Final Fantasy XIV Classes and Jobs Guide

With 20 jobs to choose from and 10 base classes in Final Fantasy XIV, it can be a difficult proposition to decide which class and job will fit you. Our Final Fantasy XIV Classes Guide will help you make that tricky decision, by breaking everything down so you know which class leads to which job, and which roles they embody.

So worry no more as we guide you through all the Final Fantasy XIV classes and jobs, divided up by role, which should help you plan your first steps on your FF14 journey.

Tank

Paladin

  • Base Class – Gladiator
  • Weapon – Swords and Shields
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

Focusing on defending their party against attack through skilled usage of swords and shields and a healthy dash of holy power, Paladins are in many ways the quintessential Final Fantasy XIV tank. 

Warrior

  • Base Class – Marauder
  • Weapon – Greataxes
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

When you want to tank but you don’t want to be too defensive, the Warrior might be the job for you. Armed with greataxes they deal huge damage whilst blocking enemies from attacking their parties.

Dark Knight

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Greatswords
  • Starting Level – 30
  • Prerequisites – Level 50 + A Realm Reborn Main Story Complete

These guardians of the weak combine devastating greatsword damage with powerful abilities to control the battlefield. Dark Knights see darkness as a tool, not something to be afraid of, and use it to make sure their comrades survive the battle intact.

Gunbreaker

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Gunblades
  • Starting Level – 60
  • Prerequisites – Level 60

A class focused around one of the most iconic weapons from the entire Final Fantasy series, the Gunbreaker uses their blades as both swords and firearms. This gives them a flexibility that allows them to deal heavy damage whilst reducing incoming damage to themselves and party members.

Melee DPS

Monk

  • Base Class – Pugilist
  • Weapon – Fist Weapons
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

If you’ve ever wanted to simply punch an enemy out, the Monk is the job for you. Building up powerful combos through punches and kicks, Monks are fast on their feet, and even faster at dealing damage.

Dragoon

  • Base Class – Lancer
  • Weapon – Polearms
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

Take to the skies with the Dragoon, a class that uses spears and polearms to launch themselves at foes with devastating power and precision. Their class, the Lancer, unleashes flurries of attacks combined with a strong defence, making them a very survivable class and job combo.

Ninja

  • Base Class – Rogue
  • Weapon – Daggers
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

Taking the Rogue class to the next level is the Ninja. Deadly and unexpected, they utilise their inherent fighting abilities combined with a mastery of shadow to buff their defences and camouflage their appearance.

Samurai

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Katanas
  • Starting Level – 50
  • Prerequisites – Level 50

With a proud lineage going back generations, the Samurai is a master of the katana and is a stalwart companion on the battlefield. They can heal themselves, buff their attacks, and deal heavy damage giving them a commanding place in any melee.

Reaper

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Scythes
  • Starting Level – 70
  • Prerequisites – Level 70

Armed with an array of wicked scythes, the Reaper can call upon void powers and a void avatar to empower them in battle, as well as swinging their scythes with wild strikes. Available from November 2021, we have yet to see how much the Reaper will turn the tide of battle.

Ranged Physical DPS

Bard

  • Base Class – Archer
  • Weapon – Bows
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

The Bard is an extension of the Archer class, and further refine their ranged approach to battle. Able to sooth, heal, or buff with songs and melodies that stir the heart and make their foes quail before them.

Machinist

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Firearms
  • Starting Level – 30
  • Prerequisites – Level 50 + A Realm Reborn Main Story Complete

Sometimes you just need to straight up shoot an enemy, and if that’s the case then the Machinist is the job you’re looking for. In addition to their trademark guns, the Machinist also carries many devices that can deploy cannons, turrets, and other inventions to deal damage.

Dancer

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Throwing Weapons
  • Starting Level – 60
  • Prerequisites – Level 60

Don’t be fooled by the Dancer, many a foe has fallen to their thrown weapons that seek out weak areas on unsuspected enemies. Their dances and moves come together in an elaborate weave of death, and are a sight to behold in any fight.

Ranged Magical DPS

Black Mage

  • Base Class – Thaumaturge
  • Weapon – Staves and Scepters
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

What’s Final Fantasy without Black Mages? The FF14 Black Mage uses powerful magics to wield elemental powers, turning their enemies to smouldering ruins or frozen statues with ease. The Black Mage is what many think of when they think of a Final Fantasy XIV job, and with good reason.

Summoner

  • Base Class – Arcanist
  • Weapon – Books
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

One of the two jobs available to Arcanists, the Summoner invokes primals, bending them to their will and using them to devastate their enemies. In addition, they can even summon a smaller and less powerful of the great Bahamut, making them a danger to any foe.

Blue Mage (Limited Job)

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – One-handed Canes
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – Level 50

The Blue Mage is a limited job in that it is focused around a more single-player approach to playing Final Fantasy XIV. Unable to take part in PvP and some other activities involving other players, the Blue Mage draws their power from mimicry, stealing enemy abilities to use as their own.

Red Mage

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Rapiers
  • Starting Level – 50
  • Prerequisites – Level 50

If you want to cast some spells and look nifty with a rapier, then a Red Mage fulfills both roles perfectly. Using a combination of both black and white magic, they deal heavy damage with weapons and magic alike.

Healer

Scholar

  • Base Class – Arcanist
  • Weapon – Books
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

The second job available to Arcanists, the Scholar uses the powers of earth and air combined with faerie magic to restore health to themselves and party members. 

White Mage

  • Base Class – Conjurer
  • Weapon – Canes and Wandes
  • Starting Level – 1
  • Prerequisites – None

White Mages are the purest healing job in the game, focusing almost entirely on bathing their allies in divine light and healing their wounds, buffing their defences, and curing what ails them. They may need a little defence from their party members, but a White Mage can save the day in many situations.

Astrologian

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Star Globes
  • Starting Level – 30
  • Prerequisites – Level 50 + A Realm Reborn Main Story Complete

The stars foretell many things, but also can grant their power to those who seek it. The Astrologian takes the power of the constellations themselves using a form of tarot to aid their allies on the battlefield.

Sage

  • Base Class – None
  • Weapon – Nouliths
  • Starting Level – 70
  • Prerequisites – Level 70

Coming with the release of Endwalker in November 2021, the Sage protects and heals their party through use of barriers, helping keep everyone alive just a little bit longer. They can also buff their magic abilities, making them a strong choice for anyone looking for more magic on the battlefield.

The Guide To The Fastest Bikes In Grand Theft Auto 5

It’s hard to believe that GTA 5 came out nearly 8 years ago. It’s still a hugely popular game especially the online aspect and players are still wanting to know the quickest ways to get around Los Santos. Here are some of GTA 5’s fastest bikes. But if you’re going to want to get your hands on them you’re going to need to save up some money. 

Apocalypse Deathbike

Introduced as part of the Arena War update for GTA Online the Western Motorcycle Company Apocalypse Deathbike is quite simply the fastest GTA 5 bike with a top speed of 150mph. The only downside to it is that it will set you back over 1 million dollars. 

Pegassi Oppressor

Coming in as the second fastest is the Pegassi Oppressor with a top speed of 140mph. If you thought 1 million dollars was a lot of a bike then you’re not going to enjoy hearing the price of this one. It will set you back around 3.5 million dollars. However, it does have the added bonus of basically being able to fly or at the very least soar through the air uncontrollably for a little bit. I guess that last bit depends on how good your riding skills are. 

Nagasaki BF400

Maybe you don’t have millions of dollars lying around to fork out on the top bikes. Fret not, the Nagasaki BF400 will set you back a decent 95k. For that you get a top speed of 17mph, not bad bang for your buck. 

Pegassi Bati 801 & Bati 801RR

Pegassi are back with another speedy crotch rocket in the form of the Bati 801. Both of these  motorcycles have that classic Moto GP look to it and will cost players $15,000 dollars. A very reasonable sum of money. For that price you get 135mph top speed and honestly, a much nicer looking bike than the BF400. 

Shitzu Hakuchou

For $82,000 dollars you can get your hands on the Shitzu Hakuchou which will give you a not too shabby top speed of 134mph. It has a similar look to both the Bati models with a little more meat on its bones. 

Pegassi Oppressor Mk II

Is this even a bike? Technically it’s not because it doesn’t actually have wheels but we’re going to include it anyway. The Oppressor Mk II, much like its predecessor, is another very expensive purchase at almost $4 million dollars. However, it does fully fly and has a top speed of 127mph. The fact that it can fly is probably the main appeal of this ‘bike’ rather than how fast it goes. 

If you’re looking to get away from the cops nice and fast, or win some races then these bikes are going to give you an excellent advantage in a straight line, there is no doubt about that. There’s no guarantee for how good they will be at making sharp turns however.

New World MMO Guide: Factions, Progression, and How It All Works

New World, Amazon Games’ ambitious MMORPG, offers players a sprawling, mystical land to explore, conquer, and shape as their own. Set on the supernatural island of Aeternum – a place inspired by the age of exploration and colonial expansion – it merges historical vibes with high fantasy and supernatural elements. Whether you’re questing solo or joining friends, New World delivers a sandbox world filled with PvP battles, crafting systems, and territory wars.

Let’s break down the game’s most important systems: character progression, classes (or lack thereof), and the three rival factions vying for dominance across Aeternum.

Classes and Races in New World

As always, a new MMO means there’s a tonne of new information to discover and learn about. The most important part is, of course, who you’ll be playing. What races are there, what Factions exist in New World, and what class will you choose? The answers to these questions are a little different in New World, so let’s dive into the classes, races, and Factions you’ll be seeing when you play. 

Unlike many traditional MMORPGs, New World does not offer predefined classes or races. Every player starts out as a human, and your character’s identity is shaped entirely through your choices in-game. There are no elves, orcs, or warriors vs. mages here – what you become depends on how you play.

Instead of choosing a class during character creation, you’ll build your character organically by developing:

  • Core Attributes: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Focus, and Constitution determine how well you perform with specific weapons and abilities.
  • Weapon Mastery: Each weapon type – like Greatswords, Bows, Fire Staffs, or Hatchets – has its own skill tree. As you use a weapon, you level up its mastery and unlock new active and passive abilities.
  • Crafting and Trade Skills: Everything from blacksmithing and fishing to arcana and engineering can be levelled up, letting you specialize in gathering, crafting, or refining.

This flexible system encourages experimentation and allows you to switch playstyles at any time, as long as you have the right gear equipped.

New World Factions: Choose Your Allegiance

As you explore Aeternum, you’ll eventually align with one of three factions, each with distinct philosophies and goals. Factions play a crucial role in both PvP and territory control, offering exclusive missions, gear, and influence over the world map.

The Marauders

A militaristic faction that believes in strength, freedom, and survival of the fittest. They seek to build a society free of imposed restrictions, where might makes right. Join them if you value power and independence.

The Syndicate

Shadowy, secretive, and intellectual, the Syndicate is driven by knowledge and hidden truths. Their goal is to unlock the island’s ancient secrets to bring about a new enlightened age. They attract thinkers, scholars, and rogues alike.

The Covenant

Religious zealots devoted to purging corruption from Aeternum. The Covenant sees themselves as holy crusaders, spreading their faith and delivering righteous judgment to the impure. Ideal for players drawn to justice, discipline, and order.

Once you join a faction, you’ll gain access to unique quests, faction gear, and the ability to take part in Faction Wars and Territory Control – key PvP systems that shape the game world in real-time. You can switch factions, but only once every 120 days, so choose wisely.

The MMO With No Limits

What makes New World unique in the MMO space is how it blurs the lines between classes, roles, and professions. You’re never locked into a specific path. Want to be a healing mage who can also craft top-tier armour and switch to a tanky warhammer build for PvP? You can do that.

The systems in New World continue to evolve with regular content updates and seasonal events, keeping the experience fresh while respecting its flexible, player-driven design.

Whether you’re looking for intense PvP battles, deep crafting systems, or a vast world filled with lore and exploration, New World offers a rich MMO experience that puts your choices at the centre of everything. With no classes or races to box you in and three distinct factions to align with, your journey across Aeternum is whatever you make of it.

Complete Guide to Eras in Humankind – From Neolithic to Contemporary

Now that Humankind is out in the world, strategy fans can finally get their hands on Amplitude Studios’ ambitious take on the 4X genre. This turn-based epic puts you in charge of shaping a civilization from its humble Neolithic beginnings all the way to the complexities of the modern age. With the ability to mix and match historical cultures, customize your leader, and make game-changing decisions across thousands of years, Humankind is all about crafting a civilization that’s uniquely yours.

As you progress through the ages, you’ll adopt new cultures and unlock powerful technologies, each era building on the last. There are a total of seven distinct eras to explore—each one packed with new opportunities, challenges, and ways to leave your mark on history.

Let’s take a closer look at what each era brings to the table.

Neolithic Era

All journeys begin here. In the Neolithic era, your civilization is nothing more than a small tribe with limited units and simple goals. You’ll be focused on basic exploration, survival, and gathering Food and Science. As you approach the end of this era, you’ll earn the right to adopt a culture—kickstarting your transition into a more structured society and beginning the path of defining your civilization’s identity.

Ancient Era

The Ancient era is your first real leap into structured gameplay. You’ll choose from 10 different cultures, each with its own strengths and playstyle. In this era, you’ll begin constructing cities, researching early technologies, and even laying the foundations of a religion. This is the point where your strategy starts to take shape.

Classical Era

New cultural options become available, each unlocking different military, economic, or scientific bonuses. This is also the point where Iron becomes available—a key strategic resource that enables more advanced technologies and military upgrades. Expansion and conflict often heat up here as players compete for territory and dominance.

Medieval Era

Cultures like the Aztecs, Byzantines, and Mongols enter the stage, each offering powerful bonuses and new emblematic units or districts. You’ll also unlock more advanced techs such as Theology, Alchemy, and Chivalry. Empires that thrived in earlier eras can start to snowball here – but even underdogs have the tools to catch up.

Early Modern Era

At this point, your civilization should have a clear identity. Cultures like Joseon, Edo Japanese, Ottomans, and Ming become available, and new technologies such as Gunpowder Warfare and Siege Cannons bring tactical variety to battles. Trade and diplomacy also begin playing a larger role as empires expand their global influence.

Industrial Era 

Known for rapid and transformative change, the Industrial era introduces powerful resources like coal and oil. Cultures like the British, French, and Germans bring major industrial and military boosts. Technologies such as electricity, steam power, and urban planning unlock vast production capabilities and reshape your cities.

Contemporary Era

Welcome to the modern world. Aluminium and Uranium become strategic priorities, and new cultures like the Americans, Soviets, and Brazilians represent cutting-edge ideologies and technologies. Modern warfare, global diplomacy, and climate-related events come into play as your civilization reaches its final form.

With each era introducing around ten new cultures to choose from, Humankind ensures there’s no shortage of variety when developing your civilization. It’s worth remembering that empires can move through eras at different speeds – so don’t be surprised if rival nations get a head start (or if you do).

You’ll also encounter narrative events tied to specific eras. These moments ask you to make meaningful decisions, shaping not just your culture’s gameplay bonuses, but its personality and story too.

Humankind has delivered on its promise of being a deep, replayable strategy game full of choice, culture, and consequence. Whether you’re conquering the world or cultivating a peaceful utopia, every decision leaves a mark.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Review – A Thrilling Monster-Collecting Adventure with Strategic Battles

By now, there’s a good chance you will have heard how Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin changes up real-time combat for real-time battles and has a certain uncanny resemblance to another popular monster-catching series. 

This is nothing new, with its predecessor on the 3DS branching out into that style back in 2016. As someone that’s new to the world of Monster Hunter though, Wings of Ruin kept me gleefully entertained while cutting out a lot of the nonsense that certain other JRPGs could learn a thing or two from. 

Note: After receiving the game at launch (July 9th), I played 20 hours of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin and made it to Lamure – mostly by mainlining the campaign. 

Finding Rathalos

To set the stage: Rathalos are disappearing around the world and chaos emerges without the monsters’ presence to keep the balance. The protagonist – a rider from Mahana Village whose grandfather Red previously saved the world with a Rathalos – stumbles upon a girl named Ena, who holds the final Rathalos egg. Naturally, adventure ensues. 

It’s a simple setup. One that’s tried and tested to get you into the action quick – having said that, there’s a strong argument that you don’t unlock everything the game has to offer for a good eight hours. Still, the pacing doesn’t suffer as a result. 

Returning from the original game, we have Navirou, a talking cat (Felyne) that accompanies the journey. Filled with cat puns galore, Navirou’s nine lives quickly ran out for me personally, yet I can see how a younger audience may appreciate him. Aside from that, I rarely felt like I was missing something, meaning newcomers could jump right in without any fear.  

EGGS! Precious Eggs

The main gameplay revolves around searching Monster Dens for eggs, which you take back to one of several hub worlds (depending on where you are in the story) to hatch, level up and battle. 81 of the creatures (or Monsties) can be hatched out of the 128 monsters that reside across the lands, enough to keep things interesting and make every new encounter feel special. 

Six hours in, the Rite of Channeling is thrown into the mix too, allowing Monsties to gain genes (abilities) by sacrificing other Monsties with the gene you want to pass on. It’s very much for the hardcore, with myself dabbling a little bit but never felt compelled to invest that much time. It’s never felt a necessity to progress either, so that helped. 

As mentioned, battles are turn-based focusing on a rock-paper-scissors fighting system (Power, Speed or Technical) that requires the player to study monster behaviour to come out on top. Fighting alongside your own Monsti, you decide moves for the pair of you with a companion and their own Monsti typically participating too. Each duo has its own three-heart life bar that results in a game over if either loses them all. 

There’s also a Kinship Charge that builds the more you synchronise moves, enabling a major attack with both Rider and Monsti entering a blockbuster cinematic to rain terror down on all that oppose. It’s very over the top but in the best way possible. Quick-time events similarly bring the same visual buzz and keep you on your toes. 

A Meaty Game

All battles can be flicked between one to three times speed, with even the option to wipe out much weaker enemies straight away via Quick Finish. Without any of this, the game would have felt majorly sluggish and it’s hard to imagine anyone playing in real-time. 

Weapons are the epitome of the dumber it looks the stronger it is. Take it or leave it but I’m someone who always goes for fashion over function, opting for more difficult fights instead of wielding a Gunlance that resembles a corn on the cob. 

Wings of Ruin looks to generously boast 60 hours plus of content (according to early reports – however, Capcom declined to put a number on it when reached out for comment) if you wish it to. A Quest Board offers plenty of side missions, be that taking down a specific monster, performing a certain number of moves in battle or collecting various items to trade in. 

We’ve not even mentioned the multiplayer aspect (unlocks about 8 hours in) where you can venture off on quests with a buddy or NPC. While all of this compliments the main campaign well, I doubt I would have spent that much more time than I already did with the lot of it if not pressed for time. 

A Lush World Begging To Be Explored

Where I did wish I could have relaxed a little was the various locations offered, from the tropical Hakola Island to the mountainous Alcala to the snow-drenched Loloska. Every region is dying to be explored; proving difficult not to get engrossed. Bonus points for the fantastic fast-travel system too.

This was only helped by the gorgeous anime-like art style and rousing soundtrack that changed itself up enough to feel fresh throughout. Notably, on Switch, the game looks to have struggled due to an uncapped frame rate. Unsurprisingly, this did not affect gameplay in Wings of Ruin on PC, as it ran gloriously at 120fps on my 1080ti, potentially swaying some buyers. 

The first few hours of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin can be quite overwhelming, considering how much is introduced. Powering through this reaps heavy rewards with a satisfying monster collecting cycle, acres of unfathomed land to explore and a compelling battle system, all contributing to a comprehensive package of content. Just remember to mute Navirou. 

Sweet Summer Savings at Green Man Gaming’s Summer Feast

Thursday 15th July 2021 London, UK: Green Man Gaming is serving up a banquet full of sweet summer savings in the Green Man Gaming Summer Feast starting today. Running through to the 5th August, there will be plenty of treats for gamers to devour with up to 85% off. 

Featuring over 3,000 on-sale products, each day gets tastier with the addition of 50 Boosted  Deals. These scrumptious market-leading savings will feature across 5 main categories: 

These hand-picked products will be on-sale throughout the feasting period but players looking for the most mouth-watering discounts should pick these games up in their 72-hour boosted period. 

As if that wasn’t enough, customers should check back daily for a special ‘Extra Topping’ treat, which will range from free games through to great, limited time discounts on upcoming releases. They’ll need to be quick though, some of these delights will only be around whilst stocks last.

For a little taste of what’s to come – get a sneak peek at what is on the menu in the next few days: 

Head on over to Green Man Gaming to indulge in the delicious deals in the Summer Feast starting today through the 5th August.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 – All Confirmed Monsters

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin brings a fresh and captivating experience to the Monster Hunter franchise with its turn-based combat, monster-collecting gameplay, and an immersive world. Whether you’re a veteran hunter or a newcomer to the series, one of the most exciting aspects of the game is the vast number of monsters you’ll encounter on your journey. From familiar faces to terrifying new threats, this list covers all the confirmed monsters in the game, including some special standout creatures you’ll need to watch out for.

Full List of Monsters in Monster Hunter Stories 2

The world of Monster Hunter Stories 2 is teeming with various monsters to discover and battle. Some are familiar from past Monster Hunter games, while others are unique to Stories 2. Here’s a look at the monsters you’ll encounter throughout your adventure:

  • Anjanath
  • Aptonoth
  • Arzuros
  • Ash Kecha Wacha
  • Astalos
  • Azure Rathalos
  • Barioth
  • Barroth
  • Basarios
  • Bazelgeuse
  • Black Diablos
  • Black Gravios
  • Bloodbath Diablos
  • Blue Yian Kut-Ku
  • Boltreaver Astalos
  • Brachydios
  • Brute Tigrex
  • Bulldrome
  • Cephadrome
  • Congalala
  • Crimson Qurupeco
  • Desert Seltas Queen
  • Deviljho
  • Diablos
  • Dreadking Rathalos
  • Dreadqueen Rathian
  • Duramboros
  • Elderfrost Gammoth
  • Fulgur Anjanath
  • Gammoth
  • Gendrome
  • Glavenus
  • Gold Rathian
  • Gravios
  • Great Baggi
  • Great Jaggi
  • Green Congalala
  • Green Nargacuga
  • Grimclaw Tigrex
  • Gypceros
  • Hellblade Glavenus
  • Iodrome
  • Jade Barroth
  • Kecha Wacha
  • Khezu
  • Kirin
  • Kulu Ya-Ku
  • Lagombi
  • Larinoth
  • Legiana
  • Mizutsune
  • Molten Tigrex
  • Monoblos
  • Nergigante
  • Nerscylla
  • Oltura
  • Oroshi Kirin
  • Paolumu
  • Pink Rathian
  • Popo
  • Pukei-Pukei
  • Purple Gypceros
  • Purple Ludroth
  • Qurupeco
  • Rathalos
  • Rathian
  • Red Khezu
  • Rhenoplos
  • Royal Ludroth
  • Ruby Basarios
  • Sand Barioth
  • Seltas Queen
  • Seregios
  • Shrouded Nerscylla
  • Silver Rathalos
  • Silverwind Nargacuga
  • Soulseer Mizutsune
  • Stygian Zinogre
  • Tetsucabra
  • Thunderlord Zinogre
  • Tigrex
  • Tobi-Kadachi
  • Velkhana
  • Velocidrome
  • White Monoblos
  • Yian Garuga
  • Yian Kut-Ku
  • Zamtrios
  • Zinogre

Monster Hunter Stories 2: The Monsters to Watch Out For

While there are many monsters in Monster Hunter Stories 2, certain creatures stand out as particularly memorable and challenging. Here are a few that truly elevate the gameplay experience.

Azure Rathalos

The Azure Rathalos is one of the most dangerous monsters in the game, offering a serious challenge to even the most seasoned players. This variant of the already formidable Rathalos is far more aggressive and capable of flying for extended periods. Armed with potent poison and fire attacks, the Azure Rathalos can bombard you from the sky. Up close, it’s even more dangerous, combining powerful combos with higher health and stamina than its standard counterpart. Be prepared for a tough fight when facing this fearsome wyvern.

Nergigante

A towering Elder Dragon, Nergigante is one of the largest and most fearsome monsters in the game. This creature is not only terrifying due to its size but also its aggressive nature. Nergigante feeds on other Elder Dragons, which is reflected in its relentless pursuit of destruction. Its thick armour regenerates quickly, making it a nightmare to fight. With massive claws and spikes, Nergigante can deal devastating damage at both close and long ranges. Any player who faces Nergigante will need to be ready for a battle that tests their skill, strategy, and patience.

Oroshi Kirin

Don’t be fooled by Oroshi Kirin’s elegant, unicorn-like appearance. This Elder Dragon is quick, agile, and deadly. With a range of both melee and elemental attacks, Oroshi Kirin is a versatile fighter, able to take on threats at any distance. Its speed makes it hard to pin down, and its ability to deal damage from both close and far means you’ll need to stay alert at all times. It’s a challenge that will require you to be on your toes if you want to survive.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin provides an expansive world filled with a diverse array of monsters to capture, battle, and tame. Whether you’re collecting eggs, engaging in tactical turn-based battles, or exploring lush, varied environments, the monsters in the game offer plenty of excitement and challenges.

With a wide range of monsters, from the aggressive Azure Rathalos to the terrifying Nergigante, and the agile Oroshi Kirin, there’s no shortage of creatures that will keep you on your toes. With the constant discovery of new monsters as you progress, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a game that rewards thorough exploration and strategy.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Cast and Characters Guide

If you’re a fan of Capcom’s Ace Attorney series, congratulations, you’ve got excellent taste. But depending on how much you love the objection-filled gameplay of this courtroom drama franchise, you may or may not be familiar with The Great Ace Attorney games. These are spin-offs of the mainline series that take place at the end of the 19th century instead of the modern day. The litigious gameplay is very similar to the core games you may be used to, but with added investigation mechanics like Joint Reasoning, modern visuals and old-timey dialogue and sound effects.

If you’re curious about this ancestral spin-off or are just looking for more Ace Attorney games to play, we have great news. The two 3DS Great Ace Attorney games from 2015 and 2017 (never released in the West) have been bundled up by Capcom to create The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, a souped-up package which arrived on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Windows on July 27, 2021.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Characters

The Ace Attorney series is known for its iconic characters, but if you’re unfamiliar with the spin-off series, you might want to get acquainted with its heroes before you bite the bullet and pick up The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. Here’s the lowdown on who to expect, and you can check out the official characters page for more information and visuals. 

Ryunosuke Naruhodo

The protagonist of The Great Ace Attorney games is Ryunosuke Naruhodo, who, if you can’t tell already by the cheekbones, is an ancestor of the great Phoenix Wright. A university student in Japan, Naruhodo travels to Great Britain after clearing himself of a crime he didn’t commit, which is where the attorney meets…

Herlock Sholmes

Are you sitting down? The subheading is not wrong, there really is a character in The Great Ace Attorney called Herlock Sholmes. The detective is obviously based on the legendary Arthur Conan Doyle detective, and can often get lost in his own mind palace. With a killer steampunk outfit and remarkable reasoning skills, Sholmes works alongside Naruhodo and his team to crack the trickiest cases.

Kazumi Asogi

Kazumi Asogi is Naruhodo’s best friend and a fellow law student with a lot of talent. He follows Naruhodo to the UK as part of an exchange program and helps the protagonist on his journey.

Susato Mikotoba

Susato Mikotoba is the judicial assistant to Ryunosuke Naruhodo, who helps the protagonist win cases with her sharp legal skills. She’s also a huge fan of Western detective novels, which always helps!

Barok van Zieks

Described as the Grim Reaper of the Old Bailey (The Old Bailey is one of London’s oldest courts), Barok van Zieks is a prosecutor in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles with a startling reputation: everyone he casts judgment upon seems to perish…

Iris Wilson

Iris Wilson is a young girl who already has a degree and a writing career. She lodges with the inimitable Herlock Sholmes and writes about his adventures, while also assisting Ryunosuke Naruhodo with his cases.

Humankind vs Civilization 6 – What Are The Differences?

Seemingly similar at first glance, you might very well wonder what the differences are between Amplitude Studios’ Humankind and Firaxis’ Civilization 6. Both games are ultra sophisticated, time-spanning 4X strategy efforts in which the player takes control of a nation in a bid to advance them to a dominant end. Just what are the differences, both obvious and nuanced, between the two games though? Well, fear not my wannabe global despot, that’s what we’re here for. 

History vs Fiction 

Pretty much the biggest thing that separates Humankind and Civilization 6 is in the manner in which they deal with the leaders of each culture. Whereas Civilization 6 allows players to choose from more than 20 historical leaders including the likes of Teddy Roosevelt and Peter the Great, Humankind takes a completely different approach, allowing players to craft their own leader entirely from scratch using a detailed character creation suite.  

Changing Cultures 

Arguably one of the other biggest differences between the two games, is how they deal with your choice of civilization (if you’ll excuse the pun). In Civilization 6, the civilization that you choose is the one that you play from beginning to end. In Humankind however, you’re free to change your civilization every time you commence a new era, or, you can quite simply continue with the civilization you started with and merely upgrade the units and infrastructure as you see fit.

Era To Era Progression 

Another sizable way in which the two games differ in their approach to 4X strategy is in how each deals with progression. Instead of advancing from one era to the next solely through research, Humankind lets folks build upon their megalomania in a variety of other ways such as expansion of territory, population size and conquest. Quite simply, this means that Humankind rewards the way you play and allows you to progress through each era as a diplomat, military commander or economic savant rather than just an inventor as Civilization 6 presently permits. 

War Never Changes… Except It Does

Combat in the Civilization games (and this is also true of the latest game in the series) plays out directly on the world map with single tiled units butting heads against each other until one of them falls over according to strength of the units involved. In Humankind however, combat is instead whisked off to its own special map where multiple units can engage and merge with one another, lending a whole heap of additional tactical possibility to each battle as a result.

Governments, Policies And The Branching Civics System

In Civilization 6 advancing the infrastructure and economic policies of your culture is broadly achieved by setting up a government and then attaching policies to them which align with your goals. In Humankind though, a neat Civics system is employed whereupon as soon as you perform an action a special modifier which compliments that action also unlocks. The kicker though, is that each action usually has two further options which each have very different functions and thus allows you to minutely tailor your civilization even further still. 

Seeing It Through To The End

While games of Civilization 6 can very well end a long while before you reach the modern era simply by taking over the map in a much earlier time period, in Humankind every game continues on right to the end where Fame scores are used as a metric to see how effective you were in each era. 

Green Man Gaming News Roundup – 07/07/2021

July has arrived and with it a summery slice of gaming news. From updates to new releases, announcements to patches, there’s been a landslide of gaming news firing out into the world over the last two weeks. So get yourself up to speed with the top info thanks to the Green Man Gaming News Roundup.

The Witcher: Blood Origin casts Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is one of the most famous names and faces on the planet, appearing in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Sunshine, and recently starring in her own spinoff Star Trek TV series based on her Star Trek: Discovery character. Now, she’s heading to the prequel Netflix series based on The Witcher. Announced via Twitter, she’ll be playing “Scían. The very last of her nomadic tribe of sword-elves, she is an artist with the blade, on a deadly quest that will change the fate of the Continent”. There are no additional details just yet about this series, but after the surprising quality of the first season of The Witcher, we’ll be keeping our eyes firmly on Netflix for this one.

Legacy of the Sith announced for Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic will be ten years old soon, which makes this writer shake with sheer age. BioWare Austin has announced via a livestream that there will be an expansion to coincide with the anniversary, titled Legacy of the Sith. Frankly, you can’t go wrong with focusing on the legendary bad guys of the Star Wars universe, and with the return of Darth Malgus, it looks like this’ll be a hefty expansion for the game’s ongoing story.

Quake Champions celebrates 25 Years of Quake

Speaking of quaking with age, the original Quake is turning 25. To celebrate this series becoming old enough to avoid using ID to buy booze in the UK, the Quake Champions Summer 2021 update will include one of the original 1996 Quake multiplayer maps: The Dark Zone. It’ll be updated from the original, but will give fans old and new plenty to enjoy.

System Shock Remake gets hefty new Gameplay Trailer

The System Shock remake dives into the terrifying depths of the Research Laboratories in this brand new 7-minute gameplay trailer. All the old favourite activities from the original game are present, from hacking to trying to stave off certain death at the hands of giant robots. It looks like Nightdive Studios are helping bring one of the seminal immersive sims bang up to date for a new generation to enjoy, and that can only be a good thing.

Horde Mode incoming for Doom Eternal

id Software has taken to Twitter to announce a few new things incoming for their explosive demon killing experience; Doom Eternal. Due to several events over the last year the planned Invasion mode will not be coming, but instead there’ll be a revamp of the game’s Battlemode and a brand new single player Horde Mode which will see you face off against the best that hell has to throw at you. It’s a shift in direction for the updates for the game, but more content is always good especially when the core game is this explosive.

BSODs to become BSODs in Windows 11

Finally this week we come to you with the shock news that BSODs are going away in Windows 11, instead it looks like they’ll be replaced with BSODs. If you’ve played on PCs for any length of time you’ll be very familiar with the Blue Screen of Death, when Windows itself crashes. Now, in Windows 11 it seems that blue is out and black is in, meaning that you’ll now have to take a quick photo of a Black Screen of Death before frantically googling what it means. 

On that crash-tastic note we’re off to forage more gaming news for you for our next instalment in two weeks. Until then, why not head on over to our Community Forum and get chatting – we’d love to hear from you.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’s Toughest Bosses

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD means a whole new generation gets to experience one of the hidden gems in the Zelda series. One of the key features that sets Legend of Zelda games apart from others is their inventive and innovative boss designs. Many Legend of Zelda games live or die on their bosses, and Skyward Sword is no different. 

To celebrate the HD version of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword we’re taking a look back at the hardest and toughest bosses that the game has to offer.

Ghirahim

The first boss you encounter in Skyward Sword is one of the toughest you’ll encounter, in part because they return many times throughout the course of Link’s adventure. The first battle against Ghirahim is one of the toughest in the game, simply as most players will be unused to controls in this unique Legend of Zelda game, meaning you’ll be learning how to play as you fight for your life. 

The Imprisoned

This colossal beast has a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and isn’t shy about showing them off in a devastating battle that makes this one of the toughest fights you’ll encounter in Skyward Sword. The third battle against The Imprisoned is especially tough, as this creature fires off shockwaves that mean knocking out its legs can be a testing proposition for anyone. Eternal knockbacks can be extremely hard to deal with, especially if you’re struggling with coping with the other incoming attacks.

Koloktos

This Ancient Automata is a genuine joy to fight against, but it’s definitely one of the toughest bosses in Skyward Sword. Its first phase sees it smack you with multiple swords and arms. Breaking them off should make it simpler, unfortunately, Koloktos rises from its pit, unveiling its legs, and gives Link chase. This fight is long, and deadly, but a lot of fun.

Tentalus

Tentalus fights whilst destroying the Sandship around you, making this fight more of a battle against fear rather than mechanics. If you know how to deal with Tentalus, when to attack, and when to slam your sword into its eye, you’ll have Tentalus defeated in no time. However, if you let the cinematics, the crashing destruction, and the sheer volume of tentacles distract you, this battle can rank amongst the toughest Skyward Sword boss battles.

Demise

The final boss of Skyward Sword is, fittingly, probably the toughest boss in the entire game. Able to block many of Link’s attacks makes Demise incredibly tough to hit and its second phase, where Demise’s damage is increased and if you hit their sword you’ll get hurt, marks the end of many attempts at defeating this boss. You’ll have to practice this fight and be fast on your feet in order to take down Demise, but have no fear, Link’s a formidable warrior and will be able to do it.

Bethesda 35th Anniversary: The Best Bethesda Games – Ranked

This year marks 35 years since baby Bethesda Softworks was born, the developer and publisher of some of the world’s biggest and best games is now entering its mid-30s. That means they’ll have to select an entirely different option on most drop down menus, the horror.

To celebrate 35 years of gaming goodness we thought it was the perfect time to look back at their games and rank the absolute best Bethesda games from their huge library of classics.

Wolfenstein: The New Order & Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

The return of Wolfenstein in The New Order was like a lightning strike. Combining over-the-top moments of comedy and action with musings on the nature of suffering and war, this new take on the series is a brilliant take on a narrative-based single player FPS. By combining stealth with a rewarding combat system, the new Wolfensteins are a literal blast to play. Its sequel, The New Colossus, goes one step further with locations and a story that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

Prey

Arkane are the masters of the immersive sim and their take on Prey is them operating at their peak. Set on a space station under attack from mysterious shape-shifting aliens, Prey allows a huge amount of freedom in how you approach every encounter and every puzzle. It’s a glorious exploration of what’s possible in gameplay, and features the best game intro that’s ever been devised.

Dishonored 2

If Prey showed Arkane perfecting the sci-fi take on the immersive sim, then Dishonored 2 is them perfecting the more Thief-inspired branch of the genre’s tree. Filled with expansive levels full of life and character and a million ways to complete each area, it’s an astounding testament to ambition and stunning achievement. It’s not only one of the best Bethesda games of all time, but it’s ranked as one of the best games ever made.

Doom and Doom Eternal

Nobody really expected much from the return of Doom, but 2016’s entry wasn’t just a brilliant FPS, it helped redefine FPS combat. Doom and Doom Eternal focus on mastery of space, movement, and use of weaponry, coming together to make something far more than anyone could’ve expected. Doom and Doom Eternal show that we’re finally past the era of crouching behind walls waiting for health to regenerate, and that’s something that’s beautiful to behold.

Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, & Fallout 4

‘Oblivion with guns’ was the cry when Fallout 3 was announced from Bethesda, but thankfully it turned out rather well. Obsidian took over for the utterly brilliant Fallout: New Vegas, a spiritual successor to the original Fallouts, but it’s with Fallout 4 that Bethesda hit their stride. The Commonwealth featured in Fallout 4 cannot be beaten for its sense of place and its quiet horror at the destruction caused by the past. It might be foolish to wish to live in the post-apocalypse, but Fallout 4 makes it worth a holiday.

The Elder Scrolls Series

No mention of the best Bethesda games can be complete without The Elder Scrolls. The series has its duds (Battlespire, we’re looking at you), but each of the Elder Scrolls games has something that makes them wonderful to play in the current day. Arena is a hugely ambitious dungeon crawler from the early 90s. Daggerfall is just colossal in every sense. Morrowind has a feel uniquely its own in the entire gaming landscape. Oblivion has the best quests of, well, anything. Skyrim just feels good to play and exist in that world, and finally The Elder Scrolls Online is a wonderful MMO with quests that always contain a surprise. The Elder Scrolls series is Bethesda’s crowning achievement, and they rank amongst the best RPGs ever made.

What’s your favourite Bethesda game? Head over to our community forum and have your say – even if it’s not Morrowind, we promise we won’t bite.

The Best Final Fantasy Games Ranked

Arguably the most recognisable JRPG franchise on the face of the planet, Square Enix’s Final Fantasy saga has captured the hearts and minds of millions since its inception, way back in December 1987. With well over fifteen core entries, we’ve decided to rank the best Final Fantasy games from worst to best. So strap in and see where your favourite Final Fantasy lands in our ranked list.

The Best Final Fantasy Game – Final Fantasy VI

Not only the best Final Fantasy game to not receive a remake (so far) but also the best Final Fantasy game full stop, Final Fantasy VI quite rightly holds an immovable place in the hearts of franchise and JRPG fans everywhere. Widely considered to be one of the best video games of all time, Final Fantasy VI employed the series heady mixture of turn-based combat, a sprawling overworld map and a hugely epic narrative that really, *really* goes places. 

Tethered to an incredible world that is deeply influenced by steampunk design which feels a 1000 times fresher than the shopworn fantasy setting of previous games, Final Fantasy VI boasts 14 different playable characters – the most the series has ever seen. A meditation on what it means to be human with themes of nihilism and control sprinkled throughout, the plot of Final Fantasy VI is widely regarded as one of the series best. As if that wasn’t enough to sell you on the greatness of arguably the best Final Fantasy game in existence, Final Fantasy VI also has a boss fight in which you get to suplex a phantom train which is attempting to kill you with ‘evil toots’. Told you.

The Next Best Final Fantasy Game – Final Fantasy VII

It’s impossible to take stock of the JRPG resurgence of the late 1990s without directly crediting Final Fantasy VII. Representing a massive leap in broad scope storytelling and production values, Final Fantasy VII arguably brought the genre kicking and screaming into the modern era.

With a cast of deeply memorable characters on a quest to save the world from a nefarious, world-destroying company all the while a shadowy evil lurks in the background, Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and Barrett are all practically household names at this point, such was the success of Final Fantasy VII in reinvigorating interest in the JRPG genre in the west.

From the melancholic streets of Midgar to the bubbly hubbub of the Golden Saucer and everywhere in-between, Final Fantasy VII’s superb story and cast of characters is matched only by the locales that you’ll find them in. Given the sheer breadth and ambition of Final Fantasy VII, it’s little wonder that its contemporary remake is such a protracted and expensive undertaking to say the least.

Final Fantasy Games Ranked – The Best (And Worst) Of The Rest

So Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII are, in the opinions of this scribbler, the first and second best Final Fantasy games of all time respectively. What about the rest of them though? Well, starting from worst to best, here’s how the rest of them stack up in our Final Fantasy games ranked list seen below.

16) Final Fantasy XIII

15) Final Fantasy XV

14) Final Fantasy II

13) Final Fantasy

12) Final Fantasy IV

11) Final Fantasy XI

10) Final Fantasy V

9) Final Fantasy X-2

8) Final Fantasy XII 

7) Final Fantasy IX

6) Final Fantasy X

5) Final Fantasy VIII

4) Final Fantasy VII Remake

3) Final Fantasy XIV

Everything You Need To Know About Scarlet Nexus

Scarlet Nexus is a third-person role-playing action brawler and the latest game from Bandai Namco studios. Development talent from the Tales series came together to create this new project, which is described as having a “brain punk” aesthetic. Brain Punk is kind of like Cyberpunk, but with a keener focus on brain augmentations and supernatural powers. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s for you, we’re going to give you all the information you need about Scarlet Nexus, so you can make an informed potential purchase. Here’s everything we know about Scarlet Nexus.

Scarlet Nexus Release Date, Platforms and Trailer

Revealed during Microsoft’s Xbox 20/20 digital event on May 7 2020, Scarlet Nexus is published and developed by Bandai Namco. The game was released on June 25, 2021, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X and S – although it didn’t receive an Xbox Game Pass inclusion at launch.

To understand how Scarlet Nexus looks in motion, check out this gameplay trailer, which shows off a bit of the hectic combat in Scarlet Nexus, while also setting up some of the narrative stakes ahead of launch.

What is Scarlet Nexus about? Features, Characters, Multiplayer Explained 

The narrative premise of Scarlet Nexus is fairly bonkers. A new hormone found in the brain allows regular people to experience extra sensory powers.  Unfortunately, at the same time, mutants descend from the sky to feed on the brains of humans as society accelerates through this new technological epoch. The eponymous Scarlet Nexus is another way to describe the red wires and links that are brandished by the game’s gifted characters.

The game is an Action RPG, an augmented melee brawler with hectic combat. You’ll hack, slash and dash your way through enemies, but you’ll also be able to fling objects with your mind, among other PK powers. It looks a lot like Platinum’s NieR games, if you’re familiar. 

There is no character creation suite in Scarlet Nexus beyond some minor aesthetic tweaks. You’ll play as either Yuito Sumeragi or Kasane Randall, the two protagonists of the game who are part of the Other Suppression Force. This organization is tasked with defending humanity from brain-eating creatures. Over the course of the game, you can upgrade your powers and meet companions who you can connect with to unlock special abilities too. Scarlet Nexus doesn’t have any multiplayer functionality if you were wondering — it’s a narrative-driven single-player game. A big story to enjoy, backed up by some fast-paced combat.

Reviews have already dropped for Scarlet Nexus, and many are positive, awarding it a score in the late 70s / early 80s on Metacritic across the platforms. One fun part of the game’s marketing is that Bandai Namco has developed an anime adaptation of the game, produced by Sunrise and licensed by Funimation. This means if you really love the game’s characters and world, you can dig even deeper once you beat it.

The Legend of Zelda Timeline – All Games In Order

There are more Legend of Zelda games than you can shake a Master Sword at and the timeline can get a little messy. With a remaster of 2011’s The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword around the corner, we thought it was the perfect time to look back at all the Legend of Zelda games, put every game in order, and point out where they fit together in the larger Legend of Zelda timeline. 

The Legend of Zelda – Timeline Beginnings

The universe of The Legend of Zelda began when three goddesses created the world. They also created the Triforce – you’ll recognise that name if you’ve even a passing familiarity with the series. Hylia, another goddess, serves as keeper of the Triforce until a demon named Demise tries to steal it away. Demise becomes sealed away whilst all the mortals are sent to live on the islands of Skyloft. In addition, Hylia transforms her soul into the body of a girl, Zelda, giving her the power to use the Triforce should Demise awaken.

Skyward Sword – 2011 – Wii

The first game in the chronology is Skyward Sword, where Demise returns and is defeated by Zelda and Link. Demise curses them, however, beginning the cycle of battles that will continue forever. Zelda and Link will be reincarnated through time as themselves, whilst Demise will return as both Ganon and Ganondorf. 

The other main things to occur after Skyward Sword are the sealing away of the Triforce in the Sacred Realm and the return of the mortals to the surface of the planet, where they formed the nation of Hyrule. The Temple of Time is also constructed, forming a gateway between  Hyrule and the Sacred Realm where the Triforce is kept.

Minish Cap – 2004 – Game Boy Advance

In Minish Cap we meet Vaati for the first time, a demon who appears a few times throughout the series, and the Four Sword is created.

Four Swords – 2002 – Game Boy Advance

It’s Vaati part two as this demonic devil returns once again only to be defeated by Link.

Ocarina of Time – 1998 – Nintendo 64

Probably the most impactful game in the entire Legend of Zelda series is Ocarina of Time. Link becomes sealed away for seven years during this game leaving Ganondorf to take over Hyrule and transform the Sacred Realm into the Evil Realm. This, in addition to the titular Ocarina, causes this game to be the nexus for the splitting of the timeline into three different versions. By the end of this game Ganondorf is sealed away in the Sacred Realm and Link is returned to his childhood to experience the years he missed.

Legend of Zelda Timeline 1 – Defeat

The Defeat timeline is a darker Legend of Zelda series of games which focus on what happens if Ganondorf defeats Link in Ocarina of Time.

A Link to the Past – 1992 – Super Nintendo Entertainment System

After Ocarina of Time, Seven Sages seal Ganondorf away in the Evil Realm, now known as the Dark World. This game sees Link defeat him once again, using the Triforce to restore Hyrule and the world back to how they should be.

Link’s Awakening – 1993 – Game Boy

This direct sequel to A Link to the Past sees Link head to Koholint Island for an adventure, which turns out to never have happened, it was just a dream.

Oracle of Seasons + Oracle of Ages – 2001 – Game Boy Color

The same Link is sent to the lands of Holodrum and Labrynna to defeat Ganon once again, revived by two evil witches. After this game the Triforce becomes separated into three different parts, the Triforces of Wisdom, Power, and Courage.

A Link Between Worlds – 2013 – Nintendo 3DS

Set long after A Link to the Past, Hyrule is invaded by Lorule, a darker version of the nation. The princess of Lorule, Hilda, tries to steal the Triforce but is thwarted by Link who takes the Triforce back to Hyrule and restores both lands to their former glory.

Tri Force Heroes – 2015 – Nintendo 3DS

It’s about couture, baby! Well, dressing up and fashion are what mainly happens in Tri Force Heroes. Little else impacts the timeline.

The Legend of Zelda – 1987 – Nintendo Entertainment System

The first Zelda game to be released in chronological order, The Legend of Zelda sees Link assemble the eight scattered pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom in order to defeat a returned Ganon. 

The Adventure of Link – 1988 – Nintendo Entertainment System

This black sheep of the Zelda series sees Link from The Legend of Zelda try to rescue the sleeping Princess Zelda, a descendant of the first princess’ brother. He recovers the Triforce of Courage and saves her, bringing peace and prosperity to Hyrule.

Legend of Zelda Timeline 2 – Victory – Child Era

In this timeline Ganondorf is defeated in The Ocarina of Time and Zelda grants Link his childhood once again to live out the years he missed as a result of that game. However,  Ganondorf is still alive throughout these games, surviving Ocarina of Time.

Majora’s Mask – 2000 – Nintendo 64

Link leaves Hyrule to search for his friend, Navi, who also left at the end of Ocarina of time. He finds himself in a land named Termina which he saves from a falling moon. It’s assumed that at some point following this game this version of Link dies, as his ghost is present in Twilight Princess.

Twilight Princess – 2006 – GameCube + Wii

Ganondorf returns with the Triforce of Power which grants him the ability to avoid his execution  by the Seven Sages. Banished to the Twilight Realm, he grants his powers to Zant, a descendant of sorcerers Zelda banished after Skyward Sword. Zant takes the throne of Twili from Princess Midna who teams up with Link to defeat him, ending up severing the link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm.

Four Swords Adventures – 2004 – GameCube

Ganondorf returns once again in Four Swords Adventures, using the Dark Mirror to summon an army of demons. Link, drawing the Four Sword once more, accidentally releases Vaati. But in the end Link is triumphant once again, destroying Vaati and sealing Ganondorf in the Four Sword.

Legend of Zelda Timeline 3 – Victory – Adult

The Adult Link branch follows on directly from the end of Ocarina of Time, in a world where Ganondorf is sealed away but the bloodline of Link descendants has disappeared. Link is always sent back to his childhood at the end of that game, but the world he left behind to do so carries on, leaving it without a hereditary protector.

The Wind Waker – 2002 – GameCube

Ganon, with no Link to stop him, emerges from the Sacred Realm and corrupts Hyrule. The gods are angered by this and flood the world, forming a massive sea which covers the surface of the planet. Link in this game is unrelated to any Link in the other timelines, but is still capable of wielding the Master Sword. He defeats Ganondorf, the corrupted Hyrule is washed away, and Link is left to find a new land to live in with Zelda (disguised as Tetra).

Phantom Hourglass – 2007 – Nintendo DS

Link and Zelda are still seeking a new home when they arrive in the World of the Ocean King. There they defeat Bellum, get the Ocean King his original form back, and then continue with their search.

Spirit Tracks – 2009 – Nintendo DS

By this point New Hyrule is found, a hundred years later a new Zelda and Link defeat Malladus who was possessing Zelda’s body. Finally, peace is returned to the train-trick-riven land of New Hyrule.

Breath of the Wild

Finally, we come to Breath of the Wild. Not only the latest entry in the Zelda games order it’s also the most recent game in the Zelda timeline. Breath of the Wild is set at the end of all three timelines, converging the series after the split following Ocarina of Time.

Does it make sense? Does it raise more questions than it answers? Does it mean many of the previous games are simply fables or experienced by unreliable narrators? We’ll have to see more in future Legend of Zelda games. Or you can head over to our Community Forum and give us your theory – we’d love to read it.

All Ratchet and Clank Games In Order

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has been an explosive return to form for the series, not only acting as a brilliant new chapter but also showing off the absolute best that modern gaming hardware can achieve. With a new entry it’s also time to look back at the entire Ratchet & Clank series in its entirety in order, and see how far we’ve come. Here’s the entire Ratchet & Clank game series in order and some of the standout titles that have made this series such a fan-favourite over the years.

All Ratchet & Clank Games in Order

  • Ratchet & Clank – 2002
  • Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando – 2003
  • Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal – 2004
  • Ratchet: Deadlocked – 2005
  • Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile – 2005
  • Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters – 2007
  • Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction – 2007
  • Secret Agent Clank – 2008
  • Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty – 2008
  • Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – 2009
  • Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One – 2011
  • Ratchet & Clank Collection – 2012
  • Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault – 2012
  • Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus – 2013
  • Ratchet & Clank – 2016
  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – 2021

The start of it all in Ratchet & Clank 

2002 was a wild year for video games. Vice City, Morrowind, and WarCraft III took over the PC, but on the console side of things a little game by Insomniac Games called Ratchet & Clank appeared in November.

It was an absolute smash hit, selling millions of copies and garnering plaudits across the board. It set up a formula that’s still being followed in Ratchet & Clank games today. Huge amounts of gadgets, weapons, and a staggering variety of locations are present even right at the start of the series. It’s still extremely playable even today, so if you’re looking to see where this all started out, it’s definitely worth playing.

How Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal defined a generation

Also known simply as Ratchet & Clank 3, Up Your Arsenal refined the Ratchet & Clank formula to perfection, bringing in many of the series staples as well as making a truly genre-defining experience. 

What really sets Up Your Arsenal apart from the earlier games and indeed, many of the platformers released on PlayStation 2 was the inclusion of online multiplayer, even bigger worlds, vehicles you can drive, and an increased focus on combat. These not only helped make it the defining Ratchet & Clank game, but also one that defined much of what people would later associate with the PlayStation 2 era.

Laying the foundations for the future in Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time

By 2009 the Ratchet & Clank series of games had settled into a formula, so Insomniac Games decided to shake things up in brand new ways. As you can probably tell by the title, A Crack in Time features time-centric gameplay mechanics, such as recording actions and replaying them.

In addition, A Crack in Time opened up the game even more than previous entries. You could now travel freely between planets using your spaceship, meaning optional challenges could be added in through an expanded, freely explorable system map. With more focus on upgrading your weapons thrown into the mix, A Crack in Time was a huge game that could be played and replayed many times, making it one of the key combat platformers released on the PlayStation 3.

Taking technology in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart to a new level

Finally, we come to Rift Apart. Coming after the rebooted Ratchet & Clank on the PlayStation 4 in 2016, Rift Apart takes advantage of new console hardware to really show what the next generation is capable of. Not only does the game offer near-cinematic quality ray tracing effects and graphics throughout, it uses the PlayStation 5’s SSD to bring new gameplay to the fore which simply wasn’t possible before.

Rift Apart manages to load separate areas almost instantaneously, allowing the player to use the titular rifts to swap between zones and realities in a blink of an eye. This marrying of gameplay and technology means A Rift Apart isn’t just a defining Ratchet & Clank game, it’s a defining moment for the future of gaming on next-generation hardware.

The Best Video Game Remakes and Remasters

Sometimes you don’t want something new, you want to take something old and give it the treatment it deserves. Thankfully, the games industry agrees, with video game remakes and remasters coming out every year bringing beloved games of the past right up to date. From a lick of paint and a polish to entire revamps and fixes, there’s tonnes to choose from. That’s why we’ve taken the time to put together our list of the absolute best video game remakes and remasters.

Resident Evil 2

2019’s Resident Evil 2 Remake set the bar for remakes. It didn’t just enhance the visuals, it completely overhauled every part of the game, bringing it up to date and making it sublime to play on modern systems. If you want to know what a video game remake can do – look no further than Resident Evil 2’s twisted take on Raccoon City.

Grim Fandango Remastered

Video game remasters don’t have to necessarily reinvent the wheel, sometimes you just need a few tweaks and a graphical upgrade to make it worthy of praise. Grim Fandango Remastered does exactly that, it nicely spruces up the looks of this brilliant adventure game whilst also ironing out some of the frustrations. Tank controls – we’re looking at you.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

It’s far from complete yet but so far Halo: The Master Chief Collection has been a brilliant expansion of some fundamental FPS games. From Halo to Halo 4, this series is a definitive Xbox franchise and now many are making their debuts on the PC with upgraded graphics and support that’s making them better than ever before.

Infinity Engine Enhanced Editions

Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate II, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment are games that define the RPG landscape, and developers Beamdog have given us enhanced editions that make them accessible to all. WIth improved support for larger resolutions and many UI issues ironed out, there’s now no excuse not to dive into the Sword Coast or Sigil.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Sometimes a remake goes one step further, and the Final Fantasy VII Remake does exactly that. Not content with enhancing the gameplay and the visuals, Square Enix have made the Final Fantasy VII Remake into its own thing, with new twists on familiar plots and characters. If you’re a fan of the original this is essential, as you’ll be going places you never dreamed of.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered

The original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is still rightly considered the highlight of this long-running series. With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered this intense FPS game is brought bang up to date for a new generation to experience its twists, turns, and ghillie suits. If you haven’t played it – now’s the time, as it’s more than worth your time.

Dark Souls: Remastered

The original Dark Souls was a masterpiece but it’s fair to say that its PC port needed a little love. Thankfully it got that love, in a stunning version that fixed all the issues of the original version and improved upon nearly every aspect. Finally the game that put ‘You Died’ on everyone’s lips can be experienced the way it deserves.

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

Movie tie-ins have often been a bit hit and miss, more miss than hit. Then out of nowhere came The Chronicles of Riddick, a game that bridged the films Pitch Black and the Chronicles of Riddick. A stealthy melee-em-up with a delicious narration from Vin Diesel and a wonderful mix of combat and non-combat sections, it was great on release. Now in a remastered version with a new set of levels on the spaceship Dark Athena, Chronicles of Riddick shows us not only how remasters can be done, but how movie tie-in games can be done too. 

Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

For many PC gamers the Command & Conquer series was a first introduction to real time strategy. Their legacy hasn’t ever been forgotten, and in the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection PC gamers can relive their old memories with crisp new visuals. What’s most remarkable about this game remaster is the care and detail to attention, the graphics have been completely updated with new sprites that are utterly perfect, and the UI’s been updated too to remove any of the old issues. It’s truly a masterclass in game remastering.

Trials of Mana

Finally, Trials of Mana. Originally known as Seiken Densetsu 3 and only available in Japan, this sequel to Sword of Mana was an expansion of the original in every way. Now in Trials of Mana it’s been expanded again with new, well, everything. It’s a robust game filled with things to do, places to see, enemies to kill, and with immense replay value, this isn’t just any old remake – it’s proof that Square Enix are masters of the remake. 

What’s your favourite game remaster or remake? Head on over to our Community Forum and let us know.

Grand Theft Auto 5 Roleplay Servers Explained

If you’re a regular on Twitch, you’ve likely seen the top content creators flocking to GTA 5 over recent months. Some are playing the brilliant base game, but many are also taking part in special roleplay servers, like NoPixel. The GTA 5 roleplay boom has turned a lot of influencers into virtual character superstars, allowing creators to live out digital second lives for the enjoyment of a growing audience. 

In light of this news, you may be wondering how you can get in on the fun. The short answer is that it’s complicated, and you’re not going to be in the same servers as the top streamers right off the bat. However, in this guide we’re going to run through how it all works, and how you can try and join in. 

GTA 5 Roleplay Servers Primer

If you watch GTA 5 roleplay streamers on Twitch, you’ve probably got a decent idea of how it works, and if not, your best bet would be checking out some VODS from the top NoPixel influencers to see how it all goes down. 

Essentially, these are custom modded multiplayer servers with special rules. You play as a customisable NPC rather than the protagonist of GTA Online, and you’re not supposed to break character. Some characters are police officers, others are bank robbers, often with accents and different personalities to the real people playing them.

 It’s quite an undertaking, but if you’ve played Dungeons and Dragons and embodied another character then you’re halfway there. As you might imagine, players can earn a reputation within the server depending on the actions of their in-game character. Others may shy away from the spotlight, choosing to revel in mundanity. Ultimately, it’s all about immersion, and players are punished for acting out of character.

How To Join A GTA 5 Roleplay Server 

You’re going to need to mod your GTA 5 to get access to these roleplay servers. FiveM is a popular solution for getting access to custom dedicated servers, and so is RageMP. Once they’re installed, you’ll have to do your own research. There are free servers available, but in many cases you’ll have to apply or join a waiting list to get into a good server, and prove yourself as a dedicated roleplayer who isn’t going to undermine the experience for others. You can sift through some FiveM servers here to get an idea, but just do some googling and  make sure you find one that is right for your experience level and your mod setup. Follow the rules too, or risk the consequences!

To join a high-level tight-knit RP community like NoPixel you’re going to have to get whitelisted, which involves applying and proving yourself as a decent roleplayer. It’ll be tough, but if you start small and make a name for yourself, one day you could be playing in one of the top GTA 5 roleplaying servers. 

The Witcher 2 Ending Choices and Consequences

There are few games as narratively ambitious in the RPG genre as The Witcher 2. It’s simply filled with moments where your choices as the player matter to the game’s plot and to the world. Sometimes these are signposted and obvious, sometimes decisions happen without you even noticing. 

The Witcher 2 offers a massive amount of choice, even giving the player an entirely different second act depending on decisions made in the first. So it’s no wonder that the game also has a colossal amount of endings, with the original version having sixteen different outcomes you can experience (eight in the PC version and Enhanced Editions).

What happens in the game even has effects which reverberate in The Witcher 3. Here’s a rundown of the decisions you can make in The Witcher 2, and how they affect the game’s endings.

Note: Spoilers for the end of The Witcher 2 lay beyond this point.

Siding with Iorveth or Roche

One of the biggest decisions in the entirety of The Witcher 2 is if you decide to side with Roche or Iorveth at the end of Chapter I. This decision splinters the game and gives you a different Chapter II depending on what you’ve chosen.

If you side with Iorveth you’ll experience the game alongside the rebellious Scoia’tael, Roche, however, will see you fighting alongside the humans with King Henselt’s army. 

This will be the largest decision you make and will heavily influence which options you’ll have available to you at the end of the game. So make your choice carefully! Or play the game twice.

Iorveth Ending – Saskia or Triss

If you side with Iorveth, near the end of the game you’ll be presented with another choice. This is between saving Triss or helping Iorveth save the life of Saskia, who’s being controlled in her dragon form to attack.

Whilst Triss will survive no matter what option you take, it will change Iorveth and Saskia’s fate, changing the ending radically.

Roche Ending – Anaïs or Triss

If, however, you went with Roche, you will be given a different choice. This time it’s between Triss and King Foltest’s daughter, Anaïs. Both Triss and Anaïs will survive if you choose the other, but Roche and Anaïs’ eventual fates can be deeply cursed by refusing to aid them when given the chance.

Roche Ending – Henselt’s Fate

King Henselt is a jolly sort, until you get to know him better. If you side with Roche in Chapter I you’ll get to know King Henselt rather well, which is deeply unpleasant. At a point in Roche’s storyline you’ll get the chance to decide King Henselt’s fate, with drastic consequences for both the ending of The Witcher 2 and also Geralt’s reputation going into The Witcher 3.

By the end of the game, if Henselt is dead you’ll see Roche be labelled a traitor and Temeria disintegrate into baronies. If Henselt lives, however…well. Can you live with that decision, knowing what you find out about him during the game? It’s your choice!

Anaïs with Natalis or Radovid

The final decision which influences what ending you get in The Witcher 2 is determined by whomst you sent Anaïs with, either King Radovid or John Natalis.

If you send her with Radovid it means the merging of Temeria and Redania with little hope for Anaïs’ country to be free again. Sending her with John Natalis means Temeria won’t descend into civil war, but it may mean future problems for this now-weakened nation.

So there you have it, if you’re planning on playing The Witcher 2 you should now know what you need to do to reach your desired ending, or if you’re skipping it you can get up to speed on the characters and decisions. Which ending did you choose if you played it? Head over to our Community Forum and have your say.

Everything You Need To Know About Days Gone on PC

The previously PlayStation exclusive third-person zombie shooter Days Gone was just released on PC. Bend Studio’s popular action-adventure game found a massive fan following on console and is revving up to delight even more players by landing on Steam and Epic Games Store. But what new and old features can PC players find in this port? In this guide we’re going to run through everything you need to know about the Days Gone PC port, from the graphical upgrades to the additional in-game content.

Days Gone PC Release Date and System Requirements

Days Gone has landed on PC on May 18, 2021. You are able to purchase it on Steam and the Epic Games Store, and of course on your trusted Green Man Gaming store. Here are the system requirements to make sure you can run it on your rig.

Minimum 

Processor: i5-2500K@3.3GHz or AMD FX 6300@3.5GHz

Memory: 8 GB

Storage: 70 GB (SSD recommended)

Graphics: GTX 780 (3 GB) or AMD R9 290 (4 GB)

Recommended

Processor: i7-4770K@3.5GHz or Ryzen 5 1500X@3.5 GHz

Memory: 16 GB

Storage: 70 GB (SSD recommended)

Graphics: GTX 1060 (6 GB) or AMD RX 580 (8 GB)

Days Gone PC Features

Bend Studio has issued an FAQ on all of the features of the Days Gone PC port, which you can check out here.

The PC port of Days Gone features the same Photo Mode from the console version of the game as well as achievements and all of the DLC available on the PS4 and PS5. This means players can access content such as Survival Mode, New Game Plus, Challenge Mode and some slick bike skins that came to the console version of the game post-launch.

Some important points to note from that piece include that the game supports keyboard and mouse as well as simultaneous controller / kb + m input, and you also can re-bind every action. 

All modern controllers also work with Days Gone on PC, including last-gen and current gen PlayStation and Xbox peripherals, as well as the Steam controller and Nintendo Switch Pro controller, if you’ve got one of those.

The Days Gone PC port also features an unlocked framerate option. The game was previously locked to 30 FPS on PS4 and 60 FPS on PS5, so this is great news if you have a monitor that has a higher refresh rate than 60 Hz. Ultrawide monitors are also supported at 21:9 and 32:9, with cinematics and UI adapted.

Specific graphical upgrades mentioned on the Days Gone PC store pages include an increased level of details, field of view and foliage draw distances. However, the FAQ reveals that the game doesn’t support NVIDIA’s DLSS technology or ray tracing. It’s worth noting that it says “at this time” with reference to DLSS, which suggests support could be added in the future.