You Are (Not) Safe Here
The horror game SOMA implemented something unusual in its genre: Safe Mode, in which the monsters will never kill the player. The paradox is that Safe Mode can potentially make the game scarier.
Category: Editorials
RPGs at the Movies
Movies based on video games have had a mixed history. In the first of a planned series, we take a look at three RPG-based movies, understanding why they do or don’t work, and the impacts on future video game adaptations.
The Magic and Mastery of Kingdom Hearts: A First-Time Player’s Retrospective
Merging Disney’s timeless charm with rich lore, Kingdom Hearts delivers an unexpectedly phenomenal and mechanics-driven action RPG adventure. The iconic title offers plenty to make it worth playing from the very first keyhole.
Two Years Into the Eternal Calm: How the Show Goes On in Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy X-2 is often neglected by fans for taking a divisive direction away from its critically successful progenitor. For #JRPGJuly, we take a deeper dive into its choices and examine what makes it a bold sequel worthy of praise.
Scale vs. Space: How Final Fantasy XVI Reclaimed the Cinematic Epic
Final Fantasy XVI released three years ago. Its rejection of open-world filler in favor of disciplined, linear storytelling was a reminder that a true epic is measured by narrative density and emotional weight, not square footage.
A Decade Later: Dark Souls Series Retrospective
Ten years have passed since the Dark Souls trilogy concluded with the release of Dark Souls III. A decade later, what made the Souls series stand out so brightly and birth an entire subgenre?
The Surgical Narrative of Hades II
Many games can fall into the trap of spending too much time trying to get players caught up on the narrative. In Hades II, Supergiant Games trusts the player’s intelligence to understand that death is just the next chapter of the story.
Avowed Works Best When You Stop Expecting a Sandbox RPG
Avowed has been criticized for what it lacks compared to sandbox RPGs like Skyrim. But when approached on its own terms, it reveals a different kind of immersion built through dialogue, worldbuilding, and player choice.
Translating Genres: Arknights and Endfield
Arknights: Endfield took a different tack to the original strategy mobile game. It’s interesting to examine how the developers made the RPG while keeping the spirit of Arknights.
Cyberpunk 2077 Five Years On
Over five years after one of gaming’s most notorious launches, it’s worth taking a new look at Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt RED turned one of the industry’s biggest disasters into something genuinely worth RPGamer’s time.
Setting Down Roots: Housing in World of Warcraft
With the release of World of Warcraft: Midnight, the MMORPG has finally received full player housing. It’s worth looking back at everything that led up to this moment for the game.
The Evolution of Pokémon Battle Systems: What Changed Over 30 Years?
The Pokémon franchise has come a long way since its inception 30 years ago. How have battle systems and combat mechanics evolved over the years, and what direction are the games heading in?
A Special Spark: What Makes a Game Feel Alive
Certain games have an extra spark to their worlds that makes inhabiting them all the more special. Here are some of the things that help make a game feel like a living place.
A Game in Chiaroscuro: Looking Back at Expedition 33
Sandfall Interactive’s debut title Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has had a meteoric rise in its young life. It’s worth examining why it gained so much hype, and if it’s worthy of it.
Digital Impermanence and the Curious Case of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ post-launch updates make widespread changes to its story and gameplay. What ramifications does that hold for the permanence of games and our experiences in an increasingly digital landscape?
Character Creation Goes Both Ways: The Proteus Effect
Character creation is an opportunity for players to project themselves on to the playable character, but can the opposite occur? The Proteus Effect explains how physical features of a character can drastically change the attitude and behaviour of the player.
The Magic of Mayhem: The Power of Modding in Games
Mods have been a part of the gaming community for years. While there is always some risk, they can go a long way to improving a game’s longevity and fan relationship with developers.
Why Music Is the MVP of the Gaming Experience
Music has always been an integral part of gaming. But does it play an even greater role in the player’s experience than first meets the eye?
Do RPGs Need to Up the Ante on Challenges?
Trophy achievements are the bread and butter of the gaming completionist. But do the challenges set by game developers meet player expectations?
Shadow of the Erdtree Is a Microcosm of Elden Ring’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Elden Ring is an incredible game that is not without its issues. Does Shadow of the Erdtree respond to these, or is it simply more Elden Ring?
Recent Comments