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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Last generation, the Xbox 360 was clearly the console king when it came to online features and multiplayer innovations… but these days, Microsoft is definitely lagging behind in the console war. After Microsoft’s CEO left in 2013, many people started to speculate if the technology giant would leave the console game behind for good. After all, One sales are low when compared with the PlayStation 4, and many gamers agree that the glory days of Halo and Gears of War are behind us… so if the Xbox One isn’t selling so well and doesn’t have a lot to offer gamers in…

Read More

Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls are both a different kind of gameplay experience when compared with titles like Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. There is action, yes, but it’s handled in a different way, and gameplay ultimately takes a back seat to story. For instance, when shooting a bad guy, instead of aiming with the thumbsticks and firing with the triggers, you’ll be hitting buttons when prompted while the camera shows you a dramatic view of the action… instead of listening to static dialogue, you’ll be able to choose what you want to say… and when you…

Read More

The Xbox One did fairly well during the holiday 2015 season, but it’s no secret that Microsoft is still lagging behind Sony in the modern day console war. With that being said, Microsoft isn’t giving up just yet. The future holds plenty of promise for the Xbox One, and if the timeline of last-gen consoles taught us anything, we know that it still has another six years to deliver before next-gen consoles start to roll out. So, if the Xbox is to return to the throne of console king, what needs to happen? And more importantly- what is going to…

Read More

If you have already played through the PS4 games you got for Christmas, you’re probably looking for your next escape from humdrum reality. Lucky for you, new PS4 titles roll out almost every month, promising more hours of fun. Let’s take a look at some of the releases coming to PS4 next month. Heavy Rain This adventure game comes from Sony Computer Entertainment and is slated to hit the PS4 on March 1, 2016. It’s a thriller, rated M for complex adult themes. The concept of “bending storylines” throughout the game enables you to shape the course of the plot…

Read More

Note: The version of Metal Gear I played for this review is the updated version included in Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, which I played on PlayStation 3. It’s been a few months now since the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Hideo Kojima’s final game in Konami’s long-running series, and after finally completing the game myself, I decided to go back to the beginning of the saga and play 1987’s Metal Gear for the first time. (And let’s face it, given Konami’s recent behaviour and business decisions, the series’ past is likely brighter than its future…

Read More

Get ready to check out some of the strangest gaming accessories ever invented! From modern mods to old-school treasures, these accessories are totally off the wall. Some of them will make you laugh, some may make you want to cry in frustration, and others— well, we’re still scratching our heads. The Resident Evil Chainsaw Left for Dead 2 might jump into your mind, but no— this baby is designed for the GameCube version of Resident Evil 4. Play the game with it or set it out as artwork. Nuby includes realistic blood splatters all other the device for extra effect.…

Read More

Gone are the days of SNES vs. Sega Genesis; gone are the days of N64 vs. PlayStation… In today’s console wars, neither of the “big two” names are Nintendo, and it’s hurting the company dearly. But Nintendo has a new president at the helm, and after the abysmal sales of the Wii U (10 million compared to the original Wii’s 100 million), their next-gen console NX is going to have to be good, and they know that.The Wii U didn’t do anything revolutionary, and President Tatsumi Kmishima wants to make sure that the NX will… but he’s not spilling any…

Read More

The Console Wars… while not talked about as much anymore they still haven’t ended, though it’s clear that there are really only two contenders left- the XBOX One and the PlayStation 4. While the PS4 has arguably been dominating the field since the consoles were released, another year has passed, so what’s in store for the console titans? In order to determine who wins this year, I’ve looked at four categories- sequels, new IPs, peripherals, and sales trends- in order to come up with a victor. Sequels Microsoft pulled out the big guns last year with Halo 5, while Sony…

Read More

PSVR is almost here, which is a very exciting prospect. Thanks to the Oculus Rift and PSVR itself, VR gaming is truly about to be mainstream, which means there will soon be more virtual reality games than we know what to do with. Sony has already released some details about a few of the big titles that will be releasing alongside PSVR (in addition to a few titles that will be coming out shortly after), and the following look to deliver exactly what you expect when it comes to VR. Ace Combat 7 Is there not a better platform for dogfighting than virtual…

Read More

As we have just entered 2016, it’s worth remembering that this is the year when virtual reality tech is expected to truly take off. After all, we have the Oculus Rift and Sony’s PS VR both launching soon. But the bigger question at play here is – which will offer the best experience for gamers? After all, both are designed for gamers. Of course, if you’re one of the many people who own a PS4, then you’ll be instantly swayed towards getting Sony’s PS VR. However, that will, of course, depend on what price tag PS VR comes with along…

Read More

It’s the latest and most exciting technology to get your hands on, or should I say head, but with a variety of options opening up, which VR headset should you go for? With many factors at hand, it’s important to discover which headset, if any, will be right for you. Let’s take a look at all of the necessary information to do with the Oculus Rift, all of which should help you to make that critical decision. What is Oculus Rift? As I’m sure you are probably aware, Oculus Rift if a virtual reality headset. It will allow the user…

Read More

With many great releases, 2015 has whizzed by leaving with us some memorable game releases. With that said, this year is set to be even bigger. This article takes a look at what will hopefully turn out to be massive titles for PC gamers. Are you ready for more entertainment, action, adventure, creativity and mayhem? If your answer to this question was yes, then please prepare to read on. Planet Coaster Available exclusively on PC with a release date of Q4 2016. This game is for those who love to explore their creativity within the realms of a business-sim. I’m…

Read More

This year has seen many great game releases and even new genres opened, it doesn’t matter which platform you own, you are to feel relatively satisfied either way. Now, 2015 may have been a banner year for some amazing games, but 2016 promises more. And, if you are fascinated, here are some 5 games that helped to define 2015 within their own right… Fallout 4 For those looking for approachable, easy-to-use game, Fallout 4 may not be your good match. But, if you are looking for a game that gives players a rich, fascinating world to explore, then Fallout 4…

Read More

This year has seen some fantastic releases and next year is expected to be even better. With an already jam-packed line-up, here’s a few games that are sure to be some of the highlights of 2016. GT Sport (PS4) The PS4 has a huge amount of games to fit nearly every genre, however, racing games is one area that variety lacks. But this is all about to change with Sony’s elite car racing sim, which is set for release in 2016. Named GT Sport, it will look to provide the most realistic racing sim available on any console. Weather effects…

Read More

The FIFA franchise has been so strong for so long, one could be forgiven for thinking that there’s very little left to review each time the latest version is released. As soon as it comes out, it rocks its way up to the top of the charts and peers down at any rivals from afar without feeling in any way threatened by what they have to offer. Is it the same this year? Well, developers EA Sports are arguably facing their stiffest competition yet in the form of PES 16 and so what, if anything, have they done in their…

Read More

Pro Evolution Soccer and its makers, Konami, have had a bit of a rough ride in recent years, always having to play second fiddle to the bigger, bolder, brassier EA’s FIFA offerings.  The lesser developer may well just concede defeat but Konami aren’t like that – every year’s FA Cup sees so-called giant slayers reign supreme and Konami have clearly set their sights on that title.  So, how well have they done with PES 16 when comparing against FIFA 16?  Do either of them deserve to be, ahem, relegated? The early word from the critics about PES 16 is that…

Read More
PC

If you’re a fan of the Metal Gear franchise, then you’ll be familiar with the complex plots; the latest instalment, the fifth, Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain, unsurprisingly, doesn’t veer from this tradition. There may be people and previous events you thought you understood based on previous instalments, but there are further twists and revelations here which will test your understanding and your mettle. You don’t need to be familiar with the franchise in order to enjoy this one, but it’s fair to say that it will help. Anyway, bring it on, I say. The graphics, nay cinematography, voice-acting…

Read More

Recently I was able to get my hands on the private beta for Duelyst, a tactical, turn based, multiplayer, strategy game by Counterplay Games.  In short the game features beautiful art and surprisingly detailed animations.  There are hundreds (if not thousands) of spells, minions, and equipment.  Most of which are more than just cards and come to life as detailed characters or objects on the battlefield.  Throw on top of that one of the most thrilling soundtracks that will bring you back to the battlefield just so you can get hyped by the music, even if you’re getting your butt…

Read More

You could have colored me surprised this morning when I read that adult women represent the largest gaming demographic. Oh stop it, not because of any sexist thoughts on my part, but maybe because of some clichéd ones. At first I guessed the study that came up with the results was from some unrepeatable source, but nope I was wrong on that front too. This study came from The Entertainment Software Association, which is (in case you didn’t know) the trade association for the video game industry and the body that organizes E3, the biggest expo in the industry. So…

Read More

Who are you and what are you working on? My name is Janice, I’m a (musical)theatre actress and a singer, majored in university in both Theatre and Mediastudies. Growing up as a kid with the SNES and the Playstation, one of my dreams has always been making my own game(s). Some of my favorite games include Star Ocean, Xenogears, Suikoden, Breath of Fire, FF7/FF8/FFT, Lufia and Seiken Densetsu. I’m currently working on a polished-up version of Escalia. Before that, I was working on Startide. Janice – President of JENBO Productions Why did you want to become a game…

Read More

The XBOX 360 was, and is, iconic for so many reasons. It’s the first console, in my opinion, that gave us true multiplayer and online functionalities. It became the obvious choice for those who wanted the best ‘connected’ experience. Then came along the beginning of 8th gen gaming… Then came the big question: XBOX One or PS4? As an XBOX 360 gamer, I thought that it would become an easy choice, after all, both consoles would be evenly placed, right? Wrong! The choice became somewhat harder after seeing the 2013 announcements. After all, the PS4 looked better in more ways…

Read More

Who are you and what are you working on? I’m The Dink. I mean, that’s my internet name anyway. You can call me Joe. I always have a project in mind but right now I’m primarily a student with a nearly full-time job so that keeps me busy and mostly unable to pursue my hobbies/enjoyment/dreams.   What is Half-Off Hero? It’s my entry for the IGMC this year! It’s an Adventure, Visual Novel, RPG, with a comedic storyline. At least I’ve been told it’s funny? Humor is subjective and all that. Of course, it’s more than that too I…

Read More