Get my new course here: https://blender-secrets-school.teachable.com/p/hard-surface-subdivision-modeling Use the coupon code EARLYBIRD for 25% discount. www.BlenderSecrets.org

2024 was a year of surprise hits and critical flops for Sony and its PlayStation division, as games like Helldivers 2 and Astro Bot launched to critical acclaim while other projects like Concord were released to middling reviews and general player apathy.While this year was also light on first-party exclusives, third-party studios came to the rescue with a selection of games covering multiple genres. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Stellar Blade were two notable examples of PS5-only games releasing this year--they're both headed to PC in 2025--while other studios released must-play titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio (our Game of the Year), Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Silent Hill 2 on the Sony system.Heck, even Microsoft wanted to attract a few PlayStation gamers to its brand, leading to former Xbox Series X|S exclusives like Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves releasing on its gaming rival's hardware, which expanded this year with the release of the PS5 Pro console.So which games were the most popular with critics? Thanks to GameSpot's sister site Metacritic, we've got a comprehensive list of the games that walked away with the highest aggregate scores (as of December 5), and overall, players couldn't get enough of JRPGs, puzzle games, metroidvanias and more. More Best Of 2024:Our Favorite Games That Didn't Make The Top 10Best PS5-Exclusive Games Of 2024Best Switch-Exclusive Games Of 2024Best PC-Exclusive Games Of 2024Best Xbox Games Of 2024Best-Reviewed Games Of 2024Best Of 2024 hub Elden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeLike the best video game expansions, Shadow of the Erdtree uses Elden Ring as a foundation to create an even better adventure for returning players. Enhancing and refining the magic of the 2022 game, Shadow of the Erdtree invites players to explore a new realm that they'll never want to leave.Metascore: 94 | Read our Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review See at Amazon Astro BotSony's first-party output has typically favored open-world games and those with mature themes, but Astro Bot is a breath of fresh air that'll appeal to anyone looking for a nostalgic return to simpler days. Not only is Astro Bot an exceptional platformer with an imaginative design, but it's also a delightful time capsule across multiple eras of PlayStation and a tribute to the lasting legacy of those influential adventures.Metascore: 94 | Read our Astro Bot review See at Amazon Metaphor ReFantazioGameSpot's Game of the Year for 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio is another gem from developer Atlus. It takes the basic framework of what you'd expect in a Persona game and streamlines it in numerous ways, with a thought-provoking story, lovable characters, and some of the best turn-based RPG combat ever. It's a winning formula that is well worth the time investment.Metascore: 94 | Read our Metaphor: ReFantazio review See at Amazon Slay the Princess: The Pristine CutDo you think you have what it takes to commit some regicide and not ask any questions? That's the core premise of Slay the Princess, a game of time loops, twists, and murder most foul presented as a visual novel that never tells the same story twice. The Pristine Cut further polishes that experience, complementing its clever writing and excellent voice acting with even more content, thoughtful tweaks, and hundreds of new frames of handcrafted art.Metascore: 92 | Read our Slay the Princess: The Pristine Cut review See at Amazon Final Fantasy VII RebirthFinal Fantasy VII Remake set up an intriguing premise, both paying homage to the original while representing a very conscious break from it. Rebirth, the second installment in a planned trilogy, carries that idea forward, with new revelations, a vastly expanded world, and refined combat mechanics.Metascore: 92 | Read our Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review See at Amazon Dave the DiverA hilarious indie mash-up, Dave the Diver combines a deep-sea exploring action game with the madcap flurry of games like Diner Dash. You spend your days delving deeper into the briny waters to catch fish and nights working and managing a burgeoning sushi restaurant, only to spend your profits on better gear and do it all over again. It's a compelling mix of gameplay elements that's hard to put down.Metascore: 90 Destiny 2: The Final ShapeThe Final Shape had a challenging task to accomplish, as it had to serve as the culmination of the story that has been told since the beginning of the first Destiny a decade ago. Miraculously, it pulled that off, tying up much of the story in a satisfying way by focusing on the characters we've built relationships with over these years and offering an exciting new subclass and systems to engage with. The new Pale Heart location is great fun to explore and filled with mysteries to uncover, the new Dread enemies consistently mix up combat encounters, and quality-of-life improvements make for the best Destiny experience to date.Metascore: 90 | Read our Destiny 2: The Final Shape review BalatroBalatro is the embodiment of "just one more round" energy thanks to its killer combo of poker and roguelite gameplay mechanics. Easy to pick up, challenging to master, and undeniably hard to put down, it takes the best ideas from poker and repurposes them into one of the best puzzle games of the year. Sure, you're going to need to often cheat your way into a winning hand, but the euphoria that comes from successfully holding the right cards in a high-stakes game is an unbeatable feeling in Balatro.Metascore: 90 | Read our Balatro review See at Amazon The Last of Us Part 2 RemasteredThe best video games live rent-free in your head long after the end credits have rolled, and four years after it first released, it's still almost impossible to serve The Last of Us Part 2 an eviction notice. How much of a difference does this remastered version make to an already-brilliant game? Plenty, as not only does the game look phenomenal, but it benefits from several new features that helps to solidify The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered as a modern-day masterpiece. Come for the gripping story and polished gameplay, stick around for the guitar hero mode, lost levels, and a roguelite mode that'll make you sweat buckets.Metascore: 90 | Read our The Last of Us Part 2 review Tekken 8Tekken 8 plays like the kind of game that you'd happily sacrifice all your quarters to at an arcade. It looks amazing in action as you watch an international roster of fighters pop muscles and faces, the aggressive nature of its gameplay makes every match exciting, and the campaign mode is essentially Succession with a drastic increase in roundhouse kicks.Metascore: 90 | Read our Tekken 8 review See at Amazon Like a Dragon: Infinite WealthDoubling down on the RPG gameplay mechanics introduced in the previous game, Infinite Wealth introduced welcome changes and tweaks to its turn-based combat. Combined with a gripping story and an absurd amount of extra content, this year's Like a Dragon is a confident sequel and a passing of the torch as it continues to pave the way for a new era in the franchise.Metascore: 89 | Read our Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review Castlevania Dominus CollectionAfter helping create the metroidvania genre, the Castlevania series moved into portable entries like the celebrated Aria of Sorrow. The Dominus Collection brings together the three Nintendo DS entries--Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia--making them easily playable for the first time in years. It's a ton of Castlevania action in one place and comes with the arcade reimagining Haunted Castle to boot.Metascore: 89 | Animal WellMetroidvanias are a dime a dozen these days, but Animal Well stands out from the pack with the sheer genius of its design. Loaded with mysteries and captivatingly strange, it's the kind of game you want to go into as blindly as possible so that you can savor just how deep its metaphorical--and actual--well truly is.Metascore: 88 | Read our Animal Well review See at Amazon Hi-Fi RushXbox and PC gamers already knew just how good Hi-Fi Rush was, and thanks to a new multi-platform strategy at Microsoft, PS5 owners got to share in on that fun in 2024. Essentially Scott Pilgrim meets Devil May Cry, Hi-Fi Rush is still a captivating blast of action and rhythm that's complemented by a curated playlist of certified bangers. On PS5, Hi-Fi Rush benefits from a year's worth of gameplay fine-tuning and new modes that were added after launch, making this a beautifully crafted celebration of music that's full of personality.Metascore: 88 | Read our Hi-Fi Rush review Persona 3 ReloadPersona 3 Reload is a welcome return to the game that defined the modern format of the popular Persona series. Persona 3 has a real edge to it that subsequent games arguably do not, and Reload brings both visual improvements and some quality-of-like changes--along with availability on modern platforms--that all make it an easy recommendation in 2024.Metascore: 87 | Read our Persona 3 Reload review See at Amazon Shin Megami Tensei V: VengeanceShin Megami Tensei has always been a core pillar for Atlus, and with the Vengeance edition of the fifth mainline game, that series feels stronger than ever. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance isn't just a game that looks and performs better on new platforms; it's an impressive rethink of its source material that smooths over rough spots, adds several clever quality-of-life upgrades, and a substantial chunk of new story content to experience.Metascore: 87 | Read our Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance review See at Amazon Unicorn Overlord Prince of Persia: The Lost CrownPrince of Persia reinvents itself yet again as a metroidvania, but this is far from a paint-by-numbers imitator. The Lost Crown boasts refined combat that's only augmented by the rich suite of traversal abilities you obtain, along with smart and innovative quality-of-life features.Metascore: 86 | Read our Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review See at Amazon Spin Rhythm XDSpin Rhythm XD is a wonderful return to the glory days of rhythm games, but with its own distinct twist on the expected timing-based gameplay. As the name suggests, you'll spin a wheel in order to match up colors with tiles coming down the track, which can lead to a sort of zen-like state that the best rhythm games can provide. With support for an optional VR mode, you have additional ways to play an exhilarating experience.Metascore: 86 Silent Hill 2Unquestionably the Silent Hill series' high point, the 2001 original Silent Hill 2 certainly shows its age these days--both in its visuals and game mechanics. Developer Bloober Team managed to completely remake the game for a new generation of players, with modern visuals, an over-the-shoulder gameplay style, and, crucially, the same scares and storyline you'd expect from the horror masterpiece. Silent Hill 2 is so tense that it's easy to feel a sense of dread overwhelm you even when no enemies are present, and we'd pack a few spare pairs of underwear before making this trip.Metascore: 86 | Read our Silent Hill 2 review See at Amazon Dragon's Dogma 2Some games can make you feel like you're running around like a headless chicken because of poor design choices or unclear direction. Others do it on purpose. Dragon's Dogma 2 is a single-player action-RPG, but Capcom's massively successful game takes many of its best ideas from MMOs. You cannot defeat most of the game's toughest challenges by yourself, and it's up to you to recruit a squad of effective Pawns--both from chance encounters in the world and from other players' games--in order to stand a chance. It can often feel like you stumbled your way into victory rather than carrying out a carefully constructed plan, but that's the beauty of it.Metascore: 86 | Read our Dragon's Dogma 2 review See at Amazon Braid: Anniversary EditionIt's hard to believe that Braid was first released 16 years ago, but time hasn't dulled the appeal of one of the greatest platforming-puzzle games of all time. Its anniversary edition is a must-play for anyone looking to revisit this masterpiece, as the new collection of levels, exquisite visuals, and a completely remixed soundtrack make it an essential classic.Metascore: 86 Horizon Zero Dawn RemasteredIf there's a running theme with PS5 releases this year, it's that remasters have been a major focus for Sony in 2024. Horizon Zero Dawn was already a fun game, but with this new coat of ultra-high-definition paint, the game looks better than ever. Mechanically, it's still the same game, but it's the visual changes across the board that help elevate the first Horizon game into an experience that you'd happily leave running in the background when you feel like showing off your new PS5 Pro console or OLED TV.Metascore: 85 | Read our Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered review See at Amazon Alan Wake 2: Night SpringsThe first DLC pack for Alan Wake 2 is quite unlike the rest of the game, and it also doesn't advance the story in any way; for that, you'll want to play DLC 2, The Lake House. But Night Springs nonetheless serves as a fun diversion from the ongoing story, being composed of three standalone episodes in which you'll play as stand-ins for other Remedy characters and explore some alternative and very meta worlds, all through the guise of episodes of the Warlin Door-hosted TV show Night Springs.Metascore: 85 Dragon Quest III HD-2D RemakeSquare Enix's HD-2D visual style--first seen in Octopath Traveler--has been used to great effect in brand-new RPGs, but it can be just as effective for breathing new life into classic games. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is, as the name suggests, a full-on remake of the classic '80s game, complete with a new character class focused on capturing monsters. It's hard to deny just how well the HD-2D style works for the game's pixel-art visuals, and it gives younger players a chance to experience the classic game like older players remembered it, rather than how it actually was.Metascore: 84 | Read our Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake review See at Amazon ImmortalityOne of 2022's best games only just released on PS5 in January 2024, but it's every bit as worth playing now as it was previously. Immortality takes the form of an unusual game in which you'll discover and piece together footage from live-action films and behind-the-scenes clips by selecting objects within those videos to jump to related ones. What ensues is a mind-warping, non-linear puzzle as you seek to discover what happened to a fictional actress and uncover numerous surprises--be sure to avoid finding out much in advance of playing, as it's a game best played knowing very little about what's to come.Metascore: 84 | Read our Immortality review Thank Goodness You're HereSometimes the most-captivating game isn't one that's flexing radical gameplay or graphical engines that are almost indistinguishable from reality. The games that have a defined sense of whimsy and personality can easily reach the same heights as a AAA blockbuster, and Thank Goodness You're Here is a prime example. More British than being told to keep a stiff upper lip during hard times, it's a short-and-sweet "slapformer" that goes all in on its premise, delivering comedy gold with its absurdist sense of humor and gleefully weird visuals.Metascore: 84 | Read our Thank Goodness You're Here review The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through DaybreakA Metacritic list looking at the best of the year just wouldn't be complete without some Trails representation, and on PS5, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is waving that flag. One of the best entries in the series for newcomers to hop into, Trails Through Daybreak is a surprisingly mature and nuanced action-RPG thanks to its gripping story. Revamped combat systems and colorful anime-inspired visuals add to its appeal, as players fight to save a nation from descending into chaos.Metascore: 84 See at Amazon Fear the SpotlightAs a genre, horror isn't always so beginner-friendly, but Fear the Spotlight is a game that helps address that. On the surface, it's a retro-style ghost story with Clinton-era visuals and classic Silent Hill and Resident Evil gameplay mechanics. But its under-the-radar best attribute is how it's an experience that doesn't ever get too scary. It makes for a great gateway horror for players looking to dip their toes in the genre's waters, but its tale is interesting enough for veterans, too. It's split into two campaigns, and the second one is definitely creepier, but by then you'll be a serious ghosthunter, unafraid of what lurks in the shadows right?Metascore: 84 | Read our Fear The Spotlight review

Electronic Arts can go ahead and mark one potential star player off its list for cover athlete on next year's edition of the Madden NFL franchise. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase revealed during a press conference this week that he doesn't want to appear on the game's cover, seemingly aware of the Madden curse.On X, Bengals columnist Mike Petraglia shared a video clip of Chase where the star wide receiver discusses video games. While he does play Madden, Chase clearly doesn't want to be the game's cover athlete. When asked about the possibility, the NFL's wide receiver leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns replied: "No, I don't want that [knocks on wood]. No."JaMarr Chase was all fun and games talking old school video football games and Madden until the subject of a possible cover came up. No! I dont want that. pic.twitter.com/jfo1P46hgD Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 19, 2024 Chase offered a "no comment" when directly questioned about the Madden curse. However, the Bengals wide receiver was open to appearing on the cover of a NFL Street revival game. CBS Sports recently ran through the data of Madden cover stars for this century (2000-24), finding that 58% of the players were "cursed"--meaning they dealt with an injury or decline in performance. However, the report states that only 25% in the past decade have been "cursed."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Has a horror sequel gotten as much attention as Scream 7? It's been a big few weeks for the upcoming slasher sequel as fans have learned that Courteney Cox is playing Gale Weathers again and there are several other young actors attached, including Isabel May as Sidney Prescott's (Neve Campbell) daughter. Fans also cheered when they learned that Mason Gooding is coming back.

Baldurs Gate 3 has been a monumental success for Larian Studios, achieving widespread acclaim after its full release in 2023. The turn-based CRPG not only revived mainstream interest in the genre but also set a new benchmark for quality storytelling and player freedom. With Baldurs Gate 3 capturing the attention of both PC and console players, the CRPG landscape has never looked more promising.

Splatoon 3 has announced that its winter-themed Frosty Fest seasonal Splatfest event will be coming back next year, with the event starting on January 11. The rerun of Splatoon 3's Frosty Fest event will also have some free rewards, including ones for fans who missed playing the seasonal Splatfest the first time. This is the second returning seasonal Splatfest theme, following Splatoween from earlier this October.

Game Title: Space Marine Two: Wrath of the WarpGenre: Third-Person Action RPGPlatform: PC, PlayStation, XboxOverview: Space Marine Two is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Space Marine franchise. Set in the Warhammer 40k universe, the game places players in the boots of a veteran Space Marine, tasked with saving the galaxy from an even greater threat than before. The story pick

Summary:This article discusses what games even are, what fun truly is and how to see video games beyond the old outdated traditional notion of games being mere time wasting entertainment. It may open your mind to see how video games can be viewed in a completely different light to empower humans, rather than enslaving nor exploiting them.People cant seem to define fun:I want to dispel a common belief that is still prevalent in both developers' mi

'Area 52 - Dark Ambient Samples' delivers 99 dark and mysterious sounds, designed especially for music producers, film and video game soundtrack composers. Created by Bluezone Corporation, this dark Ambient music sound pack offers you the possibility of composing an entirely original project or enriching any production with modern, innovative sounds.Format : WAVResolution : 24 Bit / 96 kHzTotal sounds : 99Price : 12,95 More informati

Every December, heroes and heroines around the superhero world are pulled into unusually seasonal experiences that draw upon their powers of goodwill and cheer as much as their super strength. Its only a matter of pages before Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, Santa Claus, appears and reminds everyone to think good thoughts if they want a happy morning on Dec. 25.You dont want to know quite how many yuletide tales I have in my comic collection and yet despite their overwhelming number, there are those out there who are of the opinion that such stories dont actually count. People firmly believe, in their two-sizes-too-small hearts, that any story in which Superman, Batman, Spider-Man or whoever teams up with Father Christmas isnt actually canon. To those people, theres just one thing to say in response: humbug!Santa is canon. And I can prove it.Santas Big Two comics career actually got started at DC, way back in 1940s Supermans Christmas Adventure. The one-shot teams the Man of Steel and the Man With The Big White Beard against the wonderfully named Dr. Grouch and Mr. Meaney, two old men for whom Ebeneezer Scrooge was clearly a personal inspiration. Christmas Adventure written by Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel, with art from Jack Burnley manages to create a framework that a significant number of later stories would follow, even if they would lack the beautifully purple prose that Siegel offers the lucky reader.Yuletide! Period of gaiety and good will among men! It seems hardly possible that anyone could be so mean as to sabotage such a beloved event, but Dr. Grouch, gloomy killjoy, plans to do just that. And thats just half of the first caption.Across the next 80 years, Santa has shown up in a number of different DC comics, including titles as diverse as Sgt. Rock and The Spectre. He teamed with Superman again in DC Comics Presents (the story is, wonderfully, titled Twas the Fright Before Christmas!). He was given a grim and gritty 1980s makeover in 1985s Ambush Bug Stocking Stuffer (pictured). Perhaps most excitingly of all, he appeared in 1991s Lobos Paramilitary Christmas Special, where he fought off the eponymous Main Man himself after the latter was hired to assassinate Santa by a jealous Easter Bunny (it was all done with an seasonally generous lack of restraint on the part of Keith Giffen, Alan Grant and Simon Bisley).Perhaps the comic that most clearly confirms Santas canonicity in the DCU in the modern era is 2001s JLA #60, Merry Christmas, Justice League Now Die!. The book was DCs biggest superhero title of the time, putting it squarely in what was considered real for the DCU. The majority of the issue is made up of a story Plastic Man tells a kid about a fictional team-up between Santa and the JLA, but the coda features the actual Santa chuckling at what hes just seen seals the deal: Santa is definitively real in the DCU.When it comes to the Marvel Universe, the argument is even easier to make. Lacking a sizable reboot of its lengthy history, every story Marvels ever published featuring Kris Kringle is part of Marvel canon. That includes 1991s Marvel Holiday Special short in which the X-Men discover that Santa Claus is one of the most powerful mutants on Earth Jonathan Hickman, the balls in your court. And 2016s Power Man and Iron Fist: Sweet Christmas #1, where Santa shows up in a flashback, keeping the demonic Krampus at bay years before Luke Cage and Danny Rand had the same gig. Even Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #112, a one-off issue from 1985 where Santa shows up to shame a thief dressed in a Santa costume, is part of the official history of the Marvel Universe.Admittedly, there are some stories where the canonicity can be doubtful; a 1992 short from Marvel Age #109 where Captain America remembers rescuing Santa from the Nazis in the middle of World War II may or may not be part of official Marvel history. Not because of Santas involvement, but because it was one of the generally out of continuity humor strips from cartoonist Fred Hembeck, for example. (It is, however, a great idea nonetheless.) Regardless, Santas place in Marvel canon is pretty secure, given the evidence on hand.So entrenched in the Marvel Universe is he, in fact, that theres even a non-Christmas comic where he appears. 1988s Sensational She-Hulk #8 answers the question of what Santa does when hes not delivering toys around the globe on an annual basis: Turns out, hes the worlds greatest detective, going by the name of Nick St. Christopher a man who, as he cheerfully explains, always know[s] whos been naughty and nice (I cant wait to see how they write this one up in [The Official Handbook to the] Marvel Universe, the fourth-wall-breaking She-Hulk comments as the story ends.)To the chagrin of all super-Grinches out there, the tradition of including Santa Claus in Marvel and DC comics is far from a thing in the past; a 2018 issue of Deadpool sent the Merc with the Mouth after Father Christmas in a story not entirely dissimilar to DCs Lobo special from a quarter century earlier this time, though, it was some disgruntled kids who wanted Santas jolly head on a plate and last years New Years Evil one-shot from DC had an appearance from NiKlaus of Myra, a powerful wizard who was literally Santa using yet another name. Both of those are, it should be added, canonical appearances.As long as there are Marvel and DC comics not to mention the holiday season, although that should perhaps be taken for granted given the context it seems guaranteed that Santa Claus will continue to show up in both universes on an irregular basis, spreading good cheer and reminding audiences that, at heart, superhero comics are filled with ridiculous, unrealistic characters created to bring smiles to the faces of children. For those that have a problem with that, theres a lump of coal with your name on it.Happy holidays, or else.