What Defines an “Old School” JRPG?
There’s a common assumption that a story starring kids is also for kids, and that a kid’s story is inherently less complex, less nuanced, and simply lesser in quality.
Nick Dinicola
‘Lost Sea’ Wants to Be a Casual Roguelike
Lost Sea is a fun low-impact experience until it remembers that it's a roguelike and rains down swift unmerciful death.
Culture Belongs to the Alien in ‘Spirits of Xanadu’
The symbols that the artifact in Spirits of Xanadu uses are esoteric -- at least for the average Western gamer. It is Chinese culture reflected back at us through the lens of alien understanding.
‘Mirror’s Edge – Catalyst’ Is a Disappointing Racing Game
I come to Mirror's Edge to run along a track, not to look for a track that I can run along. I want to race, not explore.
Even a Slot Machine Can Tell a Story
When done right, a match-three puzzle can be as strategic as any other form of RPG combat, and even a slot machine can tell a story.
‘Doom’ Is Not a Title, It’s a Name
"Doom" is no longer a generic video game title. It's a name, a job description, and a promise.
Sticking It to the Man with ‘SteamWorld Heist’
SteamWorld Heist is a game of little things that elevate simplicity into something blissful.
Combat Is Character Development in ‘Uncharted 4’
In Uncharted 4, combat has changed because Nathan Drake has changed.
‘Uncharted 4’ Still Lets You Play the Way You Want to Play
When I play Uncharted, I don’t want to play efficiently. I want to throw caution to the wind and be irresponsible.
The Freewheeling Fun of ‘Uncharted: Fortune Hunter’
Tomb Raider Go may be the better puzzle game, but Uncharted: Fortune Hunter better captures the spirit of fun and adventure of treasure hunting.
‘One Finger Death Punch’ and the Zen of Combat
One Finger Death Punch puts the art into martial arts.