Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Marvel’s Wolverine Everything To Know
Marvel's Wolverine will feature a drastically different narrative and intricate combat mechanics for Wolverine's moveset. This article provides an overview of what players can expect from the upcoming game.
In a world of Slime Rancher and Palworld, I still crave more Viva Piñata
This article reflects on Rare's 2006 title Viva Piñata, contrasting its charming life simulation gameplay with the studio's earlier, edgier titles and later Microsoft projects. Despite not being a commercial success, Viva Piñata is praised for retaining Rare's distinctive design magic and offering a surprisingly deep experience with a hidden dark side.
Ananta is riding high off 'free anime GTA' comparisons, but its mess of ideas barely hold together in my…
Ananta, an upcoming free-to-play open-world RPG from NetEase Games and developer Naked Rain, attempts to blend numerous disparate ideas, leading to a lack of cohesive identity. While the game features mechanics reminiscent of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Grand Theft Auto 6, its execution is criticized for being derivative and barely holding together. Despite its ambitious scope and anime aesthetic, the article suggests players may not find enough substance to remain engaged long-term.
Rockstar boss says GTA 6 doesn't just let you easily walk around with guns because GTA 5's approach…
Rockstar North's Rob Nelson explained that Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature more nuanced NPC reactions to players openly carrying weapons, a change necessitated by advancements in technology and behavioral sophistication. Unlike Grand Theft Auto 5, where NPCs largely ignored visible firearms, the upcoming title will see characters react cautiously or move away if a player displays a weapon, reflecting a more believable open-world experience.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush Review – Kick it into gear
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush offers gorgeous visuals and fitting music for its diverse islands, making it feel like playing with the toy cars. However, the campaign becomes repetitive, the controller scheme is not newcomer-friendly, and specific race requirements can be rigid, leading to a game best enjoyed in short bursts.
Dutch artist responds to the White House's Build the Wall game with Build that Bridge
Dutch artist Wouter Sieuwerts has released a free browser game called Build that Bridge as a direct response to the White House's 'Build the Wall' minigame. While the White House game involves stacking bricks to build a wall against 'aliens,' Sieuwerts's game uses the same mechanics in reverse to build a bridge, symbolizing connection and inclusivity.
2026 is the best year ever for video games and GTA 6 isn’t even out yet - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2026 will be the best year for video games, despite industry challenges, citing a packed release schedule including titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered. The author highlights numerous anticipated games across various genres and platforms, suggesting a peak in gaming quality.
Crimson Deserts’ Story Expansion Is Making the Base Game Feel Like Just the Beginning
The expansion 'Charting The Unknown' for Crimson Desert is transforming the action RPG by introducing new gameplay mechanics and activities, rather than just adding content. It expands exploration to underwater areas with new ships and diving gear, and introduces a more granular base-building system that integrates with companion activities. This approach aims to evolve the player experience and add depth to the existing world and its characters.
Double Fine's first game post-Xbox split is a goofy bus driving sim all about slapping passengers who don't follow the rules and doing a good job
Double Fine Productions, now independent after splitting from Xbox, has announced its first post-Xbox game, Thank You Bus Driver. This silly job simulator tasks players with driving passengers while enforcing rules, including slapping rule-breakers, all within a time limit. The studio also announced a game jam Kickstarter with Brutal Legend 2 as a high-tier stretch goal.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Siege of Mirkwood
This analysis revisits the Siege of Mirkwood expansion for Lord of the Rings Online, which was released in 2009. Despite being smaller in scope than its predecessor, Mines of Moria, it introduced the significant Skirmish system and marked the last expansion before the game went free-to-play. While not widely popular, the expansion's legacy is tied to its innovative systems and narrative connections to subsequent content.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword starts off slow, but stick with it: You'll be rewarded with some of the best action…
Onimusha: Way of the Sword features a deep and rewarding combat system that shines once players move past its slow introduction. While the initial mechanics are drip-fed and the parry system can feel overused, the game eventually reveals a complex array of defensive and offensive tools that make its combat incredibly satisfying. Despite a slow start, the action RPG is highly recommended for its rewarding gameplay loop.
Your game (probably) doesn’t need fishing
This article argues that fishing mechanics are often unnecessary and detract from the core experience in games unrelated to the sport. While acknowledging optional fishing in titles like Destiny 2 and Delta Force, the author criticizes its simplistic implementation and how it can become a mandatory activity for progression. The piece contrasts this with games where fishing feels natural, like Sea of Thieves or Red Dead Redemption 2, and suggests developers should reconsider adding fishing to genres where it doesn't fit.
Confession time: Alright, come clean—how tidy are your bags in your MMOs?
This opinion piece discusses the common practice of disorganized inventory management in Massively Multiplayer Online games. It explores player habits, the role of auto-sorting features, and asks readers about their personal approaches to managing in-game items.
WRUP: Absolutely true facts about The Wolf edition
Several Massively OP staff members share their weekend gaming plans, including time in City of Heroes, Monster Hunter Wilds, Final Fantasy XIV, and World of Warcraft. The discussion also touches on personal anxieties related to job interviews and important decisions.
The Blood of the Dawnwalker Taught Me the Value of Time
This opinion piece argues that making difficult choices within a game leads to a more memorable and impactful player experience. The author reflects on how these decisions contribute to the overall value and engagement with a game.
This free lockpicking puzzler you can play in your browser is unexpectedly one of the most thrilling games I've…
Lockpicks-11 is a thrilling browser-based puzzle game created for Ludum Dare 57 that distills the act of lockpicking into a series of varied and randomized challenges. Despite its simple premise and short development time, the game offers surprising tension and imaginative puzzle design, making it a standout experience for fans of the genre.
Control Resonant looks like an exciting action-RPG, but I just want it to mess with my head
Control Resonant, developed by Remedy Entertainment, presents an intriguing action-RPG experience set in a Mold-infested Manhattan. Players control Dylan Faden, who uses a shapeshifting weapon called the Aberrant and must recover health by eliminating enemies. The game, set to release on September 24, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, promises a deep combat system and a fascinating world that plays with the barrier between fiction and reality.
Mortal Shell 2 Review – I Usually Hate Soulslikes, But This One Is Bloody Brilliant | Invision Game Community
Mortal Shell 2 is a brilliant Soulslike that innovates on the genre by removing the stamina bar, leading to more aggressive and fluid combat. The game features a deep Shell system for build variety, expanded exploration, and challenging bosses, all presented with a fantastic dark fantasy aesthetic. Despite minor issues with camera, navigation, and occasional technical rough edges, the sequel is a confident and enjoyable experience that successfully reduces common frustrations of the genre.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Could Be Great, But There's Some Things We Can't Ignore...
The upcoming Tomb Raider game, potentially titled Legacy of Atlantis, shows promise but faces criticism for controversial changes. Features like skill trees and excessive hand-holding are expected to alienate fans, alongside questionable in-game food elements.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the editorial team are sharing their weekend gaming plans, including James playing the Wardogs closed beta, Edwin trying out Blood of Dawnwalker and Pathologic 3 on a loaned gaming laptop, and Ollie returning to The Finals. Jeremy is enjoying Blood of the Dawnwalker, while Julian is progressing through Star Wars: Zero Company and reflecting on EA's new ownership and studio furloughs.
