Gaming

Starfield: Release Date, Xbox Game Pass, Trailer, Gameplay, Constellation Edition & More

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Bethesda Game Studios is all set to launch Starfield, their highly anticipated space exploration game, on September 6, 2023. This role-playing action game is the first new IP from Bethesda in over 25 years. It is an ambitious venture that promises an immersive experience in a space-themed setting. The game allows players to traverse an open world within the Milky Way galaxy, landing on over 1,000 planets and numerous moons and space stations. As you journey through this vast universe, you can customize your character, engage in combat, explore and extract resources from different planets, and build outposts.

The game will be available on Microsoft Windows and Xbox Series X/S and on day one with Game Pass. For those who can’t wait to get their hands on the game, pre-orders for the Premium and Constellation Editions are now open, offering bonus features and early access up to five days before the official release. Prepare to embark on an epic space odyssey with Starfield.

Release Date

Set to embark on a cosmic adventure, Starfield, an action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is scheduled to launch on September 6, 2023. With the game set in a vast, space-themed setting, it marks the first new intellectual property developed by Bethesda in over 25 years. The release will be for Microsoft Windows and Xbox Series X/S​.

Xbox Game Pass

Starfield will also be coming to Xbox Game Pass on its release day. This is a major win for Xbox Game Pass subscribers as it means they’ll be able to dive into this highly anticipated game on day one as part of their subscription​.

Trailer

Bethesda Game Studios has released an official gameplay trailer for those eager to get a glimpse of the game. The footage was unveiled during the Starfield Direct video update. Director Todd Howard and his core development team presented a 45-minute showcase of the game’s expansive universe and various features. The trailer allows players to appreciate the scale and scope of this game. This includes visiting over 1,000 planets, moons, and asteroids to engaging with various factions. Additionally, the trailer shows piloting and customizing one’s ship and mastering a refined combat system​.

Gameplay

Starfield boasts an open world in the form of an area within the Milky Way galaxy. It contains both fictional and non-fictional planetary systems. The gameplay footage showcases the ability of players to land on more than 1,000 planets and an unspecified number of moons and space stations. The landscapes within the game are procedurally generated, with the terrain, alien flora, fauna, and locations of interest generated as the player approaches a planet.

At the start of the game, players can customize their character. They can choose their body, voice, appearance, background, and traits. As the game progresses, players can level up. This unlocks new abilities found in the game’s five distinct skill trees: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech. Equipped with various firearms, explosives, melee weapons, and even jetpacks, players can tackle various combat scenarios in the game.

Another intriguing aspect of the gameplay is the ability to scan planets for their natural resources. Players can extract or harvest these resources to fulfill many crafting recipes. Moreover, players can erect outposts to serve as homes or facilitate resource-extraction operations​.

Constellation Edition

In addition to the standard game, Bethesda has unveiled a deluxe Constellation Edition and Premium Edition of Starfield. These packages come with bonus features and extra content. The Constellation Edition includes the base game, a story expansion upon release, up to five days early access, a Starfield Chronomark Watch and Case, a SteelBook Display Case, a Constellation Skin Pack, access to a digital artbook and original soundtrack, and more. The Premium Edition includes the base game, a story expansion upon release, the Constellation Skin Pack, a digital artbook and soundtrack access, and more. Pre-ordering either edition will provide eager players up to five days of early game access​.

To further excite fans, Bethesda has also partnered with the Xbox hardware team to release a special Limited Edition Starfield Xbox controller and headset, featuring design elements that mimic spaceship panels and the official Constellation livery​3​.

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Exoprimal: Release Date, Xbox Game Pass, Trailer, Gameplay, Street Fighter 6 Collab & More

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In the ever-evolving realm of gaming, Capcom’s upcoming third-person shooter game, Exoprimal, is creating significant buzz. As the game’s release date draws near, fans worldwide are on the edge of their seats, ready to dive into a world filled with menacing dinosaurs and fearsome mutated creatures. This article aims to shed light on key details about the game that has everyone talking.

We will investigate the game’s release date and availability on Xbox Game Pass. Beyond that, we’ll also look at the glimpses offered by the official trailer, the unique gameplay mechanics, and more. Get ready to explore the prehistoric battlegrounds of Exoprimal and brace yourself for an action-packed journey unlike any other.

Exoprimal Release Date

Gamers around the globe are eagerly anticipating the release of Capcom’s upcoming third-person shooter game, Exoprimal. The game is set to be launched on July 14, 2023. It will be available across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S​.

Will Exoprimal be on Xbox Game Pass?

Good news for Xbox Game Pass subscribers: Exoprimal will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one of its release. This means that subscribers will get to enjoy the game without any additional costs. This adds even more value to the popular game subscription service​.

Trailer

You can check out the official story trailer for the game above, offering a glimpse into the thrilling narrative of the game. It focuses on the third-person shooter’s storyline and introduces some of the characters players will find in the game. The trailer has stirred excitement among fans, leaving them eagerly waiting for the game’s launch.

Gameplay

Exoprimal is a player-versus-player-versus-environment video game where players assume the role of an Exofighter. As an Exofighter, players must complete a series of combat challenges set by a sinister artificial intelligence named Leviathan. These challenges aim to uncover a way to destroy Leviathan and halt the onslaught of prehistoric creatures​.

The game features various exosuit armors, each with its unique weapons and abilities. Players can choose from characters like the tank-like Roadblock, the supportive Witchdoctor, or the explosive expert, Barrage. As the game advances, players can unlock new skins and cosmetic items for their exosuits and weapons through the game’s Survival Pass​.

Exoprimal‘s main mode is “Dino Survival,” where two teams of five players compete against each other and complete objectives set by Leviathan. The game’s main enemies are dinosaurs and mutated prehistoric creatures known as “NeoSaurs” with special combat traits. As players complete objectives, they gain experience points, allowing them to upgrade their characters and unlock more story missions​.

Development & More

Exoprimal is currently under development by Capcom, with the aim of creating an action game different from Capcom’s previous titles. The game pits players against hordes of enemies, unlike Monster Hunter, where players take on one single enemy at a time. Dinosaurs have been chosen as the game’s main enemy type. This is because the team believed that experiencing the threat of history’s most fearsome predators would be exciting for gamers​.

Street Fighter 6 Collab

The game was officially announced during Sony’s State of Play livestream in March 2022, with network tests for PC players held in July and August 2022. An open beta for the game was also held from 17 to 19 March 2023. Along with the base game, Exoprimal will also feature a collaboration DLC with Street Fighter 6, including character skins based on Ryu and Guile​. With its unique gameplay mechanics, thrilling narrative, and immersive environment, Exoprimal is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the world of gaming.

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Excel Esports Pick Up First Win Since March

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After being one of the most promising teams in the LEC in 2022, Excel Esports completely collapsed during the 2023 season. Finishing dead last in both the Winter and Spring splits, Excel entered Week 2 of the Summer split with just three wins all year to their name.

The roster overhaul that brought in big-name talents like Odoamme, Xerxe, and Vetheo never got off the ground, with the team completely unable to find rhythm or cohesion. That led to more changes, with three changes to the starting line-up ahead of the Summer split.

However, things continued to go poorly. Excel were swept in Week 1, the only team to go winless. However, perhaps things are starting to look up. On the first matchday of Week 2, Excel were able to find their first win of the split, and fourth on the year.

Related: LEC Summer tracker

Excel Upset Team Heretics

This should have been an easy win for Heretics. The team was riding the momentum of a 3-0 start to the split. Meanwhile, Excel found themselves on a 10-game losing streak stretching back to Spring. Furthermore, the game would pit Heretics mid laner Vetheo against the team that benched him in March.

However, it would be Excel who came out on top. While ADC Flakked continued his strong start to the split, Team Heretics could do little of anything to stop Excel. The team combined for just three kills outside of Flakked. Meanwhile, Excel had 20 kills and controlled the game from the 10-minute mark onwards. Odoamne, who went 6/0/5 on K’Sante, picked up MVP honors.

Furthermore, the win launches Excel up the table. They now sit in seventh but remain as one of five teams who have started 1-3. Despite this, Excel will look to carry their momentum into their next match against Team BDS (2-2) on June 25.

Related: FENNEL debuts first woman to play in the LJL

Neeko Continues to Dominate Bans

Splash art for the League of Legends character Neeko's "Bewitching" skin
Riot Games

Meanwhile, Neeko continues to be the most banned champion in top region play. She is now the only champion with a 99% presence rate. Furthermore, she has been banned 221 times across the top four regions at the time of writing. She is one of three champions to have a 100% presence rate in the LEC.

The champion’s mid-scope update, which gave her the ability to disguise herself as static objects like wards, has made her an immensely powerful tool in the mid lane. Combined with the likes of her potent combos, she is basically impossible to play against effectively.

However, she is not the only character who is consistently pulling bans. Vi has been banned 200 times, while Milio has been grayed out 194 times. In the LEC specifically, these two characters also sit at a 100% presence rate. Despite Neeko’s global ban prowess, Vi leads the way in the LEC. Across the 20 games played so far, she’s been played twice and banned 18 times. Neeko, by comparison, has been banned 15 times.

Related: LCS Summer tracker

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Two LoL Champions Have 99% Presence Rate In Major Region Play

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The League of Legends summer split is underway in all four major esport regions (China, Europe, North America, and Korea). Every team will be vying for a place at the 2023 World Championships, which are due to take place in Korea between September and November.

Recent patches to the game have brought with them a lot of major changes to the meta. As a result, a handful of champions have been making regular appearances during the pick/ban phases of pro games.

Leading the way are Neeko and recently released champion Milio. The pair of colorful characters hold a 99% presence rate at the time of writing. Three other champions have a presence rate of over 90% – Vi (98%), K’Sante (95%), and Aphelios (92%). All this data comes from professional play stat-tracking site, Game of Legends.

Related: LCS Summer split begins after player strike causes two-week delay

“OP” Neeko And Milio Lead Presence Rate And Ban Lists

Splash art of Neeko from League of Legends
Riot Games

Amid complaints that Neeko has become “overpowered” in recent patches and that Milio is not properly balanced yet, the two champions’ presence on the pro scene has mostly been as bans. Neeko is the most banned champion at 184. Milio is the third-most banned at 164. Furthermore, the pair hold win rates of 47% and 58% respectively in the games where they have been picked.

A similar story can be seen at the higher levels of the amateur competitive scene. Both champions are top-ten in bans at all levels of ranked play from Gold and higher. This is in spite of a nerf to Milio on the most recent patch. Returning to pro play, the best Neeko player has been BLG’s Yagao (5 games, 100% win rate, 4.8 KDA). Meanwhile, the best Milio players are Gen.G’s Delight (5 games, 80% win rate, 12.5 KDA) and T1’s Keria (5 games, 80% win rate, 10.4 KDA).

Furthermore, Neeko is receiving a nerf on the upcoming 13.13 patch. This will also be a three-week patch, meaning that both characters could receive more substantial adjustments in the 13.14 patch after the dev team observes the long-term effects on the meta.

Related: LEC Summer split tracker

Japan Sees First Woman To Play In Pro LoL League

Speaking of dominance in the support position, Japan became the latest region to break the gender barrier. Miyu “Shakespeare” Otomo participated in FENNEL’s week 1 game against Crest Gaming Act, filling in for starting support Ian “Corporal” Pearse. Additionally, Japan is believed to be just the third Worlds-eligible region to have a woman appear in its top league.

While FENNEL’s opponents were not the toughest team in the league, Shakespeare still put on a masterful display. She ended the series with a 3/1/22 stat line after playing Yuumi and Lulu. Furthermore, if FENNEL are able to win the LJL’s single Worlds berth, Shakespeare could be the first woman to attend the year-end event as a player.

Shakespeare did not play in FENNEL’s Week 2 loss to Sengoku Gaming. Corporal recorded a 2/7/12 stat line across the three games in the 2-1 loss. Next week, FENNEL takes on V3 Esports, as well as perennial league champions DetonatioN FocusMe. Perhaps Shakespeare will get another shot at the starting job if Corporal’s numbers don’t improve.

Related: LCS Summer split tracker

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Nike x Fortnite “Airphoria” Experience Dazzles Gamers

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Nike is teaming up with Fortnite in an unlikely, digital partnership. Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, is a widely popular online video game known for its fast-paced action and competitive gameplay. Epic Games, the renowned game development company, has gained significant recognition in the gaming industry for creating engaging and innovative experiences across various platforms.

This collaboration is coming at a convenient time as Nike also revealed a partnership with EA Sports. The Nike Air Max 90 X EA Sports “Play Like Mad” is rumored to release at some point during 2023. These recent collaborations point to an uncertain time in Nike collaborations. Especially with Epic Games, we haven’t seen anything like this before. It’s certainly a space that Nike sees value in, but it will be interesting to see the future. Further, there will definitely be more partnerships like this. Brands will continue to blur the lines between physical and digital, which is incredibly exciting.

Read More: 7 Times Rappers Spit Bars About Video Games

“Airphoria” Fortnite x Nike Experience

Nike
Image via Nike

Players of Fortnite may explore the “Airphoria” realm, which has design cues from the Air Max 1, Air Max 97, and Air Max TW vintage shoes as well as more recent Air Max sneakers like the Air Max Scorpion and Air Max Pulse. By using the island code 2118-5342-7190 or Fortnite Discover, players may find the location. Players of Fortnite may now purchase the costumes worn by the “Airphoria” characters, Airie and Maxxed Out Max, for their characters in addition to “Airphoria.” Also, Nike.com has released an “Airphoria”-inspired collection today.

According to Nate Nanzer, the Epic Games vice president of global partnerships, “Epic has talked a lot about building an open, interoperable metaverse and this is a really willing partner in Nike to connect. It’s the start of what will become many more interactions to come with Nike.” Gamers can access the “Airphoria” experience on Fortnite from now until June 27 at 8 p.m. ET. Let us know what you think of this collab, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will be sure to bring you the biggest releases from the biggest brands.

Read More: 5 Greatest Hip-Hop Video Games

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Could Japan Bring The First Woman To Worlds?

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Women are rare in the top divisions of League of Legends esports. Esports should lends itself to gender parity. However, gaming culture and perceived skill differences have often led to the exclusion of women. Maria “Remilia” Creveling, remains the best example of a woman making it to a major league. She briefly played for Renegades during the 2016 Spring split of North America’s LCS. While there are many incredibly talented women playing on amateur teams and in regional leagues, it remains to be seen when a woman will be once again given a top-division opportunity.

The lack of gender parity at the top level of the sport means that no woman has ever appeared as a player at the World Championships. The theoretical closest we have come to this milestone is Vaevictis eSports’ all-women team in the 2019 LCL season. However, that might all be about to change after history was made this week in Japan.

Shakespeare Makes History

On June 11, Miyu “Shakespeare” Otomo made history as she became the first woman to play in the LJL. Filling in for starting support Ian “Corporal” Pearse, it was on the 20-year-old to help FENNEL start the Summer split with a win. The team’s first game was against Crest Gaming Act. CGA hadn’t recorded a top four finish since 2020. However, given the league’s level of competitiveness, it was not a game to be taken lightly. Shakespeare didn’t disappoint, playing dominantly in the 2-0 FENNEL victory. She ended the series with a 3/1/22 stat line after playing Yuumi and Lulu. At the time of writing, she currently holds a league-high KDA of 25. It is believed that she is the first woman to play in a Worlds-eligible league since the aforementioned all-women Vaevictis eSports played in Russia in 2019.

Japan is a one-bid team for the annual World Championships. That bid has more often than not been won by DetonatioN FocusMe. DFM have won all but one split since Spring 2018. However, league parity has steadily increased over the years. Teams such as Sengoku Gaming are now beginning to challenge the dominance of DFM. Heading into Summer, many see FENNEL as a team that can challenge for that top spot. It’s unclear whether Shakespeare will be taking to the Rift in FENNEL’s Week 2 matchup against Sengoku. However, she deserves the chance to challenge for a starting role or the team’s substitute spot if they do make it to Worlds.

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LCSPA Ends Strike, LCS Summer Split Begins June 14

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Players in the LCS, North America’s professional League of Legends league, went on strike on May 28. The LCSPA, the union that represents the league’s players, called the strike over changes to the second tier of the region’s esports scene. In a statement released May 30, Global Head of League of Legends Esports Naz Aletaha announced that Riot had chosen to delay the start of the LCS Summer split by two weeks. “We ultimately decided that it would not hold true to our values that Riot’s esports offers our players and fans a showcase for the best competitive League of Legends. Nothing but putting the best players in North America on the stage at Riot Games Arena is acceptable. So we informed LCSPA leadership today that we will delay the LCS season for the next two weeks.”

The delay came as a result of Riot Games and the 10 LCS organizations being unable to source high-quality replacement players. Despite removing many of the requirements for LCS eligibility, much of the amateur and semi-pro scene stood with the players. Riot threatened to cancel it entirely if a deal could not be reached with the union. Canceling the split would have prevented North American teams from participating in the 2023 World Championships. The end of the two-week delay, June 15, was set as a hard deadline for negotiations.

Riot Games And LCSPA Reach Agreement

In a statement released June 9, the LCS announced that a deal had been reached with the Players’ Association. “Following a two-week delay, the LCS will move forward with a reformatted Summer Split regular season that will take place over 6 weeks starting on June 14. LCS matches this Summer will now be played on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays,” the statement began. Furthermore, the post outlined the changes to the NACL that would be implemented as a result of the agreement. These changes were headlined by reformatting, better governance, mandatory minimums for severance notification, and healthcare for international players. However, LCS organizations will still not be required to carry an academy team or participate in the NACL.

The LCSPA also released a statement, saying the agreement “proves the importance of giving players a seat at the table.” However, the LCSPA vowed to keep fighting. “The concessions [below] do not restore the NACL fully, nor do they provide restoration for the players who lost jobs suddenly and incurred financial hardship, lost visas, or broken leases. The LCSPA is committed to continuing our pursuit of any and all potential paths toward making these players more whole.” Away from these promises, the league is now set to return on June 9, beginning a compact, three-a-week play schedule. Follow all the biggest stories in esports here at HotNewHipHop

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VALORANT Player “Twisten” Dies At 19

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The esports world is mourning the loss of Karel “Twisten” Asenbrener, who passed away at the age of 19. Originally from Czechia, Twisten began his VALORANT career in 2020. Before 2020, Twisten briefly spent time in the pro scene of Rainbow Six Siege. After playing in the VALORANT Academy, he joined Kings of Sosnovka. Over the course of late 2020 and early 2021, Twisten spent time with Czech giants eSuba and Entropiq. Then, in September 2021, Twisten made the move to the German organization BIG.

With BIG, Twisten began to find mainstream success. The team won four editions of the Kingdom Calling tournament. Furthermore, they appeared in two stages of the VCT EMEA Challengers in 2022. As Riot Games moved VALORANT to a franchise model, Twisten caught the eye of French giants, and VCT EMEA franchise, Team Vitality. Joining the team, Twisten opened his career with top-four finishes at the G-Loot VALORANT clash and a Red Bull Home Ground event. However, the biggest stages were yet to come. The team finished 14th at the VCT Lock-In event in Sao Paolo before notching a 5th-place finish in VCT EMEA League play. Twisten’s last match was a 2-1 loss to FUT Esports on May 25.

Twisten Confirmed Dead After “Good Night” Tweet

Twisten has always been open about his struggles with mental health. Following Team Vitality’s loss in the Lock-In tournament, Twisten posted a length Twitlonger. In it, he talked candidly about his battle with depression. On June 6, Twisten posted a tweet that simply read “Good night”. While seemingly innocuous, “good night” is also a common esports term that players post after killing an enemy.

Furthermore, on June 7, Team Vitality confirmed the worst – that Twisten had passed away. “We are deeply heartbroken to share with you that our VALORANT player Karel “Twisten” Asenbrener passed away last night. We are deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and our first thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this difficult time. The whole Team Vitality Organization is devastated by this news, and we will be stopping all communications for the rest of the day. Rest in peace Karel.” In response to his death, a challenge drive was implemented at the upcoming VCT Master Tokyo. Every “shorty” elimination would add to fund that would raise money for a mental health charity.

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Josh Allen Is The “Madden 24” Cover Athlete

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We’re at the halfway mark between the Super Bowl and the subsequent NFL season. That means it’s time for everyone’s favorite offseason activity – six weeks of outrageous hype about the new Madden game. Now for those who might be unaware, there are a few stages of the Madden hype cycle.

Firstly, EA makes a big deal about the cover athlete for the new game. This is a double-edged sword due to the whole “Madden Curse” (player appears on the cover of Madden and then proceeds to suck the following season). After that comes EA making a big deal about player ratings and everyone getting really mad about those. Finally, the game comes out and everyone gets mad about that. We are currently in stage one.

Josh Allen And Bills Fans Grace The Cover Of Madden 24

EA revealed the two covers for Madden 24 on June 7. The single-athlete cover features Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Meanwhile, the alternate cover features an image of Allen surrounded by Bills staff and fans. It’s the first time a Bills player has been featured since the cover format began in 2000. Revealing the covers on Twitter, Allen said it was a “childhood dream come true.” Allen is the ninth quarterback to be featured as the Madden cover athlete. Aside from the Madden 23 John Madden memorial cover, quarterbacks have been the cover athlete every year since 2020.

But now the Bills are burdened with a very important task – they absolutely have to win the Super Bowl this year. This is because the Bills are the most successful meme in the NFL. They aren’t a meme in the same way the Browns and Jets are. However, the Bills are that one team that always seems like they are a contender and yet they are, watching prom night from the bleachers. The Madden Curse has been dormant for a couple of years and if the Bills ever want to be taken seriously ever again, they absolutely have to win the Super Bowl this year. What do you think about Allen as the Madden cover athlete? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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The Best “Metal Gear Solid” Games

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Legendary game designer, Hideo Kojima has been one of the gaming industry’s auteurs for nearly forty years. Kojima’s flagship franchise, Metal Gear Solid has been the gold standard for stealth action games and has often been imitated. Game series like Splinter Cell have tried to recapture Kojima’s formula to no avail. Since 1998, Metal Gear Solid has captured gamers’ imagination with its blend of American conspiracy theory, pop culture, and general weirdness.

The hero of the series, Solid Snake has become an icon in video game history. The character’s gruff demeanor and iconic appearance were always instantly recognizable to even the most casual fan. His exploits have been well documented over the course of several games, even when he wasn’t the main protagonist. Narrowing down what Metal Gear Solid games were the best was an act of splitting hairs. With the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, we ranked the five best entries the franchise has offered thus far.

5. Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes (2004)

1998’s Metal Gear Solid was a revelation for gamers around the world. It pushed the limits of what the PlayStation could produce in terms of graphics and sound. But its biggest accomplishment was giving gamers an epic (and often cinematic) game experience like no other. Years after its release, designer Hideo Kojima would help usher in a remake.

Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes built upon the groundwork of the original game and gave players a wholly new experience. With new cinematics directed by Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus), Twin Snakes updated its source material for the current hardware of its time. The game was a massive hit with both fans and critics and redefined the inaugural classic.

4. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (2001)

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty was something of a bait and switch at the time of its release. Fans of the original Metal Gear Solid were primed to take control of Solid Snake in the much-anticipated sequel. However, players quickly learned the game focused on a new protagonist, Raiden.

The change was met with some trepidation. However, gamers eventually became acclimated to the new hero, who would go on to become a fan favorite of the franchise. The updated graphic fidelity and improved gameplay the PlayStation 2 lent to the series outweighed the game’s lack of Snake. Sons of Liberty stood out for its complex narrative, which was equally convoluted and ridiculous.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010)

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker was a rather large hallmark for the series for a couple of key reasons. First, the game pushed the capabilities of Sony’s PlayStation Portable system beyond even what the previous Metal Gear game could on the system. Furthermore, it ushered in new gameplay mechanics that would resurface in later releases such as the “Mother Base.”

The game was a prequel set in 1974 in Costa Rica. Players take control of Big Boss, operating under the codename Snake, to combat a paramilitary group known as the “Peace Sentinels.” The game’s highly geopolitical story was outstanding and played into real-world militaristic anxieties. Sadly, the game did not perform financially well. This was mostly due to it being relegated to a handheld gaming system that was on its way out.

2. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)

This game was nuts. Plain and simple. The production of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was littered with turmoil. Game director, Hideo Kojima disagreed with his publisher, Konami over the company’s restructuring. This led to Kojima parting ways with Konami. The game was released to stellar reception, but it was criticized for having content removed.

While the reason for the omission of the 51st and final mission from the game had been attributed to the Konami/Kojima tensions, it was ultimately hearsay. Regardless of what really happened behind the scenes, the final product players received was still outstanding. Moreover, The Phantom Pain gave players one of the most insane stories the series has ever produced, even by its own gonzo standards. Despite feeling oddly truncated, The Phantom Pain was Kojima’s swansong that was the culmination of thirty years of gaming innovation.

1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots (2008)

While not the final game in the franchise, Guns of the Patriots was the last story arc for Solid Snake. The game took place in 2014, set five years after the events of the Sons of Liberty. The story followed a rapidly aging Snake on one last mission to assassinate the series villain, Liquid Ocelot. Entrenched in technobabble and militaristic conspiracy theory, Guns of the Patriots undoubtedly hit all the hallmarks fans were hoping it would.

The game’s emotional weight helped buoy the transgressive storytelling, which cultivated a satisfying narrative climax. Guns of the Patriots improved upon the graphics and gameplay of previous entries. It also became a high watermark for action games, across the boards. This was truly a piece of art that deserved all the praise it received.

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