Easter eggs in video games are quickly becoming commonplace in modern titles. What were once little call-outs to pop culture, folk lore, or other video game series are now standard practice within the industry. However, some references are a little more nuanced and thus remain cloaked in mystery. Perhaps none has puzzled modern games more than the killer rabbits in
Read moreFor a greater portion of three and a half decades, the Final Fantasy series has remained a staple in the video game industry. From the 8-bit sprites of the NES to the enthralling graphics of modern day consoles, the series is beloved by generations of fans. But perhaps no single game in the franchise is more endearing than Final Fantasy
Read moreHeroes come in all shapes and sizes. But perhaps no company has embraced the offbeat protagonist quite like Nintendo. From an ambitious Italian Plumber to a lowly forest boy without a fairy, Nintendo franchises continue to adopt the an “underdog” mentality. But what happens when Nintendo consolidates all of its protagonists into a singular game? Who would rise to the
Read morePerhaps the oldest and most complicated genre in video game history is the action-adventure series. Renowned for its combination of exploration and combat, the earliest recorded title in the genre was Adventure for the Atari 2600. Fans were amazed to investigate multiple screens, search for new areas, and encounter dangerous enemies. Technology then began to progress, the industry transitioned into
Read moreLet’s face it: saving a princess is no small feat. Throughout Mario’s countless adventures across the Mushroom Kingdom, enemies and obstacles frequently block our heroic plumber’s path. From the simple mushroom-headed Goomba to the terrifying Chain-Chomp, Mario certainly has his work cut out for him. But how did Nintendo come up with such a diverse cast of characters? While Shigeru
Read moreFans of 2D Zelda games were thrilled when Nintendo released the Link’s Awakening remaster in late 2019. In its launch weekend, the game sold over three million copies. The industry praised the upgraded aesthetics as well as Nintendo’s homage to the original game. While players continue to heap nostalgic admiration onto the 1992 remaster, Link’s Awakening is an abbreviated experience.
Read moreIn an era defined by sequels and remakes, the video game industry is increasingly opposed to new franchises. While the prospect of creating a new series is exciting, unsuccessful ventures cause lasting damage to a company’s reputation. For those desiring to venture into the great unknown, the support of key influencers is a proven road to success. These “movers and
Read moreSince the release of the original Game Boy in 1989, Nintendo has owned the handheld video game market. While Sega and Sony have made valiant attempts to enter the portable space, each has failed to challenge Nintendo for supremacy. For these reasons, the industry continues to raise its eyebrows at Nintendo’s decision to discontinue its 3DS line of hardware. But
Read moreWhile most loathe the daily grind of a nine-to-five, extracurricular activity is filled with passion and care. Dubbed “after-school projects”, these outlets afford content creators with the freedom needed to pursue dreams with intensive ferver. The most famous example is Takashi Tezuka’s Link’s Awakening; however, another popular Nintendo franchise can also trace its roots to the same after-school passion. Released
Read moreReturning to one’s roots can either be a healing or painful experience. For some, revisiting the positive memories of yesterday can be a catalyst for future success. For others, exploring past mistakes can dredge up memories of embarrassment and shame. As for independent developer Crytek, the studio’s feelings are mixed. But on Friday, the troubled independent studio decided to rekindle
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