Early Mass Effect: Andromeda Concept Art Shows What Could’ve Been

A new collection of early concept art for Mass Effect: Andromeda has popped up online. The gallery comes to us from former Bioware Montreal Lead UI Artist, Eric Bellefeuille. The images Bellefeuille has shared with us shows what the game looked like in the early stages of its five-year development.

The images not only provide interesting insight into what the game could’ve looked like, but it also reveals a few of the team’s earliest ideas that were nixed in the final release.

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Some of these ideas included earning gameplay-enhancing bonuses for scanning Remnant glyphs, an omni glove that shows the mission description and your location on the map, and a much different looking Pathfinder quarters with SAM contained in a Zordon-like tube a la Power Rangers.

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You’ll also notice that many of the characters have different looks and descriptions. Most notably Peebee’s appearance, Vetra Nyx’s name change, and Cora Harper sporting a different haircut. It’s also interesting to note that in the screenshot below, Cora is listed as an Asari when she is clearly a human.

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You can find the rest of Bellefeuille’s Mass Effect: Andromeda artwork on ArtStation.

Nintendo Plans to Launch the SNES Mini

It’s only been a week since Nintendo made the surprising announcement that they will be discontinuing the production of the NES Classic. Many fans still feel confused and disgruntled by the baffling decision given that the product was still highly desired. Nintendo clarified its decision explaining that the NES mini was never meant to be a permanent product.

snessys01gr_p_0xp4xqThe NES Classic, which is a reimagined miniaturized version of the original NES, has been a hard to acquire item since its release in December 2016. Mainly due to Nintendo’s inability to keep up with public demand. Although Nintendo has given up on the nostalgia-inducing system, it may not be all bad news.

Hot off the heels of the discontinuation, Eurogamer reports that Nintendo has plans on releasing a mini SNES console. The new system is scheduled to release at the end of this year, around Christmas, and is already under development.

Unfortunately, it’s very likely Nintendo will make this new microconsole a temporary novelty as well. Here’s to hoping that Nintendo has learned it’s lesson with the NES Classic and will be better prepared to keep the SNES mini in stock while it’s available.

11 Addictive Mobile Games You Need to Play

Are you on the go and need some great games to keep you busy? Here are a few mobile games that you should put on your phone right now.

Her Story

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The problem with interactive movie games is that most of the time they just don’t work. They’re usually either boring, poorly made, or have terrible acting. However, this is exactly what makes Her Story something of a rarity. It’s an interactive movie game that doesn’t just work; it works well.

Her Story is a murder mystery where you take on the role of a police investigator (presumably). As the investigator assigned to this case, you must sort through and review interview footage of a woman named Hannah. Hannah is not only the victim’s wife, she’s also a possible suspect. It’s up to you to piece together the subtle clues in the videos and find out the truth.

Lara Croft GO

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How do you turn a game franchise like Tomb Raider into a turn-based puzzle game? Developer Square Enix Montreal figured out a way. Lara Croft GO simplifies the action-adventure game without sacrificing the key essentials that make Tomb Raider what it is. The result is a very clever and challenging experience that genuinely feels rewarding.

Similar to the first game in the GO series (Hitman GO), you move the protagonist one space at a time. Every space you move allows each enemy or booby trap on the board to move as well. This makes it necessary to come up with a strategy that will allow Lara to avoid obstacles and get safely to the goal. If you dig this game, then you might want to give Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO a try as well.

Adventures of Poco Eco – Lost Sounds

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Adventures of Poco Eco – Lost Sounds is one of the most visually appealing games available in any app store. Its unique art design and bold color palette have some comparing it visually to the critically acclaimed game Monument Valley.

In this game, you help the curious explorer Poco Eco on his search to find his tribe’s lost sounds. To assist Poco Eco on his mission and restore the sounds of his tribe, you must complete 12 different levels that include clever 3D puzzles. The world of Lost Sounds is built around a mixture of electronic music and design, which creates a relaxing atmosphere.

Prune

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Want to play a game that will help you relax in the process? Prune might be just the kind of game you’re looking for. This beautiful puzzle game about growing and trimming trees will put you into a zen-like state of mind.

As far as gameplay is concerned, it’s pretty straightforward. You need to help a tree grow to its full height so it can sprout flowers. As the tree grows, you’ll have to prune any branches that are hindering its growth. When the branches hit the sunlight, flowers will begin to bloom. You need a certain number of flowers to bloom in order to complete the level.

Fallout Shelter

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Fallout Shelter is a free-to-play simulation game based on the Fallout universe. Players must create a vault, fill it with post-nuclear survivors, expand their underground bunker, and manage the ensuing chaos. It didn’t take long before Fallout fanatics found themselves hopelessly addicted to this mobile game.

Downwell

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As Jessica Jones would say, it’s not flying, “it’s more like guided falling.”

Downwell is an ’80s arcade-style, vertical scrolling shooter where you play as a young curious boy who one day decides that he wants to explore the depths of a mysterious well. You are armed with gunboots to protect yourself from the dangerous monsters that live within the well.

As you fall and shoot monsters, you’ll also need to collect gems. These gems will allow you to purchase power-ups. It’s a pretty simple but adrenaline-pumping game.

Alto’s Adventure

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Endless runners have been a staple among mobile games ever since the App Store was launched in 2008. However, Alto’s Adventure stands out from the rest because of its stunning visual presentation. The ever-changing scenery combined with the day/night cycles cause the environment to evolve and transform beautifully. You’ll be feeling the need to take screenshots of the artistic backgrounds constantly.

Neko Atsume

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Not all games have to be about shooting stuff or brain-melting puzzles. Neko Atsume is a simple game in which you try to attract as many cats as you can to your backyard. This bizarrely entertaining game essentially lets you become the crazy cat person you always wished you could be.

The premise of the game is to make your backyard as inviting as possible. To do this you must collect cat toys and lay out snacks for your soon-to-be friends. The game is free, so there is no reason not to start collecting all those adorable cats.

LIMBO

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Eerie is the perfect word to describe LIMBO. LIMBO first came out for the Xbox 360 in 2010 and has since made its way to the Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and 4, PC, Android, and iOS.

The story follows a boy who finds himself in a scary, dangerous world. He must traverse this perilous, noir world to find his lost sister. The haunting atmosphere is persistent throughout the game and is one of the things that make it special.

Rick and Morty: Pocket Mortys

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If you watch Rick and Morty on Adult Swim then Rick and Morty: Pocket Mortys is a must-have. The game is basically a parody of Pokémon packed full of Rick and Morty references and jokes. Underneath all the jokes, however, is a real game that provides a good amount of entertainment.

Similar to Pokémon, your goal is to become the best trainer around. You’ll need to travel through the multiverse, collecting alternate reality versions of Morty to battle against other Ricks standing in your way. It is free on iOS and Android, so give it a shot.

Monument Valley

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Monument Valley is one of the best mobile games out there right now. Its Escheresque puzzles and fascinating art style make it unusual and uncommon.

Each level in the game centers around different 3D puzzles. You’ll need to shift and contort each puzzle like a Rubik’s Cube to get the protagonist to her desired location. Every level completed will reveal bits of the game’s story.

This game’s only downfall is that it’s a little short, completing in only 10 levels. However, it’s still totally worth the cost.

April Releases

Game Releases

Use Your Words PC/PS4 04/04/17
Plutobi: The Dwarf Planet Tales PS4 04/04/17
Persona 5 PS4 04/04/17
Air Conflicts: Secret Wars PS4 04/04/17
Blackwood Crossing PS4 04/04/17
LEGO City Undercover PS4/Xbox One 04/04/17
Drawn to Death PS4 04/04/17
ArmaGallant: Decks of Destiny PS4 04/04/17
Mr. Massagy PS4 04/04/17
PaRappa the Rapper Remastered PS4 04/04/17
Mortal Blitz PS4 04/04/17
Paradigm PC/Mac 04/05/17
Talent Not Included Xbox One 04/05/17
Blackwood Crossing Xbox One/PC 04/05/17
Shovel Knight: Spector of Torment PC/Mac 04/05/17
Stellaris: Utopia PC 04/06/17
Graceful Explosion Machine Switch 04/06/17
Europa Universalis IV: Mandate of Heaven PC 04/06/17
Pinball Breakout 3DS 04/06/17
Animal Gods Wii U 04/06/17
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition PS4/PC 04/07/17
The Signal From Tolva PC/Mac 04/10/17
Symphony of the Machine PS4/PC 04/11/17
Cosmic Star Heroine PS4/PC 04/11/17
Crawl Xbox One/PS4 04/11/17
Yooka-Laylee PS4/PC 04/11/17
StarBlood Arena PS4 04/11/17
Fairune PS Vita 04/11/17
A Rose in the Twilight PS Vita/PC 04/11/17
Stardew Valley Collector’s Edition Xbox One/PS4 04/11/17
Aaero PS4/PC 04/11/17
Planescape: Torment Enhanced Edition PC/Linux 04/11/17
Cossacks 3: Guardians of the Highlands PC/Mac 04/11/17
Snow Moto Racing Freedom PS4/PC 04/11/17
Kero Blaster PS4 04/11/17
Shock Tactics PC 04/11/17
Lichtspeer PS Vita 04/11/17
Euro Fishing PS4 04/11/17
The Sexy Brutale PS4/PC 04/12/17
The Jackbox Party Pack 3 Switch 04/13/17
Rolling Bob PS4 04/13/17
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (Telltale) Xbox One/PS4 04/18/17
Planet Nomads PC 04/18/17
Flinthook PS4/PC 04/18/17
Voodoo Vince Remastered Xbox One/PC 04/18/17
Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom Xbox One/PS4 04/18/17
Full Throttle PS4/PC 04/18/17
ATV Renegade Xbox One/PS4 04/18/17
The Disney Afternoon Collection Xbox One/PS4 04/18/17
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap PS4/Switch 04/18/17
The Silver Case HD Collection PS4 04/18/17
Inner Chains PC 04/20/17
De-Formers Xbox One/PS4 04/21/17
Cities: Skylines Xbox One 04/21/17
Statik PS4 04/24/17
Dragon Quest Heroes II PS4/PC 04/25/17
Syberia 3 PS4/PC 04/25/17
Outlast II PS4/PC 04/25/17
Wilson’s Heart PC 04/25/17
Puyo Puyo Tetris PS4/Switch 04/25/17
What Remains of Edith PS4/PC 04/25/17
Outlast Trinity Xbox One/PS4 04/25/17
The Deer God PS4/PS Vita 04/25/17
Batman: Arkham VR PC 04/25/17
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 PS4/PC 04/25/17
Period: Shackles of Amadeus PS Vita 04/25/17
Pinstripe PC 04/25/17
Valhalla Hills: Definitive Edition Xbox One/PS4 04/25/17
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II PC 04/27/17
Expeditions: Vikings PC 04/27/17
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch 04/27/17
Little Nightmares PS4/PC 04/27/17
Constructor HD Xbox One/PC 04/27/17

The Flash Returns to Redeem Himself in New Injustice 2 Trailer

The fastest man in the world is back for another go in the new Injustice 2 trailer.

To freshen up your memory, The Flash fought for Superman’s Earth One regime in Injustice: Gods Among Us, but he was clearly conflicted by his decision and left the team. In this new trailer, we see the scarlet speedster donning his red boots once again, hoping for a chance at redemption.

Check out the new trailer below

10 Games We’ll Never Get The Chance To Play

It’s not uncommon for games to travel through a long arduous journey before they can see the light of day. Unfortunately, some titles aren’t as lucky as others and end up either in development limbo or get canceled altogether. These are 10 games we’ll sadly never get the chance to play.

Star Wars 1313

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Star Wars 1313 was set to be the AAA Star Wars game we’ve all been waiting for. A gritty take on the Star Wars universe, 1313 focused on a young Boba Fett living in a sub-level under the city-planet known as Coruscant. The game was in development under LucasArts, but that all changed in 2013 when The Walt Disney Company acquired LucasArts.

After the acquisition, the studio was shut down and all internal projects that were in development at the time, including 1313, were scrapped. From the reveal trailer, the game looked to employ a cinematic approach to its action-adventure gameplay, comparable to that of the Uncharted series.

Heavenly Sword 2

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This may or may not come as a surprise, but Heavenly Sword was originally expected to be a trilogy. After Heavenly Sword was released on the PS3, Ninja Theory quickly began work on Heavenly Sword 2. However, Ninja Theory was forced let SCE Cambridge, most currently known as Guerilla Cambridge, take over the development of the sequel. In 2008, the project was canceled altogether.

Despite the setback, Ninja Theory moved on from Heavenly Sword and focused their efforts on a new IP called Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Ninja Theory is currently working on a spiritual successor to Heavenly Sword, called Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.

inSANE

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Game developer Volition and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro joined forces with the purpose of delivering us a brand new survival horror game called inSANE. After the demise of Volition’s publisher THQ, development on the title was halted. With the rights of the game still in his hands, del Toro reached out to multiple companies with the intent to revive the project. Much to del Toro’s disappointment, no company took an interest in his vision. This lack is interest from other publishers doomed the game and ultimately sentenced it to limbo where it will forever stay as vaporware.

Scalebound

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After being in development for nearly four years, Scalebound, a game that was destined to come out for the Xbox One in 2017, was canceled. Developed by Platinum Games, this dragon focused action RPG was the studio’s first foray into the genre. From the get-go, Scalebound proved to be a challenge for the team.

The game was expected to have gameplay that was unlike anything the studio had done previously. Despite reported issues with the game’s engine and the team missing deadlines, Hideki Kamiya, the founder of Platinum Games, had high hopes for the title. Kamiya even went as far as to describe the game as a dream come true for him. In late 2016, due to the troubled development, Microsoft Studios and Platinum Games came to the conclusion that it was best to “part ways” and Platinum ceased work on the title.

Prey 2

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Another highly anticipated game, Prey 2, was canceled reportedly due to “quality” issues. Human Head Studios released the announcement trailer at E3 2013. The trailer managed to pique event goer’s interest, but unfortunately, even a great trailer couldn’t save this game from cancellation. Although the game looked promising, publisher Bethesda didn’t believe that the game would live up to the high expectations.

LMNO

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Electronic Arts formed a partnership with Steven Spielberg in 2004. In this partnership, Spielberg was contracted to develop three games for EA. One of those games was going to be a sci-fi action-adventure RPG codenamed LMNO.

This game, which featured a former federal agent and a mysterious female alien-like character as the protagonists, was meant to be an emotional story that would tug at our heartstrings. It turns out that what caused the downfall of this game was the fact that the team just couldn’t seem to get their ideas to coalesce into one workable story.

Fallout Online

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Take Fallout and combine it with an MMO and you’d have Fallout Online. Fallout Online was going to be the Fallout MMO experience fans had been clamoring for, that is if Bethesda Softworks wouldn’t have gotten in the way. During development, Bethesda told developer Masthead Studios that although the game is set in the Fallout Universe, the game can’t mention or make any references to Fallout.

Bethesda’s decision rubbed Masthead Studios the wrong way and caused unrepairable friction between the developer and publisher. After a lengthy legal battle, the two parties reached a settlement and the game was canceled.

StarCraft: Ghost

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StarCraft is most typically known for its real-time strategy gameplay, but StarCaft: Ghost looked to deviate from that path. This title was meant to be a stealth action game set within StarCraft‘s universe. The game was announced in 2002, but after several delays, the game was put on “indefinite hold” in 2006. Sadly, it seems like we’ll never know what could’ve been.

Rainbow 6: Patriots

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No one was surprised to find out that another Rainbow 6 game was in the works, but I believe we were all stunned when news broke of Rainbow 6: Patriots cancellation. The game had been in development for several years, but as the developers moved on from last generation’s console to the current generation, problems occurred.

The game was eventually replaced with Rainbow 6: Siege. When asked why, the developers explained that they wanted to deliver a “next-gen experience” and it was just easier to start over with a clean slate.

Eight Days

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Eight Days was originally meant to only be a tech demo in 2005, but about a year later, Eight Days was announced as a full-fledged game. The game managed to impress everyone with its first trailer and it quickly became a highly anticipated title.

Despite the popularity, the game was canceled in 2008 after an internal review conducted by Sony revealed that the game wasn’t very fun. The lack of an online mode was one of the most common critiques of the game. Since then, the game has faded away from most people’s memories.

Superhero Games I’d Love To See Rocksteady Make

Now that the Arkham series has concluded, Rocksteady Studios can focus on the future. At the moment, we know almost nothing about their new project. However, we can surmise that it will probably be another superhero game based in the DC Universe. Given that, I thought it would be interesting to come up with some ideas for heroes they should consider. These are heroes I’d love to see Rocksteady use for a new game.

Green Arrow

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Green Arrow is the Robin Hood of the DC Universe, minus the stealing part of course. Like Batman, Green Arrow doesn’t rely on any superpowers. He simply uses his athleticism, archery skills, and tech to dispatch his foes. Making a game around a superhero like this seems like it would be right up their alley. In fact, it might be the safest gamble for Rocksteady.

Since they wouldn’t have to worry about superpowers, they could easily extrapolate what they learned from their Batman games and apply it to Green Arrow. I think it would probably be the most natural progression for the developer. I have further confidence in this idea after playing Horizon Zero Dawn. Guerrilla Games found a way to make bow and arrow combat exciting, fun, and challenging and I believe Rocksteady can do the same.

The Flash

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Could you imagine what Rocksteady could do with a superhero like The Flash? The scarlet speedster has all sorts of interesting powers (other than just running fast) including the ability to pass through solid objects, immunity to telepathy, the ability to create vortexes, lightning throwing, and more. There’s more than enough for Rocksteady to work with here. Just think about how fun it could be to fight the Reverse Flash or Gorilla Grodd at breakneck speeds.

Vixen

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Although Vixen isn’t as big of a headliner as a Superman or Batman, she could be a very interesting choice given her unique skill set. To give a little background to her character, Vixen is a superhero who has the power to use the abilities of any animal on Earth, alive or extinct.

Since her story isn’t as well known as others, Rocksteady could explore her origins. Since she would be gradually learning how to use her abilities, there would be a built-in explanation (gameplay-wise) as to why she would continue to learn new abilities throughout the game. The potential for a game with a protagonist like this would only be limited by the developer’s imagination.

Cyborg

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Although Cyborg has recently been getting a big push from DC, he’s still a somewhat undervalued hero. He has an interesting backstory that could be explored much further in detail. And in addition to having a good backstory, he also has amazing powers.

His most well-known power is his sonic cannon, but he also has the ability to continuously adapt the technology that surrounds his body. This means he can enhance his abilities throughout the game. On top of that, he has the ability to immerse himself into cyberspace, which could lead to some pretty cool and maybe cyberpunk-like ideas.

Wonder Woman

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Let’s be honest, Wonder Women is due for a video game of her own, and who better to give us the game she deserves than Rocksteady? Given Wonder Woman’s connection to Greek mythology and her warrior mentality, I think a game with visceral combat would probably work best. As an example, I could see the game being something like a God of War.

The Atom

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The Atom’s powers allow for him to grow or shrink himself or objects at will. This could provide a rather appealing dynamic where you would have to switch back and forth from the normal world to the subatomic world. Imagine The Atom dealing with bad guys at normal size then having to deal with a problem at a subatomic level.

Jonah Hex

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For those of you who don’t know who Jonah Hex is, he’s a Western-style bounty hunter who occasionally time travels in his free-time. His marksmanship and expert tracking skills make him a formidable force to be dealt with. With a character like this, Rocksteady could make a Western-type game, maybe along the same vein as something like a Red Dead Redemption.

Static Shock

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This suggestion is a little bit of a stretch since he’s a not as closely affiliated with DC as the others, however, he is a great character who deserves much more attention. Static Shock is a metahuman with electrical powers. He was originally created by Milestone Comics and later incorporated into the DC Universe.

Static’s origin story is somewhat like Cole McGrath’s (Infamous) origin story; he was a normal guy until a big explosion changed him and everyone nearby. Think of Static in an Infamous type of game—it would be perfect.

My Top 5 Games of 2016

Although 2016 was overall a pretty terrible year, at least it was a good year for games. So how about we forget all the bad stuff and focus on the good things that came out of this year. These are my top 5 games of 2016.

*This list is in no particular order*

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

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It’s been one heck of a wild ride following Nathan Drake and company from one adventure to another. He took us on journeys through the golden city of El Dorado, the fabled land of Shambhala, and to an Atlantis in the sands known as the Iram of the Pillars. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. And what an ending Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End was. Naughty Dog has once again outdone themselves and set an industry standard for compelling storytelling. Not only does Uncharted 4 provide a satisfying conclusion to the tale of Nathan Drake, it also answers many lingering questions we’ve all had about the main protagonist. Couple that with spectacular visuals and a little nostalgia peppered in, and you have yourself a game of the year candidate.

Inside

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This dark and haunting 2.5D side-scrolling puzzle platformer (that’s a mouthful) has made it onto many favorite games of the year lists and for good reason. From storytelling, to gameplay, to mechanics, Inside just does everything right. The game is short so I won’t go too far in depth about it, but I do want to highlight what Inside does best, creating moments. There are certain points in this game that are crafted so well that it will make you feel genuine moments of dread, panic, and/or anxiety. Now I know that probably sounds awful, but I mean it in the best possible way. All I’m saying is that game does a phenomenal job producing visceral reactions in its players. On top of that, the controls are tight, the puzzles are clever, and the animation of the main character is exceptional. It’s the culmination of all of these aspects that make Inside a truly standout experience.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

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If you know me, then you know that I absolutely love a good cyberpunk game. In my opinion, no one does it better than the Deus Ex franchise. And in a year where people seem to be more divided than ever, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided couldn’t have been released at a better time. What makes Mankind Divided worthy of being one of my favorite games of the year is its deep story, plentiful secrets, engaging dialog, action, and meaningful gameplay choices. The addition of new abilities also opens up new creative avenues for ways to handle certain situations. When it all comes down to it, I had a very hard time putting the controller down while playing this game, even after I beat it.

Hyper Light Drifter

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Some games are all style and no substance, others may have substance but can lack in style. When a game manages to have both qualities, that game is special. Hyper Light Drifter is one of those special games. Heavily inspired by The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Diablo, this indie action RPG provides thoroughly satisfying and challenging combat through its variety of complex and dynamic enemies. It also boasts some of the coolest artwork I’ve seen in a game all year.

Dishonored 2

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One of the main reasons why the original Dishonored was a great game is because of the freedom it gave its players. Thanks to the creative level design plus Corvo’s plethora of supernatural lethal and non-lethal abilities, players could choose the way they wanted to accomplish their objectives. Dishonored 2 takes what worked in the first game and improves upon it in every aspect. For instance, in the first game, you couldn’t really use your lethal abilities if you wanted to finish a mission with low chaos, obviously because killing is a no-no. In Dishonored 2, the devs found a way to work around that by incorporating mechanical enemies. One of the highlights of this game, however, was the clockwork mansion. The whole level is basically a puzzle. Rooms can shift and shuffle around offering different ways to bypass enemies, lead you to secrets, or even open up new pathways to your destination. This level is so intricate and impressive that I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that it may be the most ingenious level design I’ve ever seen in any game.