2K has announced the arrival of NBA 2K23 Season 8, bringing new content and rewards to MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and The W* on June 30. This season introduces exciting collaborations with renowned brands like OVO, Crocs, Gallery Department, Marathon, Eastside Golf, Daily Paper x Dreamville, Palm Angels, NASA, and more, offering players fresh apparel drops and exclusive partnerships.
In Season 8 of NBA 2K23, gamers can unleash their skills alongside one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Kevin Durant. Durant’s presence on the Phoenix Suns, alongside cover athlete Devin Booker, suggests a potential golden age for the Suns’ basketball team. Get ready to dominate the courts and experience the thrill of this new season packed with exciting features and opportunities. Additional updates include:
MyCAREER additions include exciting new rewards for players to unlock, including a pair of Overalls at Level 20, New Era Hat at Level 25, an NBA Mascot at Level 30, an animating Helmet at Level 37 and a pet tiger at Level 40 (Xbox One & PS4). Players can also earn an Extra Badge Point at Level 39 and the final Core Badge Pattern as a Level 40 reward (Xbox Series X|S & PS5) in Season 8.
MyTEAM will continue to feature more End Game cards and bring new Invincibles this Season. End Game cards are fully maxed out, 99 rated, with all their badges at the Hall of Fame level – the most powerful cards in MyTEAM. Players will start off the Season with Level 1 End Game Steph Curry and can progress through the rewards ladder to Level 40 to earn an End Game MVP Joel Embiid, while earning a bunch of reward cards along the way. Players who also complete the All-Time Spotlight Challenges will earn an End Game Bill Russell card.
The W* features some electrifying rewards, including a Stewie 1 Shoe Card and awesome weekly and seasonal rewards like Jonquel Jones Heroine Edition Jersey, Team Resilience Boosts, Skylar Diggins-Smith Jersey, new Clothing Bundles and more.
For all the details for Season 8 of NBA 2K23, check out the latest Courtside Report.
Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and EA SPORTS have unveiled EA SPORTS Madden NFL 24, introducing new levels of gameplay depth and realism for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game features the next evolution of FieldSENSE and the introduction of SAPIEN Technology, providing players with enhanced control and a more authentic experience. SAPIEN revolutionizes NFL realism by reconstructing character skeletons, and improving body definition and variation on the field. This advancement makes in-game characters more human and anatomically correct, enhancing the realism of athletic motion. Coupled with FieldSENSE, Madden NFL 24 delivers true-to-life movement patterns on the gridiron.
The latest installment of Madden NFL brings numerous enhancements to the core football gameplay, elevating the overall experience. Additionally, fan-favorite features like Superstar Mode and mini-games (available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions) make a return, offering exciting new ways to enjoy and learn the game. Notably, Madden NFL 24 introduces cross-play support, allowing players to compete with friends regardless of their platform. This feature and feature parity enable head-to-head matchups and specific online multiplayer modes to be enjoyed across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 24 marks a significant step forward in delivering a more immersive and realistic football experience. With advancements in gameplay, character realism, and cross-platform play, fans can anticipate an exciting and engaging Madden NFL journey on their PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC gaming systems.
“We set a new foundation for football gameplay with the introduction of FieldSENSE last year, which was one of the best-selling years in Madden NFL franchise history, and we’re going even deeper in the areas our fans want most in Madden NFL 24,” said Mike Mahar, Senior Producer, Madden NFL. “We’ve added more ways to play with mini-games and Superstar, more realism through FieldSENSE, deeper immersion with dozens of foundational football improvements and the introduction of SAPIEN Technology – all of which bring the game closer to what fans see from the NFL.”
Buffalo Bills fans have a thrilling reason to rejoice as their star quarterback, Josh Allen, achieves a historic milestone by gracing the cover of Madden NFL. This distinction marks the first time in the franchise’s history that a Buffalo Bills player has been selected for this prestigious honor. Known for his exceptional skills and electrifying style of play, Allen has solidified his position as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers.
Josh Allen’s remarkable performance on the field has earned him numerous accolades, including the NFL record for the most total touchdowns (177) within the first five seasons of his career. This incredible achievement propelled him to become the most frequently used player in Madden NFL 23, demonstrating his impact and popularity among gamers and football enthusiasts alike.
As the cover athlete for Madden NFL, Allen joins an exclusive group of elite players who have graced the cover of this iconic video game franchise. His presence on the cover further cemented his status as a rising star and a significant figure in the NFL. Buffalo Bills fans can proudly celebrate this momentous occasion, recognizing their beloved quarterback’s incredible talent and accomplishments.
“As a fan of Madden NFL since childhood, I’m honored to be the first Buffalo Bills player on the cover, and I wouldn’t have gotten here without the support of my team and Bills Mafia,” said Josh Allen. “Superstar and mini-games are back in Madden, and I’m really excited for fans to see how the experiences have evolved.”
Gameplay in Madden NFL 24 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC is more realistic, with improvements to FieldSENSE delivering increased control in throwing, catching, and tackling and SAPIEN delivering more body definition that improves the fluidity of athletic motion. More upgrades available on these platforms include:
Hit Everything: New contested catch tackles provide more control to play the receiver and new tackle types like: Wrap tackles, Scoop tackles and all-new Hit-Stick animations add personality and more variety on defense. Dynamic branching tech now expands to blocking as well.
Skill Based Passing: Skill Based Passing makes throwing and catching feel more fluid. An overhauled catching system ensures that receivers consistently maintain their momentum when catching the ball. It feels better than ever to hit a receiver in stride, giving you more control to get loose and get up-field after the catch. A variety of new passing and catching animations capture the authenticity that players expect – dive catches, no-look passes and some game-changing moments never before seen in Madden.
Foundational Football: Enhancements across blocking, ball carrier pathfinding, quarterback decision making and defensive back behaviors not only provide confidence your AI teammates will execute your gameplan the way you intend, but also deliver an authentic challenge. An all-new post-play engine brings the emotion of an NFL game to life through more realistic reactions and more emotive celebrations and frustrations.
Superstar Mode: Superstar returns with modernized versions of beloved experiences like your journey through the NFL Combine and Road To The Draft. New additions like 3v3 Superstar Showdown give fans the ability to live their NFL fantasy with friends.
Mini-Games: Test your skills with dozens of new mini-games, including moving obstacles and destructible targets in Franchise training camp or weekly strategy; every week in Superstar Mode; and playable from the main menu.
Franchise: Added depth in one of the most popular Madden NFL modes addresses top community requests like contract restructuring, trade improvements and deeper customization to name a few. Plus, mini-games are back with training camp and weekly training.
Pre-order the Madden NFL 24 Deluxe Edition for 3-day early access, 4600 Madden Points, Dual Entitlement, and more. Pre-order by July 22 for an extra player item.
Few video game franchises have penetrated the cultural zeitgeist to the level The Legend of Zelda has. In fact, Super Mario Bros. could be the only Nintendo property to surpass it in terms of being universally beloved. With the recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Tear of the Kingdom, the series has shown no signs of slowing down.
After almost 40 years, the franchise has continued to capture the imagination of gamers. The story of Link adventuring through the lands of Hyrule to rescue Princess Zelda has become a ubiquitous modern-day myth. With almost 20 releases under the franchise’s belt, it could be difficult for newcomers or casual fans to know where to start. While there hasn’t really been a bad Zelda game, some are far more captivating than others.
5. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2003)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was a game that truly pushed the limits of the Nintendo GameCube. The cel-shaded graphics and open-world environments were gorgeous for the time. The gameplay mechanics maintained the spirit of the myriad Zelda games which came before. However, it added the ability to traverse areas via Link’s boat, the King of Red Lions.
The legacy of the game persisted in many ways. It spawned the character of “Toon Link,” who appeared in games like Super Smash Bros.: Brawl. Furthermore, it got a high-definition rerelease on the Nintendo Wii U in 2013. Even twenty years after its release, Wind Waker has been considered an all-time classic. It has been seen on several “best video games” lists by publications like Nintendo Power and IGN.
4. The Legend of Zelda (1987)
The title that started it all has remained a benchmark in video game history. The Legend of Zelda was released over 30 years ago, but its influence has remained simply immeasurable. Gamers were introduced to an elf-like boy named Link, who sought to rescue Princess Zelda from the villainous Ganon. This basic premise would become the blueprint for every Zelda video game that would follow.
What made The Legend of Zelda such a unique experience at the time of its release was its combination of genres. It blended text-based adventure RPGs with hack-and-slash action games, creating a wholly original experience. The Legend of Zelda was a title that redefined what video games could be and birthed a legendary franchise.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening marked several firsts for the franchise, including being the debut installment on Gameboy. It was also the first Zelda game no to be set in the Kingdom of Hyrule. Furthermore, mechanically, it was the first over-head release that allowed Link to jump. That simple addition changed gameplay, drastically. The game also introduced fishing, trading, and the Link’s iconic ocarina.
What made the game so brilliant was its tone and scope. It built upon what worked in previous entries to make the game feel epic in a way the not felt before. Link’s Awakening had a more ethereal atmosphere than other Zelda games. It brought in fourth-wall-breaking characters and a twist ending. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was a handheld masterpiece and a high benchmark for the series.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildwas released on the Nintendo Switch in 2017 to universal acclaim. The game introduced several new elements to the franchise including consistent physics and degradable weapons. However, what made Breath of the Wild unique from its predecessors was its incredible traversal system.
For the first time in the series, Link was able to climb almost any topographical obstacle in the game’s open world. While the story of Breath of the Wild was familiar to longtime players, the gameplay was a massive step forward. It created a Zelda experience unlike any other, pleasing newcomers to the series, as well as longtime fans.
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was a formative gaming experience for a generation. It galvanized the gameplay elements introduced in the series’ first release. It also introduced the concept of parallel worlds, which would become a hallmark of the franchise going forward. Other additions A Link to the Past offered Link the ability to swing his sword and run with the use of the Pegasus boots.
These upgrades might seem minuscule in hindsight, but at the time, they were revolutionary. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was the game that made folks of a certain age fall in love with the series. For elder Millennials around the world, it’s truly a case of “if you know, you know.”
Rap lyrics about video games have been appearing in the genre for years. When rappers drop brand names, we likely only know of them because we’ve heard them mentioned many times. Relating to them depends on how we spend our money. This fits the lifestyle many speak of – either we can relate to it or can’t. However, video games are much more accessible to many listeners.
If they don’t play anymore, these bars can be nostalgic for them. If they’re currently a gamer, they can appreciate the relevancy of the reference the rapper made. These days rap and video games go hand in hand, with many artists regularly streaming and appearing at events for the gaming world. We’ve gathered a list of rappers who have said a thing or two about video games in their music.
At this point, we’re well aware of one of Lil Wayne’s go-to topics in rap. But, he found time to veer from that to drop these rap lyrics about the classic video game series Mortal Kombat. “The Commission or Wu-Tang n****/ Tryna tell u I can kick it like Liu Kang n****/ Got that Sub-Zero flow, how u want me ma/ N**** get over here like Scorpion.”
Even people who have never played the game know its brutal reputation. With it being a 30-year-old franchise, several generations have been exposed to it. Wayne dropped these bars in 2006, and the latest entry in the series was announced on this month. He mentioned three of the game’s most popular characters. Liu Kang, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero are go-to characters for many players. Additionally, “Get over here” is Scorpion’s catchphrase. Wayne seems to be a big fan and is proud of it.
Saying this rap lyric about video games is dated is not an insult. In fact, “dated” may not be the right word. “Nostalgic” definitely fits better. Denzel rapped “Bills on me blue, Sly Cooper.” He has been open about his love of anime, games, and other connected worlds. This bar is from a song full of references to multiple things he enjoys. However, the bar we’re discussing is truly special for listeners. Sly Cooper was a video game series for the Nintendo GameCube. The title character was a raccoon that wore a blue outfit. This bar takes a typical subject and brings a specific reference to it because we all know rappers love their blue faces—one hundred dollar bills.
This is a rap lyric about video games that shows the age of the artist. It’s also a reference to Biggie’s entry on this list. “Grandma said she loved me, I told her I loved her more/ She always got me things, that we couldn’t afford/ The new Js and Tommy Hill in my drawers/Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, see GoldenEye was away at war,” rapped ScHoolboy Q.
He mentions a Nintendo 64, an entire generation after the Super Nintendo. Goldeneye 007 was a popular game. The song finds him talking about several moments in his past, but this one highlights one of the lighter moments. Fast forward a few years, and he’s a character in the PGA Tour game series. Seeing rappers whose topics aren’t always the brightest be interested in gaming is interesting. It’s further proof we don’t know who they are outside the booth until they tell us.
“PTSD” – City Morgue (2018)
This rap lyric about video games references a character through a double entendre. Doing things in a coupe is something we’ve heard many rappers mention. However, City Morgue talks of doing something truly reckless in it – which is on brand for their music. “Imma crash in the coupe, do the Crash Bandicoot,“ declared City Morgue member SosMula.
Bandicoot is a video game character known for his off-the-wall personality and behavior. One of his signature moves is when he spins in a circle, destroying anything in his path and moving forward faster. While his self-titled series of games are primarily platformers, he’s got a kart racing game too. This one is titled Crash Team Racing. SosMula’s bar could refer to both.
“Juicy” – The Notorious B.I.G (1994)
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include this rap lyric about video games in this list. When rap fans think of the “oldest” rap lyric about video games, their mind usually goes to these classic bars. Biggie says, “Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis/ When I was dead broke, man I couldn’t picture this.” Of course, other songs have more niche references, but this is one even non-rap fans get. Biggie references two game consoles in this bar. It references his past and how he’s elevated since then.
For many people, games are something they had a lot more time for when they were younger. Of course, nowadays, adults get paid to play games which is just another example of how things are constantly changing as time progresses. However, these bars are timeless for a classic song and legendary artist.
“Corduroy” – BONES (2014)
These rap lyrics about video games are the most specific ones on our list. That’s because it’s not just about a video game – it’s a cheat code for a video game.“R2, R2, L1, R2, Up, Down, Left, Right, then I get to bangin’,” BONES rapped in his trademark lower register. BONES is a rapper whose music has referenced computer lingo, games, and movies multiple times. However, this bar takes things to a new level. He names specific button inputs which players know are on a PlayStation controller. The code is for Grand Theft Auto III for the PlayStation 2. When players use it, they will have all the weapons from the game equipped for their character to use. Listeners can infer BONES knows from experience.
Rap lyrics about video games can sometimes appear across generations. Mortal Kombat was mentioned at the beginning of our list.“Black shades, Johnny Cage, diamonds go parade/ Motorola in the kitchen, whippin’ Sonya/ My plug look like Pacquiao, his daughter is Kitana” rapped Quavo and Takeoff. Johnny Cage is a classic character from the Mortal Kombat series. His character is a movie star and often keeps his sunglasses on as he fights. Sonya Blade ends up in a relationship with him. Migos are referring to her as “white girl,” much like their hit “Hannah Montana” spoke of. They managed to seamlessly reference their lifestyle and these characters and connect the two. It sounds like they had a controller in their hands when they weren’t in the trap.
What are some of your favorite bars about video games? Let us know in the comments section.
NBA 2K23 Season 7 will launch on Friday, May 19, with new content and rewards for MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and The W*, according to a 2K announcement. A new song from emerging musician Jay Millian makes its unique in-game premiere in Season 7, along with music selected by Grammy-nominated Platinum artist Blxst and his label EVGLE.
With Josh Giddey of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is on the rise, players in NBA 2K23 Season 7 will quiet the clamor and reach their full potential. In a season when few predicted the success the upstart Thunder would have, Giddey nearly guided them to the playoffs. As our featured athlete in Season 7, he hopes to maintain his supremacy. Additional game updates include:
MyCAREER additions include new apparel brands and rewards for players to unlock, including a Level 30 Affiliation Mascot, Level 37 NASA Race Suit, Level 39 Badge Point, and Level 40 NBA Mascot outfit. Players can gear up for the launch of LEGO® 2K Drive with the Level 1 LEGO Drive Bundle reward and various apparel. Look out for special events taking place in The City during the Conference and NBA Finals, to earn 2XP for all games played while wearing NBA apparel, allowing players to surge up the rewards ladder and rep their favorite squad.
MyTEAM will feature a Galaxy Opal Josh Giddey as the Level 1 reward and Invincible Zion Williamson as the Level 40 reward. Tracy McGrady was the first Invincible card to be introduced in NBA 2K23, look out for more coming to Season 7. Playoff cards will feature new evolutions based on real-life performances.
The W* features all-new content and rewards with the WNBA regular season kicks off today, including a Kelsey Mitchell Jersey, a Sue Bird Heroine Jersey, a Lisa Leslie Coach Card, T-shirts and more.
2K Beats includes new songs from some of 2K’s favorite artists at the moment, selected especially for 2K Beats. Featured artists include Action Bronson, Jay Park, and Larry June. This season also features a curated soundtrack from leading hip-hop tastemaker Blxst and his label EVGLE, including the new single, “Baby” from West Coast upstart Jay Millian. For 72 hours, “Baby” will be exclusively featured in NBA 2K23 before making its way to Spotify and Apple Music. Listen to the official NBA 2K23 Soundtrack here.
“I’m excited to have EVGLE included on the NBA 2K23 soundtrack simply because it’s a childhood dream,” said EVGLE record label founder Blxst. “I can speak for most of us in saying that we grew up playing this game. So, to be a part of this is mind-blowing and it’s crazy how music bridges the gap. These songs were hand-picked by me and the EVGLE team because this is what we like to listen to get inspired. I like to look at myself as a tastemaker and each artist on this playlist is a different ingredient to the soundtrack of my lifestyle right now.”
For all the details for Season 7 of NBA 2K23, check out the latest Courtside Report.
The relationship between video games and film is a tumultuous one. Most films based on video games either miss why the source material was engaging, or they’re outright awful. On the other side of the coin, most video game tie-ins to movies are soulless cash grabs cobbled together by already stressed development teams.
While the video game-movie curse hasn’t quite been lifted, there are a few shining movie tie-in games in the sea of mediocrity. Now, it’s rare for a video game based on a film to be good, but it’s even rarer for them to surpass their source material. Here are five video game movie tie-ins that actually might.
5. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)has the dubious honor of being the worst X-Men film featuring Hugh Jackman. This is not hyperbole. The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Gavin Hood, was a huge swing and a miss. With lousy CGI, a terrible script, not even a stellar performance from Liev Schreiber could save the film.
However, the video game tie-in, released the same day as the film, was awesome. It gave longtime fans of Wolverine the kind of visceral combat so many X-Men games had been lacking. The game was by no means revolutionary, but it was a solid hack-and-slash game with great animation and killer combat.
4. The Mummy: Demastered (2017)
Why is this game so good? It honestly makes zero sense. It’s a side-scrolling action game in the style of Metroidvania. And it’s a perfect one, too. The game claims to be based upon the 2017 Tom Cruise trash fire The Mummy, and if you squint hard enough…sure. Why not?
WayForward Technologies’ The Mummy Demastered follows a soldier working for Prodigium. While opening up a large map, players must fight against monsters unreleased by Princess Ahmanet. And that’s about where the comparisons end. The game is just simply solid and almost makes up for the two hours the film robbed from everyone.
3. Goldeneye 007 (1997)
The 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye was a solid entry in the series. It also introduced one of our better Bonds, with Pierce Brosnan taking up the mantle of 007. The film was a critical and financial hit that spun out three more Brosnan Bond films…all of which were bad. But as good as GoldenEye the movie was, the 1997 N64 video game of the same name was legendary.
Developed by Rare, GoldenEye was a first-person action game that mostly followed the film’s events. However, what made the game the stuff of legend was its intense multiplayer mode, which would later be replicated in games such as Perfect Dark. GoldenEye was the go-to activity of a generation of kids looking to chase each other with silenced pistols on a console. It also made that generation hate Oddjob. Look, if ya know, ya know.
2. Ghostbusters: The Video Game (2009)
Alright, alright, before anyone breaks out the pitchforks and torches, the answer is “no!” Ghostbusters: The Video Game was not better than Ivan Reitman’s 1984 comedy classic. However, it was (and still is) the best piece of media the franchise has released since the original film.
The game featured the voices of Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and Dan Aykroyd, all of whom reprised their roles from the films. Ghostbusters: The Video Game even allowed Aykroyd and Ramis to explore their ideas for what would have been Ghostbusters 3. In fact, it would be fair to consider Ghostbusters: The Video Game the end of a trilogy. While the gameplay was simple, the story and writing make it a must-play for franchise fans.
1. World War Z (2019)
Max Brooks’ 2003 horror novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War was one the best pieces of literary zombie fiction. The book’s 2013 film adaptation was not exactly a masterpiece. It shirked most of the novel’s ideas and stories (and its framing device), much to the film’s detriment. But Brad Pitt looked good running from zombies, so we mostly forgave it.
However, against all odds, the 2019 video game adaptation of the film was gangbusters. World War Z was a squad-based third-person shooter game in the vein of Left 4 Dead. Developer Saber Interactive brought the film’s intensity while keeping the original novel’s “boots on the ground” narrative.
With a library of around 400 games, PlayStation Plus Premium can seem overwhelming. While the service has titles for every kind of gamer, it can be difficult to know where to invest time. It truly is a bounty of spoils. There are plenty of great AAA Sony exclusives and indie darlings on the service. However, there is a trove of titles that often get overlooked. From kid-friendly indies to remastered exclusives, let’s look at five stand-out titles that deserve more love.
5. 9 Monkeys of Shaolin (2020)
Sobaka Studio’s 9 Monkeys of Shaolin is an excellent side-scrolling action game rooted in history and mysticism. Players control a fisherman who becomes one of the masters of Shaolin. Based on the Chinese fantasy genre of Wuxia, the game combines fluid combat with magical powers to help players defeat increasingly difficult enemies. The game occurs throughout five chapters, in which players fight different clans for each.
Armed with a staff that can be upgraded with perks, players fight through waves of enemies and bone-crushing boss encounters. 9 Monkeys of Shaolin’s satisfying fight system is unique and easy to learn. However, the game is hard to master as there are countless combos and fight styles to explore. This one is a must-play for fans of kung-fu films and old school beat ‘em up video games.
4. Spirit of the North (2019)
Spirit of the North might be the most mellow games PlayStation Plus Premium offers. Infuse Studio created a game experience unlike any other. Players take control of a fox to explore a long-forgotten frozen land. Inspired by the Finnish legend of “Tulikettu,” Spirit of the North contains no dialogue or narrative. It’s all vibes and context clues.
The gameplay is simple yet thoroughly engaging. With the help of a magical spirit, players are left to discover what happened to the land that has lost most of its life. Spirit of the North is one of those games that doesn’t require a lot of intense focus or skill. However, that doesn’t take away from how engaging it is.
3. Thomas Was Alone (2010)
Developer Mike Bithell might be one of the hardest-working guys in indie games. Originally a Flash-based browser game, Thomas Was Alone follows a group of rectangular shapes trying to escape each level. The game is filled with heart and humor, most of which is from the narration by British comedian Danny Wallace.
The game design is simple yet profound. Players switch between various AI entities (all represented by shapes with unique names and personalities) to solve increasingly complex puzzles. The game occurs inside a computer where something terrible has happened, causing the varia Ais to become self-aware. Thomas Was Alone is a puzzle platforming game for players looking for a real challenge and a good laugh.
2. Party Hard (2016)
Party Hard asks the question, what would a psychopath do to quell his loud neighbors from throwing parties? The answer to that is a series of vicious sabotages and outright murders. This game is for players looking for something to exercise some inner demons or have a sick sense of humor.
Pinokl Games’ action stealth game lets players take control of a disgruntled assailant who systematically stops parties by any means necessary. The gameplay has a cat-and-mouse feel to it. If partygoers witness your acts of mayhem, they will alert authorities. The narrative is tongue-in-cheek at first but spirals out into a massive crime epic.
1. Blasphemous (2019)
There are plenty of Metroidvania-style games on the PlayStation Plus Premium service. However, none are as challenging and rewarding as The Game Kitchen’s Blasphemous. Players take control of The Patient One, the lone survivor of the Brotherhood of the Silent Sorrow. The game is steeped in Roman Catholic iconography and Gothic architecture.
In its mechanics, Blasphemous is like other side-scrolling Soulslike games such as Salt & Sanctuary and Moonscars. However, it stands head and shoulder above the abovementioned games regarding bone-crushing combat and traversal. With a sequel on its way, it’s a good time to dive into the world of Cvstodia and see what Blasphemous has to offer.
If you are a fan of video games, then you have probably been waiting on GTA 6 to be released. Of course, GTA V came out back in 2013. Moreover, it got a Next-Gen version in 2014, and subsequently got another Next-Gen upgrade. This game has lasted three console generations, and there is a realistic chance it survives four. Overall, this is not acceptable for a lot of fans. Rockstar Games has refused to give proper updates on this series, and fans don’t know when the next game will come out.
Over the last few years, a target year of 2025 and 2026 has been suggested. Furthermore, it appears to be confirmed that the game will take place in Vice City. If you played the 2002 title GTA: Vice City, you know that this is a stylized version of Miami. Although, you can expect the new map to be significantly larger and livelier. Moreover, you can also expect the game to cost Rockstar Games a pretty penny to put together.
GTA 6 Is Nowhere In Sight
In this photo illustration a Grand Theft Auto (GTA) logo of a computer game is seen on a smartphone screen. (Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
According to a report from Dexerto, GTA 6 is going to cost a grand total of $1 billion to make. In fact, the final production costs will probably be larger than that. When GTA 6 was created, it had the largest budget of any piece of media in the history of entertainment. Of course, it was eventually surpassed as budgets began to grow and inflation consumed the industry. With this budget north of $1 billion, it seems like Rockstar Games is looking to take its record back.
For those of you who want to play GTA 6, well, you will have to be patient. If you can survive 10 years without a new game, what’s another two? That said, we’re sure Rockstar Games will bless fans soon enough. Let us know your hopes for the new game, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the gaming world.
Star Wars is an intellectual property that has spawned nigh countless pieces of art across all mediums. In the realm of video games, the galaxy far, far away has been omnipresent since 1983. From the early days of home consoles, the franchise has made its mark on fans worldwide.
The most recent releases in the Star Wars video game canon have been almost universally loved. Respawn Entertainment’s Jedi: Fallen Order and the recent Jedi: Survivor are masterpieces. They give players an experience like no other. Despite being (arguably) the best games set in this universe, there have been plenty of other stellar entries. Let’s take a look at some that aren’t Fallen Order or Survivor.
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (2002)
Jedi Outcast can be seen as the blueprint for all action RPG Star Wars games since its first release. The game’s single-player campaign followed Kyle Katarn as he earned Force abilities and various weaponry from the franchise. Katarn’s story began with him forsaking The Force, only to eventually regain his abilities after falling to The Dark Side.
The gameplay was well-measured and offered players a mix of first-person and third-person action. This game was a revelation for Star Wars fans and has remained a hallmark. While it might seem quaint to modern-day gamers, Jedi Outcast was nothing short of exhilarating when it first launched.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (2001)
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader was a launch title for the Nintendo GameCube. While most launch titles were often swallowed up by the annuls of video game history, Rogue Leader was an absolute standout. With fast-paced action and combat, this game stood head and shoulder above other titles looking to move console units.
The game spans across the Original Trilogy, in which both Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles battle in epic dogfights against The Empire. Actor Denis Lawson, who portrayed Wedge in the films, even returned to record new lines for the game. This game set a precedent for aerial combat in Star Wars video games. Even over twenty years after its release, it still plays like gangbusters.
Star Wars Battle Pod (2014)
Star Wars Battle Pod is more of an interactive amusement attraction than a video game but is a singular experience. Players sit in the cockpit of various vehicles from the Original Trilogy and find themselves immersed in classic scenes. From The Battle of Yevin to the speeder run on Endor, Battle Pod gives players an unparalleled immersive experience.
Unfortunately, unless you’re willing to shell out a king’s ransom, Battle Pod can only be experienced in an arcade setting. But if players are willing to hoof it to a Dave & Busters or similar ilk, it’s a must-play. Star Wars Battle Pod is an assault on the sense in the best way possible.
Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005)
Star Wars: Battlefront II from Pandemic Studios improved upon its predecessor in every way. It introduced a new campaign where players took control of a veteran from the 501st Legion. The scope is simply massive, from the Battle of Geonosis of The Clone Wars to the Battle of Hoth.
Battlefront II set a precedent for multiplayer combat by infusing Star Wars lore with a boots-on-the-ground experience. The game was nothing short of epic. While the single-player mode was relatively straightforward, the multiplayer mode was infinitely deep. The game was a bigger, badder version of what came before in all the best ways.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic was nothing short of a masterpiece. Developer Bioware created a rich world for players, unlike any other Star Wars game. The game took play roughly 4000 years before the events of A New Hope, making it a wholly original experience.
With a refreshingly rich lore and character creation options, Knight of the Old Republic (KOTOR) presented fans with an unparalleled gaming experience. The game was such a hit with fans, it spawned novels and comics set in its world. Knights of the Old Republic is simply iconic in every sense. This sort of world-building was exactly what long-time fans had been craving. KOTOR might hold one of the most extraordinary tales ever told, not in only Star Wars, but video game history.
Hip-hop and video games go hand-in-hand. The Def Jam series, for instance, paired hip-hop with video games to incredible success. As time passed, they added current artists to the NBA 2K soundtracks and the Madden NFL series. These additions often split players down the middle. Some were excited about the full playlist while others took pride in sharing which songs they had on mute. Nonetheless, music plays a critical part in video games, these days. Not only do they set the tone but they can provide an adrenaline rush at the right moments. Below, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best songs in video games in recent years.
The soundtrack to the Madden games has built a legacy in its own right. Over the years, they’ve included varying genres to get the blood flowing during gameplay. However, Madden 23 included a star-studded soundtrack with a particular focus on hip-hop. Producer Hit-Boy not only curated the soundtrack but also created 33 exclusive beats that were used for the game’s cinematics. He also produced Cordae’s exclusive track for the game “Checkmate.” The original version finds Cordae reflecting on his come-up with motivational gems. In the Madden version, he restructures a few bars to parallel his own experiences with the sports world. This was a creative and fitting decision and allows the song to have a dual purpose without compromising it too much.
Denzel Curry’s “The Game” was tailored specifically for Madden NFL 22. Of course, the song title is the first giveaway. Then, there’s the nostalgia-driven cover art, reminiscent of a 90s Nintendo game. The song’s visualizer on YouTube is a play-through of a vintage game of Madden that continues the aesthetics of the cover art. In the song, Denzel describes the adversity he’s faced, overcoming said obstacles, and navigating through success. Even with its general laidback vibe, Denzel Curry’s bringing heat to the table.
A$AP Rocky – “Sh*ttin Me” (Need for Speed Unbound)
This is one song from a video game that was unexpected. Not only is Rocky in the game as himself, but he also has his own custom Mercedes 190E. Naturally, players get to drive it during a mission where their character meets Rocky. The song has nothing to do with racing or cars but that’s okay. It’s slightly surprising but it’s an energetic banger that fits the game nonetheless. Rocky seems to have treated it as an official single in his discography. His custom car makes a cameo in the music video, too.
This is one of those songs from a video game that nobody expected. Rappers have referenced the game in the past. Megan Thee Stallion even playedMortal Kombat 11 on live stream. However, it was 21 Savage that helped launch the campaign for this particular entry by debuting his single, “Immortal” in the official trailer. The Atlanta rapper uses references from the legendary franchise throughout the record, like, “Draco get to kickin’ like Liu Kang,” “Choppa cut you up like Kitana” and “Neck on froze like Sub-Zero, dawg.” Players and listeners thought 21 was a very fitting choice considering how his lyrics are typically as bleak as the gameplay itself. However, this song is not in the game itself. Fortunately, it was released on streaming services in 2019, even though the trailer was released in 2018.
Rage Against The Machine – “Guerrilla Radio” (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2)
This entry is one of those songs from a video game that reached multiple generations. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a remaster pack for the two games from 1999 and 2000. “Guerilla Radio” is in the remaster pack soundtrack and was originally in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. For players — and millennials, in general — this song has a certain nostalgia attached to it. Additionally, they used the song for the opening video of the game which combines footage from the past and present. Tony has spoken about including music that was directly connected to skate culture in all of his games. This includes having a variety of genres. Furthermore, for Rage specifically, the anti-establishment lyrics resonated with the rebel aspect of skate culture.
KoRn vs. Dem Franchize Boyz – “Coming Undone Wit It” (NFL Street 3)
This is one of the songs from a video game that you may only know of if you’ve played it. “Coming Undone Wit It” is nu-metal mash up of Dem Franchize Boyz and Korn. The song has a special nostalgic memory for players who downloaded the song to their mp3 players in their younger days. Furthermore, the song is still not on streaming services. Its only home is YouTube and computers/mp3 players from the 2000s.
What are some rap songs you remember hearing in video games? Let us know in the comments section.
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