Information on the newest Final Fantasy game has been sparse at best. As a long time fan, I drool over anything Square Enix puts out, but for the past five years or so I haven’t had the same hype I used to have. My first PlayStation game was Final Fantasy VII, what many consider to be a masterpiece. However, my favorite in the series is Final Fantasy IX.
Ever since its announcement as Versus XIII, I have been on pins and needles. I agree completely with Square Enix’s decision to change the title, but honestly I am starting to wonder if I’ll ever get to play this game and will be any good.
This trailer puts some of those fears to rest. It shows beautiful gameplay, tons of charm, and a broad scope. This could be the best Final Fantasy game ever made. I only hope that when it comes out it will be worth the wait. Needless to say I’ll have plenty of things to say about it when it finally releases.
Being a writer and literature enthusiast, I’m obsessed with narrative. Through words, we can transport ourselves into other peoples’ lives and experience their worlds. We can visit the abstract and experience impossible things to reach deeper understanding. Because I love stories, I’ve always gravitated towards video games with powerful—or at the very least, central—narratives. Games like Zelda, Legend of Dragoon, and Final Fantasy top my list of favorite games, not because their gameplay is the best or they have the best design or the best graphics, but because I like the stories.
This was one of the first RPGs I ever played. The story is fantastic and the art style is amazing.
In the past six or seven years, the gaming industry has evolved. Gamers have always heard about the success of game developers creating something awesome in a basement and it exploding in popularity, but the ease of which that can happen today is astounding. There are hundreds of game development tools that are easily accessible. Some programs don’t even need coding or knowledge of complex computing languages. In the past, game design was more of a labor of love, but now it’s more of a love of labor. All one really needs for game design is to have an idea and time to bring it to life.
One of the first decisions of Black and White 2.
I’ve always been a console gamer. Sure, I had a few PC games that my poor Dell could barely run, like Mech Warrior and Black and White, but none of those games really stood out or held my attention for long. The story wasn’t as important on the PC, so I gravitated to the PlayStation and Nintendo systems.
Last year, my laptop finally went kaput, even after I had pulled a Frankenstein and truly performed repair miracles. After that, I set out to build my own PC: for me, made by me. After all was said and done, I had a computer capable of all my creative outlets: writing, video editing, etc., but I also ended up with a gaming machine. I was pumped to play games like Skyrim, using mods. Instead, my Steam account slowly filled up with indie games. Now, I scour the internet in search of these brave and new ideas. My machine can play things with superb graphics, but I always end up playing simple indie games, mainly because they often explore new ideas.
Risk of Rain is one of my favorite PC games.
The gaming market is now filled to the brim with exciting new ways to tell a story and for others to experience it. Plus, most of these games are much cheaper than a new game for consoles. Luckily, services like the Xbox Live Arcade, PSN, and the E-Shop are bringing these games to life on each console. Those without a decent PC can enjoy many of these fantastic games. With these games being easily presented to a hungry consumer base, better games are making more money. That kicks off the chain reaction of the right designers having creative freedom and in turn making more games.
Chris Charla applauds the indie movement in his video.
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Motion controls are all thanks to that tiny speck in between his fingers.
Aside from just the ease of which games can be made, the way we play games has also changed. Even though I’ll never fully support motion controlled gaming, I will say that the possibilities that have opened because of it is amazing. Think about someone who can’t or has difficulty using a controller. Think about an older person who didn’t play Nintendo or Atari. The concept of a controller probably goes as far as a remote for the TV. What if people could play the same game or a different game in a way that’s accessible and fun for them? Do you know what we have now? A broader pool of people playing games.
Doom was one of the main reasons work was stalled in offices around the world.
Unfortunately, through the majority of my life, gaming has always been frowned upon by society as a whole, especially with stories that connected specific games to terrible tragedies. The industry was crippled when Doom was blamed for the deaths of innocents. Its a shame that such an impressive medium can be set back by simple media connections. Although, coupled with the negativity is the joy video games can bring. The popular charity Child’s Play has raised over seven million dollars this year. Minecraft is being used in classrooms by educators around the world, myself included at one point.
In twenty years, I’ve been hundreds of heroes, slain thousands of monsters, and saved millions of worlds. What other medium connects the experience with the one experiencing it? Gaming has for a while now.
Journey Sunset by Sawuinhaff
As a medium, let’s explore what’s never been considered. Let’s see what’s never been seen. Let’s play what’s never been played.
Mega-Evolution was thought to be an exclusive mechanic of Pokemon X and Y. Yet, as Nintendo continues to show, haters of Mega-Evolution will have to deal with it, because it’s not going anywhere soon. For those who ignored the newest Pokemon games, Mega-Evolution is a power granted to specific species of Pokemon that pushes their abilities into new levels. To do this, a trainer must have that Pokemon’s Mega Stone. The form lasts for only that battle, but during this time a Pokemon’s strengths, abilities, and even type can be altered. Some Pokemon, such as Charizard and Mewtwo have two mega forms, each with unique attributes.
This mechanic changed the way Pokemon battles were played. A strategic Mega Evolution could change the fate of a match. I frequent a popular browser game called Pokemon Showdown, which focuses solely on competitive Pokemon battles and creates tiers to create a balanced game—it’s basically Fight Club with adorable creatures. When the X and Y mechanics were implemented into the system, it changed everything.
Players began to fear specific Pokemon due to the mere chance that they would Mega Evolve. Last I played, Mega Gengar is still banned and Mega Kangaskahn is invincible. Some trainers hissed at the use of a Mega, while others praised the return of fan favorites in need of a competitive overhaul.
Personally, I love Mega-Evolution. It brought new life into my favorite Pokemon, Charizard. While I loved nothing more than blasting away enemies with a STAB dragon attack, I always thought all this power was temporary. My fears were eradicated with three new games set to be released.
Image from Pokebeach.com
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby
Using Megas in this game came as no surprise. Remaking the first GBA Pokemon games in the X and Y engine needed to support the mechanic as players would undoubtedly want to trade between the two 3DS games. However, the sheer amount of Megas is rather staggering. Already there have been thirteen confirmed Mega-Evolutions plus an additional two (Latios and Latias) that are assumed as hackers have found the items and models in X and Y. Will all these Megas saturate the game? Will trainers think less of Pokemon that cannot Mega-Evolve? In fact, that would make an excellent plot line for a movie or an episode of the anime if it hasn’t happened already.
Honestly, out all the Megas that have been announced, I’m most excited for Mega Marshtomp. Let’s be honest, there have been few internet phrases that reached the popularity of “I herd u like Mudkips.” That, and Mudkip is the first starter I picked on the original Ruby Version. I also have my fingers crossed for a Mega Flygon, but so far all I’ve gotten is a well-done Rick Roll.
Aside from Mega-Evolution, Primal-Evolution has also been added to Groudon and Kyogre. These forms change those Pokemon into their original selves during the creation of Hoenn. These forms are massive and will prove to be overly powerful. Every time I see them though, I always think, “Can’t wait to see Primal Rayquaza!”
Super Smash Bros. 4
The gaming world has known about this for a while. Both Charizard and Lucario will be able to use their Mega forms in Nintendo’s newest brawler. So far, only Charizard X has been seen. While the X form is obviously more popular, it sort of leaves Charizard Y to cry in the corner. Melee favorite Mewtwo has yet to make an appearance, but considering it has two forms as well, I’m going to assume that he (or she depending on what movie you watched) will be available in DLC. Whether Mega-Evolution will be available outside of a Final Smash ability is yet to be known. I’d like to see them as alternate costumes at the least, but keeping them as a killing blow can add to the fear of seeing them evolve.
I guess we’ll have to wait until Super Smash Bros. comes out for 3DS on October 3. As viagra canada prescription has been built and designed to behave as an antagonist to the activities and mechanisms of Generic Actos, one fruitful and genuine anti-diabetic drug that has been advised by the most physicians because of its complex carbohydrate content. Both the problems are quite undesirable because they only make both, men and women, unhappy and deprived from the actually enjoyment of this natural fun cialis generika called sex. Another very effective treatment for erectile dysfunction is something that completely relates to the problem find out for info online generic cialis of impotency. We should stay happy and calm best viagra for women while doing our work and enjoy the special moments with our life partner.
Pokken Tournament
A while back there was a screen shot of Blaziken that many fans thought to be about a new Pokemon game. Others thought that Blaziken may be coming to Smash; however, few could’ve guessed that Namco was teaming up with Nintendo to create a Tekken game with Pokemon characters. It is the most astounding bit of news I’ve heard since Hyrule Warriors was announced. Not only is the idea absurd and honestly stupid on paper, but by watching the trailer I was floored. Pokken Tournament is looking to be an awesome Wii-U port of what will obviously eat the yen of Japanese arcade players. Hopefully, Pokken will come to the 3DS as well.
So far details have been scarce, but Lucario, Machamp, and Blaziken have been confirmed characters. What’s interesting is that Lucario is seen using his Mega-Evolution, which may be used in a similar fashion to Kazuya’s Devil form in Tekken. This leaves me to wonder what other Megas will appear in the final game, if any at all. I hope that a new Mega is shown as a boss on Pokken first and later comes to the handheld games.
Either way, being that I’m both a fan of fighting games and Pokemon, I am conducting the hype train for all things Pokemon. Choo! Choo!
Image by All0412 on DeviantArt
Megas Forever!
When Mega-Evolution first arrived I was a skeptic, although through X and Y, I came to love them for what they are. Mega-Evolution adds new things to Pokemon and frankly the series has been so formulaic that it definitely needed the change. Honestly, I’m not too keen on Megas popping up everywhere, but for the most part I enjoy the new designs and power of these forms. I can’t wait to awaken the dragon as Charizard or turn up the heat with Lucario in a more button responsive game.
Image by Tomycase on DeviantArt
Thinking Mega-Evolution to be a fleeting thing is harder to do when considering the acceptance of the fans. Artists are creating their favorite Pokemon as Megas, many looking to be professional and creative. Modders have even put Megas into other games, like Minecraft and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Many gamers were hesitant like me, but most have grown to love these powerhouses. Gamers can’t ignore that something awesome and new has happened to the series.
Finally, Pokemon as a franchise is trying new things and reaching into places it previously wasn’t. Pikachu is a worldly recognizable character to the point that people are forgetting about Mickey Mouse. Whether its toys, games, cards, or simply a bunch of Pokemon at a soccer game, Pokemon bring all sorts of people together for one thing: fun.
Of course, this also means the world is okay with the forced enslavement and gladiatorial engagement of various creatures, but most overlook that.
Remember that time when your beloved Nintendo DS stopped working on you? Did it break a hinge, crack a screen? Remember how devastated you were when you realized that this was the end of the line for your console—unless you wanted to spend hundreds of dollars getting it repaired by Nintendo? We’ve all been there; it’s okay.
What most of us gamers fail to realize, however, is that the Nintendo DS has got to be one of the easiest consoles to repair yourself. If you have the right tools—tri-wing screwdriver ($0.99, eBay), Philips screwdriver (your garage), and the knowledge provided by this article (free)—you can easily and quickly fix most of the common DS problems that may disturb your gaming experience.
What many gamers fail to realize is that we, as a whole, are a really smart group. Once we set our minds on something, we will figure out how to get it done. How can you set your mind to an idea you’ve never thought?
That’s what happened to me. I had quite a few Nintendo Ds Lites in my life, all of which ended up damaged in one way or another. I had looked up ways to get the problem fixed, but the only repair deals were from Nintendo, and as a 12-year-old, I didn’t really have the $100+ they wanted to fix the broken hinge.
It took me a few years after that to realize that it couldn’t be that difficult to open the DS and repair whatever problem was affecting it. During my time working with the DS consoles, I’ve found that many of the most common issues with the DS are actually really easy, and inexpensive, to fix!
Broken Hinge
This is a more common problem with younger kids and people who aren’t particularly gentle with their devices, though it could happen to anyone.
To repair this, you have to open your DS through the bottom to get to the motherboard, where you will either find that your hinge has slipped out of place, or has cracked. The first can be easily fixed by simply putting them back in place. The second, though, will need a replacement case. You can easily buy replacement housing for the DS on eBay or similar websites—in many different colors—for under $15.
Cracked Top Screen
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Once you receive your new screen, you will have to open your DS completely. That means you’ll have to open it from the bottom, where the battery is. Once you reach the motherboard, you then have to open the top part of the casing. When it opens, you’ll notice that there is a yellow ribbon connecting the top screen to the motherboard on the bottom half of the DS. There is a connector holding the ribbon. CAREFULLY lift up the black flap so that you can pull out the ribbon.
You’ll then see that the ribbon, along with two wires, is threaded through a hole near the hinge, joining the top half to the bottom. Be careful with the wires when you remove the broken top screen; those will stay. First, detach the wires from their places on the motherboard, and pull them through the hole. You can then do this the easy way and cut the ribbon to remove the top screen, or you can thread it back through the hole. Remove the broken screen and trash it. You can now pull the ribbon of the new screen through the hole and put the new part in its place. Slide the wires back through the hole and re-attach them to their spots. Close up the DS and you’re done!
Cracked Bottom Screen
The bottom screen is much easier to replace. This time, you have to open only the bottom half of the casing. You’ll see the motherboard, and below it is the bottom screen. Once you purchase and receive your new bottom screen, take off the motherboard. There are two ribbons attaching the broken screen to the motherboard: one is on the top on the side facing you, the other is on the flip side of the motherboard. Detach them both by carefully flipping up the black flap.
Take off the touchscreen (the clear screen on top of the LCD) and put it on the new screen. Now what you do is repeat the process backwards to put in the new screen.
No WiFi
This issue probably means you have a faulty or broken WiFi board. First, order a new one. Then open your DS to the motherboard. The WiFi board is the green square-shaped thing on the left of the top game reader. Simply detach the black wire attached to it, pull the board off, and replace it with the new one. Then, re-attach the wire and close the DS.
Dead Battery
If your DS won’t turn on, or won’t hold a charge, don’t worry; this is the easiest problem to fix. There is a door on the bottom of the DS with a screw. Unscrew it and open it. You’ll see the battery is in there. When you have a new battery, pry the old one out and put the new one in. Screw the door back on and turn on your DS.
I was given a chance to try out an early build of Graphite Lab’s Hive Jump. The following preview is based on what I have played so far and what I infer from their Kickstarter campaign.
Some of the greatest Science Fiction films are Aliens and Starship Troopers. These movies are filled with rough and tough mercenaries with big guns and bigger attitudes, blasting away monsters that come in droves. Hive Jump is inspired by these elements and is shaping up to be an awesome game.
Pixels have taken over PC gaming since Minecraft’s success and I couldn’t be happier. Hive Jump looks great, combining that beloved retro style with modern techniques. The game utilizes a powerful lighting tool known as Sprite Lamp, adding to the overall tone and atmosphere of the game. Sprite Lamp, the backgrounds, the environments, and the sheer ferocity of the enemies is molding Hive Jump into an interesting piece of Sci-Fi.
Players will be donning the persona of the typical space marine, lugging around heavy armor and heavier weaponry. Each weapon is upgradeable with the goo collected from fallen foes. Adding to the armory are upgrades scattered throughout the maps. Players will have to balance their weaponry while fighting off wave after wave of nasty bugs. There are also plans for a strategic campaign mode that lets players plan out each precise strike.
What I found most interesting about the demo is the speed at which the game attacks the player. While this may not be the case in the final version, I found myself quickly overwhelmed on single-player mode, but that just made me hungry for more bug goo. Luckily, on a respawn, players blast away aliens from the sheer force of their drop into the hive. This is similar to how arcade beat-em-ups would treat coming back to life, and the mechanic fits well into the theme and the gameplay.
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Each weapon feels different and their upgrades are always a treat to use. Although, I did have a lot of trouble using the charge beam; it took way too much time to build into a lethal dose. As I mentioned earlier, these bugs don’t wait around, nope they filleted me out and waited for my clone to drop from the sky. Let’s just say I fed a lot of bugs on my first couple drops.
Unfortunately, the demo lacks the collecting and upgrading mechanics, but I can’t wait to see how those are implemented further. As the game is developed more and more weapon ideas are sketched out. I’m hoping to see TONS of unlockable content including weapons, areas, modes, and characters. Already there are plans to bring Bart from Aegis Defenders into the hives. Multiplayer should also prove to be great, but I hope to see something new come out of playing with friends that I haven’t seen already.
What impressed me was Graphite Lab’s love for other developers. The Hive Jump Kickstarter page actually holds several other games in development. Graphite Lab, unlike most developers, is actually spreading out the spotlight instead of the typical “Look at me and my game! Give me money!” stance. It is humbling to know that these developers aren’t necessarily out there to fill their pockets, at least alone. They’re willing to spread the joy of gaming, no matter who is making the game.
All in all, I can’t wait to see what else Hive Jump will have in store for players on its release. If you need me, I’ll be throwing grenades down the throats of murderous insects. Private Alex of the Giga 304th Battalion signing off.
