Author: Jessica Thompson

Released onto PC, Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, Grand Theft Auto IV was almost immediately hailed as one of the greatest things to come along in video gaming, some calling it “the greatest game ever made”. Such accolades seem like they’re way too far-fetched, but considering just how much content, variety and sheer lunacy developer Rockstar North managed to smash into this title, it’s not surprising. First off, the same basic 3D open world design concepts, replete with all the trappings of its predecessor are found herein. But it is all the refinements, both graphical and gameplay, that ultimately…

When you trace the roots of the 3rd person sandbox revolution to its inception you eventually arrive at Grand Theft Auto 3. To call this game a “landmark” almost doesn’t do it justice. In fact, this title basically opened the floodgates in a thousand different directions, simultaneously upping the ante of what was considered possible while also igniting the imaginations of gamers and developers the world over. Having a large city to roam around in and basically do whatever you like is STILL a very appealing thing, obviously (as clearly evidenced by the overwhelming success of GTA V) and we…

No matter which gaming platform you prefer, October of 2016 brought some remarkable games to the table. Take a look at some of the titles that found their way onto our list of preferred offerings for the month. Battlefield 1 In this first-person shooter, players face the harsh realities of war during the World War I era— a time of bayonets and blood. With the ability to drive a variety of vehicles, Battlefield 1 brings to perfect blend to a FPS title. Furthermore, the visuals are outstanding. The game tells various war stories, each one ferociously action-packed and stunningly realistic, with…

Equipped with the powerful A10 chip, a high-quality camera, stereo speakers, and a vibrant color display that rivals AMOLED screens, Apple’s iPhone 7 remains a formidable device even years after its release. However, to truly harness the full capabilities of this hardware, it’s essential to update your app collection. Relying on older apps means you might not be leveraging the advanced features and performance enhancements that the iPhone 7 offers. By refreshing your apps with those optimized for this model, you can ensure that you’re making the most of your phone’s potential, keeping it relevant and efficient in today’s tech…

Those good old days when you could attach a decade to a console’s lifespan seem over, but don’t let that put you down. We’ve seen Sony dominate with the PS4, which is proving to be the bestselling 8th-gen console, by a distance. However, Microsoft and Nintendo are both ready to mix things up a little. The real question at hand; which console(s) will be best for you? This article attempts to assist you. Let’s get started. Firstly, it seems important to note that Sony is the only company to unveil exactly what we’ll be receiving with their updated PS4 system.…

Finally, there is an .io game that’s not overwhelmingly hectic. Splix.io is a distant relative of Snake, the classic arcade game. Snake challenged players to slither across a grid, eating food and trying not to crash. Splix.io features similar gameplay. But, instead of consuming food, you conquer territory. .io games have drastically grown in popularity during the past year. At first, they were easy to define: free, simple in-browser multiplayer games. Agar.io was the original eat-or-be-eaten .io hit, followed by Slither.io. Since then, slight variations and completely different .io games have been released—some to great success, and others, not so…

From the original Street Fighter to the newest installment of Mortal Kombat, one-on-one fighting games are undeniably fun. Nonstop action, heated bouts between pals, and combo-unleashing AI opponents are integral parts of the gameplay. The longstanding Anime Battle series has been revamped with Anime Battle 2.0. Let’s take a look inside this new fighting game that pays homage to those in its past. The Brawlers Much like its predecessors, Anime Battle 2.0 adds a few new characters to the roster. Toshiro Hitsugaya from Bleach and Rurouni Kenshin are included in 2.0, with authentic outfits and special moves. Speaking of specials,…

The 8th gen gaming console war kicked off back in 2013, since we’ve come to the realisation that Sony has surged ahead with sales, ultimately attracting far more gamers to the PlayStation 4. Attracting more than 40-million gamers to-date, the PS4 is sure to go down as one of the most successful consoles of all-time. However, the two juggernaut companies are ready to mix things up again, providing many consumers with another dilemma. Many used to argue the case of owning both consoles, take the PS3 and Xbox 360 as a prime example. Back then, this made plenty of sense.…

Remember the good old days? You buy a game console and the releases flood in on an annual basis over a 5-10 year period, and that’s without the reminder or expense of upgrading the machine that actually runs the games. Yes, those were the days. However, 2016 is bringing to the table many challenges, which are expected to roll into 2017, but where will all of this take us? This is perhaps the real question and an area we are about to explore. Let’s face it, technology is moving at an insane pace, something that is proving difficult for game…

Introduction: Rethinking the Stigma of Online Gaming “For years, online gaming has been unfairly stigmatized,” says Dr. Lisa Miller, a psychologist specializing in digital media. “It’s time to look at the potential positive aspects.” This sentiment is echoed by a growing body of research suggesting that, far from being a mere pastime, online gaming could be shaping individuals in positive ways. Whilst some video games out there are controversial, most aren’t. Enhancing Cognitive Skills Online games are not just about quick reflexes. “They can actually serve as a form of cognitive training,” explains Dr. James Zhang, a neuroscientist. A study…

PlayStation VR is getting closer by the day, so we’ll soon be able to slip on that headset and find ourselves in another world… right from the comfort of our living rooms. The PSVR peripheral is really anything but; it actually feels more like an entirely new console. It will change the way that we play- and even think- about video gaming, and if it’s successful, it’s going to usher in a whole new era. We’re pretty sure it’s going to have nothing less than major success though, just because the thing is so dang cool. After seeing it in…

As a passionate soccer player and supporter, I’ve played my fair share of sports games. Recently, I discovered FC Barcelona Ultimate Rush. It’s an endless runner that puts Spain’s best athletes in action-packed scenarios. It’s easy to play, not so easy to master, and lots of fun for the whole family. FC Barcelona Ultimate Rush has 3D graphics with photorealistic versions of all-star players. Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Luis Suarez all look unmistakably unique. At the same time, the surrounding graphics in the game are cartoonish, featuring bold colors in kid-friendly environments. This is a great marriage of two…

Modern gaming is all about realism. It’s about replicating an actual experience as closely as possible for someone sitting at home in their comfortable chair. Whether that experience is soaring among the stars in a spaceship, roaming a post-apocalyptic landscape while avoiding zombies, or rocketing through a cityscape in a racecar, the serious gamer wants to feel as if he is really there. In the case of flight or racing games, the realism of the event is easier to simulate— especially if you can afford to purchase and install your very own gaming cockpit. If you get the chance to…

Mafia III is just around the corner (finally!), and there are plenty of reasons to be excited about it. As the title suggests, this will be the third entry in the Mafia franchise, but it is shaping up to be a much different (and better) game than its already-great predecessors. Set in a fictionalized New Orleans, you play as a young black Vietnam vet named Lincoln Clay who works to take down the Italian mob and discover his own place in the New Orleans underworld. In true Mafia style, the story promises to be dark, with heavy themes and a gripping…

Nintendo recently announced that the console that started it all is making a comeback in a big (well, technically small) way. That’s right, the original NES is being re-released, but this isn’t your daddy’s console… Everything You Need to Know The NES Classic Edition, as it’s being called (though it’s also known as the NES Mini), is an adorable little device that fits in the palm of your hand, and it’ll be released on November 11, 2016. It uses a revamped NES controller and doesn’t take cartridges (so your old controllers and games won’t work), and the HDMI cables allow…

Collecting cards was once considered cool, yet today it’s the smartphones that help to dictate what trends are in and which aren’t. This couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to the latest development, Pokémon Go. Greeted with thrill, excitement and controversy, the app is helping to define the very basics within the realm of augmented reality. Many apps struggle to provide the sparkle that can help to introduce a new direction, yet Pokémon Go is one of those rare and unique examples. It’s the app that will have game app developers’ busy thinking. Already greeted with plenty of controversy, Pokémon…

Unless you’ve been living underneath a very large, and heavy rock for the past year, you have probably heard of the 4K Ultra High-Definition TV. You have most likely stood speechless and drooling before a towering 4K UHD TV at your local electronics store; and you have probably watched with excitement as the Ultra HD TV prices began to gradually drop lower, to levels that are more attainable for the average household. But what do 4K HD TVs mean for gamers? We’re predicting that 4K gaming is the next big thing. Before long, you’ll see it everywhere. Why do we believe…

Piranhas aren’t the friendliest creatures in the ocean. Piranh.io, a fresh and bloody .io game, puts players in control of the deadly fish. Amidst a steady stream of ongoing development, the current version of Piranh.io is very entertaining. Let’s dive into the water and see why being a killer fish is so fun. The graphics in Piranh.io are basic, bright, and bloody. The game skews towards a younger audience, with a simple concept (eat or be eaten) and easy controls. On a computer, the mouse cursor guides your fish. You can click for a speed boost and press the spacebar…

Soccer simulations and ultrarealistic sports games get better every year. The top-selling FIFA series relies on current-gen consoles and high-powered PCs to deliver modern graphics. If it doesn’t look realistic, what’s the point? Well, “real” isn’t always best. Super Soccer Noggins, a one-on-one arcade game, takes the world’s most beloved sport in a new direction—and it’s a great one. Right from the title screen, it’s clear that Super Soccer Noggins is different. A towering, big-headed player (who looks quite like Lionel Messi) is pointing and laughing at tiny athletes. Some of the little players are wearing silly costumes, and all…

While it has to be said that the Dualshock controller has done a lot to be perfected over the past few years, there’s just some games that work better with a specialist controller. Among these games are fighters, which can often be hugely affected by the type of controller you decide on. Many argue that you’re best with an arcade stick that allows you to have true control over what your character’s doing. Beyond that, you get to truly spread out your hands across a beautifully crafted board. Let’s take a look at some of the best sticks on the…

When I think of soccer video games, I can’t help but picture the glorious FIFA series. I remember the very first game released—FIFA International Soccer—available on Sega Genesis, Sega CD, SNES, and other consoles in 1993. Every year since then, brand-new FIFA titles have sold extremely well. Practically every new version of the game features upgraded graphics, updated rosters, and modified game modes. Today, full-featured FIFA games are available on iOS and Android, with stunning visuals and smooth animations that utilize modern mobile technology. But are hyper-realistic sports games the most entertaining? I don’t think so. Heads Arena: Euro Soccer…

Not all great games cost $59.99. After all, there are plenty of mobile and computer games that sell for just a few bucks. Gaming portal Poki offers titles in just about every category. Today, we’re taking a look at the best games based on Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe. Whether or not you’re a fan of the animated series, these titles deserve your attention. Gem Bound sends Steven Universe on a harrowing training mission. With the help of the Crystal Gems, he must fly high to become a hero. In this well-designed jumping game, players will learn that faster isn’t always…

It’s the gaming event that the majority of gamers have in their smartphone calendar. Excitement, disappointments and shocks are three ingredients that help to define the event. Rumours can turn into reality and shocks can deliver an electrifying release of joy. But what should we be expecting from this year’s E3 event? Let’s take a look. This year’s E3 event is expected to be more competitive than ever, this is because the three juggernaut console manufactures are all out to impress like never before. Microsoft needs to make some drastic changes in order to accelerate sales and consumer confidence, Sony…

Known for violent, exciting combat and dark, intense settings, the Dark Souls series out of FromSoftware delivers yet another masterpiece in “Dark Souls 3.” “Dark Souls 3” is the spiritual successor to “Bloodborne” and the actual sequel to “Dark Souls 2.” Check out our review of this challenging game. The Beginning There’s a quick tutorial at the beginning for new players who may have just jumped into the series; but for the most part, “Dark Souls 3” assumes that you have played the preceding titles and are somewhat familiar with in-game mechanics and controls. To really succeed against enemies in…

As much as we love getting the games with the best graphics in the world, sometimes it’s fun to find the ones that look as though they popped up in the 90’s. Although we like to explore massive maps and battle with incredibly intelligent AI, we still love a great platformer. Particularly if the basic AI is still following a thrilling story. That’s why we’re always excited to see what indie games are hitting the market and this year there’s so many to choose from. Some could be mistaken for blockbusters. While others are clearly being aimed at a niche…

If the rumors are true, there may be a new video game console on the horizon. This won’t, however, be the Xbox Two or the PlayStation 5, but something somewhere in between. Various sources have hinted that a PlayStation “4.5” is in the works, and while Sony has denied all of the rumors, it’s not unlikely that they’re working on an updated PS4 model. While it would almost certainly have a snazzier name, a new model with improved hardware would allow the upcoming PSVR peripheral to handle better visuals in order to compete with the PC-based Oculus Rift while simultaneously…

Video games and controversy go hand in hand. Whether it’s sexual content or violence, a lot of people find it very easy to find problems with this form of media. The fact that games give players control over the action is the biggest reason for this, in addition to the fact that gaming is very popular with kids. While many of these controversies are seen as people “going too far,” though, there definitely are games out there which make even the toughest, most apathetic players grimace and put the controller down. Here’s a list of the top nine. The Most…

Summer is almost here, which means that we have one more month of good video game releases before the drought starts. Luckily, May 2016 is shaping up to be a great month for the gaming world, with plenty of fantastic titles being released on all three major platforms. There are definitely some duds in the mix (looking at you, Homefront), but if you stick with the titles that we preview below, you should have no shortage of both single player and multiplayer games to play for the days where it’s just way too hot to go outside. In order of…

Whilst I’m a huge fan of blockbuster console games, I also find my time is taken with smaller games that can be accessed through a web browser. What’s more, these smaller games are usually free to play and don’t come with a large price tag as you get from retail based alternatives. The beauty of arcade styled games is that they are easy to understand and are primarily designed for fun. Console games, on the other hand, can require a steep learning curve and are far harder to get stuck in to. With that said, this review takes a look at a…

For those who enjoy a good business sim splashed with creativity, the announcement of both Rollercoaster Tycoon World and Planet Coaster are sure to have been received with excitement. It’s a genre which doesn’t get many large releases, but we’ve seen many amazing examples from the past, take for example, Theme Hospital, Sim City and Rollercoaster Tycoon. Many fans of this specific genre have closely followed the developments of two titles; Rollercoaster Tycoon World and Planet Coaster. The combination of managing a theme park successfully with the creativity of perfecting the most thrilling rollercoaster rides is what entices many to…