Gaming – Page 4 – My Life, or Something Like It

Ghoul On 2: The Frightening, 2011-Present

Today we continue our look into the history of horror games, this time focusing on more recent productions.

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Ghoul On! Horror Video Games, Then & Now

Pumpkins are on every post in World of Warcraft and our heroes are dressing up in Overwatch—it’s that time of year to get spooky and break out the horror games.

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Blizzard Releases The Emerald Nightmare

Today marks the unlocking of the first raid to hit the Broken Isles since Legion‘s launch back on August 30th. Normal and Heroic difficulties of the seven boss raid are available to raid teams as of today. Mythic and LFR: Wing 1, will open up next Tuesday. For a full breakdown of all the reasons we’re heading into the Emerald Nightmare today, check out Blizzard’s Raid Preview: 7 Eerie Reasons to Enter the Emerald Nightmare on the official website. If you’ve been itching to take down Xavius since finishing Val’Sharah, you’ll finally get the opportunity.

Also included in this week’s unlocks for World of Warcraft are world bosses and Mythic + 5-man dungeons. In addition to loot, the world bosses will help players earn new artifact appearances via Unleashed Monstrosities, and may even drop hidden artifact appearances for some classes. Additionally, if you’ve been looking for a little more prestige and difficulty out of your 5-man experiences, you can start collecting Mythic Keystones to make your runs just a little more involved. A full preview of the system was also offered on the official website just last week. Some dungeon modifiers include increasing health and damage by bosses (Tyrannical), constant player-damage (Decay), and an all-time tank favorite where tanks generate less threat (Skittish). Various achievements will be rewarded according to Keystone use and progress, in addition to the improved loot the reward system includes.

Finally, for those who run to the beat of a different World of Warcraft drum, today also marks the start of Legion‘s first PVP season. Are you going to start raiding today? Let us know in the comments, or talk to us on Twitter and Facebook.

KH3 Prologue Gets New Launch Date & Trailer

During the 2016 PlayStation Press Conference in Japan earlier today, updates were given on a number of titles. This included Final Fantasy XV, as well as the new PS4 System Software Update. For dedicated Kingdom Hearts fans however, it was announced that the prequel to Kingdom Hearts 3 would be delayed until at least January 12, 2017 in Japan, and January 24, 2017 in North American markets. In E3 2016, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (KH2.8) was originally set for a December 2016 release.

While slipping release dates are not uncommon in gaming production, hardcore fans of the series may worry that this delay will further push the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts 3 down the line. However, the launch of the prequel will hopefully give fans something engaging to tide them over until Kingdom Hearts 3 is released. A new trailer for KH2.8 was launched alongside the announcement, featuring stunning graphical updates to the engine as well as an overview of what’s to come. KH2.8 itself is built from the KH3 engine and will include a new storyline to set the stage for KH3‘s events. The title also includes a remaster of Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, as well as a new side-quest story, Kingdom Hearts Chi: Back Cover.

Unfortunately, Kingdom Hearts fans will have to wait until later this year for further information about Kingdom Hearts 3.

Pokémon GO Updates: August 8th

android pokemon go

If you’ve been playing Pokémon GO, or at least know someone who has been in its thrall the past few weeks, you’ve certainly encountered any number of issues plaguing the global phenomenon. Today, Niantic has taken steps towards solving some of these. The biggest lament of late, other than the shutting down of Pokévision and its like, has been the loss of tracking and a useful “nearby Pokémon” list. In the current patch notes, a variation of the current system is out for testing in the wild by a subset of Pokémon trainers. Accompanying this, according to Niantic, may also be an alteration of the existing Pokémon UI. In addition to general bug fixes, as well as some more detrimental ones, Niantic has added additional dialogue reminders to curtail playing while driving. A dialogue box will now not only ask players not to play above certain speeds, but also to require confirmation from Trainers that they aren’t Poké-driving. Trainers have also been given a one-time use name change option in the latest patch.

While it may not address issues for Trainers like Pokémon disparity in rural vs. urban centres, or pedometer failures, the promise of a return of any kind of reliable in-game tracking option is a welcome improvement.

For full details, please see the current patch notes: version 0.33.0 for Android, and 1.3.0 for iOS.

Images © Nintendo

Sonic Mania Announced on Sonic’s 25th Anniversary

Yesterday at Comic-Con, SEGA announced Sonic Mania, a 25th Anniversary revisit and re-imagining of the classic 2D platformer titles, with all new “core classic gameplay”.

On a recent trip out west, I found myself dusting off my old Nintendo DS for something to do on the plane. One thing I was certain to pack was my Sonic Mega Collection. It’s something I’ve purchased on nearly every console I own that it’s available for in one way or another, but I digress. As I’m sure many other Sonic fans have come to feel, nothing has truly seemed to beat the classics for engagement, gameplay, and general fun. Fans over the years have gotten excited, and ultimately been left wanting, over the multitude of releases that have carried the Sonic the Hedgehog name. Sonic 4 had potential, but lacked the magic of the original titles. Something was… missing.

The debut trailer touts, “a new 2D adventure…new zones…all-new drop dash [mechanic]…the ultimate celebration of past and future.” Players can look forward to exploring the new worlds of Sonic Mania with all three classic characters: Sonic the Hedghog, Miles “Tails” Prower, and of course, Knuckles the Echidna. Elements from Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles have been woven into Sonic Mania in hopes of capturing that lost element from other ventures in the franchise.

While it may be too early to tell from the proposed 2017 release, fans can raise their hopes once more, for a title that may finally deliver a title worthy of the Sonic legacy. Whether Sonic Mania pulls at nostalgia heartstrings, or dazzles the eyes of new players to the franchise, the 25th Anniversary title might be posed for gaming success.

Images © SEGA

This Day In Gaming History: July 12

This Day in Gaming History is an editorial released 2-3 days per week, that takes you on a ride in its custom-built gaming history blue box. We take a look at titles all released on the same day throughout gaming history, while also giving extra facts and anecdotes as available or appropriate. Got a favorite game that you want to learn more about, or perhaps want to see featured on TDIGH? Send angel1573 a message on the forums, or leave a comment below!

While today’s post will be brief (a topic which will be discussed further in coming weeks), its a heavy hitter comes from a franchise which seems to be on everyone’s lips these days. If you haven’t been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ll catch my meaning. Whether or not you’re ready to master what we have in store for you today, it’s time to dive in and go!

CASTLEVANIA II: BELMONT’S REVENGE [JAPAN] (GAME BOY)

Also translated as “The Legend of Dracula“, and not to be confused with the NES game Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, this title was released for the Game Boy on this day in 1991. The second title to be released for the Game Boy handheld, and sequel to Castlevania: The Adventure, it is set fifteen years after the events of its predecessor. Released in color in later versions, Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge was applauded for its inclusion of classic Castlevania items, and weapons, while also making better use of the Game Boy’s hardware than its predecessor. The title follows the story of Christopher Belmont and his quest to save his son and Transylvania from Dracula in newly regenerated human form.

PAC-MAN COLLECTION (GAME BOY ADVANCE)

A compilation of four Pac-Man titles–Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, Pac-Man Arrangement, and Pac-Attack—PAC-MAN Collection was released on this day in 2001. While the first three titles are all classic Pac-Man, and follow general Pac-Man gameplay, Pac-Attack is a falling-block puzzle game much like Tetris, and was originally released for the Genesis and SNES consoles. Due to the small screen of the GBA, players are given the option to view their chosen title in two different methods. In scroll-mode, the field of view automatically scrolls to follow Pac-Man, whereas full-screen shows the entire field of view in miniature form. With the exception of Pac-Attack, the player can tweak various settings such as lives, difficulty level, or bonus life counters, similar to the DIP switch enabled settings in the original arcade machines. The title was criticized for cutting out pieces of music and sound effects, a lack of save functionality, and inconsistencies with the field of view methods. Overall, however, the title was well received.

POKEMON BOX: RUBY & SAPPHIRE (GAMECUBE)

Last but not least, with all the Pokémon Go news since launch, it seems very appropriate that we should look at another Pokémon title. Originally available in North America, and only at the Pokémon Centre in New York City, Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire was released on this day in 2004. More Poke-utility than game, for the days long gone where storage was a massive problem, Pokémon Box allowed players to store up to 1,500 Pokémon from Ruby or Sapphire. It allowed for ease of collection, organization, and searching of said Pokémon, and also allowed players to play Ruby or Sapphire on their TVs. In Europe, the box could be purchased in a GameCube bundle, which included Pokémon Colosseum, a memory card, and a GBA-GB game link cable. The title also facilitated transfer of Pokémon between Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen.

The game also connects with GBA directly, allowing Trainers to deposit their Pokémon without having to trade. Once stored, players can view a spreadsheet-like stat list, featuring categories such as: original Trainer, moves, Pokémon Contest stats, friendliness, and level. Pokémon Box also features a “showcase” mode, which allows players to create a stage from a combination of ten backgrounds, ten stage patterns, and five types of display pieces, alongside one of eight music tracks to show off their selected Pokémon. The title has certain limitations before it can be used with any of they aformentioned Pokémon titles, all of which include having caught at least 100 Pokémon in their in-game Pokédex, plus additional title-specific requirements. After a certain number of Pokémon are deposited within the game cartridge, the player is gifted a Pokémon Egg, which will hatch into a Pokémon with a special move it would not learn normally. This move can be passed down through breeding.

Images © Konami, Namco, & Nintendo

Some other titles released on this day:

Warpman (Japan) – NES – 1985
FlatOut – Xbox/PS2 – 2005
Resident Evil 4: PLATINUM – iOS – 2009

This Day in Gaming History: June 23

Today, we’ll be returning to some classic titles and franchises, household names, and iconic characters in gaming history. Creations of the earliest console wars, their characters continue to be used as symbols for their brands. From the early days of Sonic the Hedgehog, through to a new generation of Mario and Link, let’s adventure alongside our childhood heroes on This Day in Gaming History.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (SEGA GENESIS)

Released simultaneously in North America, Europe, and Australia on this day in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog became the first game of the Sonic franchise. Following the game’s development in 1990, and after deciding on the anthropomorphic traits of Sonic, the team renamed themselves the “Sonic Team” to match their new character. Influenced by the Super Mario titles, Sonic the Hedgehog introduced a new technique to platforming: the ability to roll along curved scenery. Over time, this ability would evolve and become an integral part of Sonic’s gaming identity. The title itself was well received by critics, who praised its visuals, music, and pace of gameplay. The game was also commercially successful, helping to make the Sega Genesis console a key player in its era of console gaming.

In the 1991 holiday season, the Genesis outsold the Super Nintendo by a two-to-one ration, and in January of 1992, it peaked to claim 65% of the console market share. While Nintendo eventually overtook Sega, it was the first time since 1985 that Nintendo did not lead the console market. Sonic the Hedgehog has been ported to various media since, alongside clones and inspired offshoots, including various “animal with attitude” platformers like Aero the Acro-Bat, Earthworm Jim, or Crash Bandicoot.

NINTENDO 64 CONSOLE & SUPER MARIO 64

Launched alongside one another in all markets, on this day in 1996 the Nintendo 64 console and Super Mario 64 were launched in Japan. Initially codenamed “Project Reality”, the design was finalized by mid-1995, but its launch was ultimately delayed until 1996. The console primarily competed with the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, as part of the fifth generation of console gaming. Alongside Super Mario 64, the console was launched with Pilotwings 64 worldwide, and Saikyo Habu Shogi in Japan only. The console was launched in a variety of colours and designs, including limited-edition controllers and systems.

The N64 was highly anticipated and was met with great praise as a result for its power and gaming delivery–allowing for a more powerful generation of games. The system was in high demand upon release, and during its first three days on the market, retailers sold 350 000 of 500 000 available units. However, the decision for the console to use cartridges rather than discs resulted in tapered sales and more expensive games than its counterparts. Ultimately, the N64 remains one of the most iconic consoles in gaming history, not only for its own profile, but also the games released for it.

Super Mario 64 is the best selling game of all time for the Nintendo 64 console, having sold more than eleven million copies worldwide. A remake was launched on the Nintendo DS in 2004, entitled Super Mario 64 DS and features modifications to the original title. The game left a lasting legacy on 3D game design, particularly with camera design and 360 degree analog control. Super Mario 64 is lauded by critics and fans alike as one of the greatest and most revolutionary games of all time.

Countless titles which followed its released were influenced by Super Mario 64‘s design, including: GoldenEye 007, the Grand Theft Auto series, Kingdom Hearts, and countless others. Dan Houser, a prominent figure in the development of GTA, stated “Anyone who makes 3D games who says they’ve not borrowed something from Mario or Zelda [on the N64] is lying.” On May 5, 2011, Super Mario 64 was chosen as one of the 80 games to be displayed at the Smithsonian, as part of the “The Art of Video Games” exhibit which launched the following year.

PHANTOM HOURGLASS (NINTENDO DS) [JAPAN]

Much like the other two (or three if you’re going to be technical) gaming behemoths in our list today, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is another title in a long list of games in the Zelda franchise. An action-adventure game released on this day in 2007 in Japan, it is the fourteenth installment in the greater series, and the direct sequel to the 2002 Gamecube title Wind Waker. The game has been re-released for the Wii U via the Virtual Console in North America as of May 2016. The title features 3D cell-shaded graphics and an overhead camera perspective. Players utilize both the touchscreen and the microphone, alongside traditional controls, to progress the story.

While the title and its gameplay were generally praised upon release, Phantom Hourglass was criticized for its online features. Receiving several industry awards, the game would go on to sell 262,800 copies in its initial month in the U.S. By March of 2008, 4.13 million copies had been sold worldwide. Phantom Hourglass was praised as one of the better games to be launched on the Nintendo DS handheld. While the game changes pace and tone when compared to others like Twilight Princess on the Wii, it remained a worthy successor to Wind Waker. Several websites named it the 2007 Game of the Year for the Nintendo DS, and was listed as such in many mainstream magazines. While a point of criticism for some, the title was simultaneously praised for being the first Zelda title to successfully attract casual players.

Images © Nintendo & Sega

Some other titles released on this day:

Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst (PC) – 2005
Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires (PS3) – 2009
Pokemon Black & White Version 2 [Japan] (DS) – 2012
Batman: Arkham Knight (PC/PS4/Xbox One) – 2015

This Day in Gaming History: June 14th

Things are falling into place today as we take a look at one of the most well known video games of all time, we delve into a Playstation 2 experiment title ahead of its time, and revisit one of the Playstation 3’s best story-driven titles; all on This Day in Gaming History!

TETRIS (GAMEBOY) [JAPAN]

Originally released on June 6th in 1984, Tetris found its way onto the Game Boy on this day in 1989 in Japan. Tetris was the first entertainment software to be exported from the then-USSR to the US, initially finding itself on the Commodore 64 and IBM PC. The title is a popular use of “tetrominoes”, the four-element special case of “polyominoes.” The use of “polyominoes” have been used in popular puzzles since at least the early 1900’s; however, they date back as far as antiquity. The game has been released for nearly every video game console and computer operating system since its initial release, and has frequently been listed as one of the greatest video games of all time. In January of 2010, it was announced that the franchise had sold more than 170 million copies, approximately 70 million physical copies and over 100 million copies for mobile devices.

According to academic research, Tetris might actually increase your brain function and activity. As a user becomes more proficient, their brains show more efficient brain activity while playing. Even moderate playing can result in increased general cognitive function–critical thinking, reasoning, language, and processing. Tetris has been a focus of many other academic studies over the years. The title also inspired a number of film adaptations, including both a short animated film and the live action movie, both entitled Pixels.

PSI-OPS: THE MINDGATE CONSPIRACY (PS2)

Released in North America on this day in 2004, this traditionally-styled shooter incorporated a variety of psychic powers to differentiate itself in the market. Players take control of Nick Scryer, a ‘PSI-Operative’ whose mind has been wiped in order to infiltrate a terrorist organization. He is ultimately captured and must fight his way out, regaining his PSI powers along the way. The diverse set of psychic abilities, and limited tactical choices of weaponry, made PSI-OPS an entertaining excursion from the norm of shooters. It received generally favorable reviews from critics and players alike, but has yet to produce a sequel. The game was listed in 2010 as a game that should receive a sequel, as well as one to play before you die. In February of 2007, producer Midway Games faced a copyright infringement suit from William L. Crawford III who claimed similarities with his screenplay “Psi-Ops”. In December of 2008, Midway won the case, leaving the future of Psi-Ops open for potential revival.

THE LAST OF US (PS3)

Released only in 2013 on this day, The Last of Us is a third-person action-adventure survival-horror title (try saying that three times fast). The title was remastered for the PS4 in 2014. Players use firearms and improvised weapons alongside stealth to defend against enemy humans and cannibalistic creatures. Development of the title began in 2009, shortly after the release of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The central focus of the game lies on its two main characters, Joel and Ellie; all gameplay elements were developed around it. The actors chosen to play these key roles, were also used for motion capture of the characters.

Following its announcement in 2011, the title was widely anticipated, and received wide praise by many reviewers. Its acclaim centered around characterization, subtext, exploration of the human condition, its soundscape, its visuals, and its depiction of female characters. The game’s depictions of violence also became a source of discussion among critics. The title became one of the best selling PS3 games, and is widely considered to be one of the best video games of all time. Following its initial release, developer Naughty Dog released several DLCs as both prequel and sequel chapters. A sequel has been discussed, and is likely to be in development, following the recent release of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, in early May of this year.

Some other titles released on this day:

Arc the Lad: End of Darkness – PS2 – 2005
Eternal Sonata [Japan] – Xbox 360 – 2007
Alice: Madness Returns – PC/PS3/Xbox 360 – 2011
Fallout Shelter – iOS – 2015

This Day in Gaming History: June 11

Thisdayingaming

Today, we’re taking a bit of a curve with our trajectory as we focus on a sole piece of gaming history today: the release of a Nintendo hendheld console, in a long line of handhelds. Let’s take a look at what the GBA has done for gaming history, shall we?

GAME BOY ADVANCE (GBA) – NORTH AMERICA

Game_Boy_Advance_Purple_Model

On this day in 2001, Nintendo released what would become one of the most successful handhelds in gaming history in North America. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the Game Boy Advance was the sixth release in the Game Boy line, including advancements and different versions on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Advance itself also had two additional releases from its original model, including the Game Boy Advance SP released in 2003, and the 2005 Game Boy Advance Micro. The handheld maintained an extensive game collection, as well as a distinguished career run. The system has been supported as late as 2010 (in Australia). The Game Boy Advance is also touted as having one of the best hardware designs in Nintendo’s history for ergonomics and durability. The GBA was initially hinted at as far back as 1996 in EGM as a Game Boy successor being worked on by Nintendo, coded “Project Atlantis.”

The extensive and successful gaming library developed for the GBA following its release was highlighted by a number of well-known titles (some that you can expect to read about here in the future). According to IGN, the top ten of all time include: WarioWare: Twisted (2005), Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2004), Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past with Four Swords (2003), Advance Wars (2001), Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 (2001), Mario Golf (2004), Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island (2002), Final Fantasy VI [re-release] (2007), Metroid Zero Mission (2004), and Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire (2003). Much to the dismay of gamers wanting to revisit old GBA titles, there was a delay in Nintendo deciding to incorporate the Advance into the Virtual Console. Only recently, within the past year, have games begun to trickle into the official emulator. For an in-depth anniversary look at the GBA, check out this feature retrospective.

Some other titles released on this day:

Mario Golf [Japan] – Nintendo 64 – 1999
Bomberman Ultra – Playstation 3 – 2009
Tekken Revolution – Playstation 3 – 2013
LEGO Jurassic World – PC – 2015

Category: Gaming

Ghoul On 2: The Frightening, 2011-Present

Today we continue our look into the history of horror games, this time focusing on more recent productions.

Ghoul On! Horror Video Games, Then & Now

Pumpkins are on every post in World of Warcraft and our heroes are dressing up in Overwatch—it’s that time of year to get spooky and break out the horror games.

Blizzard Releases The Emerald Nightmare

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Steam Takes Steps to Combat Review Inflation

BlizzCon In-game Goodies Announced!

Destiny Corner: Private Matches and More

PS4 4.0 System Update Breakdown

Pokémon Go Update 0.37.0: What’s New

KH3 Prologue Gets New Launch Date & Trailer

Chris Metzen Retires From Blizzard

League of Legends 2016 World Championship Preview

Overwatch FREE All Weekend on Consoles

KH3 Prologue Gets New Launch Date & Trailer

Pokémon GO Updates: August 8th

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Pokémon GO Updates: August 8th

Pokémon Go Now Banned in Iran.

A Response to Pokémon Haters

Niantic Under Fire Over Trespassing Issues

Pokémon Revolution: A Hidden Gem

Pokévision Shuts Down

Pokémon Go 0.31.0 Update

PokémonGO Plus Accessory Delayed

Pokémon GO Team Leaders Revealed

Sonic Mania Announced on Sonic’s 25th Anniversary

Yesterday at Comic-Con, SEGA announced Sonic Mania, a 25th Anniversary revisit and re-imagining of the classic 2D platformer titles, with all new “core classic gameplay”.

This Day In Gaming History: July 12

This Day in Gaming History: June 23

This Day in Gaming History: June 14th

This Day in Gaming History: June 11