Embracing the Collection

“Last year I undertook a personal challenge, a simple premise, complete a single game from my backlog on a monthly basis and try and experience some of these titles gathering real or virtual dust in my various collections. In itself a noble endeavour but ultimately based on the premise of the collection itself being a negative state of affairs, a failure on my part as a gamer. Perhaps I thought accomplishing this challenge would validate my reasoning, allow me to debate or discuss from a position of moral authority, who can say, but it was a largely positive experience providing some lasting memories.” Continue reading Embracing the Collection

Game of the Decade

“As this decade draws to a close, and the realisation over 20 years have now passed since we saw in the new millenium, its time to reflect back on the last ten years of video games and cherry pick a few jewels from each year.” Continue reading Game of the Decade

A Visit to The Comic Store

“Situated in the small shopping precinct of Abbey Mews, this refuge for those looking for answers and inspiration beyond the mystical arts, or even including those, is a nivana for comic book and popular culture fans with a wealth of treasures from across the broad spectrum of the so called geek culture that exists today” Continue reading A Visit to The Comic Store

30 Day Challenge Day Twelve: Favourite video game (or video game series)?

“With broadband a relatively scarce commodity at that period of time removing the availability of cheap and quick disposable titles and a distinct lack of full games on release, I picked up that box like Charlie and his Wonka Bar and made my purchase.” Continue reading 30 Day Challenge Day Twelve: Favourite video game (or video game series)?

12 Months, 12 Games: October– Until Dawn

“As events unfold they attempt to survive the night coming up against a variety of threats and menace which in truth will be familiar to anyone who has watched a slasher movie over the last two decades. Who survives to the end is entirely dependent on your actions and decisions, the game adapts the narrative to fit someone’s death” Continue reading 12 Months, 12 Games: October– Until Dawn

Mafia 3 Review

“Race plays a central role in this title but it would be a disservice to present or paint this as a game entirely devoted to tackling or being a representation of racism alone, to hold as the pinnacle measure of this issue” Continue reading Mafia 3 Review

12 Months, 12 Games: August – Valiant Hearts

“Utilising a living comic book presentation style with an artistry and aesthetic more akin to the printed page, Valiant Hearts plays unlike a normal traditional Ubisoft studios title you might expect, narrative is key and at the heart of this expansive and encompassing tale that encapsulates many of the great battles and conflicts of this period from the declaration of war with the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand of the Austrian-Hungarian empire to the Battle of the Somme and across the Western Front.” Continue reading 12 Months, 12 Games: August – Valiant Hearts

Capcom Design Works Early Days – Book Review

“Hey, take it easy. My name is Leon. I’m under the President’s order to rescue you” Leon S. Kennedy, Resident Evil 4 Continuing a celebration of Japanese gaming and culture in August following our recent trip to the Manga Exhibition … Continue reading Capcom Design Works Early Days – Book Review

12 Months, 12 Games: July – Beyond: Two Souls

“This was my first experience with a title from Quantic Dream, having transitioned from the green team over the generational divide I’ll readily admit to being aware of the attitude and viewpoints towards these games on their original release but with no means to experience these titles being content to view them with a wistful fancy. Having made the transition, with these titles no longer in the cultural zeitgeist to the same extent as system exclusives such as Uncharted or The Last of Us it was only when compiling my list of games to accomplish and clear this year that Beyond came up as one of the contenders for my attention.” Continue reading 12 Months, 12 Games: July – Beyond: Two Souls