Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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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.
Mega Man: Dual Override interview: devs comment on graphics, music, difficulty, collections, future, more
Developers for Mega Man: Dual Override discussed the game's new "Override system" and custom chips, the decision to use a subtitle instead of a number to attract new players, and the 2.5D visual style. The team also touched on the 40th anniversary of the Mega Man franchise, the composer Junko Karashima, and the potential for future collections and spin-offs.
It looks like No Man's Sky's next update is imminent as Sean Murray breaks out the emojis again - and fans reckon it's a big one
Hello Games director Sean Murray has used emojis on social media to signal that the highly anticipated 10th-anniversary update for No Man's Sky, codenamed 'Cosmos', is imminent. This emoji-posting tradition has historically preceded new updates, leading fans to speculate about a potentially large-scale release for the game's milestone.
Den otippade inspirationen bakom Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom directors Satoru Nihei and Akihito Kadowaki discuss the inspirations behind Onimusha: Way of the Sword, including its combat mechanics and the influence of games like Super Mario Odyssey and Gundam Versus. They also touch upon Capcom's consistent quality and how the team adapted to working during the pandemic.
Warframe of Mind: Reacting to everything unveiled in the Iceblade of Narin preview
This preview discusses the upcoming Warframe update, Iceblade of Narin, focusing on the Banshee rework and the new character Narin. The author expresses mixed feelings about the Banshee rework, finding it conservative but effective, and views Narin as an interesting offensive support. The article also touches on the controversial decision to require pre-made groups for new six-person missions, citing potential issues with player matchmaking.
Game Director Finally Addresses His Rumored Foot Fetish–Wait, Not Kojima, The Other One
Game director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed fan speculation about foot imagery in his games, clarifying it's not a conscious focus. He suggested it might be subconscious or a misunderstanding, while acknowledging the presence of barefoot characters in titles like Elden Ring and Dark Souls.
Elden Ring director denies he has a Tarantino style foot fetish
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed fan speculation about his alleged foot fetish, denying the claim and suggesting it stems from a subconscious exploration of human nature and connection. He also discussed the upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive The Duskbloods, drawing parallels between its themes of trust and characters like the maidens in Elden Ring.
Playing Mass Effect-inspired RPG Exodus was an uncomfortably familiar space trip, despite some brilliant zero-G fights
The preview of Exodus, an RPG inspired by Mass Effect, highlights brilliant zero-G combat sequences but criticizes familiar corridor battles and bland characters. Despite some promising mechanics, the game risks feeling uninspired if it doesn't develop its unique ideas further.
Exclusive: Ex-Rockstar dev gives us the inside scoop on what GTA 6’s Extended Look reveals about its protagonists — ‘Jason Duval is a robot — a Terminator'
Former Rockstar Games developer Mike York analyzes the Grand Theft Auto 6 Extended Look, suggesting protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos will offer a contrasting dynamic. York notes Jason's methodical, Terminator-like demeanor and Lucia's more assertive personality, potentially addressing past criticisms of the series' tone and female representation. He also comments on the game's visuals, character animations, and UI elements, while expressing confidence in its long-term appeal.
