Tom Kosiec- Freelance Content Writer

Last week I went to the Game Developer Conference and met a lot of great people in addition to gaining valuable insight into the video game industry. To those who haven’t been to GDC before, it’s crucial you understand that it’s more business-oriented than consumer-based like PAX. That said there are a lot of games and parties to partake in so it’s not all work and no play. Here are some of my highlights from the show I witnessed over five action-packed days.

The You’ve Got Game Show
A new addition this year, The You’ve Got Game Show reminded me of a Jeopardy. I caught a few rounds while waiting for the expo floor to open and it looked like a lot of fun. Questions ranged from the easy stuff like which game description matches Far Cry 3 to the more obscure related ones about the history of World of Warcraft. As an audience member, I noticed to do well on this show you definitely not only have to possess a strong gaming knowledge but also a good deal of luck. I hope this comes back next year and maybe finds a larger audience on Twitch or something.

New games and hardware
Sadly I didn’t get a chance to try Sony’s VR headset Project Morpheus, but I did get some hands-on time with Valve’s Steam controller. I found it surprisingly comfortable for games like Strider and Broken Age. While impressive, I personally think the 360 controller is just fine for PC games, and I’m still not sold on the Steam Box due to it being cheaper to just build your own gaming rig. I also got to play a lot of indie games from mobile developers while networking at parties and on the show floor. Too many good ones to list, but I look forward to downloading some to play later for my commute.

Cool retro stuff
The Nintendo Museum was really cool and brought back fond memories of playing Super Nintendo from my youth. I had never seen Rob the Robot or the original Famicom up close, so it was awesome to see both up close for the first time. Besides the museum, there was a cool lobby area dedicated to the old Star Wars game where I got to play one of my first N64 games Shadow of the Empire during my downtime. Next year I’d like to see a Final Fantasy or Metal Gear museum.

Parties and meeting people

I skipped out on the GDC parties last year because I was more focused on the expo floor, but I’m glad I went to as many as I could this time. There had to be something like seven parties every night and I set a new personal record of 10 in one week. The parties turned out to be an excellent place to network, play games, get free drinks/dinner and unwind from the daily grind of GDC. Most of them were near downtown San Francisco, but I went to one at AT&T Ballpark which was really cool since I hadn’t been there before. Others were at clubs like the Grand where I met the famous actor Michael Ironside, the voice of Sam Fisher in Splinter Cell.

Panels
What I got to go to was limited compared to PAX, I couldn’t get into many of the panels since I only had an expo pass. However, I did go to one good panel titled “How to not to get into the game industry” organized by recruiters which turned out to be very helpful and gave me some applicable information I can apply to my own job search.

Well, GDC 2014 is a wrap. The convention was one of the most well-organized expos I’ve ever been to, and If I ever get the chance, I’d like to try GDC China in the future. GDC 2015 I’ll see you next year. Next up is Macworld.

Nintendo’s Year of Luigi is almost over, and with the recent news that a new Seiken Densetsu (Secret of Mana) game called Rise of Mana is coming to iOS and Android, it’s time for the Year of the Mana Tree. Below you’ll find my suggestions for what I would like to see Square Enix do to revitalize one of its most treasured Japanese role-playing game franchises and how not to screw it up again.

Do include good online play

I love having Secret of Mana on my iPad Mini, but it was incredibly disappointing that one of the coolest features — the multiplayer part, where you could play with two other people — was removed. Each subsequent Mana game has ignored this feature or lessened the quality by limiting you to one extra person instead of three. Rise of Mana has co-op already included, so that’s good, but again, it’s only for two players. If the co-op has to be limited to just two people, try adding some extra game modes that support more players and find innovative ways to make the experience unique.

Don’t nickle and dime us

Although I wasn’t thrilled that Rise of Mana is only coming to tablets and smartphones, I’m just happy to get a new game. However, what concerns me is that it’s free to play, and I hope that Square Enix doesn’t lock story content or essential gameplay options behind a pay wall. It could really zap the fun out of the game if you have to pay for every weapon, magic spell, and piece of armor, and it could create an unfair advantage between players who purchase extra content and those who do not.

Do keep the gorgeous artwork, music, and quirky characters

The qualities of the Mana games are pretty consistent, so I generally don’t worry about Square Enix changing the series’ traditional style. What I’ve seen from the Rise of Mana trailer looks pretty good: It has catchy music and excellent new designs of classic enemies, and the gameplay looks promising.

A storyline I actually care about that’s similar to Secret of Mana is something I do want, though, but I guess that might be expecting too much from a mobile/tablet game. So how about multiple playthroughs with different character perspectives like in Seiken Densetsu 3?

Don’t fix what’s not broken (and get rid of what is)

Despite some over-spamming of magic spells that made boss battles too easy, I thought Secret of Mana had the best gameplay and menu systems out of all the series. However, with each new game, it seems to get worse and worse.

Why limit players to only one equipped magic spell at a time? Why make commands and story missions more complicated than they need to be? Why copy Kingdom Hearts and Half-Life 2 when your game helped define Japanese action-RPGs? Square Enix should stick to the basics and add slightly new innovations that don’t break the gameplay.

Do rerelease older games to get people excited again

To start off, why not release the first Mana game, Final Fantasy Adventure, on the 3DS Virtual Console? Or even better, release Seiken Densetsu 3 to a Western audience as a digital download for PlayStation Network, the Nintendo eShop, Xbox Live, or a mobile device since most Americans haven’t played it and only a fan translation exists online.

Also, the iOS port of Secret of Mana is good, but how about a remake on 3DS with a nice graphical upgrade like what we saw with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds? Even a port of the DS’s Children of Mana or a remake of Legend of Mana aren’t bad ideas. Those games had potential and, if reworked, could actually be pretty good.

Don’t let us down again

The biggest reason why I want 2014 to be the Year of the Mana Tree and for Rise of Mana to succeed is that Secret of Mana was my favorite game growing up as kid in rural Wisconsin, and every time I’ve played a new Mana game, I’ve been disappointed. Seiken Densentsu 3 got canceled for an U.S. release, and although I finally played it on PC many years later, I didn’t think the gameplay was as good as Secret of Mana. Years ago, I was ecstatic when I first heard of Legend of Mana because it looked gorgeous and had wonderful music, but the gameplay was boring, and the plot was nonexistent for the most part.

All the other Mana games have been disappointing as well, like Sword of Mana, a sub-par action game for Game Boy Advance. Children of Mana was a good dungeon-crawler but not much else. Dawn of Mana was a lame Kingdom Hearts clone, and Heroes of Mana was strategy game that played nothing like the previous Mana games. Get me excited about the Mana franchise again, Square Enix!

It’s certainly tough to be a Mana fan these days, but I’m optimistic about Rise of Mana, and I will support it as long as it’s a good game and not an excuse to overcharge people for a complete experience. If Rise of Mana turns out to be great, then maybe Square Enix will green-light another title for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that’s a true successor to Secret of Mana. Isn’t that reason enough to be excited for 2014 to be the year that the Mana Tree comes back and restores the series to its former glory?

THIS POST ALSO APPEARED ON GAMESBEAT. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE.

http://venturebeat.com/2014/03/06/the-year-of-the-mana-tree/

Like many Xbox One owners, I participated in the Titanfall beta last week. I haven’t played an unreleased multiplayer game before it hits retail from home since Halo 3, so I was pretty excited to get my hands on Titanfall after hearing all the positive buzz from IGN and Kotaku. Here are my impressions based on what I played.

Titanfall is for everyone
I breathed a sigh of relief after completing my first multiplayer match when I wasn’t annihilated every 30 seconds like in Call of Duty. I feel empowered while playing Titanfall and I know I can have a good time even if I’m in last place. The A.I. bots may be dumb, but they reward players with attrition points that speed up access to your Titan deployment while raising your character level, get more weapons, burn cards, and new Titan configurations. It’s refreshing how accessible Titanfall is to casual multiplayer FPS fans like myself who don’t play multiplayer shooters religiously.

Taking down a Titan as a pilot is cooler then stealing someone’s ghost in Halo 2
Seriously, nose-diving from a building on top of enemy Titan and taking him down single handily with your gun and leaping to safety is badass. And even if you’re on the receiving side of this or facing a self-destruct moment it’s satisfying to parachute out of the cockpit and race to find cover.

Constant movement and no place is a safe haven
Titanfall is all about movement and staying in one spot for too soon is a sure-fire way to get destroyed. Luckily, your movement as a pilot is so varied that it’s a blast to jump up on top of buildings, run along walls, and use your cloaking ability to keep your enemies guessing. Even as a Titan you need to move constantly to replenish your shields and dodge anti-Titan weapons to survive. What I love most about the frantic pace of Titanfall is that it helps alleviate boredom and keeps matches exciting.

It’s exhilarating being a Titan
Hearing the words “stand by for Titanfall” gets my adrenaline pumping and eager to wreck hell on every enemy I see. I had the best experience with the Titan machine gun configuration, but the quad rocket launcher and other gun variations are cool. It’s really awesome dashing across the battlefield and playing cat and mouse matches with other titans and absolutely destroying ground pilots. Equally awesome is the melee move where you yank pilots out of their self-destructing Titan before they try to escape.

Cool tutorial and epilogue
Titanfall has an old school tutorial mode similar to Halo and the older Call of Duty games that do a good job if teaching you how the game mechanics work. It works wells and by the time I finished the tutorial sequence, I felt more confident to play competitively with other people. Besides the tutorial, there’s also a cool epilogue sequence after the end of each match where you and your teammates race to the extraction point before your enemies annihilate you. It’s a cool way to end the game and a unique idea I haven’t seen in FPS before.

While I won’t be picking up Titanfall on day one since I don’t typically play multiplayer shooters online. I’ll definitely be picking it up when it drops in price, and I can’t wait to see the final version with the rumored monsters. Also playing the beta makes me really want a single-player Titanfall game, and I hope Respawn considers it for the inevitable Titanfall 2. I wholeheartedly recommend Titanfall to all FPS fans and think it’s a welcome breath of fresh air for the genre and will invigorate first-person shooters going forward.

In honor of Final Fantasy XIII: Lightning Returns release I thought it’d be fun to take a look back at all the main Final Fantasy games minus the spinoffs and online entries. I’ve broken down all the games into three categories the essential, the great but not revolutionary, and the underappreciated. First up is the essential and what I mean by that is these are the titles that best symbolize what makes Final Fantasy so special and are a good starting point for newcomers. Here are my five recommendations for those new to the franchise.

THE ESSENTIAL

Final Fantasy IV
A turning point for the franchise where Final Fantasy surpassed other RPG series like Dragon Quest and Phantasy Star. The simple plots of the first three games expanded into an epic storyline with a diverse range of memorable characters along with the introduction of the active time battle system used in many of the sequels. Like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, this Final Fantasy game set the template for future titles and the quality gamers expected from JRPGS going forward. Also, with multiple versions readily available it’s easy to find a copy. My personal preference is the Sony PSP version and if you enjoyed it play the Nintendo DS version too for a different perspective.

Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy III laid the groundwork for the fan-favorite job system, but FFV refined it even further until Final Fantasy Tactics perfected it. FFV is an essential title because it shows you all the different gameplay and character customization possibilities found in the best JRPGS. In fact, besides Final Fantasy X-2 this is the most replayable game in the series. Although, the story’s forgettable the combat is so quick and varied that it’s still enjoyable now. Just be sure to play the Nintendo GameBoy Advance version because the PlayStation version has slow loading times and nasty save glitches.

Final Fantasy VI
Considered by many to be the greatest JRPG ever and the best Final Fantasy game. While not my favorite of the series, this game is full of memorable moments like the opera scene, the phantom train, Kefka’s evil laugh, and many more. The cast of characters is equally impressive with each of them playing a bit differently, so no party member overshadows the other. Even more amazing is that FFVI still looks great 20 years later and how many role playing games have a villain that actually succeeds in destroying the world you’re trying to save. FFVI is the pinnacle of the 2D Final Fantasy formula making it essential to play if you’re a fan of the series.

Final Fantasy VII
This game is almost every fan’s favorite because it was their introduction to the series like Ocarina Time was to Zelda fans. FFVII is revolutionary for bringing in millions of fans alienated by JRPGS because of their dated presentation and complex gameplay mechanics. This game fixed many of those issues and made me pay attention to the genre for the first time in my life. FFVII has a memorable story with great characters, an excellent villain, tons of fun distractions like the Gold Saucer, and an enjoyable materia battle system all wrapped up in breathtaking 3D graphics with stunning music.

Final Fantasy X
The game that brought voice acting into the series allowing you to become even closer to your party members than ever before and the first title in the series that really felt like an interactive film. Also, it’s noteworthy for its varied combat system that forces you to use everyone in your party to survive. The story is pretty memorable too, and the only missteps are the complexity of blitzball( an underwater sport) and the overall linear structure that many people would grow to hate in Final Fantasy XIII. A good entry point for newcomers and even easier to play now with the upcoming HD remaster.

THE GREAT, BUT NOT REVOLUTIONARY

What I mean by this is that these games are solid but not as essential to the series as the previous entries. Their great games, but some of the mechanics and storylines are better replicated in other titles so they wouldn’t be my first choice when recommending to someone’s what’s so great about Final Fantasy.

Final Fantasy
The game that started it all is still surprisingly playable today. I played the PSP version and immediately got hooked by the simple, addictive gameplay and amazing music. It’s not essential, but the first Final Fantasy is a great starting point for newcomers because of its short commitment(under 15 hours) and overall fun factor. Just be sure to use a guide or online map, so you don’t get lost.

Final Fantasy III
A DS game that took its sweet time making it over to US shores is brutally hard at first and with no save points in dungeons it can be an extremely frustrating experience.. Still, I have no qualms recommending this game, and once you get a taste of the job system, you’ll be hooked. Protip: When first entering dungeons collect all the items first and then teleport outside to save before fighting the boss to minimize frustration.

Final Fantasy IX
Mixing the best of the old Final Fantasy games with the best of the new ones FFIX is an incredibly fun lighthearted game that doesn’t feel dated like the other 3D entries in the series. After playing two heavy sci-fi titles on the original PlayStation, it was refreshing to see the fun brought back in Final Fantasy with a likable lead character like Zidane instead of another depressed emo- lead. Not essential because there’s nothing revolutionary here, but it is one of the funniest and most enjoyable games in the series.

Final Fantasy XIII-2
After the backlash from XIII Square-Enix made a sequel, that was the complete opposite of its predecessor. Gone was the linear structure in favor of an open playground with lots of side quests along with Mass Effect style dialogue choices. FFXIII-2 also borrowed from Crono Trigger with a time-traveling element and multiple endings. What it did keep from FFXIII was the excellent battle system and gorgeous graphics. The story isn’t as strong as XIII, but this is an easier game to start with and much better paced.

THE UNDER APPRECIATED

By under appreciated I mean these games are wonderful for doing something new with the franchise but were alienating to most fans because of their departure from tradition. All these games are worth playing, but it can take a while for them to hook you.

Final Fantasy II
Considered the worst Final Fantasy game and although I agree it’s not bad for a JRPG. Also, notable for being the first title in the franchise to have an actual plot and for its broken gameplay system, which allowed players to build incredibly strong characters with mere hours of play. FFII’s battle system works by repetition the more you use a skill, the stronger you get so it’s easy to abuse the system. I played the PSP version that fixed most of the balancing issues making it the best version available. What makes FFII the least memorable to me is the story isn’t particularly interesting, and the original Final Fantasy is very similar and overall is just a better experience.

Final Fantasy VIII
Most people were expecting Final Fantasy VII-2, so it came as a disappointment that FFVIII was radically different. I, on the other hand, love this game, and it’s one of my personal favorites of the series. Why is it unappreciated though? It mainly has to do with the main protagonist Squall Leonhart begin a jerk until the very end and the complex junction system that requires players to constantly draw magic from enemies to build their stats. It can get boring at times, but you don’t have to do it for every spell. This one’s worth playing for the incredible music, the strong story, and memorable cast of characters that rank among the best in the franchise

Final Fantasy X-2
The one game many people at first glance automatically dismiss because it looks so gay to them, and they don’t want to play as a trio of girls. Yes, the game is silly, and the dress sphere system is girly, but this game is fantastic. It has the most replay value of any Final Fantasy, and the combat is speedy, strategic, and intense. Give it a shot with the upcoming HD release and March and I’ll bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy it.

Final Fantasy XII
I remember going to my second anime convention a few years ago and feeling sad that during the photo shoot for all the Final Fantasy games no one cosplayed from FFXII and the speakers didn’t even mention it. That’s a shame because this game is amazing and is one of the best Final Fantasy’s ever. Most people were upset that the combat felt like an offline MMORPG, and the story was more about the world than the characters. Get past the fact that it doesn’t resemble a traditional Final Fantasy and accept if for what it is and you’ll find one of the deepest and rewarding JRPG experiences in the last decade. The combat is a joy, and the gambit system is just brilliant. Being able to structure your commands, so your AI characters automatically heal themselves and switch tactics on the fly to adapt to new situations is a work of genius. Square-Enix, please make an HD version.

Final Fantasy XIII
Like the other games on this list, there’s a lot of hate for this game mostly due to its linearity. However, no other FF game has a stronger combat system. I enjoyed FFXIII, but the main criticism I have with it is beside the amazing battles theirs not much else to do outside the storyline. Also, being limited to two characters for the first half of the game is frustrating. Once you get all your party members and can customize your battle strategies to your preference the game becomes addicting and is hard to put down. I actually enjoyed it more then FFXIII- 2 because I wasn’t a fan of the monsters taking the role of your third character. FFXIII is definitely frustrating at first, but it’s still a great game.

There you have it my impressions of the all the main games in the series minus the online versions and spinoffs. I think all these games are worth playing and hope you give some of these games a shot. What are your favorite games from the series?

Video games are a wonderful form of entertainment and a great escape from boredom. However, too many titles are bogged down by poor design choices that can ruin your enjoyment. Here are my top nine gaming pet peeves from this console generation and some solutions to address the unneeded frustration.

1. Lack Of Weapon Ammunition

There is nothing more annoying than being caught in an explosive firefight in first-person shooters and running out of bullets. I had to stop playing Halo 4 on heroic because the Prometheans shields absorbed all my ammo, and I had to frantically run away to find more on the battlefield, sometimes several areas back just to continue. I’ve encountered this problem in too many titles, and it’s getting old.

Solution: Game designers at least provide me with a gun with unlimited ammo at all times or let me buy more through a menu like Metal Gear Solid 4.

2. Piss poor boss fights

The last console generation had some of the most embarrassing bosses in recent memory. 007 Legends battles against classic Bond villains were pathetically simple and felt like glorified quick time events. Another title that stuck out to me is Ninja Gaiden 3, which wasn’t as terrible as some critics made it out to be, but it did have some awful boss battles. The low point for me was the robotic T-Rex that purposefully smashes its face on the ground so you can attack him. Now that’s just pitiful.

Solution: Don’t even include boss battle or make it a cut scene instead.

3. Level grinding and too many random battles in Japanese RPGs

I love Japanese role-playing games, but I hate grinding for hours and hours to finish them. I’ve played too many of JRPG’s that let me play normally through 90%of the game and then I’m unable to beat the final boss because my level isn’t high enough.

Solution: I get it that being at a strong enough level to beat bosses is important, but at least make it optional for me to grind if I want a more challenging experience. Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded did it right. Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance did it horribly wrong.

4. Overdoing it on text

Story is an important part of video games, but scrolling through dozens of pages of words makes me feel like I’m reading a novel. Persona 4 Golden, Okami, Paper Mario: Sticker Star are all wonderful games, but they can be tedious to play when a good chunk of the gameplay is a passive experience. And Persona 4 Arena is a solid fighter, but it baffles me that the story mode didn’t use cut scenes to tell its story.

Solution: All text heavy cut scenes or dialogue sequences are skippable or make more story optional like Lost Odyssey.

5. Lost with no direction

I don’t know how I lived without GameFAQs, and YouTube before, because being stuck in a game and having no idea what to do next sucks. It’s unfortunate that some games still do this or even worse when AI companions don’t even know what the hell they’re doing either when you ask them.

Solution: Metroid Prime and The Last of Us are both good examples of games that noticed when the player was stuck and offered you a subtle hint of where to go next.I liked to see more of that.

6. Unnecessary touch controls

Uncharted Golden Abyss is the perfect showcase game for Sony’s PlayStation Vita, but it overdoes it on the touch controls. The final boss battle is horrendous, and one wrong move means starting it all over. Melee combat is a joke and putting together large 30 piece puzzles gets annoying fast. Here’s hoping if there is another Uncharted for Vita it ditches most of the touch controls.

Solution: Give me an out and let me disable them or have the game do them for me. Or make it a cutscene instead.

7. Frustrating quick time events

Besides touch controls another gameplay annoyance of mine is over-reliance on quick time events. Telltale’s Walking Dead uses them well, but in Ninja Gaiden 3 it’s excruciating using right and left triggers to climb walls. Having to do QTE’s for everything in Resident Evil 6 like opening the doors ruined immersion as well.

Solution: Similar to last pet peeve make it optional to have touch interface or buttons.

8. Game-breaking bugs

It’s definitely a problem when a game crashes, and you’re unable to progress because of a nasty glitch. What I played of Assassin’s Creed: Liberation was good, but not enough for me to restart when I got trapped in limbo during the loading screen with no way out other than starting the game over.

Solution: Play test more before release date and make sure always to issue a patch.

9. Checkpoint Save Problems

Checkpoints are a much better alternative than playing a level again from the start, but only if done correctly. I was shocked that Max Payne 3 had no quick saves like the first two games and that earning checkpoints required clearing sometimes 15 or more guards.

Solution: Offer a quick save option or chance to skip a checkpoint like L.A. Noire if things get too frustrating.

There are obviously more gaming pet peeves out there that I didn’t cover, so what are some of your guys and gals thoughts? Leave me in the comments. I’d love to hear them.

Think this looks bad? You should see my PlayStation Plus and other digital games.

Almost every gamer has one, but very few (if any) have defeated this unstoppable monster. I’ve tried telling myself I won’t buy any more games until I clear my backlog. However, if I do that I miss out on playing new releases, and if I neglect my old games, my pile of shame only gets larger. What’s a hardcore gamer to do?

Luckily, by going to the gym regularly, I came up with a pile of shame routine similar to my workout routine that allows me to play a variety of games while simultaneously clearing my backlog. Here’s the strategy I follow.

The Pile of Shame Destroyer

Instead of focusing on one game at a time, my strategy involves playing multiple games at a time and slowly chipping away at your pile of shame. For your first game pick something that’s current and under a year old and for the second choose one that’s older. Rotate between the two and stick with the same titles until you finish them, or you get bored. An effective way to remember when to switch out games is the second and fourth Monday of each month or the days you get paid.

When choosing which games to play, diversify your routine to create the best balance. For instance, after I finish a retail game or grow tired of it I like to play a downloadable title next, change systems or switch genres to keep things from going stale.

Why rotate?

I know it’s tempting, but don’t play just one game at a time. I find if I don’t rotate games I forget about my older titles. If you’re not thrilled about playing game A or B, set a timer and just play it for 25 minutes and then switch to the more fun one. By rotating your games, it forces you to make progress on clearing your pile of shame. If you focus on just one game, you tend to never get around to playing your older stuff because the temptation to play newer titles first is always there.

What about portable games?

Instead of including portable games along with console and PC games I feel it’s better to keep them separate and make time to play them later. Such as work breaks, commute time or any long periods away from home. The same strategy applies here; pick one current game and one older game. When you sit down to play, rotate between dedicated portable systems and mobile phones/tablets for the best variety.

Multiplayer and online games?

These just play whenever you want and don’t worry about rotating titles.

Rentals, review copies, and borrowing games from friends

Sometimes you have a game you’re itching to play, and it needs to be finished quickly for a review deadline or something. So, if you run into that situation don’t change your pile of shame routine. Instead, treat game A and B as a warm-up by playing it for at least 25 minutes and then switch to the more urgent one. It’s also an effective strategy for portable games if you don’t travel frequently, but still want to play unique games like Animal Crossing: New Leaf.

How to use Gamefly effectively

Gamefly is great, but parts of it can be frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing. I use the one game plan and play my rental on top of my pile of shame routine. To get the most out of Gamefly follow this guideline for maximum enjoyment.

1. During the fall when there are lots of new releases consider getting the two-game plan to keep up with all the big games.

2. To ensure you get new releases make sure you send the game back at least four days before the game releases. If a game comes out on Tuesday Gamefly ships the game on the day before so if you send your rental back by Thursday you’ll usually be okay. If you miss out on the new release, depending on how popular it is you usually have to wait a few weeks and sometimes months until it’s more readily available.

3. Don’t keep too many games in your queue or Gamefly will send you a lower priority game and not the main one you want.

4. If a game is medium or lower you probably won’t get it most of the time so stick with pre-release games and high availability.

Besides the above guidelines, I’ve found these other 11 tips to be invaluable to making consistent progress on finishing games.

Give a game two chances to win you over otherwise forget about it

I used to force myself to finish all my games even if was bored with them, but I don’t consider it worth it anymore. Your time matters, and when deciding on what game to play quality is important. Sometimes you can get your value from just a few hours of play, and if you want to see what’s next, you can just watch some let’s play videos or watch the ending on YouTube. There’s no shame in not finishing every game you start.

That said, some games give off terrible first impressions so if I get bored with a game I like to put it aside for a while and give it one more chance after I’ve played something else. If it doesn’t grab me the second time, I removed it from my pile of shame.

For longer games like Skyrim try to get to a specific gaming milestone then switch to something else

Some good examples are getting to the next gym leader in Pokemon, clear 10 missions in Grand Theft Auto V, reach the next dungeon in Zelda, etc. Also, check Howlongtobeat.com to give you an accurate timetable of how long it takes to finish a game. By using this website, you can see which games in your pile of shame you can marathon in a day and which require weeks of dedication. Lastly, don’t keep too many unfinished games on the back burner. A few titles is fine, but once you get into larger double digits, you have a problem.

How to combat boredom

Many games can get really tedious, so I find it helpful to play a podcast or music in the background to make progress. Genres that work well with this include fighting games, jrpg’s, or any repetitive gameplay task. Playing co-op with a friend is also a great way to make progress since even the dullest games can be fun with the right person.

How to control the size of your pile of shame

When deciding to buy a game, ask yourself am I going to play this now or is it going to sit on my shelf for a year? Don’t sweat it if you buy games from Steam, Gamefly and GameStop because of the sales. However, be aware of the fact that you may think you’re saving money, but in the long run you’re just making your pile of shame larger.

Examine your pile of shame carefully and consider selling or getting rid of games permanently

Why play a 10 old jrpg or first person shooter when you’ve played enough of the genre already? Also, depending on how old the title is you might find the game mechanics don’t hold up like they did a few years ago and are a chore to play now. And HD collections and remakes are a great excuse to play classic titles you loved years ago, but it also means you miss out on a lot of new unique gameplay experiences. So strive to create an equal balance when choosing what to play next.

Don’t be a completest all the time

I consider a game finished after I see the credits, but sometimes I wanted to go back to it for downloadable content, achievements/trophies, or side quests. Instead of trying to do everything the game has to offer all at once just come back to it later after finishing another game or two. Remember, the more games you finish, the fewer games you start. So feel free to switch out games constantly.

You can use this routine for other things too

For instance, besides playing games you probably like to watch TV or read books. Apply the same pile of shame strategy here. Pick two titles, one new and one current and rotate between them constantly. I also use this routine for applying for jobs, self-improvement, writing, social events, trying new restaurants and bars, etc.

Finding the time to play games and forming a habit

A lot of people say they don’t have time for video games but with some creative thinking and time management skills you can find ways to not give up your favorite hobby. If you make a weekly schedule hour by hour, you’ll see you have time plenty of time to play games. Here’s a typical day for me and some examples how to implement games and other media into your daily routine.

Play console game an hour or more before bedtime
Play portable titles while on evening commute
Read during work breaks
Watch TV and movies during meals
Listen to music or podcast while applying for jobs

If you do your best not to miss a day, you’ll notice you’ll make faster progress clearing your pile of shame. Find a specific time that works for you consistently and if you’re unable to do it because of work or social obligations just carry it over to the next day. Say you didn’t have time to play any portable games yesterday start with that today instead of jumping into console gaming or TV shows right away.

Get out of your comfort zone

Consider trying a genre or game you think is imitating or something you wouldn’t like such as a sports game, MMORPG, or puzzle game. Free to play games, titles on Facebook, and, mobile ones work well too. Try doing this once a week or bi-monthly to expose yourself to a genre you think you might not like.

Keep a wish list and organize your pile of shame

A great way to keep track of your games is to create a word document on your computer instead of putting it all in your head. It’s also helpful to have a record of titles you missed during the year, so you know which titles take priority over others. A word document works great for getting ready for sequels and crossing off games you’re embarrassed to tell people you haven’t played. Finally, besides writing stuff down organize your shelf and digital collection to remind you of all the games you own.

Don’t like my routine then make your own

Similar to an exercise program you can follow this routine 80% of the time and change it 20% of the time. Also, it’s okay to cheat a bit and miss a day here and there. Some other ways make progress is to play one title on weekdays and the other on weekends. Or choose only to focus on Wii U games, first-person shooters, play a stack of shorter games back to back, etc. Get creative and have fun with this stuff.
So to recap the pile of shame destroyer routine, pick two titles you want to play, one current game, and one over a year old. Make your own categories and rotate playing between game A and B until you finish them, get bored. If you play on multiple gaming devices, separate portable titles from your home gaming routine to avoid confusion.If you have rentals, review titles, and games you borrow from friends then treat the pile of shame games as a warm-up and switch to the more urgent ones after playing for at least 25 minutes. Lastly, if you don’t like my routine make your own and customize it to your liking, so it’s tailored perfectly to your lifestyle.

So many great games came out in 2013, but I didn’t get a chance to play everything. So, one of my resolutions for 2014 is to play all the great games I missed in 2013. For instance, critically acclaimed games like Terraway, Assassins Creed IV Black Flag, Saint’s Row 4, the Stanley Parable, and many more didn’t make my top 10 simply because I didn’t have time to play them. Every title included here is something I finished and had substantial time with last year. Without further ado here are my top 10 games of 2013.

THE TOP 10

10. Luighi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
One of the greatest handheld experiences I’ve ever had and the best game from Nintendo to come from the year of Luighi. Capturing ghosts is a lot of fun, and I liked how different all the mansions felt over this surprisingly long game. The 3D and the boss battles were very impressive too. Nintendo, please make a Super Mario Sunshine sequel for 3DS or Wii U next.

9. Guacamelee
My sole Indie game on my list is an enjoyable Metroidvania style adventure with excellent combat. I love the characters, setting and the creative power-ups, like turning into a chicken, suplexing enemies, and gliding across the screen. The game is pretty challenging, and the length is reasonable at about four to five hours. Here’s hoping for a sequel with possibly a new setting and voice acting.

8. DmC: Devil May Cry
I played a ton of action games this year from Killer is Dead, God of War Ascension, Metal Gear Rising Revengeance, and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow- Mirror of Fate, but the new Devil May Cry was my favorite. I love the combat and how many options you have to eliminate all your enemies. The story and presentation are also excellent, and I genuinely cared about the supporting characters. I even liked the new Dante. While I thought the game was a bit easier compared to past DMC games, I respect Ninja Theory for branching out in a new direction in the series while keeping the gameplay faithful.

7. Rayman Legends
Besides Mario, no other game made me smile more than Rayman Legends. Similar to Rayman Origins, the graphics, music, and level design is all wonderful. However, what I liked best about Rayman Legends is that it uses the unique features of the Wii U GamePad better than any game on the system. Tilting the controller and using the stylus to control a secondary characters adds to the gameplay and wouldn’t feel the same if you were playing on Xbox or PS3. I’m glad to see Ubisoft is still willing to invest in niche games alongside their triple AAA lineup.

6. Bioshock Infinite
Like the Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite told a memorable story and was one of the best games I played all year. And similar to Last of Us I enjoyed the game the most when I wasn’t firing a gun and just walked around the environment or interacted with the characters. I found the gunplay enjoyable, but the skyhook didn’t add a lot to the experience, and some of the bosses dragged on too long. That said, the journey was totally worth it and like Rapture, Irrational has created a universe I love exploring. Lastly, that ending still has me thinking about all the possibilities the series could go next.

5. Super Mario 3D World
When Nintendo first announced this game, I remember feeling pretty bummed out that it wasn’t a new Galaxy game and instead looked like a carbon copy of Super Mario 3D Land. However, as I started hearing more positive buzz on IGN and Kotaku I started to get excited again and I’m glad my general impressions were wrong. I thought Rayman Legends would wipe the floor with the new Mario, but this game ranks among the best titles in the series and like the Galaxy games provides a sense of wonder with each new level. I’m also amazed at how much content is included, and I have every intention of collecting all 380 stars to experience everything.

4. The Last of Us
Naughty Dog’s latest masterpiece is the most gripping and emotional experience I had with a game all year. Although it didn’t make the top of my list I still had a great time with it. Also, scenes like the hospital finale, the giraffe, and when Ellie picks up the bow for the first time will stay with me forever. The presentation, music, and voice acting all set a new benchmark for video games and I can’t wait to see what Naughty Dog does next with Uncharted 4. I also like how nearly each kill felt justified for Joel and Ellie’s survival, unlike Uncharted where I feel like a mass murder. Finally, in terms of A.I companions, Ellie proved to be an even better partner then Elizabeth in Bioshock Infinite and watching her silently take down enemies on her own really impressed me.

3. Tomb Raider
Last of Us had the better story, but to me Tomb Raider had stronger gameplay, and I had more fun playing it. Having just finished Tomb Raider Underworld, I didn’t know how I’d respond to the new direction Crystal Dynamics took. However, within hours I was hooked. I love how the bow and the pickaxe make Tomb Raider feel refreshing again. The gunplay that has always been pretty terrible is the best the series has ever had and the upgradable system rocks. Now that Crystal Dynamics has refined the Uncharted formula even more here’s hoping Naughty Dog takes some ideas from Tomb Raider to improve Uncharted 4.

2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The sequel to my favorite game of all time turned out even better than I expected. Being back in the Hyrule I first experienced as a child practically brought tears of joy to my eyes, and I’m glad Nintendo took a risk with the Zelda formula. Like new additions such as the rental system, being able to tackle the dungeons in any order, and the wall painting move while still perfectly capturing the magical gameplay from a Link to the Past.

1. Grand Theft Auto V
It’s been a long wait since GTA IV, but GTA V was totally worth the wait. Last of Us, Mario, Zelda, and Tomb Raider were all memorable experiences, but I had the most fun playing GTA V. The sheer value of game here is insane and GTA V has the best play mechanics and open world design Rockstar has ever done. I love switching between the three characters, the classic Rockstar satirical humor and that beyond the lengthy storyline there’s dozen ways to make your fun. GTA V without a doubt is my game of the year.

Thanks for reading. I hoped you enjoyed my list and feel free to share your favorites in the comment section.

Before buying both new gaming consoles, I had the chance to play with the PS4 and the Xbox One just in time for their respective launches. The PS4 event took place on November 14th in San Francisco, and it was more of a social gathering, with free food, prize giveaways, a chance to play games, and cool surprise announcements.

Sony- what I liked

I got to the event an hour earlier, and I was amazed I was able to wait in line and buy a PS4 that night! It was also extra awesome to pre-purchase the system early and have the option to come back at midnight to buy it. The event lasted around six hours, and Sony plus the GameStop staff did a great job of keeping the 1,000 plus people entertained.

Sony gave away some really cool prize packs during raffles like a PlayStation Vita with 12 games, a special Naughty Dog game collector’s package, a PS4, and some other neat items. I also got plenty of free swag like”Greatness Awaits” t-shirts, Tearaway key chains, blue glowing necklaces, and free gourmet sandwiches from the food trucks.

It was great to see all the passion among the fans and I met a lot of cool people to talk about games all night. There were also some noticeable appearances by developers like Sucker Punch, Bungie, and Madden NFL Sideline Commentator Danielle Bellini. Also, while waiting outside I watched the Spike TV live broadcast and saw trailers for Uncharted 4, an exclusive MGSV mission, and others.

Sony- what I didn’t like

The area was crowded, so it was a bit difficult to navigate the venue, but I expected this with over a 1,000 people. Also, there were only about 10 or so kiosks to play PS4 games, so the line to get in was pretty long. Nowhere near as bad as PAX Prime, but still frustrating. I enjoyed the demo’s and my only criticism like the Microsoft event was it was difficult to get a grasp of each game with only 10 minutes of play.

Microsoft Event

Microsoft had an Area One Tour in San Francisco, and the event took place on Broadway Street in a club lounge area. The focus was more on playing games versus a celebration of the launch of a new console like Sony’s. Microsoft had a similar midnight launch event at their Microsoft Store’s, but I order my Xbox One from Amazon, so I didn’t go to it.

Microsoft- what I liked

I got way more hands-on time with the Xbox One than the PS4 because there were three times as many kiosks and only around 100 people at the event. I was able to play 10 games total, and many titles had more than one station, so my wait time was minimal. Some of my favorite titles were Dead Rising 3, Crimson Dragon, and Killer Instinct. Unfortunately, Titanfall wasn’t there, but it was okay since I already played it at PAX.

Microsoft- what I didn’t like

I liked that I got to play a lot of games, but I was confused about how to play many to them. With 10 short minutes to play and many games lacking tutorial sections, I didn’t get a grasp of the game until it was over. It was only a problem with certain titles though. For example, Dead Rising 3, Killer Instinct, and Forza I picked up easily, but Kinect Sports, Lococycle, and Crimson Dragon I felt overwhelmed at what to do. The staff was friendly and there to help me if I ran into any trouble though.

However, the big thing for me that was most disappointing was outside of Kinect Sports no game there utilized the camera or any kiosk dedicated to showing off the unique features of the Xbox One. I understand the value of Kinect, but the average consumer doesn’t and nothing at the event justified why anyone should pay a $100 more for the Xbox One versus the PS4.

Which system should you buy?

I already bought a PS4 and an Xbox One, so I don’t have to choose, but I’d recommend either one if you don’t have a high-end PC. Games like Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag looks more detailed compared to the 360 and PS3 versions so if you want to play the best version you’ll want the new hardware.

That said there is no killer app for either system until March, and there are plenty of games on older consoles to keep you entertained through the holidays. Deciding on which console for you really comes down to what first-party franchises are more important to you. Is it Uncharted, Killzone and God of War? Or Halo, Forza, and Gears of War? Each system will have exclusives the other doesn’t so if you want to play everything you need both.

So my recommendation is to get the PS4 if cash is tight and you just want a great gaming machine. Get Xbox One if all the media services and Kinect functionality is something you see yourself using,

Ever since I saw Alcatraz, I’ve always wanted to go there. I got my chance this year and to make it extra special I went on the night tour. Unfortunately, it didn’t get dark until the last fifteen minutes of the tour, but I still thoroughly enjoyed my time at Alcatraz. Here are my impressions, and an overview of how it all went down.

TAKE OFF

Before embarking on my epic voyage, I treated myself to a giant burger and some animal fries from the secret menu at IN-N Out Burger. Then it was off to the PIER 39 where I grabbed some coffee and spent time reading all the information boards on the cruise ship. I saw a lot of cool historical photos, some memorable quotes, and an impressive Alcatraz miniature while I waited for my cruise ship.

Once I got in line for my departure time, a cameraman took a picture of me with an Alcatraz in the background.However, I found out the photo wasn’t free, so I passed on keeping it as a souvenir. On the cruise boat I discovered there were three levels. I choose to stay in the middle because there was less wind blowing, and it wasn’t as cold the other levels. The view leaving the pier was excellent and made me appreciate the beauty of San Francisco. Upon approaching Alcatraz, I was filled with excitement and couldn’t wait to depart and explore it thoroughly.

THE TOUR

Once on the island our tour guide gave us a detailed history of Alcatraz and pointed out things of interest like an old car, told stories about prisoners escapes, and more interesting facts. After about twenty minutes, we traveled upwards through a tunnel and then something unexpected happened.

Unlike a normal heavy hand holding tour, we were free to explore the Alcatraz at our leisure( minus the restricted areas) and take our time seeing what we wanted. It was a nice change of pace from other tours that force you to stay with the guide the whole time.

Next, I began my Alcatraz journey in the prison cells. Upon arrival, I received an audio tour guide in English, and I was impressed there were several others available in six languages. You could listen to the recording while walking around the island, and I thought the narration from the Alcatraz prisoners was a smart move.

Walking around the prison cells area I saw decayed buildings, and it looked like a nightmare to sleep here at night. Some of the prison cells were open, and I welcomed the opportunity to ask someone to take a photo of me locked behind bars. Like the outside area by the cruise ship, there were lots of quotes from prisoners and info on the walls.

I also appreciated all the little details during the tour like photos of security guards, a classic coke machine, telephone and office equipment. Seeing some of the rooms at night in the dark looked really creepy, and one of the area’s looked like a torture area.

The end of the tour led straight to a gift shop. Everything from books, classic work instruments like pots, Alcatraz rocks for memorabilia was here. I was amazed how much films and documentaries on Alcatraz there are, and I’m looking forward to watching some of them later

Outside AlcatrazI saw some magnificent views of San Francisco and plenty of seagulls. One of my favorite spots was the tower and the garden area. I was disappointed that parts of the island were blocked off like the morgue, but I can understand because of safety concerns.

DEPARTURE

When it started getting dark the tour guide signal us to head back and continued to give us more stories.The island definitely felt more spooky at night, and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t gone to Alcatraz before to do that to get the best experience. My time at Alcatraz was worthwhile, and I’m looking forward to seeing Angel Island next.

Thanks for reading.

After having a blast at PAX EAST back in March, I knew I had to experience PAX Prime as well. I almost didn’t think I get badges in time, but I was able to snag a weekend pass before they all sold out a few months ago. The convention was a great experience for me and I played a lot of upcoming cool releases. Here are my impressions from the show.

NINTENDO 3DS AND PLAYSTATION VITA

Pokemon X and Y
The new 3D graphics are wonderful and make Pokemon feel new again. Still, I’m a bit fatigued with the formula, and I’m really hoping GameFreak changes the gym badges routine to something different to freshen things up.

Sonic Lost World
Sonic felt solid and seemed like Sega’s version of Super Mario Galaxy. It was a relief that the camera wasn’t a disaster and although the speed did feel a bit slower than past Sonic games this one looks like a winner.

Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate
A faithful companion piece to Rocksteady’s console games down to the combat, and gadgets. Only the viewpoint sporting a 2D look felt different. The demo involved chasing Catwoman across buildings and taking out thugs. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s awesome to have a Batman game you can take anywhere.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Two Worlds
My most anticipated game of this year besides Grand Theft Auto V didn’t disappoint. It evoked fond memories of A Link to the Past and the wall painting merging technique seemed like a cool new gameplay feature. I used the ability outside of the dungeon to navigating moving platforms and reach hidden areas to great effect. Seeing classic Zelda enemies like Stalfos brought a smile to my face and I thought the 3D complimented the gameplay very well similar to Super Mario 3D Land. When Link catapult up high midway through the dungeon, it looked like he was trying to leap out of the screen.

Terraway
The best use of the PlayStation Vita’s touch controls I’ve seen so far along with the adorable charm of LittleBigPlanet. What I played seemed promising, and I hope more developers can use the Vita hardware in innovative ways like Media Molecule.

NEW CONSOLE HARDWARE and GAME IMPRESSIONS

Xbox One Controller
It felt great, but. I didn’t notice much of a difference. Not a problem since the 360 controller is my favorite from the current generation of hardware.

PS4 Controller
I thought the new controller was a big improvement over the Dual Shock 3. It felt sturdier in my hands, with noticeably improved analog controls and triggers that help make it one of the most comfortable controllers I’ve ever used.

2DS
It looked like a piece of toast, but the device was comfortable. I think it loses portability without the hinge though, and the form resembles a tablet more than a portable video game console. For gamers who don’t care about 3D and want a cheap system this hits the mark this is a good option, but the 3DS XL is still my favorite.

Ryse: Son of Rome
I almost passed on this one because the line was so long, but I’m glad I stood it out because Ryse: Son of Rome surprised me with its quality. The character models, flames, and the smoke definitely looked next gen. The combat was also very satisfying with a good mixture of defensive moves and brutal finishing attacks. Not a system seller, but you could do worse for a launch title if you plan on picking up a Xbox One.

Titanfall
Not being much of multiplayer shooter guy I didn’t think Titanfall justified the three-hour wait, but I’m so glad I played it. The 24 player multiplayer mode was a lot of fun, and I liked how Respawn balanced the gameplay by making you wait for your titan. It was also really cool to see players eject themselves from the pilot seat and watch a Titan get taken down single handily by one soldier. I am officially excited about Titanfall.

Killzone: Shadowfall
After playing Titanfall this felt a lot slower, but the graphics were great, and I liked the more tactical teamwork play of protecting bases. As is Killzone tradition, guns models looked great and looks like it’s be another worthwhile exclusive for Sony.

Knack
Like Ryse: Son of Rome I initially wasn’t thrilled to play Knack, but since the line wasn’t outrageously long, I decided to give it a shot. Knack reminded me a lot of a Crash Bandicoot and Kameo. Nothing outstanding, but using super power style moves and jumping felt smooth and seeing all the cool techniques Knack uses as he gets bigger kept things interesting. I was also surprised how challenging the game was, and I must have died about three times within the first two minutes of play. Knack feels like a sleeper hit so I encourage you to keep your eye on this one.

Contrast
One of the highlights of the show for me. I love the art style that looks like an animated Tim Burton film, and the musical score evokes the 1950’s movie era. Not only is this game great to look at, but it’s very innovative too. Merging into walls and using the shadows as platforms is a really cool concept. I did get a little lost in the demo so some hint reminders might be helpful. All in all, I’m looking forward to downloading this little gem when I get my launch PS4.

CURRENT GENERATION GAMES

Super Mario 3D World
I only got to try the boss level (one of four playable sections) with three other players, but the game played just as well as the last Super Mario 3D Land. The boss battle against a dragon required jumping on higher platforms emerging to hit the boss’s head. It was harder than I anticipated and playing as Luigh meant my jumps were slippery. While it’s not the genre-defying Super Mario Galaxy sequel I was hoping for, it’s a blast to play with other players, and the catsuit appears to be a worthy addition.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
I played with the remote and nunchuck for this game, and it felt a lot like the original Wii one. The game definitely benefits from the Wii U’s upgraded HD graphics with lush jungle design and realistic character models. However, this game feels very safe like Super Mario 3D World, and I didn’t come away wowed. I’m still looking forward to playing this game though, and I’m sure Retro has some surprises up its sleeve.

Lighting Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
The dungeon section I tried focused on combat and ended with a boss battle. And it felt very similar to the previous entries. You switched character class with up to four moves to use. Each used energy, and you had to wait for them to recharge. While a little difficult at first I got the hang of it, and the blocking mechanic was very fun. The boss battle required you to stagger him and us the right move combination to do the most damage. The only thing I didn’t like is Lighting is overtly sexualized like Aya Brea from The Third Birthday and doesn’t seem consistent with her character.

HIGHLIGHT OF PAX

Oculus Rift
My highlight of the show was the Oculus Rift. I missed it at GDC and was so glad I made time to try it out this time. I did a racing demo that felt like I was in the cockpit of the car. When I turned my head, I left and right to turn so did the game. I had to use my hands to steer like Kinect, but it felt really immersive and I can’t wait when the full retail version is available.

PAX Prime came and went, but it really helped to have four days instead of three to experience it. There’s no way I would have been able to play all these games without the extra day. I hope you enjoyed reading my preview roundup and if you were also at PAX Prime and played something cool that I didn’t feel free to leave your impressions in the comments.