Disney Infinity Cancellation Is Disappointing News

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Les Major

It’s terrible for us to be reporting the news that Disney Infinity has been officially cancelled. The worst part of the story of course is the closure of Avalanche Software and the dedicated folks there losing their jobs. After the upcoming Alice Through The Looking Glass and Finding Dory releases, there will be no more Disney Infinity. The further disheartening news is that Disney is ceasing ALL game development. While it’s great that we may see some new content from studios we know and love, it means they’ll be working on something else besides the sequels we want or new IP’s.

In general, the NFC figure craze has been a difficult one for the industry to focus. LEGO has created a smash hit with Dimensions, and hopefully will continue to produce more products for it now that we’re closing in on the end of their last wave. Nintendo has been successful with amiibo but has struggled to find a way to promote the toys outside of eager Smash Bros collectors. Finally Skylanders has unfortunately floundered this year and needs a successful return and revitalization for this years upcoming release which is still to be announced.

Disney Infinity had it’s problems, but somehow the two Star Wars expansion sets worked.
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Don’t Open That Shovel Knight amiibo Collectors

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Les Major

Shovel Knight amiibo

Surprisingly enough, unlike seemingly all other amiibo figures, Shovel Knight is useable through the packaging! So if you’re a collector of amiibo figures, you can keep Shovel Knight secure in his box and still use those neat new features available from using him. Isn’t that great? This is currently what we’ve seen from the first release Shovel Knight amiibos. It seems to just feature two cardboard flaps at the bottom and no NFC inhibiting foil piece.

So what else can you do with Yacht Club Games hero’s amiibo that was just released today? Let’s take a look at the details.Read More

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Xenoblade Chronicles X Offers A Lot To Explore

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Les Major

Xenoblade Chronicles X First Impressions

Traveling across planet Mira in Nintendo’s latest Xenoblade game may seem incredibly daunting at first. You’re given a lot of missions to keep you close to home and some pretty big, scary, aliens roam the plains around the city of New LA. Are they aliens if you’re on their home planet? I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. Today we’re taking a look at what it’s like to play Nintendo’s latest exploration JRPG!

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I’m Playing Halo 5: Guardians TONIGHT On Twitch

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Les Major

Hey BroJo fans! It’s been a long time! I’ve definitely have a treat for you though!The fantastic people at Microsoft have given me advanced access to Halo 5! That’s right, and tonight you’ll get to see three exciting early missions, and one later battle. Don’t worry, we’ll be keeping spoilers to a minimum. The game itself doesn’t release until October 27th, so this is quite the early release! Naturally our review is on the way as well, but we’re still under embargo to maintain our excitement.

We will be live at 9pm EST over on DegiGames Twitch channel playing the highly anticipated release by 343 Industries!

This is not a joke! This is not a drill! Halo 5: Guardians will be live tonight on our Twitch stream! Don’t miss out!

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Make Your Own Zombie Game With These Great Assets

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Les Major

With the latest Humble Bundle being focused on game design, your biggest problem may be if you’re not an artist. There’s even a HUGE contest on right now that you can enter! But you need backgrounds, and fast! So what do you do? Game Dev Fort has lots of content including their latest release, the Survival Horror Backgrounds Pack! After all, who doesn’t LOVE zombie games in this day and age?

Survival-SS1-s

If you’re a fan of RPG Maker VX Ace, there are even battleback versions included! So not only can you make an amazing visual novel telling the tale of friends trying to survive in the zombie apocalypse, but there are battlebacks ready to drop right into RPG Maker! There are six sets to explore with a few variations to utilize. Of course, these can be used for anything you can dream up! So go wild! It doesn’t have to be Zombies. Maybe animals all around the world have been acting strange for some unknown reason… I watch too much TV.

Survival-SS2-s

“Whoa!” You say, “That’s pretty pricy for just some backgrounds isn’t it?” Well, you need to take this with context. These assets are royalty free! You buy it, you own it to use in your game (or games, go nuts, make a couple!) So what are you waiting for? Get these assets and get making a game! Need software? Get on Humble Bundle right now for the Humble Game Making Bundle which has just under seven days left!

Survival-SS4-s

Did I mention I made these assets? Probably should. Honesty and all.

If you missed it above, this pack can be purchased at Game Dev Fort!
It’s the Survival Horror Backgrounds Pack.

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Telltales Game of Thrones Continues Today!

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Les Major

Sons Of Winter was released today kicking off the second half of Telltale games season of Game of Thrones! For those of you who haven’t been playing, it’s definitely worth getting into! Game of Thrones is the best Telltale title to date in my opinion and I love how it’s playing out. Being able to craft the story as you go is enjoyable and the quick time events don’t feel as intrusive in this title.

I don’t want to spoil any of the episode for myself so I’ll just say, it’s out! We’ll be back with more updates soon I’m sure but be sure to check it out.

We’ve been playing through two different save games of Game of Thrones so far and it’s been fun to play the polar opposite on a separate file. Seeing how things work out differently is fun, though some events you just can’t change. In the style of Game of Thrones, the store is kept exciting by the fact that no one is truly ever safe. You could be standing next to a friend and seemingly key character one moment, and he may be dead the next. It makes the story completely engrossing.

So if you haven’t already, dive in! Whatcha waiting for? Winter?

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Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate Sure Looks Pretty

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Les Major

I’m going to let you in on a secret. I don’t play open world games for the amazing stories or any of that. Usually I’ll just plunk myself down and wander the landscape in free play. After all, many artists lovingly crafted a world to be explored, who am I to deny their vision? So I wander, taking in all that is around me. Oculus Rift is going to feel like Sword Art Online to me.

Anyway! Back on topic. Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate has a fantastic Victorian London landscape to explore. Just from the trailers released today it’s clear this is going to be a pretty world to explore. Sure, some of the other characters may shake their fingers at me and look on questioningly, but lets be honest here. Anyone using an Animus would be doing the same thing! Whoa, look at all the pretty architecture!

Are there new things? You bet there are! From a zipline tool that can get you on top of buildings much faster to actually being able to drive carriages it looks like there will be some new ways to play.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the latest Assassin’s Creed!

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Caffeine Crowdfunder Could Do With Some Love

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Les Major

Speaking of crowdfunding, there’s a space adventure out there that could use some love. Even if you can only afford to donate the price of a good cup of java. Caffeine sees you wakening on a mining ship with no knowledge of who you are, or any memory at all. You’re a young boy, which explains the low view point. That’s it.

The demo released so far shows various rooms around the ship and features some sticky notes and at least one audio log that I could find. It’s well done and with the Unreal 4 engine being used you can easily get lost staring at the pretty textures along the way. Or at least I do. Pretty space walls… Ahem.

Caffeine creator Dylan Browne is currently seeking small funds via IndieGoGo for new development hardware. The demo itself is even on Steam if you want to give it a whirl yourself.

Take a look and consider supporting Dylan Browne’s vision over on the games latest IndieGoGo crowdfunding page.

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The Star Studded Cast Of The New King’s Quest

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Les Major

We knew King’s Quest was going to be a great adventure back into the world many of us old school PC gamers know and love, but todays development diary shows us an amazing cast of incredible actors lending their talents to the game! Right from the start, we’re introduced to the elder version of King Gram, voiced by… Christopher Lloyd! Doc Brown himself! The man I’d love to hire for my own productions if I had the choice! That’s just the start too!

King’s Quest was exciting before, but now it feels like a new high budget animated release. In general, the new Sierra has always said they’d support indie developers in making new games. Between Geometry Wars 3 and King’s Quest, Sierra has become a huge beacon of light for bringing talented developers even further.

Here is the press release highlighting the other stars that will bring King’s Quest to life:

Playing the young Sir Graham, Josh Keaton is a TV, video game and film actor who starred as Peter Parker in the critically acclaimed The Spectacular Spider-Man animated TV series and Valerian Mengsk in the StarCraft II series.

Playing King Graham’s inquisitive granddaughter, Gwendolyn, Maggie Elizabeth Jones is an up-and-coming young actress best-known for her work in We Bought a Zoo and TV’s Ben and Kate.

They will be joined by a thrilling vocal cast that includes Wallace Shawn (The Princess Bride, Toy Story), Tom Kenny (Adventure Time, SpongeBob SquarePants) and Zelda Williams (The Legend of Korra) along with Michael Benyaer, Loretta Devine, Gideon Emery, Jean Gilpin, Michael Gough, Andy Pessoa, Kevin Michael Richardson, Kath Soucie, Fred Tatasciore, Richard White and Michael-Leon Wooley.

The new King’s Quest unfolds as an aged King Graham looks back on his greatest journeys with his granddaughter, sharing the untold tales of his youth for players to experience firsthand. The game will feature the same exciting blend of exploration, puzzles and wit fans of the series grew up with.

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Interview With Craig Howard On Geometry Wars 3

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Les Major

Geometry Wars 3 is great! Lucid Games not only made a fantastic next chapter but even added to it recently with a free upgrade that made the game more accessible and added 40 new adventure mode levels. FORTY NEW LEVELS! FOR FREE! The best part about that is, as basic as that may sound, each level in Geometry Wars 3 plays like it’s own gameplay mode. Giving you a stage, main theme, and unique general setup to each. That’s on top of all the levels already included in the game. Craig Howard of Lucid Games joined Darkain Arts Gamers for an interview. Here’s what we discussed.Read More

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Amiibo Tap Isn’t Just A Time Limited Demo Player

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Les Major

When I first heard about Amiibo Tap, I kind of glazed over it. Basically it sounded like I could play a time limited trial of a classic NES or SNES game. Of course we’ve been there and done that with other releases. We’re gaming press of course though, so we took a look to see what this new release was and were quite surprised!

At first, the software sounds pretty bland.
• Dozens of games and scenes to discover
• Each amiibo figure unlocks a random game to sample included in this software’s selection of titles

But then you get to this part…
• Each game contains multiple scenes that last for three minutes

Wait, what? So what do you get, World 1-1 and World 1-2 of Super Mario Bros? Surprisingly no, you get quite a great selection of highlights! I’ve only tried Super Metroid so far but that title is actually a collection of boss fights and a run through Tourian to battle some Metroids themselves. It seems to run on software similar to our very much loved NES Remix series. Letting you play these classics in a bordered window with a countdown timer showing your three minutes remaining.

To switch scenes, you just tap your Amiibo to the Wii-U GamePad and zip, you’re off to the next one in like. Super Metroid contained something like eight scenes too! So if you’re not a hardcore collector and have actually removed your Amiibo from their packaging, it’s worthwhile to download Amiibo Tap and give it a go! After all, Amiibo Tap is free! It’s more than just a demo player, it’s a neat nostalgia trip.

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I’m Not Alone In Wanting A New 2D Metroid-vania

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Les Major

Koji Igarashi won a victory for all gamers who have wanted more 2D Castlevania RPG styled action. In a stunning victory, his Kickstarter has almost generated a million dollars more than requested. It’s clear that gamers have been eager to play more of Iga’s creations.

It’s wonderful that we’re getting a new Igavania as it’s being cutely called, but the way is certainly disheartening. Instead of the big exciting climax Castlevania was building to, we’ve had to go around copyright and support a new franchise in Bloodstained. Don’t get me wrong I’m sure Bloodstained will be fantastic and I’ll love it! The more of these games the better!

I’m just sad we’ll never get that final climax in a 2D Castlevania game. It felt like Castlevania was potentially leading up to a gripping ending with a final battle of all time which would occur in the year 2000. Thoughts of series favorites rushing through stages designed to look like modern day cities infused with the castle itself in a bustling city were something I’d eagerly anticipated. Whether that was the actual direct is up for speculation but instead we’ll need to move on. Much like Mega Man fans have had to besides enjoying the adventures from Archie Comics.

Hopefully we won’t need to worry about more titles going this way in the future. Classic franchises shouldn’t be forgotten. It actually makes one wonder just how many games are out there that fans would clamor for a sequel to. Personally, besides Castlevania being top on my list and Bloodstained being a dream come true, I’d love to see a new Doki Doki Panic / Super Mario Bros 2 USA game. With the success stories on Kickstarter lately, it makes me think that I’m not alone in many of my ideas either.

While we’re on the topic, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Nintendo to release a new Super Metroid styled game. Just look at the success of this Kickstarter alone which focuses on Metroid like exploration.

Congratulations Koji Igarashi! You and those who work with you have given us some of the best entertainment we could have asked for. We’re eager to welcome Bloodstained with open arms and continue our adventures in your new world.

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Why Do Nippon Ichi Games Work So Well?

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Les Major

NIS America has brought us some amazing titles over the years. Even more recently, there have been some real slam dunks like The Guided Fate Paradox that really stood out as a classic. With another Disgaea sequel on the way for the PS4 much later this year, it really made me realizes there is a lot more here than just nostalgia. Sure lets face it, many of us knew or even played NIS games before the Netherworld tactical simulator came out, but it was Disgaea that really made NIS shine. The variety of the cast, fun writing, and the customize your own character options really made for a great experience that everyone wanted in on. Especially considering the original Disgaea has seen a couple rereleases by now.

Yet Disgaea isn’t set in stone, nor really is the NIS universe. We usually tend to get fresh characters, or completely new titles such as Makai Kingdom. So what is it that draws players back in so well that has made NIS such a powerhouse?Read More

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Join Your Friends Or Be The Monster In Evolve

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Les Major

Evolve, released today, is a five person multiplayer experience. It pits four Hunter human players against another player who is playing as a hulking monster. You’re not alone however and both sides can power up from killing the wildlife in the games various areas. From Turtle Rock Studios who developed the Left 4 Dead series, this title is also a first person experience.

Eager to see some of the classes involved? Read on for the launch trailer.Read More

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Join The Battle With Your Own Character In Dragon Ball XenoVerse

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Les Major

With just over two weeks away, it’s almost time for Namco Bandai’s North American release of Dragon Ball XenoVerse. In this title, Time Patrol Trunks uses the power of Shenron to summon a new hero into the world of Dragon Ball. The awesome thing about this game is, that hero is one you create! Your mission is to restore the Dragon Ball timeline to it’s original state.

Let alone the idea of fans being able to craft original characters into the game is awesome, but it seems there’s even an online component as well. Being able to choose from five different races and many customization and clothing options is awesome on it’s own, but you can take your hero out into the online world to battle with other gamers characters as well!Read More

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