Mike Epstein
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael is a New York-based tech and culture reporter, and a graduate of Northwestwern University’s Medill School of Journalism. His gaming, tech and entertainment coverage has appeared on Flavorwire, The Escapist, and Kotaku, among others. If Mike isn’t playing, watching, reading, or writing, he’s probably ... asleep.
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim review
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim review
The PlayStation 4 Slim is the most affordable Sony console this gen. Compact and inexpensive, this is the easiest way to experience the excellent PS4 library.
Xbox One X review: Still the most powerful console
Xbox One X review: Still the most powerful console
The Xbox One X is the most powerful game console, but is that enough to make it worth upgrading? Find out in our review.
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro review: The default choice
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro review: The default choice
Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro is the best console of this generation, but it's pricey, and not everyone will need the upgrade over the great PlayStation 4 Slim.
Nintendo Switch review: The must-have console
Nintendo Switch review: The must-have console
The Nintendo Switch delivers on more new and interesting features than any console in recent memory. It's the most inventive gaming device in recent memory.
‘Far Cry 5’ Review
‘Far Cry 5’ Review
Far Cry 5, the latest chapter in the open-world first-person shooter series, pits you against a religious cult in the U.S., not the government of a foreign country -- and Ubisoft dialed the gore up to 11. It shows flashes of a dark, glorious game, but fails to outgrow the carefree attitude.
‘God of War’ review
‘God of War’ review
God of War offers complex gameplay and mature, nuanced storytelling that far exceeds the games that came before it.
From instant game launches to heroic women, these were the trends of E3 2018
From instant game launches to heroic women, these were the trends of E3 2018
E3 always sets the tone for gaming over the following year. The 2018 show made it clear that games are becoming more diverse both in characters, and in the ways game publishers choose to launch them into the world. Here’s the weirdest, coolest, and most important trends of E3 2018.
The best backward-compatible Xbox One games
The best backward-compatible Xbox One games
There are hundreds of Xbox 360 games that now work on Xbox One. Of course, not all of them are worth revisiting or playing for the first time, but there are many that remain great today. We've compiled 20 of the best Xbox 360 games to play on Xbox One. There's no need to unbox your dust-ridden 360!
‘Battlefield V’ uses World War II to make a thoroughly modern video game
‘Battlefield V’ uses World War II to make a thoroughly modern video game
‘Battlefield V’ returns to World War II, but that doesn’t mean it’s going back to its roots. The franchise’s latest game will double-down on massive battles while adding a staggering amount of character customization. It even offers new building options that seem a nod to ‘Fortnite,’ though with a definite Battlefield flavor.
‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’ review
‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’ review
Assassin’s Creed Origins doesn’t rely on the series strengths, and fails to create new ones. Read why in our review.
Nintendo Labo review
Nintendo Labo review
Nintendo Labo lets children and parents turn cardboard into controllers and toys you control with your Switch. It’s not just a gimmick. In fact, it’s a little bit of magic.
‘Dragon Ball FighterZ’ review
‘Dragon Ball FighterZ’ review
Thanks to a distinguished new developer and incredible art design, ‘Dragon Ball FighterZ’ is the first title based on the anime franchise that everyone should play. The game's fast-paced combat is easy to pick up, too, which should appeal to both newcomers and long-time fans of the beloved franchise.
Playing ‘Fortnite’ on a phone makes me feel old
Playing ‘Fortnite’ on a phone makes me feel old
Fortnite on iOS has a control scheme that we didn’t love, but we’re that’s going to matter to the people who care most about it.
The best demos, betas, and free-to-play games you can try this weekend
The best demos, betas, and free-to-play games you can try this weekend
Here are all of the exciting demos, betas, and free games coming up this weekend, offering hours of entertainment on a budget.
Shadow is a cloud gaming service that wants to make your gaming PC obsolete
Shadow is a cloud gaming service that wants to make your gaming PC obsolete
French cloud gaming company Blade believes its Shadow service can run games just as well as a high-end PC.
Best game of 2017
Best game of 2017
Digital Trends best game of 2017 changed the way we think about games, how we think about life, and, of course, were all incredibly fun.
‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds’ on Xbox One: Hands-on preview
‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds’ on Xbox One: Hands-on preview
‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds’ is not as technically sound on Xbox One as it is on PC. It’s still a great game, but not as polished as anyone would like.
Blizzard’s Jeremy Feasel is putting the war back in ‘Warcraft’
Blizzard’s Jeremy Feasel is putting the war back in ‘Warcraft’
Senior game designer Jeremy Feasel tells us how ‘World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth’ will make the game a more focused experience.
How ‘World of Warcraft Classic’ will bring danger back to Blizzard’s MMO
How ‘World of Warcraft Classic’ will bring danger back to Blizzard’s MMO
World of Warcraft executive producer J. Allen Brack, and senior game designer Jeremy Feasel, talk World of Warcraft Classic.
Even retired ‘Hearthstone’ fans should give ‘Kobolds and Catacombs’ a chance
Even retired ‘Hearthstone’ fans should give ‘Kobolds and Catacombs’ a chance
Lapsed players should take note -- Hearthstone’s new expansion, Kobolds and Catacombs, has a free-to-play single-player mode you must try.
‘Star Fox 2’ review
‘Star Fox 2’ review
‘Star Fox 2’ is the missing link between Star Fox and Star Fox 64, which is fascinating, but does that make it a good game? Find out in our review.
SNES Classic Edition review
SNES Classic Edition review
Can Nintendo’s coveted 16-bit emulation box live up to the hype? Find out in our SNES Classic Edition review!
Is ‘Destiny 2’ any good? For many players, it doesn’t matter
Is ‘Destiny 2’ any good? For many players, it doesn’t matter
Every gamer seems to have an opinion one whether Destiny 2 is good or awful – but with millions already playing, does it really matter?
‘Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle’ Review
‘Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle’ Review
In our Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle review, we explain why Ubisoft’s Nintendo themed RPG may be the most pleasant surprise the year.
New Nintendo 2DS XL review
New Nintendo 2DS XL review
Do we really need another version of the 3DS? Our New Nintendo 2DS XL review will let you know.
How ‘Mario Kart’ inspired ‘Mario + Rabbids,’ right down to Luigi’s death stare
How ‘Mario Kart’ inspired ‘Mario + Rabbids,’ right down to Luigi’s death stare
Ubisoft Milan Creative Director Davide Soliani discusses the ideas behind ‘Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle.’
‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ review
‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ review
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ not only fails to live up to the legacy of director Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element.
‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ E3 2017 preview
‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ E3 2017 preview
Sony, Insomniac, and Marvel are creating their own 'Spider-Man' universe, and they want it to be every bit as big and exciting as any movie.
E3 Schedule: How to watch all of the E3 2016 press conferences live
E3 Schedule: How to watch all of the E3 2016 press conferences live
We've rounded up streaming windows for all the biggest broadcasts of E3 2016 so you can follow along the news as it happens, hassle-free.