Ten Ways The Real World Would Ruin Video Game Worlds
July 19, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Sometimes the real world needs to stay away from our games, doesn't it?
The world is a very different, very scary place these days. Thankfully, video games are mostly blissful escapes from that harsh reality. But what if aspects of the real world started creeping into the fantasy realm? Here are ten ways the real world would ruin the video games world.
Let’s Think Deep: The Perfect Video Game
March 2, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
I still place this above most other games. Can anything change my mind?
I love video games. I play them frequently (and sometimes write about them, as you may have noticed). I always get excited with every new Mario and Zelda game, or anything that seems to interest me beyond a simple, “Oh, that looks like a fun game to rent.” But when I get down to it I always inevitably say to myself, “Yeah, this is good, but it’s no Mario Bros 3/Ocarina of Time/Final Fantasy 6.” Why is that? I know I’m not the only one to think this way. We’ve got to a point where we’re demanding games replicate our favorites from the past, but when they can’t we throw a fit. Can we ever make a new “Perfect Game?” Let’s Think Deep. Read more
Let’s Think Deep: What Makes a System Good?
February 22, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Is the Wii a bad system? Let's Think Deep.
At this moment in time, the Nintendo Wii is set up to be known as the “winner” of the current console cycle due to the unexpected amount of sales and complete reversal from the previous console cycle. I for one couldn’t be happier for reasons I’ll get to eventually. Regardless of sales numbers, the Wii is nearly universally panned by gamers due to the high amount of shovelware populating the system. But does that make it a bad system? It got me thinking. What exactly makes a system good? Sounds to me like this would be a good opportunity for us to Think Deep. So Let’s, hmm? Read more
The Top 10 Video Game Quotes That Need To Die
February 4, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Yeah, I'd be tired of these quotes, too.
Gaming has begun moving past the point of a niche culture and broken into the mainstream. We all know this, so I’m not really covering new ground here. We’ve got a huge library of games to pluck endless references from, but something I’ve noticed is the same references come back again and again. These are some quotes that I hear people make probably a little more than they should. So here they were, the Top 10 Video Game Quotes That Need To Die. Read more
Gears of War 2 Retrospective
December 31, 2009 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Sure it’s almost 2010. But more importantly, there seems to be a great schism happening between gamers on the Xbox. Halo held the top spot and redefined First Person Shooters. Then along came Gears of War and the bar was set for Third Person Shooters from then on out. Gears of War 2 is out now and already being enjoyed for all the right reasons, but does it put itself above Halo as the most popular franchise on the 360?
All Out War: A Risk Retrospective
December 2, 2009 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Board Games
Someday I'm going to run this world while atop a noble steed and then we'll see who's laughing!
I am not very good at Risk. Ever lost Risk in two turns? I have. I’ve seen friendships nearly break up as a result of Risk games going bad. It’s even worse than Monopoly with the amount of hate you seen thrown about. Regardless, never let your friends dissuade you from utter conquest of Asia or Europe, as you can’t take over the world without them. They’re impossible to hold onto, but still.
