Manasword

The Importance of a Video Games First Level Not Sucking

Dave — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:16:11 +0000

Unfortunately it’s all too common for video games, sometimes even the really good ones, to have crap opening levels. This is a major design mistake that often comes about when developers incorrectly identify the goals of the first level. Far too often the first level has the player reading endless dialogue boxes about what each button on their controller does or sitting through a long backstory that preludes the game (hint: they’d rather be playing that backstory). The first level is the most important level of the entire game, period. It needs to be treated as such.

The Real Reasons People Pirate Games

Dave — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 03:32:35 +0000

Game companies would have you believe that those who "pirate" their games (as its come to be known, though of course the definition is hardly a good fit) are evil, unethical beings who seek to destroy the gaming industry. In reality of course pirates are no different than you and me (they may even be you and me, who's to say?) - average gamers who for one reason or another elect to download a game rather than purchase it. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Why Digital Rights Management (DRM) in Games Can Never Work and How to Fix it

Dave — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:47:30 +0000

It seems that every other week there is another developer in the press with news of their latest cockamamie DRM scheme. Every time it's the same nonsense about protecting their IP rights, quite often delivered in arrogance over how unbeatable their latest idea is. That is how the snake oil salesmen sold it to them after all. These vain attempts to thwart game piracy consistently fail, unsurprising to anyone who understand that it's simply impossible for them to work.

New Ghostbusters Game

Dave — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:35:32 +0000

Fujishoji Co. of Japan has come out with a new, officially licensed Ghostbusters game. Ray Stamtz, Egon Spengler and Dr. Peter Venkman's latest adventure has them battling through key scenes from both the first and second Ghostbusters movies against familiar foes including Gozer, Zuul and the Scoleri brothers. Be warned, the Ghostbusters feel may not be recreated exactly as you remember.

Future of e-Sports: Blizzard Signs Deal with GOM TV

Dave — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:11:27 +0000

Blizzard recently announced a new deal granting exclusive Korean broadcast rights to GOM TV. The previous relationship between these companies came about during the third Averatec Intel Classic Tournament, hosted by GOM TV, when Blizzard stepped in with their cheque book to increase the prize pool substantially. But, as we’re come to expect from big game companies, what they say and what they do are often at odds.

Rock Band 3: +1 to Keyboard

Dave — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:57:43 +0000

Seen at the end of Xbox Live’s recent Green Day: Rock Band demo is the image of the five rock band icons in addition to a "3" in the Rock Band typeface, promoting the upcoming game. Wait a minute, five? Yep, it looks as though there is a new addition to the plastic toy instrument family, the keyboard.

StarCraft: The Catalyst of the Pro-Gaming Revolution

Dave — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:47:13 +0000

I originally wrote this way back in November of 2007. This article aimed to take an in-depth look at StarCraft and the fundamental role it played in creating an international, billion dollar pro-gaming industry. It's a bit of a read, but if you are interested in the Pro-Gaming phenomenon you might just enjoy it. Also, you don't already need to know anything about Starcraft, though, by the end, you will know far more than most.

DAN the MAN

Dave — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:45:02 +0000

This is precisely why we don't make realistic video games. "DAN the MAN" is by Dan Brumm of Studio Joho.

What is the Notes Section at the Back of Game Manuals for?

Dave — Wed, 26 May 2010 04:21:14 +0000

Everyone’s seen the note pages at the back of their game manuals, but how many have actually put it to use? How many today would even know what to write? Perhaps you are like me and would never desecrate such a holy text. Yet, each weekend I would rent a different game from the local video store and ninety eight times out of one hundred the final pages were filled with illegible scribblings. I will tell you how this important section of the book was used, but also why it's no longer needed.

True Counter-Strike Sequel, Tactical Intervention Now in Beta!

Dave — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:43:02 +0000

Counter-Strike fans rejoice! There’s a new tactical FPS in town and it’s brought to you once again by Minh Le, creator of the original Counter-Strike. The game is currently entering a closed beta which you can sign up for at the tactical-intervention website. The closed beta begins on May 28th, so go sign up now!

Super Mario Bros. Crossover

Dave — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:06:12 +0000

Super Mario Bros Crossover is a flash game that recreates the original Super Mario Bros for Nintendo and allows you to play it as characters from other classic Nintendo games. It is a tribute to classic NES games and anyone that grew up playing Nintendo should enjoy it. If you haven't already come across this game then I insist you check it out.

New Battle.net to Feature Monthly Subscription Pricing for Starcraft 2

Dave — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:21:53 +0000

Recently, Blizzard revealed details on their new pricing strategy for “emerging markets”. Innocent as this may sound, it’s potentially very bad news for you and me. Call it yet another horseman if you wish. Effectively, in certain regions including Mexico, Argentina and Chile to name a few, Starcraft 2 will be available for around half the price. Instead of retailing at around $60USD it will be offered for around $25 to $30USD. Why do these regions get such a deal you ask? Well, they don’t...

Watching Games – Video Gaming as a Spectator Sport

Dave — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:13:27 +0000

As video gaming continues to gain ground, working towards the forefront of our entertainment media, the way in which we consume and experience gaming has also evolved. With ever increasing popularity, not to mention social acceptance, the boundless player swarm drives the gaming industry, beyond the meager human computer interaction of yesterday, to our destination: a complete social experience. Though the effects of this transition have been numerous, the phenomenon of possibly greatest acceleration in recent years has been that of watching video games.

Retro Duo Console – Plays NES & SNES Titles

Dave — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:24:18 +0000

NES or SNES finally died? Looking to replace it cheaply but that repair number on the back of your original just isn't supported? The Retro Duo may just be what you need to keep playing all your 8-bit and 16-bit Nintendo titles.

Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty to Hit Shelves This Summer, July 27, 2010

Dave — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:15:24 +0000

At long last, after a seemingly never ending cycle of development, Starcraft 2 has been given an official release date. Unquestionably, this will be the top selling game of 2010, and preordering the game to gain beta access makes a little more sense than it did yesterday.

The Death of the Game Manual

Dave — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:19:00 +0000

Recently video game publisher Ubisoft announced they would break tradition and no longer be providing a physical game manual with their games. Let's go over why Ubisoft claims to be doing this, what their real motivations are, and what it will mean to you and me.

Pixels – An Amazing Short Film by Patrick Jean

Dave — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:13:39 +0000

Pixels have invaded New York city! All hope is lost! Outstanding short film, already seen by millions, you should definitely check this out if you somehow have not already.

Contra Rebirth Review

Dave — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:10:02 +0000

You play a shirtless, time travelling super soldier tasked with defeating the Red Falcon alien threat that has invaded Earth in 2633. You face the impossible task of defeating an endless horde of aliens, robots and mutants, armed with only your wit, quick reflexes and a machine gun with infinite ammo.

Starcraft 2 Beta Finally Opens Up to the Public. Cover Charge of $5?

Dave — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:11:50 +0000

The interwebs have been buzzing this week with the news that anyone can gain access to the much coveted Starcraft 2 Beta. There is however a catch; you must preorder Starcraft 2 to receive your key. There is not currently a set release date for the game aside from a general expectancy to be out sometime in 2010.