It recently occurred to us that IGN’s only been around for 30 years. Movies, on the other hand, have been around for a lot longer than that, and so many of them have never been reviewed by IGN. So in the interest of remedying that, frankly, horrific oversight, here comes our first Flashback Review.
We’re starting with director Wes Craven’s genre-revitalizing, franchise-spawning, meta teen-slasher, Scream.
Scream was released in 1996, making it 30 years old today, the age over which we’re supposed to stop trusting people. As one of the most influential horror films of all time, with more ink spilled online about it than blood spilled on screen, it’s a strange thing for the movie to not have an official score here at IGN. As an exercise, it’s just as strange to go back and review a film with the kind of legacy Scream enjoys today. So, for at least this first part, I’m just going to pretend that it’s 1996.
Bill Clinton just won the election for his second term in office, Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” is at the top of the charts and Wes Craven kind of needs a win. He’s coming off of Vampire in Brooklyn which was and, frankly always will be, considered a big ol’ flop. New Nightmare was just before that, and showed Craven’s willingness to break the fourth wall, or at minimum it showed an understanding that it needed to be broken. It’s telling that contemporary reviews of that film largely considered it a self-reflective breath of fresh air in a tired franchise. By and large in the mid ’90s, the bloom was to some degree off the horror movie rose.
So here comes Scream, a meta-commentary on the entire genre. It’s doing all the things we loved about slasher movies in the ’70s and ’80s and also making fun of them, but also it’s made by the guy that made most of those tropes famous in the first place with films like Last House on the Left, The Hills Have Eyes and, most iconically, A Nightmare on Elm Street. All this adds up to Scream having its cake and eating it too. And it all starts with 13 of the best opening minutes a horror fan could ask for.
There’s an argument to be made that puts the opening sequence of Scream up there with the best in film history, not just horror. It would have been a legendary short film if there hadn’t been a whole movie attached to the back of it. It all at once played the hits (preying on youthful fears of being home alone and getting a call from a stranger) and modernized the discourse (quizzing Drew Barrymore’s panicked Casey Becker with a gotcha question about Jason Voorhees’ mom).
The camera work is brilliant as well, floating around the house, subtly tilted and stalking Casey with a slow, controlled steadicam. It pushes into a close-up to punctuate the more frightened beats of her performance instead of always cutting to those close-ups. The edit is just as deliberate, patiently waiting for the right moment to attack, exactly like the actual killer is doing outside. Barrymore plays her fear with a bit of disbelief, her panic with a little anger, while Roger L. Jackson, as the voice on the phone, shifts gears from playful and sexy to deranged and dangerous as he toys with her.
And then she dies.
After being front and center in the marketing, that Drew Barrymore doesn’t make it out of the first scene is wild, but it’s just part of Craven and Williamson’s scheme.
After being front and center in the marketing, that Drew Barrymore doesn’t make it out of the first scene is wild, but it’s just part of Craven and writer Kevin Williamson’s scheme. This opening creates a world that both loves the same movies we do, while deftly crafting a thrilling environment where anybody could be killed next.
Being denied one of the most recognizable faces from the poster for the subsequent runtime, the rest of the film is carried by an ensemble. TV stars Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox head up a group of young actors with plenty to prove on the big screen, but David Arquette’s Deputy Dewey might be the key to the whole thing. While most of the cast capably play their roles as “best friend” or “red herring” or “geeky off-to-the-side guy,” Dewey is a meek older brother, in over his head as a police officer trying desperately to be taken seriously (you could even say he’s trying to play against type). In a movie where subversion of expectations is the whole point, Arquette’s fledgling lawman embodies that theme better than anybody else on screen.
He also speaks to the true and lasting brilliance of this movie, if I can flash-forward back to the present day. The balance of comedy, horror and self-awareness created by Craven and Williamson is Scream’s real gift to cinema. It gave us a film that’s a blast to watch, yes, but that formula hides all manner of sins in a way that keeps the movie from feeling dated. Cordless landline phones and Blockbuster videos are quintessentially ’90s, but they don’t make the movie any less relevant 30 years later. Now, had the filmmakers not doused Scream with a self-referential bucket of meta corn syrup, the movie would have fallen into the same traps that had the genre gasping for its last breaths in the mid-’90s, and been more dated than any number of VHS tapes or Tori Spelling references could manage.
There are dangling logic threads to pull on, like how did one of the two killers sneak into the principal’s office to murder Henry Winkler? Ditto for Ghostface suddenly appearing in a garage that we’ve seen every corner of. And how is at least one of them not covered in beer for the rest of the night after being hit in the face and crotch with full bottles at glass-shattering force? Why is that garage door opener so damn powerful, anyway!?
Most of these questions only arise in repeat viewings. It isn’t until you know the ending and watch it again that you might even ask things like that, nor would you even bother with those questions if you’re charmed by the rest of the film. Ghostface is behind that door because that’s an effective jumpscare for us, the audience, not because it makes any sort of logistical sense in the space and time of Woodsboro. But thanks to the simple fact that these tropes are spelled out and on the nose, Scream gets away with it because that’s precisely the thing it’s making fun of.
Perhaps the most obvious beneficiary of this is Skeet Ulrich’s Billy. As one half of the movie’s central romantic pair, we meet him as he sneaks into Sidney’s room to guilt her into having sex. He holds it against her throughout the film, gaslighting her in moments of real distress and ultimately manipulating her into sleeping with him by the end. The guy is a dirtbag and, with 30 years and who knows how many repeat viewings later, it’s a damn good thing he turned out to be the killer.
But the tone of Scream, the meta-awareness created by Craven and Williamson, is responsible for smoothing that part of the story over to the point that we still talk so lovingly about this movie. This plot would ultimately be pretty forgettable if Scream didn’t have “yeah, that’s what we’re making fun of” to fall back on.
In fact, the whodunnit aspect of the film is probably its weakest element. The red herrings get presented and tossed away right on schedule, characters get killed off in a predictable order (Drew Barrymore’s early exit notwithstanding) and all the tropes that ought to be in a thriller are dutifully present. Ultimately, one could argue that’s a feature, not a bug, and probably be right considering the way each of those tropes is undermined. However, the story of Sidney’s mom and infidelity and the anger a high school boy feels about it (and if you don’t remember what I’m talking about here, that’s exactly my point) is very much not what’s so iconic about the movie.
And that’s the idea behind doing these Flashback Reviews as well. How was the movie received in its original context and how much has time changed its perception? In Scream’s case, with six sequels and three seasons of a TV show out there still slashing, the Scream clones of the late ’90s hot-teen slasher spree, and an entire franchise built around the film’s spoof, it’s hard to understate the impact this movie has had on the zeitgeist. Where meta-slashers are concerned, they did it first and they did it best. Craven and Williamson may well have pulled the ladder up behind them after Scream.
Modder ‘DeadpoolMKD’ has released a new video for Grand Theft Auto Carcer City, showing 10 minutes of new gameplay from it. In this video, the modder flies over the entire map of the game. As such, it can give you an idea of its scale. Grand Theft Auto Carcer City aims to have the biggest … Continue reading Here’s a new 10-minute gameplay video from GTA Carcer City→
Modder ‘WuhanBiohazard’ has released a new mod that lets you unlock all of the game’s extra content immediately. This means that you won’t have to grind in order to get enough cash and buy your favourite costume. For those who did not know, the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3 received a DLC that … Continue reading Resident Evil 4 Remake Mod Lets You Unlock All Extra Content→
Crimson Desert will be released next month, and from the looks of it, it will be the second game to support AMD FSR Redstone Ray Regeneration. This is undoubtedly great news for owners of AMD Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs. AMD FSR Redstone Machine Learning Ray Regeneration is similar to DLSS 4 Ray Reconstruction. This … Continue reading Crimson Desert will be the second game to support AMD FSR Redstone Ray Regeneration→
The weekend is finally here, and new deals have popped up as a result! There are quite a few solid discounts across the board, including savings on Donkey Kong Bananza, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and even a Zojirushi rice cooker. Check out our top picks for Saturday, February 21, below.
Save $10 on Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza was, without a doubt, one of the best games of 2025. It had been decades since DK had received a 3D entry, and Nintendo did not hold anything back with Bananza. This inventive platformer brought the act of destruction, allowing DK to punch and smash his way through any surface on his quest to the center of the planet. You can save $10 off a Switch 2 copy today at Woot!
Ghost of Yotei for $49.99
Ghost of Yotei has hit its first major sale at PS Direct, with copies available for $49.99. This second entry in the Ghost franchise brings a new protagonist, Atsu, plus a new region of Hokkaido. In our 8/10 review, we wrote, "A predictable but well-executed story takes you through Ghost of Yotei's gorgeous landscapes and satisfying, fluid action – it may not be revolutionizing open world games, but it's a great distillation of the samurai fantasy."
Save 28% Off This Zojirushi Rice Cooker
Zojirushi rice cookers are often known as the best brand around, and Amazon has a sweet deal on this model for a limited time. You can save over $100 off this rice cooker, which can hold 1.8 L / 10 cups uncooked rice. This is the perfect appliance for perfect rice every time, or a quick all-in-one meal during the busy week.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Out Now
Nintendo shadow dropped Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition this week, bringing support for 4K60FPS to the 2025 release. The upgrade pack is available now for $4.99 on the Nintendo eShop, with a physical copy due out in April. Unfortunately, there are some visual smoothing and shimmering issues thanks to heavy MSAA use, but Nintendo and Monolith Soft will likely bring a patch forward in the near future to address this.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater for $29.99
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was one of the most faithful remakes of 2025. You can save $40 MSRP this weekend at Amazon, as PS5 copies have dropped to $29.99. With Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2's release set for August, now is the time to check out the Snake Eater remake.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for $39.88
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch, and you can pick up a copy today for $39.88 at Walmart. If you played Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2 and are searching for another adventure with DK and friends, Tropical Freeze is an amazing choice.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for $39.88
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is one of the best Zelda games on Nintendo Switch. This Presidents Day weekend, you can score a copy of the game at Walmart for $39.88. If you're playing on Nintendo Switch 2, you can play the game at 60FPS with a higher frame rate in both docked and handheld modes.
Microsoft has just released a new in-engine trailer for Forza Horizon 6 that showcases its stunning biomes. Players will drive through the highlands, alpine region, coast, mountains, and plains. In Forza Horizon 6, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of Japan while driving more than 550 real-world cars. Your goal is to become a racing … Continue reading New Forza Horizon 6 In-Engine Trailer Showcases Its Biomes→
Modder ‘DarkoRTX’ has released a new HD Texture Pack for the RTX Remix Path Tracing Mod of Grand Theft Auto 4. So, let’s take a closer look at it. This new HD Texture Pack brings enhanced surfaces and improved material definition. Many textures include additional PBR maps, and the modder has made manual refinements for … Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 4 RTX Remix Got Another HD Texture Pack→
If you're looking for DTI codes, IGN's got you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of all the active and working Dress to Impress codes in February 2026 that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in DTI, including outfits and accessories like hats, bags, and jewelry.
Active Dress to Impress Codes (February 2026)
Here are all the active Dress to Impress codes in February 2026 and the free rewards you get for redeeming them:
LIONDANCER - Lion Dancer set (NEW!)
LNY - Lunar New Year clothing (NEW!)
BHM26 - Dress and jacket
CA11MEHHALEY - Bear dress, bear ears, bear onesie
CH00P1E_B4CK_AGA1N - Choopie set rework
2YEARS - Dress
2GETHER - Classic DTI Doll
RDC2025 - Lanyard and belt accessory
VANILLAMACE - Headscarf
PIXIIUWU - Dress
ANGELT4NKED - Helmet
3NCHANTEDD1ZZY - Wand
ELLA - Skirt
1CON1CF4TMA - Sweater dress
MEGANPLAYSBOOTS - Boots
CH00P1E_1S_B4CK: Streetwear outfit set
S3M_0W3N_Y4Y: Axe
KREEK: Bear hat
LANA: White shorts, shirt, and legwarmers
LANABOW:White bow
BELALASLAY: Black jacket with pink halter top
LANATUTU: White dress
IBELLASLAY: Red, green, and blonde hairstyle
M3RM4ID: Orange mermaid set
TEKKYOOZ: White handbag
LABOOTS: Black boots
ITSJUSTNICHOLAS: Black jacket
ASHLEYBUNNI: Bunny slippers
LEAHASHE: Sweatshirt and sweatpants
KITTYUUHH: Black cat
C4LLMEHH4LEY: Puffy dress and bear headband
SUBM15CY: Necklace and eyelashes
D1ORST4R: Bag and bow
All Expired Dress to Impress Codes
Below, you'll find a list of expired DTI codes that no longer work and can't be redeemed as of February 2026:
SWEETHEART (was only redeemable between February 15 and February 16, 2025 at 8AM PT)
YEAROFTHESNAKE
NY2025
WINTERUPDATE(was only redeemable between 8 AM - 11 AM PT on Saturday, 14 December!)
4BILLION
CHOOPIE10K
THEGAMES
EYELASHES
REWARD4CLASS1C
Roblox Gift Ideas
How to Redeem Dress to Impress Codes
Follow the steps below to redeem Dress to Impress codes and claim free rewards in DTI:
Open the Dress to Impress Roblox Experience.
Click on the handbag icon on the left-hand side to open the DTI Codes menu.
Enter your code in the "Type here..." field.
Check for any spelling mistakes or errors.
Click the checkmark icon to redeem the code.
Why Isn't My Dress to Impress Code Working?
If the code you're trying to redeem in DTI isn't working, it's likely because of one of two reasons:
The Dress to Impress code is expired
There's a spelling mistake in the code
When inputting a DTI code in Roblox, make sure it's spelled correctly (for example, a capital I isn't a lowercase l, 0 and not O, and vice versa) and that there are no spaces before or after the code. We'd recommend copying and pasting codes straight from our article to ensure they're correct as we've tested and verified that the codes on this page are working ourselves.
If your DTI code still isn't working after checking for typos, it's more than likely expired and can no longer be redeemed in Dress to Impress.
How to Get More DTI Codes
To get more Dress to Impress codes, the best way is to join the official DTI Discord server. While we check for new codes daily, the quickest way to know about new Dress to Impress codes is to follow the Roblox experience's official Discord server where updates are posted in real time.
We currently don't know of any upcoming DTI codes now that the two-year anniversary codes have been released. We'll update this article once we find out more information on new Dress to Impress codes.
What is Dress to Impress in Roblox?
Dress to Impress is a popular dress-up Roblox Experience available on PC, console, and iOS and Android mobile devices. In it, you put on your best outfit to complete a specific theme and walk the runway in a bid to earn votes from other players and become a top model. As you gain votes, you gain ranks and can access more clothing and accessories, so make sure you're truly dressed to impress! Also, for toy lovers and collectors, you can now pre-order a mystery pack of 2 Dress to Impress minifigures right now for $30 at Walmart.
Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG or making miniatures.
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