6 Literary Titles as Video Games - Because Why Not?

On The Road - Jack Kerouac
- I'm thinking some kind of Mario Kart, F-Zero hybrid where the game is actually attempting to get into the vehicle to begin with to finish the course and powerups consist of money being wired over.

The Catcher in the Rye - J D Salinger
- An RPG, open world game where you play as Holden Caulfield achieving goals and completing missions. Health bars are increased by alcohol and cigarettes while the all new "safety and protection" bar is increased by collecting several red hunting caps
- Mini-games: Search for the ducks on the pond once the winter has caused it to freeze over and help Holden get over his fear of what will happen to him when he grows up.

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
- Simply catch wealthy males in a giant butterfly net playing as each of the Bennett sisters, each with different skills and attributes. Build on these characters' attributes to be able to catch higher quality men.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
- GTA for the 1700s, play as Tess, give birth to children out of wedlock and pay the price in your later marriage
- Mini-games: Dodge religious symbols as you attempt to decide the difference between society and its religion

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
- A Space Invaders tribute, shoot down the army of creations that Victor has bought to life and carelessly abandoned before they get too close to your family at the bottom of the screen. Avoid traps such as the legal system, religion and sexual encounters to protect the population of Geneva.

Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe
- Guide Crusoe through the his ordeal on the island, explore and survive through minigames such as 'Spot the Savage' and 'Canoe Creation'. Design your cave and personalise your improvised fashion while harvesting crops and breeding animals.
- Other mini games: Guide Crusoe's ship through the ocean, avoiding storms on the way
- Free demo of 'Lord of the Flies, The Video Game' included

A Letter To 6 Year Old Me

Hi Tabs,
First of all, I know you just got your silver Gameboy Advance with a "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" game. You need to understand that you need to stick with that game - i know it won't always be easy, you can't save it whenever you want and your attention span doesn't really cover the length of gameplay between save points. It's a game that you will be constantly searching for during your teenage years when you get back into Harry Potter for a bit - and the search will bring you much sadness. Also quickly while we're on the topic of the Gameboy Advance - just stop trying to keep it pristine, you will go on a camping holiday with it and it will get scratched and it will seem like the end of your life. It. Is. Not. It's just very annoying and it ends up pretty badly scratched up (but still playable as of July 2013). Also, you will get a handheld with a backlight pretty soon so you're attempts at playing it in bed will not all be futile. You're reading this on a "blog" and i am writing it on a "netbook" (basically you know that wierd little game you used to play with your lunchbox where you pretended it was a portable, flip open computer like the one Dad has under the stairs? THAT HAPPENS).
Onto more pressing matters, later on you will probably play "Golden Eye" with Dad. This is NOT being played on the playstation but in fact on the N64. Yes, you have an N64 in your possession ad you will not realise it until you're nearly 18. Keep this N64. Nurture it. Buy cheap games from CEX in 2013 and enjoy the summer locked in your room with the TV on like every self-respecting Nintendo fan.
There's quite a lot i could say here, keep "Crash Bash" safe so you can play it when you're 17, don't give up your job at the pub when it changes hands - you'll be skint for years, wait until buying the iPod touch in year 10 - a new generation will be out literally the next day with much better ios, Dad will win a giant Crash Bandicoot soft toy at Thorpe Park soon which will revolutionise your Crash Bandicoot gameplay, don't lose Dragon Quest 9 on DS and cuddle "Tug" the cat because he might not be around much after September 2012.

From Tabs

p.s. you're going to go to an end of GCSE exams party when you're 15 and you're going to play a game called "beer pong" with pints of Strongbow. Do. Not. Ever. Drink. Strongbow.

Follow me on Twitter: @MusingsTwit

RetroN 5

Hyperkin's E3 stand this year was dominated by the RetroN 5 - a console that differs from the rest of the E3 lot in that it looks to the past of gaming rather than the flashy, 3D, super-fast models of tomorrow. The RetroN 5 is a collaboration of Nintendo’s greats (bar the obvious choice of the N64 – what up wit dat?) all on one system which has basically been created to upgrade them to a modern television. The RetroN 5 incorporates Mega Drive, Super Famicon, Super Nintendo, Famicon and NES cartridges as well as a Gameboy Advance slot and is so far set for release this summer. I have a few problems though. Starting with the lack of N64, possibly the first console that comes to mind when the words ‘Retro Nintendo’ are uttered. Why, then is it not featured? It’s not like there isn’t a market for it (the reasoning behind the lack of Sega’s Master System) so perhaps there’s some other reason for the giant hole in the heart of the RetroN 5. My other problem is the upgrading to HD – these games are just meant to be played on a shit TV. 

I might be purchasing one of these if the price is right – but I’m not a retro game collector, so it might be worth more to someone who already has these cartridges stashed away in a cupboard. Saying that, however, the point has already been raised that this may boost the accessibility of retro gaming – the individual consoles and games would cost a bomb on their own.

In short, it’s a handy little system if you are already a collector – or you are seriously considering getting into retro gaming with a list of possible and favourite games to purchase. It is likely that this system will cost a whole lot less than all the individual consoles bought separately so it could be something to get into. A little ancient conundrum that we all have to face. 

More Open World Games Plz :)

After perusing this month’s copy of Official Nintendo Magazine I realised how much I love open world games – the freedom and escapism paired with the human instinct to explore. There’s one problem with this ideal though, and that is the 3DS format. There isn’t going to be a good open world game with a developed storyline on 3DS – there just isn’t the capacity for it. Lego came close but it was still lacking a storyline. Maybe I’m asking for too much but the open world games on the Wii U just look so good – screenshots from Watch Dogs look so realistic and satisfying that it’s difficult not to go straight out and steal a Wii U in order to play it.

That’s the essential problem – I need a Wii U. Possibly the hardest part of this revelation is the knowledge that it is highly unlikely (to the point of impossibility) that I will come into ownership of this beauteous technology (unless an unknown wealthy relative cops it and leaves the exact change for a Wii U to me in their will). I’m heading off to university in September, so it’s not going to happen for a while and living in the UK probably means i’ll be paying back for uni until I’m 60 so I won’t even get one then. When I’m 60 though – the Wii U is mine, and so is Watch Dogs. Ima be a badass granny. 

Too Much Mario?

Can anyone really be that tired of Mario's chubby little rosy face? He's the happiest damn plumber in the world so why shouldn't Nintendo pick on its poster guy for its new releases? Charlie Scibetta, Nintendo of America senior director of corporate communications has defended Nintendo's new Mario E3 releases - Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8 and Mario and Luigi: Dream Team Bros saying that Nintendo is catering to a market calling for more Mario. He offers the idea that with each new Mario game comes new dynamics and gameplay of a brand new ip but with the lovably recognisable Mario main character.

Click for list of Nintendo Published Games 

Mario has always been Nintendo's poster boy. From the beginning, Nintendo was practically synonymous with Mario so it's surprising that the number of "Mario" titles in the past is fewer than I would imagine - just click the link for a comprehensive list of Nintendo published games.



It seems that Mario has been adopted by fans and developers alike as the favourite and there's nothing wrong with wanting to exploit a favourite if, like Charlie says, the games are all unique and new. Fans furrowing eyebrows at frequent Mario releases should question if they would be as dubious over a brand new Nintendo game with slightly different art for the main character.

How Much Are Those Games In The Window???

I know it's a bit late but the releases from Nintendo at this years E3 for Nintendo 3DS were insane. They've been storing these titles for so long leaving 3DS owners parched for gaming material and now we've been dropped in an ocean of upcoming hits. Unfortunately these games have come at a time when I am, for what of a better word, skint and so i can merely dream about owning them all asap. 

I have had time to mull it over now, and i can safely reveal my top most exciting-looking-from-a-distance Nintendo 3DS games of 2013 so far. 

1. Animal Crossing New Leaf

This HAS to be number 1. Without a doubt this is the title I have been most excited about owning. There's  something about the idealistic world that these guys live in and the way you can live out your own little life in a safe, friendly neighborhood filled with little surprises and hilarious gimmicks that makes this game a must-have for any gamer either casual or intense (you can play this game intensely - trust me). I can't speak for New Leaf as much as i can about previous Animal Crossing titles, but from what i've seen in test-plays and reviews is that the multiplayer capabilities of the game are revolutionary as well as the general expansion of the Animal Crossing gameplay that's guaranteed to immerse even the most distracted player in a warm, fuzzy world of awesome. 

2. Luigi's Mansion 2 

I have only played a little bit of Luigi's Mansion 2 but what struck me the most was the humour of the game. It's not every day that I commend a game for it's ability to make me laugh right out loud but little Luigi in his trembling crusade through the refreshingly new locations. So why is this game so exciting? Honestly, I think it's because Luigi's always been the underdog and consumers love the underdog story :P Plus there's of course the expansion of the game from the original Luigi's Mansion, the satisfyingly ingenious boss levels and the breathtaking manipulation of the 3D tool to the point of goosebumps, which is particularly fitting to the theme of the game. The reason i've fallen in love with the game though is probably because i've fallen in love with Luigi's little face. 

3. Donkey Kong Country Returns 

I like the look of this game - the visual look of the graphics i mean. I've never really been one for the typical platformer in all honesty I don't feel like i'm exploring enough - like i'm doing exactly what the game tells me to do. DKCR on 3DS however, is apparently much different. From the screenshots i've seen of it - it seems that the background graphics are stunning - i've played a little of the game but not very far into it and from what i've seen, this assumption is true. What swayed me though, to include this platformer in the top 3, was the excitement of everything going on around you. The idea that this game could ever be called 'boring' is ludicrous, which is why i have some problems with the fact it's a platformer because i find platformers boring... sorry. Yet, I STILL WANT TO BUY IT. That's the beauty of the game, it's more than a platform with a gorilla running across it with a slightly smaller gorilla in tow as they jump across some stuff and then some other stuff. There's stuff going on everywhere, stuff happening around them that you have no hope of controlling, stuff they need to ride, stuff they need to use. It's not as exciting as Animal Crossing and Luigi but it's up there... which has thoroughly confused me. 

So, that's it. Three reviews of top games without even owning them, thanks for reading :) 

Who needs real life??

Publishers Vs. Developers

              There has recently been much debate over the role of publishers and developers in the game development industry - not least from Official Nintendo Magazine's feature 'Overcomplicating Publishing' which presented publishers as overbearing and controlling through the medium of Mike Roush, the co-founder of Gaijin Games. Is this a fair assumption though? It's all too easy to think of

publishers as the cold, hard businessmen of the gaming world, stifling creative ambition and drowning puppies on their days off. What is the true role of publishing in game development and how has the publisher, developer relationship changed over the years.
              After reading the aforementioned article, I was le
ft immediately confused by the actual process of game development. That is, how a game moves from production to the publishers to the distribution. In its simplest form, the developer creates the game with possible commission from publishers who then control which products reach the market and do all the scary PR and marketing shizzle.
              Apparently, Mike Roush finds difficulties in the way developers and publishers interact. He suggests that Nintendo needs to move on - make the submission process quick and easy - not the labyrinth of problems and puzzles worthy of Layton and his posse. Steam is a quick online upload site used as a platform for a number of easy game publications that believe it or not, create 10 - 20 times more revenue than console games - sign of the times maybe? Perhaps Nintendo do need to up the game slightly in terms of their submission process - arguing over icon appearance and paperwork is only going to tire and frustrate the common talented game developer.
              The nature of the relationship between the humble, shy nerd of a game developer and the flashy ambition of the publisher has gone through some significant moderations since the days of NES and the discovery of fire. It's possible now to get a game out there without a publisher - just look at all the indie game developers (http://ilikegamesandstuff.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/revolutionary-gaming-with-fezzes-and.html) - possible but very improbable. Kind of like Mario is able to save Princess Peach on his own, but things
would go a lot easier and quicker if he had his mates around to give him a hand. But then his mates might go changing his outfit - blue dungarees were so 1998 and only farmers can get away with caps in this day and age, ultimately manipulating the general manner in which Mario saves ol' Peachy. However, the bottom line is, this is not a utopian world that we live in. Independent game designers have to work FAR harder to produce their games and then get them noticed compared to giant publishers. As much as we hate to admit it - it's all about the green stuff (cash - calm yourself policeman reader). Just look at the fiasco that was Bayonetta 2, after the original game's dismal release on PS3 no publisher would pick up the game for a sequel. This is the sole reason the game may never have come into existence - if it wasn't for the knight in shining armour that is Nintendo. As image conscious as they are, publishers in reality are necessary for a popular game. Ultimately, a lack of financial and marketing support will result in the developer's nightmare - the 'Zombie App'. One that is available but never downloaded. The homeless game, a wasted bout of creativity with no reviews, no comments, no download rates and no revenue just wandering aimlessly through the abyss of download sites. It doesn't bear thinking about so let's take a minute of silence for any game in this limbo of existence before continuing. Perhaps this kind of app store arrangement could work for Nintendo, and already we are seeing the eShop being used slowly for more independent games, it's slow progress but they're trying.
              A real problem for fresh-faced, excitable little developers is the lack of control they may face over their product. Ayabe from the Guild team - a group of individuals working within a team to create their own original games - suggests that "innovation in game design as a whole is diminishing" - essentially creators are conforming to the needs of the end users too much and not standing strong and creating what they want to

create. The Guild lot are a great example of this originality in game design. From a first look at their game 'Bugs vs Tanks' it can be argued that some of that green stuff (yes policeman reader) was included in the creation of their games. This would never have made it to publishing but represents the personal ideas of game developers, not the publisher's assumptions of the audience's requirements - a very different order of events. The ethos of Guild is essentially that all individuals have different wants. Now, this has been applied to both the developers wants and the audience's wants. Guild seem to be the first collection of people to have recognised that an audience is unique, it's like the invention of the wheel all over again. Back to the idea of control, the team behind Guild were working on a lower budget and team size which meant less pressure and more creative control, interesting equation. An equation however that seems to have been ignored by Nintendo, who is looking to increase its team size - interesting. It has been said that publishers mistreat developers - they strangle their creative decisions and demand. No one likes demands. Guild has taught us that publishers need to give developers their freedom in doing what they do best - developing.

             Publishers are like parents. They demand and control but are still an absolute necessity in survival. Your mother will always ask you to complete random jobs around the house before you're allowed to step foot outside the door - as if you're the ONLY person in the world with the qualifications to put the washing on or tidy the lounge but equally you will always ask your mother for £20 before stepping out of the front door. It's a give and take thing. I don't do jobs and my mother would rarely give me £20 before i went to the pub - a tenner maybe. Though I am insanely excited about 'Bugs vs Tanks' and have just seen that it is available now on 3DS eShop in the UK - good times.

Thanks for reading :)