Lies My Sister Told Me: Coming to Grips with My Love of Luigi

One of the most formative memories of my early childhood was the day we finally got an NES. After being a studious pupil watching my grandfather play, my five-year-old self finally had his hands on the most powerful gaming console out there. The result was countless hours of my older sister and I playing the amazing Mario/Duck Hunt combo game on an endless loop every which way imaginable. We played the game upside down to see who could get the furthest, or we would incorporate the infamous player one pause ability to decimate runs at the least opportune time possible.

Game Dev Story: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Pwned and Operated Studios

Recently, I've been wanting to start up development on another game more true to my tastes, so I decided to seek out inspiration in the supremely charming and addictive business sim, Game Dev Story, that was recently ported over to the Switch. Along the 8 or so hours and 30 in game years that transpired, I not only created a lot of wonderful video game puns, but I also wrestled with my beliefs about capitalism and worker's rights all in a nice sprite filled setting. Now presenting, for the first time ever, the story of Pwned and Operated Studios.

Resident Evil 2 is the Perfect Remake

Twenty-one years after the original's release, I still count Resident Evil 2 among my favorite games of all-time. It was everything a zombie-loving thirteen-year-old me could hope for in a video game. I didn't simply play the game. I devoured it like one of those aforementioned zombies with a member of the S.T.A.R.S. team. Compliments of an official Prima guide and the lack of any societal obligations aside from attending school, I had managed to memorize the entire game map throughout my 10 or so playthroughs. Every licker's location, every confrontation with the menacing Tyrant, and ever statue puzzle had been embedded deeper in my mind than the latest algebra formulas from my teachers. Raccoon City wasn't just a place to face your fears. It was a place that showed teenage me just what video games were capable of.

I’m Ready for the Yakuza Series to Take Over My Life

For the 14 years since the release of the original Yakuza on PS2, I've brushed off this series due to a woefully misconceived notion that it was just another Grand Theft Auto clone with shiny Japanese trappings. Thanks to one very lazy weekend, I finally got around to playing Yakuza Kiwami, a remake of the original Yakuza that was part of the PS Plus free games back in November. From the opening cinematic before I even pressed start on the main menu, I was immediately sucked in and disappointed in my ignorance having robbed me of over a decade with this wonderfully weird world.

My Year in Gaming: 2018

So, I umm played a lot of video games this year.... In 2017, I thought I had an unhealthy enough year at 36 games, but this year, thanks mostly to the insane amount of ports/remasters that came to the Switch and my inability to say no to $15 purchases at 11 P.M., I basically doubled that with a ridiculous 71. Quite a bit even changed with my gaming habits. Sure, I still spent an inordinate amount of time in my single player comfort zone, which dominated my top 10, but I also really explored the world of online gaming and being called a n00b by strange preteens for the first time. Most importantly, though, I even finally kicked a 3 year mobile game habit that was taking up far too much of my daily life.

Return of the Obra Dinn

We play video games to escape from the mundaneness of our jobs and everyday life. Through them, we become super heroes, gods, cowboys, treasure hunters, and scrappy plumbers with princess girlfriends. Despite a wealth of sexier options at its disposal, one of the most memorable and compelling video game experiences of the year thrust me in the role of an insurance adjuster of all things.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: The Good, the Bad, and the Nintendo

My history with the Smash franchise primarily consists of one fabulous month where I was living on my friend Kevin's coach while waiting to join up with all my stuff that was already in Charleston. Each night, along with our other roommate Dennis, we would gather around the TV and play endless amounts of the Wii U Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart, while drinking seemingly neverending quantities of beer. Once my eyes and reflexes adapted to the non-stop barrage of chaos on the screen, I discovered one of the most memorable fighting game and shit-talking experiences around. Despite not winning all that often, I at least knew how to troll my friends with some quality Wario cheesing. Now that my life has taken on a decidedly less dorm-like feel to it, would the latest Smash land as powerfully?

The Whiskey Drinker’s Guide to Red Dead Redemption 2

The world of Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption 2 demands to be savored. Every painstakingly recreated piece of foliage to pick or breathtaking animal to hunt or herd demands proper appreciation. In order to truly get the most out of the game, you don't just play it, you live in it. For every high stakes train robbery, there are 10 moments of tedium that connect you even deeper to the Old West and your gang. Through 2 weeks with the game, I've found that the best way to play is to get in the proper cowboy spirit and sip a little whiskey. Here are my recommendations for the 4 main ways people are likely to play. Now, much like the game is meant to be taken in slowly, I recommend you enjoy these whiskeys responsibly. We're looking to heighten the experience not replicate the A Quiet Time Mission from the game.