Author: Alex LaFreniere

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The 10 most anticipated games of 2019

2019 has been a banner year for gaming so far, but the best is still yet to come. As the year closes out and we inch closer and closer to 2020, there are still tons of hotly anticipated titles on the horizon. Whether it be remakes of old classics or totally original titles, the next few months have plenty in store for gamers. Here, we’re counting down ten of our favorite upcoming titles for 2019 (and beyond).

The 10 most anticipated games of 2019

10. Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon fans, rejoice! You’ll be getting not one, but two brand new Pokemon titles this coming November. The two companion games, Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, will be loaded with all the Pokemon goodness fans have come to expect from the series. Front and center are the bright, vibrant new graphics and lush settings. In addition, players will see some exciting new gameplay changes like co-op raids and new, open-world exploration. Last but not least, Pokemon Gyms are finally making their long-awaited return. Pokemon Sword and Shield are certainly shaping up to be the best Pokemon games in recent memory.

9. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Another blast from the past, Square Enix made waves earlier this year with the surprise announcement that Final Fantasy VII would be getting a total HD remaster. The classic title is widely cited as one of the best entries in the Final Fantasy franchise, and the remaster looks like it certainly measures up to that high bar. Everything fans loved about the original is returning, from characters to plot to setting, but not much has been revealed to date about potential gameplay changes. What is known is that the remaster is going to be split across multiple episodic entries, with the first part due out next March.

8. Gears 5

Fans won’t have to wait long for Gears 5. Due out September 5th, the game is already available for pre-load on Xbox. The latest entry in the Gears of War franchises promises just as much action and co-op as earlier entries. This time around, the game will focus on newcomer Kait Diaz as she hunts for the origins of the Locust and her own mysterious past. Don’t worry, though: JD and Marcus Fenix are making a triumphant return, as well as Delmont Walker from Gears 4.

7. Jedi: Fallen Order

Jedi: Fallen Order is shaping up to be a solid entry in the Star Wars franchise. The game is set in the period between the prequel and sequel trilogy, after the fall of the Jedi order. Players will take the role of a young Jedi in hiding as he evades Imperial forces attempting to hunt him down. The game promises lightsaber combat, of course, but will also expand the Star Wars lore by taking a closer look at the rise of the Empire. It’s been a banner year for Star Wars fans, and Fallen Order looks like it will continue that trend.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

2019 seems to be a good year for remakes and remasters, but Link’s Awakening is both. A remake of the 1993 classic title, the game’s stunning art style is front and center. With a bright color palette and cartoony characters, Link’s Awakening promises to be a refreshing change from all the gritty shooters and action games that also populate this list. In addition to the original’s trademark top-down gameplay, new sidescrolling and platforming sections have also been added to provide some variety to gameplay. With a combination of classic elements and a fresh new look, Link’s Awakening is sure to please all gamers, not just Zelda fans.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Wake up, samurai. Since the title was first announced, CD Projekt Red’s massively ambitious RPG title has been stealing the headlines. As the name implies, the game is set in a cyberpunk future, with players dropping into a massive and immersive futuristic world. Starting with a jaw-droppingly detailed character creator, players will have a say in everything from combat to their dialogue choices and can interact with hundreds of fully realized NPCs. Oh, and it’s also got Keanu Reeves. What more could you possibly want?

4. Skull and Bones

Skull and Bones turned a few heads when it was first announced at E3, and certainly promises to shake things up in the gaming world. Skull and Bones will transport players back to the swashbuckling golden age of piracy. Fans of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag should take notice; the game is being built by a lot of the same team members that worked on the AC title. That means players can expect the same solid core of naval combat, and Ubisoft is also teasing some supernatural elements thrown in. Davy Jones, perhaps? Or maybe we’ll be seeing some undead pirates? Either way, this upcoming title certainly has our attention.

3. Modern Warfare

call of duty modern warfare 2019 — Image courtesy Infinity Ward

The original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare totally changed the world of gaming, and rewrote the rules of first-person shooters. The new Modern Warfare seems set to do the same. 2019’s Modern Warfare is being billed as a “reboot” of the original. Though it shares a title, the game will have a totally different plot and focuses more on the dark side of conflict. It doesn’t shy away from the grittier side of war, and the campaign already promises to be an immersive experience. In addition, a multiplayer beta has already been released showcasing the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping new gameplay, and is already being praised by fans and critics alike. Oh, and long-time fans needn’t worry: Captain Price is back.

2. Borderlands 3

Borderlands is exploding back onto the scene with it’s biggest entry yet. With new playable characters, tons of new and wild weapons, and a huge galaxy to explore, Borderlands 3 is already looking like a ton of fun. Borderlands 3 blends the shoot-and-loot gameplay that made the first entries stand out with a bunch of new features. Namely, players will be able to take the action off Pandora for the first time, and explore other unique planets in the massive Borderlands galaxy. Fans won’t have to wait long to get in on the action either, as the game is due out mid-September.

1. Death Stranding

We’d love to tell you but Death Stranding is about, but we don’t entirely know ourselves. In typical Hideo Kojima fashion, much of the game’s plot is still shrouded in mystery. What we do know is this: the game is set in a post-apocalyptic future, where the United States is struggling to recover from some kind of cataclysm. The survivors live in isolated cities, and couriers are responsible for shuttling supplies between the settlements. Players take on the role of one such courier, Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus. As they explore the gorgeous and massive landscape, they’ll need to contend with ruthless mercenaries, marauders, and the extraterrestrial shadow-like entities that populate the world. Though we still don’t know much about the game, it looks absolutely amazing, and also boasts a star-studded cast with the likes of Mads Mikkelsen and Lea Seydoux. Death Stranding is due to release this November.

Though the year may be coming to a close, gamers still have plenty to look forward to. So many games, so little time.

Fortnite gets a Borderlands crossover

The world of Pandora has come to the Fortnite island as part of a surprise Borderlands crossover. Players that head to the game’s desert biome will be able to see a variety of areas inspired by 2k’s upcoming shoot-and-loot game as part of the Fortnite x Mayhem event.

Fortnite gets a Borderlands crossover

fortnite borderlands crossover — Image courtesy Epic Games

Borderlands 3 made headlines and caused controversy earlier this year when it was announced that the forthcoming game would be exclusive to the Epic Games store. That partnership between 2K and Epic seems to be continuing in the form of a massive bundle of Borderlands content for Fortnite. Players that visit the in-game store will be able to purchase a Psycho character skin; these marauders are some of the most prevalent enemies in the Borderlands world. In addition, a pair of Buzz Axe mining tools and Claptrap back bling are also available for purchase.

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Claptrap is just as annoying (or lovable?) as ever, acting similar to one of Fortnite’s in-game pets. He’ll provide color commentary during play and react extensively to the world, and is easily one of the most animated and lively back blings in the game to date.

fortnite psycho skin — Image courtesy Epic Games

In addition to the new store items, players have until September 10th to complete a set of Borderlands-inspired challenges. Doing so will net tons of Borderlands themed rewards, from stickers to emotes to weapon skins worthy of any Vault Hunter.

borderlands fortnite area — Image courtesy Epic Games

Jumping into the game itself, players that head to the southeastern edge of the map’s desert area will find themselves in for a trip to the lawless world of Pandora. The game world within the Rift Zone has been given an almost total overhaul. The first and most apparent feature is the change to the game’s visuals. The saturated color palette and cel-shaded graphics in the area are ripped straight from Borderlands, and will leave players wondering if they accidentally stumbled into a different game.

The area itself is also loaded with new locations and items, such as Pandora’s alien-looking flora and fauna and collections of ramshackle wasteland settlements. Even the game’s chest have received a makeover to look like in-game loot chests from Borderlands.

It’s an ambitious crossover, and one that serves to cement the relationship between 2K and Epic. Borderlands 3 will be available September 13th, and the Fortnite event will run until September 10th. Hopefully, though, this colorful new Borderlands area will stay in-game until the end of Season 10.

Fortnite Season 10 Week 4: Smash and Grab Challenge Guide

Week 4’s challenges want you to move quickly and strike hard, exactly as the name implies. These challenges seem almost designed to tire you out, but if you’re persistent and smart about when and where you land, you should be able to knock them all out in fairly short order. Here’s our step-by-step guide so you don’t have to work too hard for those Battle Stars.

Fortnite Season 10 Week 4: Smash and Grab Challenge Guide

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Search a chest within 60 seconds of landing from the Battle Bus (3)

fortnite battle bus season 10 week 4 — Image courtesy Epic Games

Exactly as the name implies, you’ll want to choose your drop zone carefully to ensure you get this one done. We recommend landing at a named settlement, but one that’s a good distance from the Battle Bus’s flight path. That way you can mostly avoid any opponents, and you’ll have an abundance of available chests to choose from. You’ll need to perform this feat three times to complete this stage in the challenge.

Land at a Hot Spot in different matches (3)

For those that might not know, Hot Spots are randomly selected named areas that spawn swarms of Loot Carriers. You can spot them by looking for locations highlighted in yellow on the in-game map. Nothing fancy here, just pick any Hot Spot and drop in.

Deal damage within 30 seconds after using a Launch Pad (100)

This challenge is doubly difficult, as you’ll first have to find the Launch Pad, then use it close enough to opponents that you can deal damage within the 30 second time limit. You’ll probably have the most luck at this one in Team Rumble. Launch Pads tend to spawn more plentifully, and once the storm closes in you should have no shortage of targets to choose from once you land.

Search two chests within 30 seconds of each other (3)

fortnite season 10 week 4 chests — Image courtesy Epic Games

Again, we suggest picking a Named Location for a landing zone, as Named areas tend to have the largest selection of available chests. If you’re able, try to pick your two chests before opening them, so you don’t have to scramble to find a second after opening the first.

Pick up a Legendary item in different matches (3)

This challenge is a bit of a roll of the dice, as you’ll essentially need to luck into finding Legendaries to complete it. Your only guaranteed source of Legendary items is in Supply Drops, but you might also stumble upon a Legendary in a chest or at a vending machine as well. You’ll need to find 3 over the course of different matches to mark this challenge off the list.

Search a Supply Drop within 10 seconds of it landing (3)

This one can be tricky, as Supply Drops tend to be pretty hot commodities. Though Supply Drops are more plentiful in Team Rumble, you might be better off attempting this one in Solo, as there’ll probably be fewer enemies- and teammates- scrambling to open the Drop when it lands. That said, there’s a fair chance it’ll take you longer to complete using that method.

Deal damage to opponents at Hot Spots (200)

Just as the name implies, head to a Hot Spot and start plugging away at opponents. Once you’ve hit the 200 damage threshold, you’re all set.

Prestige Challenges

Search a chest and an ammo box within 30 seconds after landing from the Battle Bus (3)

The Prestige Challenges just keep getting trickier, particularly in the case of this week’s selection. Again, we suggest shooting for a Named Location to complete this one. You should be able to find ammo boxes and chests clustered fairly close together. You’ll need to perform this two-stage challenge 3 times to collect your Battle Stars.

Destroy Loot Carriers within 60 seconds after landing from the Battle Bus (3)

fortnite season 10 week 4 loot carriers — Image courtesy Epic Games

Loot Carriers only spawn in Hot Spots. That said, there’s no shortage of them, and it should be pretty easy to shoot down 3 of them in the required 60-second time limit.

Eliminate an opponent within 30 seconds after using a Launch Pad (1)

A step up from this week’s standard Launch Pad challenge, this time you need to get an elimination rather than simply inflict damage. Our same tips still apply, but we also suggest grabbing a high damage weapon so you can finish the job as quickly as possible after landing. A shotgun of some kind should suffice.

Search 3 chests within 30 seconds of each other (3)

We probably sound like a broken record at this point, but head to a Named Location to find the greatest concentration of chests.

Pick up three Legendary items in a single match (3)

Your best bet for this one is probably popping open a Supply Drop. Usually, they contain at least two Legendary items, if not more. As such, head to Team Rumble, where Supply Drops spawn much more frequently than in other modes.

Collect 100 of each material within 60 seconds after landing from the Battle Bus

fortnite season 10 week 4 landing — Image courtesy Epic Games

This one can be a bit tricky, as you won’t be able to collect the required amount using standard mining. Team Rumble is the mode you’ll want for this challenge, as all mined resources in that mode are multiplied and you’ll be able to gather the materials much faster. You’ll also want to pick an area where you’ll easily be able to find Stone, Wood, and Metal clustered together. We recommend a town or city in location, such as Paradise Palms.

Eliminate an opponent at a Hot Spot

Finally, a simply challenge to round off this week’s selection. Simply head to a Hot Spot and take out whatever unfortunate opponent happens to cross your path. Should be a welcome change of pace after this week’s exhausting challenges.

10 best anime on Hulu

From space cowboys to superheroes in training, these anime are some of the best out there!

Not sure what anime to binge next? Many may not know it, but Hulu has a surprisingly solid library of both new and classic anime, as well as some lesser-known hidden gems. Grab a snack and get comfy. Here’s a list of the best anime you can start streaming on Hulu right now.

The 10 best anime on Hulu

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10. “Noragami”

Imagine if you were a god. Sounds perfect, right? Well, in the world of “Noragami,” being a god isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Not all gods are created equal, and Yato dreams of one day becoming as famous as the rest of his all-powerful brethren. In his quest to attain greatness he stumbles across a half-phantom girl named Yato, and a meek teenage boy named Yukine… who also happens to be a living weapon. “Noragami” is a quirky series with a lot of heart, and its original take on Japanese mythology stands out from the crowd.

9. “Assassination Classroom”

The world only has one year until it’s totally destroyed. The entity behind the apocalypse? A schoolteacher. Well, not exactly a schoolteacher: a strange and tremendously powerful otherworldly being that looks like a weird yellow smiley face with octopus arms. He’s not all bad, though: he gives humanity a chance to avert its grim fate by offering to teach them how to kill him. In addition to teaching his junior high classroom normal subjects like algebra and history, this neon yellow horseman of the apocalypse also schools the kids in the ways of assassination. “Assassination Classroom” has a dark sense of humor and offers a delightfully bizarre ride from start to finish.

8. “Trigun”

“Trigun” is a quirky cyberpunk western that was a major hit when it first arrived stateside in the early 2000s. Our hero is Vash the Stampede, a gunslinger with an astronomical bounty on his head. Pursued by hordes of bounty hunters and an (arguably undeserved) bad reputation, Vash is also shadowed by Meryl and Milly, a pair of insurance agents that try to minimize the damage left in Vash’s wake. In addition to being an accomplished gunfighter, Vash also has a mean case of amnesia, and. as the series progresses, he slowly begins to discover details about his mysterious past.

7. “Black Lagoon”

Mild-mannered businessman Rokuro Okajima goes for the company trip of a lifetime when his ship is hijacked by a group of modern-day, gun-toting pirates. Hung out to dry by corporate management, Rock reluctantly turns to a life of crime himself, joining up with the colorful crew that kidnapped him. Rock joins stone-faced captain Dutch and sharp-tongued Revy and delves into the seedy underworld of the island of Roanapur. Rock and the crew encounter warring gangs, ex-Spetsnaz assassins, mercenaries, and other rogues as the mild-mannered businessman gets in touch with his bad self. Think “Breaking Bad” but with a fair bit more action.

6. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

Giant fighting robots? You bet. “Mobile Suit Gundam” is regarded by many as a pioneer in the mecha anime subgenre. First arriving on the scene way back in the ’70s, Gundam has been around in various incarnations since then. Despite the many iterations of the series and its spin-offs, the central plot remains constant: in the future, groups of humans split off from Earth, heading into orbit to form colonies of their own. Eventually, these colonies declare their independence, and a war ensues. Instead of tanks, warriors fight with massive Gundam mech suits. “Mobile Suit Gundam” Wing isn’t the only Gundam series available on Hulu either: several other Gundam spin-offs are available as well.

5. “My Hero Academia”

In our world, superheroes are the exception, not the rule. Whether it be the X-Men, Spider-Man, or Batman, heroes have to keep their identities secret, and are sometimes feared and reviled by the general populace. “My Hero Academia” turns that trope on its head. In the world of “My Hero Academia,” heroes are the norm, and most people have powers of some kind or another. Everyone, that is, except for Izuku Midorya. One of the minority without powers, Izuku dreams of becoming a hero too, and enrolls in a high school for heroes in training. Izuku and his powerful new friends have to take on supervillains, protect the innocent, and make sure that their homework is turned in on time.

4. “Sailor Moon”

Middle school student Usagi Tsukino has a lot on her plate. Aside from the usual boy troubles and school stress, she’s also a magical guardian known as Sailor Moon. She’s tasked by a talking cat, Luna, with protecting the world from the monstrous forces of darkness and tracking down the missing Moon Princesses. She does it all without breaking a sweat (or her nails) and is never without a sarcastic remark in the meantime. “Sailor Moon” is a classic anime series that can be surprisingly relatable, and is a must-watch for all ages.

3. “Tokyo Ghoul”

They’re not quite vampires, they’re not quite zombies, but they still thirst for blood… and lots of it. Ghouls are the new problem plaguing mankind, and they look and act totally normal by day. They could be your boss, your brother, your neighbor… but by night, they prowl the streets looking for their next innocent victim to devour. After a near-death experience leaves college student Ken Kaneki an unwilling ghoul, he’s forced into a dark and bloody world that he wants no part of. Fortunately, he manages to find another group of peaceful ghouls, but they’re hunted by the ruthless CCG task force. It soon becomes clear to Kaneki that things aren’t as black and white as he thought: ghouls aren’t all bad, and the CCG can be just as disturbing and inhuman as the monsters they claim to protect the public from.

2. “Psycho-Pass”

“Psycho-Pass” is a must-watch for any cyberpunk fans. If you liked “Blade Runner,” “I, Robot” or “Detroit: Become Human,” “Psycho-Pass” is the series for you. In the future, crime is nearly nonexistent thanks to a new system of omnipresent supercomputers that can detect unstable individuals and wipe them out before crime ever occurs. Akane Tsunemori is a rookie officer that finds herself paired with the elite Enforcer unit, a squad of dangerous latent criminals that hunt down those deemed to be a threat to society. Things start to unravel when it becomes apparent that a dangerous killer is somehow fooling the system, and Tsunemori and her new friends in the Enforcer unit race to stop the threat.

1. “Cowboy Bebop”

Sci-fi meets film noir meets westerns in “Cowboy Bebop.” Bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his crew make a living tracking down all manner of dangerous rogues across the solar system. The team has to contend with their own shadowy pasts just as much as they do the criminals they’re hunting, and the series effortlessly shifts tones between sarcastic humor and some pretty deep existential musings. “Cowboy Bebop” is a shining example of the best of anime, from the animation, to the voice acting, to the characters, and the soundtrack. It’s widely regarded to be one of the greatest anime series of all time. See you, space cowboy.

Wrapping up

Did we miss anything? Not to worry; Hulu has plenty more anime to devour, no matter what your tastes are. We’ll also be updating this article as Hulu expands its already hefty anime library, so be sure to check back with Softonic to see what’s new.

These are the 10 best anime on Netflix

Looking to jump into anime? Here are the 10 best you can watch on Netflix.

Though there are certainly some more dedicated anime streaming sites out there, most folks don’t have to look too far to find some quality anime to binge. Whether you prefer fast-paced action, slapstick comedy, or something a little more introspective, here’s a list of 10 quality anime series available to anybody with access to a Netflix account.

The 10 best anime on Netflix

10. Lupin the Third: Castle of Cagliostro

This classic anime movie from the ’70s has withstood the test of time. This heist film was one of anime legend Hayao Miyazaki’s first films, and though it doesn’t bear the Studio Ghibli name, his influence still shows.

The tale follows a gentleman thief, Lupin, in the aftermath of a spectacular heist. He soon finds that the piles of cash that he made off with are actually counterfeit, and tracks the forgeries to the mysterious Castle of Cagliostro.

However, there’s more going on than meets the eye, including a trapped princess and secret treasure. This is a classic adventure that will appeal to any Miyazaki fan.

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9.Gurenn Lagann

Is there anything more anime than giant robots? In Gurenn Lagann, they’re just another part of the landscape. Set in a future where the evil King Lordgenome has forced humans to live in settlements beneath the planet’s surface, teens Simon and Kamina dream of going topside. Soon enough they find themselves wrapped up in the rebellion against the king, fighting alongside the forces of humanity.

Though the series has plenty of action, at its heart it’s a tale about perseverance, growth, and the power of the human spirit.

8. Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill is over-the-top in all the best ways. No-nonsense protagonist Ryuko Matoi arrives at the prestigious Honnoji Academy on a quest to find the person who murdered her father. That hunt continues as she uses a powerful Scissor Blade and a talking combat suit to quite literally battle her way through high school cliques and some more sinister enemies behind the scenes.

Behind the breakneck pacing, action, and laughs, Trigger actually has quite a lot to say about superficial fashion, peer pressure, and the expectations society places on our appearance. Be warned: this anime is extremely addicting, and once you start you may not want to stop.

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7. Violet Evergarden

A far cry from the fast-paced world of Kill la Kill, Violet Evergarden is a more introspective tale.

The show focuses on the titular character, Violet, a former child soldier. After the war comes to a close, she struggles to find a place for herself in the peacetime world, and eventually finds work as a writer, drafting letters of all kinds for all manner of different people. As she does, she comes to learn more about herself and what it means to connect with others.

It’s a story that’s at times heartwarming, heartwrenching, and definitely worth watching.

6. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Attempting to explain Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure in just a few sentences is no easy feat. The series follows several generations of the Joestar family, a powerful clan of psychic warriors. As the series jumps across time, the audience follows the Joestars on a whole host of crazy and madcap adventures.

Though that’s probably the best way to describe Jojo in a nutshell, it doesn’t do justice to the sheer insanity of the series itself. It’s utterly ridiculous in the best way. Anybody watching should prepare for a hefty dose of weirdness and be ready to laugh to the point of tears.

5. Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero is just one of several Fate anime series available on Netflix, but we think it’s one of the best of the crowd.

Each anime in the Fate series is based around the same central premise: the show follows secret societies and power players as they engage in a covert war to gain possession of the legendary Holy Grail. To fight this war, participants adhere to a strict set of rules and battle using legendary warriors summoned from throughout history. King Arthur, Alexander the Great, and Gilgamesh all put in appearances, and one of the best parts of the show is seeing its unique spin on these mythical historical figures.

4. Death Note

First things first: put that horrible live-action English adaptation out of your head. Though the live-action version may have been a travesty, its anime source material isn’t.

Teenager Light Yagami comes into possession of a mysterious notebook with a sinister power: anybody who’s name is written in the book dies instantly. Light embraces this newfound power and embarks on a crusade to eliminate evil… but as they say, power corrupts.

The famous detective L, a sort of modern-day Sherlock Holmes, sets out to track down Light and put an end to his killing spree. Death Note is a crime thriller with a dose of supernatural horror thrown in; think “Se7en” meets “Final Destination.”

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3. Neon Genesis Evangelion

We’ve got more giant robots for you, but Neon Genesis Evangelion takes a drastically different tone as opposed to “Gurenn Lagann.” After humanity is nearly wiped out by a cataclysmic event, extraterrestrial beings dubbed Angels appear to threaten the survivors. A top-secret organization known as NERV makes use of highly advanced mechs, EVAs, to combat the threat.

The series focuses on the young EVA pilots, namely Shinji Ikari. Sure, you’ve got giant robots fighting alien monsters… but underneath that, Neon Genesis Evangelion takes a hard and sometimes uncomfortable look at the nature of human connection, pain, loneliness, and the possibility for growth.

The questions that Evangelion poses will linger with you long after the credits roll… and on that note, be sure to check out the companion movie, “End of Evangelion,” after the finale.

2. Little Witch Academia

From the same studio that created “Kill la Kill,” Little Witch Academia is basically Harry Potter if it were set in an all-girls school. The show is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the darker selections on this list.

Atsuko Kagari is our protagonist, a young aspiring witch who can’t quite seem to get the hang of her powers. After arriving at the academy, she meets the kind-hearted Lotte Jannsson and the delightfully dark Sucy Manbavaran, and the trio find themselves stumbling into all sorts of trouble.

The colorful cast of characters makes this show unforgettable, from the ambitious and arrogant Diana Cavendish to the rebellious tomboy Amanda O’Neill. Honestly… we think that Little Witch Academia might actually be better than Harry Potter.

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1. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

FMA: Brotherhood is actually one of two Full Metal Alchemist series on Netflix. Brotherhood is essentially a reboot of the original series, with improved animation and a few different plot lines. The show’s core remains the same though, combining strong characters with a tense and suspenseful plot that give us a bit of a “Game of Thrones” vibe.

The show follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, two military alchemists that stumble upon a conspiracy that may put the entire nation at risk. Together with their friends, Ed and Alphonse fight to discover the truth behind the mystery while at the same time trying to find a way to return Alphonse to his true body. As a note: this is perhaps the only time we’re going to recommend watching the English dub over the original Japanese. The translation and adaptation is superb, and the stellar voice cast includes the likes of Travis Willingham and Laura Bailey.

Before you plop down on the couch to binge that next anime, we want to make clear that this is only a handful of titles from the huge library of anime available on Netflix. If you don’t see anything on this list that quite catches your interest, Netflix has plenty of other options to choose from. We’ll also be updating this list as Netflix adds new selections to its library, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest additions!

10 best sci-fi video games of all time

There are hostile aliens behind every corner, and puzzles set to challenge your psyche in these amazing games!

The science fiction genre has been around for hundreds of years, and for good reason. Sci-fi lets us take a peek at what might be, showing us visions of hundreds of possible futures… some hopeful, and some bleak. Sci-fi lets us explore far off worlds, encounter colorful new creatures and species, and at the same time lets us take a look back at ourselves through a unique lens. Sci-fi games are no exception and have left an indelible mark on gamers everywhere. Here’s our roundup of the top 10 most definitive sci-fi video games.

10 best sci-fi games of all time

For this list, we had to draw a hard line between fantasy games and science fiction games. Although you might not consider it to be one, the Mega Man games are technically sci-fi games. Sci-games are games where the setting is only made possible by advancements in science, technology, or major social and environmental changes.

10. Portal

Though sci-fi is known for letting players experience unique perspectives, Portal took that rather literally. This puzzle game has players taking control of a test subject, Chell, in a mysterious scientific facility. She’s tasked with using futuristic portal-gun technology to navigate a variety of increasingly difficult testing chambers.

Portal is a totally unique puzzle game that will have players looking at the world in entirely different ways and provides some truly mind-blowing and sometimes head-scratching scenarios.

It’s also loaded with Valve game developer’s trademark dry sense of humor and more than a few colorful characters, all of which combines to make this sci-fi puzzle game truly stand out from the crowd.

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9. Starcraft

To call Starcraft a worldwide phenomenon might be an understatement. It is the definitive RTS game. Since arriving on the scene several decades ago, Starcraft has endured with a loyal following of competitive and casual players across the globe.

The real-time strategy game allows players to take control of one of several factions and duke it out for battlefield supremacy. Starcraft has since become a staple of professional gaming leagues and inspires an almost disturbing level of fanaticism among fans.

Some sessions will last for hours or even days at a time, and some players have even died while playing. The game is so wildly popular that even UC Berkeley offered a class on it. It’s incredibly addictive and incredibly fun, and players that give the game a shot will soon find that out for themselves.

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8. Prey

Prey is a spiritual successor to the iconic sci-fi classic System Shock and has been given a modern makeover. Players take control of a scientist aboard the orbiting Talos space station after things have gone out of control. Unfortunately, the space station has suffered an alien invasion. A sinister alien species has slaughtered most of the station’s inhabitants, and it’s up to the player to stop the threat.

Like its cousin, Bioshock, Prey sports a stunning retro-futuristic aesthetic, and players will use a combination of both conventional weapons and supernatural powers to combat the alien threat. You can call it a sci-fi game or you can call it a horror game. We call it “fun.”

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7. Deus Ex

Deus Ex takes a more cyberpunk vision of humanity’s future. Think “Blade Runner” meets “The Matrix” with a dash of “Altered Carbon” thrown in for good measure.

In the future, corporations hold almost unchecked power, and humans are able to be augmented to near godlike status with various cybernetic components. Of course, this makes for some ridiculously fun and creative combat scenarios, but the RPG elements are what sets Deus Ex apart from the pack. The player will have to make some choices that have serious repercussions. Throw in tense, twisting plots worthy of any best-selling thriller novel, and it soon becomes apparent why Deus Ex has endured for more than 20 years.

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6. Half-Life

Another entry from Valve, Half-Life became an instant classic almost immediately upon release. Playing as scientist Gordon Freeman, players take on a hostile alien threat at a secret government research facility.

The second game, however, is where the series really shines. Freeman is transported into the future, where an alien government known as the Combine has taken over Earth. The Earth is barren and looks like the end result of a nuclear war.

Freeman is forced to fight through a variety of dystopian settings to liberate humanity. Half-Life effortlessly blends solid combat with platforming and puzzle-solving to create an endlessly replayable experience. Though fans are still waiting (perhaps forever) for the much-anticipated conclusion to the series, the other entries are still well worth playing.

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5. EVE Online

EVE Online is perhaps the best definition of the term “massive multiplayer online game.” EVE is a world in and of itself, with a living, breathing in-depth economy and player base. The game regularly breaks records and makes headlines.

For example, “The Bloodbath of B-R5RB” lasted for almost 21 hours and involved tens of thousands of players. It was also one of the most expensive battles in gaming history, measured in the real-world dollars that were lost in the battle. In fact, EVE is so significant that it’s been featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Though there are microtransactions (and plenty of them) players can still enter this vast world of political espionage, massive battles, and hypercapitalism for free.

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4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Some argue that Knights of the Old Republic is the definitive Star Wars game, and it’s easy to see why. The game acts as a prequel to the movies, letting players explore the galaxy as it was when the Jedi and Sith were at the height of their powers.

It’s an incredibly in-depth RPG, allowing players to follow their character from young Padawan all the way to a full-fledged Jedi Knight. The world and characters are utterly immersive, and the game also features a stellar soundtrack by Jeremy Soule, who some gamers may know as the musician behind the sounds of Skyrim. KOTOR isn’t just a great sci-fi game or a great Star Wars game, it’s perhaps one of the best games of all time.

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3. Dead Space

When the term “survival horror” is uttered, the Dead Space franchise is probably the first thing that comes to mind.

Though many look to the stars and see possibilities for hope and exploration, others look at that vast expanse and wonder what horrors might lurk in the inky blackness. The Dead Space series answers that question.

As engineer Isaac Clarke, players are tasked with investigating a distress call from the USG Ishimura, a massive planetary mining vessel. What follows is a living nightmare, as twisted alien creatures known as Necromorphs have turned the ship into a vision of true horror.

As Isaac, players will use a variety of engineering and maintenance tools as weapons to try to stay alive. Though the combat and scares are both top-tier, the game’s setting can be easy to overlook. In-game technology is sleek and creative, from the actual in-game holographic pause menus to the interfaces on doors to the health bar on Isaac’s armor. The rich lore that lurks in the background only serves to heighten the terror.

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2. Halo

Halo is the definitive sci-fi first-person shooter. Players take on the role of super-soldier Master Chief as he fends off an invasion at the hands of hostile aliens. It may sound like a derivative plot, but it’s done to perfection, and it’s hard not to get wrapped up in Master Chief’s story.

The gameplay is a gold standard for the genre, blending staple weapons like pistols and rifles with more… creative weapons such as the Needler and iconic Energy Sword.

Single-player aside, the multiplayer is a recipe for endless hours of fun, whether experienced online or on the couch with friends. Players can even look outside the games for even more content, such as popular Halo machinimas like Rooster Teeth’s classic web series Red vs. Blue.

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1. The Mass Effect Trilogy

There are role-playing games, and then there’s Mass Effect. Rather than merely taking on a role, you will take on an entire universe of possibilities.

Another Bioware classic, the Mass Effect trilogy is the quintessential gaming experience for any sci-fi fan. Hundreds of years in the future, humanity has used mysterious Mass Relay technology to join a host of other alien species in the universe at large.

As humanity struggles to find its place in an already close-knit galactic community, another threat appears in the form of the mysterious and powerful Reapers, bent on wiping out all life in the galaxy. That’s where Commander Shepard comes in. Players will control almost every aspect of Shepard’s journey, from combat style, to appearance, to personality.

Even the smallest choices might have repercussions that shape the fate of the galaxy. It’s a long and emotional journey and one that players will want to take over and over again. Mass Effect is everything good about science fiction and role-playing done to absolute perfection.

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Wrapping up

Were there any titles that we may have overlooked? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back with Softonic for more lists and other gaming-related news, guides, and updates.

Fortnite Season 10 Week 3: Worlds Collide Challenge Guide

Follow these tips to dominate this week’s challenges!

We’re getting another Season 5 throwback with this week’s set of challenges, dubbed “Worlds Collide.” You’ll be hanging around in the deserts and messing with rifts this week, with a few damage-dealing challenges and other tasks tossed in for good measure. Read on for our guide to both the regular and prestige challenge sets for Week 3.

Fortnite Season 10 Week 3: Worlds Collide Challenge Guide

Use a Rift

fortnite season 10 week 3 rifts — Image courtesy Epic Games

This week’s first challenge should be pretty simple. Rifts (pictured above) look like glowing blue cracks in the sky, and were originally plentiful in Season 5. Now, however, they’re clustered around very particular locations. You can reliably find them near the Durrr Burger head on the outskirts of Pleasant Park and near the stagecoach outside of Paradise Palms. Simply walk into one to complete the challenge.

Visit a Rift Zone

fortnite season 10 week 3 rift zone — Image courtesy Epic Games

Rift Zones are new this season, and are letting us step back into the past with some of our favorite locations. We’ve already seen Tilted get a Wild West-themed makeover, and this week Mega Mall has been replaced by Retail Row. Rift Zones are easy to spot from the Battle Bus. As shown in the image above, they’re surrounded by a glowing blue aura. Head to either one and step inside to complete this challenge.

Deal damage to opponents at a mountain top Viking Village or Loot Lake (200)

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These two locations were central to Season 5. Of the two, you’re probably more likely to encounter enemies at Loot Lake, as it’s a more central and higher traffic location. You don’t have to get eliminations for this one: all you have to do is hit opponents for 200 points of damage.

Visit a memorial to a Cube in a desert or by a lake

fortnite season 10 week 3 cube memorial — Image courtesy Epic Games

Oh, Kevin. How we miss you. Two new memorials for our dearly departed Cube friends have been added to the map, and you’ll be paying them a visit for this challenge. One is located on the desert mesa where Kevin the Cube originally appeared on the map. The second is located on the southern edge of Loot Lake, where Kevin took his final bow. Head to either one to finish the challenge. Check out the map below for their exact locations.

fortnite season 10 week 3 cube memorial map — Image courtesy Epic Games

Eliminate opponents in the desert (3)

The desert area is vast, and it doesn’t matter where you end up taking out the required 3 opponents for this challenge. Paradise Palms is likely your best bet, and we also recommend Team Rumble for this one. If you luck out, the storm will close in around the desert area, making these eliminations easy to get.

Search chests at Loot Lake (3)

Time to get hunting. Pop open three chests at Loot Lake and nab yourself some easy rewards.

Consume foraged mushrooms (10)

Under normal circumstances, we’d recommend shying away from eating strange glowing mushrooms, but this time we’ll make an exception. You’ve probably seen these consumables spawning in clusters around the map; eating them will give you a small shield boost. Find and eat 10 of them to finish the challenge.

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Fortnite Worlds Collide Prestige Challenge Guide

Use Rifts (4)

For this week’s Prestige challenges, your quotas are being up. Find and use four Rifts to finish this one. Again, we recommend visiting the clusters mentioned above.

Visit Rift Zones (5)

This challenge is going to take a bit to complete, namely because five Rift Zones haven’t appeared on the map yet. So far, we’ve got two, so you can start off by heading to those. Keep an eye out for others as they appear in the coming weeks.

Eliminate opponents at a mountain top Viking Village or Loot Lake (3)

Instead of damage, you’re now tasked with eliminating opponents at the above locations. The same tip holds true: you’ll probably have better luck at Loot Lake, and you may want to consider taking this one on in a Team Rumble gametype.

Visit Cube memorials in a desert and by a Lake

One memorial won’t cut it this time around. You’ll need to pay a visit to both. Refer to the map above to narrow down their exact locations.

Eliminate opponents at Paradise Palms or Fatal Fields (4)

This elimination challenge tasks you with taking down opponents in either one of the above locations. Both tend to be fairly high-traffic, so either one is a good bet for tracking down the required number of opponents.

Search chests at Loot Lake or Lucky Landing (7)

It’s chests galore for this one. Of the two, Lucky Landing is probably the easier location to polish this one off. It tends to be a bit quieter, so you’ll probably be able to find the required 7 chests in a single go.

Consume foraged mushrooms in a single match (5)

You don’t have to consume as many mushrooms for this prestige challenge, but the catch is that you’ll have to consume them all in one go. Fear not: mushrooms tend to appear in clusters, and where you find one you’ll definitely find more. The trick is making sure your shields are low enough to allow you to consume all five. Make sure you leave space for 25 points of shield and you should be golden.

Maps to find all secret melee weapons in Red Dead 2

Don’t start a fight empty-handed. Follow our maps to gear up.

The massive world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is packed full of secrets and easter eggs. Among these is a whole arsenal of melee weapons that can only be found in hidden locations scattered around the world. Follow our guide below to see how you can get your hands on these razor-sharp additions to your arsenal.

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How to find all secret melee weapons in Red Dead 2

Viking Hatchet

red dead redemption 2 viking map — The Viking burial site

On the northern tip of Roanoke Ridge, you’ll be able to find a Viking burial site hidden in the trees just of the main road. It’s not too hard to spot. Just look for the rocky looking ruins in the woods.

red dead redemption 2 viking burial ground — The Viking burial ground

Inside, players will find a host of tunnels containing the corpses of buried Vikings, as well as a sacrificial altar at the center of the ruins. The Hatchet is embedded just next to the altar. While you’re there, you can also head into the tunnels to grab a unique Viking Helmet for your wardrobe.

red dead redemption 2 viking hatchet — The Viking Hatchet

The Viking Hatchet, while not quite Thor’s Hammer, is still a deadly close-range weapon. It’s complete with runic markings and other embellishments that make it look like something right out of Skyrim.

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Double Bit Hatchet

red dead redemption 2 double bit map — The Double Bit Hatchet map

To find the Double Bit, head northwest into the woods from Wallace Station. You should be able to see a small black dot on the map at this location that will help you mark it.

red dead redemption 2 abandoned cabin — The abandoned cabin

Once you’ve arrived you’ll come across the foundations of a long-ruined cabin. Head to the rear of the structure, behind the stone chimney, to find a tree stump with the Double Bit wedged into it. Beware: this is bear country and bears like to hang around this location. Bring the big guns with you.

red dead redemption 2 double bit — The Double Bit Hatchet

As the name implies, the Double Bit has two blades on the head for double the fun. Like all hatchets, it can be thrown or used in close combat.

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Rusted Double Bit Hatchet

For this one, head to the northern end of the mining town of Annesburg. Look for a pair of shacks marked on the map and you’ll know you’re in the right place.

red dead redemption 2 annesburg stump — The Annesburg logging yard

Once in Annesburg, look around for this stump, located in front of the wooden frame of this house. The Rusted Double bit is embedded in it.

red dead redemption 2 rusted double bit — The Rusted Double Bit Hatchet

The Rusted Double Bit is nothing more than a reskin of the standard Double Bit. It’s weathered and worn, with, you guessed it, some rust on the blade.

Hewing Hatchet

The Hewing Hatchet is located up north, on the southern shores of Moonstone Pond. You can get there easily by heading north from Emerald Ranch.

red dead redemption 2 destroyed cabin — The destroyed cabin

At Moonstone Pond, you’ll find the ruins of a cabin, destroyed by a fallen tree. Perhaps the owner was a bit too hatchet-happy? You can grab the Hewing Hatchet from the stump in front of the cabin.

red dead redemption 2 hewing hatchet — The Hewing Hatchet

The Hewing Hatchet boasts a hefty silver head and thick handle, perfect for felling trees… or your enemies.

Ancient Tomahawk

The Ancient Tomahawk can be found on the northern edges of Ambarino, near the Wapiti Indian Reservation. It’s just off the main road that loops around the lake.

red dead redemption 2 practice target — The practice target

You can see the Tomahawk’s location from the road. It’s been stuck into a broken target. Someone apparently has a strong throwing arm.

The Ancient Tomahawk can be found in your inventory with other Throwable Weapons. It’s a reskin of the standard Tomahawk, decorated with Native American wraps and carvings.

Wide Blade Knife

red dead redemption 2 miner's hat map — The Wide Blade Knife map

To find the Wide Blade, you’ll need to head to a mineshaft on the western side of Big Valley in West Elizabeth. It’s marked on the map as Boyle’s Dream, and there’s a small path leading right to the entrance.

red dead redemption 2 mine entrance — The mine entrance

Once you’ve arrived, head inside the mine to find a dynamite plunger. You’ll be prompted to press it. Do so, and you’ll blow a hole in a rockpile further down the shaft. Crouch under the entrance, and you’ll stumble upon the corpse of a miner a bit further in. The Wide Blade knife is sticking out of his back, and you can also lift the unique Miner’s Hat from his body.

red dead redemption 2 wide blade knife — The Wide Blade Knife

The Wide Blade, as the name implies, boasts a hefty blade and unique curved wooden hilt. It’s actually a rather elegant looking weapon, despite being buried in a cave.

Antler Knife

The Antler Knife can be found in the woods of West Elizabeth. Head slightly northwest from Hanging Dog Ranch to find it at the marker above.

red dead redemption 2 dead hunter — The dead hunter

Once you arrive, you’ll find a grizzly scene. The bloodied corpse of a hunter has been pinned beneath a dead bear. It appears that they both killed each other, and you can grab the Antler Knife from the tangled bodies. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for roaming wolves as you do so.

red dead redemption 2 antler knife — The Antler Knife

The Antler Knife is a thin, pointed blade taking its name from the carved antler hilt. Though small, it was apparently enough to fell a bear, so don’t take this knife lightly.

Civil War Knife

red dead redemption 2 hardee hat map — The Civil War Knife map

North of Saint Denis and just over the Border into Roanoke Ride is Fort Brennard. This ruined Civil War-era fortification is hiding a whole cache of goodies within its crumbling walls.

red dead redemption 2 fort basement — The Fort’s basement

Once you’ve arrived at the Fort, head inside the walls and look for a low building inside. Head into the building and you’ll find a trap door in the back corner, concealed behind some crates. Drop down into the Fort’s basement, where you’ll discover this knife lying on top of some boxes. You can also grab a Civil War-era hat and a gold nugget before you leave.

red dead redemption 2 civil war knife — The Civil War Knife

The Civil War knife is a large, rusted bowie knife with a D-shaped handguard, making it just as useful for fistfighting as it is for stabbing. Though it could be in better condition, it’s still deadly.

Pirate Sword

Perhaps the most lethal melee weapon in the game, this sword can be located in the swamps southwest of Lemoyne and east of Rhodes. It’s on an island, so be prepared to get wet.

red dead redemption 2 wrecked rowboat — The wrecked rowboat

Once you’ve reached the shores, you can get to the island itself by swimming, but the waters are also shallow enough that you can take your horse across. Be warned: the waters are infested with gators, which could cause your horse to buck you and bolt. Bring some guns with you to take out the local wildlife, then find this wrecked rowboat on the island. The Broken Sword can be plucked off a skeletal corpse within.

red dead redemption 2 broken pirate sword — The Broken Pirate Sword

Though broken, this sword will still do some serious damage in a fight. We recommend pairing it with the unique Tricorn Hat to bring the glory days of high seas piracy back to the Wild West.

Jawbone Knife

The Jawbone Knife is a prize you get for collecting dinosaur bones for Deborah MacGuiness. You can find her in the Cumberland Forest. If you want to find all of the dinosaur bones, we recommend that you watch this video to find them all:

Now that you’ve found all these deadly blades to add to your stockpile, you’ll be sure to have the edge in close-quarters combat.

10 best video game heroes of all time

From the intergalactic spaceships to the fields of Hyrule, these video game protagonists are absolutely iconic!

No video game is complete without a good protagonist. Sure, cool settings and tense plotlines are great and all, but at the end of the day, all the best stories are about compelling characters. This is even truer in the case of video games; as players, we don’t just watch the stories of these characters, we experience them.

Over the years, the world of gaming has seen more than its fair share of strong heroes, and it’s hard to narrow down such a crowded field to the 10 best. That said, here’s our lineup of gaming’s 10 most iconic heroes.

10 best video game protagonists

Soap MacTavish- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

soap mctavish call of duty modern warfare — Image courtesy Infinity Ward

Soap beat out Lara Croft from Tomb Raider and Dante from Devil May Cry by just a hair.

When Soap first arrives in the original Call of Duty 4, he’s about as green as it gets. Taken under the wing of the gruff, no-nonsense Captain Price, Soap soon grows into an elite veteran soldier.

In Modern Warfare 2, he’s the commander of his own special operations unit, no longer the raw recruit we first guided through a SAS training run.

By Modern Warfare 3, Soap is a hardened soldier; as players, one of the most gratifying parts of the Modern Warfare series is taking that journey along with Soap. Like him, we start as recruits and end up as hardened professionals.

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Gordon Freeman- Half-Life 2

Gordon Freeman is a man of many talents. Not only can he complete equations complex enough to make your head spin, but he can also stop an alien invasion almost singlehandedly using little more than a crowbar.

Gordon is a scientist-turned-reluctant warrior, and it’s that experience that separates Gordon from the typical gruff FPS protagonist. His background lets us experience different perspectives and encounter some even weirder science along the way.

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Mega Man- Mega Man Series

With more than 100 games spanning multiple systems, it’s undeniable that this intrepid blue adventurer has left his mark on gaming. Mega Man is an originally mild-mannered android that reluctantly takes up arms to defend the world from (usually robotic) threats.

With challenging levels, unique boss battles, and a host of different powerups, Mega Man takes a simple formula and perfects it. He’s a classic hero in every sense of the term.

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Ezio Auditore- Assassin’s Creed II

When we first met Ezio, it was hard to imagine that the mischievous playboy would one day become the most elite and respected assassin of all time. However, throughout several games, he becomes exactly that.

Though the Assassin’s Creed series has its share of strong protagonists, as players we essentially get to live out Ezio’s entire life, from youth to old age. He’s one of the richest and most well-developed characters in the series, and he left an indelible mark on fans around the globe.

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Big Boss- Metal Gear Solid

Big Boss is as much a philosopher as he is a warrior. Not content to merely fight the wars of others, Big Boss makes it his life purpose to change the world. Though he starts as a young idealist and a true hero, series veterans will know that he eventually ends up as one of the main antagonists of the series.

The Metal Gear Solid prequels allow players to experience Big Boss’s complicated and tragic backstory, and in true Metal Gear fashion, eventually, realize that he may not have been a villain after all.

Heck, his clone is Solid Snake who is another great character that almost made this list. Big Boss is the definition of an iconic character, and he’s a staple in gaming history.

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Commander Shepard- Mass Effect

Commander Shepard’s story is your story. Sure, there are a few things out of your control… but as a player, you have a whole galaxy’s worth of choices and decisions at your fingertips. From choosing your appearance, your squad, or how you act in a particular scenario, there are almost unlimited possibilities when it comes to how you want to experience Commander Shepard’s journey. Even though we’re still playing a character, we get to play them exactly the way we want to as players, which makes Commander Shepard an even more powerful and defining hero.

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Link- Legend of Zelda

legend of zelda link — Image courtesy Nintendo

Sorry Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, there is only room for one pointy-eared swordsman on this list!

Link has seen more than his fair share of action over the years, growing from a few green pixels to the blue-eyed hero we know today. This intrepid adventurer never gives up, no matter what the forces of darkness throw at him. He may sometimes come off as inexperienced, but that just makes him all the more relatable. His tenacity and courage leave an indelible mark on players and fans.

We were close to putting Samus Aran on this list, but Link and a certain someone else from the Super Smash Bros. roster won out overall!

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Nathan Drake- Uncharted

uncharted nathan drake — Image courtesy Naughty Dog

A modern-day Indiana Jones, Nathan Drake has a sharp mind, tenacious attitude, and a wise-crack for every situation. He’s not the typical stalwart hero. He’s got plenty of flaws of his own and is perhaps one of the most relatable characters in gaming. He’s just an ordinary guy facing down extraordinary (and sometimes supernatural) circumstance. That makes him all the more human… and a hell of a lot of fun to play.

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Arthur Morgan- Red Dead Redemption 2

arthur morgan red dead 2 — Image courtesy Rockstar

The tale of Arthur Morgan is a long one, but completely worth the journey. Despite a laundry list of characters you meet along the way, at the end of the day, Red Dead 2 is Arthur’s story. Arthur Morgan is an outlaw with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold despite his flaws. All he wants is to do what’s right for himself and those he cares about. His story is filled with betrayal, joy, heartbreak, and every emotion in between. When we start the game, Arthur is essentially a stranger to us, but by the time the credits roll, he feels like family, and it’s an exceedingly difficult goodbye.

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Mario

Was there ever any doubt? The king of gaming’s heroes retains his crown. With adventures spanning worlds, consoles, and many years, this red-shirted plumber does it all with a smile and unflappable positivity. No matter what new evil comes to bear, Mario will do anything to protect those in harm’s way. When you think about a video game character, Mario is probably the first one that comes to mind. Mario is, simply put, the best.

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Wrapping up

So, did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments, and check back with Softonic for more gaming-related goodness.

Fortnite streamer Ninja abandons Twitch, fans follow

One of the biggest stars in the video game world turns his back on the streaming platform that made him a star.

Anybody who has even a basic familiarity with the world of the popular battle royale game Fortnite has likely heard the name Ninja.

Tyler “Ninja” Blevins is one of the game’s most popular and celebrated players, boasting a streaming following numbering in the millions. Until recently, Ninja was a fixture on Amazon’s popular streaming platform Twitch. However, Ninja recently shocked the world of Fortnite with the surprising announcement that he would be leaving Twitch in favor of Microsoft’s rival platform, Mixer.

Fortnite streamer Ninja abandons Twitch

Ninja made his surprise announcement simultaneously on his YouTube and Twitter accounts. In the Youtube announcement video, Ninja stated that he had been holding onto the news for some time, and was excited to “get back to his streaming roots.”

The actual details and rationale behind the decision are unclear, but the move is doubtless a major coup for the Mixer platform.

Owned by Microsoft, Mixer has struggled to compete with rivals like Twitch and YouTube. Despite having been on the scene since 2016, Mixer has largely failed to find a foothold, and even underwent a complete rebrand in 2017. Ninja’s exclusivity agreement already appears to be bearing fruit: his Mixer stream already boasts one million followers a mere five days after arriving on the platform.

fortnite ninja tyler blevins — Image courtesy Epic Games

That said, the worry remains that this sudden uptick in popularity could simply be a flash in the pan for Mixer. Currently, fans enjoy a free trial promotion that will expire in two months, leaving subscribers to incur a monthly fee or lose out on certain subscriber perks. Concern remains that after the initial hype expires, Mixer’s popularity will once again dwindle.

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Despite the murky future for Ninja’s Mixer channel, Twitch has taken Ninja’s loss in stride. At one time, Ninja was the most popular streamer on the platform, and remained among the top streamers until his recent departure. Twitch issued the following statement concerning Ninja’s move:

“We’ve loved watching Ninja on Twitch over the years and are proud of all that he’s accomplished for himself and his family, and the gaming community. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

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Whatever his streaming future, it’s clear that Ninja’s popularity isn’t going to decline anytime soon. His YouTube channel still boasts an impressive 22 million subscribers and the Fortnite pro made a recent appearance at the Fortnite World Cup in New York. There, he both competed in and served as a commentator for the event.