Retro Prose: My Thoughts on Microtransactions

In light of another E3 passing and the fact that I want something on this blog other than slowly paced Mass Effect fan fiction before the Fourth of July weekend, I decided to bring up a piece I wrote for OmniGamer last year. It was an opinion piece I had about microtransactions and how complacency in their application in modern gaming would lead to major problems.

The sad thing is how ubiquitous the practice has now become, this article feels like a snapshot of a slightly more innocent time when it was possible for enough outrage to cause studios to backpedal.

No Sidequest Corner This Week

Blame it on the Summer. Something will be here next week. Until then, be careful out there everyone

No Animation Deviation This Week

Check out the title.

The reason? Honestly I just need time to watch and digest some more animated shows and movies. Can't have an opinion if I don't watch stuff you know? Tune in next week!

Multiverse Desperado: A JumpChain Fiction Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Getting Pulled Back In

 

Of all the ways Commander Shepard could have returned in my life it just had to be with me behind a desk of a major office in an executive dress, mouth full of spicy veggies and local protein looking like a deer in headlights. I honestly didn't know whether or not to finish my mouthful or let it flop out with indignity.

Retro Prose: My Review of Cibele

This week's retro prose is one of the few pieces I wrote that I legitimately still stay behind to this day. It was not just a review of an artsy narrative focused Steam game, but one by a creative mind that I still keep an eye on to this day for her focus on human interaction and earnest emotional momentum contextualized in game form.

In other words, I love that her games are more about the journey than a high score. My review of Nina Freeman's Cibele.

Also you should check out her other game, Kimmy on Steam if this sounds anything resembling your bag. She's also working on that sci-fi game Tacoma so... hinty hint hint.

Sidequest Corner: E3 2017 in Review

Another year, another E3 has passed. Honestly I've done the news round up and rode the hype train so many times it is all become so embarrassingly rote to me. Stick to the big announcements and build them up, wag your finger at the major disappointments and missteps, then hold on and see what games actually come out this year and then write a feature about what happens. Not to mention get in contact with PR and try to get review copies of games out for topical reviews. Rinse, repeat, cash the check.

But this year's E3 was very unusual in that it was across the board fine. Alright. Completely middle of the ground compared to past years....

Animation Deviation: A Personal Spotlight on Re: Zero

Finally! An Animation Deviation page that isn't me droning on about Samurai Jack!

Multiverse Desperado: A JumpChain Fiction Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Catching Up

I made my way through the threshold to my penthouse apartment, doing everything I could to deflect and shut down the volus banker speaking to me.

Multiverse Desperado and Animation Deviation on Hold Due to E3

Sorry everybody, but E3 is the busy season. Although I will dedicate this week's Sidequest Corner to my thoughts on the show's major presentations and conferences.

Retro Prose: We Need More Cult Classics

The following installment of Retro Prose was a piece I wrote in July of 2016 during the consecutive releases of Gearbox Software's Battleborn and Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch. Granted quite a bit of information in this piece is hilariously dated, and as much as I do stand behind enjoying Battleborn for what it is, sadly it didn't survive being around as long as Overwatch has.

However, I am giving it the spotlight again to also reinforce what I wrote extensively in last year's Sidequest Corner about how I feel the game's industry can learn to take some more risks and be a bit more flexible and pro-consumer with their standard models.

Also completely unrelated: I officially backed Deadly Premonition The Board Game on Kickstarter. Because I practice what I preach, yo.

Sidequest Corner: Sony, Shut Up.

This week's Sidequest Corner is going to have a slightly different focus. Instead of talking about game design or trends, I am going to focus on a disturbing trend by the game industry. Nothing sinister, but just mundane enough that can lead to some big problems down the line.

Animation Deviation: My Final Thoughts On Samurai Jack

Alright, let's get this out of way since I'm running late to the party as it is.

My Video Review of Wonder Woman

Michael and I review Wonder Woman. Put the pitchforks down! I actually liked it!

Multiverse Desperado: A JumpChain Fiction: Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Battle For The Citadel

It took about five minutes for everyone to get their weapons checked and their gear situated; the Council making due with some basic kinetic shield generators and small pistols they had on hand for personal defense. The plan was for them to stay near the remains of the shuttle, using its debris as makeshift cover and deal with any of Saren's forces that go to investigate the flaming wreckage, all while Shepard lead us to stop the damn turian puppet from causing the end of the world.

Plug for Season 2 Finale of That Random Podcast Show

The latest episode of TRPS: Racist Gems vs. Jason. We talk about the Steven Universe Wanted Event, the Far Cry 5 controversy, and our early impressions of Sudden Strike 4 and Friday The 13th: The Game.

Digital Desperado Plays Highlight: Negotiating With Jason

For those of you who missed my Friday night stream of Friday The 13th: The Game, here's a highlight from it with some good friends. It's called Negotiating With Jason.

Retro Prose: My Review of Fatal Frame Maiden of Black Water

RIP Wii U, you had some interesting ideas, and this was one of the more underrated ones.