After a long wait the first huge Playstation 4 exclusive is here. A new entry in this innovative and fun franchise is welcomed to the next generation of consoles. So how does the game stand up? Is it more of the same? Does it continue to innovate? Well read on and find out.Read More
The Banner Saga | Review
Posted on January 31, 2014 by Eric Bastelak
What an age we live in as gamers today, where the publisher model of business may no longer be necessary. This is no longer a pipe dream; Broken Age Part 1 released to acclaim and praise. The previously reviewed Shadowrun Returns was also a wonderful game that is soon to be getting it’s first expansion. Now we have a Viking themed, tactical RPG, The Banner Saga. Read More
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The Legitimacy Of Youtubers
Posted on December 16, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Tragedy, it is the only word to describe what has happened to the internet over the past week. You Tube’s recent policy changes when it comes to copyright claims are quite literally destroying lives. People like to scoff say I’m being melodramatic which, unfortunately is a far more terrifying revelation. We as gamers and lovers of a medium are turning on those who have brought legitimacy to our medium. Why have we done such a thing? That is what I truly don’t understand. What drives people to tell e-sports competitors or online personalities to get a real job? If that is how we as a community are going to behave then we have proven that gaming does not deserve legitimacy or acclaim.Read More
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Killzone: Shadowfall | Review
Posted on November 24, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Killzone Shadowfall, a launch title I could not have been more exited for. I was a huge fan of Killzone 2 and Killzone 3. Those games were a science fiction call of duty with a story that examined interesting themes like war and morality. It is a franchise that I believe is unfortunately overlooked by many gamers. Previous Killzone games offered a more rewarding game play experience both single and multiplayer then any other first person shooter title to date. However, a series cannot rest on the laurels of it’s past it must improve and innovate in order to stay relevant. So how does Shadowfall fare? Read on and find out.Read More
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Playstation 4 Impressions
Posted on November 22, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Well a new console generation is upon us and I’ve finally had some time with the Playstation 4, what did I think? Is the console an annoying mess or does it fix some of the Playstation 3’s most glaring issues?Read More
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Shadowrun Returns | Review
Posted on August 11, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Shadowrun Returns is dead set on reminding us just how awesome a cyberpunk dystopia can be. Shadowrun Returns is about refusing to dance the political dance, or enslave oneself to a corporation. A Shadowrunner is the closest thing to free as any man or woman can be. How does this make Shadowrun Returns such a great experience? Read on and find out.Read More
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12 Glorious Minutes of Destiny
Posted on July 3, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Was anyone looking to watch some Destiny game play? Well lucky for us Bungie has posted a twelve minute video for us to enjoy. Of course we already saw this stuff at E3 but why not watch it again. If there is one game almost every gamer is excited for, it is Destiny. So sit back, relax and above all else: enjoy. [youtube id=”gIp7vZuYzoA” width=”600″ height=”350″]
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Shadowrun Returns Coming July 25th
Posted on June 19, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
So the awesome looking Shadowrun Returns finally has a concrete release date July 25th 2013. I am pumped for this one guys. A tactical RPG experience set in a cyber-punk universe was enough to sell me. Then I found out we’re getting a full fledged tool-set. The community will be able to enhance the current game as they see fit, or create entirely new stories. Look forward to seeing this one on tablet mobile devices and Steam in just over a month. Below you’ll find some very intriguing game play footage. You can also check out a gallery of screen shots.Read More
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Payday Gets A Sequel And A Web Series
Posted on May 24, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Thanks to a teaser released this week I was made aware of the coming web series that ties into Payday 2. Now Payday 2 is the sequel to Payday: The Heist a game that I personally loved. So seeing a sequel was cool enough but honestly I’m kind of excited for the web series. Payday 2 is on a couple months away with the release date currently set as August 2013. The web series will be coming in the next couple of weeks. I look forward to watching and eventually playing. Time to let your inner bad boy out. You can check out the teaser below.[youtube id=”Ha_hVH8RRgU” width=”600″ height=”350″]
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The Broken Joysticks Top 10: Pieces Of Video Game Music
Posted on April 26, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Welcome dear reader to another edition of The Broken Joysticks Top 10. As always this list is personal based on the individual writer’s opinion. I encourage readers and other members of the Broken Joysticks team to create their own lists and join the discussion. Today we will be looking at music in video games. Music is a powerful tool that can draw out emotions and create atmosphere, when used well it can stick with us for years. So today I’m doing a tribute to the music of gaming sit back and enjoy.Read More
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Lord British Says “Most Game Designers Just Suck.”
Posted on March 20, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
In an interesting interview with PC Gamer, the original king of RPGs Richard Garriot (A.K.A Lord British) described his views on the majority of game designers. It’s seems Lord British thinks they suck.
“…other than a few exceptions, like Chris Roberts, I’ve met virtually no one in our industry who I think is close to as good a game designer as I am. I’m not saying that because I think I’m so brilliant. What I’m saying is, I think most game designers really just suck, and I think there’s a reason why.”
“… we’re leaning on a lot of designers who get that job because they’re not qualified for the other jobs, rather than that they are really strongly qualified as a designer. It’s really hard to go to school to be a good designer.”
Honestly the whole interview is an interesting read. The Ultima series may have had it’s ups and downs but Richard Garriot is still a very unique and creative developer. Here’s hoping he will once again help revolutionize our industry.
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Civilization V Is Getting An Expansion This Summer
Posted on March 15, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Looks like the great strategy game of Civilization V, is getting an expansion the summer. The interestingly named Brave New World: will feature nine new civilizations and leaders. Seems like we’re getting a huge focus on Diplomacy with things like a World Congress being able to develop. They’ve released some new screen shots and concept art check them out. You can look forward to spreading you cultural influence Summer 2013.Read More
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Ron Gilbert Has Left Double Fine
Posted on March 12, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Today is a sad day for me Ron Gilbert has left the great developer Double Fine. Ron made a post on his personal blog, basically he’s moved on to pursue other interest since his pet project The Cave released earlier this year. It’s exciting to hear what Mr. Gilbert may be up to in the future but I am still sad to see him go. The man is a legend of our industry. I truly did love seeing what he and Tim Schafer could create together. Hopefully we will see them work together again in the future. Until then we here at Broken Joysticks will be keeping a close eye on what comes next.
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Infamous: Second Son Revealed
Posted on February 20, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Oh my god Infamous: Second Son was unveiled at the Sony conference today. This was huge. As an enormous fan of the Infamous franchise I have to say I’m pumped. The game looks to parallel our real world with just how stripped of freedom the world is getting in the misguided direction of “National Security”. As a bit of political buff I love this direction; it’s a hard question to put to gamers and I think it’s a wonderful thing to see. Way to go Sucker Punch. You’ve got me hooked I can’t wait to explore this almost too close to reality dystopia. The trailer features some wonderful images driving its theme of sacrificed freedom. Then we get a look at the new super powers we will hopefully get to play with before ending on and awesome line of: “You are not in control.” This game is going to be amazing. I’m down Sucker Punch I’m down.Read More
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PS4 Confirmed, Here Are The Tech Specs
Posted on February 20, 2013 by Eric Bastelak
Sony confirmed the PS4 at their “see the future” press event today in New York city. Taking the stage, the system’s architect outlined the development process behind the console, as well as several key features of the system and our first look at the user interface.
As previously rumored the system is based off an existing AMD APU – said to be clocked at 1.6GHZ, which has been confirmed to contain 8 cores. The GPU is very powerful according to Sony and the PlayStation 4 features 8GB of unified memory, giving developers approximately 16x the ram available in current generation consoles.
There isn’t just new hardware under the hood, Sony’s dual shock controller also has some major changes in store. The addition of a share button allows players to share screenshots, video and upload them onto the web without complicated software. The controller also features a light bar, similar to the move controller, which when used in conjunction with a new camera accessory gives the system the ability to detect the controllers position in 3D space.
Development of the PS4 began in 2008 and features a whole series of new features. We will have more soon, as it is announced.
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