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Vague Patch Notes: Resenting structure and blaming guidance in MMOs
This article analyzes the evolution of game structure and guidance in MMOs, contrasting early titles like Final Fantasy XI with more modern experiences like Final Fantasy XIV. It discusses how the 'bump method' of exploration in older games has been replaced by more direct questing and guidance, and how this shift impacts player experience and perception of game openness.
Remembering The Lord Of The Rings Game That Ripped Off Final Fantasy 10
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, developed by EA Redwood Shores, is remembered as a fun, albeit derivative, JRPG that heavily borrowed from Final Fantasy 10's turn-based combat and user interface. Despite its lack of originality, the game offered a compelling story set parallel to the film trilogy, customizable party members, and numerous unlockable movie clips. The article laments the current inaccessibility of the game, suggesting it deserves a remaster.
Ask Maps Can Now Put Your food in the Cart Before You Leave the Office
Google Maps is introducing new features to enhance its utility, including an "Ask Maps" function that allows users to order food for pickup by scanning restaurants along their route. The app will also integrate AI, powered by Gemini, to personalize responses using data from other Google services like Gmail, and will provide real-time transit updates. These updates aim to allow users to accomplish more tasks directly within the Maps application.
Disney’s Former CEO Seems To Have No Memory Of Approving Kingdom Hearts
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner appears to have no recollection of approving the creation of the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise. Despite being a pivotal figure in Disney's entertainment ventures from 1984 to 2005, Eisner stated he did not remember greenlighting the crossover title between Final Fantasy and Disney characters, which launched on PlayStation 2 in 2002.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?
Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
Feature: 10 N64 Games We Played In A Wondrous Alternate Timeline
This article explores a hypothetical alternate timeline where the Nintendo 64 achieved greater market success, imagining 10 games that could have been released. It speculates on potential N64 entries for series like Fire Emblem, Tekken, Metroid, and Final Fantasy, and discusses what might have been if sequels to GoldenEye 007 and Super Mario 64 were prioritized.
Final Fantasy creator Sakaguchi praises AI slop trailer for a FF6 remake, earns himself a light ribbing from battle…
Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi praised an AI-generated trailer for a hypothetical Final Fantasy VI remake, expressing a desire to play it. His former colleague, Akitoshi Kawazu, playfully ribbed him about the AI content, though both agreed Final Fantasy VI would be well-suited for a 3D remake. Sakaguchi later commented that while AI isn't ready, there are intriguing possibilities.
Need your next vacation gaming fix? These Nintendo Switch game deals are full of RPGs to sink your free time into
Amazon Gaming Week is offering discounts on several RPGs for the Nintendo Switch, ideal for summer gaming. Notable deals include Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade for $23.99 and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined at its lowest price of $49.99. The article also touches on the appeal of RPGs for vacation gaming and mentions accessories for the console.
The History of Portable Tactical RPGs, Part 2: Game Boy Rivals (1989–2006)
This article details the history of portable tactical RPGs on Game Boy rivals like the WonderSwan, Game Gear, and Neo Geo Pocket Color, focusing on hardware features and major titles released between 1989 and 2006. It examines games such as Shining Force Gaiden, Faselei!, and Super Robot Taisen Compact, analyzing their gameplay, reception, and sales figures within the context of the genre's development on handheld consoles.
The Sunday Papers
This article discusses various aspects of game aesthetics, including the "Backroom" aesthetic in 3D graphics, the emotional impact of character companionship in Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly, and the implications of AI-generated imagery in modern photography, particularly with tools like Google Pixel's Magic Editor. It also touches upon the contributions of women to game localization, referencing Final Fantasy IV and Earthbound, and offers a defense of the character Daniil Dankovsky in Pathologic 3.
FRONT MISSION 3: Remake Review | TheXboxHub
Front Mission 3: Remake offers a faithful recreation of the 1999 PlayStation title, featuring a bifurcating narrative and strategic mech combat. While the gameplay and story remain strong, the graphical update is a mixed bag, and the strategy elements have been simplified compared to previous remakes in the series.
