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8-Bit Jay, Junior Editor
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Tuesday, December 30 2008 |
As gaming becomes more advanced, sports games become more realistic. Proportional, lifelike players with faces have replaced the chubby pixel people of yesterday.
Somehow, those chubby pixel people are still great fun to play with. Maybe it’s just our memories of our classic games. Either way, Gamesabyss.com has put together a list of our top picks for classic sports games. Some of these are pro-sports and more realistic, while others are just wacky. Whether it’s boxing your way to the top, or skateboarding with the neighborhood bully, these are the games that made our vote. Keep in mind, we love lot’s of games, but with a top ten list, it gets pretty rough when deciding which ten games out of hundreds make the count.
 #10 - Mutant League Football (Sega Genesis)
Who needs Blitz: The League when you've got teams of monsters ripping each other's limbs off.
Games like Madden failed to excite me, but Mutant League Football let me annihilate the other team into forfeit. This game had ref killing, foul plays that let you throw bombs at other players and QB killing too.
The field was probably the most dangerous part of the game. Some stadiums were floating in space, so a player who made the mistake of stepping out of bounds was sucked into the eternal vastness of space. Other hazards included landmines and lava pits that would instantly destroy any player who was foolish enough to step in.
The endless hazards in the football games that seemed more like wars, and the cool tricks like bribing the refs make Mutant League Football one of the coolest classic non-sports sports games of all time.
 #9 - Super Baseball 2020 (SNES)
Back in the early 90's, before SNK was known for the awesome 2D shooter that is Metal Slug, they were popular for unbalanced Street Figher II clones that allowed you to choose from 3 characters or robot fighters that bore an uncanny resemblance to M. Bison.
One of their unexpectedly great games was ported over to some reasonably priced consoles by Tradewest (SNES) and Electronic Arts (Genesis) in 1993. The SNES version is the one we are including on our list, more affordable than the NeoGeo and more visually appealing than the Genesis version, it was the one to buy.
Super Baseball 2020 feels almost like an updated version of Base Wars for the NES. This game changed some of the rules of baseball. Since it took place in the year 2020, players were equipped with rocket packs, while others were cyborgs, while the field was adjusted for the futuristic style of the game. The outfield had yard lines just like a football field. Homeruns had to go right down the middle to count, making them harder to hit, thus balancing out the superhuman strength of the players.
Cheesy sci-fi baseball was cool then, and it is cool now, and that is why Super Baseball 2020 is one of our favorite classic sports games of all time.
 #8 - Skate or Die (NES)
Before Tony Hawk had a licensing deal with Activision we played games with generic skater-punk dudes. They had purple mohawks and said words like "rad". At least that's what cool skater-punk dudes looked like in the NES days, but that's not what mattered.
Skate or Die was the first game that let you be bad by letting you skate down alleyways punching your opponents and making your way down to a police car, or jousting in the neighbor's makeshift half pipe, an emptied out swimming pool.
Tony Hawk and Skate may give us endless arrays of board moves and huge open-world skate parks, but Skate or Die was one of the first games to let me ride a skate board. Being a bad boy in the 80's felt so cool for a four year old, and Skate or Die let us do just that, making it part of our list of best classic sports games ever. So this may have not been your "pro list" of sports games, but these are probably some of the greatest/wackiest sports games you were addicted to.
 #7 - Bases Loaded II: Second Season (NES)
Most of the games we have discussed on this list went for fast-action arcade-like gameplay, Bases Loaded II: Second Season did what it could to remain true to the sport of baseball.
For an NES game, Bases Loaded II: Second Season sported some impressive visuals. Sprites were proportional and highly-detailed considering the power in Nintendo's 8-bit system, especially when compared to other NES games in the genre.
While the teams may not have been real, the gameplay was the closest we had to real baseball. The game may not have had the cool arm-mounted cannons and robots battling it out for supremacy, but we included this on our list for being the best baseball sim of its time.
 #6 - Knockout Kings (Playstation)
Knockout Kings was EA's first noteworthy boxing franchise. It set the foundation for their current boxing series, Fight Night.
Knockout Kings gave players a huge roster of real-life boxers, and added a bit of authenticity to the genre. Where games like Punch-Out!! were more pattern recognition than strategy, Knockout Kings forced players to work out a formula for winning against each opponent. For instance, as a speed boxer, waiting for an opponent to make the move first, then dodging and firing back with 3-punch jab combination could prove more effective than rushing at the opponent full-force.
While Fight Night may rule the rings now, it is important not to forget its roots, and is one of the main reasons Knockout Kings deserves its place on this list.
 #5 - Tecmo Super Bowl (SNES)
Rarely can a football game be enjoyed by both fans of the genre and by the non-fans. Tecmo Super Bowl's fast-paced, arcade style gameplay made it one of those games.
Unlike the original Tecmo Bowl, Tecmo Super Bowl featured real football teams, but still gave players the fast gameplay that Tecmo's football series was known for. This update also featured some modes that would be in many football games to come, such as injuries and full seasons that led up to the ultimate football showdown, the Super Bowl.
The latest game in the series, Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff, was released about a month ago for the Nintendo DS, and received some fairly positive reviews. It seems that the 2D action football gameplay still holds up fairly well to this day, giving Tecmo Bowl a spot as a top classic.
 #4 - Super Dodgeball (NES)
Super Dodgeball, much like Punch-Out!!, was a port of an arcade game downscaled for play on the NES. Strangely enough, like Punch-Out!!, the console version was actually a whole lot more fun that its advanced, arcade counterpart.
The premise was easy, hammer away at the opposing team by throwing the ball, and deplete their health until there are none left standing. Although done for comedic reason, the game was just a tad morbid with the players' angels floating away as the characters "died" after too many hits with the ball.
The fun of head-to-head competition provided by this simple, yet addictive sports game is the reason Nintendo re-released Super Dodgeball on their Virtual Console service, and is why we decided to include it on our list of Top Classic Sports Games of all time.
 #3 - Blades of Steel (NES)
Blades of Steel was to Hockey what Tecmo Bowl was to football. Mainly, a Japanese company's exciting take on a popular North American sport. Like many of the games on this list, Blades was an NES port of an arcade game, and like most of these games, the NES version is loved more than the arcade version.
The most memorable feature in Blades of Steel was the fights that occurred when two players from opposing teams bumped into each other. The game would cut to a side view 1-on-1 fist fight in which the players' would throw down their gloves and duke it out until one was victorious. There was nothing more satisfying than seeing the loser flat on the floor and being dragged off into the penalty box by the referee.
By today's standards the game may be pretty simple with all of 8 teams, but the gameplay is just plain fun. More balanced than Nintendo's Ice Hockey, in which fat players had the edge.
 #2 - Arch Rivals (NES)
Before NBA Jam there was Arch Rivals, Midway's original 2-on-2 basketball classic.
Despite the cartoon visuals and limited 8-person roster of Arch Rivals on the NES, it surpassed NBA Jam in terms of overall fun. That is saying a lot. Where NBA Jam decided to stick a bit more to the rules of the game, Arch Rivals encouraged you to punch other players to steal the ball. Sometimes the audience would throw trash on the floor, which was bad news for the ball carrier. Stepping on a wrapper meant slipping and losing the ball, usually to the opposing team.
Even though NBA Jam was great, and we had a hard time deciding which of the two to include on our top ten list, we felt that Arch Rivals deserved is just a bit more for the rougher play and its slapstick nature.
 #1 - Mike Tyson's PunchOut (NES)
At the top of the list i'd say Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! the classic Rocky story of the underdog working his way to the top, was there even a doubt?. To this day, games like FaceBreaker still borrow from Punch-Out!! and its cartoon-ish beat-'em-up action.
Working your way through this game was no easy task; it required lighting-fast reflexes and split-second timing. Even if you were able to make it to the end, you would fight to what turned out to be one of the hardest bosses in videogame history, the heavyweight champion himself (at the time), Mike Tyson.
Punch-Out!! is one of those NES games that still holds up today in terms of fun and playability. The original Mike Tyson game is the definitive version of Punch-Out!! even if just for featuring the 8-bit likeness of the famed former boxer as a final challenge, and the upcoming Wii version will be a long overdue sequel to some of the most loved boxing games of all time.
Great gameplay and a challenge for even the most skilled gamers make Punch-Out!! one of the best if not the best classic sports games ever.
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Written by Jayce Diaz
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Saturday, December 27 2008 |
The "Beat 'em up" genre has a long and varied history in the video game timeline. Once an overpopulated and overcrowded genre, Beat 'em ups are now a skeleton of what they once were, and the few games that are released on today's home consoles typically don't live up to their ancestor's glory (I'm looking at you, Final Fight: Streetwise). Regardless of the current status, this genre holds some of the most memorable games and characters ever created.
The following list is a top ten of the best Beat 'em ups to date. This list was tougher than Abobo to create. Initially, I had over 20 candidates for the list before I even sat down to think about more! Eventually the list dwindled, however, and after some epic cuts, saves, and garbage cans filled with health-replenishing gourmet food, here are the top ten Beat 'em up games:
 #10 - Golden Axe II (Sega Genesis)
Golden Axe II was one of those games you loved to play, yet hated in almost every way. It was overly difficult, it took forever to beat, and the basic moves you had were weak compared to what the varied assortment of enemy grunts couldn't do. Regardless, none of that stopped the game from being addictive. The different magic attacks you could use, the wildlife you could ride, and an alarming amount of elf kicking are just a few of the things that made this game special. Oh, and because it was a sequel, everyone got a sweet-looking headband.
 #09 - Castle Crashers (Xbox Live)
Castle Crashers is the newest banger to the brawl, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's any less entertaining. Up to four players can play simultaneously, bashing bad guys, using spells, weapons, and collectible animal companions that each have their own unique ability. Players could also engage in an eating contest, and even fight each other to the death. Unfortunately, a faulty online experience and save-erasing bugs (kiss your level 30's and hidden characters goodbye if you put your hard drive on another system) keep this game from going any further down the list. While they did eventually release a patch for this (several months later), it's essentially like them closing the stable gate long after the horse has bolted. In this case, the horse represents consumer interest.
 #08 – Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (Xbox, PS2)
This game is special in many ways. For starters, it's actually a good mortal kombat spin-off, unlike Mythologies and Special Forces. What I find more interesting, however, is that it is a fantastic 3d Beat 'em up, and that is hard to accomplish. The fighting is fast and fluid, the levels and enemies are fun, the animation is top-notch, and above all, the infamously terrible Midway voice-acting ties it all together to keep you going. Having series mainstays Sub-Zero and Scorpion as unlockable characters add as a definite plus to the replay value. Unfortunately, Midway's current financial crisis means that a sequel is likely to never happen.
 #07 – The Simpsons (Arcade)
Maybe it was the memorable characters. Or perhaps the notable locations. Or hell, even the oddly bright colors in an otherwise dimly lit arcade. But there was just something very likeable about the Simpsons arcade game. Sure, it was fun, but so was the X-men arcade game, and that didn't make the list. The story was odd, what with Smithers stealing a baby, but hey, it only adds to the enjoyment. Whatever the reason, this game was a great way to throw away quarters, while assaulting people with a vacuum cleaner (one of my personal favorite pastimes…)
 #06 – Battletoads and Double Dragon: The Ultimate Team (SNES)
Battletoads. Double Dragon. Aside from beating up mindless thugs, these two franchises didn't really have much in common. So whoever was high creative enough to imagine a game where these two brawlers became one, deserves a pat on the head and a power pellet. This game had you punting the heads of earth-ridden bad guys, jumping ill-placed fences on futuristic bikes, and swinging down impossibly deep tunnels while accidentally kicking your partners. Also, this game was HARD. I don't think I've said that blankly enough, so I'll say it again, but this time with bold letters. This game was HARD. But it was that undeserved abusive relationship I had with Battletoads and Double Dragon that made me love it all the more.
 #05 – River City Ransom (NES)
Really, what more can be said about this game that hasn't already been said? It's just plain AWESOME. You beat guys up, take their money, go to shops and spend said money, and somehow that makes you the GOOD GUYS. The thugs you beat up occasionally say things (like BARF!) which are fun to read at the bottom of the screen. You can pummel foes with your fists, an assortment of weapons, or even with your partner. The point of the game was to save the high school and your girlfriend, but I had so much fun offing randoms, I never really cared if I eventually rescued them.
 #04 – Double Dragon (NES)
Billy and Jimmy Lee make a second entry into the top ten list, though this time with their (kind of) original adventure. Double Dragon was a true pioneer for home consoles that really helped push the genre forward. You leveled up as the game progressed, learned new moves, and generally kicked all sorts of bad guy booty. The weapons were cool, the difficulty was tough but beatable, and the music….rocked. It's a shame this series faded away over time; I KNOW everyone wants a sequel to the live-action movie.
 #03 – Final Fight (SNES)
Final Fight was one of the best, genre-defining games to over grace home consoles. It's characters were far more than memorable; they were unoffical mascots for the genre. Haggar and his bulging muscles, his awesome mustache, and his status as city mayor elevated him to video game stardom faster than he elevates himself for a well-placed dropkick on an unsuspecting foe. The game itself was just as impressive, with dozens of weapons, a host of enemy thugs, and awesome boss fights that left a permanent mark in my brain. Oh, and Cody from Street Fighter was the other guy in the game.
 #02 – TMNT: Turtles in Time (SNES)
So, what's worse than your mortal enemy sweeping in to steal the statue of liberty? How about him stealing the statue, then hijacking all the tv airwaves literally just to mock you? Yeah I know, I'd be miffed, too! And that is the premise of Turtles in Time. Sure, there's more to it than that, like time travel and stuff, but none of that held a candle to the amazing gameplay experiences to be had with this game. You picked your favorite turtle, and off you went, beating bad guys, chowing down on pizza, and hurling footsoldiers into the camera! The boss battles and different level designs were all great ways to break up the repetition, which went mostly unnoticed. Cowabunga ga ga!
 #01 – Streets of Rage 2 (Sega Genesis)
Streets of Rage 2 tops the list of beat 'em ups for a lot of good reasons. The gameplay was balanced, the characters were cool, and the music… man, the music. Yuzo Koshiro's work here far surpasses any music done on any other brawler ever. The game's animation was far smoother than what was found in most other games in the genre, and the surprisingly deep move set that was fully available from the start of the game gave users multiple ways to crush their foe. Another breakout aspect of the game was the unique playable characters. They weren't just different in how they looked or how they threw a punch; their entire move sets were completely different, not just their "special" attacks. The second entry in the series also did away with the ability to call for backup, which I personally commend (I always felt that it was a waste of time, which I could have spent hitting dudes with pipes). I spent a good portion of my youth, and honestly, a good chunk of my adult life playing this game, because it is just that damn good. The game also had a versus mode, but other than making Blaze fight Blaze, I never really used it much. The story mode is where I spent my time, and that's exactly where you should be now!
So there you have it. The top ten best beat 'em up games. Now, before you go smashing the nearest terribly placed crate in order to find something to hit me with, I should say that this list is obviously not the end-all de-facto standard, and that everyone is entitled to their opinions. I should also warn you that I have a full power bar, and a lead pipe that lets me hit people behind me. Galsia is running around blindly, holding a pocket knife outward with both hands. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can stop-
HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER!
 #∞ - Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (Arcade)
Some games have cadillacs in them. Others, have dinosaurs. This game not only contained both, but had the stones to be about other things entirely. Like construction-worker-looking dudes in tight pants, protecting the environment, and sound bytes so laughably bad, it was godly. GETOFFME!
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8-Bit Jay, Junior Editor
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Monday, December 22 2008 |
As the end of another year rolls around the corner, and with most of the major releases having hit retailer's shelves, it is time to look back at 2008, and take a few minutes to reflect on everything that happened in the industry this year.
Publishers have launched everything from the typical sci-fi shooters to more unusual games that function as interactive workout programs, and have made avid gamers out of soccer moms across the country. With all of this, and despite the poor economy, overall game sales seem to have been on the increase over last year's $18.8 billion. Console sales have been up over last year's numbers, and when the NPD numbers for November and December come in, those numbers can only climb.
2008 was a phenomenal year for videogames. We saw the release of many greats; with every major system receiving a handful of noteworthy titles. Huge releases like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Grand Theft Auto IV dominated charts early in the year, while games like Wii Fit and Metal Gear Solid 4 took control about midway through. Everything finished off with a bang as game designer Garriott explored the final frontier while bidding farewell to the gaming industry. Games like Little Big Planet, Dead Space, Gears of War 2 and Fallout 3 all made their way to store shelves just in time for the holiday race to the top spot. So many games were released between the end of October and early November that some of the great well-known franchises, like Castlevania for the Nintendo DS, were almost completely lost under the pile of constantly releasing AAA titles.
This year has had something for everyone. The PlayStation 3 crowd got the hugely-anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the highly-rated final chapter in Solid Snake‘s story. On the Xbox side, Ryu Hayabusa made a return with Ninja Gaiden II (shortly after Tomonobu Itagaki announced his departure from Team Ninja and filed a lawsuit against Tecmo). Core gaming Wii owners were treated to Super Smash Bros. Brawl and No More Heroes in early 2008 while the casual game revolution continued to plow forward with the still hard to find Wii Fit.
Downloadable content and its applications continue to expand and grow more important than they were just one year ago. Even Nintendo, the most conservative of the big three, decided follow suit and launch the WiiWare download service back in May of this year. Maybe it has a bit to do with the economy, or maybe people are just more willing to shell out 5 to 10 bucks for a quick, fun downloadable game that will keep them busy for a short while. Games like Lost Winds for Nintendo's WiiWare service and Braid for Microsoft's XBLA have become low budget hits that help developers--especially the smaller houses--make a name for themselves. Downloadable content (DLC) was more abundant than ever, with developers implementing DLC as a measure to help combat piracy and losses from second-hand game sales, enticing gamers to hold on to their games and spend a little extra cash in the process.
Nostalgia has also been a major factor in the downloadable games department. Old' school gamers have been given a good deal of games based on classic hits. Thanks to the success of services such as the Virtual Console, gamers are on a classic gaming binge. Capcom, who has been making games since the 8-bit days of the NES caught onto to the trend and started re-releasing retro titles like Bionic Commando: Rearmed, Mega Man 9 and most recently, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. All of which were received with open arms by the older generation.
The last months have also been a great time for new IPs. Each of which has the potential for sequels. SCEA and Media Molecule released Little Big Planet, the community driven platformer with level creation possibilities that gives players the opportunity to design stages and upload them online for others to enjoy. Electronic Arts introduced two brand new properties with the survival horror sci-fi shooter, Dead Space, and Mirror's Edge, a fast-paced first-person action adventure game that is not quite a shooter.
There were also some disappointments in 2008. Surefire hits like Spore launched with underwhelming critical reception. The problems stemmed from a DRM mess that became bigger than the game itself, and the so-so ratings for what was supposed to be PC Game of the Year. Publishers learned a very important lesson about PC gamers that month, and we can be pretty sure that future releases will incorporate all things possible to protect their games while trying to keep gamers satisfied with the methods.
Publishers and gamers both seemed upset about the format of E3 2008. On the gamer side, the main complaint heard around the convention center floors was that Nintendo is abandoning the core. Several months later, we are still hearing the aftermath of that press conference. Publishers whined about E3's new format not being as extravagant as it was several years ago (That was back when publishers complained about having to put too much money into the event, and it was more about showing off than it was about the actual games).
Aside from some of these minor upsets, we are nearing the end of another great year, and many candidates for 2008 Game of the Year. All games competing are undoubtedly worthy contenders for the spot, and it may be a lot harder to decide than it was in previous years. Looking back at a great year in gaming, we can only anticipate what is yet to come. Videogames have become a bigger part of daily lifestyles than we ever could have thought just 20 years ago. As budgets increase, and companies continue to innovate and look for new ways to capture a wider audience, games will only become more expansive. Whether it's a cooking trainer or blowing your opponents heads off in 60-player death matches there is something out there for everyone, and gameplay will continue to evolve from here on out. Here's to an awesome 2008 and what we hope will be an even cooler 2009!
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Andreas Asimakis, Senior Editor
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Friday, December 19 2008 |
 Sony's long awaited social experience known as Home has finally opened its doors to the public. After a handful of delays and closed betas, Home is now available for all Playstation 3 owners. But was it worth the wait?
First and foremost, the Open Beta is nothing like its closed counterpart. Sony's latest version offers a much more enjoyable experience as the community is a lot more populated than before. Locations like the newly redesigned Town Square and the Movie Theatre no longer seem like gigantic empty spaces as many users can be seen walking around and interacting with one another. This was a key issue with the Closed Beta as I could not enjoy Home for very long as there just wasn't enough going on to capture my lasting interest. I would receive random invites to participate in a group dance-off or I would wander around and chat with other users, but these could only hold my attention for so long. I turn on my Playstation 3 to play games, not to walk around and chat with small group of strangers. Thankfully, Home has changed for the better.
For starters, the options for avatar creation have been greatly improved. I always felt like I was walking around with mirror images of myself as the Closed Beta offered a very limited wardrobe for Home users. If user diversity is what Sony is aiming for, it greatly helps if every other player does not look alike. Seeing a distinctively different population go about their virtual ways was very pleasing. It lends to the sense of community which Home is trying to instill and adds to overall realism of the online affair.
The redesigned Town Square is a much better sight to behold this time around. Complete with strong user support, the hub of Home feels like a genuine city. Seeing all of your fellow PS3 owners walking around and chatting with one another is a real treat and you are almost instantly pulled into the electronic environment. You want to talk to strangers. You want to add people to your Friend's List. You want to invite players for a quick game of Poker and embarrass yourself thoroughly (generally speaking of course). Sony has masterfully created a subtle level of comfort which most players will greet with the slightest bit of reluctance. Even I was taken aback by how easy it was to simply walk up to a group of gamers and join in on their current discussion about the Metal Gear Solid franchise. You won't even have to take an active role in the conversation as a friendly gesture goes a long way with breaking the ice. But once you give into this world, surrender yourself to the possibility of friend making and interaction, you will be quite surprised by the pleasant experience to be found.
Chatting with other players will only get you so far when there is a whole town eagerly waiting for your exploration. The Movie Theatre was my first stop as I spent a lot time here in the Closed Beta, sounding off to several gamers on how much better it would be if we actually had something to watch (with random intervals of sitting down, standing up, and sitting down again). Movie trailers from recent movie releases can now be found for your viewing pleasure, adding to the level of comfort that Sony is trying to accomplish. It all feels very real and incredibly inviting.
And just like real life, nothing is completely free. Creating your own online persona can be a bit limiting with the starting options. To further develop your original look and cultivate a personal touch to your living space, Sony has given players the option of purchasing the more appealing and stylish furniture and wardrobe accessories. So players looking to entertain guests in their newly decorated summer houses should expect to take a small hit to their real life bank accounts. But for all the micromanagement Sony has implemented (by having players purchase higher end furniture and clothing options), there is plenty of free content to be had if players put their gaming skills to the test. For those who have made their rounds for the day and have partaken in lively discussion with the Playstation community, they may want to play a few of the games that the Open Beta has to offer. Echochrome, the stylish perspective switching puzzle game of PSN fame, is available here in arcade form for users to play and even unlock outfits and trophies (to display with pride in their personal living space). Games like Galaga, Xevious, Dig-Dug and even Pac-man will await the online community at their local bowling alley, all with their own point-based content to unlock.
All in all, I was deeply impressed with the amount of improvements Sony made with the Open Beta of Home. User support has made for a much more enjoyable experience and players looking to take a break from their playtime will find that a run through Sony's virtual world is just as fun and involving as any game. It has an undeniable ability to make players interact with each other in ways they never imagined. In time, Home will continue to improve as Sony will have a lot more options in store for PS3 owners. It is a brave new front for the console user and I cannot wait to see what additions the future will bring. I highly doubt that any PS3 owner hasn't already downloaded Home and given it a go, but if you haven't, what are you waiting for?
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Andreas Asimakis, Associate Editor
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Saturday, November 22 2008 |
Sex in video games; is it really that big of a deal? It is often said that sex sells and that is only due to the fact that there is such a huge lockdown on the subject. It is forever the subject of controversy and many will do just about anything to prevent the gaming public from being exposed to it. Just the slightest hint of nudity and it has to be covered up. What is our hang-up with sexual content? Why is it prohibited for even mature audiences?
Even before the ESRB came to be known as the official institution which defined the appropriateness of content before a video game's release, censorship was happening at an alarming rate and US titles were seeing slight alterations of their original selves.
As a child I had been taken to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Even before I had played my first Nintendo game I was already being exposed to the creative works of Greek And Roman mythology, to the sculptures of naked Gods and Goddess, and imagery from ancient civilizations, the very inspiration for these 2D sprites. And still, Nintendo of America felt the need to alter Medusa to a more masculine appearance. Was this really that necessary? Are we afraid that the small graphic might turn our young ones into sexual deviants? Apparently there was concern enough if Nintendo of America altered dozes of games due to inappropriate content.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_games_censored_by_Nintendo_of_America
This was however in a time without the ESRB and though these changes might seem feasible in an attempt to protect younger audiences, mature gamers are still met the same level of censorship and the gross assumption that they are unable to handle sexual situation in their video games. Gamers have grown up but with their maturity is the unwillingness of the ESRB to allow any sexual content into games without the dreaded Adults Only rating.
Grand Theft: San Andreas was met with such a decision when it became public knowledge that a sexual mini game which involved the protagonist and his girlfriend was hidden within the game. Even though it was later revealed that the mini-game itself came from code which was inaccessible without hacking the game and looking for the content itself, the ESRB still issued the AO rating which struck a blow to Rockstar's finances. As most retailers refuse to carry Adults-Only games, Rockstar would have faced millions of dollars in losses to reprogram and redistribute the game.
While the content is debatable of its level of graphic sexual behavior, it is clear that Grand Theft Auto is intended for a mature audience. As M-Rated titles cater to those who are 17 and older, I don't quite understand the AO rating, which is available to those who are 18 and older. What changes within a year that makes a 17-year old child into an 18-year old adult? By the age of 17 I was already in college and thinking about a career and what I wanted to do with my life. The topic of sex was something that all of my classmates were familiar with and yet if I had wanted to purchase an AO rated game I would have been turned down.
Fahrenheit, or Indigo Prophecy as it in known in the United States, is an interactive game which revolves around murder and the occult. The opening scene of the game has one of the protagonists trying to cover up a murder he has just committed and presents the player with such choices as washing their hands and disposing of the murder weapon. It is obviously an M-Rated title but the US release had more than just a name change. The release also brought the removal of a sex scene. It is a brief scene and it is clear that is more about love above anything else as the two characters share a thoughtful exchange before making their way into the bedroom. And yet, this scene, which remains intact for the European release, is missing from the US version. Again, this is another instance where the shame of sex has led to needless censorship.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-D1lhdbYOM
It seems to me that all this censorship stems from what will happen in the future. Take a look at video game violence and how it has evolved over the years. With the introduction of newer technologies and hardware, violence has seen its share of graphic depiction. And yet its effect on the gaming population has remained unseen, despite what Jack Thompson may think. So where is the harm in a little bit of nudity?
I am not asking for an experience that can be compared to pornography. Video games have always tried to gain the same respect as film and literature. It has taken the industry years for the general public to consider it as an entertainment medium for more than just children. But it seems to me that there is such a shame when it comes to sex that the more mature gamer is being treated like a child.
It is interesting to see if sex will ever be available without the Adults Only rating. The rating itself sounds like something which should be reserved for pornographic material and I don't think that developers would want their titles to ever become that graphic. Still, as long as the shame exists, censorship will continue and gamers will never be able to appreciate this particular aspect of everyday life.
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Andreas Asimakis, Associate Editor
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Sunday, November 16 2008 |
After taking a detailed look into some of the Dark Elf Public Quests, this week we will continue our guide but with a small addition: Loot. As you complete the various quests of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, you will be rewarded with various bags of Loot which contents vary based on their type: Minor, Lesser, Greater, and Massive. Those who contribute the most to their party will be eligible for the greatest loot so don't let your teammates do all the work for you. Now, on to the quests!
Chapter 4: Twilight
Lionhome Lodge
Zone – Chrace
Stage I - Kill 75 Lion Hunters, Kill 25 Lion Stalkers
The Lion Hunters will crowd you here and will often overwhelm you if you are not prepared. They are not particularly difficult to deal with but should not be taken lightly. By now you should have realized the generous amounts of experience points these opponents will yield and you should be working with your teammates to take advantage of the situation. The Lion Stalkers won't prove to be much of a bother either so you should be able to handle them without much help from your party. This quest will offer useful items to the players who participate the most so be sure to be as active as possible. Don't be afraid to get in there and take these enemies out.
Stage II - Kill 4 Lion Guardians
The Guardians are responsible for leading the young Hunter recruits into battle. Putting an end to their lives will cause the inexperienced Hunters to flee from battle. Do not let the number of Guardians to slay fool you. These enemies are ruthless and will stop at nothing to take you down. Team work is especially important during this stage so be ready to use the appropriate buffs on your allies and DOT's on your enemies.
Stage III – Kill 4 Lion Guardians, Kill Kaliera the Lioness
With the Lionhome Lodge on the brink of destruction, Kaliera the Lioness will put up one last ditch effort to end the Dark Elves' ambitions. Accompanying her will be another set of Lion Guardians which are keenly adept at protecting Kaliera. Pay close attention to their attacks and you will be able to break through their defenses. Combos of quick cooldown spells will prove essential as the Lion Guardians will be an even greater nuisance than before. With the Guardians taken out, Kaliera will come at you with ferocity. Her attacks can be devastating and you should work together to bring the Lioness and the Lionhome Lodge to its end. The fight here can last a little longer than all the other greater battles you've encountered but diligent players will be greatly rewarded.
With the Public Quest at its end, the following Loot will be available. Here are some of the items and weapons you can look forward to receiving.
Minor Loot Bag:
Withered Guts - Withered Guts
Cultivation - Nutrient
A low-grade nutrient used to enhance the cultivation process.
Skill Cultivation 45
Dusty Loam -
Cultivation - Soil
A low-grade soil used to enhance the cultivation process.
Skill Cultivation 45
Lionsbane Greaves -
Boots
Heavy Armor
109 Armor
Bind on pickup
Empty Talisman Slot
Minimum Rank: 9
Career:
Skill: Heavy Armor
Lesser Loot Bag:
Inveigler Gown
Body
Robe
45 Armor
Bind on pickup
Empty Talisman Slot
Minimum Rank: 9
Career: Sorceress
Skill: Robe
Effective staff of Warding
Right Hand
Staff
21.8 Dps
3.3 Speed
Bind on pickup
+ 34 Willpower
Minimum Rank: 9
Skill: Staff
Race: Dark Elf
Lacquered Ring of Muscle
Accessory 1
Bind on pickup
+ 9 Toughness
+ 2 Wounds
+ 15 Elemental Resistance
+ 26 Corporeal Resistance
Minimum Rank: 9
Greater Loot Bag:
Blackbird Knife
Right Hand
Dagger
16.0 Dps
2.9 Speed
Bind on pickup
+ 14 Toughness
+ 4 Wounds
+ 2 Initiative
Minimum Rank: 9
Skill: Dagger
Race: Chaos
Stone of Valetear
Zone: Chrace
Stage 1 – Kill 100 Shining Guard Knights
These brutal and heavily armed warriors will approach the player in large numbers. Your best bet is to stay alongside a teammate or two and use combos to bring these opponents to their knees.
Stage II – Rubric of Hatred
This stage is a defensive endeavor. Players will be charged with protecting the Rubrics against the oncoming High Elf attacks. It is an easy place to earn experience points as the simple enemies will allow you to deviate from the party. You won't have much to fear as this stage will be over before you know it.
Stage III – Kill the Archer Champion, Kill the Guardian White Lion, Kill Shadow Walker Terevin
These champions of the High Elf forces are formidable and should not be taken lightly. DOT's are a player's best friend and should be used as frequently as possible. While the Archer Champion and the Guardian White Lion offer a slight challenge, Shadow Walker Terevin will prove to be the most troublesome of the bunch. Strong offensive combos work best here but keep a close eye on your health. This may be the third stage but it is not the final.
Stage IV – Retake 4 Rubrics, Kill 4 Shining Guard Archmages, Kill Sildaen of Hoeth
After sending their so called Champions to defeat the Dark Elves, the High Elves pull out the big guns in this final stage. They will stop at nothing to take the Stone of Valetear and players should be extra cautious going into this battle. Taking the Rubrics back will not be the issue for this final stage. It is the Archmages which are the most troublesome. Their long range attacks give them an incredible advantage on the battlefield and they have a way of combining their efforts in the most damaging ways imaginable. Still, you are a lot faster than the Archmages and their low resistance to melee attacks makes them an easy target for your teammates. Keep the Archmages preoccupied with DOT's and stay on the move. Sildaen will be just as annoying but thankfully not as bad as the relentless Archmages. Combos of high damage will make this battle a breeze as the rewards will soon be yours for the taking.
Lesser Loot Bag:
Stonebreaker Sash Belt
Bind on pickup
+ 29 Spiritual Resistance
+ 14 Elemental Resistance
Empty Talisman Slot
Minimum Rank: 9
Career: Sorceress
Blackbird Bitestoppas
Gloves
Light Armor
44 Armor
Bind on pickup
+ 11 Toughness
+ 3 Wounds
+ 2 Initiative
Minimum Rank: 9
Career: Squig Herder
Skill: Light Armor
Massive Loot Bag:
Chewtop of the Suffused
Body
Light Armor
60 Armor
Bind on pickup
+ 3 Strength
+ 5 Initiative
+ 14 Ballistic Skill
Minimum Rank: 9
Career: Squig Herder
Skill: Light Armor
Squikickas of Carnage
Boots
Light Armor
28 Armor
Bind on pickup
+ 3 Toughness
+ 2 Initiative
+ 4 Ballistic Skill
Empty Talisman Slot
Minimum Rank: 6
Career: Squig Herder
Skill: Light Armor
Squig Calla's Kit of Carnage (0 / 2)
Chewtop of Carnage
Squigkickas of Carnage
(2 Piece Bonus) +9 Ballistic Skill
That does it for this week's installment of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning: Age of Reckoning. I hope that these tips have helped you in your quests and made your experience a lot more enjoyable. I look forward to hearing about your playtime with Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning thus far so don't hesitate to leave your comments below. Until next week, Happy Gaming!
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Andreas Asimakis, Associate Editor
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Thursday, November 06 2008 |
Continuing with last week's Mini Public Quest Guide, I will cover some of the later quests the Dark Elf Race will come across within the realm of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.
Chapter III marks the beginning of slightly more complicated quests where teamwork and efficiency are keys to success.
Chapter III – Into the Lion's Den
Golden Tor:
Zone: The Blighted Isle
Stage I – Kill 50 Goldenwing Eagles, Kill 50 Goldenwing Fliers
A great place to earn a lot of experience points and properly allocate your abilities to configure the most devastating attacks, Stage I features a pair of relatively simple enemy encounters which can be easily dealt with on your own. The numbers here are high with the party having to kill a total of 100 enemies to proceed, but that figure will quickly dwindle away as players will easily fell these winged adversaries. Having a particularly powerful combo will prove useful if you intend to contribute greatly to your party's efforts and earn the largest share of this quest's rewards.
Stage II – Kill 25 Goldenwing Fledglings
To prevent further nuisances from flooding the skies, the Dark Elves have been charged with destroying the very eggs from which these winged creatures emerge. Another relatively easy endeavor, players should take advantage of the solo aspects here and proceed to kill the enemies around them without much worry of their teammates. The experience is rewarding here as well and a clever set-up with quick attacks will help you earn the bulk of the rewards.
Stage III – Kill Queen L'thil
Finally, the creator of this vile species will make herself present and her existence will only further the population of these winged troublemakers. As long as she survives, the eagles will indefinitely survive. DOT's are recommended as well as a strong sense of comradery. Pay mind to your teammates as their survival will be important in this final stage. Queen L'thil's attacks can be devastating to your party but a continuous stream of offensive magic combined with DOT's will prove deadly for your daunting adversary.
Dreamshade Forest
Zone: The Blighted Isle
Stage I - Kill 50 Dreamshade Ambushers, Disarm 20 Traps
The Dreamshade Ambushers can be a difficult to deal with as mobs of these anxious opponents will emerge from the shadows in hopes of ruining the Dark Elf's quest. Stay close to your teammates and be sure to handle your spells combos with care. Take your abilities and their rate of cooldown into consideration. An ideal set-up involves your combos to work in tangent with your spells as they recharge, allowing for fast action and anticipating your next move. As for the traps, best deal with the Ambushers as the approach you in waves. Traps can be easily disarmed throughout the battle but they should not be your priority during this quest.
Stage II – Kill 10 Dreamshade Stalkers
Deadlier than the Dreamshade Ambushers, these High Elves will come at your party with speed and strength. Public Quests will occasionally allow players to deviate from their party but this is not the case here. Casting high damage combos alongside your teammates will bring these opponents down in no time. The combined assault of multiple spells will prove to be devastating and the stage will quickly come to its end.
Stage III – Kill Guardian Baron, Kill Shadow Walker Ialia
Stage III is a tad more difficult than the previous segments in this quest as the Guardian Baron will prove to be a formidable opponent at this stage in the game. Lurking in the mist, Guardian Barons have the strength to put a quick end to your character's life. Distance and steady attacks work best here and don't be afraid to draw the Barons away from your teammates. You should a bit quicker on your feet and be sure to cast DOT Spells to use your escape to your advantage. As for Ialia, the attacks met here can be frustrating and often difficult to deal with. Buffs are recommended here as well as combos that include a DOT Spell or two.
The more time I spend in the realm of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the more I admire its involved and intricate quests and its well structured system of driving players to help one another. I have spent many hours with several MMO's but Warhammer's community has been one of the friendliest I have ever encountered. How has your gaming experience been? How does Warhammer stack up to the other MMO's you've played? Post your comments below.
I've been giving a lot of thought to creating a new character as of late. Not that my formidable Sorceress has started to lose her charm, I am just eager to find out what Mythic Entertainment has in store for me. Still, I have barely begun to scratch the surface with the Sorceress and the more play time I sped with her, the less I am inclined to tear myself away. Join us next week as we continue our Mini Public Quest Guide. We will also take a look into some the Sorceress's advanced abilities as well as Item Description and tips for leveling up. Until then, Happy Gaming!
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Andreas Asimakis, Associate Editor
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Thursday, October 30 2008 |
 Last week we took a detailed look at the Mastery Paths and abilities of the Dark Elf Career: Sorceress. This week we will look further into the trials of the Dark Elf race and at the creatures awaiting players in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Along with a Mini Public Quest Guide for the Dark Elf, I will also cover the Tome of Knowledge, complete with Monster Info. Let the hunt begin!
All races in the realm of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning will have their own unique sets of quests to complete. Public Quests typically involve 3 Stages and often conclude with a grand battle against one or more Hero Tier opponents. As Public Quests revolve highly around the areas which they are confined to, players will often find themselves wandering into an ongoing quest and can choose whether or not to join the battle. This means that players can participate in any stage of the Public Quest which is currently underway. But as will players come and go as they choose, Mythic Entertainment has setup a rewards system to assure that those players who have contributed the most during any particular quest will receive the most valuable bounty.
Having gone into detail on Chapter 1 of the Dark Elf's Story, let us take a closer look at some of the upcoming Public Quests this race will soon be able to undertake.
Chapter 2: Nimosar
Quest: Nimosar
Location: The Blighted Isle
Zone: Akrana's Storm
Stage 1 – Kill 100 Nimosar Guadians
This might seem like a bit of a daunting errand at such an early stage in the game but these are no match for your abilities. Doombolt works wonders here so put it to good use. Keep your distance and depending on the amount of players participating, the guardians should fall by the numbers in no time.
Stage 2 – Destroy 12 Braziers
The Dark Elves are a naughty race and setting sights on these braziers as a means to burn the village to the ground. This task can be a little tricky at first what with the continuous mobs of guardians trying to thwart your evil ambitions. It's best to try and help out a few of your party members here as they destroy the braziers will you provide cover fire and slay the oncoming minions.
Stage 3 – Kill Erinas and his Silver Helms
The main adversary of this quest will sow his face and try his best to put an end to your misdeeds. The Silver Helms can be a bit of a pain to deal with and will often interfere with your attacks on Erinas. Using Doombolt in conjunction with any other Sorceress spell will put these opponents in their place. As for Erinas, this High Elf Hero will attack your party with all he has but he is not match for your barrage of attacks. Mind your distance and use projectile attacks to guarantee victory.
Quest: Mistwood Grove
Location: The Blighted Isle
Zone: Akrana's Storm
Stage 1 – Kill 75 Venomroot Sprites
The vast area of this quest will allow players to roam around and earn their own share of influence in this particular area. The sprites are easily dealt with so no need to watch your companions during this stage. Feel free to do your own thing and kill the mobs of enemies as they advance. This is also a great quest to gain vast amounts of experience as the waves of enemy forces will be constant and easily dealt with.
Stage 2 – Kill 8 Venombough Dryads
Dryads are a bit tougher than then Sprites but still a pushover nonetheless. Keeping an eye on your friends is recommended here as the mobs can be a bit overwhelming and the Dryads being a bit harder to take down. Still, it isn't anything to be really afraid of.
Stage 3 – Kill Branchwraith Ylrisae
Time for the main event and boy is she angry. Killing Ylrisae will shatter the spirit of the forest so keep your attacks constant. You will discover that the boss mobs to be confronted here will offer an easy way to gain experience but keep your attention on Ylrisae. Her attacks can be partially devastating if underestimated.
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is a very deep and lengthy gaming experience. As an MMO, the amount of content is simply staggering and it can often be difficult to keep track of your progress and current endeavors. Luckily, Mythic Entertainment has implemented a system for sorting through this information. The Tome of Knowledge or TOK is a virtual summation of all a players' activity within the realm of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Divided into 8 categories, the Tome of Knowledge contains valuable information and helps breakdown the complexities of the MMO in a clear and organized manner.
Quests - Lists all the character's current Quests with sortable columns on completion, name, Zone, and type.
WAR Story - Lists the storyline for each race with breakdowns on Public Quests and Influence rewards plus a map of the chapter's area.
Achievements - Lists the various Achievements earned by the character (for example dying 10 times).
Rewards - Contains categories for Titles, Cards, Tactics, and Items earned by the character.
History & Lore - Breaks down the game Lore that the character's race can find in each zone.
Noteworthy Persons - Lists all of the important NPCs that the character can meet in each zone.
Bestiary - Lists the types of mobs and races the character can run into and a list of interactions relating to them.
Armory - Lists the different armor sets discovered for the character's career.
Players will encounter a vast amount of monsters and human adversaries throughout the realm of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Though any initial battle will automatically log any new creatures or opponents into the Tome of Knowledge, it is important to note that detailed information on the extensive bestiary can be acquired by completing certain tasks.
The Bestiary: consists of 6 categories which can be further divided into sub-categories containing the distinct creatures which populate the realm of Warhammer.
Animals: Consisting of Birds, Beasts, Lizards and Arachnids, this category contains the savage end of the Bestiary.
Basilisk – Giant lizards with the power to petrify your character, these beasts are best approached from afar.
Rhinox – A massive beast, the Rhinox can overwhelm players if caught off guard. Ogres use these beasts as mounts and their focus on a particular player can prove to be quite frustrating if not dealt with properly.
Humanoids: Similar to the races of Warhammer, this category houses the likes of Humans, Dwarves, Elves, and Beastmen.
Ogres – Will attack in great numbers and will often come swinging clubs. Though easily dealt with than most enemies, Ogres tend to attack in mobs and will stop at nothing to take you down. A great way to level up as their large groups will lead to impressive amounts of experience.
Skaven – Ugly Rat-like men of Warhammer, these enemies are similar to Ogres in that they attack in great numbers but are slightly more difficult to take down if playing solo. Again, great opportunities for experience as well.
Monsters: Category of the Trolls, Giants, Magical Beasts and Dragons, monsters are both overwhelming in size and in number.
Trolls – Giant sulking creatures, Trolls can be a pain to deal with and are often best left avoided for lower level players. The use their bare hands to pound at their enemies but will sometimes come carrying clubs for even more damage.
Wyverns – Smaller than a dragon but still a force to be reckoned with. These winged creatures will use their flying abilities to their advantage making difficult for players to land a killing blow. Patience works best with Wyverns and they offer a variety of treasures along with great experience points.
Undead: Skeletons, Zombies, Spirits and Greater Undead shamble into this section of the Tome of Knowledge.
Zombies - They may be slower than most enemies but Zombies can take a beating and still come at your with unrelenting intensity. Their numbers and durability against most attacks offers a deadly combinations and beginners should tread lightly around these shambling corpses.
Skeletons – Skeletons are a bit easier to deal with than their undead cousin the Zombie. But Skeletons will often wield weapons and armor making their presence slightly more threatening than that of the slow moving Zombie.
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning continues to be a fun filled experience. How has your playtime been? Have the Public Quests been challenging? How big of a role do you play in your party's success? We would like to know. I am starting to see the true potential of this title. Its approach to the MMO world has proven to be very successful and I can only fill the void of my downtime by reporting my progress to you. Be sure to check out the Gamer's Column next week for another informative entry. Happy Gaming!
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