Sony - Softonic English

Skyrim’s best and most useful followers

When traveling throughout the world of Skyrim, it’s important to bring a companion. Here are the best!

Facing the trials of Tamriel can be difficult by yourself. Thankfully Bethesda has given you many companions to choose from in the massive game of Skyrim.

These followers come in all shapes and sizes, as there are dozens upon dozens that can help you complete the quests you face. Before starting your journey, you should take the time to find the follower you like the most. Here are some of the best followers you can find in The Elder Scrolls V:

Skyrim Download now ►

Best followers in Skyrim

J’Zargo (vanilla)

One of the only characters from the base game that has no level cap, J’Zargo is one of the easiest and strongest followers you can acquire. His quest becomes available after the first few quests of the College of Winterhold line.

Since his level is uncapped, his destruction magic can reach devastatingly strong levels in the late game. Also, he’s one of the only mages that will keep up with you past level 50. He also has pretty funny commentary on your actions as the game progresses.

Ultimate Skyrim guide: Which race is the best?

Read Now ►

Frea (Dragonborn DLC)

There are only a few followers in the game that are marked as “essential” and have an uncapped level limit. Since Frea is one of them, that means you can bring her for the most dangerous missions and never have to worry about her dying.

She can’t even be killed by you, the Dragonborn. Also, despite being a dual axe wielding tank-ish follower, she will actually use restoration magic when she gets low on health. This allows her to stay in the battle even longer.

Barbas (vanilla)

This good boy brings a new definition to “man’s best friend.”

Barbas is a complicated case. He is technically only usable during his quest, but you can also take advantage of this to have multiple followers at once. Most of the time you can only have one humanoid and one animal companion at a time, but since he’s a quest follower, he will join you regardless.

He is also an essential companion that is incredibly powerful. He will never die and consistently do high damage. The downside to using him, however, is his constant barking if you aren’t following his quest. If you’re willing to put up with this though, he can make one of the best followers in the game.

Complete Guide to Skyrim

Read Now ►

Rieklings (Dragonborn DLC)

The only “animal” followers that you can give equipment to, the Rieklings are a group of followers that you gain access to after completing their quest. While technically not essential, you basically have an unlimited supply of them, since you can just go back to their hut and get a new one.

We definitely recommend picking up one of these little guys, as they can help to effectively triple your inventory space along with a humanoid follower.

5 ways Elder Scrolls 6 can improve from Skyrim

Read now ►

Serana (Dawnguard DLC)

From the moment you help this vampire out of her imprisonment, you are able to take advantage of this very powerful necromancer. She can basically give you two companions, as she will consistently reanimate your dead enemies, and provide a constant source of magic damage. Since she is also an essential unit, you never have to worry about her dying in battle.

On top of this, she has many unique interactions with the world as she is the only follower who is able to interact with all crafting areas. This is purely aesthetic, but it can be very fun to watch. If you have an older version of Skyrim, you’ll need the Dawnguard expansion to unlock her, as she is only obtainable from its main questline.

Dark brotherhood initiate (vanilla)

Along with J’Zargo, these two are the only followers from the base game without a level cap. However, unlike J’Zargo, they are marked as essential, meaning they will never die. If you don’t finish the quest they are associated with while you have them following you, it’s possible to get a second follower along with them.

This is a little exploitative, but even without this, they are a strong follower that anyone can benefit from using. They are also one of the few followers that are able to successfully sneak with the player.

Go on an adventure

If you’re playing Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch or a similar re-released version, you will already have all DLC installed. This means you won’t have to worry about whether you have the DLC to unlock some of these characters.

Hopefully, this list proved to you that there’s a world beyond Lydia.

Best exclusive games for each console

Some people like Nintendo, some like Sony. But when it comes to the big three consoles, who has the best exclusives?

The grass is greener on the other side… or is it?

Some people buy consoles for the tech specs. They want the PS4 because the graphics look crisper They want the Xbox because the user interface works like a charm. They want the Switch because it’s portable and versatile.

When it comes down to it, tech specs aren’t always the game changer. In the end, whatever console you choose comes down to one thing — preferences.

This may be controversial, but we believe exclusive games are the real difference between consoles! In fact, they’re so important we almost find ourselves annoyed by the disparity. PS4 players are clearly hogging God of War and Spider-Man. Thank goodness Xbox has Halo and Forza!

So, to see where the grass grows greenest, we compiled each main consoles’ three best exclusives in one place.

Best exclusive console games

PlayStation 4

Sony’s PlayStation 4 appears to have some of the biggest exclusives by far. We were hard-pressed to sort through honorable mentions like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Bloodborne to choose the greatest among them.

We should note: these exclusives are suspiciously only single-player, story-driven games. It seems the best multiplayer exclusives lie elsewhere…

Okay, we’re just trying to be fair to the others; this lineup rocks!

god of war 4

God of War 4 received universal acclaim for its storyline, gameplay, graphics, and more. It was voted Game Award’s Game of the Year, a coveted title.

If you’re unaware, the story goes a little something like this: After the death of his wife, Faye, the god-killing Spartan warrior Kratos journeys with his son Atreus to the “highest peak of the nine realms.” From there, they plan to spread her ashes and complete her last wish.

On the way, they get into a bit of a tussle; the world serpent Jörmungandr shows up, Norse gods stop by to party, it’s a whole thing.

Kratos swings around his mighty ax, making you feel like Thor swinging around Mjolnir. If action games are your jam, this is the game for you.

This one is well worth the price, and you will not be disappointed.

10 best action games for your bucket list

Read now ►

marvel’s spider-man

We loved Spider-Man games ever since we tried our first on the GameCube! Swinging through New York City, fighting bad guys, and inevitably jumping off the Empire State Building was a blast!

If you haven’t jumped off the ESB, have you really played Spider-Man?

Fast forward 16 years: in the midst of the MCU adventure, Insomniac Games creates a PS4 exclusive with all the majestic charm of the MCU. Swing through the streets of a Manhattan and fight bad guys!

This time, Peter Parker is dealing with a convoluted conspiracy that centers around the bioweapon Devil’s Breath. Naturally, everyone wants it: from Kingpin to Osborne to Doc Ock. Good luck with all that, Parker!

Marvel’s Spider-Man gives you all the tools you need for your web-slinging experience.

uncharted 4: A Thief’s end

Nathan Drake, the infamous thief, goes on one last journey.

Metal Gear games are known for being cinematic experiences that play out like a James Bond flick, where the player gets to be the spy. Uncharted thrusts the player into a similarly movie-like experience, However, rather than venturing into a military melodrama, you go on an adventure with all the swashbuckling excitement of Indiana Jones!

Drake’s brother, Sam, reappears after years of imprisonment and asks Nate for help. They must retrieve the treasure of the pirate captain Henry Avery or he will be killed by a drug lord. Together, they race to find the loot against their former financier and the cause of Sam’s imprisonment.

The epic end to a legendary story doesn’t disappoint! The story is thrilling, the combat is fluid is fast-paced, and the exploration has never been better!

honorable mentions

Horizon: Zero Dawn
Bloodborne
Shadow of the Colossus

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch doesn’t have as many exclusive titles as we’d like. However, we are excited for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, coming out later this year.

5 things Game Freak must add to Pokémon Sword and Shield

Read now ►

The Switch is unlike anything on the market. Players can play games from home or on the go all on the same console. If you want, you can play something like the L.A. Noire remake or Saints Row: The Third remake at home, or race against friends in Mario Kart on the go!

The Legend of zelda: breath of the wild

Throughout time, many heroes by the name of Link fought to defend Hyrule and its princess, Zelda, from the evil Ganondorf. Each of them succeeded in warding off the darkness after a great journey…

Until now.

After 10,000 years of safety, Calamity Ganon reappears and turns Hyrule’s ancient, advanced robotics against them. Link falls in battle, and their heroes are killed. As a result, Zelda has to use the power of the gods to hold Ganon at bay for a long, long time…

Then Link wakes after 100 years of recuperation in a stasis chamber and begins his quest anew. Monsters roam the land, the robotics still control Hyrule’s capital, and Zelda’s power won’t hold much longer.

He failed once, but the hero is back in the game.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a massive open world game. The developers allow the player to play the game however they want to. Players can complete dungeons in whatever order they want in this very non-linear game. If you want, you can grab the Master Sword and all of the best armor you can find. However, you can also collect all the tree branches and rusty swords you can find and challenge Ganon in your undies.

The choice is yours.

super mario odyssey

Yep: Mario loses Peach again.

In order to save her this time, he joins a sentient hat named Cappy, whose sister has been stolen by Bowser for use as Peach’s wedding tiara!

However, Cappy has a few tricks up his sleeve… if hats had sleeves.

Cappy has the ability to let Mario take control of nearby creatures. When under Mario’s control, you have full access to their abilities. You can become a T-Rex and destroy everything in your path. You can become a Hammer Bro and throw an onslaught of hammers at enemies. The choices seem nearly endless.

There are a ton of worlds to choose from and a ton of things to do. Cappy’s introduction adds a fresh level to the game, and the new worlds and enemies all have the familiar Nintendo charm.

This addition to the Mario Bros world holds up so well. In fact, many would argue it belongs higher than Breath of the Wild. If you agree or disagree, let us know in the comments!

Will Mario games ever go out of style? We hope not.

super smash bros: ultimate

This is the definitive party multiplayer. Got an argument? “Settle it in Smash.”

Oddly enough, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate performs double-duty here. Not only does it reach the top 3 for Nintendo exclusives, it champions every single one of their other characters and games.

You can play as characters from Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Star Fox, Xenoblade Chronicles, Pokémon, Kirby, Animal Crossing, and more!

Smash Bros. players range from the pros who compete in huge tournaments, to newbies who mash buttons and hope for the best.

The game now also features customizable stages. However, those are another story…

The best custom stages in Smash Ultimate so far

Read now ►

All of these characters blend perfectly in one of the greatest titles of our favorite fighting game series! (No offense to Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter fans.)

Honorable Mentions

Octopath Traveler
Splatoon 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xbox One

Xbox has some of the most surprising games. These are titles you wouldn’t immediately think of when someone says “exclusives.”

Except Halo. Everyone would think of Halo.

Xbox is a bit tricky. Most of their exclusive titles aren’t necessary console exclusive. They are exclusive to Microsoft but can be played on both home console and with Windows 10.

halo 5

Oh yeah.

When the super-soldier Master Chief, goes rogue in pursuit of his AI friend Cortana, an elite team called Spartan Locke goes on a mission to track him down. Through their collective adventures, we gain insight into the mysterious happenings surrounding the Guardians, huge beasts controlled by an artificial intelligence network known as the Domain.

Aside from quick-moving, futuristic, first-person shooter gameplay, you can find one of the greatest video game storylines here. We even like the book series, which continues to release novels yearly!

The world still feels great, and we’re excited for Infinite!

gears of war 4

Years after the defeat of the Locust, a new aggressor arrives: The Swarm.

Gears of War 4’s oddly emotional storyline shouldn’t mesh so well with the violent, chainsaw-borne violence. Somehow, it does, and it does really well.

This time, the Lancer falls in the hands of Marcus Fenix‘s son, J.D. The only appropriate response to a new invasion is to buckle down, crouch behind the ubiquitous shoulder-high walls, and keep firing!

forza: horizon 4

This is one of those games that your grandfather will confuse with a movie or real-life sporting event. In all honesty, it has tricked us, too.

Forza has long been lauded as an excellent, realistic driving simulator with all the safety benefits of being a video game. This basically means if you’re still too much of a kid at heart to drive between the lines, you can crash some of the nicest cars known to man!

Forza Horizon 4 Download now ►

honorable mentions

Rare Replay
Sea of Thieves
Crackdown 3

Wrapping Up

“Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” Or, in this case, exclusives lead to jealousy, jealousy leads to hate, and hate leads to the console wars! Don’t be a console crusader, friend.

When it comes down to it, we wish every one of these titles were available for every console, even though such a move wouldn’t make any sense from a business standpoint for developers. Still, could you imagine playing Breath of the Wild with the controls and graphics the PS4 can offer?

Exclusives bring business. To play them all, you’ll just have to buy more consoles or borrow from friends. While you’re at it, whoop their butts at Smash Bros. real quick.

Here’s what we know about the PlayStation 5

Sony releases info for the PlayStation 5 and it screams “next-gen.”

Oh PS4, how we have loved you. From scaling cliffsides with Nathan Drake to shooting zombies in The Last of Us, you’ve been a gem. However, it is time for the next generation.

Sony recently released a few new details of the PlayStation 4’s successor in an interview with Wired. Although it hasn’t officially been called “PlayStation 5,” we highly doubt Sony would break a winning formula.

As you can see below, PlayStation hasn’t told us a lot. However, what we do know is interesting.

Backwards compatible

Don’t worry, you will bring your library of PS4 games with you to the new PlayStation 5.

8K vs 4K

If you have a 4K or 8K television, it means the TV has sharp image quality, with a horizontal screen resolution of around 4,000 pixels.

You probably don’t have an 8K television. Right now, 4K is the norm. However, 8K is available and it’s becoming more popular.

Having 8K resolution support means that Sony expects the PlayStation 5 to have a long life. For years after you buy your console, you will still be gaming with the industry standard.

SSD vs. HDD

This one is a bit complicated, but trust us, it’s awesome.

The hard disk drive storage system of the PlayStation 4 is being upgraded to a solid state drive for the PlayStation 5.

If something has a hard disk drive, there are moving parts to it that read and write storage information. A solid state drive doesn’t have any moving parts, as all data is stored on microchips. This makes SSD faster and better than HDD. How is it better? Let’s lay it out with this info from GamingScan:

SSDs have virtually no access time.
SSDs are 15 times faster in i/o performance.
SSDs are about 10 times less likely to fail.
SSDs save more energy and use less energy from the CPU.
Request times are about 20 times faster.
Backups are four times quicker.

7 reasons you should upgrade to an SSD

Read now

Ray-tracing

The new system’s graphics processing unit (GPU) will support a technology called ray-tracing. Ray-tracing is a visual technique that models how light and shadows will behave in a 3D environment. Typically, you see ray-tracing in Hollywood blockbusters. It does exist to some degree in PC gaming, but not on any current home-console.

The functionality of ray-tracing is up for debate. Many current users don’t like it because it sacrifices FPS for only marginally better graphics.

PlayStation 5 needs to enable ray-tracing technology without compromising FPS. If they can, then both Microsoft and Nintendo will have their work cut out for them.

Sooooo… it’s gonna be awesome?

We don’t have a lot of details, but so far everything looks promising. We highly doubt Sony will reveal a major hindrance to the system that will ruin it. However, this is the same company that thought Knack was an appropriate launch title. Stay tuned and we’ll share more details as they become available.

PlayStation announces preorder refund plan

PlayStation allows users to get a refund prior to downloading games in PlayStation Store.

Sony announced a change to its existing refund policy for digital content purchased on the PlayStation Store. Think of it as buyer’s remorse insurance.

Sony will refund you within 14 days of sale for games and DLC as long as you haven’t downloaded or installed them. The funds are added back to your PlayStation Wallet regardless of payment method.

If you download or install a game and the game is not working, you can receive a full download.

If you preorder a game, you can “return” the game any day leading up to the release date. You can return it for a refund as long as you did not download or install it. Essentially, you can’t return a game because you found out it sucks after downloading it. However, if you find out a game sucks before downloading it, you can return it.

If you buy a membership for a subscription service like Spotify Premium or PlayStation Now, you can also get your money back within 14 days. If you already started using the subscription service, you will be refunded for the amount of time you have not used.

The 10 best games on PlayStation Now

Read Now ►

You will be prompted to a customer service screen if you request a refund. Then file your claim through customer service. Once the request is processed, you can get your refund.

Sony does not offer refunds for PlayStation Vue subscriptions or for changing your online ID for PlayStation Network.

Sony kills PS Vita in preparation for PS5

Another mobile gaming device bites the dust.

Sony’s presence in the handheld console market is about to come to an end. In an official announcement released via Sony Japan, the company has revealed that they will officially be ceasing production of the PS Vita in Japanese markets, with production expected to cease completely in all markets by April 2019. This comes on the heels of a previous announcement that Sony will be phasing out support for the Vita over the course of the next fiscal year. With no plans to launch a successor device, this move signals that Sony will be leaving the handheld console market for good.

The Vita’s end began with the announcement that Sony would no longer be releasing free games for the console via PlayStation Plus. The most recent announcement reveals that there will be no new shipments of the device going forward. New PS Vita titles will continue to be released over the course of the coming year, albeit on a much more limited scale.

The 10 best games on PlayStation Now

Read Now ►

Following much success and critical praise during its initial rollout, the PS Vita was eventually overshadowed by other, more successful handhelds. In particular, the Nintendo Switch has dominated the handheld market since its release, drawing gamers away from competitors such as the Vita. Sony’s exit from the handheld market precipitates a shift in focus to their other products, in particular, the PlayStation and PlayStation VR systems.

The announcement that Sony has officially begun phasing out the Vita comes hand in hand with speculation that development of the PlayStation 5 has begun in earnest. Most sources point to the PS5 being paired with PlayStation VR support as a standard feature, and VR will be much more integrated into Sony’s next generation of consoles.

Speculation has also pointed towards backward compatibility being included with the PS5. This speculation is based on a Japanese patent filed by Sony Interactive Entertainment under the name of Mark Cerny, a lead PlayStation developer. When translated to English, the patent is titled “Simulation of legacy bus operation for backward compatibility.” Though no specific reference is made to the PS5, it seems exceedingly likely when taken together with other patents filed by Sony over the past year. At this point, it is almost certain that backward compatibility will be standard on the PS5. Whether this will only include PS4 games or will extend further to older systems like the PS3 or PS2 remains to be seen.

Sony has yet to make any official announcements with regard to the PS5’s release date or price point. That said, industry insiders seem certain that the console will be released at some point in 2020.

How to download digital games on your PSP in 2019

Got a PSP that’s collecting dust? Add some new games with our guide.

The PSP is one of the few gaming consoles with internet capabilities that is outdated and been replaced by a more modern console. That said, the PSP also holds many exclusive games. These games can be incredibly expensive to buy hard copies of, due to the age of the PSP, so the best way to get them is to buy a digital download from a retailer like GameStop. However, if you have a modern internet router, you’ll soon discover that the PSP lacks internet connectivity with most routers these days (at least in their default settings). So how can you download a game without an internet connection?

How to download digital games to your PSP

If you have a PS3

The easiest way to download PSP games is if you have a PS3. PSP games don’t usually take up much space, so even if you don’t have a lot of room on your PS3, you will still probably be able to download the game.

First, you’ll need to make sure the game is on your Sony PlayStation Store account. If you purchased the game from another online retailer, like GameStop, then you will have to enter a “redeem” code on your PlayStation Store account. Afterward, on your PS3 there should be a section for purchased games if you go into the PlayStation Store. Under this section, download the game you want.

Then connect your PSP to the PS3. You can do this with a standard USB cable. You may even use the USB cables that charge PS3 controllers. Afterward, under “games” there should be a section labeled PSP. Here, it will give you the option to copy games onto your PSP if you’ve gone to the “USB connection” section of your PSP (all the way to the left of the main menu). Then just sit back and wait as your PSP receives the game.

Top 7 original Xbox games compatible on Xbox One

Read Now ►

If you don’t have a PS3

If you have Sony MediaGo from before MediaGo was discontinued, then not having a PS3 won’t pose much of a challenge. The steps are essentially the same as downloading the game with a PS3.

First, you’ll need to connect a standard USB cable from your PC into your PSP. Then you’ll need to download the game file from your Sony MediaGo library onto your computer. From there you can find the file in your downloads folder and simply move it into a GAME folder on your PSP. You’ll still have to follow the above instructions to update your PSP if you haven’t.

If you don’t have a PS3 or Sony MediaGo, things start to get more difficult. The only other way to download games onto your PSP is to connect it to your Wi-Fi. As we said earlier, if you have a newer router, then your PSP will likely be unable to recognize the Wi-Fi connection.

There is a way around this, as you can change your Wi-Fi settings so that older devices can read it. You’ll have to log into your router by typing your IP address into the search bar and change the settings to WPA encryption. You’ll also have to make sure your connection is set to channel 11. By changing the encryption type from WPA2 (the default version for most new routers) to WPA, you should be able to see the connection on your device.

You will want to change this back once you’re done, however, since it can mess with your Wi-Fi connectivity on other devices. WPA is also less secure than WPA2, so you don’t want to leave it on this encryption type for long.

An alternative to these options is to purchase a PS Vita. While a PS Vita can’t play cartridge PSP games, it can download and play pretty much any digital PSP title. Since the PS Vita is a system that is still updated regularly, you won’t have to worry about missing out on any older games due to Wi-Fi connectivity. You’ll also be able to keep seeing new games released for the device.

The PlayStation Classic lets you relive the PS1’s glory days

Here’s what we know about the upcoming retro console from Sony.

It appears that Sony’s next PlayStation console won’t be a PlayStation 5. Instead, Sony loyalists are being treated to the PlayStation Classic, a revamped version of the original PlayStation. Sony is planning to release the console to mark the 24th anniversary of the original release. Nostalgic gamers, rejoice: The PlayStation Classic will look just like the 1994-era console.

sony playstation classic console — Sony’s PlayStation Classic

Though it may look similar to its namesake, the console isn’t to scale. In fact, it’ll be about half the size of the PlayStation. This mini-console will be sold pre-loaded with 20 classic games, similar to Nintendo’s NES series of mini consoles. So far, five titles have been confirmed:

Final Fantasy VII
Jumping Flash
Ridge Racer Type 4
Tekken 3
Wild Arms

This list might not be the same for you, though. Games will vary by region to reflect Sony’s goal of including the most popular titles of the original PlayStation. Since the popularity of titles can vary depending on region, it stands to reason that each region’s list will be slightly different.

Sony has confirmed, however, that there are no plans to bring new post-launch content to the PlayStation Classic, meaning that those 20 titles will be the only ones you’ll be able to play. Sony has also confirmed that the Classic won’t be getting PSN or Trophy support, meaning that it’ll be an entirely standalone experience… or an authentic one, depending on your viewpoint.

How to choose a gaming headset

read now ►

The console has several other features that bring it into the modern era. These include a smartphone AC USB adaptor. According to a spokesperson, the PS Classic can be powered by any USB power source meeting a 5V/1.0A requirement. The Classic won’t be packaged with a USB adaptor… but any old iPhone charger will do the trick if you have one. Also included are HDMI ports that enable output to any HD TV, as well as an internal memory card.

PS Classic playstation — PlayStation Classic with in-box features

The console will be bundled with a pair of controllers, also styled to look like the classic 1994 controllers. Questions remain about exactly what else is going to be included with the PS Classic at launch, but Sony has been releasing a steady stream of information since the initial announcement that should clear up any lingering uncertainties.

Finally, there’s the price point. The PS Classic and all of the above features will be available for $99.99. The console will be released December 3, with pre-orders available on Sony’s official website.

The 5 best couch co-op games on PlayStation Now

One of the greatest joys in life is kicking back on the couch with a friend and playing video games. The hardest part? Settling on what to play. The PlayStation Now streaming service offers a huge variety of titles available to play instantly, including many that offer local co-op. These are the best games for when you’re looking to team up and kick some butt.

1. Resistance 3

If you’re a fan of action-packed first-person shooters, this is the game for you. Resistance 3 is set in an alternate-reality version of 1953 after a hostile alien invasion decimates Earth. The entire single-player campaign is playable in co-op mode. The drop-in drop-out feature makes for a low stakes co-op experience, and means you won’t have worry about replaying the same sections if your partner has to leave for a minute to get some pizza. The action is fast-paced and a diverse list of creative weaponry offers unique ways to fight your way through the alien horde. The story is also surprisingly deep and will keep you hooked all the way to the bitter end.

2. Resogun

Resogun is perfect for fans of bullet-hell shooters. In a lot of ways, Resogun feels like the neon-drenched older brother of Gladius. Players choose from a selection of unique ships, and then the action starts. Lasers, powerups, and boss battles abound. Though only two players can take control at a time, Resogun has the makings of an excellent party game. If you’ve got a group of friends over, passing around the controllers as you try to fight your way through the levels makes for incredible amounts of fun. Also, the killer soundtrack would make the perfect background music for any party.

5 best party games for PC

Play these classics with friends

3. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga

Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga DOWNLOAD NOW

Though it may seem like a kid’s game at first glance, Lego Star Wars is fun for anyone at any age. Players can drop in and out at any time, taking control of Lego versions of classic Star Wars characters or building their own characters from Lego bricks. As a team, you can solve puzzles and battle your way through levels from all six original Star Wars movies. The Lego games offer their own brand of lighthearted humor and poke fun at the series in a way that will get a laugh out of any Star Wars fan. Who knew Chewbacca looked so good in a top hat? If Star Wars isn’t your thing, a whole host of other Lego video games are also available on PlayStation Now, ranging from Harry Potter to Indiana Jones to Batman. The best part? Every single game in the series offers couch co-op.

4. Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 is the first game in the series to offer split-screen co-op play, and it’s certainly one of the best. Players control B.S.A.A. agents Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as they attempt to stop a viral outbreak in Africa. This game is like a more action-oriented, multiplayer version of Resident Evil 4. Playing through with the story with a partner is the best way to experience the game. Fighting through the horde and taking on the game’s horrific, intense boss battles with a friend at your side makes the victories that much more satisfying. Several other co-op Resident Evil games are also available on PlayStation Now, such as Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil Revelations 2.

5. Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2 DOWNLOAD NOW

Borderlands 2 has everything you could want from a co-op experience. Borderlands is the love child of a first-person shooter and an RPG. The best part of this game is its customizability. Players can choose from four character classes and level them up with unique skills and abilities, meaning there’s something here to fit everybody’s play style. Whether you prefer hanging back and sniping from afar or getting more up close and personal, you can tweak your skills and gear to fit how you prefer to play. You can also save your characters, meaning the next time your buddy comes over, their character, skills, loot, and skins will all be right where they left them. Borderlands 2’s story also stands out, and there’s plenty of hilarious moments that will leave you and your friends in stitches. This is the perfect game for a night in. Make sure you have plenty of snacks handy.

With a huge variety of titles and co-op games to choose from, PlayStation Now offers something for everyone. Now that you’re armed with this list, the hardest thing you’ll have to decide on is what toppings to get on your pizza.

Here’s everything we know about The Last of Us 2

Details are slowly trickling in about the follow-up to Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic survival masterpiece, including an incredible new trailer showcased at E3. Here’s what we know so far about The Last of Us 2’s story, gameplay, and other rumors. If you still haven’t played the first game, be warned: spoilers are incoming.

The Last of Us 2 is set five years after the somewhat ambiguous ending of the first game. After finally reaching a research facility run by the Fireflies in Utah, Ellie was quickly whisked away. Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, informed Joel that in order to find a cure for the infection, they would have to operate on Ellie’s brain, killing her in the process. Forced to choose between saving Ellie and curing the infection, Joel chose Ellie. He massacred his way through the Fireflies facility before finally reaching Ellie just as she was about to undergo the operation that would kill her. When Ellie finally wakes up from her drug-induced coma, Joel lies about what happened, telling her that the Fireflies had found other test subjects besides her and that they were still unable to find a cure.

The game ends with Joel and Ellie returning to the settlement run by Joel’s brother, Tommy. When Ellie once again asks Joel if what he told her is the truth, he doubles down on his lie, and the credits roll.

Several years later, Ellie is now a teenager. Joel will be taking a backseat this time around; Naughty Dog has confirmed that players will be taking control of Ellie in this installment. Joel will still have a large presence in this game, but what exactly that presence will be remains a mystery. In the game’s first trailer, we only see his silhouette, which led some to speculate that Joel is dead, and only remains as a figment of Ellie’s imagination. Though Joel certainly isn’t getting any younger, the latest E3 trailer seems to refute this. New character Jesse approaches Ellie at a party at Tommy’s settlement, remarking that her “old man,” presumably Joel, called him out for slacking while making his rounds. He also mentions that Joel always seems to take a greater interest when Ellie is on patrol with them.

This certainly sounds like the Joel we know and love, but also of note is the way Ellie reacts to this remark. She definitely doesn’t seem happy that Joel is butting in, which could mean several things. Though Ellie and Joel grew closer over the events of the first game, it ended with them somewhat at odds with each other. Just based on the way Ellie seems to resent Joel’s overprotectiveness, it doesn’t seem like that’s changed much in the five years between the two games. However, is this just Ellie going through a rebellious teenager phase, or did she find out at some point that Joel lied to her?

5 best games to play while waiting for The Last of Us 2

Check out these killer titles

Whatever the reason, Ellie has grown up quite a bit since the last time we saw her. The new gameplay trailer shows her fighting off enemies with the same brutal combat style introduced in the first game. Melee combat, improvised weapons, and stealth are all returning in a big way in this new game, and combat overall seems much more fluid than in the first entry. Ellie transitions seamlessly between running, hiding, and fighting, and at one point we see her quickly crafting an explosive arrow mid-fight to get the upper hand on her opponents.

So, who exactly are these opponents? Details have been sparse on them so far, but Naughty Dog has revealed that they are a pseudo-religious cult known as the Seraphites. Their goal is to wipe out sin as they see it, though what “sin” they’re attempting to wipe out remains unclear. The cult members all seem to share a similar appearance. Male members of the cult shave their heads, while women have the same braided hairstyle. Looking closely will also reveal that the cultists all have Glasgow Smiles, the same kind of scars that gave The Joker his distinctive grin in “The Dark Knight.” In addition, all members also seem to wear similar long, brown duster coats.

Aside from what they look like, we know that the Seraphites aren’t very nice people. They seem to kill in a particular ritualistic style that involves hanging and disemboweling their enemies, and will “clip the wings” of their targets by brutally breaking their limbs with a hammer. New characters Yara and Lev are a brother and sister duo who were formerly members of the Seraphites. Though it’s still unclear how their story intersects with that of Joel and Ellie, it seems likely that we’ll learn more about this vicious cult through them.

Aside from the Seraphites, we can also see graffiti of the Fireflies logo on a signpost in the game’s first trailer. This is the only hint we’ve seen that they might be returning in the second game. Joel’s rampage at the end of the first game left the group without any clear leadership, so it seems likely that if they do reappear, they’ll be out for revenge. If this is the case, between the Fireflies and the Seraphites, Joel and Ellie will certainly have their hands full.

Several new characters are also being introduced this time around. In addition to Yara and Lev, we’ve also met an unnamed woman voiced by Naughty Dog veteran Laura Bailey. Naughty Dog loyalists will recognize her from her role as mercenary Nadine Ross in Uncharted 4, and it seems like she’s bringing the same intensity to this mysterious new character. We’re also going to meet a few new residents of Tommy’s settlement. Shannon Woodward, who fans of HBO’s “Westworld” will know as park technician Elsie Hughes, plays Jesse’s ex-girlfriend Dina. She takes a starring role in the latest trailer, sharing a kiss with Ellie during a dance at the party. It’s unclear whether their relationship will develop into something more serious than a somewhat tipsy kiss.

One final important detail that Naughty Dog has revealed: whereas the first game was about love, this game is going to be about hate. From what we’ve seen so far, this game is going to have a much, much darker tone than the original. Between Ellie’s colder and more ruthless outlook and the brutal executions perpetrated by both her and the Seraphites, this game promises to be an extremely intense ride, and it seems like Naughty Dog won’t be pulling any punches this time around. Though no official release date has been revealed yet, Naughty Dog has been revealing a steady stream of new content since announcing the game, and we’re excited to see what else lies in store for Joel and Ellie.

5 best games to play while waiting for The Last of Us 2

The Last of Us 2 is coming. Naughty Dog has been dropping tantalizing hints for months now, and with a slick new trailer that dropped at E3 (below), anticipation for the sequel to their post-apocalyptic survival masterpiece is at an all-time high. However, Naughty Dog has yet to confirm an official release date, and if you’ve already replayed the original game, waiting might seem impossible. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with five games you can play in the meantime to scratch that itch.

5. Fallout 4

One of the most memorable aspects of The Last of Us was the setting. Exploring the ruins of once-bustling American cities, now destroyed and slowly being retaken by nature, made for some unexpectedly poignant moments. Fallout 4 does an excellent job at recapturing that feeling. You can customize your own character and explore the vast wastelands of post-apocalyptic Massachusetts. The ruins of Boston also provided the backdrop for the first few chapters of The Last of Us, and you can actually visit some of the same locations, such as the State House, in both games.

Fallout 4 download now

4. Uncharted 4

Though the gameplay and overall tone is decidedly different, Uncharted 4 shares a large part of its creative team with The Last of Us. Naughty Dog guru and award-winning writer Neil Druckmann created the story for both games. This means that fans of the rich narrative in The Last of Us will find that same style of intricate storytelling here. This time around, Nathan Drake comes out of retirement to help his brother hunt down a fabled pirate treasure, an adventure that spans from windswept Scottish highlands to lush tropical island jungles. Joel’s voice and motion capture actor, Troy Baker, also returns in the role of Nate’s brother Sam. The graphics also look extremely similar to what we’ve seen so far from trailers for The Last of Us 2. This means that Uncharted 4 might be a good glimpse into what the characters and environments of The Last of Us 2 might look like.

$21

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

From: Amazon

Add to cart

3. Telltale’s The Walking Dead

Story-wise, this game feels like the long lost twin of The Last of Us. When you actually put both games on paper, their narratives are remarkably similar. Players control Lee Everett, a former university professor and escaped convict, as he rescues and cares for a young girl named Clementine. The two are forced to rely on each other as the world crumbles to the zombie apocalypse. Sounds familiar, right? If you’re looking for the same intense combat that The Last of Us offers, though, look elsewhere. Though not reliant on combat, this narrative-based game serves up the same stark moral choices players were confronted with in The Last of Us, and players will find out exactly how far they’re willing to go to survive in the post-apocalypse.

The Walking Dead download now

2. Bioshock Infinite

Troy Baker playing a grizzled, world-weary protagonist with a tragic backstory? Check. A young girl with the potential to save the world? Check. The pair being forced into a reluctant partnership that eventually develops into a much more meaningful relationship? Check. Bioshock Infinite almost feels like an alternate universe version of The Last of Us, which seems fitting considering Elizabeth’s ability to open portals into alternate realities. One of the most interesting aspects of Bioshock is seeing a different take on a very similar relationship, and will leave you thinking about how differently the story of The Last of Us could have played out. Gameplay wise, Bioshock is more of a combat-heavy shooter, and should appeal to the more action-oriented fans of The Last of Us.

BioShock Infinite download now

1. Tomb Raider

If you only have to pick one game to satisfy your cravings for The Last of Us, look no further. When playing Tomb Raider, it becomes quickly apparent how similar the two games are in terms of actual gameplay. Tomb Raider puts players in control of Lara Croft at the beginning of her adventuring career. Shipwrecked on a mysterious island, she finds herself fighting for her life against ruthless cultists and other, more sinister forces. Players will find themselves scavenging for weapon upgrades, sneaking past deadly enemies, hunting for food, and pulling off brutal melee kills. Playing as Lara almost feels like getting an early taste of what it will be like to take control of Ellie in The Last of Us 2.

Tomb Raider Download now

We don’t know yet when The Last of Us 2 will be released, and it could end up being a long wait. Now that you’re armed with these five titles to satisfy your cravings, that wait won’t feel quite so long.

Here’s everything we know about The Last of Us 2

read for spoilers