We’re slowly moving into an always-connected world. This is something many people seem to reject, yet the potential for some (though not all) games is exciting. People were quick to dismiss Microsoft’s policies for the Xbox One, especially pertaining to the daily check-in. It was for good reasons, mind you, as the benefits of such a system were unclear. That being said, with the potential of “the cloud” being something Microsoft (and arguably Sony) wants to push with the new hardware and many upcoming games seemingly focused on retaining always-online elements (or at least allowing for more beneficial online features), I find it all quite exciting. READ MORE
In From Pixels to Polygons, we examine classic game franchises that have survived the long transition from the 8- or 16-bit era to the current console generation.
Atlus’ long-running Shin Megami Tensei series has found its way to just about every major console and handheld you can imagine. Thanks to various spinoffs and side projects, the franchise has become synonymous with creating a more mature RPG experience for those bored of other, similar offerings. The series never became widely known outside of Japan until 2004’s Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, but since then has become one of the staples of the genre. To celebrate the recent release of Shin Megami Tensei IV, we’re taking a look back at the core series (with a few spinoffs) to see just how far it has come.
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This has been an ongoing discussion for quite a while now, but certain company policies have made the topic of game preservation something worth talking about again. I originally began writing this after Microsoft’s Xbox One debacle involving its online requirements and game installs. Things were pushed back once the issue was resolved and Microsoft did a complete turnaround on the policies that made seemingly everyone despise their upcoming console. With the potential threat of our current downloadable games disappearing and the all-digital future companies want to push, though, this is something worth examining regardless of policy changes. READ MORE
It’s crazy to think about how long Atlus’ popular Shin Megami Tensei franchise has been around, especially when you consider how much of the series is dominated by various spinoffs. Some of those spinoffs have undoubtedly eclipsed the popularity of the rest of the franchise, but that doesn’t mean fans haven’t been eagerly anticipating what Atlus has up its sleeves next for the mainline series. After a nearly decade-long wait, Shin Megami Tensei IV is finally here. If you’ve been desperate for the real follow-up to 2004’s Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, you’ll be happy to know the long wait was well worth it.
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I have a somewhat complex relationship with the Animal Crossing series. The GameCube title, simply known as Animal Crossing, remains one of my favorite games on that particular console. I even went back to it fairly recently and started a brand new town, to see just how far we’ve come with the franchise. It was still just as charming and deviously addictive as I remember it being, and before I knew it I had spent a good two weeks playing a game that, by all accounts, was completely outdated. I have a strong desire to call the experience magical, although doing so would result in me needing to slap myself across the face.
Instead, I’ll just say there’s something about Animal Crossing that inspires the need to keep going, even if I know the conclusion I will inevitably reach seems fruitless. It’s just a daily grind of sorts, something I find myself both loving and hating at the same time. It made me realize it’s one of the most mechanically perfect gaming experiences Nintendo has ever made.
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