Biomutant Review: A Slow Burn Worth the Effort

If I could share one piece of advice for players who are jumping into Biomutant at launch, I would say that you should try and get through the game’s opening act quite quickly. Don’t dawdle when it comes to the main opening quests, at least up until you defeat the first of the four World Eaters. For me, this is where the game properly opened up, exposed its brilliance and took the training wheels off. The game is unfortunately front loaded with lots of tutorials, flashbacks and exposition, and I didn’t think all of it was that important. Honestly, I was keen for it to go away as soon as possible so I could engage further with the combat and exploration gameplay loop that makes Biomutant so much fun. 

What I’m trying to say is that the game is a slow burn, and a tricky game to get into at first. But it’s really worth the effort, and after a few hours, when you start to specialise and understand the mechanical depth on offer, I’m confident you’ll find a lot to enjoy about it. To give you the basic premise, you play as a mutated critter trying to save a post-apocalyptic world that is ravaged by successive ecological decay and tribalism.

A whole new world

It imagines what the Earth would look like if we became even more reckless about the environment and caused the doom of our own species, leaving a broken landscape to be reclaimed by warped creatures using toilet brushes for weapons and scrap for armor. This inspired backdrop is realised well through the game’s visuals, to the point where I’d recommend Biomutant purely for the way it looks. The art direction is just so imaginative, with wonderfully varied creature design and plenty of moody ruins to explore. The animals seem as if they’ve been procedurally generated and then refined by an artist with a deft touch, like a modern version of 2008’s Spore.

You get up close with the visual details in the opening as you fine-tune your protagonist’s fur, skills and stats. You can barrel all of your points into melee damage, pick the dual-wield melee class and focus hard on critical chance like I did, or curve the slider towards agility or charisma, vitality or magic power. There’s an impressive amount of permutations to tinker with, and it really does feel like your playthrough is unique, especially if you’re gunning for a certain kind of build, be it melee or ranged weapons, bartering or vitality.

Everybody was Wung-Fu fighting

The combat itself is the main way you interface with the world and it’s a lot of fun once you get used to it. It feels a little rough around the edges at first until you start to unlock your Psi Powers and ‘Wung-Fu’ moves, combo attacks that turn battles into a deadly dance of slow-motion attacks and careful manoeuvres. It’s challenging even on normal difficulty — Biomutant definitely punishes players who want to specialise in certain areas, which I seriously admired. Instead of holding my hand, it forced me to adapt, hunt and explore to tweak my build and have a chance against my enemies. Following through and committing to the creature you created at the start is a very rewarding experience that underpins the game. 

The story and setting feel very much inspired by Breath of the Wild, as you explore a gigantic map with a central flashpoint that you must unlock by fighting four giant boss enemies. Then there’s the tribes, which you can align with based on your karmic disposition. Biomutant allows you to choose nihilism, hope or anything in between, with different tribes feeling like political parties that take positions on how the game will end. 

The writing itself is a little choppy, especially given that the narrator is translating what other characters say to you in lieu of actual conversations. It feels as if the developers realised they couldn’t figure out voice acting for every character in a game of this scale, which is fair enough, but the compromise can be quite annoying — and the dialogue is full of egregious idioms and pure nonsense words that are hard to keep up with. I do recommend turning down the frequency by which the narrator speaks to the player in the audio settings as soon as it starts to grate on you. 

A breath of fresh RPG air

Yet regardless, Biomutant’s mechanics and gameplay loop are so refreshing and sound that it’s well worth looking past a bit of muck. If you like open-world RPGs with narrative consequence and great combat, you’re going to thoroughly enjoy this multi-layered, beautiful adventure. 

Does all of this sound interesting to you? Then get your PC copy of Biomutant on our store right here.

Everything you need to know about Final Fantasy 16

Announced during the PlayStation 5 showcase all the way back in September 2020 (it does seem like ages ago, to be honest), Final Fantasy 16 is the latest entry in arguably the most well known JRPG franchise on the planet. But what does Square-Enix have in store for us with Final Fantasy 16? Well, let’s saddle up onto our Chocobos and find out!

Final Fantasy 16 Release Date – When Does It Release?

While Square-Enix hasn’t yet officially revealed the Final Fantasy 16 release date, there are still a number of clues lurking about which point to when we might be able to get our grubby mitts on the game. Last year the Official UK PlayStation Magazine made the bold statement that Final Fantasy 16 would arrive on PlayStation 5 sometime during 2021, with Square-Enix themselves confirming that as of September 2020, basic development and scenario production for the title had been completed. That said, Final Fantasy games are monstrous development endeavours and so if it does release in 2021, it’ll likely be right at the very end of the year. Otherwise, I think a much more likely scenario is that we’re looking at an early 2022 release for Final Fantasy 16.

Will Final Fantasy 16 Come To PC?

When the first trailer for Final Fantasy 16 dropped last year, eagle-eyed PC gamers pointed out that the original version of that trailer had references to the game coming on PC; despite Square-Enix repeatedly saying at the time that the game would be a PlayStation 5 exclusive. As it turns out many months later, Final Fantasy 16 on PlayStation 5 is intended to be a ‘timed console exclusive’, thus opening the doors to a PC release further down the line. How much further though? Well, if we assume that Final Fantasy 16 gets a PlayStation 5 release in early 2022 and add an extra six months on top of that, then PC gamers could conceivably get the game by the end of 2022. 

Final Fantasy 16 Gameplay – What’s New?

Though the nuanced particulars of Final Fantasy 16’s gameplay have yet to be revealed, we already have a fair idea about how this latest entry in the series will play. Based on the only released trailer for the game, Final Fantasy 16 would seem to be an open world JRPG with real-time combat, in a fashion similar to what Square-Enix achieved with the previous title in the series, Final Fantasy 15. 

However, where Final Fantasy 16 differs from other titles in the series is in how action-packed the combat actually is. Boasting a hyper-kinetic combat system which deftly combines devastating magic and lightning quick melee attacks, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the combat is closer to Devil May Cry than it is Final Fantasy. You’d be right too, because Ryota Suzuki, developer of the battle systems for Devil May Cry 5 at Capcom, has been part of the Final Fantasy 16 development team for some time. 

What’s The Story In Final Fantasy 16?

While the details regarding the story of Final Fantasy 16 are sparse, there’s still a fair amount of tasty tidbits that we can glean. A much darker themed effort, Final Fantasy 16 would seem to center around one Clive Rosfield, the firstborn of the immensely powerful Archduke of Rosaria. Here, it would seem that the powerful summoned beings called Eikon’s have run amok, with one in particular (Ifrit) wreaking havoc across the Dukedom. In a bid to restore balance to the world and uncover the mystery behind the Eikon’s hostility, Clive teams up with Joshua, his younger brother and heir to the Rosarian throne and Jill Warrick, a former warrior from the Northern Territories who was fostered by the Archduke of Rosaria and is a close friend of both brothers. In short, we can expect yet another epic saga with titanic battles, massive stakes and likely some heart-rending betrayals to boot. Game of Thrones eat your heart out.

MotoGP 21 Review – The Most Accessible and Authentic Ride Yet

There’s a lot to like about this year’s MotoGP game, of course, titled MotoGP 21. Developer Milestone has now been iterating upon the series for well over a decade by this point – a rare opportunity for any studio – so it’s pleasing to see that general fan feedback has been taken on board for what arguably feels like one of the most accessible entries in the racing simulator’s history. 

Ride Your Way

Namely, after creating a custom rider (name, gender, age, nationality, etc.), you are thrown into a tutorial that offers the basics: bike control, ideal trajectory, curve indicators and penalty systems – including the new Long Lap Penalty, a lane designed to punish infractions that must be completed to return to the track. None are a requirement and can be exited immediately to jump into a major race but it’s well worth completing these short segments, regardless of prior experience. The advanced sessions, in particular, were well worth the extra time, allowing for a system that felt fine-tuned to my riding capabilities.

Getting out on the track is a great feeling. Acceleration feels exhilarating, nailing a sharp corner feels smooth and crossing the line at first feels truly earned. Additionally, the returning rewind feature that lets the action be rewound about 10 seconds back is a lifesaver. Not only because it can help save a daft mistake on the final few turns, but because of the aggressive nature of the AI. Even at quite a low difficulty, the AI will knock into you, whether or not you are actually riding well. It feels a little off, so thankfully the rewind function balances this out nicely. Of course, this and all other riding aids can be turned off for the purists out there.

Hear Them Roar

One thing that stood out immediately, as someone who rides motorbikes as a hobby and has attended various MotoGP events over the years, was the sound design. It’s very impressive. 250cc bikes scream accordingly, 600cc motors howl and 1000cc machines roar as each should. The same authenticity can be said for the tracks (outside of the whitewashed surroundings that do look copied and pasted from a generation ago), each recreated beautifully and to the scale of their real-world counterparts. 

All 21 official circuits are available from the get-go, with three historical tracks in Donington Park, Laguna Seca and Brno playable too. There are also more than 40 classic riders from the history of MotoGP, from Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi to Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi. Not to mention, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi as well as Valentino Rossi and Valentino Rossi… you get the point. It’s great to see “The Doctor” represented so well throughout his illustrious career, yet it’s hard not to laugh at the number of slots taken up by the man himself – especially when the female presence is still lacking. 

The Complete MotoGP Experience

From here, MotoGP 21 gives you three options: Quick Modes, Multiplayer and Career. The latter is arguably where you’ll spend the majority of the time, taking up the mantle of either a rookie in Moto3 (250cc), an up-and-comer in Moto2 (600cc), or a wannabe winner vying for the championship in MotoGP (1000cc). It’s clear that resources were primarily shifted towards MotoGP due to overwhelming popularity, with only the top riders receiving full facial animations and those further down the starting grid having to settle for a helmet on at all times. 

Team management continues to play a part, beginning with the selection of a manager. This then affects salary negotiations and the ability to find new teams via contract searches. Naturally, you have to join a team first, so choosing between a factory bike or a new establishment is an exciting premise, culminating with a glitzy light show to premiere the rider and bike. It’s a nice touch, something that the game begs for more of. The remaining R&D tasks (known as development tests) are intertwined with racing and do little for the imagination, allowing the focus to be put on the championship. 

Race The World

Quick Modes comprise Grand Prix, Time Trials and Championships. A basic free-play experience that suffices but never entices. We then have online, where you can race riders globally either through already created groups or the option to create new ones. The general sense of competitiveness is there, just something to put at stake would be better. A ranked league for one would do wonders. Still, jumping into a race was quick and painless, proving to be solid throughout. It’s hard to beat that first-corner chaos too, where half the racers collide with one another. Beautiful carnage. 

MotoGP 21 hones in on what it does well while bringing in handy tutorials, useful for amateurs and pros alike. There’s still a lot to be desired off the track, however, when those lights go green and you make it all the way to that sweet checkered flag, there’s a wonderful sense of accomplishment like no other.

Why Mass Effect Legendary Edition Doesn’t Include Multiplayer

When multiplayer first debuted in Mass Effect 3, it was a surprise hit. At the time, adding multiplayer to a single-player RPG was unconventional, but the wave-based co-op mode, similar to Gears of War’s Horde mode, became a hit. Many players spent hours battling through the challenging waves, facing some of the toughest enemies in the Mass Effect universe while playing as various alien races. It was a fun experience whether you were playing with friends or strangers, and a lot of time was surprisingly sunk into it.

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition and No Multiplayer

With the release of Mass Effect Legendary Edition – the remastered collection of the original Mass Effect trilogy – the question of whether multiplayer would return has already been answered: it won’t.

In an interview with GameInformer prior to the release of the Legendary Edition in 2021, BioWare confirmed that multiplayer would not be included in the remastered collection. The main reason was the complexity of implementing multiplayer during development. There were also concerns about post-launch support, including questions about cross-play compatibility between the old PS3 version of Mass Effect 3 and the new version for PS4, as well as whether players of the original multiplayer would still be active.

BioWare made it clear that they prioritized the aspects most important to their fans, so while the multiplayer wasn’t part of the Legendary Edition, the focus was on recreating the trilogy with full dedication to its single-player experience. The team felt that remaking three games with multiplayer added would have been too much, considering the complexities involved. Mac Walters even used an unusual Porsche analogy to explain the decision: “It’s one thing to take a 1982 Porsche that needs to be fully restored, but now imagine it was buried in concrete.” This highlights the immense work it would have taken to bring back the multiplayer.

Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Still Alive

For players disappointed by the absence of multiplayer in the Legendary Edition, there’s still a silver lining: Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer is still alive and well. A dedicated community of fans continues to play the co-op multiplayer mode, and there are enough players around to fill a full team. The wave-based mode, which has players fighting off enemies while completing objectives, continues to attract players even years after its original release.

So, while Mass Effect Legendary Edition doesn’t bring back the multiplayer if you’re still craving that experience, Mass Effect 3 multiplayer remains accessible and has a passionate, albeit niche, fanbase keeping it going.

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which includes all of Commander Shepard’s galactic adventures from the original trilogy, was released on May 14, 2021, for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

Humankind: A Guide To All In-Game Cultures

Amplitude Studios set their sights high with Humankind, a turn-based strategy game that lets you rewrite the course of human history. From the dawn of civilization to the modern age, you’ll guide your people across millennia—shaping culture, expanding your empire, and competing for the ultimate prize: Fame.

One of the game’s most distinctive features is the ability to switch cultures as you move through eras. Each new era offers fresh strategic possibilities, letting you build a civilization that’s uniquely yours, piece by piece.

With a growing roster of cultures to choose from and new expansions adding even more depth, here’s a full breakdown of how cultures work in Humankind, and a look at every culture available so far.

Humankind Culture Gameplay Effects

When you enter a new era in Humankind, you’ll get to select a new culture – each with its own distinct trait that shapes your playstyle. These traits only apply while you’re actively playing as that culture, and they’ll be replaced when you select a new one. But don’t worry – your choices still have lasting effects.

Every Humankind culture comes with one of the following affinities:

  • Aesthete – Focuses on earning Influence.
  • Agrarian – Focuses on increasing population and growing food.
  • Builder – Focuses on building and industry.
  • Diplomatic – Focuses on diplomacy and collecting Leverage. (New affinity introduced in the “Together We Rule” expansion.)
  • Expansionist – Focuses on expanding territory.
  • Merchant – Focuses on generating money.
  • Militarist – Focuses on building up, and using, a large army.
  • Scientist – Focuses on generating Science and unlocking new technologies.

In addition to these traits, each culture includes a unique Emblematic Unit and a constructible Emblematic Quarter. These are exclusive to the culture you’re playing at the time, but once they’re built, they’ll remain in play even after you’ve moved on to a new culture.

Crucially, each culture also provides a Legacy Trait, which continues to affect your empire after you switch cultures. So even though your affinity changes from era to era, your Legacy Traits stack—shaping your civilization’s long-term identity. This makes your cultural choices in every era especially important.

At the end of every era, you’ll have a choice: adopt a new culture with fresh traits or transcend, sticking with your current culture and earning a Fame boost instead. The adopted route means new abilities, units, and districts – but the transcend option gives you the chance to double down on your existing strengths.

Humankind Culture List

With the game expanding over time, Humankind now features 79 cultures across the eras (up from the original 60), with more added through DLC and updates. Here’s a look at the cultures confirmed so far, including the base game and additional content:

Neolithic Era

  • Nomadic Tribe

Ancient Era

  • Assyrians – Expansionist
  • Babylonians – Scientist
  • Egyptians – Builder
  • Harappans – Agrarian
  • Hittites – Militarist
  • Mycenaeans – Militarist
  • Nubians – Merchant
  • Olmecs – Aesthete
  • Phoenicians – Merchant
  • Zhou – Aesthete

Classical Era

  • Achaemenid Persians – Expansionist
  • Aksumites – Merchant
  • Carthaginians – Merchant
  • Celts – Agrarian
  • Goths – Militarist
  • Greeks – Scientist
  • Huns – Militarist
  • Mauryans – Aesthete
  • Maya – Builder
  • Romans – Expansionist

Medieval Era

  • Aztecs – Militarist
  • Byzantines – Merchant
  • English – Agrarian
  • Franks – Aesthete
  • Ghanaians – Merchant
  • Khmer – Builder
  • Mongols – Militarist
  • Norsemen – Militarist
  • Teutons – Expansionist
  • Umayyads – Scientist

Early Modern Era

  • Dutch – Merchant
  • Edo Japanese – Aesthete
  • Haudenosaunee – Agrarian
  • Joseon – Scientist
  • Ming – Aesthete
  • Mughals – Builder
  • Ottomans – Expansionist
  • Poles – Militarist
  • Spanish – Expansionist
  • Venetians – Merchant

Industrial Era

  • Austro-Hungarians – Aesthete
  • British – Expansionist
  • French – Scientist
  • Germans – Militarist
  • Italians – Aesthete
  • Mexicans – Agrarian
  • Persians – Builder
  • Russians – Expansionist
  • Siamese – Builder
  • Zulu – Militarist

Several expansions like Together We Rule and Cultures of Africa, Cultures of Latin America, and Cultures of Oceania have introduced new playable cultures and mechanics, such as the Diplomatic affinity.

With so many cultures to choose from – and each playing in a unique way – you’ll have a tonne of decisions to make throughout your journey in Humankind. Whether you go full militarist, embrace scientific enlightenment, or sway the world through influence and diplomacy, every era is a chance to reinvent your empire.

Meet the Cast of Resident Evil Village: Characters, Voice Actors, and More

Fear comes in many forms, and in Resident Evil Village, that fear takes the shape of a distant Eastern European village teeming with mutated creatures that defy all classification. Following the events of Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, Resident Evil Village continues to reinvent the series, introducing new monsters, characters, and a fresh storyline. While the game features plenty of new faces, there are also familiar characters making a return, adding to the tension and mystery of the village.

Let’s dive into the main characters and their voice actors, giving you a guide to the people – and creatures – you’ll encounter in Resident Evil Village.

Note: Some spoilers for the start of the game are below, so proceed with caution!

Ethan Winters – Todd Soley (EN) – Hidenobu Kiuchi (JP)

Ethan Winters, the main character of Resident Evil Village, returns after surviving the horrors of Resident Evil 7 Biohazard’s Baker estate. Now a few years later, Ethan’s peaceful life with his wife Mia is shattered by the sudden appearance of Chris Redfield. In Resident Evil Village, Ethan finds himself alone again in a hostile, mutated village, seeking revenge, answers, and, most importantly, a way out.

Chris Redfield – Jeff Schine (EN) – Hiroki Tōchi (JP)

Chris Redfield is one of the most iconic characters in the Resident Evil series, having appeared in many of the franchise’s titles since the very first game. In Resident Evil Village, Chris is leading a BSAA strike team, the Hound Wolf Squad, and his sudden appearance at the start of the game sets the stage for the events that pull Ethan into the heart of the village. But there’s a mystery surrounding Chris—has something gone terribly wrong, or is he still the same Chris we know?

Alcina Dimitrescu – Maggie Robertson (EN) – Kikuko Inoue (JP)

Alcina Dimitrescu, or as she prefers, Countess Dimitrescu, is the imposing matriarch of the Dimitrescu family, who rule over the village and the ominous Castle Dimitrescu. Standing at a terrifying 9 feet 6 inches, Lady Dimitrescu is just as deadly as she is mysterious. Armed with vampiric abilities and a sharp set of blades, she is one of the most memorable antagonists in Resident Evil Village, constantly hunting Ethan throughout the game. The role of Lady Dimitrescu was brought to life by Maggie Robertson in English and Kikuko Inoue in Japanese.

Mia Winters – Katie O’Hagan (EN) – Akari Higuchi (JP)

Mia Winters, Ethan’s wife, was quietly living with him after the traumatic events of the Baker estate in Resident Evil 7 Biohazard. However, Mia’s peaceful life is disrupted at the beginning of Resident Evil Village by a violent incident involving their daughter, Rosemary. Though it appears that Mia’s fate takes a tragic turn, in the Resident Evil universe, things are rarely as they seem.

Rosemary Winters

Rosemary is the daughter of Ethan and Mia, and her kidnapping by Chris Redfield at the start of the game sets Ethan on his journey through the village. Rosemary is no ordinary child—she has unique, mysterious powers that others might want to exploit. Will she be a potential threat or the key to unravelling the village’s mysteries? We’ll find out as the story progresses.

The Dimitrescu Daughters

  • Bela Dimitrescu – Voiced by Bekka Prewitt (EN) and Rie Tanaka (JP), Bela is one of Lady Dimitrescu’s daughters. Like her sisters, she plays a key role in tormenting Ethan throughout his journey in the castle.
  • Cassandra Dimitrescu – Jeanette Maus (EN) and Sachiko Kojima (JP) voice Cassandra, another of the Dimitrescu daughters. Unfortunately, Jeanette Maus passed away in January 2021 due to colon cancer, a tragic loss for both her family and the Resident Evil community.
  • Daniela Dimitrescu – Voiced by Nicole Tompkins (EN) and Tomo Muranaka (JP), Daniela is the youngest of the three Dimitrescu daughters, adding her own brand of terror to the game.

With its terrifying creatures and twisted characters, Resident Evil Village continues to push the boundaries of survival horror. From the vengeful Ethan Winters to the enigmatic and towering Lady Dimitrescu, there are plenty of faces—both new and familiar—that will keep you on edge throughout your journey. With standout performances from the voice cast, Resident Evil Village is sure to be a memorable experience for fans old and new alike.

Everything You Need To Know About Oddworld Soulstorm

Oddworld Soulstorm is the complete reimagining of the original Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus that was released over 20 years ago. With huge visual and cinematic upgrades and intelligent new game mechanics you can experience Abe’s tale in a whole new way. Acting as a direct sequel to Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, Oddworld Soulstorm release date was back in early April and is available on PC through the Epic Store and on PS4, PS5. 

Plot 

Once again Abe finds himself thrown in the middle of a revolution where he finds himself as the unlikely hero. The Glukkons who have enslaved Abe’s species the Mudokons have a dastardly plan to turn them into delicious snacks. After Abe learns of this plan he decides to take action and rescue his fellow Mudokons from the evil oppression of the Glukkons.

Gameplay

Oddworld Soulstorm gameplay revolves around the classic side scrolling, platforming and puzzle solving. Described as being a 2.9D game, the side scrolling world you will traverse has a depth to it with multiple layers being visible. At times paths may make use of the Z axis with both Abe travelling along it and obstacles coming from it as well. With the game’s upgrades comes an increased amount of agility from the Mudokons, they’re now able to jump. hoist themselves up ledges and more. 

With all the new environments to explore you can expect to find lots of new puzzles to solve and secrets to discover. 

Multiple Endings

Oddworld: Soulstorm features multiple different endings to uncover – four in total. With 15 mains levels to play through there are an additional two levels that can be unlocked depending on how many Mudokons you save throughout the game. In order to unlock the additional levels players will have to save at least 80% of the Mudokons. Whilst you technically don’t have to save any specific number during the game. It will obviously make for a more interesting ending if you do with an additional cinematic being unlocked and the aforementioned extra levels for getting that sweet 80% saved.

Should you not unlock the extra levels during your playthrough, fret not. As you can access a level select upon completion. This means you can revisit old levels to redo them and up your Quarma score which is boosted by saving Mudokons. If you then improve your overall Quarma enough you will unlock the additional levels.

With nearly 1400 Mudokons to save throughout the whole game, you’re going to have your work cut out. 

Trailer

PS5

The PS5 version of the game also makes use of the DualSense controller providing a heightened experience through new features. For example, you will be able to feel the palpitations of Abe’s heartbeat increase through the haptic feedback and experience resistance from the new adaptive triggers in the controller. 

Oddworld Soulstorm is the remaster/remake that’s worth playing. It’s not just some new textures on an old game. It is a completely new experience built from the ground up. With the same charm and wonder as the original titles there is no doubt you will have an excellent time saving the world. 

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… Just What Is It Exactly?

More than a decade after its original debut, NieR Replicant received a transformative upgrade that gave this cult favourite a chance to shine for a broader audience. With NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, Square Enix and developer Toylogic delivered an enhanced version that not only modernizes the original 2010 release but also deepens its emotional impact and narrative power. Whether you’re coming from NieR: Automata or diving in fresh, this updated version is the best way to experience where the NieR saga truly began.

Is It a Remaster or a Remake?

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… doesn’t fall neatly into the categories of “remaster” or “remake.” Instead, the developers refer to it as a “version up” — an enhanced take on the 2010 Japan-exclusive NieR Replicant. Unlike full remakes like Final Fantasy VII Remake or the recent Resident Evil reimaginings, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… keeps the original game’s foundation intact while significantly refining key elements.

What’s Different from the Western Release of NieR?

The original NieR game released in the West in 2010 was actually a different version known as NieR Gestalt, featuring an older protagonist trying to save his daughter. That version was tailored for Western markets. Meanwhile, Japan received NieR Replicant, in which the protagonist is a younger man trying to save his sister, Yonah.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is based on the Japanese version, marking the first time this version was officially localized and released globally. This change not only affects character dynamics but subtly shifts the emotional core of the story.

What’s New in ver.1.22474487139…?

Aside from the protagonist shift and mechanical enhancements, this version includes:

  • Expanded Side Quests: Several new and more in-depth optional quests flesh out the world and supporting characters.
  • New Story Content: Additional narrative elements (including the “Mermaid” storyline) expand the lore and emotional scope of the game.
  • Enhanced Weapon Stories: A hallmark of the Drakengard/NieR universe, weapon lore has been enriched, offering more insight into the world’s history.
  • Fully Voiced Dialogue: All major dialogue is now fully voiced, with returning and new actors bringing deeper nuance to the performances.
  • Reimagined Soundtrack: The game’s hauntingly beautiful score has been re-recorded and rearranged, preserving its core melodies while elevating the production quality.

Why This Is the Definitive Version

Everything in NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is designed to retain the emotional depth and philosophical weight of the original, while improving the experience for modern players. The updated visuals, refined controls, and additional content don’t just make the game more enjoyable – they make its world more immersive, its characters more relatable, and its story more heartbreaking.

For fans of NieR: Automata, this is a must-play that connects many of the series’ recurring themes and ideas. For newcomers, it’s a self-contained story rich with emotion, style, and soul.

In an era where remakes and remasters often come and go, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… stands out by honouring its roots while evolving for a new generation. Whether you’re revisiting the world of Nier or discovering it for the first time, this version offers the most complete, beautiful, and emotionally resonant experience of the original game yet.

Outriders Character Customization Guide – How to Create and Modify Your Hero

You’ll be spending a lot of time with your character in Outriders, especially if you dive into the full campaign, optional side quests, endgame expeditions, or expansions like Worldslayer. So it’s worth making sure your character looks the part before you begin your chaotic journey across Enoch. Thankfully, the character customization system gives you plenty of tools to personalize your Outrider right from the start – and offers the flexibility to update your look later on.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how character creation works, what parts of your character are permanent, and how to change your appearance at any point during the game.

Creating Your Character in Outriders

After logging in and getting past the initial menus, Outriders prompts you to create your first character. You can have up to six characters on your account, allowing you to experiment with all four core classes – Pyromancer, Trickster, Devastator, and Technomancer – while leaving room to test out different builds or playstyles later.

One important note: the body type you choose at the beginning is permanent. This represents your character’s frame and voice style and cannot be changed later, so choose the one that fits your vision best.

From there, the character creator is split into three main sections:

1. Body

  • Choose your head type, eye colour, and skin tone.

2. Hair

  • Customize your hairstyle, facial hair (for Body Type 1), and hair color.

3. Markings

  • Add scars, piercings, makeup, or war paint depending on the body type you’ve selected.

There’s no class-specific customization here—your Pyromancer won’t look any different from your Devastator outside of their gear—so feel free to get creative with your aesthetic choices.

Where Did My Face Go? (Helmet Toggle Tip)

Once you jump into the game and start looting gear, you’ll probably find your carefully sculpted face hidden under a bulky helmet. If you’d rather admire your character’s look, you can toggle helmet visibility in the settings:

  • Go to Settings > Options > Gameplay
  • Find the “Hide Helmet” option and switch it to ON

This allows you to enjoy cinematic moments and general exploration without hiding your character’s face – while still keeping your gear’s stats active.

How to Change Your Appearance Later

Don’t stress too much during your initial character creation. With the exception of your class and body type, you can revisit and revise your character’s appearance at any time during the campaign.

Here’s how:

  1. Travel to any established camp or hub area in the game (such as Rift Town or Trench Town).
  2. Look for the scissors icon on your minimap—this marks the appearance customization station.
  3. Interact with the station (prompt: “Hold X to Change Appearance” or equivalent on your platform).
  4. Customize your character’s hair, facial features, markings, and more.
  5. Save your changes and enjoy your new look immediately—even in cutscenes!

There’s no cost or in-game currency required to make these changes, so you can switch up your style as often as you’d like.

Class Choice: The One Thing You Can’t Change

While you can freely edit your appearance, your chosen class—which determines your abilities and playstyle—is locked in for that character. Each of the four classes offers a distinct combat role:

  • Pyromancer – Mid-range, fire-wielding damage dealer
  • Trickster – Agile, time-bending assassin with up-close burst potential
  • Devastator – Tanky frontline brawler who manipulates the earth
  • Technomancer – Long-range support and gadget master with healing abilities

If you’re unsure which to choose, it’s worth playing each class briefly before committing serious time to one. Thanks to the six available character slots, you can experiment freely without losing progress.

Outriders offers a satisfying level of customization without overwhelming new players. The freedom to adjust your appearance mid-game – without penalties or microtransactions – is a welcome feature, especially in a genre known for locking in early decisions.

Whether you’re building a fiery Pyromancer with bold war paint or a stylish Trickster with neon hair and battle scars, Outriders lets you create a character that feels uniquely yours. Just remember: pick a class you enjoy, and the rest is all cosmetic.

The Strongest Pokémon in Gold, Silver, HeartGold & SoulSilver

Pokémon Gold and Silver, later remade as HeartGold and SoulSilver, are legendary entries in the series. They took us to the Johto region, then let us revisit the original Kanto map – offering one of the largest adventures in any mainline Pokémon game.

If you’re heading back to Gen 2 or playing it for the first time, here’s a guide to some of the strongest Pokémon you can build your team around.

Typhlosion

Let’s start with the Fire-type starter. While Totodile and Chikorita have their merits, Cyndaquil’s final evolution, Typhlosion, is widely considered the strongest overall.

With high Speed and Special Attack, Typhlosion can quickly knock out opponents before they strike. It’s a reliable and efficient attacker throughout most of the game.

Crobat

Yes, really – Zubat’s final evolution is a top-tier Gen 2 pick.

Crobat boasts one of the highest Speed stats in the game, letting it outspeed nearly everything. Combine that with Poison/Flying typing and moves like Cross Poison or Fly, and you’ve got a sneaky MVP.

Blissey

Blissey is your go-to tank for soaking up special attacks. It has the highest HP stat in the entire series and a very strong Special Defense. It won’t win many fights on its own due to low physical defence and attack, but it’s excellent for switching in, healing the team, or stalling out opponents.

Raikou, Entei, or Suicune 

The Legendary Beasts are versatile and powerful, and your choice depends on the role you need:

  • Raikou – Fast and deadly with Electric-type special attacks.
  • Suicune – A durable Water-type with high defences.
  • Entei – Balanced with strong HP and physical attack.

You’ll only be able to catch one easily in each version, so choose wisely – or go hunting.

Tyranitar

A pseudo-legendary with monstrous stats, Tyranitar is one of Gen 2’s most iconic Pokémon. Its Rock/Dark typing gives it solid resistance, and it can hit incredibly hard with physical or special attacks. Just be mindful of its weaknesses, especially to Fighting-type moves.

Ho-Oh or Lugia

These version mascots are more than just cover art—they’re beasts in battle.

  • Ho-Oh is an offensive powerhouse with top-tier Attack, Special Attack, and access to Sacred Fire.
  • Lugia is more defensive, with excellent Speed, HP, and Special Defense—perfect for outlasting and outplaying tough opponents.

While these are some of the strongest Gen 2 Pokémon in terms of stats and battle performance, the best team is always the one you enjoy using. Whether it’s a favourite from your childhood or a new discovery, build the team that makes your journey unforgettable.

NieR Replicant Characters Explained: Full Guide to the Game’s Most Iconic Heroes and Villains

It’s rare for a video game to blend emotional storytelling, bizarre humour, and philosophical questions quite like NieR Replicant. At the centre of it all is a cast of unforgettable characters — misfits, heroes, and tragic figures alike – crafted with the distinct flair of director Yoko Taro. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the NieR universe, here’s a guide to the major players who make this game such an enduring experience.

Who Is NieR Replicant’s Main Character?

The titular character, Nier, is a kind and determined young man living in a post-apocalyptic world. His singular mission? To find a cure for his beloved sister Yonah, who suffers from the terminal illness known as the Black Scrawl. With the help of a mysterious talking book, Grimoire Weiss, Nier embarks on a quest to collect powerful magical Sealed Verses. Noble and sincere, Nier’s journey is defined by sacrifice, resilience, and moral ambiguity that grows more complex as the truth of his world is slowly revealed.

Devola & Popola – Twin Guardians with a Hidden Purpose

Devola and Popola are twin sisters who assist in running Nier’s village. Devola often sings in the town square, while Popola acts as a calm and knowledgeable leader. But behind their warm presence lies a deeper responsibility: they are androids overseeing the remnants of humanity, and their role in a far-reaching scientific project places them at the heart of the game’s most devastating choices. Their kindness is genuine – but it comes with a heavy burden.

Emil – The Weapon with a Heart

Emil is a gentle boy cursed with a petrifying gaze – anyone he looks at turns to stone. Living in isolation, he joins Nier’s group and quickly becomes a fan favourite for his sweetness and selflessness. As his tragic origins unfold, Emil transforms – both physically and emotionally – becoming a powerful ally with an unshakable moral compass. Despite everything he endures, Emil never loses his sense of hope or his devotion to his friends.

Fyra – The Silent Queen

Fyra is a kind-hearted young woman from the desert kingdom of Facade, a place governed by hundreds of intricate rules. Though she begins as a servant, she rises to become queen thanks to her strength and compassion. Her bond with Nier and his companions is built on empathy, and her story – brief but impactful – adds a moment of quiet humanity to the game’s broader themes of duty and sacrifice.

Grimoire Weiss – The Arrogant Ally

Grimoire Weiss is a sentient, floating magical tome who assists Nier throughout his journey. Sarcastic and proud, Weiss often masks his concern for others with biting wit. He provides powerful magical abilities and key knowledge, playing a central role in unravelling the secrets of the world. Over time, Weiss evolves from a reluctant companion to a true friend, revealing a heart as complex as the world he inhabits.

Grimoire Noir – The Dark Counterpart

Grimoire Noir is Weiss’s sinister mirror image, an equally powerful magical book working alongside the game’s main antagonist. While Weiss fights for the preservation of free will and compassion, Noir represents control, manipulation, and the dark consequences of unchecked ambition. The clash between the two tomes is a metaphor for the larger conflict at the heart of the game.

Kainé – The Fierce Survivor

Kainé is one of Nier’s most loyal companions, known for her brutal fighting skills, dual swords, and unapologetically vulgar language. She is intersex and partially possessed by a malevolent Shade, leading to years of discrimination and trauma. Despite her hard edges, Kainé is fiercely protective of those she loves. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, rage, and redemption – a raw, powerful portrait of survival in a cruel world.

The Shadowlord – The Tragic Antagonist

The Shadowlord is the central antagonist of NieR Replicant, but his motives reveal a more complex reality. He’s not seeking domination or destruction — he wants to reunite with his sister, just like Nier. The Shadowlord is the soul of an earlier version of Nier, now part of a desperate plan to save humanity through the separation of body and soul. His role underscores one of the game’s central questions: What would you sacrifice for the people you love?

Pro Evolution Soccer: Remembering The Glory Days

25 years ago Goal Storm hit our stores and whilst it might not look like it, it was cutting edge gameplay. However, it wasn’t until 5 years later that the game finally took on the name that you’ll know it better as: Pro Evolution Soccer. 2021 marks 20 years of the “Pro Evo” franchise and over those two decades this footballing behemoth pushed the boundaries of gameplay. Long gone are the days of fierce rivalries between Merseyside Red and Merseyside Blue. We’re no longer putting on the boots of legendary players such as Ronaird (Brazilian Ronaldo if you didn’t know). 

The PS2 Era

In general the PS2 era was a fantastic one for gamers but for PES specifically it was a stellar time. The game went from that slightly obscure football game your mate might have had where you’d laugh at the names, to being widely recognised as better than EA’s counterpart FIFA. 

Konami were on to something special in the early 2000’s. What may seem like nothing to today’s gaming standard was revolutionary at the time. The changes between each of the early PES games such as being able to control the ball and turn in a single movement we’re huge. These little tweaks from year to year helped the game’s popularity rise. It quickly became the go-to football game despite its lack of real licensing.

The important thing about PES was that it always felt like gameplay was first. Creating a game that was not only great fun to play, but pushing the boundaries of gameplay was at the forefront. That’s why no one cared about the fake names.  

The on-going battle with FIFA each year undoubtedly made the game better, but by the late 2000’s early 2010’s that popularity started to slip away.

Legends that never existed

Part of the charm of the Pro Evolution Soccer series back in the day was all the fake names. Roberto Larcos became the legendary Brazilian left back everyone wanted. Ryan Greggs was the Welsh wing wizard. Edwin Farzel Haar, Ziderm, Ruud Vom Mistelroum and Naldarinho all became legends in the world of PES for their slightly tweaked and hilarious re-imagined names. Any football fans at the time knew who these players were meant to be and it would always be a good laugh seeing how they could butcher existing names.

Furthermore, the team names that would also provide a good laugh. London FC, Patagonia, Madrid Chamartin B, Man Blue to name but a few. 

Over the years more and more real names for both players and clubs have been added which could be part of the reason why the game lost its charm.

Soundtrack

If there is one thing that helps define any sports game, it’s the accompanying soundtrack. The first song that blares out as you first load the game. Or that banger of a playlist that keeps you sitting in the menus for just one more song is a memory ingrained in us all. Over the years PES has had some amazing tracks from Klaxons, Temper Trap, Kaiser Chiefs and a whole load more. Not only that, the game has also featured some amazing original tracks too creatively titled “PES4 Edit-mode”, for example. 

There is no doubt that Pro Evo holds a special place in many gaming and sports fans’ hearts. Those few years during the peak of the PS2 era were amazing and will be fondly remembered by anyone who played. Whilst it may seem like the games glory days are behind it, it is still a great game both visually and from a gameplay standpoint.

Outriders Review: A Bold, Gritty Looter Shooter That Breaks the Mold

People Can Fly is a studio known for its mastery of gunplay, previously contributing to the Gears of War series and the first iteration of Fortnite, as well as creating cult classic shooters like Bulletstorm and Painkiller. So it makes sense that their latest project, Outriders, is playing to their strengths while biting on a recent trend. 

Outriders is a third-person looter shooter where you can team up with two other friends and push through a roughly 15-hour-long narrative experience, levelling and tuning your character as you go. At the start, you’ll choose between a set of four classes which complement each other in battle. One choice is the Devastator, a walking tank that heals by killing enemies in their proximity, incentivising aggression. They pair well with a character like the Technomancer, who hides in the distance, using gadgets and long-range attacks to control and debuff enemies. 

A World-Tiered Approach

As you might expect given the studio’s pedigree, Outriders feels fantastic to play. Rolling around a combat arena and struggling to stay alive as you pump out abilities and blast your way to victory is an utter thrill. The game’s combat feels exquisitely paced thanks to the World Tier system, which offers players an adaptive difficulty meter that scales as you progress, growing higher as long as you complete fights without dying. If you falter it will drop down to help you acclimate and find your sweet spot. This is a really smart fix to one of the looter shooter genre’s most existential problems, executed with flair. And because later World Tiers offer a higher chance of access to Legendary loot, there’s always an incentive to learn to play the game better. But even so, you can always knock the difficulty down and just enjoy it at your speed until you reach the endgame. Every playstyle is accounted for!

Outriders is trying to roll with the big dogs that dominate the genre, and if you’re familiar, you’ll definitely see a lot of crossover with games like Destiny and The Division. Yet Outriders’ commitment to deliver a contained narrative also has some neat consequences that make the game differ from most looter shooters. For example, there are no microtransactions or loot boxes, which will be music to the ears of many scorned fans. There’s no PVP either — it’s a purely cooperative experience for now. This is a bold decision, but fortunately, the game doesn’t lack longevity because of it. The endgame in Outriders is particularly meaty, asking you to embark on tricky Expeditions designed to test the mettle of overconfident teams. 

An Unexpected Twist On Sci-Fi Storytelling

Ultimately, it’s a strange hybrid game that is trying to bring its own unique ideas to an overcrowded genre. Its narrative focus is admirable, given that most games of this style dodge it almost entirely. Bucking the trend, Outriders is full of charming characters that you will come to love – and grieve for – across the course of the campaign, which whisks you between dilapidated cities, lush jungles and arid deserts. Accompanying the environmental atmosphere, the soundtrack isn’t much to write home about but the sound effects are stellar. This is where People Can Fly’s Gears of War experience really shines — shotguns crunch and snipers pop, delivering jolts of sinister satisfaction. 

The premise isn’t anything groundbreaking (humans colonising an alien planet as a last resort) but it’s definitely coming at this kind of story from a different perspective. The game is inspired by Polish folklore, and the character/enemy designs are consistently diverse and interesting. It toes a very careful line between true grit and aloof humour in its writing too, which is refreshing. It really isn’t afraid to subvert side quest conventions, which often leads to cute narrative surprises for players, who may be tired of the dull fetch quests seen in other games. Outriders has them, but at least People Can Fly is self-aware about it. 

Off To A (Fairly) Good Start

Outriders is definitely rough around some of its edges, but it counteracts that with some really lovely bits of flair. Every piece of armour you unlock and every weapon you find has custom aesthetics, which really does a lot to prolong my interest in a looter shooter, as I turn my character into a powerful shotgun wizard, or a stealthy sniper. It’s Fashion Souls at its core, and it could be seen as unnecessary, but it’s one of the game’s several pleasing small touches.  Alongside the tight movement and sticky gameplay loop, they really work to tie the Outriders experience together.

The servers have had a wobble over the launch weekend, but that’s par for the course for a big online game like this, one that has clearly resonated with a large audience — I’m sure it’ll smooth out. I got booted out literally during the ending cutscene and I still came back to Outriders, which says a lot about how captivating its combat can be… definitely check this one out if you’ve got service shooter fatigue!

Does all this sound interesting to you? Outriders is available now on our store, get your digital PC copy here.

Valheim Mining for Ore

Progression in Valheim is closely tied to the biomes you explore and the bosses you defeat. This creates a rewarding loop—each boss unlocks new tools or crafting materials that help you survive in the next biome and prepare for the next challenge. Knowing what and where to mine ahead of time can give you a big advantage. Here’s a quick Valheim mining guide to help you get started.

Mining Copper and Tin

The first major ores you’ll need are copper and tin. After defeating Eikthyr, the game’s first boss, you’ll be rewarded with Hard Antlers, which you can use to craft your first pickaxe: the Antler Pickaxe.

  • Copper is found in the Black Forest biome, embedded in large mossy boulders with greenish veins. These deposits yield both copper ore and occasionally stone.
  • Tin is also located in the Black Forest, typically near rivers and along the shoreline. Tin deposits are smaller and appear as shiny, silver-black rocks.

Once you collect both ores, you’ll need to build a smelter to create copper and tin bars, then combine them in a forge to craft bronze bars. Bronze unlocks many key tools and weapons early on.

Mining Iron

Next, you’ll want to pursue iron, which becomes available after defeating The Elder, the second boss. This unlocks access to Swamp Crypts, which require a Swamp Key (dropped by The Elder) to enter.

  • Iron comes from Scrap Iron, found inside Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. Look for Muddy Scrap Piles in the crypt walls and floors.
  • Scrap Iron can also appear in chests inside crypts or occasionally in muddy piles outside crypts (though this is rarer).

Scrap Iron is smelted in a smelter to produce iron bars, allowing you to craft iron gear and weapons. Both the Antler Pickaxe and Bronze Pickaxe can mine scrap iron.

Mining Silver

Silver is found in the Mountain biome, and becomes accessible after defeating Bonemass, who drops the Wishbone—a tool that detects buried silver veins.

  • Most silver is found underground and is only detectable with the Wishbone.
  • Occasionally, small silver deposits may appear above ground, but they are rare.

You’ll need at least an Iron Pickaxe to mine silver. Once smelted, silver bars can be used to craft powerful gear like the Wolf Armor set and Frostner.

Mining Obsidian

Also located in the Mountain biome, obsidian appears in small black rock formations above ground, usually on steep slopes or near mountain peaks.

  • Obsidian is used to craft arrows and certain upgraded items.
  • You’ll need an Iron Pickaxe or better to mine it.

Obsidian cannot be smelted; it is used directly in recipes at the workbench or forge.

Black Metal

Black Metal isn’t mined—it’s obtained by defeating Fuling enemies, which are found in the Plains biome.

  • Black Metal Scraps drop from Fulings and are used to craft end-game weapons and shields.
  • After defeating Yagluth, Fulings may also appear in other biomes like the Meadows and Black Forest, adding risk and loot to early-game zones.

To smelt Black Metal Scraps, you’ll need to build a Blast Furnace, which is unlocked after defeating Moder, the fourth boss.

Mining Flametal

Flametal Ore is currently found only in the Ashlands biome, which is a volcanic, high-difficulty area located at the southern edge of the map.

  • Flametal ore comes from Glowing Metal Piles, which resemble red-hot volcanic rocks.
  • An Iron Pickaxe or better is required to mine Flametal.

Smelt Flametal ore in the Blast Furnace to produce Flametal Bars, used in crafting end-game weapons (note: crafting options may expand as the Ashlands update rolls out in full).

This guide offers a roadmap for mining progression in Valheim, giving you an overview of what ores to target, where to find them, and what tools you’ll need. Remember that each boss you defeat not only opens up new areas but also unlocks essential resources and crafting possibilities.

Gear up, plan your expeditions, and get mining—your Viking legacy awaits!

The Best Mods For The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

There are few games as modded as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. From its release modders have torn it apart, adding new adventures, new twists on gameplay, and fixes for the many issues left over in this epic open-world RPG.

You might be reinstalling for the four hundredth time and need to try something new, or you might be going in for the first time. Either way, here are our picks of the essential and best Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion mods you can download today.

Oblivion Mod Manager

Let’s start with the essentials. If you’re going to be modding Oblivion with any confidence, the Oblivion Mod Manager is a must. This handy tool allows you to tinker with the load order, identify compatibility issues, and overall make sure your game is running correctly with whatever custom mods you’ve installed. 

OBSE

Oblivion’s capabilities are colossal, but there are still limits to what you can do with your mods. The Oblivion Script Extender removes some of these limits, expanding the scripting capabilities of the game and simply allowing you to choose from a greater variety of mod.

The Unofficial Oblivion Patches

With a game as large and as complex as Oblivion, no matter what Bethesda do there’ll be issues left over. Thankfully, fans have been beavering away for the last fifteen years plugging gaps and fixing problems, and the three unofficial patches are the best way to get your hands on these fixes:

DarNified UI

It’s no secret that one of the issues Oblivion received most criticism for was its UI. Designed clearly for the console version of the game, it’s not at all optimised for players sitting a little closer to their screens. This quality-of-life mod helps fix the game’s UI, making everything just that little bit more easy to use on a PC. Bliss.

Deadly Reflex

Whilst the combat in Oblivion certainly does the job, it can feel a little weightless, especially to modern audiences. Deadly Reflex makes the combat more responsive, action-packed and adds a tonne of moves to your repertoire. From mounted combat to special attacks, it changes up Oblivion’s combat to be something far more immersive – and bloody.

Midas Magic Spells of Aurum

The Elder Scrolls series has often struggled with magic, making it too impactful or not useful enough. Midas Magic adds nearly 300 spells to the game, some beefing up the combat magic, with others adding things like a summonable magic carbit or the ability to turn bodies to gold. An essential mod for any budding Gandalf out there.

Alternative Start Arrive by Ship

The start of the game can be a long slog to get through sometimes, and when it’s finished you’re a little railroaded onto the main quest. Alternative Start allows you to choose when you get arrested and begin the main quest, letting you begin a life in a world untouched by daedric attack. 

Harvest Flora

Finally, this mod may seem small but trust us – this quality of life change will alter how you experience Oblivion for the better. It does one thing when you harvest some flora, the plant changes its model to show that it’s been picked. No more spamming the use key when you run past plants you’ve already plucked. A true lifesaver.

The Best Game Easter Eggs

Everyone loves an Easter egg, not the chocolate kind, but the hidden secret references or shout-outs that populate gaming. Often found in secret places or obscure locations, Easter eggs can tickle the brain or add a layer of fun to an otherwise serious game.

We’re here to celebrate these often mysterious references that can be found in nearly every game. Join us as we look through the best game Easter eggs you can find.

Minecraft Cave – Borderlands 2

The Borderlands series is packed with references, but none so good and surprising as the hidden Minecraft Creeper Cave in the Caustic Caverns in Borderlands 2. Filled with blocks, enemies, and skins all from Mojang’s massive hit, it’s a little refresher in a tough area.

Potato Painting – Hitman 2

It took two years to find, but someone finally noticed that IO Interactive hid a sneaky reference in Hitman 2 featuring a certain painting of Jesus which went through an unfortunate ‘restoration’. This Easter egg went unnoticed until Reddit user u/tanstaafl–42 posted about it on the Hitman subreddit.  

Nuked the Fridge – Fallout: New Vegas

You see a lot of strange stuff in the wasteland, and if you take the Wild Wasteland perk at the start of Fallout: New Vegas you’ll see some even stranger stuff. Strangest of these is the refrigerator which contains the corpse of a certain be-hatted archaeologist adventurer. Looks like this attempt to escape a nuclear blast didn’t quite work for old Indy.

Proper Credit – Adventure

In the beginning of gaming it was hard to get credit for your work. That’s why Adventure programmer Warren Robinett took matters into their own hands, which meant inventing the very first Easter egg. By following a series of unlikely actions in-game you’ll get access to a hidden room which features the words ‘Created by Warren Robinett’. This was heavily featured in the Ready Player One movie and book.

A Failed Proposal – Spider-Man

The saddest Easter egg in this list features a proposal a Spider-Man fan managed to get Insomniac to include in their game. In-game, a movie marquee asks Maddie to marry Tyler Schultz. However, the proposal sadly came too late, as the couple had broken up before the game’s release. 

Arkham Blueprint Room – Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum is filled with secrets and hidden rooms, but it took over six months for this Easter egg to be found – to the point where the developer announced it via a podcast as no-one had got close. By blowing up a wall in Warden Sharp’s office you can get access to a secret area which hints at the next game in Rocksteady’s series – Batman: Arkham City. Very sneaky indeed, Rocksteady.

The Children of Goldshire – World of Warcraft

The spookiest Easter egg ever? Possibly. Near Goldshire, in the human zone of Elwynn Forest, you’ll find a house. At certain times during the day in that house, six children will meet to stand in a pentagram formation whilst spooky music and sounds play. What’s this Easter egg a reference to? No-one knows yet…and frankly, we might not want to know.

John Romero’s Head – Doom 2

One of the most well-known Easter eggs in gaming is John Romero’s severed head. The game designer features in Doom 2’s last level, behind a small slot in the final boss. It turns out the Icon of Sin isn’t the game’s last boss, it’s John Romero himself and it’s him you have to kill.

Not an Easter Egg – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

This one isn’t an Easter egg technically, despite being a hidden secret. Why’s that? Because this Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas secret says so. If you fly right up to the top of the Gant Bridge you’ll find this hidden sign, which is definitely not an Easter egg, right?

The Dog Did It – Silent Hill 2

Finally, Silent Hill 2’s famous ending. This serious meditation on grief, loss, and guilt has a few different endings, but the best is the one where main character James Sunderland finds out just who is behind his torment. That’s right, it was the dog all along. 

What’s your favourite game Easter egg? Head over to our community forum and let us know, we’d love to hear from you.

All The Resident Evil Games In Chronological Order

With Resident Evil Village having already been released and the Resident Evil series continuing to thrive, now is a great time to dive into Capcom’s iconic survival horror franchise—whether you’re revisiting the series or starting fresh. But where should you begin? The Resident Evil timeline can be complex, and understanding the progression of the story is essential to fully appreciate the more recent entries. So, here’s an updated guide to all the Resident Evil games in chronological order, along with the standout titles that have shaped the series into the legendary franchise it is today.

  • Resident Evil 0
  • Resident Evil 
  • Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (First Half)
  • Resident Evil 2
  • Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Second Half)
  • Resident Evil Survivor
  • Resident Evil: Code Veronica
  • Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
  • Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
  • Resident Evil 4
  • Resident Evil: Revelations
  • Resident Evil 5
  • Resident Evil: Revelations 2
  • Umbrella Corps
  • Resident Evil 6 
  • Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
  • Resident Evil Village

How Resident Evil 0 Re-establishes The Series Origins

Neatly setting up the events that would unfold in technically the second game in the Resident Evil chronology, Resident Evil 0 introduces us to new protagonists Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen, who are attempting to stop a mysterious biological attack onboard a speeding train. Notably, Resident Evil 0 would also introduce a switching mechanic which allowed players to switch to and from Billy and Rebecca in order to solve puzzles.

The Original Resident Evil – The Godfather Of Survival Horror

The game which started it all. Resident Evil took players into the world’s creepiest mansion located on the outskirts of Racoon City as they took control of S.T.A.R.S operatives Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, shooting all manner of horrid things and solving puzzles as they sought to discover the sinister origins of the T-Virus infection. From the timelessly scary infected dogs leaping through the hallway windows to a climactic fight with the monstrous tyrant, Resident Evil is nothing less than a true survival horror classic and one that absolutely shines in its current remade form.

Why Resident Evil 2 Is Rightfully Regarded As Being One Of The Series Best Entries

Held in almost equal regard to the first game, Resident Evil 2 expands the scope of its predecessor’s survival horror trappings by opening up the action to a massive chunk of Racoon City itself. Throw in some superbly memorable characters that would go on to be series mainstays such as Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield and Ada Wong, coupled with an absolutely stunning remake which was released in early 2019, and it soon becomes clear that Resident Evil 2 is utterly unmissable and easily one of the best games in the entire franchise.

Resident Evil 4 Shook Up The Series In Ways That Would Be Felt For Years

Though third-person survival horror shooters might feel a little oversaturated these days, back in 2005 Resident Evil 4 was not only carving out an all-new subgenre but also an entirely new direction for the Resident Evil franchise itself. Much more than just a change of perspective, Resident Evil 4 also ushered in a much more action-heavy direction that the series would embrace in Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 respectively. In Resident Evil 4, Capcom arguably perfected their craft with satisfying gunplay, stunningly grotesque monsters and the return of Leon Kennedy as he attempts to root out a mysterious cult from a rural Spanish village.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Would Take The Series Into Unfamiliar First-Person Territory

Representing yet another paradigm shift for the series, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard would take the series into the first-person perspective for the first time. Bringing a whole new level of fear as a result, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard would also strike a pitch-perfect mix of combat, puzzle solving and exploration. More than that, Capcom’s first foray into first-person perspective shenanigans would also introduce us to not just the delectably fiendish Baker family, but also the enigmatic Ethan Winters, who will be making his return in Resident Evil Village…

The Best Anime PC Games Money Can Buy

Easily one of the most eye-opening and stylish forms of animation available today, anime has long since secured itself in the hearts of eagle-eyed otaku and more recently gamers who have seen Japanese animation flourish in a wide variety of games.

With that in mind then, we’re going to take a look at five of the best anime PC games that you buy today. Strap in!

Attack on Titan 2 – A.O.T.2

An anime famed for its extremely fast and tremendously violent combat sequences in which steam powered warriors use grappling hooks and razor sharp swords to fell towering, human-munching titans, adapting Attack on Titan to PC was never going to be easy. And yet, despite that fact, developer Koei Tecmo has absolutely nailed it with Attack on Titan 2 – A.O.T.2. A third-person action effort with visual style to spare, everything from the deliriously, high-octane grappling hook and steam propelled traversal to the in-depth story that mirrors the anime it’s based on make Attack on Titan 2 – A.O.T.2 a must-have for fans of source material and hugely satisfying third-person action titles in general.   

Berserk and the Band of the Hawk

Another ultra-violent anime given the PC adaptation treatment by the practised hands of those bods over at Koei Tecmo, Berserk And The Band of the Hawk takes the Musou formula pioneered by the Dynasty Warriors games and applies a grimly murderous veneer to the whole presentation. Want to carve a bloody swathe through hundreds, potentially thousands of evildoers with a sword that’s bigger than Brock Lesnar as you seek vengeance against an evil enemy that has brutally done you wrong? Then the myriad bloody delights of Berserk and the Band of the Hawk are absolutely for you.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

A frankly stunning adaptation of the Dragon Ball Z anime which has captivated millions the world over, Dragon Ball FighterZ comes from Arc System Works, the same immensely talented group of people behind the Blazblue and Guilty Gear games. A one-on-one fighter with tag-team style mechanics, Dragon Ball FighterZ includes all of the heroes and villains from the long running anime in addition to packing in a story campaign that dutifully riffs on all the key events of the show. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt at all that Dragon Ball FighterZ quite literally looks like an anime come to life, with some absolutely stunning cel-shaded character designs that do ample justice to the television series of the same name.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM Trilogy

Another jaw-dropping adaptation of a famous anime, the Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy is a trio of brawlers that follow the main arcs of the Naruto Shippuden anime TV show. As a brave, but naive ninja looking to defend his home and friends, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy are value-stuffed adventures that thrust players into the heart of the anime narrative as the titular character, taking them on epic open-world adventures while engaging in devastatingly beautiful ninjitsu battles. With hundreds of hours of gameplay coupled with gorgeously rendered characters and backgrounds which look like they’ve been pulled straight from the anime, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Story Trilogy is absolutely worth your time and then some. 

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered

Boasting art from famed anime house Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke), Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch certainly cuts something of an impressive profile on first impression. Look past its breathtakingly stylish veneer however and a truly epic odyssey starts to unfurl. As a young boy who must venture to a magical realm in order to save his mother, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch combines traditional JRPG style gameplay, exploration and even Pokémon style monster battling mechanics to create a true masterwork of a game that is as deep and heartfelt as it is retina-strikingly beautiful. Even better still, in its remastered form, Ni no Kuni’s already stunning visuals absolutely sing on PC, with greatly improved visuals and much smoother animation. In short, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is as essential as it gets.

The Top 10 Hardest and Best Zelda Bosses

The Legend of Zelda series is known for three things, brilliant puzzle-filled dungeons, expansive open worlds, and fiendish bosses.

We’re here today to celebrate the last of these, taking a look over the history of the entire Legend of Zelda series to look at the top 10 hardest – and best – Zelda bosses.

10. Dark Link – Zelda II – The Adventure of Link

You’ll be unsurprised to learn that the rock-hard Zelda II appears quite a lot on this list, as the NES game is probably one of the hardest games in the Zelda series.

Dark Link makes his appearance after fighting the also-incredibly-hard Thunderbird. Copying all your moves, he’s one of the toughest Zelda bosses. Well, unless you exploit his behaviour and simply crouch in the corner and thwack away, that is.

9. Demise – Skyward Sword

Demise is the final boss of Skyward Sword and is a challenge worthy of any seasoned Link. Despite being a wonderful final boss the main difficulty won’t be coming from the boss itself, but from battling against Skyward Sword’s slightly-iffy controls. Hopefully, with a Switch remaster coming, this’ll be something that’ll get an upgrade.

8. Bongo Bongo – The Ocarina of Time

Fighting a boss on a bouncy drum is as difficult as it sounds, though the Hover Boots can make it a little simpler to take this beast on. Or harder – as many report that the boots actually make the fight harder. It’s up to you to try and find out.

7. Monk Maz Koshia – Breath of the Wild

Monk Maz Koshia is one of the best Zelda bosses simply because they have so many options to hand. They can clone themselves, float, and switch it up with combos. Timing is key to taking this boss down, and once you do you’ll have a memorable fight to look back on.

6. Moldorm – A Link to the Past

When you see this boss you’ll probably laugh. But then you’ll fight it, and fight it, and fight it. It’ll keep pushing you to lower floors as you try to take it down, which means restarting the fight. And this’ll happen over, and over, and over again. Good luck – you’ll need it.

5. Helmethead – Zelda II – The Adventure of Link

What makes Helmethead such a difficult fight is right there in the name. You’ll take off its head, only to be given another to hit. Then another head, and this keeps happening. All the while you’ll have to be dodging a truly maddening amount of projecticels.

4. Manhandla – Oracle of Seasons

The boss of the Ancient Ruins requires you to practice your timing and your boomerang throws, combining skills in a fight that truly makes this a worthy inclusion in our list of the 10 hardest Zelda bosses. Once you create an opening with your boomerang it’s time to get stuck in with your sword – but you’ll have to be exceedingly quick.

3. Onox – Oracle of Seasons

The final boss of Oracle of Seasons is a toughie, you’ll have multiple phases to fight your way through and the toughest is undoubtedly the first. You’ll be dodging weapon attacks whilst charging spin attacks, a nearly impossible task at the best of times.

2. Gyorg – Majora’s Mask

Gyorg requires you to stun it and then jump into the water to deal some damage, meaning you have to be precise, quick, and mobile throughout. If you miss your window…that’s it until you stun Gyorg again. This boss is the quitting point for many a Majora’s Mask player – and with good reason.

1. Thunderbird – Zelda II – The Adventure of Link

We mentioned the boss fight that follows Thunderbird above, but Thunderbird itself is probably the hardest Zelda boss fight out there. Many Legend of Zelda fans still find Thunderbird troubling to this day, and with erratic movements and a truly tiny hitbox, you’ll soon find out why.

Everything New In Overcooked All You Can Eat

For anyone new to the kitchen chaos, Overcooked is the undisputed champion of couch co-op gaming. Developed by Ghost Town Games, this indie gem is a vibrant, hilarious, and frequently frantic celebration of teamwork – and sometimes, glorious failure. Whether you’re assembling sushi on a pirate ship or dashing between burners on a moving truck, Overcooked offers a wild culinary ride that will test the limits of your reflexes and your relationships.

If you’ve never played the series or are simply looking to revisit it with a fresh twist, Overcooked: All You Can Eat delivers the definitive way to experience the franchise.

What Is Overcooked: All You Can Eat?

Overcooked: All You Can Eat is a lovingly remastered collection that brings together everything from Overcooked, Overcooked 2, and all their downloadable content in one delicious package. This all-in-one edition is built within the enhanced Overcooked 2 engine, meaning smoother controls, sharper visuals, and a more consistent experience across every level.

With over 200 levels, more than 80 playable chefs, and a handful of exclusive maps and new content just for this edition, it’s the most content-rich and polished version of the game to date.

Whether you want to play as a grumpy eagle, a speedy squirrel, or a wheelchair-bound raccoon with lightning reflexes, the roster of chefs is as charming and quirky as the kitchens themselves.

Key Features That Make It Stand Out

  • Remastered Visuals & Performance: Enjoy frantic food fights in buttery-smooth 60 FPS with support for 4K resolution on compatible platforms. Enhanced lighting and improved character models breathe new life into familiar levels.
  • Cross-Platform Multiplayer: All You Can Eat supports cross-play, making it easier than ever to team up (or fall apart) with friends, regardless of the system you’re using.
  • Accessibility First: The game includes a range of thoughtful accessibility options, including dyslexia-friendly text, colourblind modes, scalable UI, and an assist mode that can extend level timers and reduce the difficulty for younger or less experienced players.
  • Endless Replayability: Whether you’re trying to 3-star every level or just want a quick round of culinary chaos with friends, Overcooked is endlessly replayable. It’s the kind of game you can return to again and again, discovering new strategies and shouting new (hopefully friendly) insults at each other every time.

A Must-Play for Co-Op Fans

What makes Overcooked shine isn’t just its creative level design or cute characters – it’s the way it brings people together. It’s one of those rare games that are just as entertaining to watch as it is to play. Perfect for families, roommates, couples, and friend groups alike, Overcooked: All You Can Eat is a couch co-op classic in every sense.

Whether you’re diving in for the first time or coming back for seconds (or thirds), this definitive version of Overcooked is the best way to experience one of the most beloved co-op games of the last decade.

So grab your apron, gather your crew, and prepare to shout “WHERE’S THE PAN?!” more times than you ever thought possible.