Skip to Content

Hopeless Rayman-tic: Could Rayman usurp Mario’s platforming crown?

Ever since the release of the original Super Mario Bros. 30 years ago, Mario has regularly and persistently found himself at the top of the platforming heap. Oh sure, there’s been some competition: a Sonic the Hedgehog here, a Crash Bandicoot there, even the occasional Banjo-Kazooie or Bubsy (wait, scratch that last one). None of them have lasted for long against the venerable plumber …

Read More about Hopeless Rayman-tic: Could Rayman usurp Mario’s platforming crown?

The Failure Chronicles Vol. 1: ‘Bit.Trip.Runner’ and The Odyssey

As a hardcore gamer, I obviously have a pretty high opinion of myself when it comes to the realm of gaming. I have masochistically forced myself through many a brutally difficult adventure, and have tediously pursued dozens of irrelevant trophies and achievements for my various digital showcases. I have overcome the infamous Land of the Livid Dead in Rayman Origins, taken on Ornstein and Smough without assistance in Dark Souls, and toppled every optional boss in every Final Fantasy game known to man, and yet, there are still games that can crush me without fail, despite my ego and aptitude for the hobby. Bit.Trip.Runner is one such game.

Read More about The Failure Chronicles Vol. 1: ‘Bit.Trip.Runner’ and The Odyssey

‘Ori and the Blind Forest’ is a thoroughly Ori-ginal platformer

Recently there have been many notable platformers–in an industry with an immense history of them. So how does one go about making a platformer that feels unique, fresh, and original? Look no further than Ori and the Blind Forest, the first collaboration of Moon Studios and Microsoft Studios. By combining “Metroidvania” exploration, smooth controls, cinematic action sequences, genuine heartfelt moments, and a gorgeous score, Ori transcends the typical platformer and will likely be a fan favorite for years to come.

Read More about ‘Ori and the Blind Forest’ is a thoroughly Ori-ginal platformer

‘Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’ is the ultimate Gothic odyssey

Over the many years since the SNES and PSX had their day in the sun, their legacy and influence have still been felt with regular validity. Legend of Zelda games are still compared to SNES classic, A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy games are still measured by the stick of Final Fantasy VII, and exploratory action-platformers are leveled into a prestigious subgenre known as “metroidvania”.

Read More about ‘Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’ is the ultimate Gothic odyssey

‘Guacamelee!’ is ludicrous metroidvania fun

One of the greatest things about the indie marketplace is how it has opened up the gaming medium in every direction imaginable. Take Guacamelee! for example: developer Drinkbox Studios wouldn’t have had a luchadore’s chance in hell of getting published 10 years ago. With the advent of this new digital frontier however, a side-scrolling adventure game about a Mexican wrestler is now a totally marketable product.

Read More about ‘Guacamelee!’ is ludicrous metroidvania fun