The PlayStation 2 boasted a plethora of fantastic games, some of which were so impressive that they were remade or remastered for newer consoles. A lot of fans are eagerly anticipating the re-release of their favorite PS2 games. Nevertheless, the original titles still hold their value and are worth playing.

Role-playing games (RPGs) are immensely popular in the gaming world, and the PS2 offered a slew of memorable titles in this genre. Particularly, Japanese RPGs gained widespread acclaim, and a few standout PS2 RPGs captured players' hearts.

1. Final Fantasy 12

Initially divisive due to its departure from the franchise's established norms, Final Fantasy 12 managed to gradually rebuild its reputation in the following years, especially after the introduction of The Zodiac Age version. This rendition offers the optimal way to experience the RPG, incorporating several quality-of-life improvements. However, the game's fundamental strengths lie in its original PS2 version, particularly the Japan-exclusive International Zodiac Job System edition.

In FF12, random encounters are replaced with on-field enemies, enhancing immersion—a positive change. Although opinions on the protagonist vary, the story itself stands out as one of the best in Square Enix's franchise. The same can be said for the supporting characters. While the combat system may require some adjustment, once mastered, it truly shines.

2. Persona 4

Releasing long after the introduction of the PS3, Persona 4 served as the final masterpiece for the PS2, marking a brilliant conclusion for the console. Even though the eventual release of the superior P4 Golden made the original version seem outdated, it doesn't diminish the excellence of the PS2 original. Like all modern Persona games, the campaign combines dungeon-crawling and social simulation segments, with the latter dominating most of the gameplay. Fortunately, these non-combat sections are often the highlight of each game, as Atlus consistently weaves compelling narratives, unafraid to venture into dark territories if necessary.

Persona 4 not only stands as the finest turn-based JRPG on the PS2 but also the console's premier monster-collecting game. While exploring the TV World, players encounter Personas, with whom they can negotiate to recruit them to their team. Additionally, players can fuse Personas together, creating even more potent monsters.

3. Dragon Quest 8

Considered the pioneer of the JRPG genre, Dragon Quest has maintained its prominence for decades, especially in Japan, where it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Dragon Quest 8 stands out as the epitome of the series, encapsulating all the qualities that make Dragon Quest great while providing a traditional turn-based JRPG experience. On the surface, this might suggest that the game could feel outdated in the contemporary gaming landscape. However, Journey of the Cursed King possesses an enduring charm and refinement that makes it utterly timeless.

Featuring captivating cel-shaded visuals and narrating an enjoyable journey with a compelling cast of characters, Dragon Quest 8 reigns supreme as the ultimate PS2 JRPG for those seeking a classic adventure with a quintessential battle between good and evil.

4. Suikoden 3

Set 15 years after Suikoden 2, one of the standout JRPGs on the PS1, Suikoden 3 often finds itself in the shadow of its predecessor. However, it stands as another masterpiece, showcasing Konami's peak capabilities.

The narrative is exceptional, unfolding through three distinct character viewpoints, and is notable for its well-crafted character development. Similarly, Suikoden 3 impresses with its battle system and visuals, especially when considering the standards of its time.

5. Kingdom Hearts 2

The collaboration between Square Enix and Disney has mostly resulted in outstanding games, with Kingdom Hearts 2 arguably being the franchise's pinnacle. This 2006 sequel builds beautifully on its predecessor's concepts, refining some of its rough edges. The game boasts stunning visuals and a generally good storyline, although it occasionally becomes needlessly complex. Featuring 15 diverse worlds, KH2 offers the most robust selection of stages in the series, spanning a wide range of intellectual properties and settings.

The combat system is dynamic and swift, evolving smoothly as the story progresses, setting KH2 apart from its numbered sequel. However, the gameplay can be relatively easy at times, intensifying primarily during optional boss battles.

6. Dark Cloud 2

Dark Cloud 2, also recognized as Dark Chronicle, earned a cult following upon its 2003 release, surpassing the original Dark Cloud in ratings. The game guides players through procedurally generated dungeons, focusing on the progression of their weapons rather than character levels. Level-5 created an ambitious title featuring a vibrant art style that has gracefully stood the test of time.

In addition to dungeon exploration, players gather components of towns and cities to aid in their reconstruction. However, the game presents a challenge, as certain villagers impose specific conditions regarding the placement of buildings.

7. Shadow Hearts 2

Released in 2004 as the sequel to Shadow Hearts, known as Shadow Hearts 2 in Japan, this Japanese RPG unfolds six months after the events of the original game. It continues the series' trademark blend of alternate history and Lovecraftian horror, captivating fans with its dark themes, humorous moments, mystical elements, and compelling narrative.

Despite its cult classic status, Shadow Hearts: Covenant remains a distinctive and memorable experience even after almost two decades. The game features the satisfying Judgment Ring combat system, capable of producing incredibly gratifying combos. Moreover, the story stands out for its mature themes and is enriched with a cast of unforgettable characters.

8. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

Launched in 2001, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign of Dungeons and Dragons, marking several significant milestones. It stood as the first Baldur's Gate installment to be available on a console and was also the pioneer in implementing real-time gameplay according to the game's rules.

Upon its release, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance received the prestigious Academy of Interactive Arts and Science Award for "Role-Playing Game of the Year." As a robust hack-and-slash RPG, it was exceptionally impressive for its time and continues to offer enjoyment even years later. Although it may not reach the same heights as Diablo 2, this PS2 release is still commendable for its unique qualities.

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The Steam Deck was introduced on February 25, 2022, marking the onset of a new era in portable gaming. It now allows individuals to enjoy their extensive Steam game collections on the go, eliminating the need for a gaming laptop. While not surprisingly flawless, the console's initial reception has been respectable, earning a considerable amount of acclaim alongside valid criticisms that could potentially be addressed in the future.

Since its launch, Valve has been systematically testing games and designating them as "Deck Verified," signifying that they run smoothly on the Steam Deck. Naturally, this undertaking will require time due to the sheer volume of titles on Steam, but numerous prominent games have already received confirmation. What are the top RPGs available on the Steam Deck?

Baldur's Gate 3

After enjoying a successful run in Steam's early access program, Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 officially made its grand debut in August 2023, receiving enthusiastic acclaim and applause from almost everyone. Despite the upcoming release of several noteworthy RPGs in the coming months, BG3 is certain to stand out as one of the genre's top additions for 2023 and one of the year's standout games overall. The game quickly received Deck Verification status and performs quite well on Valve's portable gaming system. While those with gaming desktops might prefer the larger screen experience, using the Steam Deck remains a viable option.

Baldur's Gate 3, a turn-based tactical RPG, draws inspiration from Larian's Divinity: Original Sin 2, making it a familiar experience for fans of the latter. However, for most people, the 2023 release marks their initial foray into this subgenre, and it couldn't be a better introduction. The game offers extensive customization, an intricately crafted world, flexible storytelling, and a complex combat system that demands strategic thinking and a thorough understanding of each party member's strengths and weaknesses.

Tales Of Arise

For over twenty years, Bandai Namco's Tales series has consistently delivered enjoyable action-packed JRPGs, and the franchise is currently enjoying a period of remarkable success. Tales of Arise stands as a strong contender for one of the franchise's finest games, a statement not made lightly. It unfolds in a world marked by discrimination, where Arise follows the journey of two individuals from opposing sides of the conflict, drawn together by fate, embarking on a challenging quest to bring about change in Dahna.

Both the storyline and characters in Arise are robust, with the characters standing out in particular. Nevertheless, a compelling narrative alone wouldn't suffice if the gameplay weren't enjoyable. Fortunately, Arise excels in its combat system.

During September 14's PlayStation State of Play, Tales of Arise debuted a new trailer for its forthcoming story DLC, Beyond the Dawn. It also confirmed the Tales of Arise DLC would release on November 9, putting it just two months away.

The Witcher 3

While there are numerous outstanding RPGs, only a select few can be credited with having had a transformative impact on the genre, hopefully for the better. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt serves as a prime example of a relatively recent release that reshaped the gaming landscape by establishing a new benchmark of excellence.

Since the game's launch, it appears that RPGs in general have made a more concerted effort to ensure that side quests offer more substantial and engaging experiences. While it's true that The Witcher 3 wasn't the initial game to deliver exceptional supplementary content, it can arguably be considered as having perfected this aspect. The overall package is equally impressive, whether it's the expansive open-world, the main storyline, or the quality of voice acting. That being said, opinions on the combat system may vary, but it tends to come together more cohesively as players become acquainted with its mechanics.

Hogwarts Legacy

Since the inception of the Harry Potter film series, video games based on the franchise have consistently followed suit. Typically, these games have adhered closely to the plots and characters found in the novels. While there have been some commendable games over the years, the Harry Potter gaming franchise hasn't always been synonymous with top-notch quality. What's more significant is that the success of Hogwarts Legacy suggests a broader interest in the rich universe of the franchise beyond just Harry's individual journey.

Avalanche's open-world RPG is set approximately a century before the events in the books, and it follows the story of a transfer student enrolling at Hogwarts. While the storyline has its positive aspects, the primary allure of Hogwarts Legacy lies in its ability to let fans immerse themselves in the Wizarding World and explore some of the most iconic locations from the series. While the RPG isn't without its flaws, it manages to get many things right, particularly considering that it represents Avalanche's initial venture into the Harry Potter license. Hopefully, any potential sequel will build upon the strengths of the 2023 game.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

After over ten years of delivering beat 'em up action with the iconic character Kazuma Kiryu, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio decided to take a bold step by making significant adjustments to the Yakuza series. Like a Dragon introduces a turn-based combat system reminiscent of the classic Dragon Quest games and introduces a new central hub.

Despite these substantial changes, at its core, Like a Dragon preserves the essence, wit, and innovation that the series is known for. The game takes ambitious swings and, aside from a few initial challenges, manages to achieve great success.

Elden Ring

Launched concurrently with the Steam Deck, Elden Ring served as the ultimate benchmark for testing the capabilities of the handheld system. Could Valve's platform effectively handle a massive open-world RPG with an abundance of content that could entertain players for hundreds of hours? The answer was a resounding "yes," and experiencing Elden Ring on the go is just as breathtaking as embarking on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild adventure on the Nintendo Switch.

FromSoftware's title from 2022 immerses players in the expansive and nightmarish world known as the Lands Between, which beckons for thorough exploration. With its robust customization system, numerous epic boss encounters, and rich lore, Elden Ring is truly remarkable.

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The strong interrelation between video games and anime is intriguing, particularly in the way certain themes seamlessly cross over. One significant shared element between these two mediums is the fascination with colossal robots and imaginative mechs. While robots are not confined solely to these platforms, some of the most exceptional mech-related content emerges from the realm of video games and anime.

Numerous long-standing anime series have centered around giant robots, yet video games have exhibited ingenuity within this genre, be it by crafting original narratives or translating beloved franchises. Hence, presented below are the top 8 video games tailored for enthusiasts of mechs and massive robots.

BattleTech

Unveiled in 2017, BattleTech is a strategy game characterized by turn-based tactical warfare, set within a distant galaxy amidst a period of political turmoil. In this context, the aristocratic class deploys groups of mercenary MechWarriors, who pilot mechs, to engage in warfare aimed at seizing dominance from one another. As the leader of one such mercenary company, the responsibility rests on your shoulders to lead a team, or 'lance', of mechs through a series of intense strategic confrontations.

This dynamic robotic game provides a plethora of options for customizing your lance, ranging from distinct chassis designs to varying armor and weaponry choices. To excel in various combat scenarios and terrains, a well-balanced lance should comprise mechs tailored to different purposes. Through this high degree of mech control, the developer Harebrained Schemes ensures that commanders experience a profound feeling of individualization and possessiveness over their lance.

Titanfall 2

Crafted by a squad of Call of Duty veterans affiliated with Respawn Entertainment, the Titanfall series seamlessly blends swift, arcade-style shooting action with weighty robot clashes. In a striking turn of events, Titanfall 2's exceptional solo campaign unfolds a futuristic tale involving a soldier and his mechanized companion, akin to a fusion of The Iron Giant and Singularity. This narrative boasts explosive cinematic sequences, exhilarating platforming segments, and an emotionally resonant conclusion, culminating in one of the finest mech-centered narratives to date. Astonishingly, the game's excellence surpasses expectations.

The fluid controls and gratifying firearm mechanics transition seamlessly to the multiplayer mode. With mechs and pilots engaged in intense battles across sprawling maps, each match exudes a grandiose vibe. While whispers of Titanfall 3 circulated for a period, Respawn was, in fact, immersed in the creation of Apex Legends, a battle royale title set in the Titanfall universe but absent the mechs—although one of the diverse cast of Apex Legends characters is a robot. Regrettably, Titanfall 2 remains one of the most outstanding mech encounters available, leaving little room for complaints.

Into the Breach

Offering another tactical, turn-based strategy gaming experience hailing from 2017, Into the Breach adeptly captures the grandeur of battles between robots and colossal insects within a compact and time-efficient framework. Drawing inspiration from the roguelike genre, the game shapes each narrative attempt into a distinct run. Between engagements, players can secure mech enhancements and select a pilot to retain across runs, infusing a degree of lasting significance into the gameplay.

The game's confrontations occur on a diminutive 8×8 grid and unfold more akin to puzzles than traditional tactical encounters. Each mech possesses distinct attacks capable of repositioning foes in specific manners across the map, rendering the meticulous planning of movement sequences almost as crucial as inflicting direct damage upon adversaries. The added complexity stemming from the need to safeguard civilian structures injects a layer of tension, transforming Into the Breach into an intense and gratifying intellectual challenge within the realm of indie gaming.

Transformers: Devastation

Although PlatinumGames has a relatively brief history in game development, they've emerged as a prominent contender in the field, propelled by successful titles like Bayonetta, MadWorld, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Entrusting Platinum with the Transformers franchise appears to be an obvious decision, and while Transformers: Devastation might not stand as their pinnacle creation, it nevertheless offers a gratifying illustration of monumental robot-driven chaos. The game consistently inundates players with action and portrays urban devastation in a manner that only a handful of other games contemplate.

MechWarrior Online

During the extended seventeen-year interim spanning from the launch of MechWarrior 4 in 2002 to MechWarrior 5 in 2019, enthusiasts of mechs found solace in MechWarrior Online, a free-to-play title that transports the strategic intensity of mechanized combat into the realm of player versus player.

The game's accessibility is not immediate, and the free-to-play nature brings with it a set of challenges to overcome. However, its unwavering adherence to the time-tested MechWarrior gameplay is indisputable. Navigating various aspects demands attention, including monitoring your mech's heat levels and its torso's rotational capacity – hallmarks of traditional MechWarrior mechanics. For die-hard fans, an exclusively online gameplay approach might not align with their ideal MechWarrior encounter. Nevertheless, given that MechWarrior 5 leans predominantly towards single-player, MechWarrior Online remains the optimal means to engage in battles against friends within the BattleTech universe.

Front Mission Evolved

Debuting in 2010, Front Mission Evolved transformed the tactical turn-based framework prevalent in preceding entries of the series into an action-centric third-person shooter. Except for a port of the 2005 PlayStation 2 release Front Mission Online, it stands as the sole installment in the series available on the PC platform, a fact that holds inherent value.

While initial observations might draw parallels to MechWarrior, Front Mission Evolved delivers a considerably swifter encounter. Commanding a Wanzer, you engage in rapid dashes, hovering maneuvers, and intense firepower to secure triumph across a sequence of missions, each housing shooting scenarios populated by adversary mechs. The narrative of Evolved essentially rebooted the series, rendering it unnecessary to be acquainted with the lore – a history stretching back to 1995 – to fully appreciate the characters and plot twists presented.

Super Robot Wars 30

In case Super Robot Wars is unfamiliar, it's likely due to its previous exclusive availability in Japan. However, marking the 30th anniversary of the series, Super Robot Wars 30 now has the opportunity to introduce its impressive lineup of characters and mechs to an international audience.

As the commander of a robotic army with a mission to safeguard the planet, an extensive selection of renowned mechs and robots from acclaimed mecha anime, such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Mazinkaiser, and Code Geass, can be recruited. Beyond the turn-based tactical confrontations within the game, you'll also enhance your roster, assembling the ultimate team of mechas.

Xenosaga

The JRPG category frequently serves as a breeding ground for unbridled ambition. The Xenosaga series exemplifies this trait, narrating an intricate tale across multiple titles, all originating with Xenogears on the PlayStation platform. Xenosaga's narrative is genuinely compelling and justifies the expansive journey it undertakes.

Moreover, the series provides an abundance of enjoyable and frenetic combat sequences, prominently featuring KOS-MOS, a highly advanced battle android. These games extend beyond mere robot-based destruction, and it's astonishing how they effectively harmonize such levels of spectacle with a sophisticated storyline.

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Tears of the Kingdom surpasses Breath of the Wild in the number of boss fights it offers, but the question remains: are these battles genuinely challenging? In Breath of the Wild, Link confronted Ganon Blights and eventually faced off against Calamity Ganon himself. However, the same cannot be said for its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.

After experiencing Tears of the Kingdom, some Breath of the Wild enthusiasts might argue that the Ganon Blights in the latter were somewhat repetitive, despite each requiring distinct strategies to defeat. While the showdown between Ganondorf and Link in Tears of the Kingdom was highly anticipated, opinions varied among players regarding the new bosses. Some received praise for their unique battles, while others found themselves frustrated with the difficulty they presented. It is evident that the challenge level of Tears of the Kingdom's bosses is a topic of debate, but it's clear that the developers intended some encounters to be easier than others.

5. Mucktorok

Mucktorok may appear comical at first, but don't be fooled—this boss can be surprisingly fast and lead to a frustrating battle. Initially, it hides within a shark-shaped sludge, swiftly zooming around the battlefield to unleash waves of sludge attacks on Link and Sidon. To defeat it, players must first deal with the sludge shark, either using Sidon's Ability or Splash Fruit, similar to handling the Sludge Like.

The potential challenge with Mucktorok lies in two key factors: its speed, especially during phase 2, and Sidon's AI. Some players have expressed annoyance with the Sages' powers, which becomes relevant here when Link greatly relies on them. In phase 2, Mucktorok starts jumping around in sludge puddles, evading Link's attacks. The best way to stop its movements is by stunning it with an arrow or clearing up the sludge.

4. Phantom Ganon (Hyrule Castle)

After completing all four temples, Link heads to Hyrule Castle expecting to confront Ganondorf. However, he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with "Zelda," who summons hordes of monsters to hinder Link's progress. When he finally reaches her in the Sanctum, instead of Ganondorf, he faces Phantom Ganon. Players experienced with fighting Gloom Spawn are familiar with handling Phantom Ganon, and with the assistance of all four Sage Avatars, the first phase is relatively manageable. The real challenge arises in phase 2.

During phase 2, Link must contend with five Phantom Ganons simultaneously, with one of them causing the entire room to be enveloped in gloom. If the Avatars get trapped in the gloom, they become immobile. To halt the spread of gloom, Link can climb the stairs and enter bullet time to fire arrows at the Phantom Ganon summoning the gloom. Additionally, players may find it easier to focus on defeating one Phantom Ganon at a time, as dealing with all of them simultaneously can be arduous and risky.

3. Queen Gibdo

Queen Gibdo proves to be an even more challenging boss than Mucktorok. Although she can be fought before Phantom Ganon in Hyrule Castle, she ranks among the most difficult encounters in TotK. Players heavily rely on Riju's Lightning for this fight or require an ample supply of Shock Fruit or Yellow Chuchu Jelly. The complexity of the boss fight contributes to its difficulty, particularly during phase 2, where things can get outright chaotic, especially when dealing with Riju's AI.

To damage Queen Gibdo, players must strike her with lightning until her body turns white, allowing them to unleash melee attacks. This will cause her to collapse, making her more vulnerable to further strikes. In phase 2, Queen Gibdo activates four Gibdo nests around the battlefield, takes to the air, and spews acid at Link and Riju. Players should focus on eliminating the Gibdo nests, which can prove challenging due to Riju's Lightning Field needing to cover the entire nest before firing an arrow. Moreover, Riju or Link may get hit by the monsters or the queen herself, disrupting their progress.

2. Seized Construct

Seized Construct serves as the boss of the Spirit Temple, and players must ride Mineru's Construct to defeat it. The route leading to the Spirit Temple allows players to fuse various Zonai Devices to the Construct, and neglecting to do so can make this boss fight punishing. Players cannot harm the Seized Construct until they manage to knock it into the barbed wire encircling the battlefield. The difficulty here lies in Mineru's Construct's slow speed, making precise maneuvers essential for success.

In phase 2, Seized Construct gains the ability to fly using Zonai devices, launching cannonballs and various fused arm attacks at Link. Having the Canon fused to Mineru's Construct makes it easier to blast the boss out of the air and follow up with melee attacks. For those lacking such fusion options, they must wait for the Seized Construct to land during its attacks.

1. Ganondorf

Unsurprisingly, the Demon King himself proves to be the most challenging boss in TotK. The battle unfolds in three phases, with phase 2 posing the greatest difficulty for Link. Phase 1 resembles Phantom Ganon battles, and while phase 3 is still challenging, it doesn't quite reach the level of complexity present in phase 2. The developers aimed to make Ganondorf a true final boss, and they certainly succeeded.

Upon depleting Ganondorf's HP in phase 1, he taps into the power of Sonia's secret stone, causing his health bar to stretch across the screen. His attack power increases, and he summons Phantom Ganons to assist him. However, after enduring long enough, the five sages join the fray, holding off the Phantom Ganons while Link focuses on the real Ganondorf.

In phase 2, when Ganondorf's HP reaches half, he renders the sages unconscious, leaving Link to face him one on one. Players attempting a flurry rush will be met with a surprise, as Ganondorf can counter Link's flurry rush with his own. Players must trigger another flurry rush to counter Ganondorf's move. Additionally, Ganondorf's "gloom" attacks erase one of Link's hearts permanently, making it vital to deflect the gloom spheres using a melee weapon like the Master Sword. Failure to figure this out quickly can result in significant heart loss before the battle concludes.

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Ghosts are widely present in various forms of popular culture, spanning from movies and anime to TV shows. They frequently appear in video games as antagonistic entities, such as in the different adaptations of Ghostbusters. However, this raises the question: what about games that allow players to assume the role of a ghost or a spirit?

There are numerous games where players can experience being a ghost firsthand. Whether depicted as a traditional ghost with a bedsheet and eye holes or a fearsome spectral apparition, these ghost games offer a unique perspective. While not all of these games are intended to be scary, they provide an intriguing opportunity to venture into the realm of the supernatural.

1. Avenging Spirit

One example is Avenging Spirit, available both as an arcade game and a Game Boy game. Despite graphical differences, both versions share similar gameplay mechanics. In this lighthearted game with a cartoon-like aesthetic, players are transformed into ghosts after being gunned down. They can then possess enemies, such as gun-wielding mobsters, in different levels. While Avenging Spirit is relatively obscure at present, interested players can rely on emulation to experience it.

2. Crawl

Another game, Crawl, sets itself apart from Avenging Spirit by offering easy accessibility on most modern consoles. This indie roguelike dungeon crawler focuses on multiplayer gameplay. One player assumes the role of the hero, while three other players embody spirits. These spirits have the ability to possess traps to harm the hero or control monsters. This innovative concept combines the elements of both a ghost game and a multiplayer experience. However, finding a random online multiplayer session for Crawl may prove challenging due to its age, so gathering three other gaming friends is recommended.

3. Geist

Geist, an exclusive title for the GameCube, is another noteworthy example. Players take control of John Raimi, whose soul is forcefully extracted by a terrorist organization. Instead of dying, this experiment grants John the ability to possess various objects and individuals, ranging from guards to mops in buckets. Geist pushed the boundaries of the shooter genre and capitalized on the unique capabilities of the GameCube. While it's unfortunate that many of these experiences remain confined to specific hardware, remasters occasionally emerge, making it worth the wait despite the game's imperfections.

4. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the game that inspired this list due to its re-release, stands as a remarkable adventure game previously exclusive to the DS. It's commendable that this excellent game can now reach a wider audience. The protagonist, Sissel, is a mysterious man who dies but retains the ability to possess objects, a common trait among the ghosts in this compilation. However, Ghost Trick distinguishes itself as a puzzle game, where solving particular puzzles alters the course of history. Additionally, Sissel possesses the power of time travel.

5. Murdered: Soul Suspect

Murdered: Soul Suspect centers around Detective Ronan O'Conner, a tattooed investigator who perishes on duty. Returning as a ghost, Ronan must solve his own murder along with other mysterious deaths in the vicinity. This adventure game pushes the genre's boundaries by allowing players to interact more extensively with the game world, such as examining objects and passing through walls. Furthermore, the presence of Dementor-like spirits reminiscent of Harry Potter adds a peculiar and intriguing aspect to the game. While Murdered: Soul Suspect exhibits an uneven pace and some graphical issues, there are few games similar to it.

6. The Outbound Ghost

The Outbound Ghost, a newer indie RPG heavily influenced by Paper Mario, presents players with a narrative where they awaken in the afterlife as a voiceless ghost. They soon encounter other ghosts willing to assist them on their journey. Players divide their time between solving puzzles in the overworld and engaging in turn-based battles, following the conventions of typical RPGs. Combat involves utilizing stickers collected throughout the game world, and eventually, players can recruit new party members.

7. The 3rd Birthday

The 3rd Birthday shares similarities with Geist, as both feature protagonists whose souls are intentionally extracted. In this case, the main character Aya Brea volunteers for the process. The game incorporates elements of time travel akin to Ghost Trick. Set in a disaster-stricken New York, Aya's soul is sent back into a machine, enabling her to possess other bodies since her original form is fragile. Despite a complex development history, The 3rd Birthday is part of the Parasite Eve franchise.

8. Rogue Spirit

The final entry on the list is Rogue Spirit, the most recent game as of 2023, having recently exited early access. Players awaken in a garden as a deceased samurai spirit and gain the ability to possess other warriors in an endless action roguelike game. While the possession mechanics resemble those in other games mentioned, Rogue Spirit offers a fresh Japanese-themed setting. It falls into the category of roguelike games that demand significant time investment to reap greater rewards. With practice, it may become a captivating new obsession for roguelike enthusiasts.

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The Xbox Series X/S, like other gaming systems, actively seeks to expand its library with compelling exclusive titles. However, Microsoft's background as a software company means that most of their titles are also available on PC. While this might seem contradictory, there is still a considerable player base who prefers gaming on consoles. The following games effectively showcase the appeal of the Xbox Series X/S as an enticing gaming console. Additionally, players who own the older Xbox One can take solace in the fact that some of these games are also accessible on that platform.

1. Scorn

Scorn is a game that will captivate fans of biopunk aesthetics and the artistic style of H.R. Giger. It immerses players in a terrifying world where the surroundings appear to be alive, evoking a sense of horror and unease.

Contrary to expectations, Scorn emphasizes puzzles and exploration rather than action-packed gameplay, surprising many players. In fact, the combat mechanics in the game are cumbersome and serve to emphasize the vulnerability and helplessness of the player as they confront numerous dangers.

2. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 showcases Playground Games' mastery in the racing genre, delivering an exhilarating and immersive experience. Known for their exceptional attention to detail, the developers have once again created a game that is a joy to play. Set in the vast and captivating landscape of Mexico, players have the opportunity to participate in thrilling races and tackle various challenges throughout the Horizon Festival.

Forza Horizon 5 has clearly established itself as one of the standout exclusives on the Xbox Series X/S platform, including a huge variety of automobiles, realistic weather systems, and better graphics. While some fans may have reasonable critiques, the game is graphically attractive and provides an engaging gameplay experience.

3. Pentiment

Pentiment, developed by the highly regarded Obsidian Entertainment, adds another achievement to their track record of crafting exceptional narratives in video games. This particular game revolves around solving a mystery, where players engage in investigations spanning multiple generations.

Although the concept of hunting down a murderer may seem cliché to some, Pentiment manages to shine through its impressive storytelling. The game's writing is a standout feature that sets it apart, despite the occasional predictability of the central premise. It is a highly recommended title for fans of distinctive mystery games, offering an enjoyable experience worth exploring.

4. Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is renowned for its incredibly lifelike and meticulously crafted simulation games. The most recent installment upholds this esteemed tradition, offering players the opportunity to soar through faithfully recreated real-world locations, complete with breathtaking visuals and realistic physics.

Featuring an extensive selection of aircraft and providing detailed airport and weather conditions, Microsoft Flight Simulator is an essential choice for aviation enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive gaming experience. It stands out as a serene option on this list, allowing players to relax and unwind at their own leisure, granted they are familiar with the game's intricate mechanics.

5. Immortality

Immortality, created by the talented Sam Barlow, known for his work on Her Story and Telling Lies, is an innovative FMV (Full Motion Video) game that brings its own unique mechanics to the table. This narrative-driven game revolves around the puzzling disappearance of a renowned film actress, challenging players to unravel the enigmatic events leading up to her vanishing.

Once again, Barlow showcases his brilliance as a game developer by pushing the boundaries of what FMV games can achieve in the modern era. This achievement alone is noteworthy. While Immortality may not quite reach the same level as Her Story, it remains an engaging and captivating game in its own right.

6. Hi-Fi Rush

Hi-Fi Rush successfully brings together the elements of rhythm and action games, creating a compelling and enjoyable experience. Unlike the abundance of mindless button-mashing games in the genre, Hi-Fi Rush introduces a refreshing combat system that requires players to synchronize their movements with the beat to deliver impactful attacks.

The game's stunning art style, combined with its vibrant energy, solidifies its position as one of the standout exclusives on the Xbox Series X/S. Fans of distinctive action titles will undoubtedly find great satisfaction in what Hi-Fi Rush has to offer.

7. Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite encountered significant controversy even before its release. However, 343 Industries diligently took player feedback into account and made efforts to optimize the game, resulting in a generally positive reception from fans, particularly regarding the single-player content.

The introduction of an open-world approach brought a refreshing twist to the traditional Halo formula. However, the alterations made to the multiplayer component were universally criticized, with the shift to a free-to-play model resulting in players having to endure a grind to access content, which was perceived as negative in every aspect.

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The protagonist is the most important character in a story-driven, single-player game as they are always in the spotlight. However, side characters shouldn't be underestimated in their ability to assist the main character in various ways. Some provide physical aid by giving health packs or ammunition during resource scarcity, or by boosting the protagonist's attack. Others offer emotional support and serve as a moral guide, offering pep talks and reminders to stay on the right track.

1. Donald & Goofy (Kingdom Hearts)

The AI controlling Donald and Goofy in Kingdom Hearts, particularly Donald, can be inconsistent, particularly during boss battles where Donald's magic is not particularly effective. Although his healing spells can be crucial, he doesn't always cast them at the optimal moments.

Nevertheless, Donald and Goofy are indispensable allies who greatly support Sora throughout all Kingdom Hearts games. They remain loyal companions both in and out of combat, forming an inseparable team that is willing to go to any lengths for each other.

2. Ellie (The Last Of Us)

Do you remember the battle that Naughty Dog had to fight to feature Ellie on the cover art of the game? This issue persists in the gaming industry regarding the representation of women. However, in The Last of Us, Ellie plays a vital role. Following the tragic loss of Joel's daughter in the game's opening moments, Joel somehow manages to survive for years before encountering Ellie. She becomes the driving force of the narrative and the reason for Joel's determination to move forward.

Although Ellie's involvement may seem insignificant during many of the game's playable segments, her presence is of utmost importance, as her existence forms the central storyline. While she may not provide significant combat assistance, her ability to access areas inaccessible to Joel proves invaluable during their journey to find the Fireflies.

3. Yuna (Ghost Of Tsushima)

In Ghost of Tsushima, besides the main character Jin, Yuna holds immense significance and is often regarded as the true heart of the game by fans. Her character development throughout the story is exceptionally captivating, as she undergoes a transformation from a self-centered individual to a selfless one.

The most notable illustration of this growth is seen in Yuna's deep bond with and dedication to helping the protagonist, Jin. She not only provides him with encouraging words whenever he requires them but also rescues Jin when the samurai fail to defend against the Mongols, saving his life.

4. Futaba Sakura (Persona 5 Royal)

After her awakening in the Fourth Palace, Futaba Sakura becomes the Navigator for the latter part of Persona 5 Royal. In Mementos, she is capable of mapping out floors, simplifying the navigation of the randomly-generated dungeons. However, her abilities extend beyond that.

Within regular Palaces, Futaba possesses a diverse set of buffs that can benefit the entire party, such as enhancing their attack power and restoring their health. In the event of an ambush, Futaba has the potential to alter the situation in the player's favor, turning the tables and granting the player an ambush instead.

5. Clank (Ratchet And Clank)

Clank, Ratchet's loyal robotic companion, has always stood by the Lombax's side in their quest to vanquish evil across the galaxy. In Rift Apart, Clank constructs a device called the Dimensionator, which grants the ability to traverse other dimensions. Recognizing Ratchet's deep desire to find his fellow Lombaxes, Clank hopes that the Dimensionator will unlock the path to their discovery.

As is often the case in adventurous tales, good intentions often lead to a cascade of problems. Unfortunately, Doctor Nefarious steals Clank's Dimensionator, triggering widespread chaos in various dimensions. Together, Ratchet and Clank must strive to prevent Nefarious from obliterating everything. However, the purpose behind Clank's creation of the Dimensionator becomes evident when he encounters another Lombax named Rivet.

6. Sadie Adler (Red Dead Redemption 2)

While Sadie Adler may initially have limited significance in the beginning of Red Dead Redemption 2, she swiftly establishes her worth in the later chapters. In a remarkable ensemble of resilient and self-reliant characters, Sadie stands out as truly remarkable.

Sadie emerges as a fierce and indomitable companion, rescuing Arthur from numerous perilous situations throughout the game. Moreover, she is one of the few characters whom the protagonist places complete trust in, solidifying an immediate bond between Sadie and the players.

7. Clementine (The Walking Dead)

Throughout the first season of The Walking Dead, Lee takes on the responsibility of caring for and safeguarding young Clementine in the absence of her parents. While Clementine often requires protection and rescue, especially in the final episode of the season, there are also moments where she reciprocates by shielding Lee.

Two notable instances of this occur in Episode Five. Depending on the player's choices, Clementine may shoot Lee's assailant to save his life. Later in the episode, believing it will ensure their safety, Clementine locks herself and Lee away from a passing horde of zombies after he loses consciousness.

8. Atreus (God Of War)

Known simply as "Boy" at times, Atreus is a valuable addition to God of War. As Kratos' son, he embodies the positive aspects of the Spartan warrior who has a history of killing gods, especially as Kratos endeavors to teach him values of goodness and respect.

While God of War primarily focuses on Kratos' path to redemption, Atreus also plays a significant role in the story. He grapples with the loss of his mother, embarks on his first adventure, and develops a deeper bond with his father. Although Atreus cannot be directly controlled in the game, he has specific buttons assigned to him during combat, indicating his active participation rather than being a passive companion.

9. Luigi (Super Mario Bros.)

Luigi, Mario's well-known brother, often doesn't receive the acknowledgment he deserves. Throughout the battles against Bowser and his minions, Luigi has consistently supported Mario. However, it was in his own game, Luigi's Mansion, that the green-clad plumber finally took the spotlight, showcasing his own version of ghost-catching adventures akin to the Ghostbusters.

Despite frequently being overlooked and deferring to Mario, Luigi remains an incredibly devoted sidekick. Recognizing Luigi's enduring presence, Nintendo designated the period from March 2013 to March 2014 as "The Year of Luigi" to commemorate the character's thirtieth anniversary.

10. Elizabeth (Bioshock Infinite)

Initially, Elizabeth and Booker have conflicting perspectives in Bioshock Infinite, but they swiftly develop a strong connection. Although Elizabeth may initially come across as a conventional damsel-in-distress, she proves to be highly intelligent, clever, and capable of keeping herself safe.

Elizabeth's true brilliance manifests during combat. While she doesn't engage in direct physical combat alongside Booker, she provides valuable assistance by supplying the player with essential items like health packs and ammunition when their supplies dwindle. Additionally, she avoids getting directly involved in combat, eliminating the need for the player to rescue her and ensuring time is not wasted on her protection.

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In Diablo 4, players are confronted with an unforgiving snowstorm that relentlessly buffets them as they trudge through the deepening snow. Lurking in the shadows beyond the reach of their lantern's light are towering wolves, poised to strike with their ferocious fangs and razor-sharp claws. Seeking refuge from the tempest, the player stumbles upon a seemingly peaceful town, only to discover a sinister and twisted secret that could spell the end of the world. This blood-soaked and darkly gothic narrative, crafted by Blizzard, marks just the beginning of Diablo 4's chilling saga.

The isometric, top-down style of action roleplaying games has found great success in titles like Lost Ark, Planescape: Torment, Hades, Path of Exile, Titan Quest, and more. However, for many veteran gamers, Diablo and Diablo 2 hold a special place as pioneers that popularized the beloved 2.5D genre. Their unique fusion of RPG elements and action-packed combat quickly gained renown among players. These macabre and apocalyptic tales often revolved around the world of Sanctuary, where the fate of existence itself hung precariously in the balance. Battling hordes of demons, and occasionally angels, players delved deep into the lore of Diablo's universe, encountering both greater and lesser evils that ceaselessly threatened the world. These same fears and terrors permeate Diablo 4, ensuring an immersive experience that resonates with both newcomers and seasoned veterans alike.

Story

Since the release of the original Diablo in 1997, fans have been captivated by the enthralling tales of battling monstrous evils spun by developer Blizzard. While the game was initially conceptualized by a company named Condor, it underwent a name change to Blizzard North just nine months prior to its launch. Published on PC by Blizzard Entertainment, the saga depicting the conflict between Heaven and Hell has always possessed a grisly and hauntingly dark nature, and Diablo 4 surpasses nearly all previous experiences in this regard. The seamless cohesion of the story, graphics, and character design contributes to a harmonious whole, immersing players effortlessly into a world persistently threatened by the forces of darkness and light.

The game commences with an introductory cutscene featuring the player on horseback amidst a snowy landscape, and observant players will swiftly realize that their custom-created character also appears in the cutscene, complete with visible scars and distinctive hairstyles. This initial glimpse signifies Blizzard's commitment to enhancing immersion within the realm of Sanctuary. While it's not unprecedented for player-created characters to appear in cutscenes, Blizzard's execution distinguishes itself with unparalleled quality. The voice acting for both main and supporting characters is exceptionally well done, serving as further testament to Blizzard's ability to deliver movie-quality cutscenes that rival the best in the gaming industry.

Diablo 4 showcases Blizzard's exceptional storytelling prowess, arguably standing as some of their finest work to date. The narrative unfolds in such an engaging manner that it is hoped the majority of players can experience it without any spoilers. The game intricately weaves an extraordinary tale where the wandering player gradually becomes the central focus. It's important to note that there are instances of graphic violence, which may cause some players to flinch, but such elements are intrinsic to the Diablo series, where blood and gore often accompany its stories. The story initially starts with a narrow scope but steadily expands, culminating in a satisfying conclusion while seamlessly setting the stage for future narratives. In fact, it boasts one of the longest, if not the longest, campaign stories in any Diablo game thus far. Throughout the journey, players will encounter various main and side characters who provide companionship at certain intervals, although their involvement in combat is limited, mainly serving as visual presences. Nonetheless, some of these characters exhibit enjoyable audio cues during battles or while traveling alongside the player's character, leaving a tinge of sadness when they depart to progress the next story beat.

It's important for players to acknowledge that the story follows a relatively linear path, with no significant choices that drastically alter its course. Some may argue that in the current gaming landscape, granting players more agency to shape the narrative would enhance their sense of impact on the world. Blizzard could have adopted a more branching narrative style, but instead, they opted to guide players through a curated adventure, enabling them to focus on delivering a compelling tale from start to finish. While players unfamiliar with previous Diablo lore may initially feel a bit disoriented due to the name-dropping and references to past games, it is not difficult to grasp the nuances and overall essence of the world's history and fully enjoy what Diablo 4 presents on its own.

Graphics

Diablo 4 provides an immersive experience, particularly when engaging in the abundance of side quests available throughout the game. These quests can originate from various NPCs scattered across lands and cities, or even from items dropped by defeated enemies, and each one possesses the potential to be a captivating tale in its own right. While the stories conveyed through these side missions are often more concise and focused, some can evolve into multi-step quests that leave a lasting impression.

Beyond the captivating cutscenes, whether players choose to download the high-resolution texture pack or not, Diablo 4 boasts stunning visuals. The game's beauty becomes even more pronounced when utilizing the high-resolution textures, particularly noticeable when zooming in as far as possible. Flickering torches cast just enough light to unveil the dark corners of dungeons, foreboding trees sprawl with an almost sinister elegance, and ground textures such as dirt, sand, and grass are remarkably detailed. The enemy designs evoke a tormented and hellish landscape, with bosses in particular exhibiting some of the most visually striking appearances in any Diablo game, offering exhilarating battles even at the highest difficulty level. As players progress or explore the vast expanse of Sanctuary, they will encounter a diverse array of enemy types, constantly introducing new challenges. It's worth noting that some players may find it slightly bothersome that the player character appears to have a light source attached to them, casting a shadow from an invisible origin. While initially odd, this detail becomes less noticeable over time. Additionally, Diablo 4 features a dynamic day and night cycle that alters the appearance of the landscapes, although it never becomes dark enough to obscure visibility.

One standout visually is Lillith, the daughter of Mephisto and mother of Sanctuary, whose design exudes an intimidating presence that is truly impressive. The overall improvement in enemy designs and attention to graphical details enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the game. Whether traversing well-lit mountain paths or exploring picturesque beaches and tide pools along the coastline, players will be treated to meticulously crafted and visually stunning environments.

Gameplay and Classes

Diablo 4 effectively utilizes changes in elevation to its advantage, a feat not easily accomplished by every top-down action role-playing game. The game excels at incorporating these elevation shifts into its gameplay, whether it's running or galloping across vast sand dunes, scaling cliff sides, or standing atop a hill to gain a strategic advantage over enemies below. It's evident that a significant amount of work has been dedicated to refining this aspect since Diablo 3. While Diablo Immortal touched upon this concept, Diablo 4 has nearly perfected it. The inclusion of elevation changes also allows Blizzard to structure quests in a way that doesn't disrupt the overall flow of the game. However, there are occasional missions that can feel a bit tedious due to repetitive travel between the same set of points. Fortunately, such moments are infrequent, particularly when progressing through the main campaign's stories.

Beyond the visually stunning backgrounds and static set pieces, Diablo 4 showcases exceptional attention to detail in character spells and animations. For instance, when a player or enemy is frozen, the frozen entity becomes encased in icicles that point away from the source of the attack. Similarly, when being defeated by a fire-based attack, the corpse is consumed by flames, leaving behind a charred skeleton. These small touches contribute significantly to the immersion and the sensation of being a powerful entity traversing the world. Physical attacks receive the same level of attention, with larger attacks neatly severing enemies and causing body parts to fly through the air, splattering blood upon impact. Each skill in the skill tree serves a purpose, with only a handful appearing less useful, though different players may find unique applications for each one. Skills that exploit vulnerabilities, in particular, prove crucial for maximizing damage against various monsters. It's immensely satisfying to witness enemies launched into the air, crashing down with force as a result of a well-executed attack or spell. However, some players may notice how quickly blood, gore, and bodies disappear after being struck down. Whether this is a deliberate decision by Blizzard to maintain optimal framerate or due to technical constraints is uncertain. Nevertheless, this minor aspect is unlikely to deter players from enjoying the game, despite its fleeting presence.

Blizzard has a reputation for creating diverse and captivating characters across a wide range of games, and Diablo 4's character designs truly deserve recognition. The decision of choosing between the Rogue, Necromancer, Barbarian, Druid, or Sorceress has never been more challenging, as each class provides a rewarding gameplay experience. While the basic skill trees may be relatively smaller compared to some other action role-playing games, there are still numerous choices available. The game offers options for pure casters, hybrid caster/melee characters, and strictly melee-focused classes, allowing players to select their preferred playstyle. Although Diablo 4 lacks some of the playful quirks found in previous classes, such as the Witchdoctor's frogs and chicken spells in Diablo 3, the current offerings are already immensely enjoyable. Each class possesses its own unique features, such as the Necromancer's Book of the Dead, which allows for the selection of abilities for minions or self-buffing, or the Barbarian's ability to equip up to four melee weapons simultaneously, along with an expertise menu for individual skill customization. These subtle distinctions between characters make the decision of choosing a class genuinely challenging.

Quests and Mechanics

Long-time Diablo players may find great excitement in the abundance of activities available outside of the main story missions. From capturing strongholds scattered across Sanctuary to engaging in world-boss fights, searching for Altars of Lillith, building region renown, participating in dynamic quests throughout different areas, and even delving into PvP, there is a vast array of options to keep players engaged. And this list only scratches the surface, as additional activities unlock after completing the story, such as the ever-changing missions of Whispers of the Dead or the expanded options at World Tier 3 and Tier 4. Suffice it to say, the scope of available activities continues to expand, ensuring that players will not run out of things to do anytime soon. Even after finishing the main story, large portions of the map may remain unexplored for those who haven't ventured far from the questing paths. Further exploration is always a welcomed aspect, particularly in a game with finite boundaries.

However, amidst the variety of activities, players may start to sense a certain level of repetition, as a significant majority of quests and missions revolve around mindless killing. Whether it's taking down high-value targets, gathering soul essence by slaying specific monsters, charging crystals by eliminating enemies within a designated radius, or acquiring necessary items through combat, the repetitive nature of these tasks might eventually become tiresome for some. It is undeniable that Diablo's lore-filled world is a brutal and deadly place, and the emphasis on combat is expected. Nonetheless, some players may find this repetitive nature tedious, although it's challenging to envision alternative activities that wouldn't compromise the immersive experience.

One aspect that most players will appreciate is Blizzard's decision to scale the world according to the player's level. After reaching the minimum level requirement for an area, returning to it allows players to find and acquire items that are appropriate for their character's level. Certain sections of the map are considerably more dangerous until reaching the recommended minimum level, making exploration at lower levels quite challenging. However, this gatekeeping approach is alleviated by designing lower-level locations as expansive areas in themselves. When progressing through the story for the first time, players are guided around the map seamlessly. However, for those who focus solely on story missions, there will come a point where some grinding or completion of side quests becomes necessary to avoid immediate defeat upon entering higher-level areas.

The impact of this becomes particularly evident when considering one of Blizzard's key decisions in Diablo 4: the ability for both new and existing characters to directly access the endgame content once the main campaign has been completed. This means that players can choose to embark on their endgame journey right from level 1, if they so desire. This option is undeniably one of the sequel's strongest aspects. Blizzard has made a deliberate effort to provide players with a high degree of freedom in how they approach and experience the game. And all of these choices are available even before delving into Diablo 4's crafting systems or the Paragon Board.

Character Progression

Crafting in Diablo 4 has undergone a significant revamp compared to Diablo 3. Players now have the ability to extract attributes from legendary items and save them for later use, which can then be inserted into new items. Inserting these attributes into rare items will upgrade them to legendary status. This new crafting system adds a considerable depth to build customization, with a wide range of abilities and skills to be discovered on legendary items. The option to upgrade rare items into legendaries helps reduce the need to constantly sell or dismantle items, although players will still need to engage in these activities to acquire materials for upgrades or to purchase armor if desired. In the review build, the prices for armor and weapons felt quite high, and they scale with the player's level.

The newly introduced Paragon Board is a dream system for build-crafters. Unlocked at level 50 and earning a total of 220 points, players gain access to a board filled with interconnected tiles, separate from the skill tree. The initial board offers various nodes, including common, magic, rare, and others, each providing incremental boosts to skills, spells, or stats. While it may appear overwhelming at first, Blizzard is confident that players will have a clear direction for their character by the time they reach the Paragon Boards. The game excels at providing players with multiple layers of options, hitting the perfect balance.

These systems, including the crafting mechanisms and the Paragon Board, seamlessly and efficiently work together, which is truly remarkable to witness in-game. Each system smoothly integrates with the others, and despite the potential overwhelming number of choices, the sheer variety of options available in Diablo 4 is impressively vast. While other games may have larger skill trees, the interconnectedness and synergy of the systems in Diablo 4 are truly praiseworthy. Blizzard anticipates that players will have determined their character's desired direction by the time they reach the second Paragon Board.

Conclusion

Blizzard has leveraged twenty years of game design experience to create Diablo 4, incorporating valuable lessons learned from their successes and challenges. The game's extensive range of activities and abundant build options reflect the expertise of a company that has weathered the highs and lows of game development and internalized those lessons. Every aspect of Diablo 4 is infused with a genuine passion and attention to detail, evident in each system and every corner of the immersive world of Sanctuary. This release marks a significant milestone in the series, as it is the first time Diablo is launching simultaneously on both PC and consoles. Players are once again immersed in the timeless battle between Heaven and Hell, and it is highly likely that they will continue to fight in this epic struggle for many years to come.

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Since their beginnings, open-world games have changed significantly, becoming more liberated and offering players wider sandboxes to discover and enjoy. Over the years, this genre has undergone numerous changes as other game genres adapted it for maximum player freedom and engagement.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the top 5 open world game with the best designed maps.

1. Elden Ring

Elden Ring by FromSoftware is undoubtedly the most innovative and groundbreaking open-world game. The developers have taken the Dark Souls formula and enhanced it with a vast world for players to explore. The game's freedom is outstanding, and there is no interference from typical open-world hand-holding. The sense of discovery is unparalleled, even when compared to other games in the same genre.

Players are encouraged and rewarded for exploring the Lands Between, which is a diverse and breathtakingly beautiful map. The game features multiple biomes that are filled with dungeons, catacombs, weapons, armor, and bosses to conquer. There are also optional areas that require completing character quests or environmental puzzles to reveal.

While Elden Ring is challenging, it is typical of a souls-like game. However, players who are patient and persistent will be rewarded with a highly thought-provoking narrative and a unique open-world experience that is unlike any other game in the genre.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2, the wild west epic by Rockstar Games, is well-known to all open-world enthusiasts. This game is an immersive masterpiece that will capture players' attention throughout its extensive 50 to 60-hour-long campaign.

The game's narrative follows Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, led by the infamous Dutch Van der Linde, as he navigates his life as a wanted outlaw. Although the story has a linear progression, players have numerous options in both the story and Arthur's life to personalize their experience.

With a moving tale of retribution, atonement, and sacrifice, Red Dead atonement 2 succeeds in storytelling. However, it doesn't stop there.

Red Dead Redemption 2's open-world action-adventure is one of the most captivating and graphically spectacular game worlds ever created. Players can lose themselves in the Old West's atmosphere for long hours since it is painstakingly recreated and breathtakingly gorgeous.

3. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The best thing about Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is its extraordinary sense of adventure and complete freedom. The immense landscape of Hyrule is immediately available to players and persistently ignites their inquisitiveness with perplexing landmarks, elaborate concealed puzzles, and chances to plunder enemy encampments for valuable items and armaments. The game's open-endedness is liberating since players can tackle anything at their own pace, and almost never feel compelled to follow the main path. What's even more impressive is how all the game's systems fit elegantly into a complex yet light survival game.

Breath of the Wild's main theme is the post-apocalyptic, untamed, and technologically fantastical realm of Hyrule. It is large, lovely, and features a variety of landscapes, from open fields to rocky alpine slopes.

But what sets it apart is its surprisingly realistic rules that let players achieve intuitive solutions that they might not have expected. The trees bear fruit, grass fields can be set ablaze, and even enemies and animals behave believably, responding skittishly or aggressively in the wild.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by CD Projekt Red has raised the standard for open-world video games. Users can find something fascinating to uncover on every square inch of the map.

Players never know what they may come across while exploring the lovely game world, whether it be a legendary monster to hunt, new armor sets and weapons to find, or possibly a new side-quest with a narrative that can match entire main narratives in other games.

From the busy streets of Novigrad to the stunning lush fields of Toussaint in the Blood and Wine expansion, it is full of various and entirely diverse places to explore. With Geralt of Rivia's fascinating adventures, players will never run out of things to do or learn.

5. GTA V

The single player campaign is one of the best I ever played. The concept of playing three characters is a welcome addition to the GTA formula and absolutely pays off. As with all the previous GTA's the NPC are fantastic. I thought that Brucie from GTA IV was the craziest character ever, until Rockstar introduced Trevor in GTA V. Character and mission design are top notch. Also the level of detail of the game world is incredible. Too bad that Rockstar has never released any single player DLCs.

Now to GTA Online: The concept is amazing as well and the game is continuously updated with new content. I like the heists especially. The downside is that you definitely need other players for them and that it takes ages to find co-op partners especially for the heist set-up missions where money and reputation rewards are scarce. When you finally find enough players people often drop out in the middle of the mission which leads to an instant fail and you have to find another team. Not to mention all the player-killers in the open world and the long load times in general... However, if you happen to find decent people to play with or play with friends the game is an absolute blast.

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Honkai: Star Rail is an RPG that follows a turn-based gameplay model and bears a strong resemblance to classic JRPGs, particularly the Final Fantasy series. The game comprises two distinct modes: overworld and battle. In the overworld mode, you navigate the map, and when you come across an enemy group, you will switch to the battle mode, where you must engage in turn-based combat to emerge victorious.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase what to do in Star Rail right after the game start in order to be the most efficient as possible.

The tutorial in Honkai: Star Rail takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete, and it does a decent job of familiarizing you with the basic mechanics of the game. However, after unlocking Warping and performing your initial pulls, the game becomes more open-ended, allowing you to pursue your own interests.

Nevertheless, before embarking on a quest to explore Herta Station and uncover all the chests and lore items, we advise that you concentrate on completing the Main Story quests. Why? Because even though you have finished the tutorial, there are numerous other features that remain locked behind the main storyline, such as Daily Missions, Leveling Rewards, Trailblaze Power (stamina), and so on.

Missions

Upon opening your Mission log in Honkai: Star Rail, you will be presented with an array of mission types to undertake, as follows:

• Trailblaze Missions (gold color): These missions are essential for advancing the storyline, and you should prioritize them if one is available. As depicted in the image above, your progress through the main story may be impeded by your Trailblaze Level. At this juncture, you should engage in other missions to earn experience and level up.
• Companion Missions (purple color): These missions delve into the histories of certain characters who have joined your team. While they are not as lengthy as Trailblaze missions, they are more story-driven and will take up a considerable amount of your time.
• Adventure Missions (blue color): These are your typical side-quests that are brief but provide you with experience and some rewards.
• Daily Missions (green color): While not displayed in the above image, these missions are even shorter than Adventure missions and are randomized daily.

Next steps

Having acquainted yourself with the different types of missions, it's time to refocus on the Main Story!

The upcoming Trailblazer Mission will introduce Herta and the Simulated Universe. The Simulated Universe is a game mode that follows the roguelike format, in which the player must pick a team of four characters and enter a simulated world to acquire a randomized set of power-ups that can be utilized to bolster their team's abilities when fighting against foes within the simulation.

Make your way to Herta's office and complete the trial run of the Simulated Universe. This will grant you access to Herta, but she is not particularly powerful, so it's best to keep her on the bench. Although you could undertake another Simulated Universe run immediately, it's better to hold off for now and return to the Main Story.

Before long, you will depart from Herta Station and embark on a journey to the Astral Express. There, you will gain access to two new systems: Operation Briefing and Trailblaze Level Rewards.

Operation Briefing is a collection of missions that bestow various rewards upon completion. In total, there are nine pages, each containing its own set of missions and primary rewards. Here's an example of what it looks like:

At the same time, you will also gain access to Trailblaze Level Rewards. Moving forward, every time you increase your level, you can return to Pom-Pom to claim some complimentary items:

Following that, some story events will take place and you will eventually find yourself on a new planet, where you will be freezing cold. Luckily, before long, you will encounter your initial Calyx and gain access to your Trailblaze Power, which is essentially the equivalent of stamina in Honkai: Star Rail.

There are multiple sorts of Calyx, but initially, you will only have access to the Bud of Memories Calyx, which provides Character EXP Materials. As your Trailblaze Power will be limited to 180/180, run a few sessions in the Calyx to restart its regeneration, and utilize the materials you've received to enhance your primary team.

At this point, you have gained entry to the majority of the systems, enabling you to go back to the Herta Station and commence completing side-missions or continue with the Main Story on Jarilo-VI. Enjoy yourself!

Tips and tricks for progression

Here is a list of tips and tricks to help you progress smoothly in the early game:

General

• Prioritize the Main Story before exploring the world. Only venture out to level up when necessary to unlock the next Main Story mission.
• Level up your characters to the current level cap as the difference in levels between you and your enemies affects the damage you deal.
• Equip Light Cones that match your character's Path to receive passive bonuses in addition to basic stats.
• Level up your Light Cones to the available level cap.
• Don't spread your resources too thin. Initially, your resources are limited, so focus on farming the EXP Calyx for character EXP materials.
• Only upgrade the Traces of characters you plan to use in the long run.
• Check the Tier List guide for the best early-game characters that are a safe investment.
• Don't let your Trailblaze Power (stamina) exceed 180 TP, which is the maximum you can store. You regenerate 240 TP daily at a rate of 1 per 6 minutes.
• Wait until the last day before reset to do your 3 weekly Echo of War runs for better rewards.
• Reach level 40 cap in the first week to unlock higher difficulty EoW and earn better rewards.
• Complete enough runs in Simulated Universe to unlock all the weekly rewards.
• Remember to check the Region Shops for important materials and Eidolons for the Main Character.
• Obtain the currency for the Region Shop by completing missions in the zone where the shop is located.
• Always send out your characters on Assignments to gain free materials. You can still use them in combat while they're on Assignments.
• Complete Battle Pass Daily and Weekly missions to earn decent free path rewards.
• Explore the world thoroughly to find hidden Treasures, enemies, puzzles, and quests for experience, Stellar Jades, Relics, and various materials.
• If you're stuck on a difficult fight, borrow a character from a Friend.
• Complete Trial of the Equilibrium missions to increase your Equilibrium Level.
• At levels 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 65, you will unlock a mission to upgrade your world level and level up your characters past the current cap.
• Don't rush the Equilibrium upgrade Missions if you don't have enough EXP and Ascension materials saved as monsters will become harder to defeat in the new world tier.

Combat

• Break Effect is the most important thing to focus on in combat. By investing in this one stat, you can easily deal massive damage to the enemy's HP bar once their Toughness Bar is broken. In the early and mid game, it's better to prioritize Break Effect over Crit since it only requires one stat investment instead of three.
• Build a balanced team with skill point spenders and generators. Having a team with only damage dealers can lead to poor damage output due to competition for Skill Points. Generators, typically supports, don't need to use their Skills every turn, which allows your spenders to use their Skills more frequently.
• Make sure to match your damage dealers to the enemy's weakness, especially bosses. Breaking the Toughness Bar takes a long time without matching elements.
• Consider using a more defensive team in the early game, as some bosses have tough mechanics that can chip away at your team's health. Running a healer/shielder combo is a safe option. In Simulated Universe, running a defensive team is necessary if you don't want to waste time.
• Don't hesitate to use Technique Points, as there are items that can restore them scattered throughout the game. Match your character's element to the enemy's weakness when using a Technique.
• If a Technique gives a buff, you can stack them, but offensive Techniques should be used after stacking the buff Techniques. This is especially useful before difficult fights in Forgotten Hall and Simulated World.

Relics

It's not necessary to upgrade every single Relic piece you come across because the materials required for upgrades are scarce. If you use them all up, you will need to obtain more Relics to feed into the ones you want to upgrade. This leads to the next point... In the early game, it's not wise to spend your stamina on farming Relics. Further details on Stamina usage are provided in the section below.

Warps

Avoid using Stellar Jades to pull on the General Warp. Instead, reserve the Basic Passes that you receive from rewards and missions for that banner. Save your Stellar Jades for rate-up banners or for stamina refreshes.

Stamina usage

In the first couple of weeks, it's best to prioritize three things when using your Stamina:

First, focus on farming Golden Calyx: Bud of Memories and Golden Calyx: Bud of Aether to acquire Character and Light Cone EXP Materials. Second, farm Crimson Calyx to acquire materials necessary to level up your Traces to improve your skills and passives. Lastly, farm Stagnant Shadow to acquire materials necessary to ascend your characters. Ascension materials are required every 10 levels starting from level 20, so you'll need plenty of them.

However, it's recommended to only farm Golden Calyx when you need EXP Materials. If your team and their Cones are already at the current level cap, then ignore the Calyx until you increase it again. This means that you should focus more on Traces and Ascension materials.

It's not advisable to spend your Stamina on farming Relics in the early game. Initially, in the Cavern of Corrosion, you'll only be able to farm 3★ Relics with a chance to get 4★ Relics. It's only when you reach Difficulty 3 of the Caverns that you have a chance to drop 5★ Relics, which only goes up to 100% drop on Difficulty 4. It may take a few weeks of playing to reach that point.

While farming in the Simulated Universe early on isn't that bad, it's recommended to focus on 2★ Relics and 3★ Relics, as they can give you a significant boost. Simulated Universe is the source of the Planetary Relic Sets that only have 2-piece bonuses. Once you've obtained the sets you wanted or the Main Stat you need, wait until you reach higher World levels in the Simulated Universe to obtain higher Relic rarities.

How to level up quickly?

Are you struggling to increase your Traiblaze Level and the next Main Story mission seems a bit far off? Check out the various sources of EXP available in Honkai: Star Rail below.

• Firstly, complete the Daily Training which can reward you with up to 1000 EXP per day for completing all the missions. Secondly, Adventure and Companion missions are great additional sources of experience with rewards ranging from 100 to 400 EXP per mission.
• Another way to gain EXP is by spending Traiblaze Power. Whatever activity you choose to spend your TP on will provide a set amount of experience. Operation Briefing missions are also a great way to earn EXP.
• Finally, exploring the Open World can yield treasures, monsters, and random encounters that grant additional experience. While treasures can only be opened once, the monsters respawn daily, allowing you to roam around the maps after completing other tasks for the day and gain additional experience, as well as Ascension materials.

>>> Read more: How To Reroll In Honkai Star Rail

For gamers, virtual reality is no longer a novel concept, but the excitement of using it is still very much alive. More and more people are testing out the top VR games as VR gear become more widely available.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase a list for the 8 best VR games to play in 2023.

1. Beat Saber

Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR

Beat Saber is a popular VR game that combines the elements of Star Wars and Guitar Hero in a unique way. Players use glowing lightsabers to slash and hack colored obstacles that come towards them in sync with the chosen track, providing an entertaining and, at times, physically demanding experience. Beat Saber offers a vast selection of tracks that caters to different preferences, including the option to play Linkin Park songs. Overall, it's a must-try for any VR fan.

2. Superhot VR

Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PS VR, PS VR2

Superhot has come a long way since it was initially introduced as a browser-based demo almost ten years ago. The game is a shooter title that pits players against a group of enemies, but with a unique twist. In Superhot VR, time only progresses when the player moves, allowing for strategic planning of attacks and dodges.

This gameplay mechanic gives the player a sense of being an efficient assassin. The satisfying gameplay of Superhot VR makes it one of the best shooter games for VR, particularly for those who prefer a less realistic experience.

3. Batman: Arkham VR

Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR

If you're seeking the complete Batman experience, it may be better to play the game elsewhere.

However, the Batman: Arkham VR scenario is perfect for those who want to experience a small slice of Arkham's action in virtual reality.

4. Elite: Dangerous VR

Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive

Elite: Dangerous has a devoted and active community that has been amazed by the addition of VR support to the game.

In essence, the game is a space flight simulator that allows players to pilot their own ships, collect materials from asteroids, and explore the expanse of space in pursuit of prizes.

Elite: Dangerous also includes multiplayer capabilities, making playing with others much more immersive. With a VR headset, users can live a separate life in space.

5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR

Even though I've played Skyrim previously, experiencing it in virtual reality is a whole other experience. The game can become even more entertaining and wild by adding various mods. Even if the VR version of the game has several flaws, a few mods can greatly enhance it, turning it into one of the best VR experiences available.

The iconic Bethesda game Skyrim remains essentially unchanged when played in virtual reality. Nothing has been added or modified to the game, yet it is extremely charming to be able to travel Tamriel and engage with its characters in a novel way. In addition, facing a dragon in virtual reality is a breathtaking experience that must not be missed.

6. No Man’s Sky VR

Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR, PS VR2

This is the ideal time to explore No Man's Sky, and it's even better if you can try it out in virtual reality, if you can look past its troubled background.

The experience is considerably more intense in virtual reality. Although it can be a little disconcerting, playing a space survival game quickly becomes your reality. Zooming across the cosmos while destroying asteroids in virtual reality is simply out of this world.

7. Half Life: Alyx

Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive

If you own a VR headset, chances are you've been recommended to play Half-Life: Alyx by someone.

As we continue to wait for Half-Life 3, Half-Life: Alyx is the best VR game to hold us over in the meantime. With engaging puzzles, intense shootouts, and a memorable story, players get to battle aliens in visually stunning environments. Upon completion, players can also explore the community content in Half-Life: Alyx's Steam Workshop.

8. Resident Evil 4

Platforms: Meta Quest 2

Resident Evil 4 is widely considered as the best game in the series. Not only does it feature the charming Leon Kennedy as the lead character after proving himself as a rookie cop, but it also takes players to a brand-new location in Spain.

The game's critical acclaim is likely why it's one of the few Resident Evil games officially ported to VR, and the VR version works surprisingly well. To save the president's daughter, you must traverse waves of zombies while controlling Leon in virtual reality.

Furthermore, if you have the VR headset, you can play the much awaited Resident Evil 4 Remake on the impending PS VR2.

>>> Read more: The Best Weapons To Upgrade In Resident Evil 4 Remake

Games with the potential for endless replayability are becoming increasingly prevalent due to the availability of online communities and multiplayer modes. This article highlights several games that offer limitless opportunities for challenges, entertainment, and exploration. There should be a game for you no matter what genre you like: from 4x to open world exploration... to even zombie apocalypse. You only need to purchase the game once to get thousands of fun hours.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the top 5 best games with limitless replayability potential.

1. Factorio

Factorio is a game that starts off simple, with tasks such as harvesting coal, iron, and chopping trees. As you progress, you build machines and inserters, connecting everything with conveyor belts. Over time, your factory system becomes so complex that you could not have designed it from the beginning, yet it grew organically, without you feeling overwhelmed.

The game keeps you engaged for hours as you strive to improve production rates and efficiency. Crafting elements borrowed from modern mainstream games make building less about using money to make money and more about crafting basic resources into usable items. In Factorio, you build a factory-building factory, with the mantra "the factory must grow".

One of the game's exciting features is its twist on the traditional building formula, where crafting is essential to the game's mechanics. As a result, you can't help but feel drawn in as you improve your factory's productivity and create an ever-expanding complex of interrelated machinery. Overall, Factorio is a fun game that is easy to pick up but hard to master, and its replayability potential is very high.

2. Terraria

Terraria is mostly a sandbox game. You start out in a new world with some basic tools but no actual instructions. Over time, you'll build a tiny home to protect yourself from creatures that emerge at night, learn that the world has been corrupted in some way, meet new NPCs, and battle formidable boss opponents. Despite this, there isn't much guidance offered to you because these are just parts of a wider game that let players explore the universe at largely their own pace. The difficulty curve I noted before, which indicates that difficulties thrown at a player start light and steadily climb at a rate easy to handle, is part of the game's excellent design.

Despite the absence of many classic RPG components, there is a distinct leveling system in the form of slain Bosses, which means the gameplay won't get harder if you don't advance through these foes. In truth, the first boss doesn't appear until you have adequate health and armor.

I've spent about equally as much time playing single-player and multiplayer. Single-player holds up quite fine on its own, but in my opinion, playing the game with friends and taking on the monsters together is far more enjoyable because it spreads out the 'grinding' for resources and the satisfaction of accomplishing new goals. It also helps to appreciate the excellent soundtrack, as loud humming is to be expected if you voice chat with your friends.

Enemy design is fascinating and distinctive, including appearances by enormous robotic worms, floating eyes, possessed armor, and a ninja hovering in a slime-filled ball.

3. Rimworld

If you enjoy starting a colony from scratch, Rimworld is perfect for you. It's incredibly dynamic, and there's always something for you to do, whether it's designing a new room for your base, putting up defenses, finding a more dependable food supply, or even raiding rival factions. As there is a lot to learn at first, it can be very intimidating. However, with each new discovery comes a new way to play; your story is always unique and never repeats itself, giving this game nearly infinite replayability. This is all without taking into account the mods, which are plentiful, comparatively simple to create yourself, and extremely popular.

Although there is no predetermined plot, this game is still both tragic and hilarious. Any number of things could happen, such a trader caravan showing up to sell goods just as a raid starts and sparking a violent shoot-out between two large parties outside your base. Then you can take all of their valuables and use the bodies of the dead as food and skin, perhaps for the leather hat you've always wanted.

4. Satisfactory

Satisfactory is a well-scaled factory sim. To make every additional bit of complexity make sense on the overall scope of the game, the game eases you in with just the right amount of simplicity in the beginning. Factory simulations frequently throw you in, teach you a few things, and then let you become overwhelmed by the scope of the task at hand. Satisfactory is the exact opposite; it makes the game much simpler to play and enjoy while gradually adding in greater complexity, depth, and scale.

It is an open-world building and exploration game for factories. The overall objective is to automate resource gathering and material production by creating networks of construction buildings that will enable you to produce the materials you will need to unlock more buildings and ever-more complex materials to craft, which will lead to bigger and more complex building networks, and so on. More will be said about this later. In order to keep up with demand, you will eventually be obliged to expand your factory to extremely large sizes and bring in resources from far away. The underlying concept is the same as in games like Factorio, however it works a little bit differently here.

The first-person viewpoint is a fantastic option. The top-down, isometric factory simulations frequently come off as excessively distant and sterile. It's quite wonderful to be able to physically visit your factory and stroll around it.

5. Stellaris

Stellaris is a semi-realtime strategic simulator in which you can either succeed in expanding a small planet into a vast galactic empire or fail miserably. You control literally every aspect of your empire: how your government is set up, where your pops live, how they're treated, what they research, what planets they colonize, and how you deal with the galaxy around you. There are some automated aspects when it comes to ship design & planet/sector management, but these are almost always less efficient than player-controlled choices, and thus are best given as little automation as possible.

Having said that, the player is continuously being bombarded with a ton of information throughout the game, even enough to occasionally cause seasoned players to make mistakes. A thorough reading of the wiki is strongly advised because the tutorial alone falls short in educating the player for the full responsibilities of running an empire on their own, particularly when it comes to the hidden interactions between qualities, ethics, and research specialties.

The AI itself occasionally behaves strangely and unpredictablely. Everyone has varied thoughts about the AI, with personal skill and playstyle typically having a significant influence. Based on my own experience, depending on the difficulty modifications, the AI can be comparable to an early-mid tier player. They are capable of using fundamental features like colonizing planets, trading, constructing fleets, etc., but they frequently have obvious vulnerabilities that may be exploited. In particular, they frequently struggle with building and maintaining their economies, favoring quick gains over big losses, and panic spamming particular structures in response to resource shortages.

>>> Read more: 6 Video Game Sequels That Surpass Their Predecessors

Sequels tends to be the make-or-break part of a video game franchise, especially the second game. They tend to expand on both the story and gameplay mechanics of the initial title, allowing the devs to close the plot threads and give players an epic conclusion against the villain.

A good sequel can catapult a game into a popular franchise. In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the 6 video game sequels that surpass their predecessors.

1. Portal 2

The follow-up to the first-person puzzle game Portal features an engaging plot with unexpected plot twists that capture the player's attention. Portal 2 introduces new characters, including Wheatley and Cave Johnson, who are both entertaining and memorable.

Portal 2 offers a broader selection of puzzle components, such as light bridges, tractor beams, and gels that can modify surface properties. The game's puzzles are more challenging than those in the first installment, and new features are incorporated to inspire players to use their creativity and critical thinking abilities to advance.

2. Assassin's Creed II

Assassin's Creed II improves on the strengths of the previous game, while dealing with its many weaknesses.

You play as Ezio, a man in Italy during the Renaissance. He goes from being a completely normal dude, to being a fugitive and assassin on the run. In the main storyline, you get vengeance for your father by assassinating multiple men who plotted against you and your family. The dialogue is pretty entertaining to read and sometimes made me laugh.

The parkour, although not perfect, is very fun. The music is memorable, and it's always nice to hear what cray lyrics the bards have made up for you as you stroll past them. There are plenty of weapons for you to choose from, and many ways you can get some tasks done. There are also plenty of side quests, but I try to avoid these for cooler things like running around on rooftops and getting viewpoints (map expansions).

3. Borderland 2

Growing up on games like Quake and Diablo really helped me to appreciate the greatness of Borderlands. There’s been a lot of games that have tried to pull off genre hybrids, but they either fail to deliver or just fail to program a game correctly. Borderlands is one of the few games that manages to feel like an RPG and a FPS at the same time.

Coming from a shooter side, the game is a very fun classic-style shooter, meaning that the realism has been replaced with you getting to unload a clip into someone before dropping them. Sniper headshots can generally take a foe down with one shot, but most all other guns are going to require you to get dirty. It feels an awful lot like a classic Quake shooter too. It’s just action based. Your ‘cover’ system is generally using your strafe and jump at the right time. By all means, this is great for some older gamers since most of today’s games are just striving to hit a certain realistic feel.

Borderlands featured strong gameplay aspects, but Borderlands 2 adds even more. It adds new adversary kinds that need various methods to defeat, as well as new weapon categories including grenades and rocket launchers. Furthermore, the game includes a more dynamic and diverse range of environments, such as floating cities and underground tunnels, which heighten the game's sense of exploration and adventure.

4. Mass Effect 2

Have you heard of a game where you can cheat death, destroy prisons, face off against three factions of mercenaries, mediate inter-species wars, lead a Suicide Mission, and even romance an attractive alien? Mass Effect 2, hailed as the best game of its generation, won 150 Game of the Year awards in 2010 and created so much anticipation that its sequel was doomed to disappointment.

Fortunately, you don't need to play the first game to enjoy Mass Effect 2. The story is self-contained, and the codex provides additional details. If you did play the first game, your choices carry over, influencing the plot.

Combat uses a 3rd person camera and class-specific abilities and weapons, allowing you to command your squadmates. The game features six different classes, each with its unique abilities and strengths, making every playthrough feel fresh. You can create shockwaves, hack robots, create singularities, cloak yourself, slow down time, and more to defeat your enemies. The game has various difficulty levels, from casual to insanity, catering to players who prefer a good story or those who want a challenge.

5. Uncharted 2

With its enhanced graphics, compelling plot, and lifelike animations, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves outperforms its predecessor, Uncharted. New characters such as Chloe Frazer and Tenzin are introduced, as well as new fighting methods (such as stealth takedowns), weaponry, and traversal mechanics such as rope-swinging and climbing. The game also includes more intriguing and thrilling set pieces, such as a train journey and a helicopter pursuit.

Is Uncharted 2 gameplay better than 1? Both games took me around nine hours to complete, but Uncharted 2 felt like it was much more of a sprawling epic — mainly because I wasn't forced to fight off waves of enemies in a single location. Uncharted 2 constantly keeps the player moving forward through longer and more varied levels.

6. Far Cry 2

Unlike most games, Far Cry 2 tries to remain topical and relevant to current-day events. The game takes place in an unnamed African country. The government has fallen and guns are worth more than human life. You play as one of several would-be assassins sent to kill the Jackal, a notorious arms dealer.

What Far Cry 2 does probably the best out of most sandbox games is it makes you feel like you live in Africa. The game's hud is minimalistic, your health pickups are syrettes of morphine. You're infected with malaria and regularly come down with a fever requiring constant supplies of medicine to avoid dying. Your guns visually decay and eventually break apart in your hands.

The world is beautiful but is always extremely hostile to the player. With long stretches of open land requiring almost constant access to vehicles and guard checkpoints at every corner forcing the player to massacre their way through.

>>> Read more: Top 5 Best Open World RPGs For Low End PC (2023)

Honkai Star Rail is the newest role-playing game from Hoyoverse that will transport players to a vast post-apocalyptic universe. Unlike their previous game, Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail features turn-based combat that requires strategic use of character abilities and skills. The game offers a wide variety of characters that are classified into different tiers based on their star rating.

Acquiring powerful 5-star characters requires players to collect enough Stellar Jades through grinding, making it challenging to decide which characters to choose at the beginning of the game. Players will want characters who can help them navigate the early stages of the game smoothly while also building a strong team of heroes.

However, players need not worry as this article presents some handpicked 4-star characters that can assist them in cruising through the early stages of Honkai Star Rail.

1. Asta

• Rarity: 4 stars
• Element: Fire
• Affiliation: Hertha Space Station
• Path: Harmony

Asta is a character in Honkai Star Rail who belongs to the Fire element and fulfills the role of a Buffer for the team. Her primary function is to provide various buffs to her teammates to improve their abilities. Asta is an excellent support character who can enhance her and her allies' attack speed up to five times using her fire stackability.

As she levels up, her charging stackability's damage increases by 7%, 16.1%, and 17.5%, respectively. Additionally, Asta possesses the Miracle Flash technique, allowing her to launch an immediate attack on enemies when entering into battles.

Asta's Skills

• Spectrum Beam (Normal attack): Asta charges a beam forward that deals damage to a single target.
• Meteor Storm (Bounce attack): Unleashes a powerful Meteor Storm that deals Fire damage to a single enemy with four bombardments.
• Astral Blessing (Ultimate/Support ability): Increases the speed of allies significantly for the next two turns. This ability's speed buff increases as Asta levels up.

2. Pela

• Rarity: 4 stars
• Element: Ice
• Affiliation: Belobog
• Path: Nihility

In Honkai Star Rail, Pela is a character who possesses the Ice element and is an excellent option for the Nihility role in your team. This means that she can help her teammates by hindering their opponents' abilities during battles.

Pela restores an additional 5%, 12%, or 13% energy if she debuffs an enemy with her attack, however this effect can only occur once each hit. Furthermore, Pela has a 100% chance of dealing 80% of her ATK as Ice DMG to a random enemy and a 100% chance of lowering all enemies' DEF by 20% for the next two turns.

Pela's skills

• Frost Shot (Normal Attack): Deals ice damage to a single target equal to 50%/130%/140% of her basic attack.
• Frost Bite (Impair ability): Removes buffs of all enemies for one turn and deals ice damage equal to 105%/241.5%/262.5% of Pela’s basic attacks.
• Zone Suppression (Ultimate/Impair ability): Deals massive ice damage to all enemies, with a 100% chance of inflicting an exposed status on enemies. Exposed enemies will have their defenses drastically reduced over the next two turns.

3. Serval

• Rarity: 4 stars
• Element: Lighting
• Affiliation: Belobog
• Path: Erudition

Serval is among the characters listed in the C-tier in Honkai Star Rail and stands out for her exceptional AOE damage abilities. With her mastery over lightning, Serval can deal additional lightning damage to enemies using her Galvanic Chords talent. She also has the ability to initiate a blow as soon as she enters the fight.

Furthermore, Serval has a 100% chance of inflicting an electrical shock on all enemies for the next three turns and can deal lightning damage to a random enemy every turn.

Serval's skills

• Roaring Thunderclap (normal attack): Serval deals lightning damage to a single target enemy.
• Lightning Flash (Blast skill/ AOE): Deals a huge amount of lighting damage, 70%/140%/154% of Serval's basic attack to a single target. It also deals additional lighting damage to the adjacent enemies of the intended target. Also, the skill grants an 80% chance for all impacted enemies to be in a shocked state for the next two turns.
• Here Comes the Mechanical Fever (Ultimate/ AOE): Deals tremendous AOE lighting damage equivalent to 108/180/194% of her basic attacks on all enemies on the battlefield. Enemies already in a shocked state will have their shock state extended by two more turns.

4. Sushang

• Rarity: 4 stars
• Element: Physical
• Affiliation: Xianzhou Luofu
• Path: Hunt

Sushang is among the A-tier characters revealed in Honkai Star Rail who possesses the unique capability of inflicting significant physical damage on single-target enemies, making her an ideal option for Blitz battles.

She has the ability to launch an immediate attack as soon as she enters the field, dealing damage equal to 80% of her basic attacks. Additionally, whenever an enemy is on a weakness break on the battlefield, Sushang gains a speed boost.

Sushang's skills

• Cloudfencer Art: Starshine (Normal Attack): Sushang leaps at an enemy and deals damage to a single enemy.
• Cloudfencer Art: Mountainfall (Attacking Skill): Deals incredible damage to a single target through her sword. There is a 33% chance that after the end of the move, Sushang will end in the sword stance. In the Sword stance, Sushang deals additional physical damage to a single target enemy.
• Shape of Taixu: Dawn Herald (Ultimate): Sushang deals Physical damage to a single enemy equal to 192%/358.4%/384% of her basic attacks.
• This skill also boosts Sushang's attack by 18%/33.6%/36%, respectively, and grants her two extra chances to trigger Sword Stance. If Sword Stance is triggered from these extra turns, it deals 50% of her basic damage.

5. Dan Heng

• Rarity: 4 stars
• Element: Wind
• Affiliation: Astral Express
• Path: Hunt

Dan Heng is currently among the most popular choices in Honkai Star Rail. As an assassin-like character, he is an excellent option if you need someone to eliminate a single target quickly. Dan Heng harnesses the power of the Wind element and is particularly effective against single targets.

Dan Heng's skills

• Cloudlancer Art: North Wind (normal attack): Deals wind damage equivalent to 50/100/110% of Dan Heng's basic attacks to a single target enemy.
• Cloudlancer Art: Torrent (attacking skill): Unleashes a wind torrent that deals damage to a single target enemy, equivalent to 130/260/286% of his basic attacks. If, by chance, a critical hit is inflicted through this move, then the enemy’s speed will reduce by 12% for the next two turns.
• Ethereal Dream (Ultimate): Deals massive wind damage equal to 240/400/432% of Dan Heng's basic attacks to a single target. If the enemy is slowed, the damage is amplified by 72/120/130%, respectively.

>>> Read more: Honkai Star Rail System Requirements For PC And Mobile

HoYoverse's newest game, Honkai: Star Rail, intends to offer a distinctive role-playing encounter to players around the world, using characters from the previously published Honkai Impact gacha games.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase a complete analysis of the similarities and differences between these two titles.

1. World Design

Both games offer a fully explorable game environment. However, Genshin Impact provides a completely open world that players can explore freely. On the other hand, Honkai: Star Rail differs from Genshin by being slightly more restrictive. Although players can freely explore hubs and areas of the spaceship, the extent of exploration is comparatively limited.

2. Combat

The combat mechanics seem to be the most significant difference between the two games.

While Genshin Impact is primarily an action-adventure game, Honkai: Star Rail entirely relies on a turn-based system. During battles, players must make tactical decisions based on their character's abilities and the enemy's moves before taking any action.

Both games include regular attacks, special skills, and an ultimate move that charges up over time. Similar to Genshin, Honkai: Star Rail also incorporates an elemental alignment system (such as Fire, Ice, Quantum, and Imaginary from Honkai Impact 3rd), but with a twist - no element has an advantage over the others, and enemies have multiple elemental weaknesses to consider during a battle. There is no bonus damage for exploiting an enemy's weakness.

Moreover, battles in Honkai: Star Rail do not initiate until the player manually approaches an enemy, whereas in Genshin Impact, being within the range of an enemy starts the fight automatically.

3. Item system

One significant similarity between the two games is the Resin/Artifact system, referred to as Energy/Relic in Honkai: Star Rail. In both games, players use a specific portion of their Energy to collect Relics/Artifacts from domain-like areas of the game, known as Cocoons in Star Rail.

However, there is a slight difference between the two systems. In Star Rail, Relics have six stat slots (Head, Hand, Body, Feet, Neck, and Article), one more than Genshin's Artifacts.

Players can replenish their Energy using in-game materials to farm for more Relics, and it has a maximum limit. It is crucial to note that the Relic drops and their generated stats are randomly generated in Honkai: Star Rail.

4. Level and Ascension

In Honkai: Star Rail, the characters have a comparable ascension system to Genshin Impact.

Essentially, players have to grind through various Cocoons of Distortion to obtain character ascension materials and EXP to level up their characters further. The ascension limit will also depend on the Trailblazer level, so it is essential to level up as quickly as possible to maximize your character's potential.

5. Weapons and Character Rank Ups

In Honkai: Star Rail, Constellations and Weapons are presented as Eidolons and Light Cones, respectively.

Similar to Genshin Impact, Light Cones can be refined up to R5 by fusing several duplicates of the same item. The game provides both free-to-play and gacha-only Light Cones.

Eidolons, like Genshin's Constellations, have a maximum of six slots and E3 and E5 skills, which can strengthen the character skills.

6. Skills and Passives

In Honkai, Talents and Techniques refer to the character's Passive and Skill abilities, similarly to Genshin Impact.

Every character has distinctive Talents and techniques that produce various effects in the game.

7. Expedition

Honkai: Star Rail has a feature called the Assign system, similar to Genshin Impact's Expedition.

This system is used to passively collect various items such as EXP materials and credits while the player is away from the game.

8. Gacha system

The gacha system in both games is almost identical, with only differences in the terminology used. Honkai: Star Rail uses "Warp" instead of "Summon," which costs 160 gems per summon.

Similar to Genshin Impact, the summons in Honkai: Star Rail are divided into Limited and Standard banners, with the former being equivalent to Genshin's Event banners. Players are advised to summon on the Event banners to obtain the latest units at a boosted rate.

The gacha mechanics are also expected to be the same, with a 90-pull pity for a 5-star character and a 10-pull pity for a 4-star. Light Cones of 5-star rarity drop within 80 pulls of the Light Cone banner, and there are expected to be rotational changes to the banner with each update.

Moreover, players can earn Undying Starlight and Undying Embers from performing summons, which can be used to purchase more in-game items.

9. In-app purchases

The in-game purchases for both games are the same. Honkai: Star Rail also has a monthly card called Express Supply Pass that provides daily gems and is considered the most cost-effective item in the game. A Battle Pass has also been confirmed for Star Rail, featuring both free-to-play and paid tiers that gradually unlock through in-game activities. Players can purchase gems or Oneiric Shards using real money.

10. End-game content

Lastly, both games have an endgame mode presently - named the Forgotten Hall in Honkai: Star Rail. Similar to Genshin, Honkai also has escalating challenges where players face waves of enemies to earn summoning currency. It is expected that the rewards and rotations of this mode will reset periodically. However, based on Honkai Impact 3rd's experience, it is possible that Star Rail will include more endgame content in the future.

>>> Read more: How To Reroll In Honkai Star Rail

Leon is on a mission to rescue Ashley, who has been kidnapped, in the Resident Evil 4 remake. He will encounter various bosses of differing levels of difficulty, which will pose challenges for him as he progresses through the game. Despite the fact that the protagonist and Ashley always come out on top in the story, players must survive these boss battles to advance. Each boss has its own unique set of moves, with some being easier to defeat than others.

Although the bosses in the RE4 remake have received major visual updates, the boss fights themselves have remained largely unchanged from the original game. Players who played the previous game may recognize similar attack patterns as they progress through the remake and attempt to achieve a high rank.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase a list of all boss fights in Resident Evil 4 Remake, ranked by difficulty.

1. Mutated Krauser

The most challenging boss battle in the Resident Evil 4 remake is against Krauser's transformed state. As revenge for his prior loss, Krauser unleashes his powerful mutated form during his final encounter with Leon. Krauser's combination of a large claw-like arm and military training makes him a formidable opponent. Players must match Krauser's incredible speed to avoid his unpredictable and deadly attacks, including head crushing grabs.

Additionally, players must deal significant damage to stagger him momentarily. Krauser can only be defeated through careful trigger control, consistent dodging, and endless patience, with most players requiring several attempts to beat this toughest boss in the Resident Evil 4 remake.

2. Verdugo

In the Resident Evil 4 remake, defeating Verdugo is a challenging task that will likely leave players feeling bewildered during their initial attempts to take down Salazar's personal bodyguard. With its quick and formidable attacks, this tailed creature requires a full-out effort from players to defeat it.

The only way to kill Verdugo is to temporarily freeze it, followed by firing as many bullets and grenades as possible. This requires precise timing, as Verdugo is always on the prowl and ready to strike, and players will need to have powerful weapons at their disposal to succeed.

3. Twin Garradors

The Twin Garradors may not be officially considered bosses in the RE4 remake, but they should still be treated as such, since they pose a major challenge to players. Unlike other enemies, these creatures have excellent hearing and can detect Leon with ease, charging at him relentlessly. Since the area is teeming with Los Iluminados, this makes things even more difficult.

To defeat them, players must either lure them into attacking other enemies or use the scattered bells in the area, but this is a slow and risky process that can quickly go wrong if players are caught.

4. Ramón Salazar

The encounter with Ramón Salazar in the Salazar Castle presents a challenging battle for players. This boss fight can be quite frustrating because of Salazar's large size, his explosive sacs that take up a lot of space, and his attacks that spit poison at Leon periodically. Adding to the difficulty, Salazar can instantly kill Leon if he gets too close, swallowing him whole like popcorn.

To defeat Salazar, players must stay on the move while relentlessly attacking, making this boss fight one of the more difficult ones in the Resident Evil 4 remake.

5. Osmund Saddler

While Osmund Saddler is the mastermind behind the Ganados and Los Iluminados, he isn't as difficult as he seems. His ultimate form is disgusting, and his voice lines are creepy, but with some perseverance, rapid reflexes, and a continuous barrage of gunfire aimed at his eyes, the cult leader can be defeated. If players have been conserving ammo and upgrading their weapons properly, they will find it relatively easy to disintegrate Saddler into bits by the end of the boss fight in the Resident Evil 4 remake.

6. Jack Krauser (Human)

In the Resident Evil 4 remake, previously underdeveloped characters such as Leon's former military comrade, Jack Krauser, have received more backstory. However, despite this, Krauser is still hostile towards Leon during their first meeting. The two engage in a knife fight that requires the player to parry accurately and consistently. If their combat knife is worn out, the fight becomes even more challenging, making it one of the toughest boss battles in the RE4 remake.

7. Del Lago

Like with Méndez, navigating through obstacles is crucial when facing Del Lago in the Resident Evil 4 remake. The challenge in this boss fight comes from the need to avoid rocks and other hazards that are scattered throughout the lake, which can be especially tricky given the sometimes clumsy controls of Leon's boat. Additionally, players won't have the option to heal during the fight, so they'll have to make every shot with their harpoon count, and make skillful maneuvers to avoid taking damage.

8. Father Méndez

The RE4 remake enhanced the horror factor of the most frightening monster, making Father Méndez seem just as scary upon first sight. But players will soon discover that he's actually one of the easiest bosses to defeat. As long as they can stay in a position of advantage and dodge his attacks during the boss fight, the bulky village chief won't be too menacing. If players shoot the explosive barrels before Méndez has the chance to hurl them, he can be defeated rather swiftly.

9. Twin Gigantes

The Twin Gigantes boss fight in the RE4 remake can be easily defeated with the help of Leon's ally, Luis. This is because both Gigantes can be distracted by Luis and attacked by Leon one at a time. The Armored El Gigante can also be weakened with dynamite, which allows Leon to deliver the final blow. Additionally, there's a safety measure of dropping the Armored El Gigante into the lava below the floor by using a hatch.

10. El Gigante

El Gigante (Unarmored)

Ironically, defeating El Gigante in the RE4 remake is more challenging than taking down his armored variant. This is because Leon doesn't have access to a powerful cannon and must rely on his regular weapons, which are relatively weaker. However, if players rescue the trapped dog before this fight, the faithful companion will assist in distracting the towering beast. There are no specific techniques or strategies required to defeat El Gigante, except for the need to unload a considerable amount of bullets due to his enormous health pool.

El Gigante (Armored)

Despite its appearance, the Armored El Gigante is the simplest boss to defeat in the Resident Evil 4 remake. The large creature may throw rocks at Leon and make a lot of noise, but players have access to a functional cannon that can defeat it easily. Players need only to have accurate aim and avoid incoming debris, making the fight more about timing and precision. The only remaining fear is the surprise return of the El Gigante in the next area, unarmored.

The Resident Evil game franchise has been popular since its debut in 1996. The remake has even been ranked as most downloaded game in March 2023. In addition to its success as a game franchise, Resident Evil has also been adapted into films and books. The popularity of the franchise has also extended to online slots, with especially many Dutch casino players enjoying the Resident Evil-themed games. OnlineCasinoGround.nl is a one of the Dutch casino platforms where players can find and play these online slots.

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Metroidvanias prioritize exploration and the gradual unveiling of the game world through the acquisition of new abilities, encouraging players to think creatively and persevere. As the genre has grown in popularity, it is essential to recognize the most influential and top-rated titles since its inception.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the best Metroidvania games available.

1. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight, released in 2017, marked the impressive debut of Team Cherry, a small game development team from Australia. Due to its amazing graphics, compelling soundtrack, and carefully designed stages, the game soon became a popular favorite among Metroidvania lovers. The player takes on the role of the Knight, who sets out on a perilous trip through a huge underground network of tunnels and deserted cities, fighting mighty opponents and learning the truth about Hallownest's terrible past.

With a playtime of approximately 60 hours, players can explore the richly curated content and discover hidden areas in Hollow Knight.

2. Super Metroid

No list of top Metroidvania games would be complete without including Super Metroid. While the original Metroid introduced the concept of a non-linear platformer, Super Metroid refined and perfected the gameplay. Regarded as the quintessential Metroidvania game, Super Metroid features Samus revisiting the planet Zebes and encountering new and old enemies while exploring changes since her previous visit. The game emphasizes clever exploration and features a hauntingly memorable soundtrack.

3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps, a sequel that builds upon and enhances its predecessor, continues the story of the forest spirit Ori in his search for his lost friend in a new land. The game features charming creatures, touching moments, and visually stunning levels to explore. While it is recommended to play Ori and the Will of the Wisps as it stands out among the rest, it would be a mistake not to play Ori and the Blind Forest beforehand as the former beautifully builds on the latter.

4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Since its release in 1997, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has established a legendary reputation as one of the best games in the Castlevania series. The game centers on Alucard, the half-vampire son of Dracula who explores his father's castle in search of upgrades, artifacts, and weapons to use in fight against the evil forces. The gameplay of the game emphasizes exploration and discovery while adding RPG aspects.

5. Metroid: Dread

Metroid: Dread, a sequel that fans have been waiting for since 2002's Metroid Fusion, finally arrived after a whopping nineteen-year gap and received glowing reviews. The game features Samus Aran, who is sent to the enigmatic planet ZDR to investigate the Federation's missing EMMI units. These units were dispatched to examine the sightings of the mysterious X Parasite.

As Samus explores the planet's depths, she confronts and avoids the corrupted EMMI while traversing ancient laboratories, eerie cave systems, and alien ruins.

6. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Players can use a distinctive combat system in the game Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night to explore a strange castle full with hideous monsters that is heavily influenced by Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The game offers players a variety of combat tactics to choose from, including guns, martial arts, spells, and heavy, slow weaponry. It also boasts excellent graphics and refined gameplay.

Bloodstained is a capable and expertly made sequel to the finest that Castlevania has to offer, even though it may not quite achieve Symphony of the Night's level of greatness.

7. SteamWorld Dig 2

Although SteamWorld Dig was an enjoyable game, it now appears to have served as more of a demonstration of concept compared to its sequel. SteamWorld Dig 2 has significantly enhanced the mechanics, controls, and overall flow of the game, resulting in a remarkable and flawless experience throughout.

Although trying out the first game is recommended to explore the captivating SteamWorld universe, SteamWorld Dig 2 is undoubtedly the superior and more refined Metroidvania.

8. Guacamelee! 2

Due to its improved fighting and cooperative capabilities while preserving the same humor and plot as its predecessor, Guacamelee! 2 gets added to this list. The universe built in the first game is expanded upon by the introduction of the Mexiverse, a multiverse with a Mexican flavor. Guacamelee! 2 also incorporates wrestling combos and further develops the combat mechanics of the chicken form. While there is debate as to whether it is superior to the first game, both titles are definitely worth playing for Metroidvania fans.

9. Blasphemous

Blasphemous, which draws its inspiration from Roman Catholic iconography, is one of the bloodiest games on this list and leans heavily into dark fantasy themes. As you progress through the corrupted lands of Cvstodia, you'll encounter grotesque creatures, battle monsters, and meet enigmatic allies. While the game's setting and atmosphere are impressively realized and contribute to its inclusion on this list, it's worth noting that the game's challenging difficulty may prove frustrating for even the most experienced Metroidvania players.

10. Metroid: Zero Mission

The 1986 video game Metroid, which became a cultural phenomenon, helped create the Metroidvania subgenre. The NES, however, had some drawbacks as a result of its technological constraints. To improve upon the original idea, Metroid: Zero Mission was launched in 2004 as a remake with new graphics and design.

To improve the player experience, Zero Mission fixed the original game's design problems and introduced fresh story components. Additionally, Zero Suit Samus, a character who has gained a lot of popularity among fans, was added in the game.

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Honkai Star Rail has introduced 26 characters that are playable, with 15 of them being 5-star characters and the rest being 4-star characters. Upon starting the game, players receive a free 5-star main character called Trailblazer, as well as several other free characters including Dan Heng, March 7, Herta, and Asta. Additionally, in the 2nd closed beta, players can obtain Natasha, who serves as a healer, and Serval, who is an AoE attacker, for free.

This guide evaluates all 26 playable characters in Honkai Star Rail and explains their positions in the Honkai Star Rail ranking system.

Most notable characters to pull for

Seele

This character is the best of the best when it comes to DPS. What's even better than having one buff? Having two buffs! If you use Seele's skill, her speed will be boosted by 25%, and if she defeats one enemy, she'll get an additional turn and damage buff. Moreover, her ultimate attack has one of the highest damage outputs among all the characters in Honkai: Star Rail, making her a force to be reckoned with regardless of the stage of the game. If you team her up with Bronya, who can also provide damage buffs, you might see damage numbers in the 5, 6, or even 7 digits. This is why Seele is considered an S-tier character and is difficult to match in terms of her nuke damage.

Luocha

With Luocha on your team, you can witness the automatic healing provided to your allies. If your team's HP falls below 50%, Luocha will step in to heal them. Additionally, if Luocha's stack is full, your ally will be healed each time they are attacked by an enemy. In the event that the enemies are buffed, Luocha's ultimate can be used to deal AoE Imaginary attack and remove a single enemy buff. The best part is that this will increase Luocha's stack, leading to even more healing for your team. Luocha's ability to prevent deaths due to his impressive healing rate is the reason why he deserves a spot in the S+ tier rank.

Bronya

Bronya is a powerful buffer in Honkai: Star Rail, who can give turn priority to an ally, increase their damage output, and use her ultimate to boost ATK and CRIT DMG for two turns. She can be the perfect solution in situations where your main DPS needs to skip a turn or your team needs healing. With her skills, Bronya has earned a spot in the S+ tier, as she is the only character that can consistently advance an ally's turn and buff the entire team's CRIT DMG.

Gepard

Gepard is a dependable defender who can also function as a sub-dps tank. His abilities involve protecting the whole team with his shield and having a good chance of freezing one enemy with his skill. The shield is only available through his ultimate, which means you'll need to recharge his energy to ensure Gepard can provide your team with protection. The effectiveness of his shield is dependent on his DEF, so you need to manage your timing and energy use wisely if you want to use Gepard in your team. As you progress towards the mid and later stages of the game, his shield becomes increasingly trustworthy.

>>> Read more: Starter Guide For Honkai Star Rail Exploration And Combat System