https://www.cbr.com From breaking video game news on next-gen platforms to the latest and greatest on PC and tabletop games, CBR is the place to plug in for all your gaming needs. Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:15:15 GMT en-US hourly 60 Adaptations have always driven Hollywood, and while books, comics, and even toys have produced plenty of inspiration, it's time for the humble video game to take its spotlight. Recent successes like The Last of Us and The Super Mario Bros. Movie are indicators of the industry finally understanding how to take a game from the console to the screen.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/gaming-adaptations-currently-in-development/ The announcement of Star Wars: Outlaws was a huge move for Ubisoft and the Star Wars brand. Despite the array of successful and beloved video games set in the galaxy far, far away, no other game has been so heavily pitched as an open-world experience before. It seems ridiculous that the franchise has existed since 1977 and yet no studio has been brave enough to allow the audience to explore this detailed world freely. There's massive potential for an open-world Star Wars game to really stand out among the competition.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-outlaws-open-world-potential/ The Sonic The Hedgehog franchise has one of the biggest supporting casts of any video game series. The games are full of heroes and villains, and more seem to be added with each installment. While most of these characters are playable in the various spinoff games, a great many of them are playable in mainline Sonic games.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 20:15:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-playable-sonic-characters/ Tears of the Kingdom offers players a multitude of ways to interact with the lore of past games in the Zelda franchise. One of the main ways is through recognizable equipment and weapons from previous titles, with many of those items being the most powerful in the game. Twilight Princess in particular has some notable callbacks in TOTK, with one of the strongest being Ganondorf's weapon The Sword of the Six Sages.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 19:41:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/loz-totk-dusk-claymore-sword-of-six-sages/ Magic: The Gathering's Commander format is enormously popular and has a truly vast pool of diverse cards for all kinds of strategies. For the most part, Commander is a casual format where fun comes first, and brutal, highly competitive decks are not the norm. That said, the format has some salt-inducing cards, and EDHrec.com knows it.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 19:11:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/salty-mtg-cards-commander-format-according-to-edhrec/ The riveting saga of Sega and Nintendo's rivalry during the 1980s and mid-1990s is one of the earliest and most notable console wars in the history of video gaming. Console technology witnessed unprecedented growth during this period, while novel marketing strategies emerged to try and earn the top spot in North American console sales.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:40:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/nintendo-sega-rivalry-history/ The Eldrazi are iconic figures in the vast library of Magic: The Gathering lore. These interdimensional, mana-hungry beings occupy the Blind Eternities, the void between planes. The Eldrazi threaten entire planes with their hunger and are only rivaled by the Phyrexians in sheer might. Throughout the multifaceted history of the Magic: The Gathering multiverse, only three Eldrazi Titans have been seen and named: Ulamog, Kozilek, and Emrakul. However, the previews of the upcoming Commander Masters set has revealed a new legendary Eldrazi: Zhulodok, Void Gorger.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:10:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mtg-zhulodok-void-gorger-commander-masters/ Since Elden Ring launched Soulsborne games into the mainstream, many new players have become fans of the genre. FromSoft's action RPGs, and those that mimic their style, are famous for their difficulty. Regular enemies can easily prove fatal for unprepared players, who must then attempt the level again from the last checkpoint, having dropped their earned XP at the spot of their death. What's more, players are faced with hugely intimidating boss fights in epic arenas and force players to learn attack patterns and improve their skills to succeed.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/lies-of-p-starter-soulslike/ The Final Fantasy series has long placed a heavy emphasis on storytelling and emotional payoff. Several Final Fantasy games, such as Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy X, have won praise for telling some of the best video game narratives of all time.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-final-fantasy-endings/ Street Fighter's competitive history is among the most noteworthy and storied in the video game industry. Since Street Fighter 2's release in 1992, the franchise has become the bedrock for fighting games and the wider fighting game community, hailed for its varied and iconic roster.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/street-fighter-strongest-characters-op/ Character building is a significant part of Dungeons & Dragons. Players can spend hours fine-tuning their character to contribute to the party, fill in their weaknesses, or simply deal as much damage as possible. A character is the player's way of interacting with the world, and it's important to build them to be enjoyable.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 16:30:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-class-builds-mistakes/ Magic: The Gathering's Masters sets tend to cater to experienced and invested players. Some, like Modern Masters, featured the staple cards of a particular format. Others, like Iconic Masters, were more focused on highlighting famous and rare cards from throughout Magic history. But the upcoming Commander Masters is the first-ever Masters set designed exclusively around Commander.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:50:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mtg-commander-masters-spoilers-2023/ Tera Raids are one of the main features that have impressed gamers since the release of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, alongside their compelling storylines and new Pokémon designs. Tera Raids have drawn from cooperative aspects introduced by Dynamax Raids in Sword & Shield, but they have made improvements and twists on the concept to an impressive degree.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-scarlet-violet-pokemon-tera-raid-battles/ Twilight Princess was famously intended to provide the darker take on The Legend of Zelda that fans were hungry for in the wake of The Wind Waker. TP may have taken that darker vibe a bit too far though. After defeating Ganondorf – instead of sealing him away as has been done countless times in the past – Twilight Princess' Link takes things a step further and outright kills the Demon King.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:50:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/twilight-princess-broke-zelda-timeline/ The March of the Machine and March of the Machine: Aftermath sets have brought Magic: The Gathering's latest storyline to a close. The threat of Elesh Norn's New Phyrexians has been mounting since as far back as the Scars of Mirrodin block. Since Kaldheim, they've been on the move with a plan to Compleat the entire Multiverse by force.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:10:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mtg-march-of-machine-aftermath-wilds-eldraine-planes/ Super Mario Bros. Wonder's announcement was full of details that excited Mario fans. The reveal that fan-favorite character Daisy will at long last be playable in a mainline Mario game arguably won the most cheers. Fans have wanted to see Daisy win that honor for a long time, and she’s not the only one.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mario-characters-who-should-be-in-mainline-game/ Nintendo continues to be one of the top developers in the video game business because of their beloved, enduring intellectual properties. The crown jewel of their work is the Super Mario franchise. There are close to 50 entries in the expansive Super Mario series, introducing a robust roster of characters. At this point, many are as popular as Mario himself. Princess Peach has almost been around for as long as Mario, and she’s quickly approaching her 40th anniversary. She's been a valuable Super Mario character ever since her first appearance in ‘85’s Super Mario Bros., when she was just a non-playable character who was referred to as Princess Toadstool. Princess Peach has experienced an incredible evolution since her video game debut, yet she’s still routinely overlooked.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 11:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/nintendo-needs-mainline-princess-peach-game/ Although The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a fantastic game --one of the best of all time, in fact -- it wasn't without a few fan frustrations. Some of these issues, such as the short weapon durability and annoyingly slippery climbing surfaces have been addressed in the sequel, whereas others, such as the lack of more traditional dungeons, have remained the same.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:15:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/totk-repeats-botw-biggest-mistake-storytelling-zelda/ In recent years, gaming has become known for a ton of standout open-world games that are both gorgeous and gripping. Players openly admit to spending hundreds of hours at times roaming these open worlds, sometimes even after all the quests have been completed, looking for secrets, taking in the environment, or messing around with mods.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 21:42:43 GMT https://www.cbr.com/beautiful-open-world-games/ Starfield, Bethesda's upcoming space IP, is without a doubt one of the most highly anticipated titles of 2023, as not only fans of Bethesda but also the general gaming community are already expecting it to be a strong contender for Game of the Year. Starfield is the first new IP from Bethesda in 25 years, not to mention the first game from the developer that takes place in the vast openness of space.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 21:15:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/starfield-not-elder-scrolls-game/ Multiplayer is an ever-growing part of gaming. Players can reach out to compete or cooperate with other gamers across the world, all without leaving their seats. Cross-play is becoming more and more of a buzzword in multiplayer games. Letting people play together despite owning different consoles only expands a game's player base and widens the playing field.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:15:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-crossplatform-video-games/ The Pokémon franchise has always fostered a desire for exploration into new and unknown worlds. But unlike other games, Pokémon had the bonus of finding hundreds of exotic and powerful creatures to collect, train and fight against others. As a result, it's built an entire fanbase that has spread from video games to trading cards, movies and shows with iconic trainers like Ash Ketchum. But one entry has stood out above the rest because it's so unique: Detective Pikachu.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-detective-pikachu-returns-game-best-exploration-discovery/ At the end of the Super Nintendo's life cycle, Squaresoft and Nintendo teamed up to release the classic title, Super Mario RPG. The game was filled with tons of amazing characters, and it dove deep into the Super Mario universe's lore for the first time.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:10:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-rpg-best-characters/ The Gen IX Pokémon games, Scarlet & Violet, introduced plenty to the franchise upon their release in November 2022. Still, the Terastal phenomenon and Tera Raids have been among the more notable additions. Tera Raids have proven to be an effective way of showing off the new battle mechanic, and players are flocking to them to reap the rewards.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/easiest-pokemon-scarlet-violet-tera-raid-strategies/ The best video games have a hook that defines their identity, and with many single-player games, that comes from engaging storytelling. The best narratives in any medium form strong attachments between players and the characters. Killing off some of the latter creates some incredibly emotional and heartbreaking moments.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sad-video-game-deaths/ The Batman Arkham Trilogy, comprising Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, and Batman: Arkham Knight, is one of the best-selling and most highly praised superhero game franchises of all time. While superhero games are hardly new or uncommon, many fans feel the series has yet to be beat. The games throw players into the dark, gritty world of Arkham as Batman, the Caped Crusader, pitting them against show-stopping antagonists like Scarecrow, Harley Quinn, and the Joker.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/batman-arkham-trilogy-nintendo-switch/ Some tabletop games lack narratives or worldbuilding, choosing instead to forefront gameplay and mechanics. However, this isn't a universal case. Some board or card games build a fictional universe to accompany the gameplay. This is much more common in wargames and tabletop roleplaying games, both of which typically include heavy narrative emphasis. And with any sufficiently epic storyline comes a suitably epic villain.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-tabletop-villains-dnd-pathfinder-mtg/ Horror as a genre is both universal and incredibly specific at the same time. Something that scares one individual will not always scare another, which makes crafting a good scary experience incredibly difficult. Iron Lung is an indie horror simulator game that manages to capture a truly terrifying setting and make it universally horrifying using very little, leaning on the principle that less is more. It has the player exploring a dark ocean of blood in a tiny submersible using nothing but a camera affixed to the exterior of the vessel. The gameplay itself is simple, and the claustrophobic environment is filled with the ominous moaning of the battered hull as the Iron Lung works its way through the sanguine ocean.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/what-is-iron-lung-and-why-is-markiplier-making-it-into-a-movie/ Pioneer is the up-and-comer of magic formats. Formed in 2019, it gave players a middle ground between the variety of Standard and the power of Modern that could be played in paper or online. Pioneer includes all cards from the Return to Ravnica set onward, so it encompasses a decent variety of cards that contemporary players should largely be familiar with already.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mtg-best-decks-for-beginners-in-the-pioneer-format/ Plenty of roleplaying games are solo affairs that let the player explore the world on their own. However, many more give the player one or more companions on their way. This can be one individual they travel with, a party that they assemble over the game, or even a small army at their command.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-rpg-party-companions/ With the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, Square Enix is poised to release not only expands and deepen the original 1997 RPG, but provide audiences a new experience that will stand out amonng a slew of remakes. For all of its pacing issues, Final Fantasy VII: Remake feels like just as much a sequel as it does a remake – and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, releasing in early 2024, looks to be doubling down in this regard.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:51:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-subversive/ Conquest Mode has finally arrived in Marvel Snap. The premise of playing multiple games against the same opponent encourages more strategy than a one-off game, and in-turn raises the importance of having a strong deck. The best decks have enough variety that players should have plenty of options, no matter the combination of cards at their disposal and in their hand. One of the best decks in the current meta of Marvel Snap is the Bounce deck.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:10:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-bouce-deck/ Out of the many classes featured in the Final Fantasy series, the Dragoons are perhaps the most iconic. Usually clad in dragon-like armor, the Dragoons wield spears and occasionally ride on dragons or are accompanied by a small dragon companion. Their signature ability is the Jump attack which sends the Dragoon high in the air and crashing down on their enemies.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 13:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ff-best-dragoons-ranked/ Final Fantasy has defined Japanese role-playing games for generations, with the Square Enix franchise still seen by many as the premiere JRPG property. Throughout the years, the games have changed their mechanics and chief elements, sometimes to follow trends as much as start them. This has seen it recently abandon turn-based battles in favor of action-RPG elements, though this might not need to be the case going forward.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:31:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ff-classic-atb-system-should-return/ The announcement of Super Mario Bros. Wonder during the June 2023 Nintendo Direct was a source of much celebration among the Mario fandom. Wonder's debut trailer showcases a vibrant new art style, unique gameplay elements, and six playable characters -- Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and Toad -- offering a much-needed revamp of Mario's 2D platforming installments.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 23:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-bros-wonder-playable-characters-nintendo/ Final Fantasy XVI is a strong departure for the series due to its real-time action combat, which inadvertently lends itself to the availability of various weapons and armor for players to find and craft throughout the game. There are countless weapons for players to obtain during a normal playthrough of the game and even more during a New Game + playthrough on the more challenging but rewarding Final Fantasy Mode difficulty. However, there is one weapon that effortlessly rises above the rest: the Ultima Weapon.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 21:15:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ffxvi-ultima-weapon-crafting-guide-square-enix/ Final Fantasy’s impressive video game legacy continues to grow after more than 35 years, 16 mainline titles, and close to 100 games in the iconic franchise. Final Fantasy XVI finds ways to incorporate new concepts while also paying respect to the past. Mini-games are hardly a mandatory Final Fantasy component, but they’ve been present since the franchise’s first game with its 15 Puzzle bonus challenge.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:16:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-final-fantasy-ff-minigames/ In the 36 years since Final Fantasy's inception, fans have navigated a spectrum of combat systems, from the archetypal turn-based system to more sophisticated real-time mechanics. With combat serving as the pulsating heart of Final Fantasy, tracing its evolution provides a thrilling lens into the franchise's growth.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:40:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ff-combat-strategy-evolution-since-beginning/ One of the most exciting parts of being a Nintendo fan is staying tuned for the company's Nintendo Direct showcases. These broadcast the upcoming games coming down the pipeline, both from Nintendo itself and other video game developers producing software for the Nintendo Switch. An improved relationship between Nintendo and these other companies had led to a bevy of interesting titles being introduced via Nintendo Directs, with one genre in particular getting a major push.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:40:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/nintendo-direct-rpg-count/ Magic: The Gathering scored a major flavor win with its newest Universes Beyond product, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. This incredible set is based on author J.R.R. Tolkien's original The Lord of the Rings fantasy novel trilogy, meaning practically every card represents a particular magical item, character, monster, or location.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:10:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mtg-lotr-flavorful-cards/ The Super Mario Bros. series is making an elephantine return to the Nintendo Switch via the franchise's latest game. Titled Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the game's announcement showed off a lot of the titular whimsy with its new power-ups and updated art style. The latter point may be the game's most appealing element, and it notably fixes a major issue with some of the plumber's more recent 2D side-scrollers.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 17:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-bros-wonder-improves-new-super-mario-bros/ Towards the end of 2023, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will be getting their two hotly-anticipated DLC drops, following in the footsteps of their predecessors, the Gen VIII games Sword & Shield. Scarlet & Violet's two DLC releases within The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, will be The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, both of which embrace obvious inspirations and bring exciting new prospects to the franchise.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-fans-in-gen-ix-hidden-treasure-area-zero/ The recent Nintendo Direct revealed several upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch, many of which have a penchant for the niche and creative. One such title is the formerly Steam-exclusive Mythforce, a roguelike (or rather, "roguelite") game from developer Beamdog. Beyond its combination of a first-person perspective, it's also unique for the very obvious works that influenced it.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/saturday-morning-cartoons-inspired-mythforce/ Video game programmers like to hide secrets in the games they design. Home gaming consoles are a treasure trove of opportunities for game designers to hide Easter eggs for fans. With so many games to choose from, gamers have been uncovering secret details for years.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:21:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/console-arcade-games-biggest-secrets/ Like the Final Fantasy franchise, Kingdom Hearts has garnered a generational and lifelong fanbase that has been with the franchise through thick and thin. What drew so many to the franchise that may not be familiar with the JRPG genre was its bond to the Disney universe and its many characters. Through its story, players could fight alongside Mickey, Donald, and Goofy against classic villains like Maleficent, Gaston, and Hades. That said, while fun, the franchise's biggest point of contention was the story that formed around these characters.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:50:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/kh-story-makes-sense-not-confusing/ With the move to the most recent console generation came the decision to stray away from physical disc-based games. Many players have been forced to go completely digital when it comes to how they buy and play games as more and more consoles come without disk drives and instead rely on services like Game Pass. For better or for worse, the industry still appears to be trending that way as game prices continue to rise at release, all while lowering the cost of production. One casualty of this decision is how developers approach pre-order bonuses and collector's editions. Forza Motorsport is only the most recent high-profile offender of this trend.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:10:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/forza-motorsports-premium-edition-is-pay-to-win/ Robert Kirkman's franchises The Walking Dead and Invincible have undergone plenty of reinvention for fans over the years through their various adaptations and Skybound Entertainment pitched in to celebrate their joint 20th anniversary by giving both comic book properties a brand-new tabletop outing.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/skybound-entertainment-walking-dead-invincible-tabletop-games/ The Dark Knight class first appeared for playable characters to use in Final Fantasy III. Dark Knights wear heavy, usually black armor, wield large swords, are oriented toward doing a lot of damage, and can sometimes use dark magic. The class has appeared in almost every Final Fantasy game with a Job System and is considered a mainstay of the franchise.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ff-best-dark-knights-ranked/ Before Final Fantasy XVI introduced players to the war-torn Valisthea, the series tried to deliver a similarly gritty and violent story in its first M-rated installment, Final Fantasy Type-0. Although Type-0 never received the same level of attention or praise as many other Final Fantasy titles, it's notable for featuring one of the darkest and most ambitious stories in the franchise. More importantly, Type-0's bleaker take on classic Final Fantasy tropes helped shape the emotional narrative that drives Final Fantasy XVI.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ff-16-type-0-m-rating-mature-tone/ The latest Nintendo Direct brought the welcome news of a Super Mario RPG remake, but it's one of many excellent SNES games worthy of a refresh. The Super Nintendo was a high point in the gaming brand's history, boasting an impressive catalog of titles consisting of several well-received series.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:16:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/snes-games-nintendo-should-remake-for-switch/ The Final Fantasy games have long been known for their top-tier writing, especially when it comes to their characters. Final Fantasy titles typically contain casts of likable, charming, sympathetic, or straight-up cool individuals. As a result, many fans mourn when these characters leave their games.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 22:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ff-saddest-deaths-ranked/ Gunpla is an ever-growing hobby that more and more people are getting into. The name is a combination of Gundam and Plastic, the subject and material the kits are made from. Official Gundam kits are made by Bandai, but many Gunpla fans also enjoy model kits from other companies and product lines as well. Gunpla model kits are made with injection molded plastic and rarely need paint as they are colored right out of the box. They don't need glue either as they are snap-together kits, meaning they are a great way for beginners to get into the hobby.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:16:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/essential-gunpla-hobby-supplies-tools/ The phrase "console wars" has become a notorious phenomenon in the gaming industry, with fans of different consoles nailing their colors to the mast and fighting the corner for their chosen side. Though the debate about which console is the best has proved toxic in recent times, rivalries between major competitors and manufacturers have historically significantly affected the games they put out for each platform.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:41:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-console-wars-improved-gaming/ Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the world of video games with its inventive take on platforming and charming world. Now, the characters have made it to even greater heights thanks to the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. But the real winner of this huge transition to the big screen was none other than Princess Peach. Peach had been there since the very beginning and while kidnapped by Bowser countless times proved that she could hold her own without losing her elegance.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/untitled-princess-peach-game-overdue/ Culex, the formidable, secret boss in the 1996 Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Swords, represents a tough challenge and a delightful nod to the enduring Final Fantasy series. This imaginative crossover of renowned franchises made by Square Enix (formerly Square), delivers an ideal tribute for devoted fans.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-rpg-secret-boss-culex-ff-reference/ The Final Fantasy series is a long and storied franchise that has been around since 1987. In that time, the series has had both mainline and spinoff games appearing across multiple console generations. The series takes a huge leap forward with each generation, but many of the older classics feel left behind as a result.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/classic-ff-games-without-remakes/ The announcement of Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws as the franchise's "first open-world" game provides Star Wars with a unique and important opportunity. Ubisoft now has a chance to move the scope of the galaxy outward, taking a step away from the Jedi, the Skywalker family, and the familiar places and faces of Star Wars.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-outlaws-beyond-skywalker-saga/ Magic: the Gathering's newest Universes Beyond set, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, is packed with valuable and exciting cards of all kinds, such as The One Ring, which players expected to be pricey and attractive to collectors everywhere. Plenty of other cards also command impressive price tags, including two unexpected cards: Bilbo's Ring and Nazgul.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/two-tales-of-middle-earth-mtg-cards-price-increase/ Video games, for all their freedom, often need to impose restrictions on players. They usually have tuned balance to stop players from outstripping the difficulty curve or falling well behind. Similarly, they can't let the player go wherever they want in the game's world due to creative and technical limitations.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:21:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/video-games-that-keep-breaking/ Every generation of Pokémon has unique aspects within their respective titles, whether through region-specific battle mechanics or plot devices. For example, Generation VI introduced Mega Evolutions, while Generation IV featured the Sinnoh-exclusive Grand Underground location. Many new mechanics and concepts were introduced in Generation IX's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, though the most interesting one may be the Paradox Pokémon.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:50:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-hidden-treasure-of-area-zero-dlc-missing-paradox/ The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth is Magic: the Gathering's newest and best Universes Beyond project, populated with dozens of legendary characters and monsters from J.R.R. Tolkien's original novel trilogy. This includes the supervillain Sauron himself, and he appears not once, but four times in Tales of Middle-earth overall.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tales-of-middle-earth-has-four-sauron-cards-but-which-is-the-best/ Localizing a video game is a difficult job. The team working on it have far more to do than simply translating every word or sentence. Localization involves replacing culture-specific idioms and concepts with ones that an external audience will understand, compensating for quirks of both the base language and the one being localized into, and ensuring that the dialogue flows just as well in another dialect.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:00:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/worst-video-game-localizations-translations/ Nintendo's amiibo rewards allow Tears of the Kingdom players to enjoy plenty of perks without offering too many unfair advantages throughout Link's journey. From exploring the Depths to defeating Ganondorf, the adventure ahead is tremendous. With amiibos rewards, players can focus on more meaningful activities instead of indulging in trivial tasks, like exploring the Depths for old gear.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/totk-amiibo-rewards-legitimate-gameplay/ For Dungeons and Dragons players, coming across a new piece of loot during the course of their adventures can be one of the most exciting and satisfying parts of the game. Whether it be a new weapon, piece of armor, or another magical artifact, discovering a treasure's properties and using it in the game is always a fun moment for the player.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 20:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dnd-legendary-items/ There's no doubt that online trading card games have exploded in popularity over the last decade. A niche genre prior to 2014, these games have since come to dominate the market, especially on mobile devices. Marvel Snap is one of the latest to make a big splash in the gaming world, but while popular, it's not for everyone.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/digital-trading-card-games-better-than-marvel-snap/ The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth is the newest card set for Magic: the Gathering, all based on J.R.R. Tolkien's famed The Lord of the Rings novel trilogy. This is a Universes Beyond product unlike any other, packed with lore-accurate cards that are also powerful and fun to use in the game.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:11:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-mtgs-tales-of-middle-earth-cards/ Final Fantasy XVI is the latest entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, bringing with it a full shift into the action RPG genre. Although such a change initially divided the fanbase, the game released to positive reviews among huge fan anticipation and has been highly praised for both its combat and storytelling.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:31:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ffxvi-perfect-entry-point-for-newcomers/ The diverse protagonists of the Assassin’s Creed series come from different walks of life and have very different personalities. Some of them have different methods, and some of them have different motivations for joining the Brotherhood. As different as they are, they all have at least two things in common: they are always deadly, and they are always dressed to the nines.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-default-costumes-in-assassins-creed/ Square Enix's latest mainline installment in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XVI, was released to almost universal acclaim. That being said, some fans have been eyeing the game to see if it is worth its price point, especially when it comes to the time they can expect to spend playing it.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-long-to-beat-complete-final-fantasy-xvi/ Pokémon games are not typically known for complex plots, tending to focus on open-ended gameplay instead. However, Generation VII (Pokémon Sun and Moon; Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon) is unique due to the oddly mature and complex main plotlines featured in the games. Interestingly, even though Sun and Moon were released close to a decade ago, there may still be a connection to the current Generation's titles, Scarlet and Violet.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:50:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-hidden-treasures-of-area-zero-dlc-gen-vii-easter-egg/ One of Assassin’s Creed’s biggest drawing points is that each game is set in both a different time period and a different part of the world. The games are just as much about experiencing the culture and history of a particular setting as they are about stealth and assassination. Even games that take place within the same century can still feel vastly different by being set in a different place.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:20:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-assassins-creed-settings/ Since its first entry hit shelves in 2005, the Like a Dragon series (formerly known as Yakuza) has released at least one new game nearly every year. Although yearly releases are regular practice for music and sports video games like Just Dance and NBA 2K, annual franchises are far less common among other genres due to the time and resources that go into development. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind Like a Dragon, is one of the few developers able to consistently meet these strict annual deadlines.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:10:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/yakuza-like-a-dragon-yearly-releases/ A video game sequel has high standards to live up to. It has to give fans more of what they love about the first game. However, it isn't enough to provide more of the same. Most successful sequels must find a way to stand out and improve upon the original.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-significant-gaming-sequels/ Mario and Sonic were once the fiercest of rivals, with the video game company mascots going head-to-head with side-scrolling games that defined a generation. Since these two heroes' heydays, this style of classic platformers has definitely become a lot less ubiquitous. Thankfully, the genre may be getting a revitalization courtesy of the two characters most synonymous with it.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:31:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/new-mario-sonic-games-could-revitalize-2d-side-scrollers/ Aliens: Dark Descent invades the masses in June 2023. The real-time strategy game has drawn mixed and favorable reviews for its immersive survival horror and tactical shooter gameplay. The story takes place 20 years after the events of Alien 3, connecting the movies and the gaming franchise in ways that push the mythology of the Xenomorphs and the Weyland-Yutani corporation forward.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:15:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-video-games-based-on-alien-franchise/ Tifa Lockhart is ready to throw down in an epic Final Fantasy VII cosplay.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 21:39:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-7-tifa-game-accurate-cosplay/ Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-'s protagonist was brought to life in a stunningly accurate cosplay.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 20:48:58 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-7-zack-fair-hyperrealistic-cosplay/ While it's remembered as the platform that introduced triumphs such as Uncharted, Infamous, and The Last of Us, the PlayStation's third iteration had a rough start. The Xbox 360 beat it to the punch in the marketplace as its exorbitant price tag and underwhelming launch titles scared away consumers. Fortunately, Sony could still rely upon its predecessor to move units and provide quality software.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 20:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/10-best-playstation-2-games-released-during-its-twilight-years/ The 2000s marked a period of innovation for video games, with many moving to computerized and mobile platforms. Without the need to purchase a separate console solely for gaming, games became more accessible and reached larger audiences. As a result, games became more in demand and developers could take bigger risks.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 19:11:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/forgotten-2000s-video-games/ Nintendo fans are ecstatic at the news that the acclaimed Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is set to get a remake for the Nintendo Switch. This was announced at the June 2023 Nintendo Direct, where several of Nintendo's upcoming games were revealed. Though gamers young and old will undoubtedly want to experience the classic RPG exactly as it was, it'd be a better idea for Nintendo and Square Enix to instead go the extra mile and add some extra features in the remake.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:40:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-rpg-needs-to-be-more-than-a-11-remake/ The popularity of Games Workshop has risen in recent years as new fans come to love the books, comics, video games, and most importantly, the tabletop experience. The game is played with groups of miniatures making up a player's army. Some of these armies are visually stunning and help to tell the story of the campaign.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/warhammer-40k-age-of-sigmar-best-looking-armies/ JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is the go-to fighting game for fans of Hirohiko Araki's stylishly unique manga series, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. The roster includes fan-favorite characters spanning parts one through eight, with tons of references and fan-service. The game's first wave of DLC fighters just recently concluded with the addition of Steel Ball Run's Diego Brando from an Alternate Universe.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 17:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jojos-bizarre-adventure-all-star-battle-r-new-dlc-character-wishlist/ With a 10-year gap since the last new mainline entry, the Pikmin series is returning in July, 2023 with Pikmin 4. After Captain Olimar has crash-landed yet again on planet PNF-404, the Rescue Corps is dispatched to save him. Unfortunately, the rescue crew also crash-lands on the planet, requiring the player to go and rescue them.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 17:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pikmin-4-new-features/ Daedalic Entertainment took a serious risk when it decided to focus a game solely on one of Tolkein's most complex characters. The main series explored the effect that a small being could have on the world compared to legendary and powerful figures, as well as how evil can corrupt anyone. No character in Lord of the Rings shows both of these concepts to the same degree as Smeagol or, as he is better known, Gollum. The developers wanted players to feel a connection to the character, but they explored the wrong period in Gollum's life.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/lotr-gollum-game-least-interesting-time-period/ Final Fantasy XVI is finally here, and critics are lauding it as the best Final Fantasy in years, many claiming its fresh take on the Final Fantasy formula is exactly what the franchise needed. FFXVI follows Clive Rosfield, the First Shield of Rosaria assigned to the protection of his younger brother, Joshua, the current Dominant of the Phoenix.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 15:50:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-is-better-as-an-action-rpg/ Diablo games are notoriously intimidating and tough for newcomers to adapt to, a sentiment befitting the hellish landscapes and generally bleak setting of the series. Despite this, Diablo IV can be deceptively welcoming and accessible, as long as new players avoid making disastrous mistakes.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 15:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/diablo-iv-early-game-beginner-tips/ The Safari Zone was a recognizable staple of the Pokémon franchise for many generations. However, the Zone has been completely omitted from mainline titles for several generations now. Scarlet and Violet are no exception, though the open world almost makes the whole of Generation IX feel like a Safari Zone. Even so, many players miss a dedicated area with rare and unique Pokémon that requires skills and strategy beyond the classic play style.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-scarlett-violet-dlc-terarium-safari-zone/ Diablo IV players who are looking for raw strength and power output should look no further than the Barbarian class. Across D&D and various other fantasy games, Barbarians are always notoriously aggressive, being able to tank a lot of punishment while also being able to deal plenty back in return.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/diablo-iv-best-barbarian-skills/ Most video games force players to do some of their hardest content before they end. Many games cap things off with a final dungeon. This is one last challenging area full of enemies, puzzles, and other content that players must work through before they reach the final boss and the game's ending.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-video-game-final-dungeons/ The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has proven to be a smash hit since its recent release, evidenced by the fact it's already sold over ten million copies. The game follows Link's quest to take down the treacherous Ganondorf. It also features many world-building points native to its prequel, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, such as hunting dragon parts and cooking, while introducing elements like building machines. With so much world to explore, players can rely on one other familiar feature: mounts.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 11:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/zelda-totk-rare-horse-guide/ Out of all the classes in the newly-released Diablo IV, the Druid is easily the one that requires the most patience. Barbarian and Sorcerer are known for their quick level progression and high damage outputs, Necromancers for manipulation of the dead, and Rogues for their mobility and versatility. But Druid's supposed benefits are not so easy to tease out and get immediate results.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 00:15:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/diablo-iv-must-upgrade-druid-skills/ Video games go through trends much like any entertainment medium. Tropes, conventions, or entire genres spend time in the spotlight, commonplace across gaming, before they fade away over time. In gaming's short, rapid history, many changing trends have seen games become more sophisticated, accessible, and entertaining over time.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 22:16:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/gaming-trends-should-return/ Tears of the Kingdom is full of areas to explore, so it's inevitable that one section seemingly falls flatter than the others. Initially, the skies far above Hyrule may seem to be the straggler compared to the mainland and the dangerous and dark Depths below when it comes to being dense with things to discover. But the seemingly bland environment of the Sky Islands works in their favor.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 21:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tears-of-the-kingdoms-sky-is-better-because-its-bare/ It used to be that gaming magazines were as ubiquitous as gaming websites. They were a place for fans to hear about the latest news, and rumors and to learn about the creators responsible for their favorite games. Some were even places where fans could learn how to beat games, or at least get cheat codes to make them a little easier.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 20:15:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-old-gaming-magazines/ Nintendo has always been an enigma of a company, providing products and games unique to the medium and bustling with creativity. There's a reason why so many people grew up as "Nintendo Kids," considering the countless classics and genre-defining games the company has scattered throughout its library. Unfortunately, many of those classics are locked away in the vault of gaming history, with Nintendo being the only one that holds the key.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-switch-became-console-for-nostalgic-nintendo-fans/ Held items are an integral part of a teams' strategy and synergy in competitive Pokémon battles. Unlike in normal gameplay, competitive battles limit teams to using only one of each item, with no duplicates. Trainers have to be particularly thoughtful in regard to their teams' selected held items.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-best-held-items/ With Diablo IV's first season set to begin in July, many players have started to voice concerns regarding the seasonal reset that Blizzard announced. This is unsurprising because players pour countless hours into their characters. However, players should not see this as a negative but as an excellent opportunity to try new classes and builds they may have otherwise passed over.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 18:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/diablo-4-blizzard-new-season-content-players-fresh-start/ Everybody has their favorite cards in Marvel Snap, whether they are beloved Marvel characters or just excellent cards in the game. The best cards stand out for their low Energy cost, high Power output, or a genuinely useful ability. But there are plenty of great cards that just slip under the radar. These underrated cards deserve more of the spotlight that overpowered cards ultimately take for themselves.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 18:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-best-overlooked-cards/ Magic: The Gathering's Standard format just had some bans that hit key cards in the format boogeyman: Rakdos Midrange. With the shake-up to the format, prospective players may be wondering what decks they should play if they want to get into Standard. Three MTG decks are the best choices for skill levels for three different potential players: beginners, intermediates, and experts. Each deck has strengths and weaknesses. Prospective players may be wary, given the big changes coming to Standard, but there are still some very fun decks in the format.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 17:30:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-magic-standard-decks-beginner-intermediate-expert/ Each game in the Pikmin series stars an astronaut who must work together with the titular plant-like beings to survive and gather resources on the planet PNF-404. Though the first game starred only Captain Olimar, subsequent games have seen new characters explore the Pikmin’s strange and terrifying world. Regardless of their actual rank, these characters are affectionately referred to as captains by players.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 17:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/every-pikmin-captain-ranked/