A little late for a top 10 of 2013? True. Due to school,
work, and life. I missed the deadline for a top 13 list. Mostly because
Christmas Break was the only time I had to play any games I missed during the
semester. Not a lot of time….since I work Retail (Still).
So these are MY favorites. I don’t really read reviews, I
watch some video segments, and I use gamefly. So I really get to try some games
that otherwise would be demonized to the point of not trying. Just one guys
unbiased opinion. I own all the systems (360, PS3, WiiU, gaming PC which is
reasonable for a college student who pays all his own bills and then some…had
to skip PS4 and Xbox One since I can play their games elsewhere and with the
same graphics on my PC)
P.S. I had to leave 3DS out. It over ran my list and I had
to make its own list to be posted soon.
NUMBER 10
Poker Night at the Inventory 2
Developed and Published by Tell Tale Games
So, you might not have played this game. But. You probably
love the creepy movies of one guy, the loot filled FPS of another guy, the
puzzle Game of this one thing, the adventures of one dude and his partner, and
the show of another big guy.
Yeah. It’s a Mash Up. A simple Poker Game enhanced by TONS
of amazingly hilarious dialogue. The main goal of the game (if there is one) is
to collect their individual prized treasures.
Ash, of course, offers his Necronomicon. Sam offers his old
banjo. Brock Samson offers an Orb from Venture Bros. GLADOS offers up one of
her personality cores. And last, but not actually last on the bounty list, is
ClapTrap with the offering of his 2012 Spike VGA Award.
If you are interested in the gameplay of this game….go buy a
deck of cards. Instructions for Poker will be there. HOWEVER, interested in a
TINY taste of dialogue? Here ya go:
NUMBER 9
Pikmin 3
Developed & Published by Nintendo
This game was my first entry in the Pikmin series. I missed
the first two cause the Gamecube had a lot of other games I was playing. But I’m
so sad I missed them. This game looks so much different from a jaded view
point. Look! Another Nintendo creation with cute characters. But it’s actually
Great Game play on top of Great Slavery! If you want a quick explanation on the
semi-RTS this is the best I can do.
Now listen up. Here’s the story. About a lil guy who lives in a blue world.
He and his friends go to a foreign planet because their home world has used up all it's Natural Resources. So they must find more in order to save their race and themselves from their own mistakes and gluttony.
They can't so it alone however. So they enslave an indigenous race. Hard working and no choice but to obey the commands of their new masters, this small but resilient race bravely and regrettably sacrifice themselves to do the work of someone else.
This work includes slaughtering all of the other species that call this planet home in quest for the natural resources needed.
This, 3 people reading this blog (Hi Lee) is the truth of Pikmin 3.
You must play it to understand it.
Not to mention the game play is outstanding. the graphics are beautiful. The multiplayer is fun. And if you like it and want some more of it (yep, did it) then the DLC is really cheap too. Just don't let that title music fool you.
NUMBER 8
Ducktales Remastered
Developed by WayForward Technologies (by way of Capcom)
Published by Capcom
Yep. this game is SO good it is the only remake entering my top of FY13. (I was only allowing one and this beat Wind Waker HD...my favorite Zelda game) This game plays flawlessly. Just as it ever did. Wayforward has a way with art and it is showcased here.
On top of the upgrades, there are extras showcasing the games roots. Which shows how much love this game has been made with. Everything has been redone. That new nostalgia definitely hits when you hear the Music.
NUMBER 7
Tomb Raider
Developed by Crystal Dynamics
Published by Square Enix
I was against this reboot in the first place. Once I saw that the team behind the later Tomb Raider were making this one, I was hesitant but also curious. Reboots aren't usually handled by the same people....Am I glad they rebooted it. The game of course focuses on Lara Croft.
But Lara isn't born a smart bad ass warrior. She becomes one. Shipwrecked on a mysterious island and forced to risk everything to save herself and others. This is as good of a coming of age type story as any. And a great start to what I hope is a continuing series. The game play is great, with sneaking and archery at the forefront. Skills and crafting play heavily too. And there are enough collectables to make you happy without making those ragey type people hardcore rage cause they couldn't find something. Oh. And did I mention? Lara is a vulnerable, strong, smart, fighter while also being hot?
Win. We ALL Win.
NUMBER 6
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal
Published by Ubisoft
One of the most dominant companies in publishing games right now. Ubisoft has a great collection of franchises. With Just Dance, Rayman, Splinter Cell (and all other Tom Clancy games), and Far Cry. But the most recognized amongst the slightly more hardcore crowd is Assassin's Creed. Which had been growing a little stale with Assassin's Creed 3 and it;s very disappointing DLC. I liked 3. A lot didn't So they needed a change. Striking while the iron is hot (10 years ago)
Ubisoft went with the pirate thing. What seemed uninspired actually became their most unique idea yet. outside the Animus you work for Abstergo and collect data for them using a varied Animus collecting data by using Desmond's DNA. It ties to the grandfather of Assassin's Creed 3's protagonist, Connor Kenway. You are now Edward Kenway, no honor or purpose to speak of. A man who left his wife to plunder the sea for riches and good times. He get's in between the Templars and Assassin's and becomes a pain to both. it is interesting to play as a man who doesn't come from assassins and has no want to ever die as an assassin. There are tons of things to do across the huge map. Endless ships to plunder, deep sea diving into wreck sites, gathering the necessities for ancient outfits, tons of tiny islands with treasure, and so much more. Outside the animus is a great way to find out more about the beginnings of Abstergo Industries, about how the Templar's view various assassins, and about Desmond's life.
This story though......it pulls AC3 and AC4 full circle (More so if you buy the tie in books) for Edward, Haytham, and Connor Kenway. If you played 3, do yourself a favor and play this incredible game.
NUMBER 5
Rayman Legends
Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier
Published by Ubisoft
And here is another Ubisoft title in my favorites. They may have had their roughest year in a long time for FY13. But it doesn't represent the quality of titles. Possibly the best Assassin's Creed ever is only beaten out in my favorites by the best Rayman ever. The art and music that we all enjoy is back. As well as the tremendous multiplayer aspect. If I could pick a few highlights from this game, I would pick the music levels, the unlockables like Rayman Origins levels, the splinter cell levels, the skins (Which include everything from Sam Fisher to Mario!)
and last but not least.....MURPHY! Yes, if you were lucky enough to play the PS Vita or Wii U copy of the game you got the true and full experience. a touch screen helper named Murphy. Of course on the Vita, I hope you have friends with Vitas...Because the Murphy levels alone suck. But with friends in multiplayer, Murphy makes this game absolutely amazing.
And Here is a sample of both Murphy's gameplay as the second player on a gamepad helping along a music level :)
NUMBER 4
Battlefield 4
Developed by EA DICE
Published by EA
I don't really fall in love with many military shooters, because their story's are pretty generic. Online heavy games in general aren't my style. But every once in a while, There is a game that focuses on repetitive shooting online that grasps me. I could name them on one hand: Star Wars Battlefront, SOLCOM, M.A.G. and Battlefield 4. This game is amazing. I play it on PC. the story is decent. The online play is where it shines! The Frostbite 3 engine helps power the destructible environments and levolution which changes everything. Don't like a camping sniper in that building over there? Blow it up! Got a group of skilled snipers and engineers on the roof of a building? Blow it up! Stupid chopper chase? BLOW IT UP!
Okay that last one was just to fit in the gif. But destructibility is battlefields calling card. That along with disastrous storms and weather changes bring us something new. Building from the destructibility of BF3 we now have [Levolution] This new concept has triggers in the map that change the match completely.
O Yeah, Another reason to love this game? T-Rex Reference. *Drops the Mic and walks away*
NUMBER 3
Super Mario 3D World
Developed and Published by Nintendo
It truly can't be a top 3 without the only guy with a mustache to not look like a sex offender, MARIO! Sorry Luigi.
Things that are great about this game? It's like there was a really weird and fuzzy night spent between Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario 64, and New Super Mario Bros. Then.....9 months later Super Mario Bros 2 was pregnant even though she was so old that no one thought it could happen. New Super Mario Bros was panicking because he wasn't ready for that kind of responsibility, he just wanted some multiplayer action. Super Mario 64 was a little more mature however and would help guide the little baby game into the world alongside Super Mario Bros 2. They lived happily ever after. And this game is awesome.
Yeah, that didn't explain anything. But it did explain everything. This game incorporates the 4 player experiences (with some 5th player action on the gamepad) that we have grown to love with New Super Mario Bros. FACT
It also has a fully 3D world that allows larger levels and more creative ideas from the 2D inspirations, a lot like Super Mario 64. FACT
Last but not least, these gameplay features have been merged with the varied gameplay mechanics of Super Mario Bros 2. Which means Mario is our usual hero. Luigi is our slippery and high (Jumping guys, jumping!) version of Mario. Peach can float around with her parasol. Toad is fast as lightning. And Rosalina is an unlockable with the ability of a spin attack. Which gives this game the greatest multiplayer experience Mario has ever seen. FACT
Unless you like online play. This game does a great job of integrating Miiverse, which is per the norm for a lot of the games on the Wii U. But this game wants you to play together in the same room instead of playing like mustached strangers online. So that sucks for the friendless.
Extras include side games and the various things you can post to Miiverse to brag about an accomplishment. Also Luigi Bros which is like the great battling game Mario Bros which started it all. The new power ups are great, not just the cat suit. And Honestly, just admit....you always wanted to fight this...
Yep. Cat Bowser. Suck it.
And also, here is a tiny example of the gameplay for Super Mario 3D World
NUMBER 2
Last of Us
Developed by Naughty Dog
Published by Sony Computer Entertainment
The third and final exclusive game on the list. Pikmin 3 and Mario on Nintendo both beaten out by Sony's best game since, well Uncharted 3 from Naughty Dog. This game is labeled an Action-Adventure Survivor-Horror game for good reason. It sometimes seems like a survival horror, mostly it is an action adventure. Which is great because that is what Naughty Dog does best! Especially since some core team members left after doing Uncharted. This game has an incredible story. It has heart. It really reminds me of a great mix between Resident Evil, Uncharted, and Heavy Rain. The zombies get tougher as the game goes on, but not in a normal video game fashion.
You and you're partner (a little girl) will meet up with other survivors and it leads to interesting gameplay and story elements. You really don't know who to trust. This is 20 years after the zombie outbreak....so just imagine what most people who survived DID to survive. There are tons of notes everywhere explaining so many peoples situations. There are heart wrenching moments around every corner. I don't want to spoil ANYTHING since story is 75% of this game. So I'll just give two hints. Collect everything you see by scavenging and beware clickers....
Aside from the main story there are also multiplayer modes and DLC which features a back story for one of your protagonists. One more thing. the soundtracks of games can be as important as anything (i.e. Silent Hill & Fallout) so here is a lil sample of some music.
NUMBER 1
Grand Theft Auto V
Developed by Rockstar North
Published by Rockstar
Number one game for me was also the best selling amongst AAA games. Only available on Xbox 360 and PS3. Completly disregarding the existence of Wii U, PS4, Xbox One, and PC fan bases. Yet this game has the highest sales total of the year. Even on Individual charts they took up spots 1 and 2 for PS3 and Xbox 360 respectively. Only getting any competition from Pokemon.
This game is glorious. The best Grand Theft Auto ever created? Yep. Even better than San Andreas. Sales were even better, during a down market.
Why? because they brought the fun back. They brought back the larger than life characters and the fun that is found in Los Santos. The game features a living and breathing city which is seen through the eyes of 3 very different people. You play as these people and how they interact with their own lives and each other. It's pretty great. The story follows a black guy trying to avoid being in a gang his whole life, a retired former big time criminal with a huge temper, and a weird criminal redneck with a windows phone.
What makes this game even better than the 69 story missions and tons of side missions. Is the great online world. Mission, community, money. that is what it is all about. Get in a gang with your friends and go rob some people! most likely if you are reading this...then you have already played it and loved it. If you have played it and hate it....then you have two options.
1)Go Play in Traffic
2) There are 195 other countries you can move to....get out.
And because the best thing about GTA is randomly killing yourself and others....this is kinda what it looks like when I play...
Just play the video....ignore their stupid logo. Its the only short video without annoying 11 year old commentary.....
And The Rest.......(like Russel Johnson)
Really Great Games that I couldn't fit in to my favorite 10?
The tremendous Bioshock Inifinite!! With a good story and most importantly, entirely different feel from Bioshock, even including a neat nod to Rapture (which was devalued by the DLC sending you there.....why? wtf) This game had a predictable ending but the story was neat and environment unique to Bioshock. Unfortunately that environment is also one we have seen time and time again. So many people might hate me for this not being a top 10 favorite....but it is just one person's opinion. Don't rage. It's still a great game though!
Max Payne 3 is another fantastic game from Rockstar and really pushes the story of Max into a new future and back to his past all at the same time. Flash backs, flash forwards, whatever. It is a really fun game with a really fun environment and great acting, amazing music choices, and proves why Games don't need to be movies.
The swan song for the Wii was better than the swan song for Xbox 360 or PS3 (Gears of War Judgement & Beyond Two Souls) This game is called Padora's Tower and is only in America because of Operation Rainfall and their cause, despite what Reggie FilsAime says. it is a great JRPG, not quite as good as Xenoblade Chronicles which Operation rainfall also brought to us, but this Game is very very close in quality and very different in style. If you like JRPGs and haven't played this...ummm...why. This game is.....umm...
DEADPOO! I mean....Deadpool. Voiced by the talented Nolan North. Who is here a second time, after appearing as Desmond Miles in Assassin's Creed 4. this Game is CRAZY and HILARIOUS. Nothing Makes sense and that's what great, with appearances by Cable and Wolverine that make this game a laugh riot. From beginning to end. Fantastic job. Since we won't ever get the movie....
Awwww poor Splinter Cell Blacklist. Reviews were decent (like Rayman Legends) but eh sales were poor. I really enjoyed this game. My biggest gripe is that the online services have always been messed up, especially at launch (Which probably affected the delays of Watch Dogs) The story is fantastic and it has the right amount of elements from previous Splinter Cell games to show that this one has truly evolved. Most won't like ol' Ironsides gone, but it's not a major loss.....but it doesn't help. Even though Sam Fisher will always be
Sam Fisher.
NES Remix. I'll make it brief. classic NES titles with their own set up speed run inspired goals. Accomplish these goals and you unlock the "REMIX" levels which really give old games neat twists. if you are good enough to accomplish the speed runs of old games then you will be rewarded. If you own a Wii U, it is a must buy for $15.
And the last game actually was in a tie for 10th on my list, but I love Clap Trap too much. It's the Wonderful 101!! Let me give you a run down on why this game didn't become a system seller....
This games has over 100 individual superheros with their own abilites and personalities. The concept of fighting as one major unit under a leaders control is great. It lets the player use the power that they are more comfortable with. Like guns? shoot stuff with little people as your ammo. Like Indiana Jones or have an S&M fetish? Use a pink whip to destroy armor and put eyes out! Like Hell Boy? Then use a giant red fist made of people to Hulk Smash your way through life's problems. Are you deemed worthy to posses the power of Thor? Then drop the yellow hammer on people like and angry turtle with a helmet on! Do you wish to be the villain of Street Fighter but always come up second? Use claws to rip people to shreds...cause I've already made my Wolverine reference earlier! ART! Are you a racist? Be a black guy using black bombs in between playing his 3DS to blow up everything! That was so wrong my brain threw up and imagined this...
Anyways.......back to the rant... Perhaps it's to dangerous to go alone? Use my favorite hero's power to create a giant blue sword and probe those aliens back! (Wonder Blue is my favorite btw, he is really like me....)
This game offers a fun and hilarious story, Great Characters, Challenging game play, Unique ideas, and cool extras to unlock. Plus, the creator is among the very few "artists" and "Innovators" in his field. this isn't like anything else you have played. Most of my top games are either sequels or just mash ups of other games, this game is truly unique. To get an idea...just watch this trailer (Since Nintendo doesn;t know what advertising is...)
So that's it. One guys very late opinion of favorite games of 2013, cleverly turned into a Fiscal Year list. I'm so smart....
everything is syco1316 for me....twitter, origin, steam, Miiverse, psn, xbl, nn. send hate if you must. Dont hate this site, i just write for it.
This is a Calm reaction to the Nintendo E3 news.
By Spencer Shoemaker
It was delayed by a few days for a couple of reasons. reason 1, Finals are more important. reason 2, so that fanboys/haters can come to grips with the evolution of gaming news which has finally been adopted by one of the Big 3. Oddly enough this evolution comes from the company who was so afraid of the Internet just a few years ago.
Surprisingly, it's Nintendo.
See, when I say evolution, I mean our need for info as it happens. Movie Spoilers. Up to the second and inaccurate Election results. Midnight releases on Video Games and Movies. WE HATE TO WAIT. It's our society. Actually it seems like Everyone's society. Why anyone would be upset at Nintendo passing up on the expensive, dated, and mostly terribly presented presentations? Well, because it's change. It won't extremely change anything. Except for giving most of us less cringe worthy moments. Remember Trey Parker and Matt Stone mocking smart glass? Remember PS3's Book of Spells? Or What about Nintendo's ENTIRE 2012 E3 conference? They do best at what? software! I love their consoles. Don't get me wrong. I own all of them. I bought a Wii U at launch. That was hurt a lot by Rayman Legends getting delayed along with everything Nintendo Published, but that's another story for another time. What I'm saying is that it is a extra dark time for Nintendo.
And in this dark time they need to change. Miiverse is a step in the right direction because it's like an awesome mash up of Tumblr and Twitter. And for those of you who don't know, they share up to date info through posts as well. This and the Nintendo Direct are all building to one thing, bringing news. Actual news. When was the last time you watched E3 and found out something new that you didn't read already on the internet? Don't worry about trying to name a moment, because if you did then you obviously didn't care about that game that much anyways
We want information and we find it. Nintendo is fighting that. By completely surprising us MONTHLY with awesome news, not just Battlefield 47: Awesome Company (IF you Could Work On Saturday That'd Be Great) Edition
But Games we had no clue were being developed. Maybe no for 3rd party games, because that leaks. But this is Nintendo's big edge over others. Which kept the 64 and Gamecube afloat despite rocky waters. And the driver of the Wii and its software sells. They drive their own business, and they do it their way. And now their way just so happens to be with our way. The amount of people who actually watch E3 live probably equal the amount of people who watch Nintendo Direct on their 3ds. Heck, where I live I cant get a live feed except the internet.....I would rather go outside and then come back when all the videos are neatly prepared for me on Youtube. The only people that seem to be upset for real are the online gaming editors who have one less party to sit through at E3. And the people on the internet who just love to be angry. Nintendo is In trouble and they are doing a lot of moves to get out of it. The 3DS carried their Wii U flop to give them a Net profit this previous fiscal year which they missed bad the year before, but their home console can not pull a Gamecube or then we are all in trouble. I know I can't state the obvious much more blatantly than that.
But for real. The Gaming industry needs Nintendo. Their innovation influences the other consoles, but their software started all this. Sega came YEARS after Nintendo created a fun home computer game console for all types and ages. That was a risk for Yamauchi and Nintendo back in the 70's. but They did it and it worked. Portable version? Worked. Analog Stick on a controller? Worked. Motion controls? Worked. 3D gaming without glasses? Worked. It's hard to deny Nintendo uses some strange Strategies
But a lot of times they work. Miiverse works and Nintendo Directs Work. Expect them to use a combo of this and live floor shows with the software to make a more intimate and important statement this year. Who knows, maybe they will change the gaming world. Again.
If you don't care about Nintendo or dislike them but made it all the way through the article. This is for you:
Games are fun,
right? But not every game meets the standards of our fantasy game. So many
people have so many great ideas. But not all ideas can be actualized. However,
some try even though they have so many restrictions. They want to create
something of their own. Today the amount of people trying to actualize their
dreams is growing. Indie game studios start popping up left in right, either
solo groups or small teams. Even though the rate of people trying to develop
games is growing rapidly, the amount of success is not keeping up
with it.
Now let me tell you
about some of the trends of these failing teams before I get into the main
subject of this article. (However if you want to
skip this part skip to the next bolded section)
Teams that start
out in High School or Early College
These teams can be
successful don't get me wrong. These teams are usually started by a group of
bored friends that have no "real" knowledge of how game creation
works. And most do not have the real drive to finish either: learning,
planning, or creating.
MMOMakers
A whole bunch of
people like the idea of an MMO that fits their needs completely, however they
do not understand why no MMO fits anyone's highest needs. MMO's are big. Like
Really big. Most teams don't understand how much effort goes into makingthese kinds of games. There is a lot more
modeling, texturing, and animating that a single player game. Not just the
actual physical content is increased, but the programming and server
development is the biggest issue. No game comes from gathering a group of
people together and telling them to make it based off of their skills. There
is a lot of money and effort that goes into R&D (Research and
Development). Researching how to do these things is too much for a small
group of people. So these people need to get over their pipe dreams.
Full Time workers
with varying schedules
Now this kind of
team fails frequently by no fault of their own. If no one on the team can
meet, then there is no time to discuss and direct each other in order to make
it flow well. And there is hardly any time for private work as well.
Okay that’s out of
the way, I can breath now.
Learning the Ropes
Now if you have a
level head about you and realize that your first project might be crap, or at
least not to your expectation, then you might be in good shape. The best way to
lean the ropes of game dev is to be working on a project as you research; I think
anyway. Now the things that you have to learn straight up is modeling,
texturing, and animation; no matter where you go. But one of the main things
that will give people a hard time is the programming. Programming is hard to
do, probably he hardest for beginners and this is the thing that needs to be
entered slowly.
Programming for the Newbie
Diving into learning
a programming language will be extremely tough for the newcomer to do. So I
suggest working with something that will smooth part of that processes over.
There are some games engines that have you really just click a few buttons to
make a game. This might be a good idea to do. It really just depends. But so
you can get some taste of programming while hitting some buttons, I would say
that Blender Game Engine is the best bet.
What is Blender?
Blender was primarily
a 3D Modeling and Animation software. However, as time has went on, Blender has
become more robust and has expanded it's portfolio. Blender now has nice Video Sequence editing, 3D Camera Tracking, and Motion Tracking,
and a stronger game engine.
Learning Logic with Blender
Logic Bricks
With Blender, a
first time experimenter can really learn the ropes of Programming Logic, with
out having to worry about language syntax. It uses things called "Logic
Bricks" which you open up, choose what type of logic you will be
performing, type in the variables you need and pretty much "BLAM" you
have created some small feature to your game. Now there are some limitations to
the specifics of what you can do, but that can be opened up with a little
Python Scripting. (P.S. Python is one of the simplest languages to learn)
That's Not All It Is
Not just is Blender
easy for beginning programmers, but it is fantastic for all of it's other
features. The UI, to me, is very intuitive and simple (Once you learn the
simple hotkeys, which are also very natural) I have tried using a few other 3D
programs, but I never decided on them. I was able to get my hands on 3DS Max,
(I received it from a Student because I couldn't afford it) and the UI was not
very smooth to me. Because 3DS Max was so weird I did not try the Maya that was
given to me since it too was made by Autodesk (So I have no real opinion on
it). I also was able to beta Test a software coming out soon called "Ray
Supreme". I am not allowed to give any details about it until it releases,
but I can say that it was not my cup of tea either. I also tried some cheap
software programs that didn't work out either. Needless to say, I stuck with
Blender.
Solution for Just About Everything
Animation Workplace
Another thing that
makes Blender a perfect gamming solution is that you can run every feature you
need in the same window or multiple windows with the same session. You can have
UV Mapping, 3D Modeling, Node Editing, Animation Sequence Editing, Python Scripting
and ..err… "Logic Bricking," all spread out over you display(s). I
use two or sometimes three monitors for my work space. On one I'll have my view
port, primarily through the game's camera. On another I will have my animation
Sequence Editing coupled with the Logic Bricks and Python Scripts. On my Last
screen I will usually have my UV Mapping with Gimp pulled up beside it or a
Tutorial. When I work in Blender I usually am able to work very smoothly.
Documentation
Okay, I mentioned a
tutorial like two sentences ago so let me tell you something. This I would
figure is the most important topic when researching for an software,
documentation. The community for Blender is extremely huge. There are several
different forums all with almost infinitely amount of topics posted. There are
several Blogs dedicated to it. The most exciting documentation to me is the
endless video tutorials. Any problem I have ever run into, I have found someone
with a solution.
Pricing
Now the final topic,
and the one that hurts most staring developers, price. Blender has many high
end features. It does not have some of the very complex abilities like some AAA
engines, but it is growing, and quickly. A software with extensive documentation,
amazing incorporated features, and an amazing community is defiantly worth a
fair amount of money. However the value of Blender is much higher than the
price asked of it, which is free.
It's Big Problems
Now I know it seems like I have been praising Blender beyond belief, but
believe me I am not that big of a fan boy. There are some problems about this
engine. The ability to optimally run a very high poly count is not as
sufficient as others. Creating an online multiplayer game is not very likely
(to my knowledge anyway). And the biggest downfall is the exporting
abilities.
Licensing
To fully explain the exporting problems I need to get into the licensing. As I
have said before, Blender is free. How is it possible for Blender to be free?
Well Blender is an open source software that several people work on for free
(some people are out sourced to I believe). And these people believe that there
should be a robust solution such as this that is free to all people who need
it. So the licensing it was put under is called GPL (General Public License).
This license allows several things that people can do: create content for free,
sell content created, and even sell the software, and so on. So how does this affect the
export?
Exporting Problems
Scripting Workplace
Blender exports one of two ways. You can export as a
".exe" file which is typical, or you can export as a
".blend" file. First lets talk about the ".blend" file. If
the game is exported as a ".blend" file then the player needs to have
Blender installed so that it can be opened. But you don't want to do that do
you? That would be extremely complicated for someone to have to do to play it
and it would break down the size of your audience. Well okay then, I can just
export as a ".exe" file that should be good right? Wrong! If you
export as a ".exe" file then the game is compiled with the Blender
Player incorporated. What's wrong with that? Well this goes back to the
licensing. All of you material that you create in Blender, on its own, is your
content, however, once the Blender Player is incorpor
ated into your file it is
instantly placed under GPL because some of the content is Blender's. This means
that anybody can take your game or your files, and use it for their personal
use or even sell it for their profit.
Exporting Solutions
However there are a few ways that you can get around these
problems. You can do a search for these and you can find them after some work.
What these solutions are, are engines that you can import your
".blend" files into, with all your programming and physically created
content and it will compile it with out the Blender Player. Some can even
export to mobile devices.
Conclusion
That's about all I have to say on the matter. Summed up, I
think Blender is a way for anyone interested in Game Development to get
started. Look at it some more and see if it will work for you. And remember,
there is no such thing as wasting your time. You need to learn it anyway and
you need to go through problems, Blender just seems like the best bet to start
out.
Pretty soon I' will post an article about some of the best
games I liked that were made with Blender.
For the 25
anniversary of the Legend of Zelda, Nintendo released an extensive History of
Hyrule and was published by Dark Horse Comics. Not to long after the initial
release, the English speaking world was able to get our hands on what could be
called, the greatest history book of all time!
The purpose of
Hyrule Historia was to finally come out and tell every person who had worked
rigorously to try and create a legit and fulfilling timeline of the Zelda games
that they can now give up because salvation is here. I mean these people worked
hard and had amazing and complex explanations, and then Nintendo decided to
come out and screw over all of these hard working 40 year old virgins that have
way to much time on there hands.
Now let it be known
that I am not forty, so my nerdiness may be slightly excused. And this is not a
new, opposing timeline theory, but this is simply a commentary on some of the
problems with what Nintendo released.
If you didn't
realize this before, or even if you have, you probably are thinking, "WTF
Nintendo. What's wrong with you! Why can't you do anything right!?!" In
response let me tell you this. Nintendo has never had a timeline planned. They
randomly created stories around the general theme of Zelda. The only Chronology
they have had were direct sequels and some loose connections with Ocarina of
Time. You can look at early explanations of the Timeline that Nintendo released
near the beginning while there were only four games out, and it does not
suggest the idea Nintendo tells us now.
Inconsistencies in
Sword Mythology
The Changing Sword
Master Sword (In Manga)
Goddess Sword
Master Sword
Pickori Blade
Four Sword
Master Sword again
Four Sword Again
How
and why is it that the supposed legendary blade
Underwent
so many different changes with powers and
Different
background lore. One could think that these
were
just different blades altogether. One could also
believe
that these are all the same blade. Which is what
The
Official Nintendo Zelda History suggests. However,
with
this thought we run into a lot of problems.
In
the Manga in "Hyrule Historia," the Goddess Hylia
Brings
the blade forged by the gods, the Master Sword.
This
Sword was made to be Evil's Bane. However, the blade
First
needed to be reformed by mortals in order to be used.
(We'll
get back to that point in a moment)
In
Skyward sword, there is the Goddess Sword that
eventually
turns into the Master Sword, but no explanation
as
to how this transformation happened from Master Sword
to
Goddess Sword before the Events in Skyward Sword but
still
after the Manga.
In
Minish cap, the Legendary Blade was called the
Pickori
blade. No mention of the name master sword
In
Four Sword, the blade is named Four Sword, with no
Mention
of an item called the "Master Sword" again.
Then
In Ocarina of Time, the blade is finally named the
"Master
Sword." With two games and hundreds of years
in-between.
Then
later on in the chronology the "Four Sword" comes
up
as if nothing ever happened.
Solution Theories For the Screwed Up Sword
First we will start
with the "evidence" that suggests how these blades cannot be
different items.
The Pickori Blade cannot be
said to be anything other than the Master Sword. At the Beginning of
"Minish Cap" the legend of the origin of the Blade is told and
fits a general profile of the Master Sword descending to the Surface.
The Four Sword can be called
the Master Sword because Four Swords is the direct sequel (according to
the Official Timeline) to Minish Cap. So Link would use the same blade to
defeat Vaati again.
Now the problems. If
these are all the same, why is it that they have different powers and
properties from each other.
Bringing up the story in the
Manga again, about how The Master Sword had to be reformed by mortals so
it could be used. Perhaps somewhere in-between the vast amount of years
that segregates the games, someone or something reformed the Blade into a
new fashion making it a new type of blade. That would explain why at the
beginning of Skyward Sword, the Master Sword was not fully at it's
potential. Being called the Goddess Sword.
You could say that different
Links unlock different properties in the Sword. Even comparing games that
use the Master Sword you can see this. In Skyward Sword it could shoot
Sword Beams and it could douse for items. In Ocarina of Time it was able
to make an "Energy Slash" with the spin attack. In Wind Waker it
was able to break the barrier separating Gannon's Tower from Hyrule
Castle.
The problem with A
is that at the end of the Child Timeline, the Four Sword comes back up again,
and the problem with B is that there is no explanation for why the Master Sword
was not at it full potential and being called the Goddess Sword at start.
Inconsistences with
Landscapes and Cities
Great Deku Tree
Temple of Time/Temple of
Goddess
Castle Town
Sacred Grove
These are all really
important places in Legend of Zelda Mythos, but why are they always moving and
even changing their purpose? As said before, Nintendo did not think through
these problems, mainly because they were not important to them. They knew that
these games were linked together in some fashion of chronology, but each game
was more of a reimagining than it was a continuation of a story. This is why
all of these memorable areas changed locations, and even purposes, from game to
game. If Hyrule was to be static throughout the saga, then it would eventually
become bland.
Now let's try to
look at these as clearly as possible. I'll start with describing Ocarina of
Time. I will use this as the centerboard since this is the most well know game.
In Ocarina of Time, The Temple of Time is located near the market area of
Castle Town. The deity of the Great Deku Tree is located in the forest which
is, theoretically, miles away from the Castle. Lastly, the Sacred Grove is
nowhere to be found, or even mentioned.
In Skyward Sword,
the Castle Town is not yet founded because there is no kingdom (but I did not
need to mention that did I).There is no deity of the Great Deku Tree. And the
Temple of the Goddess is located in the sky but descends to the surface in the
wooded areas of the Sealed Grounds.
In Twilight Princess
there is no deity of the Great Deku Tree. The Temple of Time is located in the
wooded providence, as only ruins. Link travels through time in order to enter
into the Ancient Temple of Time so that he may retrieve the Master Sword. Hyrule
Castle is located far away from the forest still.
In Wind Waker the
deity of the Great Deku Tree Sprout lives. There is no Sacred Grove, or any
resemblance. The Castle is located deep under the Great Sea, with the Master
Sword held inside.
Solution for the
Mix-up
In the manga of
Hyrule Historia, which sets off the entire "Legend of Zelda" the
Goddess Hylia brings the Master Sword to her people, it is used to fight off
evil and as the source of power that sends the land of Skyloft into the air. In
Skyloft the Sword rests in the Statue of the Goddess. After the island holding
the Statute of the Goddess descends, the Sword is placed back into the Statue.
This states as a
literal and symbolic sealing on the evil that was the Demon King Demise. With
this important symbol, you could assume that the Master Sword was to always
remain in this location when it is to remain idle. There is another idea that
could be said about this, and I will touch on that in a moment.
Okay, so we are
going to say that the Master Sword always remains in the same location.
Starting with the Temple of the Goddess. That eventually faded away with time,
and the Temple of Time was built in its place by the Sage Rauru.
On the Adult
Timeline, after Ocarina of Time, since Hyrule Castle was destroyed during the
final fight between Link and Gannon, the Castle needed to be rebuilt. With that
being the fact, they should have built it over the Temple of Time. Fearing hat
an Evil might arise again it would make since to built the mostly impenetrable
Castle around the dwelling of the Legendary Blade. And this is were Link finds
it in WindWaker, in the basement of the Castle. And that is the last time the
Master Sword appears on that side of he timeline.
Now on the Child
Timeline side, the Master Sword, during Twilight Princess, is found in The
Sacred Grove. As you find out in the Story, that Sacred Grove turns out to be
the remains of the Temple of Time. The Sacred Grove here lays in the Forest.
You might assume that this is just where the Temple once stood, However there
is no Castle. And there is evidence that these woods are the same as the Lost
Woods. There is a Very Large Tree, which inside contains the Forest Temple.
This could be the remnant of the Great Deku Tree Sprout. If that is so, then
how is the Master Sword so close to the Forest. It could not be, simply put.
I am going to try to
keep this clear, but to settle this particular subject about the Sword, I now
need to cover the problems with The Great Deku Tree. As we know, the Great Deku
Tree exists in the Forest. The"Huge''
Tree in Twilight Princess exists in the Forest but does not exist as a Deity,
or any strong evidence that it is the Deku Tree Sprout. Also, in Skyward Sword
there is a great Tree that exists on the Forest. It is said that people would
come to the tree to receive blessings. With that lore that exists, during or
before the time of Skyward Sword, it is shown that this tree was divine. So
this might be the Deku Tree before it evolved into a deity. It is also in close
relation to where the Sword rested. However He does not exists close to the
Castle in Ocarina of Time. The only explanation that fits our restrictions
would be that these are not related to the Deku Tree in any way other than
coincidental, visual similarity. The Great Deku Tree must have just been
created at a later point in time to protect the region just like the governing
spirits in Twilight Princess.
Now we have it
explained that the Great Deku exists in only two games, Ocarina of Time and
WindWaker. The forests in the different games, are different forests
altogether, which have grown up and been torn down several times. And so there
is nothing that hurts our idea that the Master Sword always remains in the same
place when idle. Also it should be said that the Sacred Grove is just where any
Temple that the Sword was housed in that has fallen around.
I hope that was
clear enough to follow.
What else is brewing
We've covered the
main problems and probably the most interesting subjects, but let us go over a
few more inconsistencies just for fun.
What's with the Triforce? The Deities? The Spirits?
The Goddesses? And that other Triangle?
Okay, the Golden
Goddesses created the world, each one played a different role in creation. Upon
there, assumed, permanent withdrawal, the Triune Triangles were left behind.
Now I am sure that during their creation process they created the different
governing Deities, but why were their so many different Spirits and Divine
Beings through out the games. Almost all of these beings clam to be appointed
by the gods long ago. So…. Why were they not around at the beginning of
History.
Were they created
later on in the Legend? But wait, I thought the Goddesses withdrew from the
world and let it rock to its own beat. So did all of these powerful guys and
gals just have these ridiculous complexes? Here's one idea: perhaps these
beings evolved from a former state into these elevated states, acquiring the
enlightenment of their divinely appointed purpose. Perhaps this could be it:
the Deities in this universe do not exists as we might believe a god would.
These lesser gods may be mortal. And after their death they are reborn into a
new existence. However those things cannot be explained, nor are they very
pertinent.
Now what is that
fourth triangle everyone is stalking about. There is a pretty popular theory
out there about the "Teraforce" alright, if you didn't know the
Triforce was named that for a reason, then you are pretty retarded. 'Tri"
means three, so "Tetra" means four. You can see on the Hylian shield,
that there is another triangle placed under the Royal Crest of the big red
bird. (which by the way, is linked to the big red Lifting Link flew in Skyward
Sword) This triangle is pointing downward, as if it could fit into the empty
area between the Triangles of the Triforce.
The Tetraforce Theory
Before Skyward Sword
was released, this theory did not seem very valid because everything could be
explained away. Let me mention that first. Like I said, people believed that
this separate triangle
represented another God. Trying to explain this thought
they looked for other gods they could relate it to.
The Goddess of the
Sand:
We all know about
the mysterious Statue of the Temple in the Desert of the Gerudos. They claimed
that this was the hidden goddess. However, why would the Gerudo tribe know of
it's existence and not the Great Deku Tree himself. It could be explained away as
just some idol that they invented or more likely it is the Goddess of Power
Din. This makes a lot of sense seeing as how Gannondorf was accepted as the
chosen one of Power.
The Goddess of Time:
During Majora's
mask, once Link retrieves his ocarina from Skull Kid, he remembers Zelda
telling him as he leaves Hyrule "Call on the Goddess of Time when you are
in need and she will guide you" or something of the sort. However, this
easily could be understood as the Goddess of Law, Nayrau, who created the laws
of reality.
The Fierce Deity:
This is not a theory
I have read but it is one I have entertained. The Fierce Deity is a character
one taps into in Majora's Mask. Now this is not very plausible but it could be
reasoned that the missing counter part of the Triforce should be a male. However,
how could an almighty god be contained inside a humble mask.
The goddess Hylia:
Now with the release
of Skyward Sword this theory has a chance to survive. The goddess Hylia is
someone that we never knew until this game. Although we never hear anything
about this Goddess, it would make since that at least a small Triangle would
remain through the ages. Now this small golden triangle is not a physical
object, but a representation about the importance or even power of the Goddess
of the chosen People. Also, at the beginning of Manish Cap, the opening scene
talks about the Sword brought from the sky, and the Light Force, which is shown
to be one Triangle.
Conclusion
I could go on and on
about these Zelda topics, but I want to stop here. As I have said, I hope this
was clear, and semi-easy to follow. So now that you know Nintendo is just
making it up as they go along, and that they now have a fully canonical
document that cannot be superseded, does not mean that the theories that we
create are unimportant. In fact, it is quite on the contrary. Our theories are
more important than ever. Because we, the avid fans of this series, are no
longer responsible to create the bias of the narrative flow anymore, now we are
responsible for fixing Nintendo's short comings with their continuity. The game
was made for us, and we'll play it how ever we want.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Crazy Tower Defense
3D
Hello all indie and
mobile gamers! Boy do I have a nice one for you. Well if you enjoy puzzle or
Tower games it is a nice one for you. However, I will say this: I am not a
"Tower" fan, and when I was asked to review this game I was a little
iffy on how I would like it, but this game really did ignite a flame inside
that has the urge to consume this newly enjoyed game genre. By consume, I don't
mean like destroy, I mean play a whole bunch of. Don't mistake what I said as
something negative…cause it's not!
Crazy Defense was
created by a small company named Etorki Games. It consists of three members in
theBasque Country located north of
Spain. As one of the members, Pablo, tells me, Crazy Defense is Etorki Games'
first game, and was made as a type of "test." This is not a game one
would assume is an "armature practice." This feels like a quality
game made by professionals, and that is what it precisely is.
Let me get into the
review of the game itself.
This game is
definitely an old man's acid trip. The story actually starts off that way as
well. I wont go into detail with the story, if you want that then you can watch
the video review on our channel (I'll have an embedded player at the bottom
here).
The Towers:
The Towers of this
game really feel like you are in the mind of the drugged out Looney Bin
patient. There are three basic towers to choose from, which each have a few
upgradeable options. There is the simple box used to retard enemy movement and
with some money that can transformed into the towers that you will actually use
as you defense: the Venus Fly Trap, the Looney Patient, and the Shooter. The
Fly trap will chop on enemies near it, or if upgraded can shoot land enemies
with in a certain radius. The crazy man can crash down on the ground, whack at
enemies, or fling them back away from their objective. And the Shooter can fire
away at those really desperate enemies that decided to use jet packs to fly
over the tripped out battle field.
Survival Mode:
You objective in
this game is to keep your enemies, which are nurses and doctors, from entering
into the room you are hiding out in. You are given twenty lives which drop down
every time an enemy slips passed your defenses. You are also given a small amount
of money at the beginning of the game so that you my buy a few towers and
upgrade them. After your towers kill an enemy, you earn a few more bucks so you
may buy more. And after every wave the enemies become more abundant and more
difficult. This game mode lasts for over a hundred waves and trying to think of
new ways to beat this game mode gives plenty of replay value.
Strategy Mode:
With strategy mode,
you are given a few towers that you must arrange within a short time limit. You
need to arrange these based on the types of enemies that you will face and what
direction they are coming from. You do not get any more towers than what you
are given, so you better make sure you made it were those nurses suffer a
hideous death at the hand of your hallucinations.
Box Challenge:
This one is very tricky. You do not kill the nurses on this mode. On this mode
you have to arrange the towers, which are just simple, non-upgradeable boxes,
in a fashion that will change the enemies movement to make them take long
enough so that they will not reach the corridor within the time limit. I guess
the reason you do not kill them in this mode is because your not high enough to
create the different crazy towers. So you just keep them away for long enough
so that you can get doped up for another round.
Pac-Dan:
Have you ever played
Plants verses Zombies, well I have and I loved it. Now a mode that I enjoyed
greatly was when the roles were reversed and you played as the zombies. However
there was never enough levels for that mode. Well Pac-Dan mode is where the roles
are reversed just like what I was talking about with Plants verses Zombies .
However, in this mode there are plenty of levels to enjoy, and they are a
nicely complex and simple, and difficult enough to keep you busy for a while.
And what I mean by
reversed is you are actually playing as the old man and you try to go around
collecting your pills while running from the staff.
Now here is my
overall rating for the game:
The control scheme
was pretty straight forward, a little frustrating at times trying to move
towers.
(4 out of 5)
The art style was
nice and detailed for an Android game, but also very cute.
(5)
There was a fair
amount of content to this. A fair amount of levels. It will defiantly keep you
entertained longer than angry birds.
(4)
Game Play, Majority
of the puzzles were great, but for some of them, the difficulty level didn’t
seem to match the level on which you unlocked it.
(3)
And the price of
this is free, which makes any game better when you don’t have to pay for it.
But just for kicks, I would say I would pay 2 to 5 bucks for it, seeing as how
it is an android game.
(5)
Overall = 4.3/5
So download this
game for sure and give it a go! If you liked this review then subscribe to this
blog and out YouTube channel. There is a link below here for the video Review
of this game. Thank you for reading and goodbye.
