Taking on the Best of 2014 in Video Games

2014 has been an ecstatic year for video games, as today's next-generation consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One has shown their best gaming lineup suitable for everyone while those who use mobile devices were thrilled for the games released for several mobile operating systems, more particularly on Google's Android and Apple's iOS.

But I would like to take this time to have my own take on the three games that make 2014 an exciting year in the gaming industry. I am talking about the PS4 version of Grand Theft Auto V, Super Smash Brothers for the Nintendo Wii U, and the breakthrough game Destiny.

Random Notes: Donkey Kong Country

If there is one game that can change the way we look at our old gaming systems, it has to be Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

There are Two Assassin's Creed!! Why?

The Assassin's Creed series has become one of the most popular installments in video game history today. But I am confused with the fact that there are two of these released on the same date in North America. Then I found out the truth about them.

The Best PSP Emulator in Town (And the Only One!!)

Logo courtesy of Google Play

In 2005, Sony entered the handheld gaming market with the PlayStation Portable. Now many gamers, especially those who are into retro gaming, can now have a chance to play their favorite PSP games on their PC and mobile devices with PPSSPP, an video game emulator capable enough to play any type of PSP game.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 Video Review

The Pro Evolution Soccer returns with its fourteenth edition, Pro Evolution Soccer 2015. Released for all next generation consoles available, this football simulation game features the best teams in the world of football and many modes that you can expect from the game, even the so-called International Cup. Wait, why does PES 2015 has an International Cup? This is because it is the only football game that does not have the World Cup license (SPOILER: EA has.)

Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire Goes Omega and Alpha

Another classic Pokemon game has just been reborn for today's generation of younger gamers. And its name is Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire for the Nintendo 3DS.

Great Things You Need to Know About the PlayStation

This year marks another milestone in the history of video games, as gamers from around the world are celebrating the 20th year anniversary of one of the most popular and well-known brands, namely the Sony PlayStation.

Just Dance is the New Dance Dance Revolution

Logo courtesy of Google Play

I was surprised when Ubisoft released Just Dance exclusively for Android smartphones and tablets and Apple mobile devices last September, which is known as Just Dance Now. I cannot believe that mobile phone users will now have the chance to experience the way of playing the most popular dance game franchise today. Indeed, the Just Dance series has been making waves in the gaming industry since its first release for only the Nintendo Wii back in 2008. It kind of reminded me of another popular dance game back then, Dance Dance Revolution.

The Best of Sega Dreamcast, Now on Mobile Devices

Crazy Taxi, one of Sega's popular arcade games, and Namco's sword-based fighting game Soulcalibur were some of the best games released for the Sega Dreamcast when the console was first made availabe in 1999. In fact, they are still considered as two of the finest franchises in video game history. Today, we will reminisce playing these games, as Crazy Taxi and Soulcalibur are now available for today's generation of mobile devices, more particularly on Android smartphones and tablets. This is one way for gamers having their own smartphone to relive the joy of playing them.

The Best Nintendo 64 Emulator That I Know and Love

Project 64 is one of the best Nintendo 64 video game emulators today, emulating many including N64's finest games like Super Mario 64. (Photo Courtesy of Emulator-Zone.com)

In 2002, when I was a graduating student in grade school, I installed a Nintendo 64 video game emulator on my PC and named it "Super Nintendo 2002". I borrowed the emulator from my old friend after surprisingly saw someone playing Castlevania 64 on his PC. Although I do not really own a real N64 console from the start, the emulator that I installed and tested on the PC makes me realize that it is indeed one of the best video game consoles I've ever experienced. By the way, the said N64 emulator was actually Project 64, perhaps the best Nintendo 64 emulator I have known and loved through the years.

The Smash is Back!! A Remembrance with 3DS Video Review

If you think that the fact of engaging your favorite video game characters in battle against each other in one ring is just a figment of our imagination, then you are absolutely wrong. In fact, there is only one video game series that is capable of turning this so-called figment of imagination into reality. And that would be Super Smash Brothers.

The Top Video Game Class of 1994

Ten years ago, in 1994, the continuing success of the 16-bit era in the video game industry was threatened by the coming of a new wave of next-generation video game consoles known as the 32-bit. As the console war between the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Sega Genesis reached a turning point, the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn are beginning to start a new video game war although they were never released in North American gaming markets until 1995. But, soon, the release of Donkey Kong Country for the SNES in the holiday season of the said year proved that 16-bit gaming systems can rival even the new wave of consoles as long as there is overwhelming support from the gaming industry and the gamers as well.

What Makes the SNES Superior Over the Sega Saturn?

Sega Saturn (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)

When the Sega Saturn took the gaming industry by storm back in the mid-90s, we would think that this would be more successful than its predecessor, the Sega Genesis. But when it was available in the gaming markets, it has come to realize that we are wrong. But as the Saturn begins to struggle its way into video game supremacy, Nintendo's 16-bit marvel, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, would continue to dominate the industry not only over the Genesis which is beginning to lose its composure in the console wars, but also over the 32-bit gaming systems that are beginning to prosper during the late 90s. It is like that the SNES is superior over the Sega Saturn in many ways.

Magic and Heroes Unite: Disney Infinity 2.0 Video Review

Disney Infinity: Marvel Superheroes, also known as Disney Infinity 2.0, was released last September on all next-generation consoles and handhelds, including the iOS for Apple devices. (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)

A few months ago, I have read an article on a Filipino tabloid about the video game Disney Infinity: Marvel Superheroes. I was surprised to find out that the sequel to the successful Disney Infinity game will be featuring superheroes from the Marvel universe. I thought at first it will be a big joke, but when the game was released, I found it to be an amazing game to try out.

Zelda Meets Dynasty Warriors With Style!!

It is an evident fact that Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series has truly become one of the best and well-loved series in the history of video games. In fact, it is the first series that fully introduced the action-adventure genre in the world of video games since its original release for the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1986. But, what if we take the Zelda universe out-of-the-box and complement it with another video game genre? What if we introduce the series to a different environment that has never seen in its history? This is where Hyrule Warriors comes in.

A Console Gaming Experience on Smartphones

Smartphones are the new generation of personal computers on-the-go today. Aside from the usual calling and texting that are basic things that we do on mobile phones since the beginning of the new millennium, we can do almost everything on a smartphone. It is like we are doing everyday tasks on a hands-on mobile computer. Of all the things we do on a smartphone, perhaps the most popular among them is playing games. Yes, that's right!! There are thousands of games available for you to play on a smartphone. Most of them are giving you the same experience that you have when you are playing video games on your home console. A console gaming experience on a smartphone, no way!!

The Spiritual Successor of the 16-Bit Era

The Game Boy Advance is Nintendo's 32-bit portable handheld gaming system which was released in September 2001 and was known for its ports of popular 8 and 16-bit gaming classics. (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Genesis have truly dominated the video game industry during the early and mid 90s. The SNES is the best-selling video game console of its time, while Sega's most successful console during its time as a hardware manufacturer surprised the gaming industry when it released Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991. As the success of these two great consoles earned my respect, I was able to find a very suitable spiritual successor that would reminisce the legacy and success of the 16-bit era of video games. And that would be the Game Boy Advance.

My Personal Experience of Playing Video Games

Playing video games has become one of my favorite pastimes throughout the years of my life. But since 2010, I have not yet been able to play these games due to some unexpected circumstances that disappointed me. Now, with the growing presence of smartphones and tablets available in local markets, I feel that I am starting to play video games once again. The thrill of playing them reminded me of my own experience when I was young. So, for my first article, I will share to you my personal story of my own video gaming experience.