Video Game Round Up
Our writers reviewed five games that saved us from boredom in 2020
The Perfect Game to Play During the Pandemic
By: Sabrina Gopar
Since the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t fading away anytime soon, many Americans cautiously distance themselves from their usual day-to-day activities. Socializing at school or with friends is on stand-by as campuses and social activities remain closed, keeping many young Americans stuck at home with their devices. For those looking for entertainment to help reconnect with their friends and family, a new free mobile game and a Discord account can help you out. The game is called Among Us, and it recently gained popularity in early September 2020. Not only is this game free, fun, family-friendly, and helps fill the void of social interaction, but it also helps maintain social distancing guidelines by staying at the comfort of your own home.
Among Us had a slow initial start in player downloads, as the release date was on June 15, 2018. The game’s developer, InnerSloth, is a small indie gaming company where the team consists of only three people. The game’s social interaction aspect comes from being a multiplayer game, allowing you to play with random local players in a public room or with your friends through a private room. The game’s theme tactic involves social sabotage as members of a room are randomly assigned as a crewmate or an imposter, creating the perfect teamwork and betrayal opportunity!
Among Us is a deception game, as you start in a spaceship with a group of four to ten players. The majority of the space crew are Crewmates, except for 1 to 3 players who are Imposters. Crewmates will have several tasks to complete throughout the spaceship, while the Impostor’s goal is to kill the entire crew without getting caught by the Crewmates. Everyone’s role is a secret, so it’s up to the crewmates to figure out who the Imposters are and kick them off the ship before the Importers get the opportunity to kill them. Those who get voted off the ship or killed during the game respawn as Ghosts where they continue to complete tasks if they were Crewmates or sabotage others if they were Imposters. Players must play the game silently, but the only chance you can communicate with the other players is during the voting phase through the game’s “chat” feature — this where the platform Discord comes in handy. Discord gives people a private server where they can easily chat with their friends. Among Us players typically use this while playing for a faster and easier way to discuss who they think the Imposter is.
The game’s popularity is also primarily due to the gaming and streaming community, both communities I don’t belong to. I decided to download the game because my family asked me to join their game. It had been months since I’ve seen them, and despite not playing online games myself, I downloaded the game to interact and have fun with my family. After playing various rounds with family, friends, and locals, I quickly understood the appeal and now play outside of
school and work to relax. I now have a signature color and look for my avatar, considering that I’ve played various rounds on my own since discovering the game.
What’s cool about this game is that everyone has an active role, whether you’re the Imposter, a Crewmate, or a Ghost. Crewmates have something to do instead of just waiting around in groups like similar games like Mafia. Every task feels like a mini-game, and the tasks vary in options, making each round unique. Imposters are traitors with “fake tasks,” which gives Imposters an excuse to blend in with the Crewmates. These tasks force everyone to separate from each other instead of grouping up in fear, waiting to get killed. I like the voting system that happens every time someone discovers and reports a dead body. It helps the game progress and gives the Imposter a chance to trick people into suspecting others. The voting window is where the deception and betrayal comes in if you’re the Imposter.
The game has three completely different maps, which feels more than enough. The majority of players stick with the original spaceship map, as it takes time to familiarize yourself with the location. Another huge draw to the game is that the room’s Host can customize the game rules to their liking. It’s quite impressive the number of settings you can change, typically not found on a free mobile game that I’ve played. Hosts can decide the map location, the number of Imposters, the duration of meeting times, the running speed of the avatars, each member’s vision range, the Imposter’s kill cooldown time, plus more. Once you play this game for a while, you’ll start realizing what your group of friends like playing regarding the rule settings. Most games feel overwhelming to me, based on the number of rules and options I may have as a player. With Among Us, I have enough control over my choices, but I can catch on quickly with my lack of gaming experience. I am pleased that I discovered Among Us, even if I am two years late to its release. If you’re on the hunt for a fun social activity your friends can enjoy, give Among Us a chance. It’s a game trend worth the recent surge of popularity.
Lost Heaven in 2020
By Frederick Visser
Mafia: Definitive Edition Review
Video Games have changed considerably since 2002, when the original “Mafia” was released. The open-world, action-adventure title, which was developed by Czech team Illusion Softworks and published by American company Gathering of Developers, stood side-to-side with games such as “Medal of Honor: Frontline” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” as one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed properties of that year. Games like the original “Mafia” represented a special time in the history of the medium. Graphics, gameplay, and cross-console capabilities combined with an excellently written story create an experience that Game Informer described as having, “the heart and soul of a blockbuster.”
Since then, games as a service business revenue model, catering mainly to continuously growing and continually paying audiences of multiplayer consumers, have become the top dogs in the videogame industry. The design principle of organically melding innovative gameplay and a strong story to serve an interactive, cinematic experience has been eschewed in favor of crafting simple, addicting, online experiences that, through loot boxes and other pay-to-win systems, offer a constant stream of revenue to publishers. As such, a 2020 remake of an open-world crime classic that contained zero multiplayer, zero online presence, and very few of the customizable features prevalent in modern games is a potentially disastrous undertaking.
So, how does the original Mafia’s fictional, gritty setting of Lost Heaven stack up in terms of enjoyment for 2020 gamers? How have new developers Hangar 13 and current franchise publishers 2K Games gone about recreating gaming’s only original Italian American mafia epic for modern consoles? The answers may surprise cynical fans of the series and reluctant newcomers alike. Let’s examine the title’s presentation, gameplay, and story to see why.
While “Grand Theft Auto III’’ popularized the genre of open-world, crime video games, the Mafia franchise has always maintained some artistic distinction from Rockstar’s massively successful property due to its uniquely serious and realistic aesthetic tone. Lost Heaven, the game’s Chicago-inspired, gangster-ridden metropolis and setting has always seemed more subdued than “Grand Theft Auto’s” neon-soaked, ridiculously stereotyped depictions of American cities. Thankfully, this creative sentiment carries over in “Mafia: Definitive Edition’s” complete graphical overhaul of the original property. Revolvers, car hoods, and rain-slicked rooftops glint with a current-generation graphical prowess that holistically improves upon the 2002 version of the game. People, clothing, money, cigars, alcohol; and weapons all throb with tactile realism, represented by some of the best graphics Hangar 13 have ever produced. The developers have also completely overhauled the original game’s sound, hiring an entirely new cast of voice actors and reworking sound effects and music from the ground up. The result is the sound of a crime epic. Voice actors have bettered the contributions of their predecessors, lending a sense of authenticity and professionalism to vocal deliveries that was not present in the original game. The cinematic soundtrack as well as the radio stations that players listen to while in-car have been expanded to feature Louis Armstrong and emotionally overwhelming orchestral pieces to compliment the dark story.
As with aesthetics, Hangar 13 have had to foundationally recreate the original “Mafia’s” gameplay for the remake. As such, fans of the original can expect a marked improvement in shooting, driving, and traversal mechanics for their revamped experience. Unfortunately, however, the game does little to distinguish its mechanics from those of recent iterations in the franchise, “Mafia II” and “Mafia III.” With both of those titles widely considered to be lackluster-if-competent interpretations of modern action-adventure gameplay features, “Mafia: Definitive Edition” fails to excel in overhauling the mechanics of current-day, crime-shooter games.
As far as story is concerned, fans of the original game can expect a treat. The enhanced performances of the new voice cast, rewriting of certain key dialogue lines, and slight remapping of story events maintain every major beat of the original narrative without sacrificing an inch of its impact or edge. The story, which concerns working-class cab driver Tommy Angelo’s entry into, rise through, and subsequent betrayal of a local crime family is sure to appeal to newcomers as well. The recent success of intellectual properties like Scorsese’s “The Irishmen” has shown that audiences are still hungry for the classic American crime epic. Players will guide the protagonist through the forming of a tight friendship with DeNiro-and-Pesci-esque characters that serve as close allies through many of the expectedly classic back stabbings, big scores, and violent hits prevalent in all iconic gangster cinema. If there is any criticism to be made of the story, it is that it may be a tad derivative. Just as with the original and its sequels, however, Hangar 13’s competent of execution of familiar mafia story tropes makes the game an interactive experience unlike any other.
While a disappointing lack of gameplay innovation will keep “Mafia: Definitive Edition” from changing the world of contemporary videogames, the title excels in honoring the intellectual property that birthed it. Fans of the original’s dark and serious story will likely join newcomers looking for a fresh, story-driven game experience to savor a truly cinematic and technically competent gangster video game epic.
Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna Review
By Matthew Scott
Every quest must come to an end and every Adventure has its destination. After a long wait, the final installment of the Digimon Adventure series has come in the form of an hour and 35-minute long movie. Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna was made in celebration for the Digimon 20th Anniversary, this film sets out to close the final door on this beloved franchise. This’ll be the fourth entry in the Adventure Saga. As any Digimon fan will know, the Adventure series has had a couple bumps in the road. None of the sequels have ever been able to reach the highs of the 54 episodes of the original series. It is now coming out only two years from the dreadfully received final entry in the Tri movie series. Does this film Digivolve into something transcendent, something that puts its contemporaries to shame, or does it fall flat like its predecessor?
It’s 2010 and all the characters from the original series have grown and matured into 20-somethings ready to face the world of adulthood with open arms, all except fan favorites Matt, played this time by Nicolas Roye, and Tai, played again by Joshua Smith. Both are the only two who still fight alongside their Digimon partners, Gabumon (Kirk Thornton) and Agumon (Tom Fahn) to save the city from any rogue Digimon that happens to cross over into the real world. The original Digidestined have all grown apart from each other being swept up in their own aspirations for life. Even Matt and Tai no longer have time to spend with their digital friends, both on the cusp of adulthood filled to the brim with feelings of uncertainty. New threat looms overhead, one that will test the bonds they share: a threat more menacing than anything they’ve ever faced before.
For long time fans, this won’t be just another movie tapping into their nostalgia for profit — it’ll be an experience. It’ll make them cheer with it’s downright beautiful animation and it will be sure to coax piping hot tears from their eyes. Everything in this film is made to evoke the feelings of nostalgia, from the OST that remixes the classic Butterfly opening composed by Koji Wada, to the opening scene that harkens back to the Digimon Adventure OVA directed by Mamoru Hasoda. It is a film made of concentrated nostalgia, but at the same time, challenges that nostalgia with its themes of accepting maturity and learning to let the past go. Digimon are used as an allegory for youth and childhood. The antagonist of the film’s goal being to ensure that no one has to let go of their childhood like they did. It’s a heartbreaking tale that forces the audience to look back on their own attachments to their adolescence.
The animation done by the Yumeta Company is phenomenal. The action animation blows most any other animated film that came out this year out of the park.
The only downside though is that the screen can become a little cluttered and hard to follow. A similar sentiment can be said for the OST, while great in the heat of the moment, it can be forgettable after the credits roll.
The biggest complaint that can be made with the film is that it isn’t newcomer-friendly. While the story does give a brief overview of what the overarching plot is, some of the finer details will be confusing. Characters who are only mentioned by name once and are given one scene can elicit tremendous emotions from a fan, but to a first-time viewer, that scene would get an apathetic response. It’s a movie made by Digimon fans for Digimon fans and that will isolate anyone who wants to jump right in to the new animated spectacular.
There are a few other nitpicks that could be said, like the new designs for the final battle are a bit off putting and when all the revelations are made, some scenes in the beginning don’t make any sense. There’s just small little problems that can be overlooked, but still stick out like a sore thumb compared to everything else in the film.
On that note, the most extraordinary feat the movie was able to pull off was the characterization and character interactions. The one thing that held back the previous entry in the series Digimon Adventure Tri was that the writers didn’t know how to write to the Digidestined. They also added an overabundance of melodrama that weighed down the plot. All of that is thankfully gone in Last Evolution, while the story heavily focuses on Matt and Tai and their relationships with their Digimon. The supporting cast is used wonderfully and the natural comedy that develops from interactions is a wonderful breath of fresh air.
This may be the final bout for the characters that fans across the globe have grown up with, but just because the Adventure has come to an end, doesn’t mean that we have to forget the lessons we learned.
Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna is 8 Digieggs out of 10
Beta Testing “Escape From Tarkov”
By Hunter Henrikson
First Person shooters are nothing new to the gaming community. Dating back to 1971 when the first attempt of a FPS game was made called “Maze War”. Since then, FPS games have dominated the gaming landscape.
But with hundreds of FPS games today, uniqueness and boundary stretching games do not come around often. We see similar qualities, game modes, and overall same play style for most games.
Escape From Tarkov has many of those similarities but also finds a way to be unique. From the realistic damage and health, inventory management, and other aspects makes Escape From Tarkov a worthy FPS.
EFT is an early access game and began development back in 2012. While reaching alpha testing in 2017. The long development period can be attributed to its development team, BattleState Games, which is a small and new team. Escape From Tarkov was their first game.
Gameplay
EFT is based around missions they call “raids”. Essentially, you jump into an online match in one of the seven main maps. Your goal is to get as much loot as possible and then get out or “extract” yourself. In any given match, you are shown three to four different extraction points that are located in certain areas of a map.
The game also has a giant learning curve. And with the lack of good equipment, new players have little chance against players who have helmets, body armor, and automatic weapons. You quickly learn that running around looking for people is the easiest way to die. Hiding is easy and footsteps are loud. Someone will hear, see, and kill you before you have a chance.
This game requires you to move slowly and be patient because if you die, all the equipment and loot you had is gone.
Character Selection
There are two types of characters you can go into a match as. First is your Personal Main Character (PMC). The starting items on this character include whatever you have available and want to risk losing. If you don’t have items to put on your character, you can always go to the shop and buy certain equipment.
The other character that a player can choose is a ‘Scav’. Scavs have a random load-out that can not be changed when loading in. The catch with Scavs is that everything you spawn with, you can extract with. This is where new players will find the most success because the field is more evenly matched. To avoid abusing this part of the game and to force players to risk equipment with their PMC, Scavs are locked for 20 minutes after using.
Realism
Escape From Tarkov is a hardcore FPS. Most aspects of the game are as close to real as possible. And the first ‘real life’ aspect a new player will notice is the HUD, or lack thereof.
A HUD in a normal game will show the player any information needed. Including health, map, type of weapon, and any other relevant information. But in EFT, the HUD consists of only the bottom left corner showing your stamina and walking speed and whether you are crouching, laying prone, or standing. The only other display is in the top left, which shows an outline of a body and will highlight certain areas when the player is hit.
Everything else is up to the player to find out by using different game mechanics.
Also, EFT has no player IDs. Meaning the only way you can differentiate between a friend or foe is the clothes they are wearing.
Footsteps are also very realistic when it comes to walking on different surfaces. Walking across a fallen down metal fence is very loud compared to walking on concrete. Controlling your walking speed, which is a game mechanic, is very important to keeping hidden.
While it’s not anything new, the EFT inventory system is another interesting mechanic.
Depending on the backpack and vest you have on, you can only carry so much. Having to manage an inventory while also making quick decisions is an experience that is unique to EFT.
While the gameplay of walking around, hiding, and fighting people can seem slow. Looting always feels rushed and every second looking into a bag is an opportunity for someone to sneak up on you.
Overall Review
To only be in a beta stage after eight years of development is normally a bad sign for a video game.
But with Escape From Tarkov, you almost get it. You see when playing the amount of detail and time they put into the game to make it a totally different FPS experience. And the eight years do not seem wasted.
I highly recommend EFT and look forward to the fully released game next year.
Players of an option of playing as a Scav or PMC
Escape From Tarkov features a very limited HUD.
No Sports? No Problem!
By Josh Dugan
When the pandemic hit this year, many avid sports fans like myself were left with a major hole to fill in our daily lives when professional sports were forced to shut down from mid-March until early July due to the unprecedented challenges we were all facing at the time. Springtime is usually when baseball fans are gearing up for the start of the major league baseball season. Without our favorite teams to root for many of us went looking for other options to fill the void that professional sports had left. I decided to purchase the baseball video game MLB The Show 20 for PlayStation 4 in hopes of filling that void. MLB The Show 20 is the newest installment in the MLB The Show franchise, created by video game developers SIE San Diego Studio, an affiliate of Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is available for $59.99 via digital download from the PlayStation online store or you can purchase a physical copy at Best Buy, Target, or any retailer who has an up to date catalog of video games.
I decided to purchase the game via digital download, and as soon as it finished downloading, I was blown away at the level of detail the graphics team at SIE San Diego Studios put into this digital masterpiece. I was amazed by the job they did recreating real world physics in this simulated version of baseball. The graphic artists did a fantastic job at recreating the likeness of these professional athletes so closely that even the way they run or swing the bat in game is identical to the athlete’s real-life movement. I’ve played sports video games for over twenty years and in my experience, this is the most realistic simulation of sports yet. I realized I wasn’t alone in this belief when my girlfriend walked by while I was playing and asked if “Sports were back?” because the image on the screen looked so clear and real that she thought I was watching baseball on television, not playing a video game.
What really sold me on MLB The Show 20 was just how accurate the game felt in comparison to real life baseball. As a passionate sports fan, it can be frustrating playing a video game that is supposed to be a somewhat accurate portrayal of how that sport is played in real life, but in reality, the game resembles a poorly-animated, half-assed version of the sport we are trying to simulate playing. This can be a letdown as a consumer of video games, but thankfully I have been totally satisfied with MLB The Show 20 in this aspect because it feels like I am playing baseball from a fundamental and mechanical perspective. Meaning: it looks and feels like baseball should. That being said, I think MLB The Show 20 is the most realistic sports video game on the market today.
Unfortunately, in today’s video game market there is a trend that requires gamers to make in-game purchases for “bonus content” after already paying the initial cost to purchase or download the game. So, I was pleased to find out MLB The Show 20 is not one of those games because the other two major sports video game franchises “Madden Football” and “NBA2K Basketball” both require gamers to make in-game purchases to be competitive in online play. After spending the past few years playing the other two major sports games and wasting countless dollars on this bonus content, I was thrilled by the overall quality of content that SIE San Diego Studio makes available to players for absolutely no additional cost. This abundance of free content makes MLB The Show 20 the most cost-friendly sports video game on the market today.
If I had to summarize my experience with MLB The Show 20 in three words, I would describe it as a “work of art”. The stunning graphic design, life-like physics, unbelievable free content, and overall fun nature of this game make it a must buy for anybody who enjoys playing video games or loves baseball.
We are now in the fall of 2020 and, despite the pandemic still being present, things are starting to get back to normal, including all professional sports making a comeback. I mention this because even with a plethora of professional sports available for my viewing pleasure, I still find myself picking up my controller, turning on my PlayStation and playing MLB The Show to get my sports fix while I lose myself in the virtual world that SIE San Diego Studio has created for gamers like me. What are you waiting for? It’s time to play!
