24OurGaming Magazine - July 2014 Edition

AUGUST 2014

CONTENTS

PAGE 08

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PAGE 11

REPRISAL UNIVERSE -KEVIN PADILLA

FIND YOUR INNER ANIMAL IN HOTLINE MIAMI -ANGELICA MENDOZA

PAGE 13 FEZ: NOT EXACTLY THAT CUTE LITTLE PLATFORM GAME -BRANDON MINIA

AUGUST 2014

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PAGE 15 THE SWAPPER -KEVIN PADILLA

PAGE 16 LUFTRAUSERS: AERIAL COMBAT CHAOS -ANGELICA MENDOZA

AUGUST 2014

CONTENTS

PAGE 18

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PAGE 20 SUPER HEXAGON -BRANDON MINIA

HALF MINUTE HERO -KARL NICOLAS

PAGE 22 E3 COVERAGE

PLAYSTATION’S PRODIGY CONTINUES -ANGELICA MENDOZA

AUGUST 2014

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PAGE 26 E3 COVERAGE

TO GET OR NOT TO GET: MICROSOFT’S X-BOX ONE -KEVIN PADILLA

PAGE 29 E3 COVERAGE

FIVE WAYS NINTENDO REMINDS US THAT IT OWNS THE VIDEO GAME UNIVERSE -BRANDON MINIA

ISSUE 01

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EDITORIAL letter It has honestly been nothing short of amazing working with a new team of hardworking, talented writers here at 24OurGaming. I am confident that this will be the first of many amazing issues in the future, a statement I make knowing full well what these young writers and gamers are capable of producing.

What started as merely a pipe dream in creating a gaming review website with a focus on indie gaming, has blossomed into something much, much more. The focus is still certainly on providing readers with the most engaging critique of all things indie gaming, but there is no way we can ignore the unri-

MANAGING EDITOR/SENIOR STAFF WRITER

KARL NICOLAS

valled growth and success of mainstream gaming today. This is evident in our first issue’s coverage of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, for short.

If this online magazine finally coming to fruition isn’t a sign of more good things to come, I don’ t know what is. Our team’s hope is that you find the reviews, news, and opinions expressed in our writing as helpful in navigating through the droves of fantastically-crafted independent games populating the market today.

There is, I guarantee, almost no greater pleasure than doing what you love, and being able to share that with the world My team has been granted this oppurtunity, and wish nothing more than to continue doing so with with the help of you, the growing 24OurNetwork readership. So without further ado, read on gamer, and take a nice long look at what the gaming world has to offer. // K Nicolas

PAGE 6 24OURGAMING

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

BRANDON MINIA

AUGUST 2014

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24OurGaming is dedicated to

We hope to develop this monthly

bringing you the most accurate and

magazine into something you simply

up-to-date information from the

can’t go without (like gaming itself).

indie gaming world. We can do this

The 24OurGaming team hopes to

by shining the spotlight on promising

give you, our audience, unrivalled ar-

independent video game developers

ticle quality and a place to call your

and promoting their best projects

“go-to” indie gamer resource.

through our magazine and social media. Our readers will constantly be able to access our work on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and our website at 24OurGaming.com. There STAFF WRITER

ANGELICA MENDOZA

is no shortage of video game reviews, gameplay videos, and various miscellaneous gaming information for your viewing pleasure!

Our Team

If you have any questions or would like to advertise with 24OurGaming

Creative Directors

please contact us via email.

Karl Nicolas Justin Everest

Email: info@24OurGaming.com

Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief Justin Everest

STAFF WRITER

KEVIN PADILLA

Managing Editor/Senior Staff Writer Karl Nicolas

Senior Staff Writer Brandon Minia

Staff Writers Angelica Mendoza Kevin Padilla

24OURGAMING PAGE 7

ISSUE 01

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FIND YOUR INNER ANIMAL IN

HOTLINE MIAMI

H

otline Miami is a colour-

weren’t given canon/official names,

insults, and philosophical one lin-

fully gory 2D top down

so bear with me). The game doesn’t

ers. These three seem to know you

“f*ck em up”, complete

bother with “easing” you into the

and claim to have met you before,

with decapitations,

violence and brutality as it starts off

leaving the player just as confused

cocaine, and animal masks. It’s an

with a nameless character (whom

as Jacket. After a few lines of quick

exhilarating trip that’ll make you feel

the fans have lovingly named “Bum”)

dialogue, they ask you to recall

badass, even with your 100+ death

teaching you the basics of how to

a certain date which had appar-

count.

kill. After the nitty gritty of the intro,

ently been their first encounter, and

the game pushes you right in the

quickly brings you back to witness

Hotline Miami follows the events

middle of the confusion and mad-

the events first hand. The next

of the varsity wearing protagonist

ness and introduces three masked

playable section of the game starts

whom the fans have given the name

characters that confront Jacket

off in Jacket’s apartment in which

“Jacket,” (many of the characters

and bombard him with questions,

he wakes up to find a message left

PAGE 8 24OURGAMING

high death counts (everyone makes mistakes, especially in this game) is its restart time. With every death is a lightning fast “R to Restart” and respawn, with the beginning of each floor acting as a checkpoint. Hotline Miami’s fast paced killing and simple controls make things quick and easy to get into and doesn’t leave out more casual gamers.

The game keeps the controls clean, nothing too overly ambitious that makes Jacket feel “clunky” or hard to maneuver. Although controls might be easy to mix up at early stages (I personally kept throwing weapons when trying to shoot them or tried attacking enemies with the execution button at first) and can even prove to be frustrating at times, once the controls and mechanics of the game are mastered, finding the best path through enemies becomes second nature. However, even with the mastery of controls, the game still proves itself to

“ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT OF HOTLINE MIAMI IS THAT IT MAKES KILLING FUN AND SATISFYING”

be a challenge and didn’t let me down or bore me with its varying levels. The game kept things interesting with bosses that weren’t defeated the same way normal

on his answering machine and a package at his door

enemies were and forced to you to find different ways of

containing a chicken mask accompanied by a note. After

defeating them upon realizing that your trusty wooden

checking the message and reading the note, you then

bat or metal pipe wasn’t quite doing it. However, some of

walk out of your apartment, into you car and you’re on

the bosses were difficult in the sense that I wasn’t quite

your way to your first killing spree.

sure of what to do (namely one of the last bosses in the final level). I personally had to look up how to defeat one

The crux of the story is simply that of Jacket receiving

of the bosses after numerous tries and inevitable deaths

mysterious messages on his answering machine from

as the way to defeat them wasn’t exactly crystal clear or

random people asking for mundane jobs to be done, like

even explicitly hinted at.

“Tim” at the bakery asking about cookies you ordered, or “Linda” requesting a babysitter that night. Every phone

As disturbing as it sounds, the gameplay does a great job

call leaving an address for you to drive to and instead of

at motivating the player to complete each level as metal

fulfilling these seemingly day-to-day tasks, you show up

pipes to the head, rough executions, and a plethora of

to murder everyone on the scene. The story continues in

shotgun shells to the chest continue to push you all the

suit, leaving bloodstained murder scenes in its path, and

way to the end of each level. Another important aspect

follows Jacket’s journey of uncovering who these masked

of Hotline Miami is that it makes killing fun and satisfy-

figures are, who is/are leaving the messages on his an-

ing. It’s easy to find yourself shrugging off the hyper

swering machine, and ultimately to the player’s concern:

violence (mainly due to the low pixel style of the game)

what is the purpose of Jacket killing everyone at these

and smugly patting yourself on the back after each kill.

given locations.

You’re not alone if you find yourself casually enjoying taking out an entire floor of enemies.

The fast paced gameplay is one of Hotline Miami’s strongest points and makes it not only addictive but satisfying

The soundtrack of the game is captivating, it takes you

as well. One of the most important keys to games with

away from the unethical violence and leaves you bob-

24OURGAMING PAGE 9

ISSUE 01

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bing your head or dancing in your

nent of the game’s ability to make

Hotline Miami was a exciting trip and

seat, allowing you to shake off your

killing “fun”, is the colourfully bright

definitely added depth to Jacket’s

death count and keep bashing or

aesthetic. Many of the game’s levels

seemingly purposeless killing. It’s

shooting away. The soundtrack of

sport token 80′s colour schemes,

one of the few “f*ck em’ up” games

Hotline Miami is memorable; unlike

such as the Hotline Miami’s signa-

that give story and questionability

some games, you won’t find yourself

ture neon blue and hot pink combi-

to your mass murders and endless

annoyed at the one track looped for

nation. Levels are bright, flashy, and

maiming. It doesn’t sacrifice a good

each level. It’s one of the game’s

flamboyant, keeping the aesthetic

story and deeper meaning in the

best aspects and definitely adds to

and settings fun, exciting, and

name of fun gameplay and marvel-

the experience. The soundtrack is

pleasing to the eye. The low pixels

lously delivers on both, giving you an

what truly makes it stand out as a

of the game eliminate sympathy

added bonus of a wicked soundtrack

game set in the 80′s as it consists

for Jacket’s victims as enemies are

to play to. Trophies, achievements,

of an electro-dance-techno hybrid

often faceless and expressionless

and speed runs add even more

genre of songs. Hotline Miami’s mu-

and make the gore of the game easy

replayability, so you’ll definitely

sic is a facet of the game that keeps

to desensitize to due to its lack of re-

find yourself playing through more

the player away from frustration

alistic detail. On top of that, the low

than once and getting your money’s

from multiple deaths or remorse

pixel aesthetic makes it reminiscent

worth.

from Jacket’s murders. The music of

of an old arcade game which adds a

the game almost steals the spotlight

quirky novelty to the experience.

and although in the background,

If you’re down for low pixel murder, some dangerously catchy 80′s

truly holds a lot of the player’s atten-

Overall, the low pixel and bright co-

music, ominous masked figures, and

tion.

lour schemes are a key combination

lots of trial and error, this is definite-

and make the game feel even faster

ly one for you. //

and more exciting.

A Mendoza

Aside from the upbeat soundtrack of the game, another crucial compo-

DON JUAN THROWING DOWN SOME PHILOSOPHICAL TRUTH.

PAGE 10 24OURGAMING

AUGUST 2014

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REPRISAL UNIVERSE DESPITE ITS SOMEWHAT INTIMIDATING APPEARANCE FOR

«BLAST FROM THE PAST»

THE INTERFACE, IT IS SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE TO PLAY. THE QUOTE FOR

RETRO 1990’S HIT RETURNS IN A FLASH FORMAT

THE GAME ON THEIR HOMEPAGE STATES YOUR PLAYER WAS ONCE A POWERFUL TRIBE LEADER ABLE TO HARNESS THE POWER OF NATURE. THAT IS QUITE LITERALLY WHAT YOU DO IN THIS GAME.

F

or the first tutorial mission, I was taught how to move my “units” with basic commands: move to

settle new villages, look for a fight, or gather at a user-set waypoint.

For the second mission, it had me manipulating terrain: building a

is Wind with the ability to call in

it’s chic, it’s 8bit, but boy is it abso-

freakin’ land bridge by raising and

a deadly whirlpool, a thunder-

lutely fantastic. I love seeing every

lowering terrain at my command.

storm, or even a damn tornado!

single particle light up from a visu-

A land bridge. This is only a basic

And finally, we have Fire: I can call

ally powerful explosive but playing

command. You can manipulate ter-

on a column of fire, unleash a fire

this again just made me appreciate

rain to make your island bigger and

storm, or even call in an Armaged-

even more how far we’ve come with

support bigger towns.

don. Interested yet?

gaming design and development.

The intent was to bring back the

As you collect more totems, you

retro feel of playing a game from

gain abilities in three different

It is homage to a game from the

the 90s, and the game does just

categories: starting out with Earth

90s. Astonishingly with today’s

that.

by manipulating terrain, setting

powerful video and processing

waypoints, even growing forests

technology, we can even make the

It also supports it with fantastic,

on command! The next category

individual pixels detailed! It’s retro,

full length 8bit chip tunes relevant

24OURGAMING 24OURGAMING PAGEPAGE 11 11

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ISSUE 01

to the game, further immersing the

I played it to the point where I actu-

user in a retro 90s gameplay feel. Even

ally forgot I had to write about the

if you haven’t touched a game that old,

game and spent three very good hours

you will feel as if you travelled back

immersed in internet flash homage-

in time playing in that time period. At

ness. That’s got to count for something

least, I did.

right? If you’re reading this, you really should give it a try. Gameplay is simple

STARTED FROM THE TOP.

Recently, they developed a down-

but engaging and it can really draw

loadable version of it so you can play

the player in with “one more mission”

offline, have local storage for your

or “just a few more mana to eliminate

saves, enhanced full screen modes,

this tribe and win”. You can do this

and enhanced music “in super ste-

while feeling like you’re in the 90s. This

reo chiptuneness!” Additional retro

brings back a classic from the time pe-

soundtracks AND better 8bit resolu-

riod awesomely and it’s great that they

tions, what’s not to like?!

did. The 90s had a lot of good things going and this was one of them. //

Okay it may sound like I’m overly uprating this game just a little bit but

AND GOT EVEN BETTER. I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE FOR THE DRAKE REFERENCE.

PAGEPAGE 12 12 24OURGAMING 24OURGAMING

K Padilla

FEZ NOT EXACTLY THAT CUTE LITTLE AUGUST 2014

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PLATFORM GAME

A CUTE YET INFURIATING RETRO-STYLE PLATFORM GAME WITH SOME INVIGORATING GAMEPLAY MECHANICS AND A CUTE LITTLE POOP OF A PROTAGONIST.

F

ez is hardly an unfamil-

Fez impresses, blows away, and

The use of the shoulder buttons to

iar name to the gaming

keeps you grounded, slicing away

rotate the world view while mov-

community, but in case

every expectation you’ve ever had

ing with the analogs is straight-

you haven’t heard of it

for a platform game. The premise

forward, as well the use of the

yet, you best prepare yourself

of the game is simple: you’re a cute

‘x’ button to jump, the ‘circle’ to

for an unforgettable adventure

little dude with a funny hat who has

talk to other cute little people,

beyond any dimension viewable

the ability to see your 2D world in a

the ‘square’ to interact with the

in our world, because it is now finally available to experience onthe-go. You have most likely first played this game for the Xbox 360 or through Steam, and now that it is on the PSVita, the game can be experienced in ways that was never possible on a console or a PC. A platformer game in both 2D and 3D, Fez is a breath of fresh air, a

BEFORE I GUSH ABOUT HOW FUN AND COOL THIS GAME IS, I MUST WARN YOU THAT THIS GAME MADE ME SIMULTANEOUSLY BARF RAINBOWS AND WANT TO PUNCH A CACTUS. A PIXILATED CACTUS. INTERPRET THIS AS YOU WILL...

world and ‘triangle’ to bring up your inventory. However, both the touch screen and the rear touch pad become usable in ways that make it seem like the game was almost made for the Vita, as it allows for easy navigation of the map by way of zooming in and moving it around, as well enabling the player to look around and rotate the level with swishes of their

force of epic proportions, and a

fingers. Although the world map

ride through an enigmatic and

was never as useful as it could have

sprawling universe, all wrapped

3D perspective, and needs to jump

been, the integration of the Vita’s

beautifully in such a tiny (and

around and collect little yellow

touch features is smart and allows

affordable!) package. For such a

block-things to prevent your uni-

for a slightly more streamlined

small and simple idea, it’s unbe-

verse from collapsing. It’s a simple

and sensible experience. Being a

lievable the kind of magnitude that

idea that, after some unbelievable

now-portable game is great too, as

this game wracks. A Super Mario-

fleshing out, brings about some

we can now finally experience the

esque feel coupled with the voyage

amazing results.

immersive world of Fez in the palm

thrills of a Legend of Zelda game,

of our hands.

24OURGAMING 24OURGAMING PAGEPAGE 13 13

ISSUE 01

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The story is as intriguing as the

there’s much creativity and brain-

because the game thrives on its

gameplay, and it makes the experi-

bending, the type of action and

players discovering and exploring,

ence even more immersive. You’re

puzzle combination that perhaps

your experience may (nah, it most

not merely jumping around collect-

has not been achieved with great

definitely will) be tremendously wa-

ing pieces of the Hexahydron, you

gusto since the minimalist noir

tered down. As both a strength and

are also trying to figure out why the

masterpiece Limbo. Moreover,

a weakness, the challenging puzzle

world is on the verge of collapsing.

the techniques required to stomp

adventure of Fez will attract gam-

Indeed, as you travel, you will come

through each level is never overused

ers looking for a new and immersive

across many strange things, from

and is always innovative of itself.

challenge, but it severely lowers the

hieroglyphics etched into the walls

For example, certain levels will need

accessibility and will drive gamers

of a netherworld, all the way to (with-

you to spin the 3D camera so that

away from what is a charming and

out spoiling too much) a mysterious

certain platforms align and allow

addicting platformer.

race of people who look like you, but

you to traverse over chasms, while

aren’t exactly. More serious gamers

other levels will have you spin pivots

It’s actually really difficult to say

will want to take out a notepad and

that either change the height of

whether this game is certainly one

write down their finds. The world and

platforms or activate timers. There

that fits in a casual niche (as initially

level designs are stunning and com-

is, however, one strange caveat to

presented), or if it’s intended for

plement the simplified gameplay

contend with, one that unfortunately

hardcore gamers (which it eventu-

quite nicely, accentuated beautifully

makes it hard to discern whether

ally becomes). The sudden ‘shift’ in

by a stunning soundtrack and sound-

Fez is truly a noteworthy invest-

difficulty makes it incredibly hard to

scape. The retro style also helps

ment, or an overhyped novelty. This

truly enjoy (and, in fact, review) this

make the game accessible to both

is because the main drawback to

game, even though much amuse-

young and veteran gamers, reminis-

this game happens to also be its

ment will already be absorbed after

cent of older NES platformers, but

strength: its difficulty. While the

the first few hours of refreshing

visually striking enough for younger

idea of deciphering hieroglyphics

gameplay mechanics and discovery.

players to jump right in. The types

and wandering through a confus-

Nevertheless, players will still have

of worlds Gomez travels through

ing maze of levels is both exciting

many memorable and enjoyable

look fantastic; one minute you will

and intriguing, it eventually gets

experiences; the visuals, innovative

be climbing overgrowth of old stone

tiring and unfortunately very bor-

gameplay, and quirky level design

walls, the next you will be trekking

ing. Indeed, it’s quite unbelievable

should be enough to keep anyone

through a stormy, goth-glammed

that a game made on squares can

hooked. For gamers seeking some-

graveyard. The attention to detail

drive players going madly around in

thing retro yet refreshing, or hard-

in making every level both unique

circles. The map, although useful at

core enthusiasts looking for some-

and visually appealing is downright

first, becomes infuriatingly difficult

thing that is truly a mind-numbing

admirable, and it helps make this

to navigate. Some secrets are a tad

catastrophe, Fez is an adventure you

sprawling platformer all the more

too difficult to find, and because

(may or may not) want to take. //

impressive and memorable.

items can be found in practically

B Minia

no order at all, there’s no easy or Along with the dexterity needed in

methodic way to find anything. Of

action-packed platform hopping,

course, you can follow a guide, but

PAGE 14 24OURGAMING

THE SWAPPER AUGUST 2014

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A SURREAL SIDE-SCROLLER PUZZLE GAME SET ON A PLANET FAR, FAR AWAY OR MAYBE NOT SO FAR? I DON’T REALLY KNOW...

I’m not one to play a lot of puzzle

The layout of the puzzles can

using clay models and other

games, the only one I played being

really get the mind going, even

everyday items. It helps give the

the Portal series.I used a friend’s

if it’s just a side-scroller game.

game a surreal atmosphere and

copy and didn’t finish the series

The conditions of cloning, such as

it’s reinforced with the audio. The

(or even know the entire story). It

unable to switch to your clones in

dim lighting on many levels is also

was quite hilarious playing around

red light or not allowed to cre-

immersive and gives a mysterious

with portals but I didn’t play

ate clones in blue light, and the

feel to the game. Sometimes you

enough to get “hooked”. I came

placement of such conditions in

will be exposed to the sun and the

across The Swapper and my view

compromising positions forces

room is filled with light; some-

on such games got swayed into a

you to look at it from another per-

times the only light comes from

better direction. The Swapper is a

spective or change the way you

your headlamp and the Swapper

sci-fi puzzle platformer developed

approach entirely. There was one

device itself.

by Facepalm Games and is set in

part I had to get up several floors

the deepest reaches of space. You

but there were no lifts of any

These visual features are also ac-

control a character who wields a

sort present, only a large open-

cented by various BGMs that play

mysterious device that allows him

ing. Realizing my capabilities, I

for each level you go through and

to clone himself and switch over

continuously cloned and switched

are sometimes quiet enough that

his consciousness to the clone

characters up the opening until I

all you hear is the ambient noise

itself.

reached the platform I needed to

of working machinery and your

and moved on from there. Once

footsteps. The combination pro-

To begin, you launch in an escape

you proceed to the next level,

vides a very satisfying immersive

pod away from a research sta-

your clones are decompiled and

experience.

tion for an unknown reason and

“restocked” in the Swapper, a nice

land on the planet the station was

convenience to have.

orbiting. After you land and set

It didn’t entirely sway my view on puzzle games but it did bring the

foot on the surface, you’re given

Along the way, you’ll find some ter-

genre into a positive light for me

control of the character using

minals which contains logs from

and I experienced how they could

the WASD keys and your mouse.

other people who were previously

be fun and challenging at the

With that, you begin your journey

on the planet and it is here (along

same time using simple gameplay

into the planet and discover a

with some audio you hear) that

mechanics. The combination of

weird device they call the Swap-

The Swapper gets it story from.

homemade graphics, dim lighting,

per, which allows you to clone

What’s the plot? Let’s just say it’s

and immersive audio helped to

yourself. You discover that it will

something you should experience

deliver an excellent performance

become necessary to do this mul-

for yourself. It’s quite gripping.

for a side-scroller puzzle game. //

tiple times when you encounter

K Padilla

several puzzles which progres-

The graphics are unique because

sively become more difficult to

the backdrops, platforms and

succeed.

even the characters were made

24OURGAMING 24OURGAMING PAGEPAGE 015 15

LUFTRAUSERS

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ISSUE 01

“THE SKIES WILL BE SET AFLAME AND THE SEAS WILL OVERFLOW WITH WRECKAGE IN VLAMBEER’S STYLISH ARCADE SHOOTER LUFTRAUSERS! SELECT FROM OVER 125 COMBINATIONS OF WEAPONS, BODIES, AND PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND TAKE TO THE SKIES TO BATTLE ENEMY FIGHTER PLANES, BATTLESHIPS, SUBMARINES, AND RIVAL ACES FOR GLORY, HONOR, AND HIGH SCORES.”

L

uftrausers is an arcade

might not mind tossing aside the

themselves from firing rapidly to

style game (described as

premise in favour of the game-

clear enemies out for your HP to

an “airplane shoot ‘em

play. The air combat game keeps

restore, to being more defensive

up”) that keeps the mind

controls simple, only using direc-

and simply avoiding enemies

busy and the player entertained.

tional buttons/keys to control the

when in danger instead.

Its unique mechanics, style, and

acceleration and direction of the

gameplay easily catches the eye

Rauser, and another button/key

Luftrausers follows a less conven-

and holds your attention. This

to shoot.

tional way of advancing through

aerial combat game is charm-

as you only need to reach a cer-

ing, different, and makes fun out

The game stays faithful to its mini-

tain amount of total points in your

of chaos and messy barrages of

malist controls and even keeps its

current level to advance to the

projectiles.

interface clean while making use

next, rather than follow a cookie

of directional menus (right to see

cutter scheme of simply having

Luftrausers, much like other

your load out, down to see your

a certain number of enemies

arcade style games, doesn’t linger

stats, up to start, etc.). Although

and a boss to top it off. Although

on a complex story; in this case,

it did feel odd and complicated at

unconventional, I happened to

almost to the extent that one

first, once you get used to it, you

really appreciate Luftrausers’

could say it has no real story at

begin to appreciate its simplicity.

system of counting points rather

all. The game keeps things clean

The game’s mechanic for keeping

than bodies as facing a few dozen

and follows a simple premise

track of your HP and going about

smaller enemies to rack up points

and doesn’t seem to elaborate

restoring it is also quite unique

was sometimes more enjoyable or

on it any further. Luftrausers

and interesting. Your current HP is

even easier than pushing yourself

immediately throws you into the

never explicitly shown or indicat-

to destroy a few ships or subma-

gameplay with a small tutorial.

ed on screen, right up until your

rines (and sometimes vice versa).

It seems apparent that the game

HP is low enough to put you in dan-

The rest of the game follows suit,

is set somewhere in the past in a

ger. Upon taking enough damage,

offering you upgrades for your

foreign country where you, the pi-

a circle will appear around the

Rauser along the way (with fun

lot of a plane fittingly named “The

Rauser. The tighter the circle, the

load out names, one of my favou-

Rauser”, are fighting in a war.

closer the Rauser is to combusting

rites being the Tuberauser). The

from projectiles. The way you go

upgrades allow you to have dif-

Although it doesn’t elaborate on

about restoring your HP is simple:

ferent load outs for your Rauser’s

a more intricate story, it fits well

stop shooting. The mechanic is in-

weapon, body, and engine, that

with the arcade style of the game.

teresting as I feel as more aggres-

all have their own pros and cons. I

More importantly, most players

sive players will have to condition

appreciated that the game didn’t

PAGE 16 24OURGAMING

AUGUST 2014

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AERIAL COMBAT CHAOS have a linear path of upgrades

play was entertaining and slightly

novelty, but most definitely not

where the newest unlock is ex-

addictive, the limited control of

“gimmicky”). The colour palettes

ponentially better than your last,

the Rauser sometimes felt like a

are simple and can eventually

giving you no real reason to ever

barrier in the sense that no mat-

change through the game as you

downgrade back to your past load

ter how skilled of a player you are,

advance. However, from time to

out. On top of giving the player

there is only going to be a certain

time, you might find the low range

the decision to sacrifice some

extent in which you can be the

palette of the game to be a tad

advantages in favour of others,

best simply because the plane

bit problematic. In the barrage of

the game allows the player to

won’t allow you to.

missiles, bullets, rockets, other

tailor the Rauser to their personal

aircrafts and the like, it can be dif-

preference. (Personally, I lack

The format of the game is once

ficult to pick apart what precisely

accuracy and excel in control,

again very reminiscent of an

is happening in the game. More

so having the option of having a

arcade style game. It has no real

often than I would have liked, I

wider spread weapon and stron-

“end,” but rather the goal of fight-

found that the game was telling

ger armour helped with my own

ing through your enemies long

me I was doing rather well, but

strengths and weaknesses.)

enough, and destroying the over-

I didn’t exactly know what I was

shadowing blimp as soon as it ap-

doing, nor did I know what was

The directional controls may

pears on your radar (the charac-

going on. The Luftrausers visual

feel awkward or clunky at the

ters simply tell you that, you don’t

style is appealing and unique, but

beginning stages, but upon my

actually have a radar). The blimp

sometimes feel a bit “style over

first respawn (which happened

could very well be labelled as the

substance”.

fairly quickly) I had the controls

“boss” of the game, and upon its

down rather well. The Rauser can

defeat, the rest of the game is

Overall, Luftrausers has its small

rotate and accelerate in the sky

simply a challenge to the highest

issues, but for the price and fun

but doing both (ie. turning) can

score (to the 100th level).

factor, are not too difficult to

be difficult. On top of this, your

overlook and appreciate as a

control of the Rauser is limited

One of Luftrausers high points

whole. If you’re a big fan of air

even further due to the relatively

is its visual style and music. The

combat, arcade style games and

realistic physics of the game, al-

game looks unique and definitely

chaotic playing fields, feel free

lowing you to drift in any direction

shows its arcade style gameplay

to jump on board the Rauser and

after accelerating too quickly,

through its aesthetic as well. The

shoot away. //

making it difficult to quickly turn

music and sound of the game

A Mendoza

around and accelerate away from

work well together and make the

any enemies. Although the game-

game feel like the novelty it is (a

24OURGAMING PAGE 17

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ISSUE 01

HALF...

MINUTE...

HERO!

SMNCUB “SUPER MEGA NEO AWESOME GIGANTIC ULTRA HIGH SPEED SPECTACULAR SUPERFRAGALIS…”

F

or most gamers, time is quick-

First off, the obnoxiously long game

loot it could yield; effectively quadru-

ly becoming a luxury we can’t

title strays from telling the truth.

pling the time it took me to beat the

afford. Everybody’s got some-

Each stage technically has a thirty

game.

thing: reports to write, exams to cram

second timer for you to grind, loot,

for, princesses to save… and Marvel-

and ultimately blow up the evil lord,

Although this all sounds monotonous…

ous AQL was not slow to pick up on

but you have your very own personal

it actually isn’t. The writers do an

that. The product of their search for a

time goddess helping you out. For an

excellent job of creating characters

solution to the time-strapped gamer

increasing fee, praying to the god-

that, although not complex, are very

birthed Half Minute Hero: Super Mega

dess will reset your thirty second

interesting and surprisingly self-

Neo Climax Ultimate Boy (Oops, there

timer and allow you more time to do

aware. Your time goddess knows

goes a valuable five seconds!).

what you gotta do.

she’s in love with all that glitters, fellow caravan members will admit to

By borrowing the best elements from

This results in time running out rarely

boredom, and evil lords will catch you

their PSP and XLBA releases, Ultimate

being the issue in your playthrough.

off guard with how one-dimensional

Boy tries to establish itself as the

What you will have some trouble with

they can really be (Ultimate Boy is, on

definitive Half-Minute Hero title for

are puzzles, optional objectives, and

many levels, a modern critique on the

PC gamers. But does it succeed? If

grabbing all the loot. “Completionist”

typical questing RPG).

you’ve got half a minute to spare,

gamers will definitely have a tough

then read on for the answer (I’m lying,

time simply ignoring all that each

The game even retains and provides

this is probably going to take a while)

stage has to offer. I myself felt the

all the RPG elements that kept you

need to milk each continent of all the

hooked to traditional grinders. That

PAGE 18 24OURGAMING

AUGUST 2014

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«BZZZ»

means you get the rush of leveling up,

TO TAKE DOWN THOSE PESTS, BRING

looting, and beating big ugly bosses all

OUT THE TRUSTY FLY SWATTER!

in an incredibly short period of time.

By the end of it, you still have enough energy and attention span to do it all over again (these crafty developers!).

Although the main story is nothing to base a movie on, it rolls at an acceptable pace, with various (often hilarious) twists and turns which keep you entertained.

Apart from the main story, we are also given the “Princess 30” shoot-em-up and “Evil Lord 30” RTS modes which were originally unique to the PSP

versions of the game. I personally

tween the charming hand-drawn visu-

there are no alternate tracks, and

feel like these two could have been

als by Marvelous AQL, or a throwback

why the music only really changes

released as standalones, as they

pixelized style (which seems to be all

at very significant plot points. This is

each have their own unique touch of

the rage now) provided through the

definitely something they could have

humour, and an utterly different feel

main menu. I personally opted for the

worked on.

overall. Not to mention, they’re pretty

former, and had no major gripes with

fun!

how the protagonist, the enemies, or

All in all, I can say that Ultimate Boy

the scenery looked. No one was par-

was a pleasure to play. RPG gamers

You can also try a four-player online

ticularly fearsome and the females

will love the fast-paced, condensed

multiplayer mode in which all players

weren’t overly sexualized. It was just

format of everything they know and

are pitted against each other in a race

a vibrant and colourful world that was

love from the traditional grinders, and

to defeat Dark Lords across ten levels.

easy on the eyes and made gameplay

the quirky, endearing graphics (or the

Unfortunately, you are better off

that much more enjoyable.

throwback pixels) only serve to help

playing the single player campaign,

the game burrow a deeper hole into

as there are no major differences in

And while Ultimate Boy seemed to

our hearts. Plus, we get to play as a

the game modes and you aren’t truly

hit all the right chords in every other

bomb-ass b!*$# toting around with an

interacting with the other heroes you

area, it did happen to fall flat on the

army of archers, and a narcissistic

play with.

music. While the default background

dark lord on a quest to save the love

tune is indeed quite cheerful and

of his life.

The art of the Ultimate Boy may not

adventure-y (bear with me, let’s

appeal to all gamers, but it certainly

pretend that’s a word), it does get to

What’s not to love? //

appealed to me. You have a choice be-

a point where you are wondering why

K Nicolas

24OURGAMING PAGE 19

AUGUST 2014

ISSUE 01



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«CHALLENGE ACCEPTED» CRASHING INTO A BARRIER RESULTS IN AN IMMEDIATE LOSS, WHERE THE SULTRY VOICE-OVER LADY WILL ANNOUNCE THAT IT’S GAME OVER AND THE GAME WILL PROMPT YOU TO START AGAIN. ALTHOUGH THE OBJECTIVE IS TO PLAY FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN, THE OBJECTIVE FOR OUR FELLOW COMPLETIONIST IS TO UNLOCK THE MORE INTENSE DIFFICULTIES, WHICH ARE ESSENTIALLY FASTER VERSIONS OF THE THREE HEXAGON MODES AVAILABLE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME. UNLOCKING A MODE IS ACHIEVED BY LASTING FOR AT LEAST A MINUTE IN GAMEPLAY.

I

t’s good to see that there’s a seemingly new wave of indie video games that understand the

SUPER

“Super Hexagon is fantastic, addicting, and amazing, all in an incredibly small package”

The premise of the game is simple: you control a little cursor with your

narcotic effect of trippy visuals and

Apple, or Blackberry device. Conceived

thumbs and slide it side-to-side

amazing and upbeat music, and Super

by Terry Cavanagh with music by

around a hexagonal base as really

Hexagon is no exception. A mobile

Chipzel, Super Hexagon combines the

loud music plays, avoiding barriers

game by definition, Super Hexagon is

pomp and precision of DDR games, the

according to the rhythm of the track.

an action-packed rhythm game that

thrilling action of a Subway Surfer-

The type of barriers you have to slide

seems larger and far beyond its time

esque chasing game, and the sedative-

past changes at random; sometimes

compared to its colleagues, sitting

inducing feel of Hotline Miami, creat-

you’ll simply have to veer out of way,

proudly in the same tier as the likes of

ing something unbelievably fun and

but other times you’ll have to adopt

Angry Birds and Flappy Bird, and is a

addicting in a shockingly minimalist

different algorithms for different bar-

definite complement to any Android,

package.

rier patterns, which may have you zig-

PAGE 20 24OURGAMING

AUGUST 2014

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«EYEGASMIC» THE VISUALS ARE SLEEK AND STYLISH, EVERYTHING FROM THE EASY-TO-ACCESS MENUS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO LINE SMOOTHNESS IS BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT. THE EVERSPINNING HEXAGON BASE COUPLED WITH THE BRIGHT NEON-COLOURED PALETTES IS SENSATIONALIST BUT NEVER NAUSEATING NOR TOO SICKENING. ALL THIS IS ACCENTUATED

BY THE PIXELATED AND BASS-DRIVEN SOUNDTRACK BY

HEXAGON

CHIPZEL, MAKING THE GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE A DRUNKEN SPIN THROUGH A TEENAGED HORMONAL RAVE.

zagging through a multi-coloured slalom

these flaws aren’t frustrating at all,

remaining modest and minimal. The

or sliding down a helix, all to the beat of

especially since the addicting incentives

gameplay is very easy to pick up, making

some intense electronic music.

to play heavily outweigh these incredibly

up for the amount of times you will inevi-

minor shortcomings.

tably crash into a wall. Chipzel’s music

There are a few flaws that may hamper

sounds unbelievable, a soundtrack that

your gameplay. The frame rate does drop

Super Hexagon is fantastic, addicting,

certainly highlights this unique rhythm-

at some points, and on top of that the

and amazing, all in an incredibly small

action game like a raver’s eyeliner. Super

cursor movement can feel a little too

package. Stunning yet simple visuals,

Hexagon is a surprising and incredible

jerky. There are also times when it feels

accentuated by bright and trippy colours

little game that affirms the age-old ad-

like the barriers are not in sync with the

that are not too obnoxious, along with

age: good things come in minimalistic

music, or the patterns you have to whirl

music that complements the neon-laced

hexagons. // B Minia

through just don’t seem to make sense

feel of the game make for something

with the sequence of the track. However,

that is wonderfully over-the-top, all while

24OURGAMING PAGE 21

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ISSUE 01

PLAYSTATIONS’S PRODIGY CONTINUES

STAFF WRITER ANGELICA MENDOZA GIVES US THE DETAILS ON SONY’S E3 PRESS CONFERENCE, COVERING EVERYTHING FROM INFAMOUS FIRST LIGHT TO THE FINAL INSTALLATION OF THE UNCHARTED FRANCHISE. READ ON FOR A GOOD LOOK AT EVERYTHING SONY HAS IN STORE FOR ITS FANS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

2014 looks bright on Sony’s side of the play-

“Second Son” completely out of the picture.

ing field with the return of some major titles

Players won’t need the original game in order

and even the introduction of a few new promis-

to access it, nor necessarily need its story to

ing ones. This year, Sony didn’t disappoint at

enjoy.

their E3 press conference, starting it off with

Second Son was one of the most clearly

Destiny, announcing the beta’s release for July

“next gen” games to come out for PS4 and had

17th and also the new bundle that includes

stunning visuals that are most likely to be seen

the spiffy new white PS4 model, a copy of the

again in Fetch’s First Light title at its release in

game, and a complementary trial of Playstation Plus (more than enough time to get you hooked on Plus’s abundance of free games and impressive discounts).

Another big title that made an appearance

August this year.

“SECOND SON WAS ONE OF THE MOST CLEARLY “NEXT GEN” GAMES TO COME OUT FOR PS4 AND HAD STUNNING VISUALS THAT ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE SEEN AGAIN IN FETCH’S FIRST LIGHT TITLE AT ITS RELEASE IN AUGUST THIS YEAR”

this year was Infamous:

Speaking of not needing to own a game to access its content, Sony announced that Far Cry 4′s co-op won’t call for your friends having a copy of the game to play it with you. Far Cry 4 will allow the player to invite other players off their PSN friends

Second Son, returning to PS4, this time with

list to enjoy the game even without them own-

DLC that features Fetch (aka Abigail Walker),

ing a physical or digital copy of the game. At

a character from the original game, who tells

first it might sound a bit haphazard, but the

her story before meeting Second Son’s pro-

shared co-op will more than likely serve as a

tagonist, Delsin Rowe. This DLC announcement

great way to distribute a demo. Trying out the

was particularly interesting, as Sony had an-

game for yourself is one thing, but to play with

nounced that Fetch’s DLC was being marketed

your friends is a whole different experience. If

as a stand alone game and was separately

you were already a fan of the Far Cry franchise,

named “Infamous First Light“, leaving the title

nothing’s more enticing than having your

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AUGUST 2014

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«GOTHAM» .//: BRUCE WAYNE TAKES FLIGHT IN THE NEW BATMAN ARKHAM KNIGHT

«FIRST LIGHT»

.//: NEON! THE COLOURS CHILDREN, THE COLOURS!

24OURGAMING PAGE 23

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ISSUE 01

friends tell you how fun it is as well,

different levels (“lifetimes”) in order

Last of Us returning with its PS4

and having them by your side while

to unite their souls and create a

remastered edition (coming July

you liberate bases all over Kyrat (it’s

dragon.

29th of this year) which seems to be

a fictional location, don’t question

targeted at those who have already

your geographical knowledge). The

Another great title that’s new to the

played the game on upon its original

gameplay trailer showed us that

PS4 is Bloodborne. Admittedly, at

release for PS3, since the trailer was

Ubisoft kept things fresh and differ-

first I wasn’t particularly excited for

almost just a compilation of spoiler-

ent, all while keeping us comfortable

this title and thought nothing of it,

ish scenes (you might want to stay

with the same familiar mechanics of

but as soon as I heard that the direc-

away from this link of the trailer

its previous title. Once again, much

tor of Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls,

if you haven’t already played the

like in Far Cry 3, it looks like your

Hidetaka Miyazaki, had his hand in

game).

animal friends will help you fight

directing once again, I was on board

against armed goons of a viciously

right away (with high expectations,

Dead Island 2 was also announced,

dangerous antagonist with super

mind you). The dark (literally very

alongside a very charming and funny

styling hair, this time voiced by the

dark) trailer at Sony’s E3 conference

trailer that seems truer to the game

talented Troy Baker (and who’s not

didn’t seem to do the game justice,

and its gameplay, rather than leav-

down for some more Troy Baker?).

as much was hard to see; gruesome

ing us expecting a ridiculously heavy

killing was in fact happening, but the

emotional ride like from their last

Sony also introduced some promis-

details weren’t exactly clear (queue

trailer.

ing new titles, like Entwined (made

flashbacks to AVP fight sequences).

by recent graduate students! How

But nonetheless, I still feel like

impressive~), with its beautiful art/

Bloodborne is a new title to look

And then we had a small live demo

aesthetic, featuring the story of

forward to for 2015.

for Little Big Planet 3 that had its

two souls (a fish an a bird if I’m not

little hiccups here and there, but

mistaken) that are in love but can’t

Another few familiar titles were

overall still seemed strong in the fun

be together. You play through nine

at Sony’s conference, such as The

factor. They even introduced some

.//: OH WOULD YOU TAKE A LOOK AT THAT... IT’S SACK BOY AND A COUPLE OF NEW FRIENDS!

PAGE 24 24OURGAMING

AUGUST 2014

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super cute new characters to accompany our beloved Sack Boy that

But either way, I couldn’t resist being

add a whole new dynamic to what

excited for MGS5 and its Fox Engine

the player can do and accomplish in

realism.

every level.

Lastly, Sony decided to end off the

.//: IS IT JUST ME, OR DID EVERYONE HAVE KNIVES IN THIS TRAILER?

Putting aside all the details about

night with the first look at Naughty

the PS4′s ability to connect to

Dog’s Uncharted 4 A Thief’s End. The

YouTube, Twitch, and UStream, and

trailer was short and sweet, but from

its whole social gaming marketing

the looks (and sound) of it, it seems

point, a few titans of gaming were

to be Drake’s final mission, a rather

given some E3 screen time as well (of

bittersweet last surprise.

course I had to leave it for last).

No word on Kingdom Hearts 3, PersoBatman Arkham Knight was intro-

na 5, or Hotline Miami 2 for the night,

duced with a gameplay trailer that

incase you were just as eager to

looked great. Its gameplay, the voice

hear as I was, but overall Sony looks

acting (more Troy Baker, anyone?),

like it has a promising year ahead

the graphics, and even the new Bat-

of them. However, these were just

mobile design looked pretty souped

my personal highlights of the night!

up, not to mention the Scarecrow’s

Sony’s 2014 E3 press conference in

little cameo, stealing Penguin’s

its entirety is available to watch on

spotlight, at the end of the trailer.

IGN’s YouTube channel here. Check it

PS4 owners will have the honour of

out for yourself and decide if Sony’s

meeting Scarecrow and his cute new

got an eventful agenda, or a year

redesign as his missions were an-

without a pulse. But in all honesty,

nounced as a Playstation exclusive.

Playstation’s really got something for everybody out there. Feel free to

No Sony press conference is com-

let us know in the comments which

plete without some Kojima. Metal

titles Sony’s got you pumped for in

.//: DRAKE, WHERE EVER YOU ARE,

Gear Solid V Phantom Pain, Kojima’s

the upcoming year! //

DO YOU REALLY WANNA GO BACK IN

new baby, was stunning and intense

A MENDOZA

THERE?

as usual. Also rather confusing, as it left us (or at the very least myself) questioning Big Boss’s level of rationality and sanity. Diamonds out of ashes smeared all over your face doesn’t seem very Naked Snake of you, Boss. Or is it Punished Snake now?

24OURGAMING PAGE 25

ISSUE 01

AUGUST 2014

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TO GET OR NOT TO GET:

MICROSOFT’S

STAFF WRITER KEVIN PADILLA TAKES US THROUGH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MICROSOFT’S E3 CONFERENCE. HIS ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS THE STRENGTHS OF VARIOUS UPCOMING RELEASES, WHILE ASKING THE NAGGING

XBOXONE w

QUESTION ...WILL YOU BE GETTING AN X-BOX ONE?

atching this year’s

will also ask to the reader: do you

sets, and antagonist swarm bots

Microsoft E3 confer-

want to get an Xbox One?

that look like they were based on the

ence, I thought it was

“Terror Bites” from Time Crisis 4. But

a slightly better presentation than

The first is Call of Duty: Advanced

hey if it’s your kind of game, give it a

last year’s. It may have something

Warfare. Personally not interesting

shot. Check out the aforementioned

to do with the fact that they stopped

to me, but it does bring the franchise

games too, they’re pretty fun and fall

trying to feed us crap and were

into the future warfare era in which

in the same genre.

finally honest about what they were

established games like Ghost Recon

presenting.

Advanced Warfighter, Future Soldier,

Next up on the docket is Forza

and Titanfall have set themselves

Horizon 2. Releasing in September

That, and this was my first time

in. It looks like many of the game’s

2014, the sequel to Forza Horizon

finishing a full E3 conference from

aesthetics and features were “bor-

will have players participating in

Microsoft. Nevertheless, I managed

rowed” from these titles but I sup-

the Horizon festival being held in

to pick up some interesting titles

pose some can let it slide. The face

Southern Europe. For those unfamil-

and features to look out for if you

of weapons in the future can only be

iar, the Horizon festival is essentially

do have an Xbox One, some of which

so unique right? COD:AW has digi-

a giant meet up of various people

will also cross into other platforms.

tized interface HUDs on the weap-

and personalities who share the

Finishing this conference also raised

ons keeping count of ammo and

passion of racing and admires the

another personal question which I

grenades, exoskeleton-like armor

automotive culture. It’s an open

PAGE 26 24OURGAMING

AUGUST 2014

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«GREENERY» CHECK OUT THOSE HILLSTHOUGH... WHO’S DOWN FOR A JOYRIDE? OR BETTER YET, A PICNIC!

world game and players can participate in various races like circuits, time attacks, drifting competitions, and point-to-point battles. There is a full day-night cycle and for the first time in the series, there is a dynamic weather element in the game. The first Forza Horizon for me

which caused extreme mutation in

“I MANAGED TO PICK UP SOME INTERESTING TITLES AND FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR IF YOU DO HAVE AN XBOX ONE, SOME OF WHICH WILL ALSO CROSS INTO OTHER PLATFORMS.”

wasn’t the best one I’ve played, but

humans if consumed in excessive quantities. The player has the ability to do some parkouring and use the environment to focus on acrobatics and other moves you wouldn’t possibly be able do in real life.

It also has a humorous and sort

it was enjoyable to drive a Nissan

Another interesting release that

of a colorful “punk” presentation,

R34 Skyline around the Colorado

caught my eye is called Sunset

and the rendition gives me a Team

interstates, mainly because there

Overdrive. An upcoming third-person

Fortress 2 kind of feel. Speaking of

were no cops and it’s “race legal”.

open world action game developed

which, there is also a co-op mode

I do hope that the sequel picks up

by Insomniac Games, the protago-

being made available called CHAOS

on what it could’ve done better and

nist is tasked with cleaning up a

mode, where you can play with 7

improves the entire quality of the

mess left by the company he works

other players to save the city togeth-

game all around.

for in Sunset City. Essentially, they

er… and compete for the high score,

threw a huge party to celebrate

of course. Worth checking out for

the launch of a new energy drink

the open world component and the

24OURGAMING PAGE 27

parkouring features - things which work really well to-

it doesn’t turn out like some contemporary Tom Clancy

gether and look totally awesome.

branded games that were met with disappointment.

My personal favourite experience watching Microsoft’s

Presentations worthy of mention particularly for 24Our-

E3 conference was the unveiling of the latest Halo incar-

Gaming are Project Spark and ID@XBOX. Project Spark is

nation: The Master Chief Collection. This is the entirety of

a digital canvas that can be used to create games and

SPARTAN John-117′s story as we know it from the series,

other experiences. To me, it’s Microsoft’s rendition of

from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, all the way up

Garry’s Mod; the player has no objective but is free to

to Halo 4.

create whatever they see fit using the engine and any available tools. This means that players are free to cre-

Watching the trailer brought back memories of playing

ate their own games for us to peruse and review.

the Cairo Station mission in co-op, and what’s even better is that the Halo 2 multiplayer is being shipped with

ID@XBOX is a program by Microsoft in which a collection

the Collection “as it was released 10 years ago”. Each of

of indie developers are provided with development kits,

the individual games have been wrapped into one col-

complete with required technical documentation, and

lection and can seamlessly switch between each game

can submit games for use on the Xbox One, Xbox Live,

from a menu. All of the multiplayer maps from each of

Kinect, and Xbox SmartGlass. I think it’s great that Micro-

the games are available to use in the multiplayer compo-

soft started this program, it allows a lot of people to see

nent, providing over 100+ maps for use. Included in the

what these developers can offer us and most of the time,

series is the newest live action series Halo: Nightfall cre-

these games can be comparable to many triple-A titles at

ated by director Ridley Scott and a multiplayer beta for

the fraction of a price.

Halo 5: Guardians. This entire series ships for the new release retail price of $70 on November 11, 2014. You could

If you have yet to see Microsoft’s entire E3 conference,

buy used copies of each game for the same amount but

it’s available on Youtube so be sure to check it out! //

you get a huge plethora of content and interconnectiv-

K PADILLA

ity with this collection. If that’s not worth it, I don’t know what is… and being a big Halo fan, this would definitely be worth it. That is... if I had an Xbox One to use it on.

Finally, we come to The Division. Being developed by Ubisoft Massive, Ubisoft Reflections, and Ubisoft Red Storm, The Division is a third person shooter MMO branded under the Tom Clancy name depicting a post-apocalyptic scenario in which the entire United States has collapsed from a disease spread on Black Friday. Players are part of the Strategic Homeland Division, or The Division, and are tasked to do whatever is necessary to save what little remains, and will have to face enemy AI and other players in order to do so. The game looks beautiful and the gameplay elements are dynamic with the ability to switch between various skills and the ability to play with your friends. Information about the game is still limited but it is slated for release in 2015. So far, this is all I can pick up about The Division but I have high hopes for it because personally, I like the Tom Clancy series. I just hope

PAGE 28 24OURGAMING

«ALL HAIL THE CHIEF» WHO’S DOWN TO GO THROUGH ALL THAT AGAIN?.. I KNOW I AM...

AUGUST 2014

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FIVE WAYS NINTENDO REMINDS US THAT IT OWNS THE VIDEO GAME UNIVERSE

01

STAFF WRITER BRANDON MINIA TRIES TO KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET (COMPARED TO HIS FIRST DRAFT OF THE ARTICLE) IN THIS LITTLE LAUNDRY LIST. BUT NO BIG INTRODUCTION IS NEEDED. IF PEOPLE DROOLING OVER THIS YEAR’S SHOWING AT E3

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IS ANY INDICATION OF WHAT’S TO COME, HERE ARE FIVE REASONS WHY NINTENDO IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH (OR RATHER: “FIVE WAYS NINTENDO IS REMINDING US OF HOW GODLY IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN”).

1. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA

closest to something “open-world”).

03 ing the wave of gamers desiring more and more realism and immersiveness.

Although subtly mentioned and revealed

The adoption of open-world concepts in

in a gameplay trailer, the upcoming title

The Legend Of Zelda would be something

Some epicly gigantic open-world games

in The Legend Of Zelda series is going to

of a dream-come-true for both fans of

of the last decade include Bethesda’s

be an open-world concept. This is some-

the series and of open-world games,

Skyrim (of the Elder Scrolls series),

thing that hasn’t ever been seen in the

one that even Pokemon still hasn’t truly

Fallout 3, Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemp-

Zelda series, with Ocarina Of Time being

done. You don’t even have to be a hard-

tion and Grand Theft Auto V, and Ubisoft’s

the closest (others would even argue the

core fan of TLOZ to recognize how huge

Assassin’s Creed (this is obviously not

very first game of the series being the

this game might be, especially consider-

an exhaustive list). It’s a little unbeliev-

24OURGAMING PAGE PAGE 29 29 24OURGAMING

able that Link is going to join the likes of

own. The Wii-U has been dumped on for

disgusting fanboy bias, but the Persona series

Ezio and the Dovahkiin as “open-world

so long, in particular by gamers who fre-

by Atlus is seemingly on its way to becoming

protagonists,” even though it seems like

quented the more “mature” consoles of

the definitive hallmark of all RPG games in this

creating a TLOZ game in this style has

Sony and Microsoft (especially consider-

new generation of video games. I won’t give

always seemed like a no-brainer. The

ing its predecessor, the Wii, was known

you a crash course on the franchise’s history,

only thing left to do is wait and see how

as “the console” that sacrificed state-of-

nor will I gush as to why I think Persona is tak-

exactly this new open-world Zelda looks

the-art technology for innovative game-

ing over in the niche of RPGs, but Persona, a

and feels on the Wii-U, but with Ninten-

play and family-friendly accessibility, a

derivative of the Shin Megami Tensei series,

do’s track record and open-worlds being

tactic that alienated a certain large sect

has become something of a cult-following in the

highly fashionable nowadays, this seems

of gamers). I was once one of them.

gaming community that is slowly budding into

like a surefire homerun.

the mainstream, in thanks due to sleeper hits The 3DS should get a section too but

Persona 3 and Persona 4 for the Playstation 2

really, it doesn’t need one. It already

console. In the last eight years, the two games

has a healthy list of epic titles (see Fire

have spawned numerous spin-offs and remakes,

I shed a tear when the remakes of Poke-

Emblem: Awakening, Animal Crossing:

including two fighting games and an upcoming

mon Ruby and Sapphire were (finally)

New Leaf, Tomodachi Life), and with its

rhythm game for the Vita; its next sequel, Perso-

announced; and when more in-game

Streetpass features and affordability, it’s

na 5, is set to hit the Playstation 3 in the upcom-

footage of the games surfaced I shed

pretty much smacked down its rival in

ing year. So, why am I talking about a franchise

about twenty more tears.

the Playstation Vita hard into the ground.

that is obviously a mainstay for Sony consoles in

But no one ever really talked about a Wii-

an article about Nintendo?

2: POKEMON: A REBIRTH

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sap-

U until Mario Kart 8 and E3 rolled around,

phire for the 3DS is promising to be

and now everyone wants to take a Wii-U

Persona Q is an upcoming title in the Persona se-

the biggest game ever in the Pokemon

out to dinner.

ries exclusively for the 3DS, the first Persona title

series, marrying the mega-evolution and

to reach Nintendo. This title, using similar art

battle mechanics of the newer games

If the exclusive titles revealed at E3

designs and gameplay mechanics to Etrian Odys-

with the nostalgia and innovative feel

(some being mentioned here in this

sey games (another series by Atlus), is perhaps

that Ruby and Sapphire (and Emerald)

article already) are any indication, the

anticipated mostly because of its crossover of

first provided us almost a decade ago. I

Wii-U is making a strong case of being

both Persona 3 and 4. In essence, this is a dream

really can’t say anything more about this

the absolute winner in the new genera-

come true for hardcore fans of both games.

— if you’re a Pokemon fan, or if you grew

tion of console wars. Not only is it the

up playing the original Gameboy Advance

most affordable of the big three, but its

Not surprisingly, this isn’t as big of a deal com-

games, I’m sure you can agree that this

exclusives look downright stunning. And,

pared to other upcoming Nintendo titles, but

all speaks for itself.

unlike the Wii, Nintendo and its Wii-U

in a very subtle way this has the potential to be

seems to be less afraid of utilizing more

the most impactful. This is not the first game by

Although Pokemon X and Y kinda sucked

advanced technology (read: high graphic

Atlus on Nintendo machines (see Devil Survivor,

(but I did like Serena’s character design),

fidelity) in making games with quality

Shin Megami Tensei IV, Etrian Odyssey), but, as

I have total faith that ORAS is going to be

concepts and gameplay.

mentioned before, this is the first Persona title

a super-effective one-hit knockout for Gamefreak and Nintendo.

to be released on a Nintendo platform. With 4. PERSONA (OR RATHER, ATLUS: THE SLEEPING GIANT)

3: THE WII-U

This absolutely needs a section of its

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Persona’s growing popularity in the gaming community and its notoriety as one of the (if not the) best RPG games in the new generation, its

I’m making a bold claim here, and I know

release on a 3DS may be indicative of something

this is because I’m a huge fan with a

major growing between Atlus and Nintendo. Not

AUGUST 2014 only that, but this is pretty much the



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finally celebrate that rich history.

migration of two, not just one, critically acclaimed games to Nintendo.

for these life simulation games it may be a huge sleeper.

The Super Mario Smash Bros. series, a long front-runner in the list of Nintendo’s

There’s still many upcoming titles that

If you are well immersed in the Atlus

most popular exclusives, appears to be

look intriguing which I haven’t men-

universe, you would also know that Atlus

the captain of this upcoming juggernaut.

tioned yet; Hyrule Warriors looks to be an

games are known for being a weird mesh

Two games of the series are coming

exciting re-imagined spin on The Legend

of immersive, addicting, and weird.

up, and though it hasn’t been unknown

of Zelda universe while Captain Toad:

This description doesn’t sound too far

before this year’s E3 that each of the 3DS

Treasure Tracker seems like a cute little

off from Nintendo games. The Persona

and Wii-U would receive their own re-

platform game. Fans of Mario Paint (or

games, in fact, have been praised for

spective titles, it’s a little crazy to think

those who never got to own the game)

using conventional RPG mechanics in a

about how many Nintendo characters

are going to be intrigued by the upcom-

more modern universe, rather than a tra-

are being thrown into this mix (although

ing Mario Maker. Although not a “sequel”

ditional and cliched Medieval-nostalgia

the mix has always been a little crazy). In

by any means to the artsy SNES game,

setting; as a result, the games feel epic

line with what Mario Kart 8 has done, Miis

there are definitely calls and sounds

yet strangely ‘weird.’ Indeed, it seems At-

are now playable characters too. Indeed,

reminiscent of the old game. The ability

lus fits Nintendo like a glove (vice versa),

it will soon be possible to tell people you

to make levels that the original level

and if this game does well, I believe that

got into a fight with Mario, Marth, and

designers were probably never ballsy

this relationship can grow into some-

Greninja… and lived to tell the tale.

enough to make is finally possible, and it

thing unprecedented and spout some very, very quality video games.

can be done at your own hands.

My favourite Nintendo character is getting a video game too, and the upcoming

The main point to take away from all this

If you don’t believe that this relationship

Yoshi’s Wooly World looks absolutely

is that Nintendo has arguably the great-

between Atlus and Nintendo is poten-

adorable. If you’ve ever played a Yoshi

est list of console-exclusive games for

tially something of a quiet revolution,

game, you know that it’s never been one

any console in a very, very long time. And

perhaps you should know that there is

of those games reliant on skill, but rather

they know it. They don’t need to bash the

already in development an upcoming

exploration (and Yoshi’s damn cute-

other of the big three, preach affordabil-

crossover between Atlus and Nintendo

ness); Yoshi’s Wooly World looks to be a

ity, or attempt to out-do what’s already

respectively with Shin Megami Tensei

culmination of this idea of cuteness and

available; they just focus on making

and Fire Emblem.

adventure, and with wool-texture graph-

great games. This production and work

ics it looks to be a novel and exciting

ethic combined with epic titles that are

experience.

all either whimsical, epic, or just fun, is

5. ARGUABLY THE GREATEST LIST OF EXCLU-

the foundation of a force that is soon to

SIVE MAINSTREAM TITLES IN A VERY, VERY Even newer titles look promising and ex-

strike the gaming world at full speed. The

citing. Splatoon looks like to be an amaz-

catch is that Nintendo has never ever

ing shooter that looks like it could go

stopped striking. //

Nintendo has the advantage of having a

head-to-head with first-person shooters

B Minia

long history of franchises exclusive to

already available in today’s market. Fan-

them and them alone, and it seems like

tasy Life for the 3DS, on the other hand,

now, after decades of memorable video

looks reminiscent of Animal Crossing and

game heroes and stories, is the time to

Harvest Moon, and with a growing niche

LONG TIME

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