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adeptuscriticus · 5 months ago

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Can AAA gaming be saved or should we just let it implode?

Over the years we have spoilt by having great games on a regular basis often pushing the boundaries of what the latest hardware can handle, but in recent years we are seeing more and more discourse gamers divided into groups the woke and the anti-woke, (what ever all that is about is beyond me). What I want to talk about is what I believe has contributed to the apparent decline in AAA gaming.

Corporate greed.

I remember a time when you bought a game you got the full game and that was it, now not so much you are expected to pay £70 for a game a further £20 for a season pass and then some more for all the microtransactions for cosmetics and battle passes, loot boxes that contains stuff that should be in the game from the beginning, and yes I know you have the option to not buy any of these.

Loot boxes

I will use the FIFA games as an example you pay £100 for the Ultimate edition because the main mode you are playing is ultimate team you get some Fifa money or what ever its called and some packs to get some players and hopefully they aren’t rubbish ones, you then if you want to get better players pretty much have to buy the packs to be able to win. This to me promotes gambling to younger players as FIFA is marketed as an all-ages game.

Battle passes.

For this I will us Diablo 4 as an example, again you pay £70 to £100 for the game and you are immediately hit with advertisements for cosmetic items which all look better than the cosmetics in game, If you want to unlock them you will need to pay for a battle pass there is nothing on offer that actually helps you with the game no special items just cosmetics and some of these packs are the price of a game which is just crazy.

Games being released in a mess.

We are seeing this more and more often, no one will forget the disaster and the uproar with Cyber Punk 2077 when that game released it was a right mess especially for players who didn’t have the Xbox Series X, Sony even pulled the game from the store that’s how much of a mess it was and people paid out £70 minimum on release and it took a further two years to fix it, and then there was Redfall well with Redfall that was just rubbish so I will end it there with that one.

Developers are relying more and more on day-one patches and post-launch updates to fix all the issues that should have been addressed before it was released, again Cyber Punk 2077 will be my example.

Live service oversaturation.

More and more live service games are being developed and so many of them are just not up to par, Marvel Rivals is an exemption to that rule they just hit the nail right on the head and is deserving of all the success.

Now games like Anthem and Marvel’s Avengers, Outriders were live service games with no content.

Same old same old.

Ubisoft used to be innovative but now not so much, Assassins Creed is what Call of Duty is the same game with a different skin on it. They no longer bring anything new the game worlds are the same cut and paste mechanics filled with issues that should have been fixed before release I’m looking at you Star Wars Outlaws (an awful game in my opinion).

Now for something positive.

Now I have had my complaints, lets go onto something positive I have not lost my love for gaming and that is because there have been some brilliant games that have come out, Selaco one of them it is brilliant for me it is what Perfect Dark on the 360 should have been. Another brilliant game is Dead of Darkness the game is so good I will be buying a physical copy of it on Switch when it releases, if you are a fan of psychological horrors especially original Resident Evil & Silent hill then you will really like Dead of Darkness and one more game I will recommend is ReSetna this game reignited my passion to try and get good at metroidvania’s (I still suck at them).

Finally, I will leave you all with this.

It is perfectly fine to not like a game someone else likes it is not fine to harass or abuse people who do like those games and vice versa. I like games that I’m sure some of you will think are not good and that’s ok because we are all different and our differences are important. We need all need to take a step back from influencers, Streamers, Youtubers and Journalists telling us what is good and what is bad how we should be thinking, I know I am sounding like a hypocrite but I’m not a journalist, but I can promise this the reviews I write are my experience with the game and the game alone I do not care for any outside politics if I enjoy the game great if I don’t great and that’s how it should be for everyone.

I would love to hear your opinions about the current state of the industry but more importantly recommendation for games to play.

#indie games #video games

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adeptuscriticus · 5 months ago

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Chrono Trigger – The greatest ever RPG turns 30 years old.

30 Years ago, Chrono Trigger was born and was released on the SNES, now 30 years on this most excellent game is still captivating audiences and has a die-hard fan base, who has been waiting for a remake (So come on Square get to work).

The Creators.

Chrono Trigger was the brainchild of the legendary trio of Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy Series creator), Yuji Horii, (Dragon Quest series creator) and Akira Toriyama (R.I.P) known for Dragon Ball. I mean come on how could it fail with all that talent.

Gameplay and Storytelling.

Chrono Trigger is a time-travelling RPG taking the player across various time zones. What I love about this game is that it was one of the first to have multiple endings all unlocked dependent on what actions you had made in the first playthrough and believe me you will play through this game many times and I mean many times. The battle system was revolutionary as well making turn based more dynamic think Pillars of Eternity battle system that’s the best way I can describe it, and in 1995 that was quite something.

Music.

Chrono Triggers music is another plus, the music was mostly composed by Yasunori Mitsuda with contributions from Nobuo Uematsu, the music would seamlessly change depending on what time you are in and really pushed the boundaries of the 16-bit hardware.

Chrono Trigger’s Influence.

Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of or if not, the greatest RPG ever made and for me personally it is very difficult to argue against it not being the greatest RPG ever made. Chrono Trigger has influenced so many people to get into game development especially in RPG development.

Where to play Chrono Trigger Today.

Chrono Trigger even today is still held in the highest regard and so it should be it is a masterpiece; it is available on various platforms but not modern consoles sadly. You can play this on Nintendo DS, SNES, PS1, Mobile, PC to name a few. It has also been announced that various projects are in the works for more content in the Chrono gameverse and one of those projects had better be a HD2D remake of Chrono Trigger.

So I will all now leave you all with this if you haven’t played Chrono Trigger than I really recommend that you do you will have a great time with the game.

#chronotrigger #square enix

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adeptuscriticus · 5 months ago

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A journey through the stars with Mass Effect

A Journey through the Stars.

The mass Effect Trilogy holds a special place in my heart, and I know it has touched the lives of many others as well. Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, this epic space opera captivated me and millions of you with it’s rich storytelling, complex characters, and immersive universe. As I reminisce about my journey through the stars, let me share the moment that the Mass Effect Trilogy unforgettable for me.

The Birth of a legacy

My journey began in 2007 with the release of Mass Effect. I was introduced to Commander Shepard, a customizable protagonist whose actions and decisions would shape the fate of the galaxy. From the very mission on the Prothean beacon planet Eden Prime, the game set the tone for an epic adventure filled with mystery, intrigue, and high-stakes drama. The Citadel, a sprawling space station and political hub, became a central location where I could interact with various alien species and uncover the galaxy’s secrets.

Building Relationships

One of the best things about the Mass Effect Trilogy was the deep connections I formed with the games characters. From the loyal and Stoic Garrus Vakarian to the enigmatic and tragic Liara T’Soni, each member of Shepherds crew brought their own unique personalities, backgrounds and storylines. The loyalty missions in Mass Effect 2 further solidified these bonds, as I helped my team members confront their pasts and face personal challenges. These relationships were not just limited to friendly camaraderie; romantic subplots added layers of emotional depth, making the journey even more personal for me and millions of others.

Choices and Consequences

Mass Effect’s branching narrative paths set it apart from other role-playing games. The choices I made had far-reaching consequences that resonated throughout the trilogy. Whether it was deciding the fate of the Rachni Queen (who I saved), choosing to save or sacrifice the council, or determining dilemmas often placed me in difficult positions, reflecting the complexity of leadership and the nuances of right and wrong.

The Illusive Man and Cerberus

Mass Effect 2 introduced me to the shadowy figure known as the Illusive Man and the human-centric organization Cerberus. Their morally ambiguous goals and advanced technology added an intriguing layer to the story. The game’s opening sequence, where Shepard is resurrected by Cerberus after a fatal attack, was a bold and unexpected twist that set the stage for an action packed and emotionally charged sequel. (One of the best sequels ever made I will add). The loyalty missions, recruitment of new squad members, and the ultimate suicide mission against the Collectors (bastards) remains one of the most memorable segments in gaming history for me.

The Epic Conclusion

Mass Effect 3 brought the trilogy to a climactic end, as the Reapers, ancient machines bent on harvesting all advanced civilizations, launched a full-scale invasion of the galaxy. The game’s narrative crescendoed with epic battles, heart-wrenching sacrifices and the culmination of choices I had made throughout the series. The final push to retake Earth was filled with tension and poignancy, as I faced the ultimate test of my leadership and resolve. The controversial ending however sparked intense debate and discussions among fans, which is still spoken about even now, shows the profound impact the series had on its community.

The Legacy of Mass Effect

The Mass Effect Trilogy’s legacy extends beyond its innovative gameplay and compelling narrative. It influenced subsequent game design, setting a high standard for character development, world-building, and player agency. The Trilogy’s remastered edition, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, released in 2021, allowed a new generation of players to experience the magic of perhaps the greatest trilogy of games ever made with enhanced graphics and improved mechanics. The community’s passion for the series is evident in the fan art, cosplay, and fan fiction that continue to thrive.

Moments of Awe and Wonder

The trilogy was filled with moments that left me in awe. The first time I saw the Normandy SR-1 take-off, the breathtaking vistas of alien planets, and the haunting beauty of the Citadel were all testaments to the game’s art design and attention to detail. The Soundtrack, , composed by Jack Wall and Sam Hulick, with contributions from other talented musicians, added an emotional and immersive layer, with tracks like “Vigil” and “The Normandy Reborn” becoming iconic in their own right.

Community and Impact

The Mass Effect community is a testament to the series’ enduring impact. From forums and social media groups where fans theorize and discuss every aspect of the games, to charity events and conventions where fans gather to celebrate our shared love, the community has kept the spirit of Mass Effect alive.

Conclusion

As I look back on the Mass Effect Trilogy, I am reminded of the countless hours spent exploring the galaxy, the friendships I forged with virtual companions, and the weighty decisions that shaped my unique story. The trilogy’s blend of epic storytelling, rich character development, and immersive world-building has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. For many of us, the adventures of Commander Shepard and the fight against the Reapers will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Here’s to the memories, the moments, and the magic of greatest trilogy of all time Mass Effect.

#mass effect

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