At some point the video game industry diverged in a pretty major way, throwing developers apart and seemingly moving in different directions altogether. For example, you had people creating titles for largely stationary hardware, like PC’s and video game consoles (which tend to be more powerful, obviously) and those that saw the rise of handheld gaming as the next step forward. Now, everything’s starting to merge back together, where games that were once only found on immoble consumer machines making the jump to mobile platforms, one port at a time. Sometimes it even seems as if we’re headed for a…

Any time you label something as “the official” game you know that it’s going to come under a lot of scrutiny, especially when it is supposed to represent an international sporting event. The critics have wasted no time in tearing the game in question here (MXGP) completely apart, but does it really deserve that?   The truth is, this title is a fine example of solid racing action which blends realistic simulator mechanics / physics with some occasional arcade-like mechanics. In the end we’re left with a title that does exactly what it says it does and more. Even though the…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21fkIhnL06c

Nowadays, games that let you run virtual businesses are certainly nothing new.   There are lots of different options out there, allowing you to manage all sorts of different things, from amusement parks to zoos and even railroad industries. If you’re currently a fan of business sims or suspect that you might like the sort of gameplay they provide, the most recent hot news on your radar probably pertains to the upcoming release of Rollercoaster Tycoon 4. However, many might not realize that the man behind the rise of the genre itself, Chris Sawyer, has stated that he’s not going to…

It’s all been said before, of course, but the Call of Duty franchise has really transformed what people expect out of mainstream first-person shooters. Just when you think they’ve gone as far as they can, finalized gameplay in such a way as to have completely explored all the fundamental methods of creating and maintaining action, they shift and take things in a completely new direction. While it might sound like hyperbole, the truth is that Advanced Warfare is an amazing game with so many great refinements and polished touches that it’s almost revolutionary. Notice the word “almost” there…clearly, other games…

Looking at the recently revealed sales figures of current 8th generation consoles, it’s clear that the PlayStation 4 is the most popular choice out there with 10 million units sold vs. Xbox One’s 5 million. However, does this really mean we can so easily dismiss the One altogether?! Of course not, the truth is the One is an amazing machine in its own right, replete with all sorts of perks which add to its overall appeal. In fact, it’s sort of foolish to think that only one type or brand of console could totally satisfy every gamer out there. In…

Certainly the wheel has played an integral role in the formation of modern society; maybe it could do the same thing for your video game driving experience, no? Let’s get this straight – if you want to further immerse yourself in a video game driving experience then there’s really no better way to do so than to use a steering wheel. Sure, keyboard controls or even a controller is fine, heck, it might even work out better for SOME, but most will agree that an actual control wheel can’t be beaten, if you’re really into racing games, that is. Of…

It’s no secret that video game consoles developed by current modern standards aren’t really lasting as long as their predecessors did. This isn’t to say that they’re less developed or technologically inferior, of course, quite the contrary. In an odd twist of fate, the more progress we seem to make the faster our creations appear to be outmoded. Even still, there are many dedicated users of now obsolete consoles who would disagree with any notions about lifespan altogether. New generations of gamers are actually taking to the retro scene as if it were the main attraction, sometimes even avoiding the…

With extremely powerful new consoles out there, replete with amazing lifelike graphics and all sorts of expansive games offering incredible potential and options, one has to wonder why retro gaming is so popular right now. While it might seem as though this trend has been built upon a few simple notions, the truth is that it is a fairly complex situation that features influence from multiple angles. We’re about to take a long, hard look at all of the major factors which have turned the retro scene into what it is today, from top to bottom… Don’t forget about economics…

If you’re too young to have experienced Nintendo’s great N64 console and you have a thing for retro gaming, then you most definitely need to check out what it has to offer. It burst onto the scene in a big way when it was first released, with titles like Super Mario 64 basically expanding the Nintendo brand outward into 3D realms. Similarly, runaway hits like Goldeneye: 007 helped it to sell quite well while creating new legions of FPS fans in its wake. However, there were a ton of OTHER games released for this historic machine which even the astute…

Quite recently, many so-called “MetroidVania” –style games have been made, due largely in part to the ongoing trends in gaming which have seen many turning toward 2D and/or “retro” titles. It makes sense of course on multiple levels, of course. Artistically, economically and entertainment-wise, there were never any “rules” dictating how games should be made, it all depends on what people want in the end. Ok, so why are we discussing indie game market theory here instead of immediately jumping into the review, you ask? Well, Facepalm Games’ and Curve Studios’ “The Swapper” is a shining example of everything that’s…

When it comes to boosting console sales, no amount of promises or trickery will ultimately raise figures like the release of some good quality exclusives. Down throughout the history of gaming, each successful console (take the PS2 for instance) has often employed this strategy to further enhance its appeal. Of course, these days, exclusives seem to be largely falling by the wayside in favor of titles which are ported over to anything and everything. Yes, this ultimately helps the average gamer, thus allowing them to play more top-tier games but from a business standpoint there is little to gain. In…

It seems like there’s no end to the number of exciting open world titles which are apt to come our way these days. Even if you’re completely burnt-out on these types of offerings you should definitely give Insomniac Games’ “Sunset Overdrive” a shot. It really is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s as exciting and brash as it is colorful and massively dynamic. Ok, that’s probably enough hyperbole, right? Wrong. Sunset Overdrive is arguably one of the most exhilarating sandbox titles that many are likely to play this year. It basically plays like a mish-mash of various games, borrowing a bit from…

There’s no point in mincing words here, the purpose of this list is simple – to provide you with an inventory of no less than 10 great headset choices to go along with your Xbox One. Each one of these entries will perfectly compliment your gaming / online experience in various ways, and as always, be sure to choose among those that best suit your style and needs… Turtle Beach Ear Force XO Four High Performance Headset Shoring up the difference between the higher end models and more budget-based offerings, Turtle Beach is long known as one of the…

That’s right, kids…the word on the street is that Nintendo is actually working on a NEW CONSOLE. Moreover, this isn’t going to be some mere throwback or another handheld, but an actual, fully-fledged Next Generation machine that’s able to handle more advanced graphics and so forth. Needless to say, the prospect of being able to tap into some brand new Nintendo titles utilizing said visual enhancements is also very exciting to say the least. One can’t help but speculate about new Mario releases either, especially those that might challenge the current crop of top tier titles on other consoles. The…

Surely it is often said, that most racing games are “fun” or manage to “bring together” two or more elements in a successful way, where gameplay is concerned.  But with MX vs. ATV – we’re really talking about a multifaceted racer that achieves quite a lot on multiple fronts without fully dedicating itself to any of them.  Don’t get the wrong idea, of course, this is a title which does what it does in the context of some gritty, exciting action.  You’ll blast around the track vying for position as others wisk around you and try to throw you off…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SH_05jfCOM

You can think of “Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments” as being something of an epic mash-up.  On its face it is a rather direct investigation game based on the adventures of Sherlock Holms, however, upon closer inspection you discover that there’s much more to this mystery than meets the eye.  For example, its subtitle “Crimes and Punishments” also echoes the Dostoyevsky novel of nearly the same name and it eloquently introduces a fresh but classic sort of gameplay at the same time.  For anyone that’s an avid video gamer and a fan of Watson and Holmes’ exploits, this is definitely…

Let’s face it, each year brings with it a new FIFA outing (or two).  Heck, it isn’t even like Déjà vu at this point, more like a fix for hungry masses of football fans.  Don’t let the negative connotation color your judgment of FIFA 15 though, because it definitely meets or exceeds desires.  Yes, it basically holds the torch that’s been passed down by FIFA 14, with a number of key additions further enhancing what was already a splendid formula, as you’ve probably already guessed by this point… Gameplay The heart of any solid football / soccer title is its…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zES9JClJKkY&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9VdnxL2wQs&feature=youtu.be

If you’re sitting there wondering when the next great FPS is slated to hit the PC, consider the following soon-to-be-released titles.  Each and every one of the following games is slated for a 2014 release (ahead of the Christmas holiday too…maybe), so get ready to add some new items to your preorder list if you haven’t done so already.  Let’s jump right in, shall we? Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Fans of the Borderlands series should be pretty ecstatic right now because yet another fine installment is about to drop.  Dubbed “Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel”, you can expect nearly the same sort of…

While it may not be quite as visible as many other simulation titles, 2004’s “Transport Giant” (developed by JoWood) is certainly unique.  Somewhat inexplicably and suddenly, a new comprehensive version of the game was released in 2012 (Transport Giant Gold Edition), which includes the original content plus Transport Giant Down Under.  The game itself is set in the year of 1850, where railroads are all the rage.  Instead of managing manufacturing centers, as is seemingly the standard with titles of this genre, you are starting up your own shipping company, initially choosing your scenario (Europe or the US).  Needless to…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQFiWpp5Y5w

One could easily say that the RollerCoaster Tycoon series opened a whole new door within the simulation genre, not only sparking the imagination of PC gamers worldwide but also laying the groundwork for other franchises to follow in its footsteps.   The very idea of managing something like a theme park, replete with shops and more, is clearly a departure from typical video game standards (most involving violence of some kind).  Nevertheless, one cannot deny the awesome fun that’s to be had within the world of RollerCoaster Tycoon, especially considering that you can develop new technologies, monitor visitor happiness as well…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzpx0im7U0c

There are a lot of different reasons as to why PopCap Games’ Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare belongs in your video game library.   For starters, it’s just so much fun.  Highly unique titles like this just don’t come around very often, especially those which so artfully combine so many different “flavors” of entertaining gameplay.   In other words, yes, this game manages to do pull a few new tricks out of its sleeves while at the same time remaining extremely fun throughout.  Don’t get the wrong idea though, it’s still based on familiar multiplayer concepts and retains a certain colorful charm as…

This updated and redesigned package containing the previously released titles, “Metro 2033” and “Metro: Last Light” is a big win for FPS fanatics and fans of the series.  Aside from its obvious graphical enhancements (which we’ll get into later) and thoughtful little gameplay additions, there’s also the great value of gaining a pair of games.  If you’ve been gaming for any length of time already you have probably picked up some type of “two-pack special”, offering you a bundle and many additional hours of gameplay.   Well, as far as those sorts of deals go, Metro Redux is definitely a good…

All in all, “Surgeon Simulator: Anniversary Edition” is a macabre, funny and altogether strange game that has inexplicably stoked the fires of interest from a significant cross section of the gaming community.  As its name implies, you are a (supposedly) qualified surgeon who is tasked with performing all sorts of standardized operations.  Needless to say, things don’t always go as planned, which is where the game’s darkly sardonic humor comes into play, obviously.  While many might have thought that the original version of the game was more or less fine the way it ways, developer Bossa Studios has somehow managed…

Visual Imagination Software’s “Pineview Drive” is really a one-of-a-kind offering, the sort of game that breaks ground in a small, but significant way.  Within the horror genre, the potential for things to become rather stale is always present, as many of you probably already well know.  For starters, there are only so many different types of jump scares and scenarios one can set up before everything starts to become a bit of a wash and/or you begin to anticipate the chills.  This is natural, of course, as human beings we look for patterns and respond accordingly.  But what if a…