The strategy genre seems to be one of the more fertile grounds for innovation in all of gaming. Since its inception, designers have actively sought out all the varying avenues of possibility for manipulating virtual worlds. Different applications of systems, highlighting different motivations and tactics and endless variation on scenarios give the genre a wide breadth of potential. The newest example of experimentation in the genre comes to us in the form of Reus, a strategy game that prides itself in its creativity and bold design. READ MORE
The Atelier series has always had a bit of difficulty making its way across the pond. Starting from humble origins on the Sega Saturn, it never saw an English release until seven years later with Atelier Iris on the PlayStation 2. These days, the series is finally seeing regular localizations. The latest in the series is Atelier Totori Plus, a Vita port of the PS3 original of the same name, with a little extra content thrown in for good measure. Is this new port worth your time, or is it just more of the same? READ MORE
There will always be games that are more well-suited to one platform or another. Portable games designed for quick, pick-up-and-play action and collaboration. Console games are best-suited for a big screen and the simplicity of a controller. Computer games pride themselves on flexibility and depth. If a game designer can play to the advantages of a specific platform, experiences are lifted even higher by their platform of choice.
A Valley Without Wind 2 knows exactly what it wants to be, and carries out on the strengths of what it is. It is a game that exemplifies complexity, modularity and strategy in a way that few games have the guts to do. It is a truly fascinating work in its own right, and while it isn’t for everyone, it is an experience that every gamer should at least try. READ MORE
There’s something very fulfilling about the Ys series returning to PC, and it’s all the better that English-speaking gamers are getting in on the action. As one of the very, very few semi-major Japanese developers that makes PC gaming its focus, seeing Falcom return to its home turf after a brief affair with the PSP is something quite nice, and even just a bit nostalgic. Earlier last year, we saw the phenomenal Ys Origin brought to Steam, and it turned out to be one of the best RPGs the service had to offer. So, does Ys I & II Chronicles+ live up to the same standards? READ MORE
Digital rights management (DRM) methodology is one of the most hotly-debated topics in the industry. As games get bigger and more expensive, companies do more and more to lock their products down in an effort to prevent piracy. It’s a big problem in the game industry, and one that needs to be discussed more often. We decided to discuss the pitfalls of modern DRM schemes, and their overall impact on the market. READ MORE
