The massive multiplayer online game market is such an incredibly huge and diverse one. With so many titles to choose from, an MMO absolutely has to do something new or interesting if it hopes to catch the attention of any gamers. For the Korean action MMO
But how Blade & Soul will compare to the popularity of other MMOs largely depends on how well it can transition to a Western audience. Typically, Asian MMOs get a bad rap for having way more grinding than Western MMOs, but NCsoft has addressed that they will be reducing this element so players can focus on Blade & Soul’s quest and side-quest content. Additionally, the game's free-to-play model could also be a big issue depending on what content you'll have to pay for.
With its epic Wuxia inspired world and unique combat system, Blade & Soul looks to have a lot to offer players when it launches this winter. While its too early to tell if it can overcome the struggles of transitioning to the West, there is no denying that what's at its base is quite special.
There was a time when good Batman games were rare commodities, but the past few years have blessed us with a range of excellent options. When Batman: Arkham Asylum first arrived no one knew what to expect. Once players dug into its intricate world and discovered the robust stealth and combat systems, they discovered an all-time classic.
2. Batman: Arkham City
After the surprise success of Arkham Asylum, Rocksteady Studios followed up with a massive open world for Batman to explore. In addition to being a near perfect Batman game, Arkham City also features a playable Catwoman. It's the most fun you'll ever have controlling the devious cat burglar.
3. Injustice: Gods Among Us
The creators of Mortal Kombat clearly have a soft spot for DC Comics superheroes. Injustice feels like it was made with a lot of love, and the Batman characters are the best of the roster, including the Joker, Harley Quinn, Bane, Solomon Grundy, Catwoman, and the Caped Crusader himself.
4. LEGO Batman: The Videogame
There are a few great LEGO Batman games to choose from, but the first one in the series gets the edge for its classic feel. The world may be a little smaller than in the sequels, but it feels more personal because of it, and the humor is spot on. Holy Collectathon, Batman!
5. Batman Returns
Some people swear that the Batman games were a barren wasteland until Arkham Asylum appeared, but there are certainly some early gems awaiting the dedicated crime fighter. This SNES brawler had astounding graphics for its era, and it played like a fun spinoff of Streets of Rage or Final Fight.
6. The Adventures of Batman & Robin
The Sega Genesis got some Batman love too with The Adventures of Batman & Robin. The Sega title was distinct from the Konami game of the same name for the SNES, with a separate story focusing on Mr. Freeze, Mad Hatter, and Harley Quinn. The Genesis version is still appreciated today for its beautiful visuals and intense challenge.
7. Batman: The Video Game
It's hard to overstate how big of a hit Tim Burton's first Batman movie was. When the NES received a tie-in game to accompany the film, everyone went wild for it. It's a great game to revisit, and its cool wall jump mechanic feels straight out of Ninja Gaiden, a perfect fit for a masked fighter who hides in the shadows.
8. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
There's no reason Marvel vs. Capcom should have all the fun. Pitting Mortal Kombat characters against Batman and Superman felt like a playground argument come to life. While the finishing moves were a bit tame, it still felt deviously awesome to impale Batman with Scorpion's spear.
9. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
LEGO Batman 2 is simply one of the best LEGO games you can play, but because its expanded universe includes other DC characters, it loses some of its Batman-centric focus. If you don't mind Batman sharing the spotlight, though, this game's still a top-notch adventure.
10. Batman: Return of the Joker
This early game for the NES feels like Contra re-skinned with Batman characters. It may be a bit strange to play as a Batman that's constantly spraying (probably) non-lethal projectiles, but if you can jump that mental hurdle, this classic title holds up quite well.
11. Gotham City Impostors
If the disheveled, off-brand Batmen above didn't give it away, Gotham City Impostors doesn't feature the genuine, real-deal Batman. But this fun multiplayer homage does feature a frantic cast of Batman and Joker look-alikes who descend into all-out gang warfare. It's a fun, atmosphere-drenched diversion.
12. Batman: Arkham Origins
After the incredible high provided by the first two Arkham games, most players felt let down by the lack of originality in Arkham Origins. The prequel serves as an extension of Arkham City, though, so "more of the same" is pretty light criticism when "the same" is pretty stellar to begin with.
13. DC Universe Online
It's not quite a premium-level MMO like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, but DC Universe Online does have a surprisingly robust set of features for a console-based online multiplayer game. It's worth a look just to take a stroll through a living, breathing, digital Gotham City.
14. Batman: The Brave and the Bold - The Videogame
If you've got young kids in the house, this game works perfectly as a "My First Batman Game." Released on both Nintendo DS and Wii, it has an excellent sense of humor, and the side-scrolling brawler gameplay has a gentle difficulty curve, allowing anyone to jump in and have fun.
15. Batman: The Video Game
This was one of the first games available for Nintendo's revolutionary Game Boy handheld. It isn't mentioned frequently these days, but its tight controls, stiff platforming challenges, and surprising Batwing shooter levels made it an exciting showcase for the new system.
If only the "Experimental" graphics settings you can see below actually existed in the cops-and-criminals-themed first-person shooter , called Criminal Activity.
Unfortunately, Visceral did not share any new details about Hardline's Bounty Hunter mode. In addition, the only image of Criminal Activity released so far is the one embedded here.
Below is a roundup of everything included with Criminal Activity, courtesy of Visceral. The expansion launches in June across all platforms, while Battlefield Premium ($50) members will get to play first.
Criminal Activity includes:
Four fast-paced new maps: Backwoods, Code Blue, The Beat, and Black Friday
Two new rides
Two new ammunition types for specific weapons
A new gadget
Three new weapons
A nailgun battle pickup
New Bounty Hunter game mode
Six new masks: two animal masks, and four new police headgear options
Three additional Hardline expansions will follow: Robbery (summer), Getaway (fall), and Betrayal (early 2016). Pricing has not been announced for people who buy Hardline's expansions outside of the Premium offering. However, history suggests that they will go for $15 each.
With the TV tuner, Xbox One now has pretty comprehensive access to all types of video content. The console already allows you to plug in your cable or satellite feed via HDMI, access live TV with apps like Sling TV and ESPN, and stream from HBO Go, Netflix, and others.
The first expansion pack for Civilization Beyond Earth has been detailed. Chris Watters tells Danny all about how The Rising Tide hopes to inject some variety into last year's spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri.
Bethesda have released a teaser for their new DOOM game, while a series fan-site has leaked footage of a previous unseen trailer for a cancelled DOOM 4 game. We take a look at both, and talk about what we'd like to see from this new DOOM.
With Chaos Theory, its most recent episode, Life is Strange is beginning to straddle the line between the predictable and the unexpected. I felt like I knew what was going on, but after two hours of sifting through puzzles and dialogues, after I was so sure about what was coming next, Life is Strange flipped everything it has established on its head, making me think the next episode will introduce a radically different game.
It's hard to critique what happens in Chaos Theory without spoiling some significant plot points, for both this episode and . Their reminiscing on the past becomes fonder, their interactions warmer. Life is Strange consistently nails the odd, unexplainable way young women become best friends and how they treat each other; even Chloe's occasional roughness as she attempts to guilt Max for leaving her shows the sincerity of her affection for her old friend. Max is also comfortable calling Chloe out on her more aggressive, rude behavior, but now Chloe is willing to own up to it. These two have grown into their own, and watching them race through a quad holding hands reminded me of those weird, wonderful teenage years with my own best friend. Their relationship is finally blooming, and Dontnod supports this growth with heartfelt dialogue and a handful of very touching scenes between the two.
It's such a shame, then, that Dontnod ruins this tenderness by shoving in a ham-fisted moment suggesting Max and Chloe may be, or become, more than just friends. The moment is fleeting, awkward, jarring, and is only brought up once the episode by Max, with no response from Chloe. There is no lead up to this, no fade in or fade out of the moment; it happens, and then goes away.
Partners in crime.
In some scenes, characters stare at each other with lifeless eyes. There's a scene between Chloe and Max in which the script drops its silly teenager speak and becomes an emotional high point in the pair's relationship arc. It's sweet, and the two say a lot by saying very little. However, while they are talking, they are staring past each other with vacant zombie eyes. This has been present in previous episodes, with some scenes featuring characters that look dead-eyed, but it's in Episode Three that it becomes a real moment-killer.
Beyond the mood-breaking fetch quests and blank stares, however, Life is Strange has finally come into its own in Episode Three, shedding some dialogue and pacing problems from previous episodes. Max takes several big gambles and is now paying her dues, the full potential of her power realized in one terrifying day. Despite her growing bravery, she is becoming exhausted, and Dontnod is doing an excellent job of conveying to you, the player, just how much things are grinding on her. You feel the story's turning point like a knife to the ribs as Chaos Theory comes to a close, and the slow reveal of the potential of Max's powers is surprising and devastating. Max's goals, balancing a personal life and solving a mystery, have finally funneled into the same path, and with the entire story left turned on its head, there's no way to tell where things are going.
We ran The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on our triple SLI GTX 980s to get some 1080p60 gameplay of the White Orchard area. Enjoy.
Danny and Andy try to keep their car in one piece in this realistic and unforgiving racing simulator.
Limited edition white Xbox One Halo bundle coming to US, Windows 10 Xbox One integration gets a delay, and EA teases new Need for Speed!
After ploughing through The Witcher 3's opening hours, Lucy rounds up some essential tips to help you tackle the beasts of Temeria.
Check out the new Kold War Skin pack which includes skins for Revolution Kano, Motherland Sonya, and Tundra Sub Zero.
The first expansion pack for Civilization Beyond Earth has been detailed. Chris Watters tells Danny all about how The Rising Tide hopes to inject some variety into last year's spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri.
Watch extended gameplay footage from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt featuring the Giant Bomb crew.
Bethesda have released a teaser for their new DOOM game, while a series fan-site has leaked footage of a previous unseen trailer for a cancelled DOOM 4 game. We take a look at both, and talk about what we'd like to see from this new DOOM.
