance.

Blood and Truth

The future of VR is debatable. The VR format is still trying to find that line between accessibility and innovation. Whatever happens to VR, though, we believe that the PSVR will eventually be looked at fondly for as the practical VR option ever manufactured.

It doesn’t hurt that the PSVR boasted quality exclusives such as Blood and Truth. This VR crime saga doesn’t offer much in the plot department, but its blend of cinematic storytelling and arcade-like shooting sections makes it one of the best overall VR experiences on any headset.

We can’t recommend buying a PSVR just to experience Blood and Truth. If you own one, though, you should absolutely give this game a shot.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission

Here we have another PSVR game that’s biggest flaw is that it’s a VR game that you likely don’t own the necessary hardware for.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a charming VR platformer that creatively re-imagines the tropes of one of gaming’s oldest and most successful genres. In the same way that Super Mario 64 brought platforming to the 3D era, Astro Bot Rescue Mission‘s brilliant level design shows how VR may be the next great frontier for a genre that sometimes feels stagnant.

For the right gamer, Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a true VR system seller.

Until Dawn

It feels strange to call Until Dawn “underrated.” After all, the game sold fairly well and was a cult hit amongst many who played it.

Yet, it’s easy to argue that Until Dawn deserved more. This digital choose-your-own-adventure sacrifices some traditional gameplay in order to deliver gaming’s finest slasher horror experience. Until Dawn is a glowing tribute to everything horror that is as genuinely scary as it is purely enjoyable.

Make sure not to retire your PlayStation 4 until you’ve played this one a few times through to explore its various narrative possibilities.

Killzone Shadow Fall

Killzone is one of those series that just never quite “got there.” Despite featuring several solid entries, Killzone typically found itself trailing behind other popular franchises.

Yet, at a time when good, single-player, first-person-shooter games are harder to come by, it’s easier than ever to appreciate Killzone Shadow Fall. This shooter boasts fun action mechanics, solid level design, and a surprisingly interesting story.

You could argue that Shadow Fall doesn’t truly excel in any one area, but it’s a testament to how hard it is for an exclusive to stand out on the PlayStation 4.

Resogun

Resogun is typically remembered as one of the PS4’s most serviceable launch games. As the PS4’s library grew, though, it felt like fewer and fewer people were talking about this game at all.

That’s a shame. Resogun may just be an old-school 2D shooter with updated graphics, but it turns out that old-school 2D shooters are still a lot of fun. This kind of well-made, arcade-like experience was the exact kind of thing that we started to miss as the PS4’s library of games began to grow bigger and more ambitious.

If you want an old-school title that is pleasantly new, Resogun is for you.

WipEout Omega Collection

For a while there, it felt like Sony fans went into every E3 showcase just hoping for word of a new Wipeout game. By the time we actually got this Wipeout remake collection in 2017, though, it seemed like nobody was talking about it.

Yet, nearly everyone who has played this game is quick to describe it as one of the best fast-paced racing titles ever made. It’s a brilliant throwback to a style of game that faded away too quickly.

Omega Collection never takes its foot off the gas and delivers one of the best racing experiences of this generation because of it.

Infamous: Second Son

Despite being one of the PS4’s biggest early exclusives, it just never felt like Infamous: Second Son never caught on. That probably has something to do with the up and down quality of its predecessors.

While Second Son also has flaws, it so happens to be one of the best superhero games of its generation. This open-world title not only offers an expansive playground for your superhero to roam in but a surprisingly gripping story and mythology as well.

If you’re not burned out on open-world games, be sure to give Second Son a shot.

Article updated. Original publish date July 21, 2020. 

The history of video gaming isn’t that old compared to other artistic and entertainment mediums such as television and film. Many people have lived through the entirety of video game history, and more people have seen most of it. As such, you would think that the history of video games would be pretty well documented.

Yet, there are some games that just don’t get the historical credit they deserve. It’s strange to think that some of the most important innovators in video game history can be largely forgotten, but it happens more than you may think.

With that said, here are five games that we bet you didn’t know changed gaming forever.

ChuChu Rocket (1999)

How it Changed Gaming: One of the first console games with functional, official online multiplayer.

Gamers of a certain age may remember ChuChu Rocket and the buzz it generated in 1999, but the game’s innovations have tragically been overlooked as the years go on.

ChuChu Rocket is a puzzle game that was essentially designed as a test of the Dreamcast’s online multiplayer capabilities. At a time when online console gaming was little more than a pipe dream, ChuChu Rocket offered easy-to-access competitive multiplayer that ran fairly well. It even let players upload and download custom maps!

The game itself was fairly simple (yet still a lot of fun), but it should be remembered as the game that helped a generation of developers figure out how online console multiplayer was practically going to work.

So while you may have been able to technically play other console games online before ChuChu Rocket, this is the game that made the dream a reality.

Kill Switch (2004)

How it Changed Gaming: The introduction of an active cover system.

This one is a little hard to explain. See, there were games before Kill Switch that featured a cover system. Metal Gear Solid 2, for instance, let you take cover to avoid detection or incoming damage.

Yet, Kill Switch is the game that introduced the cover system as we typically see it used today. By that, I mean that Kill Switch allowed you to rapidly move from cover to cover and pop out from your cover to engage in firefights. Whereas previous cover systems were largely defensive, Kill Switch‘s use of cover was all about staying on the offense.

Granted, Kill Switch borrowed a rough draft of that concept from games like Time Crisis, but at the time of its release in 2003, nobody had seen a third-person action game that let you move like that. Kill Switch‘s cover system was even featured in the game’s marketing and on the cover of the game’s case.

Gears of War tends to get the credit for this one, but we owe a lot to Kill Switch.

Mark of Kri (2002)

How it Changed Gaming: Use of 3D, multi-target combat.

It’s funny how a game can come along, garner critical acclaim, and over the years, kind of fall by the wayside. That’s about what happened with Mark of Kri.

Mark of Kri is a pretty great game in general, but its best feature was a dual-analog targeting system that let you assign an attack button to enemies around you. By doing so, you could easily jump between multiple enemies during combat sequences.

Does that sound familiar? It should, as it’s basically the combat system that Batman: Arkham would eventually help popularize. The difference is that Arkham came out in 2009 and Mark of Kri came out in 2002. While Kri‘s system was certainly rougher, it still feels like a generational leap ahead of everything else that was around.

At a time when 3D combat was rough, Mark of Kri figured out how to make it feel satisfying.

Jet Rocket (1970)

How it Changed Gaming: The first open-world game, first flight simulator, and first first-person game.

To be honest with you, I tend to hate talking about absolute firsts in gaming as the earliest technical examples of a concept tend to be rough.

However, Jet Rocket‘s historical accomplishments are too notable to ignore despite the very, very rough nature of the game itself.

Released in 1970, Jet Rocket allowed players to navigate an open 3D landscape while piloting a fighter jet. Its open-world design is particularly interesting, as the environment featured a few simple digital landmarks that actually offered a sense of perspective. Remarkably, the arcade cabinet was even shaped like a cockpit which enhanced the feeling of actually piloting a plane.

So why isn’t Jet Rocket typically remembered as an innovator? Sadly, a couple of companies got their hands on an early prototype of the game and ripped it off ahead of its global release. At least we now know we have Jet Rocket to thank for so many early innovations.

Marathon (1994)

How it Changed Gaming: Introduction of free-aim mouse and keyboard controls.

Go back and play the original version of Doom. If you’ve been raised on modern first-person shooters, we’re willing to bet that the first thing you’ll notice is the fact Doom does not use the mouse for aiming and looking.

Actually, the first game to really introduce that concept was Bungie’s Marathon.

Generally remembered as the series that Bungie made before Halo, the Macintosh version of Marathon featured a mouse-and-keyboard look and movement system that feels remarkably modern. It actually took a little while for this innovation to catch on, but once it did, it led to the development of FPS games that emphasized precision aim and fast movements.

It’s truly incredible to think that such a seemingly simple control concept would change gaming forever.

Note: Updated from the original article dated Nov 1, 2020.

We’ve talked about it before, but video game remakes are awesome.

In a medium where technology and art go hand-in-hand, video game remakes help us fully enjoy older titles even after their technological shortcomings have made it impossible to enjoy them as they were meant to be enjoyed. Sometimes, these remakes even contribute new content to classic games that feel almost essential to the core experience.

Which video game remakes are the best of them all, though? The answer to that question will obviously vary from person to person, but we’d imagine that anyone’s list of the best remakes would need to include at least one of these incredible games.

Shadow of the Colossus

You could easily make the argument that Shadow of the Colossus is the best video game remake ever.

Bluepoint Games’ Shadow of the Colossus not only expertly updates the original game’s graphics in such a way that retains the 2005 title’s artistic design but helps ensure that it stands as one of the best-looking games of its generation. More importantly, this remake addresses some of the gameplay flaws of the original which prevented many from being able to properly enjoy it.

Resident Evil (GameCube)

It must have been tempting for Capcom to just upgrade the original Resident Evil‘s graphics and call it a remake. Instead, they did something very different.

Not only is Resident Evil for GameCube a technologically mind-blowing game that still looks good to this day, but it’s a remake that retains the spirit of the original experience while fixing nearly every flaw and adding new content that truly completes an already classic game. It’s a masterpiece.

Resident Evil 2

Two Resident Evil games on a shortlist of the best remakes ever? It sounds gratuitous, but Capcom really has set the standard for remakes with releases such as these.

Resident Evil 2 almost entirely reimagines a game that many consider to be the best in series history and does it so effectively that it’s hard to ever go back to the original. What more could you ask for from a remake?

Final Fantasy 7

We know that there are many fans out there who feel that the Final Fantasy 7 remake did too much to distinguish itself from the original. They just wanted the original game with modern visuals and a few improvements.

Yet, it’s impossible to not at least respect what the Final Fantasy 7 remake tries to accomplish. By cleverly utilizing meta elements, Final Fantasy 7 shatters our expectations and honestly comes out all the better for its considerable efforts.

Black Mesa

After over a decade of work, this fan remake of Half-Life has finally been completed. Over the years, many suspected that there was no way this remake would ever live up to the hype.

Well, it didn’t. It actually exceeded the hype. Black Mesa is a bold and beautiful reimagining of one of the most important PC games ever made. We’d go so far as to call it the definitive way to play Half-Life in 2020.

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Nobody really talks about The Twin Snakes these days. We strongly suspect that’s because the game is basically impossible to play (legally) if you don’t own a GameCube.

That’s truly a shame. The Twin Snakes not only incorporates some of Metal Gear Solid 2‘s best gameplay ideas but it features a variety of narrative changes and new story sequences that are absolutely bonkers. This is one of the strangest remakes ever, but it’s also one of the best.

Metroid: Samus Returns

We don’t know if we agree with Nintendo’s decision to shut down that infamous fan remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus that likely partially inspired this remake, but it’s hard to argue with the results.

Metroid: Samus Returns brilliantly combines old and new concepts to form what could very well be the most complete Metroid game ever made. Metroid 2 was always underrated, and we’re thrilled that it got a chance to shine in this remake.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Here again, we have another incredible retro Nintendo title whose handheld limitations made it the perfect remake candidate.

Even though most people expected this game to be good, few predicted that Link’s Awakening would be such a glorious realization of everything that made classic Zelda games…well…classics. This is one of those games that nearly every Switch owner needs to experience.

Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy

Expectations were modest for the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy. After all, most early previews suggested it would basically just be the Crash games with better graphics.

While those better graphics were certainly welcome, this remake’s brilliance is found in the little things. The subtle ways it refines and alters the original games reminded everyone just why they waited so long to play these PlayStation classics again.

Ratchet and Clank

Granted Ratchet and Clank is somewhere between a remake and a re-imagining, but we feel it’s close enough to the former to qualify for this list.

Generally speaking, this 2016 game just didn’t get the love it deserved. It’s possibly the best Ratchet & Clank game ever and one of the most enjoyable exclusives on a console that’s infamous for them.

Article updated. Original publish date Sept. 18, 2020

(Updated 9/26/24) Netflix’s upcoming animated series “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” based on the Tomb Raider franchise has brought renewed interest in the movie and video game franchise.

What’s more, this year’s release of Tomb Raider I–III Remastered” from Aspyr Media with optional enhanced video and new features gave many gamers a chance to reflect on the legendary video game series that started with Core Design’s Tomb Raider (1996).

Looking back, you’ll probably find that Tomb Raider of the most uneven and fascinating franchises in video game history. Among the entries that make Tomb Raider so successful and famous are games that you wouldn’t play on a bet. 

With that in mind, here’s our look at the best and worst Tomb Raider games so far.

The Best Tomb Raider Games

5. Tomb Raider (1996)

The first Tomb Raider hasn’t exactly aged gracefully, but there’s no denying the craft that went into this early 3D action/adventure game.

Graphics and control problems aside, Tomb Raider‘s balance of action and puzzles set a standard for variety that subsequent titles struggled to replicate. This really was the template for what a great Tomb Raider game should be.

4. Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)

This often-overlooked Tomb Raider game benefits from the era of action/adventure titles that it was released in.

Softly modeled after the more modern Prince of Persia games, Tomb Raider: Legend retains the adventurous spirit of the original games but greatly improves the visual and control problems that plagued those early releases. It’s a real gem.

3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)

While this game sometimes tries a little too hard to be more “cinematic” than it is, it’s hard to deny how enjoyable the overall ride is.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a fundamentally enjoyable game that features some of this franchise’s best set pieces and gameplay ideas. Even if the story doesn’t quite get there, it gets close enough to be worth your time.

2. Tomb Raider II (1997) 

The gold standard of retro Tomb Raider games remains the best overall entry in the franchise in the minds of many fans.

Through a combination of smart improvements and some of the best actual “tomb raiding” in this franchise’s history, Tomb Raider 2 showed what this franchise could be when it was firing on all cylinders.

1. Tomb Raider (2013)

Yes, this game borrows heavily from Uncharted, but this reboots intimate scale and personal stories help it find its identity.

Everything in this reboot feels much more grounded than what we see in the Uncharted series. Even when the title goes too dark, it effectively sets up the new adventures of Lara Croft.

The Worst Tomb Raider Games

5. Tomb Raider III (1998)

While this title was initially well-received, the years have highlighted this sequel’s flaws in ways that are hard to ignore.

Simply put, Tomb Raider 3’s difficulty too often makes it a fundamentally unenjoyable experience. This game’s infamous instant death sequences are made all the more annoying by an unforgivable collection of glitches.

4. Tomb Raider: The Prophecy (2002)

It feels wrong to pick on a handheld Tomb Raider game, but The Prophecy deserves some flak for not even trying to replicate the main entries into the series.

This top-down game relies too much on simplistic action sequences and painfully simple puzzles. If it weren’t for the fact this carries the name of one of gaming’s most famous franchises, there would be no reason to talk about it.

3. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)

To be honest, The Last Revelation‘s biggest problem was that it was the game that showed old-school Tomb Raider titles were finally losing their luster.

This game doesn’t really do anything better than its predecessors but features all the visual, camera, and control problems that hurt those early titles to this day. What should have been a chance to showcase the power of the Dreamcast felt like a phoned-in sequel.

2. Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000)

While I absolutely love the idea of a Tomb Raider anthology game, Chronicles fails at everything besides its premise.

Once again, Chronicles features everything that had already aged poorly about the Tomb Raider series. This time, though, those problems are complimented by awful stealth sequences, poor level design, the worst camera yet, and the general feeling that you’re playing every idea that wasn’t good enough to make it into the previous games.

1. Tomb Raider: Angel Of Darkness (2003)

The often undisputed candidate for the worst Tomb Raider game ever is a failure on every conceivable level.

Ultimately, Angel of Darkness is an unfinished game that’s rushed development cycle resulted in countless glitches, half-finished ideas, and the absolute worst gameplay in Tomb Raider history. This one basically killed the franchise for years.

List of Tomb Raider Video Games

(Article updated. Original Publish Date 1/31/21)

The Madden NFL franchise has sold more than 130 million copies as of July 2024, which makes it the second best-selling sports video game franchise in history.

Some fans called Madden NFL 21 the worst Madden ever, but sales figures from 2020 put it fifth among all sales that year only behind COD: Black Ops Cold War, COD: Modern Warfare, NBA 2K21, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Since then, the game ranked third every year from 2021 to 2023, with only Call of Duty titles always ranking higher. But what Madden games are the worst and should be avoided? Let’s look at the five worst titles in the franchise.   

5. Madden Football 64

Tired of Madden games that feel too similar? Meet the Madden game that may have objectively been too ambitious.

Basically, EA decided that they wanted to use the power of the N64 to created the first truly 3D Madden game. The problem with that noble effort to advance the franchise was that Acclaim owned the exclusive rights to produce N64 NFL games for the 1997 season. In what would later be seen as a delicious bit of irony, EA was muscled out of the NFL license and was forced to make an unlicensed football game.

While it’s easy (and fun) to mock Madden Football 64‘s attempts to get as close to making an NFL game as legally possible, the real problem here is that the time just wasn’t right for a fully 3D football game. This title’s embarrassingly bad animations and nearly non-existent frame rate made electric football games a more accurate representation of the NFL, license or no license.

4. Madden NFL 25

The oddly named Madden NFL 25 is, according to the series standard naming conventions, Madden NFL 14. The name is meant to celebrate the 25-year history of the Madden franchise.

Instead of honoring the innovative nature of its predecessors, though, Madden NFL 25 helped cement the series soon to be infamous legacy of complacency.

Despite being the first Madden available for the next-gen PS4 and Xbox One, Madden NFL 25 featured few notable innovations that would suggest it was the harbinger of the medium’s future. Actually, most of its best features were just minor concepts that had strangely been removed from previous Madden games and resurrected in this one with little fanfare.

Maybe it is appropriate that Madden NFL 25 is named as such. After all, it’s the game that subtly informed us that future Madden games would rely heavily on our memories of what was.

3. Madden NFL 19

While it sometimes feels like most fairly recent Madden games have received the same general criticisms (bugs, lack of new features, etc), a notable amount of scorn is typically reserved for Madden NFL 19.

Why? Well, it starts with the animations. EA (quite hilariously) stated that this game would feature “real player motions,” which actually resulted in some of the clunkiest and most awkward animations in franchise history. More than a problem of visual vanity, Madden NFL 19’s awful animations would often result in players not behaving as they should. This was especially frustrating in online games which were too often determined by whose players accurately executed requested actions.

Interestingly, many feel that offenses (and the best offensive players in Madden NFL 19) felt somehow “nerfed.” It’s not clear whether this was intentional, but this was the Madden in which it was totally possible for a relatively slow defender to chase down some of the league’s fastest players.

We could go on, but the basic idea is that this was the year in which all of Madden‘s problems caught up with it and a few more problems were tossed in just for flavor.

2. Madden 13

Do you ever wonder if the Madden franchise was always like this and it’s your fond memories of the series which are misguided? We suppose that’s always possible, but honestly, we feel like you should be saving a little blame for the “innovations” of Madden 13.

Madden 13 is the game that removed Franchise mode, Superstar mode, Create-a-Team, and a host of stats and various other previously available features. In their place, we got a poor first attempt at a Connected Franchise mode and the Madden Ultimate Team concept which led us into the era of aggressive microtransactions that didn’t require the support of significant gameplay additions to incentivize purchases.

This is the game that stripped so much of the fun and little touches from Madden in order to help create an easily replicable formula that could slowly be built upon typically by gradually re-introducing features that used to be in the series in the first place. It was a nightmare that’s still being felt today by legions of disappointed fans.

1. Madden NFL 06 (Xbox 360)

Madden 13 may have done the most damage to the Madden franchise in the long-run, but if we’re talking about the absolute bottom of the barrel, then we’ve got to talk about Madden NFL 06 for the Xbox 360.

Now, you might think it’s strange that we’re specifying “for the Xbox 360.” After all, haven’t current and next-gen ports of Madden titles been largely similar over the years?

While that’s traditionally been true, this is the glaring exception to that basic rule. Rushed through development by an inexperienced team trying to get something out the door in time for the launch of the Xbox 360, Madden NFL 06 removed many of the best mode, features, and little touches from the previous-gen versions in order to make room for admittedly improved visuals that weren’t nearly good enough to justify the gameplay losses. Madden NFL 06‘s only modes were “Play Now” and an online option that many people still couldn’t properly access. It didn’t even feature John Madden as an announcer!

What’s strange is that many people consider the PS2 version of Madden 06 to be one of the better Madden games ever. By comparison, EA has actually apologized for this game and has basically described it as the worst Madden ever. We’re inclined to agree.

Article updated. Original publish date Aug. 31, 2020.

Long-serving gaming blog Game Informer is shutting down its opertations after 33 years. As reported by Kataku on Aug. 2, “GameStop killed” the magazine that began publishing in 1991 with a total of 367 issues. On Friday, the staff of Game Informer was told they were immediately laid off and would receive severance terms.

Game Informer was one of the last video gaming magazines in the world. The newest issue from June, 2024 titled “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” is the publication’s final printed piece. Even more disappointing, content on GameInformer.com has been completely removed with only a posting of the statement below.

The statement appeared on GameInformer’s X account on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 at 8:46 am and so far has had 8.5M views. We’re not sure how many hits to GameInformer.com have been recorded.

After 33 thrilling years of bringing you the latest news, reviews, and insights from the ever-evolving world of gaming, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Game Informer.

From the early days of pixelated adventures to today’s immersive virtual realms, we’ve been honored to share this incredible journey with you, our loyal readers. While our presses may stop, the passion for gaming that we’ve cultivated together will continue to live on.

Thank you for being part of our epic quest, and may your own gaming adventures never end.

Former staffers have suggested the statement was written by AI.

More details will likely emerge on why Game Informer was shut down. It’s unfortunate the company could not have maintained a web presence.

Game Informer featured articles, reviews, and news about video games, consoles, and the gaming industry. The magazine debuted in August 1991 with a FuncoLand in-house newsletter. GameStop purchased FuncoLand in 2000, and developed Game Informer into one of hte most popular magazines by circulation.

30+ years on, there’s somehow nothing quite like an NES action game. From the soundtracks to the level design and airtight mechanics, classic NES games like Ninja Gaiden and Mega Man remain some of the absolute best the medium has to offer.

However, the NES library of action games is too extensive to be limited to those hall of fame-worthy examples. In fact, some of the best NES action games you’ve never played could easily rank among the best all time. To get you started on that journey, here is a list of the 10 most underrated NES action games ever.

Shatterhand

Shatterhand‘s bizarre cover did it no favors, but beneath the strange packaging lies a truly great NES action game.

Bolstered by great level design and a truly unique upgrade system, Shatterhand nails core NES action game concepts before introducing just enough little touches to help it stand out from the pack.

Little Samson

While the visual design of this game may remind you of the excellent Little Nemo, it’s actually a thinly veiled knockoff of the Mega Man series.

What truly distinguishes Little Samson, though, is its character swap system. The ability to swap between different characters with different abilities (but shared resources) adds an element of depth to an already solid Mega Man-like experience.

Clash at Demonhead

Scott Pilgrim references aside, Clash at Demonhead absolutely deserves to be remembered among the best NES action games.

Clash at Demonhead‘s excellent visuals are reason enough to recommend it, but it’s the game’s open exploration level selection system that makes it stand out all these years later. Why didn’t other games borrow this title’s ideas?

Powerblade

It would be easy to forget about Powerblade if it wasn’t for the game’s truly brilliant boomerang weapon and combat system.

While the ability to attack in eight different directions isn’t a big deal now, Powerblade‘s incorporation of that feature put it far ahead of other action titles of its era as well as made it one of the more strangely accessible action games of this era.

Jackie Chan’s Action Kung-Fu

I’m as surprised as you are that there’s a Jackie Chan game for NES worth recommending, but here we are.

This game obviously doesn’t come close to recreating Chan’s brilliant fight scenes, but its stunning soundtrack, cute visuals, and martial arts side-scrolling combat make it an easy play that doubles as a somewhat strange historical footnote.

Low G Man

To be entirely honest with you, Low G Man’s stiff animations and bland visuals probably tell you all you need to know about why it’s not better remembered.

Yet, this game’s fascinating primary weapon (a long spear that behaves similarly to the cane in Ducktails) and varied combat design make it an often-overlooked oddity that at least deserves more of a cult following than it currently has.

Wizards and Warriors

As unbelievable as it is that an NES game made by Rare could ever be overlooked, Wizards and Warriors is just one of those titles you never hear anyone talk about.

Even though the game’s visuals and combat leave a lot to be desired, there’s an undeniable charm in the soundtrack and design concepts that invokes developer Rare at its best. Don’t make this the first NES game you revisit, but definitely check it out.

Bucky O’Hare

While Bucky O’Hare actually did garner quite a bit of acclaim in its day (it’s an NES game made by Konami after all), I’m not sure this game has ever really gotten the love it deserved.

Bucky O’Hare is a nearly perfect NES action game that’d I call the love child of Battletoads and Ducktales. It’s brutally difficult, but few NES action games feature the variety seen in this gem.

Metal Storm

Metal Storm has actually become slightly more popular thanks to the power of the internet, but it’s hardly a stretch to suggest that not enough of you have actually played this game.

Even if Metal Storm‘s combat can feel a little stiff at times, the title’s multi-level navigation gimmick adds an element of platforming brilliance to the affair that you don’t usually get from NES action games. Think of this more as a great NES platformer with a little action thrown in for flavor.

Updated: Original post date Jan. 28, 2021

Truth be told, the Silent Hill series has never been able to compete with Resident Evil‘s sales figures. In fact, the franchise’s sales struggles are fairly well documented. Yet, in the minds of the many who have played a Silent Hill game, the name “Silent Hill” will always be associated with some of the scariest experiences that gaming has to offer.

That’s the legacy we’re celebrating today. Just note that this is not a breakdown of the best overall Silent Hill games and that our ranking is instead based on how scary the game itself is. This list also doesn’t include the mobile Silent Hill titles which were, in a word, awful.

10. Silent Hill: Book of Memories

Book of Memories actually has some good ideas working in its favor, but this strange attempt to turn Silent Hill into a dungeon crawler is severely lacking when it comes to scares.

This spin-off’s more action-packed gameplay just isn’t capable of delivering the kind of pure horror experience that we’ve come to expect from this series. Here, horror is more of a thematic concept used largely for visual design purposes. It’s hard to think of a time when this game genuinely scares you.

9. Silent Hill: Origins

Silent Hill: Origins‘ classic gameplay means that it fares better than Book of Memories when it comes to delivering scares to handheld players everywhere. Unfortunately, that’s probably the best thing you can say about the game.

Origins tries to offer a kind of highlight reel of previous Silent Hill games, but the final product leaves you wishing you were just playing one of those games instead. Long-time fans will see the scares coming, while the title’s other shortcomings will disappoint newcomers.

8. Silent Hill: Homecoming

Homecoming is routinely referred to as the worst Silent Hill game not released for a mobile or handheld device. We’d go a step further by also suggesting that it’s the least scary game in that particular category.

Simply put, Homecoming lacked the creative talent needed to make this series’ psychological horror concepts work. In their place, the developers tried to implement more scenes of “torture porn” style violence which feel out of place next to what this series previously delivered.

7. Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Shattered Memories is arguably the most underrated Silent Hill game and one of the best-written horror games of all-time. When it comes to scares, though, it falls a bit short in some areas.

Shattered Memories‘ unbelievably clever story lacks the visceral feelings of terror that the previous games in the series are practically defined by. It may be the smartest Silent Hill, but it’s also one of the least intimidating.

6. Silent Hill: Downpour

With its simplified combat system, weird plot beats, and intimidating environments, Downpour resurrected many of the elements that fans felt were missing from the previous two mainline entries in the series.

The game’s strange story is certainly a highlight, but the real winner here is Downpour‘s level design. You’re often encouraged to thoroughly explore each area even as the game gives you plenty of reasons to not go around that next corner.

5. Silent Hill

Not only is Silent Hill the game that would (obviously) set this franchise’s standards for scares moving forward, but there are times when you could argue it’s still the downright scariest game in the series.

Granted, some of those scares are the result of some severe technological shortcomings that make it hard to see what is happening, but that feeling of dread that Silent Hill instills whenever you’re simply wandering the town has arguably never been topped.

4. Silent Hill 2

Silent Hill 2 is a masterpiece of video game storytelling that still stands as one of the most frequently cited entries in the “games as art” debate.

While there are moments in Silent Hill 2 which will shock and haunt you forever, many of the game’s most notable horror elements only reveal themselves when you dwell on the story’s implications. That means that some fans won’t take quite as much away from this game as they will other installments, but that’s not necessarily the game’s fault.

3. Silent Hill 4: The Room

Silent Hill 4: The Room is the weirdest and most innovative game in the Silent Hill franchise. It’s also the one that may be most likely to stick with you long after you walk away from it.

Silent Hill 4 is based on the idea that a man has mysteriously been locked in his apartment and can only escape by venturing into an “otherworld.” It’s a terrifying concept made all the more effective courtesy of some of the series’ most effective environmental designs and craziest characters.

2. P.T.

Sure, it might be a little controversial that P.T. is listed as a Silent Hill game, but if you consider this demo for the unreleased Silent Hills to be part of the canon, then you’ve got to consider it one of the absolute scariest corners of the series.

It’s hard to imagine a time when P.T. won’t absolutely terrify anyone who plays it. This claustrophobic choreography of brilliant horror concepts is as viscerally shocking as it is cerebrally unnerving.

1. Silent Hill 3

Silent Hill 3 doesn’t always get the love that its predecessors enjoy, but those who’ve played it regularly refer to it as the scariest Silent Hill game ever made. We’re not inclined to argue.

Silent Hill 3 brilliantly balances effective jump scares, subtle (and unnerving) horror writing, and instances of sustained shock. Nearly every area of the game is distinct, and each features a moment or little detail that will haunt you for years to come.

Article updated: Original publish date Sept. 22, 2020

Questions

#1

After fermenting for about a year with a deadly fungus pumping through its system, this undead creature gains a massive amount of strength that the average human wouldn’t be able to handle. These blind creatures use a crude form of echolocation with various clicks and screeches from the mouth. One effective way to handle these beasts would be with a good old-fashioned Molotov cocktail.

#2

This slow-moving creature dawns an awful brown coat and red tie appearance (no offense to anyone with this fashion sense). This monster does not stop moving until it fulfills its hunger for BRAINZ! There is nothing particularly special about this type of zombie as it does not take much to avoid it. You can use almost anything to destroy it ranging from Cabbages … to Pea pods?

#3

If you ever hear a crying noise in the zombie apocalypse that means it’s time to leave. However, if you decide to venture on and investigate this alarming noise you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. This undead monster cries loudly and can be provoked by almost anything, even the light from a flashlight. If provoked, this creature will go into a frenzy and will stop at nothing until it destroys the poor soul that startled it. Best way to rid yourself of this creature? Just avoid it. Or use a shotgun, whichever you prefer.

 #4

Some monsters run while some monsters walk. This one crawls. Fully equipped with razor-sharp teeth and claws, this monstrosity will hang from ceilings as it awaits the right time to pounce. Even If you’re able to avoid the claws and teeth, there is still one thing that will surely end it all, the tongue. This creature uses a mutated retractable tongue that whips and pierces its prey. This skinless monster moves incredibly fast and breathes louder than a car exhaust in the middle of the night. Want to get rid of it? Aim for the head!

#5

Typically when you hear a child crying your first instinct should be to calm it down, but not with this one. This child-like zombie will cry its eyes out until you startle it. If startled, this creature will produce a scream so loud that it briefly incapacitates you and alerts all nearby zombies of your specific location. If you would rather not have your health slowly drain as it screams bloody murder, I would recommend approaching slowly, and politely snapping its neck while you rock it back to sleep. Sweet dreams little one.

#6

This kind of infected spends its time jumping for joy once it sees a human… Or should I say leaping for joy? With both legs fused together to create a scorpion-like tail, this infected hops, jumps, and leaps everywhere and anywhere to get its prey. Equipped with the ability to crawl, this creature will make sure to stalk out its prey through various vents and cracks in order to “Leap-scare” its targets. Always make sure to stay away from this creature’s spiky tail as it likes to whip and stab in the direction of anything living. Want to get rid of it? Slow it down by putting it into stasis which makes it easier to destroy.

Now scroll down to reveal the answers!

How many of the undead from each video game did you name correctly?

1-2 out of 6  —  Blood-curdling Beginner 

3-4 out of 6  —  Creaky Commoner

4-5 out of 6 —  Posessed Player

   6 out of 6  —  Ghastly Gamer

Thank you for playing Name That Mob! We look forward to your results!

Answers

Let’s shed some light on some truly obscure horror titles that you’ve likely never played. Granted, some of these games are pretty difficult to find these days, but nobody said being a horror gaming fan was easy.

Obscure/Obscure II

The appropriately named Obscure series just never got the love it deserved.

Stylistically modeled after classic slasher films, the Obscure series puts you in control of various teenagers with unique abilities who must survive a series of supernatural threats. Their Resident Evil-like gameplay was a little outdated even at the time of their release, but few games celebrate the joy of the horror genre quite like these.

Bonus points also have to be assigned to these games’ co-op modes, which remain something of a genre rarity but were executed to near perfection in these true gems.

Extermination

Here we have another horror game that was seemingly overlooked largely due to the Resident Evil fatigue that had started to set in by the time of its 2001 release date.

Extermination is a conceptually brilliant survival horror game that essentially combines the best bits of The Thing and Resident Evil. Much of that brilliance can be attributed to an infection system that brilliantly twists the tropes of classic health bars by presenting an alternate threat that completely changes the way you play and utilize your resources.

Years later, it’s easy to love Extermination for emphasizing the survival element of the survival-horror genre.

Forbidden Siren 2

Forbidden Siren 2 had a lot working against it. As the strangely-named sequel to the frustrating and obscure 2003 horror game, Siren, Forbidden Siren 2 struggled to convince new players and existing fans to give it a shot.

Those who have played this game, though, will likely tell you that Forbidden Siren 2 is a near-masterpiece. This complex psychological horror game fixes many of the mechanical issues that plagued its predecessor while retaining its innovative “butterfly effect” storytelling techniques and possession gameplay.

We’ve heard rumors that Sony is interested in remaking the Siren series, which would be a big win for the millions who never got the chance to experience this game for themselves.

Silent Hill: Downpour

Silent Hill 4: The Room occasionally gets the love it deserves, and Silent Hill: Homecoming is rightfully recognized as a storytelling masterpiece. For some reason, though, Silent Hill: Downpour has never really found an audience.

Granted, the game is extremely rough around the edges, but Downpour brilliantly resurrects the exploration and survival elements of the older Silent Hill games while casting you in the relatively unique role of an escaped convict who must navigate the titular town.

Downpour’s disturbing environments and muted melee combat will instantly appeal to anyone who fell in love with the first two Silent Hill games or just misses that style of horror game design.

Echo Night: Beyond

Call me crazy, but you can never have enough sci-fi ghost stories. For whatever reason, we don’t see many games that blend the scientific and the supernatural.

While that intersection of concepts immediately helps Echo Night: Beyond stand out, it’s really the title’s gameplay that sets it apart. As a first-person horror game with no real combat, Beyond was ahead of its time in terms of trends. Yet, even titles like Amnesia never really replicated Echo Night‘s looming sense of dread and excellent exploration concepts.

It’s certainly not easy to play this game today, but the effort may be worth it if you’re a horror fan looking for something different.

Cold Fear

Ubisoft’s first horror game was casually dismissed as a lesser version of Resident Evil 4 (despite only being released two months after that game), but time has been very kind to Cold Fear.

This story of a United States Coast Guard who must navigate a ship filled with deadly operatives and their mutated crewmates immediately scores points for its innovative control scheme. Making your way through the upper decks of this ship in a storm requires you to constantly maintain your balance. That mechanic alone throws a wrench into how you would typically approach games such as this.

If anything, Cold Fear‘s combat, enemy design, and isolated locations make it more of a predecessor to Dead Space than a “rip-off” of Resident Evil 4. This one is still on Steam, so you should absolutely check it out.

Illbleed

We’re not going to lie to you: unless you’ve got a Dreamcast, and you’re willing to spend a ton of money on a copy of Illbleed, you’ll probably never (legally) play this game.

That’s truly a shame, as Illbleed is a genre gem. Essentially a tribute to a variety of B-movies, Illbleed sees you navigate a variety of horror-themed theaters with the help of several playable characters and their unique skillsets. The gameplay is…awful, but the music, environments, and corny dialog check a lot of boxes that many other games simply do not.

Illbleed is a rough ride, but the journey is worth it.

Michigan: Report From Hell

Now, we’d never go so far as to call this a “good” game. In fact, it’s absolutely awful from a gameplay, storytelling, visual, and voice-acting standpoint.

Yet, much like Troll 2, this is one of those pieces of horror that is so unbelievably bad that you simply must witness it for yourself. You could never make a horror game this awkward, this janky, or this downright bizarre if you assembled an expert team of top developers and gave them an unlimited budget to accomplish that very goal.

That’s what makes Michigan: Report From Hell so special, though. It’s an irreplaceable misfire that argues games can also be “so bad, they’re good.”

Article updated. Original publish date Oct. 13, 2020

There are times when a video game releases and the world stops… just for a second. Most of the time people wouldn’t even notice it in the heat of the moment. They wouldn’t feel the effects of the game’s impact until years later when its waves have rippled and rebounded to create something bigger and better than was ever anticipated. Any given year can have one or more games that fit that description, but today we’ll talk about one year that stands out above the rest. It was a year filled to the brim with games that would shatter expectations and set new standards for what developers and consumers would want to see games become going forward. That year, as you might expect from the title, was 1998.

StarCraft

By 1998, Blizzard Entertainment had already leveraged itself as a premier PC gaming developer. They had twice proven themselves masters of the Real-Time Strategy genre with the Warcraft series and even kicked off the ARPG craze with the creation of Diablo. However, a new franchise was on its way, and it was going to take RTS competitive gaming from janky LAN parties and direct modem connections to a streamlined functional internet-based system that was, most importantly – fun.

Not only would StarCraft add an exciting blend of three playable races with distinct units that provided unique and complex strategies, but it would allow you to compete with players all over the world via Battle.net. You could bury yourself in a lore-heavy, voice-acted single-player campaign featuring Blizzard’s (now notorious) cinematics throughout and then head online to find out just how poorly your single-player skills transferred.

The strides StarCraft made in creating a landscape for deeper strategy in the RTS genre as well as a new online platform for competitive play can still be felt today in the world of gaming. The introduction and integration of mods into the online space also opened the door for a tsunami of inspired works that would ultimately lead to the creation of Dota and its many derivatives. StarCraft went on to sell at least 9.5 million copies and would be remastered in 2017.

Thief: The Dark Project

Before 3D stealth games were even really considered a genre, Looking Glass Studios developed Thief: The Dark Project and released it in November of 1998. The game placed you in the role of Garrett, a master thief with a knack for getting himself wrapped up in complex situations.

Thief stood out from most first-person games of the era by putting you at the opposite end of the spectrum when it came to combat. Rather than being a super-powered warrior armed to the teeth ready to mow down your foes, you were a regular guy who could be bested by a guard or two in sword-to-sword combat. The player would have to use of their skills, tools, and most importantly stealth to avoid guards or take them out silently. Staying quiet and out of sight was integral to your survival. It often required making careful use of your light gem, an item that told you how visible you were in your current position.

Thief took the first-person design from fast-paced Twitch games and transitioned it to one of patience and planning. Learning how the advanced AI would react and respond to something as simple as the sounds of your footsteps was a cornerstone in the success of your thieving endeavors.

The Dark Engine, developed in conjunction with the game itself, made use of advanced physics and lighting techniques that allowed for the use of shadow as a core mechanic in the game itself and gave arrows more realistic flight. It would go on to be used in Thief’s sequel as well as another groundbreaking game of its time, System Shock 2. Thief’s contributions to stealth games were integral in the development of the genre itself. Stealth games of all sorts have been inspired by this hit title and aspects are still in use in other games to this day.

Half-Life

One of the most notable games from 1998 has always been Half-Life. The first game from Valve not long after its founding proved not only to be one of the most popular and critically acclaimed games in history but would be the launching point for building one of the foundations of PC gaming.

Half-Life stood above its contemporaries, not only by being visually more impressive but also by building gameplay that differed dramatically from the Doom-inspired first-person shooters of the era. Gameplay that didn’t have you shooting every NPC you met and taking the time to explore detailed levels grounded in a more realistic setting was an important part of the experience. A wide variety of enemies and obstacles that often featured basic puzzle elements meant that players would have to do more than blaze through levels pulling the trigger. It took the genre from permanently sprinting and bunny hopping to crouching through air vents overnight.

Half-Life showed us that first-person shooters didn’t have to be about just guns and gore. They could feature gameplay that branched out with characters and level design that built up the atmosphere of the environment and told a story beyond your efforts to get to the biggest enemy and take them out.

It inspired countless games and mods and kicked off a franchise that, sadly, more than 20 years later hasn’t concluded. It was the successful starting point for Valve that let them build a company and create Steam, the digital distribution platform responsible for bringing modern PC gaming to the masses and taking all of my money. It set up the basis upon which FPS gaming became a place that could include powerful storytelling and world-building in addition to pushing graphical fidelity.

Metal Gear Solid

Another cornerstone in the monolith of stealth gameplay, Metal Gear Solid reignited a decade-old franchise and launched it into a driving force for owning a PlayStation. Hideo Kojima’s work in bringing Solid Snake to life with the iconic “Tactical Espionage Action” proved to be unforgettable for several reasons.

Not only were the players participating in great stealth gameplay in some of the earliest 3D console games, they were also getting a unique and interesting story. Making use of cool gadgets and weapons to incapacitate guards was great, but memorable characters made the game a hit. With iconic voice acting and a twisting story, it was easy to see why the game was so successful.

Metal Gear Solid would spawn four more direct sequels along with a few spinoff games that also found plenty of success. Despite the franchise most likely being lost, many stealth games borrowed mechanics that are still in use today. Games like Splinter Cell cultivated its own extensive franchise using aspects from both Metal Gear Solid and Thief.

Kojima’s work as an elaborate story weaver has led him to new endeavors that still have some of that classic feel he kicked off with Metal Gear Solid in 1998. The legacy of third-person stealth games owes much of its history to a crazy game about world powers and strange military conspiracies. The good news is that some of it seems like it might not have been true.

Baldurs Gate

1998 was coming to an end, but Bioware had to squeeze one more powerhouse game into the year. After the moderate success of the mech game Shattered Steel (back when everyone was making mech games) Bioware was inspired by what is the core of every modern RPG, Dungeons and Dragons. On December 21st, they released Baldur’s Gate.

While not the first RPG and not even the first featuring isometric gameplay, it stood out from its contemporaries in many ways. Baldur’s Gate not only would have the players weaving through an elaborate story, but it would be driven through a huge variety of dialogue options that could involve stat checks and have impacts on characters and the story. The customization let players be more invested in those characters, much like D&D and the long-running pen and paper system was present throughout the game in a streamlined form. It brought the world of complex and deep RPGs to the mainstream.

Baldur’s Gate had a major effect on the RPG genre, not only in the inspiration of their games but for many developers. CRPGs were always popular among the more dedicated fans, but after Baldur’s Gate, they had a new following. Even though the golden age of the subgenre was in the late 80s and early 90s, Baldur’s Gate is often cited as one of the favorites of modern fans.

Bioware went on to use this formula to build other epic games such as Dragon Age and Knights of the Old Republic. The influence on Western RPGs resonates to this day and the recent revival of the franchise seems to be similarly well received.

There are, of course, many years that have been notable in gaming. For some, it may be the year one or two of their favorite games were released. It’s hard to ignore how influential that can be. However, from my perspective, it seems like 1998 laid the foundation for several notable reasons. Graphics accelerators were just starting to take hold in PCs. Developers were getting in the swing of creating 3D games for the fifth generation of consoles. More games seemed to be turning the corner from fun ways to pass the time to conveyors of memorable stories. It wasn’t just a year of great games, it was a year games became great. For those reasons, I’ve come to believe 1998 to be the greatest gear in gaming.

What notable games of 1998 made an impact on you?  Is there another year that you believe was even more important to gaming?  Let us know in the comments!

Article updated Sept. 24, 2023. Original publish date Nov. 30, 2020

Michael Keaton’s return as Batman in the DC film/television universe has rightfully caused many fans to fondly recall the actor’s golden days as the caped crusader.

One element of the Keaton era of Batman that is sometimes unfairly overlooked, though, is the surprising quality of the games based on Michael Keaton and Tim Burton’s Batman films. You’d think these games would be much more fondly remembered given the generally poor quality of adaptations at that time, but too many of them remain strangely forgotten.

Even if you do remember those games, you almost certainly don’t know these facts that showcase just how wild and weird those titles really were.

The First Batman Game Based on the ’89 Movie Wasn’t The Infamous NES Title

The first game based on Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman movie most of us played was probably the notoriously difficult NES adaptation (more on that in a bit), but that wasn’t actually the first video game based on that movie.

That honor goes to the Batman game released in 1989 for Amiga, Commodore 64, and other platforms. It’s actually a pretty clever adaptation that features different gameplay segments (including a puzzle level) based on scenes from the movie. Honestly, it might have been the best video game adaptation of a movie released until that point.

Batman NES Was Initially Even More Different From the Movie

With its crushing difficulty level, acrobatic movement system, and bizarre enemies/level design, many gamers have long speculated that the ’89 Batman game for the NES may not have even initially been developed as a Batman game.

While that doesn’t seem to be the case, it’s worth noting that the early version of the NES game was significantly different from the retail version and even further from the movie it was supposed to be based on. The initial art style was much closer to the comics and certain cutscenes were altered entirely shortly before the game was released. The Joker wasn’t even the final boss in that version of the game!

It’s believed that the working build of the title was rejected for being too different from the movie, but there’s never been any confirmation that’s what actually happened.

Batman Tries to Kill The Joker In a Sega Genesis Game

One of the most memorable scenes in the ’89 Batman movie sees Batman try to save Jack Napier from falling into a vat of chemicals. He fails, but it’s a nice little reminder that Batman doesn’t want to kill his enemies.

That reminder is thrown out the window in the Genesis version of Batman. An early boss fight sees you end the battle against Jack Napier by triumphantly knocking him into a vat of chemicals. It’s a reminder that video games of that era weren’t exactly great at telling even slightly subtle stories through gameplay.

Batman: Return of the Joker is Somewhere Between a Sequel and a Spin-Off

1991’s Batman: Return of the Joker is a bizarre game. It was developed by the same team who made the ’89 NES game, and its title certainly suggests that it follows the events of that title. Yet, its art style and gameplay are entirely different from the previous game.

So is Return of the Joker a sequel or spin-off? Well, it’s a sequel to the game, but it feels like a weird trip into an alternate dimension where the end of the ’89 Batman movie led to a more “comic book” universe. It’s definitely an oddity.

Batman Returns for Sega Master System/Game Gear Featured a Unique Level Selection System

At a time when a game released for multiple platforms could vary wildly (again, more on that in a bit), the Sega Master System/Game Gear version of Batman Returns features a unique mechanic that has unfairly been forgotten about over time.

Basically, the games let you choose which “path” you would take through a level. Along with being visually different, each path offered a different difficulty level that varied from “Easy” to “Hard.” It was basically an early attempt at dynamic difficulty that offered two different games (at the very least) based on your challenge preferences.

Batman Returns For DOS is a Unique (and Fascinating) Adventure Game

While the Sega Master System/Game Gear version of Batman Returns is fairly different from its counterparts, the DOS version of the title is an entirely different beast.

Essentially an adventure game, the DOS version of Batman Returns sees Batman try to uncover the Penguin’s scheme over the course of several days. While the game does feature action sequences, the bulk of the experience focuses on information gathering and puzzle-solving.

While the game honestly isn’t that good, it’s one of the few attempts at a (mostly) pure Batman detective game.

Updated. Original publish date Jan. 5, 2021.

Cyberpunk 2077 may not live up to all expectations, but the one area of the game that somehow manages to even surpass developer CD Projekt Red’s high standards are the game’s side quests.

Just like The Witcher 3, some of Cyberpunk 2077‘s best moments are found off the beaten path. It’s easy to miss many of these quests, but trust us when we say that you won’t want to if you’re interested in seeing the best this game has to offer.

Here are the best Cyberpunk 2077 sidequests that we’ve found so far:

Epistrophy

One of Cyberpunk 2077‘s best quests is also the one that we’re willing to bet most players will be tempted to skip.

After all, the prospect of driving around Night City just to retrieve some rogue Delamain cabs isn’t exactly thrilling. However, a series of twists soon turn this apparent fetch quest into one of Cyberpunk 2077‘s best stories. Without spoiling the mission entirely for you, let’s just say that this quest sheds a little light on one of the world’s most fascinating corners which would have otherwise gone largely unnoticed.

If you can stomach this quest’s slow start, you’ll be rewarded with an essential part of the Cyberpunk 2077 experience.

The Hunt

Even if The Hunt isn’t Cyberpunk 2077‘s best mission, it’s the one that every player should experience.

Unlike Epistrophy which takes some time to get going, The Hunt hits the ground running with a fascinating story involving a missing child and a madman on the loose. You’ve played similar investigation storylines in other RPGs, but The Hunt makes the most of some of Cyberpunk 2077‘s unique mechanics to explore ideas that we guarantee you won’t see coming.

Make sure you don’t put Cyberpunk 2077 down until you’ve beaten The Hunt.

Beat on the Brat

This series of side missions sees you take on some of Night City’s best brawlers in a series of underground matches.

While the appeal of this quest will speak loudest to Cyberpunk 2077 players pursuing melee fist builds, everyone should give these side quests a shot due to the unique characters that you’ll meet along the way and the often challenging nature of the fights themselves.

While it’s a bit of a shame that the fundamental idea of this questline wasn’t expanded on in a more meaningful way, these missions are a blast while they last.

Chippin’ In

It’s wild that Chippin’ In isn’t just part of the game’s main questline, but we strongly suspect that most players will end up experiencing it at some point.

If for whatever reason you’re thinking of skipping Chippin’ In, though, then let’s just say that you’ll be missing out on one of the missions that justifies the constant presence of the Johnny Silverhand character and really shows you the thought that CD Projekt Red put into this character beyond the chance to work with Keanu Reeves.

This brilliant look at Johnny Silverhand’s past also happens to feature some of the coolest rewards in the game.

Skippy

Ok, this isn’t really much of a “quest,” but there’s no way we can talk about some of Cyberpunk 2077‘s best side content without talking about Skippy.

Skippy is a smart gun with a unique AI personality that can be found in a Night City alley. Skippy is an entertaining presence in his own right, but the real draw of this gun is its ability to automatically target enemy heads (at least for a time) and the fact that this gun’s stats scale with your level.

There is a bit of a story associated with this weapon, but the real joy of this gun comes from discovering it, Skippy’s quips, and understanding exactly how this unique weapon works.

Happy Together

Cyberpunk 2077‘s writing doesn’t always hit the marks that it’s aiming for, but the Happy Together mission stands as one of the team’s most poignant and fascinating examples of subtle storytelling.

This mission involves a man named Barry who lives next to V. Barry has been feeling a little down lately, and his friends on the force are hoping that you can talk to him and try to get him back on his feet.

Sound easy? Well, it certainly looks that way, but what you may soon find is that it’s even easier to fail this mission with devastating results if you don’t really pay attention to what’s happening. This is a beautiful, heartfelt quest that you’ve got to try for yourself.

I Fought the Law/Dream On

As another strong contender for the absolute best quest in the game, I highly recommend that every Cyberpunk 2077 complete I Fought the Law and Dream On.

While technically listed as two separate quests, these missions tell a continuing story of Night City’s political scene and the couple at the center of what could be a massive conspiracy.

While these quests present a tantalizing set-up involving corporate and political intrigue, it soon becomes an entirely different story that ranks among Cyberpunk 2077‘s most surprising and enjoyable.

Updated: Original publish date Dec. 15, 2020.

Snow Coverage

Complete snow coverage is an essential step in this process. You will only have the option to create your Snowboy if your island has entered the complete snow coverage phase of the winter season. For Nothern Hemisphere players you should see complete snow coverage in mid-December. For Southern Hemisphere players then you should see complete snow coverage in mid-June. Once your island has been entirely engulfed in the snow,  it is time to look for your snowballs. You will need to scour your island until you find two small-sized snowballs in close proximity to each other.

Rolling your Snowboy

Once you have your two snowballs in view, it is time to start rolling. There are two ways to create the perfect Snowboy. One option is to roll each snowball with one leveling at the bottom of your character’s ear while the other is leveling at the top of your character’s ear. The other option would be to use the tile method which can be done with terraforming or patterns if you do not have the Island Designer App.

Tile Method

Step 1: Roll each snowball until they stop growing in size. You will feel the resistance of the snowball on the character as they roll it forward. Roll them to an open space on your island.

Step 2: Create a straight-line tile path of ten spaces with the Island Designer app, or with patterns.

Step 3: Roll one snowball to one end and the other snowball to the other end. 

Step 4: Roll one snowball directly onto the path and all the way to the other snowball, it will automatically be placed on top when you are close enough.

Perfect Snowboy complete! The Snowboy will let you know if it is perfect or not. If it is perfect then you will be rewarded one large snowflake and a random DIY recipe from the frozen collection that you do not own. You can get a single large snowflake from the Snowboy every single day until it melts. It takes four days for it to completely melt away.

Complications/How to reset

Complications can occur during this process! A snowball can break if rolled off of a cliff or into an object. If this were to happen, you have to go in and out of a building to reset the snowball spawn. Make sure to be a good distance from the remaining snowball as any building too close to the snowball will not trigger the snowball spawn reset. You can also save and exit the game to trigger a reset of the snowball. If the Snowboy is created and ends up not being perfect, you must exit the game without saving it in order to reset the snowballs for the day.

Thank you for joining us during the winter festivities of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.  Now, throw on those snow boots and get rolling, you have Snowboys to make!

]]> https://gameverse.com/2023/01/21/animal-crossing-new-horizons-how-to-build-the-perfect-snowboy/feed/ 0 https://gameverse.com/2022/12/12/amazon-free-games-this-month-include-dishonored-2-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-more/ https://gameverse.com/2022/12/12/amazon-free-games-this-month-include-dishonored-2-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-more/#respond Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:43:25 +0000 https://gameverse.com/?p=7340 Amazon Prime members can get free games and free in-game content every month that last a certain amount of time. You can jump over to Amazon to sign-up for an account or navigate to the Prime Gaming section to see all the free titles.

The first games offered this month include Banners of Ruin, Brothers: A Tale of two Sons, Desert Child, Quake, Doors: Paradox, Rose Riddle 2: Werewolf Shadow, Spinch, and The Amazing American Circus.

Later this month on December 27 you can get Dishonored 2, Metal Slug, Metal Slug X, and Metal Slug 3, The King of Fighters 2003, as well as The Last Blade and The Last Blade 2.

The Prime Gaming giveaways also include in-game content for games such as Angry Birds: Friends, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Vanguard-Warzone, Dead by Daylight, Destiny 2, Fall Guys, FIFA 23, Grand Theft Auto Online, Guild Wars 2, Iron Man, Illustrious, League of Legends, Legends of Runeterra, and Realm Royale.

Among the more popular games offered for free are Dishonored 2 (2016) from Arkane Studios, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, (2013) from Starbreeze Studios, and id Software’s classic game Quake. Here are most of the games offered this month.

Starting Dec. 1

• Banners of Ruin
• Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
• Desert Child
• Doors: Paradox
• Quake
• Rose Riddle 2: Werewolf Shadow
• Spinch
• The Amazing American Circus

Starting Dec. 27 – Jan. 3

• Dishonored 2
• Metal Slug
• Metal Slug X
• Metal Slug 3
• Real Bout Fatal Fury
• SNK 40th Anniversary Collection
• The King of Fighters 2003
• The Last Blade
• The Last Blade 2
• Twinkle Star Sprites

If you’re not a Prime member sign up here to grab some free games!

Cuphead, the 2D scrolling run-and-gun video game has made its physical edition debut for the Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, and Xbox One; and has brought its 1930’s cartoon style with it!

Cuphead was first released digitally on Sept. 29th, 2017 by Studio MDHR, created by Chad and Jared Moldenhauer. With a list that can go on forever, Cuphead captured its audience with its superb character design, art style, energetic soundtrack, and excruciating difficulty. Cuphead would go on to become a commercial success by selling two million copies within its first two weeks of release.

Since then, Cuphead has continued to dominate the gaming industry by winning awards left and right. Studio MDHR has taken advantage of this non-stopping success train by going on to release a DLC expansion entitled Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, which was released on June 30th of 2022. That same year, a Netflix animated series, The Cuphead Show! would be available to stream. This animated series takes place in a similar universe to Cuphead and currently has three seasons.

Standard Physical Edition

Five years later, with no sign of slowing down, Cuphead has made its very first debut as a physical video game on select consoles. A collectors edition, as well as a standard edition, are two variations of the physical edition. The standard edition was released to retailers on December 6th, 2022, and comes with four bonus items that were not included in the original digital release. The standard physical edition retails for $39.99 USD.

• Delicious Last Course Expansion 
• 6 Collectible Cuphead Funnies Cards
• Cuphead Club Membership Card
• Exclusive Interior Art by Studio MDHR

Cuphead Collector’s Edition

The Cuphead Collector’s edition is exclusive to the creative production company iam8bit and is currently available to be pre-ordered with an expected ship date in the first Quarter of 2023. The collector’s edition is packed with everything that the standard physical edition comes with but is also full of fun surprises. The Cuphead Collector’s edition can be pre-ordered for $199.99 USD. 

• An ~8” Tall Handcrafted Cuphead Marionette- Fully Puppetable, Crafted by the Artisans at Rici Marionettes in Prague.
• Mechanical, Hand-Crank Music Box. 
• Foldout Inkwell Isles Poster
• Sleeve for the Physical Game Case
• Transforming Outer Box Featuring an Asbestos Safety Curtain
• Delicious Last Course Expansion 
• 6 Collectible Cuphead Funnies Cards
• Cuphead Club Membership Card
• Exclusive Interior Art by Studio MDHR

A Great Slam and Then Some!

What are your thoughts on the different physical editions? Planning on splurging on the standard or the collector’s edition? Let us know in the comments!

As the World Cup is nearing the end of its group stages and approaches the Round of 16, Rocket League has taken the opportunity to release the second round of their Nike FC Cup.

The Nike FC Cup kicked off on November 17th and will run all the way to December 14th. During this time, players can complete in-game challenges, purchase event-inspired items from the shop, participate in an international competition, and play in a new limited-time game mode. These opportunities will open and close at different times but do not fret, there is still plenty of time to join in on the fun.

In-game challenges available – November 17th to December 6th

How to Obtain a Country Banner: Complete the first challenge (top left) and look for the  Country Banners in your profile setting!

Each Challenge will unlock different decals! Make Sure to get yours before they are gone!

Round one of the purchasable items in the shop – November 17th to December 6th.

International competition, the Fan Clash: Nike FC Cup – November 17th to November 30th.

This part of the event is currently over! Finland came in first! Want to know the other countries did? Click here

Round two of purchasable items in the shop – November 30th to December 6th.

Limited time game mode, Nike FC Showdown – November 30th to December 14th.

Get ready for this new 4v4 mode which features a new Nike Ball and modified gameplay that makes the ball curve through the air.

Now that you’ve read through the entire event, it is time to grab some boost and hit the field to enjoy the rest of the Nike FC Cup!