GVN Review: Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (PS4)

GVN Quick Picks: Round 2

Here we are with another round of quick picks for everyone to check out.  Both games are digital download exclusives and definitely should not be missed.

Game Rant: Ar Nosurge

Potential Spoilers, you have been warned.

I have been a massive fan of the Ar series since I first found out about it back around 2009-2010. Epic music, well investigated characters, and well executed story have kept me coming back ever since.

DHGF Review: Project Spark (Xbox One)

Project Spark
Microsoft Xbox One

"Project Spark is an incredibly ambitious idea that Microsoft released. It’s one part game creation studio, one part online community project and a little bit of a game here. The one thing that is heavily push is the idea of creating worlds that you share with friends and other people around the world. It’s bold move for Microsoft especially after they just bought the Mojang games, makers of the insanely popular Minecraft. However does this concept of one part game creation studio and other part interactive game translate well? To be honest my feelings regarding Project Spark are mixed"

DHGF Review: Project Spark

GVN Review: Alien: Isolation (Xbox One)

GVN Review: Destiny (Xbox One) My Warlock Experience!

GVN Quick Pick - Astebreed & Five Nights at Freddy's (PC)

Taking a look around the indie game scene and there are just so many great games out there that it's almost impossible to review them all.  So I am going to select a couple games every now and then and make them my definite picks of games you shouldn't let slide past you.

Super Smash Bros. 3D on 3DS Preview

Here comes a new Challenger!  Yes the demo for Super Smash Bros. 3D is out on the 3DS and I was able to get some early access on it last week and I must say that I am obsessed.  As a fan of the series since the first Super Smash Bros. on N64 I had quite a few expectations for the new game on my favorite handheld of all time.  While playing I wanted to take a close look at the playable characters in the demo, the controls, the graphics, the soundtrack, and the layout of the menus.  I was extremely satisfied with a lot of these and I will explain more about it.

Top 15 Other Dreamcast Games - Day 3

Here we are, the final 5.  It was a fun ride while it lasted. Join me later today as I will be streaming some of my favorite Dreamcast games.  So were there any games on my list that peaked your interests or anything you disagree with? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

5. Headhunter

Quick Review: Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney

Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney
Nintendo 3DS
Capcom
Level 5
Release: August 29, 2014

Top 15 Other Dreamcast Games - Day 2

We continue down the list with games number 10 to 6.  See any games on the first part that brought back some memories?  Well let's see if we can jog some more as we continue to count down to number 1.

10. Last Blade 2

Top 15 Other Dreamcast Games - Day 1

This list is different than the majority of Dreamcast Top Games lists.  By "Other" I am picking games that do not normally make it into a standard list of must have games for the system.  That means you won't see Skies of Arcadia, Shenmue, Unreal Tournament, Marvel vs Capcom 2, Sonic Adventure, Soul Calibur or any of those high rated games.  These are games that people easily overlook or forgotten that helped made the Dreamcast such a wonderful little machine.  We are going to be starting the list of with some strong contenders to give you an idea of the versatility of the Dreamcast's library. We start off with lucky number 15.

GVN's Dreamcast US release 15th Anniversary. The Other Top 15 games.

The Dreamcast refuses to die.  Indie developers continue to support the long abandoned system after Sega's exiting the console race. However I will be doing a top games list that will not include the "Essential" games for the Dreamcast which make the top of everyone else's lists.  That's right, you won't find any mention of Sonic, Skies of Arcadia, Shenmue, Marvel vs Capcom and the like on this list.  We are celebrating the games that people seem to constantly forget, the "Lost Gems" of the Dreamcast.  So for 3 Days straight there will be 5 games posted per day to celebrate the Dreamcast's 15 US Release Anniversary.

Day 1 Games 15 - 11 

Day 2 Games 10 - 6

Day 3 Games 5 - 1

Thursday Nite Flashback returns!

I kicked of the return of Thursday Nite Flashback by playing some Phantasy Star II for the Sega Genesis.  I plan on playing this game to completion every thursday night.  Phantasy Star 2 is another game that I got really far into but gave up playing after my save file mysteriously disappeared.  Here's a video of part 1 of my long play session.  It's mostly just some simple grinding.

Game Rant: Cinematography

With cutscenes being a major part of games these days and I feel that games tend to put more into simple power than technique. In doing so, they miss out on the ability to create some truly epic experiences.

Nintendo "Amiibo"

Alright gamers, we heard about the Amiibo figures back at E3 in June and finally you can pre-order them at your local Gamestop or online at Gamestop.com.  The initial release of Amiibo figures will be 12 in total and will cost $12.99 each.  Currently we know that the Amiibo's will work on both the WiiU and the 3DS for certain games and the first game to take advantage of them will be Super Smash Bros. 3DS and WiiU.  

I don't know about the rest of you but I have been collecting the Disney Infinity figures because I think they look amazing and are very well made.  So I will also be collecting the Amiibos but know that I will get more use out of them because they will work on more games that I will actually want to play.

The first wave of figures include: Animal Crossing citizen, Link, Samus, Mario, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Pikachu, Wii Fit Trainer, Yoshi, Star Fox, and Marth.  These figures look amazing and I think their use will be amazing and make the games the work with be even more entertaining.

I'm heading to the store after work and will pre-order the figures I really want and then eventually get the rest.  Have fun everyone and keep gaming!

Anthony

aka Protector

Thursday Nite Flashback returning soon with... Phantasy Star 2.

That's right, I'll be bringing back my thursaday night retro gaming stream and I'm kicking it off with Phantasy Star 2.  I've already beat the first game a couple years ago and now I intend to do the same with the sequel.  Also in case you haven't been informed, I have moved my stream from Twitch.tv over to hitbox.tv.  I can already seen in improvement in quiality and better functionality over at Hitbox, which is only in Beta form at the moment.  The only issue I see if that I cannot seem to transfer my videos over to YouTube.  I am sure this will be fixed in time.

www.hitbox.tv/gamingvisionnetwork

Quick Review: Shovel Knight (Wii U)

Shovel Knight 

Nintendo Wii U
Publisher: Yacht Club Games

Developer: Yacht Club Games
Release: June 26, 2014

Upon first look, Shovel Knight just appears to be just another indie title with a retro 8bit graphic look.  This year alone there have been an insane amount of retro style games released and Shovel Knight at first doesn't seem to be any different.  To its credit however, Shovel Knight proves to be an excellent Action Adventure game akin to many of the NES greats like Faxanadu, Zelda 2, Kirby's Adventure and Battle of Olympus.  Shovel Knight barrows much from these games and runs with it making it a diamond in the rough among a sea of indie shovelware.

Top 25 Sega Genesis games final day. Games 5 - 1

Here it is the final 5 of the list.  Feel free to share and let me know what your top 25 games are in the comment section below.  Check out yesterday's list of games 10 to 6.

5.) Gunstar Heroes

Top 25 Sega Genesis Games Day 4 Number 10 - 6

We are nearing the end guys.  We are now in the top 10 games of my personal favorite Top 25 games for the beloved Sega Genesis.  Remember you can always share your thought in the comment section and let me know what you think so far. Here's a link to Day 3 to see what games you missed so far.

10.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Hyperstone Heist

Top 25 Sega Genesis games Day 3 Number 15 - 11.

We are nearly halfway through the countdown.  Anything surprise you yet?  Any of your favorites on the list so far?  Keep reading to see if they made it higher up on the list.  Check out day 2, games 20-16 if you haven't yet.

15.) Quackshot Starring Donald Duck

Top 25 Sega Genesis games Day 2 Number 20 - 16.

And here we continue the countdown for my top 25 Sega Genesis games.  This time we are knocking out numbers 20 to 16.  Click here to check out games 25 to 21.

20.) Earthworm Jim

Earthworm Jim came out of nowhere and captured the gaming world by storm. During an era when every company was trying to create a mascot with 'tude, many have failed and only a few managed to pull it off.  Shiny Entertainment pulled it off with the first Earthworm Jim game with its unique blend of action, humor and challenging gameplay to capture our attention.  However, the sequel outdid the first in every way possible. Bigger stages, better music, quirkier humor, and upping the ante on it's game play.  Definitely not a game to be passed up.

Top 25 Sega Genesis Games Day 1 25 - 21

Seeing how it's the 25th anniversary of the Sega Genesis (Megadrive for the rest of the world) I see fit to join the masses and do a cliched top games list for the fabled system.  The Genesis was my catapult into what made me a Sega fanboy for the longest time up til the Dreamcast's demise.  So let's honor Sega's most successful home console with a Top 25 games list.  Keep in mind this list includes games I had played numerous times either by borrowing from a friend, renting, owned, or have owned.  Here's part 1 of 5 that will span out the next five days.

GVN Top 25 Sega Genesis Games

Seeing how it's the 25th anniversary of the Sega Genesis (Megadrive for the rest of the world) I see fit to join the masses and do a cliched top games list for the fabled system. The Genesis was my catapult into what made me a Sega fanboy for the longest time up til the Dreamcast's demise. So let's honor Sega's most successful home console with a Top 25 games list. Keep in mind this list includes games I had played numerous times either by borrowing from a friend, renting, owned, or have owned.

Day 1 - Games 25 to 21

Day 2 - Games 20 to 16

Day 3 - Games 15 to 11

Day 4 - Games 10 to 6

Day 5 - Games 5 to 1

Diehard Gamefan Review: Risen 3 (PC)

DHGF Review: Risen 3

"Frustration, enjoyment, confusion and disappointment. These are the range of emotions I went through as I marched my way through Risen 3: Titan Lords. I never had the opportunity to play the first two games, but they have the reputation of not being well received by the general public. However, I went into Risen 3 with an open mind, hoping to see if the game may actually be the diamond in the rough and send the franchise in the right direction. Is there room for improvement? Can the third game in this franchise make a huge leap of improvements like The Witcher 2, Two Worlds 2 and Gothic 2 did for their respective franchises? Does the saying, “third time is the charm” apply to Risen 3?"

Mini Late July Update

Hey everyone, Hubbs here. I know it's been quiet this past month but per usual, the summer season is relatively slow with less interesting games coming out and what not. However, in August I am looking to pick things back up by hopefully getting a couple videos out. One August vlog video and the other, the annoying top ten NES games that I mentioned about briefly. Getting used to my new position at work, a new child and fixing up my pc has been the priority of late. So hang it there and get ready for a nice little video when August begins. -Hubbs

DHGF Review - Divinity: Original Sin (PC)

Larian Studios did something I never expected; they went far beyond the expectations for Divinity: Original Sin, the latest game in the Divinity franchise. After the fans spoke out and helped Larian reach their Kickstarter goal, the company did everything they can to prove to their supporters they were out to make one of the best games possible. Divinity: Original Sin is an incredible game that heralds back to the heyday of classic point and click RPG’s, and in many ways surpasses many of the greats like Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights. Larian Studios managed to set new standards in the realm of role playing with it’s unique approach to storytelling and highly addicting gameplay. Granted, it’s not a perfect experience, but the pros of playing Divinity: Original Sin heavily outweigh the issues that arise during your time playing.

DHGF Review: Divinity: Original Sin (PC)

GVN Quick Triple Review: Final Fantasy III (PC), Rayman Legends (Xbox One), Watch Dogs (Xbox One)

This is a new style for me to try out.  Sorry, I didn't really have time to dedicate to writing a full review for each of the games below but I really wanted to cover them.  So this felt like a reasonable compromise.

Gamers VS The Internet:
The Battle of Intellect, Skill, Data Transfers, and Broadband Connections


  Over the past 20 years, the Internet has streamlined itself into being a very core part of our everyday lives. It was something that was based on ideas branching off from "The Difference Engine" in 1822, delivering the very first "Email" in 1965, being coined "The Internet" in 1974, then dubbed the "World Wide Web" in 1989. This world changing development in technology has brought forth such iconic and heavily used websites such as Ebay and Amazon in 1995-96, our beloved Google in 1998, the infamous Wikipedia in 2001, to now being accessible from the device in your pocket on a regular day to day basis.

  So what does this have to do with Gamers today? Well, a lot. As technology advances, so does the Entertainment Industries. The Video Game Industry is heavily dependent on these advancements to make the Next Gen console and experience that is sitting in your living room, bedroom, or even at the tips of your fingers that also allows you to read this article right now. Nowadays, if you're not connected to the Internet, you're missing half of the experience (or so they say).

  The Internet has changed so much about how the typical Gamer sees their gaming experience. It has changed the way they seek out information about a game, how they use or view the information, and even how they perform when using their new found knowledge.

  For now, let's take a look back to the 80's. A time before Microsoft jumped into the video game console war in 2001, before Sony won over the industry with their first mainstream gaming console in 1994. Let's look at a time when information about video games was very few and far between. When you had to buy a monthly magazine at your local retailer that carried the particular gaming magazine that you sought after for what was going on in the mysterious realm known as the Video Game Industry.

GVN Quick Look
First 40 Minutes of Shovel Knight on the Wii U played by yours truly, Rolento13!!!



So far, Shovel Knight seems to be everything that we expected out of an action platformer and more. The controls feel great and not sluggish at all, classic NES style graphics that remind you of the video games you missed being a kid in the 80's, classic (slightly updated) styled music soundtrack for a truly immersive retro experience, and it forces you to think and hone your various skills you've gained through the years. You're not going to run through levels like a Pro on your first playthrough (I mean, You can try, but have fun dying). Even after this video, it just gets better and better. So, is it worth a buy? You better believe it buddy!!! It's so good that I'm highly tempted to buy it again on my 3DS XL so that I can play it on the go!!!

GVN Review: The Elder Scrolls Online (PC)

The Elder Scrolls Online
PC
Publisher: Bethesda
Developer: Zenimanx Online

I am utterly disappointed in you Zenimax online.  I am disappointed that you had the utter gull to release a game that gave us the idea we would be playing an Elder Scrolls game online. I am disappointed that you gave us false hope in that we would be exploring huge areas of Tamriel that have never been visited in any of the previous games of the noble franchise.  I am disappointed in myself for jumping onto the hype train and feeling the impact of the crash upon the realization that this is nothing more than a standard MMO style game with the Elder Scrolls name slapped on it.  Make no mistake, Elder Scrolls Online is not a bad game, but it's not a good game either.  It had expectations to live up to and it never met any of them.

DHGF Review: R-Type Dimensions (PS3)

"I LOVE R-Type. It has been one of my favorite space sidescroller shoot-em up franchise for decades. I played it in the arcades, on my Commodore Amiga, Sega Master System, the Super Nintendo, and on Playstation. Irem, the company that created the franchise, was able to create new games in the franchise and somehow keep the series from going stagnant as the years went by. In 2009, we were graced with the release of R-Type Dimensions on the Xbox 360, but I never got around to buying it. R-Type Dimensions is a remake of the first two games in the series, following in the vein of other upgraded classics like Bionic Commando."

DHGF Review: R-Type Dimensions

Nintendo @ E3 Preview!

Another year has past and it is now time to get ready for E3!  In the next few days, we will finally see what the new video games that are being created, will look like and hopefully have some information about their release days.  I am super excited for this years E3 because of 2 reasons, 1. As a part of GVN I get to express my thoughts and have all you wonderful readers understand what I am feeling and 2. there should be an announcement for the new Legend of Zelda game coming out for the Wii U!

GVN Review: Killer Instinct: Season 1 (Xbox One)

Killer Instinct Season One
Xbox One
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Double Helix

Killer Instinct was a day one Xbox One launch title that in all fairness, was an incomplete game. Six characters, a limited online mode, no story mode, and oddly enough one of the most in-depth training mode around.  So to review the game on those merits alone would probably make people not even bother looking into the famed franchise.  So I figured it would be fair to review the game after it's final season one update which finally made Killer Instinct a full game.

For the younger generations, Killer Instinct was a crazy combo fest fighter from the mid 90's that was developed by Rare exclusively for Nintendo to help demerit their kid friendly image.  the first Killer Instinct was a great game in its intense twitch based combo system, counters, fatalities and fast paced gameplay.  A few years later, Killer Instinct 2 was released with more characters, more insane combos, a new auto-double combo system, and better graphics.  Needless to say that the franchise was dropped and completely forgotten by Nintendo and Rare since then.  Some years later Rare is sold to Microsoft, and the rumors start flying about a KI revival during the entire lifespan of the Xbox 360.  So just before the announcement of the Xbox One system, we received confirmation and here we are a year later.

GVN Review: Dark Souls 2

Having played the original Dark Souls and its predecessor Demons' souls I was looking forward to the newest iteration of the series. Overall, it turned out reasonably.

GVN Quick Look
First 20 Minutes of Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U played by yours truly, Rolento13!!! Yes, ladies and gentlegamers, I'M BACK!!!

DHGF Review: Strike Suit Zero Director's Cut

Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut is a rerelease of the PC indie title made exclusively for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Chances are you might not have heard of this title when it quietly released last year. It’s a space combat game that centers around you flying a ship that can change into a mech (obviously influenced by the classic anime Robotech) as you combat giant waves of enemy fighters, frigates and capital ships. The synopsis of the game revolves around a small space naval brigade teaming up with an AI to stop colony extremists from destroying other colonies and eventually earth.

DHGF Review: Strike Suit Zero DC

GVN May 2014 update

GVN Quick Review: Titanfall (Xbox One)

Titanfall
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: FPS
Release: March 11, 2014

I'm have never been more serious about something that I felt needed to be said.  Titanfall is one of the biggest overhyped letdowns and the first major disappointed of 2014.  Titanfall has received heavy praise from many of the big gaming publications.  So that makes it even more of a disappointment when you realize all you're playing is an online only futuristic Battlefield with mechs and parkour abilities.

GVN Review: Bravely Default

Bravely Default was a game that I just happened to come across some time ago. A Square Enix game with a new IP supposedly based on the Final Fantasy 3 job system. Needless to say I had to take a look.

GVN Quick Review: Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (3DS)

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy

Genre: Puzzle

Publisher: Level-5

                 Nintendo

Developer: Level-5

Release: February 28, 2014

After two years, Level-5 has finally released the final chapter in the Professor Layton series with Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy.  It is the final prequel in the series that will lead into the first game release which was Professor Layton and the Curious Village.  While making the games, the studio decided to do prequels and that started with The Last Specter.  The story has developed so much since the first game that we have grown to know and love all the characters and expect for some easy and challenging puzzles.

GVN Radio Episode 45

Robert, Anthony, and Andrew chat about what' they've been playing and have a huge discussion about what they feel makes a good/great game.  Also the usually classic gaming chit chat.

Warning.  The audio feed breaks down here and there but everything is still understandable.

Download Episode 45

GVN Quick Review: Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

 

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Retro Studios
Genre: Platformer
Release: Feb 21, 2014

Donkey Kong has been around as long as Nintendo's famed plumber and despite Mario's soaring success, Donkey Kong was never able to match it.  At least not until the release of the Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo. The Donkey Kong Country games gave us some of the best platforming action on the Super Nintendo and that continued onto Nintendo's future consoles.

GVN March Update Vlog 2014

GVN March Update

Whelp, we are already off to a slow start for the year, but I promise you things will be picking up soon.  Reviews of Donkey Kong Country, Atelier Lagy and the Diablo 3 expansion are coming this month from myself.  In the mean time I am still streaming on occasions and we are going to start pushing out the podcast again on a bi-weekly basis.  So until then take care and keep on gaming.

-HuBBs

GVN Review: The Banner Saga (PC)

 



 

The Banner Saga

Genre: Tactical RPG

Publisher: Versus Evil

Developer: Stoic

Release: Jan 14, 2014

 

Twenty-fourteen is off to a great start already with the stellar release of The Banner Saga.  The Banner Saga is a deep choice driven tactical RPG with results that alter the outcome of the endgame.  By endgame I mean after the next two games in the planned trilogy have released of course.  The Banner Saga is also a genre mixing game that has a segment that is very similar to the classic "The Oregon Trail" where you have to travel across a vast world and must have enough supplies to make the trek and make the right decisions to keep as many of your company alive until you reach your destination.

The moment you've all been waiting for. My interview with the legendary game developer, Al Lowe, along with fellow Diehard GameFAN members Mark B and Sean Madson, .

http://diehardgamefan.com/2014/02/10/diehard-gamecast-episode-45-al-lowe-interview/

Game Rant: The Benefits of Single Player for Multiplayer Games

Being a fan of RTS games I took a look into Sword of the Stars 2. It turned out to be a very complex game as long as you don't mind it taking hours of your time. However, playing it got me thinking about a trend that has been appearing in games these days.

DHGF Review: Nidhogg (PC)

 

 

"The saying, “Looks can be deceiving” definitely applies to Nidhogg, an indie game from developers Messhof. Nidhogg has the graphical style of a classic Atari 2600 game, but underneath the deceptive simple graphics is an exciting, action driven and addictive multiplayer game. Nidhogg is an arena fencing game that pits two players against one another. The goal is simple: each player must reach their exit goal to win the match. All you have to do is kill your opponent that stands before you. Sounds simple but it’s anything but."

 

Diehard GameFan review: Nidhogg

GVN - Hubbs' Top 10 Games of 2013

GVN Radio Episode 44 is live

Happy New Year. Hubbs, Andrew and newcomer Anthony bring in 2014 by discussing what hit and miss about good ole 2013.  We also manage to discuss Anthony and Hubbs interest in retro game collecting.

Download GVN Radio episode 44

Happy New Year. Welcome 2014!

Well I am happy that the new year has begun and with it, GVN resumes operations.  First up will be the annual top ten games video for the previous year.  After that will be the first podcast of the new year along with other articles from the other members of GVN.  We have Andrew still on board with us and newcomer, Anthony, is looking to add his likeness to the site.  So here's to a wonderful New Year.