The Deus Ex franchise may be on hold, but the series makes a cameo in the latest update to a Final Fantasy mobile game. 

From now until September 5, you can unlock Adam Jensen and other characters from the Deus Ex series in Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. There's even a Deus Ex-themed raid in the game that sees you and Task Force 29 take on a Mechanical Ogre and some other villains that Deus Exfans may recognize from the series' most recent games. 

At this time, we bet you're wondering whether or not you should take this as an indication that Square Enix is ready to revive the Deus Ex franchise. Well, we wouldn't go quite that far (at least based solely on this crossover). It turns out that this particular Final Fantasy mobile game has featured characters and worlds from other Square Enix titles in the past, which tends to suggest that this is nothing more than another example of the company putting some familiar assets to good use. 

For what it's worth, though, the Final Fantasy-esque visual design of some of Deus Ex's most notable recent characters is pretty sweet. We can't guarantee that playing this game will give Deus Ex fans enough of a fix to feel like the whole thing was worthwhile, but we suppose that this effort is better than nothing. 

What we really want, though, is a proper new Deus Ex game. Sadly, it doesn't seem that many people feel the same. While Deus Ex: Human Revolution certainly wasn't a perfect game, it demonstrated that the series is still capable of delivering an interesting overall experience. Sadly, that game's reported poor sales and icy critical reception seemed to be the final nails in the franchise's coffin for the foreseeable future.

Whether or not the incredible buzz that Cyberpunk 2077is generating - which includes the recent release of that stunning E3 gameplay footage - convinces Square Enix to give the Deus Ex franchise a proper new installment is another matter entirely. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

Read the latest Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine Here!

Release Date: August 28, 2018
Platform: PS4 (reviewed), XBO, PC
Developer: Rebellion
Publisher: Rebellion
Genre: Third-person shooter

The games industry is so saturated with content that it’s arguably harder than ever for a title to stand out and grab our collective attention. Novelty and uniqueness are key factors to a game’s success these days, and Strange Brigade has truly got a style all its own. A co-op third-person shooter set up like a 1930s adventure serial, the game offers a unique brand of fun, brimming with British humor and an aesthetic that infuses vintage newsreel charm with vibrant, Saturday morning cartoon pops of color.

There aren’t any games on the market with a presentation quite like Strange Brigade's, which is its greatest strength. Gameplay is fast-paced and fun, especially if you team up with friends, but the title disappoints in that its core mechanics aren’t as inspired as the bombastic visuals and art design.

Up to four players can team up to mow down monsters with a customizable arsenal of guns and grenades, as well as character-specific amulets that unlock supernatural special attacks that clear multiple enemies at once. The controls are standard third-person shooter fare, and movement feels smooth and responsive. Secondary actions like aiming and shooting, throwing grenades, evading, and melee attacks are perfectly adequate as well, but stringing together all of these simple actions doesn’t feel as smooth and streamlined as you’d want.

Games like Gears of War 4, Mass Effect: Andromeda, and even Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 are third-person shooters that allow you to link your actions together naturally and enter a sort of flow state where your movements become rhythmic. Strange Brigade doesn’t quite achieve this level of smoothness and ease of use, so, unfortunately, its core gameplay isn’t as addictive as the aforementioned titles.

The devil is in the details. Melee attacks are woefully ineffective, and while you’ll feel the urge to use them to clear a path when cornered by a dozen enemies, melee simply isn’t useful in these situations because you can only attack one enemy at a time. Also, melee attacks stop you dead in your tracks, which breaks the flow of action in an awkward way. There’s a chance Rebellion made these decisions to encourage gunplay and discourage a melee-heavy approach, but at the end of the day, it feels like an inessential aspect of combat.

The good news is that nothing in the game feels especially broken or unbalanced, and on the whole, Strange Brigade can be an absolute blast to play. An overwhelming number of baddies can crowd in on you at any given time, but to help even the odds, various deadly traps are strewn about the environments, triggered by well-placed gunfire. Swinging blades, spinning blades, spike traps, fire traps, the obligatory exploding barrels, and more can all be used to aid in enemy extermination. In fact, using the environment to your advantage is by far the most effective route to survival. It can be a thrill to barely escape death by luring monsters into a fire trap and reducing them to ashes, and an even bigger thrill when a fellow adventurer sets off a trap and saves your hide.

Multiplayer is the best way to play Strange Brigade, and while there isn’t anything particularly revelatory or transformative about co-op, it can be an absolute blast to wreck shop with three friends backing you up. The game isn’t exactly bursting with features like Borderlands, nor does it support radically different styles of play, but the co-op experience is entertaining in an arcade-y, sweet ‘n’ simple sort of way. Coordinating attacks with your teammates to take down a particularly powerful foe isn’t a mind-blowing experience, but it sure is fun, and sometimes that’s enough.

The game offers three main modes: Campaign, Horde, and Score Attack. All three offer exactly what you’d expect them to -- a grinding battle through waves of enemies in Horde Mode, more densely trap-filled arenas to perform chain kills and rack up points in Score Attack -- but the campaign is where the game’s strengths shine through. You and your teammates choose between four heroes: fierce African protector Nalangu Rushida, muscly mechanic Gracie Braithwaite, hipster sharpshooter Archimedes de Quincey, and square-jawed archetype Frank Fairburne. Together, they make up the titular group and are sent on a grand mission to fly around Africa on their bitchin’ airship to track down and fell Seteki the Witch Queen, battling swarms of undead along the way.

The secret sauce that gives the largely uncompelling narrative flavor is the game’s cheeky narrator, played by Glen McCready. He provides witty, often sarcastic commentary on any given situation, like when a small wooden barricade blocks your path in the opening moments of the campaign (“Blocked in already...by wood no less! Curses! Is this the end for our heroes?") and even breaks the fourth wall on occasion, like when you leave the controller idle and he reminds you that there is, in fact, a pause button at your disposal. His quips are invasive by design, but because the writing is so sharp, it never feels like an unwelcome distraction. The narration actually colors the experience in a wonderful way, making certain mundane tasks (like puzzles, which you encounter often but are more tedious than they are head-scratching) a lot more engaging and memorable than they would have been otherwise.

The lush, colorful environments Rebellion has crafted are surprisingly striking and detailed for a title one would think could get away with a more simplistic cartoon approach to visuals. From the jungled early stages to the massive caverns and crypts you explore later on, each locale feels distinct, and more impressively, the levels don’t feel overly designed or contrived. Gameplay can become repetitive, especially when you’ve been stuck in a single area for over fifteen minutes killing wave after wave of zombies and their mummy masters, but the slick audio/visual presentation helps to distract from the tedium. The references to ‘30s and ‘40s pop culture (like the grainy newsreel filter used in campaign cutscenes) feel out of left field in the best way possible, and it’s nice to see a developer explore a milieu that’s almost never touched upon (only Temple Runsprings to mind as having a somewhat similar look).

In some ways, Strange Brigade is a unique little gem that’s unlike even other games in Rebellion’s catalog (the studio is best known for series like Sniper Elite), boasting some of the coolest writing and art design in a game this year. But in others, it’s a derivative title that doesn’t push enough boundaries and lacks a certain level of polish that could have made it a must-play experience. Rebellion has announced that there will be free monthly DLC and a season pass available post-launch, which will include a three-part campaign, new heroes, outfits, and more, so maybe there’s hope yet that the game will reach its full potential in the coming months. For now, it’s a solid action romp that’s well worth a look, particularly for fans of fast, frantic gameplay (and punny British humor).

Bernard Boo is a freelance contributor.

Release Date: September 4, 2018
Platform: PS4 (reviewed), PC
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG

For months, Square Enix has been touting Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age as the series’ breakthrough game in North America. Since the MMO Dragon Quest X skipped North America, this is the first mainline title to hit U.S. home consoles in more than a decade (Dragon Quest IX was only on the DS). Thanks to its use of Unreal Engine 4, Dragon Quest looks better than ever in its latest outing. But while several other quality of life improvements and charming characters make this one of the best JRPGs around, the game does little to break the genre conventions that keep Dragon Quest from attracting a larger audience in the west. 

The first half of Dragon Quest XI’s 50-hour story feels downright generic at times, as your nameless hero journeys to save the world and collect the six magical doodads. While there is an overarching storyline here, questing is mostly episodic. Every couple of hours, the hero and his party move to a new town, meet someone in trouble, and solve their problems. 

Some of these stories, like helping a mermaid find her lost love or unraveling the mystery of a frozen city are quite interesting, while others, like the tale of a cowardly prince, are more annoying. The story actually picks up quite a bit in the second half with a darker tone and more open-ended quests, although at times this half of the game feels a little uneven. There are a few bosses that just seem to get randomly thrown at you for no real reason. There are also number of sidequests scatterered around the world, but they’re mainly fetch quests with unremarkable rewards. If you're not a completionist, there’s very little reason to do them.

Once the main story is finished, a lengthy post-game quest opens, which amps up the difficulty significantly and may actually the be best part of the game in terms of both gameplay and narrative. Just keep in mind that at least 50 hours stand between you and said post-game.

If you’ve played a Dragon Quest game (or any traditional JRPG) before, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Combat is strictly turn-based. You can move around the battlefield between turns now, but it’s only cosmetic and has no bearing on attacks or defense. Thankfully, enemies are visible on the world map and easily avoided, so there are no random encounters aside from traveling by sea, which only covers a small portion of the game. When you do encounter them, enemies have quite a few different animations in combat, and most make them look like giant toys come to life. Still, Akira Toriyama’s character designs continue to stand the test of time.

The world of Erdrea can be absolutely stunning at times, but it’s worth noting that this is not an open-world title. While maps are large and hold a number of secrets to find, you’re always stuck in a confined area, and will even get chided by party members sometimes if you try to head toward other areas that aren’t on the way to your next objective.

The sound design is something of a mixed bag as well. True to the series’ reputation, Dragon Quest XI doesn’t stray far from its roots. Many of the sound effects here date back to the first game on the NES, for better or worse. Curiously, Square Enix has stuck Dragon Quest XI with a MIDI, rather than orchestral, soundtrack. While the tunes initially fit the game well, they do become grating after a couple dozen hours, and there are remarkably few of them. They also play during important cutscenes, which takes away from the impact of some of the game's more cinematic moments.

Voice acting is generally pretty high quality, though I’m not personally a fan of the residents of every new town having the most stereotypical European accents you can imagine. While some accents are fitting, others sound like bad community theatre. Then there’s a character who will join you on your quest, the flamboyant actor Sylvando. You’re either going to love or hate his over-the-top Spanish accent by the end of the game.

While never revolutionary, Dragon Quest XI deserves a lot of credit for small quality of life improvements. You're now able to heal your entire party with just one button between combat scenarios and can also use a fast travel spell to avoid a lot of backtracking. In combat, you have the option of controlling each character’s turn or letting your party members decide what works best. There’s also very little grinding required to progress through the game.

Also new is “pep,” a power up that randomly kicks in every few turns, granting the party access to powerful spells and a higher chance of critical hits. Each party member also has access to a sizable skill tree that lets you choose what spells and weapons they specialize in. Want your main character to focus on using greatswords? Go for it. You could turn him into a spellcasting powerhouse instead, or something in-between.

Either way, Dragon Quest XI is a remarkably easy RPG. My party was only wiped out about a half-dozen times in 50 hours, and half those deaths came at the hands of the final boss, whom just required a little more strategy than everyone else.

Ultimately, the game isn't going to change your mind about the series or JRPGs in general. The gameplay hews close to what the series has always been known for, and it happily embraces some of the genre’s more peculiar conventions, but it also excels at combat and the story only gets better with time. Needless to say, JRPG fans will be in heaven. 

Chris Freiberg is a freelance contributor. You can find all of his work here. 

2001's Onimusha: Warlords is finally getting remastered. 

This news comes straight from Capcom who have gone so far as to give this remaster a firm release date (January 15, 2019, for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch) and have confirmed that it will cost $20. 

While not a fully-fledged remake (which means it won't be on the same production level as the Resident Evil and Resident Evil 2 remakes) this remaster does feature an HD upgrade, new songs, widescreen options, optional analog controls (big yay for that one), and an easy mode for those who just want to experience the game's story as quickly as possible. 

This announcement isn't quite as anticipated as the reveal of the Resident Evil 2 Remake, it has been a talking point amongst the Capcom faithful for quite some time. Credible rumors of an Onimusha comeback date back to 2016 (at the very least), and Onimusha was certainly on the minds of fans everywhere when Capcom started talking about resurrecting some of their dormant franchises. 

So what's the big deal with Onimusha? Well, the game itself is a blend of mythical Samurai action with Resident Evil-esque horror elements. Essentially, it's a samurai adventure with RE controls (mostly) and more of an emphasis on atmosphere, puzzles, and plot than action. While some may argue that the game suffered somewhat from the decision to have it stick so close to certain Resident Evil tropes, Onimusha did become the first PS2 game to reach a million sales. 

All in all, there aren't many games that offer what Onimusha offers in terms of style and execution. It's going to be interesting to see how a new generation of gamers responds to this remaster. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

Read the latest Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine Here!

EA has decided to cancel the remainder of the Madden Classic tournament following the events of the Jacksonville shooting. 

"We have made a decision to cancel our three remaining Madden Classic qualifier events while we run a comprehensive review of safety protocols for competitors and spectators," said EA CEO Andrew Wilson on the company website. "We will work with our partners and our internal teams to establish a consistent level of security at all of our competitive gaming events."

Wilson went on to share a few words about the two Madden competitors who lost their lives during the shooting. 

"It is an unthinkable tragedy that Taylor Robertson and Elijah Clayton, two of our top Madden competitors, lost their lives in this way," said Wilson. "They were respected, positive and skilled competitors, the epitome of the players and personalities at the heart of our community.  Their love of competition was evident through their participation in our events over the past few years.  We are committed to supporting Taylor and Elijah’s families through this difficult time, and we send our deepest sympathies to their loved ones, to those injured yesterday, and everyone affected."

We don't imagine it was easy to think about the remainder of the Madden tournament in a time like this, but we certainly respect EA's decision to cancel the qualifiers given the nature of this unspeakable tragedy and the way that recent events have devastated the Madden community. 

It's going to take quite some time for that community to fully recover (if it ever truly does), but as we've noted in our look at the complicated culture of eSports, the resiliency and enthusiasm of eSports fans tend to help the scene through some dark times. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

Read the latest Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine Here!

Starflight, a series that helped pioneer the sci-fi sandbox RPG, is making a comeback almost 30 years after its last installment. Developer Human Nature has announced that it's working on Starflight 3: Universe and that series creator Greg Johnson (of ToeJam & Earl fame) is back to head the project.

The first trailer for the game is a nostalgic look at the 1986 original, which was developed by Binary Systems and published by Electronic Arts, and also shows off a brief look at what to expect from the new game. Watch it below:

Starflight 3: Universe is "a sci-fi single-player, sandbox role-playing game that focuses on exploration, diplomacy, resource gathering, and combat," according to the press release. "Players will have solar systems with tons of planets to discover and explore, mine for necessary resources, catalog new creatures, trade and use diplomacy with locals, all while saving the universe. Starflight 3 is a true free-form experience."

The sequel actually sounds quite ambitious. The press release also promises "new and previous alien races, uncharted solar systems to discover, and never before seen planets to explore, all within the same genre-defining gameplay mechanics of the original games." You'll also be tasked with managing a crew for your starship, which is customizable. You can also "harvest plants, capture animals, and discover mind-bending clues scattered across the solar systems." It's not clear what the "mind-bending clues" are for but I assume it has something to do with the story. 

Human Nature has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to get the game made if you'd like to support it. At the time of this writing, the studio is at 12% of its $800,000 goal. 

For those unfamiliar with the original Starflight, it was originally released for the IBM PC before being ported to the Atari ST, Macintosh, Commodore 64, and Sega Genesis. Although gameplay didn't amount to much more than a series of screens with prompts, it did offer a complex RPG experience more detailed than many of the sci-fi adventures it inspired, such as Mass Effect and No Man's Sky.

The game allowed you to explore up to 800 planets in 207 star systems with varying gravity levels that could affect your ship's capability to land. You could also mine for rare minerals, scan for life and artifacts, and set up new colonies across the galaxy. Interacting with aliens was also key to the experience. Alien races ranged from bugs and androids to sentient plants, talking blobs, and even a hivemind race. You can definitely see what Mass Effect developer Casey Hudson borrowed from this game. 

The space RPG received one sequel in 1989 called Starflight 2: Trade Routes of the Cloud Nebula, which introduced an economy race as well as a militaristic alien race threatening the galaxy. If you're interested in picking up both these classics for cheap, they're both bundled on GOG for $5.99. 

As for Starflight 3: Universe, we'll keep you updated as we learn more!

John Saavedra is Games Editor at Den of Geek. Read more of his work here. Follow him on Twitter @johnsjr9. 

The Nintendo Switch may become a pretty good comic book e-reader when InkyPen launches for the system in November. 

InkyPen is a subscription-based service that allows you to read comics on supported devices. Starting in November, those supported devices will include the Nintendo Switch. That makes it one of the few third-party media subscription apps available through the Nintendo Switch. For a console that is infamously lacking Netflix support (but does support Hulu), it's pretty strange to see a comic book reader service coming to the Switch. 

Of course, it doesn't hurt that the service itself is fairly generous. For $8 a month, InkyPen grants you access to over 10,000 mangas, graphic novels, and other comic-related publications. Most of the comics included are international (at least international to us in the United States) and indie, so don't expect to see any comics from Marvel, DC, and the other big industry players. 

The good news is that InkyPen's service will let Switch users read whatever comics are available on the go via the console's handheld functionality and send the comics to their TVs for big-screen viewing. You're also able to zoom in to pages and flip through comics via the Switch's touch screen or controls. 

InkyPen sounds like a decent enough deal for people who will be interested in the books they ultimately make available, but again, it feels like the real story here is Nintendo slowly expanding the Switch's app store and making room for apps that allow you to use your Switch for more than just gaming. While we certainly understand why Nintendo would want to keep the Switch's app store free of every service out there - and why they want to utilize and efficient, minimalist UI - it's also nice to know that they're not completely opposed to the idea of opening their doors to certain services. 

Of course, they may also just want to expand the Switch's app selection in time for the launch of the Nintendo Switch's premium online service. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

Nintendo is going old-school by releasing three popular Switch titles with included strategy guides. 

On September 28, Nintendo will release "Starter Packs" for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 2. These Starter Packs include the game itself and a special strategy guide that seems to be much more than just a generic series of hints. Each book features unique artwork, fun designs, and a special name related to each game (Explorer's Guide, Traveller's Guide, and Splategy Guide for Zelda, Mario, and Splatoon, respectively). 

Each of these Starter Packs will retail for $59.99, which is actually kind of a good price in a relative way when you consider that Nintendo doesn't really drop the prices of their major games that often. You can probably find each of these titles for cheaper than full retail, but getting the book on top of that price isn't the worst deal out there (especially if you're buying these as a gift). 

However, it is worth noting that the guides for Breath of the Wild and Splatoon 2 have been released in the past as part of a Special Edition for each game. These appear to be the exact same guides, so there is no need to buy them twice even if you are a collector. The Mario one, though, is brand-new. 

Regardless, it's kind of fun to see Nintendo taking a stroll down this particular memory lane. While not every old-school game came with a strategy guide - Earthbound is an infamous example of one that did - it wasn't uncommon to see strategy guides released the same day as many popular games. Of course, this was back in the day (*hitches up old man pants*) when many games were designed to be confusing. As such, strategy guides were your only official solution for help in an internet-free world. 

The other way to view this deal is as a kind of elaborate return of the glory days when most games included elaborate instruction manuals that featured tips, special artwork, and story elements. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

Read the latest Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine Here!

The famous Cyberpunk 2077 footage from E3 2018 has finally been released to the public, and people everywhere are buzzing about what they just witnessed. We knew that the next game from CD Projekt Red (The Witcher 3) was going to take the internet by storm, but the hype for Cyberpunk 2077 reached a new level when developer CD Projekt Red showcased a rough draft gameplay demo of what they are working on.

Normally, a 48-minute long demo would be enough to satisfy us, but in the case of Cyberpunk 2077, it just made us want more. So we watched it again, and again, and again. Somewhere along the way, we noticed a few things about that demo that you might have overlooked but absolutely must know about.

To help tide you over during what figures to be a long wait until the release of Cyberpunk 2077, here are a few things that you might have missed from the recent gameplay demo:

Jackie: Optional Companion?

An old Cyberpunk 2077 job listing hinted at the possibility of optional in-game companions, and we got our first look at one in the gameplay footage with the introduction of Jackie. If you take the Cyberpunk 2077footage at face value, then it’s easy to assume that Jackie is a major character in the game. However, certain details hint that he might be an optional companion.

For instance, Cyberpunk 2077 is supposed to feature player-controlled sexuality. As such, it would be odd if the player were forced to sleep with a particular character like the gameplay footage suggests when V sleeps with Jackie. Our guess is that Jackie will be an optional companion in the main game who just so happened to play a starring role in this demo.

Various Types of Player Controlled Vehicles

While V is driving Jackie’s car, the gameplay demo narrator refers to cars, bikes, and “other types of vehicles” the player will be able to control at various points in the game. So far, we’ve only really seen footage of one car (which has now been identified as belonging to Jackie).

The revelation we’ll be able to access multiple vehicles isn’t too shocking, but that reference to “other vehicles” that aren’t cars and bikes is much more interesting. Can we take that statement to mean that there might be combat specific vehicles in Cyberpunk 2077 as well as player-controlled flying vehicles?

Awesome Wrist Sword Mods

Shortly after V gets her scanner implanted, she shows off the device’s zoom functionality by focusing on a poster in the Ripper’s office. It’s a quick, seemingly insignificant moment that so happens to showcase what seems to be an awesome future character mod.

Yes, players will be able to equip wrist-mounted swords at some point in the game. Actually, “wrist-mounted” doesn’t quite describe it. The sword seems to be buried in the player's arms and emerges on command. In other words, we will be roleplaying as Cyberpunk 2077 Wolverine.

Read the latest Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine Here!

“Locked” Weapons

V’s Ripper explains that her new weapon grip mod includes an ammo counter and other useful heads-up display options. What he doesn’t elaborate on is the other ability implied by the mod’s text description.

According to that description, the grip mod allows the user to utilize “locked” weapons with a 50% damage reduction penalty. This seems to suggest that there are weapons in the game which the player cannot use at the start due to them being locked by some unidentified system.

Whether that means they’re somehow locked by a user-recognition system or through old-fashioned level/skill caps remains up for debate. We'd probably bet on the latter.

Hints at a Crafting System

To be honest, we’d be more surprised to hear that a major modern game doesn’t feature a crafting system., Still, it was interesting to see that the Cyberpunk 2077footage seemed to hint at a crafting system despite the fact that one hasn’t been confirmed for the game.

By “hinting,” we’re referring to the scenes which feature V hacking certain pieces of hardware. After those sequences, the weapons/items section on the bottom left indicates that V has acquired parts. These parts could be used for other purposes (or even as currency) but the smart money is on Cyberpunk 2077 featuring some crafting mechanics designed around our protagonist's scrounging abilities. 

Digital Pickpocketing?

During that early demo scene in which V tries to rescue a kidnapped girl, we see our protagonist “hack” the girl’s mind in order to get her help/acquire more information. That same sequence also features an on-screen prompt that indicates that the victim’s - or V’s - debit card is being verified.

From a story standpoint, this seems to be a piece of social commentary regarding how the medical team needed to charge someone before they would help. However, the implication that people’s bank information is stored in their cybernetic implants does suggest we’ll be able to perform some digital pickpocketing at some point in the game.

Bullets, Poison, Fire, and Electricity

Here’s a detail that was also briefly referenced in the footage but not elaborated on. You may have noticed that scanning an enemy gives you some information on what their weaknesses are, but did you notice the various weaknesses characters have? Just from this demo, we see that characters have resistances - and weaknesses - against bullets, electricity, fire, and what appears to be poison.

Bullets and fire seem obvious enough, but electricity and poison are much more interesting. Presumably, those weaknesses are at least partially determined by a person’s organic/mechanical composition. In other words, people who have gone overboard with their enhancements will probably be less susceptible to poison and more susceptible to electricity.

The Childhood Hero Effect

At the beginning of the Cyberpunk gameplay reveal, we get a brief look at the character creation process. While the few screens we saw are probably just a taste of what is to come, there was one aspect of the process that may have come into play later in the footage.

Early on, players are able to determine certain elements of their character’s backstory. That process includes choosing who your character’s childhood hero was. The character created for the demo seems to have a “Corporate God” listed as their hero.

Is this the reason why we see a corporate character later in the game tease our character with the promise of one day being a high-ranking member in a corporation?

Scaling Enemy Levels?

Look closely at the Cyberpunk 2077 footage, and you’ll notice that major allies, enemies, and other important characters have numbers next to their names. These numbers seem to indicate character levels. It’s a concept that seems simple enough at first glance.

Where it gets much more interesting is when you start to compare the numbers across various characters. We see similar enemies in general areas have slightly different numbers that are within the range of V’s level. However, we also see that the medical team V calls at the beginning of the demo are all ranked at level 10 (which is significantly higher than V’s level at the time). Furthermore, other characters have an “X” by their names, which hints at no level or an unknown level.

What does all of this mean? It makes sense that enemies scale with your character’s level, but are there some characters who remain at a static level and other characters who have no combat-related level at all?

A Hidden Message From The Developers

Some eagle-eyed fans have spotted a single frame message from CD Projekt Red at the end of the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay demo. The message thanks fans for tuning in, hypes up the game a bit, and then it goes on to explain why the team was hesitant to release this footage to the public.

Basically, they reiterate that the gameplay footage is from a very early build of the game. As such, they were worried that fans would think that every detail from the demo would be in the final version of the game. However, the developers state that the excellent feedback they received from the first people outside of the studio to see this footage encouraged them to share it with everyone.

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

Sports continue to rake in billions of dollars across the globe each year. Within the video game industry, Madden NFLand FIFA remain the top dogs, but there's plenty of competition out there, including console-quality games on your mobile device. If you're looking to keep your passion for your favorite sport going long into the offseason, these 25 mobile sports games will do the trick:

Madden NFL Football

Electronic Arts | iOS, Android

Yes, the most popular sports video game franchise in the world unsurprisingly has a mobile offering. The surprising part is that it's actually pretty good -- once you get past the free-to-play trappings. The console-like graphics are fun to watch in motion but what's really great about this title is the way EA is always coming up with new updates for it, even in the off-season.

While console gamers have to go out and buy the new Madden each and every year, this mobile app will update for free each season going forward. General managers (that's you) can collect player cards to build their own roster, and the game offers short quarters and a variety of quick football drills that are perfect for a pick up and play fix.

NBA 2K18

2K | iOS, Android

NBA 2K18 tasks you with leveling up your "MyPLAYER" in the game's "MyCareer" mode. But if you'd prefer to focus on an entire franchise instead of just one player, "Association Mode" will let you do just that, building a dynasty over multiple seasons. All of this comes with 2K's trademark packaging, including realistic graphics, outstanding controls, and sick beats from Kendrick Lamar, Future, and more.

NBA Jam

Electronic Arts | iOS, Android

If you're looking for a more arcade-like basketball experience, the best option is likely the mobile version of a video game classic. NBA Jam is drenched in nostalgia, including every catchphrase (Boomshakalaka!) you remember from your youth. The only complaint this title gets is that the rosters aren't updated too frequently, so don't expect everything to be in line with the current NBA. But when all you want to do is put up a monster dunk "From Downtown," this game hits the spot.

RBI Baseball 18

MLB Advanced Media | iOS, Android

Premium title RBI Baseball has earned a reputation for being somewhat buggy with its previous releases, and the early reviews for the 2018 version seem to indicate that not much has changed in that department. But with that caveat out of the way, this franchise remains your best option if you want to simulate a classic baseball game on your phone, complete with authentic player appearances and ballparks. This year, the game has finally added a Franchise Mode, allowing you to take your team through multiple seasons while making behind-the-scenes moves.

MLB Perfect Inning

GAMEVIL | iOS, Android

If you want to get your baseball on but without paying a dime, MLB Perfect Inning is the best free-to-play option on the market. Like RBI Baseball, you can expect authentic players and stadiums, although the graphics aren't quite as good. Perfect Inning also offers a wider variety of mini-games and drills, as long as you don't mind the constant reminders to purchase the in-game currency.

Table Tennis Touch

Yakuto | iOS, Android

If Ping Pong is more your game, you'll find a lot to like with Table Tennis Touch. The game features a Career mode that rivals the full-fledged experience you might find in more popular sports games like Madden, complete with tournaments, leagues, and special events. If you just want a quick few minutes of fun, there are 13 mini-games that should get the job done.

Super Stickman Golf 3

Noodlecake | iOS, Android

The Super Stickman series has been popular on iOS for quite some time but the third edition brings the franchise to an even wider audience thanks to its free-to-play business model. All of the wacky arcade golf gameplay from the two previous games returns, complete with plenty of additional power-ups and trick shots. The game also demonstrates the correct way to do in-app purchases, with a one-time purchase option to permanently remove ads and paid power-ups that are fun to use but not necessary to win.

OK Golf

Playdigious | iOS, Android

If you want your golf in a more minimalistic zen-filled package, OK Golf has a lot to love. The game has won multiple awards for its visual design, featuring beautiful locations offering you a tranquil moment to just relax and have some fun. The simple controls involve you just aiming and dragging the ball. There are no golf clubs to worry about, you literally just touch the ball and send it flying.

WGT Golf Game

Topgolf Media | iOS, Android

While our last two titles offer a more arcade-like experience, WGT Golf Game is the app you want if you prefer a more realistic simulation, something similar to the classic Tiger Woods golf series from years past. The game offers iconic courses from around the world, all designed with accuracy in mind. WGT also frequently updates and has in-game events that match up with what's going on in the real world of golf.

True Skate

True Axis | iOS, Android

No, it's not Skate 4, but if you're looking for some skating fun on the go, you'll be hard pressed to find a better option than True Skate. Billed as the "official street league skateboarding game,"True Skate offers realistic touch-based physics that cause the board to react in just the way you would expect as you move your finger around the screen. Multiple skate parks are available and the app supports a variety of features, including slow motion, replay sharing, and global leaderboards.

Punch Club

Lazy Bear Games | iOS, Android

This is technically a boxing title but it's also so much more. Take your character and slowly train him for greatness, with plenty of RPG and tycoon elements to play with as you rise through the ranks. The game features a deep story mode as you battle to avenge your murdered father and figure out who ended his life. The outstanding pixel art combined with plenty of references to the 1980s and '90s complete the package.

Tennis Champs Season 2

Jakyl | iOS, Android

This game was originally released as Tennis Champs Returns, a faithful recreation of the Tennis Champsfranchise from the classic Amiga console. You'll take a tennis player on a journey through a full season on tour, slowly leveling your skills along the way. The game offers touch or a more traditional control scheme with a virtual joystick and buttons. The game was remade for iOS by its original Amiga developer Elton Bird and features the original characters combined with updated physics, AI, and a variety of daily challenges.

Wrassling

Kappsule | iOS, Android

No, not wrestling. It's "Wrassling," which is the "national sport of Slamdovia," in case you didn't know. This ridiculous take on wrestling features old school graphics with players who look like they belong on an Atari 2600. The not-so-realistic jump physics will have you bouncing from one end of the ring to the other, knocking your opponents silly along the way.

FIFA Mobile

Electronic Arts | iOS, Android

If you downloaded this title during World Cup season, it was actually rebranded as FIFA Soccer: FIFA World Cup, allowing you to play through the same tournament you watched on TV. Beyond that update is the same outstanding soccer game that EA has been running for years. FIFA Mobile is much like Madden Mobile in that it offers a faithful recreation of many of the same players and stadiums you know and love. It's also like Madden in that this free-to-play game is updated with new content each season.

PES 2018

Konami | iOS, Android

Most gamers would probably tell you that Konami hasn't done much right in recent years but the company's Pro Evolution Soccer series is still going strong and remains a viable competitor to EA's FIFA franchise. The 2018 iteration of the mobile game brags about its "advanced" controls, which allow for more precise passing and controlled shooting than what is currently available in other mobile soccer games.

Touchgrind BMX 2

Illusion Labs | iOS

Touchgrind BMX was selected by Apple as one of its top games of 2011. This sequel brings back everything fans loved, only with more stunts and better visuals. Players can build their own bikes from scratch and customize everything from the handlebars to the seats, wheels, and spray paint. Gameplay involves competing in various tournaments or going head to head with other players in duels.

Alto's Adventure

Snowman | iOS, Android

This endless runner is snowboarding done right. You'll guide a variety of snowboarders up and down cliffs, doing flips and tricks in the air to grind extra points. Multiple power-ups will unlock as you level up, but our favorite part of this game is its chill vibe. It's a great game to pick up for just a few minutes at a time when you need some stress relief. This game's recently released sequel, Alto's Odyssey, is just as excellent, swapping icebergs for sand dunes.

Kings of Pool

Uken Games | iOS, Android

If 8-ball or 9-ball pool is your thing, Kings of Pool has one of the most realistic experiences available on the App Store. You can face off against other players from around the world or form a club of fellow players and take on opponents together. The app was recently updated with full support for augmented reality, meaning you can put the pool table right out in your living room like it's the real thing.

Infinite Pool

Kiseki Games | iOS

Infinite Pool offers a more arcade-focused pool experience with special tables that can transform the game into a soccer match or a variety of other sports. The animated balls all feature cute life-like designs and react adorably when you hit them across the table. Dress up the pool balls in everything from rare hats to cool sunglasses.

Trials Frontier

RedLynx | iOS, Android

If you're looking forward to the new Trials title Ubisoft announced at this year's E3, Trials Frontier is a great way to get yourself back up to speed. The game offers the same physics-based gameplay you've come to expect, complete with the sick wheelies, jumps, and flips that the franchise is known for. This free-to-play title offers more than 250 missions to dig into and claims to offer more than 50 hours of story-driven gameplay.

Archery King

Miniclip | iOS, Android

Yes, archery. We had way more fun with this free-to-play title than we expected. Players go head-to-head with other people from around the world, and in most cases, you can even see the face of the person you're playing, if their save is connected to Facebook. Vanquish your opponent by flicking your arrow towards the target just right and you'll unlock better gear to help you climb the ranks.

Bowling King

Miniclip | iOS, Android

Crafted with care by the same developer as Archery King, Bowling Kingputs you head to head in a one-on-one bowling match against another human opponent. If you've ever seen those bowling championships on ESPN 2, you'll know that bowling can actually be quite intense when the match is on the line. Like other titles in this franchise, you can upgrade your gear, leading to better bowling balls that offer greater speed or control as they move down the lane.

Kingpin Bowling

The Frosty Pop Corps | iOS

If you're looking for a more arcade-like bowling experience, it doesn't get much more arcadey than turning a bowling game into an endless runner. You'll be guiding your ball down the lane for all eternity, or at least until it runs into a soda drink, a pencil, or any number of other giant things that don't belong in the middle of a bowling alley. There are some in-game ads to deal with, but the way the animated bowling pins cheer for you when you hit them almost makes it all worth it.

GRID Autosport

Feral Interactive | iOS

Yes, racing games are popular enough that they have their own separate category on the App Store. But for those who insist that race car driving is a sport, GRID Autosport is the latest kid on the block and it's well worth your time. Racing games have had console-like graphics on mobile for years but GRID raises the bar once again.

What's especially nice about this game though is that it's a premium $9.99 offering and developer Feral Interactive claims that all future cars and tracks can be downloaded for free. As most other popular racing games on mobile are free-to-play, GRID Autosport offers a refreshing alternative that won't be constantly throwing banner ads in your face.

Ridiculous Fishing

Vlambeer | iOS, Android

This title from developer Vlambeer lives up to its name as the most ridiculous entry on our list. Sure, there are more realistic fishing games on the App Store if you are so inclined. But only Ridiculous Fishing lets you catch hundreds of fish at a time and then hands you a gun and lets you shoot them out of the air as they pop out of the water. The more fish you catch… er, shoot, the more items you'll unlock, giving you access to fishing rod upgrades and plenty more guns.

Jason M. Gallagher is a freelance contributor. You find all of his work here. 

Battlefield V is the next game in the hit first-person shooter series from DICE. The game will be set during World War II as previously suggested. It's not entirely clear which theater of war the game's campaign will be set in, but some of the language the developers used suggested that it will span the globe and include quite a few stories of war. 

Here is what we know about Battlefield V:

Battlefield 5 Release Date

Battlefield V has been delayed to Nov. 20 from an Oct. 19 release date. It's coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

Battlefield 5 Trailer

A new trailer for the game arrived at Gamescom. Check it out below:

Be sure to gawk at this trailer for the game which shows off what it looks like running on Nvidia's latest hardware:

This trailer showcases the game's new Rotterdam map. Check it out below:

Here's a multiplayer trailer:

And here's the reveal trailer:

Battlefield 5 Beta

Battlefield V's open beta will begin on September 4th for those with Early Access through EA's Origins program and September 6th for everyone else. The beta will be available for PC, Xbox One, and PS4. It will showcase the classic Conquest mode via the Rotterdam and Arctic Fjord map. The Arctic Fjord map will also play hose to the next Grand Operations campaign. There's no word on when this beta will end.

Battlefield 5 Multiplayer

Multiplayer wise, Battlefield V doesn't change the series formula too much. The big new addition is a 64-player Grand Operations mode that utilizes several different play modes in order to tell a multiplayer narrative. It's essentially an expansion of the Operations mode seen in Battlefield 1. There's also a Combined Arms 4-player co-op mode that allows players to participate in procedurally generated missions. Generally speaking, Battlefield V places a much greater emphasis on squad play and encourages players to join squads. 

Minor multiplayer changes include the ability to revive your teammates regardless of what class you're playing (and drag them to cover), the ability to tow stationary guns with vehicles, and a new prone option that lets you lay on your back. 

It's also been confirmed that there will be no Premium Pass in the game. While that doesn't seem to discount the possibility that there might be loot boxes in the game, the Battlefield V developers did indicate that player progress will largely be earned by playing the game. Said progress includes new abilities that allow you to fortify the area of play with sandbags, walls, and other structures. Ammo conservation and weapon selection will also reportedly play a larger role in the game. Those weapons will be affected by new bullet penetration physics and the elimination of randomized bullet deviation.

The Battlefield V Twitter account has also revealed a new mode called Airborne. The premise of this mode is that players will need to parachute onto the battlefield when they respawn. It seems that there will be an attacking team who need to take down anti-aircraft measures when they're on the ground and a defending team who are trying to keep the guns operational in order to fend off the airborne invaders. 

Battlefield 5 Tides of War

DICE has expanded upon how The Tides of War will work. In a new blog post, the developer describes Tides of War as a "catch-all" term used to describe Battlefield V's "true journey" through World War II. Based on their description of the idea, it seems that Tides of War will function as kind of an on-going content experience that will change every few months. For instance, the first batch of Tides of War content is titled Fall of Europe and will include special events such as multi-week grand operations and special assignments. 

Despite the changes introduced by these events, players will be able to keep the same company (essentially a faction or guild) and complete all associated events with them throughout the entire Tides of War run.

DICE reiterated that soldiers are fully-customizable this time around and noted that XP can be earned in multiplayer and co-op modes and then used to unlock new class specialization archetypes. It seems that new archetypes will be added to the game via Tides of War updates. 

We'll bring you more information on this mode as it becomes available.

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors.

The Sinking City takes place in the fictional city of Oakmont, Massachusetts during the 1920s. Lovecraftian deities have wrecked havoc on the area and have left the town of Oakmont largely underwater. Despite the inconvenience - and the sudden presence of fish people who roam the city - some human citizens remain trying to make the best of a bad situation. You play as a private investigator who soon finds himself caught up in a web of conspiracies.

The Lovecraftian elements of Sinking City are obvious and entirely unabashed. While few Lovecraftian creatures have been name-dropped thus far, the game's monsters are most certainly inspired by both Lovecraft and the creations of H.R. Giger. Additionally, there seems to be an insanity mechanic in place which can affect how the player's character sees the world. Anyone familiar with the GameCube classic Eternal Darkness should have an idea of how sanity can affect the game's world.

While the Lovecraftian elements of the game are deeply embedded into its every dark corner, The Sinking City is actually more of a defective title in the style of L.A. Noire. That means that players will often receive requests and assignments that require them to investigate, interview, and ultimately solve the case. Unlike L.A. Noire, there are very few objective markers in the game or other clear points of direction. Instead, you'll be required to pick up on context clues and certain pieces of dialogue in order to understand where you should go next in the process of your investigation.

Put it all together and you've got a taut mystery thriller bolstered by certain horror elements that compliment the underlying noir story quite well. If that sounds too much like we're describing a particularly fine wine, just imagine a scarier version of L.A. Noire with tighter gameplay and you'll know why we're so excited about this one.

Here's what we know about The Sinking City. 

The Sinking City News

The Sinking City is a detective story at heart. Here's a look at some investigation gameplay:

The Sinking City Release Date

The Sinking City is currently set to release on March 21, 2019, for PC. 

Read the latest Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine Here!

The Sinking City Trailers

A new trailer has arrived for this strange Lovecraftian game. Check it out below:

Here's another trailer that features a few brief glimpses at the title's mysterious gameplay. Check it out:

The Sinking City, the game that combines the kind of '40s murder mysteries seen in L.A. Noire and the world of H.P. Lovecraft, has a new teaser trailer. 

The trailer above doesn't dive into the details of The Sinking City, but that seems to be the point. This title from Frogwares Game Development Studio, the studio responsible for many recent Sherlock Holmes games, is seemingly built around a thick layer of mystery and intrigue that will surely unravel as players explore this intriguing upcoming release. In case you missed the game's official reveal, check out this developer diary. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors.

Nintendo's war against fan-created games continues as Nintendo is taking down an online toolkit that fans have been using to create Pokemon games for the last 11 years.

According to a post on PokeCommunity, Pokemon Essentials (an RPG Maker program specifically designed to create Pokemon games) and the wikia pages associated with it have been removed from PokeCommunity due to a copyright claim from Nintendo. Elsewhere, other corners of the online Pokemon community have reported that they have received similar takedown notices related to the Pokemon Essentials software. 

On PokeCommunity, global moderator Marin informed the website's users that they shouldn't "freak out" about this claim and that there's "no reason to get angry with Nintendo or anyone else involved. It doesn't need to be a bigger deal than it should be."

However, some are arguing that this particular takedown doesn't make any sense. Their belief is based on the idea that Pokemon Essentials is based on old technology and therefore isn't really a threat to any new Pokemon projects. The software's developer even believes that Essentials helps young developers learn certain design techniques that can be valuable to their growth as creators. 

Still, the truth of the matter is that it's impossible to be surprised by this move. Nintendo has been aggressively pursuing the takedown of online Pokemonprojects for years now. Many of those projects - such as the ambitious PokemonUranium - utilized the Pokemon Essentials software. It was only a matter of time until Nintendo was willing and able to go after Essentials rather than individual projects. 

If it's any comfort to fans of Essentials, the software's community is confident that it will spread online due to the small file size of the technology and the fact that it has been passed around so much over the last decade. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

League of Legends developer Riot Games has apologized after being accused by several current and former employees of promoting a sexist and toxic work environment for women. In a statement issued yesterday, the studio said that it was taking steps to provide a more inclusive environment to all employees. 

"We’re committed to do things the right way, and we know the change we need isn’t going to happen overnight," Riot said. "We are taking everything we’ve learned from Rioters and leading culture-change experts, and we are starting to develop a plan with substance."

Riot listed seven initial steps it's taking "to evolve our culture, while preserving the good things that we think make Riot special." Those steps include establishing a team to oversee the cultural evolution of the company. 

"This group and their work will impact every corner of this organization, and will also accelerate our existing cultural and inclusion work," Riot explained. "We are all committed to keeping the best parts of today’s Riot—like our focus on player empathy—while tirelessly looking toward the future. The team will be accountable to our CEO directly."

The studio also plans to reevaluate its "core cultural tenets" as well as talk to consultants about the company's culture and how it can improve. Riot will also revise how it investigates complaints, its recruiting process, and training process.

Riot's toxic workplace conditions were first brought to light by a report from Kotaku, in which both current and former employees accused Riot Games of promoting a sexist work culture among its "Rioters" -- a workforce in which men outnumber women 4 to 1. The outlet spoke to 28 sources for the piece detailing instances of sexual discrimination and harassment at the company, including allegations against upper-level management.

The report described the company as the home to an oppressive "bro culture" that stifles women's voices. At several points in the piece, individuals paint a picture of a workplace where male employees talk over women and women are forced to either accept it or are pushed out of the company. 

Others noted the inequality of the hiring process at the studio, where men are more likely to "fit the culture" of the company than women. Several of Kotaku's sources described the inherent gatekeeping and divisiveness of the company's recruitment philosophy -- that is, that Riot only hires hardcore gamers (the article notes that Riot has walked back this philosophy in the last few months), leaving female candidates open to questions about whether they're "real gamers."

One woman recalled a job interview in which she was asked several questions about World of Warcraft to prove that she was actually a gamer: "I was trying to prove to this executive that I wasn’t lying about playing games. ... Should I just ask this guy to log onto my World of Warcraft profile?" 

Another woman described an interview during which she was asked how big her "e-peen" was, a vulgar question meant to challenge whether she was truly a gamer. 

Instances of sexual misconduct were also reported. One former employee claims that, after rejecting the advances of a male superior, she was pushed out of the running for a promotion she had rightfully earned. The report notes several other instances when men were promoted over women on the basis of a "meritocracy," a workplace philosophy the company allegedly pushes to keep male employees in power. 

This was Riot's original statement to ESPN following the report:

This article shines a light on areas where we haven't lived up to our own values, which will not stand at Riot. We've taken action against many of the specific instances in the article, and we're committed to digging in, addressing every issue, and fixing the underlying causes. All Rioters must be accountable for creating an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to be heard, grow their role, advance in the organization, and fulfill their potential.

Corporate communications lead Joe Hixson also posted a longer statement from the company to Kotaku, part of which was excerpted in the original report. You can read the statement in full on Reddit.  

John Saavedra is an associate editor at Den of Geek. Read more of his work here. Follow him on Twitter @johnsjr9. 

EA took the stage at E3 2018 to announce what's next for Star Wars Battlefront 2. The game will be getting quite a bit of new Clone Wars era content in the coming months as well as new heroes and villains from the movies. 

This fall, Hero characters Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Sith Lord Count Dooku, and General Grievous will join the game, as well as a new location: Geonosis, the site of the first battle of the Clone Wars. EA did not reveal a specific release date for the new content drop.

The company also revealed a new game mode is in development for release later this year. It will be a linear, larger-scale mode in which players battle for control of objectives around the map. Hero Starfighters, a new Hero and Villains mode with Starfighters — i.e., dogfights! — lands in July.

Here's a bit of info on Star Wars Battlefront 2's upcoming DLC:

Star Wars Battlefront 2 September DLC

Battlefront II's September DLC will feature a series of minor improvements that include the ability to spawn on your squad members. The 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps and 104th Wolfpack Battalion are also being added to the game as optional character appearances. 

There's no confirmed release date for those updates at this time, but you can read more about it here. 

Star Wars Battlefront 2 General Grievous DLC

October will be all about everyone's favorite lightsaber-welding robot who tries to kill Jedi but is eventually defeated by Obi-Wan and Anakin, General Grievous. He will be added to Battlefront II as a playable villain. While the note of his addition references Grievous' desire to add to his Jedi lightsaber collection, there is no word on whether or not he will actually use lightsabers as part of his skillset.

Star Wars Battlefront 2 Obi-Wan DLC

Obi-Wan will be the focus of Battlefront II's November update as the legendary Jedi highlights a series of additions that focus on the Clone Wars. You'll be able to take Obi-Wan to the game's new November Galactic Assault map, Geonosis. We have no doubt that many of you will remember Geonosis as the site of the climactic scene from that Star Wars movie that you'd probably otherwise like to forget. 

The good news is that you'll be able to cruise around Geonosis - and other planets - with one of three new upcoming vehicles, the BARC speeder, the AT-TE, and the STAP. 

Star Wars Battlefront 2 Winter DLC

We're still waiting to hear more about Battlefront II's final DLC releases of 2018, but EA has confirmed that Count Dooku will be joining the game's rost of villains in December. Assisting him is the Coruscant Guard; an "elite division of clone troopers" that will be added to the game's cosmetic appearance options. 

Interestingly, EA is also teasing the addition of a sandbox mode for Battlefront II. It seems that this mode will expand the size of Battlefront II's conflicts by allowing opposing teams to do battle on a sizeable map in order to capture various strategic points and take out some capital ships. 

Anakin Skywalker will also be added to the game in December as a light side hero. He will be modeled after his character's look during the Clone Wars itself when Anakin led a troop of clones into battle. 

EA has promised to share more details about Battlefront II's DLC as the year progresses.

It's been a rocky road to recovery for Battlefront II. The game was plagued by a truly awful microtransaction system at launch that has since been reworked but arguably remains the game's most identifiable trait. However, the Battlefront II team is working to alter that association by releasing content updates that expand Battlefront II's actual content offerings by revisiting and re-imagining various aspects of the Star Wars universe. 

Simon Stafsnes Andersen, the creator of the stunning retro action/adventure title, Owlboy, has released a homemade trailer for the retro Chrono Trigger sequel we'll probably never get. 

Dubbed Chrono Break, this sequel is in no way officially related to Chrono Trigger and has in no way been ordered or endorsed by Square Enix (the studio who owns the official rights to the Chrono series). What we're really trying to tell you is that you should not get your hopes up regarding any possibility that this project emerges in an official (or even unofficial) playable form anytime soon. 

Still, it's impossible not to get your hopes up just a little be. Andersen's art style showcases a clear understanding of what made the 16-bit era such a special time for video game visual design, and his interpretation of the Chrono Trigger universe is simply stunning. Anderson states that he spent two months working on the images shown in Chrono Break's trailer, but he also claims to have spent "a full year" visualizing the look of this theoretical sequel. 

While the visuals in this trailer may not be elaborate (they only sport a few frames of animation at best), Andresen's love for this world and its art potential shines through. It certainly doesn't hurt that Owlboy composer Jonathan Geer lent his talents for the trailer's stunning score. 

This project may just be a creator's pipe dream, but it is based on actual Chrono Trigger history. The name Chrono Break has appeared in interviews with various former members of the Chrono Triggerteam and at one point may have been in development as the third game in the franchise. 

It's never easy to be a Chrono Trigger fan. Not only will this incredible project likely never be more than a trailer, but the game didn't make the SNES Classic Edition roster, the recent Chrono Trigger PC port was awful, we're still waiting for a remaster or re-release of the oft-forgotten PS1 title, Chrono Cross. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014. 

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is on the way! This new installment won't be developed by longtime Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics. Instead, Eidos Montreal, the studio behind the Deus Ex series, is taking over production of Shadow the Tomb Raider. It remains to be seen how a new studio will bring a fresh approach to the series.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that there is a new Tomb Raider in the works. After all, Square Enix's reboot of the franchise has been tremendously successful in terms of critical acclaim and market success. The recent Tomb Raider games have been praised for their strong narratives and clever reimaginings of classic Tomb Raider tropes.

It's not going to be easy to replicate the accomplishments of those titles, but at a time when the Unchartedseries is likely taking a break for the foreseeable future, Lara Croft's return will be a welcome one indeed.

Here's what we know about Shadow of the Tomb Raider:

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Trailer

Square Enix has dropped a new gameplay trailer for Shadow of the Tomb Raider:

Microsoft also revealed a trailer for Shadow of the Tomb Raider during E3 2018. Check it out:

Here's the first trailer for Shadow of the Tomb Raider:

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Release Date

Shadow of the Tomb Raider arrives on Sept. 14, 2018 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. 

John Saavedra is an associate editor at Den of Geek. Read more of his work here. Follow him on Twitter @johnsjr9. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the next game in the famous Assassins' Creed franchise will take us to ancient Greece.  As revealed at E3 2018, Odyssey will follow the journey of a character that you choose (yes, you get to pick between two characters) who has been trained from a young age to be a great Greek warrior.

Due to the enhanced RPG elements of the game, you'll be able to grow the skills of your character in several ways. Want to be better stealth assassin? You can do that. Wish your bow was more viable? Just level up your skill. It looks like there will be no shortage of ways to make the game's hero your own. 

What's especially interesting, though, is the way that those choices affect the game's narrative presentation. As shown at E3 2018, the game's story will actually feature things like dialog choices that shape how this world and its people respond to your actions and choices. The extent of these options are not yet fully known, but it's clear that you'll be able to pursue some kinds of different paths based on what you choose to say and do. 

Visually, the game is an absolute stunner as the impressive engine and world design featured in Assassin's Creed Odysseymake a return and have seemingly been improved upon by the Ubisoft design team. 

Here's everything else we know about the game:

Assassin's Creed Odyssey Trailers

Ubisoft dropped a new Assassin's Creed Odyssey trailer at Gamescom. Check it out below:

Here are the other trailers revealed so far!

Assassin's Creed Odyssey Release Date

Assassin's Creed Odysseyis set to release for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on October 5th. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors.

"Clementine, now a fierce and capable survivor, has reached the final chapter in her journey. After years on the road facing threats both living and dead, a secluded school might finally be her chance for a home. But protecting it will mean sacrifice. Clem must build a life and become a leader while still watching over AJ, an orphaned boy and the closest thing to family she has left. In this gripping, emotional final season, you will define your relationships, fight the undead, and determine how Clementine's story ends."

So reads the official description for Telltale's The Walking Dead: The Final Season. Yes, this really is the end for the series that put Telltale on the map and once won just about every game of the year award. What began as the story of a man trying to find a home in the zombie apocalypse has become the tale of a young girl whose growth was shaped by a harsh world. Soon, we'll finally know how her adventure ends. 

Here's everything else we know about Telltale's The Walking Dead: The Final Season. 

Telltale's The Walking Dead Season 4 Release Date

The first episode of Telltale's The Walking Dead: The Final Season has finally arrived, and we now know when the other three episodes will launch:

Episode 2, "Suffer the Children," arrived on Sept. 25; Episode 3, "Broken Toys," is out on Nov. 6; and Episode 4, "Take Us Back," will conclude Clementine's story on Dec. 18. 

Players who pre-ordered The Walking Dead: The Final Season will receive download access to each of the season's four episodes as they become available. Players who pre-order on PS4 and Xbox One will also receive immediate access to The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series Collection, which gathers all 19 existing episodes of the award-winning series into a single package.  

Read the latest Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine here!

Telltale's The Walking Dead Season 4 Trailer

This official trailer for The Walking Dead: The Final Season teases some of the tearful moments that you can anticipate in Clementine's final adventure. 

SDCC 2018 brought us another teaser for The Walking Dead: The Final Season. Check it out:

Here are the other trailers released thus far:

John Saavedra is Games Editor at Den of Geek. Read more of his work here. Follow him on Twitter @johnsjr9. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors.

Overkill's The Walking Dead was first revealed in 2014. Starbreeze promised that the game would be an inventive adaptation of the original Walking Dead comics that emphasizes co-op gameplay, storytelling, and robust level design that will supposedly heighten the game's replay value. 

Remarkably, the only real updates we've been treated to since the game was first revealed involve its many delays. The Walking Dead was originally delayed until 2016, was then delayed until 2017, and now is delayed until 2018. In that time, developer Overkill has never really revealed much about the game beyond the vague details which accompanied its release. Even the game's title still sounds like an internal reference. 

Meanwhile, Overkill has continued to update PayDay 2 and have reportedly begun preliminary work on PayDay 3. While the release of the latter game is supposedly still some time away, it's fair to say that they are not solely devoted to completing The Walking Dead.

Perhaps, though, Overkill can surprise us all by delivering a Walking Dead game that manages to surpass the show's declining popularity by reviving the thrill of the source material.

Here's everything else we know about the game:

Overkill's The Walking Dead Release Date

Overkill's The Walking Dead will be released on Nov. 6 on PC. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions have been delayed to February 2019, as revealed by a Starbreeze interim earnings report.

Overkill's The Walking Dead Trailer

There's a new trailer for Overkill's The Walking Dead, and it gives us our first real look at this shooter's zombie apocalypse gameplay. Take a look:

Here's a trailer showcasing playable character Heather:

Here's a trailer for Maya:

This next update for Overkill's The Walking Dead comes in the form of a developer diary that breaks down the design of some of the game's levels. 

Here's a trailer introducing Aidan, one of the four playable characters in the game:

And if you want more, here's the original announcement trailer:

Overkill's The Walking Dead Story

We also have a synopsis of the game:

Inspired by the rich story universe of Robert Kirkman’s original graphic novels, Overkill’s The Walking Dead is a four-player co-op multiplayer FPS action game set in Washington, D.C., as an outbreak brings the dead back to life. In this test of strategy and endurance, players will band together with up to three friends on a variety of missions and raids, securing supplies and survivors to strengthen their base camp against the threat of both the dead and the living - by any means necessary.

Each playable character has their own special abilities, skill trees, squad roles, play styles and background stories. Now they all share a common objective where survival and teamwork is paramount. The action is close-up and intense: take out enemies carefully with silent melee attacks or go in guns blazing. You need to be able to improvise, as nothing is certain, and a horde of walkers is always around the corner.

We'll keep you updated as we learn more!

John Saavedra is Games Editor at Den of Geek. Read more of his work here. Follow him on Twitter @johnsjr9. 

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors.