One of the biggest aspects of the MMO genre is the in-game economy. It is inevitable, when you create a persistent world populated by players, that eventually they will want to trade with each other. And, like the real world, different players hold themselves to a different code of ethics when participating in trade. Much like the government of a real-world nation, the game’s developer finds themselves having to restrict and encourage their players to provide fairness and enjoyment for everyone. READ MORE
Give a hearty welcome to the three newest members of our crew on this new episode! Brad, Chris and Henry join Graham, Jeff and Chris to talk about our most vivid gaming-life memories. We also discuss the latest JRPG news (like Tales of Xillia in the West and Final Fantasy VII back on PC) and share our thoughts on Lego Batman 2, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and Magic 2013. Oh, and more things! Always more things.
It’s summer! Time to unplug and enjoy some games around the table. In this special edition of the podcast, Chris, Chris and Graham talk to Chris Norwood (of GamerChris) and Brad Talton (of Level 99 Games) about what makes board and card games so fun and special, and how to best start playing them if you haven’t! Later, Jeff, Shawn, Chris and Graham chat about the 3DS XL, Ys Origin and Pokemon Conquest.
Editor’s note: This guest post by artist Riss Pittman contains Journey spoilers. If you haven’t played it yet, seriously go play it.
Developer thatgamecompany’s Journey focuses not only on intuitive exploration, but also the emotive experience that is a core element of the game. It was created first and foremost to dive into the possibilities of invoking an emotional response out of the player. It takes a very cinematic approach to the presentation, almost like an interactive animated film, that never stops letting the player have a hand in how they view the world. Through use of visuals, sound, music, and a minimal approach to text or dialogue, Journey immerses the player in a very unique emotional journey that isn’t often seen in games.
Before delving too far, it’s important to the address the idea of games as an art medium. Games aren’t particularly respected by society and are viewed either as a childish waste of time, or as politicians want the public to believe, a vehicle for teaching violence to children. Even notable critics like Roger Ebert have scoffed at the idea of games being capable of being art forms. This often comes from a major misunderstanding of what art is and isn’t, and what games can and can’t be. READ MORE
While we do our best to anticipate what will make us excited before the show starts, it always changes. Here’s a look at what made us psyched at this year’s expo.
Borderlands 2: Looking at my save files recently, I have poured more than six whole days into Gearbox’s Borderlands. That’s four times through the main campaign, and at least twice through all of the DLC packs. I’ve got the loot chest preordered, and can’t wait to take the new Siren Maya through the wastes of Pandora. Every video I’ve seen of Borderlands 2 makes it look like exactly what I want: more guns, more story, and new characters. The fact that my wife and I will be able to play together in our living room while running with my best friend across the country is just icing on the cake. Now all I need is to clear off some shelf space for the swank Marcus bobblehead I’ve got coming, and I’ll be ready to lose myself in Pandora all over again. READ MORE
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