Tag Archives: ps4

Final Fantasy XV: It’s been a long time coming…

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.

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Those words help heal the wounds that Lightning left.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnDxg2afpCE&w=560&h=315]

The Future of Storytelling: A Response to the Thoughts of Chris Charla and Benedetto Vigna

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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.

For more on these thoughts, check out the Future of Storytelling’s Video Series.

The Console Wars: E3 2014

Everyone is probably wondering who “won” E3. Microsoft brought game after game with impressive demos and trailers. Sony boasted that their camera was optional and showed some really impressive titles, even showing how fun and unscripted a demo can be. Nintendo brought to life the dreams of children with games made of yarn and clay, and toys that can come to life. All in all, this year’s E3 was better than last, but if I were to pick a “winner” I would have to give it to Nintendo.

Image from IGN.com
Image from IGN.com

Now, while I’m sure many disagree, let me defend my stance. Even in the early days of the Super Nintendo, major franchises and characters have been given many sequels and spin-offs. Who knows how many Mario and Zelda titles gamers have played over the years? In the coming year, Nintendo will continue to bank on their major characters; however, the creativity they’re putting into these games to make them feel unique is what really impressed me. I’m actually excited to play Hyrule Warriors, a game many would think is a Dynasty Warriors clone. Dynasty Warriors is by no means a perfect game to emulate either—often plagued with repetition. However, the fact that Nintendo is taking this risk is what makes it cool. I had a similar experience with Pokemon Conquest on the DS. The game was by no means perfect, but the different approach to one of my favorite franchises was refreshing and interesting. I can’t wait to try out Yoshi’s Wooly World, simply because it feels different and familiar at the same time. Not many games capture that feeling and the fact of the matter is only games can capture that feeling.


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Yet, the true winners at E3 are the gamers. Developers slave for years to bring gamers the best entertainment our world has to offer. Each year brings new technology and innovation. We are privileged to be able to fabricate these experiences that are almost impossible to have. When was the last time you spent the afternoon strolling through a dark forest in search of a dragon’s cave? When was the last time you saved the planet from an alien invasion with most advanced weaponry available? When was the last time you huddled in a corner, wracked with fear, while an ogre sniffed the air in search of a meal?

Screenshot from futurismic.com
Screenshot from futurismic.com

For me, it was yesterday in a video game.

Alex’s Take: Sony E3 2014

The PS3 was the most powerful game system of the last console generation. It boasted better graphics, more disc space, and free online play. In fact, the only thing keeping me from the PS3 was its initial high price point. When the PS4 released with a lower price tag than the Xbox One, I knew something awesome had happened at Sony.

Sony’s  live press event this year continued last year’s jabs at Microsoft. It wasn’t nearly as often or mean-spirited like last time, but their jokes still had the crowd rolling. Many new titles of established franchises were shown alongside a few unique ones. PlayStation Now and PlayStation TV were also discussed, but several questions still remain.

The biggest game discussed was Bungie’s Destiny, which was told to have more bonuses and will overall be better on the PlayStation 4. In fact, Sony will be offering a white, 500 GB PS4, bundled with Destiny and 30 days of PlayStation Plus on September 9th later this year. Furthering this almost awkward love for Sony, PS4 owners can play the Alpha test starting June12; the beta tests will hit July 17th and Destiny will be released on PS4 first.

Following Destiny was a mysterious game, The Order: 1866. This game appeared on the cover of Game Informer, blasting out of hiding to woo gamers with its strange and dark art direction. Gameplay footage shown at Sony’s press event proved to be intense. The player, instead of a flashlight, held out a lantern with a single candle guiding his way. Stumbling upon an obvious zombie, the character stared in horror as it devoured some poor sap. Then, the zombie transformed into a Mr. Hyde-esque creature that chased the player and slapped him around.

Screenshot from stage demo
Screenshot from stage demo

All seemed bleak for the hero, until the magical triangle button appeared on screen. Lucky for the hero, the player hit that button, giving the hero the will he needed to take a health potion. While the art direction and story is intriguing in The Order, I wish quick quick-time events would fade away.

This range downtownsault.org order cheap levitra includes Kamagra tablets, jelly, soft pills and many more. Back pain is the greatest buy viagra for cheap common symptom of TB of backbone. Products rich in zinc include cheese, brown rice, turkey, beans, female viagra buy browse that yoghurt made from raw milk. It can help you promote better 100mg tablets of viagra respiratory and circulatory functions. Sony used contrast to their advantage. After every dark game was a charming one. The most charming of these was Little Big Planet 3. I’ve never really been into Little Big Planet, but I’ve always wanted to give it a shot. Games that allow players to create and share content have always been appealing, but what really blew me away was learning that all the levels that have ever been created from the last two games in the series (according to the folks behind the game is over 8 million) will be playable in full HD on Little Big Planet 3. That’s way more levels than any game has ever had at launch. Not only that, but also with the addition of three new characters, each with their own abilities, players can augment levels they made in the past to fit those characters.

Several games were given the remake treatment. Alongside a new film trailer, the original Ratchet and Clank is getting remade for the PS4. This won’t be an average graphics update either. Sony boasted that the game will get all new assets and set pieces, making the game the best it could ever be. Grim Fandango, a point and click adventure of the past, will also be getting a remake. The crowd exploded at this news, making me feel bad for never playing it. Other games being ported to the PS4 include The Last of Us and Grand Theft Auto 5. Feeling a bit jaded, the PS Vita will be receiving Minecraft and several of the indie titles with its big brother.

There were some shining gems in the press event. Of course there were several sequels and things we’ve seen before, but these games showed a uniqueness not seen in the others. Entwined is a beautiful game about two spirits in love and is available now for $9.99. Bloodborne, the darkest game shown, could be a super-spiritual successor to the Dark Souls franchise. ABZU comes from the makers of the award winning Journey. No Man’s Sky, creates a first person space adventure that lets the player take off to visit other planets. Sony ended their event with a trailer for Uncharted 4, presumably the last game starring Nathan Drake or as I like to say Indiana Croft.

While they didn’t show as many new games as Microsoft showed, Sony did put on a good show. Personally, I think a little too much time was spent on services and television shows. I was even more depressed when absolutely nothing was shared about Square Enix’s big sequels: Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts 3, two games that will force many gamers to buy a PS4.

Screenshot from Warosu.org
Image from Warosu.org

 

 

Indie Alert: Ray’s the Dead

Honestly, I’m tired of running away from zombies: tired of constantly looking over my shoulder while desperately searching for scarce weapons and safe shelter. I want to be a zombie for once. Ragtag Studio will give players the chance to be the feared one in Ray’s the Dead. Just in case you haven’t heard about this game (or Ragtag Studio), here is a quick preview.

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You play Raymond La Morte: a poor zombie just trying to figure out who he was, why he died, and why he has the power to control other zombies. As soon as I read “Ray . . . builds a diverse zombie army . . . ,” I was instantly sold. Using the light bulb stuck in his head, Ray can raise other zombies from their graves, recently killed humans, and even dogs. There are different zombie types, each type comes with its own skill set, which will help Ray figure out his past. Reminds me of Overlord (thought I was going to say Pikmin, right?), being able to command an army of skilled minions and have them do your dirty work.

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With a mix of action, adventure, stealth, and strategy, there is no concern of boredom. Players will have to use their zombie infantry to overwhelm and take down humans, avoid dogs, destroy objects, and solve puzzles. During his quest to get answers, Ray will uncover interactive flashbacks. These playable flashbacks will help restore Ray’s memory and reveal the events that led to his death.

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If you hate the ’80s, you’re screwed (and crazy). Ray’s the Dead is set in the ’80s where you will see familiar faces and places, and hear a soundtrack inspired by the wicked (yes, I’m lame) decade. Even the color scheme of the game is totally ’80s.

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I’m definitely looking forward to Ray’s the Dead‘s release on PS4 and PC this year (unfortunately, a release date has not been announced). I know it will not only be fun—you know, having and army of zombies and stuff—but the story will also play a huge part, and that is always important.

You can learn more about Ray’s the Dead on its website and Steam Greenlight. Don’t forget to show your support by following and liking Ragtag Studio on Twitter and Facebook.