The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, in all its iterations (from the original release to the Special Edition), has offered players a finely detailed game world with immense potential for player immersion. Playthroughs can (and do) reach hundreds of hours, but only insofar as a player is immersed in the adventure of shaping Skyrim’s future—as you come to do as the Dragonborn. Players enter the cold north of Tamriel a prisoner; however, that is not what you will be remembered for.

Continue reading “The Hollowed Excellence of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” →

One of the greatest strengths of gaming is the personalization of immersive storytelling experiences. Although not all games are able to inspire players, the medium is continually evolving to support intricate worlds and meaningful character interactions that bring a game world to life.

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Style: 1 player (with local co-op)

Publisher: Yacht Club Games

Developer: Yacht Club Games

Release: June 26, 2014

PS4, Xbox One, 3DS, Wii U, PC

Shovel Knight is a shining triumph for classic gaming. In sweeping adventure filled with both action and peril, players don the armor of the eponymous Shovel Knight. With the reappearance of the ominous Tower of Fate, the horned knight clad in blue wields his shovel blade in order restore peace and save his lost beloved. The eponymous hero, though short in stature, is faced with a perilous adventure replete with challenging obstacles and a cadre of villainous foes to clash with. As the knights of The Order of No Quarter subjugate the land, and the Enchantress sits loftily in her tower, it is up to Shovel Knight to slash mercilessly and dig tirelessly. Such is the code of Shovelry.

Continue reading “The Knight with the Shovel Blade (Review)” →

Style: 1 player

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Camelot Software Planning

Release: November 2001

Game Boy Advanced (GBA)

The world of Weyard is unforgettable. Stepping into the life of Isaac, players enter a 2D role-playing masterpiece. As evil pursues the lost art of Alchemy, seeking it to accomplish their foul purpose, the fate of mankind’s future hangs in the hands of four heroes. You and your companions are the last hope. Armed with powerful weapons, the mysterious creatures known as Djinn, and the ability to manipulate magic known as “psynergy,” Isaac and his companions adventure into an uncertain future. Developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo, Golden Sun is a storytelling and gaming masterpiece.

Continue reading “A Golden Sun Rises Again (Throwback Review)” →

Dark Souls, developed by FromSoftware and released in fall 2011, is a masterpiece that has challenged all who’ve interacted with it’s complex narrative. As one of the most arduous gaming experiences produced in recent history, FromSoftware’s dark fantasy and successor to Demon’s Souls remains an enduring and beloved journey.

Continue reading “Narratives Worth Exploring: Dark Souls” →

Another World, also known as Out of This World in North America and Outer World in Japan, is a classic video game that embodies the play-centric storytelling experience.

Continue reading “Gaming Narrative Retrospective: Another World” →