The history of gaming isn’t that old compared to other artistic and entertainment mediums. Many people have lived through the entirety of video game history, and more people have seen most of it. As such, you’d think that the history of video games would be pretty well documented.

Yet, there are some games that just don’t get the historical credit they deserve. It’s strange to think that some of the most important innovators in video game history can be largely forgotten, but it happens more than you may think.

With that said, here are five games that we bet you didn’t know changed gaming forever.

ChuChu Rocket

How it Changed Gaming: One of the first console games with functional, official online multiplayer.

Gamers of a certain age may remember ChuChu Rocket and the buzz it generated in 1999, but the game’s innovations have tragically been overlooked as the years go on.

ChuChu Rocket is a puzzle game that was essentially designed as a test of the Dreamcast’s online multiplayer capabilities. At a time when online console gaming was little more than a pipe dream, ChuChu Rocket offered easy-to-access competitive multiplayer that ran fairly well. It even let players upload and download custom maps!

The game itself was fairly simple (yet still a lot of fun), but it should be remembered as the game that helped a generation of developers figure out how online console multiplayer was practically going to work.

So while you may have been able to technically play other console games online before ChuChu Rocket, this is the game that made the dream a reality.

Kill Switch

How it Changed Gaming: The introduction of an active cover system.

This one is a little hard to explain. See, there were games before Kill Switch that featured a cover system. Metal Gear Solid 2, for instance, let you take cover to avoid detection or incoming damage.

Yet, Kill Switch is the game that introduced the cover system as we typically see it used today. By that, I mean that Kill Switch allowed you to rapidly move from cover to cover and pop out from your cover to engage in firefights. Whereas previous cover systems were largely defensive, Kill Switch‘s use of cover was all about staying on the offense.

Granted, Kill Switch borrowed a rough draft of that concept from games like Time Crisis, but at the time of its release in 2003, nobody had seen a third-person action game that let you move like that. Kill Switch‘s cover system was even featured in the game’s marketing and on the cover of the game’s case.

Gears of War tends to get the credit for this one, but we owe a lot to Kill Switch.

Mark of Kri

How it Changed Gaming: Use of 3D, multi-target combat.

It’s funny how a game can come along, garner critical acclaim, and over the years, kind of fall by the wayside. That’s about what happened with Mark of Kri.

Mark of Kri is a pretty great game in general, but its best feature was a dual-analog targeting system that let you assign an attack button to enemies around you. By doing so, you could easily jump between multiple enemies during combat sequences.

Does that sound familiar? It should, as it’s basically the combat system that Batman: Arkham would eventually help popularize. The difference is that Arkham came out in 2009 and Mark of Kri came out in 2002. While Kri‘s system was certainly rougher, it still feels like a generational leap ahead of everything else that was around.

At a time when 3D combat was rough, Mark of Kri figured out how to make it feel satisfying.

Jet Rocket

How it Changed Gaming: The first open-world game, first flight simulator, and first first-person game.

To be honest with you, I tend to hate talking about absolute firsts in gaming as the earliest technical examples of a concept tend to be rough.

However, Jet Rocket‘s historical accomplishments are too notable to ignore despite the very, very rough nature of the game itself.

Released in 1970, Jet Rocket allowed players to navigate an open 3D landscape while piloting a fighter jet. Its open-world design is particularly interesting, as the environment featured a few simple digital landmarks that actually offered a sense of perspective. Remarkably, the arcade cabinet was even shaped like a cockpit which enhanced the feeling of actually piloting a plane.

So why isn’t Jet Rocket typically remembered as an innovator? Sadly, a couple of companies got their hands on an early prototype of the game and ripped it off ahead of its global release. At least we now know we have Jet Rocket to thank for so many early innovations.

Marathon

How it Changed Gaming: Introduction of free-aim mouse and keyboard controls.

Go back and play the original version of Doom. If you’ve been raised on modern first-person shooters, we’re willing to bet that the first thing you’ll notice is the fact Doom does not use the mouse for aiming and looking.

Actually, the first game to really introduce that concept was Bungie’s Marathon.

Generally remembered as the series that Bungie made before Halo, the Macintosh version of Marathon featured a mouse-and-keyboard look and movement system that feels remarkably modern. It actually took a little while for this innovation to catch on, but once it did, it led to the development of FPS games that emphasized precision aim and fast movements.

It’s truly incredible to think that such a seemingly simple control concept would change gaming forever.

Note: Updated from the original article dated Nov 1, 2020.

30+ years on, there’s somehow nothing quite like an NES action game. From the soundtracks to the level design and airtight mechanics, classic NES games like Ninja Gaiden and Mega Man remain some of the absolute best the medium has to offer.

However, the NES library of action games is too extensive to be limited to those halls of fame-worthy examples. In fact, some of the best NES action games you’ve never played could easily rank among the best all time.

To get you started on that journey, here is a list of the 10 most underrated NES action games ever.

Shatterhand

Shatterhand‘s bizarre cover did it no favors, but beneath the strange packaging lies a truly great NES action game.

Bolstered by great level design and a truly unique upgrade system, Shatterhand nails core NES action game concepts before introducing just enough little touches to help it stand out from the pack.

Little Samson

While the visual design of this game may remind you of the excellent Little Nemo, it’s actually a thinly veiled knockoff of the Mega Man series.

What truly distinguishes Little Samson, though, is its character swap system. The ability to swap between different characters with different abilities (but shared resources) adds an element of depth to an already solid Mega Man-like experience.

Clash at Demonhead

Scott Pilgrim references aside, Clash at Demonhead absolutely deserves to be remembered among the best NES action games.

Clash at Demonhead‘s excellent visuals are reason enough to recommend it, but it’s the game’s open exploration level selection system that makes it stand out all these years later. Why didn’t other games borrow this title’s ideas?

Powerblade

It would be easy to forget about Powerblade if it wasn’t for the game’s truly brilliant boomerang weapon and combat system.

While the ability to attack in eight different directions isn’t a big deal now, Powerblade‘s incorporation of that feature put it far ahead of other action titles of its era as well as made it one of the more strangely accessible action games of this era.

Jackie Chan’s Action Kung-Fu

I’m as surprised as you are that there’s a Jackie Chan game for NES worth recommending, but here we are.

This game obviously doesn’t come close to recreating Chan’s brilliant fight scenes, but its stunning soundtrack, cute visuals, and martial arts side-scrolling combat make it an easy play that doubles as a somewhat strange historical footnote.

Low G Man

To be entirely honest with you, Low G Man’s stiff animations and bland visuals probably tell you all you need to know about why it’s not better remembered.

Yet, this game’s fascinating primary weapon (a long spear that behaves similarly to the cane in Ducktails) and varied combat design make it an often-overlooked oddity that at least deserves more of a cult following than it currently has.

Wizards and Warriors

As unbelievable as it is that an NES game made by Rare could ever be overlooked, Wizards and Warriors is just one of those titles you never hear anyone talk about.

Even though the game’s visuals and combat leave a lot to be desired, there’s an undeniable charm in the soundtrack and design concepts that invokes developer Rare at its best. Don’t make this the first NES game you revisit, but definitely check it out.

Bucky O’Hare

While Bucky O’Hare actually did garner quite a bit of acclaim in its day (it’s an NES game made by Konami after all), I’m not sure this game has ever really gotten the love it deserved.

Bucky O’Hare is a nearly perfect NES action game that’d I call the love child of Battletoads and Ducktales. It’s brutally difficult, but few NES action games feature the variety seen in this gem.

Metal Storm

Metal Storm has actually become slightly more popular thanks to the power of the internet, but it’s hardly a stretch to suggest that not enough of you have actually played this game.

Even if Metal Storm‘s combat can feel a little stiff at times, the title’s multi-level navigation gimmick adds an element of platforming brilliance to the affair that you don’t usually get from NES action games. Think of this more as a great NES platformer with a little action thrown in for flavor.

Updated: Original post date Jan. 28, 2021

Meet the newest entry to the #NintendoSwitch family! Nintendo Switch (OLED model) brings the versatility of the Nintendo Switch experience with a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, and more. Nintendo Switch (OLED model) releases on 10/8.https://t.co/zRpGxakJDn pic.twitter.com/Tsc55r35ay

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 6, 2021

For months leading up to the announcement, Nintendo kept tight-lipped regarding the new system despite a bevy of rumors suggesting its arrival was imminent. Many of those rumors suggested that Nintendo would reveal the model this past June at E3. When that didn’t happen, many fans feared that talks of what was then referred to as the “Switch Pro” were nothing but unfounded speculation.

Only days prior to the announcement at an investors meeting, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa refused to answer why the model hadn’t been announced at E3.

“Our company uses Nintendo Direct to inform our customers about individual products at the appropriate time,” Furukawa said according to Kotaku.

“To achieve that,” he continued, “we are constantly developing hardware, software, dedicated peripherals, etc., but we refrain from making comments on specific products still in development.”

Apparently, the new system was only days away from finishing its development when Furukawa made his statement. It is certainly understandable why the Switch OLED model took so long in that development process, given the many new features it has to offer.

The OLED model’s hardware has been completely upgraded: while the original Switch model has a 6.2 inch LCD screen with an output of 1080p when docked, Nintendo’s new model boasts an impressive 1920×1080 resolution with a maximum frame rate of 60 fps, according to Nintendo’s website. And then there’s the OLED screen. For those unfamiliar with tech jargon, OLED screens are some of the highest quality screens to date, outperforming  LCDs, LEDs, and CRTs. According to Tech Radar, “compared to competing display types, OLED TVs bring you better image quality (think blacker blacks and brighter whites), reduced power consumption, and much fast response times – that last point being a great addition for any console or gaming TV too.”

The Switch OLED model also features a wide adjustable stand for tabletop mode, a new dock with a wired LAN port, 64GB of storage, and enhanced audio for both its handheld and tabletop modes.

The OLED model’s October 8 release date makes the new Switch available to consumers just in time for the holiday season. Switch players will have a nice selection of new titles to play on the system as well. Coinciding with the systems launch day is the release of the highly anticipated Metroid Dread. For those lucky enough to score a system during 2021’s holiday season, the even more hotly anticipated Pokemon Legends: Arceus will be available for purchase shortly thereafter on January 28, 2022.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s critical acclaim is often met with the counter of being “overrated” by some players. There are usually numerous reasons for this – both notable and ridiculous – but one of the most common is the weapon durability issue. Breath of the Wild departed from previous Legend of Zelda games by not assigning you a handful of swords and shields for the duration of the game. For most of the game, you can only use what you pick up, including Link’s often-used bow. The kicker was that all of these would break after a relatively limited amount of use – which depended on both the type of weapon used and what it was used on.

Durability systems have been in RPGs for quite some time, but never in a Zelda game. Despite this system being popular in RPGs, it’s rare for weapons to break so quickly as well as involve the complete destruction of the item. The goal with this in Breath of the Wild was to encourage the player to use weapons dynamically and shake up the gameplay. You may want to stick with whatever is strongest, but sometimes a weapon may provide more reach or be effective if thrown at the enemy. For me, at least, I found that to be an enjoyable component baked into the gameplay quite well.

However, as we have the reveal of Breath of the Wild 2 fresh in our minds, I think it’s time to discuss where things could go from here. This seems to be a scenario that will be like Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask – where gameplay is very similar, but the setting is new. Yet, I believe the controversy generated by this mechanic could be grounds for a compromise that would work for everyone. Link should have a small set of permanent weapons that do not break in addition to collected weapons.

This would allow people who aren’t a fan of the system to play through the game with a rock-solid set of “Link Swords” while also collecting and using breakable weapons. The new weapons would need to be stronger and more dynamic, but it would allow a player firmly against that mechanic to ignore it at their own risk. This would also always leave a baseline state where you could still function if you broke all of your other gear. A state where you wouldn’t be as effective, but you would never be defenseless.

In my perspective, one of the most interesting and entertaining parts of Breath of the Wild was the dynamic nature of the combat. One contributing factor to that was being able to pick up enemy weapons (or pieces of the enemies themselves) and engage with them. The weapons were a part of the experience and added many layers to the combat. However, it’s easy to tell how much the game changed after I had the more permanent Master Sword. It could still break, of course, but since it ‘recharged,’ it homogenized many of the encounters when I used it. If players could choose the way they approach this, it might create a middle ground that allows the best of both worlds. Those that want more of the dynamic and interesting combat can coincide with traditionalists and their old (and somewhat boring) ways.

It’s hard to say what the future brings for Breath of the Wild 2, but I doubt that Nintendo would want their top system seller to have its mechanics changed too much. Yet, at the same time, Breath of the Wild is a huge mechanical change from previous Zelda games. Therefore, we may see something entirely different come 2022.

Do you think this is a good middle-ground for fans and critics of the series? Do you have a preference either way for the weapon system? Let us know in the comments!

After the Nintendo Gamecube’s subpar performance relative to its competition, the company seemed to shift focus to a new approach for selling hardware and games. Instead of trying to have the best visuals or the latest franchises, they went for unique designs and embraced nostalgic re-releases of classic games. This is a trend that continues to this day. However, more recently, Nintendo has added a much more manipulative tactic to this overall strategy. The use of artificial scarcity to trigger consumers’ fear of missing out (FOMO).

Game consoles have always been a hot commodity. I don’t recall a time that has been more true than it is now. Yet, Nintendo’s production system seems to intentionally underproduce popular products specifically to limit their availability. Perhaps the long-running demand of the Nintendo Wii showed them how significant this interest could be. Now, nearly every product the company releases is in limited quantity and sells out numerous times despite the use of preorders and well-documented demand. Every scalper knows you just need to track down whatever the latest and greatest Nintendo product is and you can flip it for many times the retail price. This occurred with both the NES and SNES Classic Editions.

Today marks a new day in Nintendo’s effort to manipulate their fans. As of March 31st, 2021, you can no longer play the online Super Mario Bros. 35 game, and you can’t purchase a digital version of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Nintendo has also ceased production of the physical version of the latter. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light are also included in this expiration date. There is no logical reasoning for this move. The only conclusion I can come to is that it seems to have happened solely to generate hype and make consumers feel like they’ll be missing out if they don’t buy/play these games when they’re available. I’m positive that it has worked in many cases and managed to make what are essentially all re-released titles top sellers on a modern-day console.

The problem here is that this consumer manipulation will continue and grow. Given that it is already a product of a systemic process, I assume more games and products will be released on a limited basis and in limited quantities. The free press Nintendo received is worth its weight in gold. I’ve even seen several sensationalist articles with titles like “Nintendo is Killing Mario!” The only part that doesn’t make sense is that the company didn’t use that to shuffle in their next limited-run consumer manipulation scheme to convince their committed fans to re-buy more games from decades ago. I suppose they still have time to cash in on the manufactured fanfare though.

With the mediocrity of the first Nintendo Direct since 2019, it seems Nintendo is doubling down on the limited effort to make the most of its immensely popular console. The Nintendo Switch has sold nearly 80 million units and, despite having hardware nowhere near its competitors, it continues to be a difficult device to find in stores. The creation of the Nintendo Switch Lite augmented that slightly, even though the handheld version doesn’t seem as popular as the original with its existing handheld capabilities.

However, this success makes Nintendo’s minimal effort in improving the experience of the Switch seem even more ridiculous. In the nearly four years the console has been available, only basic improvements to the platform have been introduced, and often those are lackluster at best. For instance, the ability to copy screenshots and videos (which were also somehow a post-launch addition) was added late last year but is clunky at best. It involves scanning multiple QR codes, opening the image or video in a browser on your phone via an IP address through a wireless connection, and then saving it.

Of course, the media you create with the Switch isn’t exactly museum quality. Even though many games run at 1080p, all screenshots and videos are recorded at a compressed 720p. This can be, in part, associated with the limited power of the device, but it’s still a disappointment for someone like me who wants to edit and post them. Limited power is an issue that I think many have hoped would be addressed via a “Switch Pro” that has been rumored, but never confirmed.

The issues run deeper than something as isolated as media capture though. Online functionality has been a rough spot for Nintendo for as long as they’ve attempted it. Even though they’ve moved away from the annoyance of “friend codes,” the quality of the online experience is subpar. Despite moving to a paid online system, most Switch games still rely on peer-to-peer connections rather than having any dedicated servers. That means quality is heavily reliant on individual connections and bandwidth capabilities and it makes the experience worse for everyone.

Nintendo’s biggest problem with the Switch has been the drift problems on the joy cons. While I haven’t personally experienced this (yet) it is most likely because I use the pro controller as much as possible. The class-action lawsuit about this issue is a sign of how widespread it has become. The effort to create a slim portable control method for the unique design of the Switch has marred their successful history of unconventional-but-functional controller designs.

It’s also odd that, over the years, few cosmetic improvements to the Switch UI have taken place. There has been an option to set “themes” from launch, but no themes exist. These were a prominent and enjoyable feature for the Nintendo DS collection. The store on the device has also taken some time to even come to a baseline level of quality, but it’s still difficult to discover new games within it. Then, of course, there’s the fact that there’s no music for the store or any other part of the Switch. While that may only be a problem as a matter of personal preference, the Wii’s music in these areas is nothing short of iconic.

Yet, I see one of Nintendo’s biggest areas of neglect being the limited first-party titles. The Wii launched out of the gate with Wii Sports and it proved to be a universal system seller. It came with the console and was a perfect way to demonstrate the functionality of the controls. The closest comparable thing on the Switch was 1-2-Switch which was wildly overpriced and sparse in content. By this point in the lifetime of the Wii, we also had a second mainline Mario game, were on our way to a second Zelda game, and had Metroid Prime 3 and the whole collection ported to the console. The limited first-party releases for the Switch are split between new releases and re-releases. This includes the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which is a fairly poor showing for the 35th anniversary of that franchise. Also, how it wasn’t Wind Waker HD is beyond my comprehension.

I’m not sure why Nintendo is investing so little effort in pushing the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities. It may be as simple as looking at the fact that they’re still selling out without that effort. However, with the lull in notable games, people are starting to notice the blemishes. The Switch has succeeded on the backs of some great games and being a platform that embraced some wonderful indie experiences. Yet, if Nintendo wants it to be the next ubiquitous evergreen Wii, it needs to catch up and address as much of this as possible. Even if that means releasing a “Switch Pro.”

The best thing you can say about 2020 is that this year might make for a pretty good story at some point. At the very least, the year gave us some of the best video game stories in recent memory.

Popular perception suggests that the industry is dominated by multiplayer games, but 2020 showed that there are enough storytellers left in the industry to ensure the state of narrative-driven games is bright despite whatever concerns remain about its future.

If you’re looking for some of entertainment’s greatest adventures, you’ll find them in our look at the best video game stories of the year.

5. The Last of Us Part 2

The Last of Us Part 2‘s biggest issue from a storytelling standpoint is the game’s length. This sequel’s messages and themes are stretched thin across the length of a 20+hour game, and large sections of the campaign drag on without contributing anything substantial to what makes the story work.

That doesn’t mean the story doesn’t work, though. While The Last of Us Part 2‘s bloat hurts its grander ideas, the personal adventures of the story’s best characters and the little moments along the way work as intended. Ellie’s tragic growth reflects the scars of her twisted upbringing and Abby’s journey proves to worthy of the time it is afforded despite the vitriol the character endures from fans who feel she “doesn’t belong” in the game.

The Last of Us 2′s triumphs as a vehicle for smaller stories makes it easier to overlook the times it fails to stick the landing when making its most ambitious leaps.

4. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza games generally feature excellent stories, but their impact is negated somewhat by the fact that the game’s long-running mythology can often make it difficult for new players to really feel invested in the universe, certain characters, and what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming number of callbacks.

That’s why Like a Dragon is so special. It not only converts the Yakuza series into something closer to a JRPG, but it uses that gameplay conversion as an excuse to establish a fresh Yakuza story that invokes this series’ ability to balance absurdity with heartfelt drama.

It’s easy to judge the quality of a video game story by its weight, but there is something to be said for how Yakuza: Like a Dragon tells what is a fundamentally enjoyable narrative in a way that still leaves you feeling invested in its wide cast of characters and unable to stop playing until you’ve seen what happens next.

3.Half-Life: Alyx

The brilliance of the Half-Life franchise’s stories isn’t necessarily found on the pages of its scripts but rather through Valve’s in-game storytelling methods. Half-Life helped pioneer the art of immersive video game storytelling that doesn’t rely on an onslaught of cutscenes or text.

Half-Life: Alyx retains the series’ storytelling methods and translates them into the still-wild frontier of VR. The result is a compelling narrative that retains Half-Life‘s trademark methods but uses the enhanced immersion of VR to further all of the things that this series already excelled at.

It’s been a long time since we’ve played what you could consider to be a “true” Vale game, and while Half-Life: Alyx is a VR title, it’s also a glorious return to form for a legendary studio. The game’s ending also offers a terrific cliffhanger that we hope Valve doesn’t wait another decade to follow up on.

2. Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Final Fantasy 7 Remake‘s hype was teetering on the edge of a dangerous tipping point ahead of its release. What could have once been little more than Final Fantasy 7 remade with modern graphics took longer than most fans ever anticipated. With each passing year, the expectations for what the remake should be started to dangerously grow.

In its own way, Final Fantasy 7‘s story is all about expectations. Without diving too much into spoilers, it acknowledges that the original Final Fantasy 7‘s story not only exists but was this monumental event that forms the backbone of the remake’s adventure. The remake then attempts to somehow recapture the glory of its predecessor and simultaneously forge a new path.

Final Fantasy 7 doesn’t always make the most of its ambitious set-up, but it still stands tall as one of the best examples of meta storytelling and one of the boldest remakes in any medium.

1. Hades

The idea of a roguelike with a substantial story is already hard to believe. The idea of a roguelike that boasts the best story in a year that certainly wasn’t lacking in compelling tales feels like an impossibility.

Hades manages to take the sting out of roguelikes by almost making you root for the next death in order to see what little piece of this compelling universe is going to reveal itself next. While the game takes you on a grand adventure of mythological proportions, it’s really a collection of little adventures and examples of personal growth that so happen to form a grand tale you simply can’t see from the outset until you’ve taken the time to assemble the pieces.

Hades’ mechanics would make it one of the greatest roguelikes ever, but it’s the game’s story that makes it one of the most essential gaming experiences of the last decade.

We’ve taken a look at the most overrated games of 2020, but why just be negative when we have an equal chance to shine some light on some of the year’s more overlooked titles.

Before we dive into the list, though, let me share a quick note. You won’t find many ultra indie titles on this list, but that’s largely because those games are overlooked by their very nature. Instead, I wanted to focus on some of the year’s slightly more notable releases which, for one reason or another, not enough people played.

With that in mind, these are some of the most underrated games of 2020.

Gears Tactics

Look, Gears Tactics really is little more than an ambitious XCOM mod. Is that really a bad thing, though?

Gears Tactics could have been a cheap cash-in on a fairly popular concept, but it instead proved to be a well-made strategy game in its own right that smartly utilizes elements of the XCOM universe that even the main games in the series haven’t always taken advantage of.

Honestly, you could argue that Gears Tactics is a better overall game than Gears 4. Definitely give this one a shot on Game Pass if you haven’t already.

Minecraft Dungeons

Despite its association with one of the most popular game franchises ever (or perhaps because of it) Minecraft Dungeons failed to make much of an impact.

While the game is too simple to win over the Diablo and Path of Exile crowd, it really stands out as a gateway with a co-op experience that’s at least as fun as any of the much more popular Lego games.

This is another title you should absolutely try out on Game Pass, especially if you’ve got someone on the couch next to you to share it with.

The Falconeer

As one of the few original Xbox Series X launch titles, it’s bizarre that The Falconeer didn’t generate a little more buzz simply by default. I work in this industry full-time, and I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to anyone that’s played this game.

That’s a shame because The Facloneer is nothing if not interesting. As an open-world air combat game, The Falconeer automatically fills a genre void that has been overlooked for too long. While I suspect the game’s simple combat has contributed to its undoing, it breaks my heart that this project’s beauty and unique concepts haven’t inspired more people to give it a shot.

Maybe you should wait for a sale before you commit to this game, but it’s absolutely worth a look.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

Granted, this game did generate some social media buzz, but I’m not sure people are paying Clubhouse Games the respect it deserves.

Clubhouse Games brilliantly utilizes the Switch’s interface to revitalize some truly timeless games. In a better world, this title would have been pre-installed on every single Nintendo Switch, but its nearly infinite replay value makes it one of the year’s best purchases.

In a year that wasn’t exactly bursting at the seams with new Nintendo Switch games, Clubhouse deserves a little more recognition.

Nioh 2

This is another one of those games that I’m not sure I’ve ever actually talked to anyone about at any point this year.

I feel like Nioh 2‘s biggest problem is that it probably should have been DLC. It doesn’t feature a lot of new ideas and the new content that is there isn’t robust in terms of innovations or even improvements.

However, as the well-made follow-up to one of the best Soulslike titles ever, Nioh 2 deserves to be played by everybody who enjoyed the first game.

Streets of Rage 4

Generally speaking, the biggest problem with old-school beat-em-up titles is that our memories of them tend to be far greater than the actual experience of replying these fundamentally simple and typically short games.

That’s what makes Streets of Rage 4 so interesting. It captures the fundamental appeal of the Streets of Rage series while introducing just enough modern innovations to revitalize the fun that is sometimes lost in translation when you try to play a legitimate old-school beat-em-up.

Much like 2016’s Doom, Streets of Rage 4 combines the best of the old and the modern.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

There was a time when PlayStation fans were begging for truly great 3D platformers to call their own. It’s a testament to the decline of that genre’s popularity in the mainstream that Sackboy hasn’t garnered more attention.

A Big Adventure is hardly the new Super Mario Odyssey, but I’d go so far as to call it a better version of the recent Yoshi platformers. It’s got a great style that perfectly complements its solid platformer gameplay.

I’d love to see this game’s team take another shot at a similar concept as I feel they’re on the verge of something truly great.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Released in Japan in 2019, 13 Sentinels made its global debut in 2020 to very little fanfare outside of those who already knew about it.

13 Sentinels will absolutely be too weird for some people, but if you happen to enjoy its blend of visual novel storytelling and hybrid side-scrolling/RTS gameplay, you’ll find that this is one of the year’s most original and well-executed games.

If you’re not entirely alienated by the concept, then you should consider giving 13 Sentinels a shot.

Despite all of the hardships it presented, 2020 ended up being a pretty special year for gamers. Against all odds, developers everywhere turned in an incredible lineup of titles that will surely make this year’s game of the year awards a challenge to figure out.

Yet, there are a few titles I see that keep popping up as candidates for those awards that just make me wince. They’re not necessarily bad games but they are, for one reason or another, games that are just getting a little too much love.

These are the most overrated games of 2020.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Origins was a fascinating, but flawed, attempt to softly reboot the complacent Assassin’s Creed franchise. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey did a brilliant job of fixing many of those flaws, solidifying the franchise’s new direction, and setting us up for something potentially special.

Valhalla is occasionally that something special, but it’s mostly another incremental improvement that received a little too much praise for being another largely familiar entry in an increasingly familiar franchise. Not every AC game needs to reinvent the wheel, but we should also temper our praise for amounts to a better version of an already good game.

Call of Duty: Warzone

It didn’t take long for Call of Duty: Warzone to become the darling of the battle royale scene. The popularity of the Call of Duty franchise made Warzone immediately notable while the title’s free-to-play status got it into the hands of more people than may have otherwise given it a chance. On top of that, it’s a fun game in its own right.

Yet, at a time of constant updates, Warzone‘s general complacency has been frustrating to watch. The one advantage of live service games is that they typically stay fresh enough to become the only game you need for months at a time. Aside from a couple of fun events, Warzone‘s updates have largely focused on balancing the existing game.

Ghost of Tsushima

This one is tough. I actually think Ghost of Tsushima is a really good game. It’s got a great open-world, fun combat, a ton of style, and a fairly good story. There’s not a lot wrong with it from a purely critical standpoint.

Yet, at a time when Ghost of Tsushima is clearly becoming an award season darling, I feel that it’s necessary to be realistic about this game’s accomplishments. It’s a very well done version of a kind of game that we’ve seen before. Much like Valhalla, Ghost of Tsushima executes a formula to near perfection, but it perhaps plays it a bit too safe to be considered truly great.

Marvel’s Avengers

Granted, there aren’t a lot of people hyping up Marvel’s Avengers these days, but this feels like a fairly well-deserved case of “We told you so.”

After listening to everyone who wanted to defend this game for months despite an ever-growing pile of red flags surrounding it there’s an admittedly dark pleasure that comes from seeing this title turn out to be exactly what many others suspected it would be. Aside from its fairly good campaign, this is a soulless cash grab that tries and fails to cash in on a license with an unlimited amount of potential.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Squadrons is another game I actually like quite a bit. At a time of increasingly lowered expectations for Star Wars games, Squadrons offers a fun take on this universe that is often fairly clever.

However, Squadrons was hyped as a return to the glory days of Star Wars spaceship games, which it simply isn’t. It lacks the pure arcade action of the Rogue series, and it fails to replicate the simulator brilliance of the PC Star Wars space fighter titles of the ’90s. It’s stuck reminding me of better games it simply is not.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact caused quite a stir earlier this year with some fans going so far as to call it an improved version of Breath of the Wild that you can even play on mobile devices.

However, a little more time with Genshin Impact reveals its gameplay reliance on a microtransaction system that is too aggressive to be condoned at a time when microtransaction ethics are such a big talking point. To be honest, Genshin Impact feels like the most successful and ambitious mobile knock-off ever.

Resident Evil 3

I loved the original Resident Evil 3 and often wondered what would happen if the game got a chance to shine outside of the shadow of Resident Evil 2. Unfortunately, Capcom decided to release Resident Evil 3‘s remake in the shadow of Resident Evil 2‘s remake.

Similarities to the previous Resident Evil remake aside, one of the most disappointing elements of 2020’s Resident Evil 3 is how little new content it adds to the original game. It tends to cut some of the original game’s more frustrating moments rather than rework them which seems unambitious for a big-budget remake.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars

At the end of the day, Super Mario 3D All-Stars features three classic Mario games. It’s hard to argue with the idea of getting all of these games in one package or the merits of the original games.

Yet, nearly everything else about this collection feels like a mistake. Its ports are little more than glorified emulations that fall short of paying these games the tribute they deserved. Even if you’re willing to overlook this game’s bizarre limited digital release schedule, you’re still left to wonder where Super Mario Galaxy 2 is or why these games aren’t just straight-up available to download on Nintendo Switch.

We’ve talked about it before, but video game remakes are awesome.

In a medium where technology and art go hand-in-hand, remakes help us fully-enjoy older titles even after their technological shortcomings have made it impossible to enjoy them as they were meant to be enjoyed. Sometimes, these remakes even contribute new content to classic games that feel almost essential to the core experience.

Which video game remakes are the best of them all, though? The answer to that question will obviously vary from person to person, but we’d imagine that anyone’s list of the best remakes would need to include at least one of these incredible games.

Shadow of the Colossus

You could easily make the argument that Shadow of the Colossus is the best video game remake ever.

Bluepoint Games’ Shadow of the Colossus not only expertly updates the original game’s graphics in such a way that retains the 2005 title’s artistic design but helps ensure that it stands as one of the best looking games of its generation. More importantly, this remake addresses some of the gameplay flaws of the original which prevented many from being able to properly enjoy it.

Resident Evil (GameCube)

It must have been tempting for Capcom to just upgrade the original Resident Evil‘s graphics and call it a remake. Instead, they did something very different.

Not only is Resident Evil for GameCube a technologically mind-blowing game that still looks good to this day, but it’s a remake that retains the spirit of the original experience while fixing nearly every flaw and adding new content that truly completes an already classic game. It’s a masterpiece.

Resident Evil 2

Two Resident Evil games on a shortlist of the best remakes ever? It sounds gratuitous, but Capcom really has set the standard for remakes with releases such as these.

Resident Evil 2 almost entirely reimagines a game that many consider to be the best in series history and does it so effectively that it’s hard to ever go back to the original. What more could you ask for from a remake?

Final Fantasy 7

We know that there are many fans out there who feel that the Final Fantasy 7 remake did too much to distinguish itself from the original. They just wanted the original game with modern visuals and a few improvements.

Yet, it’s impossible to not at least respect what the Final Fantasy 7 remake tries to accomplish. By cleverly utilizing meta elements, Final Fantasy 7 shatters our expectations and honestly comes out all the better for its considerable efforts.

Black Mesa

After over a decade of work, this fan remake of Half-Life has finally been completed. Over the years, many suspected that there was no way this remake would ever live up to the hype.

Well, it didn’t. It actually exceeded the hype. Black Mesa is a bold and beautiful reimagining of one of the most important PC games ever made. We’d go so far as to call it the definitive way to play Half-Life in 2020.

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Nobody really talks about The Twin Snakes these days. We strongly suspect that’s because the game is basically impossible to play (legally) if you don’t own a GameCube.

That’s truly a shame. The Twin Snakes not only incorporates some of Metal Gear Solid 2‘s best gameplay ideas but it features a variety of narrative changes and new story sequences that are absolutely bonkers. This is one of the strangest remakes ever, but it’s also one of the best.

Metroid: Samus Returns

We don’t know if we agree with Nintendo’s decision to shut down that infamous fan remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus that likely partially inspired this remake, but it’s hard to argue with the results.

Metroid: Samus Returns brilliantly combines old and new concepts to form what could very well be the most complete Metroid game ever made. Metroid 2 was always underrated, and we’re thrilled that it got a chance to shine in this remake.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Here again, we have another incredible retro Nintendo title that’s handheld limitations made it the perfect remake candidate.

Even though most people expected this game to be good, few predicted that Link’s Awakening would be such a glorious realization of everything that made classic Zelda games…well…classics. This is one of those games that nearly every Switch owner needs to experience.

Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy

Expectations were modest for the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy. After all, most early previews suggested it would basically just be the Crash games with better graphics.

While those better graphics were certainly welcome, this remake’s brilliance is found in the little things. The subtle ways it refines and alters the original games reminded everyone just why they waited so long to play these PlayStation classics again.

Ratchet and Clank

Granted Ratchet and Clank is somewhere between a remake and a re-imagining, but we feel it’s close enough to the former to qualify for this list.

Generally speaking, this 2016 game just didn’t get the love it deserved. It’s possibly the best Ratchet & Clank game ever and one of the most enjoyable exclusives on a console that’s infamous for them.

A recent discovery by NASA has some people convinced that there may actually be a parallel universe in which time flows backwards.

While that’s a gross oversimplification (and honestly inaccurate) summary of what they really discovered, the very idea of a parallel universe being discussed in a scientific capacity has excited millions of fans who have watched various forms of pop culture deal with that same concept.

Said forms of pop culture very much includes video games. Actually, there have been quite a few video games over the years that have dealt with the subject of parallel universes or some rough equivalent of that concept. Of those many titles, though, these are some of the best that really got us wondering what it out there.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Many of the Zelda games play with the idea of alternate timelines and parallel universes, but this was the game that initially showed us the extent of that concept.

A Link to the Past not only introduced us to the idea that there is a “Dark World” where Ganon rules, but it allowed players to jump between those worlds in order to ultimately defeat Ganon and solve a series of challenges.

A Link to the Past doesn’t exactly feature the most complicated vision of parallel universes that we’ve ever seen, but at a time when video games were slowly growing more ambitious, it took a bold leap forward by showcasing the narrative and gameplay potential of swapping some art pieces.

BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite remains a controversial game for many, many reasons, but even amongst those who generally liked it, the execution and subject matter of its story is a notable point of contention.

We wouldn’t dream of recounting the entire Infinite plot here, but it dives heavily into the complex scenarios that a parallel universe would create and the even more complex scenarios that would result from someone (or multiple people) being able to navigate freely between those universes.

At the very least, Infinite (much like Zelda) used the concept of a parallel universe and alternate timelines to lay a fascinating foundation for future BioShock titles. Unfortunately, there’s a strong chance we’ll never get to play those games.

Chrono Cross

This sequel to the infamous SNES JRPG Chrono Trigger may not be quite as beloved as its predecessor, but many of those who played it remember it as one of the most unique and ambitious PS1 role-playing games.

Chrono Cross also happens to feature one of our favorite parallel universes in gaming. Essentially, the game’s hero (Serge) becomes aware of a parallel universe where he died as a child. His in-game journey focuses on the implications and meaning of that event that seemingly created two distinct timelines.

Chrono Cross‘ complicated plot may not have been for everyone, but the way that this game uses the ideas of multiple universes for its narrative and gameplay hasn’t necessarily been equaled since its debut.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

Quite a few years before Into the Spiderverse helped popularize the idea of multiple Spider-Man universes, this underrated gem explored that same idea in video game form.

What’s most impressive about Shattered Dimensions isn’t the way that it explored the idea of multiple universes in order to dive deep into Spider-Man‘s lore, but the way that its developers assigned a different art style to each universe and often had them wonderfully clash within this beautiful game.

Shattered Dimensions didn’t get everything right from a gameplay perspective, but we’d love to see a studio revisit this idea in some form.

Nier

Did you know that the Nier series is a spin-off of an old role-playing franchise called Drakengard? For that matter, did you know that Nier is based on one of the alternate endings to Drakengard in which the world essentially ends?

The ways that Nier explores what the world of Drakengard might have turned into 1000 years after an apocalyptic scenario are simply fascinating. Even if you aren’t familiar with the original game, it’s easy to appreciate the boldness of that concept and the often subtle ways Nier‘s developers explored that concept.

You could argue that the nature of this game pushes the core concept of a parallel universe somewhat, but this example is too fascinating to not mention.

Recently, David Gibson, an investment adviser, attended Nintendo’s Q&A following their latest earnings report and delivered some information including the claim that the Switch was “barely in the middle” of its life cycle. Given that it was released just over three years ago, that would mean there are at least three years left before it’s replaced. What we don’t know, however, is when and how exactly that replacement process will occur.

The Nintendo Gamecube had a six-year lifespan from 2001 to 2007, but the success of the console was nowhere near that of its competitors. The PlayStation 2 dominated those years and beyond and of course is the top-selling console of all time. The followup to the GameCube, the Nintendo Wii, had much more success, making it sixth on that list with more than 100 million sales. With that success, the console still only lasted seven years until its successor, the Wii U, began production.

While the Wii U proved to be even less successful than the GameCube, it still lasted from 2012 to 2017 before the Switch came along. This seems to indicate that Nintendo has fairly rigid plans for the rollouts of their console hardware. If a console can sell practically eight times as many units as another from the company and only have a lifespan two years longer, the Switch’s outlook of 6 years doesn’t seem too outlandish.

Yet there’s another factor to consider here. The Switch also functions as a branch of Nintendo’s handheld department – especially with the Switch Lite in the mix. The Nintendo DS went seven years before the 3DS came along between 2004 and 2011. The 3DS continues with its full backward compatibility nine years later along with a wide variety of hardware variations on the market. The core design of the DS has essentially existed for sixteen years surpassing multiple other console generations.

The question here is whether Nintendo intends to highlight the Switch as the successor to the DS or keep it competing in the console wars a unique alternative (or addition) to the PlayStation and Xbox. Will they continue to innovate and power up the hardware as they have with each console generation, or will they iterate on the design with more refined improvements like the DS? Both have their pros and cons.

If in 2023 or beyond we get the successor to the Switch as a home console, it could build on the relatively limited power the Switch has to deliver higher fidelity and frame rate versions of favorites. It’s hard to conceive of what innovations Nintendo might attempt, but the company seems to strive for new creations like the Wii’s motion controls, the Wii U’s dual-screen based interface, and the Switch’s role as both handheld and console.

Yet, they could also choose to deliver a console that doubles down on the features of the Switch, like the 3DS. Increasing the power and capabilities of the system while also adding functionality like expanded motion controls or branching into VR.  It would allow them to expand further beyond the 3DS’s limited potential as a handheld and bring a wider variety of games to people on the go.  Giving players more options and backward compatibility with the Switch’s growing library of games could broaden the appeal of the console just like the 3DS.

Whatever the case is, Nintendo has more control over their future than ever before. Fans and newcomers alike are clamoring for more classic entries to franchises like Breath of the Wild 2, Metroid Prime 4, and potential re-released 3D Mario games. I’m sure by the time 2023 rolls around, Nintendo will have everything in place to do what it takes to continue their progress. Whether they can execute on that success is something historically few have been able to accurately predict.

What do you think Nintendo’s next move will before the Switch? Do you see it more like a home console, a handheld, or somewhere in between? Let us know in the comments!

10. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved (Xbox 360)

First off, Geometry Wars was, is, and forever will be a great game. We’re in full “come at us” territory if you disagree with that statement.

Yet, the game’s placement on this list has much to do with its historical significance. Not only was Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved a great game, but it was a great game available via a console’s online store at a time when console online stores were a relatively foreign concept.

Geometry Wars encouraged everyone to give Xbox Live Arcade a shot. That means it not only helped kick off the era of digital distribution and DLC but the indie game movement as well.

9. SSX (PlayStation 2)

The PlayStation 2’s best launch feature was its DVD player, but its best launch game will always be SSX.

At a time when Tony Hawk was still king of the world, SSX offered a different kind of extreme sports experience. It was fast, colorful, and unbelievably fun to play. We don’t know if it was better than Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, but it’s in that conversation.

SSX was the only game every PlayStation 2 owner needed to buy when they went out to get their new console.

8. Soulcalibur (Sega Dreamcast)

We all know the sad story of the Sega Dreamcast. The little console that could ran into a series of problems which ultimately killed it, but the technical innovations of the console and its incredible library of games remain untarnished.

That incredible library kicked off with the launch of Soulcalibur. At a time when the phrase arcade-perfect was still the benchmark for video game technology, Soulcalibur offered an arcade-like experience at home as no other video game had before.

Soulcalibur forever changed the way we judged video game graphics and 3D fighting titles.

7. Super Mario World (Super Nintendo)

Spoilers: This isn’t the first Super Mario game you’ll see on this list. There are several good reasons Mario quickly became synonymous with the Nintendo brand.

Super Mario World may not have been as “revolutionary” as other Super Mario launch games, but it’s still arguably one of the best games ever made. Essentially an evolution of the brilliant Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World boasts some of the best level and overworld design in franchise history.

And to think that Super Mario World was included with every Super Nintendo. What a time.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch)

This is a bit of a controversial pick considering that Breath of the Wild was also released as one of the Wii U’s last major games. Nevertheless, we think it counts.

Besides, most people think of Breath of the Wild as a Switch game. In fact, the beauty, scope, and brilliant open-world gameplay of Breath of the Wild is a big part of the reason why so many people own a Switch.

This could go down as the best Zelda game ever made, so you know it has to make this list.

5. Wii Sports (Nintendo Wii)

It’s impossible to imagine that the Nintendo Wii would have become one of the best-selling consoles of all-time if it wasn’t for the success of Wii Sports.

Wii Sports perfectly conveyed the purpose and potential of the Wii’s motion control system and proved to be one of the most enjoyable party games ever made. There’s a good chance people only associate the Wii with Wii Sports, and we honestly can’t blame them.

If this was a list of the most important launch games ever, you could expect Wii Sports to be even higher than it is.

4. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)

Super Mario 64‘s status as one of the best Mario games of all-time and arguably one of the best games of all-time is certainly enough to enter it into this conversation.

Yet, the game’s most impressive legacy is arguably how it was designed to sell the Nintendo 64. Mario 64 not only took advantage of the N64’s technology like no other launch game, but it showcased how the console’s controller would make 3D navigation easier than ever.

Super Mario 64 is just a complete example of game design as art and technological evolution.

3. Tetris (Game Boy)

Do you know what the most impressive thing about Tetris is? It’s never really aged. You can still play the original version today and enjoy it as much as ever.

So imagine taking a chance on buying a Game Boy and losing hours of your life to this simple puzzle game. Tetris wasn’t necessarily a technological marvel in and of itself, but its addictive nature stands as one of the best justifications for buying an entirely new device just to play it.

Plus, just think of the value you’ve gotten from a copy of Tetris over the years.

2. Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox)

Let’s just get this out of the way now: Halo: CE is a straight-up incredible piece of game design that rightfully blew the minds of console gamers everywhere in 2001.

What really elevates it for the purposes of this list, though, was its multiplayer. Not only was Halo multiplayer a generational experience, but if you wanted to experience it in its 16-player LAN glory, you needed four Xboxes and four copies of the game to do so.

What we’re saying is that the brilliance of Halo practically demanded you owned an Xbox or at least some Xbox controllers. Its popularity almost single-handedly established the entire Xbox brand.

1. Super Mario Brothers (NES)

At a time when Nintendo was a relative unknown and the very concept of owning a video game console had fallen out of style, Super Mario Brothers changed everything.

Super Mario Brothers alerted millions to the fact that gaming as they knew it had changed dramatically. Its wonderful music, artistic design, involved gameplay, and incredible visuals were leaps ahead of what most people at the time associated with video games.

It’s hard to imagine the world where any of the other games on this list exist without Super Mario Brothers.

Even if you haven’t been playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you’re almost certainly aware of it. Nintendo’s first new “proper” Animal Crossing game in 8 years (and the first new console entry into the franchise in 12 years) was always going to be a hit even before the spread of the coronavirus amplified the appeal of the title’s addictive gameplay and wholesome themes. It’s quickly become a favorite on social media as fans share their worlds, homes, interactions, and various gameplay creations.

Yet, there is an element of Animal Crossing: New Horizons which isn’t discussed that much. It’s also the element of the game that tends to generate the most debate and discussions amongst fans.

As you’ve probably gathered from the title of this article, I’m talking about Animal Crossing‘s sometimes “annoying” gameplay. There are many examples of this, but for the sake of discussion, let’s focus on a few.

You typically can’t craft multiple items at once in New Horizons, which can often result in spending an incredible amount of time in the crafting menu. Interacting with certain objects is a real hit or miss proposition. Leaning where your shovel or fishing line is going to go when you use them takes a lot of practice, and you might not ever get used to how it really works. Dialog tends to move slowly even if you mash a button to advance interactions. Managing inventory can be a real annoyance. Exterior decorating can take quite a while.

There are more examples of such annoyances, but they all contribute to the greater gameplay theme of Animal Crossing being a much slower game than something like Stardew Valley. Very little in the game seems like it’s designed with the idea of streamlining and “min-max” gameplay in mind.

That’s the rough core of the controversy. On the one hand, there are some fans who state that it doesn’t make much sense that New Horizons suffers from some of the gameplay awkwardness that was present in the original GameCube versions. Such problems were often inherent with the technology and design principles of that time, so it stands to reason that Nintendo would fix such annoyances over the years.

Others will argue that’s the entire point of the Animal Crossing experience. They contest that Animal Crossing is designed to be a slower, more methodical game. By forcing you to slow down when interacting with others and crafting items, the game if putting its foot out and preventing you from just running for a finish line. There are just those who think that Animal Crossing was simply not meant to be played that way and that such quirks contribute to the charm of the experience.

There’s a wrinkle or two that muddies that argument, though. The fact is that the Animal Crossing series has adopted certain streamlined gameplay concessions over the years. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, for instance, features a wonderful interior decoration mode that allows you to design your home decorations much more easily. It does not, however, seemingly offer you a similar option for exterior decorations or world manipulation.

This is where the argument gets so interesting. If you believe that Animal Crossing is designed to be played at a slower pace, then what should you think regarding these changes designed to make that gameplay a bit easier? More importantly, how do you weigh them against some of the quirks and annoyances which still exist to slow the game down or adhere to tradition?

It’s a debate that can’t be addressed with a universal, simple answer. What it comes down to is what you believe Animal Crossing‘s “core” experience really consists of and how such an experience may be compromised or enhanced by modifications designed to make things a bit easier.

GameStop has been making headlines recently due to their controversial coronavirus policies. Among other things, GameStops seem to be dangerously unprepared to meet basic safety precautions tied to the coronavirus outbreak. They’re also reportedly prepared to defy state closure orders as executives seem to be attempting to argue that GameStop offers essential services during these times.

Why is GameStop so desperate to stay open? Well, there are obviously no stores that are excited about having to close, but the situation for GameStop is reportedly especially dire. Analysts were already arguing that GameStop was fighting for its retail life even before the coronavirus spread. If GameStop is forced to close for a few months, there’s a good chance they may never re-open or never be able to fully recover.

To be honest, it’s hard to feel sorry for them even if we feel sorry for those who would lose their jobs as part of a closure, no matter how long it may be. Not only is GameStop ready to force its employees to work in dangerous situations without the promise of adequate compensation, but this is just the latest in a series of controversial GameStop corporate decisions that have been going on for years now. It’s probably time for GameStop to go.

There is one question that remains in such an event, though. If GameStop goes, what happens to the used games market?

Granted, GameStop’s used games policies aren’t always the best (the company infamously offers little money for trade-ins of even newer titles), but they’re still one of the more reliable ways to relatively easily trade in old games and buy used copies of games. These services not only cater to gamers on a budget, but it helps ensure that gamers are never stuck with titles that they really don’t intend to play again.

Used game options do exist outside of GameStop (you can obviously always sell them online) but despite all of our advancements, it’s still usually just easier to buy and sell used games via a store like GameStop. If they close, then the used game market suddenly looks a lot thinner.

The truth is that it’s not easy to imagine that digital stores will adopt straight-up used game policies. Considering that you don’t even own some fo the games that you digitally purchase (although that varies from site to site) it’s kind of tricky to sell them to someone else. Besides, a digital copy of a game is never really “used” in the sense of how we use that word to define the second-hand market.

Alternatives are possible, though. The most reasonable option would be some kind of user-to-user trade system which allows someone to essentially trade a digital key to another user for a digital key to another game. Rules would have to be set-up to regulate this, but it’s not outside of the realm of reason. There’s also a small possibility that services like GOG and Steam could allow someone to receive a small refund for a purchase after a period of time, but that feels like an unlikely policy that doesn’t really create more opportunities to buy titles on the used market.

Honestly, it sounds like one of the best “replacements” for GameStop’s used game system will be streaming services. While services like Game Pass limit you to a roster of available titles, they still let you access a greater variety of games for a reduced price. They’ll likely soon become the preferred way for people to save money and still be able to play various games.

Unless we see a new store (online or otherwise) emerge with the intentions of specifically catering to used games, the increasingly likely possibility is that the death of GameStop could mean the death of the used games market as we’ve known it. While that’s unfortunate, it doesn’t necessarily justify keeping GameStops around nor does it justify impeding the industry’s drive to find solutions to some of the problems that we’ve outlined.

If you haven’t been paying attention to the Steam sales charts, you may not have noticed that a game called Temtem is quickly becoming one of 2020’s runaway hits.

What is Temtem? Well, there’s a lot of things you can say about it, but Temtem is essentially a Pokemon MMO.

Yes, there are differences, but we’re talking about a game where you run around various locations, catch and tame new monsters, and use them to battle other monsters and their trainers. Of course, the big difference in this instance is that you can do all those typical Pokemon things with a large online community of other players trying to do the same.

You should know that Temtem may be surprisingly popular, but it’s also quite buggy, suffers from some questionable grinding mechanics, and doesn’t really feature that much end game content or extra content beyond the grind of the experience. It’s a seriously flawed game that has nevertheless captured the imaginations of millions.

Of course, that just raises two questions that many find themselves asking: “Should Nintendo make a Pokemon MMO?” and “Why haven’t they made one already?”

The answer to that first question is “Probably.” You can argue whether or not MMOs are quite as popular as they used to be, but titles like Destiny and even the resurgence of World of Warcraft show that the genre does have life left in it and is capable of capturing the attention of a variety of gamers.

More importantly, you can kind of just see a Pokemon MMO working even if Nintendo chooses to only utilize relatively simple genre mechanics. While it’s not quite this simple, you can basically imagine a single-player game of Pokemon where most of the other trainers are real people. We’ve even seen raids in recent Pokemon titles, and Pokemon Go showed that people love the idea of Pokemon as a communal experience.

If that’s too hypothetical for you, then you’ve really just got to look at how Temtem has become a hit by just offering the basic framework of a Pokemon MMO. Imagine what Nintendo could do with that concept with their budget and resources.

Naturally, that leads us to the question of “Why hasn’t Nintendo made a Pokemon MMO?” which proves to be a much more difficult and frustrating query.

This may be controversial, but there are some who believe the answer to that question has something to do with Nintendo’s doubts regarding what the future of Pokemon is. Pokemon Sword and Shield were actually mostly pretty good games, but they fell way short of fan expectations for the first proper console Pokemon adventures.

You just get the feeling that Nintendo (and Game Freak) is hesitant to really take the Pokemon franchise beyond its early formula. That may sound odd given the various Pokemon spin-offs that exist and even the success of the aforementioned Pokemon Go, but when you really look at it, Nintendo at least seems hesitant to release a major Pokemon game that (ironically) evolves the core Pokemon concept from a gameplay perspective.

That seems to be the root of this problem. Again, Temtem shows that a truly successful Pokemon MMO won’t be able to entirely rely on the novelty of that concept. At some point, it’s got to be as compelling as an MMO as it is as a Pokemon title. Besides, Nintendo and Game Freak really don’t have that much experience with creating such elaborate online experiences. Finding out what makes a Pokemon MMO special beyond some superficial encounters and the inherent fun of the genre would require them to take some notable steps outside of their comfort zone.

A Pokemon MMO could be special, and there are probably a lot of people that would love to see one. However, if Nintendo isn’t willing to make a Pokemon Switch title that feels like something more than a slightly larger (though often oddly smaller) Pokemon handheld game, then is there really a chance they would give this concept the attention it deserves?

Despite the assurances of fanboys everywhere, there is rarely a “winner” of the console wars. Usually, we determine the winner by overall sales (at least if you’re trying to use a somewhat neutral metric), but even that system has its flaws.

For instance, the PlayStation outsold the N64, but the N64 is the home of some of the greatest games ever made and some irreplaceable gaming experiences. The Wii outsold the PS3 and the Xbox 360 by quite a bit, but it didn’t even feature support some of the best third-party games of its generation and lacked the online innovations of the Xbox 360.

The point is that the winner of most console wars almost always ends up being subjective. However, in the case of the PS4, you could honestly argue it might be the first objective console war winner.

To be clear, we’re talking about the PS4’s “war” against the Microsoft Xbox One and Nintendo Wii U. There was some console overlap during that time, but those three systems kicked off a new generation of gaming.

It’s when you compare the PS4 to those platforms that you start to see the extent of its dominance. That’s especially true in the case of the Wii U.

The Wii U was, by almost every tangible estimation, a failure. Reports indicate that it only sold about 14 million units, which means it was only moderately more successful than consoles like the TurboGrafx-16. Sales aside, the Wii U’s central gimmick (a tablet-like controller) was either rarely used by most developers or used in ways that failed to excite users. Like the Nintendo Wii, it also suffered from a lack of notable third party titles that essentially limited its library to the occasional Nintendo release or surprise hit.

The Xbox One featured many of those great third-party games, but it suffered from a list of problems that is “highlighted” by a lack of notable exclusive titles. The Xbox One’s best exclusives include largely uninspiring titles like Gears 5, Sea of Thieves, Forza Motorsport 7, and Halo 5: Guardians. Many of those games aren’t even truly exclusive once you account for their PC ports.

Besides, the Xbox One was pronounced dead on arrival by some who blasted Microsoft for the console’s high price point, controversial initial features, and its early reliance on the now mostly dead Kinect peripheral. Subsequent Xbox One releases later addressed many of those issues, but it proved to be too little, too late in terms of overall console sales.

The PS4, meanwhile, succeeded in most of the ways that its console competition failed.

Unlike the Xbox One, the PS4 launched as a reliable system at a fair price that offered the average gamer pretty much exactly what they wanted. Unlike the Wii U, the PS4 benefited from not only the presence of most notable third-party titles but an array of exclusives not just made by first-party studios. It certainly also bested the Xbox One in terms of both quantity of exclusives (an almost objective argument) and quality (an only slightly more subjective one).

On top of it all, you’ve got the fact that the PS4 has outsold its next closest competitor by nearly 60 million units so far. Sales may not be the only indicator of a console’s success, but you also can’t ignore those numbers.

Appropriately enough, if you’re going to argue that the PS4 wasn’t the undisputed winner of its generation, you’re best off abandoning the traditional metrics used to determine console winners and are better off arguing that its biggest shortcomings have to do with how it failed to innovate as its competitors did.

The Wii U was a  failure in many respects, but all Nintendo had to do was tweak its best ideas in order to deliver the Nintendo Switch: one of the most innovative and exciting consoles ever made. The Switch also allowed us to see that the Wii U actually hosted some incredible games that were just begging to be rescued from the platform.

The Xbox One similarly suffered from an array of problems, but it also furthered the idea of console cross-play, introduced the incredible Xbox Game Pass service, preserved the idea of backward compatibility, and even inspired other companies to give away free games every month in exchange for online subscription fees. The Xbox One stumbled out of the gate but no other console this generation took such confident steps towards the future.

Put it all together, and you’re left with the conclusion that we began this article with: there rarely is a true undisputed winner of console wars. Still, no other console has come quite as close to claiming that title as the PS4.

We’ve said it before, but 2019 was not a great year for gaming.

We’d stop short of saying it was an awful year, but it was a weird one. Some of the biggest (or at least the best) games of the year were also some of the ones that not many people saw coming. Control, for instance, exceeded critical expectations (even as it apparently failed to meet sales expectations), Outer Wilds was a bold experiment in game design, and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order managed to overcome everything that is EA in order to be a pretty darn good game.

The year was won by a stellar (if largely underrated) Nintendo Switch lineup, indie titles, solid franchise installments, and some surprise hits. That may sound good, but two players were largely missing from the gaming scene this year: Microsoft and Sony. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that this was the worst year for exclusive title on either console since the start of this gaming generation.

Why was that? Well, there is a variety of contributing factors, but you kind of have to blame the PlayStation 5 and Xbox’s Project Scarlett.

As you probably know, Microsoft and Sony are almost assuredly planning to release their respective next-gen consoles in 2020. Most likely, they’re going to release them fairly close to each other. That means that both companies are (understandably) focused on preparing for the next gaming generation and the pressures and logistics that come with that.

It also means a few other things that aren’t necessarily good for consumers. It means that both companies are less focused on consoles that are currently the gaming centerpieces of millions of homes. It means that what the few remaining big games that are set to appear on both consoles are pushed to 2020 in an effort to maximize “last-gen” sales in a next-gen year (a historically common practice).

Mostly, though, it means that developers everywhere (especially first-party developers) are now more focused on the next generation. That’s how we typically end up with years like 2019 that feature a lot of backwash and leftovers.

Just look at the Switch’s 2019. It wasn’t nearly as impactful as the console’s debut year, but it still offered Switch owners an array of worthwhile exclusives and notable ports. Nintendo and its partners aren’t worried about the next generation; they’re currently living in it.

This cycle of console replacement typically results in years such as 2019 (2012 was a great example of this effect), but that’s kind of the point here. Years like 2019 remind us that it’s time to start thinking beyond console generations.

With new technologies and concepts like subscription services and even cloud gaming on the rise, it’s becoming more and more apparent that the idea of releasing a superior piece of hardware every several years is just an archaic concept. Even phone manufacturers and television manufacturers are starting to suffer from this. Alternatives aren’t quite where they need to be, but they’re advancing towards a sustainable (and believable) future faster than traditional consoles are.

Truthfully, nobody can quite be sure what the future of gaming looks like, but 2019 makes it pretty clear that the future of gaming has no place for more years where major companies are spinning their wheels. It’s bad for gamers, and it’s bad for companies who have to sometimes eat a calendar year as they split their attention between two generations. At a time when Triple-A gaming is becoming more and more generic due to the increased risk of taking risks, it’s becoming more and more absurd to ask studios to have to split their attention to such insane degrees.

At the end of the day, 2019 will prove to be a largely forgettable year in gaming. However, nobody should forget why it was so forgettable.

2019 may not have quite been the worst gaming year of the decade, but it’s certainly in the conversation. While no year is devoid of notable games, this year was marred by delays and the growing shadow of the upcoming new console generation looming on the horizon.

Still, there must be a console winner of every gaming year, and this year was no different. Here is how the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch stacked up in 2019:

PlayStation 4

Notable 2019 Games: Days Gone, Death Stranding, Resident Evil 2

The PlayStation 4 has been a quality content machine throughout its lifespan, but this was undoubtedly one of the console’s worst years on record.

Days Gone bounced between awful and generic so quickly that it seemingly confused a generation of PS loyalists who don’t understand that the occasional PS4 exclusive can and will suck. Death Stranding is certainly one of the most fascinating games of the year, but even some of its supporters are quick to point out that the title is, at the very least, fascinatingly flawed in notable ways.

Resident Evil 2 was quite good, but it also wasn’t a PS4 exclusive (the game is available, with entertaining mods, on the PC). Kingdom Hearts 3 and Shenmue 3 are also available on other platforms, but we’re not sure we can entirely recommend either game regardless of which device you choose to play it on.

And that’s honestly kind of where the PS4 is at this year. It’s the first year in a long time that we can remember which didn’t demand you own a PS4 in order to play the best games (outside of Death Stranding), and most of the year’s best titles can be played elsewhere if you want to. Sony’s changes to the console’s cross-play capabilities and the functionality of the PS Now subscription service are nice, but the PS4 kind of just rode the wave of its considerable previous success throughout this year.

Xbox One

Notable 2019 Games: Gears 5, Crackdown 3

It’s not entirely fair to say that Microsoft and the Xbox team have conceded this gaming generation, but it’s honestly easier to defend that statement than it is to challenge it.

In terms of exclusives, Microsoft didn’t really come out of the gate swinging this year. Gears 5 was ok and Crackdown 3 was more or less straight-up awful in the worst way. So far as notable exclusives go, that’s about all there is talk about.

By Microsoft’s own admission, though, the company is thinking beyond traditional console boundaries. They’re bringing more of their games to PC, they’re supporting former “rival” consoles, and (most importantly) they’re turning Xbox Game Pass into the one subscription gaming service that you absolutely need.

All of those things are lovely, but if we’re just focusing on the experience of owning just an Xbox One in 2019 and how much you would enjoy that console based on what was released this year, then you’ve got to come away with the conclusion that it was just another dull year for the Xbox brand.

Nintendo Switch

Notable Games: Pokemon Sword and Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Super Mario Maker 2

It was a strange year for the Nintendo Switch. On paper, the delayed release of Animal Crossing, the relative disappointments of Pokemon Sword and Shield, and the hardware problems of the Nintendo Switch itself would seemingly suggest that Nintendo had a bad year.

However, when you take a step back, you start to remember all the good things that graced the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Super Mario Maker 2 and Luigi’s Mansion 3 were underrated major exclusives, Astral Chain is one of the best games of the year, Tetris 99 and Cadence of Hyrule were both brilliant surprises, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening flew a little too far under the radar considering their names and quality. Nintendo even finally added Super Nintendo games to the Switch Online library.

There was a lot of talk this year about broken Joy-Cons and missing Pokemon, but the fact remains that the Nintendo Switch enjoyed its best overall year since it was launched in 2017.

Winner: Nintendo Switch

Honestly, this wasn’t even close.

The Nintendo Switch endured some problems in 2019, but if we’re awarding the most points for exclusives content released throughout the year, then the Nintendo Switch almost objectively wins based solely on the number of great games it enjoyed in 2019.

While the PS4 remains the best overall console to own (at least based on the strength of its library), and Xbox One offers some of the best gaming services out there, no console benefited more from what was added to it in 2019 than the Nintendo Switch. With Sony and Microsoft eyeing the future, Nintendo was the clear winner of the present.

With the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch Lite and what it could mean for future Nintendo handhelds, we thought we’d take a look back at every Nintendo Handheld released until this point to see which are the best and which is the worst.

Just note that we have grouped together similar releases in instances where the two devices offered roughly the same experience plus or minus a few improvements. Generally speaking, though, yes, the XL models are better.

With that out of the way, here are the best and worst Nintendo handheld devices ever:

14. Nintendo 2DS (2013)

It feels pretty easy to call this the worst Nintendo handheld ever, even if it’s actually not all bad.

Still, with its awful slate design, bad battery life, and awful sound quality, this almost felt like a middle-finger from Nintendo to everyone who didn’t buy a 3DS. They said it was for kids, but we’re willing to bet 100% of kids would have taken a 3DS instead.

13. Game Boy Micro (2005)

To its credit, the Game Boy Micro had a brilliant backlit screen and many praise its interchangeable faceplates to this day. Good ideas went into the design of this device.

Unfortunately, not nearly enough good ideas went into the design of this device. It feels too small in most hands, was incompatible with the Nintendo e-Reader and other accessories, and (worst of all) didn’t feature backward compatibility options. Ultimately, it felt like a cash grab.

12. Nintendo Game and Watch Series (1980)

Nintendo’s Game and Watch series was a collection of handheld gaming devices that could only play single games. They’re important to the history of Nintendo and gaming. They even pioneered the modern D-Pad.

However, there’s really only so high we can put the Game and Watch devices considering just how woefully outdated they are. Still, they’re a significant piece of Nintendo’s hardware puzzle.

11. New Nintendo 2DS XL (2017)

You could certainly make the argument that this should be a spot or two higher on the list, but the fact is that the 2DS XL is what the 2DS should have been and it took Nintendo 4 years to get around to fixing the 2DS problem.

Still, the 2DS XL offered a slightly cheaper alternative to the 3DS for those who never cared about its 3D abilities. It doesn’t feature that terrible slate design and is comparable (if not equal) to the general quality of the 3DS.

10. Game Boy Advance SP (2003)

This is a tough system to rank. On the one hand, you’ve got to love the SP’s backlit screen, rechargeable battery, and Nintendo’s attempt at a smaller design.

On the other hand, the device’s lack of a traditional headphone jack (hello, Apple) is a killer, the SP’s shoulder buttons are awkward, and the overall design of the device just never felt quite right.

9. Nintendo 3DS (2011)/Nintendo 3DS XL (2012)

At the end of the day, expectations were high for the 3DS, and the console’s 3D capabilities proved to be a questionable gimmick that few companies really took advantage of. The original models’ battery life was also pretty bad.

Still, there were quite a few things to love about the 3DS design, and the device rarely suffered from a lack of good games.

8. Game Boy Pocket (1996)

Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine Nintendo taking seven years to release a new version of one of their devices only for that new version’s biggest feature to be “it’s smaller than the original.”

Of course, its size made the Pocket a near essential upgrade for Game Boy owners while the fact that the device only required two batteries instead of four was a blessing to parents (and kids) everywhere.

7. New Nintendo 3DS (2014)/3DS XL (2015)

Your feelings towards these handhelds are going to depend largely on your feelings towards the Nintendo 3DS. If you just don’t like the 3DS, these upgrades probably didn’t change your mind.

It’s hard to argue that Nintendo could have released a better 3DS than this, though. Its additional controls, better overall design, and increased power addressed many of the 3DS’ biggest issues aside from questions concerning the 3D feature itself.

6. Nintendo DSi (2008)/Nintendo DSi XL (2009)

We’re going to gush about our love of the DS here in a bit, but generally speaking, the DSi line was a better version of a great device that even featured the revolutionary addition of the DSi Shop.

Sadly, these handhelds lacked the DS’ GBA slot (which restricted some backward compatibility) and their included cameras were nice, but incredibly weak.

5. Game Boy Color (1998)

Again, we’re not sure if it should have taken Nintendo almost a decade to release a color variant of the Game Boy, but the industry was different back then.

The Game Boy Color quickly became a must-have, especially as Pokemon took over the world. While Nintendo maybe could have done more with it, this was an essential purchase in its day.

4. Game Boy Advance (2001)

The Game Boy Advance was an incredible leap forward for the Game Boy brand with its SNES-like games, great design, and backward compatibility. It was the true successor to the Game Boy.

Unfortunately, it also had some infamously bad lighting problems which became something of a running joke. That brings us to…

3. Game Boy Light (1998)

Released only in Japan for reasons that remain somewhat mysterious, the Game Boy Light is considered by many to be the best Game Boy of its era and one of the best ever made.

Why? Well, the answer is in the name. The Game Boy Light featured a built-in backlight that worked incredibly well, barely affected the battery life, and made the device only slightly larger than the Pocket. It makes it all the more curious why the Game Boy Advance didn’t have a built-in light.

2. Game Boy (1989)

As the most legendary handheld ever made, you knew the Game Boy was going to be somewhere high on this list.

The Game Boy’s absurdly long shelf life and stunning collection of games defy all modern expectations of how long a device can stay on top.

1. Nintendo DS (2004)/Nintendo DS Lite (2006)

Let’s just be quick about this.

The Nintendo DS sported a beautiful design, the best library of any handheld ever, brilliant touch screen functionality, and was even backward compatible. It’s no surprise that this is the best-selling video game device ever made.