Twinfinite

Sonic Origins Plus for Nintendo Switch

Indulge me for a moment, to give you a brief viewpoint into my origins as a gamer. Though my beginnings were firmly rooted in the treasured catalogue of the Super Nintendo, my very identity was shaped by the notion that Genesis Does.

Sonic the Hedgehog and his ilk embodied everything that a radical 90s kid would cling to immediately, defined by his sleek visage and devil-may-care attitude. Of course, without the actual portfolio to back it up, you could only get so much mileage out of biting wit (hello, Bubsy).

In his earliest offerings, Sonic was a can’t-miss prospect, providing thrilling, unique gameplay at a breakneck speed. The compelling level design and fast-twitch reactions have become ingrained within a generation, and over 30 years later, many of us are still viewing these games with absolute reverence. So when Sonic Origins first launched across all platforms last year, we giddily gobbled up this latest rerelease of the hedgehog’s golden years in a compilation of Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD.

Admittedly, a “Sonic’s greatest hits” package is nothing new, between Sonic Jam, Sonic Mega Collection, Sonic Gems Collection, and any number of Sega Genesis anthologies we’ve seen over the years. This is where its newest DLC additions look to ramp up the stakes, delivering the eponymous “Plus” in Sonic Origins Plus. Have they done enough to shake the cobwebs from these classics of yesteryear? Let’s take a trip down those loops once more to decide…

There’s no doubt about it, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is another monumental success for Nintendo, and the Zelda franchise. Inevitably, comparisons will be drawn between it and its predecessor, even though they belong to the same series. And it might be easy to claim that Tears of the Kingdom is the better game because it’s the sequel and offers more, but there are still factors to consider between it and Breath of the Wild. That’s why it’s time for a showdown between Tears of the Kingdom vs Breath of the Wild: which is the better Legend of Zelda game?

The latest Behind The Sims event showcases a ton of new features for The Sims 5 that will certainly increase your happy moodlet. Although it is still in its early stages, the future looks bright for the series, where players can experience a new world with a more modernistic take. So, if you are looking forward to Project Rene’s launch, we’ll show you five things we learned about The Sims 5 in Behind The Sims to make the wait all the more worth it.

It’s been a long time coming but Microsoft’s big interstellar console exclusive finally feels like it’s getting ready for takeoff. Indeed, with game director, Todd Howard, making the rounds recently, lots and lots of tantalising details have emerged. One that may’ve flown under folks radars was the tease of the potential for Steam Deck compatibility for Starfield.

Speaking to Kinda Funny Games‘ XCast, the renowned 52-year-old developer spoke about some of the accessibility settings the team have been working on. Specifically, Large Font Mode cropped up in conversation, which is an incredibly useful accessibility option largely implemented for those who are visually impaired. However, following this, Howard soon shifts focus to how useful the feature is for different monitor sizes and even handhelds.

One thing that we’re leaning in on with this game is having a Large Font Mode, which really is important in an RPG where there’s a lot of stuff to read. So, it comes into play obviously with accessibility with various monitor sizes. I’m noticing that that’s really helpful when I play. There’s a lot more handheld devices coming out where you can stream these games or sometimes even play them even natively, and it really helps us there as well.

Todd Howard on Kinda Funny Games’ XCast

When asked specifically whether Starfield will be Steam Deck compatible, Howard was a little vague, and simply replied:

We’ll talk about that further down the road.

David Szymanski, a renowned developer in the indie game industry, has found himself in an unexpected position as sales of his horror game, Iron Lung, increase amidst the backdrop of the distressing Titan submersible incident that has taken place this week.

Iron Lung Sales Increase “Feels So Wrong”

Iron Lung captured attention upon its release in March 2022, distinguishing itself as a standout horror game. Its popularity reached new heights when it became associated with a film project led by Markiplier. However, the recent turn of events, with individuals lost at sea during a Titanic expedition, drew unfortunate parallels to the eerie world Szymanski had envisioned.

Final Fantasy games have continuously referenced past titles as an homage to the classics, and now, the sixteenth installment carries on the tradition with another Easter Egg.

Reddit user Silveth was among the first to discover the game’s hidden character reference with a familiar scarecrow figure. The individual is none other than Vivi Ornitier, the famous mage from Final Fantasy IX and other titles.

It has been over two decades since the release of the GameCube, and it’s no secret that it wasn’t Nintendo’s best-selling system. In its seven years of production, it managed to sell just under 22 million units worldwide, making it the company’s second worst-selling home console behind the Wii U.

Despite this, the GameCube was a beloved console to many. From series debuts like Luigi’s Mansion and Metroid Prime to continuations of popular franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Super Smash Bros. Melee, there were plenty of gems for all types of players.

The games that came out during this era have seemed to grow in popularity, especially since many of them saw re-releases over time. And because the console didn’t sell remarkably well, many of the games have become scarce over time.

We’ve put together a list of the ten rarest GameCube games on the market right now that would cost you an arm and a leg and probably a kidney to buy. If you own any of these games, hold onto them tight, or consider selling them for a pretty penny.

All of the estimated prices are taken from the PriceCharting website in June 2023 and reflect the CIB (Complete In Box) prices of recently sold listings.

The newly released Final Fantasy 16 promised an enormous experience like no other in the franchise so far, if the trailers alone were anything to go by. Now we have even more visual proof of just how much work went into the creation of the game, with a candid look via Twitter of the actual script for the entire story.

While lead developer Naoki Yoshida (aka “Yoshi-P”) has definitely done his part to promote Final Fantasy 16 on the press circuit, complete with a huge livestream event dedicated to the game, other members of the team are also showing off the incredible work that brought Clive’s story to life.

Yuuya Uchida, the voice actor of lead protagonist Clive Rosfield, took to Twitter yesterday to post a picture of himself with every single page of the entire FF16 story script. It certainly made our jaws drop to see a stack nearly as tall as Uchida himself (sitting down, at least), and just how incredibly complex and detailed the story turned out to be after who knows how many months and years of writing.

Naoki Yoshida, also known as “Yoshi-P,” is famously known for the highly successful Final Fantasy XIV, regarded as the franchise’s resurgence. However, despite his past triumph, a recent interview with Dutch publication NRC Handelsblad suggests his unhappiness with his current position.

In the past, Yoshida took on the hands-on approach as a producer and director for multiple entries, including Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward, Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, and Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers. Since then, he is now a part of the board of directors and has primarily taken on the role of the series producer, with his most recent entry FFXVI.

According to the interview, Naoki seemingly does not like this position, resulting in his attempt to quit the Square Enix board. However, the company disagreed with his actions and kept him on, despite his despondency.

The Spoony Bard insult has made its melodic return in Final Fantasy 16, transcending one of the most iconic lines in the series into a new character.

Longtime fans and even those outside of the Final Fantasy community will remember the silly callout from Final Fantasy 4, as the Great Sage Tellah teases Edward Chris von Muir. As a result, the Easter Egg has been referenced in multiple titles, from the name of a thief in FFXI to a quest in FFXIV.

If you are unfamiliar with the Easter Egg, the origins of the Spoony Bard began when Tellah was on a mission to find his daughter Anna, who had eloped with a trickster bard. Unfortunately for her, she was deceived by the musician and would later be injured by his attacks. But, out of the insults the loving father could’ve gone with, Tellah decides to fight back with the most brutal castigation as he shouts, “You Spoony Bard!”

During the Starfield Direct last weekend, Bethesda Game Studios revealed plenty of juicy details about their highly-anticipated interstellar action-RPG. Now, with the game’s director, Todd Howard, openly beginning to ramp up marketing and press for the game, we now have an extra tidbit of intel that may surprise you.

Appearing as a special guest on the latest episode of Kinda Funny Games‘ XCast today, Howard went on record to confirm the number of romance options that will be available to players in Starfield.

Specifically, the number of romance options in the game comprise of the four main Constellation crewmates.

The four main Constellation ones are the ones that support full quest lines for them and romance.

Bethesda’s Todd Howard has revealed just how many of Starfield’s planets will support their own life forms – and it’s very good news for the explorers among the playerbase.

Starfield is set to be one of the biggest launches in recent memory when it drops in early September 2023. Bethesda are drip feeding fans details as its launch approaches and, in a June 22 interview with Kinda Funny Games, Game Director Todd Howard delved deeper into the game’s intricate universe and planet systems.

Not only did NASA (yes, that NASA) help Bethesda make the galaxy as realistic as possible, the developers have revealed that, in true No Man’s Sky style, the planets players encounter will be unique to them. With over 1,000 featuring in Starfield, they will generate depending on a player’s character, progress and requirements.

When asked about the game’s planets and whether there’ll be enough to do on them, Howard explained that the planets’ intricacies were something the development team “struggled” with early on. They’ve since overcome those difficulties, handcrafting individual locations on the planets, with the planet forming around those core POIs and regions.

In anime, characters such as the protagonist are often underestimated as mere punching bags, and every battle comes down to one decisive blow deciding who the winner is. That is why it is always satisfying to see a boastful or annoying character get one-shotted by our favorite heroes. In this article, we will list the top 10 one-hit KOs in anime.

FromSoftware and George R. R. Martin’s much-anticipated action-RPG collaboration resonated well with both critics and fans alike. Not only did it help to refine and evolve the Souls-like formula, but it also arguably re-wrote the open-world rulebook to boot. Yes, it’s time to call a spade a spade: Elden Ring is a modern masterpiece, and a confident example of what FromSoft can deliver when they’re at the top of their game, firing on all cylinders.

But what if you’re nearing the end of your quest and you’re on the lookout for more Elden Ring-like experiences? Worry not, as we’ve got you covered. Here are the best games you can play right now that are like Elden Ring. Read on, Tarnished!

After many years of fans asking for horses in The Sims 4, the game is finally saddling up for the majestic animal’s arrival. While it isn’t officially confirmed, it seems like the expansion pack is already set in place, as the key art and leaked images have indicated its release.

One of the first key takeaways is from The Sims’ announcement of an upcoming DLC, Take the Reins, which certainly gives off a ranch-life feel based on the visuals, name, and song choice.

On top of that, several leaked images have seemingly confirmed The Sims 4 horses, where characters are grooming and riding them in farm-based areas. You can also see the all-new fashion designs that make you feel like a real cowboy in the wild west, including cow-printed skirts, classic hats, and boots.

A sweet Splatfest is coming to Splatoon 3 in July. The theme will involve ice cream flavors and which one everyone thinks is best. This Splatfest asks “Which flavor of ice cream is best? Vanilla, strawberry, or mint chip?”

Splatoon 3 players will be able to vote for which team they like the best and battle it out in Turf War matches to win the Splatfest.

You’ll be able to pick your team about a week before the Splatfest actually begins. In the week leading up to the competition, you can earn conch shells for each catalog level you achieve during the voting period and during the actual Splatfest.

The number of conch shells each team earns is one of the factors that decides the Splatfest’s winner, so it’s important to win as many as you can. These conch shells can also be traded for in-game rewards such as locker decorations and banners.

June 21’s Nintendo Direct gave us another look at Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince as the next spin-off installment in Square Enix’s ultra-popular RPG series.

Since Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age released back in 2017, Square Enix’s franchise has lay dormant, with players patiently awaiting another title.

The trailer indicates that players will occupy the position of a prince looking to survive and thrive in a world dominated by monsters of all shapes and sizes.

It looks as if Dragon Quest meets Pokemon, with players told: “In every corner of this world monsters roam that land on a quest for revenge. Combine a myriad of monsters to create an army for battle.”

Players themselves won’t be able to deal damage to the monsters they encounter, but will instead command their own creatures to do their dirty, combat-related bidding. As expected, the more you battle them, the more you’ll level them up.

Naturally, a lot remains unclear about the game. We do, however, have a release date confirmed by Nintendo.

A new 2D Mario title has been unveiled in the form of Super Mario Bros Wonder, though it’s far from the usual approach to this classic series.

Revealed via a teaser trailer shown during the June 2023 Nintendo Direct live stream, the game features the usual side-scrolling and platforming the series is known for. As Mario advances further into the level though, he happens upon a Wonder Flower. Once collected, it shifts reality so that pipes begin to move, the background becomes awash in psychedelic colors, and Mario himself starts to bend and change according to the world arounds him.

Though these might sound like wild changes, they lend themselves well to the world. Moving pipes are shown to be usable as new means of traversing levels, while Mario’s changed body lets him move in and out of spaces that might otherwise have been inaccessible. Players can even go crashing through worlds while Wonder Flowers are active, decimating every obstacle in their path with the help of the abnormal creatures created by them.

Aside from the visuals, other fun additions to the classic formula were shown. Mario has access to a new transformation which lets him become an elephant, and Daisy will be a fully playable character. The specifics of their exclusive abilities, as well as whether or not they even have unique skills, is still unknown. All we do know is that the game is currently set to release on Oct. 26, per the release date’s reveal at the end of the trailer.

It’s a wild unveiling of a new take on the 2D Mario framework. Fans won’t want to pass up on the chance to view the full trailer down below.

A new WarioWare title featuring tons of lightning-fast microgames was announced to be coming to the Nintendo Switch later this year. It’s called WarioWare: Move It!

This looks like a more traditional WarioWare experience than the previous WarioWare title that came to the Nintendo Switch a few years ago, WarioWare: Get It Together. In this new game, players will hold two Joy-Con to move their hands and bodies to complete each of the microgames.

What you do and how you move depends on the microgame. You’ll need to react quickly in order to keep up. The trailer showcases many of the ways that players will be challenged to move their bodies to meet each of the microgames’ various objectives.

WarioWare: Move It! will contain over 200 microgames. There will also be a local co-op mode for two players and a party mode for up to four players. It looks like the four-player mode will feature a board game style challenge for friends to compete against each other.

WarioWare: Move It! will be released later this year on November 3. Pre-orders begin today on the Nintendo eShop.

You can watch the trailer for WarioWare: Move It! below.

Nintendo has released a brand new trailer for the upcoming Pikmin 4. It showcases many of the new features we can expect in the game.

One of the standout additions in Pikmin 4 is the introduction of a new character named Bochi. This charming companion has the ability to carry items with Pikmin, allowing players to overcome obstacles, act as flotation devices, and even engage in combat with enemies. Bochi’s versatility brings a refreshing dynamic to the gameplay, opening up a world of possibilities for strategic thinking.

The trailer also revealed exciting new elements that promise to enrich the Pikmin experience. Players will encounter rare treasures, such as the Game Boy Advance SP, which unlock previously unexplored areas.

Pikmin 4 introduces players to never-before-seen environments, offering glimpses of the inside of a house and underground caverns, expanding the series’ iconic landscapes. Within these new settings, players will encounter a variety of unusual contraptions, strange creatures, and rare treasures, providing endless surprises and challenges to overcome.

Additionally, the presence of castaways adds a compelling element to the gameplay, with Dandori battles enabling players to strategically issue commands to rescue these stranded characters. The more castaways saved, the more activities become available.

For the first time in the franchise’s history, players will be able to go on nighttime expeditions. As players navigate through the dark, enemies become more aggressive, raising the stakes and intensifying the gameplay experience. To assist in these dark environments, Glow Pikmin make their debut, illuminating paths and aiding in battles against enemy forces.

Pikmin 4 will release this summer on July 21. Additionally, there will be a demo available on June 28.

During today’s Nintendo Direct livestream, the Japanese company unveiled a remake of its fan favorite title, Super Mario RPG, for Nintendo Switch. You can pre-order the newly announced game right now on the Nintendo e-Shop, and the it’s scheduled to launch on Nov. 17, 2023.

Initially titled Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars in the US and originally released on the Super Nintendo back in 1996, the new retooling will be built from the ground-up with brand new graphics and music.

For the unaware, the moment-to-moment gameplay is a big departure from the mustachioed plumber’s typical platforming fare. Instead of platforming action, the experience is more of a traditional turn-based RPG with strategic, tactical combat a ‘la Final Fantasy. In fact, the original was developed by Square — the company that would go on to become Square Enix, aka the studio behind Final Fantasy.

In addition to the new Super Mario RPG announcement, a new video game centered around everyone’s favorite Princess was teased by the Big N. That’s right, Princess Peach is apparently getting in on the action, too. You may’ve heard of her?

During today’s Nintendo Direct, it was announced that Luigi’s Mansion 2 that originally released on the Nintendo 3DS back in 2013 will be getting a remake for the Nintendo Switch.

Barely any other details were shared during the Direct on the remake, outside of the fact that it’s getting a fresh lick of paint to bring the visuals up to 2023’s standards. We only got about 10-15 seconds of footage, too, so it’s difficult to say whether the gameplay will remain the exact same as that in the original.

Alongside this announcement, we also received news that Mario RPG would be getting a remake, coming to the Nintendo Switch on November 17, 2023. Princess Peach will also be starring in her own brand-new game, coming at some point in 2024. Like the Dark Moon remake, few details were shared about the Peach’s upcoming game, but we did see her transform into a glowing white ball gown from her classic pink getup when she stood on a platform.

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is the second game in the series and sees the plumber brother return to the mansion to suck up ghosts with his trusty Poltergust vacuum cleaner. Luigi not only sucks up the pesky ghosts, but can also use the Poltergust to peel back wallpaper and find secrets waiting to be found. The original game also had a multiplayer mode in the form of the Scarescraper where up to four players could join together to take on multiple floors of ghost-busting action. Perform particularly well as a team, and you could net yourself bonuses and upgrades. There’s been no confirmation that the multiplayer mode will be included in the remake at the time of writing, but we’d be surprised if it wasn’t.

Detective Pikachu is receiving a proper sequel in the form of Detective Pikachu Returns, and it’ll be available sooner than most might have expected.

During the Nintendo Direct held on June 21, it was revealed that the sequel to the Pokémon spinoff had been in development. Not only that, but it is nearly ready for release, with a launch date of Oct. 6, 2023 currently locked in.

The reveal came alongside a teaser trailer for the game. In it, Tim Goodman and Detective Pikachu are seen working alongside city officials for an event intended to better encourage Rhyme City’s tenants of teamwork and coexistence with Pokémon. as is usually the case though, something goes wrong, leaving Tim and Pikachu to solve a mystery and set the city back on the right track.

Or at least, that’s the idea. In practice, there are plenty of hijinks the two get caught up in as a result of Detective Pikachu’s inclination toward sillier Detective tropes. He can be seen doing everything from creating a disguise out of foam to opining about his coffee and trying desperately to climb atop a Growlithe for some unknown reason.

Other snippets of footage from the game are shown alongside these story elements, with Pokémon from across the series making appearances. These include those from the two most recent generations such as Inteleon and Morpeko, with heaps more likely to make appearances throughout the city.

It’s a solid teaser of what’s to come, and fans of both Pokémon and the spinoff series proper should give it a full viewing down below.

June 21’s Nintendo Direct revealed a series of upcoming titles for Switch players of all persuasions, including Palia. The long-anticipated MMO has been described by its devs as a “cosy community sim MMO set in a high fantasy world”. We now have a detailed look at some official gameplay, as well as confirmation of a release window.

Teasing players that “a cosy life is just around the corner”, Palia promises to slow down the ultra-fast-paced video game and let players take it at their own pace in an open-world environment fit for anyone.

Developed by Los Angeles based Singularity 6, the game was confirmed as entirely free to play and teased a number of beautiful locations and environments full of diverse flora and fauna. There will be optional in-game purchases, so players can invest money into the title post-download if they so please.

Nintendo has released a new trailer showcasing the details for the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC, the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. We get a first look at many of the new characters and Pokemon we will encounter in this expansion.

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is split into two parts: The Teal Mask and the Indigo Disk.

In the first part, the Teal Mask, we are introduced to new characters like Carmine and Kieran. We see some new hairstyle and clothing options for our characters. It also shows a new area that looks like a lunar festival.

We get a better look of some new legendary Pokemon that will be featured called the Loyal Three. Their names are Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti.

In the second part, the Indigo Disk, we are introduced to a new school called the Blueberry Academy. There is a new character named Lacey, and we see a park beneath the sea called the Terrarium. This looks like a new place with many biomes to explore and find rare Pokemon to catch. We also get a better look at the another legendary Pokemon that looks like a turtle with gems.

Also, between both expansions, over 230 familiar Pokemon will be returning that were not previously in the game.

The Teal Mask releases this fall, while the Indigo Disk releases this winter.

Later today, shiny Chest Form Gimmighoul will appear in 5-star raid battles in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This will last until July 2. Also, if you enter the password TREASUREHUNT in Mystery Gift, you will receive 10 Nuggets, 10 Rare Candies, and a Friend Ball. This can be redeemed until July 31.

You can watch the full new trailer of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero below.

Final Fantasy XVI on PS5

After every Eikon battle in Final Fantasy XVI, I kept asking myself “how can the next one be any better?” Only to be proven wrong each and every time.

The scale and scope of Final Fantasy XVI are absolutely staggering on every level, from the complex narrative that feels like a multi-season TV show, to the expansive action combat that grows and changes meaningfully across dozens of hours. All of this is highlighted with what might be the best boss battles I’ve ever seen in a video game. There are some minor quibbles to be had, but Final Fantasy XVI is an instant classic in a series already filled with many.

Final Fantasy XVI takes place in a brand new setting called Valisthea, a dark fantasy realm split into multiple warring kingdoms that fight over control of the Mothercrystals, massive objects that allow the people of the world to use magic and live in comfort. Across Valisthea there are a select handful of people that have inherited the power of Eikons, massive god-like creatures that take the form of summons from past games, like Titan, Shiva, and Bahamut. You control Clive Rosfield, the second son of the Duke of Rosaria, a country steeped in tradition that worships the Eikon of Fire, Phoenix. After a tragic turn of events Clive awakens as a second Eikon of Fire, something previously thought impossible.

When it comes to the first two chapters of Final Fantasy XVI, there’s plenty of material that could get people excited for the rest of the experience.

In addition to providing a solid look at the gameplay that players can expect, these early hours are packed with action, intrigue, and story. The title’s trademark Eikons clash in over-the-top battles with titanic levels of destruction, characters scheme and vie for more political power across nations, and the driving factor in protagonist Clive’s quest for revenge is shown plainly.

And yet, despite all of these elements being front and center, none of them were the parts which drew me into Final Fantasy XVI and had me more excited than ever to dive into the game’s world. Instead, it was a small part of a brief cutscene that most will probably forget about shortly after it happens.

So what could this scene be which outdoes all of these other elements? Simple: It’s a cutscene where a handful of characters prepare to drink and smoke.

The first time I stepped into the DMZ universe, I was overwhelmed by its extensive mission-based system, differing from the main campaigns and multiplayer rounds I’ve played in past COD games. What made it even more complicated was the fact that Faction objectives were relatively vague in details, making it more challenging to advance in levels and unlock exclusive gear.

Fortunately, Call of Duty Season 4 has introduced a new central hub, the Forward Operating Base, to implement a more coordinated approach to the previous disorderly system. Now, I’m a sucker for organization, so once I saw the tidied-up menu screen, I felt less apprehensive than I did before. No longer are all the objectives jumbled into Faction missions, as Passive tasks are available to complete at any time. 

Those who didn’t experience DMZ before the update should note that the mode primarily focused on Faction quest lines and nothing much else. But now that Passives and other options are available, you can finish multiple objectives at a time with a single exfiltration. For example, players can work on a White Lotus Story Mission while getting the materials they need for an Insured Slot upgrade and Location Objective.

Carlo Collodi’s beloved novel is about to get its own video game adaptation, though it’s not quite what you might expect. Instead of a touching story centered around a wooden puppet wishing he was a real boy, the core narrative has been contorted into a twisted Souls-like, titled Lies of P, where ol’ Pinocchio has to overcome a murderous dictatorship.

Developed by South Korean outfit Round8, Lies of P will be the studio’s follow-up to 2019’s open-world free-to-play online RPG, Bless Unleashed, and is set to launch on Sept. 19, 2023. If you’re in pursuit of something cut from the same Souls-like cloth, then here are ten games like Lies of P if you’re looking for something similar. Let’s get straight into it!

With the advent of Nintendo’s latest epic Zelda adventure, it feels like the open-world rulebook has been re-written once again. Indeed, continuing in the footsteps of its hugely acclaimed predecessor, Tears of the Kingdom somehow manages to expand upon its forebear’s blueprint in meaningful and engrossing ways.

But what if you’re hankering for more experiences that scratch the ol’ Zelda: TOTK itch? Well, we’ve compiled a selection of top-notch titles that could prove to be your next Hyrule-esque voyage. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Let’s do it!

Ever since its global launch, Second Dinner has started releasing various cosmetics and cards bundles in Marvel Snap. Most of these bundles are generally pretty good value, allowing you to get a bunch of Tokens, Gold, Credits, and sometimes cool new variants to add to your collection. There have been pricier bundles as well, but generally, these bundles also offered decent value, such as the Flaviano Collector package, which offered a whole ton of Tokens to help you nab whatever card you wanted in the Spotlight shop.

However, the latest bundle featuring Darkhawk has drawn a ton of ire from the player base. Right now, the Darkhawk bundle comes with a new variant, an avatar, 310 boosters, and 1,000 Credits. Priced at $29.99, this bundle has also been advertised with a small banner that states “3x value”, when in actuality, this is one of the worst deals we’ve seen in Marvel Snap so far.

Comic books, shows, and movies coexist in Fortnite’s DC Series. From Atlantean kings to Gotham City mobsters, the cosmetic rarity inspired by DC characters might not be as large as Marvel’s but also has some of the greatest-looking skins in the battle royale. After almost a year gone, most of these superhero outfits are back in the Item Shop due to The Flash’s release in theaters. Fans are still waiting for a DC-themed battle pass, but in the meantime, we thought it would be nice to rank our 10 favorite DC skins in Fortnite. Will you be picking up any?

In the past, the coming of the summer months has brought with it new announcements in the gaming world with the E3 games showcases, but those days are no more. E3 is no longer with us, however the show (or shows) must go on, and developers still held their own showcases to highlight their upcoming games releases. While some of these showcases were filled with reveals and surprises, some were filled with a little disappointment. Here are 2023’s summer games showcases, ranked worst to best.

10. Devolver Direct

The Devolver Direct was certainly one of the most unique of all the showcases this year, what with the introduction giving us a full documentary background for a game mascot that has never existed, only to introduce us to his robotic second version. While much of the presentation was focused around the skit, there were a few announcements of note on the gaming side of things.

There was an announcement and gameplay preview for Wizard with a Gun, The Talos Principle II got a gameplay preview, and we got to see a first glimpse of Baby Steps, a likely infuriating walking simulator from the devious mind of Bennett Foddy. All the games they previewed looked promising, but once Volv-E started oozing goop onto the stage, I started wondering if I couldn’t have read about the show afterwards.

Marvel Snap gets a lot of things right. The frictionless deck-building, the gorgeous 3D animations and art, the fast-paced, snappy matches that you can knock out in five minutes or less… Marvel Snap stands out from the competition because of how quickly you can get through a match, making it the perfect pick up and play game, while also retaining a sense of depth that’s crucial for its longevity.

Enter Conquest Mode, which is Marvel Snap’s brand new game mode that allows players to battle each other, tournament-style, to earn new cosmetic rewards and farm Medals, which can be used to purchase more rewards and currencies. Conquest Mode is based off the previously released Battle Mode, which were friendly battles that locked you into one deck, and you had to continuously battle the same opponent with the same deck until your health was depleted.

This process can be expedited by utilizing the snapping mechanic, where you essentially double the stakes. The first match can go up to eight cubes, and since each player only has 10 health to start, you could theoretically finish the battle in two matches, assuming both players snapped in the first match.

The problem is, in Conquest Mode, players need to work their way up the ranks to earn Tickets that get them into the next level of Conquest. You start from the Proving Grounds, then Silver Conquest, Gold Conquest, and Infinite Conquest which becomes available during the last week of the season. You’ll have to beat two opponents in Silver, and three opponents in Gold, and when you take into consideration the fact that every opponent starts with 10 health, these matches can go on for quite a while.

It’s been a big year for The Last of Us. With two successful and critically acclaimed games under its belt, the franchise went on to get a TV series adaptation which aired on HBO earlier this year. That also proved to be a huge hit, with largely positive ratings and a quick renewal for season 2. If you can’t quite get enough of The Last of Us, though, Halloween Horror Nights has just announced that it’ll be getting its own Halloween-themed attraction at Universal Studios Florida this year.

You can check out the announcement and accompanying teaser video down below:

There’s been a lot of hype recently regarding the Spider-Man video game series, thanks to the reveal of more teaser trailers and details for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5. Noticing this progression of the sequel has caused me to give some very uneasy side-eye to my copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man on PS4, which has sadly been sitting in my games cabinet unplayed from the day I first purchased it. Don’t get me wrong, though; this is not something I’m proud of. I’m well aware that this title is one of the most popular games on PS4 and that the entire Marvel’s Spider-Man series has been a success for Sony in general.

I’ve watched my friends and family enjoy the game for themselves, and I definitely see the appeal in gameplay mechanics, graphics, and cinematics. However, although I’ve owned this game for years, I’ve never worked up the willpower to play it. There’s just something about this series that throws me off and makes me feel like playing through it will be a chore.

Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m not much of a Marvel fan, so I generally don’t have in-depth knowledge about Spider-Man. Or it could even be the fact that I often tend to subconsciously lean towards games with a strong stylistic approach to graphics rather than hyper-realistic, high-quality visuals. Whatever the case, despite my lack of interest in Spider-Man video games, there has been one form of media centered around the web-slinging hero that has consumed my attention completely and will forever be held in high regard.

Layers of Fear (2023) on PS5

It’s a tale as old as time: The talented artist versus their turbulent battle with insanity has always been inextricably linked together. From the deeply twisted expressionism and symbolism of Edvard Munch to the bold and vibrant neo-impressionism of Vincent van Gogh, history has long painted gifted creatives in a truly tortured, troubled light.

Conceptually and thematically, this is at the heart of Bloober Team‘s latest release; a remastered double bill of its first two Layers of Fear titles, replete with all DLC as well as some additional content to keep fans busy. But are the duo of first-person horror experiences relics from a bygone era or are they truly worthy of your time in 2023? Well, there’s much to discuss!

Kicking things off, I think it’s worth mentioning that I played the first Layers of Fear game back in 2016 and was really enamored with it. Unfortunately, I skipped the second game, so playing it in this collection was a first for me. What I will say before really getting into the meat and drink of this review is that I feel the game’s debut is undoubtedly of a higher caliber than its slightly more bromidic follow-up. But I don’t want to get too ahead of my skis. Let’s begin with the remake’s narrative.

The Last of Us is one of the best-selling Sony franchises, containing two original video games with various remakes/remasters, a series of comic books, and a live-action TV show. Everything in this incredible franchise leads back to the successful release of the original The Last of Us game on June 14, 2013. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this phenomenal post-apocalyptic adventure, we’ve listed off some of the most hilarious, heartwarming, and heartbreaking parts of Ellie and Joel’s journey. In no particular order, here are the 10 most unforgettable The Last of Us moments in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

No matter how you look at it, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an incredible game that has continued to push the envelope for the action-adventure RPG genre in ways that fans never expect. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s magic; how they are able to blend innovation with classic charm, and although they’re not always 100% successful, it’s the very reason why a world of gaming without Nintendo should never exist. This sequel to Breath of the Wild vastly improves upon its predecessor but remains familiar and true to the series. That being said, there are ways in which even TotK can be improved, so let’s take a look at 5 ways Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom could have been better.

As of today, Overwatch 2 has temporarily disabled the Antarctic Peninsula map from all game modes due to the dev team having identified potential performance issues with certain heroes. These issues have been listed in the official Overwatch 2 known issues thread and are being worked on by the team to help ensure matches run smoothly in what seems to be part of a very focused approach to fixing known issues and annoyances, as well as rebuilding and reworking certain maps. Here’s a post made by popular Overwatch 2 leaks and news channel, OWCavalry, so you can take a look for yourself: