pg. 1
Author’s Note
This magazine was written progressively over the course of six months between August and December
of
2015
for
the
Entertainment
Journalism class at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. It has been a joy to work on all of these pieces, and I hope that all gamers can appreciate each piece for what it is.
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Table of Contents The Review
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.
Pg. 4
The Profile
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.
.
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.
Pg. 11
The Personal Essay
.
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Pg. 17
The Playlist
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Pg. 25
The Scene
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Pg. 33
The Query Letter
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Pg. 37
The Feature
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Pg. 39
About the Author
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Pg. 45
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pg. 4
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition Review
“Sh*t Yeah!” Reviewed on Xbox One September 4, 2015 The release of the original Gears of War was a pivotal point in gaming history. For many, myself included, this seminal release from 2006 represented the coming of age for the newest generation of gaming, spearheaded by the Xbox 360. The original Gears of War showed many gamers just what could be accomplished with this new set of hardware. Fast forward to 2015, and here is the remaster, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. Here is the same game that was released back in 2006, but better than ever. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition doesn’t retain the same shock and awe factor that its original had. What it does retain, however, is a campaign that represents the embodiment of the summer blockbuster, some of the finest third-person shooter mechanics in gaming, and an updated multiplayer that manages to walk the line between new and improved as well as faithful recreation. Whether you’re an old fan of the series looking to relive and replay this classic, or if you somehow missed out on the original, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is the game for you.
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The campaign gets gamers right out the gate as soon as they load up. Given a very speedy overview of the series’ backstory, players are quickly thrown into the shoes of ex-prisoner, Marcus Fenix, recently pardoned and remade a soldier. The mission: to stop the menacing Locust Horde, a collection of subterranean reptile-like species who have been at war with humanity for 14 years – a war which, by the way, humanity has been losing… badly. From this point forward, Gears takes on the persona of the perfect, testosterone-radiating action adventure. Joining Marcus are his trustworthy squadmates and unmistakable bros, Dom, Baird, and Cole, all four of whom are well voice-acted and survive off a steady diet of steak and protein shakes. Together, these four heroes embark on a journey that takes them through varied and beautiful environments, ranging from city streets, to tunnels miles beneath the surface, as well as atop a speeding train. To make things better, the Ultimate Edition adds five new chapters that were previously PC exclusive, including a showdown with the monster behemoth known as the Brumak. From start to finish, Gears provides players with action and entertainment in a way only a summer blockbuster can. This story is only enhanced by the new graphical improvements that the Xbox One provides. While the campaign is certainly made better by a bump in resolution to 1080p at a steady 30fps, the upgraded textures and, more impressively, improved lighting remain standout additions to anyone who knows well the original Gears of War. And sure to please any player are the new cutscenes, wholly redone and reanimated for a more cinematic experience. On the whole, the new graphical enhancements are a testament to the new and powerful hardware on which the Gears series now resides.
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As for gameplay, the Ultimate Edition preserves the same fluid and then-innovative third-person shooter mechanics that have come to define nearly all other third-person action games. Popping in and out of cover to quickly shoot, dodge, and shift positions remains an easy and satisfying affair. Killing, too, is designed as an act which should be savored. Gears almost treats the act as an art form, one in which bodies are gibbed into pieces via explosions and shotguns, heads popped like melons by sniper rifles and the stomp of a boot, as well as chests torn asunder by rifle-mounted chainsaw-bayonets. Did I mention that Gears is violent? Yet, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is not without its hitches. Indeed, some of the things that make the game so great are also the things that make it frustrating. Some of the great set piece moments during the campaign can be very challenging, especially on higher difficulties. These sections often force you fight through waves of locusts who soak up bullets like sponges and can kill you almost instantly, all without benefit of a nearby checkpoint. Some of these moments are made easier when the game is played alongside a co-op partner, but even co-op has a number of demanding sections. This becomes particularly evident whenever the two co-op players have to split up. Many of these split ups require careful coordination between the two parties. Even a single misstep by either of the two players has the potential to cause a reload to the last checkpoint. Another notable flaw is that of the A.I. For instance, you just cannot rely on the intelligence of your teammates. To a degree, you can issue commands to your team, but they usually either provide only token assistance or get downed blindly charging into battle. It is rare to see your team contribute meaningfully in battle. On the other hand, the A.I. of your enemies is something to be marveled at. At times, they act creatively to flank you while you’re in cover, forcing you to relocate. The real problem, though, is when they choose to make a suicidal blitz towards your cover. If you can quickly dispatch the charging assailant, you are safe. But if they manage to reach your cover and hop over, you are almost assuredly dead on higher difficulties, often causing you expose yourself to fire from the other locusts just to get away from the one who can one-shot you. Even their awareness is puzzling. For example, if a locust on a machine gun is firing at your squadmate while you’re in
pg. 7
cover, they may instantly turn their attention to you the moment you expose yourself from cover hoping to get in a sniper round.
None of these problems, however, plague the multiplayer, which is back in full force. Launching with all the original Gears of War’s maps, including DLC, the Ultimate Edition’s multiplayer marries the nuances of more recent Gears games with the traditional Gears of War 1 experience. Features such as marking enemy positions, an expanded list of controller settings, and new gamemodes such as Team Deathmatch and King of the Hill are all welcome additions to Gears 1 multiplayer. Gone are the glitches that could potentially ruin matches. And here to stay is the dedicated server matchmaking system that surpasses the previous client-hosted server browser of 2006. Given such features, the Ultimate Edition continues to foster a competitive community, a quality that has always been true to the Gears franchise. But, in keeping with the truest staple of Gears 1 multiplayer, the Ultimate Edition has a notable emphasis on close quarter shotgun battles. Missing are such features as stopping power as well as the ability to choose which weapon you would start with, features which began with Gears 2. Nay, the Ultimate Edition maintains close combat almost to a fault. So the ability of the Ultimate Edition to keep you continually returning to its multiplayer may hinge almost entirely upon this factor.
The Verdict pg. 8
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition manages to achieve what most remasters set out to do. It faithfully reconstructs a beloved classic, maintaining the core elements that made it fun to begin with, while also adding graphical and sometimes mechanical improvements when possible. The Ultimate Edition performs this feat with finesse. The game looks, feels, and runs better than the original ever did, but it’s still the quintessential Gears of War that released back in 2006. Despite the existing issues with portions of the campaign and perhaps even with the acquired taste that is multiplayer, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is a must buy for any fan of the series and is a great starting place for anyone who is looking to become one.
9.0
Amazing Gears: Ultimate Edition is another model for successful remasters. It skillfully melds nuance and faithfulness to form a game that is just as fun today as it was in 2006. + Action-packed campaign + Looks and performs better than ever + Genre-defining mechanics + Faithful but improved multiplayer - Persisting moments of frustration with the campaign and A.I.
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pg. 11
Gaming for Good I arrive outside the office just before the
something year old man and doctoral
guest of honor does, but one thing becomes
graduate of the University of Texas at Austin
immediately apparent: I’m not the only
is a modern day wizard (although he opts to
person here to meet Dr. Jason Rosenblum.
wear thin-framed glasses and a polo shirt far
Indeed it’s that time of year again here at the
more often than a robe or hat).
St. Edward’s University campus, the time
Rosenblum is the kind of man who has done
when
disciplines
a lot in a short amount of time. In the time it
interview professors from their majors. But
has taken for his well-kept and otherwise
I’m not one of them. I’m the outsider. I’m a
raven-colored beard to show signs of
history major, and I’m not here to discuss
greyness, Rosenblum has helped design
my future at this university. No, I’m here to
several games and spent nearly two decades
talk to Rosenblum about one thing: video
passing on this knowledge as well as
games.
knowledge ranging from social justice issues
freshmen
from
all
By the time Rosenblum begins to stroll down the
Dr.
to computer science.
“It does not take me very
And Rosenblum’s path to
long to realize perhaps the computer and gaming hall to his office, there are three of us waiting for him. most important thing about wizardry began with some Knowing our purposes, he him.
of the most retro gaming
welcomes us in to sit at the round
table
while
The man is a kind he multifaceted wizard.”
of
systems: from early Atari consoles,
to
the
chooses to address us from
Commodore 64, as well as
his nearby desk. And once
the
Magnavox
Odyssey.
he does start addressing us, it does not take
He’s been keeping up with recent gaming
me very long to realize perhaps the most
though, as he enjoys such games as Mass
important thing about him.
Effect or Grand Theft Auto. His dedication
The man is a kind of multifaceted wizard. Yes, indeed, this
pg. 12
early to mid-forty-
to gaming has certainly not faded – a notion which is only reinforced by his recent experience
of
staying
up
till
1:30
configuring the network settings on his new
just one of those tech wizards who might
PlayStation 4.
just rile this beast, the beast of educational
But gaming has always held a specific
gaming.
significance in the eyes of Rosenblum. He
Right now, Rosenblum is part of the driving
could share it with his mom: “We used to
force behind the continuing emergence of
stay up and play Asteroids . . . When I got
educational gaming, bringing video games
into gaming, it was a social experience.”
to the center of the classroom in a
But gaming also provided Rosenblum with
meaningful
the means to connect with other people.
Rosenblum,
Beginning
entertainment.
with
his
first
attempts
at
and
didactic
gaming
is
way.
To
not
just
While mainstream gaming
programing on his Atari console, Jason
can provide us with the means to address
recalls a simple desire: “I wanted to make
certain philosophical questions; bolster our
stuff happen on screen.”
Obviously, his
problem-solving skills; and understand the
electronic spell-casting began at an early
importance and relationship between failure,
age.
perseverance, and the eventual “epic win,”
As such, Rosenblum learned two things from his early interaction with video games: one, that games could be used to reach out to others; and two, that he wanted
to
something
create out
video games also have the potential to take education into bold, new directions. Serious games, as they are called, can serve as the springboards to understanding larger, more pressing issues.
of
This gets to the
gaming. The next step
core of what drives
for
Rosenblum:
Jason
Rosenblum
seemed
not
too
fetched:
the
field
the
far-
yearning to create
of
games that produce
educational technology. This is how Jason Rosenblum has come to the precipice upon which he currently stands. Beneath him lies a slumbering beast, one whose true potential lies dormant. He is
meaningful impact on
players,
especially regarding real world problems. And games which are educational and provide meaningful impact have unique
pg. 13
benefits that other mediums of learning do
our ideas about how we relate to others in
not share, as Rosenblum explains: “[Serious
the
gaming] gets people engaged . . . around a
undeniable potential of games to incorporate
complex topic . . . it takes the abstract and
such questions thematically, not all, and
makes it concrete.
perhaps only a limited few seem to do so.
It takes this kind of
passive mode of listening, absorbing, and reading material into learning as an active exercise.
You become involved.
become immersed.”
You
Jason has personally
world.”
However,
despite
the
“I just don’t know what it would take for the industry to want to move more into that direction ... into more serious material.”
seen this form of learning work both in
Yet, Rosenblum does realize that some
tabletop games such as St. Edward’s Syria
games have been teaching players other
Simulation (which he co-designed) and in
important qualities or skillsets. One such
digital forms, such as with a game like
game series that has done this and done it
Peacemaker, both of which focus on serious
“for a ton of gold” has been the America’s
problems plaguing the Middle East.
Army series. According to him, the success
Given the success of such serious games in schools and universities, it should be expected that educational gaming will continue to catch on throughout the nation or even the globe. So, if the experience of serious games is successful in engaging
of this series has been in that it is both fun as a game but has also instructed players in skills such as teamwork, the most important of which is relying on other players: “That’s real life. It doesn’t get much more real than that.”
players in more important and real life
And the America’s Army series is not alone
issues, is mainstream gaming bound to
in having any sort of real life value. One
become more educationally-minded? Will
developer who has made morality and
the gaming industry begin to discuss global
choice a fundamental part of their games is
problems more frequently?
Tell-Tale Games, whose resume includes
Rosenblum remains skeptical.
He notes
that, as a medium, gaming has the power to “address complex and significant moral questions, questions that get us to reframe
pg. 14
titles such as The Wolf among Us, Tales from the Borderlands, and a video game adaptation of Game of Thrones.
In Tell-
Tale’s The Walking Dead series, the game evaluates players on the basis of their moral
decision-making, “based on your generosity,
these need to be done organically.
based on your empathy . . . these are moral
instance, for existing game series such as
questions.”
Civilization to start addressing the conflict
And these are the moral
questions and teachings that Rosenblum
of
feels
environment, it would need to be done
are
so
pursued
by
certain
economics,
industry,
“organically.”
Ed’s wants to teach, and here it is, built right
questions, games cannot phone them in.
into the game. I thought it was marvelous
Developers must find ways in which to fit
thing.”
such questions into the existing framework
become a greater part of gaming? “I’m not terribly convinced,”
Rosenblum
replies
talk
about
the
organizations: “This is like the thing that St.
But will this trend continue? Will education
To
and
For
moral
of game design, in ways that are both “meaningful [but also] in ways that don’t tap players over the head.”
bluntly. Yet, he does show some hope, “I
“I think that we can do that,” he concludes.
think there is a chance that some people are
The potential of gaming, even mainstream
interested, and I certainly would be, in
gaming,
designing a game that has a high impact,
experiences is never lost on Dr. Rosenblum.
except more mainstream.” And where does
“Man, that would be a really cool game to
this begin? According to him, these chances
create and for a really great purpose too,” he
may very well begin at the university: “So
comments regarding an hypothesized serious
how can we get games, how can we
Civilization-styled game. Just by talking to
convince game designers, game companies,
him, it is clear that gaming has a well of
to take an impact-based approach? Well we
untapped potential, and Jason may be part of
can start it at places like here. We can say,
the emergence of educational and serious
as part of the game to design, that we offer
games on a mainstream level. Games are a
people
medium whose transformative effects have
these
alternatives,
these
real
perspectives on which to make a game.” So once game designers start getting these critical perspectives needed to discuss
to
produce
such
impactful
only yet to be reached and who knows what a modern day wizard like Jason Rosenblum will conjure up in the years to come.
contemporary issues, they also need to learn ways to utilize them. Rosenblum argues that
pg. 15
pg. 16
pg. 17
Walking in a Wasted Wonderland: A Love Letter to Fallout
Two hundred years of silence are broken by
As the camera continues to pan outward,
the abrupt crackle of resurrection. The bulb,
exiting the front half of the cleaved bus, the
hesitant to start, flickers and flashes but
D.C.
manages to burn again.
A guitar strums
contrasting bright and dark grey skies. Half
softly and is quickly followed lyrically by
structure, half skeleton, the Washington
the words “I don’t want to set the world on
Monument endures against all odds. Distant
fire.”
now, the chorus of the song trails off, “I
As the camera pans away from the
ruins
stand
visible
against
the
don’t want to set the world on fire…”
“Radiation King” radio set, a miniature hula
Howling winds and mechanical breathing
girl figurine sits before the backdrop of grey
replace the tunes of the Ink Spots.
and black-streaked windows.
The bus
imposing figure in power armor and
driver’s seat remains unfilled, and the rows
wielding a laser rifle comes into focus. At
for passengers seats, not humans, but a
first, they gaze off into the ruins, but they
skateboard, a bottle of vodka, a red Nuka-
suddenly lend an uneasy stare at the camera
Cola toy truck, and a still teddy bear.
as the screen goes black. The next thing
pg. 18
An
heard is the voice of Ron Perlman, uttering
first appeared before me: a decrepit town
the legendary words “War. War never
lying silent, save for an Enclave eyebot
changes.”
playing classic American anthems; dozens
“How much fun can it be roaming around in a wasteland?”
This was the thought that
plagued me at the end of the 2008 holiday gaming season. Sure, Fallout 3 looked cool and came from a renowned developer, but c’mon, it was just a wasteland, right? What fun could be had there? Well as it turns out, roaming around in the post-apocalyptic wasteland is one of the most fun and engaging experiences to be found in gaming.
of tall, narrow sticks that were once presumably trees;
the
remains
of an
overpass, broken sporadically and held up only partially by a few concrete supports; and of course, a green-less and noticeably brown (thank you hardware limitations) landscape. Something about the scene was so quietly tranquil yet also so telling about a history of violent devastation. This was just the start of a 200+ hour journey through the aptly named
Once I got to
Capital
sit down and
Wasteland,
an
play the game
adventure
that
on Christmas
took me from
of that year, I
the crater city
instantly
of Megaton, to
loved
it.
When I finally
the hub on the makeshift
emerged from Vault 101, the sun and
aircraft carrier that is Rivet City, and even to
horizon left a mark not only on my
the ruins of the Pentagon itself. Along the
character’s previously sun-deprived eyes,
way, I helped a DJ set up a new satellite dish
but also on my own mind. The moment
on the Washington Monument; decided the
when the gleaming light finally dies down
fate of the election in the Republic of Dave;
and your character gets accustomed to the
helped slaves secure their freedom (and later
day lit sky is a moment I will never forget. I
became a slaver myself); watched a giant,
will never forget seeing the wasteland as it
patriotic robot spout phrases like “Better
pg. 19
dead than red” while throwing mini nukes
launch anything from a tin can to a teddy
like a football; and, most memorably,
bear at your enemies, impacting hard
opened a door to a solid wall with green text
enough to explode body parts. It sure was
inscribed on it reading, “fuck you.” It was
fun to collect wads of paper money that
and will always be a one of a kind
could be used to pop heads back in the day.
adventure, one which never ran short of
As for the Alien Blaster, this weapon was
memorable moments, quests, characters,
just plain awesome. Firing a potent blue
places, and weapons.
beam, the Alien Blaster was quick to
And really, how am I ever supposed to forget some of the characters in Fallout 3? I could never overlook people such as Moira Brown, an eccentric and optimistic woman
dispatch foes. Once hit, the enemies would disintegrate into a blue blaze until becoming a pile of ash, a state which my friend once affectionately termed, “blue shit.”
who sends you out to perform a number of
Yet, perhaps the most appealing quality
near-suicidal tasks so she can complete her
about Fallout 3 and the Fallout series in
Wasteland Survival Guide. Nor can I ignore
general has been its setting. Taking place in
the memory of Harold, a man who became a
a world whose timeline split from our own
tree and asks you to kill him, thus freeing
following World War II, Fallout has a
him from his rooted prison and the cult of
unique brand of familiar yet foreign
worshippers who revere him. And the main
elements, a world that embodies the artistic
character’s father is played by Liam Neeson.
design of retrofuturism. Taking place in a
That’s not something you just forget!
world which retained and remained stuck in
Even the weapons are so imaginative and unique that they almost inhabit the place of characters. Sure, there are ordinary weapons such as magnums, pistols, and assault rifles, but the amount of bizarre weapons indelibly left their mark. There was anything from the Rock-It Launcher to the Alien Blaster. The former, made from pieces including a vacuum cleaner and a leaf blower, could
pg. 20
many of the social and political elements of our 1950s (emphasis on nuclear family, old clothing styles, fear of communism, etc.), the Fallout series realizes many of our wildest aspirations from that time period. The “World of Tomorrow” that Fallout presents is adorned with household cleaning robots, laser and plasma weapons, and even room-sized “supercomputers.”
Yet, despite its many advances over our own
never felt a pressing need to create energy-
timeline, Fallout, as a series, warns of the
efficient devices which ran on oil. As a
dangers of technology and technological
result, they used up their oil reserves much
use. In particular, energy and its uses are
faster than we’ve used our own, and the end
particularly important. In Fallout, the world
of their world began by fighting over the last
learned and more openly adopted the greater
drops of this precious fuel source. When the
use of nuclear fission and fusion, even in
Middle East began running low on oil, they
everyday life. Cars ran on nuclear-powered
charged the other nations increasingly high
engines which could explode into small-
prices,
scale mushroom clouds and spout radiation.
Commonwealth found intolerable.
There were even “fission batteries” small
resulted in a war and limited nuclear
enough to fit in one’s hand, hinting that a
exchange
number of consumer electronics ran off of
ultimately became pointless as the last
these sources of power.
reserves ran dry.
On the other hand, the world of Fallout also
Similarly, the scramble for oil in Alaska led
never learned, or learned far too late, the
the Chinese government to invade U.S. soil.
costs of not producing other energy efficient
This move caused a series of events which
devices.
The electronics of Fallout ran
included the U.S. annexation of Canada, the
almost entirely on archaic devices such as
development of the Forced Evolutionary
cathode ray tubes and transistors, the latter
Virus, and eventually the final nuclear
of which, while having been developed in
exchange that resulted in the destruction of
our world in 1947, was not developed in the
the Fallout world.
Fallout universe until 2067, ten years before their world’s destruction.
In fact, the
microprocessor chip that is used in nearly all of our modern electronics was likely never created in the Fallout universe.
prices
which
between
the
the
European
regions
This which
These are the details that have sculpted Fallout into such an engaging apocalypse. Not only are the games fun in themselves, but the entire universe in which these games exist is intricately designed and carries
The largest issue, however, in not creating
numerous allegories over to our own world
energy-efficient technology lay in the use of
and history. Fallout is so fascinating in part
oil.
because it has built these histories and
The nations of the world in Fallout
pg. 21
stories which continue to play out in the
which have so deservingly solicited such
post-apocalyptic wasteland that I, as well as
excitement from the gaming community as
other players, have experienced.
Without
much as Fallout 4 is and has been. The
this lore, the setting of Fallout might be just
pedigree and history of Fallout developer,
that of a wasteland, short on interesting
Bethesda, combined with the ability of the
characters, creatures, weapons, or places.
Fallout franchise to produce some of gaming’s most memorable experiences are almost assuredly going to satisfy gamers. And Fallout 4 may have more than one important role to play in the gaming community. For one, Fallout 4 could very well be a game that helps restore confidence in game developers and publishers. Though 2015 has seen an improvement, over the past few years, there has been a noticeable trend
Fallout, then, is an artfully-crafted game,
amongst some members of the gaming
and I, as well as many other gamers have
community growing gradually distrustful of
Fallout 3 to thank for introducing us to this
those who make and publish games.
series.
That game and this series will
Whether through an abundance of glitches
always have a special place in my heart and
that ruin the gameplay, moves by companies
mind.
The series represents some of the
that appear as blatant cash-grabs, or even
finest elements in role-playing design mixed
just having significant parts of games not
together with one of the most entrancing and
functioning properly, some gamers have
imaginative worlds designed. This is what
become disillusioned by those within the
makes Fallout 4 such an important and
industry. Fallout 4, like a few other games
anticipated release.
from 2015, may be just what the community
Though there might be an entire list of games that every gamer should play from
needs to feel reassured in those who bring us the games we love so much.
this year, Fallout 4 will, without a doubt be
And second, the release of Fallout 4 will
the most essential. There are few games
surely be a seminal one.
pg. 22
The game will
likely be one that nearly every gamer has
In the end, Fallout 4 will probably mean a
played, or at least heard of. It will very well
lot of things to a lot of different people. It is
become part of gaming’s own culture, an
a game that is, has been, and will likely be
experience that most gamers will be able to
celebrated for a long time. And I think it
talk about in some respect. I for one know
deserves it.
my friends and I will be talking almost
experience of Fallout 3, I’ve known exactly
Starting with my first
exclusively
how
about
special
Fallout upon
4 its
release. will
It be
this franchise is,
a
sentiment
something
shared
that
we,
throughout
like
many
gamers,
the gaming
will be able to share. The game’s release
community. It is with such knowledge that
may even be so large that it, like gaming
people like me will have to wait in
franchises such as Grand Theft Auto, may
anticipation for the franchise’s next entry.
become part of popular culture outside of
November 10 cannot come soon enough.
the bounds of just the gaming community.
pg. 23
pg. 24
pg. 25
The Top Five Games from Genres You Don’t Play It’s only natural that we all play favorites. In gaming, we have our favorite titles, our favorite characters, and we even have our favorite genres. Most of us would probably say our most beloved franchises belong to shooter or RPG genres and for good reasons. But there are plenty of games that all of us should play, regardless of their genre. These are the games that deserve our attention as well. So, without further ado, here is a list of the top five games from genres you might not play.
5.
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Category: Horror True, there are a number of other great horror games that could just as easily take this game’s spot on this list, but there is something particularly special about the Five Nights at Freddy’s series. Five Nights at Freddy’s, a game which became an instant hit at the end of the summer of 2014, asks the eternal question that has puzzled philosophers for centuries: “What would happen if the animatronics at a children’s pizzeria tried to kill you?”
pg. 26
This is a game which drops you right into the action. After a short and chilling introduction from a man over the phone, you are tasked with defending yourself for six hours from to four animatronics that are slowly making their way to your office to murder you. It’s a simple set up but also an unnerving, tense, and memorable one. And you’re as guaranteed to get goose-bumps the first time you see the animatronics move as you are guaranteed to jump back the first time you they surprise-murder you. Five Nights at Freddy’s is a short game, a cheap game, and a game you’ll not soon forget. Just remember to play with the lights off and headphones on!
4.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch
Category: Adventure Dads are strange creatures, but few are stranger than Octodad. In Octodad: Dadliest Catch, you play this very fellow, a suburban father of two who just so happens to be an octopus and who also just so happens to be fooling everyone, including his family, into thinking he’s like any other dad. Octodad is a physics-based adventure title that tasks you with performing a number of fatherly duties while evading the suspicion of any passersby. Does this all sound weird? Well it should, and that’s all for the better.
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The result is that Octodad is a rabidly humorous game. Octodad walks and controls like you’d expect an octopus would, comically contorting and flailing his limbs about. Simple jobs are thus made challenging, so much so that things like climbing an escalator can be tantamount to boss encounters. This is the kind of game which is made so much more memorable with the inclusion of co-op, where each player has the chance to control a limb or two of the same character. It’s a formula that’s bound to make you both laugh and yell at your friends. So do yourself a favor and play this game.
3.
Heroes of the Storm
Category: MOBA You don’t have to be a huge fan of MOBAs to like Heroes of the Storm. In fact, you don’t even have to like the genre’s most popular game, League of Legends, to like Heroes. The brilliance of Heroes is that it takes the popularity of other popular Blizzard franchises and meshes them together into a successful MOBA that balances both casual and competitive elements. In Heroes, you have your chance to play as a team of any of your favorite Blizzard characters, whether from StarCraft, Warcraft, or Diablo, and you must pit yourself against another team of similar design. The game comes off as more casual and approachable than the genre’s mainstay, League, in that it offers more maps and does not include item-buying. Yet, Heroes is able to
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remain a competitive MOBA thanks to solid game design, an expanding and unique list of characters, and a strong emphasis on teamwork rather than solo-play. If you have ever had an interest in MOBAs but never wanted to try League, Heroes is the best game to turn to.
2.
Undertale
Category: Indie (Turn-based RPG) Okay, you got me. Indie isn’t really a genre. But you have to give this game credit. Undertale is one of the greatest indie titles you’ve never heard of. It’s also a 16-bit style, turn-based RPG the likes of which you’ve never seen. The game allows you to choose whether you want to fight or spare enemies, each of whom has their own weaknesses that have to be deduced through creative game design. For instance, while you might choose to kill one enemy, you might also defeat/spare them by outflexing them, pretending to be a dog, or telling them a joke, depending on the enemy you face. And the game remembers everything you do. By killing all enemies, you’ll find yourself facing the “genocide” ending, while sparing enemies will net you a much different one.
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The developer clearly had an inventive mind in making this game. And it shows in everything, particularly the writing. You may very well find yourself dying from laughter because of this game. Inventive and eccentric characters *cough* Papyrus *cough* will often leave you reeling in hilarity. Yet this game is also punctuated by emotion, much of which will leave you with warm feelings in your heart. Undertale is the kind of game you just have to play to really understand.
1.
Civilization V
Category: Strategy The central idea of Civilization is fairly basic: “What great society would emerge victorious if they all started from the beginnings of human history?” Indeed, Civilization lets you take command of humanity’s most notable nations and empires, whether ancient or modern and tasks you with defeating your rivals, either through military, scientific, cultural, or diplomatic means. Is this a simple goal? No. But is it a fun and engaging one? You bet. Few other games do strategy as well as Civilization does. The game and series allows you the freedom to achieve victory like no other. You can be outwardly aggressive towards your
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neighbors all game, or you can engage in some friendly competition with them. This choice, as well as many others, is entirely up to you.
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Gaming’s Filthiest Word: “Microtransactions”
If you’re a hardcore gamer, there’s a good
the rise of free-to-play games.
chance you’ve felt squeezed at some point
microtransactions have been attributed to
over the past few years. Everywhere you
anything from Xbox Live’s original goals
look, there are new and inventive ways to
for its service to smaller things like
spend your money. This is due in large part
Oblivion’s infamous Horse Armor DLC,
to the gaming’s most influential trend of the
microtransactions did not become a popular
last
five
years,
While
trend in gaming
microtransactions,
until
the small purchases
beginning
you can make for in-
mobile gaming.
game items, and they
Mobile gaming
are ruining gaming…
has
At least this is what
successful
some people might
because
have you believe.
provides many
In today’s world of gaming, you’d be hardpressed to find a more controversial word than that of “microtransactions.” The mere utterance of the term is enough to evoke
the of
been it
free games whose revenues come from ingame purchases. And when this worked on the mobile level, it moved to the mainstream level, with surprising effect.
rabid calls of injustice, by many a gamer.
Games that you might never expect to go
But are microtransactions really so bad?
free-to-play suddenly adopted the model.
The answer is simply “no.”
For instance, the MMO, a traditionally
In fact, there are many benefits to the introduction of microtransactions in gaming. Gamers just tend to overlook them.
For
instance, gamers often overlook the fact that the rise of microtransactions is linked with
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subscription-based genre, has generally moved to a free-to-play system. Some hits such as Valve’s Team Fortress 2 have moved to a free system supplemented by virtual purchases. And even the most popular game
in the world, League of Legends is free-to-
Microtransactions are one of the best
play, and that is no coincidence.
options.
And when developers drop the buy-in fee for games, people are incentivized to play them, which brings in a lot more people. This has had the effect of making gaming more accessible to everyone. How is this a bad thing?
Microtransactions have provided
game developers with a lucrative method to recoup the expenditures of game production. Returning to the example of Team Fortress 2, Valve reported that, within nine months of going free-to-play, their revenues from the game shot up twelve times what they were making previously. If
What gamers also like to
the case of Valve and
overlook is the fact that
their game is of any
the
indication,
cost
of
development skyrocketed
since
game
is
has
money to be made in
the
microtransactions,
start of the last console
money
cycle.
developers
While
there
game
which so
developers and publishers
desperately need to
are often shy in revealing
stay
the true costs, the reality
game industry.
is that developing games cost a lot more now than they used to. Sometimes games cost well into the tens of millions and occasionally even over hundred million dollar marks just to produce, and this doesn’t consider marketing. Add up these costs; then consider the fact that consumers have not seen a rise in the price of games
in
the
video
Yet, despite these advantages, gamers are still unwaveringly skeptical towards the practice of microtransactions. Often, they levy the charges that microtransactions are overly-greedy intrusions in games, but they also say that microtransactions foster a playto-win environment.
since 2005, and you have a problem. How
As for the charge of greed, gamers need to
do game developers make up for the higher
come to terms with the fact that gaming is a
costs of games?
business. While it is not pleasant to see an expanding number of price tags on items
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within games themselves, it is also a
when they often limit such virtual purchases
necessary
Without
to the realm of cosmetic items for those who
microtransactions, developers would need to
want to customize their gaming experience
seek other ways to make a profit, and though
or by having them serve as shortcuts for
they
appealing,
those who do not want or cannot devote as
microtransactions are the best way to fulfill
much time as is needed to grind for items
this requirement without hurting everyone.
that would otherwise be free.
And the accusation of microtransactions
As such, the amount of controversy that
creating a pay-to-win environment in games
surrounds the practice of microtransactions
is largely unfounded. Though there may be
is highly overrated.
some games that abuse microtransactions,
always
there isn’t anywhere near a consensus
brought so many more benefits to the
towards any AAA games being pay-to-win.
industry than most people realize. Should
For, while it is easy to accuse games of
they understand the real circumstances,
being pay-to-win, in reality, if they were,
gamers would see microtransactions for
many people would not play the game.
what they really are – a practice that’s
Having a pay-to-win environment is a sure-
helped the industry grow by leaps and
fire way to limit widespread appeal and thus
bounds.
revenue. Therefore, developers have every
perhaps “microtransactions” will no longer
incentive to create microtransactions that fit
be such a filthy word.
aren’t
phenomenon.
aesthetically
well with the existing balance of the game. And developers best achieve this balance
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pretty,
While they aren’t
microtransactions
have
And with this understanding,
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[Subject line: Query: Opinion] Dear Kiersten, In spite of everything you’ve heard, microtransactions are not the devil made digital. People protest, criticize, and shower hate upon them, but they’re not all bad. Rather, this controversial business practice has been a greater force for good than many gamers know or want to admit. This needs to be addressed. In any article about microtransactions, it is not hard to find IGN readers and commenters condemning the practice. Plenty of our favorite games have microtransactions. It should not be hard then, to draw in many readers who hold their own opinions on microtransactions, even if they don’t agree with me. For this article, I plan to research the rise of microtransactions in the late 2000s and their effects on both genres and specific titles. I shall assemble a history of microtransactions using articles available to me on the web. I also plan to find statistics that are linked to the practice. Lastly, I shall investigate internet forums, both on IGN and elsewhere in order to find out exactly what gamers are saying about microtransactions. Currently, I am a senior history major at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. Traditionally, I have written for academia, but I have been encouraged to write as a journalist. I have been keenly aware of the rise of microtransactions for the past several years, and, unlike many, I have tried to approach them with an open mind. I am also not afraid to voice an unpopular opinion on this subject. I just wish to inform and persuade, which is my writing talent. Please let me know what you think about this idea. I look forward to hearing your comments. Thank you, Nick Deehan
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How RPGs Made 2015 the Best Year in Gaming 2014 was not a great year for gamers. The first full year of the new console cycle was full of fun games, but they frequently promised so much more than they could deliver. Bugs, glitches, serious omissions in features – the list goes on. 2014 held such potential, but time and again proved to be a disappointing year for gaming. Going into this year, the industry had much to make up for. And they really managed to do it. Though 2015 hasn’t been a perfect year, it is a huge improvement over last year, and gamers have RPGs to thank for it. This year’s volley of RPGs has been nothing short of spectacular, and they alone have made 2015 one of the best years in gaming in quite a while. They’ve somehow succeeded in avoiding all the pitfalls of other games: they’ve been mostly free of serious bugs, they’ve released in unquestionably finished states, and they’ve amazingly lived up to the hype. 2015’s RPGs have accomplished so much and have done so much to this year in gaming. Here are the games that deserve their praise.
Bloodborne
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Though it came early in this year, its quality was a surprise to no one. Made by esteemed director Hidetaka Miyazaki and the talented team at From Software, the action-RPG Bloodborne represents a successful spinoff from the acclaimed Souls series. Bloodborne was such a success thanks to the melding of proven gameplay mechanics (from the Souls series) and a more fastpaced, aggressive, and action-driven gameplay style. Ditching the defensive style of the Souls series, Bloodborne manages to bring a new intensity to combat while retaining that special formula that players love so much about From Soft games – being both deeply satisfying but also being so punishing. This game requires an abundance of skill and a mastery of timing. Yet, to overcome such challenges and to gain such skills is what makes From Soft’s games so addicting. There are many who say that Bloodborne is Sony’s best exclusive of the year, and it rightly deserves such an honor. IGN noted that “there’s an incredible power to unlocking its mysteries, and in succeeding, despite its demand for a pound of your flesh.” And the game holds a 92 on Metacritic. Bloodborne was the first truly great game to land in 2015. And it tied many people over until the next great RPG hit in 2015.
The Witcher 3
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Monster hunter, famed warrior, and seducer of women, Geralt of Rivia is everything fantasyloving gamers want in a hero. In the Witcher 3 players get to take up the role of this man in the final act of this gaming tale, and it is fantastic, figuratively and literally. The Polish developer and producer, CD Projekt Red, really understands how to execute world-building and storytelling. Filled with more characters than a Charles Dickens novel, the Witcher 3 somehow breathes life in every one of them, whether they’re the independent, raven-haired sorceress, Yennefer; the scheming ex-spy, Dijkstra; the determined patriot, Roche; or the drunken, guiltridden baron. These are just some of the remarkable characters whom Geralt meets on his journey to find his long-lost adopted daughter, Ciri, and stop the invasion of an otherworldly army known as the Wild Hunt. And during this journey, players slay monsters ranging from griffins to golems; experience all manner of emotions from regret to sincere happiness; and, most importantly, play the most addicting card game of the year. The Witcher 3 has all the necessary components to build a successful game. And quite a success it was. There is no doubt that the Witcher 3 is one of the best games of the 2015. Few other games this year have been so effective in presenting such a powerful and intricately-woven tale, as Gamespot would attest: “One of the best role-playing games ever crafted, a titan among giants and the standard-setter for all such games going forward. Where the Witcher 2 sputtered to a halt, The Witcher 3 is always in a crescendo, crafting battle scenarios that constantly one-up the last, until you reach the explosive finale and recover in the glow of the game's quiet denouement.� Indeed, the Witcher 3 has set a new bar for RPG story-telling, with its amazing world, both beautiful and ugly characters, and all around engaging narrative. This is where the Witcher 3 shines, and shine it does, very brightly so. Such is a game that released before the halfway point of the year, and it gave gamers plenty to do before the last big RPG of 2015.
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Fallout 4
As the elevator rises to greet a timeless skyline, an overgrown wristwatch half the size of a human head blocks rays from reaching eyes 200 years deprived of sunlight. Once adjusted, the eyes observe a Massachusetts’s landscape carefully manicured by nuclear fire. This is the introduction to the wasteland of Fallout 4, and moments as finely crafted as this one are not hard to come by in this game. Fallout 4 is the kind of game that overflows with detail, with no area looking the same as any previous one and with quests and dialogue practically bursting with strong writing. Moreover, if there was ever a game that could last one an entire year, Fallout 4 would be that game. Equipped with a quantity of quality content, Fallout 4 can last players well over 100 or 150 hours of gameplay. It certainly doesn’t hurt that nearly everything one can do in the game is satisfying, whether that be firing a gun, completing a storyline, or building a house. Everything has its own rewards. And like its namesake, Fallout 4 dropped like a bomb, not only on gaming, but on all popular culture. Fallout 4 is one of the few games that pierce the veil of gaming culture to become a greater icon. Is there any surprise? Fallout 4 is the accumulation of many years of hard work, and it shows. This is a game which people have been eagerly waiting for since 2008, and all their hopes have been realized. In the words of Xbox Achievements, “Fallout 4 boasts an incredible world full of intrigue, mystery and suspense, backed by a whole host of weird and
pg. 43
wonderful characters. It’s a world you’re going to want to go back to, time and time again.” Without a doubt, the release of Fallout 4 is the best way to close out a year’s worth of strong RPGs, if not the entire year.
2015 has been an eventful year for gamers. This is due to the amount of notable RPGs that came out this year. Despite all odds, Bloodborne, the Witcher 3, and Fallout 4 have lived up to their hype. They lived up to their promises, and they’ve provided gamers with the most memorable moments in this year’s batch of games. Truly, RPGs have made 2015 the best year in gaming in quite some time.
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About the Author: Nick Deehan was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is
currently
history
a
major
senior at
St.
Edward’s University in Austin,
Texas.
His
hobbies include gaming, reading, and keeping up on the latest in nerdy news.
His
favorite
games include Halo, Dark Souls, and Fallout.
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