Its Thanksgiving. Traditionally, it is a time to get together with family, eat a lot of turkey and mashed potatoes, and have a good time. And what better way to catch up with family than to play some family-friendly video games? Of course, you will need games that you can enjoy with your entire family. We've put together a list of the five best Thanksgiving video games to play this holiday season. These are games you can play alone, but most of them are better played with the family. You can even play some of them online with your uncle or cousin who did not make it to the big Thanksgiving dinner. 

5. Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3 is one of the best games to enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday. Featuring incredible playability and a wealth of unique modes, the game provides a fun, family-friendly experience to burn off steam and have a good time. 

Splatoon 3 is one of the most creative action-puzzle games on the market. And similar to the Mario series in terms of playfulness and creativity, your goal is to cover your surroundings, including your opponents, with color as quickly as possible. And hopefully, if you aim your paint guns correctly, you will cover the entire area with paint before time runs out. And, without forgetting, it supports up to four players.

Additionally, Splatoon is kid-friendly with minimal violence, making it a perfect choice to play with your family as you wait for the pumpkin pie. The cartoon visuals in Splatoon 3 are really enticing, and everything, including the ink, is bright and colorful. And just in case all of your relatives didn’t make it, the game also allows you to play online.

4. Mario Kart 8

The Mushroom Cup races at Water Park or Mario Stadium are fun for nearly everyone. That way, you and all the young Turks in the family can have a fun race in Mario Kart 8. Compete against your friends and family in local races using awesome rides, such as racing along walls and flipping in awesome vehicles like motorcycles or gliders. Additionally, the game features underwater racing, which is a lot of fun for anyone who plays.

The Mario Kart series is popular for its vibrant and colorful characters. The characters make the franchise a perfect Thanksgiving video gaming classic because they always return and never seem to age. The latest game in the series, Mario Kart 8, has local multiplayer for up to eight people. So if there are enough controllers for everyone, the game is a perfect choice to enjoy with family members. The game features up to 42 characters to choose from and tons of tracks to race on. Giving your family the option to select a course to race on could be an excellent option.

3. Assassin's Creed III 

Another game to enjoy over Thanksgiving is Assassin's Creed III. Like the majority of the Assassin's Creed games, this one features a historical narrative that is only loosely accurate and introduces you to notable people like George Washington. Though the original game launched in 2012, a remaster was recently released, along with all the downloadable content and the Liberation expansion.

I can already see you cringing, wondering how Assassin's Creed III fits into Thanksgiving. Just sit back and relax. We all love helpful Easter eggs. In Assassin's Creed III, you will see a small wild turkey wearing an assassin's hood as it wanders around. You will, however, need to find the Easter egg hidden in a specific house. Push the whistle/distraction button while leaning up against a wall, and a fat, delicious wild turkey will appear from a neighboring bush. When you enter the popular “Konami Code,” the turkey puts on the white hood and becomes available for use in assassination missions. 

2. Madden NFL 2023

One of the many activities we do with family members over Thanksgiving has always been sports. The tradition of watching a sporting event on Thanksgiving is very common. But why would you be glued to the screens watching a football game when you can create a more thrilling experience with Madden NFL 2023? Madden NFL 2023, the latest installment in the long-running football game series, was recently released, and it did not disappoint. 

Without a doubt, Madden can be a challenging football game. However, you can play in rookie mode. Your loved ones can make as many long passes as they wish, with a good possibility that such passes will be successful. Additionally, if a family member cannot attend the ceremonial Thanksgiving dinner, they can still play a game with you online. The game is available on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. With the game's cover featuring “Madden” himself for the first time in 20 years and with new modes, it's sure a must-play. 

1. Overcooked 2

One of the most enduring and significant Thanksgiving traditions is the preparation and cooking of far too much food. You may have spent too much time in the kitchen and are now bored. When it's time to take a break from the kitchen, the best substitute is playing an entertaining and competitive cooking simulation game. Overcooked 2 allows you to compete in cooking competitions with your family.

You will team up with three other family members to prepare meals in bizarre restaurants. You will chop, cook, wash dishes, prepare food, and serve it to invaders while defending the Onion Kingdom from an army of undead bread known as the Unbread. As you move through moving floors, fireplaces, and other platforms to finish the task, the game gets harder. The game brings a lot of family fun to the Thanksgiving video game table and features one of the best cooperative gameplay modes currently available. So, yeah, bring the same fun you’d have in the kitchen to the game room. 

So, what are your thoughts on our selections for the five best games to play during Thanksgiving? Do you have a favorite video game for Thanksgiving that isn't on the list?  Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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Ever since the pandemic came to light, couch co-op and online multiplayer games have become a double-barrelled bastion of hope for gamers all over the world. Because of such works, distant friends and families have been able to establish a sanctuary of sorts, a place in which its residents can embark on epic voyages with loved ones without having to face the repercussions that tie in with everyday life. This is, at least in some ways, a small consolation in an otherwise emotionally taxing time.

The good news, of course, is that couch co-op games are still as big as they were back in 2020. In fact, August alone has seen a surge in sales across multiple platforms, meaning more households are engaging in local multiplayer games than ever before. That said, it's still worth asking which games have garnered the most attention as of late. With that, let's explore five of the best couch co-op games that are trending right now.

5. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

The world of LEGO is perhaps one of the most universally loved franchises in not only the history of entertainment, but gaming, too. Its latest endeavour, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, brings a collection of reimagined brick-loving tales to modern consoles, which of course includes episodes from The Phantom Menace, right through to The Rise of Skywalker. Like before, all nine featured episodes can be played either alone, or with a friend via two-player split-screen.

Just as before, players can throw themselves into a destructive space expedition as Star Wars' most iconic characters. Combined with an addictive sandbox mode and a number of additional side activities, this all-in-one banquet of bricks gives its explorers just about everything they'll need to embark on a whirlwind adventure of their own. Star Wars fan or not — it's definitely worth checking out.

4. It Takes Two

It Takes Two is as hearty as it is innovative, and it's a right ol' basket of fun for those who enjoy buddying up to move mountains and unravel mysteries. It's theatrical, too, and does in fact come quite close to rivaling a lot of high-end animated movies, to the point of maybe even putting Pixar to the test. But at its heart, It Takes Two is a local co-op game — and an incredibly good one, at that.

It Takes Two follows Cody and May, a married couple with a rather troublesome past. With the duo looking to divorce, an enchanted book grants the pair one final chance to redeem their loveless relationship. The only problem is, they've been transformed into dolls, and their only hope of reversing the spell is through cooperation. With that, players can expect to roll with one of the most heartfelt storylines the industry has seen in years.

3. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Culinary giants of the world — this one is for you. Overcooked! is back, and it's bursting at the seams with a fully restocked casket of catastrophic couch co-op shenanigans. Complete with over 200 challenges, players and budding foodies can once again embark on a culinary expedition around the world, using otherworldly tools and techniques to rustle up one-of-a-kind gut-busting cuisines for a community of starving fans.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat brings a hearty banquet of high-octane and hilariously destructive levels to a classic top-down couch co-op base. As aspiring chefs in training, you and your team must work together to make exciting new dishes that tickle the world's taste buds, using a variety of innovations to further develop the culinary arts. Failing that, then you can always rustle up a few tasteless disasters for the sake of experimentation. Either way works fine, so long as you know how to cooperate under pressure.

2. Moving Out

Nothing says I love you like a brick through the window. Or a couch. Or a mahogany antique cabinet. Basically, anything that could potentially squeeze through the slits of a homey crevice. A game that provides the opportunity to cast such a message is Moving Out, a couch co-op campaign that, quite literally, has you throwing bricks, couches, and mahogany antique cabinets through windows for laughs.

The concept is simple: shift a house into the back of a moving van, along with all its family heirlooms and trinkets, while effectively trying not to trash anything along the way. How you go about pulling off such a basic stunt, of course, is entirely up to you. If for whatever reason you're heavily into mindless vandalism and petty theft, then you'll be pleased to know that Moving Out, despite being coined as a wholesome couch co-op game, can still scratch that very itch if needs be. Cooperate or create havoc? It's your call.

1. Resident Evil 5

With Capcom working to rebuild its award-winning Resident Evil catalog from the ground up, its fifth chapter, aptly titled Resident Evil 5, is currently under the spotlight now more than ever. Although the developer has yet to confirm the remake, its current working pattern suggests that we could see ol' Chris and Sheva making a return in the near future. Until the time comes, however, we're left with its 2009 copy. Not that that's a bad thing, though.

Prior to Resident Evil 5 coming out, the series wasn't exactly known for its local co-op modes and online multiplayer. Fortunately, this changed with the new and improved instalment, which allowed for two players to experience one full-length campaign as Chris and Sheva, two gun-toting BSAA agents lumbered with the task of investigating a new parasite in a West African village. It's in-your-face action at its best, and it is perhaps one of the better known couch co-op games of the last generation. Today, it plays just as well — maybe even better, thanks to Capcom giving it a little TLC in 2016.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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A total of fourteen Ubisoft games will lose their online functionalities and go offline on September 1, 2022.

To help pave the way for new projects, Ubisoft will be shutting down multiple online servers for a bunch of its older games. Of course, this comes as no surprise, as resources will need to be allocated to servers that harness a larger player base. So, in just two short months, fourteen games will lose their servers and all corresponding multiplayer functions.

Okay, so what are we losing this September? Well, here are the fourteen titles and the relevant platforms that will be getting cut from the Ubisoft family tree on the 1st.

What games are leaving on September 1st?

• Assassin's Creed II — PS3, PC
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood — PS3, Xbox 360, PC
• Assassin's Creed: Revelations — PS3, Xbox 360
• Assassin's Creed Liberation HD — PC
• Assassin's Creed III — PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U
• Anno 2070 — PC
• Driver San Francisco — PS3, Xbox 360, PC
• Far Cry 3 — PS3, Xbox 360, PC
• Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands — PC
• Rayman Legends — PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U
• Silent Hunter 5 — PC
• Space Junkies — PC
• Splinter Cell: Blacklist —. PS3, Xbox 360, PC
•  ZombiU — Wii U

“Closing the online services for some older games allows us to focus our resources on delivering great experiences for players who are playing newer or more popular titles,” Ubisoft commented. “To help us achieve this, a number of older titles will be added to our list of decommissioned online services on 1 September 2022.”

Of course, owners of any of the above games will still be able to make use of the offline modes. Games like Space Junkies, being multiplayer only, on the other hand, will be completely unaccessible from September 1st onwards.

So, what's your take? Are you sad to see any of the above games vanish from the Ubisoft servers? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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Video games and their developers are constantly working to push gaming to be more immersive and engaging than it has ever been. Virtual Reality (VR) is just a demonstration of this pursuit, that most likely will never see a final product. From single-player to multiplayer VR games, the best ones seem to deliver the most immersive experience. With that, the best multiplayer VR games are made even more enjoyable with the inclusion of friends.

That's why, in 2022, we want to look at the games that have so far succeeded in delivering the most immersive and engaging multiplayer experience to VR. So if you and you're friends are looking for a new VR title to explore, we got you covered with the five best multiplayer VR games of 2022.

5. Skiing VR

Some of the best multiplayer fun you can have in VR is hitting the slopes with your friends. Skiing VR, as the name implies, offers just that experience. With three different racing modes of time, speed, and first to the finish line, you and you're friends can duke it out for who is the king of the hill. Or, if you just want to enjoy the journey, a fourth extra game mode called “free ride” removes the competitive element and allows you and your friends to just explore the mountainous environment.

An even harder challenge can be found by facing off against some of Skiing VR's top prodigies. That's right, in Skiing VR you can go up against anyone online looking for a challenge. Although be warned, racing down ski slopes in VR isn't as easy as the game makes it out to be. DGMA made its very own AI-driven control system that senses your body movement. This just adds to the realistic feel of the game and really puts you and your friend's skills to the test.

4. Toe To Toe Party Games

If you've ever wanted to know which of your friends is the wildest of the west, well know you can. Just released today, April 20th, Toe To Toe Party Games is delivering much more than a wild west shooter. It's full of unique, western-themed mini-games, that let you face off against your friends and other players online.

As of right now the game only has three mini-games apart from its early access release. Those are a classic western standoff, a game of horseshoe, and testing who's the best at five fingers. With that being said, there is tons of new content coming to the game in the future, so grabbing it early could be a move. Regardless of how new the game is, all the games modes make for a great multiplayer VR experience.

3. After Dark VR

Released in late January 2022, After Dark VR is a first of its kind for VR. That is being the first VR to let you play as a Hunter or Survivor, with and against your friends, in a co-op survival horror. So if spooking and scaring your friends is the goal, then After Dark VR is just the game. This should be pretty easily accomplished as horror games are only intensified in VR.

In After Dark, playing as a Survivor, your objective is to turn on four fuze boxes to allow you to escape from the map and the Hunter. As the Hunter, your goal is to strike down and lock up all the survivors to prevent them from escaping. However, both Hunter and Survivors can counter each other. The Hunter, by turning off fuze boxes, or Survivors, by rescuing their captured friends. Also with the inclusion of six maps and voice chat, After Dark really anchors on the multiplayer experience, which helps bring the game to life in VR.

2. Nock

An entirely new VR sport has popped up in 2022 with Nock. Think Rocket League, but with arrows, and gravity-defying physics. All about ariel archery, Nock works just like a game of soccer would, except it's all about you're ability to move the ball by hitting it with arrows. As Meta Quest puts it, Nock is “easy to learn but difficult to master”. One thing Meta Quest forgot to mention is it's widely addicting too.

You can use your body to hit or block the ball, but if it's too fast it will knock you out and momentarily stun you. You can also use Block Arrows, which set up a defensive block wherever you aim and fire. All of this adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, which you will need. Skill-based matchmaking keeps online play very competitive, and in order to win, working as a team is vital.

1. Zenith: The Last City

While we are still early into the year, Zenith: The Last City is making waves for multiplayer VR. The new MMORPG is a standalone VR game with a massively constructed world, which can be explored to your complete and utter freedom. Quite literally by climbing or flying anywhere you please. With multiple classes, weapons, and abilities, Zenith: The Last City is undoubtedly bringing the most immersive, expansive, and complete multiplayer experiences to VR so far in 2022.

This was done in light of Zenith: The Last City's importance in creating an infinite MMO universe with countless players. You can join parties and guilds to fight bosses, explore dungeons, and simply create a new RPG life in virtual reality. As of right now, it's the biggest VR multiplayer game to release this year, and you can imagine it's only going to grow bigger with more content. You can expect other developers to be taking notes from Zenith: The Last City, as right now they are leading the pack for MMO VR.

So do you agree with our list? Is there another multiplayer VR game you feel should be included? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

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Zombies is very much the highlight of most Call of Duty games, both old and new. Like it or not, they're pretty much adored by Activision, and it's unlikely that the warlords of first-person shooters will look to ease up on the production line when it comes to breathing new winds into the mode, either. Because the fact is, it's not going anywhere, and so long as it continues to rake in millions of online players—it will refrain from taking a backseat.

With all of that said, some zombies modes have definitely performed a little better than others. Although we're not exactly spoilt for choice, we are able to line up enough to start judging them accordingly. And in this particular case, we have to give certain medals to certain modes. So, with all of that shoved aside, here's how we would rank the best Call of Duty: Zombies chapters.

5. Black Ops 2

Let's face it. If Black Ops 2 had stuck to using god-awful buses in its zombies mode and not done anything else to improve the overall gameplay experience—then this entry would have most definitely been plastered at the bottom of the pile. But as luck would have it, Treyarch was able to pull something out of the bag and somehow revamp what was shaping up to be a dire chapter.

Black Ops 2 certainly wasn't the game-changing follow-up we all had in mind after slaying its predecessor. If anything, it was somewhat lacking in new material, and served only as a slight rehash of older content. Not a bad thing by any means, but also not that exciting, either. But then, whatever it chose to be, there's no denying the fact that it turned out a whole lot better than the atrocity that was Call of Duty: Advance Warfare. Now that's where we drew the line.

4. Black Ops 3

To most undead-loving fans, Black Ops 3 was Treyarch's final nail in the board, which is what secured their place in the multiplayer world for years to come. Although you could argue that its place was grounded long before Black Ops 3, many would happily claim otherwise. A matter of opinion, sure, but it's easy to see where the vast majority pull their opinion from.

Black Ops 3 booted up with Shadows of Evil, and The Giant. Before long, these two maps bypassed the expectations of most players and found sanctuary atop the highest peak of zombie experiences. From there, it was only an upward spiral, and along came a slew of instant classic DLC, all of which paid tribute to the founding father of Call of Duty‘s zombies. Therefore, we're happy to slap this one in the top five, though not high enough to be able to cash in the platinum.

3. World at War

Of course, we have to bow our heads and pay respects to the earliest torchbearer of the zombie underworld. Without World at War paving the way for a whole generation of undead shenanigans, we never would've had any of the Black Ops and Warfare spin-offs. And so, for that, we're happy to give credit where it's due.

As the founding father or the zombies mode, it was of course a revolutionary design, and something no other first-person shooter had narrowed in on before. Although a far cry from perfection, it was still a living, breathing counterpart to an already bustling multiplayer world. It was different—and we liked different, given the fact that Call of Duty was running on fumes, what with its regurgitated storylines and predictable conclusions.

2. Black Ops Cold War

Black Ops Cold War may not have been the be-all and end-all Call of Duty entry, but it certainly was a well-rounded package of first-class content. But part of that came tied to its beloved zombies mode, which basically had a following long before the campaign even spilt its opening credits. Not a surprise, of course, considering how well the undead division had done for itself leading up to the Cold War launch.

That said, nostalgia perseveres in this case, which is precisely why Cold War falls just below the apex. It's not a sour mix by any means, but it's a far cry from the mode that hammered in the final nail way back when. And for that reason alone, we're happy to give it the silver. Though, to be fair, Die Maschine, which stands as a reimagined version of World at War's beloved Nacht Der Untoten, is partly the reason why we're content with saddling it with such high praise.

1. Black Ops

We can credit World at War for its innovations and artistic curveballs all we want, but when all's said and done, nothing truly hits home as well as Black Ops. Picturing the sheet quantity of Easter eggs, picture-perfect maps, and, not to mention Treyarch's inclusion of “115” in Kino Der Toten—Black Ops really does have the whole shebang.

Given its age, Black Ops' iteration of the cult-classic mode is still a prominent member on the monopoly. Although a great deal of entries have since passed and looked to concrete over its design, the fact it still holds its ground is an achievement in itself. Regardless of how old it is, it still holds a place in our hearts, and for that, we have to give Treyarch full marks for giftwrapping such a game-changing and timeless experience.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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It's a heartbreaking day for diehard Halo fans, that's for sure. With 343 Industries shutting down the servers on all the original Halo games, it marks the end of an era, meaning the only way players will be able to get their fix moving forward will be through The Master Chief Collection, and Halo Infinite.

As the guns unload three rounds to signal the end of the Xbox 360 servers, fans all over the globe are rushing to social media to share their deepest memories of its acclaimed multiplayer world. And some, believe it or not, are going as far as mopping up some outstanding achievements before they too go offline.

What servers will be shutting down on the 13th?

Today (13th), Halo Support will be shutting down the online services for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3 ODST, Halo 4, and Halo: Reach. Of course, owners of The Master Chief Collection will be able to continue, business as usual. Xbox 360 players, however, will lose access to all online counterparts from today.

Just to confirm, that does mean online Matchmaking, File Share, Service Record, Player Customization, as well all Challenges will be canned from today onwards. So, while the upgraded versions will stay afloat — its predecessors will regrettably capsize.

So, why the sudden announcement to can the 360 gems? Well, times are, of course, changing, and its devs are wanting to focus on the future of the franchise. While its earliest releases continued to rake in an adequate amount of frequent players, it was nothing compared to its modern day releases. And so, with that, Bungie will look to narrow its attention on the future of Halo moving forward. So, I suppose, this isn't goodbye…but see you soon.

You can follow the updates for the franchise over on the official social handle here. Also, seeing as you're here, why not share your best memories of Halo down in the comments below?

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The festive season has finally landed, meaning families all over the globe are weaving together for social gatherings both locally and in the multiplayer world. And the best part is, with the likes of Game Pass and PlayStation Now stocking up their libraries with party games that cater up to four, eight, and even twelve players, nobody will be short on entertainment this week.

So, with that said — it's time to draw the curtains, bust out the Christmas traditions, and boot up a console. Assemble your finest team, and be ready to go to war with your friends and families, because we're serving up five of the most trending party games on the market right now.

5. Gang Beasts

Gang Beasts isn't your usual party game, that much is true. It is, however, a one-of-a-kind experience that provides both belly laughs and bizarre levels, and is of course twice as fun with more and more players. And while you won't be answering questions or pinging a buzzer as such, you will be made to go toe-to-toe with your rivals, whether it be in a football match or all-out warfare on a remote helipad.

If you've ever played Octodad: Dadliest Catch, or any simulator for that matter, then you'll already know what to expect when sinking into Gang Beasts. Elasticated characters, tricky controls and impossible goals; basically everything that provides both a challenge and a few laughs when tackling with friends by your side. And while it won't fill an entire calendar, it will give your household a few hours of harmless fun. And the good news is, it's available for free on Game Pass, and supports up to eight players online, and four locally.

4. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Overcooked has been grilling up quite the banquet on the market over the last five years, with players all over the world coming together to rustle up some of the strangest menus for even stranger customers. And the best part is, it's so stuffed with DLC that our appetites are pretty much always satisfied and our thirsts are always quenched.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat dishes up the perfect dining experience for up to four local players, complete with over 200 unique levels and 80 chefs, as well as all the trimmings from both Overcooked 1 + 2. Your goal, of course, remains the same: work as a unit to prepare and produce award-winning dishes for hungry customers. However, with tricks and traps loitering around every corner, those menus can soon dissolve into sour-tasting treats, and that kitchen of yours, well, let's just say it can very well collapse at any given moment. Clock's ticking!

3. Rubber Bandits

One of the latest party games that has been keeping the online front stocked up with active players is Rubber Bandits, the party hit that allows you to steal your way to everlasting victory…in style. With up to four players in tow, you too can sink into the criminal underworld as a rowdy thief and betray your friends for the ultimate score. And if theft isn't to your liking, then perhaps brawling with your friends or racing will suffice.

The goal is simple: steal as much cash as possible, and make a dash for the exit once it becomes available. Simple enough, right? Wrong. So very, very wrong. Thanks to your buddies and only a small amount of cash ($10, to be exact), there isn't really enough to split, meaning you'll have to betray your friends by any means necessary. Hit them with a book, a chair, or just drag them down an icy slope into an endless snowy abyss. Whatever you do, just make it look as stylish as possible.

2. Lumberhill

I'm not entirely sure if being a lumberjack was on your to-do list for 2022, but if for whatever reason it was, then you'll be glad to know that its specialized training programme, known locally as Lumberhill, is already available at the touch of a button. Mind you, it might not portray the profession in the most accurate way, seeing as dinosaurs strangely play a small role in the day-to-day side of things. But, you know, details, details.

Lumberhill asks that you assemble a team of four players for an all-out session of wacky woodland wonders, where you'll have to carry out your daily routines as forestry workers while fending off nature as it tries to strike back. That, of course, means having to hold back certain threats in order to get the job done, like dueling pirates or dodging rampaging rhinos. You know, all the usual stuff you'd expect to see on the job.

1. Super Reliable Delivery Service

Super Reliable Delivery Service (S.R.D.S, for short) is a ragdoll physics simulation game that sees up to four players bind together to deliver packages in the most unorthodox ways possible. Because let's face it, walking is overrated, and the best way to get the job done is by thinking outside of the box. Literally.

With split-screen enabled, you too can join the delivery service and kickstart your career as one of the worst couriers in the history of video games. Just pull a lever, grab your parcel (if you can), and get it to its destination no matter the cost — even if it means hurling yourself off a cliff at warp speed. Yes — warp speed.

So, what did we miss? What games would you recommend playing this Christmas? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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Bungie's cradled love child of the early noughties has been running laps in our heads for the best part of twenty years now, with a lot of its well-known maps playing a major role in our core memories even after two console generations. Of course, I'm talking about Halo, along with its groundbreaking, albeit slightly possessive multiplayer platform. Something about it just sort of rings in our ears, reminding us of all the hours we lost to its expansive maps and packed-out lobbies from way back when, when Xbox Live was in the centre of the online industry.

Anyway, the good news is — the clock is about to reset, and we're basically going to do it all over again. Halo Infinite is peeking from a nearby corner, and before long it will enrol us back into a nine-to-five grind, with even more memorable maps to absorb. And until that time comes, I suppose all we can really do is accept our fate and scrub over a few memories with the series. Or, more specifically, the multiplayer maps that we lost a worrying amount of time to. So, here they are: the five best Halo multiplayer maps, ranked.

5. Blood Gulch

There's no hiding the fact that Blood Gulch is Halo's magnum opus, without a shadow of a doubt. Why? Well, because it's the first thing that springs to mind whenever we think about Halo in general, of course. And that isn't from just one guy's perspective, either. That is, in all honesty, a collective thought, and one that has held a dominant presence in the online industry for nearly two decades now.

While it isn't the most advanced map in all of Halo, it is one of the most memorable and beginner-friendly. Yes, it's basically a grassy allotment with two adjacent bunkers on either side of the map surrounded by a canyon, but it's not the lack of obstacles that make it superior to the alternatives — but more the quality of the few it does possess and how it effortlessly radiates them. It's the vanilla cream of the crop, and an overall staple on the Halo frontline. It's the bread and butter of the first-person shooter genre, plain and simple.

4. Guardian

Taking a huge leaf out of Halo 2‘s anthology of textbook multiplayer maps, Guardian glues together elements as seen in both Lockout and Ascension, only with a few more catwalks than compressed platforms. But what is it that put Guardian at the apex of the Halo 3 ladder, and why do long-term fans still talk about it almost fifteen years later?

It's simple, really. Thanks to its asymmetric layout and conveniently placed rooms, Guardian is able to host all types of game modes without having to alter the style in any way shape or form. With a selection of platforms and a centrepiece laced with connecting catwalks, it makes up for an ideal King of the Hill arena. And again, it's beginner-friendly, so that's always a major plus. You know, so long as you don't accidentally fall off the map. Those catwalks can be a real doozy.

3. Lockout

Speaking of Lockout, it's only fair to give the Halo 2 map a slot on this list, if not out of respect for the number of follow-ups it inspired, then for the memories it churned out like butter over late 2004 alone. It was, of course, a map that fell short in size, but definitely made up for in everything else — especially in the one-on-one matches.

Funnily enough, the Lockout map was initially designed for offline players, offering its tiny scale as grounds for a 1v1 using the beloved split-screen option. But due to its popularity taking a sharp turn upwards, it later became a fan favourite on the multiplayer front, spanning across later instalments to the series under different titles. Again, in a nutshell, it's a bog-standard asymmetric arena and nothing more. But then, that hasn't stopped it from being one of the most talked about maps of all time.

2. The Pit

There's no ignoring the fact that Halo 3 had quite a lot of exceptional maps. Perhaps not as many as its predecessor, but definitely a lot of quality spots to settle a few scores with a jam-packed lobby or a few unlucky friends. And one of those spots that was used as a recreational facility for stacking kills and harnessing wins was no other than The Pit, an African training ground for UNSC troops.

Comprised of high vantage points and a tarmac ground level with a labyrinth of containers, The Pit boasted an expansive collection of opportunities to overthrow your opponents and snag the perfect win. Bunched together, the medium-sized map stood out as a global favourite between Halo fans, and a textbook template that would eventually inspire the likes of Pitfall in Halo 4 and other well-known multiplayer maps in the first-person genre.

1. Ivory Tower

Lastly, it's Ivory Tower, everybody's favourite hangout for a spot of mind-blowing target practice with a satchel or grenades and a well-placed Gravity Lift takedown. Okay, so it's definitely not as large as the other maps in Halo 2 — but it does have a lot to bring to the table.

Not only has the tropical arena gone on to inspire a whole bunch of other maps in the Halo pipeline — but also a great deal of other aspiring multiplayer hits, too. Sure, it's simple and compact, but it's also built to test players for all they're worth, using a series of obstacles to separate the strong from the weak, the winners from the losers. It's fast-paced and demanding, and an overall quality map for Halo to have under its belt.

So, what's your favourite Halo map? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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The post 5 Best Halo Multiplayer Maps of All Time, Ranked appeared first on Gaming.net.

Do you know how certain multiplayer maps in video games just sort of gel to your core memories? Sort of like how familiar routes that we travel every day just imprint themselves in our heads, ready for us to link with our muscle memory from the moment we leave the door? Well, that had me thinking — mainly about video game maps that have remained glued to our earliest memories for years.

I don't know what it is exactly, but something just sort of triggers in our heads every once in a while. Without even knowing it, a certain landmark manages to weave with our memories and cement a place for later years to come. And that's strange, in ways — but also pretty nostalgic in its own special way. Just looking at these five maps, as a few examples, is enough to send waves of reminiscent joy down a frail old spine. The question is: can you also recognise them just from their images alone? Are you a part of the 99%? Well, let's see.

5. Nuketown  (Call of Duty)

Call of Duty isn't exactly short on memorable maps — especially having a whopping two hundred or more in total over its long and healthy rein as an acclaimed war kingpin. And for that reason alone, selecting just one map isn't exactly the breeziest task in the world. If anything, it's actually pretty darn difficult, and in no way a decision one can make without ticking off a few die-hard Call of Duty fans in the process.

Having said that, Nuketown was perhaps one of the most memorable and, despite being one of the smaller levels in the game — the most densely populated maps ever created for the franchise. Based heavily on a scene from Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, Nuketown combines its mock suburban district with a population made up entirely of mannequins. And, like the movie, the set basically stands as a nuclear testing facility, in which its sole purpose is to be a guinea pig playground for various bombs and what have you.

4. Rainbow Road (Mario Kart)

If you walked into a room and immediately clocked a TV in your peripheral vision, chances are, you'd already know that it's Rainbow Road before even turning to verify it. Like most levels Mario Kart employs, it just has a certain touch to it that makes it instantly recognisable. Of course, the neon rainbows and candy-popping obstacles probably have something to do with that — but you know what I mean.

Not only is Rainbow Road one of the longest-serving courses in the Mario Kart series (1992 possessing the debut track) — but also perhaps one of the most hated, too. Yes, hated. Thanks to its overly complex track designs and elusive obstacles that come with every instalment, players have been dreading almost every encounter with the fluorescent track for decades. And yet, it weirdly remains one of the most recognisable. Go figure.

3. Dust (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive)

Of all the maps and all the expansions Valve has flushed into Counter-Strike: Global Offensive over the years, nothing has come quite as close to being as instantly recognisable as the iconic Dust map. The question that remains even today, of course, is how on earth such a — in all fairness — mediocre level has managed to keep a foothold all this time. After all, it's not exactly the most advanced arena in the batch, and there are of course alternatives that pack an even heavier punch.

So, what is it that makes Dust just, I don't know — spark? What makes Valve want to keep bringing it back with each passing update to the series and, as of late, bring an entirely new, revamped update to it altogether? Well, according to the vast majority of regular CS:GO players, Dust is a fine-tuned and well-balanced mixture of things, with a nimble design that suits both newbies and first-person shooter veterans. It's a place that allows you the freedom to hone your skills and get a taster of the more refined maps on the carousel. It is, in a nutshell, the go-to hub for both casual and avid Counter-Strike players — hence the recognition.

2. Nacht Der Untoten (Call of Duty: World at War)

If Call of Duty was to ever lose the relatively short but almost compulsory campaigns and just leave its spare pockets of zombies in — then I doubt we'd even bat an eyelid. Zombies has become such an iconic mode in the multiplayer portion of the Call of Duty domain, that a full-fledged spin-off devoted to it wouldn't really be all that bad. In fact, it would be embraced openly, mainly by the millions of blood-thirsty crowds that have supported its evolution these past however many years.

But where did it all start? What was the map that gave such a concept a platform and established the multiplayer mode as one of the most acclaimed in the genre? Well, that can only be one: Nacht Der Untoten, which translates to “Night of the Undead” in German, fittingly enough. If it wasn't for the massive amount of success that came shortly after that specific map, then the zombie modes we have today probably never would've happened. It was the beginning of something new and exciting — and it went down like a fine wine with both fans of the series as well as hardcore multiplayer gamers.

1. Blood Gulch (Halo: Combat Evolved)

As far as Xbox games that revolutionised the gaming community go — Halo was, and still very much is the go-to pawn on the board, with both standalone chapters and a range of original multiplayer maps to keep its reputation afloat in a sea full of thirsty contenders.

The map that cemented the franchise's iconic status in the multiplayer community, of course, was the one and only Blood Gulch, along with its simple design and memorable nooks and crannies. Two things that went on to become some of the most respected elements in the first-person genre, sure enough. And although it wasn't exactly soothing on the eyes, so to speak — it was a seriously fun playground to soak up with friends. And to be fair, back in 2001 — that's all that really mattered.

So, what did we miss? What multiplayer maps spring to mind for you? Let us know over on our socials here.

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The post 5 Multiplayer Maps 99% Of Gamers Will Instantly Recognise appeared first on Gaming.net.

Uh oh — it's happening again. Self-proclaimed industry insiders are once again looking to social media to shed light on watered-down rumours. This time, however, it's Naughty Dog that has found itself slumped in the heated seat.

According to a certain Twitter leaker (known locally as @RalphsValve), the Uncharted developer is working on an exciting new IP, as opposed to a full-fledged remake of an old game, like fans had originally hoped for. On top of that, the insider has also pinned his knowledge on the game bringing a black protagonist to the table — the first in Naughty Dog's wealthy portfolio, surprisingly enough.

But the breadcrumbs just sort of stop there.  Without a setting or even a rough release date to boot, the supposed insider just leaves the trail without any further lead to go on. And so, because of that, we're basically inclined to just take it with a heavy lump of salt and be done with it. Of course, it's entirely up to you whether or not you buy into it. However, we for one, as sceptical as always, can't seem to wrap our heads around such an announcement.

Naughty Dog’s next project allegedly a new IP, featuring their first Black Lead pic.twitter.com/edacZUBT5w

— Ralph (@RalphsValve) November 9, 2021

So, not a multiplayer mode for The Last of Us then?

Of course, a shred of hope still glues to the multiplayer mode that's supposedly coming to The Last of Us. Originally mentioned a little while back, Naughty Dog are believed to be working on something in the background that's build in the same universe as The Last of Us. But that's about all we've been given. And although Naughty Dog has confirmed its existence — it's still unclear whether or not it'll even come out.

So, if it's not a multiplayer mode for The Last of Us — then what is it? Who is this “black protagonist” that the Twitter leaker mentions in his post? Well, your guess is as good as ours. One thing is for sure, anyway — and that is Naughty Dog is, in fact, working on something. Something that, in all honesty, we probably won't catch a glimpse of until 2022.

So, what are your thoughts? Do you buy the latest rumours? Let us know over on our socials here.

The post Rumours About Fresh Naughty Dog IP Are Looming, Again appeared first on Gaming.net.

If you take a look at the first-person shooter domain from a birds-eye view, then you're most definitely going to spot Call of Duty shining bright as the most prominent marker. Of course, being one of the most talked-about series in the competitive gaming world, it only makes sense that the platform surrounding the franchise would employ such a glimmering light. But status aside, it is worth pointing out that Call of Duty, as a whole, is still one of the best games to immerse in as an eSports follower. And we'll tell you why.

Apart from Call of Duty being a household name in the gaming community, it's also one of the most influential in the eSports domain, too. Thanks to its unchanged recipe for success and winning algorithms — the FPS hit has gone on to host spectacular events with serious cash payouts for both players and bettors.

Call of Duty: In a Nutshell

Like other first-person shooters, Call of Duty primarily focuses on its multiplayer front. As well as hosting 4v4 matches and the standard modes you'd expect to find in an FPS title, Call of Duty also boasts immersive campaigns that spread over various platforms of war. However, when it comes to drawing a crowd and capturing the raw emotion from the frontlines of battle, it's undeniably the spool of nail-biting multiplayer modes that hit the nail of the head.

As of 2021, Call of Duty is mostly centred around two of its most recent instalments, Black Ops Cold War and Warzone. Tournament-wise, these are the two entries that tend to pull the bulkier crowds and pay out much higher rates. And so, before placing any form of bet on one of the following games — doing that little extra research is most definitely encouraged. Failing that, then a genuine interest in battle royale events is essential, as these are the grounds for the Warzone chapter.

Game Modes Explained

Similar to previous entries in the Call of Duty catalogue, Black Ops Cold War and Warzone, both of which are heavily centred at the moment, are fleshed out with several cherished modes. That said, there are really only three that you'll need to unearth before placing a wager.

Standing at the pinnacle of the collection, of course, is Search and Destroy, which has been the pack leader ever since Call of Duty found its mark on the multiplayer front. And then, following on from that, there is Hardpoint and Control — both of which are heavily played in the current competitive field.

Search and Destroy

It's fair to say that Search and Destroy is probably the go-to mode for Call of Duty regulars. With both teams on either side of two bomb sites, one faction must look to defend the two unique sites, while the opposing army must fight to destroy them. The downside, of course, is that each player is saddled with just a single life — meaning the tide can quite easily turn at any given moment. As it stands, Search and Destroy games are played in a first-to-six format.

Hardpoint

Similar to Headquarters, Hardpoint features a series of markers on the map that both warring factions must fight to defend and, in turn, rack up points. Throughout the match, the markers known as ‘hardpoints' spread across the area, and each team must secure the place and idle as the points stack. However, should a player fall and the hardpoint be left without anyone to hold the ground — the points grind to a halt. Holding the fort for one-second amounts to one point, sixty seconds through and the hardpoint moves. The first team to hit 250 points wins the match. Simple.

Control

Another mode that players tend to favour in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is Control, which was originally introduced back in 2018 in Black Ops 4. Similar to Capture The Flag, Control puts a single team in charge of two areas across the map, with a second team fighting to reclaim them. If the attackers successfully claim both bases within the allotted time limit, then they win the match. However, if the team defending the areas is to defeat their opponents thirty times, or if the clock runs out — then that team will claim victory.

Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale game that launched back in 2020.

The Platforms

As it stands today, Call of Duty League, which is undeniably the biggest platform for the game, must be played on PC using a controller that is pre-approved by the League board beforehand. Apart from that, competitive events for either Call of Duty game can be played on any major format. Of course, thanks to the cross-platform functionality, players are able to match with other hardware users without any added bolt-ons. However, it has been said that PC users hold the greater advantage, as gameplay-wise, Call of Duty boasts much higher frame rates and sharper gameplay.

Stacking Against the Odds

Unfortunately, as with any FPS entry, trying to pinpoint the victor before a game begins can be a little challenging. That said, it's always worth casting your eye on the underdog of the squadron, as a single kill from an unknown player can quite easily turn the tide of the battle and count for a lot more than you'd expect. Apart from that, it's always worth digging into the background of the players, and even spooling through the gameplay clips that the professional collective uploads regularly to Twitch.

Conveniently, all statistics can be found on Call of Duty eSports Wiki, where you can uncover the number of wins, losses and an overall history of each competitive player. And so, with that, it's definitely worth flicking through the roster and narrowing down a top-five collection.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Typically, Call of Duty prize pools boast upwards of $5 million, as well as the champion's trophy that stems from the annual Call of Duty League event. First launching in 2019 with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare striking the match, Call of Duty League has continued to expand its horizons and pour more rewards into its prize pools over the years. As of today, the annual tournament is considered to be one of the most globally recognised events in the eSports community.

Betting Sites

If you're looking to place a bet, feel free to take a look at the following operators — all of which host Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone. You can find the latest odds by navigating to the official Call of Duty areas on each respected domain.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

BetUS – This is the top esports betting site for Canadian & USA players. (All other countries prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

Looking to gain an edge elsewhere? We'll be sinking back into the competitive world next week with another issue.

The post 5 “Best” Call of Duty Betting Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Call of Duty: Warzone co-developer Raven Software has confirmed the number of accounts that have been banished from the servers due to cheating. Through a tweet that was quick to unravel warfare in itself, the developer announced that, as of yesterday, a total of half a million accounts have been wiped from the slate. Although the studio didn't explain the exact details behind the dismissal of the accounts, it has gone on to spark outrage with a Twitter collective.

As expected when bringing such news to light, Call of Duty: Warzone players have been quick to flock to the post to fight their corner over the slew of removals. With that said, Raven Software doesn't appear to be too pleased with the crooked schemes and overall tomfoolery of the situation. And if anything, it seems as though the co-developer will be looking to crack down even harder than before after passing such a whopping milestone.

Banned over 30,000 malicious accounts across Call of Duty yesterday… bringing us to over half a million accounts banned in #Warzone. 🚫

— Raven Software (@RavenSoftware) May 14, 2021

In other news…

As of April, Call of Duty: Warzone has enrolled over 100 million players to the platform. Update-wise, Raven Software is continuing to patch up the game and provide users with spools of exciting packs and skins. Overall, the battle royale entry is shaping up to be an absolute staple on the franchise. It's just a shame that so many users have resorted to cheating in order to stack against the odds of 100 million.

Hacks and cheats aside, Call of Duty: Warzone is on track to becoming one of the most celebrated multiplayer games in the eSports community. And, being a free-to-play title that boasts as much as other standalone entries, it's no wonder the battle royale chapter has gone on to break so many players. But as for what 2022 has in store for Warzone, well — only time will tell on that one.

Call of Duty: Warzone released last March on Xbox, PlayStation and PC. You can follow the updates for the game through the official handle here.

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The post Call of Duty: Warzone Has Officially Banished 500,000 Users appeared first on Gaming.net.

2020's Watch Dogs: Legion has finally been tweaked to perfection — which means only one thing moving forward: multiplayer is en route. That's right, Ubisoft will be releasing the online mode on March 9th on Xbox, PlayStation and PC. All you need to patch up your copy is Watch Dogs: Legion and a nifty chunk of space on your hard drive. After that, you're all set to branch out and tear down the streets of London. Again.

So, what can we expect from Watch Dogs: Legion online? Well, luckily for us players, Ubisoft has sent out a press release stating all of the multiplayer threads — all of which compile a pretty neat package. Of course, the open-world will still very much be a huge portion of the experience. And you can rest assured that everything that makes the hack-and-slash (get it?) game awesome will still be present. It's just that, well, you'll be able to enjoy the world with a team of friends, too.

Ubisoft announced the updates for the March 9th patch…

• Free-roam open-world co-op where players can team up with their friends for up to four-players and explore London, encounter city events, complete challenges and participate in side activities.
• New co-op missions for two-to-four players using new co-op gameplay mechanics and giving players the opportunity to recruit the perfect team and fight back against London threats across the most iconic landmarks of the city.
• “Leader of the Pack,” the first four-player co-op Tactical Op which will require teamwork and efficiency. It’s made of five interconnected narrative missions which are endgame content, made for players who are seeking a challenge.
• Players will need to strategize and communicate effectively with their teammates and ensure they have upgraded gadgets and recruited a strong cast of characters.
• The first available Player-vs-Player (PvP) mode, Spiderbot Arena, where four players control armed spiderbots and compete in a high-intensity free-for-all deathmatch.

So, while London will soon be able to house a buddy or two of yours, you'll also be able to tuck into a whole series of co-op games as well. As mentioned above, it looks like all the familiar multiplayer courses will be finding sanctuary in Legion. But we'll settle for just being able to toy with traffic and hack ATMs together, to be fair. Or, you know, just go for a pint at a local pub and play chicken with a spiderbot. Either way, we're expecting a whole barrel of fun once the next patch drops.

You can pick up Watch Dogs: Legion on Xbox, PlayStation and PC. Just be sure to stick around for the online patch next month. London is about to get a whole lot bigger, that's for sure.

The post Watch Dogs: Legion is Finally Getting a Multiplayer Mode appeared first on Gaming.net.