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Typically, a developer’s final project is an imprudent mess, if not an outright disaster. From Ion Storm’s Daikatana, Maxis’ SimCity 2013, Realtime Worlds’ APB, Flagship Studios’ Hellgate: London, to Free Radical’s Haze, there’s been a ...

Not long ago, games based on film properties were routinely awful. Defunct publishers like THQ, LJN, Acclaim, and Ocean Software become known for their slapdash adaptations, each company attempting to make a quick buck by ...

Having developed the acclaimed Atelier, Ar Tonelico, and Ciel Nosurge series, Nagano-based Gust seemed to find contentment in the creation of turn-based role-playing games. As such, the release of Nights of Azure (Yoru no Nai ...

Pugnaciousness doesn’t have to rooted in quarter-circles and z-motions. While the finger gymnastics required by the Street Fighter, Guilty Gear and BlazBlue franchises are an apt substitute for conveying martial art mastery, they’re not the ...

Ambiguity is becoming increasing rare in modern games. All too often, our recreations leave little room for even an iota of doubt, devotedly explaining each play mechanic and clarifying every last plot detail. While that ...

During the 1980s and 90s, if you stepped into an arcade, there was a very good chance of finding a Namco machine among the assortment of cabinets. While the Minato, Tokyo-based firm has been around ...

For years, musou games were mocked by critics and consumers alike. Both groups viewed franchises like Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors as repetitive, tedious treks, where players button-mashed their way to victory. At certainly at one time, that complaint had merit, ...

Gaming often progresses through diminutive steps. In 1978, Taito’s Space Invaders’ antagonists tenaciously marched across monochromatic screens. But a year later, the foes broke formation, attacking players with kamikaze-like vehemence in Namco’s Galaxian. Later, the ...

Save for Rare’s Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll and the eponymous diversion that was built into many mid-2000-era mobile phones, snakes rarely earn the role of game protagonist. Although unfriendly roles in everything from the Bible ...

Entertainment industries thrive by repacking and reselling iteration. Often, the practice is an easy way to pad the company coffers while keeping the brand relevant. From movies that offer an extended cut to music in ...