Video Games

Treyarch’s  FPS powerhouse “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4” released Oct. 12, 2018, only two weeks before the drop of Rockstar’s cowboy romp, “Red Dead Redemption 2.” “Black Ops 4” has some of the best multiplayer gameplay to date and “RDR2” revolutionizes single-player immersion. But guess what? You’re a broke pleb and you can only pick up one title. Here’s what you should do!

A Case for “Blops”

Mountain Dew & “Call of Duty”–name a more dynamic duo, I’ll wait. “CoD” is a high-octane, squirrelly kick in the pants, just like Mtn Dew. Kinda hung up on the Dew rn, apologies.  “Black Ops 4” is as if the best parts of the “Call of Duty” franchise drank Mountain Dew. Wishing I didn’t say that. Let’s put it this way, “Blops 4” has all the right stuff that has only been amplified in its greatness. Blackout mode has everyone talking, but team death match still has a place in my heart. Seriously, the TDM owns. Not only is it just fun to play but it makes for a great way to warm up before jumping into a Blackout match. The battle royale aka Blackout is the most fluid and fast-pace BR experience yet. I’m playing on PS4 and couldn’t be happier with the way it feels. The looting is wonky and the footsteps are way too fukin’ loud but those are my biggest gripes.

A Case for “Red Dead Redemption 2”

Arthur Morgan isn’t your typical outlaw–no, no, no. The multidimensional main character in Rockstar’s epic new title brings his own flair. For instance, the man loves petting dogs, any dog will do. Dog in a town, pet ’em. Dog in the wild, pet ’em. Dog in the railway station, pet ’em. Besides dogs, Arthur dotes on horses as well. His horse, random horse, wild horse–doesn’t matter. This dude has kind things to say to them like, “You’re a good boah.” Arthur also has an affinity for slowing down time, shooting people in the face and feeding the unlucky folks to alligators or other blood-thirsty animals.

You’re thinkin’, these games can’t even compare to each other. You sort of are right. The games have so much to offer in their own ways. In a perfect world, buy them both! They are worth the money in my opinion. If you want a next-level single player experience, pick up “RDR2.” If it’s multiplayer you are after, get “Black Ops 4.” That’s my final answer, Regis.

There are so. Many. Podcasts. Period. But only some are the best. When it comes to video game podcasts I only trust a few outlets to provide me with top-quality info and entertainment. After all, the bus commute shouldn’t be wasted on a bad podcast. So, here are a few to check out!

The Giant Beastcast

Put on by Giant Bomb’s east coast crew, The Giant Beastcast is everything you want in a weekly video game podcast. Fun crew, smart commentary and interesting topics. I’ve been listening to the Beastcast for a few years now and recommend it every chance I get. One big upside to the show is nothing feels put on. It’s authentic, something not many podcasts can brag about.

GoNintendo Podcast

Nintendo information galore. This quant program has a budget feel but there is so much Nintendo content jammed into these episodes it’s worth overlooking the production quality. As an extra bonus, these episodes can also be streamed through YouTube in case you are at the computer just chilling.

Kinda Funny Gamescast

I’m a new fan of this one. It’s good and fun. Hosts Greg Miller and Tim Gettys are joined by a special industry guest to chat video games and trends. Kinda Funny Gamescast has my subscription!

Every video game podcast itch should be scratched with these three programs. If anyone has any other suggestions or things I’m far off base with these, let me know!

Do you ever feel guilty plopping down on the couch and gaming for like 8 hours straight?  Sometimes it’s just not satisfying, what’s the matter? Well, working out before picking up the sticks makes gaming better! Every. Freaking. Time.

The Science You Need to Know

When WebMD isn’t telling me I have cancer, it tells me interesting facts about what happens to the body after a workout:

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.

Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.” That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.

The human body is amazing.

Vidya & Workout & Moth Memes

So, you’ve done your workout, you’re feeling like a million bucks. Turn on the console of choice and enjoy. Trust me, a local weeb and workout advocate, on this. Use the extra chemicals churning in your brain for the best gaming session ever. More patience, less rage and plenty of good vibes!

Needless to say, moth memes are on the rise and are a must-mention for no particular reason whatsoever.

Three players left, you’re scrambling to get that sweet victory in your favorite BR title. Hands: sweating. Feet: sweating. Head: sweating. It’s been a long and intense game! On the flip side, your opponent has been taking the game super slow, maybe, has a kill–but most likely he’s running a goose egg. Love it or hate it, that’s an appeal to the battle royale system.

Look at it like this, standard deathmatch games, the “COD” and “Battlefield” titles come to mind, are pure go-go-go. You got your map and you run around it like a chicken with your head cut off trying to accumulate as many kills as possible. BR games throw that traditional game mode out the window, replacing it with an experience that can either be wild AF or chill. Players can choose to throw themselves headlong into the action or just kinda cruise around, looting and being passive. Anything to be the last remaining jabroni.

IMO, playing conservatively in any video game is a waste. If I want to relax, I’ll go to the beach. Catch me going ballistic in my favorite video game. “PUBG” and “Fortnite” give the player options and there is nothing wrong with those!

Sony Japan is finally ending its PS2 repair service after 18 years.

This story is trendy AF. It’s legendary though and offers a great perspective on what the PS2 means to gaming.

The fact that the PS2 is just now being laid to rest across the globe is proof that the Sony console is G.O.A.T. Fun fact, according to my boys Wiki and Kotaku, “Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin” was the last PS2 game to be released ever in Japan back in 2013. That’s not long ago. It’s a testament to the PS2’s longevity and legacy that players should respect.

Me, being the weeb I am, would play the last-last-gen system to this day if I had one. Some of my favorite gaming moments can be traced back to RCA cables and “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.” Things that represent the PS2 in a big way. Take yourself back to those dope times for a sec. Maybe you’re having a coke, basking in the sweet, burning-hot glow of your CRT TV, enjoying one of your favorite games. Pretty cool to reflect on that, huh? Oh yes, the PS2 is G.O.A.T. all right.

So, goodnight sweet prince!

I’ve raved about “R6 Siege” in the past--hailing it as a must-buy title for any shooter fan. Now, after seeing what Ubisoft has done to one of my beloved multiplayer titles–I’m not sure if it’s even playable anymore. That’s where the games as a service model can come in and destroy something beautiful.

What is games as a service? According to my boi Wiki, games as a service represents providing video games or game content on a continuing revenue model. In layman’s terms, developers are carb-loading the game with unnecessary content for extra cash in their pockets long after the game releases.

Games as a service is a double-edged sword. It does keep the player base up, but at the sacrifice of the actual core game. Add-on after add-on usually creates a some sort of glitchy experience. Again, these said add-ons are generating dollars for the devs. Sure, an ill-conceived, new map can be a nice surprise–but that should be something the creators should provide anyway without having to be spurred on by more money.

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty done with skin hype. “Fortnite” is a prime example of the drop-a-million-skins model. Shill the game for free then bank on players spending hundreds on cosmetics. Luckily, these skins don’t change the core game at all but it’s still annoying and I love bagging on Bros Intro to Gaming. If I had it my way, a game would cost $60 flat–cosmetics nowhere to be found.

So, what’s next for video games as this new revenue model takes hold of the industry? Will playing the same game for years and years become a standard? Could the model stunt innovation in the biz? Let me know what you think!

Here is a little vid on the topic to get your brain working:

When it comes to indie games, I think I hate them. All except “Hollow Knight” lol. Fine, hate is a strong word but indies these days don’t come with the best reputation. And guess what? According to Nintendo Life, Nintendo is out here trying to flood the eShop with whack titles week after week. Why?

At first glance, Nintendo’s digital store isn’t too bad right now. But there are still quite a few suspect games sprinkled throughout the marketplace (see above image). I want AAA titles to be at the forefront. If Nintendo ends up making profit on these garbage games, then I fear for the quality gaming experience that I have come to expect from the company.

Seeing that my game library is already going from physical to mainly digital. The place where I buy digital games should be like top-notch for a weeb like me. Give me a clean marketplace, void of tons of junk games! It shouldn’t be hard (see image below).

I get it, you’re playing Bros Introduction to Gaming aka “Fortnite” all day like everybody else. Put down the controller for a sec. Lemme tell you a little secret. “Hollow Knight” deserves some darn attention.

Team Cherry’s game is only $15 on the Nintendo Switch, the preferred console for the game, dare I add. A little bit about the game, you play as a little dude braves the insanity of a lost, insect-fulled kingdom. As the world expands through exploration so does the game’s mysterious story. Buuut–the indie title really shines for these 3 reasons.

1. In-Game Music – You know when someone tells you the game’s music is really good and you just sort of shrug them off because they are probably confused about what good music actually is? Well, the music in this game is really good! Lol. I’d like to think of myself as a sort of music connoisseur for tunes that are legitimately listenable and “Hollow Knight” has quality jams.
2. Tight Tight Tight Controls – Did I mention the controls are tight? From slashing to dashing, “Hollow Knight” offers player-friendly button smashing that can’t be beat. It really allows for some incredible acrobatics from out of nowhere. Throw in helpful charms to increase combat fun too, forget about it!
3. Exploration – The game somehow is able to usher the player through the absolute maze of a map without causing insane frustration. But rather, pure elation. This, in part, is owed to the genius map mechanic in “Hollow Knight.” Pro tip: find the map boi salesman before carrying on.

So, like, you can thank me later for this high-end recommendation later. Just play it, weebs.

Game Freak has decided it best to jerk everyone around with “Pokemon: Let’s Go” before dropping a legit, full “Pokemon” game on the Nintendo Switch. Like, cool, thanks. But I’m not beer bonging the Kool-Aid yet like many, here’s why:

1. Upon first look at “Let’s Go,” you’ll notice how it’s goddamn geared fully for the most casual player ever. The questionable motion controls are proof enough.
2. They couldn’t even create a game long-time fans haven’t played yet… It’s back to Kanto region filled with  the first generation (151) Pokemon. I think I’ve played Red and Blue 151 times in my 28 years of life.
3. This article.
4. The YouTube comment that I used for this post is how I feel x 2.

If Nintendo ends up making boat loads of cash on this new spinoff, enough that they end up neglecting the actual “Pokemon” game, I won’t be a happy weeb. Let me know if my nerves are justified.

Watch the game trailer here:

I love reading hot, spicy takes from Kotaku. Recently, Cecilia D’Anastasio, senior reporter at the gaming blog, posted a notoriously long article on the gaming addiction topic. I’ll save you lots of reading and summarize Cecilia’s post, she details many different cases of gaming addiction and their severity. It’s thorough reporting for sure and if you have like an hour, give it a read.

Let me add some of my own commentary to this trendy topic. I’ve been gaming like my whole life. Meaning I have developed possibly unhealthy habits when it comes to picking up the controller. By no means have I flipped my lid when the console turns off (lie) but sometimes playing feels like I’m chasing the dragon. Whether it’s playing one more game of Bro’s Introduction to Video Games or beating the final boss in a single player title, there is always something more to achieve! It really never ends. When video game achievements become priority over RL achievements, IMO that’s a slippery slope that can get you into trouble.

It really always comes back to my parents absolutely grilling me as a kid about games. I still hear their voice in my head… “It’s a nice day, Matty, why don’t you go outside?” “You are going to waste the day sitting in front of the TV.” Those are my parents voices. My parents never made those comments with weight behind them–but they made a big impact on me. It’s something I can’t shake to this day. I think it’s the reason why I can’t game for hours and hours on end without a pretty substantial break somewhere in there. So, thanks fam!

One of my best friend’s parents would make us lift weights or walk on the treadmill as we played “Super Metroid” on the SNES. I completely hated it at the time–I get it now that I’m older. Playing games can’t be pure pleasure. Makes sense.

Ultimately, my love for vidya runs deep. If playing games is an addiction of mine, then so be it. Pull me out if you find me spiraling into oblivion, chaps.

Check out this info-filled vid on the matter: