Twinfinite

It’s widely known now that Starfield’s planets rely on procedural generation to populate worlds with locations to explore. This has proven to be an economical system that, in theory, creates an infinite amount of content to engage with. However, the experience of exploring a world has turned out to be rather lackluster and somewhat underdeveloped, making Starfield’s planets feel barren. Now, players are discovering some immersion-breaking limits to the procedural generation system.

Reddit user “Gregistopal” shared a puzzling Starfield experience. While exploring a world, they found a science outpost that was strangely close to one of the alien temples where players receive Starborn powers. Usually, the game populates the area surrounding these temples with other alien anomalies, so any other type of building is peculiar, to say the least. This user reasonably called into question the likelihood of anyone building an outpost in such close proximity to an unknown structure without studying it extensively.

Coming off the critical success of Destiny 2’s Witch Queen expansion, Bungie held a presentation at GDC Vault in 2022, outlining their workflow and explaining how they deliver content to their players. To briefly sum it up, they created a system of content delivery that’s safe, measured, and, above all, expected.

Now, that was all fine and dandy to everyone who first saw it coming fresh off of the Witch Queen launch. The highs were high, and the future was very bright. Surely, the following year’s seasons and next year’s expansion would follow a similar high-quality trend. For a while, things really did seem that way.

Season of the Witch is underway in Destiny 2, and with it comes a shift in the meta. Some weapons jump the ranks in usage, while others fall short of what they once were. Arc weapons are no exception. So today, we’re discussing the Top 10 Arc Weapons in Destiny 2 as of the Lightfall DLC and Season of the Witch.

Within the gaming industry, every month represents an opportunity to enjoy a slew of new free games on the Steam platform. Unsurprisingly, purchasing two or three of those new games can be quite the drain on your wallet and savings, but not every new game released costs as high as 70 dollars. With that in mind, let’s explore the top 5 free games worth checking out in October 2023.

Milthm

Kicking off our list is Milthm, a free rhythm game on Steam with a delightful anime aesthetic and tasty tunes to match.

Thirsty Suitors tells the story of Jala, a young adult with a love for skateboarding who is returning to her hometown to face the troubles of her past after suffering yet another breakup. However, the rocky relationship with her parents isn’t the only problem Jala will have to navigate. Her ex-partners seem to be popping up all over the place, challenging her to battle.

Sound familiar, anyone? On the surface, it carries a very similar approach to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Don’t let this deter you, though, as Thirsty Suitors puts a bit of a spin on things. More importantly, you get to play as the badass ‘Ramona’ character and fight off your exes instead of following the tale of yet another, well, you know, ‘thirsty suitor,’ as this game would label him. Sorry, Scott!

Despite a rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has become one of the most impressive and engaging games ever. Its deep RPG systems, captivating storytelling, and iconic visual style make it a game worth sinking countless hours into, but there’s always a limit. Those who’ve finished the main game or the Phantom Liberty expansion and are looking for a kindred experience can rest assured, as there are plenty of games in the same vein. Here’s a list of games similar to Cyberpunk 2077.

Night City is known for its endless crime and wild nightlife, which is why owning a preem vehicle is so important. Want the security and peace of mind that comes with an armored car that can outrun the Tiger Claws or even Militech? Or, do you just want to show up to the party in the coolest ride this side of North Oak? We’re here to make Night City easier, cooler, and much more fun for you with this list of top 10 vehicles in Cyberpunk 2077.

This month two of the world’s biggest online FPS games were unceremoniously shut down. On Thursday, September 21, 2023, Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera was taken offline, and less than a week later, on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the same thing happened to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

It wasn’t as if nobody was playing these games. And it isn’t as if nobody would ever want to play them again in the future. But now they never can. These games simply no longer exist outside of their once-players’ memories.

By now, everyone knows how much time and effort went into Starfield, and it’s clear just how much of that paid off. It’s unabashedly Bethesda, while expanding its scope far beyond the continents of Tamriel or North America and into the stars. However, like all games, there are always going to be some flaws or downsides, so it’s only fair to point out where Starfield was lacking while discussing what it did right.

What Makes Starfield Out Of This World?

There really is a lot to love about Starfield. The resources put into making the game what it turned out to be are clearly demonstrated in areas like the environments, smooth fast-travel system and world-building, making the game memorable for years to come. If that’s not enough, the soundscape and soundtrack are both breathtaking, instilling the feeling of adventure in even just the menus.

Naruto is far from being a short anime. Running from 2002 to 2017, with approximately 425 canon episodes out of a total of 720, it has had a long-lasting impact. It has managed to captivate audiences for years, even beyond the lifespan of its younger fans.

You may have watched the entire series, but were you really paying attention? Take this quick Naruto quiz to test your knowledge. Do you only have Genin-level knowledge of the show, or will you come out on top by showing off your Hokage-level brilliance?

From the cutest little demon to a wild pig-faced hunter, Demon Slayer is jam-packed with a whole bunch of one-of-a-kind characters. This rogue’s gallery is what gives the series its essence and makes it truly epic. Each character rocks their own killer style and attitude that sets them apart. To give these characters the recognition they deserve, we’ve crafted an awesome quiz that’ll help you discover which Demon Slayer personality matches you. So grab your sword, and get ready to unveil what Demon Slayer character you are!

(Images Courtesy of Crunchyroll via Ufotable)

Oh, the Wii U…you poor sad thing. Nintendo’s first foray into HD gaming, the Wii U was set to bring all the casual fun of its predecessor, the Wii, while also providing powerful hardware and capabilities for more hardcore gamers. It was set to be Nintendo’s best system yet…until it wasn’t. It became Nintendo’s lowest-selling home console and was a black sheep for the company at a point in time.

On the plus side, the Nintendo Switch brought Nintendo back guns blazing, and the publisher managed to learn from the mistakes of the Wii U to craft a much better system. Many Wii U exclusives also saw a second life with re-releases on the Switch. That said, there are still more than a few games that fetch a pretty decent price online, as you’d expect from a console that was discontinued six years ago. Here are 10 of the rarest and most expensive Wii U games.

Taylor Swift has been weaving magic with her words ever since a young age, writing lyrics that resonate with audiences across the globe. Her songwriting abilities have only sharpened with time, allowing her to explore more profound and complex emotions with each new album.

The narratives Swift shares through her lyrics often speak to the human experience’s universal themes—love, loss, heartbreak, and the spirit of youth. Her skillful storytelling and candidness have turned her into a generational voice, making her one of the most influential lyricists of the 21st century.

Starfield has pushed the literal astronomical limits of creativity for players everywhere, whether it’s building some incredibly unique (and sometimes ridiculous) ships, beachfront outposts with features we didn’t know were possible, and of course the mods that allow character creation on a whole different level. Sometimes though, it’s the simpler things that can prove just as much of a personal triumph for someone, and one particular player had an example of it to share with the Starfield community on Reddit.

A player who goes by ‘Muaxh03’ on Reddit shared his unique little experiment that puts the game’s notable physics to the test in a very interesting way. In what looks like the basement area of the The Lodge at New Atlantis on Jemison, he set up an entire domino line, or circle rather, of sandwiches, one of the many consumable food items in the game. It stretches all the way back up the stairs to a row of books and board games where it all starts.

Payday 3 on PS5

The launch of Payday 3 was certainly off to a rough start, as players were met with matchmaking issues and log-in errors. I was, of course, a part of that bunch that had to constantly refresh the game just to play a few minutes of it, only to be shut out once again with another error. 

But I never like to judge a book by its cover, or in this case, by its launch, no matter how infuriating it may have been. On the surface, Payday 3 has all the makings of an excellent franchise continuation, but honestly, that’s all it truly is: a good start. It just doesn’t feel as complete as the past installments, given that it now requires an online connection, account log-ins, and lacks missions.

It’s OK to get a little hyped sometimes. It happens to the best of us. Occasionally you’ll be let down. Sometimes things are just ‘good’. But every once in a while a game comes along with impossibly high expectations – and exceeds them. Whether it was because of an incredible trailer, a technological leap, or just a really darned long delay, here are 10 games that were hyped through the roof and actually delivered.

Love ’em or hate ’em, it is eminently apparent that Resident Evil remakes will remain in Capcom’s pipeline for the foreseeable future. In the last four years alone, we have received the spectacular Resident Evil 2, the rejuvenated Resident Evil 4, and Resident Evil 3, which was also a thing.

Between them, they have netted over 25 million units sold, with RE4 likely to supplant RE3 in Capcom’s top 10 all-time bestsellers before all is said and done. No bones about it, the remakes are here to stay, and the only question remaining is which game is next in line.

EA FC 24 on PS5

For the first time since 1993, FIFA and EA Sports have no longer partnered to release what has become the most popular footballing video game in the world. But the end of that long-term relationship was never going to slow down EA Sports. They’re the king, baby, and from the ashes of that split rose a simpler title: EA FC 24.

But did a better game make the trip with them? Well if you know anything about me and sports titles, you know that’s a loaded question.

Tokyo Game Show 2023 has single-handedly converted me into a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth believer. That unexpected revelation compelled me to look further into TGS to see what other surprises were in store, which left me even more hyped.

Some new announcements had me laughing, while other known quantities wowed me with in-depth gameplay. Not a bad show by any means, but we’ll save Final Fantasy Rebirth for last because it was just that awesome. Onward to the best trailers and announcements from Tokyo Game Show 2023.

The high-octane racing adventure of F-Zero 99 shifts into a higher gear with a new update rolling out this week. Five brand-new circuits are coming, adding a fresh layer of competition and excitement for players.

In the normal F-Zero 99 mode, racers will be able to navigate through three additional circuits:

ConcernedApe, creator of the hit farming sim Stardew Valley, has posted an image on Twitter that teases the next free content update that’s in development. He is currently working on version 1.6 of the game, which brings a substantial list of new features to the game.

Top on the list is the introduction of a new major festival, which will likely provide a fresh communal experience. Additionally, players will be able to participate in two new mini-festivals, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment in the valley.

Activision has just released Warzone 2 Season 6’s patch notes bringing a host of balancing, content updates and Halloween-themed operator skins. Among the buffs and nerfs to a wide range of weapons, the Kastov-762 looks to have been hit the hardest.

The 2010 psychological tour de force Black Swan is an award-winning ballet movie with a dark twist. The female-led film weaves themes of mental illness and obsession through the intense and competitive world of professional ballet. Viewers who were bewitched by the beautiful but unsettling vibes of Black Swan will be happy to know there are plenty of other cinematic experiences that provide the same highs. Read on for the top 10 best movies like Black Swan.

The indie space has always been full of surprises in the gaming space, taking risks and making changes that established players are more reluctant to try, and that has provided plenty of gems down the years. Now, there’s one more addition to the list, with the 12-person team over at The Astronauts delivering a diamond in the rough that is Witchfire in Early Access on the Epic Games Store.

A roguelite first-person shooter might not seem like the kind of game that the folks behind The Vanishing of Ethan Carter will create, but the team’s experience with both Bulletstorm and Painkiller is put to good use for this outing into a magical medieval world, full of dangerous creatures and environments engineered to do just one thing – give the player hell.

Anyone who’s played enough of Baldur’s Gate 3 will have encountered Ketheric Thorm — one of the three leaders of the Cult of the Absolute, and the most significant villain you encounter during 0the Act 2 storyline.

Upon meeting Ketheric for the first time as my Tiefling Rogue character, he didn’t leave that much of an impression on me. At first glance, he appeared to be cold, strict, and hellbent on achieving his goals – typical villain stuff. I just presumed in due time I’d kill him off without a second thought. After all, my Tiefling character is a wild chaotic evil herself, so this was more or less the norm when someone gets in her way. However, I did not expect Ketheric’s story to unravel in such a subtle yet fascinating way during the progression of Act 2.

The recently released Separate Ways DLC for Resident Evil 4 Remake brought not only plenty of perfectly tuned nostalgia to complement the game’s stellar main campaign, but it introduced some very clever surprises and new additions. One such addition was the (almost) invincible monster known as Martinico that Ada is ambushed by during Chapter 6 of her campaign. This ruthless mutated beast goes on a rampage, and begins a dangerous cat-and-mouse sequence that must be done perfectly to avoid getting chomped. However, thanks to someone with a keen eye, it turns out there’s a trick to make things easier and quicker. Here’s how to effectively speedrun the Martinico sequence in RE4 Remake Separate Ways.

Outpost building has since become one of the most popular pastimes in Starfield, and just like with shipbuilding, players are able to get exceptionally creative and come up with some rather impressive ideas. Given the incredible variety of cosmically beautiful backdrops that are available across the star systems, players are often going for scenic points just as much as practicality ones. In fact, one such player took to Reddit to show off an outpost creation that many of us probably didn’t expect to see, or that was possible for that matter.

Starfield enthusiast ‘Caliartist’ recently shared various screenshots on Reddit of a long, indoor pier-style hab structure they built out into the water of a ‘Coast’-type biome area, on what looks to be the planet Sumati in the Narion star system. From what can be seen, they started with an Airlock module at the coastline, followed by a standard hab structure that then connected to a long sequence of Hydroponic hab modules, until they pushed it all the way to the edge of the outpost perimeter.

4X games are a special breed. They give you a taste of godhood, granting you an all seeing eye and the ability to manage an entire planet — or even the cosmos itself. Today, I wanted to peer into this incredible genre and search out the 10 best 4X games.

What is a 4X Game?

But first, let’s go over what a 4X game actually is…

There are no guarantees when it comes to releasing a new game into the crowded live service space. Whether it’s an FPS, card game, or MMORPG, players already have so many great games to choose from that wooing a big enough player base to sustain continued updates is no easy task. Each year, more and more new games attempt to plant their flag in the ground, but only a few are ever considered real success stories. Of them, these are 10 live service games from 2022 that are still going strong.

Pikachu has long been synonymous with the iconic Pokemon franchise, and the world’s most famous (and cutest) little yellow mouse has proven itself able to do just about anything, even solving elaborate crime mysteries in the world of pocket monsters. As it turns out, fans of Pokemon, and in particular the mobile game sensation Pokemon Go, may soon have a special new event to look forward to, if a mysterious new post on X (formerly ‘Twitter’) that popped up today is anything to go by.

In tandem with the upcoming Switch release of Pokemon Company’s anticipated video game sequel ‘Detective Pikachu Returns‘ on October 6, Niantic’s Pokemon Go looks like they’re preparing to commemorate the occasion with another iteration of their own Detective Pikachu event sometime very soon. The first one rolled out back in 2019 to ring in the premiere of Warner Bros live action adaptation film Detective Pikachu. Both were well-received, and with the new game set to come out in a couple weeks, it’s not too surprising that Niantic is looking to give it another go.

Avid players of Warzone 2 will remember the shaky start this Battle Royale had and how far it has come since it transitioned from Call of Duty: Vanguard to the familiar combat of Modern Warfare 2. The developers over at Activision-Blizzard have made a true effort to mold Warzone 2 into the best Battle Royale it can be, and that’s something worth celebrating. So, let’s take a look at their hard work with a list of our picks for the top 10 best Warzone 2 changes Activision-Blizzard has made in 2023.

The Dungeons and Dragons phenomenon has continuously grown in popularity, especially with the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3 and the Honor Among Thieves film. And now, Minecraft has added more fuel to the fire with the announcement of its DnD DLC release date during its monthly segment.

With this Minecraft Monthly, we have learned that the Dungeons and Dragons DLC will arrive on Sept. 26, 2023, featuring the return of notable locations across the Forgotten Realms. This includes destinations like the Icewind Dale and Candlekeep, which have been used in numerous sessions.

With the rocky launch and countless updates behind us, the grand finale of CD Projekt Red’s magnum opus draws near. Will Cyberpunk 2077 be known in the annals of gaming history as one of the all-time greats, or will it remain a tragic lesson in overhyping something? Regardless, based on what’s been shown, we couldn’t be more hyped for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Night City was already a blast, but the DLC expansion is about to propel things out of orbit. In particular, these are 10 of the biggest reasons Phantom Liberty might live up to the hype.

It wouldn’t be a proper Bethesda game without funny random encounters with NPCs, and Starfield doesn’t disappoint. The silly little moments which crop up as you travel through the star systems are a nice touch, and a welcome break from space battles and gun fights. Of those you can find though, there are 10 in particular that we believe are the silliest and most entertaining encounters in the game. Do be aware, however, that these moments include some mild spoilers.

Honorable Mention: NPCs Getting Wrecked Mid-Convo

Though it might fall more on the side of a glitch than a funny moment, an unfortunate occurrence during dialogue interactions is undeniably one of the goofier things you can witness in Starfield.

The Crew Motorfest on PS5

Ubisoft have returned with yet another fun, online racing experience with The Crew Motorfest. Boasting a roster full of cars and other vehicles, the journey is one that is likely to make most racing fans happy, and has proven to be a great gaming road trip. Oh, and it just happens to be set in beautiful Hawaii as well.

COMPLETE. GLOBAL. SATURATION.

Short of Wesker passionately yelling “CHRISSSSS” shortly after that, the “complete global saturation” line is one of Resident Evil’s most iconic memes. It’s a line that gets uttered in Resident Evil 5, when Wesker finally reveals his evil master plan to Chris, and his plans with the Uroboros virus.

Nintendo has just revealed that Kirby & the Amazing Mirror is the next classic title coming to the Game Boy Advance library on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. It will be added next week on September 29.

Kirby & the Amazing Mirror was originally released back in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance system. Here’s what Nintendo has to say about the game:

The legendary film studio that brought Lord of the Rings to life, Weta Workshop, has announced a new game called Tales of the Shire over on Twitter.

One of the biggest appeals of Party Animals is of course the immense variety of cosmetic items you can earn through gameplay, to style up your chosen fluffy character as you wish. Not only that, the available cosmetics will freshen up at daily and weekly intervals, so you’ll have a new wardrobe to look forward to quite often. As if that weren’t enough though, it turns out that there two secret codes you can use to get two unique character skins.

Courtesy of a fellow Party Animal player on Reddit (name is NSFW, so we’ve omitted), you can put in the following two codes for two different character skins that are an absolute must have for your Locker:

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: The Teal Mask on Switch

Before getting into it, I want to state in advance I didn’t go into the Teal Mask DLC with an open mind. I kept my expectations low, mainly because of how the first DLC of the Pokemon Sword and Shield games, The Isle of Armor, went down, which was a mess. While the Teal Mask was a fun experience for what it was, it certainly shouldn’t have taken nearly a full year after the game’s launch for it to be released.