Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is seemingly teasing a new entry in the publisher's vaunted Batman series. Earlier today, the studio shared three pictures to its social media channels: one on Twitter, one on Facebook, and one on Instagram. 

Each of the three images were part of a larger whole, which, of course, Batman fans have already pieced together. From the looks of it, the symbol shares elements with the Gotham City Police Department Crest. However, it doesn't match exactly. 

This isn't the first time Warner Bros. has teased a new Batman game in the last two years. In 2018, we reported on a social media post from WB Montreal assistant producer Valerie Vezina. In the picture shared to Twitter, Vezina wore a shirt that appeared to show the symbol of The Court of Owls. 

In January 2019, we reported on a rumor that said the next Batman game would be called Batman: Arkham Crisis. However, the rumors surrounding that title proved to either be false or premature. Nothing came of Batman: Arkham Crisis in the following months. 

In September 2019, WB shared a cryptic GIF on Twitter, with the tagline "Capture the Knight/Cape sur la nuit". Though we missed it at the time, it appears the Tweet was one of the first "official" teases surrounding the Batman project being teased by the picture above. 

While Rocksteady Studios has developed most of the Batman: Arkham games, including Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight, WB Montreal was the studio behind Batman: Arkham Origins. 

While Origins is currently the lowest-scored game in the Arkham franchise, some loved the game for its portrayal of the Caped Crusader, as well as the new system introduced by the development team. 

Only time will tell what WB Montreal is teasing. Hopefully, we won't go almost another full year before we get more information — even if it is just another e-nigmatic social media post. 

The weekly free deals on the Epic Games Store just keep coming, and this week's bundle is a doozy.

The Batman: Arkham Collection and Lego Batman trilogy are both free until September 26. Both bundles bring a total of six free games to your growing EGS library. 

Both complementary collections are available for $0.

Those interested in snagging the complimentary titles can simply sign up for or log into an Epic Games account, find the games at the top of the store's front page, and add them to their library. 

All free games downloaded to a user's library remain in that library for the lifetime of the account. 

Batman: Arkham Collection

The Arkham collection includes:

• Batman: Arkham Asylum
• Batman: Arkham City
• Batman: Arkham Knight

If it seems like "Arkham Knight" and "free" have been bundled together elsewhere recently, it's because the game is also one of this month's free PS Plus games. Yes, it's that good.

In fact, the whole trilogy is that good. The Arkham games are credited with reviving the Batman video game franchise, giving players more of what they love about the Caped Crusader: fast cars, pulse-pounding fights, and, of course, excellent villains like the Joker.

What's more, these are the Game of the Year Editions of each game. That means Arkham Asylum and Arkham City get all their DLC bundled together, but Arkham Knight doesn't, since its DLC isn't on the EGS right now.

Still, think of it as some kind of consolation for Arkham Crisis not actually being real after all.

LEGO Batman Trilogy

In case the Arkham Collection isn't enough, the LEGO Batman Trilogy offers even more superhero action with a lighthearted twist. It includes:

• Lego Batman: The Videogame
• Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
• Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham

These three feature all the goofiness LEGO games are known and loved for, alongside plenty of collectibles, tons of unlockable characters spread across the DC universe, gadgets, vehicles, aliens, and more.

From LEGO Batman 2 on, the Lego characters even speak, which was a first for the LEGO games franchise.

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Despite being listed as collections, each game in both trilogies is available for free individually until September 26, so you don't have to pick them all up if you for some reason don't want to. 

The Epic Games Store is on a roll the past few months with its free game offerings. A recent set included two of the most well-regarded indie releases in recent years.

It's been four years since a mainline Arkham game has been released. Now, the wait may be coming to an end. 

According to a rumor being reported by various outlets, including PlayStation Lifestyle and SegmentNext, Rocksteady is on the verge of revealing Batman: Arkham Crisis, the next game in the Arkham series. Although nothing concrete has been revealed by either Rocksteady or WB Games, both publications reference an alleged leak by a playtester who says they have played the game. 

The leak seems to have first been published to an unspecified Discord server by the playtester and then disseminated by YouTuber The Flix Fix. 

If the leak is to be believed, Batman: Arkham Crisis will be officially revealed by Game Informer in March and is currently aiming for an October release. The campaign will reportedly be 12 hours long, feature multiple, hours-long sidequests, have a map 1.7 times the size of Grand Theft Auto 5, feature multiplayer elements, including co-op, and employ other elements found in open-world games such as a dynamic day/night cycle.  

The game's story will allegedly revolve around The Court of Owls, an archaic crime organization operating in Gotham since "Colonial times." The crime ring is known for kidnapping circus performers and indoctrinating them into the syndicate.

According to the leak, both Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, sons of circus acrobats, will appear in the game. 

Between 2015 and now, there have been several Batman: Arkham spinoffs released on portable and VR devices. However, Arkham Crisis would be the first game in the mainline series to be released in that time. 

Over the past several years, the rumor mill has been full of speculation that either Rocksteady or WB Games was at work on the next game in the acclaimed franchise. Since many believed that Rocksteady was well into the process of developing a Superman game that would utilize the best elements of the Arkham titles, WB Games was the logical bet to make that game. 

However, Rocksteady confirmed in November that the studio was not working on Superman, but instead an unnamed project. In December of last year, WB Montreal assistant producer Valerie Vezina appeared to tease WB's next game as well as the symbol of The Court of Owls. 

While the current rumor about Arkham Crisis should be taken with a very small grain of salt, it is interesting that parts of this rumor, such as the game's length, fall in line with what we already know about the series. It is also interesting that a current WB employee would tease the sigil of The Court of Owls when referencing a WB development team. 

As of this writing, neither Rocksteady nor WB Games have commented on the alleged leak. There is currently no confirmation that a Batman: Arkham game is in development. 

We’ve all heard that cliché, the unavoidable "Netflix for gaming," phrase, but who can really take the top spot? There are surprisingly more gaming subscription services than you would expect that can offer you different services. But which ones offer you more bang for your buck? What subscription offers you the greater variety of games? We’re here to answer your questions and give you the top 7 list on gaming subscriptions.

7. OnePlay

This service mainly came in dead last for me as it felt less clear on what services it offered for your money. There are a variety of options from a basic package, to VIP membership, then to renting and buying. It appears you get some games for free as part of your subscription, but other titles you buy at a discounted rate. The distinction didn’t appear to be very clear when browsing through their site.

OnePlay does boast one of the most extensive list of video games with over 2,000 titles and new games added weekly. Furthermore, it is both a PC and Android games subscription, so you get games for both platforms within the bounds of your subscription.

The price is pretty good at $9.99 for the month which also gives you 10% off your purchases. If you’re not sure about the service than you have a 7-day trial to give it a go. However, the confusing nature of the website and the lack of clarity on what titles are playable, rent-able or to buy is worrisome. There are other gaming subscription services with greater transparency and with a similar number of games.

6. PlayStation Now

PlayStation Now is a great subscription service if you want to play PS3 classics or perhaps don’t have access to a PS4. PlayStation Now features over 500 games for PS4 and PS3 with more being added every month to the gaming subscription service. However, it is the price that lets this service down.

As you will see throughout the article, PlayStation Now is the most expensive service going. A one-month subscription will set your bank balance back by $19.99 and a three-month long package will take you back by $44.99. Compared to other gaming subscription services, PlayStation Now is incredibly pricey.

The saving grace for the service is being able to use it without owning a PS4. You can use PlayStation Now on PC and even on some smart TVs if you have a compatible controller. This is perfect if you want to experience those PlayStation exclusives like Uncharted or The Last of Us without investing in a console. Furthermore, for as long as you hold your subscription you have unlimited access to PlayStation Now’s library.

Sadly, with the higher price tag and the 7-day trial it puts PlayStation Now in second to last place. The range of games and cross platform play is fantastic. However, there are other services that offer a similar range for a less expensive price.

5. Xbox One Pass

The Xbox One Pass ranks slightly higher than PlayStation Now simply because of the pricing. The service is relatively new, which is why you have a much more limited selection of games. The service boasts only 100 titles, which is the second lowest of all seven.

Nevertheless, Microsoft are slowly adding new games to the roaster which include both Xbox One and Xbox 360 games. Additionally, when you have a 14 day free trial and a monthly subscription for $9.99, you get way more for your money.

You will receive unlimited access to the Xbox Games Pass library and get discounts on select games and season passes for Xbox One games. Fantastic titles like Halo 5: Guardians and Payday are already available with Xbox Game Pass, with more to be added along the way.

The Xbox Games Pass saves you money while still offering you the chance to play classic Xbox games. The price tag is on the lower end of the scale and once the games roster has been bulked out, it’ll be worth more than the money you pay.

4. GameFly

GameFly offers you a gaming subscription without having to buy an expensive console. No PlayStation, no Xbox, no PC? Don’t worry because GameFly has got you covered.

GameFly works through certain smart TV’s and through Amazon Fire. All you need is a compatible controller or your handheld device and you’re good to go. This is the perfect service for anyone who can’t purchase a console for any reason, but still loves gaming! The app is applicable to certain Samsung, LG and Phillips TV models, but if you don’t have that model then don’t panic. An Amazon Fire Stick will turn your TV into a smart TV and you can access the app there.

The subscription service is less than $10 a month with a growing list of games and unlimited access. It is one of the best gaming subscriptions out there. GameFly also saves your data to the cloud so you won’t have to worry about losing all the hard work you put into a game. There are already notable games on GameFly, such as Borderlands 2, the Batman series and the Bioshock series.

GameFly is the perfect middle ground gaming subscription service. It allows for flexibility without burning a hole in your wallet. You can play some great games as much as you want without having to fork out the cash for a console.

3. EA Access

EA Access is a personal favorite of mine, mainly because of the incredibly cheap price tag and the access to games you receive as part of your subscription. If you haven’t already guessed, they are all EA games which is why it is in third place. But, the type of access you get for the price is astounding to say the least.

For a one-month subscription you will pay $4.99--this is the cheapest subscription price yet! Even better is that if you invest in a year of EA Access it will only cost you $29.99. It feels like you're practically stealing from the company, especially when they throw in a further 10% discount on digital EA purchases on games not included as part of Access. You really get incredible value for money. You can access the service through Origins or through Xbox One, giving you more freedom of movement with the service.

When you sign up to EA Access, you will be able to play games from the EA vault. These games are free to play and for an unlimited period, as long as you keep the subscription. I personally downloaded all three Dragon Age installments for free and all the DLC’s came with them. It really gave me incentive to re-play this beloved series. If Dragon Age isn’t your style then other games in the vault include Mass Effect Andromeda, FIFA17 and Battlefield 1, with many more that I haven’t listed. You don’t just get old forgotten games nobody wants to play anymore, but hot new releases as well. If that wasn’t enough, you also get to try EA games before they are even released!

EA Access has incredible value for money with some fantastic AAA titles to keep you entertained. However, because it is simply EA games it won’t be to everyone’s taste and that’s why they only win the bronze.

2. Jump

Jump is a wonderful gaming subscription service if you’re mad for Indie games. Jump specializes in giving their customers access to award winning Indie games; you won’t find an 8-year old's attempt to make their Halo fan game here. It’s the perfect way to discover magnificent pieces of work that you may not have heard of before.

Jump offers you a 14-day free trial which then turns to a $9.99 charge after the trial period ends. With that subscription cost you get unlimited access to their Indie collection. The only negative is that their roster is just over 60 games. It is the lowest roster in our list, but is comprised of high-quality games. A lot of services may throw in a lot of titles that don’t give you the quality that Jump does. Some intriguing titles that have been added recently include Along the Edge, The Bridge and Always Sometimes Monsters. Furthermore, you can also submit a game to the company that you think should be added to the list.

Even though Jump offers the lowest number of titles, it is still a fantastic service. Indie games are the soul of the gaming community, and Jump brings the best together for you to play. Without any constraints as well. It may not be the most extensive, but the quality of the games is the highest.

1. Utomik

Last but not least by any means is the grand gaming subscription service Utomik. Combining a low price with a larger roster and a high number of quality games puts Utomik in the top spot. They have partnered up with companies such as TellTale Games, SEGA, Paradox and even Disney to bring you quality games at a low price.

 So how low can Utomik go? For one user you will pay $5.99 for the month and this will give you unlimited access to Utomik’s library. This consists of over 640 games, with 20 new games being added every month. You’ll never be able to get through them all! Even better if you’re in a family or you and your roommates want to join than there is a family plan. This is only $9.99 a month and allows 4 users unlimited access and for any family’s parental controls as well. You even get a 14-day free trial to test it out!

Saint’s Row, Dead Island, Borderlands are just some of the games you can access through Utomik. They also have a whole host of Indie games that are ready at your disposal. Kid’s giving you hassle? Roommate won’t budge from the couch? Throw in Utomik and you’ll be able to enjoy the gaming subscription service too.

My Verdict

Utomik, to me, is the best service out there. It combines a great price, range and quality of games with unlimited access to those games. Why not check them out for yourself? All services have been linked so you can see which one is right for you.

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Do you agree with the list? Did I miss your favorite gaming subscription service? Comment below and let us know what you think!

In Mass Effect Andromeda, you have a scanner on your omni-tool which you use to scan and learn about objects of interest in the environment, while also earning research currency towards one of three categories. In Bioshock, you have a camera that you use to take photographs of enemies while earning research points that eventually unlock powerful upgrades. The mechanic itself is not really all that unique; it’s been done in everything from the Batman Arkham games to Beyond Good and Evil. However, despite the similarities between the scanner and camera, some small differences make a significant impact.

Different, but the Same

First, I need to make sure we are on the same page: the camera and the scanner operate very similarly mechanically. This is in spite of them being aesthetically different. You pull both up, frame what you wish to scan/photograph, and press a button. You are then rewarded for researching new objects.

There are particular affordances to both of these, however. Everyone is familiar with a camera. We know what it means to take a good picture; we understand photography as an art form. There is an end result, a literal photograph that’s leftover. When you are able to review photos later it gives you an incentive to try to take better ones. Final Fantasy XV showed us that even photos taken in a videogame can make you reminisce. It’s a large part of what makes the screenshot feature so alluring on the PS4, or Steam.

A scan, although similar in many ways, feels different even when it physically requires similar inputs. We understand it within a different context, a scientific context. Mass Effect Andromeda specifically lists properties off to the side of your scans, such as the chemical composition and boring facts. Meanwhile, the Batman Arkham games gave useful info via its scanner -- for instance, enemy heart rate helped you understand what state of distress your prey was in.

The scan itself is not inherently important, unlike photography, which we view as an art form. Instead, the results, namely the data, is what’s important. Scans are beside the point, which inherently makes them less fun to take than photographs. For instance, scanning enemies in the Batman Arkham games was mostly passive. And despite scanning being an action in Mass Effect Andromeda, you still did not have a picture database.

Why it's Done

What is the purpose of mechanics like this? I would argue the designers want you to slow down and look at the world. As such, these mechanics work best when they incentivize you slowing down and smelling the roses, so to speak. Many games put a ton of effort into making things happen, but never really ask you to look at them. Photography is potentially a great way to engage players with that content. Knowing that their pictures matter, either in-game or on Reddit, makes them more valuable to the player. Similarly, learning about the world by scanning things encourages you to slow down and explore.

How its Done WELL...

Beyond Good and Evil literally had creatures that only existed for you to figure out how to photograph them. Creatures that would have felt like ambient visuals in other games were a fun challenge to take photos of in Beyond Good and Evil, such as the dolphin-like creatures -- it made me appreciate their existence more. Batman Arkham City tasked you with taking pictures of objects that were the answer to the Riddler’s riddles. I paid more attention to the game world knowing that the answer to a riddle could be around the next corner.

Bioshock did something spectacular in that they didn’t just ask you to take a picture of every type of enemy, like Beyond Good & Evil. Instead, it rated those pictures based on what was happening in the photo and how often you'd taken a photo of that kind. It wanted you to slow down and catch the splicers, big daddies, and little sisters as they interacted with one another, the world, and you. Each different enemy could be photographed in a variety of situations -- including bashing your brains in -- to reward even more experience. If you choose to sit and watch them in their maddened ramblings it forced you to empathize with your enemies’ plight, in a way that you normally wouldn’t have while mowing them down, setting them ablaze, shattering them, or.. well, you get the point. (Plasmids were really violent. When was a swarm of bees needed in civilian life exactly?) Trying to take pictures of a big daddy as he charged at you while you helplessly held a camera up to his face was a daunting task, to say the least.

 ... and How Mass Effect Andromeda did It

The act of scanning in Mass Effect provided none of these thrills. The other games I've talked about gave you very specific things to photograph or scan. But in this game, it was unclear exactly what objects should be scanned. The end result was the player opening the scanner, walking around, and waiting for something to light up. Moreover, even objects that seem interesting are often not scannable. Sure, I can scan the basic computer terminal that has been in all of the Mass Effect games, but that new alien species? Nah! Even when you did scan interesting things there was rarely anything interesting you learned about it. Because of this, it fails to re-contextualize the world.

Rewards

On top of that, the rewards for scanning are very slow. Sure, research leads to blueprints which can create some of the best items in the game, but that is mostly meta-game content. I'm still not sure what weapons are useful to craft and resources take so long to gather I don't want to waste them.

Compare that to the fact that some of the best abilities in Bioshock were obtained early in your photography progression. In fact, one of the first upgrades you gained from this line of research allowed your character to turn invisible when they were immobile, which helped you observe enemies and take better pictures. It literally feeds back into the loop while still being a useful and interesting skill on its own. Moreover, your main source of income in Beyond Good & Evil was photography.

Bioshock Wins (But Who's Counting?)

Bioshock did the camera almost perfectly. It gave great in-game rewards while allowing you to take cool pictures, which is intrinsically rewarding. It made sure that good, varied pictures were rewarded so that you were constantly challenged to up your game instead of merely taking one photo of an enemy. It added a wrinkle to world exploration and to combat while deepening the purpose of the dangerous inhabitants of Rapture.

In contrast, Mass Effect Andromeda largely concentrates on scanning inanimate, mundane objects, like computer terminals and parked vehicles. The rewards are abstract and take long to bear any meaning. They added little to the world and didn’t ask you to see the world with a different lens (Pun intended. Pun always intended.). And that's why it sucked.

I realize that 4 of 5 are DC heroes, but hey, they deserve some love too. I hope you enjoyed my trip of heroes that I think deserve the proper video game treatment. Maybe with the success of comic book movies, we'll get some great comic book games.

Let me know in the comments if you agree with my list. If not, who do you think should be included?

Green Lantern

Now this is the one I most want to see done well. Green Lantern, in any iteration, is my favorite DC Comics character. Whether it's Hal Jordan and his endless rivalry with Sinestro, or the latest duo of Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz, there are tons of great characters and stories to pull from. Imagine racing through space defending the galaxy from earth and utilizing the all-powerful Lantern Ring.

Heck, you could pull in all the other Lantern Corps and make a MMO out of it. Let the player choose their preferred color, or allow them to take a quiz to determine what they should play as, since the ring does choose the lantern after all.

Constantine

Now this is a bit of an odd choice, I admit, but Constantine makes for a great character. There are tons of great stories you could have too, like the Trinity of Evil storyline. The gameplay would be similar to games like Heavy Rain, solving puzzles using mystical devices. Plus you have a great cast of sidekicks that need his help.

It's always fun playing a jerk sometimes too.

Teen Titans

I realize that this is more a group than it is a single character, but they deserve some video game love. You could have almost any roster. With that, it could bring back the style of the great PS2-era games X-Men Legends and X-Men Legends 2. Give me some online and couch co-op and let me play as Beast Boy, changing from a shark solving a puzzle to a gorilla smashing some baddies.

You could also have an unlock system where you have to help other members with missions before they become a playable character. Think of all the DLC you could have.

The Flash

Sticking with popular superheroes, The Flash TV series is doing exceptionally well, and this game could play off of that popularity. Sure, it may be a little bit harder to develop this game, but I think it could be great.

You play half the game as crime lab specialist Barry Allen, searching for clues a la L.A. Noire and then, once you have a lead, you race through the city and fight bad guys. You could even have side quests where you help out the fire department and police department throughout Star City. The controls would just need to be slightly tweaked from DC Universe Online and you'd have some great gameplay to boot.

Captain America

With the popularity of Marvel movies and war games, the time is ripe for a proper Captain America game. Just think about it; you're in the thick of WWII as a super soldier. You are working your way through a tactical world trying to find Hydra's home base. You can visit classic scenes from the war with new eyes and completely different gameplay from most war games.

Flip around and throw your shield, throw cars and tanks and use the occasional pistol in a pinch. The mechanics are pretty simple to tweak to make right for the character. That's the only way I want a WWII game to come back, honestly: if you play as Captain America.

Comic books are a great source of visual media. Not only do they have great action scenes and immersive stories, but they often build a vibrant universe all their own.

And what does that mean? It means that many of these universes and stories are perfect for video games. The stories are definitely there to be told, and the mechanics could definitely be worked out, so long as they are made with the passion and skill of an Arkham game (man, doesn't the new Spiderman game look great?)

So, without further ado, here's our list of the top 5 comic books characters that should have their own game.

In recent years, superheroes and supervillains have seen a massive rise in popularity. While this is mainly due to Marvel's Cinematic Universe and DC's Extended Universe, there are still plenty of comic book properties, which either haven't been adapted into other mediums, or have simply not been used to their fullest.

As a huge dork for both comic books and video games, I got to thinking: What comics could be turned into really great video games? Well, I thought about it, and I've come up with what I believe would be five amazing games. I'll be detailing the premise of each game, the genre, and what developer I think should be tapped into for bringing each of them to life.

5. Ms. Marvel

Ms. Marvel, AKA Kamala Khan, is a fairly recent creation from Marvel, having first appeared in 2013. Despite having only existed for a short time, she has truly resonated with people.

Among comic readers, she has become one of Marvel's most popular characters, serving as a role model for both young girls, people of Muslim heritage, and teenagers.

She's more altruistic than most heroes, she has shape-shifting and size-changing powers, and, most importantly, she writes fanfiction.

For her game, I think an action-adventure title would work best. As Ms. Marvel, the player would traverse Jersey City, fighting criminals on the streets while going around to different parts of the city to complete missions, some of which would advance the story.

Think Spider-Man 2, but replace web swinging with stretchy arms.

Kamala doesn't have many story lines which could be adapted, so I feel an original story would work best. The tone should match the book, being lighthearted while also tackling social issues. Some of her rogues could also serve as bosses, including the millennial hating Inventor, Kamran, a rogue Inhuman, and the wannabe superhero, Becky St. Jude. 

They may focus on the Call of Duty series these days, but as the makers of several excellent Spider-Man games, I feel that Ms. Marvel would be in good hands with Treyarch.

4. The Bat-Family

Everyone loves Batman. Really, everyone. And I'm personally sick of all the attention he gets. Why? Because as cool as Bruce Wayne is, literally everyone else in the Bat-Family is a cooler, more interesting character.

From the Robins to the Batgirls to the more independent members, this usually unorganized team is large and fascinating, and full of potential to be tapped.

Since most of the Family use different fighting styles from each other, I feel a Bat-Family fighting game would work incredibly well. In addition to being a genre which would allow dozens of characters to be playable, it would also allow for each of the characters to show off their personalities well.

Why yes, Clayface is a part of the Family now.

Since NetherRealm studios did so well with Injustice: Gods Among Us, I'd say give this title to them.

My pitch for the story? Batman is put seemingly permanently put out of commission. As the rest of Gotham's heroes rise up to make up for his lack of a presence, a mysterious figure, who'd ultimately be revealed to be the DCU's deadliest martial artist, Lady Shiva, attempts to tear the Family apart. Her motivation would be her desire to see her daughter, Cassandra Cain-Wayne, become an assassin like her. This plot would allow for an excuse to have the entire Bat-Family fighting each other.

Why would Cassandra, AKA Batgirl, AKA Black Bat, AKA Orphan, end up being the game's protagonist? Well, my Halloween costume from this year should clear that up.

3. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl

Question; Who is the most powerful being in the Marvel Universe?

If you said Hulk, Thanos, Galactus, or the Living Tribunal, basically God, then sorry. You're close, but above all stands the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, AKA Doreen Green.

Despite having seemingly mundane powers: She can talk to squirrels, she has a squirrel tail and claws, and she has the proportionate strength of a squirrel, Doreen has defeated Thanos, Deadpool, Wolverine, and Doctor Doom in combat. 

Naturally, with as much power as she has, the best type of game to make about her... is a life simulator.

I'm serious. As strong as she is, the best thing about Doreen is her humanity. So while eating nuts and kicking butts could certainly be a part of the game, I'd love to experience the world as Doreen. 

I'd want to talk with my best friends Tippy-Toe, a squirrel, and Nancy, not a squirrel, I'd want to go to college and take computer science classes, and most of all, I'd want to annoy Tony Stark on Twitter.

This game doesn't need a complex story. Just a week's worth of slice of life stories would be more than enough. As for the studio, as unlikely as it would be to happen, I'd say give it to Nintendo. They're a company with the cheerfulness and experience with the genre necessary to pull this game off.

2. Young Justice

Nope. Wrong Young Justice. I love the show, and I'm super excited it's getting a third season, but this list is about adapting comic books. And while, the Young Justice comics are nothing like the show, I feel them to be superior.

Pretty different, huh?

In the comic series, the Young Justice team consisted of Robin, AKA Tim Drake, Superboy, AKA Kon-El, Impulse, AKA Bart Allen, Wonder Girl, AKA Cassandra Sandsmark, Cissie King-Jones, AKA Arrowette, Secret, AKA Greta Hayes, Empress, AKA Anite Fite, The Ray, AKA Ray Terril, and my personal favorite character, the teenage clone of Lobo, Slobo.

To incorporate all of these characters, I would make this game a turn-based RPG. I think it'd bring a breath of fresh air to the genre since, unlike the TV show, the Young Justice comic was super goofy and lighthearted.

Young Justice has only ever had one 54 issue run, and with how much story and character development got packed into it, I think it'd work perfectly just to adapt the entirety of the comic. From Robin, Superboy, and Impulse forming the team, to their first major challenge, the villain-in-training, Harm, all the way up to their final encounter with Darkseid.

As for the studio, I'd give it to Mistwalker, the makers of great turn-based RPG's like Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon.

1. Booster Gold

The fact that no one has made a game about "The Greatest Hero You've Never Heard Of" is completely baffling to me.

Booster Gold, AKA Michael Jon Carter, is a time traveler with a super suit and a desire for fame and fortune. While a selfish jerk in his early days, the death of his best friend, Ted Kord, AKA the Blue Beetle, led to him growing into a true hero.

The most important part about what I just said: He. Is. A. Time Traveler!

Think about it. The plot of the game could deal with Booster being sent on missions throughout time by his son/mentor, it's complicated, Rip Hunter. As Booster goes on these missions though, different time periods could be represented by different game genres.

Booster goes back incredibly far in the past? The game becomes an 8-bit platformer. A little bit less far in time? A 16-bit platformer. The far future? The game suddenly turns into an FPS.

I think the concept would work really well, especially if Nathan Fillion was brought in to voice Booster, who'd talk during all his missions. Fillion may be too old to play Booster in live-action, but I think he'd be the perfect voice for him.

Klei Entertainment has the talent to bring multiple genres together in one game, and that's why I'd get them to develop the game.

Which of these comics would you like to see adapted into video games? Let me know in the comments!

Halloween is fast approaching. You may have already carved a gamertastic pumpkin, but do you need something last minute for a gaming-themed costume? Decided to create your own but running out of time? The following are some amazing video game inspired creations perfect for any costume, whether it is an accessory or a major piece. 

Costume Accessories

Minecraft Weapon Set

It can take time to create the perfect Minecraft weapon to accompany your costume. Not only can this set of sword and pickaxe be a cosplay prop, it can also be a fun toy for children to play with long after Halloween is over.

Harry Potter Wands

Who doesn't want to be a wizard? Slip on some robes and you are pretty much ready to go. But who will really know you are able to cast spells unless you have your wand? 

Luckily, Etsy has these great replicas available for your next trip to Hogwarts.

Pikachu Ears Headband

Pikachu wouldn't be Pikachu without the ears. Rosy cheeks and yellow attire may make you look more like an overly warm Charlie Brown than the iconic Pokemon without them. So don't forget the ears!

Pokeball: Full Scale Replica

Have a Pokemon Trainer, gijinka, or other related cosplay? Looking to set it apart from every other costume in the neighborhood? A Pokeball is a must to help sell the look. A high quality Pokeball will really reel in the candy -- especially with post-Pokemon Go and pre-Sun & Moon hype going strong. It could even help you win you that costume contest. Whichever you value more.

Three Dogs' Gloves

Three Dog is an iconic figure from Fallout 3. He even makes an appearance in Fallout Shelter. Looking to copy his look but don't have the time to craft his gloves? The above item is perfect for you.

Kids

 Joker Costume Onesie

Looking to dress up your baby but not sure where to go for a great costume? This Joker onesie is perfect to dress up your little bundle of joy while keeping them comfortable. Onesies also provide great opportunities to layer. Try layering a Batman outfit on top with a peek of the Joker underneath, representing Batman's transformation into his nemesis in Batman Arkham City. 

Baby Sushi Costume

Loved the Lickitung sushi game from Pokemon Stadium? Dress your baby up as a piece of sushi and remember the good times you had.

*Caution: Babies are not meant to eat. Costume only. Watch out for spicy sushi.*

Monkey Costume

Monkeys are adorable. They are mischevious. They throw poop at you in Don't Starve. One of the main sources of poop in the Shipwrecked DLC, monkeys are one of the more annoying creatures in the game.

Whether your little creature is annoying, they will most certainly be adorable with this costume. Hopefully poop-throwing does not ensue while the veil is thin. 

Costumes

Goldeen Freddy Fazbear Costume Set

Five Nights at Freddy's has already spawned many terrified screams. Spread that terror to your friend's party with this Golden Freddy Fazbear costume set. Ears, hat, and a bow tie with collar make up the most important aspects of the costume. Pair that with tan colored clothes and boom -- instant costume!

Scorpion Costume

Always wanted to yell "Get Over Here" at someone to scare them? Now you can be extremely intimidating in a full Scorpion costume from Mortal Kombat. Prepare to fight in Otherworld at the next Mortal Kombat tournament when wearing this realistic costume.

Dark Alice in Wonderland Costume

Have a love for Alice in Wonderland? Like dark things? American McGee's Alice is perfect for you then! Never played it? You need to. But in the meantime, this Alice in Wonderland costume from the game is just waiting there, calling your name. 

Ash Ketchum Trainer Hat and Gloves

You want to be the very best like no one ever was? Grab this set of Ash gloves and hat to become a Pokemon master! Jeans, shirt and vest not included, but can easily be found in your everyday apparel.

Skyrim Master Robes of Destruction

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim contributed quite a lot in the way of costumes. From various legendary armors to regular clothing item, there is a plethora of inspiration to chose from for Halloween apparel. Those seeking to master destruction spells can adorn themselves with these magnificent robes and wow all the neighborhood kids.

Mario Newsboy Hats

Mario and his compatriots have long been staple Halloween costumes. Easy and open to various interpretations (but still instantly recognizable), their hats are what sells the costume. Chose from 5 variations covering Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and Fire Mario. 

What other awesome gamer gear have you found for this Halloween? Let me know in the comments below!

Honorable Mention: Ronald McDonald from McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure

Why did McDonald’s make their mascot a clown? Has anyone ever actually liked clowns? They’re not cool and they certainly do not make me crave a hamburger.

Every sprite of Ronald in this game confirms that he is a soulless demon. He scared me as a kid and he scares me now.

Seriously...WTF is he doing.

You don’t even need to spruce up this costume to be scary. Once you put on the makeup, you’re already nightmare fuel.

Nobody likes clowns. So, take that dislike and twist it into pure fear this Halloween with these spooky, scary costumes. Do you have a scariest clown in gaming? Add them in the comments and tell us why you’re so scared of them -- or how you plan to scare others in their costume. Happy Halloween!

The Joker from the Batman: Arkham Series

Of course, I’m putting Gotham’s Clown Prince on this list. He worked hard for his title -- and, by the gods, he deserves it. The man is terrifying. While I wouldn’t say he’s the scariest Batman villain, he could definitely make a kid wet themselves if he opened the door on Halloween.

The Joker makes a few video game appearances, but his costume is almost always the same. He is the easiest one on this list because he is such an iconic pop culture figure. Which is great, because you aren’t just limited to the Suicide Squad costume. You can have a much better one -- so be careful and wise about your Joker costume selection.

Sweet Tooth/Needles Kane from Twisted Metal

Which clown drives an ice cream truck called Sweet Tooth? It’s Marcus “Needles” Kane! Admittedly, I don’t know much about this guy, but there’s no way I could leave him off this list. I mean, look at him. His freaking mask is on fire! And there’s something to be said about someone who re-purposed an ice cream truck to be a combat vehicle.

Mr. Needles Kane has a few costumes to choose from. The easiest seem to be from Twisted Metal 2 and Twisted Metal: Black.

For his Twisted Metal 2 costume, you can use an old-timey clown suit. For his Twisted Metal: Black costume, you can ditch your shirt (or get a tank top), get a pair of white pants, and use pink fabric paint to draw on the polka dots.

As for an authentic mask, while they do exist, unless you feel like dropping $50 and up on one, I just suggest just finding a horror clown mask that shows some teeth with red hair to symbolize the fire.

Zombie Clowns from Left 4 Dead 2

Zombies are lame. Especially during the Halloween season. They’re on TV; they’re in movies. Every city and every college campus has a zombie walk, which, to be honest, isn’t much different from a normal day on campus. So, how do you spice up this tired, old costume idea? Make it a clown, of course.

The Zombie Clowns appear in the Dark Carnival campaign of Left 4 Dead 2. They are some of the most annoying special infected in the game because their squeaky shoes attract other Infected to your location, which could actually be a fun idea for a group costume.

As far as making the actual costume goes, the clown pants in L4D2 come in different colors, so any clown costume with overalls would do. Use any old white tank top, some clown makeup and fake blood, and you’re ready to go! If you really want to make the costume convincing, here’s a scar makeup tutorial, too.

With Halloween fast approaching, people are trying to get their costumes together. If you want to be the scariest person at all of your Halloween events this year, why not be a clown? Because, let’s face it, they ain’t right. Name one cool clown. That’s right; you can’t.

Video games are no strangers to these suckers either. Many games have featured some of the scariest clowns in history. So, why not try to recreate their terrifying look to scare all of your friends and those kids down the street? Here are some looks you can try. 

And That's The List!

Thank you all very much for reading we hope you enjoyed it. If you have a superhero game that you felt belonged in the list, or could help to fill out a potential list in the future, feel free to tell us in the comments!

We know there were a fair few other games we could have mentioned, but we couldn't fit them all into one list. So recommend some more and we may do a follow-up in the future!

The Wonderful 101 (Wii U)

The Wonderful 101 is a like a childhood dream of being a superhero brought to life. While it isn't the most tightly designed title from action game experts Platinum Games, it is one of the most fun they've made, and without a shadow of a doubt the most impressive and ambitious. 

The Wonderful 101 takes Hideki Kamiya's trademarked style of character-action gameplay displayed in impressive past titles like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. It simplifies it slightly, lightens the tone a bit -- It makes up for it's lessened depth by cramming the game with more color and organic variety than a farmer's market. 

You play as The Wonderful 100, a group of colorful masked heroes all armed with super-powered suits. Their task is to defend the Earth in the wake of it's third invasion by the evil alien organization, Geathjerk. You must control them all at once in an isometric environment as you hack, slash, punch and more through the alien menace. 

The gameplay of The Wonderul 101 is what truly sets it apart, as it is consistently fun and extremely creative.

It's unlike any other game out there, and that starts with it's very controls. Using either control scheme, you must draw specific shapes in order to have large numbers of Wonderful 100 members join up to form giant objects. Ranging from fists, whips, bombs, and more each object has its own unique property.

Fists can be set on fire and be used to throw fireballs, swords can conduct electricity and deflect laser attacks, and whips can rip spiked armor off of enemies, these are a few of many dynamic options within the title. 

These objects are also used for intense combat against savage alien forces that only get bigger and more impressive as the game goes on. Alongside battle, there's also creative puzzles which involve the use of several different powers, which keeps the pace constant.

In addition, the game also manages to include many different 2D shooter segments, all of high quality, and even a boss fight modeled after an NES classic, which I dare not spoil -- There is creativity and variety at every single turn.

With all that said, however, the game is far from flawless. The fixed camera and perspective can make combat and platforming frustrating and confusing at times, which is unfortunate in a game so heavy in both.

The combat and spectacle of the game also doesn't get truly interesting until after a few hours. This is after you've gotten used to the unorthodox controls and have purchased a few key upgrades. 

Most of all, the sections where the main focus is on the game pad screen, while creative and mostly functional, can be pretty finicky. Here, the camera is at it's absolute worst but it can be adjusted. 

But despite all the negatives, do not let that stop you from trying this game out if you can, because the positives far outweigh the negatives. The game is worth it for it's uniqueness and constant jaw-dropping high-points alone.

There just isn't any other game quite like The Wonderful 101. It has its flaws like all games, and if they stop some people from giving it a shot, that's totally understandable, if unfortunate.

There is no game that makes you feel more like a proper, tight-wearing, crime-fighting, and good-natured superhero. If you own a Wii U, you owe it to yourself to buy this game or, at the very least, try the free demo on the Wii U eShop.

Without the player, there is only a Wonderful 100, and the last one, is you. If the director's cut trailer below doesn't convince you, then nothing will: 

Viewtiful Joe (1&2) (Gamecube/PS2)

We live in an age where many video games are trying to be more cinematic, and attempt to evoke the feeling of a tightly-directed film. Unfortunately this occasional comes at the cost of gameplay. There have been few games in recent memory that have succeeded in making themselves feel cinematic without heavily compromising their gameplay. Among those few is Viewtiful Joe, and its one of the best. 

Viewtiful Joe's unique presentation is reminiscent of both American comic books as well as Japanese sentai heroes. With the combination of its fluid combat and unique time-manipulation mechanics it resulted in a game like no other. This game loves slow-mo sequences in action movies, as well as any shot that makes the good guy look cool. It succeeds at implementing shots like this into both its narrative and gameplay.

Viewtiful Joe does have a story and characters in addition to it's great gameplay. Now, while neither are by any means deep, the characters are all distinct and memorable. The story is also surprisingly poignant in a simple yet effective way.

Joe himself is one of the best kinds of heroes in gaming, and one that is all too rare today -- being the kind of protagonist that loves being a hero more than anything.  

Viewtiful Joe is a game that proudly trumpets the moral that old-fashioned heroes will never go out of style and manages to reflect this in both it's gameplay and plot. It is a classic cheesy action flick in playable form and it loves being what it is.

Hey, if you don't believe us, just ask Tom from Toonami:

Saints Row IV (Various Platforms)

Saints Row IV bids farewell to whatever remaining sense of restraint that the series had after Saints Row the Third, and gives way completely to scattershot, ridiculous, video-gamey fun.

Saints Row IV takes the player through the destruction of Earth and the extinction of most of humanity, and the leader of the Saints -- the now president of the former United States -- must stop the evil Zin empire and their foppish leader Zinyak.

The story is over-the-top and full of surprises, all of them good, and it's topped off by a surprisingly strong character focus and witty, often intelligent dialogue. It's a game that does a great job of looking childish and stupid when it's actually pretty smart.

Throughout the course of it's robust campaign, Saints Row IV gives the player piles of creative guns, effective superpowers, and kooky appearance customization options to mess around with.  The sandbox city, while reused from Saints Row the Third, feels new and fresh. This is thanks to new content accessible via the new super-speedy running and jumping somewhat similar to Prototype, but done with more fluid and smoother controls.

The story is comedic and loaded with memorable moments, high-quality comedic banter, and a truckload of fantastic gameplay set-pieces. Some set-pieces are so fleshed-out that they could have come from a completely different game. 

With all of these different mechanics coming and going, some may say that the game lacks discipline, and that's somewhat true -- but that's a big part of the game's main appeal and charm.

To quote Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw in reference to the game:

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It's a mess, but it's a fun mess.

\n

Saints Row IV is the epitome of power fantasy.

It's bite-sized sort-of-sequel Saints Row: Gat out of Hell is also a blast, and built directly on the foundation of IV, so if you end up liking four, jump straight onto Gat out of Hell and enjoy another couple of hours on the fun-train. 

Prototype Series (Various Platforms)

Both Prototype and it's sequel Prototype 2 gave their players excellent murder playgrounds to frolic around in. Which isn't that surprising, as you'd probably expect the same developer as The Simpsons: Hit & Run, to understand chaotic gameplay pretty well.

There isn't much to say about the gameplay of the Prototype series, as the two games are very similar, and the gameplay is pretty simple, but just deep enough to be involving and challenging.

Both Prototype games are highly visceral murder-centric sandboxes that guide the player through a sinister conspiracy plot unfolding in New York City. The protagonist becomes unwillingly involved and is turned into a super-powered mutant with killer superpowers.

The story isn't the best in either installment, although that isn't for a lack of trying. It's mostly because it's too difficult to rationalize all of the horrible things that the protagonists do to really call them heroes.

Both Alex Mercer and James Heller are more villains or anti-heroes than traditional heroes. But if this was necessary in order to allow the player the previously mentioned freedom in gameplay, I'd call it a fair sacrifice.

You are free to kill, maim, and cause property damage in a number of wonderfully creative, and most importantly -DESTRUCTIVE ways- Everything from disguising yourself as a soldier by eating one alive, to hijacking tanks and helicopters with your tentacle arm, to even turning human enemies into bombs and throwing them into a huge crowd to watch everything get pulled into them before exploding.

Prototype 2 improved on a lot of the minor flaws found in the first game, by improving on the slightly frustrating controls, changing the upgrade system, and making the sandbox a great deal larger with much more colorful and high-end graphics. Despite these obvious improvements, both games are different enough from each other to be worth playing, and are both easily recommendable.

It's a true shame that Activision closed Radical Entertainment's doors even after Prototype 2's excellent sales, but if nothing else, Prototype 2 was a great game and a great swan song for an overall great developer.

Take a peek below at how fun it can be to murder your maker:  

Batman Arkham Series (Various Platforms)

Alright, let's get the really obvious one out of the way.

Yes, the Batman Arkham games are almost all excellent. In an industry full of competitors, they stand out as grand examples of both how to handle a license. They're also great examples of how to immerse a player in a fictional world, and really get inside the head of the main character.

From the original Arkham Asylum to the fairly recent Arkham Knight, everything in these games allow you to really feel like Batman. From the colorful rogue's gallery, the utility belt, and to the Batmobile itself.

Each Installment in the series is similar in gameplay and controls, but all distinct enough from each other to be sold on their own merits. All of the titles (except possibly Arkham Origins) can be easily recommended. 

Video games allow us to make believe in so many different ways. There are video games that let us escape from reality to become; space marines, cartoon animals, and even futuristic bartenders serving drinks to robots.

But of all the escapist alter egos that gaming provides us with, none are quite as popular, or immediately gratifying, as the superhero.

There are loads of classic superhero comics and graphic novels, and we're now in the middle of a renaissance for superhero films.

But video games actually let you become a superhero. Watching Spider-Man swing between buildings and smack The Green Goblin around is all well and good, but it can't compare to actually getting the chance to do it yourself.

There have been a number of good games where you can be a superhero. Unfortunately, most fall victim to be tie-in shovel-ware. This list is dedicated to those few games that go above and beyond and actually manage to make the player believe-- even if just for a moment -- that they are a true hero themselves.

Also, for the sake of representing some more original games, the number of games with licensed superheroes like Spider-Man or Superman (pfft, yeah right) has been kept low. With all that said, let's put on our tights and capes, and answer the cry for justice!

Thanks to the Telltale Batman game combined with all the DC movie news, including Suicide Squad and the Justice League, the Dark Knight and his story has been on the minds of geeks everywhere. Of course, one of the biggest controversies regarding the Bat in Batman v Superman was just how lethal Ben Affleck’s Batman was. We saw that he outright gunned down some people and others he clearly splattered against a wall. However, we know that the Arkham series Batman was clearly supposed to be a non-lethal Batman. The dude even has rubber pellets instead of bullets in his Batmobile-slash-tank.

However, there is another far more dangerous weapon in Batman’s arsenal: The REC. Perhaps the reason the Remote Electrical Charge gun was placed as evidence in the Gotham City Police Station was because it was the most lethal gadget that Batman carried. Perhaps it was a mistake for our non-lethal Batman to pick up this device again, because for every person that comes in contact with this device’s projectile charge could be dead.

How could the Batman’s Remote Electrical Charge gun be lethal? Let’s science the shit out of it to find out.

Lexicon of ‘lectricity

The first place to start is obviously with electricity. We’ve all heard that we shouldn’t put a finger in a light socket or take a toaster into the bathtub, but do you know the science behind why? You might have also heard that it’s not the volts that will kill you, it’s the amps. And that statement is also mostly correct, too. However, there is a caveat -- you need a certain amount of voltage to carry the amperage where it needs to go. Having worked technical support for one of the leading companies making emergency backup systems for datacenters, this is kind of in my wheelhouse. Let me give you a quick lesson in what all the terminology means and how they relate to each other.

Volts is the amount of energy used to push the current of electrons through a conductor. For our example we can say that voltage is how much resistance the electrical charge can push through. Electrical resistance is measured in ohms, although I’m not really going to talk about that. Current, or the number of electrons that pass through a conductor, is measured in amps (A). Another term that will pop up will be watts. Watts is the volts times the amps minus the resistance. I will not use the watts in my examples; to simplify the calculations, I will use volt-amps (VA), which is simply volts times amps or the total amount of current need to power a device.

Electricity and the human body

Instead of burying the lede, let me tell you exactly what it would take to kill someone with electricity. It’s simpler than you think. To stop someone’s heart, it only takes 5 amps held for less than a second. That means your wall socket, which is 15 Amps (US) could stop your heart, if there is no resistance. However, it only takes 75 mA (0.075 A) to cause ventricular fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat. And to stop someone breathing, it’s only 50 mA. To stop someone in their tracks, try shooting them with only 9 mA.

And the time is important, too. If someone is shocked for 2 seconds with 50 mA, it will likely kill him. To put it into perspective, tasers only conduct 2.1 mA. And we’ve all seen how people are affected by tasers.

Voltage, although not exactly what kills a person, does play a role in the electrocution process. Remember, that I said voltage is the push that gets the electrons through the conductor. Well, it does take, thankfully, take quite a bit of voltage to penetrate dry human skin. At 30 volts, electrical current starts to become dangerous, but it takes as much as 450 volts for skin’s resistance to break down completely. That’s why tasers run at (no joke) 50,000 V. All skin resistance is broken down and the electrical current can move freely around the body at that voltage, but tasers have been known to cause some pretty bad burns.

Electrical remote control

To bring this back to Batman’s Remote Electrical Control gun, the Dark Knight will have to keep the amperage extremely low -- but thankfully, he has quite a bit of voltage to work with, up to 50,000. However, we know that it takes a lot of electrical power to run some of the items that Batman is tasked to run in a game like Arkham Knight. Specifically, I’m thinking about the elevator.

The leading manufacturer of elevators in the United States is a company that I believe most people have heard of: Otis. Although most of its elevators need to have a dedicated maintenance room with 30 A and 250 V of electricity running into it, it does have a single model of elevator that runs on 125 V at 15 A. We will use this anomaly as our basis because it represents the best case scenario. If Batman’s REC was to power this elevator, it would take 1875 VA to make it run.

I’m not going to get into the fact that it takes constant power to make something like an elevator to run, but 1875 VA does give us a place to start. We know that Batman’s REC outputs at least 1875 VA; it has to in order to start the elevator.

The elevator takes 125 V and 15 A to run, but we need 50 kV to transform the REC into a stun gun. That actually is possible with a device we call an inverter. You have one of these devices sitting next to you right now. The power supply in your computer is an inverter. This device can exchange voltage for amperage, but the ultimate VA needs to be constant. Here’s the simple math:

1875 VA = 125 V • 15 A = 50,000 V • x A
x = 0.0375 or 37.5 mA

All right, Batman, your taser is about 80 times as powerful a regular taser, but if you keep the jolt under one second, then the thug will be fine. Let’s check the footage. In the GIF above, I count almost a full 2 seconds that the bad guy remains electrocuted. Damn. Sorry, dude, you dead. And Batman just broke his non-lethal vow.

But that’s my take. Science isn’t science unless it’s tested. What are your thoughts? Do you think Batman just killed someone? How would you science the shit out of this? Let me know in the comments below.

These days the worlds of video games and TV go hand in hand. Virtually every big series has its accompanying game released. While this can be hit and miss, there have been some true classics over the years. Here are the finest adaptations:

1. The Simpsons: Hit and Run

Developed by Radical Entertainment and released in 2003, Hit and Run is easily the best Simpsons game ever released.

The gameplay parodies GTA, and the main premise comprises of the Simpsons family investigating some strange events in Springfield, eventually discovering an Alien conspiracy.

The show writers produced the script for the game, and the original cast voiced the characters which resulted in the game retaining much of the show’s zany humor.

Overall, a very solid adaptation, and a mainstay of the early noughties.  

2. Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is one of the most successful shows around, so it is only natural that it would have got a video game adaptation.

The first few attempts were poor, but they hit gold with their 2014 release. Following an episodic point-and-click graphic adventure format, the gameplay is from the perspective of the House Forrester, who attempt to survive the aftermath of the Red Wedding.

Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) and Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) all make appearances in the game. While it does not impinge too much on the show’s plot, it is still a great game in its own right.

3. South Park: The Stick of Truth

What this game lacks in cutting-edge graphics it makes up for in charm. In many ways, it is identical to the original show, with the same hilarious dialogue, and a vast world to explore.

Unlike many adaptations, the imprint of the original creators is all over this game. Trey Parker and Matt Stone clearly took a hands-on approach regarding shaping the game.

As a result, the 2014 game is an incredibly rewarding experience for any South Park fan.

4. Batman: Arkham City

The 2011 release sees Batman imprisoned in Gotham City’s ‘Arkham City’ Super Prison, where he must spoil the evil scheme of warden Hugo Strange.

Voiced by characters from the DC universe, the game was an instant hit worldwide. A brilliant soundtrack, stunning scenery, compelling characters and addictive gameplay made it arguably the game of 2011.

It won many awards, including Character of the Year, Best Action Adventure Game, and Best Adapted Video Game.

5. The Walking Dead

Telltale’s Walking Dead series is now the gold standard of video game adaptations. Based on both the TV series and original comics, the apocalyptic setting was ripe for a quality game adaptation.

The gameplay follows an interactive storytelling format and is filled with constant suspense and quick decision making. This is enhanced by the excellent writing, performances, and well-developed protagonists.

Overall The Walking Dead is an innovative creation and a worthy counterpart to the franchise.

Overall the games have to be the best. Based on the quality of the TV show, and then in comparison to the game, these one's are surely top of the list. An honorable mention has to go out to Sonic. But then again, who really watched Sonic!?

The Batman: Arkham franchise is one of the most prosperous superhero video game series ever released. The last entry of the series came last summer with Batman: Arkham Knight. Despite releasing the last actual game in the series, Warner Bros. is revisiting it to release the Batman: Return to Arkham remastered collection. It will be available July 29th for $49.99.

Leaks have been frequent, but today Warner Bros. dropped an official trailer for the remastered collection. The collection includes both Arkham Asylum and Akham City, which have been visually upgraded from Unreal Engine 3 to Unreal Engine 4. Along with that, the game will include all of the available DLC with the games.

This raises the question: Is the remastered collection worth the $50 price tag?

Well, yes and no.

For starters, if you haven't played these two games, they're the best in the series and are a must. But a lot of gamers who've already played the games are hesitant.

For me it came down to the fact, this is going to be the last we see of the Batman: Arkham franchise. Because of this and the high quality of the games, I don't mind dropping some money on this collectible edition.

But that's exactly what it is -- a collectible. So if you were indifferent to the series, I don't think a visual upgrade will do anything for you that the original games couldn't.

Either way, I'm excited to see if Warner Bros. adds anything extra to the collection. For those who will also be purchasing the collection, I'm excited  to discuss how awesome the remastered Joker looks with you.

Fans of the Batman: Arkham series can rejoice, because their favorite voice actors are reuniting! Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy will reprise their roles as the Joker and Batman, respectively. Unfortunately for fans of the series, the actors are not coming together for a new game, but a new animated film.

Batman: The Killing Joke is an upcoming animated film from Warner Bros. that is currently without a definite release date. The film will be the based on the comic of the same name and will be rated R. It would have been hard to imagine anybody other than Hamill and Conroy as Batman and Joker. Both have played the two comic book characters so well throughout the Arkham series that anybody else in their roles would have big shoes to fill.

For any Batman and Arkham fans, this probably brings warmth to the bat cave in your heart. The Killing Joke might be a good way to tie ourselves over until we get our hands on Telltale's upcoming Batman game, which still has no set release date. Or maybe Rocksteady (or another dev) will get inspired by the film and make another game.

Batman: The Killing Joke, starring Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, will debut at San Diego Comic Con in July 2016. The movie will reportedly be in stores this Summer.

For the gaming industry, graphics and visuals make a grand statement to the budget and over all production value of a game. It's a status symbol for the PC gamer (look what it can do!) and 'buyer's relief' for the console gamer (thank god it can do this). But is our race for better, smoother graphics and textures slowly suffocating the 'game' part out of gaming?

It's a fair question seeing as most people who play games will eagerly point out “Look at those graphics!” and a lot of us seem to think better graphics equal better games. 

Just mentioning Minecraft, Terraria and Don't Starve hammers the counterpoint home quite effectively, though: graphics aren't everything, but we all knew that of course.

We can't really deny the appeal of a good looking game. It takes our experience to that next level, makes it feel all the more realistic, and draws you into a world you would never be able to see otherwise. Star Wars: Battlefront III has some of the best graphics seen to date in a game and hot digitty damn they're beautiful.

Great graphics encourages PC gamers to upgrade computers and helps to sell consoles to the casual gamer. Selling consoles or upgrades for PCs means more games and more money, which adds up to potentially better games, and yet people are still buying broken games on launch – so, what's the problem?

The problem is that graphics can't carry a game, the gameplay does.

Sadly, Star Wars Battlefront III is our example here.

Star Wars Battlefront was created by Pandemic Studios in 2004. It has been an active online game for over 10 years and has generated a dedicated fanbase. Rightfully, these fans were excited for the chance to play an updated and better Battlefront, what they got instead was a beautiful porcelain ball. Pretty to look at, nice to hold but it had no bounce.

DICE clearly put way too many resources into the look of Star Wars Battlefront III and completely forgot to add the actual game. Players are okay with that, and there in lies another problem: we don't seem to care.

Developers, designers, and publishers are pushing to better the graphics of games every day because that is what we demand. Graphics get dated very quickly and apart from the initial 'oh my gosh' moment when seeing the details and textures for the first time, the appeal very quickly wears off, and we are left with very pretty but broken games.

Arkham Knight from Rock Steady was rushed to the finish line long before it was ready for it.

The game had glaring story issues as well, and the DLC to date has been underwhelming. But if you ask anyone about the graphics, they'll tell you it's great, amazing and 'the best to date in any Batman game' and for some reason, this seems to excuse the developers for releasing a broken game on PC.

They had to entrust the port to another company because they didn't have the time and it shows. Far Cry 4 also had glaring issues, and despite the very popular The Witcher 3 snagging game of the year, it too had terrible bugs, broken quests and other issues still being reported by gamers.

Are these games even being tested beforehand?

Most games go through beta testing, which is a great way to fix many problems a game might have before launch. It offers players the chance to push the boundaries of the game, to make it crack open and let all the ugly bits fall out for the developers to clean up. But clearly these tests aren't being performed as thoroughly as they used to be, and patches aren't helping.

Patches allow publishers to push for earlier release dates. If the game has a problem on launch, they just release a patch. So, even if we turn our focus away from graphics and push for game-play it probably won't fix the buggy launch issues. But it might just ensure better games.

We need to start reminding the game publishers that at the end of the day that's what they are making, games, not quasi-movies.

But what are the benefits for a game that does not have spectacular visuals? Well for a start, companies will add more to developing a game that is fun which might add to more play time, better variations in items, and maybe even ease out the bugs. But we don't have to drop visuals entirely, there is another way of approaching this.

Instead of focusing on the detail of a game's visual perhaps we could instead focus on the effect that visual has. A lot of graphics today are only stunning or pretty, which is not exactly what we should be going for in games. Graphics should be practical; they should create atmosphere, characters, ambiance and effects that better the experience of the player. This Wars of Mine is a stunning example of simple stylistic graphics that not only create excellent atmosphere but builds the world in the tone it was supposed to be made in.

Immersion has a lot to do with the visual, but it's the smart visuals that pull us in.

It's clear that the graphical aspect of gaming is too far ahead for its coding counterpart. Developers just need to pull on the reigns for a bit. Hold up the graphics so that game design can catch up, having them in sync is much better for gamers and developers alike. There is nothing wrong with letting graphics run a head from time to time, keep pushing those boundaries and make games with excellent graphics - let's just not make that the norm.

Ah sequels! Sequels make the world of gaming go 'round. As with every year, 2015 saw a glut of sequels released onto the gaming public. As with any sequel release, some were good; some were not so good; and some could go both ways depending on your feelings. Without further ado, let’s hop to it!  

This list will be separated into three categories: Love, Hate, and Love/Hate. 

Love and hugs!

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles was a Japan-exclusive Wii game that was brought stateside in 2010 with the successful Operation Rainfall, along with The Last Story and Pandora’s Tower. Unfortunately, Xenoblade Chronicles was a Gamestop exclusive and quickly became elusive, and the price skyrocketed. Even now, a used copy of the game can go for $65 or more.

Thankfully, the stand-alone sequel Xenoblade Chronicles X has allowed Wii U players to get their JRPG on! Chronicles has received great reviews and has garnered praise for its visuals, scope, and scale of the world compared to the player. The game has received some criticism for its no-nonsense approach to combat and difficulty. This is a game that does not want to hold your hand. EVER. Players have appreciated the game allowing them to suss out the game’s depth without being told how. There’s plenty of JRPG action here for players to enjoy! 

The Witcher 3

The Witcher series has garnered praise for its more mature approach to narrative and world building, delivering games aimed squarely at an older audience. The Witcher 3 is no exception. The game has some fantastic supporting characters. Some are so well-written; they even threaten to steal the spotlight from the main character Geralt. (I’m looking at you Bloody Baron.)

Besides great characters, the game features an interesting combat system. It may not be as in-depth as previous games, but it remains entertaining throughout, especially when Geralt performs a slick finishing move.

The world is gorgeous and full of eye-popping color to behold. Fantastic mythical creatures and wildlife such as griffins, cockatrices, and more litter the landscape for you to slay, claim trophies, and obtain bounties for eliminating.

The urgency portrayed in the narrative doesn’t always match up with the design, and the plot can swerve a bit too far into “scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” (i.e. GTA) territory. Regardless, the game manages to remain entertaining, for what I have managed to play anyway. The game is filled to the brim with content, and a large world filled with locations to explore and monsters conquer.   

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

The development of MGS5 has been a tumultuous one to say the least. With rumors swirling of Konami’s employee treatment, Konami removing Hideo Kojima's name from the box and displays, and (worst and most petty) Konami banning Kojima from attending the recent The Game Awards to accept any awards for the game he developed. Konami is the worst and seemingly filled with petulant and petty executives who behave in a manner similar to schoolyard children.

Thankfully, the game seems to have emerged from this hell intact (mostly) and serves as a fine swansong for the long-running franchise, until Konami releases the inevitable cash-ins later or a damn pachinko machine…

The game is set in a huge open-world playground full of distractions for players. There’s a base you can manage and abduct enemy soldiers to staff. There are companions to find to assist you in missions. There’s also the story to play and see what happens to all your favorite characters. You know, if you play Metal Gear games for their story, because no one does that right? Despite Konami inserting microtransactions and the realization some story content was cut from the final release, the game managed to be a success and has continued to enthrall players months after release. 

Just Cause 3

Just Cause 2 was a massive world full of government propaganda to destroy, military bases to capture, and a dictatorship to overthrow. All in a day’s work for a hard-working agent! The game was all about pulling off the most ridiculous stunts you could manage and blowing up everything in sight. You know, a playable dumb/awesome action movie!

Just Cause 3 has delivered more of the same with some tweaks and additions. Rico now has a FLIPPING WINGSUIT along with his magic grappling hook. The hook has some added functionality, and the way it interacts with various objects has been changed. It’s more of what you loved from Just Cause 2 with more content and improvements. What’s not to love? 

Halo 5: Guardians

343 Industries is hard at work on their trilogy in the massively successful Halo franchise and Halo 4 was a solid entry with some issues. The Master Chief Collection has had some problems with the multiplayer not being functional for some players. Needless to say, there was some reason to be skeptical of Halo 5: Guardians before release. However, it seems 343 has managed to mostly pull this one off.

While some reviewers have cited the story as being weak, the rest of the game seems to be solid. The multiplayer has been claimed by some as being as return to the heyday of Halo 2’s landmark multiplayer. The vertical combat and emphasis on mobility shakes up the standard shooty-shooty bang-bang action of the Halo series. The additions of Warzone and Breakout are some great additions to the multiplayer. Competitive Arena adds a multiplayer component focused on twitch gaming reminiscent of the fantastic SWAT mode in prior games. While the game is not perfect and the lack of split-screen is a true shame, Halo 5 seems to be a solid entry in a long-running series that wasn’t afraid to shake things up and try new ideas. 

Feel the Hate!

Lego Jurassic World

While Lego Dimensions seems to have been a solid way for LEGO to enter the ever-malicious “toys to life” genre, a bane to parents everywhere, Lego Jurassic World is another tired entry in the normal LEGO series. At this point, the main LEGO games are tired and extremely repetitive. On top of that, it’s an unnecessary licensed movie tie-in to boot.

Honestly, there’s not much more to say about this one. It’s another LEGO game that didn’t add much to the series or do much of anything really. It did add some annoying Compsognathus enemies that proved to be frustrating. This one should have never left the park. 

Star Wars Battlefront

Technically, Star Wars Battlefront is a reboot of the franchise that saw two successful entries fans continue to play to this day. Free Radical had developed the previous entries and was hard at work on the third. Unfortunately, the game was canceled, and Free Radical went into administration while seeking for investors for the company. Instead of the near-completed Battlefront 3 being finished, the game was scrapped, and development was started again at DICE Studios, known for the Battlefield series.

Star Wars Battlefront released on November of 2015. It’s clear the game needed more time in the incubator before hatching. The game released onto the public feeling unfinished and shallower then my daughter’s kiddie pool. The emphasis on multiplayer-only in an AAA title is fine if the lack of campaign is made up for with other content. Unfortunately, DICE didn’t get that memo and has delivered a lackluster experience in all regards. On top of a shallow $60 package, EA has been pushing a $50 season pass. You know, the price of a game itself. To add insult to injury, the DLC in the season pass is filled with content that has no excuse for not being included in the main game. Seriously EA? Characters, game modes, in-game items, and emotes are being held behind a pay-wall in a game with a severe dearth of content.

The Force is not strong with this one. 

Love/Hate Relationship

These are games that have not had a strong response one way or the other. Depending on whom you ask, the feelings on the following games are quite varied, thus, a love/hate relationship.  

Fallout 4

Before you go to the comments to tell me how wrong I am for including this here, hear me out. Fallout 3 was a major departure from the original Fallout games, and many concessions were made to translate the games into what Bethesda envisioned. The game was met with critical success and sold like crazy. The follow-up Fallout: New Vegas was more in line with the original games having a stronger emphasis on RPG elements, narrative, writing, and a more interesting world to explore. Unfortunately, the game was riddled with bugs at launch and suffered as a result.

Bethesda seemed content to ignore all of the strides Fallout: New Vegas made towards making a more interesting RPG experience and instead revert to Fallout 3’s missteps with some minor changes. Fallout 4 has the trademark “meh, it’s there” narrative with no investment from the writers or much payoff for players. The streamlined conversation system is a disappointment that can thankfully be rectified by mods. As with every Bethesda game, the major selling point of Fallout 4 is to drop players in a large world for them to roam and explore. The combat system remains largely unchanged with real-time combat ineffective at times and V.A.T.S. being the way to go. There is an addition of building settlements, but not much else has really changed since Fallout 3, for better or worse.

Since it is a Bethesda game, Fallout 4 shipped with a litany or bugs. Some are game-breaking; some are more innocuous and annoying. Destructoid’s Chris Carter sums it up quite nicely: “A lot of the franchise's signature problems have carried over directly into Fallout 4, but all of its charms have come along for the ride as well. It manages to do a whole lot right, but the story drags at times, and glitches...glitches never change.” 

Rise of the Tomb Raider

The follow-up to Crystal Dynamic's 2013 reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise, Rise of the Tomb Raider is a perfect game for the tired, "if you liked the first one, you'll like this one" trope. Really though, this descriptor fits the game perfectly. Rise of the Tomb Raider has made some minor changes and added some more content, but it feels like the same game. 

One of the biggest changes in the game is the addition of open-worldish, hub-like areas overflowing with secrets and things to discover. Unlike 2013's Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider actually has tombs for player to explore too. Go figure! Aside from some minor additions of crafting, the hub areas, and more tombs, not much has changed since Tomb Raider. If you were one of those people who didn't care for Tomb Raider, then there's not much here to change your mind. 

Come on Crystal Dynamics. Let's drop this silly "Laura is so serious and gritty RAWR" act and get back to Tomb Raider basics: dinosaurs!

Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady has done what no other development team has managed to do: they made good, no, great, Batman games. While not as good as Arkham Asylum, City was a solid entry in the Arkham series. Arkham Knight is the send-off for Rocksteady’s series, and honestly, the Bat could have done with a better sendoff.

While the game itself seems to be good, player enjoyment seems to vary and many reviews reflect this difference of opinion. What lands this game in this category is the abysmal PC port. To say the port launched in an atrocious state is a complete understatement. The game launched in June in a near-broken state. The port was so awful, Warner Bros. actually pulled it from Steam shortly after release, and the game was added back to the digital storefront in a playable state four months after release. What made this situation even worse is Warner Bros. had shipped another poor PC port earlier this year with Mortal Kombat X. This is completely inexcusable for any game’s launch, especially for a major AAA title. Hopefully other developers take note from this PC port. Or not… 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

Treyarch has shown they aren’t afraid to shake things up with the standard Call of Duty formula. Black Ops 3 is the most ambitious CoD title to date. The campaign has seen a major redesign and emphasis on different tactics from previous games. While the narrative is weak, the campaign has some strong points and memorable moments.

The multiplayer has seen some shaking up with new modes, and elements of free-running and parkour have been added. The zombie mode is bigger than ever before with an interesting and unique setting, Lovecraft noir? Count me in! Dead Ops Arcade has also returned and is also bigger than before.

The reason it’s in this category is that the PC port was deemed fit to ship in a state similar to the recent Batman: Arkham Knight. In other words, completely unacceptable (NSFW link). However, the game has seen furious patching since release and is in a more acceptable state at this point.

What pushes this into a “Love” for me is the addition of Ron Perlman and Jeff Goldblum as playable characters in the Zombies mode. Who doesn’t want some of that?!

There were more sequels released this year such as Rainbow Six Siege, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Blood Bowl II, Tales of Zestria, and Disgaea 5. However, the entries on this list were the ones that stood out to me the most. Of course you completely agree with everything with I said here, but on the off-chance you didn’t, sound off in the comments below.

Which sequels did you love, hate, or just feel “meh” about this year?

Batman: Arkham Knight has officially swooped in and returned to Steam for PC gamers. After its original release in June, it was pulled due to bugs and poor quality. 

Warner Bros. announced that PC players will receive special free content for their troubles with the game. This content includes free Batman: Arkham games, special Arkham Knight pack(s), and the chance to receive free copies of more than two dozen Warner Bros. games on Steam.

These goodies are one giant "thank you" to their PC players. It feels more like they're trying to buy some affection after releasing a bad edition of a game, but free stuff, right? The lucky deadline for all things free is November 16.

Free Arkham Games

Gamers will be eligible to receive free copies of 4 other Arkham games if they have purchased Arkham Knight before November 16th for PC. Those who purchased the game before the pull do count toward this.

The free games are as follows:

• Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY
  
• Batman: Arkham City GOTY
• Batman: Arkham Origins
• Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Free Pack for PC Gamers First

Developers from Rocksteady will also be providing a "Community Challenge Pack".  This pack remains completely mysterious, without any of its content disclosed to the public. All we know is that it will be free and there are maps.

However, Warner Bros. did mention that players will be able to receive the maps from this pack one week before they arrive on consoles. 

Since there is still development happening, more details will be announced for the pack at a later time. Eligibility is based on whether players have purchased Arkham Knight by Nov 16.

Free Warner Bros. Games

Valve and Warner Bros. have teamed up for cross-game promotion of Arkham Knight and Team Fortress 2. The promotion lasts (once again) until November 16, as Valve challenges players to a contest:

Valve will choose winning players who create the best Arkham-themed items for Team Fortress 2. There is no entry limit, but there can only be two contributors per submission. Submit through the Team Fortress Item Import Tool and tag it with "Batman" to be eligible to win.

Valve will determine the winning items that will be given to all players who (you guessed it) purchased Arkham Knight by the Mid-November deadline, 10:00AM PT (1:00PM ET). You must have purchased Arkham Knight to submit as well.

As for the creators of the winning items, these lucky gamers will get more than two dozen free Warner Bros. games that are available on Steam, including:

• Mad Max
• Lego Worlds
• Bastion
• F.E.A.R.
• The LEGO Movie Video Game
• Scribblenauts
• LEGO Batman
• Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition
• LEGO Harry Potter

For more details and guidelines for this contest, as well as the full list of potential games you can win, click here.

In case it didn't drive home hard enough. What you really need to do to get all this cool stuff is buy Batman: Arkham Knight before November 16. Do that, get free games and packs, and let us know what you think in the comments!

This week in video game history brought back memories of space horror, superhero teamwork, and lots and lots of guns.

I hope you're ready to feel old, because I'm about to take a look at some of the more memorable video games released this week over the past 20 years in video game history. 

Batman: Arkham City 2011

Batman: Arkham City took everything that Batman: Arkham Asylum did and made it better. With an entire city for you to explore and virtually the whole cast of usual villains to hunt down, Arkham City was the Batman game I was waiting for. The soundtrack helped put me in a dark, brooding mood as I prowled the streets looking for Riddler trophies or informants to handicap. And I loved the few side quests throughout the city for you to discover.

It opened up the Batman universe to more than just the Joker vs. Batman, which is what I was hoping for. Finding Azreal on rooftops and hunting down Deadshot were awesome scenarios to play through. Do I even need to mention the incredible voice acting? Mark Hamill delivers creepy and haunting like never before, and no one, I mean no one, can replace Kevin Conroy as the voice of Batman. 

Borderlands 2009

Ah, Borderlands. The high-action fps we've all come to know and love. This game is such a hallmark now that I don't feel I need to say much about it. The most memorable thing to me about the game was the comedy; it had some of the funniest jokes I've ever heard while trying to shoot someone.

The characters were top notch, making lasting impressions with great dialogue, and I'm glad that they've been around in the other games. Borderlands made me experience so many things for the first time, like shooting mutated little people, which will always hold a special place in my heart.

Dead Space 2008

This was one heck of a game. The creatures, the story line, and the gameplay all came together to deliver one heck of a sci-fi horror punch to my system. I can distinctly remember playing the game at night, nestled in my gaming chair with the controller up to my chin, fending off mutated alien-humanoid things the best I could.

The game did such a grand job of putting you in the mind of Issac Clarke as he tries to make sense of what happened on the U.S.G. Ishimura, that playing it over again after you beat it is a must. And the ending! Who could have seen that coming? 

X-Men Legends 2002

When X-Men Legends first came out, I was not a big fan of the Marvel universe. But I became one quickly after just one afternoon tearing through this game with a friend. I completely lost track of time as we rampaged through this dungeon crawler.

The boss fights were memorable, the storyline was unique, the voice acting was pretty impressive, and it provided no small amount of hack-and-slash fun as dozens of different X-Men characters. I didn't even know half the people I was playing as, but hey, if I can shoot psychic beams from my hands to blow up enemies I won't complain.

These are just some of the games released this week in video game history, but there are HUNDREDS more. Here's a list of some others that stuck out to me:

• Skylanders 2012
• Dungeon Defenders 2011
• Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One 2011
• Fallout: New Vegas 2010
• Bioshock 2009
• Fable 2 2008
• Far Cry 2 2008
• Guitar Hero: Aerosmith 2008
• Eternal Sonata 2008
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2006
• Star Wars: Empire At War 2006
• The Sims 2 2005
• Quake 4 2005
• FIFA Soccer 2004
• The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers 2002
• Virtua Fighter 1995

For even more games and news from video game history, check out the database at Mobygames and see what you remember!

1. HDoom mod

You know what I always thought would make Doom better? Turning it into a hentai-like sex game that featured tons of naked female demonic creatures, a dildo-equipped chainsaw and a load of human-on-demon interspecies humping. If only someone would make a mod that could do that...

What? Someone actually did? Awesome! Yes, HDoom really does bring those dodgy anime sexy-demon fantasies to life. The mod’s actually a very impressive piece of work, technically, as it overhauls the whole game. There's plenty of new (usually sex-based) weaponry and a whole host of big-breasted monsters to kill and/or make love to. Be warned – this is pretty graphic, even with the low-res visuals.

HDoom gets the number one spot because it's so imaginative, the creator has obviously put loads of work into it, and it's very, very filthy. 

Download HDoom from creator hdoomguy's official blog.

Have you used any of the mods on our list? Which mods would you add? Let us know in the comments!

2. Saints Row 4 naked mod

Considering that Saints Row 4 featured the mighty Dildo Bat (aka the Penetrator), it’s a bit surprising that there wasn’t a nudity option already included in the base game. For those who prefer to carry out their open-world shenanigans in the guise of a totally naked, large-large breasted woman, then check out the mod below.

There’s also a link to the YouTube video showing the mod in action. If you watch it (not at work, remember), you’ll notice that it’s actually very well done. Rather than have her body resembling various textures that have obviously been overlaid onto clothes, the lady in question does really look like a naked character designed by the game-makers. I watched the video several times and paused it often, just to make sure.

Get the Saints Row 4 nudity mod from this Deposit Files link.

Or just watch the YouTube video of the mod here

3. Adult Borderlands 2 texture mod

Most people know that if you type ‘video game sexy images’ into a search engine, half the results you’ll get back will be of Borderlands’ Mad Moxxi in various stages of undress, usually manipulating a variety of...things.

This mod shows more imagination than merely revealing more of Moxxi’s already fairly exposed chest; instead, it replaces a number of the textures around Pandora with content of a more ‘adult’ nature. This includes plastering vending machines, signs, posters and walls with things such as sex cards, adverts for adult toys, naughty graffiti and, naturally, pictures of Moxxi’s fully exposed boobs.

Make Pandora that little more dirtier by downloading the mod from this Nudemod page.

4. Mass Effect mods

The Mass Effect series is not only the greatest game trilogy of all time, but it shows that intergalactic sexual relations with aliens can be a very beautiful thing - something I’ve argued for years. Unfortunately, many believe the one area where the game is lacking is when it comes to showing off some alien (and human) boobage. Time for the modders to step up and make things right.

There are a selection of nude mods on offer here, including a particularly impressive naked female Shepherd one - holding humanity’s fate in her hands while running round like she’s at a nudist colony makes for an interesting juxtaposition. There are also several other mods which ‘improve’ the romantic cutscenes and give the female characters a variety of outfits that wouldn’t be suitable for wearing to church.

Get yourself a selection of naked Mass Effect characters from Girl Plays Game.

5. The Sims naked mods

The problem with ‘life-simulator’ The Sims is that it doesn’t represent every aspect of real life - like walking around naked or dressing up as if you’re on the set of a Ron Jeremy movie. Now, thanks to the magic of modding, you can add some harsh, jiggly reality to your Sim’s existence.

There are numerous mods available for the Sims 2, 3, and 4. They range from dressing your tiny avatars up like they’ve just escaped from a S&M dungeon, to having them walk around completely butt-naked. If, like me, you want to justify your filthy actions by telling yourself it adds realism, then only download the mod that removes the shower mosaic grid.

You can download this and a whole host of other naughty Sims mods from the Sims2xsims website.

Or download a nude mod directly from File Planet here.

6. Skyrim Better Males mod

Seeing as every other mod on this list is based on women losing their clothes, here’s something where the gender being stripped bare is male.

Taken from the insanely popular Sex and Violence: The top 10 Best NSFW Skyrim mods list, the ‘Better males mod’ lets the testosterone-fuelled beefcakes of Skyrim walk around like they can’t even feel the biting cold. You even get the option have your men smooth skinned or seventies-style hairy monsters, now that’s some attention to detail.

See the naked men of Skyrim strut their stuff by downloading the mod from the Nexus Mods website.

7. Half-Life 2 Naked Alyx Vance mod

With Alyx Vance, Valve showed how to make a strong, smart female character without putting her in a bikini and a pair of glasses. She was the cool girl-next-door who you wanted as a girlfriend, the kind of lady you could bring home to meet your mother – then the Internet came along and decided she would be better off without clothes.

If you’d like to see Alyx strutting around wearing nothing but her birthday suit, then download the mod below. I’ll have you know I only did it for research purposes, you dirty, dirty people.

See Alyx sans clothing by downloading the mod from File Planet.

8. Fallout 3 nude Hi-Rez patch

Few things get the blood pumping to the nether regions like the thought of mutated creatures, death by radiation poisoning and a bleak, post-apocalyptic society - which obviously makes Fallout 3 a damn sexy game. But if that’s not enough for you, then there’s a whole slew of mods out there that gives Bethesda’s RPG a more... porny feel.

Out of all these mods, it’s this ‘nude patch Hi-Rez’ one that’s considered the best - and by best I mean dirtiest. Basically stripping every female character in the game of their clothing, the mod can be made all the more sinister by utilizing V.A.T.S to have a long, lurky look at them. How do they manage to find so many razors in the wasteland?

Want more nudity in Fallout 3? Then download the mod from Nudemod.

9. Dead or Alive 5 nude mod

The thing about Dead or Alive 5 is that the female characters in it are flashing a fair bit of flesh as it is. But that’s just not enough for some people, especially those who want to see these ladies fighting au natural.

Luckily for those gamers who want to see more of Momiji, Ayane, Marie Rose, and Kasumi, a series of nude mods are available that will make concentrating on fighting all the more difficult.

Surely these outfits are massively impractical for hand-to-hand combat?

Find the various nude character mods at this Game Vixen Zone.

Editors Note: No longer available.

10. Catwoman nude mod for Batman: Arkham City

If you’re the kind of person who looks at Catwoman’s sexy catsuit in Batman: Arkham City and thinks: “Niiiiice. But is there any chance we can remove the chest, ass and crotch parts?” Then this very, very graphic mod will be right up your alley.

If you look closely, you can see it’s a just a simple texture change, but it certainly makes for a pretty 'detailed' effect. Install this mod and the opportunity to make countless p***y jokes and will be yours - as well as being able to see Catwoman’s bits, of course. You pervert.

You can download the nude Catwoman mod at Nudepatch.

Game mods really are an amazing thing. They allow creative people to alter a number of aspects of a game - from the graphics to the gameplay - and come up with something totally different, and often better, than the original product. This can lead to the development of entirely new titles that become more popular than the base games they spawned from, like the way Defense of the Ancients did with Warcraft III. Mods can also keep a game looking fresh for years after its release date by adding new graphical updates; Skyrim, for example, has had its visuals updated frequently by modders since its 2011 release. Modding is a truly wonderful thing.

And, of course, it’s often used to take video game characters' clothes off.

Yes, it may be seen as a bit seedy, but a lot of mods do revolve around getting people in games (usually females, let's be honest) naked. Whatever your thoughts on this matter, you have to applaud these modders' technical skills, imagination, and ability draw a massive pair of boobs.

So, whether you’re here for research purposes, to laugh at others, to download these mods, or to show utter disdain at the fact that this kind of thing goes on, here are the 10 best NSFW nude mods ever made.

Batman fans can head on over to their local stores or online this Saturday, September 26, dubbed "Batman Day," to get a variety of discounted and exclusive Batman games and products.

Below will be how to celebrate Batman Day in a few major stores, but if you'd like to find out what else is available in your area, like exclusive talent signings, you can find your local Batman Day Celebration right here.

The DC Website

DC is offering a huge deal on comics: Get over 1000 different Batman comics for .99 cents each from stores like Amazon, Google Play, the NOOK Store, and the iTunes store from now until September 28.

Fans can also enter one or all of the Batman Day Sweepstakes for a chance at winning special baby items, children's items, or adult figures and memorabilia in three different giveaways. For September 26 only.

The Batman Day Giveaway for Grown-Ups includes Batman: Arkham Knight figures and comics as well as the Batman: Arkham City, Batman: Arkham Knight, and Injustice: Gods Among Us video games.

GameStop

Here are some highlights of what you can get your hands on at GameStop:

• Batman: Arkham Knight for XBox One and PS4 - $59.99
• Batman: The Dark Knight Cowl Replica - $399.99
• POP! Vinyl figures of Batman: Arkham Knight characters - $10.99
• Character statues from the Batman: Arkham series - $124.99
• Jim Lee Batman BlueLine Edition Action Figure: SDCC Edition - $39.99
• Batman: Arkham City 4 Pack figure set - $59.99

There are also special GameStop Exclusive items:

• Batman: Arkham Knight Prop Replica of the Batarang - $29.99
• Batman: Arkham Knight Tshirts - $9.99
• Batman Arkham Knight Collector's Edition Strategy Guide - $36.99
• Batman Arkham Knight Normal Strategy Guide - $24.99
  
• Xbox One Lunar White Controller - $64.99

Batman fans will also get access to other apparel, toys, figures, and memorabilia. All of this is only available for these prices September 26.

PlayStation Store

The PlayStation Store plans on offering up to 60% discounts on its Batman games, such as the Batman: Arkham series and the LEGO Batman series.

Get yourself Batman: Arkham Knight for $74.99 and the Season Pass for $29.99 as part of the PlayStation "Deals of the Week" until September 30.

For the complete list of discounted Batman games, check out the Batman Day participating games list here.

Remember to check here to see DC's list of businesses participating in Batman Day. You can also check in at your local game shop, bookstore, or comic books store to see if they will be participating in any way.