https://www.cbr.com Covering comics, movies, TV like no other in the world. CBR.com is all you need! Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:00:41 GMT en-US hourly 60 Magic: the Gathering has been crossing over with other major franchises with its "Universes Beyond" initiative. This has allowed Magic to bring characters, items, and worlds from other franchises into the game of MTG. Beyond the novelty of seeing iconic characters in a popular game, it is fun to see the gameplay mechanics that emerge from the crossover, and guessing which characters and aspects from the franchise will appear in Magic is always a fun guessing game for players.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:00:41 GMT https://www.cbr.com/doctor-who-river-song-universe-beyond-mtg/ Dungeons and Dragons has become extremely popular in recent years with player content like Critical Role and Dimension 20 inspiring people of all walks of life to give the game a try. With hundreds of new players and new dungeon masters, there are many guides and tips online for how to properly begin playing. What new and experienced players alike should consider, however, is what goes into a good playing environment before the dice even hit the table.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 20:31:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-player-comfort-basics/ Over the years, Nintendo has released hundreds of games and software that connect to the internet, allowing players to connect with each other and play together online. Some of these releases revolved around online play entirely, such as the Splatoon series and later entries in the Super Smash Brothers series. Online play can be essential when it comes to enjoying certain Nintendo titles, so it comes as quite a shock that the company will be removing online play from the Wii U and 3DS in 2024.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 18:40:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/nintendo-3ds-wii-u-online-play-shut-down-effects/ Persona 5 Royal is a huge JRPG that is absolutely packed with content. Like other games in the Persona series (and the larger Shin Megami Tensei franchise), there are a variety of Persona 5 Royal endings. Each of them depends on the choices that the player makes and the relationships they build throughout their playthrough.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 17:41:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/persona-5-royal-ending-explained/ Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition has elevated the game's popularity to new heights and broken into the mainstream in a way no other version of the game has. Mentions in shows like Stranger Things and Community, the success of actual play podcasts like Dimension 20 and Critical Role, and acclaimed video games like Baldur's Gate 3 have sparked mass enthusiasm.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-to-begin-playing-dnd/ Dying Light: The Following is a single-player campaign DLC for Dying Light (2015). The DLC concludes the story of Kyle Crane, the player-protagonist during the game, which originally began in the base game. Instead of the base game's pre-determined narrative, The Following's story ends with a critical choice left up to the player. Depending on their actions, the possible Dying Light endings wildly diverge.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:41:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/which-dying-light-ending-is-canon/ Assassin's Creed Mirage, Ubisoft's latest installment to the Assassin's Creed franchise, takes the series back to its roots with a heavier emphasis on stealth and story than it has seen in quite some time. The story follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a mysterious Assassin introduced in Assassin's Creed Valhalla who follows his own path, and Mirage serves as an origin story for Basim to help fill in some of the gaps that Valhalla left in its wake.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 23:01:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ac-mirage-ending-explained/ Earlier this year, Amnesia: The Bunker was released to a positive reception from both critics and fans. It was a harrowing experience that brought forward the tone and general gameplay loops the Amnesia series is known for while changing up enough things to make the game a fresh and truly terrifying journey. By back seating the narrative-heavy style Frictional Games is typically known for, Amnesia: The Bunker felt more like an immersive sim than one of the countless hide & seek themed walking sims that came out in the wake of Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Not content to rest, though, Frictional Games is slowly teasing new features for the upcoming Halloween Update that look to make one of 2023's scariest games that much more thrilling.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/amnesia-the-bunker-update-details/ Few games have ever been the subject of as much contention as DmC: Devil May Cry, Ninja Theory's 2013 reboot of the popular Devil May Cry series. Even before its launch, DmC attracted an overwhelmingly negative response from audiences with its drastic changes to the series' combat, a controversial shift in tone, and its unrecognizable depiction of the lead protagonist, Dante. While the reboot is still considered a low point for the franchise, many players have since warmed up to its fluid combat and ambitious concepts, especially after many of its most egregious issues were addressed in the 2015 Definitive Edition. But between the game's poor sales and Ninja Theory having since moved on to other projects, it's unlikely that DmC will ever receive a sequel.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 18:41:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/soulstice-is-a-worthy-followup-to-dmc-devil-may-cry/ It has long been known that Sonic the Hedgehog is the reason the Sega Genesis console was so successful during its time. While the console was released in North America in 1989, Sonic the Hedgehog became its best-selling game overall just two years later, with over 3 million copies sold within the first two weeks of its debut. This allowed the Sega Genesis console to surpass the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in sales for 1991, effectively dethroning Nintendo as the leader of the console market. Since then, the Sonic the Hedgehog series has sold nearly 2 billion units and has remained immensely popular despite its age.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:15:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/review-sonic-superstars-old-school-sonic-is-the-gold-standard/ With an influx of new Sagas in the new Doctor Who set, more on their way in Lost Caverns of Ixalan, and also in Wilds of Eldraine, Sagas have been getting a lot of support lately in Magic: The Gathering. Is it too much? Mechanics like Treasures, for example, can feel oversaturated when there's too much exposure to them in a relatively short amount of time. Exceptionally broken cards often end up coming out of archetypes and certain mechanics if they become too oversaturated, as the more cards being made means that the more chances that any individual card is broken. Fable of the Mirror Breaker and Urza's Saga are good examples of Saga cards that may be beginning to wear out their welcome.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:00:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/magic-the-gathering-should-sagas-end/ Pumpkin spice has returned and the Spirit of Halloween is starting to reappear in previously desolate storefronts as far as the eye can see. This shift toward the spooky season is often hotly anticipated with horror movies and games galore. However, it can be said that the world has lived through a perpetually horrifying time in history as Covid put lives on hold and ended many more in horrible ways. The existential threat posed by disease and the loss of bodily autonomy was guaranteed to have an impact on people in more ways than purely physical. This level of dread had rarely been experienced in the last century and that impact has been felt in multiple formats.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/body-horror-games-post-covid-world/ It feels like everywhere they look, gamers are met with the "next great cozy game" the internet is insisting that they try — and players couldn't be more thrilled with this newfound cornucopia of chill, relaxing games. The subgenre of wholesome and cozy video games has been experiencing a tremendous rise in popularity over the last several years. More and more gamers are looking for relaxing titles that foster a positive mindset and offer an optimistic outlook on the world. Online communities have begun to grow around this subgenre on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:30:50 GMT https://www.cbr.com/cozy-games-are-on-the-rise/ Among video games, one of the most difficult-to-master yet rewarding genres is the fighting game genre. This subset of games has seen several franchises come and go in popularity, with fans still participating in tournaments for older titles. Now, the industry is experiencing a renaissance in fighting games, but one classic franchise is still missing in action.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:41:58 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fighting-games-are-forgetting-a-legendary-series/ If there’s one thing the Animal Crossing franchise is known for, it’s its villagers. However, that reliance on NPC personalities and dialogue means that when an Animal Crossing title fails to deliver enough interesting interactions, the game loses some of its charm. One of the most divisive issues about New Horizons has been its repetitive villager interactions, and while updates have addressed that, players still find themselves seeing the same text day in and day out.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:40:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/animal-crossing-gender-neutral-small-change-big-fix/ No two Zelda games are ever exactly alike. From A Link To The Past to Ocarina of Time to Wind Waker, each game has a unique feel and style that is distinctly their own—even despite the underlying threads which make them still definitively "Zelda." And yet, those threads are ever-present, to the point that the moment any of them are removed, the result is a surprising and exciting experience.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:30:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tloz-most-interesting-games-are-sequels/ Sonic Frontiers is the latest game in Sega's venerable Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, as well as its most-recent 3D entry. An open-world title meant to directly deal with some of the criticisms of previous Sonic games, Sonic Frontiers was rewarded for these ambitions with a positive reception among fans and critics. Unfortunately, that isn't being extended to its post-release downloadable content.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:01:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sonic-frontiers-dlc-difficult-for-fans/ Bioshock is one of those game franchises that players point to when asked about games that have deeper messages and meanings. The first entry in the series was famously a meditation on the philosophy of Objectivism, popularized by Ayn Rand in the '40s and '50s. The third game is an amazingly bleak look at the idea of the mythologizing of American history and its cultish effect on those who are brainwashed by what can be regarded as propagandistic reconceptualization. Bioshock 2, on the other hand, tends to often be left out of the conversation rather unfairly.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:00:31 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bioshock-2-utilitarianism-warning/ Disney's Lorcana trading card game from publisher Ravensburger took players and game stores by storm with the September release of its first set, The First Chapter. Now, the next expansion in the world of Lorcana, Rise of the Floodborn, is set to bring another slate of Disney characters and songs into the fold, including several from a half dozen classic movies that were previously absent from the game entirely.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:21:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/disney-lorcana-rise-of-the-floodborn-complete-spoiler/ Spider-Man's history with video games dates back to the Atari 2600 and will continue this year with Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PlayStation 5. With over 40 years of video games, the franchise has had its highs and lows across various consoles and arcade machines. Perhaps the biggest shift in the history of the series occurred in the year 2000 when Activision released the PlayStation game simply titled Spider-Man. This would be the first 3D Spider-Man game and the beginning of a new era for the franchise.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:00:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/spider-man-ps1-best-spider-man-game/ Super Mario 3D World follows the titular plumber, his brother Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad as they travel to the Sprixie Kingdom to save the Sprixie Princesses from the clutches of Bowser. Like every other main Mario series game, 3D World takes players through various worlds and levels, battling enemies and bosses with unique power-ups as they work to defeat Bowser. That's not all. Players are treated to four bonus levels after they take Bowser down.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:30:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-3d-world-how-many-worlds/ Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have brought needed change to The Legend of Zelda franchise, but now that their chapter in the series is finished, the next Zelda should take the series in a new direction. An open world does not always mean a better or more engaging world, and some of the flaws in Tears of the Kingdom showcased those issues. As the Zelda franchise has become more concerned with telling a good story alongside their gameplay, the games' worlds have had to adjust to tell those stories. The environments are shaped to match the advice NPCs give, and bosses are placed in logical areas.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tloz-next-game-open-world-criticism/ When Baldur's Gate 3 was released at 1.0 earlier this year, it took the gaming world by storm. The interaction of systems, choices, and character customization make for nearly endless replayability with stellar characters and writing throughout. It perfectly represents the magic found in the best tabletop Dungeons & Dragons adventures.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 23:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/if-you-liked-baldurs-gate-3-you-should-play-this-spooky-game-this-october/ Halloween is the perfect time to gather friends around the table and tell spooky stories, and nothing is better for storytelling than Dungeons & Dragons. Fortunately, Wizards of the Coast has released a lot of material in the last year that is absolutely perfect for horror one-shots, and there are a plethora of ready-made adventures in a multitude of unnerving moods and settings available for DMs to integrate into their game.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:10:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-halloween-one-shot-ideas/ There are a few cards in Magic: The Gathering's history which nearly any player can recognize on sight. There are fewer cards that even a new player could fully understand at a glance. There are even fewer cards that combine ease of use, iconic status, and a perfect match of flavor and function. In a game where new cards are constantly played and printed crystallized in amber through dozens of reprints, Lightning Bolt is still the best Burn spell ever printed. The few formats in which it sees play showcase why Bolt will never see printing in standard, because of its ruthless efficiency married to Swiss Army knife-like versatility. Bolt has etched itself into the history of Magic with the speed and impact of its namesake. Despite this, it may be overlooked compared to the more complex or flashy cards, especially by newer players.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:40:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/magic-the-gathering-best-cards-lightning-bolt/ Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham series has been deservedly praised for elevating the Caped Crusader's reputation in gaming, and while Arkham Knight's key plot revelation was far from surprising, it was a crucial part of Bruce Wayne's character arc. The game was well-received as a suitably explosive finale to the series, even if the twist didn't have the expected impact, proving to be a key piece of Batman lore that was a long time coming.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/arkham-knights-twist-importance-to-batman-arc/ Marvel Snap is celebrating Halloween 2023 in a big way, since the Bloodstone season has much more on offer than the usual new card and location releases. While Elsa Bloodstone and Werewolf By Night are indeed exciting prospects that generate serious hype and excitement for the month, Second Dinner is introducing the Midnight Suns event. This new event allows players to get their hands on thematically appropriate variants for fan-favorite cards.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:30:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-midnight-suns-event/ Fans of Fallout 3 already know that the game's list of downloadable content is a mixed bag in terms of quality. Some expansions amounted to little more than drawn-out shooting galleries while the controversial Broken Steel add-on locked the game's true ending behind a paywall. On the other hand, Fallout 3's best expansions ventured into unexplored parts of the post-apocalyptic wasteland, often leading to creative stories that couldn't exist in any other setting. No other expansion demonstrates this better than Point Lookout.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:31:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fallout-3-creepiest-best-dlc/ Critical Role would not have happened if not for Liam O'Brien. He wanted to run a game with his friends for his birthday, so he gathered the group, and then they just kept the game going. After a while, someone at Geek & Sundry heard about a D&D home game with legendary voice talent and asked them if they wanted to broadcast the show. And the rest is history.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:11:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/critical-role-campaign-1-has-one-of-the-best-story-moments-in-gaming/ Fire Emblem: Three Houses tells the tales of four figureheads of power on the continent of Fódlan: the Adrestian Empire's princess Edelgard, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus' prince Dimitri, the Leicester Alliance's future leader Claude, and the Church of Seiros' archbishop Rhea. At the start of the game, the player will choose which leader to follow, and no matter who is chosen, the player will end up fighting at least one of the other factions later in the story. Loyalty to their first lord is common among Three Houses fans, and debates about which of the four lords was most justified continue to this day. The thing is, debating the morality of the lords' actions misses the point of the game: if the player chooses one side, they'll see the other sides at their worst, but by choosing another side, they'll see that side's reasons for fighting as well as what it's like when their original house is at their worst.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 21:15:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fire-emblem-three-houses-bad-people-video-games/ God of War Ragnarök, the sequel to Santa Monica Studio's 2018 action-adventure hit God of War, was released on November 9, 2022 to overwhelmingly positive reviews, becoming PlayStation's fastest-selling game and earning a nomination for 2022's Game of the Year Award. After being nominated for eleven different awards and winning six, it unfortunately lost to FromSoftware's Elden Ring in the Game of the Year race. Still, the emotional Norse adventure secured its place as the "Best PS5 Game" to date according to a poll done by PlayStation earlier this year. Its massive success now begs the question: what does the future of Ragnarök hold?

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:20:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/will-god-of-war-ragnark-port-to-pc/ The modern landscape of video games is increasingly beneficial for remakes of classic titles, and Rocksteady's beloved Batman: Arkham Asylum has more than earned an update on the scale of The Last of Us Part I. While some fans debate whether the latter truly needed a remake, it was well-received for incorporating modern gameplay elements seen in The Last of Us Part II.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 16:21:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/batman-arkham-asylum-needs-tlou-style-remake/ The vampire is one of the most iconic monsters in the history of fiction. They've gone from a sinister presence in folklore to a gothic horror staple to a pop-culture menace and heartthrob that fades in and out of popularity. Befitting their ubiquitous status in real life, Dungeons & Dragons has long included vampires in its roster of monsters.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:31:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-creature-feature-vampires/ When it comes to older video games, it's sometimes easy to enjoy them on modern consoles. This can be done through enhanced remakes of the classic games or simple ports (whether digital or physical) that put them on the new hardware. The latter treatment is definitely needed for one classic title in particular that's growing further away from its original release.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 14:20:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jet-set-radio-future-game-pass/ More than a year has now passed since Marvel Snap's inception, and Second Dinner has created a competitive card game environment that brings fan-favorite Marvel characters to life, while always moving and adapting with an ever-changing meta. Second Dinner has been more active than ever in the past few months when it comes to nerfs and buffs of existing cards to keep them balanced when compared to new releases. But some have remained a problematic presence ever since they were introduced.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 21:15:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-players-will-never-escape-this-controversial-card/ Apart from the first Legend of Zelda which invented the series, 1991's A Link to the Past is definitely the most influential game on the direction the series would take. It set multiple precedents and trends for the series including music, characters, concepts, and especially the classic dungeon exploration gameplay loop that veteran Zelda fans were missing in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:55:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/legend-of-zelda-link-past-remake-redefine-franchise/ Only some games are ever remade, but should those remakes focus on representing all previous content or making something new? Persona 3 Reload has some fans split over this issue, as the game includes new scenes with Strega and extra hangout options with Social Links but cuts the female protagonist and content from The Answer. It begs the question of which direction development should take — if it's more satisfying to see a more polished version of something a fan already loves or to see change within a well-established franchise. It's not just a question of enjoyment but of preservation. For instance, The Answer is still stuck on the PS3 even though Persona 3 will technically have been remade twice within a span of two years, counting the early 2023 port of Persona 3 Portable and Persona 3 Reload in 2024.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:16:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/should-a-video-game-remake-be-its-definitive-version/ Halloween is fast approaching, and Marvel Snap appears to be fully embracing the expected spooky themes with its most recent season, Bloodstone. Bloodstone will be bringing more to the fans than normal, not just through five new cards, with two of those presenting even more card additions, but also with the Midnight Suns variants and event.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:20:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-card-location-in-halloween-bloodstone-season/ Creature-collecting indie RPG Moonstone Island was released two weeks ago on Steam for PC. This charmingly serene world cast in the sky is a contemporary mix of cozy games like Harvest Moon and Pokémon. Moonstone Island creators attempt to recreate pieces of esteemed titles for a novel journey. Players become consumed as beginner Alchemists in this fantasy adventure where they can travel across a vast sky map full of strange discoveries.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:50:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/moonstone-island-adopts-elements-from-cozy-games/ An experience like Assassin's Creed Mirage has been a long time coming. The fan base of the franchise has been itching for the series to be brought back to its roots, as its more recent entries have been a strong departure from what it used to be. With a smaller world, the revival of the series' famous stealth mechanics, and a greater emphasis on narrative, Mirage is what fans have been craving for years.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:30:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/assassins-creed-mirage-newcomers-perfect-video-games/ Countless developers have attempted to replicate the success of Super Smash Bros. since its inception. Indie games like Brawlhalla and Rivals of the Aether offer polished and affordable alternatives to Smash Bros., while larger releases like MultiVersus and Nickelodeon All Star Brawl saw other companies produce their own crossover fighting games. However, few titles in the genre come close to the absurdity of DreamMix TV World Fighters.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/konami-smash-bros-clone-sequel-video-games/ It's hard to believe it has already been almost 16 years since the release of the very first Assassin's Creed title. The series has gone through a multitude of changes since then and experienced many ups and downs along the way. Now, Assassin's Creed Mirage is added to that library of games in hopes that it might bring the series back to its roots in order to give veterans the experience they've been asking for and to give newcomers a taste of what Assassin's Creed truly is. Fortunately, Mirage does exactly that, and it does it with aplomb.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:00:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/review-assassins-creed-mirage-video-games/ Final Fantasy VII was a landmark in video game storytelling, defining and redefining how several JRPG storytelling tropes tend to be used to this day...for better or for worse. A big part of Cloud's character development hinges on his relationships with Aerith Gainsborough and Tifa Lockhart, with the former being a "manic pixie dream girl" and the latter being a patient childhood friend-type love interest -- two character archetypes that are common in games and anime to this day. Aerith's death in disk 2 pulls her out of the love triangle, leaving Tifa as the only option left, but while it's clear by the end that Tifa's motivations are based on her feelings for Cloud, Cloud's feelings about it are left ambiguous. This puts Tifa in the unfortunate position of "satellite love interest" - a character whose main role is to be in love with the hero, with any other traits being secondary.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:15:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-vii-tifa-lockhart-best-satellite-love-interest/ Princess Peach may not have main character energy in wider pop culture, but since her first appearance, she's become a symbol for girl gamers everywhere. The pink princess is truly the first lady of gaming, getting playable appearances as early as the 80s, but she didn't headline a title of her own until 2005's Super Princess Peach. Over 18 years later, Nintendo is trying again to put her in the spotlight with Princess Peach: Showtime!, but why did it take so long? Why is it so important that Peach is finally the main protagonist again? The simplest answer to both questions is that while women are more likely to be okay consuming media more targeted at men, men historically aren't as likely to consume media aimed at women. Nintendo putting too much money in a "girly game" would've been a financial risk.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/nintendo-princess-peach-showtime-importance-relevance/ The LEGO brand continues to experiment with its product lines as it gauges what its buyers want and which intellectual properties it should move forward with. There's been a recent focus on LEGO sets that will appeal to adults, while still cementing the toy brand among the kids' space with a renewed effort to create original properties such as LEGO Dreamzzz. In the coming years, LEGO won't stop evolving, as they find what works and what doesn't. But there is a scheme among LEGO's plans that has proven itself to be effective and may well be the future.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:30:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/lego-ideas-initiative-best-sets/ On September 21 2023, CD Projekt Red released the long-awaited 2.0 update for Cyberpunk 2077. The update not only brought new weapons, animations, and more stability fixes for the game, but also revamped how leveling and upgrades for the player character worked.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:20:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/cyberpunk-2077-video-game-leveling-system/ Of all the common mechanics seen in video games, time limits are perhaps the most divisive. Many people play video games to enjoy the freedom they often do not have in real life and prefer not to be bound by time constraints. However, while understandable that players do not want to feel rushed or limited, those same constraints can also add challenge and immersion to a game.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/video-games-time-limits-positive-mechanic/ Role-playing games, at their core, are about role-playing. Players get to put themselves in the shoes of a medieval knight, ancient wizard, Wild West cowboy, or Sci-Fi space captain. Of course, video game RPGs have a reputation for strategic play, leveling up a character, and real-time or turn-based combat. However, the idea of becoming the character in the game and creating a unique story is at the heart of all great RPGs and many great video games. Players immerse themselves in a specific character, class, narrative, or playstyle, and it allows them to experience the amazing highs and terrible lows of their choices. The many successes and unfortunate failures come together to create a wonderful story and exciting gameplay experience.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:30:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/save-scumming-bad-method-best-choice/ Over the years, Metroidvanias have grown into one of gaming's most popular genres, especially among indie developers. Countless contemporary classics fall under its umbrella, including Cave Story, Ori and the Blind Forest, Hollow Knight, and Dead Cells just to name a few. To this day, Metroidvanias are still going strong with constant new releases and passionate developers intent on finding new ways to innovate on its tropes. Despite the abundance of ambitious attempts, no game has left as monumental an impact on the genre as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:20:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/castlevania-symphony-of-the-night-worth-playing/ From its humble beginnings as friends huddled around a kitchen table to a booming pop culture monolith, Critical Role has completely transformed since its origins in 2012. Long-time fans have enjoyed the perks of a growing fandom, including spectacular merch, the cast's appearances at prestigious conventions, and improved production quality for the show itself. It's been gratifying to see the show bolster its well-deserved success. However, when a creative venture grows more and more commercialized, it's inevitable that it's going to lose some of its initial charm along the way.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 22:40:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/critical-role-cant-recapture-magic-of-campaign-one/ Dead By Daylight, Behaviour Interactive's wildly successful asymmetrical multiplayer horror video game, has had a long and successful tenure as a dominant title in its niche genre. One very important reason for this consistent success is the work the developers have put into continuing to add new content to the game, be it in the form of new lore, updates, or DLC.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 17:21:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dead-by-daylight-alien-dlc-bodes-well-for-future-releases/ As much as fans know Mortal Kombat for its one-v-one fighting games, the series has been a vehicle for long-format stories prior to the new era. The likes of MKX, MK11, and now, the MK1 reboot have nuanced, amazing Story Modes but Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios tried this previously with dedicated games such as 1997's Mythologies: Sub-Zero and 2000's Special Forces. The former dealt with the ice ninja on a mystical quest at Quan Chi's behest, while the latter focused on Jax fighting the Black Dragon.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:20:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-makes-way-for-a-shaolin-monks-reboot/ When fans saw how Mortal Kombat 1 had a new world created by the Fire God Liu Kang, many were concerned over the balance of old-school and new characters. Luckily, Ed Boon and Co. managed to work in a good mix, made even better by the Kameo mode where nostalgics get to use classic characters from the early era.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-redefines-classic-franchise/ With just a few weeks to go until the highly-anticipated launch of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac Games, fans are more excited than ever to experience Peter Parker and Miles Morales' latest web-slinging adventure. Promising to be one of the biggest PlayStation 5 games yet, and one of 2023's most anticipated games, tonnes of new and upgraded features will fully utilize Sony's latest console to create an unforgettable experience.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 17:20:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvels-spider-man-2-everything-we-know-so-far/ Video games have been around long enough that calling them works of art is no longer controversial. The sheer scope of the different types of genres, gameplay styles, and stories give developers so much to play with and enjoy. Game creators have taken the medium to new heights over the last three decades. They have created experiences and narratives that stick with players long after the credits roll. The ones that linger in players' minds are often the games that stay true to some deep, philosophical core.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 16:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-9-making-peace-with-mortality/ Divinity: Original Sin II is a time-consuming role-playing game where players are a Sourcerer, who can manipulate a form of energy known as the Source to cast spells. Players must save the fantasy world of Rivellon from monstrous creatures known as Voidwoken who are guided by the God King. Players have a plethora of options to tell their character's story that can even include friends and their custom characters. The options which dictate their journey don't just stop at the storytelling, though. There are five different difficulty modes or ways to experience the game beyond the typical easy or hard -- plus there are a few extras in the Definitive Edition. Unfortunately, some of the difficulties can be, well, difficult, even for those used to playing similar-style RPGs.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:31:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/divinity-original-sin-2-which-mode/ Final Fantasy's summons have grown dramatically as iconic characters within the series, but none of them are as popular as the iconic Ifrit. A deity controlling the power of fire, Ifrit has appeared in every Final Fantasy game since summons were first introduced in 1990's FFIII, and its role in each game's narrative has only grown more central over time. In Final Fantasy XVI, Ifrit takes center stage, though much of its backstory still remains as mysterious as ever. However, some of this lack of information might be cleared up by simply looking at the inspiration for Ifrit's character in the mythos of FF16.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:20:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-16-ifrit-mythology-plot-ff16/ When beloved franchises like Baldur's Gate 3 make grand returns after a few decades, it's only natural to see a few familiar faces. Connecting the past to the present often works to the benefit of long-running series as it gives old fans the opportunity to introduce newer fans into the fold of their beloved franchise while also giving an accessible entry point for those who are just jumping in. Baldur's Gate 3 has managed to hit this exact balance of bringing in the new while paying homage to what came before in ways that are respectful and creative.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:15:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/baldurs-gate-3-flanderization-of-sarevok-anchev/ Mortal Kombat 1 is the culmination of three decades worth of fracturing and rewriting timelines around the greatest tournament in fighting games. Each new iteration of the franchise comes with changes to game mechanics that build or modify aspects of gameplay. While most are standard fighting games, several installments like Deception and Armageddon cross more confidently into RPG territory, allowing players to pilot their favorite characters through more than melee action.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 23:15:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-new-kombo-characters/ On the tabletop roleplaying game actual-play show Dimension 20, the theme, game, and setting change between seasons. Though the show does have a main cast it returns to for specific seasons, known as the Intrepid Heroes, it also rotates through different players for other campaigns. Occasionally, Dimension 20 will also have a guest serve as the Dungeon Master or Game Master.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:30:30 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dimension-20-every-guest-dm-and-what-they-ran/ For many Castlevania fans, their introduction to the series was either a Metroidvania entry like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or the 2017 Netflix series. However, anybody who's played the older titles will already know how drastically different they are from Symphony of the Night. The early entries centered around linear stages and a limited set of weapons rather than the open-ended maps and the vast array of abilities that defined later installments. While most of the classic-era (Pre-SOTN) Castlevania games are excellent in their own right, their restrictive gameplay and unforgiving difficulty rarely appeal to series newcomers. However, with the recent release of Castlevania: Nocturne, fans should see why the game that inspired Netflix's new animated adaptation is the peak of Castlevania's classic era and a must-play for all fans of the series.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:20:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/castlevania-rondo-of-blood-must-play/ Visual novel video games might not be a ubiquitous genre in the medium, but they are incredibly popular in Japan. The number of these largely text-based adventures has been increasing in international markets, including franchises such as Danganronpa. Now, one of the genre's classics is finally making its way to non-Japanese gamers, and it's been a long time coming.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:16:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tsukihime-a-piece-of-blue-glass-moon-english-release/ If one thing is true of Magic: The Gathering, it's that the players can be very vocal if they don't like a particular deck or strategy. One strategy that gets a lot of negative attention is Mill. Whether it's Commander, kitchen table casual, or Modern, people don't like seeing their cards go into their graveyards. From the more innocuous mill decks like UB Mill to the titan of obnoxious milling Lantern Control, decks that mill opponents' cards get under players' skin.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:50:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/magic-the-gathering-players-hate-mill/ MK1 is simultaneously a reboot and a sequel, pitting classic characters against alternate versions of themselves. In the spirit of examining alternate timelines, the first DLC for the game includes a new skin for Johnny Cage that turns him into Jean-Claude Van Damme. What seems at a glance like a silly nod to Johnny's Hollywood action-hero status, the skin is actually a much deeper reference to the origins of the franchise.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:20:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-johnny-cage-skin-callback/ Developed by indie studio Brainwash Gang and published by Raw Fury, Friends vs Friends is a deck-building FPS filled with short bursts of comical and reckless combat. While shooter games often result in frustration, FvF allows players to engage in lighthearted action and rival against friends by insane means. Players must navigate simple but artistically bold maps in a typical FPS manner, except the cards in their hands are the catalysts for chaos.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/friends-vs-friends-game-good-deck-building-first-person-shooter/ Over the past few decades, anime has experienced a tremendous period of growth, establishing it as one of the fastest-growing art forms in the entire world. As a result, many anime shows appear in a variety of other types of media, including beloved tabletop games such as UVS Games' UniVersus Collectible Card Game. After being advertised as the Universal Fighting System upon its debut in 2006, UniVersus CCG rebranded to its current name in 2020; since then, it's released expansions corresponding to several anime series, thereby allowing players to battle characters from multiple intellectual properties against one another. Recently, UniVersus CCG's expansion sets have centered around one of the most popular series in anime: My Hero Academia.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-ccg-jetburn-toga-deck-reveal/ Animal Crossing is a franchise known for its cute animal characters and relaxing gameplay, but longtime fans of the series know there is more to the games than just that. It’s about carving out a space in a competitive, loud world -- a space where the most exciting thing to happen is seeing a specific bug flying across the screen. Animal Crossing is, in a lot of ways, an anti-grind. It’s about taking days one at a time, and even for players who time travel to usurp that role, it’s a game that’s never intended to be stressful or difficult. It’s about pulling weeds and wearing cute clothes and making friends: safe, but no less complex for that safety.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:15:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/animal-crossing-wild-world-nintendo-best-game/ The Dungeons & Dragons world is ever-evolving, with classic campaigns and settings like Phandalin being reimagined for current players. The original Planescape setting enchanted plenty of gamers -- but Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse takes it to another level. The set includes nearly 300 pages of new content, including more than three dozen creatures to create additional challenges for even the strongest heroes.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:08:59 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-and-dragons-planescape-multiverse-adventures/ Although anime has traditionally been associated with television and film, that doesn't mean its impact is solely limited to these two mediums. In fact, many anime series are also well-represented in a variety of other forms of media — this includes card games such as UVS Games' UniVersus Collectible Card Game. Originally known as the Universal Fighting System, UniVersus CCG rebranded to its current name in 2020, and since then, it's released sets that correspond to several anime series, allowing players to battle characters from multiple intellectual properties against one another. As of late, the card game has focused on one of anime's most popular titles: My Hero Academia.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-ccg-jetburn-ochaco-deck-previews-spoilers/ Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild took the Zelda franchise to new heights, both literally and figuratively. While the open air style of Zelda game has been widely well-received by the greater gaming community, fans of the classic Zelda titles have expressed some frustrations over the change in style. This has in turn piqued the interest of newer fans to the franchise who may never have experienced what the famed "traditional Zelda" experience is all about.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:21:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/zelda-classic-games-introduction-new-players/ After years of waiting (and a few very tumultuous years of Xbox not having major exclusive games), Starfield was finally released at the end of the summer. Since then, the game has become a massive hit, with Bethesda calling it their "biggest launch ever," and the game has seen 10 million players in just a few weeks (per GameRant). Xbox was desperately looking for a hit to prove the console wars aren't over yet, and it seems Starfield has delivered.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/starfield-setting-greatest-strength/ The term "Boomer Shooter" has become prominent in recent years. Similar to Soulslike and the now-extinct term, Doom Clone, it's a somewhat nebulous label that typically is employed in a more "know it if you see it" kind of way. More games that fit into this strange subgenre have begun to crop up, a large portion of them under the publication of New Blood Interactive.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:30:31 GMT https://www.cbr.com/retro-fps-what-is-a-boomer-shooter/ Mortal Kombat 1 has exploded onto the gaming scene. Warner Bros. and developer NetherRealm Studios masterfully handled marketing for the title, trickling character reveals, gameplay footage, and celebrity cameos across more than a dozen trailers throughout the summer. Mortal Kombat 1's release comes after the arrival of Street Fighter 6 in June 2023, and will be followed by Tekken 8 in January 2024.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:20:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-1-game-renaissance/ Humble Games is a publisher with a motto and goal of releasing fun, wholesome, feel-good games out into the world. Their latest release from developer Meowza Games, Mineko's Night Market, is one such game. Mineko's Night Market is another relaxing game that offers a chill vibe through its gameplay with a soundtrack that beautifully matches the mood. The visual aesthetic is also soft and warm, offering up paper-craft-like visuals for its isometric world. Fans of Animal Crossing will find something to love in Mineko's Night Market, as on the surface they do have some similarities. Players will harvest resources and craft items to sell to the inhabitants of the village at the night market. There is no combat to speak of, and the only real stress might come from trying to get the right materials for the right crafts. But, that stress is minimal, as the pace of the game itself is very relaxed and the different musical overlays for each section of the map make for a peaceful and cheerful atmosphere.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 22:16:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/minekos-night-market-review/ One of the biggest draws of the recent Mortal Kombat games has been the scope. While the likes of Trilogy and Armageddon felt confined to a singular, albeit massive war on one Earth, MKX and MK11 really leaned hard into bending the fabric of space and time. As such, it became clear realities in future series entries would collide in due time.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 21:16:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-1-flashpoint-endgame/ Video games immerse players in expansive worlds filled with challenges, missions, and narratives. Amidst the thrilling action and extensive storylines, unknown heroes are the Non-Playable Characters, or NPCs. These figures, ranging from humble town traders to wise mentors, play a crucial role in enriching the depth and reality of the game. Through interactions with NPCs, players embark on side quests and experience emotions that only well-crafted characters can evoke.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:15:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-video-game-npcs/ The next mainline Magic the Gathering set is The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, taking place in the adventurous world of dinosaurs, pirates, merfolk, and vampires that is Ixalan. After the Phyrexian invasion of March of the Machine, the powers of Ixalan are scrambling to reach the center of Ixalan and explore the underground world that exists underneath the plane, inhabited by the enigmatic Oltec. As the third set on the plane of Ixalan, Lost Caverns has a lot to live up to in terms of developing and expanding the world we have already seen in Ixalan and Rivals of Ixalan.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mtg-lost-caverns-of-ixalan-spoilers-previews/ In the world of The Witcher, humans tend to dominate, despite being latecomers to The Continent. Dwarves, halflings, and elves were the primary inhabitants prior to their arrival, but humankind bred quickly, filling The Continent with their numbers. It wasn't long before non-humans became little more than an afterthought. The Scoia'tael were originally a faction of elves born of hatred and resentment brought on by the racism humans displayed toward their people, and over the years, the tactics they employed were as terrifying as they were lethal.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:50:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/witcher-scoiatael-aen-sidhe-elves/ Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition has 13 character classes after the artificer's introduction in Eberron: Rising from the Last War. Players are spoiled for choice when it comes to what they want to play. However, this hasn't always been the case. The original Dungeons & Dragons game limited players to just three class options.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:05:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-dragons-original-fighter-wizard-cleric-classes/ After three games and five years of exploring ancient history through a role-playing lens, Assassin's Creed Mirage is finally reviving the franchise's original stealth-action formula. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this return to form, with many comparing the upcoming title to older fan favorites like Assassin's Creed II and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. However, Mirage is actually a subtle spiritual successor to the most infamous games in Assassin's Creed's history.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/assassins-creed-mirage-returns-to-overlooked-era/ One of the big things fans were curious about with the Mortal Kombat 1 reboot was just how much of the old lore would be excised. Well, quite a bit has indeed been cut or retooled as the Fire God Liu Kang charts a new era. It's evident with arcs like Shao Kahn transformed into the more tragic General Shao, and Reptile being a former slave.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 21:15:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-deadly-alliance-deception-armageddon-remix/ Is Pot of Greed Still Banned in Yu-Gi-Oh? In short, yes, and that's unlikely to change any time soon. But understanding why Pot of Greed is still banned even when many long-time staples of the forbidden list have been leaving requires understanding both how the card fits into Yu-Gi-Oh! as a whole, and what makes it different from other TCGs.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:51:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pot-of-greed-ban-status/ As Mortal Kombat 1's release winds down, it's safe to say it's one of the most mind-blowing entries in the entire franchise. In the game, Liu Kang, as the Fire God, learns of various alternate realities in what's essentially a Mortal Kombat-Verse. This allows him to find allies to stave off Shang Tsung's incursion. When it's all said and done, Liu Kang knows he was lucky against this Titan version of the shape-shifter.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 17:20:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-biggest-unanswered-questions/ When Mortal Kombat 1 was announced, fans were intrigued by the reboots of key characters, especially those considered villains. Baraka, for example, became a tragic figure due to the Tarkat plague, while Mileena wasn't a Kitana clone. She was transformed into a princess that Outworld wanted hidden due to her infection, too.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 16:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-reptile-ending-explained/ Throughout its long history, the Sonic the Hedgehog series has seen its share of impressive highs and infamous lows. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the franchise's 3D entries. Although the Sonic games have gone through numerous iterations of their 3D formula, they have always strived to deliver exhilaratingly fast-paced action. But even after years of Sega refining and experimenting with the series' gameplay, no other Sonic game has been as influential as Sonic Adventure 2.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 14:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sonic-adventure-2-set-3d-sonic-game-standard/ When Mortal Kombat 1 clips began being seeded out, it became clear this wasn't the Outworld diehard fans knew. The older games painted the area as a wasteland that Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn, and Kotal Kahn tried to claim dominion over. They all wanted to harness the different species there and create strongholds.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 14:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-outworld-endings-explained/ Mortal Kombat 1 recently released, touting a story mode that refreshes every aspect of the franchise’s universe. Fire God Liu Kang has remade the realms, with his new era giving a redefined purpose to characters like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Reptile, Kitana and Mileena. This new reality is sprawling, detailed, and frankly too big to fit into the framework the games provide, making it perfect for comics. In fact, Mortal Kombat and its mythologies have always been perfect for the cast-driven storytelling frequently seen in the genre.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 19:51:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-comics-fate/ Pokémon has been around for a long time now, and nine generations of games and the anime have finally pushed this storied franchise over 1000 total species of Pokémon. Every generation has introduced its own collection of Pokémon, and some have even tried new things with evolution mechanics, new battle gimmicks and regional variants.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:50:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-paradox-largest-missed-opportunities/ Final Fantasy VII remains one of the benchmarks of modern gaming. Even nearly thirty years after its debut on the original PlayStation, the adventures of Cloud and his allies in AVALANCHE linger in the cultural consciousness. This made their return in 2020's Final Fantasy VII Remake all the more impactful, as the game's new approach to gameplay and tweaks to the original story brought new energy to the classic adventure.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:20:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-hands-on/ As Mortal Kombat 1 promised, many major characters had new destinies. In Liu Kang's new world, Raiden was now Earthrealm's champion and someone the Fire God hoped would help stave off incursions from enemies. Thankfully, Raiden had help from his fellow Shaolin monks, with Kung Lao present as a brother-in-arms.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:20:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-kung-lao-ending-explained/ Marvel Entertainment has crafted a compelling and complex shared universe in the comic book space. Naturally, this was transferred to the big screen with the Marvel Cinematic Universe taking the box office by storm. However, Marvel hasn't quite cracked the video game landscape in the same way. There is yet to be a truly well-formed and consistent shared universe where all past and future gaming releases are set in. There's no telling whether the games would increase in their quality or sales via this move, but it would certainly be a fun way to connect to the source material.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:31:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-insomniac-games-forget-shared-gaming-universe/ By the time the Mortal Kombat 1 ending unfolds, it's safe to say the Lin Kuei isn't the same. The ice ninja clan initially began as Liu Kang's allies, helping protect Earthrealm for centuries. Unfortunately, the new timeline finds Bi-Han wanting more power and glory, as he selfishly breaks off and partners his crew with the Titan Shang Tsung.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:20:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-smoke-ending-explained/ Dragon Quest has enjoyed popularity for almost forty years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Each of its mainline titles has been essential to furthering JRPGS as a genre, and these days they carve their path by maintaining traditional turn-based combat. There is still variation in the franchise, and it's time for Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies to be brought to modern consoles.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:50:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-quest-9-needs-remake/ One of the most anticipated games of next year for many horror fans is the Silent Hill 2 Remake. As yet, the release date is little more than the vague "early 2024" given at its announcement. Fans are eager for a new title in the long-running series that can capture what made the first four Silent Hill titles so endearing. Konami has struggled to reproduce the success of the early days of the survival horror series. Each title after Team Silent's dissolution failed to meet the expectations of both Konami and the fans.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-horror-game-to-play-while-waiting-for-sh2-remake/ One of the most shocking aspects of Mortal Kombat 1 was how the franchise flipped the script on the Lin Kuei. The legendary ice ninja clan was initially turned into something more heroic, with Liu Kang using them as guardians of Earthrealm. Interestingly, a civil war broke out, with Bi-Han wanting to selfishly lead his clan down a macabre path, playing on the "It's In Our Blood!" tagline.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:21:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-lin-kuei-ending-explained/ For years, players, critics, and even developers have floated the idea that “single-player games are dead.” This sentiment is both true and untrue. While there has been an observable trend of AAA studios moving away from ten to fifteen-hour single-player story campaigns and toward games as a service at the close of the 2010s, it still felt like there were a fair number of story-centric games even a few years ago. Fast-forward to 2023 and the market is flooded with battle passes and free-to-play models, especially in the AAA market.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/single-player-narrative-games-future/ God of War is one of Sony and PlayStation's biggest video game franchises to date. While the original God of War series was a much-loved reinvention of Greek mythology, the soft reboots from Santa Monica Studio have taken the quality of the storytelling to a new level. The titular God of War, Kratos, has been on a tumultuous journey since audiences first met him. He's a compelling character who could easily slot into other fantastical fictional universes.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:21:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/god-of-war-kratos-enters-marvel-dc-comics/ Although Berserk is widely considered to be one of the greatest manga series of all time, its various adaptations have struggled to translate the series' emotional story and stunning art into other mediums. Even so, it's odd that Berserk has received so few video game adaptations, especially considering how the manga's bloody action, imaginatively nightmarish monsters, and iconic weaponry have inspired gaming classics like Dark Souls, Dragon's Dogma, and Final Fantasy VII. While the few game adaptations Berserk has received are mostly lackluster, there is one exception that deserves a modern remake.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:21:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/berserk-best-game-needs-remake/ Macross has mostly been defined by numerous iconic anime, though the equally classic VF-1 Valkyrie units have also had their fair share of cool toys over the years. Being second only to the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise in popularity, it's also had several video games. Unfortunately, none of these have been particularly monumental, with many of them lacking a release outside Japan.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:20:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/macross-robotech-history-japan-exclusive-games/ The 1990s were a whirlwind decade for Sega; the company experienced its greatest highs with the Genesis/Mega Drive and some serious lows with the 32X and the ill-fated Saturn. By the summer of 1998, the PlayStation was the king of video games, Nintendo was creating childhood memories with the Nintendo 64 and Sega was without a home console after the early discontinuation of the Sega Saturn. Sega needed to answer the competition and deliver something big in order to stay alive in the console market. The answer came in the form of the next-generation Dreamcast.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sega-dreamcast-launch-1999-retrospective-history/