https://www.cbr.com From breaking video game news on next-gen platforms to the latest and greatest on PC and tabletop games, CBR is the place to plug in for all your gaming needs. Fri, 22 Sep 2023 22:30:16 GMT en-US hourly 60 The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or the SNES, was an incredibly successful console for Nintendo that helped cement its dominance in the early years of the market. It was the home to some of the most famous and best-selling games and franchises of all time, like Super Mario World, F-Zero, and Super Metroid.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 22:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rare-snes-games-ranked-prices/ Nintendo has been a legendary name in the video game industry for generations, whether it's through their cutting-edge gaming consoles or their multitude of successful first-party franchises. Nintendo is a game developer that's constantly looking toward the future, but it has also never forgotten its past. Nintendo loves to put older classics back in the spotlight with next-gen ports.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:15:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/nintendo-ds-games-hard-to-remake/ The Thief Roguish Archetype is the closest to a default rogue subclass in Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. It covers the archetypal rogue whose abilities lend themselves more to quick thinking and action than spellcasting or meticulous assassinations. The D&D 5e Thief rogue has versatile features that tend towards utility and a bit of combat strength.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:12:36 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-5e-thief-rogue-build-guide/ Super Mario Bros. Wonder has gotten an overview trailer highlighting the game’s plot and numerous gameplay elements.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:11:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-bros-wonder-trailer/ 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/ Role-playing games represent some of the best and best-selling games in the industry. Offering immersive worlds fans can lose themselves in, it's easy to see how they have such a passionate fanbase. Moreover, most of them can last for countless hours, offering incredible value for the amount of money spent on them.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 19:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-rpgs-to-play-on-steam/ 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/ Fans praise the The Legend of Zelda series for its sprawling dungeons with interesting puzzling elements, and the game's Water Temples are often at the forefront. Water dungeons tend to be the most difficult in each game, due to the mechanics often associated with water-based puzzles in Zelda.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/legend-of-zelda-all-water-temples-dungeons-ranked/ Ubisoft has finally revealed the system requirements for Assassin's Creed Mirage on PC.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:49:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/assassins-creed-mirage-pc-specs/ 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/ Larian Studios smashed all expectations with their August 2023 release of Baldur's Gate 3, with gamers coming in their droves to try out this D&D-inspired masterpiece. In fact, Baldur's Gate 3 is literally based on the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system, integrating familiar classes, races, monsters, items, spells and much more into a huge gaming experience.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/baldurs-gate-3-best-dungeons-and-dragons-monsters/ 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/ The UC Vanguard, Ryujin Industries, and the Freestar Rangers are three factions in Starfield that players can complete missions for, each of which has a very compelling storyline associated with it. About halfway through the UC Vanguard storyline, players will learn an unsettling truth: François Sanon, otherwise known as Vae Victis, is alive. This, unfortunately, means the UC has been lying about the fate of the villainous admiral and faked his death in order to use him to gather intelligence on some of the criminals that somehow escaped justice after the Colony War. While he has proven to be a useful asset to the UC, his involvement nonetheless complicates things — especially when it comes to his daughter, Hadrian.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:00:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/starfield-hadrian-truth-father-choice/ The dragon of the most iconic creatures in all of fantasy, and half of Dungeons & Dragons' namesake. As a result, it's no surprise that dragons remain some of D&D's deadliest creatures. Every dragon is an epic, powerful creature with immense physical strength, elemental breath, and often magical prowess to boot.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:00:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-types-of-dragons-dungeons-dragons/ 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/ Publisher Private Division unveiled a trailer for developer Wētā Workshop's upcoming hobbit-centric The Lord of the Rings video game, Tales of the Shire.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:02:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-tales-of-the-shire-trailer/ The competitive Pokémon scene has become increasingly nuanced since the original Game Boy days, and the concept of hazard moves has become a staple in this format. Whether it's players setting up entry hazards to set the tone of battle or using moves to clear them, hazard-focused abilities can indirectly determine a match.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:50:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-games-best-hazard-moves-ranked/ With less than a month until it hits stores, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has finally gone gold.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:25:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvels-spider-man-2-officially-goes-gold/ 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/ Amidst a slew of game announcements, Ubisoft revealed that The Division 3 is currently in development.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:11:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ubisoft-the-division-3/ Baldur's Gate 3 is not only one of the best games of the year but also one of the best games of all time. It gives the player the freedom to role-play and experiment with a real sense of freedom and immersion. The number of available spells is a great example of this freedom, but for new players, it can also be a little overwhelming.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/baldurs-gate-3-best-early-game-spells/ In the short time since its release, Disney's Lorcana has taken game stores and players by storm. With only a single set under its belt so far, there will never be a better time for players to familiarize themselves with Lorcana and its mechanics. Like all living or collectible card games, the complexity Lorcana has to offer is only going to increase with time.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/lorcana-mechanics-mtg-pokemon-yugioh/ Dozens of Dragon Ball fighting games have dominated the market and helped make its star, Goku, a major gaming icon. There are still plenty of established fighting franchises like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, but there’s also been a healthy push towards anime-inspired fighting games that highlight series like One Piece and Dragon Ball.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/goku-dbz-fighting-games-wishlist/ Skyrim is a game that gives its players so much freedom that, at times, it can even overshadow its own content. A player who wants to have an adventure full of combat or play as a thief may not bother as much with Skyrim's alchemy system. But even for non-mage players, potion crafting is worth taking the time to understand.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:54:57 GMT https://www.cbr.com/skyrim-potion-crafting-guide/ Fans who can't make the journey to London for Critical Role's upcoming live show, which will see Campaign 2's Mighty Nein reunite in the wake of the Apogee Solstice, can still make an event out of the anticipated reunion alongside fellow Critters in select Cinemark and Cineplex theaters.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:03:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/critical-role-mighty-nein-return-theater-reunion/ The fighter is one of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition's most straightforward classes. It focuses on making simple weapon attacks with no additional complexity, such as spellcasting, in the base class. Some D&D 5e fighter subclasses add complex new mechanics to add versatility and power. The Samurai Martial Archetype instead enhances the fighter's toolkit with straightforward new features.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:15:41 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-5e-samurai-fighter-build-guide/ Marvel superheroes are popular figures in all kinds of video games, and fighting games are no exception. Though Capcom games like Marvel Vs. Capcom are the most well-known, other fighting games such as X-Men: Next Dimension and Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects have all featured iconic Marvel characters. With their unique powers and abilities, Marvel superheroes are perfect for filling a wide range of fighting-game archetypes.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:15:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-best-heroes-fighting-games-wishlist/ In recent years, gaming has become known for a ton of standout open-world games that are both gorgeous and gripping. Players openly admit to spending hundreds of hours at times roaming these open worlds, sometimes even after all the quests have been completed, looking for secrets, taking in the environment, or messing around with mods.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:04:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/beautiful-open-world-games/ Spawn is coming to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone Season 6 in a highly anticipated crossover.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:00:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/spawn-call-of-duty-warzone/ 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/ Video gaming is known as a time sink of a hobby. Even short video games typically last several times as long as the average movie. However, one genre is known above all others for how long its games can last. Role-playing games are notorious and beloved for their vast main stories and wealth of side content.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:20:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rpgs-longest-most-time-consuming-ranked/ Actor Idris Elba claimed he wasn't sure when he would take on another video game role after his time as Solomon Reed in the soon-to-release Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:20:09 GMT https://www.cbr.com/cyberpunk-2077-phantom-liberty-idris-elba-return/ 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/ Marvel Snap keeps expanding its catalog and players love it. This digital collecting game went through an OTA update on September 14th in order to maintain the game's balance. However, there are still some overpowered cards around that really grind the players' gears, especially because they don't reflect the source material.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strong-marvel-snap-cards-vs-comic-characters/ According to series co-creator Ed Boon, the Nintendo Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1 will be "fixed."

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:26:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ed-boon-fix-nintendo-switch-mortal-kombat-1/ 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/ After 27 years of the franchise's run and over 1,000 unique Pokémon species available in the main games, the collective movepool available for these creatures has been fleshed out with many powerful attacks to use in competitive formats. Each mainline installment to the video game series introduces new moves to shake up both story playthroughs and the metagame.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:51:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-games-best-attacks-ranked/ While one Spider-Man swings around the city in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, it doesn't mean the other one takes the day off, as Insomniac has confirmed that Peter Parker and Miles Morales can interact with one another in the game.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:32:54 GMT https://www.cbr.com/spider-man-2-peter-parker-miles-morales-interact/ 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/ While longtime fans of the franchise are hoping Konami brings the games out of dormancy, the Netflix Castlevania series has helped keep excitement for this world alive and thriving thanks to its intriguing continuity. Animated by the talented Austin, Texas-based outfit Powerhouse Animation Studios, this TV series combined elements from the video game canon and original storytelling to feel like the best of both worlds.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:11:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/castlevania-most-important-lore-for-new-viewers/ As the gaming industry becomes more narrative-focused, players flock to story-heavy AAA games like The Last of Us. These games are enriching and immersive, with captivating characters, plot points, and themes. For players who want to further bridge the gap between literature and gaming, interactive narrative games like the Life Is Strange series offer a unique way to experience meaningful and mind-bending stories.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-interactive-narrative-games/ Baldur's Gate 3 adapts Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition's character creation and combat well to a video game RPG. Not every D&D 5e option is available in BG3, but the most crucial and core features are there. This extends to many of D&D 5e's feats, used to improve a character's capabilities every four class levels.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bg3-rpg-dnd-best-feats/ Just like its predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is packed with interesting side-quests to complete, optional areas to explore, and mysterious characters to meet. The Legend of Zelda franchise has always been known for its bizarre and mysterious characters, and Tears of the Kingdom is no different, especially when it comes to Malanya, the god of horses. Malanya was first introduced in Breath of the Wild as a method of reviving the player's deceased horses. The horse god now returns in Tears of the Kingdom with the ability to not only revive horses but also upgrade their stats. What's more, Malanya often delivers messages to Link where he hints where Link can find the best horses in Hyrule.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 21:15:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tears-of-the-kingdom-malanya-message-guide/ The trailer for Dimension 20's latest season Burrow's End sees Aabria Iyengar return to the Dungeon Master's chair to guide her team of stoats on a harrowing and heartfelt journey.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:52:34 GMT https://www.cbr.com/aabria-iyengar-dungeon-master-dimension-20/ It used to be common for video games to have a set ending, or a point where there isn't anything else for players to accomplish. With the ever-increasing popularity of live service games, as well as DLC drops and the inclusion of fanmade mods, many games can now go on well past their pre-defined "end." Gamers are more concerned with getting the most out of their purchases and usually equate higher hours of playtime with a higher quality gaming experience overall.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:16:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/games-with-no-endings/ The Soulslike genre has flourished since its inception in the late 2000s. The genre is named for FromSoftware's Demon's Souls and Dark Souls titles and describes games that evoke their gameplay. Most Soulslikes are third-person action-RPGs with punishing difficulty, a melee combat focus, and certain design conventions.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:50:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/lies-of-p-great-soulslikes-not-fromsoftware/ Recent documents revealed amid an ongoing lawsuit between Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission appear to confirm plans to remaster Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:32:58 GMT https://www.cbr.com/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-fallout-3-remasters/ Video game storytelling has come leaps and bounds in recent decades. Some titles, like The Last of Us and Red Dead Redemption II, have reached a level of prestige and acclaim with their storytelling that rivals the best output of other mediums. These games largely take themselves deadly seriously, with a dark tone and realistic story. However, this isn't the only way to make a game that can touch players.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:20:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/video-games-best-most-ridiculous-stories/ 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/ Since its 2020 release, Genshin Impact has been one of the most impactful and immersive gacha games available for play across mobile, PC, and PlayStation. Genshin has been updated consistently every six weeks, offering new stories, character banners, events, rewards, and map expansions for players with each expansion.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/genshin-impact-rpg-fontaine-biggest-changes/ Disney's beloved Australian children's show, Bluey, is expanding into the world of gaming with its inaugural title, Bluey: The Videogame.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:30:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/disney-bluey-new-video-game-trailer/ 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/ To understand what makes a video game truly great, one must consider everything that goes into the best games to make them stand out. Exceptional gameplay gets players into the thick of the action. Graphics, artwork, and voice acting help to keep them immersed. Yet, it is through storytelling and the general writing of a game that provides real, meaningful direction.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:01:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-written-must-play-games/ Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III announced the return of the franchise's iconic Zombies mode with a ghoulish cinematic trailer.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:53:43 GMT https://www.cbr.com/modern-warfare-iii-zombies-trailer/ The Loki For All Time season is now well under way in Marvel Snap, having gotten off to a hot start with Loki and Alioth causing chaos and switching up the meta. The new card for the Spotlight Cache week beginning September 19th is hardly as exciting as these two previous cards, but Ravonna Renslayer does still have her place in some favorite decks.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:45:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-spotlight-cache-cards-september-19/ 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/ Every gamer has a story of sitting down with a couch co-op game and playing with friends for hours, and many players bond with their partner through a co-op experience. Co-op games can make a good game even better, but they can also ruin a game that isn't designed for co-op. While there are countless games that have been improved by co-op, there are just as many that have been ruined by unnecessary co-op.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:50:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/co-op-games-better-as-single-player/ Hasbro's current Transformers toyline just got a blast from the animated past.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:32:06 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hasbro-transformers-animated-optimus-prime-bumblebee-figures/ One of the most impressive facets of Mortal Kombat 1 is how it reshaped the destinies and overall motivation of many villains. Baraka wanted a home for him and those inflicted with the Tarkatan plague, while Reptile was a former slave who just wanted to be accepted. Even General Shao is somewhat sympathetic, wanting to overthrow Queen Sindel to genuinely protect Outworld.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:20:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mk1-reiko-ending-info/ The concept of debuffs in RPGs is practically a staple among several franchises and for Pokémon games, it can mean a variety of things depending on the move in question. And with over 1,000 unique species after the releases of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for the Nintendo Switch, the combinations of movesets have become even more in-depth.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:00:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-games-most-powerful-debuffs-ranked/ For many players new to Dungeons & Dragons, learning the mechanics of the game and endeavoring into that very first adventure can be daunting. Both players and Dungeon Masters who started adventuring in 2014 with the original D&D 5e Starter Set no doubt found themselves delving deep into The Lost Mine of Phandelver, the set's accompanying starter adventure. Designed to see Level 1 players through to Level 5, The Lost Mine of Phandelver was an adequate taste of the game, but there was always the potential for so much more adventure.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-phandelver-and-below-the-shattered-obelisk-review/ Behaviour Interactive's Dead By Daylight is an iconic asymmetrical horror game that, since its release in 2016, has carved out a decisive niche for itself in the video game market. As a horror movie simulator, the daunting cat-and-mouse game that occurs in every single match between Survivors and Killers is incredibly addicting, and every victory is to be relished.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:15:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dbd-beginner-guide-2023/ Game controller designs have converged in recent years. Every mainstream gamepad includes two sticks, two pairs of triggers and bumpers, letter buttons, a D-pad, and some variation of motion or touch control. Games have similarly adapted, to the point the text "press X to interact" is in almost every game tutorial. The more that control systems become homogenized, the more odd control schemes stand out.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:15:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/video-games-strange-controls/ Romance is a more popular game mechanic than ever, whether it involves finding a sweet girl to settle down with in Stardew Valley or picking the better waifu for Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII between Aerith and Tifa (the answer is Tifa, by the way). For all the romantic debauchery available to player characters, though, it can feel weird when they don't get an alternate love interest, especially in games with big parties or multiple bachelor/ettes of all genders. Contemporary games feel like a virtual cornucopia of hot young singles, but they all share the same type: just bland enough to be projectable for any player and therefore inoffensive to any given romantic partner.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fire-emblem-has-great-shipping-systems/ Final Fantasy XIV originally launched in late September 2010, and though its initial release was rocky, it's been built up into one of the most successful and critically-acclaimed MMORPGs on the market. From the main questline to the many varied sidequests, events and challenges that make up Eorzea's world, there's no shortage of content for players to get lost in, and developers are constantly adding more.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:31:30 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-xiv-great-mmo-new-players/ As Mortal Kombat 1's story mode comes to an end, it seems the Fire God in Liu Kang has managed to preserve his timeline. He's harnessed the Sands of Time, becoming Keeper of the Hourglass once more. It's part and parcel of him keeping the various realities from spilling over in what's essentially the franchise's take on the Multiverse.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:15:45 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-1-havik-ending/ After seeing massive success on PC and later, the PlayStation 5, Baldur's Gate 3 is finally making its way to Xbox, though Microsoft reportedly passed up the opportunity to launch it on Game Pass.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:06:41 GMT https://www.cbr.com/baldurs-gate-3-game-pass-microsoft-xbox/ Ed Boon has revealed that John Wick was a character he considered bringing in for the latest Mortal Kombat title.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:28:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/john-wick-mortal-kombat-1/ The Marvel Universe has a rich array of villains to form narratives around. With complex origin stories, impressive powers, and carefully designed costumes, many of these antagonists have stood the test of time because they are so compelling on the page. However, what may work in the medium of comics might not always translate to other platforms.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:15:49 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-best-villains-fighting-games-wishlist/ Ryujin Industries is essentially the Thieves' Guild of Starfield, so their missions primarily involve the use of stealth and persuasion to sneak by and outsmart unaware NPCs. As a tale of loyalty, deception, and friendship, the Ryujin Industries storyline is very engaging and worth experiencing. It also happens to be a great way to make a lot of credits and the only way players can acquire the unique Manipulate skill.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:06:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/starfield-ryujin-industries-guide-mission-walkthrough/ It's not always easy to put together the perfect Pokémon team. It's ideal to create a team that contains Pokémon of varying types in order to protect them against a multitude of enemies, but doesn't lose the opportunity to dish out super effective attacks. With many Pokémon falling under more than one type, these combinations can make Pokémon vulnerable to more types than expected.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:31:39 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-fewest-type-weaknesses/ Actual-play shows and streams where the cast plays a tabletop roleplaying game have become increasingly popular over the last several years. There is a vast abundance of shows featuring different players, Game Masters, games, and themes, each with unique stories and lore. Getting into actual-plays as a new viewer can be difficult, and the first challenge is always deciding where to begin. Obstacles like time commitment, knowledge of existing lore, and differing play-style preferences can be daunting to overcome.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:50:37 GMT https://www.cbr.com/critical-role-exu-calamity-starting-point/ CMON has announced their next board game project coming to Kickstarter, and it's based on DC Comics' zombie storyline, DCeased.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:48:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dceased-board-game-dc-comics/ Nintendo continues to prove itself as one of the most exciting developers in the gaming industry through innovative new titles and popular intellectual properties like Super Mario. Super Mario is still Nintendo’s strongest franchise but they’ve used the opportunity that created to expand upon the public’s perception of what a Super Mario game looks like. It will continue this trend in its new releases throughout 2024.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:20:37 GMT https://www.cbr.com/every-new-mario-game-nintendo-switch-2023-2024/ There are plenty of things for players to do in Starfield, from playing through the main story to completing side missions for various companions and organizations to exploring and surveying alien planets. Each of these activities will reward players with XP, but there are some methods in Starfield that are more lucrative than others.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:13:48 GMT https://www.cbr.com/starfield-xp-farm-how-to-grind/ Sorcerers are one of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition's hardest classes to build. Their limited spells known, class features, and Metamagic force a sorcerer player to choose one role they want to excel in. The class is one of D&D 5e's least versatile sorcerers, made up for with its ability to specialize.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:50:38 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-dd-sorcerer-multiclass-combos/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet sit in the awkward seat of being good for what they are, but bad for what they could be. With a Metacritic critic score of 72 for Scarlet and 71 for Violet, most would agree that the open-world take on the long-running series is fun enough. However, the heavy technical issues, poor presentation, and many glitches are shocking for mainline entries in the world's highest-grossing media franchise.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:20:36 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-scarlet-violets-rivals-explained/ As Mortal Kombat 1 kicks off, fans are basking in a new era. Liu Kang, as the Fire God, has reshaped reality, but he's stunned to learn all isn't as it seems. There's a Titan version of Shang Tsung running loose as well, making incursions and looking to shatter this paradise. The iconic villain doesn't like anyone but him messing with space and time, so he wants to enslave all timelines, beginning with Liu Kang's.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:20:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-1-raiden-ending-explained/ September represented one of the best months in gaming during an already great month. Bethesda released their smash hit Starfield and other companies coming through with amazing games as well. As fans enter the fall, they shouldn't expect game releases to cool off at all.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:00:32 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-new-upcoming-video-games/ When the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes began, audiences started questioning whether their favorite entertainment media would be impacted. The answers are complex and vary on a case-by-case basis due to the nuances of established contracts and potential interim agreements. Tabletop-roleplaying game fans were especially unsure if the strikes would significantly impact actual-play shows like Critical Role and Dimension 20, since their cast rosters and crews heavily feature members of both unions. At the moment, both shows are still in production and are visibly and vocally supportive of the strikes. While this support may seem contradictory with continued production to some fans, it comes down to a few distinctions between the regulations for different types of media and the companies that produce them.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:30:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/writer-actor-strikes-critical-role-dimension-20/ Leaked documents from Microsoft reveal that the technology and video game company considered putting in offers to buy Nintendo and Warner Bros. Games -- formally known as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:08:39 GMT https://www.cbr.com/microsoft-buy-nintendo-warner-bros-games/ MK1 picks up where Mortal Kombat 11 left off, exploring Liu Kang’s new timeline and the aftermath of his deception. While the God of Fire claims that this new timeline is the only one, it’s clear that he was aware of other timelines and the evil forces potentially therein. Now in a quest to protect this and all other timelines from evil, the Lord of Time carefully resurrected and reformed klassic Mortal Kombat fighters.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:50:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-classic-fighters-return-mk1/ Magic: The Gathering has brought back My Little Pony in Ponies: The Galloping 2.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:34:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/my-little-pony-magic-the-gathering-ponies-the-galloping-2/ The Final Fantasy franchise has been the premiere Japanese role-playing video game series since the 1980s. Other properties have risen in popularity since then, but for the most part, Square Enix's premier series has set the pace for the entire genre. Unfortunately, this has meant that some otherwise acclaimed role-playing games have largely fallen by the wayside in terms of popularity, if they ever achieved much to begin with.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-overshadow-suikoden-jrpg-success/ Although Critical Role has far higher production values than most tables and an experienced cast of voice actors playing, it's a Dungeons & Dragons game at heart. Character-building is a vital part of the game that affects a player's experience for years to come. While every Critical Role character is memorable and likable, some stand out in terms of power.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:00:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/critical-role-strongest-player-characters/ Like most Dungeons & Dragons games, Critical Role is about the player characters first and foremost. Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein, and Hell's Bells are all stuffed with epic heroes for the fan to root for. However, they need somebody else to stand against. This is where Critical Role's many villains come in, all originally played by DM Matthew Mercer.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:31:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/critical-role-dungeons-and-dragons-best-villains-ranked/ While the competitive metagame for the Pokémon franchise is constantly tweaked with each generation, several stat-buffing moves are consistently reliable in battle. With over 1,000 unique species that carry unique Type combinations, there are always plenty of creatures to make use of these moves in a variety of situations.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:16:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-buffs-pokemon-ranked/ With a roster that has now spilled over the one-thousand mark, Pokémon is teeming with variety across 18 types with even more type combinations, and each species takes inspiration from unique creatures, concepts, or folklore. Every type naturally has its standout Pokémon and plenty that fade into obscurity, but many Pocket Monsters look much tougher or more imposing than they actually are.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 23:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/weak-pokemon-look-scary/ Marvel's Avengers - The Definitive Edition is 90% off on Steam, bringing the game down from $39.99 to just $3.99. The offer will end on September 30, 2023.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:27:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvels-avengers-90-percent-discount-steam/ There’s a strong sense of satisfaction that occurs whenever a gamer takes down a video game’s final challenge and watches the credits roll. This sense of accomplishment is incredible, but there are plenty of video games where the end credits mark the definitive finish to this experience and mean that it’s time to try out another game. However, there’s been a strong push towards “New Game Plus” modes that offer attractive extra content. This special feature incentivizes repeated playthroughs and can significantly change the experience.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:16:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-new-game-plus-modes/ One of the programmers for the original Star Fox SNES game feels the franchise will return to Nintendo systems in the future.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:30:09 GMT https://www.cbr.com/star-fox-series-nintendo-return/ The wonderful world of Pokémon is full of variety, especially now that the roster is well over 1000 strong. Across 18 types and a plethora of type combinations within that, nine generations of Pokémon have produced species of all shapes and sizes. Each Pokémon has a unique personality and attributes, often taking on various real-world inspirations. Strength and power are held in high regard when it comes to Pokémon battling, but players and trainers alike would do well to remember power doesn't always come from the largest or most imposing species.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:15:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strong-cute-pokemon/ According to a new court document, The Elder Scrolls VI won’t be released on PS5.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:09:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/elder-scrolls-vi-exclusive-xbox-pc/ Tabletop games have directly or indirectly inspired nearly every video game ever made. Many video gaming conventions, designs, and even mechanics draw from the ways humans have been playing games for thousands of years. However, Dungeons & Dragons has had an outsized impact on the video games industry by kickstarting the roleplaying game genre.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:20:33 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-dnd-inspired-video-games/ Final Fantasy XIV's lead creative director plans to stay with the game for at least another decade while the MMO begins a brand-new era.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:30:36 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-xiv-director-ten-more-years/ Since the dawn of time, humans have been fascinated with fear. From cautionary tales to telling ghost stories, fear provokes a primal thrill. Horror may not be for everyone, but when done well, the sensation of being terrified can leave a lasting and oddly satisfying impression on a person. Horror games provide players with an experience almost as terrifying as being there in person, which leads fans to search from game to game for the most breathtaking scares.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:50:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/scariest-video-games-of-all-time/ Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne is notorious among JRPG fans for being one of the hardest games in the genre, and it's easy to see why. The game's punishing combat and lack of hand-holding make it a daunting challenge for even the most experienced JRPG fans. It's an unforgiving experience with a level of difficulty that's only matched by other Shin Megami Tensei games. However, while the game may seem overwhelming or downright unfair to first-time players, Nocturne's intense difficulty makes it one of the best JRPGs of all time.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:21:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/smt-3-nocturne-perfect-brutal-difficulty-design/ Critical Role's core cast of Dungeons & Dragons characters, alongside the veteran voice actors portraying them, are well-loved by most show fans. Even the most contentious characters tend to have sizable fanbases. However, these aren't the only heroes in Critical Role's campaigns. The series has a proud history of guest stars, and many are friends or colleagues of the cast.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:00:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-critical-role-cameos/ Thank the power of PlayStation 5 technology for Marvel's Spider-Man 2's most impressive gameplay features.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:57:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvels-spider-man-2-developers-praise-the-power-of-ps5-hardware/