After nearly a decade, director George Miller has returned to the Wasteland with "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga." The film serves as a prequel to 2015's Oscar-winning, dangerous epic "Mad Max: Fury Road," which has garnered a reputation as one of the greatest action films ever made. Miller enlisted Anya Taylor-Joy ("The Queen's Gambit") and Chris Hemsworth ("Thor") to tell the tale of Furiosa years before we met her in "Fury Road." With the film hitting theaters this week, critics have weighed in, and while many are praising Miller's latest, others have vocally disliked it. So, what are critics saying about the long-awaited film?
The latest entry in the "Mad Max" franchise centers on a young Furiosa (Anya-Taylor Joy) who is snatched from the Green Place and winds up in the hands of the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). As he goes to war with the Immortan Joe for control of the Wasteland,...
The latest entry in the "Mad Max" franchise centers on a young Furiosa (Anya-Taylor Joy) who is snatched from the Green Place and winds up in the hands of the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). As he goes to war with the Immortan Joe for control of the Wasteland,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Villains are more often than not the difference between a good game and a great game. They represent everything the protagonist is fighting against, and when they’re done really well, they’re the special sauce in an otherwise merely serviceable gaming experience.
All of the characters on this list are fun to hate in their own way, and truth be told, most of them completely steal the show from their do-gooder counterparts.
Before we reveal the best (worst?) of those villains, keep in mind that we are utilizing a “one character per franchise” rule for this list in order to discuss and celebrate as wide of a collection of evildoers as possible.
25. Lionel Starkweather – Manhunt
Rockstar’s Manhunt whiffs on some of its biggest swings, but Lionel Starkweather remains one of the studio’s best characters. Also known as “The Director,” Starkweather is the persistent voice in players’ ears...
All of the characters on this list are fun to hate in their own way, and truth be told, most of them completely steal the show from their do-gooder counterparts.
Before we reveal the best (worst?) of those villains, keep in mind that we are utilizing a “one character per franchise” rule for this list in order to discuss and celebrate as wide of a collection of evildoers as possible.
25. Lionel Starkweather – Manhunt
Rockstar’s Manhunt whiffs on some of its biggest swings, but Lionel Starkweather remains one of the studio’s best characters. Also known as “The Director,” Starkweather is the persistent voice in players’ ears...
- 3/9/2024
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The third-person shooter genre is an odd part of gaming history. It’s much younger than you think, it’s dipped in and out of popularity over the years, and, culturally, it doesn’t necessarily enjoy the same mainstream renown that Fps games are typically afforded. There are times when you have to stop and really consider the third-person shooter to be its own genre.
Yet, the third-person shooter’s influence can be felt in so many aspects of the modern gaming industry. An important part of the evolution of true 3D gaming, third-person shooters quickly became a vehicle that allowed developers to experiment with how players were going to move through, interact with, and, yes, fight in increasingly complex 3D environments. Their cinematic style and chaotic action helped them stand out early on, and they eventually laid the foundation for the combat that so many modern titles rely on to some degree.
Yet, the third-person shooter’s influence can be felt in so many aspects of the modern gaming industry. An important part of the evolution of true 3D gaming, third-person shooters quickly became a vehicle that allowed developers to experiment with how players were going to move through, interact with, and, yes, fight in increasingly complex 3D environments. Their cinematic style and chaotic action helped them stand out early on, and they eventually laid the foundation for the combat that so many modern titles rely on to some degree.
- 11/24/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Roughly halfway through 2023, it feels safe to say that this has already been one of the best years in gaming history. While that statement accounts for a few of the things happening in the industry right now (such as finally being able to find a next-gen console) it of course speaks to the quality and quantity of incredible gaming experience we’ve been treated to so far.
In fact, it’s difficult to imagine that most people have found the time to even try to play half of the greatest games that have been released in 2023 so far. Look beyond the few blockbusters that have dominated conversations this year, though, and you’ll find an incredible collection of smaller titles that showcase the diversity of the industry and how there really is a masterpiece for everyone in the modern gaming landscape.
So while we will be updating this list throughout the year,...
In fact, it’s difficult to imagine that most people have found the time to even try to play half of the greatest games that have been released in 2023 so far. Look beyond the few blockbusters that have dominated conversations this year, though, and you’ll find an incredible collection of smaller titles that showcase the diversity of the industry and how there really is a masterpiece for everyone in the modern gaming landscape.
So while we will be updating this list throughout the year,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
In our look at the best Super Nintendo RPGs ever, we mentioned that the Snes is arguably the greatest RPG console in video game history. Well, if there is a console that makes that discussion an argument, it would have to be the PlayStation One.
With a lot of help from Square, Sony quickly established the PlayStation as not just the home of incredible RPG experiences but as a console that was capable of effectively convincing people who previously had no real interest in RPGs that they absolutely needed to devote 50+ hours of their life to the next gaming epic. That sudden rise in genre popularity inspired some of the industry’s greatest RPG developers to try to outdo each other creatively and commercially.
The result was a classic collection of role-playing experiences that still rank comfortably among the absolute best ever made. With due respect to the 20+ other games...
With a lot of help from Square, Sony quickly established the PlayStation as not just the home of incredible RPG experiences but as a console that was capable of effectively convincing people who previously had no real interest in RPGs that they absolutely needed to devote 50+ hours of their life to the next gaming epic. That sudden rise in genre popularity inspired some of the industry’s greatest RPG developers to try to outdo each other creatively and commercially.
The result was a classic collection of role-playing experiences that still rank comfortably among the absolute best ever made. With due respect to the 20+ other games...
- 10/24/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
There are certainly plenty of movie and TV ghosts we don’t want haunting us. The murderous ones boxed up in the glass house of THIR13EN Ghosts? Absolutely not. Slimer from Ghostbusters? He’s a friggin liability. Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman? No, we need our heads, we’re using them for important stuff like overthinking and retaining the lyrics to “Baby Shark” for whatever reason. And god forbid Pipes ever gets past the door.
There are, however, notable pop culture ghosts that wouldn’t make our lives considerably worse. Perhaps they’re genuinely helpful, and wouldn’t be too much of a bother to have hanging around. Or, and we don’t mean to lower the tone, maybe they’re just really, really hot.
The Den of Geek team have decided who they’d prefer to haunt them below. Have a read, then sound off in the comments!
There are, however, notable pop culture ghosts that wouldn’t make our lives considerably worse. Perhaps they’re genuinely helpful, and wouldn’t be too much of a bother to have hanging around. Or, and we don’t mean to lower the tone, maybe they’re just really, really hot.
The Den of Geek team have decided who they’d prefer to haunt them below. Have a read, then sound off in the comments!
- 10/22/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
It’s been almost three decades since Nintendo debuted its beloved 16-bit console, but we still haven’t forgotten its contributions to the golden age of gaming. It was the home of not only the best platformers of the day but also a console that brought the best RPGs Japan had to offer. The Snes was the birthplace of the Metroidvania as well as the first console to let us kart race with Mario and friends.
There are so many classic titles on the Snes that a few have fallen by the wayside over the years. The console boasts one of the greatest catalogs of games ever released on a platform and it’s time to celebrate that. Here are the 35 best Snes games of all time:
Note: This article has been updated since it was originally published to include entries 26-35.
35. Killer Instinct
1995┃Rare
Before Microsoft purchased Rare, almost...
There are so many classic titles on the Snes that a few have fallen by the wayside over the years. The console boasts one of the greatest catalogs of games ever released on a platform and it’s time to celebrate that. Here are the 35 best Snes games of all time:
Note: This article has been updated since it was originally published to include entries 26-35.
35. Killer Instinct
1995┃Rare
Before Microsoft purchased Rare, almost...
- 10/8/2023
- by Jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
The history of developers turning major movies and TV shows into video games is full of highs and lows. Sometimes, that adaptation process leads to games that are as big (if not bigger) than the properties they are based on. Other times, that adaptation process results in truly terrible experiences. In all those cases, though, those adaptations go on to enjoy some kind of reputation.
However, not every game based on a movie or TV show gets the legacy it deserves. A combination of factors can easily cause great (or very good) adaptions to fly so far under the radar that even fans of those properties don’t know they exist.
20. Scarface: The World is Yours
1983’s Scarface is a story about the rise and fall of the fictional cocaine kingpin Tony Montana. The movie ends in an epic shootout that he seemingly wins, right up until he takes a shotgun blast to the spine.
However, not every game based on a movie or TV show gets the legacy it deserves. A combination of factors can easily cause great (or very good) adaptions to fly so far under the radar that even fans of those properties don’t know they exist.
20. Scarface: The World is Yours
1983’s Scarface is a story about the rise and fall of the fictional cocaine kingpin Tony Montana. The movie ends in an epic shootout that he seemingly wins, right up until he takes a shotgun blast to the spine.
- 9/2/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Hogwarts Legacy is based on the Wizarding World universe created by J.K. Rowling. You can read more about Rowling’s history of transphobic remarks as well as find resources to support LGBTQ organizations here.
Hogwarts Legacy offers Harry Potter fans a rare opportunity to explore Hogwarts in its entirety. Well, almost in its entirety. Players can’t explore the common rooms of rival Houses, and their House choice also affects the clothes the protagonist wears and how some NPCs react to them. Ultimately, these decisions are cosmetic, but some houses are quickly proving to be more popular than others.
Like most modern games, Hogwarts Legacy includes trophies and achievements that help completionists keep track of uncompleted tasks and also give gamers bragging rights. One such trophy/achievement involves finding a room known as the Map Chamber, but that achievement is uniquely split into four parts: one for each Hogwarts House you can possibly join.
Hogwarts Legacy offers Harry Potter fans a rare opportunity to explore Hogwarts in its entirety. Well, almost in its entirety. Players can’t explore the common rooms of rival Houses, and their House choice also affects the clothes the protagonist wears and how some NPCs react to them. Ultimately, these decisions are cosmetic, but some houses are quickly proving to be more popular than others.
Like most modern games, Hogwarts Legacy includes trophies and achievements that help completionists keep track of uncompleted tasks and also give gamers bragging rights. One such trophy/achievement involves finding a room known as the Map Chamber, but that achievement is uniquely split into four parts: one for each Hogwarts House you can possibly join.
- 2/13/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The previous One Piece game, One Piece World Seeker, is an ok open-world game that was surprisingly short for its genre. The latest video game offering the franchise, One Piece Odyssey, is likewise short for its genre, but at least it has comparatively more meat on its bones than World Seeker.
While not every gamer has gotten their hands on One Piece Odyssey just yet, those that have are currently reporting that it’s a pretty short game compared to other RPGs. While our own Matthew Byrd hasn’t finished the game just yet, at the rate he is going, he believes he will complete the main part of his anime pirate journey around the 35-hour mark. Sites such as Screenrant have listed identical completion estimates, while Inverse reported that many critics have finished the game between 30 and 40 hours.
Granted, those estimates are based almost exclusively on the main story campaign.
While not every gamer has gotten their hands on One Piece Odyssey just yet, those that have are currently reporting that it’s a pretty short game compared to other RPGs. While our own Matthew Byrd hasn’t finished the game just yet, at the rate he is going, he believes he will complete the main part of his anime pirate journey around the 35-hour mark. Sites such as Screenrant have listed identical completion estimates, while Inverse reported that many critics have finished the game between 30 and 40 hours.
Granted, those estimates are based almost exclusively on the main story campaign.
- 1/13/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
You’re going to hear a lot of people say that 2022 was a strange year for video games. It’s hard to disagree. At the very least, this was the year where delays, hardware shortages, and other logistical issues (many of which were caused or accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic) caught up with the industry. As such, we ended up with fewer major releases in 2022 than we’re used to enjoying, and many of the year’s major releases fell short of expectations.
Yet, I prefer to think of 2022 as the year in which we all hopefully realized that many of the best games of the last several years haven’t come from the biggest studios. Even the best major release of the year came from a studio that was once seen as something of an outsider. It’s not easy for people to find the time to play every...
Yet, I prefer to think of 2022 as the year in which we all hopefully realized that many of the best games of the last several years haven’t come from the biggest studios. Even the best major release of the year came from a studio that was once seen as something of an outsider. It’s not easy for people to find the time to play every...
- 12/12/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The Nintendo Entertainment System is the most important console in the history of home gaming. After the video game industry crash of 1983 and several years of arcade success, many still wondered whether video games still had a place in homes everywhere. Then, almost out of nowhere, Nintendo and the Nes rescued our favorite hobby from the abyss and put it on the fast track to becoming the cultural cornerstone we know it as today.
The main reason for the Nes’ massive success story was its enormous library of great titles. Many of Nintendo’s long-standing franchises got their starts on the Nes, and while some of the console’s games have aged better than others, all of them deserve our love and respect for helping reignite the industry and kicking off the fun that would ensue for decades to come.
As tough as it is to choose between so many true classics,...
The main reason for the Nes’ massive success story was its enormous library of great titles. Many of Nintendo’s long-standing franchises got their starts on the Nes, and while some of the console’s games have aged better than others, all of them deserve our love and respect for helping reignite the industry and kicking off the fun that would ensue for decades to come.
As tough as it is to choose between so many true classics,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
When it comes to most video game franchises, it’s really not hard to know which game you should play first. There might be some debate about the best game in that particular franchise, but there’s usually something closer to a consensus regarding a reasonable jumping-off-point (especially in narrative-driven franchises). When it comes to the Final Fantasy franchise, though, that discussion has always been a little…different. Then again, the Final Fantasy franchise has always prided itself on being a bit different.
Anyone who has even cursory knowledge of video games has probably heard of Final Fantasy. It’s the series that cemented many Jrpg ideas (and even saved SquareSoft from bankruptcy), but it’s also a franchise that regularly reinvents the wheel with every new entry in terms of its gameplay, story, setting, and characters. While that approach has resulted in an RPG franchise that is never afraid to be different,...
Anyone who has even cursory knowledge of video games has probably heard of Final Fantasy. It’s the series that cemented many Jrpg ideas (and even saved SquareSoft from bankruptcy), but it’s also a franchise that regularly reinvents the wheel with every new entry in terms of its gameplay, story, setting, and characters. While that approach has resulted in an RPG franchise that is never afraid to be different,...
- 6/30/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
While we’re still waiting for word of God of War Ragnarok‘s release date (which should be coming soon according to recent rumors), many fans are hoping that sequel will still end up being one of the biggest games of 2022. Whenever God of War Ragnarok is finally released, though, it’s clear you’re still going to have to wait a while before you actually get to play it. That being the case, you might be looking for a few suggestions for some games that can help you pass as much of that time as possible.
There’s no shortage of games out there that could potentially help fill that void, but it seems safe to assume that many God of War fans are looking for something that feels as close to a new GoW game as possible. Granted, developer Santa Monica Studio’s 2018 reboot of the God of...
There’s no shortage of games out there that could potentially help fill that void, but it seems safe to assume that many God of War fans are looking for something that feels as close to a new GoW game as possible. Granted, developer Santa Monica Studio’s 2018 reboot of the God of...
- 6/29/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Developer FromSoftware has historically been a studio that knows its audience and sticks to its guns. The company has enjoyed incredible and somewhat unlikely success by developing formerly niche “Soulsborne” titles that truly challenge players. The latest entry in the studio’s library, Elden Ring, is arguably their best game yet, as well as one of the best open-world games ever made. It’s safe to say that the millions of people who spent hundreds of hours with that masterpiece would like to see a sequel. Truth be told, though, FromSoftware would probably be better off producing a follow-up to 2019’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice instead. Why? Well, it’s because Sekiro was the least Soulsborne-like entry in the greater Soulsborne family, which ironically makes it one of FromSoftware’s best (and most interesting) games
In many ways, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an oddity compared to FromSoftware’s post-Demon’s Souls offerings.
In many ways, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an oddity compared to FromSoftware’s post-Demon’s Souls offerings.
- 6/23/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
With a resume that reads like a horror geek’s ultimate movie marathon, Ted Raimi has been making unforgettable contributions to the genre for decades. From his brother Sam Raimi’s beloved Evil Dead films to classics like Candyman and The Grudge, he’s just about seen and done it all when it comes to horror. But when he signed on to join the cast of The Quarry, Supermassive Games’ latest entry in their signature line of choose-your-doom horror games, he stepped into a project that felt entirely new.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before,” Raimi tells Den of Geek. “On other games I’ve done before, developers will create characters based on images of you, and then you come in later and just voice the thing. But for The Quarry, my castmates and I were on set, interacting with each other in real-time. All of the...
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before,” Raimi tells Den of Geek. “On other games I’ve done before, developers will create characters based on images of you, and then you come in later and just voice the thing. But for The Quarry, my castmates and I were on set, interacting with each other in real-time. All of the...
- 6/17/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
While the recent Final Fantasy 7 anniversary showcase was filled with incredible announcements, none was more exciting or welcome than the reveal of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: the next chapter in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy.
While there are so many things we want to know about that game, few mysteries are more pressing or fascinating than the meaning of the Rebirth name. After all, creative director Tetsuya Nomura has already stated that there is some kind of significance to the game’s name that he can’t wait to share.
pic.twitter.com/gB7CafhSUb
— Final Fantasy VII (@finalfantasyvii) June 16, 2022
So while it might be quite some time before we all understand the full, official meaning of the Rebirth name (the game isn’t scheduled to be released until “next winter”), that doesn’t mean that we can’t spend a little time speculating about what Rebirth means and why that title is so potentially significant.
While there are so many things we want to know about that game, few mysteries are more pressing or fascinating than the meaning of the Rebirth name. After all, creative director Tetsuya Nomura has already stated that there is some kind of significance to the game’s name that he can’t wait to share.
pic.twitter.com/gB7CafhSUb
— Final Fantasy VII (@finalfantasyvii) June 16, 2022
So while it might be quite some time before we all understand the full, official meaning of the Rebirth name (the game isn’t scheduled to be released until “next winter”), that doesn’t mean that we can’t spend a little time speculating about what Rebirth means and why that title is so potentially significant.
- 6/17/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Given that The Quarry is the latest horror game from the brilliant minds behind the modern genre classic Until Dawn, it should come as no surprise that the game’s cast is filled with horror character tropes voiced (and often motion-captured) by a lot of familiar names.
Indeed, part of the fun of playing a game like The Quarry comes from trying to figure out where you know so many of its cast members from. While a few names will jump out at you instantly, others most certainly fall into that “Oh yeah, I know them” category.
So if you’re tired of scratching your head over who is who in The Quarry, here’s a breakdown of the game’s cast of primary characters and where you might know their actors from.
Abigail Blyg – Voiced by Ariel Winter
Abigail is a shy and occasionally awkward camp counselor who seemingly aspires to be an artist.
Indeed, part of the fun of playing a game like The Quarry comes from trying to figure out where you know so many of its cast members from. While a few names will jump out at you instantly, others most certainly fall into that “Oh yeah, I know them” category.
So if you’re tired of scratching your head over who is who in The Quarry, here’s a breakdown of the game’s cast of primary characters and where you might know their actors from.
Abigail Blyg – Voiced by Ariel Winter
Abigail is a shy and occasionally awkward camp counselor who seemingly aspires to be an artist.
- 6/16/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
While the Summer Game Fest festivities will continue, the event’s marquee presentation certainly featured enough trailers, reveals, and announcements to help fill the void E3 2022’s cancellation left on the calendar.
Summer Game Fest 2022 may have lacked the kind of heavy-hitting announcements we typically expect from the biggest summer showcases, but the event still featured quite a few announcements worth celebrating. Besides, it’s hard to complain about a show that still featured games like The Last of Us, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, Gotham Knights, and Cuphead when the industry is still dealing with Covid-19-related delays and hardware shortages.
Enough about what we’re still missing, though. Here’s a look at some of the absolute best trailers from Summer Game Fest 2022.
Aliens: Dark Descent
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC
Release Date: 2023
This upcoming squad-based action game from developer Tindalos Interactive looks to...
Summer Game Fest 2022 may have lacked the kind of heavy-hitting announcements we typically expect from the biggest summer showcases, but the event still featured quite a few announcements worth celebrating. Besides, it’s hard to complain about a show that still featured games like The Last of Us, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, Gotham Knights, and Cuphead when the industry is still dealing with Covid-19-related delays and hardware shortages.
Enough about what we’re still missing, though. Here’s a look at some of the absolute best trailers from Summer Game Fest 2022.
Aliens: Dark Descent
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC
Release Date: 2023
This upcoming squad-based action game from developer Tindalos Interactive looks to...
- 6/10/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Activision Blizzard is currently under investigation following accusations of harassment, discrimination, and fostering a hostile work environment. You can read more about the investigation here.
Overwatch 2‘s ongoing beta hasn’t quite answered all of our questions about the strange sequel and whether it will bring the game closer to where it needs to be, but it has already given us a pretty good idea of which of the game’s Heroes stand out in the earliest days of the team shooter’s competitive meta.
Everyone knew that Overwatch 2‘s new and reworked Heroes were going to impact the game’s meta, but it’s actually Overwatch 2‘s reworked 5 vs. 5 format that makes the team shooter feel like a (mostly) new experience. It turns out that removing one tank from every Overwatch match really forces you to reconsider what every other Hero in the game does (or doesn’t) bring to the table.
Overwatch 2‘s ongoing beta hasn’t quite answered all of our questions about the strange sequel and whether it will bring the game closer to where it needs to be, but it has already given us a pretty good idea of which of the game’s Heroes stand out in the earliest days of the team shooter’s competitive meta.
Everyone knew that Overwatch 2‘s new and reworked Heroes were going to impact the game’s meta, but it’s actually Overwatch 2‘s reworked 5 vs. 5 format that makes the team shooter feel like a (mostly) new experience. It turns out that removing one tank from every Overwatch match really forces you to reconsider what every other Hero in the game does (or doesn’t) bring to the table.
- 4/27/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
If you haven’t already checked out Arcane on Netflix, you really need to put it high on your to do list. Yes, it’s based on the world and characters of League of Legends, one of the planet’s most popular battle arena games, but that’s almost irrelevant. Somehow this animated series manages to be amazing in its own right, pleasing both players and those who know nothing of Jinx, Vi, Jayce, or any other champion from the game. How on Earth did Riot Games manage it?
On paper, it seems like films or TV shows based on certain video games should be guaranteed successes. If the developers have already gone through the trouble of building a massive, complex world like Azeroth of Warcraft, all the writers have to do is give one of the playable characters a hero’s journey, and it’s off to the races.
On paper, it seems like films or TV shows based on certain video games should be guaranteed successes. If the developers have already gone through the trouble of building a massive, complex world like Azeroth of Warcraft, all the writers have to do is give one of the playable characters a hero’s journey, and it’s off to the races.
- 1/10/2022
- by Michael Ahr
- Den of Geek
While picking a class isn’t the most daunting decision you’ll make in the Legendary Edition of the Mass Effect trilogy, new and returning players may initially struggle to choose a character class for their custom Shepard out of fear that they’ll somehow miss out on some crucial aspect of the game or make things harder for themselves by choosing a bad class.
Well, there are numerous ways that your choice of class will ultimately impact your playthrough, but the good news is that there aren’t really any “bad” classes in Mass Effect. The best class is still the one that you want to play the most, and because you have the ability to change your class at the start of each game, you’re not necessarily committed to making what you might eventually view as the “wrong” decision.
However, if you’re looking for a slightly...
Well, there are numerous ways that your choice of class will ultimately impact your playthrough, but the good news is that there aren’t really any “bad” classes in Mass Effect. The best class is still the one that you want to play the most, and because you have the ability to change your class at the start of each game, you’re not necessarily committed to making what you might eventually view as the “wrong” decision.
However, if you’re looking for a slightly...
- 1/7/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
We’ve all been there. You have a few drinks. Then a few more. And then, boom, you wake up the next day with your neurotransmitters gone haywire, your system flooded by congeners, the blood vessels in your head dilated to twice their size due to glutamate rebound, aching from mitochondrial dysfunction and the inflammatory response to being poisoned by a probable human carcinogen. Mate.
In that diminished state, you’re good for nothing. You’re duvet fodder. And so to pass the time while your enzymes get to work breaking down that acetaldehyde, you legend, you’re going to need company. Not actual company. Other people are what got you into this mess, probably. No, what you need are on-screen friends – softly spoken, slow-moving, on-screen friends who may well be doing something in a meadow, or near a pond. What you absolutely don’t want is action, loud noises,...
In that diminished state, you’re good for nothing. You’re duvet fodder. And so to pass the time while your enzymes get to work breaking down that acetaldehyde, you legend, you’re going to need company. Not actual company. Other people are what got you into this mess, probably. No, what you need are on-screen friends – softly spoken, slow-moving, on-screen friends who may well be doing something in a meadow, or near a pond. What you absolutely don’t want is action, loud noises,...
- 1/1/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that 2021 has been a banner year for hard video games, anyone who seeks out difficult games as a cathartic escape from difficult times certainly won’t be disappointed by this year’s selection of controller smashing, monitor breaking, soul-shaking experiences.
In fact, it was an especially interesting year for difficult Triple-a and AA games. From Metroid Dread to certain difficult settings in Resident Evil Village, it really does seem like more and more major studios are starting to explore the viability of at least adding optional difficulty modes to their major releases designed to make some of the year’s biggest games as punishing as possible.
Of course, many of the year’s hardest games can still be found on the indie scene where smaller studios continue to argue against the idea that they just don’t make hard video games like they used to…...
In fact, it was an especially interesting year for difficult Triple-a and AA games. From Metroid Dread to certain difficult settings in Resident Evil Village, it really does seem like more and more major studios are starting to explore the viability of at least adding optional difficulty modes to their major releases designed to make some of the year’s biggest games as punishing as possible.
Of course, many of the year’s hardest games can still be found on the indie scene where smaller studios continue to argue against the idea that they just don’t make hard video games like they used to…...
- 12/17/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
While I’d love to be able to talk more about Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker‘s story, characters, best moments, and mechanics, the fact of the matter is that most of the conversations about this game so far have been focused on the Mmo’s ridiculously long queues and various error messages.
I hope that Square Enix’s recent decision to suspend sales of Final Fantasy 14 will help fix the game’s worst server issues, but it’s likely that you will continue to encounter the most common problems until the hype surrounding the latest expansion dies down a little bit and Final Fantasy 14‘s concurrent player count returns to a more reasonable number.
That being the case, here’s a look at what the most common Final Fantasy 14 error messages mean and what (if anything) you can do about them.
Final Fantasy 14: Error 2002 Meaning and Solution
The dreaded...
I hope that Square Enix’s recent decision to suspend sales of Final Fantasy 14 will help fix the game’s worst server issues, but it’s likely that you will continue to encounter the most common problems until the hype surrounding the latest expansion dies down a little bit and Final Fantasy 14‘s concurrent player count returns to a more reasonable number.
That being the case, here’s a look at what the most common Final Fantasy 14 error messages mean and what (if anything) you can do about them.
Final Fantasy 14: Error 2002 Meaning and Solution
The dreaded...
- 12/16/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
In a year that saw Final Fantasy 14 steal so much momentum (and so many players) from World of Warcraft, there was a slight amount of trepidation surrounding the release of the Mmo’s latest expansion, Endwalker. While many Ff 14 fans certainly trust the game’s developers at this point, we’ve seen too many recent game releases ruin too much goodwill to not at least be aware of the possibility that Endwalker could derail this RPG’s incredible year and remarkable comeback.
Instead, Endwalker is a triumph. It’s not only the best Ff 14 expansion yet, but there’s a strong argument to be made that Endwalker is as good as an Mmo expansion has been and can possibly be.
That’s obviously a pretty big statement, but these are just a few of the ways that Endwalker manages to overcome the shortcomings of too many other Mmo expansions while...
Instead, Endwalker is a triumph. It’s not only the best Ff 14 expansion yet, but there’s a strong argument to be made that Endwalker is as good as an Mmo expansion has been and can possibly be.
That’s obviously a pretty big statement, but these are just a few of the ways that Endwalker manages to overcome the shortcomings of too many other Mmo expansions while...
- 12/15/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
This article contains spoilers for Halo Infinite.
Halo Infinite‘s open-world structure may prove to be the future of this franchise’s gameplay, but it’s the ways that this game’s ending and post-credits scene set up the future of Halo‘s story and lore that leave us wondering what directions developer 343 Industries intends to take this series in.
Halo Infinite‘s story falls somewhere between a reboot and the next chapter of the Halo saga as it’s been told so far. There are moments in this game that are clearly designed to get this series back to its roots (or relatively close to its roots), and there are some scenes that dive deep into this series’ lore to lay the foundation for whatever comes next.
While it’s clear that there are aspects of Halo Infinite‘s ending that aren’t meant to be entirely “explained” quite yet,...
Halo Infinite‘s open-world structure may prove to be the future of this franchise’s gameplay, but it’s the ways that this game’s ending and post-credits scene set up the future of Halo‘s story and lore that leave us wondering what directions developer 343 Industries intends to take this series in.
Halo Infinite‘s story falls somewhere between a reboot and the next chapter of the Halo saga as it’s been told so far. There are moments in this game that are clearly designed to get this series back to its roots (or relatively close to its roots), and there are some scenes that dive deep into this series’ lore to lay the foundation for whatever comes next.
While it’s clear that there are aspects of Halo Infinite‘s ending that aren’t meant to be entirely “explained” quite yet,...
- 12/8/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Despite the show’s name, recent years have proven that The Game Awards is as much (if not more of) a platform for studios to make major announcements as it is a chance to celebrate the best games and creators of the year.
While the Game Awards team has been hyping up a series of major reveals that have fans buzzing, nobody is entirely sure what we can realistically expect from this year’s show. The Game Awards crew has done a great job of keeping that ship from leaking too much, and even the most “solid” rumors about the event come with a disclaimer that reminds us that absolutely anything could happen.
With that in mind, here are a few Game Awards announcement/reveal predictions that feel like fairly safe bets (as well as a couple of big swing predictions thrown in there just for fun).
Chrono Cross Remaster...
While the Game Awards team has been hyping up a series of major reveals that have fans buzzing, nobody is entirely sure what we can realistically expect from this year’s show. The Game Awards crew has done a great job of keeping that ship from leaking too much, and even the most “solid” rumors about the event come with a disclaimer that reminds us that absolutely anything could happen.
With that in mind, here are a few Game Awards announcement/reveal predictions that feel like fairly safe bets (as well as a couple of big swing predictions thrown in there just for fun).
Chrono Cross Remaster...
- 12/8/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
At a time when it feels like live service and multiplayer titles dominate the video game industry, it’s easy to forget that we live in a fascinating age for the art of video game storytelling.
Modern video game stories often benefit from new avenues of development and distribution that allow a greater variety of voices to tell unique stories that would have once struggled to find a home in this medium. Maybe some Triple-a studios have pivoted away from narrative-based games, but a host of smaller studios and independent developers have more than picked up the slack.
For those who believe that gaming offers one of the most complex and satisfying storytelling mediums in all of the entertainment, please be sure to find the time to experience the absolute best video game stories of 2021.
10. Unpacking
Some of the best video games in recent years have reminded us that truly...
Modern video game stories often benefit from new avenues of development and distribution that allow a greater variety of voices to tell unique stories that would have once struggled to find a home in this medium. Maybe some Triple-a studios have pivoted away from narrative-based games, but a host of smaller studios and independent developers have more than picked up the slack.
For those who believe that gaming offers one of the most complex and satisfying storytelling mediums in all of the entertainment, please be sure to find the time to experience the absolute best video game stories of 2021.
10. Unpacking
Some of the best video games in recent years have reminded us that truly...
- 12/7/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The recently released Grand Theft Auto: Definitive Edition remasters may be a bit of a disaster, but even in a mostly broken form, it’s hard not to appreciate the brilliance of GTA: Vice City.
Released in October 2002 (only a year after the revolutionary GTA 3), Vice City hit a generation of gamers like a lighting bolt. Even though Vice City was developed and released in a shockingly short amount of time (especially by modern GTA development timeline standards) it felt like such an incredible leap forward in so many ways. There are times when that game’s reputation almost elevates the experience above the quality of the game itself.
Yet, when you look back at GTA: Vice City, it’s easy enough to spot the lessons Rockstar should learn from that game when developing GTA 6.
GTA Vice City Made (Nearly) Every Character Memorable
While the Grand Theft Auto games before...
Released in October 2002 (only a year after the revolutionary GTA 3), Vice City hit a generation of gamers like a lighting bolt. Even though Vice City was developed and released in a shockingly short amount of time (especially by modern GTA development timeline standards) it felt like such an incredible leap forward in so many ways. There are times when that game’s reputation almost elevates the experience above the quality of the game itself.
Yet, when you look back at GTA: Vice City, it’s easy enough to spot the lessons Rockstar should learn from that game when developing GTA 6.
GTA Vice City Made (Nearly) Every Character Memorable
While the Grand Theft Auto games before...
- 11/26/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
It seems like a happy ending: Chris, Claire, Jill, and Leon have all made it out of the Spencer Mansion just as it comes crashing down above them. A few miles away, the evil Umbrella Corporation has managed to contain the zombie outbreak, meaning today won’t be the end of the world.
But what about tomorrow? Well, that’ll be up to our heroes, who likely will have a thing or two to say after their nightmarish ordeal inside the secret Umbrella lab that infected the people of Raccoon City with the T-virus.
While it might be a little too early to think so far ahead, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City clearly has a plan in place for a potential sequel. In fact, it’s made abundantly clear where director Johannes Roberts and Sony Pictures want to go next in the movie’s post-credit scene, which longtime fans...
But what about tomorrow? Well, that’ll be up to our heroes, who likely will have a thing or two to say after their nightmarish ordeal inside the secret Umbrella lab that infected the people of Raccoon City with the T-virus.
While it might be a little too early to think so far ahead, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City clearly has a plan in place for a potential sequel. In fact, it’s made abundantly clear where director Johannes Roberts and Sony Pictures want to go next in the movie’s post-credit scene, which longtime fans...
- 11/25/2021
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
When Mortal Kombat II hit the arcades in 1993, it was a massive hit. It took the first game, improved the gameplay, and gave us more of the gore and dark humor we loved. Plus: more fighters, more ninjas, more Fatalities, more finishing moves, more secrets, and better visuals. It solidified the franchise’s hold on pop culture, and even convinced Nintendo that including a little blood and gore in a video game isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Two other things that really helped kick things up a notch were the game’s atmosphere and story. The first Mortal Kombat game felt almost grounded in parts due to its Earth setting. Despite Kano’s eye and Sub-Zero’s ice powers, the otherworldly aspects seemed removed from the plot of the game. We only really got a peek at Outworld-related stuff: the four-armed Goro and the shapeshifting Shang Tsung...
Two other things that really helped kick things up a notch were the game’s atmosphere and story. The first Mortal Kombat game felt almost grounded in parts due to its Earth setting. Despite Kano’s eye and Sub-Zero’s ice powers, the otherworldly aspects seemed removed from the plot of the game. We only really got a peek at Outworld-related stuff: the four-armed Goro and the shapeshifting Shang Tsung...
- 9/2/2021
- by Gavin Jasper
- Den of Geek
The world of Legend of Zelda fan theories is usually a pretty wild place (some fans still believe that Link and Zelda are brother and sister), but I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard a Zelda fan theory as crazy or amusing as the idea that the real villain of The Legend of Zelda franchise is Link himself.
Now, it’s possible that you’ve heard variations of this story before that essentially amount to “Link is occasionally a bit of jerk.” We’ve probably all joked about his fondness for smashing pots and swiping at chickens at one point or another, and it’s certainly amusing to think about how some of Link’s basic actions probably would ruin a Hyrulian Npc’s day.
This isn’t that, though. This particular theory is a truly wild deep dive into the Zelda universe that, at the very least,...
Now, it’s possible that you’ve heard variations of this story before that essentially amount to “Link is occasionally a bit of jerk.” We’ve probably all joked about his fondness for smashing pots and swiping at chickens at one point or another, and it’s certainly amusing to think about how some of Link’s basic actions probably would ruin a Hyrulian Npc’s day.
This isn’t that, though. This particular theory is a truly wild deep dive into the Zelda universe that, at the very least,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
For a century old artform with history rooted in carnivals, vaudeville, and theater, professional wrestling is often not given the respect that it deserves. Mixing the melodrama of a soap opera with feats of strength and aggression, professional wrestling offers clear, concise storytelling escalated by death-defying stunt work and larger-than-life personalities. It’s predetermined, sure, but so is every scripted drama on television. The men and women who call themselves professional wrestlers risk injury or even death to tell heightened tales of good versus evil, feeding off live audience reactions. Watch televised wrestling during the pandemic, and you’ll realize how crucial the crowd participation is to the strange alchemy.
A setting that tells such fantastical, visceral stories with real-world stakes for the performers seems like a no-brainer for a scripted series. Heels, from creator Michael Waldron (Loki) and showrunner Mike O’Malley (Survivor’s Remorse), recognizes that the world of professional wrestling is ripe for exploration.
A setting that tells such fantastical, visceral stories with real-world stakes for the performers seems like a no-brainer for a scripted series. Heels, from creator Michael Waldron (Loki) and showrunner Mike O’Malley (Survivor’s Remorse), recognizes that the world of professional wrestling is ripe for exploration.
- 8/15/2021
- by Nick Harley
- Den of Geek
In a story likely to evoke a bit of déjà vu, yet another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is reportedly in the works, with SNL Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost set to co-write the script with brother Casey Jost, awaiting a yet-to-be tapped director. However, news on this particular project arrives a mere five years after the franchise’s last live-action iteration released its sequel and presumed swan song, 2016’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, leaving a possibility that the new movie might just be a threequel. Moreover, like its predecessor, the mysterious movie project will be a production of Paramount Pictures and the very same producers, notably the auteur of onscreen explosions himself, Michael Bay. So, are we getting a new iteration of the Turtles or not?
While the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie project, as reported by Deadline, has a tight lid securing indicative details such as its plot,...
While the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie project, as reported by Deadline, has a tight lid securing indicative details such as its plot,...
- 8/3/2021
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
As quickly as the summer movie season of 2021 seemed to come upon us, it’s already about to begin its long, languid slide through the dog days of August into fall. That’s not to say that theaters won’t still have plenty of interesting fare to encounter, with films like The Suicide Squad, Free Guy, Respect, Candyman and The Night House all on deck. Hopefully the other hideous sequel happening at the moment — Pandemic 2: The Delta Variant — won’t set any of these potential hits back.
In the spirit of keeping August entertaining, Netflix is rolling out a slew of new streaming additions as well, including an underrated Spielberg gem, fantastic teen comedies both old and new, a couple of stoner classics and perhaps the finest film from the canon of one of the modern era’s most revered directors. We’ve rounded up our recommendations below, and...
In the spirit of keeping August entertaining, Netflix is rolling out a slew of new streaming additions as well, including an underrated Spielberg gem, fantastic teen comedies both old and new, a couple of stoner classics and perhaps the finest film from the canon of one of the modern era’s most revered directors. We’ve rounded up our recommendations below, and...
- 7/31/2021
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy’s $2.9 billion collective worldwide gross and 17 Academy Award wins certainly make a case for the 2001-2003 films being the product of a winning formula, both production-wise and plot-wise. However, the process of getting the grandiose, once-unfathomable project off the ground naturally involved producers pressuring director Peter Jackson to implement ideas often contradictory to the source material. Apparently, one such idea would have seen one of the film’s four hobbits die!
While the more loquacious half of Lord of the Rings’ onscreen hobbits, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd—Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck and Peregrin “Pippin” Took, respectively—have told myriad stories about life on the set across the past few decades through interviews and the films’ insightfully entertaining DVD commentary, the duo brought new anecdotes in an interview with IGN promoting their recently launched, Rings-heavy podcast, The Friendship Onion. According to them, there was a...
While the more loquacious half of Lord of the Rings’ onscreen hobbits, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd—Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck and Peregrin “Pippin” Took, respectively—have told myriad stories about life on the set across the past few decades through interviews and the films’ insightfully entertaining DVD commentary, the duo brought new anecdotes in an interview with IGN promoting their recently launched, Rings-heavy podcast, The Friendship Onion. According to them, there was a...
- 7/28/2021
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
The Witcher has made no secret of the fact that the magically enhanced monster hunters are a dying breed. It should therefore come as no surprise that Vesemir, mentor to Geralt and the main character of the upcoming Netflix anime The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, conversely lived his life with wry humor during more booming times than those of his brooding successor in the live action series. In fact, the latest trailer for the anime presents a young and witty witcher of a bygone age along with the companions we can expect to meet.
Voiced by Theo James (Castlevania), Vesemir appears in the trailer for The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf as a shrewd slayer-for-hire, not overly concerned with the low opinion normal humans have for those of his profession. While a certain moral code has always been embedded in The Witcher stories, it’s also true that “every deal has a price,...
Voiced by Theo James (Castlevania), Vesemir appears in the trailer for The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf as a shrewd slayer-for-hire, not overly concerned with the low opinion normal humans have for those of his profession. While a certain moral code has always been embedded in The Witcher stories, it’s also true that “every deal has a price,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Michael Ahr
- Den of Geek
While it’s understandable that Valve’s Steam Deck is already drawing comparisons to the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck’s closest (and most important) comparison in the history of video game handhelds has to be the ill-fated PlayStation Vita.
Released in Japan in December 2011 as the follow-up to the PSP, the PlayStation Vita was positioned to be the direct challenger to the Nintendo 3Ds (which debuted earlier that year). In retrospect, though, it feels more accurate to say that the Ps Vita was designed to compete with the Nintendo DS. After all, Nintendo was still trying to sell people on the 3Ds’ core gimmick during the course of its slow rollout (and would continue to struggle to do so during the handheld’s run), whereas the DS was still seen by many as the definitive handheld gaming device on the market and arguably the best handheld ever made.
On paper,...
Released in Japan in December 2011 as the follow-up to the PSP, the PlayStation Vita was positioned to be the direct challenger to the Nintendo 3Ds (which debuted earlier that year). In retrospect, though, it feels more accurate to say that the Ps Vita was designed to compete with the Nintendo DS. After all, Nintendo was still trying to sell people on the 3Ds’ core gimmick during the course of its slow rollout (and would continue to struggle to do so during the handheld’s run), whereas the DS was still seen by many as the definitive handheld gaming device on the market and arguably the best handheld ever made.
On paper,...
- 7/20/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
In the first season of The Witcher on Netflix, Princess Cirilla of Cintra, better known as Ciri, was the proverbial babe in the woods, and her story arc was mostly separate from the main focus on Geralt’s adventures and Yennefer’s rise to power. However, in the season 2 trailer that premiered at WitcherCon, it’s clear that the main perspective has shifted to Ciri and the fulfilling of her destiny under Geralt’s tutelage. Fans will have to wait until December 17, 2021 to watch the story unfold, but at least the general direction of the narrative is known.
Those who have read the Andrzej Sapkowski books know exactly where all this is headed, of course, but even those new to The Witcher universe will remember that in season 1, it was revealed that Ciri was promised to Geralt by the Law of Surprise, a custom that repays a life debt with...
Those who have read the Andrzej Sapkowski books know exactly where all this is headed, of course, but even those new to The Witcher universe will remember that in season 1, it was revealed that Ciri was promised to Geralt by the Law of Surprise, a custom that repays a life debt with...
- 7/9/2021
- by Michael Ahr
- Den of Geek
This article contains Loki spoilers.
“Marvel, you’ve done it again!”
Ok, but seriously…this is the best episode of Loki yet, and one of the best examples of the MCU’s Disney+ TV strategy full stop. Plenty of drama and action, to be sure, but also packed with surprises, some of which are very much things that Marvel Comics and MCU fans will be excited about, and others a little more subtle.
Here’s all the good stuff we’ve found in Loki episode 4 so far. If you spot anything we missed, let us know in the comments!
Valkyrie
Young Sylvie (young Lady Loki? What’s the correct nomenclature here?) is playing with her toys, and is reenacting (or imagining) a legendary battle involving one of the Valkyrie.
The Origin of Sylvie This episode makes it pretty clear that Sylvie is 100% a Loki, and had at least part of a childhood on Asgard.
“Marvel, you’ve done it again!”
Ok, but seriously…this is the best episode of Loki yet, and one of the best examples of the MCU’s Disney+ TV strategy full stop. Plenty of drama and action, to be sure, but also packed with surprises, some of which are very much things that Marvel Comics and MCU fans will be excited about, and others a little more subtle.
Here’s all the good stuff we’ve found in Loki episode 4 so far. If you spot anything we missed, let us know in the comments!
Valkyrie
Young Sylvie (young Lady Loki? What’s the correct nomenclature here?) is playing with her toys, and is reenacting (or imagining) a legendary battle involving one of the Valkyrie.
The Origin of Sylvie This episode makes it pretty clear that Sylvie is 100% a Loki, and had at least part of a childhood on Asgard.
- 6/30/2021
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
The verdict on the recently released Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Alliance is still being decided as fans and critics finally get their hands on the highly-anticipated Action-rpg, but you’re not alone if the mere thought of the game has you dreaming of a Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers remaster.
Released in October 2002 (a couple of months ahead of the film it shares a name with), Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers was a hack and slash action game eventually available for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube as well as Game Boy Advance and even cell phones. The story goes that publisher EA and developer Stormfront Studios were supposed to make a similar game based on Fellowship of the Ring, but in 2001, all parties involved realized that the game wouldn’t be finished in time for the movie’s global release. As such, the work that had gone...
Released in October 2002 (a couple of months ahead of the film it shares a name with), Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers was a hack and slash action game eventually available for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube as well as Game Boy Advance and even cell phones. The story goes that publisher EA and developer Stormfront Studios were supposed to make a similar game based on Fellowship of the Ring, but in 2001, all parties involved realized that the game wouldn’t be finished in time for the movie’s global release. As such, the work that had gone...
- 6/22/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Despite being a somewhat quiet year for the show, E3 2021 was filled with so many new titles and updates to previously announced major projects that it’s hardly a surprise that many smaller games featured during the show ultimately went overlooked and ended up being somewhat underrated.
Yet, this is so much more than a list of games that let us celebrate little studios and individual developers. At a time when Covid-19 production delays threaten to push so many major games into 2022 and beyond, these 15 titles (and so many more) could end up working their way into upcoming game of the year conversations just as they remind us that new ideas aren’t dead: they’ve just gone indie.
From wizards with guns and spiritual Thief sequels to cosmic horror punk RPGs and escape room deck builders, these are the 15 underrated E3 2021 games that not enough people are talking about.
Yet, this is so much more than a list of games that let us celebrate little studios and individual developers. At a time when Covid-19 production delays threaten to push so many major games into 2022 and beyond, these 15 titles (and so many more) could end up working their way into upcoming game of the year conversations just as they remind us that new ideas aren’t dead: they’ve just gone indie.
From wizards with guns and spiritual Thief sequels to cosmic horror punk RPGs and escape room deck builders, these are the 15 underrated E3 2021 games that not enough people are talking about.
- 6/16/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
This Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart article contains spoilers.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart reaches its epic conclusion when the iconic duo is transported back to their own version of Megalopolis. But it looks extremely different to how they left it.
The joint forces of Dr. and Emperor Nefarious have led the city to swiftly descend into chaos as it suffers from various dimensional portal openings that are unsustainable, putting the whole multiverse at risk of collapsing. Ratchet, Clank, and new friend Rivet don’t have long to act, and must work together in one last heroic battle.
The group’s only shot at saving the dimensions involves taking down Nefarious’ giant-sized Imperial “Power Suit,” repelling his underling forces, before finally retrieving the Dimensionator in order to restore order. It all comes to a head when Ratchet and Rivet eventually go toe-to-toe with the emperor himself using the wide arsenal of chaotic weaponry they’ve accrued.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart reaches its epic conclusion when the iconic duo is transported back to their own version of Megalopolis. But it looks extremely different to how they left it.
The joint forces of Dr. and Emperor Nefarious have led the city to swiftly descend into chaos as it suffers from various dimensional portal openings that are unsustainable, putting the whole multiverse at risk of collapsing. Ratchet, Clank, and new friend Rivet don’t have long to act, and must work together in one last heroic battle.
The group’s only shot at saving the dimensions involves taking down Nefarious’ giant-sized Imperial “Power Suit,” repelling his underling forces, before finally retrieving the Dimensionator in order to restore order. It all comes to a head when Ratchet and Rivet eventually go toe-to-toe with the emperor himself using the wide arsenal of chaotic weaponry they’ve accrued.
- 6/11/2021
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The Snes isn’t just the greatest Nintendo console of all-time: it’s the home of a truly impressive collection of classic games, underrated gems, and, for our purposes today, a shocking number of games that never got the sequel they deserved.
While you can usually list the business reasons why certain games don’t get sequels, that does little to diminish fans’ desires for more of a particular experience or even a second chance to get things right. In the case of some of these games, fans have been holding their breath for quite a long time.
Before we dive into this look at Snes games begging for a sequel, please note that while we will mostly focus on games that never got a sequel, a few of these titles did get underwhelming sequels that missed the mark or otherwise haven’t been revisited in over 20 years.
15. The Adventures...
While you can usually list the business reasons why certain games don’t get sequels, that does little to diminish fans’ desires for more of a particular experience or even a second chance to get things right. In the case of some of these games, fans have been holding their breath for quite a long time.
Before we dive into this look at Snes games begging for a sequel, please note that while we will mostly focus on games that never got a sequel, a few of these titles did get underwhelming sequels that missed the mark or otherwise haven’t been revisited in over 20 years.
15. The Adventures...
- 5/29/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Call of Duty is getting its most action-packed Dlc yet with the arrival of the ’80s Action Heroes update and the Season 3 midseason patch. For Call of Duty: Warzone, Black Ops Cold War, and Call of Duty Mobile, this means iconic action movie heroes John Rambo (First Blood) and John McClane (Die Hard) are dropping into the game as new Operators, complete with their iconic get-ups as well as a few of the famous locations from their films.
In Warzone, players will be able to take the fight to Die Hard‘s Nakatomi Corporation building, which will replace the Broadcast Tower. This will be the perfect place to live out your John McClane Christmas fantasy, with “five floors of a space that will be familiar to those who know and love the original Die Hard,” according to Activision, which also confirms the building will be the tallest structure in Verdansk...
In Warzone, players will be able to take the fight to Die Hard‘s Nakatomi Corporation building, which will replace the Broadcast Tower. This will be the perfect place to live out your John McClane Christmas fantasy, with “five floors of a space that will be familiar to those who know and love the original Die Hard,” according to Activision, which also confirms the building will be the tallest structure in Verdansk...
- 5/18/2021
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Resident Evil Village, Capcom’s newest vision of horror, unleashed its villain, Lady Alcina Dimitrescu, onto the world in January, and the internet has hardly been the same since. Before we’d even seen anything substantial from the new game, the nine-foot “Tall Vampire Lady” was already the sequel’s most popular character, the subject of countless memes and even a few…salacious mods and videos.
With the release of the game this month, Dimitrescu’s star is shining even brighter. We just can’t stop talking about our Lady. And when you hear who the developers at Capcom turned to for inspiration when creating this character, you get the sense that she was always destined for infamy, designed specifically to go viral.
One major influence, according art director Tomonori Takano, was the Japanese internet urban legend Hasshaku-sama (or “hachishakusama”), an eight-foot-tall evil spirit in a wide-brimmed hat who lures...
With the release of the game this month, Dimitrescu’s star is shining even brighter. We just can’t stop talking about our Lady. And when you hear who the developers at Capcom turned to for inspiration when creating this character, you get the sense that she was always destined for infamy, designed specifically to go viral.
One major influence, according art director Tomonori Takano, was the Japanese internet urban legend Hasshaku-sama (or “hachishakusama”), an eight-foot-tall evil spirit in a wide-brimmed hat who lures...
- 5/11/2021
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This article contains Resident Evil Village spoilers.
Resident Evil Village may be one of the year’s biggest and scariest games, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have a little fun from time to time. In fact, Village is packed with easter eggs and references that keep things light, even as you’re running away from the giant vampire ladies of its world.
While you’d expect the eighth major installment in the Resident Evil series to include a few nods to the previous games in the franchise, one of the most surprising things about Resident Evil Village is how it not only references some of the older games in the series (as well as a couple of horror movies) but how some of those callbacks have deeper meanings that expand this game’s lore and even set up future installments.
From the village’s familiar merchant...
Resident Evil Village may be one of the year’s biggest and scariest games, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have a little fun from time to time. In fact, Village is packed with easter eggs and references that keep things light, even as you’re running away from the giant vampire ladies of its world.
While you’d expect the eighth major installment in the Resident Evil series to include a few nods to the previous games in the franchise, one of the most surprising things about Resident Evil Village is how it not only references some of the older games in the series (as well as a couple of horror movies) but how some of those callbacks have deeper meanings that expand this game’s lore and even set up future installments.
From the village’s familiar merchant...
- 5/7/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Yasuke is a groundbreaking new anime that fuses fact and fiction. The six-episode original series streaming on Netflix now is the brainchild of comic artist and animation director LeSean Thomas. The titular role in Yasuke is voiced by Oscar-nominated Lakeith Stanfield who is also one of the producers. Yasuke comes from Japan’s animation house Mappa (Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association) who also produced noteworthy animes like Attack on Titan, Rage of Baphomet, and Punch Line. Grammy-nominated artist Flying Lotus (a.k.a. FlyLo) provides the soundtrack and is also another producer.
Yasuke is somewhat in the same vein as Afro Samurai or Samurai Jack in propelling an iconic Samurai figure into a rich fantasy world.
“It just sits right alongside Afro Samurai and Samurai Jack,” acknowledges Thomas, “They’re going to be compared regardless because those are the only three that are being pushed to the Western entertainment. So,...
Yasuke is somewhat in the same vein as Afro Samurai or Samurai Jack in propelling an iconic Samurai figure into a rich fantasy world.
“It just sits right alongside Afro Samurai and Samurai Jack,” acknowledges Thomas, “They’re going to be compared regardless because those are the only three that are being pushed to the Western entertainment. So,...
- 4/30/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
This Mortal Kombat article contains spoilers.
Simon McQuoid was given an interesting challenge directing the 2021 cinematic reboot of Mortal Kombat. While it does have an R-rating to help prop it up, this is hardly the first adaptation in this universe. The story has been told in movies, comics, novels, TV shows, and even the games, which were rebooted for the sake of retelling the first few chapters in a more detailed fashion. Hell, they just came out with an animated movie a year ago that explained the first game’s plot from Scorpion’s perspective.
The new movie certainly finds its own route into the mythos, and barring some bad luck, we’re probably going to get a sequel out of this. After all, it is coming out during a nice, sweet spot where people are getting vaccinated and are equally parts confident and desperate to see a movie in theaters.
Simon McQuoid was given an interesting challenge directing the 2021 cinematic reboot of Mortal Kombat. While it does have an R-rating to help prop it up, this is hardly the first adaptation in this universe. The story has been told in movies, comics, novels, TV shows, and even the games, which were rebooted for the sake of retelling the first few chapters in a more detailed fashion. Hell, they just came out with an animated movie a year ago that explained the first game’s plot from Scorpion’s perspective.
The new movie certainly finds its own route into the mythos, and barring some bad luck, we’re probably going to get a sequel out of this. After all, it is coming out during a nice, sweet spot where people are getting vaccinated and are equally parts confident and desperate to see a movie in theaters.
- 4/23/2021
- by Gavin Jasper
- Den of Geek
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