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  • Borderlands 3 Preview: A Billion Guns

    Borderlands 3 Preview: A Billion Guns

    Gearbox really needs a win after the fiasco that was Battleborn. That ill-fated first-person MOBA was unfairly stacked against Overwatch at a point in time when “hero shooters” were at their peak popularity. Thankfully, Borderlands 3 seems poised to put Gearbox back on the map as a developer. A game that promises a billion guns is exactly what they need right now.

    Borderlands 3: Step Back into the Borderlands

    The New Vault Hunters

    Four new Vault Hunters are taking up the mantle from the previous protagonists. This time around, we’ve got beastmaster FL4K, secret agent Zane, Siren Amara and heavy-gunner Moze. Each of these Hunters comes with unique skill trees and class abilities, not dissimilar from prior games’ protagonists. Each of them can be customized to granular details, meaning no two Vault Hunters will be the same.

    Unmitigated Mayhem

    This time around, the game promises even more massive boss battles, wacky enemies and exotic locales. While previous entries were land-locked to the planet of Pandora, that’s not the case this time around. In BL3, players will begin aboard their spaceship, the Sanctuary III, a starship capable of traveling to distant planets.

    In order to get a break from the drab, sandy locales of Pandora, the galaxy will be the player’s oyster. Traveling to new planets, seeking out countless recently opened Vaults and cracking bad-guy skulls will be the main attraction. Oh, and there will be “a billion guns,” according to Gearbox. Awesome.

    New Loot System

    Speaking of those guns, you’ll be happy to know that players get individualized, instanced loot now. That means your buddies can’t just swoop in and grab up the best guns before you get a chance to grab them. On that same token, players will also no longer be punished for playing with their higher-leveled friends.

    If you join a friend at a higher level, their enemies won’t just smash you to bits. Instead, you’ll each do normalized damage to the bad guys, and vice versa. Also, you’ll each see level-appropriate loot, which means that there are less barriers to playing with buddies now.

    Of course, if you preferred the old style, you can turn on “classic mode” to enjoy the old-school Borderlands loot system. In either case, Borderlands 3 will be landing on PS4, Xbox One and PC on September 13th, 2019. Are you excited?

  • Emulation, ROMs and the Future of Video Games

    Emulation, ROMs and the Future of Video Games

    Emulation, the process of writing code that plays video games outside of their originally intended hardware, is of somewhat murky legality. It’s quite popular among video game enthusiasts to download emulators and ROMs, or the raw code that makes up a video game. However, the legality and morality of such emulation is still a contentious topic in the industry. Let’s unpack it.

    Morality, Legality, and “Ownership”

    What’s Legal?

    Officially speaking, emulators and ROMs aren’t illegal. Downloading ROMs of games you don’t own, however, could be considered illegal file sharing. Making ROM backups of games you do own isn’t an issue, though, as it’s your property. What about downloading games you do own, but don’t have the equipment to back up? There’s no clear legal answer to these questions.

    What’s Right?

    Moreover, many emulation enthusiasts have noted that their hobby isn’t hurting anyone. If a company isn’t selling a certain older game anymore, someone downloading a ROM of it isn’t cutting into anyone’s bottom line. This issue comes up often with Nintendo, as the Big N is often hesitant to release their older games in an easy-to-acquire manner.

    Nintendo holds that, since their games are their property and theirs alone, it’s up to them how they distribute it. Someone making a ROM of a game they own and then distributing it over the internet steps on Nintendo’s rights, in their view. Whether or not they are actively selling a game is their call, and someone trying to bypass them could hurt future sales of a rerelease or remaster.

    Preservation

    Preservation of older eras of gaming is a big part of emulation. Many emulation enthusiasts have noted that, without their work, many games would simply be lost to history. Some games exist in only certain regions in some configurations, while others were simply distributed in small numbers and are very hard to find.

    Modern gaming presents many concerns in this field. As physical media becomes less popular and companies push their digital sales, many emulators worry that large corporations will hold the keys to gaming history. If a game is only released digitally, it’s impossible to make a backup of it. What happens when the company that released it decides they don’t want to host it on their servers anymore?

    Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

    The always-online nature of modern gaming means that ten or twenty years from now, gaming experiences you once had will simply be a thing of the past. For a modern example, look at games like Halo 2 and World of Warcraft. Halo 2’s revolutionary multiplayer was unavailable for years after the servers shut down before being recreated in the Master Chief Collections.

    Likewise, the always-updating World of Warcraft bears little resemblance to its launch build. Demand for the “vanilla” version of the game has become so high that published Blizzard is now working on a “Classic WoW” release that promises to be largely the same experience that gamers once had in 2004.

    What this means for the future of gaming, however, is that the companies that own these games will be the ones to make these calls. If a company has no desire to make a prior version of their game available, that’s the end of the conversation. No one can bust out a prior build on a disc or cartridge like with the prior generation of games.

    In short, the modern gaming landscape is shaping up to be more disposable, more temporary and more ephemeral than any era that’s gone before. What have we gained by giving up the older methods of distribution? Convenience and always-updating experiences. What have we lost?

    Potentially, we may have lost the ability to track the history of this very medium we love.

  • Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Unveiled at Star Wars Celebration

    Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Unveiled at Star Wars Celebration

    The newest video game from EA-owned Respawn entertainment was unveiled at the annual Star Wars Celebration over the weekend. The game, titled Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, will center on the events immediately following the execution of Order 66 in Episode 3.

    Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

    The Darkest Times

    Respawn explained that the time period following the fall of the Jedi at the hands of the Emperor fascinated them. As such, they wanted to set a story in this largely untapped area. Getting a feel for the dangerous, grimy world of a post-Jedi galaxy was important to the studio as they created the game.

    Single Player

    The game, in a turnaround from other EA Star Wars games, will be single-player only. Likewise, it will include no loot boxes or progression outside of in-game advancement. This news is reassuring to players who have grown tired of the normal trajectory for these games, such as Star Wars Battlefront II.

    Protagonist

    The protagonist of the tale, Cal Kestis, is a Jedi Padawan who narrowly avoids being executed by Storm Troopers during the carrying out of Order 66. Cal goes on the run and tries to dodge the Purge Troopers, a specialized order of Storm Troopers who root out surviving Jedi.

    Cal is compelled to complete his Jedi training as he stays on the run from the Purge Troopers set after him. The notably World War II-inspired nature of the Purge Troopers and their harrowing hunt for Jedi will provide a dark backdrop for the story as it unfolds.

    Release Date

    The game will be released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on November 15th of this year. Expect to see the game promoted heavily in the lead-up for Episode IX, which recently got a trailer and a name reveal. Episode IX, Rise of the Skywalker, will release a short month later, on December 20th.

    In the meantime, we’re excited to see this project shape up. This will mark the first major single-player Star Wars video game since The Force Unleashed.

  • Top Ten Dreamcast Games of All Time

    Top Ten Dreamcast Games of All Time

    Twenty years after the release of Sega’s final home console, many people in the modern era look back at the Dreamcast with a bittersweet feeling. While the system was the final time Sega released new hardware, it was also well ahead of its time and something of a powerhouse in 1999.

    Today, in honor of the upcoming twentieth anniversary of the system’s American release, we’re looking at the top ten Dreamcast games of all time. From fast-paced action games to off-the-wall puzzlers and everything in between, the Dreamcast was quite the special system.

    Top Ten Dreamcast Games

    10. Rez

    Rez, a trippy, otherworldly shooter that is equal parts rhythm and bullet-hell, showed us just how creative games could be. The journey the player undertakes is equal parts strange and wonderful, engrossing and beautiful all at once.

    As you kill your enemies and avoid damage, the world around you morphs and becomes less wireframe and more psychedelic. It’s a great experience, one you should definitely seek out if you love off-the-wall gaming experiences.

    9. Jet Grind Radio

    The cell-shaded, streetwise anthem of disobedience called Jet Grind Radio (Jet Set Radio outside of the States) blew critics away when it launched. The funky soundtrack, slick presentation and fun roller-blading movement system all make the game an awesome experience even today.

    While the first game was partly overlooked by American gamers, the series got a second chance with the sequel, Jet Set Radio Future, which made its way to Microsoft’s Xbox a few years later.

    8. Crazy Taxi

    Sega was known for its bold, in-your-face philosophy. Their commercials once screamed “SEGA” at full volume, for crying out loud. Crazy Taxi was like a crystallization of Sega’s 90’s ethos. Driving recklessly, crashing around turns and getting your customers to their destinations as fast as possible were all encouraged. In fact, the game gives you bonus points for driving in the most dangerous way possible!

    The gameplay is still fast and fun to this day. While the controls are a bit clunky and ridiculous today, the sheer over-the-top hilarity and pure video game fun remain timeless. Both the original game and its sequel were released during the Dreamcast’s short lifespan, so the two games are synonymous with the system.

    7. Power Stone

    Before Super Smash Brothers really sank its teeth into lovers of party fighting games, there was Power Stone. The fast-paced, 3D combat of the quirky fighting game was fresh and fun in 1999 and hasn’t aged a day in 2019.

    Gameplay is centered on brawling with opponents using the environment and your character’s skills. As the fight goes on, you and your opponent fight over Power Stones that drop randomly on the map. If you collect all three Power Stones, you enter a powered-up state and can really take the fight to the opposition!

    6. Skies of Arcadia

    The Blue Rogue air pirates are a quirky bunch, reminiscent of the best Final Fantasy characters. Skies of Arcadia wears its inspirations like a badge of honor, clearly displaying its love of Final Fantasy in its visuals and gameplay. The storyline is gripping and well-plotted, and you’ll find yourself dying to find out what happens to the crew.

    The game is packed full of fun characters, secrets and more. The turn-based combat is an exemplary representative of the best the RPG genre has to offer, too. If you love games like Final Fantasy 7, you owe it to yourself to try this one out.

    5. Marvel Vs Capcom 2

    The definitive version of this arcade classic came out on Sega’s Dreamcast. Marvel Vs Capcom 2 plays like a dream, with silky-smooth framerate and gorgeous character models. The game has superb balance, with each character displaying well-defined strengths and weaknesses.

    The fun of watching Spider-Man and Ryu take on Wolverine and M. Bison never grows old. If you’re a huge fan of the MvC series, you should hunt down and old Dreamcast and a copy of this game. It’s well worth the effort to play the series’ most definitive entry!

    4. Ikaruga

    This binary shoot-em-up is all about switching back and forth between two polarized modes. When your ship is white, you’re immune to white projectiles, but black projectiles damage you. The opposite is also true, making the game a fast-paced exercise in switching, ducking and weaving.

    Ikaruga sports slick and stellar visuals, fun gameplay and a great soundtrack. It’s largely considered one of the best shoot-em-ups ever, and for good reason. This is one of the best games of all time, system notwithstanding.

    3. Sonic Adventure

    This game’s cutscenes and voice acting have aged about as well as milk, but that doesn’t stop this from being a wonderful game. The visuals are stunning for 1999, the gameplay is as fast as the series namesake, and the tunes are decidedly great.

    This is the Blue Blur’s first transition into 3D graphics, and it’s executed rather well. Some clunky camera controls and wonkiness is to be expected of any 3D Sonic game, and this one is no exception. However, this game still makes for a fun time, especially when playing as Sonic and Tails.

    2. Soul Calibur

    The legend of Soul Calibur will never die! This masterwork of a fighting game is unparalleled in the genre. No other fighting game has presented weapons-based gameplay in such a well-balanced and undeniably fun package. Simple to pick up, tricky to master and a visual feast, Soul Calibur is Namco-Bandai’s strongest case for their fighting game dominance.

    This Dreamcast exclusive may have been released on a doomed system, but the soul still burns! Numerous sequels have kept the legend alive, and today the name Soul Calibur is connected with top-notch gameplay and production values.

    1. Shenmue

    The best game on the Dreamcast and one of the biggest game releases in history is Shenmue. This unusual, decidedly Japanese game, is more than a little weird. The grand scope of Ryo’s revenge mission to find his father’s killer is underscored by the closely intimate nature of the game’s open world. Characters have schedules and hobbies, interests and distinct personalities.

    The gameplay is a mix of open-world exploration and Virtua Fighter-style fighting. Uncovering the mystery of your father’s death is the driving goal, though you can just waste time in the arcade playing Hang-On if you want.

    The groundbreaking graphics, well-penned story and silly, endearing voice acting have given Shenmue a near-legendary status. The sequel, Shenmue II, was released on Xbox in North America, though it saw a Dreamcast release in Japan and Europe. The series has been in limbo for years, though the creators promise the Shenmue III will be out sometime soon.

  • Apex Legends Tops 10 Million Players

    Apex Legends Tops 10 Million Players

    EA has had a surprise bit of good fortune with the release of Apex Legends, the newest game in the Titanfall series. Despite being free-to-play, battle royale, rife with microtransactions and bereft of giant mechs or wall-running, this “Titanfall” game has now seen 10 million players since its release last week. Color us impressed!

    Apex Legends Tops 10 Million Players

    The Formula for Failure

    We’re going to be honest on this one: we had written Apex Legends off the moment we heard about it last week. To be fair, who could be blamed for thinking this unusual game would succeed? After no press run-up and little buzz, EA simply dropped a Battle Royale game to go toe-to-toe with the big gods, Fortnite and PUBG.

    An EA-published free-to-play shooter with microtransactions sounds like the perfect storm of things gamers don’t usually like. To top that off, the game is marketed as being in the Titanfall universe, but none of the series’ titular mechs make an appearance. Even more egregiously, the signature parkour free-running of prior games isn’t on display either. Yet, the game seems to be rather popular.

    The Formula for Success

    It turns out, tight gunplay, excellent visuals and fun cosmetics are all you need to make a free-to-play shooter fun. Even EA’s dismal reputation couldn’t sully the hard work of developer Respawn, and the genuine passion they have for their IP.

    The lack of press leading up to the game’s launch may have been better PR than having any info come out. As it stands, naysayers can simply play the game now and see that it’s great, rather than prophesizing doom and bemoaning EA’s business practices. All of this is quite surprising, but a welcome surprise, to be sure.

    Later this month, EA’s next heavy-hitter, Anthem, will hit store shelves. If Apex Legends is anything to go by, Anthem may just blow us all away. Here’s hoping that EA-published shooters with this level of polish and detail become the new norm. We’ll take all the great games we can get!

  • Red Dead Redemption 2 Multiplayer — How to Get in the Beta

    Red Dead Redemption 2 Multiplayer — How to Get in the Beta

    The Red Dead Redemption 2 multiplayer beta is live now! How can you get in on the Wild-West action? Today we’ll tell you how you can join in the fun and what to expect. It’s time to get back on the horse and ride off into the sunset for an awesome adventure.

    Red Dead Redemption 2 Multiplayer Beta

    rdr2-online
    YouTube

    How to Join

    The RDR2 multiplayer beta is live today, November 26th. If you bought the Ultimate Edition of the game you’re able to jump in to the wild multiplayer now. If you don’t have the Ultimate Edition, don’t stress! Those who played the game on launch day can jump into the action starting tomorrow.

    If you played the game before October 29th you’ll be allowed into the beta starting on November 29th. For everyone else, you can join the beta starting on November 30th. That means everyone will be able to gunsling and gamble in the Wild West by the end of November.

    Why the Slow Roll-Out?

    Rockstar had some serious issues with GTA V’s online servers. The launch of that multiplayer was a bit of a mess, with servers overtaxed and failing in a big way. Thankfully they learned from that experience and are planning to keep history from repeating itself.

    The slow roll-out of the beta allows Rockstar to keep an eye on the servers as traffic increases naturally. That way there’s less likelihood that the servers simply crash under the weight of the traffic. Considering that RDR2 sold more than 17 million copies there will certainly be some serious traffic to those servers.

    What to Expect

    Once you’re able to hop into the beta you can expect some excellent action to keep you entertained for ages. Exploring the huge open world with your friends is sure to be the largest draw. Hunting, fishing, gambling and getting up to no good will be favorite pastimes of players in the open world.

    Bank robberies, knocking over trains and holding up rival posses will certainly be popular activities as well. Aside from free-roaming, we expect to see dedicated lobbies for proper modes like deathmatch and team-based game modes.

    Not to mention poker, blackjack and other gambling side-games that are sure to make an appearance. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Top Ten Nintendo Console Redesigns

    Top Ten Nintendo Console Redesigns

    News broke last week regarding the possibility of a redesign for the Nintendo Switch. From the very first Nintendo console, the Game and Watch, console redesigns have been a huge part of Nintendo’s business strategy. Today, in honor of the potential new Switch, we’re looking at the top ten Nintendo console redesigns!

    Top Ten Nintendo Console Redesigns

    nintendo
    Stuff

    10. NES Top Loader

    This interesting, late-life NES upgrade actually hit in 1993. Strangely enough, this console redesign came after the release of the SNES, seemingly to keep up with demand for the then-outdated NES console. It also sports a redesigned controller that mirrors the look of its successor. Not to mention, it paved the way for many redesigned consoles to come over the years!

    9. Gameboy Pocket

    The first major rework for the mega-popular Gameboy handheld, the Gameboy Pocket is adorably small. This tiny little handheld slims down the bulky profile of the original in clever ways. For one, it sports less “dead space” in its design, utilizing a smaller board. Additionally, it is powered by two AAA batteries instead of four AA’s, like its older brother. This means shorter battery life, but smaller profile for pocketing!

    8. New Style SNES

    In 1997, a year after the N64’s release, Nintendo realized they could copy the success of the NES Top Loader with the SNES. So, in the twilight of the SNES’s popularity they released this smaller, more affordable configuration. By ditching some features, like LED power indicators, Nintendo was able to make this a budget option for the holiday season.

    7. Wii Mini

    While the N64 and GameCube skipped redesigns (in the West, at least) the Wii Mini returned to the tradition. This tiny update for the Wii released shortly after the Wii U released in 2012. It had to leave a lot of features out to achieve its tiny size, including GameCube controller ports and SD card support. However, the result is adorable and affordable all at once! It’s somewhat collectable, as well, since it had such a short shelf life.

    6. Gameboy Color

    One of the most well-known console redesigns of all time, the Gameboy Color was part rework and part successor. Oddly, many games in the Color library could be played on original Gameboys. However, the Gameboy Color is most well-remembered for its stellar lineup of exclusive games. Namely, Pokemon Gold and Silver could only be played on the Gameboy Color!

    5. Gameboy Micro

    The Gameboy Micro followed in the footsteps of the Gameboy Pocket a short nine years later. This time, the miniaturized Gameboy Advance system returned to the horizontal form-factor of the original but incorporated a backlit screen and exchangeable faceplates. Adorably, it sports lower-case letters on it’s A and B buttons, which just makes us happy. Additionally, it includes a headphone jack, which was a much-requested feature.

    4. DS Lite

    A much-needed redesign for the original DS (DS Phat, as it is affectionately known,) the DS Lite sports a slimmer profile and brighter screens. It also features a longer battery life! Many felt as though the buttons on the original DS were too small, and the DS Lite addresses this concern as well. The Lite was the first of many DS redesigns, though.

    3. Nintendo 2DS

    The 3DS has a huge library of kid-friendly titles, but its price was somewhat prohibitive. Additionally, the stereoscopic 3D functionality can be damaging to the developing eyes of children. To address both concerns, Nintendo sidestepped the issue entirely and released the ultra-budget Nintendo 2DS. The resounding success of a console reinvigorated sales of Pokemon, Mario Kart and the like for the 2013 holiday season.

    2. New Nintendo 3DS

    Released in 2014, the New Nintendo 3DS has an unfortunate name and an interesting design. Adding a nub-like C-stick and two extra shoulder buttons, the New 3DS nearly replicates the control scheme of home consoles. This move somewhat predicts the Switch about three years before its launch. The New 3DS also boats more RAM, and as such has exclusive games that take advantage of the updated graphical capabilities.

    Gameboy Advance SP

    The very finest Nintendo console redesign comes courtesy of the Gameboy Advance SP. The folding, clamshell design cleverly cut the profile down significantly while also protecting the screen and buttons while pocketed. Additionally, this redesign sports a backlit screen and a rechargeable battery. Really, with the exception of a headphone jack, the SP is the definitive Gameboy Advance model.

    If the updated Switch is as much of a masterclass in industrial design as the SP, we’re excited to see what Nintendo has in store!

  • Best-Selling Video Games of All Time

    Best-Selling Video Games of All Time

    Video games have come a long way from being considered little more than kids’ toys. Now classified as a proper art form, video games have outsold many other forms of entertainment media. After all, who doesn’t love a good video game? With that in mind, today we’re looking at the ten best-selling video games of all time. The one at the top may surprise you!

    Best-Selling Video Games of All Time

    10. New Super Mario Bros

    Photo Credit: Amazon
    Originally released for the Nintendo DS in 2006, New Super Mario Bros was a return to 2D platforming for everyone’s favorite plumber. This game went on to sell 30 million units! In large part, that number was bolstered by the huge install base of the Nintendo DS. It also helped that Mario’s adventures tend to attract a large audience, and the game was heavily promoted by Nintendo. It didn’t hurt that the original entry in this series is higher on this list, either!

    9. Pokemon Red and Blue

    Photo Credit: GameRant

    Originally released in 1996 on the Game Boy, Pokemon became an international phenomenon. Spurred on by the success of its anime and card game adaptations, “Pokemania” swept the nation in the late 90’s. Nintendo really reaped the rewards on this one, with the game selling 31 million units. If you say you haven’t heard of Pikachu, you’re lying. More than 20 years later, this series is still going strong. Also, if you’re noticing a Nintendo theme developing, get used to it: these guys have sold a ton of video games.

    8.  Wii Sports Resort

    Photo Credit: Fandom

    The 2009 Wii Sports Resort was released as a follow-up to Wii Sports. It sold a solid 33 million units! Not quite as impressive as its predecessor, but still quite the performance. It just goes to show how much people love waggling their motion-controllers at the TV screen.

    7. Mario Kart Wii

    Photo Credit: Nintendo Soup

    Did we mention the Wii sold a ton of units? Well, the Wii sold a ton of units. Mario Kart Wii, which released in 2008, went on to sell 37 million units itself! It was largely bolstered by the massive install base of the Wii and the promise of motion-controlled steering. Motion controls were really all the rage back in the late 2000’s. It was a weird era, kids.

    6. Super Mario Bros

    Photo Credit: Emulator Online

    While this game was originally released in 1985, you’ve definitely heard of it. Chances are good you’ve played it. This mega-popular smash-hit made Nintendo a household name and redefined video games. Super Mario Bros, released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, sold 40 million copies and introduced American audiences to Nintendo. It’s hard to believe that’s been 30 years ago, now!

    5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

    Photo Credit: Microsoft

    The youngest game in the Top Ten, by far, is PlayerUnkown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG. Originally released for the PC in 2017, the game is actually a mod of a game called Arma. The unpolished, buggy mess that is PUBG has somehow managed to sell 50 million units, which really goes to show that concept beats execution. PUBG’s chief competition, Fortnite, would likely make this list if it wasn’t free-to-play. However, as the game is free, it’s impossible to chart sales numbers.

    4. Wii Sports

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    Packed-in with the Wii, Wii Sports released alongside the console in 2006. This entry represents the first huge jump: while PUBG has sold 50 million copies, Wii Sports sold 83 million. To put that into perspective, it sold more than double what the original Super Mario Bros sold. That’s crazy! Like we said, people really love waggling their motion-controllers at the TV screen!

    3. GTA V

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    A relative newcomer to the top ten, Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013 for a multitude of platforms. It broke several records for fastest-selling entertainment media within 24 hours of its release. This massive, sprawling and ambitious title rode high on the successes of the previous entries in the franchise. After the juggernaut that was GTA IV, it only made sense that the fifth entry would blow everyone away. Get this: the game sold 95 million units across all platforms. That’s more copies sold than units of the Wii. Talk about a mega-hit!

    2. Minecraft

    Photo Credit: Minecraft

    Oh, come on, you knew this game was going to be near the top. In fact, we’re betting you expected it to be the very top. However, this game has sold an absolutely absurd number of units across its various releases. Since its release in 2011, the game has sold 144 million units. From its numerous releases on nearly every system imaginable, the game has been a huge hit. Turns out, we’re all just big kids who want to play with Legos.

    The Best-Selling Game of All Time: Tetris

    Photo Credit: deadlabour.com
    Yup, Tetris is still the highest-selling video game ever. By a tremendous margin. It’s telling that the highest-selling game on the list is also the oldest in the top ten. Released in 1984, the game has sold over 170 million units. The main factors behind the game’s enduring success include its huge release window, having been introduced in 1984 but popularized by a 1989 Game Boy release. The game also saw releases on various home computers and systems and remains a best-seller even today.

    Versions of the ever-popular game are still for sale on phones and game consoles today. Is it lonely at the top, Tetris?

  • Top Ten Video Game Controllers

    Top Ten Video Game Controllers

    From the very first home video game console until today, nothing has defined a system more than its controller. The original Atari 2600 was well-known for its joy-stick controller, and Nintendo has made a name for itself as a controller innovator. Today, we’re taking a look at the ten best video game controllers of all time and what they did for the industry. After all, you’ve got to have a bridge between yourself and the game world that works well!

    Top Ten Video Game Controllers

    10. NES

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    The original NES controller is truly a thing of beauty. The first of its kind, the NES controller defined what a home console controller could look like. The cross-shaped D-Pad was much more comfortable and easier-to-use than the joy sticks that had been common before it. The buttons are clicky, the design is solid, and the build is sturdy. All-in-all, this controller serves as a blueprint for every innovation that comes after it.

    9. SNES

    Photo Credit: SNES Controller

    A huge leap from the NES Controller, the SNES controller featured a rounded dog-bone shape and shoulder buttons. It also included two more face buttons, X and Y, solidifying the cross-shaped face button alignment. This excellent controller paved the way for ever more to follow.

    8. Original PlayStation

    Photo Credit: Nostalgia Fix

    Largely a take-off on the Super Nintendo controller, the original PlayStation controller adds two more shoulder buttons and ergonomic grips. That ergonomic design is largely to thank for the design of nearly every controller that followed! It wouldn’t be until the DualShock released that Sony really defined modern controllers, though!

    7. N64

    Photo Credit: Stone Age Gamer

    The N64 controller’s trident-like shape is truly awful at a glance, and this controller hasn’t held up at all over time. However, it was highly influential at the time. Namely, this controller is remembered for its analog stick. The analog stick was critical for games like Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time to function properly. Navigating a 3D space in a video game wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without the analog stick!

    6. Wiimote

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia

    Speaking of innovative Nintendo controllers, let’s not forget the Wiimote. The Wii was one of the highest-selling consoles of all time, due in large part to its controller. Utilizing motion-controls and a unique remote-style build, the controller appealed to non-gamers. It could be augmented with add-ons like the Nunchuck and Pro Controller for more intense games. Mainly, though, it’s for waggling at your TV.

    5. Mouse and Keyboard

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    This one might seem like a cop-out but bear with us. Some of the greatest video games of all time have been made for PC first and foremost. After all, games have to be made on computers, too! Try playing a MOBA or real-time strategy game on a controller, for instance! In fact, many will argue that first-person shooters are immensely easier to control with mouse and keyboard. There are plenty of people who would use this tried-and-true setup over any gamepad.

    4. Xbox 360

    Photo Credit: Windows Report

    Long considered a golden standard in game controllers, the Xbox 360 controller was a big deal. While other game systems had experimented with wireless controllers, the 360 came out of the box with one. The 360 controller is largely a synthesis of what worked in the DualShock 2 and Xbox controllers. Then, add a dash of wireless control and responsive, analog triggers and you’ve got a fantastic controller. Pretty much every system released after 2005 has had a controller like this available.

    3. DualShock

    Photo Credit: Lukie Games

    After the success of the PlayStation and introduction of 3D games to the system, it was time for a new controller. Sony introduced the DualShock as a follow-up to their original gamepad, and it was a hit. The dual-stick setup and rumble function were both revolutionary. In the modern world, it’s impossible to think of controllers without the influence of this excellent gamepad. After all, Sony’s still using pretty much the same controller two decades later for the PS4.

    2. Joy Cons

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The Nintendo Switch has a pretty incredible suit of technology at its disposable. Chief among the system’s innovations are the Joy Cons. These controllers allow for a modular, shifting style of play that makes the system tick. Whether hooked into the sides for handheld play or detached, these motion-sensitive controllers blow us away. You can even use one on its side if you want to share them with a friend for 2-player! If you’re a fan of more traditional controllers, you can even snap them into the Joy Con Grip.

    The Best Controller: GameCube

    Photo Credit: Video Game Wizards

    The GameCube controller is the longest-running controller in history. Originally debuting in 2001, the controller is a class-act in ergonomics. The C-Stick is a little small and awkward, and the D-Pad is adorably tiny, to be fair. However, the analog triggers and satisfying buttons have stood the test of time. After all, Nintendo is still producing these controllers, and you can even use them on the Nintendo Switch. That’s some serious staying power!

  • Flop Ten: Worst Marvel Video Games of all Time

    Flop Ten: Worst Marvel Video Games of all Time

    When it comes to superheroes and awesome stories, no one beats Marvel. However, their characters don’t always translate beautifully to video games. While some of their video games have been awesome (Spider-Man 2 comes to mind) others have been downright awful. Today, we’re taking a look at the worst Marvel video games of all time!

    Worst Marvel Video Games of all Time

    Uncanny X-Men 1989

    Photo Credit: Defunct Games
    NES games weren’t well-known for their stellar graphics, but usually you could at least tell where you were able to walk. This ill-conceived X-Men title barely functions as a game, let alone an X-Men game. A generic, top-down shooter, the worst part of this game is how bland it is. Even selecting different X-Men characters barely changes the gameplay and functions more like a palette swap.

    Iron Man 2008

    Photo Credit: The Astute Gamer

    Tie-in games with Marvel films rarely fare too well with critics. This 2008 Iron Man tie-in is no exception. Featuring odd voice work and weird character models, this game is entirely awkward. Gameplay is stiff and far too easy, resulting in fights with no tension or drama. For how awesome the movie was, this game is a disappointing adaptation!

    Spider-Man 1982

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Spider-Man has been the start of countless video games throughout the years. This early-80’s game, released for the Atari, was one of his earliest appearances on a home system. Unfortunately, it’s also a buggy, frustrating mess. The gameplay is repetitive, featuring Spidey trying to land pixel-perfect web shots to climb buildings. Instead of, you know, just climbing up them with his superpower. The best thing about this awful game is its hilarious cheesy commercial.

    Punisher No Mercy

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The term “uninspired” is overused in video game criticism, but it’s so often exactly what a game is. This bland shooter has all the charm of a Call of Duty title without the polished mechanics or engaging gunplay. Without a solid narrative to pin down the single player campaign, you’re left with just the multiplayer. Sadly, even anything more interesting than a CTF mode or King of the Hill is missing in this boring 2009 shooter. Oh well, maybe Frank’s next game will be a winner!

    Incredible Hulk 2008

    Photo Credit: Gamepressure

    For how awesome the MCU is, it had its fair share of terrible game tie-ins early on. The Hulk, for his part, controls like a slab of green meat on ice skates. Punching enemies is dull and makes nearly no impact. Destroying environments in repetitive missions isn’t fun or satisfying the way it should be. You feel less like an unstoppable force of nature than like a kid in a fake cardboard town. Everything is just so… flat.

    Thor, God of Thunder

    Photo Credit: NY Daily News

    Thor is awesome, and so was his first movie outing in the MCU. Unfortunately, as was the case for all MCU game tie-ins, it’s middling at best. Combat is stiff, and the camera actively fights the player. Missions are rarely explained well, and the player is often left lost or stumbling. The narrative, which vaguely follows the film’s plot, is convoluted and hard to keep up with. Really, this one isn’t so much bad as it is overly mediocre. This one’s better off left with the blown-up remains of Old Asgard.

    Fantastic Four 1997

    Photo Credit: Forces of Geek

    For being as awesome as they are, the FF sure do get crapped on a lot outside of comics. The four awful films they’ve been crammed into and this stinker of a game haven’t done the team any favors. In this side-scrolling beat-em-up, you control one of the four members of the team. It doesn’t really matter which one, as they’re all identical in game, despite their vastly different powers. The enemies have far too much health, the levels go on forever and boredom comes standard. If you can make it through this slug-fest you’ve got the patience of a saint.

    Silver Surfer 1990

    Photo Credit: YouTube
    Speaking of games that try your patience, here’s one that does so for a very different reason. Silver Surfer, much like the Fantastic Four, has not gotten a fair shake outside of comics. He’s a cool character: tragically flawed, tormented and endearing. His video game adaptation, however, is an overly-difficult, cluttered mess. Each level is rife with obstacles that only become apparent after they kill you. The core gameplay isn’t awful, but it’s hardly worth slogging through the absurd difficulty curve.

    Amazing Spider-Man 2

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    ASM2 was effectively the emblem of superhero film mediocrity. Sony dropped the ball in numerous ways with the film, one of which was the equally middling video game tie-in. This game wouldn’t exactly be described as bad, per se. Instead, it’s disappointing for how close it comes to being good. The end product, however, feels like a stitched-together series of half-finished gameplay concepts. Thankfully, the 2018 Insomniac take on the wall-crawler has come to wash the bad taste of this one out of our mouths!

    X-Men Destiny

    Photo Credit: IGN

    The most disappointing Marvel game of them all, however, is the abysmal X-Men Destiny. Hailed as revolutionary before release, the game promised a lot. One such promise was a custom player character. Another promise held that the narrative would change based on player decisions.

    However, upon release, these claims were found to be greatly exaggerated. The game’s story is boring and player choice is near meaningless. What’s worse, player characters are selected from pre-generated templates instead of being original creations. That’s really the opposite of what fans were excited for with this one. Since its release, X-Men fans are cautious when it comes to any video game rumors or speculation.