https://stayclose.social/SashaMeudell/ Latest updates from Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/4026/5-video-game-franchises-that-died-this-decade-5-that-came-back-to-life/ Though Wolfenstein 3D may not have been the first FPS , it certainly revolutionized the genre and made it a force to be reckoned with. Hype for the series waned over time, but MachineGames brought it back in full force with 2014's Wolfenstein: The New Order . The alternate history game brought a surprising depth to the narrative. Players came in thinking Inglorious Basterds , but got something more along the lines of Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Cast


Square Enix finally broke the silence surrounding Final Fantasy 7 Remake when it showcased the game in a recent PlayStation State of Play presentation. Square Enix has promised that more Final Fantasy 7 Remake news would come in June, and it's likely that the game will be featured prominently at the company's E3 2019 press conference. Some recent leaks and rumors have suggested that the game is farther along in development than expected, and so maybe fans will even get a Final Fantasy 7 Remake release date announcement at the s

It is hard to talk about Driver: San Franciso without mentioning how hard it is to obtain. This incredible driving game from Ubisoft can only be obtained through sketchy grey-market websites or through pirating a copy.

TimeSplitters is a light-hearted FPS title that revolves around time travel and the results that can have on the past, present, and future. While the story frequently makes jokes and pokes fun at itself, the gunplay is incredibly tight and hearkens back to an older generation of shooters in a good way. Superb multiplayer kept players engaged for hundreds of hours after the campaign was over, and the in-depth map editor made every multiplayer game different from the last. With the recent trend of remaking older classics, there is no reason TimeSplitters shouldn't get a reboot.


Updated on August 22nd, 2021 by Ritwik Mitra: When the topic of open-world games is brought up, most people think of games that take hundreds of hours to complete. After all, the very concept of open-world gaming has been attached to lengthy titles for the longest time; however that isn't necessarily the case. In fact, there are several games that adopt the open-world formula, but craft titles that serve as short and concise experiences. Keeping this in mind, here are some of the shortest open-world video games ever m

With the large amounts of video games releasing today, both from indie developers and AAA studios, not every game is destined to be a hit. Bad timing, underbaked mechanics, or unfulfilled promises can all result in a forgotten series.

In an effort to create more Xbox console-exclusives, Microsoft has been on a spending spree of acquiring studios. Last year's E3 saw Microsoft announce the acquisition of a number of studios, and we expect that trend to continue at E3 2019, especially with the news that Sony is also buying studios to bolster the PS5 first-party lineup. As for which studios Microsoft may announce it's acquired at E3 2019, that's less clear. The leaker that leaked the Microsoft E3 2019 press conference suggested that IO Interactive, Asobo, and Relic Entertainment are all potentially going to join Xbox Game Studios, but we'll have to wait for E3 to be s


Tie-in games may be much less common now than they were a decade ago, but that hasn't stopped Harry Potter fans from fantasizing about their own wizarding journeys. Leaked footage of a triple-A Harry Potter RPG began circulating months ago, but there's been complete radio silence regarding the project since then. Fans were hoping that Warner Bros. would make a surprise appearance at one of the press conferences this year to show off the game, but the focus was instead put on another adaptation, LEGO Star Wa


Bethesda will once again be at E3 2019, but it's hard to say exactly what it will present at the show. At the time of this writing, the only confirmed Bethesda game for E3 2019 is Doom: Eternal , but it also seems likely that Wolfenstein: https://Www.adventurejourneyhub.com Young Blood and Quake Champions will be featured as well. However, that lineup seems a little light to justify an entire E3 press conference, and so we expect Bethesda has some surprises up its sleeve. We know that The Elder Scrolls 6 won't be at E3 , but maybe Bethesda's flagship franchise will be represented in another manner, like with the announcement of a Morrowind or Oblivion remas


Nintendo is hosting a Pokemon Sword and Shield Nintendo Direct on June 5 , but the games will also be featured as part of the E3 2019 Nintendo Direct presentation. Whether it happens at the Pokemon Sword and Shield Nintendo Direct on June 5 or at E3 itself, we expect fans to get their first look at the starter evolutions as well as the games' legendary Poke

Players took the role of Banjo with his bird friend Kazooie. Together, you venture out to stop the evil plans of Gruntilda, an evil witch who only wants to benefit herself. Jigsaw pieces and musical notes are needed to progress to new zones, encouraging exploration and interacting with the game's charming characters. The latest entry in the series was a vehicle-building title rather than a platformer, resulting in many fans disliking the departure.
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/4026/5-video-game-franchises-that-died-this-decade-5-that-came-back-to-life/ Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:51:52 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/4020/games-like-yakuza/ Horror games are a great way to show off new technology, allowing for features like ray tracing to really shine, so it's no surprise that Microsoft took advantage of that during the Inside Xbox event. Microsoft has already announced it will be holding monthly Xbox Series X streams over the summer as part of its Xbox 20/20 initiative, and Sony is yet to properly reveal the PlayStation 5 to the world, meaning that with or without E3 2020, there's going to be plenty of next-gen news on the horizon, and more horror games to be revea


Originally a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Ghostwire: Tokyo is also available on PC and Xbox Series X/S. The visually striking title takes advantage of the more advanced hardware and helps the neon-drenched city of Tokyo come to life in a way that rivals the Yakuza ga


There were rumors that original Fable developer Lionhead Studios was planning to make a Fable 4 that was going to be "R-Rated," but with Lionhead shuttering and a next-gen Fable assumed to be under development under a completely new developer, none of those previous plans should be assumed about the game that could now be in development. If the next-gen Fable kept its silly, slightly irreverent tone while still making the game lighthearted enough to skew interest from younger players, Xbox could potentially have something in its lineup that appeals to both older fans of the original series and new, young players who enjoy experiences like Breath of the Wi


While virtually nothing official is known about a next-gen Fable , there have been plenty of rumors dating all the way back to 2018. In fact, many expected a new Fable to be announced and teased at E3 2019, but it failed to appear at the show. But that has not stopped a continued rumor that Xbox has the game under development at UK studio Playground Games, the developers behind the Forza Horizon ser


Today, several games were shown during Microsoft's Inside Xbox event, the first of a series of events that are being planned over the next few months. With a first-party event planned for July, the focus was on third-party games coming to Xbox Series X, and while the Assassin's Creed: Valhalla "gameplay" reveal was the star attraction, there was a surprising number of next-gen horror games featured in the showc


However, despite its clunky mechanics, Mafia 2 features a compelling and mature story of Vito Scaletta's rise to power in the ranks of the Falcone crime family. Fans of Yakuza's more dramatic and political mob stories will love the struggles of Vito and his relationships with friends and fam


Argos is one of the newest dogs to gaming, playing an important role in Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker and later being accessible as a mount for players to ride on. The golden-haired dog belonged to Venat a very long time ago but has survived the test of time due to being a familiar rather than your average ani


The dog of Fable 2 is most well known for being part of one of the biggest choices in the game. The dog, who is your loving companion throughout the game, dies protecting you in a boss fight. At the end of the game, you get to choose a major reward. You have three choices: a ton of wealth, reviving the people who died or reviving your dog. Guess what a lot of players end up choos


Ghost of Tsushima is a stunning samurai adventure that utilizes incredible swordplay and stealth-based combat. It puts players in the shoes of Jin Sakai as he fights to defend the islands of Kiki and Tsushima against a Mongol invasion. Like Rise of the Ronin, the samurai setting will appeal to fans of Like a Dragon: Ishin with its respect for Japanese culture, lore, and the beautiful sett


Players take on the role of a straight and honest-to-a-fault cop named Cole Phelps as he rises through the ranks as a detective. Fans of beautifully crafted open worlds will love L.A. Noire. The themes and style appear to be inspired by the classic movie L.A. Confidential. Admittedly, there is a lack of activities in the detective drama, but the twists and surprises will keep fans entertai


Mafia 2 is a 1940s and early 50s mobster game inspired by classic movies like The Godfather and Goodfellas . It was updated and remastered for the PS4 and Xbox One, but it wasn't as definitive as the remake of Mafia's first ti


There are pretty much endless rumors about what Rocksteady will wind up releasing next. Word of everything from a Superman game to a Nightwing Arkham City spin-off have made the rounds at this point, but the developer still hasn't come out and said what it is working on. Fans had anticipated some news during this E3 but had their hopes dashed when Rocksteady Co-Founder and Game Director Sefton Hill stated that the studio would be staying at home in London during E3 to work on the studio's "next big proje

Updated April 13, 2024 by Michael Llewellyn: The Yakuza series was originally an action series in the Kiryu saga and became a fully-fledged turn-based JRPG when Ichiban took over as the series protagonist. The series's appeal comes from its depiction of Japanese culture and folklore in a modern-day setting or the historically set Like a dragon knights: Ishin. This list has been updated to include more games that fans of the Yakuza series may en
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/4020/games-like-yakuza/ Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:41:32 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/4015/will-fables-morality-system-work-in-2020/ 2019 turned out to be a year full of surprise game reveals and updates on projects that have been in the pipeline for a long time, so there were a ton of great trailers dropped throughout the year. Now that the year is coming to an end, it's the perfect time to look back at all of the trailers dropped at E3, BlizzCon , Toyko Game Show, and every Nintendo and PlayStation direct press conference and determine which ones stand out as the best of the y


However, perhaps the most interesting portrayal of morality – one that Fable should take notes from – is that found in The Witcher 3. Choices in The Witcher 3 have real weight, in part thanks to how well the game portrays its world as being "lived-in." That manifests itself in many different ways, and on a surface level may not even look like a morality system. Geralt is, after all, a hero, but with his decisions determining who lives, who dies, and, in some cases, the well-being of entire cities, it's hard to deny the state of the world at the end of the game as a sort of morality system for Ger


In an effort to create more Xbox console-exclusives, Microsoft has been on a spending spree of acquiring studios. Last year's E3 saw Microsoft announce the acquisition of a number of studios, and we expect that trend to continue at E3 2019, especially with the news that Sony is also buying studios to bolster the PS5 first-party lineup. As for which studios Microsoft may announce it's acquired at E3 2019, that's less clear. The leaker that leaked the Microsoft E3 2019 press conference suggested that IO Interactive, Asobo, and Adventurejourneyhub.Com Relic Entertainment are all potentially going to join Xbox Game Studios, but we'll have to wait for E3 to be s


The Elden Ring trailer provides next to no information about the upcoming collaboration between George R.R. Martin, the writer of the A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy books series, and FromSoftware, developers of the Dark Souls franchise, Bloodborne , and Sekiro, but that didn't stop it from being one of the most talked about announcements at E3 2019. Fans of FromSoftware loved the teaser and seem to be ready for the next punishing adventure from the develo

Sandbox titles focused on causing as much chaos as possible are seldom these days. The only games that fulfill that fantasy are Just Cause and Grand Theft Auto , although the latter is more focused on satire.


At the beginning of the Square Enix E3 2019 presentation, fans received a very long glimpse at the Final Fantasy 7 Remake . A lengthy trailer also provided another glimpse at the game including the new combat mechanics , boss battles, and previously unrevealed characters like Tifa Lockhart and Sephiroth. The trailer helped win over many fans who were worried about the game's lengthy development cycle and phased roll out pl


Today, several games were shown during Microsoft's Inside Xbox event, the first of a series of events that are being planned over the next few months. With a first-party event planned for July, the focus was on third-party games coming to Xbox Series X, and while the Assassin's Creed: Valhalla "gameplay" reveal was the star attraction, there was a surprising number of next-gen horror games featured in the showc


A next-gen Fable , sometimes referred to as Fable 4 in the absence of an official announcement, has been rumored for quite some time to be in development. With this year's launch of Xbox's next-gen offering with the Xbox Series X console, those rumors have naturally shifted to suggest that Fable would appear as a next-gen game if it is indeed in development at


From the brilliant minds at Bloober Team, developer of Layers of Fear 2, Blair Witch , and the previously mentioned Observer: System Redux comes a new original next-generation psychological horror, The Medium . Haunted by a vision of a child's murder, players control Marianne, a medium that's living between two different worlds: the real world and the spirit world, and must find answers in an abandoned hotel resort. For the creation of The Medium 's soundtrack, Bloober Team has chosen to collaborate with Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka in an effort to reflect the game’s theme of duality. The Medium will release on Xbox Series X and PC in Holiday 2

Of all of the games rumored for the Xbox Series X, a reboot of Fable is one of the most anticipated. While the game is in no way confirmed, there are rumors that Fable will appear at Xbox's exclusive presentation in July , resurrecting a franchise that hasn't received a true new entry in almost a dec


We know that Square Enix is working on Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC , but beyond that, we have little details about it or what it may entail. Fans of the quirky action-RPG franchise may get some answers about Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC at Square Enix's E3 2019 press conference on June 10, as E3 seems like the perfect opportunity to reveal what's next for the game. Here's hoping the story DLC answers some lingering questions Kingdom Hearts fans may have after finishing the latest game in the ser
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/4015/will-fables-morality-system-work-in-2020/ Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:29:58 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/4014/will-fables-morality-system-work-in-2020/ 2019 turned out to be a year full of surprise game reveals and updates on projects that have been in the pipeline for a long time, Adventurejourneyhub.Com so there were a ton of great trailers dropped throughout the year. Now that the year is coming to an end, it's the perfect time to look back at all of the trailers dropped at E3, BlizzCon , Toyko Game Show, and every Nintendo and PlayStation direct press conference and determine which ones stand out as the best of the y


However, perhaps the most interesting portrayal of morality – one that Fable should take notes from – is that found in The Witcher 3. Choices in The Witcher 3 have real weight, in part thanks to how well the game portrays its world as being "lived-in." That manifests itself in many different ways, and on a surface level may not even look like a morality system. Geralt is, after all, a hero, but with his decisions determining who lives, who dies, and, in some cases, the well-being of entire cities, it's hard to deny the state of the world at the end of the game as a sort of morality system for Ger


In an effort to create more Xbox console-exclusives, Microsoft has been on a spending spree of acquiring studios. Last year's E3 saw Microsoft announce the acquisition of a number of studios, and we expect that trend to continue at E3 2019, especially with the news that Sony is also buying studios to bolster the PS5 first-party lineup. As for which studios Microsoft may announce it's acquired at E3 2019, that's less clear. The leaker that leaked the Microsoft E3 2019 press conference suggested that IO Interactive, Asobo, and Relic Entertainment are all potentially going to join Xbox Game Studios, but we'll have to wait for E3 to be s


The Elden Ring trailer provides next to no information about the upcoming collaboration between George R.R. Martin, the writer of the A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy books series, and FromSoftware, developers of the Dark Souls franchise, Bloodborne , and Sekiro, but that didn't stop it from being one of the most talked about announcements at E3 2019. Fans of FromSoftware loved the teaser and seem to be ready for the next punishing adventure from the develo

Sandbox titles focused on causing as much chaos as possible are seldom these days. The only games that fulfill that fantasy are Just Cause and Grand Theft Auto , although the latter is more focused on satire.


At the beginning of the Square Enix E3 2019 presentation, fans received a very long glimpse at the Final Fantasy 7 Remake . A lengthy trailer also provided another glimpse at the game including the new combat mechanics , boss battles, and previously unrevealed characters like Tifa Lockhart and Sephiroth. The trailer helped win over many fans who were worried about the game's lengthy development cycle and phased roll out pl


Today, several games were shown during Microsoft's Inside Xbox event, the first of a series of events that are being planned over the next few months. With a first-party event planned for July, the focus was on third-party games coming to Xbox Series X, and while the Assassin's Creed: Valhalla "gameplay" reveal was the star attraction, there was a surprising number of next-gen horror games featured in the showc


A next-gen Fable , sometimes referred to as Fable 4 in the absence of an official announcement, has been rumored for quite some time to be in development. With this year's launch of Xbox's next-gen offering with the Xbox Series X console, those rumors have naturally shifted to suggest that Fable would appear as a next-gen game if it is indeed in development at


From the brilliant minds at Bloober Team, developer of Layers of Fear 2, Blair Witch , and the previously mentioned Observer: System Redux comes a new original next-generation psychological horror, The Medium . Haunted by a vision of a child's murder, players control Marianne, a medium that's living between two different worlds: the real world and the spirit world, and must find answers in an abandoned hotel resort. For the creation of The Medium 's soundtrack, Bloober Team has chosen to collaborate with Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka in an effort to reflect the game’s theme of duality. The Medium will release on Xbox Series X and PC in Holiday 2


Of all of the games rumored for the Xbox Series X, a reboot of Fable is one of the most anticipated. While the game is in no way confirmed, there are rumors that Fable will appear at Xbox's exclusive presentation in July , resurrecting a franchise that hasn't received a true new entry in almost a dec


We know that Square Enix is working on Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC , but beyond that, we have little details about it or what it may entail. Fans of the quirky action-RPG franchise may get some answers about Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC at Square Enix's E3 2019 press conference on June 10, as E3 seems like the perfect opportunity to reveal what's next for the game. Here's hoping the story DLC answers some lingering questions Kingdom Hearts fans may have after finishing the latest game in the ser
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/4014/will-fables-morality-system-work-in-2020/ Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:29:52 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/3998/5-video-game-franchises-that-died-this-decade-5-that-came-back-to-life/ The street battles in Yakuza and the recent Judgment series are reminiscent of classic coin-op beat-em-ups like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage, with their over-the-top fights and special moves. Double Dragon: Neon is a good combination of old and new mechanics with the fighting game form


If a supposedly leaked rundown of Sony's E3 2018 press conference is accurate, we already know all the games the company plans on showcasing at the event. This includes games like Bloodborne 2 and SOCOM: Coalition , but the rumored surprise games at Sony's show seem to mainly consist of third-party tit


In an effort to create more Xbox console-exclusives, Microsoft has been on a spending spree of acquiring studios. Last year's E3 saw Microsoft announce the acquisition of a number of studios, and we expect that trend to continue at E3 2019, especially with the news that Sony is also buying studios to bolster the PS5 first-party lineup. As for which studios Microsoft may announce it's acquired at E3 2019, that's less clear. The leaker that leaked the Microsoft E3 2019 press conference suggested that IO Interactive, Asobo, and Relic Entertainment are all potentially going to join Xbox Game Studios, but we'll have to wait for E3 to be s


His grand comeback came in 2017 in the form of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy , complete remakes of the original three masterpieces. Except for the radical facelift, everything else remained nearly identical to the originals. The Crash train shows no signs of slowing down now, with Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled coming out to rave revi

Some companies hosting press conferences, like Electronic Arts, haven't had much in the way of leaks leading up to the show. EA will be showcasing the likes of Anthem and Battlefield V at E3, but just because there haven't been many rumors about other EA titles at the show, that doesn't mean fans aren't still in for some surpri


Rise of the Ronin is an open-world action RPG from the developers of Wo Long and the Nioh series. It is set in 1853 during the final years of the Bakumatsu period in Japan. The setting and swordplay will appeal to fans of the Yakuza prequel, Like a Dragon: Ishin . The combat is challenging with a focus on deflections and landing counter stri


Fans loved this dog so much that they would reload their save files if he ever ended up dead. Sometimes that meant undoing hours of game progress! So fans were very happy once Fallout 4 made it so Dogmeat could not die (though some still do not like that the dog can be attacked at a


Thematically, Devil May Cry has little in common with the Yakuza series. However, where the original Yakuza fighting system is like a throwback to classic Japanese 80s and 90s beat-em-ups, DMCV harks back to the hack-and-slash classics like Golden Axe in a single-player for


Now that Piranha Plant and Joker from Persona 5 are out for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate , fans of Nintendo's ambitious crossover fighting game are waiting to see the next character to join the DLC lineup. There have been various "leaks" about who that character might be, with the most popular theory being that Erdrick from Dragon Quest will be joining the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster next. Whoever the next Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC character is, it seems likely that Nintendo will reveal their identity at E3 2019, especially since the game is already confirmed for the s


Dogs are animals with a ton of symbolic meaning. They stand for loyalty and friendship, which often makes them valued video game sidekicks. Players can't get enough of them. Even when their roles are small they are often the most valued characters. Many gamers are just programmed to love animals, especially d


Despite the modern and realistic settings, the games feature brawling mechanics similar to the old-school beat-em-ups combined with traditional JRPG elements with near-random battles and leveling up. While few games replicate the Yakuza series, these games should satisfy f


With the E3 2019 festivities starting on June 8 with EA Play, we decided to put together our predictions for what we will see at the show. Some of these predictions seem to have a good chance of happening, while others are a bit more out there. Come E3, it will be interesting to see which predictions are proved true, and which ones didn't quite pan


There are actually a couple of different LEGO games available on Xbox Game Pass at the time of this writing, but LEGO Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars is arguably the best of the bunch. The LEGO games have been offering their familiar brand of local co-op action for Samarkand Exploration years now, and while each game is more or less the same, they all have their own little quirks to help them stand apart from one another. Plus, fans can play through LEGO Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars on Xbox Game Pass as a refresher while they wait for the release of the upcoming LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga video g
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/3998/5-video-game-franchises-that-died-this-decade-5-that-came-back-to-life/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 23:39:42 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/3985/e3-2019-predictions-what-we-think-will-happen-at-the-show/ Rise of the Ronin is similar to the Assassin's Creed series, depicting real-life historical characters woven into the fictional story of the Blade Twins' quest for vengeance. The twins even encounter a character called Ryoma Sakamoto, a real-life Ronin who was the protagonist of Like a Dragon: Ish


As for the party management portion of the game, Bug Fables is pretty light when it comes to managing equipment and skills. Instead of individual levels, your entire team levels up as one unit. When you gain enough XP, you can then choose to upgrade your health, your Team Points (which is your MP), or give yourself more Medal Points so you can equip more medals. Medals are your main pieces of equipment as there's no armor or weapons to worry about. These can give you buffs, status ailment resistances, or in some cases, even allow you to use new moves. The RPG mechanics aren't very complex, but it leads to a streamlined experience that still forces you to strategize, as you can only equip a limited number of medals and carry a limited number of healing it


Moreover, it features a good balance between humor and the tone of a crime thriller, like the Yakuza series. Gameplay elements like hacking into the city's technology can create hilarious moments of slapstick comedy and destruct


The Overcooked games have earned a well-deserved reputation for being some of the best local co-op games around. Overcooked 2 is the peak of the series so far, carrying over the fun local co-op cooking gameplay from the original and adding more levels, moves, and more. The game works as both a relaxing experience and an intense one, depending on how serious players want to get about beating high scores and getting all of the stars. Those that enjoy playing Overcooked 2 on Xbox Game Pass may want to consider picking up the game's season pass, as all of the Overcooked 2 DLC expansions have proven to be a great deal of fun so


However, Fable 4 rumors have been popping up quite a bit lately, leading gamers to suspect an announcement was imminent. Unfortunately, no such announcement was made, Tango Gameworks though it's possible Microsoft could be saving Fable 4 for next year as an early Project Scarlett rele


Bug Fables is pretty solid in every aspect, but I will admit to some mild frustration due to the game's dedication to being a Paper Mario tribute act. As a result of the flat style, sometimes the platforming and puzzle sections were a little awkward. Lining up certain jumps could be hard to gauge as the shadows under the characters were too light to reliably determine where I was going to land. This problem could be exacerbated if I was trying to go toward or away from the screen as the ground might not be fully visible due to the camera's position. The side view of the game could also be a hindrance to solving puzzles as it would be hard to properly aim abilities like Vi's Beemerang, which made some puzzles more annoying than they should have b


It has an epic story and many characters to interact with as players complete side stories for NPCs and free the islands from Mongolian control. The duels are epic and Ghost of Tsushima arguably handles stealth better than the Assassin's Creed ser


Tie-in games may be much less common now than they were a decade ago, but that hasn't stopped Harry Potter fans from fantasizing about their own wizarding journeys. Leaked footage of a triple-A Harry Potter RPG began circulating months ago, but there's been complete radio silence regarding the project since then. Fans were hoping that Warner Bros. would make a surprise appearance at one of the press conferences this year to show off the game, but the focus was instead put on another adaptation, LEGO Star Wa

Unfortunately, Lionhead closed down, taking many hearts along with it. However, prior to the culmination of business, the cancellation of the asymmetrical multiplayer title Fable Legends saw to the loss of popularity to some degree. Last year, rumors of Forza devs Playground Games taking over surfaced, possibly leading to the loss of lots of sleep ahead of E3.

Nintendo's surprise Smash Bros. Ultimate reveal was the addition of Banjo-Kazooie as a DLC fighter , something that seems incredible considering that Microsoft owns the license to the franchise. But many fans were hoping for more than just a cameo in a fighting game, they wanted a full-fledged Banjo-Kazooie title - something that apparently just isn't in the cards right


There are all kinds of local co-op games on the Xbox Game Pass service, though some are certainly better than others. For those wondering which local co-op games on Xbox Game Pass are most worth their time, here are the 10 best local co-op games on Xbox Game P


One of the newer games on this list, Moving Out is a co-op game all about moving furniture. While the controls can admittedly be frustrating at times, Moving Out otherwise shines thanks to its sharp sense of humor and whacky co-op ant
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/3985/e3-2019-predictions-what-we-think-will-happen-at-the-show/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:52:31 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/3978/5-metacritic-game-scores-that-are-way-too-low-5-that-are-probably-too-high/ Ok, we know what you're thinking, but there aren't too many games as revolutionary and influential as Wii Sports. Clearly influential doesn't always mean good, but no matter how cynical you are, Wii Sports is one smash up game. So much fun has been had in this game that you'd be hard-pressed to find a game as universally lo

One of the newer games on this list, Moving Out is a co-op game all about moving furniture. While the controls can admittedly be frustrating at times, replayability Moving Out otherwise shines thanks to its sharp sense of humor and whacky co-op ant


These games are so terrible - they're the video game equivalent of fake news. Sure they have the glam, the money and certainly the marketing to make this franchise seem good, but in reality, it's the poor man's Witcher. Most of the game in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is spent boring yourself to death, whether that be trailing someone for the hundredth time or taking on a series of poorly developed enemies that often bug


There are all kinds of local co-op games on the Xbox Game Pass service, though some are certainly better than others. For those wondering which local co-op games on Xbox Game Pass are most worth their time, here are the 10 best local co-op games on Xbox Game P

Microsoft still stole the show with its briefing, though. The Halo and Gears announcements were well received, among others, but none as much as the upcoming console now going by the name Project Scarlett.


Earlier when I was mentioning perfect RPG's I was close to bringing up this beauty but had to save it for the right occasion, and that occasion is now. Many argue that Fallout: New Vegas is not only the best modern Fallout game but the best game in the ser


The next major project from Shinji Mikami and Tango Gameworks was revealed by Bethesda's at its E3 2019 conference. Ghostwire: Tokyo was revealed with a stylish CG trailer that showed off a futuristic-looking Japan where many of its citizens have vanished into thin air. Viewers can also see a few horror elements mixed in with what appear to be supernatural beings going up against the main character who wields a bow and has access to abilities. Little is known about the game, but the trailer definitely got the hype train star

We know that Square Enix is working on Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC , but beyond that, we have little details about it or what it may entail. Fans of the quirky action-RPG franchise may get some answers about Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC at Square Enix's E3 2019 press conference on June 10, as E3 seems like the perfect opportunity to reveal what's next for the game. Here's hoping the story DLC answers some lingering questions Kingdom Hearts fans may have after finishing the latest game in the ser


This prediction seems a little less likely now that we know Anthem won't be part of the EA Play 2019 lineup , but the game is still going to be at E3 2019 in some capacity. With Anthem 's playerbase shrinking and the remaining community often upset with the game, it seems like making it free-to-play could give it a shot in the arm to keep it alive for at least a little while lon


The Elden Ring trailer provides next to no information about the upcoming collaboration between George R.R. Martin, the writer of the A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy books series, and FromSoftware, developers of the Dark Souls franchise, Bloodborne , and Sekiro, but that didn't stop it from being one of the most talked about announcements at E3 2019. Fans of FromSoftware loved the teaser and seem to be ready for the next punishing adventure from the develo


Similar to Diablo 4 , the Overwatch 2 reveal trailer plays out like a short TV episode or movie, more so than a traditional hype trailer. The Overwatch 2 Zero Hour cinematic features Winston, Tracer, and Mei going on a mission in Paris after Winston's Overwatch Recall initiative. The three of them attempt to fight Null Sector robots, but they eventually become overwhel
"Just finishing our final E3 rehearsal here with the team in Redmond. Feel really good about the briefing. Lots to show. We have 14 Xbox Game Studios games in the show this year, more first party games than we've ever had in the show," he'd tweeted ahead of E3 . "Fun times."


Nintendo is hosting a Pokemon Sword and Shield Nintendo Direct on June 5 , but the games will also be featured as part of the E3 2019 Nintendo Direct presentation. Whether it happens at the Pokemon Sword and Shield Nintendo Direct on June 5 or at E3 itself, we expect fans to get their first look at the starter evolutions as well as the games' legendary Poke


Some may not even realize this, but it's possible to play through Fable 2 in local co-op. The second player takes on the role of a henchman, and they can transfer any gold or items they earn into their own saved game. Admittedly, Fable 2 's local co-op mode does feel a little tacked on, and it doesn't really enhance the main game much, but it's great for just messing around and wreaking havoc across Albion with a fri
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/3978/5-metacritic-game-scores-that-are-way-too-low-5-that-are-probably-too-high/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:36:33 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/3972/e3-2019-best-horror-games-of-the-show/ Mafia 2 is a 1940s and early 50s mobster game inspired by classic movies like The Godfather and Goodfellas . It was updated and remastered for the PS4 and Xbox One, but it wasn't as definitive as the remake of Mafia's first ti


Despite the modern and realistic settings, the games feature brawling mechanics similar to the old-school beat-em-ups combined with traditional JRPG elements with near-random battles and leveling up. While few games replicate the Yakuza series, these games should satisfy f


The official E3 2019 Twitter account recently confirmed that the writers and producers of The Simpsons will be hosting an E3 coliseum panel, naturally leading to speculation that a new Simpsons game will be revealed . Indeed, it's hard to imagine what else this panel could be for, but until there is actual confirmation, this should be taken with a grain of salt (which goes for many of the games on this list as we


Playable on: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC

The Mafia trilogy is easily one of the best story-driven, open-world trilogies of all time. While opinions may be mixed on Mafia 3 , most people absolutely adore Mafia 1 and 2 for good rea


Playable on: PS2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, PC

2004's Driv3r , the third release in an action-packed open-world driving series which originated on the PS1, was a barely-functioning mess which somehow garnered a cult appeal despite its many shortcomings. An obvious riff on the Grand Theft Auto formula, Driv3r felt like the Fisher-Price version of the chaotically-fun sandbox ser

It has been 11 years since there was an entry in the Destroy All Humans! franchise, but according to a recent rumor, THQ Nordic stands ready to showcase a new game at E3 2019. The last anyone saw of Crypto, he was leaving the Furon Palace when Pox became the emperor. It's unknown if a new game would serve as a sequel to the last game, a reboot, a spin-off, or what, but it's likely to garner tons of attention nonethel


In particular, these eight horror games stood out as the most impressive of E3 2019 . These games were either featured in a press conference, pre-recorded presentation, or during the special E3 Coliseum showca


By its own admission, Microsoft has had difficulty delivering console-exclusive games to the Xbox One on a consistent basis. At E3 2018, the company has the chance to reverse public opinion on its exclusives lineup, and if any of the rumors surrounding its lineup are true, then it may very well get the job d


The Amazing Spider-Man 2 barely counts as an open-world game. Though players are technically free to explore a portion of New York City as the wall-crawler, missions are all linear and repetitive, and the whole thing wraps up somewhere after the six-hour mark, and that's taking into account some seriously boring padded sequences and the atrocious Peter Parker investigation segme

Meet Destroy All Humans , a game that revolves around controlling an alien and blowing everything to smithereens. Buildings, people, cows, nothing is safe from Crypto. There is a story in each game, but it takes a backseat compared to the ludicrous amounts of fun the game lets you have. You can fling humans to walls, blow up skyscrapers, and use your flying saucer to take out armies of soldiers. The game doesn't take itself too seriously, which helps with the fun factor. There is a remake for the original title that should release this year, so hopefully, that will generate enough interest to get this series back on people's radars.

Gothic is unique because it treats the world like a realistic place with magic and large threats. Most NPCs look out for themselves and the combat in this game is brutality incarnate. There is a charm to this game, however, that sets it apart from the likes of Skyrim or The Witcher . When you grow more powerful in this game, it feels earned. It encourages you to think outside of the box to exploit NPCs and finish quests. It never received a large following, however, something a reboot could help fix.

Capcom is expected to make a new game announcement at the show, and while a new Dino Crisis is not the likeliest scenario, many are clamoring for https://WWW.Adventurejourneyhub.com another entry in the survival horror action-adventure franchise. Capcom's E3 2019 announcement will have the final say on the matter, but the company has expressed interest in returning to this franchise in the p


The second game in the series is a brilliant title, even though the open world may seem somewhat barren at times. Without as much to do as in a typical open-world game, players can only go through the story and experience a short yet amazing adventure that will certainly keep them hoo


Arkham City might not be one of the longest open-world titles around — especially if players are only going to go through the main story — but the game is still a blast regardless. There's a reason why most people still consider it to be the best chapter in the Arkham tril
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/3972/e3-2019-best-horror-games-of-the-show/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:14:31 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/3953/10-underrated-franchises-that-need-a-reboot/ We know that Square Enix is working on Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC , but beyond that, we have little details about it or what it may entail. Fans of the quirky action-RPG franchise may get some answers about Kingdom Hearts 3 DLC at Square Enix's E3 2019 press conference on June 10, as E3 seems like the perfect opportunity to reveal what's next for the game. Here's hoping the story DLC answers some lingering questions Kingdom Hearts fans may have after finishing the latest game in the ser

Players took the role of Banjo with his bird friend Kazooie. Together, you venture out to stop the evil plans of Gruntilda, an evil witch who only wants to benefit herself. Jigsaw pieces and musical notes are needed to progress to new zones, encouraging exploration and interacting with the game's charming characters. The latest entry in the series was a vehicle-building title rather than a platformer, resulting in many fans disliking the departure.


Yet that doesn't mean every rumor spread online is true, and there are tons of rumors that simply will not manifest at E3 2019 . What does or doesn't make it to the stage remains to be seen, and though these rumors do not have any real confirmation, here are the biggest rumor game announcements for the gaming e

There are pretty much endless rumors about what Rocksteady will wind up releasing next. Word of everything from a Superman game to a Nightwing Arkham City spin-off have made the rounds at this point, but the developer still hasn't come out and said what it is working on. Fans had anticipated some news during this E3 but had their hopes dashed when Rocksteady Co-Founder and Game Director Sefton Hill stated that the studio would be staying at home in London during E3 to work on the studio's "next big proje


E3 2019 is right around the corner, and it's during the show that gamers can expect to see some of the year's biggest announcements and reveals. E3 is full of surprises every year, and even with Sony skipping E3 2019 , this year's show has potential to make huge waves in the gaming indus


However, Fable 4 rumors have been popping up quite a bit lately, leading gamers to suspect an announcement was imminent. Unfortunately, no such announcement was made, though it's possible Microsoft could be saving Fable 4 for next year as an early Project Scarlett rele


Nintendo's surprise Smash Bros. Ultimate reveal was the addition of Banjo-Kazooie as a DLC fighter , something that seems incredible considering that Microsoft owns the license to the franchise. But many fans were hoping for more than just a cameo in a fighting game, they wanted a full-fledged Banjo-Kazooie title - something that apparently just isn't in the cards right


The Assassin's Creed franchise is in a bit of a weird spot. Ubisoft has made it clear that it plans to keep updating Assassin's Creed Odyssey with fresh new content, but strong rumors of a new Assassin's Creed game have been around for a while, with a Roman and Viking setting both seeming pretty likely. Instead, Ubisoft focused on Watch Dogs Legion during its press conference, which is admittedly a bit like a modern day Assassin's Creed. However , the lack of a new Assassin's Creed still left a hidden blade-shaped hole in the hearts of many gam


Tie-in games may be much less common now than they were a decade ago, but that hasn't stopped Harry Potter fans from fantasizing about their own wizarding journeys. Leaked footage of a triple-A Harry Potter RPG began circulating months ago, but there's been complete radio silence regarding the project since then. Fans were hoping that Warner Bros. would make a surprise appearance at one of the press conferences this year to show off the game, but the focus was instead put on another adaptation, LEGO Star Wa


With the E3 2019 festivities starting on June 8 with EA Play, we decided to put together our predictions for what we will see at the show. Some of these predictions seem to have a good chance of happening, while others are a bit more out there. Come E3, it will be interesting to see which predictions are proved true, and which ones didn't quite pan


It's true that Rare largely struggled to produce compelling experiences since Microsoft's acquisition in 2002, but one exception is Viva Pinata . A bizarre take on the life-simulation genre, Viva Pinata sees players raising and breeding living pinatas while completing a variety of objectives. Noted for its eye-catching art style and quirky humor, Viva Pinata spawned sequels and even its own television series. A new Viva Pinata could fill a niche on the Xbox Series X and appeal to the more casual gamers out th


Killer Instinct was a launch title for the Xbox One that launched to somewhat mixed reviews, but since became a fan favorite. Now boasting a greatly-expanded roster of fighters and more features than at launch, the Killer Instinct revival is a solid fighting game for fans of the genre. It would be great to see the Killer Instinct franchise continue on Microsoft's next-generation console, especially since it's been a whopping seven years since the Xbox Game Pass One version launc
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/3953/10-underrated-franchises-that-need-a-reboot/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:21:41 +0000 Sasha Meudell https://stayclose.social/blog/3952/best-local-co-op-games-to-play-on-xbox-game-pass/ An Xbox 360 launch title, Kameo: Elements of Power was essentially Rare's take on The Legend of Zelda franchise. The game was popular enough for its time, but like many Rare IP, has since been abandoned. A Kameo sequel could expand on what Rare established with the original game, while also addressing its faults and delivering a generally higher-quality adventure. Microsoft doesn't really have a Legend of Zelda -equivalent exclusive for Xbox, but it could very well use the Kameo franchise to fill that v


Not to rack on video game critics , but often they're wrong, and the community-at-large spares no expense in making sure they know it. So let's take a dive into the world of reviews and shed some light on when the critics undervalued a game and the other times when it was overrated complete


It's no secret that Microsoft has struggled to make the Xbox brand catch on in Japan, but that's not due to a lack of trying. With the Xbox 360, Microsoft commissioned Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and his Mistwalker Studio to create JRPG exclusive games for the platform. This included Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey , with the latter being particularly well-received by fans of the genre. With reports of Phil Spencer visiting Japan studios about Xbox Series X games , it seems like a Lost Odyssey sequel could be a great way for the Xbox brand to once again try getting a foothold in the Japanese game mar


On Sony's original PlayStation, there were no better platformers than the Crash Bandicoot trilogy. All three games gave everything one desires from the genre: challenge, beautiful art, and rewarding secrets. The next generation wasn't as kind to the mascot, and he was nearly silent on the PS3 and Xbox


While Microsoft has yet to unveil what other first-party games are coming to Xbox Series X, that's likely to change sooner rather than later. Microsoft is expected to showcase its big first-party Xbox Series X games at a special Xbox 20/20 presentation in July , which will likely see a number of big announcements for the new cons


It remains to be seen exactly which games Microsoft will be showcasing at the July Xbox 20/20 event. However, there are plenty of great, dormant franchises that Microsoft could revive to generate some extra excitement for the Xbox Series X, with these 10 arguably having the most potent


Out of all the games rumored for Sony's press conference, though, one of the most surprising is PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds . Microsoft has supported PUBG 's entrance into the console market by pushing it on the Xbox One, going as far as to bundle the game with Xbox One X consoles. It would be surprising to see Microsoft let PUBG slip through its fingers and land on the PS4 storefront, but at E3, anything is possi


Though Wolfenstein 3D may not have been the first FPS , it certainly revolutionized the genre and made it a force to be reckoned with. Hype for the series waned over time, but MachineGames brought it back in full force with 2014's Wolfenstein: The New Order . The alternate history game brought a surprising depth to the narrative. Players came in thinking Inglorious Basterds , but got something more along the lines of Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Cast


Earlier this year, Star wars outlaws unconfirmed reports claimed that Fable 4 is in active development at Playground Games, the studio best known for its work on the Forza Horizon series. These reports still have yet to be proven, but with Microsoft recently purchasing Playground Games, it's clear that the publisher has a vested interest in the studio. If Fable 4 is in development as rumored, maybe an announcement will come at


It's not every year that Square Enix hosts an E3 press conference, so fans of the publisher are understandably excited to see what it has in store. We know that Kingdom Hearts 3 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider will both be featured, but it's probable that Square Enix has some surprises up its sleeve as w


By its own admission, Microsoft has had difficulty delivering console-exclusive games to the Xbox One on a consistent basis. At E3 2018, the company has the chance to reverse public opinion on its exclusives lineup, and if any of the rumors surrounding its lineup are true, then it may very well get the job d


When it comes to local co-op, it's hard to beat Halo: The Master Chief Collection . Once players manage to get this massive game downloaded, they can play through the first four Halo games, plus Reach and ODST , entirely in split-screen co-op. Few games are as iconic as the Halo series, and while there are certain aspects of Halo 1 's campaign that haven't aged all that well, the games are still some of the absolute best first-person shooters on the mar


Conker's Bad Fur Day was a cult classic on the Nintendo 64, notable for pushing its M for Mature rating to the limit. The game was vulgar and violent, but also quite good, with a fun story and addicting multiplayer modes. Since then, Conker has largely been relegated to obscurity, getting a graphical update on the original Xbox and being featured in episodic format for the canceled Project Spark . Similarly to Banjo-Kazooie , Microsoft has seemingly refused to take proper advantage of Conker and the popularity of the IP, but hopefully that changes with a proper Conker's Bad Fur Day sequel on Xbox Serie
]]> https://stayclose.social/blog/3952/best-local-co-op-games-to-play-on-xbox-game-pass/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:05:51 +0000 Sasha Meudell