It’s a very low skill cap game

The first problem I have with Skyrim  is the one most likely keeping me from revisiting it in the near future: it’s too easy. Not only is it easy, but very little strategy is required when entering a fight. There’s an enemy in front of you, spam right trigger until it stops moving or spam left trigger until it’s on fire. If you feel like getting fancy, you might sidestep or hold one of the triggers to execute a special attack that will ultimately accomplish the same thing as a regular attack. That’s about the extent of the complexity of the the battle system.

Compared to a game like Dark Souls, which is an entirely skill-based game, Skyrim  falls short. Lower level players can beat higher levels if they are good at the game. Every different weapon has different kinds of attacks and multiple stats as opposed to Skyrim‘s pretty generic weapons that just have a damage stat with the only mitigating factor being the swing speed. Dark Souls  requires you to plan and adapt to whatever the situation requires, whereas in Skyrim  you can literally just run in swinging like a maniac. I’m not saying that Skyrim  should be as difficult as Dark Souls, but I’m trying to point out the disparity in their combat systems. Dark Souls  features a system that forces you to constantly adapt play styles while Skyrim‘s never evolves past the “smash it with a hammer” point.

The world lacks variety

I’ll start by saying that Skyrim  does have a more varied world than The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion  did, but whereas Oblivion  had the same two acres of English countryside copy and pasted over and over again, Skyrim  is the same five acres of Nova Scotia copied and pasted over and over again. It’s a little more varied but not much, and while there are distinct areas (forest, tundra, marsh, etc.), those areas are incredibly similar within their respective perimeters.

Moving beyond mere scenery, the lack of variety is also a detriment to exploration. One of the greatest parts of an open world game is walking in a random direction until you find an adventure. If you do that in Skyrim, the first thing you’ll stumble across will be a bandit camp situated in some ruins. OK cool, kill the low level bandits and loot them then move on…to discover another low-level bandit camp in some ruins. After many tedious bandit battles, you might come across a peaceful giant camp (but Talos help you if you cause any trouble) followed by another bandit camp. Eventually you might stumble upon a ruin with some important treasure, but chances are you will have no idea what you’re doing with it. This, combined with the game not scaling with your character level, makes the world very unfriendly to wanton exploration, something the game should actively encourage.

The game makes adventuring tedious

Skyrim  did something that I thought was impossible: it made dragon fights boring. The big draw of the game (and the central plot) revolves around the reemergence of the dragons. This, of course, means that you end up fighting dragons a lot. And I mean a lot. You fight dragons so often that the impact of being a legendary warrior fighting a mythic beast of destruction wanes thin. It’s not only a matter of quantity, but quality as well. Most of the fight consists of the player waiting for the dragon to land and when he finally does it turns into just a mindless hack and slash (see above). As you level up, the game eventually starts throwing two dragons at you. That’s not upping the ante, it’s adding more busywork. I often found myself running from fights, not because I couldn’t handle it, but because I didn’t have the time to watch an over-sized lizard do loop-de-loops for 30 minutes.

In addition, the various aspects of the world come off as stifling to an epic environment. The selection of voice actors is laughable at best (there’s about one person who voices all male Nords) and the main character seems very tangential to the actual goings-on in the world. The world comes off as almost WoW-esque (though not inherently a bad thing, these are just different types of games) with an empty sandbox filled with collections of 1’s and 0’s with exclamation marks above their heads just aching to tell you the errands they need done. While there are some great moments of immersion, the opening few minutes being a good example, the game seems to instead resist immersion with the character’s words and actions resting comfortably in the uncanny valley.

There’s a lack of character options

One of the greatest things about open world games where you establish your own characters is just that fact, you establish your own character. Dialogue choices, in-game actions, and decisions made while leveling truly allow you to create a character who tells a unique story. When I go into one of these types of games, I have a concept for a character that I would like and then make all decisions based off that. Skyrim  operates counter-intuitively to this. In-game actions, even when you’re given a choice, lack any variety. For example, you can join up with the racist rebels or the puppet imperials. Neither have much difference to them and if you don’t like either faction, too bad. Fallout: New Vegas, a similar game, gives you the option of four distinct factions, all of which have different motives, philosophies, and characters that embody their ideals while also deconstructing them. If you don’t like any of the factions then you can start your own and run things your way, the way your character would.

It’s not even large, game-changing decisions that come up short in Skyrim, dialogue options are often limited, vague, or generic. Games like Dragon Age  and Mass Effect  pride themselves on the different dialogue options that define your character, their relationship with others, and the reaction of NPCs. Even the Fallout games typically give you at least three different ways to answer the same question. Skyrim’s answers are typically lacking in the kind of personality or variety that establish a character. Whereas in other games you would be able to respond to a potential quest by saying: Yes, yes for a price, snarky yes, no, angry no, etc. Skyrim  is typically of just the Yes/No persuasion.

Don’t get me wrong, there were definitely things I enjoyed about Skyrim. The leveling, skill, and perk systems are superior to ones found in the Fallout  series. The game also looks stunning and has a great artistic style, enhancing some of the best mods I’ve ever seen. The problems listed above were my personal issues with the game; whenever I get into arguments with Skyrim  fans, they cannot properly counter these points or, sometimes, they even agree. I’m not telling you to snap your copy of Skyrim  and throw it out the window. I’m just asking everyone to think more critically about games, thereby improving the genre. So before I got any hate in the comments (we all know it’s coming) I’m not trying to tear Skyrim  down. I’m trying to make it better.

The post Games You Love and Why You Shouldn’t: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim appeared first on SpawnFirst.

Mayberry said that “After 10 years at Blizzard, I didn’t think that there was anything that could ever get me to leave. But then Chris [Roberts] invited me to come check out Star Citizen, and after seeing the game and listening to Chris talk about his vision, I knew that I had to be a part of it. Star Citizen is bold and ambitious, with a unique and innovative approach to game development.  I am extremely excited to be joining the talented people at Cloud Imperium Games, and I strongly believe that together, with Chris Roberts’ direction and the support of the player community, we will set a new standard for AAA games.”

While at Blizzard, Mayberry has worked on titles such as Diablo III: Reaper of Souls and several World of Warcraft expansions. It was also announced during last month by developers that the game has surpassed $43 million in community funding already, and continues to increase because of the generosity of gamers who believe in the vision Roberts has for the game.

Check out some recent footage of the game that was showcased at this year’s PAX East in the video below.

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Note: I went with characters who were kings throughout whatever game they were in, not ones who became kings at the end like, for example, the Prince of Persia. I’m also not factoring in actual historical figures, such as the ones found in the Civilization games, or kings from other media that was adapted into games, such as The Lord of the Rings  or Game of Thrones.

10. The Burger King — Sneak King, Big Bumpin’, PocketBike Racer, Fight Night Round 3

OK, so the Burger King games sucked. Badly. I consider Sneak King  one of the worst games I’ve ever played. But that’s not the king’s fault. He’s awesome! He delivers food to hungry people, races motorbikes, and even sometimes manages boxers! In many ways he’s the ultimate king. But those Burger King games sure did suck…

9. King Graham — The King’s Quest series

In the original King’s Quest,  Sir Graham of Daventry is a knight who sets off on a journey to save the kingdom of Daventry. In the process he becomes King Graham of Daventry. Throughout the main King’s Quest  series, which consists of seven games, Graham does it all. He goes through many trials (he even faces off against Count Dracula), rescues a woman who becomes his queen, and saves his family from an evil wizard. King Graham truly ran the gambit on what it means to be a king, but he has unfortunately faded into the deep annals of history.

8. King K. Rool — The Donkey Kong series, Mario Super Sluggers

King K. Rool is a pretty rotten reptile. He has been after the Kong’s secret banana horde for years in an attempt to starve them to death. He has cosplayed as a pirate and as Baron K. Roolenstein, a Frankenstein wannabe. He managed to capture several of the Kongs once and even stole Donkey’s golden banana horde, but his nefarious plan to blow up Donkey Kong Island eventually failed. Even after all that evil plotting he took a break to play a little baseball with the Kongs. K. Rool is a gigantic idiot, but there’s also something surprisingly endearing about him, which is why he’s on this list. I like the guy…creature.

7. King Frost — The Shin Megami Tensei series

King Frost reminds me a lot of myself. He’s unfriendly, ruthless, and treats every living thing he comes across as a subject. Sure, he looks like a big marshmallow or a Boo reject, but don’t let his appearance deceive you. He’s one of the toughest enemies in the Shin Megami Tensei games. When you cross his path, prepare for an arduous battle. I’m not sure what he’s exactly king of, though he claims it’s “frost”, which is pretty fitting, but he is tough as nails, so I say he’s earned his spot on this list.

6. The King of Hyrule — The Legend of Zelda series

The King of Hyrule, much like Princess Zelda and Link, is a different person in nearly every iteration of The Legend of Zelda.  However, unlike Zelda and Link, he’s almost always nameless. He may seem like a minor entity in the Zelda series, but consider this: He has provided major assistance for the many different versions of Link. Most of the time he does so behind the scenes, but in some cases he makes his presence known. In The Wind Waker  his spirit possessed the boat, The King of Red Lions, that Link used throughout the entirety of the game. He may not ever be able to overcome the sheer evilness of Ganon/Ganondorf, but he’s always looking out for his kingdom and its people.

5. King Dedede — The Kirby series

King Dedede is Kirby’s arch-enemy. He’s usually just a regular ole mischief maker, stealing food or treasure from the inhabitants of Dream Land. The only time he’s ever caused any real trouble is when he was possessed by the Dark Matter. King Dedede is actually just jealous of Kirby and all his accomplishments and has never really wanted to fully defeat Kirby. He’s gone out of his way to help Kirby before, proving a few times to even be a kind of hero. King Dedede is flawed and more than a little pushy, but when it comes down to it he gets things done. Truth be told, he’s one of the most well thought-out characters in video game history.

4. The King of All Cosmos — The Katamari series

If you thought this list couldn’t get any stranger, allow me to introduce you to the strangest character on it, The King of All Cosmos. This guy just loves making his son roll things up. He accidentally knocked all the stars out of the sky TWICE and then made his son roll up stuff into balls so he could make more stars out of that stuff. While The King of All Cosmos is technically the king of all kings (he rules over all of existence), he’s just too bipolar for me to place him any higher on my list. I appreciate his general abundance of enthusiasm, but he punches his son or shoots lasers at him from his eyes when he makes mistakes. Now that’s just messed up.

3. The Lich King — The World of Warcraft series

You do not want to mess with the Lich King. He rules over and controls the Scourge, an innumerable army of undead creatures. He thrives off death and feels no regret. He forced his own heart  to be quiet so he couldn’t feel emotion. Well, it was actually Arthas Menethil who did that when he became the Lich King after Ner’zhul, who…look, the history of the Lich King is long and convoluted, OK? Just know that he led one of the biggest armies in video game history and he can never die. Seriously, he can’t die. Ever.

2. Ganondorf — The Legend of Zelda series

Ganondorf (aka Ganon aka the King of the Gerudo aka the Great King of Evil) is nothing if not tenacious. He’s been trying for thousands of years to rule the world, and has succeeded before, which makes him automatically superior to most video game antagonists. He’s been shot with several arrows, impaled through the chest with a sword, and impaled through the head twice with a sword and he still isn’t dead.  Nobody knows what Ganondorf is planning, ever. He could have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with someone else’s story, but then—surprise!—there he is. That’s Ganondorf for you.

1. Bowser — The Mario series

Bowser earns the number one spot on my list based on recognition alone. Everyone knows him. Your mom knows who he is. My mom knows who he is. My grandmother knows who he is. Sure, Bowser is an undeniable failure and an awful father, but he has made a name for himself. That’s pretty impressive for a deformed dinosaur who’s been trying to defeat the same Italian plumber for over 20 years. Despite his shortcomings, I truly believe Bowser is the video game king that towers over all other video game kings.

What this list ultimately proves is that video game characters are weird. Also, royalty comes in many shapes and forms. It proves absolutely nothing else because truth be told this list is pretty pointless, but hey, gotta have some fun sometimes. Who are your favorite video game monarchs? Feel free to stop by the comments section below and share your thoughts!

The post Top 10 Kings in Video Games appeared first on SpawnFirst.

Now you might be wondering, “what is a video game concert?” Good question.

Video game concerts are not where everybody sits at their gaming systems and listens to a compilation of music while getting hyped on energy drinks. It is very much like a normal rock concert. Songs from much loved game titles, both old and new, will be mashed together or played in their original form. Here is a taste of what’s to be expected:

Yeah, the crowd was not paid to cheer.

But of course this is just a small sample of a large variety of songs to be played. Tunes will be played from games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man, Kingdom Hearts, Street Fighter, World of Warcaft and The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. O2 Apollo will host the event in Manchester on Saturday, November 1st. The entire event will be brought to life by the enchanting Video Games Live (VGL) symphonic group, who are very popular for their orchestras performance of classic tunes. The group’s creator and host expressed his excitement in declaring that “VGL is a one of a kind entertainment experience so we’ve always strived to let as many people across the globe experience it. Not only do we get to come back to London but we’re very excited to be performing in Manchester for the very first time.”

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World of Warcraft used to be an immensely popular game, single-handedly controlling the MMORPG market and collecting millions upon millions of monthly subscriptions globally. Of course you don’t need me to tell you how big of an impact WoW had on popular culture and the face of video games.

Could this be the beginning end of World as Warcraft as we know it? With Blizcon right around the corner, many are expecting a brand new expansion to come out and revive the game’s slowly decreasing subscription base, but will this be enough to save the MMO from extinction? Even if it isn’t, it’ll take a long, long time before Blizzard’s subscription meter reaches 0.

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With the loss of 600,000 subscribers in the past three months, this brings the number of paid accounts on World of Warcraft to a relatively low figure compared to previous years. This is the lowest subscriber count since before the first expansion released (!), The Burning Crusade, all the way back in 2007.

With a peak of over 12 million subscribers in 2010, World of Warcraft has continued to lose a substantial amount of users since. This may be due to competition with other games, some of which are free-to-play titles. What does the future hold for World of Warcraft? Nobody knows, but it will be interesting to see how Activision Blizzard will respond.

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MapleStory featured crisp, Anime-like graphics, which was what originally caught my attention.

For those of you that donâ€t know, MapleStory is a free-to-play (F2P) MMORPG, developed by Wizet, and it doesnâ€t ask much in terms of your computer. I was ecstatic when my friend told me that not only is the game not very spec-demanding, but it was free too -  another thing that turned my parents off about World of Warcraft. This was about 7 years ago, making me 11 at the time, and at that time F2P MMOâ€s were not really heard of. Besides MapleStory there was only a handful of other F2P online games.

So I went on to play MapleStory for a year and a half or so, but then I was blessed with a new computer and finally convinced my parents to pay $15 a month for World of Warcraft. After venturing into Azeroth, my days in MapleStory had come to an end, and my time and attention belonged to WoW. At the time I didnâ€t know too many people my age that played WoW, so while I had many online friends to chat with, I didnâ€t have any friends in the real world to talk to about WoW, which caused me to stop playing WoW on and off. I found a friend that played online PC games, and asked him if he had ever played WoW. He said he wanted to, but couldnâ€t afford the subscription fees. He told me about some F2P MMOâ€s he played instead, and I decided to join him.

Nuking it up in Silkroad Online.

We picked a couple of different MMOâ€s. F2P MMORPGâ€s had evolved heavily at this time, from the 2D side scrolling MapleStory and limited 3rd person 3D games like Runescape, to promising, almost World of Warcraft-like (in terms of quality, mind you) games like Silkroad Online and DOMO. It was interesting to play F2P MMOâ€s at the time since there were a lot more of them, and many of them were actually pretty good, too. I soon became tired of the F2P MMOâ€s and convinced my friend to join me in World of Warcraft. We spent a few more years playing WoW, and by the time high school came around, we were raiding endgames and conquering PvP. But then, a F2P game unlike any Iâ€ve ever seen came around: League of Legends.

The big one: League of Legends

Now Iâ€m sure most of you know what League of Legends is, but to elaborate, League of Legends is a F2P online game in which players pick Champions and team-up in multiplayer matches that usually consist of each team trying to infiltrate the enemy base and destroy the enemy’s Nexus (a giant crystal located in the center of each teamâ€s spawn). League of Legends has prospered since itâ€s original release, now becoming a game with a huge professional following. League of Legends makes its money, and has stayed afloat, by what is essentially a Cash Shop where players can spend actual money to buy new champions, skins, and other items.

Pre-Nexus destruction chaos in League of Legends.

League of Legends has become extremely successful, and has shown that a F2P game can prosper and become as big successful as pay-to-play (P2P) online games. League of Legends has 32 million registered users, and clocks in 12 million average users a day. Since then, more and more F2P games have been released and and may play and look similar to League of Legends, as it has become the poster-boy for F2P’s success.

It seems as if thereâ€s more F2P MMOâ€s and MMORPGâ€s than ever now, and I firmly believe that it’s because of long running games like MapleStory and the intelligent gameplay of League of Legends. Legends has not only survived and won 4 awards, itâ€s the centerpiece of many MMO tournaments, with pro-gamers battling it out for huge cash prizes. Legends is a perfect example of what a free MMO can do and also that a paid subscription is not necessary for an online game to be successful. Good gameplay, great lore and depth, and a commitment to quality is what makes a game, and as long as F2P games can fully award these elements to their players: P2P, I believe your time is limited, and personally, you won’t be missed.

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