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The 15 Best Xbox Puzzle Games You Should Be Playing Right Now

Complexity doesn’t have to require hundreds of hours within a game. Beautiful visuals don’t have to mean the latest graphics engine with the largest development team. And engaging gameplay doesn’t necessitate online multiplayer with constant updates. Sometimes you can get all of that in a smaller package that still packs a punch.

Puzzle games exist that meet all of those criteria and they’re a blast to play. Xbox One currently has access to some of the best puzzle games in the genre. Our favorites are ones that you can easily pick up but can only put down with difficulty.

Updated by Madison Lennon on April 4, 2020: For those who enjoy playing puzzle-solving games, this list should be perfect for you. We updated it with five new puzzle-based video games you can play right now on your Xbox.

If you’re feeling an itch to scratch that can only be solved by playing something that puts your logic-solving skills to the test, then you should be able to find the perfect game to alleviate that desire in the list below. All you need is time and energy to play these games since some of them are quite challenging.

15 ChromaGun

ChromaGun is a puzzle-solving video game available on Xbox One that revolves around solving color-based puzzles. To play the game, players will use a large ChromaGun to shoot colors at the walls and at various Worker Droids floating around the room.

When a droid is colored, it will gravitate toward the part of the wall matching them in color. Players will need to arrange the droids in the right patterns to unlock the room. Primary colors can also be blended together to create new colors and add further complications to the game.

14 Q.U.B.E.

As the name suggests Q.U.B.E. is a puzzle-solving game that involves the player interacting with various cubes and shapes within the walls inside of their room. The player wakes up inside a strange room after a mysterious incident. They wear a pair of gloves that can interact with specific shapes hidden inside of the walls.

The goal of the game is for the player to unlock each room by solving the puzzle so they can progress forward until they reach the exit. Each block does something different, depending on the color and the rooms become increasingly difficult as you go.

13 The Turing Test

The Turing Test is a first-person puzzle-solving game created by Square Enix where players control an International Space Agent named Ava Turing who is working on one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa. Ava is part of a research team but awakens from cryogenic slumber and has to help save her teammates when a problem starts with the power system.

To save it, she has to complete tests which include redirecting energy to unlock doors and other machinery. More elements and objectives are added to the puzzles as players progress through the story. The game received mostly positive reviews from critics.

12 Unmechanical: Extended

Unmechanical is a relatively simple and straightforward 2.5D puzzle video game. You will likely want to play the extended version rather than the original. Players will try and solve a student project by assembling pieces together.

There is a variety of different puzzles for gamers to solve that should definitely keep you occupied for several hours. It received mostly positive reviews from critics. It is a lesser-known game but if you’ve already played everything else on this list you should definitely give it a chance, it might surprise you.

11 Asemblance

Asemblance is a trippy first-person psychological thriller game but it also involves a lot of puzzle-solving. The mind-bending game takes inspiration from popular shows like The X-Files and Black Mirror.

When your player awakes, they’re trapped inside of a strange machine and forced to piece together memories to figure out what happened to them and the world around them. However, you will have to deduce which memories are real and which are part of the simulation. The only guiding force is a disembodied A.I. voice that tells you what to do.

10 The Witness

From the creator of Braid, this superb puzzling experience jettisons the player on an island with nothing but puzzles around. Some are easily visible and simple enough to solve. Some require more dexterity and patience. But one thing is certain: The Witness is fantastic.

There are hundreds of puzzles to solve and as you progress they will become increasingly complex to the point where you might leave it partially complete before leaving to find inspiration. There isn’t much of a story, but that doesn’t detract from the exciting challenges that await you on the island.

9 Limbo

One of a pair from the studio Playdead, Limbo is a 2D puzzle-platformer, and the atmosphere is soaked in tension and mystery. The indie title has received about as many awards and glowing reviews as an indie game can.

You have to experience it for yourself, though. The dark and grey world will pull you in and leave you breathless. The visuals alone deserve commendation, but the gameplay is also satisfying. Interesting puzzles block your path, and you have to navigate through and around them.

8 Inside

Inside proved that Playdead’s first attempt at the 2D puzzle-platformer was not a fluke. Their mastery of the genre was on full display with their follow-up, and it was just as warmly welcomed as the first game, if not more. The story centers around a boy who becomes enmeshed in a scary world from which he must escape.

The narrative will suck you in, though, and it will only spit you back out once you’ve invested in the life of this unfortunate boy. There’s so much that goes right with Inside. It deserves your time and attention.

7 Portal

From Valve (the guys behind Steam) comes one of the greatest puzzle games of all time and one of the most influential video games across any genre. This is where we met GLaDOS. This is where we learned that the cake is a lie. The pop-culture references alone demand that you play Portal.

That doesn’t take away from the addictive gameplay, however. Who doesn’t want to make portals that you can jump through? One blue. One orange. And physics is never the same. Discovering how to solve the puzzles in Portal is so satisfying. Just take good care of your companion cube.

6 Portal 2

More of a good thing is a good thing. Which is why Portal 2 makes the list of best puzzle games that you can play right now. The Perpetual Testing Initiative is back, except it’s better than ever. Portal 2 introduced new puzzles and new ideas that made more challenging obstacles courses.

It also introduced the ability to play with a friend and to design puzzles all on your own. Really, anything that gets us back to the gun that shoots the orange and blue portals is fine. Also, GLaDOS is a potato. One of the smartest machines alive embedded into a potato. Priceless.

5 Human: Fall Flat

No Brakes Games developed Human: Fall Flat, which is a surreal physics-based puzzle game where players explore a wacky landscape with humans that look molded from clay. The open-ended nature of the world is intoxicating, and you’ll have to make your way out by solving puzzles. As expected, physics plays a part.

You can play by yourself or with some of your friends, and the physics-based part is a really fun experience. The silliness in Human: Fall Flat is not frequently present in the puzzle genre, so it’s a refreshing change from some of the darker or somber games that you might play.

4 Unravel 2

Puzzles are challenging. Puzzles are fun. But they can also be fun with a friend. Combining the intellectual and strategic prowess of two minds helps to break down the challenges in a puzzle game. Unravel 2 incorporates successful elements from the first game, but it introduces a new character so that two players can navigate the world in cooperative mode.

That option is enjoyable when you’re wanting to relax with a friend and maneuver past obstacles together. There is something beautiful in playing as two Yarnys who are connected by a single thread.

3 The Talos Principle

A first-person puzzle game, The Talos Principle relies on philosophical science fiction to create a unique world. As a robot, your creator has built with a singular purpose: To overcome puzzling challenges and prove your technological worth. But existential questions arise as you delve deeper into the world.

You’ll start asking questions about your identity and purpose outside of the restrictions your creator intended. That’s some heavy stuff. Most puzzle games won’t wade into the pool of philosophy, but The Talos Principle is not most games. It’s a journey that will linger in your mind long after you finish playing.

2 Life Is Strange

Episodic adventures are relatively new to the video game industry, but Dontnod Entertainment has the formula figured out. This series was so successful that it’s almost finished with the second game already. The puzzles in Life Is Strange are fewer in number than in most games, but the adventure is still worth mentioning. There are mysteries that must be solved, and some of them are traditional obstacles past which players have to move.

In the game, you follow Max Caulfield, a senior in high school who discovers she can rewind time. That revelation alone would consume most teenagers’ focus, but Max must also find a way to save her best friend Chloe. That’s all we want to give away. The rest you have to find out for yourself.

1 Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Ubisoft is not the first studio you’d envision when thinking of an artistic puzzle game. The studio’s devotion to history, though, is always present in Valiant Hearts: The Great War. World War I does not attract the same amount of attention in the entertainment industry as the second global conflict, but this puzzle game strives to correct that.

It’s a story of intertwined destinies in a place where love and happiness are hard to find. The protagonists who feature in Valiant Hearts are caught in the midst of trench warfare. A ghastly affair, indeed. Thankfully they have faithful dogs to accompany them through the horrible war-torn landscape. Get the box of tissues ready. You may not have dry eyes when this is done.

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Video games are keeping me sane during the coronavirus pandemic

A reader who still has to travel into work every day explains why playing single-player video games helps him feel better about himself.

I see a lot of talk at the moment about how people are playing more video games than ever, which makes total sense given most people are stuck inside. But I’m not. I work at a supermarket and my job has suddenly gone from being something most people never think about to being a ‘key worker’. In its way it’s satisfying, because you know you’re doing good and being useful, but it’s also nerve-wracking because obviously I don’t want to get coronavirus or give it to my family.

If anything, I’m getting too much social contact at the moment, so what I love to do when all is quiet is just zone out with a good single-player game. I’m playing The Witcher 3 at the moment, which somehow I never got round to at the time, and I’m loving it. Escape to a fantasy world where you can make a difference, choose to be the good guy or not, and just hang out with interesting people and fight monsters. Perfection.

People always talk down about video games, they do it even now when they’re becoming a social lifeline to some people stuck inside, but not only is there great skill in making them but they are great for someone, like me, that wants to escape away from it all for a few hours. Some complain they’re too expensive but apparently it’s 50 hours to beat The Witcher 3 on its own and I bought the whole thing plus its DLC for £15!

Considering I’m never going in a cinema again at this rate, because of the virus, and how much that costs anyway, I’d say that was a pretty good deal.

Finding the time to play games is the biggest problem, which is why it’s taken so long to get round to this one, but other than that I find them the perfect way to unwind and feel like I’m totally in control of a situation. That might sound a bit weird to people that don’t play them often but even if it’s a hard game and you’re not doing well, in something like Dark Souls, the feeling that you can gradually work things out and finally conquer the game is a real rush.

Most video games are meant to be beaten and getting to that point is very satisfying, the longer the game is the more satisfaction too.

For that reason, I don’t generally play multiplayer, because I’m not that great at it. But it’s also because there’s no ending, no goal to aim for. No matter what’s going on with your real life sitting down to beat a game is something you know you can do with the right attitude and perseverance. It’s not down to luck, not overall, it’s down to you.

For me that really helps after a bad day, or week or whatever, and is the main reason I’ve never ‘grown out’ of video games. They make me feel better about myself and my world. And that’s never been more important than right now.

By reader Kendle

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qy8jmm9kY4A%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent

The reader’s feature does not necessary represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. As always, email [email protected] and follow us on Twitter.

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PC

Best Games To Play With People Not Normally Into Games

It can be tricky to get friends or family into video games–it’s certainly become easier in recent years with the rise of mobile gaming, which has created a more accessible market for gamers of all skill levels. However, there are still people out there who haven’t played a video game. If you happen to know and live with such a person and you’re hoping to get them to participate in one of your favorite pastimes now that you’re spending more time at home, you may be wondering where to start.

We’ve found that a good way to get people who aren’t regular players interested in video games is to play a co-op game with them. But, of course, that begs the question: What’s a good video game to play with someone who’s never played one before, or who rarely plays games and may not want to commit to something that’s too skill-focused? Well, in the following article, we detail some of our personal favorite games that are fun to play, whether you’ve been gaming all your life or just starting for the first time.

Our list includes all sorts of games, ranging from silly couch co-op experiences you can play with the whole family, like Super Mario Party and Jackbox Party, to approachable online multiplayer games that you can play with a friend if you’re both stuck at home, such as Rocket League and Destiny 2. We’d love to hear from you all if you think we missed anything–leave a note in the comments section about your go-to when you want to play a game with a friend or family member who isn’t normally into video games.

Rocket League

Even though it has a very high skill ceiling, Rocket League is one of the most approachable games to get into, largely because the whole basis of the game is so straightforward: it’s soccer (or, I guess, football for some of you) but with cars. That’s it–that’s the game.

Despite this simplicity, Rocket League is a ridiculously fun game that’s very difficult to put down. My friends and I have had plenty of moments when we’ve been on a winning streak, so even though it’s 3 AM, we’ve thought, “Okay, just one more match.” With each match lasting, on average, five to eight minutes, it’s easy to lose track of time playing Rocket League–and with support for both couch and online co-op, you and your friends can get lost in the silly game together. And if soccer isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Hoops mode offers a basketball variation of the game’s formula, while Snow Day gives you hockey and Dropshot is basically volleyball.

Admittedly, Rocket League isn’t a perfect choice for people who have never played video games before. As a sports game, it requires some semblance of hand-eye coordination to succeed and you’ll likely whiff a shot or totally miss a pass more often than not at first. But that’s one of the best parts of Rocket League: even when you’re not doing very well, it’s still an absolute blast of a good time when you’re playing with friends. And when the game does finally click for you–there are few games that have managed to capture how sweet that feeling is. — Jordan Ramée, Associate Editor

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Games Inbox: What’s the best video game of 2020 so far?

The Thursday Inbox is not happy with Platinum Games’ attempt at an April Fool, as one reader asks for PS4 Metroidvania recommendations.

To join in with the discussions yourself email [email protected]

First quarter
So, I hate to say it but the years is now one quarter done. I know, right? I think it’s safe to say that at this point it’s probably not going to go down as a classic year for gaming, or anything probably. But we have had some good games in the last couple of weeks, so at the 25% mark I’ve got to ask what is the best game of 2020?

As far as I can see the main contenders are Persona 5 Royal (not really a new game, but I think it counts), Half-Life: Alyx, Doom Eternal, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nioh 2, and Ori And The Will Of The Wisps. Now I haven’t played all of these (I’d be surprised if even 5% of readers had played Half-Life: Alyx) but for me it’s between Doom Eternal and Animal Crossing.

Of those two, personally I’ve only played Doom Eternal and I really enjoyed. But even I have to admit that Animal Crossing seems to be the bigger game, it really seems to have caught the imagination of people more than anything else I’ve seen for a long time. It obviously suits self-isolation, especially because it’s cheerful and non-violent, so plenty of non-gamers are playing it too.

Kudos to Nintendo, I say. I don’t understand why more companies don’t try to make non-violent games. It’s basically a thing only Nintendo do and from a basic business point of view that seems like a mistake. Personally I’d still rather play Doom but a good game is a good game, especially if it’s doing something differently.
Clambake

Double cancellation
So not only is E3 cancelled but the thing that was meant to replace it, at least from Bethesda, is also cancellation? What a classic this year is turning out to be! It felt like the games industry was trying to tear itself apart before the coronavirus ever started, now it feels like it’s just doing things at random. Final Fantasy 7 Remake coming out 10 days early, people leaking seemingly accurate Nintendo rumours, everybody saying as little as possible about what games they’re making… it’s cats and dogs living together all over again!

There’s a lot going wrong at once but I wonder whether the underlying problem is that companies aren’t ready for the next generation. It did really happen with the PlayStation 4 era but go back a generation from that and tons of developers, particularly in Japan, couldn’t handle the move to HD and a lot of games turned out bad or late and this smells to me like the same sort of thing.

So few games are coming out at the moment, or even getting announced, that it feels like the machinery is all jammed up. Companies don’t know when the next gen console are coming out and they’re not sure when to switch to supporting them. That’s my theory anyway. There’s too much going wrong at the same time and I can’t believe that it’s a coincidence that it’s happening during the build up to the new consoles.
Dalchon
PS: I admit that doesn’t explain Nintendo, but whatever can?

Platinum 1½
So let me get this straight, PlatinumGames went to all the trouble of setting up a website and doing press for the ‘Platinum 4’ and it turned out to be a remaster of one of their lesser games, a new studio for making mobile games, an April Fool’s joke, and one genuine new game? That is not what I was hoping for when they first started hyping all this up.

The new studio was disappointing enough but they said they were saving the best till last, which turned out to be a non-joke about an old arcade shooter that I bet 99% of people have never even heard of. They should hire me to be their marketing guy, I’d do it for free lunch and access to their games room and I wouldn’t come up with anything as pointless and annoying as that.

On top of all this they’re not involved in the NieR remake. Project G. G. looks good but otherwise I do not think this has been a good couple of months for Platinum.
Masteric

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Family games
Hi GC and my fellow readers. I hope you are all keeping safe and getting to enjoy some gaming time during a difficult time. Now that I’m home with the kids and trying to think of fun ways to kill time, I was hoping GC or any readers could advise on which is the best family friendly ten-pin bowling game on the Switch? Something akin to the old Wii Sports would be great.

Would there be any other fun party games/sports games for families to play that you can recommend (apart from Super Mario Party and Mario Kart 8, which we already own). My eldest is six, so would need to be something not too complex ideally.

Thanks in advance.
Dj Kj

GC: We don’t remember bowling in any Switch game, but perhaps there’s something we’ve forgotten that a reader can recommend. There seem to be various bowling games if you search in the eShop, but they all look pretty low budget and we’ve never heard of any of them before. As for other games, Just Dance is usually popular with kids and non-gamers, or there’s things like Bubble Bobble 4 Friends and Overcooked. Animal Crossing: New Horizons also allows multiple people to live on the same island, although all but the first has to take a very reduced role.

Metroidvania mania
VVVVLTRFTW. Isolation has given me an opportunity to actually get back into gaming after a long break. I have been using my housemate’s Xbox to play firstly Ori And The Blind Forest and currently playing Ori And The Will Of The Wisps. What brilliantly crafted games these are! I have mostly avoided this style of ‘Metroidvania’ game before.

My housemate is getting a little bit vexed at me using his Xbox, and I own a PlayStation 4 – can anyone give me any recommendations for Metroidvania games to help relieve isolation boredom?
Millero86 (gamertag)

GC: Most Metroidvanias are multiformat indie games, so there’s Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Axiom Verge (the closest to the actual Metroid series), Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night (the closest to Castlevania), SteamWorld Dig 2, Guacamelee, and Owlboy. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the only recent big budget example of the genre.

Relatively difficulty
RE: drlowdon on game difficulty. Much as I adore the Dark Souls games, I do feel that when it comes to game difficulty there is one point that should be considered: difficulty is completely subjective.

The design decisions in the Souls games are in part what makes it difficult, but to take the example you made that, ‘The mechanic of having to collect your souls after dying also wouldn’t work if you didn’t ever actually die!’ How often each player dies is unique to that player. Some players can get through the game without ever actually dying, so don’t make use of that mechanic.

I also feel, especially in multiplayer games, the idea of rewarding good players with more powerful items and letting the worse players suffer is somewhat backwards (though directly inverting it would also be a terrible idea).

Though it would be difficult to do, dynamic difficulty would be the best option, like that seen in Resident Evil 4 (see Game Maker’s Toolkit), that way ‘lesser’ players and ‘good’ players would both have a challenge that they can overcome and enjoy.
Joseph Dowland

GC: Those stories of people beating Dark Souls without dying are only after a huge amount of practice. We don’t think anyone would describe the games as anything other than difficult.

Never surrender
I will say this for Ubisoft they don’t give up on a game and they almost always manage to turn them around. I would’ve said that Ghost Recon Breakpoint was unsalvageable and I’m certain no other company would’ve bothered to try and fix it but sounds like Ubi actually put in the effort.

I don’t know if they’re going to get much out of doing that, considering how cheap the game is now, but I’ll probably give it a go at £15. It also makes me more confident about buying their other games in the future.
Stuor

Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here

Licence blindness
RE: Obakasama and his letter about bad games that you actually enjoyed. This is true of The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct (which I think GC gave 2/10).

I’m not sure if I was blinded by complete faith to the TV show (back when it was still good and at the height of its popularity) but I actually really enjoyed the game. Putting you in the shoes of my favourite character, Daryl, using his infamous crossbow to kill walkers was perfect for placing you in the world and scoring headshots rarely left me without a smile on my face.

There was also a bit of depth to the game, where you could pick up survivors on your travels and recruit them to your group (they joined your RV). They then became available to send on scouting runs and, dependent on their skills and current inventory, had a chance of success for their missions. Whilst I never became attached to any of the characters, it did feel strange sending someone to their inevitable doom and helped build out the world.

Overall, the game was entirely forgettable, but at the time (probably due to the rose-tinted glasses) I remember being completely absorbed in its campaign.
CapoCurious (PSN ID)

Inbox also-rans
Gone Home and Hob are free on PC on Epic Games Store from today for the next week.
Andrew J.

Considering these fretful times, do you think that Pac-Man can get Pac-Man fever?
DMR

This week’s Hot Topic
The question for this weekend’s Inbox was suggested by reader Onibee, who asks what do you think, and hope, Nintendo’s next games will be for the Switch?

It’s now six months since they had a general topic Nintendo Direct and there are currently no major new Switch games scheduled for the whole year, so what do you think is going on? Although the coronavirus is exacerbating the situation Nintendo’s secrecy started last year, so why do you think that is?

What new games do you expect to see come out next and what surprises are you hoping for once they are finally announced? What do you think the secrecy is in aid of and what do you think Nintendo should do in order to try and counter the release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X?

E-mail your comments to: [email protected]

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

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Rockstar Games To Donate Revenue From GTA Online And Red Dead Online To COVID-19 Relief

The official Rockstar Games Twitter account has announced that they will be donating 5% of all revenue from purchases made in GTA Online and Red Dead Online, the online modes for Grand Theft Auto V and Read Dead Redemption 2 respectively.

The funds will be used to help local communities and businesses who have been affected by the impact of COVID-19. The donations will be contributed to these communities and businesses, as well as to organizations actively helping out those in need during this crisis. The Twitter post did not exactly who the funds will be donated to specifically, just referring to business, communities, and organizations in general.

The post mentions North America, the UK, and India specifically, so there’s a chance this will be the main focus on where the donations are sent. These are however where Rockstar’s main offices are located.

While 5% might not seem like a lot of money, Rockstar makes a large portion of their revenue through microtransactions. Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games and 2K, announced back in February that microtransaction spending in GTA Online grew by a whopping 54% during the quarter. This is thanks to the continued updates of GTA Online, with major content updates like Diamond Heist keeping players engaged after so many years.

GTA V has sold over 120 million copies worldwide, with 20 million of those units being sold in 2019, six years after the initial release on PS3 and Xbox 360. Read Red Redemption 2 has passed 29 million sales, with the game releasing in October 2018 on console and late last year on PC.

Online purchases will start counting towards the donations as of April 1, continuing through to the end of May. For two entire months Rockstar will continue to support and help those in need around the world with these donations. Most likely this will include sales made in-game across PC, Xbox One, and PS4 for GTA Online and Red Dead Online.

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

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Xbox

Xbox Games with Gold for April offers Project CARS 2, Fable Anniversary

Xbox Live Gold subscribers and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will get four free games in April as part of the Xbox Games with Gold program. Next month’s games will roll out on April 1 with Project CARS 2 for Xbox One and Fable Anniversary for Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Coming later are Knights of Pen and Paper and Knights of Pen and Paper 2 for Xbox One, and Toybox Turbos for Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Here’s the full rundown of April 2020’s Games with Gold titles:

  • Project CARS 2 ($59.99 ERP): Available April 1 to 30 on Xbox One
  • Knights of Pen and Paper Bundle ($22.49 ERP): Available April 16 to May 15 on Xbox One
  • Fable Anniversary ($39.99 ERP): Available April 1 to 15 on Xbox One and Xbox 360
  • Toybox Turbos ($9.99 ERP): Available April 16 to 30 on Xbox One and Xbox 360

Three of March’s Xbox Games with Gold titles are still available to download: Batman: The Enemy Within – The Complete Season, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, and Sonic Generations.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate combines Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass. Try a month for $1.

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These 4 Games Are Free To Own On Epic This Week

Epic has been giving away free PC games on a weekly basis since December 2018, but the distraction feels needed more than ever these days. The latest batch of free games are available now, and while only two were advertised last week, Epic has added two more surprise freebies to the mix. In addition to Figment and Tormenter x Punisher, you can also claim World War Z and Drawful 2 for free. Drawful 2 will be available until April 9, while the other three games are free until this Thursday, April 2, when they’ll be replaced by next week’s freebies. To claim any Epic free games, you just need a free account, and afterward, they’ll be yours to keep.

Drawful 2 comes from the studio behind Jackbox Party Pack. This hilarious party game is about drawing weird and very specific things–like “death by trombone” or “pitcher of nachos”–and having your friends guess what they are by typing in answers on their phone or tablet. Drawful 2 adds the ability to create your own prompts to make custom games with your friends, and there are expanded tools for streaming as well.

World War Z is a co-op third-person shooter where you’ll face off against hordes of zombies in cities like New York, Moscow, Tokyo, and more. For your character, you can choose from six different classes with different abilities, like the Gunslinger, Hellraiser, or Slasher. Up to 1,000 zombies can appear on the screen at the same time, swarming and even crawling over each other to reach you if you’re on a higher level. The game also features various multiplayer modes, like King of the Hill, Swarm Deathmatch, and Player vs. Player vs. Zombie.

Critic Alessandro Barbosa was a bit lukewarm about the game in GameSpot’s World War Z review, although it’s certainly worth grabbing while free. “World War Z has many rough edges that are easy to spot, exacerbated by limited content that makes repeated playthroughs less interesting with each run,” he wrote. “But it’s also a cooperative shooter that has the space for those dynamic and ridiculous player stories to emerge in. The rush of taking down a swarm with friends is core to what makes World War Z’s action work so well, and it rewards you well for the time spent on the classes and weapons you like. It could benefit from having more to go around, but if there’s a future for World War Z and its chaotic cooperative action, this is a good foundation to build it on.”

The next free game is Figment, a gorgeous action-adventure game with hand-drawn environments and a fantastic soundtrack. It takes you on a trip through the human mind, which is illustrated with trippy, colorful visuals reminiscent of M.C. Escher and Dalí. You’ll take control of a mopey drunk named Dusty, who must navigate this strange world fighting nightmarish enemies who aim to spread fear and overcome mental obstacles, growing into a heroic guardian by the end. The game earned a 7/10 in GameSpot’s Figment review.

“Figment is at once lighthearted and deep. It reminds us that dark things may lurk underneath otherwise pleasant surfaces, that grumpy egos may populate the shuttered houses of an otherwise beautiful mind,” wrote critic Leif Johnson. “Sometimes Figment seems a little too silly for its ambitions, but that frivolity never manages to fully drown out its overarching message–that if we persevere and have a little faith in our abilities, things will likely turn out well in the long run. Or, at least, we’ll learn how to live with the pain.”

You’ll also be able to snag Tormenter x Punisher, which is great if you like to let out stress by playing a chaotic, fast-paced video game. Tormenter x Punisher is a top-down action game where all enemies can be killed in one hit–including bosses and yourself. You’ll have to survive the onslaught of enemies, which adapt to your play style, and get new upgrades by killing demons in creative ways. We haven’t reviewed this one, but it currently has a Very Positive 9/10 rating on Steam, so it’s worth grabbing while it’s free next week.

Epic’s current freebies are just a few of the free games you can claim right now–many publishers and developers are offering their games at no cost for a limited time as a stress reliever for people stuck inside. Plus, check out our full guide to all the best movies, TV, and games to enjoy while social distancing.

Best Deals This Week

  • Amazon Just Launched An Awesome Sale On Switch, PS4, And Xbox One Games
  • Xbox One Games With Gold For March 2020 Revealed
  • PS4's Free PS Plus Games For March 2020 Now Available
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Best Switch Accessories, Amiibo, Plushies, And More
  • New Baby Yoda Merch Revealed–See Everything Here

Source: Read Full Article

Categories
Nintendo

Four New Nintendo Switch Games Surprise-Released Following Nintendo Direct

Nintendo surprise-released a new Nintendo Direct Mini presentation, and packed inside the announcements came another unexpected treat: a handful of surprise game releases, ready to buy right now through the Nintendo Switch Eshop if any of them strike your fancy.

Four new games hit the Eshop alongside the Direct Mini: Shinsekai: Into the Depths, Good Job, Panzer Dragoon: Remake, and Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. The presentation also mentioned that Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer is coming soon, so we may see that appear on the store in the near future.

Shinsekai is a lovely underwater exploration game from Capcom that was a timed exclusive for Apple Arcade last year. Good Job is a puzzle game that has you working your way up the corporate ladder of a company. Panzer Dragoon and Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy are both remakes or ports of classics.

And while not exactly a new game release, the presentation also surprise-released a demo for Bravely Default 2, the upcoming RPG from Square Enix. So altogether you have plenty to play today. The wild action game Saints Row 4: Re-elected has now been released as well.

Other announcements from the Nintendo Direct Mini include a number of 2K compilations–namely Borderlands, BioShock, and XCOM–the next fighter reveal for Smash Bros, and details on the April update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Nintendo Switch News & Announcements

  • Watch The Surprise Nintendo Direct Mini For March 2020
  • Nintendo Switch Is Sold Out Everywhere, Drastically Increasing Prices
  • Where To Buy A Nintendo Switch Right Now
  • The Best Nintendo Switch Games Of All Time
  • Best Nintendo Switch Games Under $20

Source: Read Full Article

Categories
News

Lots Of PC Games Get Major Deals In GOG's Huge Spring Sale

GOG is having a major Spring Sale right now, offering huge discounts on more than 2,500 PC games. The sale runs until March 30, so you have some time to browse the deals. It kicked off with an incredible giveaway of The Witcher goodies, including free soundtracks, art books, and more, but that promotion has since ended. However, there’s still time to take advantage of the thousands of games currently on sale for cheap.

The Spring Sale presents a great opportunity to add to your PC game library. The entire Witcher franchise is steeply discounted, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Game of the Year Edition for $15, Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales for $10, and The Witcher 2 for a measly $3.

Strategy fans can save on an assortment of games, including Stellaris for $10 (75% off) and XCOM 2 for just $15 (was $60). If you’re looking for a deep RPG to sink dozens upon dozens of hours into, Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition is 50% off at $22.49 and Disco Elysium is $30 (was $40). The latter earned a rare 10/10 in GameSpot’s Disco Elysium review.

You can browse the entire Spring Sale at GOG and check out our picks below.

Best PC game deals at GOG

  • Ape Out — $7.49 ($15)
  • Cuphead — $15 ($20)
  • Disco Elysium — $30 ($40)
  • Dishonored 2 — $14 ($40)
  • Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition — $22.49 ($45)
  • Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition — $8 ($20)
  • FTL: Advanced Edition — $2.49 ($10)
  • Grim Dawn — $5 ($25)
  • Hollow Knight — $7.49 ($15)
  • Hotline Miami — $2.49 ($10)
  • Into the Breach — $7.49 ($15)
  • Stardew Valley — $12 ($15)
  • Stellaris — $10 ($40)
  • Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales — $10 ($20)
  • The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition — $3 ($20)
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Game of the Year Edition — $14.99 ($50)
  • XCOM 2 — $15 ($60)

Best Deals This Week

  • Amazon Just Launched An Awesome Sale On Switch, PS4, And Xbox One Games
  • Xbox One Games With Gold For March 2020 Revealed
  • PS4's Free PS Plus Games For March 2020 Now Available
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Best Switch Accessories, Amiibo, Plushies, And More
  • New Baby Yoda Merch Revealed–See Everything Here

Source: Read Full Article

Categories
eSports

Riot Games may be hosting a Valorant capture event for content creators this weekend

Since Valorant was revealed earlier this month, we’ve heard a ton of details about the gameplay elements and future plans. Riot Games is certainly not being shy about its game, as they’ve revealed multiple Agents, maps, and weapons. However, what hasn’t really been shown is actual gameplay from players other than the developers. There was supposed to be a live capture event in mid-March, but that was shut down due to the COVID-19 crisis. Since then, no one besides Riot Games has played Valorant.

However, that could be changing this weekend.


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          Valorant capture event to take place soon?

          According to gaming insider Rod “Slasher” Breslau, Riot Games is holding an online capture event for Valorant starting today. The capture event would allow multiple streamers, esports players, and other content creators to play the game.

          The event will not be streamed, but the players will be able to capture footage. This footage will then be available to publish on a certain future date. Slasher believes that date is April 3, but it very well could change depending on unforeseen circumstances.

          Riot’s previously scheduled Valorant gameplay capture event with big name esports pros, streamers, and youtube creators that was postponed due to the coronavirus will be happening as an online event starting tomorrow through Sunday, sources tell me https://twitter.com/Slasher/status/1234921378274594817 …

          Riot has sent an email to pro players, streamers, creators cancelling the Valorant gameplay capture event due to concerns over coronavirus https://twitter.com/Slasher/status/1234379300788482049 …

          View image on Twitter

          the Valorant capture event will not be livestreamed and footage is currently scheduled by Riot to be released under embargo as a target date of April 3rd (that might change), i’m told

          the release of Valorant Alpha footage will likely coincide with an announcement of closed beta

          as spotted by reddit, Riot has already added/removed/re-added text on the official website to sign up for Valorant closed beta. pros and streamers will get it first but you plebs will get your chance

          View image on Twitter

          If true, this is huge news for any fans of Valorant. Riot has previously said that the general public won’t get to play before the streamers, professionals, etc. So, if a capture event does take place, then we might not be far away from an open beta.

          The beta was originally scheduled for the summer, but rumor has it that it could happen much sooner. Of course, that was before the COVID-19 outbreak, so things could have changed on that front. Regardless, if this rumor is true, this is a positive sign for the community that’s patiently waiting to get their hands on Valorant.

          Are you excited for the beta? Let us know, and keep up with Daily Esports for all Valorant news and updates.

          Source: Read Full Article