In Salt and Sanctuary, a two-dimensional action RPG platformer that draws heavily from the Dark Souls franchise, Ska Studios has provided a welcome reprieve for fans impatiently awaiting From Software’s Dark Souls III. From aesthetics to mechanical choices, Salt and Sanctuary wholeheartedly embraces the influence that From’s flagship brand has on it. Most importantly, the game ( more… )
Reviews serve an important purpose in helping gamers decide on which products to spend their time, money, and brainpower. Different publications approach reviews differently, with many using a 10-, 20-, or 100-point rating scale, and others eschewing a numerical score altogether. Regardless of the type, format, or content of reviews, ( more… )
The Souls games—Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and Dark Souls II—have famously excellent soundtracks. That’s not what this post is about. I believe the most crucial aspect to the soundtrack in a Souls games is where it’s not heard: namely, almost everywhere. The boss-fight music in these games hits hard, in ( more… )
Dear First-Person Shooter, We’ve had some awesome times together, haven’t we? Remember those long nights of Duke Nukem 3D? The number of times I played through Dark Forces? And Goldeneye. Oh, Goldeneye. Yes, we sure have had some great times, but I’m writing to tell you that I’ve moved on. ( more… )