Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 recently opened its Black Market cosmetic shop on PlayStation 4, quickly followed by a special Halloween stream of items. These debuted on PS4 already and will be available on PC and Xbox One on October 27. This first event likely gives us an idea of what to expect from these holiday-themed streams in the future.The limited-time event stream is a supplement to the general Contraband stream, which offers a series of free cosmetic items that are unlocked through game progression. They'll rotate roughly every two months. The initial one, called Operation First Strike, offers new Blackout characters, signature weapons, Specialist outfits, tags, and gestures.The Contraband and events streams will be joined by a paid tier of items joining the shop in November. So far Activision and Treyarch have not detailed what we can expect for the pricing of those items.Meanwhile, Treyarch is working to improve crashing and stability bugs, most recently with a patch that fixed several crashes across Zombies and Multiplayer modes. The studio also says it will be prioritizing network performance over the next few weeks.This first round of Halloween cosmetics includes some ghastly war paints and playful gestures, along with a jack-o-lantern spray. Check them out below.Info from Gamespot.com

Treyarch has been rolling out updates for Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 on a near-daily basis since the shooter launched earlier this month. On top of the title's latest patch, which makes stability improvements to all modes across PS4, Xbox One, and PC, the developer has discussed other aspects of the game it will continue to refine in the coming weeks.In a post on Reddit, Treyarch shared with fans its plans to further optimize Black Ops 4's network performance. "We're constantly working to optimize the game, and particularly network performance, to ensure the highest quality online experience for our players," the developer wrote. "Now that we're past the initial launch of the game, we are focusing on fine-tuning network performance around the globe, using the real-world data that we have collected."Over the course of the next two weeks, we will roll out several updates to our network setup that will continue to improve upon the experience of our players since launch. As we have always said, launch is just the beginning, and we're committed to making Black Ops 4 the best-supported game we've ever delivered."The latest Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 update resolved crashes and other issues across Multiplayer, Blackout, and Zombies modes. This follows the patch Treyarch rolled out last week, which made various fixes to Zombies mode. The developer says it is also investigating other Zombies bugs and will provide an update on those issues "in the coming days." You can read the patch notes on Reddit.Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has been a critical and commercial success for Activision and Treyarch, breaking the publisher's record for "biggest day-one digital release." It has also been well received by critics. GameSpot awarded it an 8/10 in our Black Ops 4 review. Critic Kallie Plagge wrote, "Sure, there isn't a traditional single-player campaign, but with the depth and breadth of what is there, Black Ops 4 doesn't need it."Info from Gamespot.com

Change is always afoot in Fortnite, as evidenced by the recent launch of a new update to the game that was quickly followed to an adjustment that sped up the Battle Bus. With Season 6 ongoing and a Halloween event possibly on the way, Week 4 of Battle Royale is underway, and what that means for you is that there are new challenges available to complete. These make for an easy way to progress your Battle Pass and earn skins and cosmetics, like this season's new pets. As always, while anyone can do the challenges in the Free section, four of the week's challenges will only be available to players who have paid for a Battle Pass.In the free section, players will need to use a Port-a-Fort or Port-a-Fortress (currently disabled) in five different matches, search an Ammo Box in seven different named locations, and then ring the doorbell of a house with an opponent inside in three different matches. On the paid Battle Pass side, there's a mixture of simple and tricky challenges to do. The first two involves landing at Greasy Grove and dancing on a Clock Tower (find it in Tilted Towers), followed by two other locations (a pink tree and porcelain throne). The remaining two challenges task players with getting a score of three or more at five different Shooting Galleries, and also killing three enemies near one of the Corrupted areas. Take a look at all the challenges, as well as their rewards, below.Fortnite's 6.10 update is now available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. It adds the Quadcrasher into the mix, and this two-seater vehicle is pretty handy for smashing through structures thanks to its boost function. "You build boost just by driving," Epic Games explains. "[Then] unleash that speed with the hotkey once you've filled your boost meter."The patch also allows those playing on a PlayStation 4 Pro connected to a 4K TV to display the game at 1440p instead of 1080p. The other major new addition is the new "Events" tab, where players will find in-game tournaments. Read the full Fortnite 6.10 update patch notes for more detailsFortnite's popularity continues to soar, and the latest celebrity to be drawn to it is Ellen DeGeneres, who had well known streamer Ninja on her talk show. As one of the most well-known Fortnite players around, Ninja was brought in to teach Ellen how to play which, if we're honest, didn't go well, but they seemed to be having fun and that's what matters. To get some tips from us, use our Fortnite Season 6 challenge guide to get Battle Stars from previous weeks' challenges.Fortnite Season 6, Week 4 ChallengesFreeUse a Port-a-Fort or Port-a-Fortress in different matches (5) -- 5 Battle StarsSearch an Ammo Box in different Named Locations (7) -- 5 Battle StarsRing the doorbell of a house with an opponent inside in different matches (3) -- 10 Battle StarsBattle PassLand at Greasy Grove -- 5 Battle StarsDance on top of a Clock Tower -- 5 Battle StarGet a score of 3 or more at different Shooting Galleries -- 10 Battle StarsEliminate opponents near any of the CorruptedAreas -- 10 Battle StarsInfo from Gamespot.com

Titan Comics has brought some of today's biggest video game franchises to the printed page with its adaptations of Tekken, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, and From Software's critically acclaimed action RPG, Bloodborne, among many others. The first issue of Titan's Bloodborne: The Death of Sleep series arrived back in February, but if you've missed out and would like to catch up on the story so far, you'll soon have an opportunity to pick up the first few issues in one collection.Bloodborne: The Death of Sleep Vol. 1 goes on sale in comic stores and online tomorrow, October 23. It collects the first four issues of Titan's Bloodborne series into one 112-page graphic novel. Here's Titan's synopsis of the series: "Awakening in an ancient city plagued by a twisted endemic--where horrific beasts stalk the shadows and the streets run slick with the blood of the damned--a nameless Hunter embarks on a dangerous quest in search of Paleblood... his only escape from the endless Night of the Hunt..."Bloodborne: The Death of Sleep is written by Ales Kot, whose previous credits include Change, Zero, and Wolf. It features artwork by Piotr Kowalski, who has also worked on Titan's Wolfenstein and Witcher comics, as well as Dark Tower, Sex, and Robocop. Titan has provided GameSpot with an exclusive preview of The Death of Sleep Vol. 1; you can read eight pages from the upcoming collection by clicking through the gallery below.Bloodborne: The Death of Sleep Vol. 1 retails for $17 / £14. You can find more details on Titan's website. A fifth issue in the series, titled Bloodborne: The Healing Thirst, launched last month. Likewise written and illustrated by Kot and Kowalski, The Healing Thirst "delve[s] into the dark underbelly of the Healing Church."Bloodborne isn't the only From Software series to receive the comic treatment. Titan has also published a comic based on Dark Souls titled The Age of Fire, a four-issue series written by Ryan O'Sullivan (Void Trip, Warhammer). The Age of Fire features "all the main characters" from the game series and is a "dramatic retelling of the Legends of Silver Knights." All four issues are on sale now.From Software's next title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, is slated to release for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on March 22, 2019. Meanwhile, Dark Souls Remastered recently launched for Nintendo Switch alongside the GameStop-exclusive Solaire of Astora Amiibo figure after being delayed. While not as visually impressive as the PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions, we thought the Switch edition of Dark Souls Remastered offered a unique way to revisit the landmark title. You can read more in our Dark Souls Remastered Switch review.Info from Gamespot.com

Epic has begun teasing an apparent Halloween event for Fortnite, titled Fortnitemares. The event will kick off this Wednesday, October 24 and last through Monday, November 26. It promises "spooky rewards" for completing special Fortnitemares challenges, and uses a variation on the Season 6 theme, "Darkness has risen."One such reward could be a skin that Epic appears to be teasing through Twitter. Three images have been revealed so far, and at least two of them look like they fit together like a puzzle. The Fortnitemares rewards will probably go through both the Battle Royale and Save the World modes, since Epic has announced that you can win a couple of skins by logging onto Save the World during the event.That same announcement gave word that the Save the World mode, which had been planned for release as a free-to-play mode this year, won't be switching to free after all. That means to earn any Fortnitemare rewards you'll need to be a founder, but the studio is offering those packages at half-price.The whole season is fairly creepy, and its biggest Battle Pass reward is the Dire Wolf skin that changes you into more and more of a werewolf as you level it up. We've also seen a slow drip of special Halloween skins. For more Halloween events, check out our Halloween roundup.Costumes and dancing, Partner up, be wise. They could be friendly, Or a ghoul in disguise. #Fortnitemares pic.twitter.com/vOasjQEj1k— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) October 20, 2018Tombstones quake, Keep your finger steady. The circle will close, Better be ready. #Fortnitemares pic.twitter.com/ocd2VR1d19— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) October 21, 2018Take the shot, If you have enough to last. The wind calls out, “Fill your chambers, fast.” #Fortnitemares pic.twitter.com/y6jkzM0vnR— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) October 22, 2018Info from Gamespot.com

Bandai Namco's latest anime brawler, My Hero One's Justice, is set to arrive on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC later this week. Ahead of its release, the publisher has revealed a couple of DLC characters players will be able to get in the game, one of which will be free to everyone.Right from launch, Bandai Namco will offer Shoot Style Izuku Midoriya to all players as a free download. This version of My Hero Academia's main protagonist fights primarily using kicks. Once players have downloaded him, Bandai Namco says they'll be able to purchase missions for Shoot Style Deku through the game's store.Those who pre-order My Hero One's Justice ahead of its release will get an additional bonus character: Endeavor, the No. 2 ranked hero in Japan and the father of Shoto Todoroki. If you don't pre-order the game, you'll still have the option to purchase Endeavor separately as paid DLC. Just as with Shoot Style Deku, everyone will also be able to buy missions for him through the game's store once he's been downloaded, although no pricing details have been announced yet.In addition to the aforementioned characters, Bandai Namco is releasing a day-one patch for My Hero One's Justice when the game launches this week. The update will add Arcade mode, a ladder-style tournament that pits players against CPU opponents. Bandai Namco says that completing this mode with different characters will unlock an "exclusive item."My Hero One's Justice launches for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on October 26. It's the first game based on My Hero Academia to release in the West and features many of the series' most recognizable characters, including Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Tomura Shigaraki, All Might, and more. You can get a better look at My Hero One's Justice in action in our recent livestream above.Info from Gamespot.com

The Legendary Psychic Pokemon Mewtwo made its debut in standard Raid Battles last month after initially being limited to EX Raids, giving many Pokemon Go players their first opportunity to capture one. If you haven't yet done so, your time is running out, as Mewtwo is set to leave Raids very soon.The Legendary Psychic Pokemon is scheduled to depart from the game at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET on October 23, so you have until then to encounter one at Gyms. As is the case with all other Raid Bosses, you'll first need to team up with other players in-person and battle it. If you manage to defeat the Legendary, you'll earn a handful of Premier Balls and the chance to capture it.Mewtwo remains one of the most popular--and powerful--Legendary Pokemon in the entire series, making it a formidable challenge. On top of that, one of the possible Charged Attacks it can know is Focus Blast, which is super-effective against many Pokemon that would typically have an advantage over it. Your best bet is to challenge Mewtwo using Bug, Dark, and Ghost Pokemon such as Scizor, Tyranitar, and Gengar.A lot has been happening in Pokemon Go as of late. Earlier this week, Niantic rolled out the first wave of Gen 4 Pokemon, including the Sinnoh starters Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. There are also a handful of region-exclusive Gen 4 monsters, which have only been appearing in certain parts of the world. No Gen 4 Legendaries have debuted in Pokemon Go just yet, but one--Giratina--was teased at the end of the game's latest trailer, suggesting it could be on its way fairly soon.Pokemon Go's latest Community Day event took place on Sunday, October 21. During it, players had a much easier time of finding Beldum and hatching Pokemon. They were also able to learn the new attack Meteor Mash by evolving Beldum into a Metagross during the event. You can read everything you need to know about October's Community Day here.Info from Gamespot.com

Bethesda has released a statement to address the developer's community just prior to the launch of the first Fallout 76 beta. This first beta comes to Xbox One on October 23 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET and ends four hours later.In the statement, Bethesda highlights just how different Fallout 76 is from the previous games in the franchise. The developer cites the inspiration for Fallout 76 comes from wanting to try something new after feeling as if every previous Bethesda games had "similar DNA." That said, Bethesda doesn't want to alienate the fanbase its spent building over the years. "Our worlds, whether it be Fallout, Elder Scrolls, or the coming Starfield, are important places to us," Bethesda wrote. "We do everything we can to treat them with care. We know they mean just as much to you." Bethesda also acknowledged that it's treating Fallout 76 a little bit differently from past Fallout titles. Before, the company said that its employees take a small break after the release of a game. With Fallout 76, Bethesda is looking at the game's launch as if it were the starting line. "Given what we're doing with 76, we know we're opening everyone up to all new spectacular issues none of us have encountered," Bethesda wrote. "Some we're aware of, such as areas where performance needs to improve with lots of players."Even though the first beta is exclusive to Xbox One, Bethesda is following up with another beta for PS4 and PC on October 30. Although the beta periods are only for a few hours, each one will offer the full Fallout 76 experience. You can only participate in the beta by pre-ordering Fallout 76. Fallout 76 releases on November 14 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.Info from Gamespot.com

We're giving away PS4 codes for Castlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood to twenty-five (25) lucky fans! Scroll down to enter.This is not an instant win. No purchase necessary. Competition ends at 12:00 PM PT on October 29, 2018, in which 25 winners will be chosen at random and emailed a code for the full game (MSRP: $20).Enter below: About the game: Castlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood is a bundle of the classic titles, but re-formatted to feature modern game elements. Experience two of the greatest games from the Castlevania series as you make your way to the top of Dracula's castle as Richter Belmont - descendant of the famed clan of vampire hunters - in Rondo of Blood, or take the leading role as Dracula's son Alucard in Symphony of the Night. Enjoy the unique world, the epic classical music, and the side-scrolling action in Castlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood, exclusively for the PlayStation4.Fun facts about Symphony of the Night:The Jewel Knuckles are a powerful and quick weapon you can normally get in the Outer Wall once Alucard gains Form of Mist, however, you can get it as well as the Mirror Cuirass early. Once you enter the Outer Wall, go down and to the left to fight an Armor Lord. In the room he’s guarding, destroy the wall for some food and hold down for about 20 seconds to be transported to the room with the items.After completing the game, a few New Game bonuses will be unlocked if you enter the name RICHTER, AXEARMOR or X-X!V’’Q before starting a new game.Fun facts about Rondo of Blood:After defeating a boss, don’t think you’re safe yet! Bosses have one final desperation attack that can still get you after you take out their HP meter.Info from Gamespot.com

While the new Halloween movie scares up box office records, now comes a new report that claims a reboot of the Friday the 13th horror franchise is coming, and it's being backed by an unexpected source. According to Bloody Disgusting, NBA superstar LeBron James' production company SpringHill Entertainment is in talks to buy the rights to a new Friday the 13th movie. The Departed producer Roy Lee's Vertigo Entertainment is also attached.According to reports, the writer of the 1980 original Friday the 13th movie, Victor Miller, recently renegotiated to get the rights back. The new film is reportedly on in the very early stages of development, but it's expected to bring back masked killer Jason Voorhees, of course. There are no further plot details available at this stage, however.Friday the 13th! Jason Vorhees is one of my favorites. Still don't understand how he caught people running and he just walked though. — LeBron James (@KingJames) August 13, 2010The most recent Friday the 13th movie, simply titled Friday the 13th, was released in 2009. There were a number of sequels before that as well.In 2010, before LeBron James had even started a media company, he tweeted about how much he enjoyed Jason Voorhees as a character. Specifically, James said he was flabbergasted by how Jason was able to kill so many people even though he walks very slowly in the early movies.James' company is making moves in Hollywood, as this news about Friday the 13th follows the announcement that SpringHill is bringing back Space Jam. Black Panther director Ryan Coogler is set to produce the new Space Jam starring James in the lead role. Info from Gamespot.com

For one day only--ending October 23 and available in limited supply--you can get the Sniper: Ghost Warrior Trilogy from Fanatical for just $1. That's three games for a buck, or $0.33 each. Not a bad deal if you're interested in dipping your trigger finger into this series of PC shooters. Once you make your purchase, you'll instantly get a code you can redeem on Steam.Released between 2008 and 2013, the Sniper: Ghost Warrior trilogy was developed and published by the Polish game maker City Interactive (which also made Lords of the Fallen). The trilogy puts you behind the scope of a sniper rifle and has you take out enemy soldiers across a variety of missions. When you make your kills, the game slows down and zooms in to display a close-up view of the splattering gore. If you turn up the difficulty level, you'll also have to take into consideration real-life sniper considerations like wind speed and direction, your breath and heartbeat, and gravity's pull on the bullet.The first game in the trilogy, Sniper: Art of Victory, is a World War II shooter that didn't fare so well in reviews, getting a 36 from our sister site Metacritic. The next installment, Sniper: Ghost Warrior got dinged for having odd bullet physics and bad enemy AI, though the online multiplayer mode fared better than the campaign. Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 improved upon the others in nearly every way, with only a handful of minor problems keeping it from a wholehearted recommendation.If this sounds like a series you want to try, make sure to head over to Fanatical and grab it before it's gone.[This story has been updated with the correct list of titles included in the trilogy bundle.]Info from Gamespot.com

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is out now, and it continues the franchise's history of explosive multiplayer, first-person shooter combat. Old mechanics and features return, such as the fan favorite Zombie mode, but the game implements several changes to the Black Ops formula. We've compiled everything we know about Black Ops 4 below.Black Ops has a pretty lengthy history. The first Black Ops, releasing in 2010, takes place during the Cold War in the 1960s, switching between CIA operatives Alex Mason and Frank Woods. 2012's Black Ops 2 moved the story to 2025 and follows Alex's son, David Mason. 2015's Black Ops 3 continues the previous game's journey into the future and focuses on operatives in 2065.The first Black Ops featured the first playable protagonists in a Call of Duty game to speak during gameplay, and not just cutscenes. Its sequel introduced the Grief and Turned variations to Call of Duty's Zombies mode. The third game was the first Call of Duty title where Activision and Sony's partnership created limited-time exclusive DLC content for PlayStation consoles.Table of Contents [hide]What Is Black Ops 4?Release Date/Day One Update/PreloadingReviewGetting StartedMultiplayer, Maps, And SpecialistsBlackoutZombiesExclusive PS4 ContentWhat Is Black Ops 4?Black Ops 4 is the seventh Call of Duty game developed by Treyarch, one of the many video game companies under the Activision umbrella. The game is the first Call of Duty title to lack a traditional single-player campaign, instead including individual missions that each focus on the backstory of one of Black Ops 4's multiplayer Specialists. The feature is similar to the Operator missions from Rainbow Six Siege, but are more story-driven and tie together in an overarching plot. The missions take place between 2025 and 2065, making Black Ops 4 a sequel story to Black Ops 2 and a prequel to Black Ops 3.Release Date/Day One Update/PreloadingCall of Duty Black Ops 4 launched on October 12 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. The game has a fairly large Day One update, so be sure your system of choice has enough hard drive space. The game comes with special Deluxe, Digital Deluxe, Pro, and Mystery Box Editions, all of which are detailed in our buying guide.ReviewAfter spending time with the game following its launch, we've published our full Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 review. In it, GameSpot reviews editor Kallie Plagge offers a look at each of the three main modes, writing, "Black Ops 4 isn't short on content, and its three main modes are substantial. Multiplayer introduces more tactical mechanics without forcing you into them, and it largely strikes a good balance. Zombies has multiple deep, secret-filled maps to explore, though its returning characters don't hold up and prove distracting. Finally, Blackout pushes Call of Duty in an entirely new direction, making use of aspects from both multiplayer and Zombies for a take on the battle royale genre that stands on its own. Sure, there isn't a traditional single-player campaign, but with the depth and breadth of what is there, Black Ops 4 doesn't need it."Getting StartedBlack Ops 4 includes a lot of features and mechanics that might be familiar to an experience Call of Duty player, but completely foreign to franchise newcomers. If you need any assistance, turn to one of our Black Ops 4 guides, which should provide you with all the help you need to get started with multiplayer, Zombies, and Blackout.Blackout - 11 Useful Tips You Should Know Before StartingBlackout - Tips That Battle Royale First-Timers Need To KnowBlackout - How To Unlock All The Characters So FarZombies - Voyage Of Despair Starter TipsMultiplayer, Maps, And SpecialistsFor the first time in a Call of Duty game, Black Ops 4 ditches health regeneration. Firearms employ both hitscan and projectile damage, instead of just the former in the game's new ballistics system. Predictive recoil patterns and weapon customization return. Together, it makes for a more tactical experience that promotes teammates working together instead of playing as a lone wolf. Several classic Call of Duty modes--including Zombies--return in Black Ops 4, but the game also features the series' first battle royale mode, called Blackout.Black Ops 4 launches with 14 multiplayer maps--Frequency, Contraband, Seaside, Payload, Hacienda, Gridlock, Arsenal, Icebreaker, Morocco, Militia, Jungle, Slums, Firing Range, and Summit. In November, the Call of Duty classic map Nuketown will launch for free, making a total of 15 maps in the Black Ops 4 base game. More maps will launch later as paid post-launch DLC.Just like its predecessor, Black Ops 4 will feature Specialists in multiplayer. Each Specialist has their own unique loadout and is designed to handle specific tasks. There are 10 in Black Ops 4, six of which--Ruin, Prophet, Battery, Seraph, Nomad, and Firebreak--return from Black Ops 3. The other four--Recon, Ajax, Torque, and Crash--are completely new to the series.BlackoutBlackout incorporates all the hallmarks of previous battle royale games. Up to 100 players drop onto a map and have to battle it out until only one player or team remains. Weapons and equipment can be scavenged from buildings, and vehicles can be found on the road and used to cross the map more quickly. The safe areas where players can survive gradually shrinks over time, forcing the survivors closer together into more hectic firefights. The mode can be played solo, or in squads.Blackout is a little different from games like PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Fortnite. For one, the map in Blackout is fairly large and encompasses a wide variety of different terrains and landscapes instead of focusing on a single theme, like a forest or desert. Blackout is the largest battlefield seen in any of the Call of Duty games, incorporating numerous landmarks and Easter eggs from past titles. There's also a slight PvE element to Blackout, as computer-controlled zombies wander around certain areas of the map. Killing them lets you earn special loot items from Call of Duty's Zombie mode, like the Ray Gun and Cymbal Monkey.ZombiesThe cooperative Zombies mode returns in Black Ops 4, but this time it features two separate storylines for you to play. The first, titled Aether, follows the reestablished Zombies storyline from the first three Black Ops games. The second, called Chaos, features new characters--Scarlett, Stanton, Diego and Bruno.Exclusive PS4 ContentLike the Call of Duty titles in recent years, Black Ops 4 will have content that's exclusive to the PS4 for a limited time. This exclusivity period includes all seasonal events, new Specialists, and post-launch multiplayer maps. However, instead of the PS4 having a two-to-four week head start on the other system, the console will only have exclusive access to post-launch content a week early.Info from Gamespot.com

You know the battle royale concept is a force to be reckoned with when a long-standing series like Call of Duty decides to join the fray. Black Ops 4 introduces Blackout, the series' rendition of last-person-standing deathmatch, and we've spent plenty of time with the new mode, which you can read about in our Black Ops 4 review. So, if you're not caught up on the battle royale craze or want to know how Black Ops 4 distinguishes itself from the top dogs of Fortnite and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, we have you covered.Before getting into the details, you should note that Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is a full-priced $60 game that comes with a new version of the lauded Zombies mode and traditional multiplayer modes in addition to Blackout (but no standard single-player campaign). The game is set to release on October 12 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Fortnite: Battle Royale on the other hand is free-to-play and playable on nearly every modern platform, including iOS and Android. Fortnite also contains the horde-based survival mode Save The World, but only on PS4, Xbox One, and PC if you purchase the Founder's Pack for $40--however, Epic says that the mode will become free sometime this year. PUBG is currently available on PC and Xbox One for $30 and free-to-play on iOS and Android.Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 - BlackoutBlack Ops 4's Blackout mode shares many of the basics of its battle royale counterparts. Up to 100 players get airdropped onto a wide-open, sprawling map in either teams of two or four, or in solo matches. Everyone has one life and the goal is to be the last player or team standing. In duos and (s)quads, players can be revived by teammates within a short window of time before bleeding out. And of course, an ever-shrinking deadly circle closes in as the match progress and numbers dwindle to force players into conflict.Looting works similarly to PUBG in that weapons, ammo, attachments, grenades, and healing items are scattered on the ground and within structures, and supply crates containing valuable gear occasionally drop onto the map. Guns can be tricked out with scopes, grips, and barrel attachments in a fairly streamlined inventory menu. While you won't have to worry about encumbrance and item weight, backpacks grant you additional space in your inventory to carry extra items--a sort of middle road between the two other games.One of the alluring factors of Blackout is that it's a Call of Duty game, which means it has the smooth, refined movement and shooting that the 15-year old franchise is known for on a much larger scale. However, Call of Duty has now incorporated a new ballistics model just for Blackout; players will now have to account for bullet drop at long ranges. The game remains solely a first-person shooter, although vehicles are operated in third-person--PUBG has optional first-person matches and Fortnite is strictly third-person.As for vehicles, the map is littered with ATVs, cargo trucks, and speedboats. But map traversal is notably different from other battle royales when you account for the helicopter; Fortnite and PUBG do not feature controllable aircraft. Bailing out of the helicopter or jumping off tall buildings is also made possible by using your wingsuit, making verticality a bigger factor than it would be otherwise.Another twist in Blackout is that it isn't strictly PvP since the Asylum area and a few pockets of the map contain AI-controlled zombie hordes. Fighting through zombies can lead to some high-level gear like the coveted Ray Gun, but it's risky and costly for those low on supplies.Blackout also incorporates the franchise's Perk system and Specialist abilities in a unique way; they are treated like loot. Perks work as consumable items that grant passive bonuses for a limited duration. For example, Stimulant boosts your health by 100 for a three-minute window, and Paranoia activates an audio cue for when you're being targeted by an enemy through ADS. Each can be especially effective in certain scenarios. Specialist equipment like the barricade, grappling hook, or sensor darts are rare items found during a match and are not tied to any one specialist.While the overall battle royale formula doesn't change much in Black Ops 4, smaller components from previous games work their way into Blackout for something that's more accessible with a Call of Duty flavor.Fortnite: Battle RoyaleThe feature that makes Fortnite stand out immediately is construction. Success in Fortnite is predicated on your ability to swiftly build walls, floors and ramps with the materials you collect around the map. Players have to keep in mind that there are three separate material types (wood, brick, steel) with varying durability and construction timing. It may seem like just a carry-over mechanic from the original Save The World mode, but learning the clever ways of connect these building blocks together to protect yourself and create effective combat opportunities is absolutely vital.Fortnite regularly evolves through seasons. It's not just about introducing new cosmetic items to earn or giving new challenges to keep gameplay fresh. New seasons often alter the map significantly, ranging from the obliteration of entire towns to completely redone areas. As of now, there's a floating island right at the center of the map, and a desert biome now stands where swamps were once located. Epic's dedication to constantly changing Fortnite little-by-little staves off the monotony of playing the same map over and over. And the fact that all these changes are tied to a central theme provides a festive vibe that the other games don't capture.Equipment changes over time as well. While there are still colored tiers of shotguns, assault rifles, pistols, and SMGs, newer weapons like the guided missile or grappler can change combat encounters. Long-time items like the disco grenade or launch pad play into the silly, lighthearted nature of it all while still serving compelling use-case. Vehicles were originally omitted from Fortnite, but developer Epic later introduced a golf cart to get around the map a little faster. Limited-time game modes also pop into Fortnite, such as 50v50, Teams of 20, Explosives Only, or Snipers Only. Epic isn't afraid to get ridiculous either; Season 4 was based on superheroes and even included the Infinity Gauntlet which transformed players into Marvel villain Thanos, who had a slew of overpowered, yet fun abilities.Since it's a free-to-play game, microtransactions exist. A battle pass grants you access to exclusive rewards and V-Bucks act as in-game currency to acquire many cosmetic items; no purchasable content affects gameplay.Fortnite plays fast and loose in a way that's easy to pick up, and its cartoon-y aesthetic feels inviting. But that doesn't take away from the skill level needed to earn that Victory Royale because high-level play will often have you juggling multiple systems in high-pressure situations.PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)It's safe to say that PUBG was the progenitor of the recent battle royale trend and influenced similar games that followed (including Fortnite). PUBG plays much closer to a military sim, which makes sense given that the game's roots can be traced back to the battle royale mods for the ARMA games. Player movement is much more deliberate and slower paced, and the damage and ballistics models lean a bit closer towards realism compared to Call of Duty and Fortnite. Weapons require more precision to use effectively, but attachments--like scopes and grips--can make them viable in cases they wouldn't be otherwise. Airdropped supply crates offer powerful gear, but of course pose the risk of enemies preying on you as you loot.There's no construction or special abilities in PUBG, making combat more about situational awareness and the right tactical decisions. Smoke grenades and flashbangs are your main supplements to your aiming skills. Cars, motorbikes, and boats can get you around maps a lot faster than simply staying on foot, but they can help pull you out of tough spots, too. As a result, firefights feel much more tense and the anticipation of encounters can be harrowing. If you get caught in a vulnerable position, there's very little you can do but lament your mistakes.PUBG now sports multiple maps that emphasize different styles of play. Erangel acts as the traditional large-scale map with foliage and forestry filling gaps between towns, while Miramar leaves you a sitting duck in its barren desert. Sanhok offers a faster-paced match in a compact map within a tropical environment. And later this year, a fourth map will bring a snow-covered theme that's likely to present its own unique tactical opportunities. PUBG has also dabbled in alternate game types like training mode, deathmatch with respawns, and bigger team sizes. You can also choose to play in either third- or first-person matches.Although PUBG has a price tag, microtransactions remain part of the game's economy. It now has a battle pass similar to Fortnite so you can earn different cosmetics outside of randomized loot crates you get through BP (currency earned by playing).Which One Should You Play?The answer to this question depends on what you're in the mood for. If two ends of a spectrum are Fortnite and PUBG, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4's Blackout lies somewhere in the middle. It taps into the military-style approach while giving players tactical flexibility with perks and equipment, all based on the solid foundation the Call of Duty franchise boasts. There a few more systems at play when it comes to Fortnite but its lighthearted nature and persistent evolution make it stand out from the bunch; just know that there's no escaping the construction mechanics. If hardcore military sims are more your taste, then PUBG will be your game.Other battle royale-style games are out there, such as the free-to-play H1Z1 on PC and PS4. H1Z1 was an early access title on Steam well before PUBG came onto the scene, and it brings a straightforward take on the mode. The Battlefield franchise's version of battle royale is coming later this year with Firestorm in Battlefield V. We know that Firestorm pits four teams of 16 against each other in what developer DICE is calling "the largest Battlefield map ever." The game launches for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on November 20.Additional Coverage:Latest On Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 Release Date, Blackout, Zombies, And Everything We KnowCall Of Duty: Black Ops 4 Needs A 50 GB Day One UpdateCall Of Duty: Black Ops 4's Free DLC Plans Detailed, PS4 Exclusivity Scaled BackWhy Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 Doesn't Have A Traditional CampaignThe History Of Call Of Duty: Black OpsLatest On FortniteFortnite Week 2 Challenges: Visit Corrupted Areas, Use Shadow Stones, And More (Season 6)Fortnite Dev Purchases Anti-Cheat CompanySee Fortnite Season 6's New Skins, Sprays, Emotes, And Battle Pass CosmeticsMore Fortnite Halloween Skins Leaked With New 6.02 Update's ReleaseFortnite Patch Notes (Update 6.02): Disco Domination, Quad Launcher, And MoreLatest On PUBGNew Update For PUBG On PC; Here's The Full Patch NotesPUBG Xbox One Update Finally Adds BP Exchange; Here's The Full Patch NotesPUBG PS4 Is Coming, According To A New ListingPUBG Hits 100 Million Downloads On MobileInfo from Gamespot.com

As is to be expected from a new project that Rockstar has been working on for years, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an incredibly dense open-world game that's jam-packed full of details. We recently got to go hands-on with the high-anticipated sequel, and while playing we discovered numerous mechanics and details that go above and beyond those from the original Red Dead Redemption. While the game features improvements to pre-existing mechanics, there are light survival systems this time around. These require you to pay attention to things like your body temperature, gun maintenance, and meat expiration. As fans of the original, all of these new details are surprising and unexpected. But what has us the most enthused about it all is how these mechanics are likely to foster tons of ridiculous shenanigans in the game's world--especially once Red Dead Online releases.We got to experience many of the new systems at work--most of which you can read about in our comprehensive feature compiling them all. But there were some fascinating standouts we wanted to highlight that we feel will contribute to some of the game's most memorable and entertaining moment-to-moment experiences. Included in this feature are nine of the most unexpected mechanics and details in Red Dead Redemption 2.If you haven't already seen our Red Dead Redemption 2 preview covering the story missions we saw, make sure to read it for our in-depth impressions on the game. Though, if you want to get caught up with everything there is to know about Red Dead Redemption 2, check out our roundup of everything we've learned about RDR2. In the meantime, what details are you most excited to experience in Red Dead Redemption 2? Let us know in the comments below.Clothes Make The OutlawThe game's clothing customization options are comprehensive--each character will have different sets to coincide with hot and cold weather conditions. The type of clothes you wear will affect Arthur's performance. For example, if you wear a weighty jacket during a hot summer day, your running stamina will take a big hit.Other customizations will allow layering and minor adjustments, like the option to roll up your sleeves or tuck your pants into your boots. Whatever you end up choosing, you're free to craft Arthur into the high plains drifter you want him to be.You Can Fire Warning Shots And Whistle For FunBy having your gun unholstered and holding Up on the d-pad, you can fire warning shots into the air. This is handy for intimidating people, scaring off animals, or generally being a rowdy buffoon while you're riding around.Speaking of possible buffoonery, you can even whistle at people to get their attention or call your horse. And if you keep holding down the button, you can keep whistling until Arthur runs out of breath. Imagine combining both warning shots and whistling; you'll become the countryside menace you've always dreamed of being.Your Guns Can Degrade And JamYou need to take care of your weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2. You have the option to clean them, which is incredibly important to do regularly because guns can jam mid-fire due to disrepair and environmental conditions. You don't want to be caught with a rusted gun--lest you seek to dig yourself an early grave.Hunted Materials Can Rot And Be DamagedThe components you acquire from hunting all have an expiration date. If you're not careful, time will eventually take its toll and both the fresh pelt and carcass you've acquired will start to rot and attract vermin, reducing its value and making you generally unpleasant to be around. Not only that, but if you use a firearm to kill an animal as opposed to an arrow or knife, its pelt will be damaged and will sell for less at local stores.Cleaning, Grooming, And Feeding YourselfSpeaking of unpleasantness, NPCs will react not just to the stink of your rotting deer corpse, but also if you haven't taken a bath in a while. Arthur needs to get clean and change his clothes every once in a while, since townsfolk may refuse to talk or serve him based on his appearance--having blood on your jacket doesn't attract the best reactions.Time also has an effect on Arthur's hair, which actually grow longer. Customizing Arthur's haircut and facial hair styling is also dependent on length since you're allowed to cut things shorter, but won't have access to options that require more hair--a more realistic take on customization compared to GTA V. Of course, you're welcome to not pay attention to grooming. In fact, you can totally rock the mountain man look by just letting Arthur's hair and facial hair grow to its max.Arthur will need to eat to keep his health and stamina meters up, but will also lose and gain weight depending on his food intake. He'll have to stay active in order to keep in top shape.You Will Get A CameraWe started a side quest during our time with Red Dead Redemption 2, and the mission giver handed Arthur a camera. This camera could be used at any time via your inventory, and yes, the first thing we did was take a selfie.These aren't arm-out handheld selfies, though. The mode is titled "self-portrait" and will frame Arthur's whole body as if the camera were set up on a tripod. You'll be able to adjust expressions and poses, too--expect to see a whole bunch of self-portraits depicting Arthur squatting in front of various things on Twitter once the game releases.You Can Lose Your HatIf you're not careful, you can easily lose your hat in the midst of a shootout. If you drop your hat, you need to physically pick it back up to get back to looking like a proper outlaw. Though, if you ride away from your hat, it'll appear as an icon on the map. However, it will reappear back on your horse if you go too far away. Alternatively, Arthur can swap his hat for any other one that just happens to fall off someone else's head. Sometimes you just have to adjust your style on the go.There's A Killcam That Changes Depending On Your HonorWhen you take out the final opponent during a gunfight, a killcam will frame that final blow a la Max Payne 3. This will change depending on Arthur's moral standing: If you've been a naughty cowboy, these kill cams will be gorier. If you've been upstanding and honorable, they'll be framed in a more heroic fashion like those from the classic film Westerns of old.You Can Break Enemy's WeaponsSpeaking of heroic behavior: if you want to go the more non-lethal route, it's possible to shoot weapons out of enemy hands. Not only that, but you can even shoot at their weapons and break them. This seems like a handy technique if you're looking to be an outlaw with a heart of gold as opposed to a straight-up cold-blooded killer.Catch A Stage ShowAssuming he isn't too stinky to make it past the ushers, Arthur can kick back and catch a show at the local theater. We're curious the sorts of genre of theater you'll be able to see or what Arthur like watching. You Can Dance (If You Want To!)If you find yourself at camp and the mood strikes you, you can break a leg and dance with your gang. The simple moves in the trailer seems fairly traditional, but we'll put good money on there being sillier options whenever Red Dead Online launches.Horse Dressage And Drifting TechniquesHorses are an important part of Red Dead Redemption 2, but it seems like they're far more capable creatures than they've ever been in previous games. During our hands-on, we were able to rear our horse on its hind legs, perform drifts to change direction quickly (apologies to equestrian enthusiasts), and move our horse precisely by performing dressage techniques.Info from Gamespot.com

October has arrived, and this month is packed with some major releases for PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and even 3DS. With the holiday season quickly approaching, some of this year's biggest titles are set to debut soon, including this year's new Call of Duty game, Black Ops 4, and Rockstar's highly anticipated western, Red Dead Redemption 2.But while those titles may draw the most attention, they are hardly the only noteworthy games coming to each platform this month. Capcom's Blue Bomber Mega Man returns after a long hiatus with Mega Man 11, while the GameCube classic Luigi's Mansion arrives on 3DS in time for Halloween with a few new features in tow, including cooperative multiplayer. Square Enix's cult classic DS RPG, The World Ends With You, is also making a comeback this month when Final Remix launches on Switch.There are plenty of other games worth checking out this month, as well. You can see all of the biggest releases for each platform in October 2018 below. For a look at all of the other games coming this year, be sure to check out our complete list of game release dates in 2018.Forza Horizon 4 (Xbox One, PC) -- October 2The latest installment in Microsoft's open-world driving series, Forza Horizon 4, kicks off this month's releases, arriving on Xbox One and PC on October 2. This time, players will be able to cruise around Great Britain at their leisure in a variety of different vehicles. The biggest new feature, however, is the introduction of seasons, which will cycle every week from the game's launch. Like other first-party Microsoft games, it is also available in the Xbox Game Pass catalog.Further reading:Forza Horizon 4 Review: Shifting Gears, Shifting SeasonsForza Horizon 4: Every Barn Find Car LocationForza Horizon 4 First Free Seasonal Events And Cars DetailedAssassin's Creed Odyssey (PS4, Xbox One, PC) -- October 5Following a brief hiatus, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise returned last year with Assassin's Creed Origins, a new interpretation of the series that featured an open-world setting and RPG elements. This year's follow-up, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, takes the franchise to Ancient Greece and builds upon these features with an even larger world to explore, romance options, and a much greater emphasis on player choice.Further reading:Assassin's Creed Odyssey Review: A Brave New WorldAssassin's Creed Odyssey Lets You Pay For Permanent XP BoostNo Multiplayer In Assassin's Creed Odyssey, But The Franchise Isn't Necessarily Done With ItCall of Duty: Black Ops 4 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) -- October 12Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 arrives on PS4, Xbox One, and PC on October 12. Unlike previous installments in the series, this year's entry forgoes a traditional single-player campaign in favor of solo missions centered around each Specialist, and it introduces a number of new modes to the fore, most notably the battle royale-style Blackout. It also launches with an expanded Zombies mode, with three different Zombies episodes available right off the bat.Further reading:PS4's Exclusivity Window Is Shorter Than Usual For Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4's Free DLC Plans DetailedWhy Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 Doesn't Have A Traditional CampaignRed Dead Redemption 2 (PS4, Xbox One) -- October 26Rockstar's highly anticipated Red Dead Redemption 2 closes out a month on October 26. This installment is set 12 years before the events of the first Red Dead Redemption and follows new protagonist Arthur Morgan as he and the Van der Linde gang flee from the law across the American frontier. The game features a sprawling, detailed world that reacts to your actions, along with a wealth of activities to take part in, from hunting and fishing to good, old-fashioned holdups.Further reading:Getting Away With Crime In Red Dead Redemption 2 Is TrickyHow Red Dead Redemption 2's Cores, Health, And Stats WorkRed Dead Redemption 2 Gameplay Hands-On: 12 Most Surprising Features And Details (So Far)Full October Release ScheduleGamePlatformRelease DateForza Horizon 4Xbox One, PCOctober 2Fist of the North Star: Lost ParadisePS4October 2Mega Man 11PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PCOctober 2Assassin's Creed OdysseyPS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 5Super Mario PartySwitchOctober 5Disgaea 1 CompletePS4, SwitchOctober 9WWE 2K19PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PCOctober 9Call of Duty: Black Ops 4PS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 12Luigi's Mansion3DSOctober 12The World Ends with You: Final RemixSwitchOctober 12Lego DC Super VillainsPS4, Xbox One, PC, SwitchOctober 16Starlink: Battle for AtlasPS4, Xbox One, SwitchOctober 16Warriors Orochi 4PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PCOctober 16Syberia 3SwitchOctober 18Dark Souls RemasteredSwitchOctober 19SoulCalibur VIPS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 19Just Dance 2019PS4, Xbox One, SwitchOctober 23Castlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night & Rondo of BloodPS4October 26My Hero One's JusticePS4, SwitchOctober 26Red Dead Redemption 2PS4, Xbox OneOctober 26Kingdom Hearts: The Story So FarPS4October 30Mutant Football League: Dynasty EditionPS4, Xbox One, PC, SwitchOctober 30Info from Gamespot.com