Category Archives: Feature

Recent masterpieces debunk open-world fatigue

It is safe to say that open-worlds have become this generation’s defining gameplay feature. Immersive worlds, diverging paths, exploration; these buzzwords and phrases characterize a large portion of the AAA gaming space. Games like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Grand Theft Auto 3 paved the way for The Witcher 3 and Metal Gear Solid V to capture the time and imaginations of the gaming community. The success of these titles has caused the feature to percolate into the rest of the industry, leading to a landscape dotted with sprawling worlds and open air.

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Does Nintendo Switch seem rushed? Blame Breath of the Wild

Impressions of the Nintendo Switch are flooding the internet. While the hardware itself has garnered positive reviews, the thought that it is launching bereft of features has become pervasive. Entertainment apps, a web browser, a robust online experience and a strong launch lineup are but a few of the items missing from the Switch’s March 3rd menu. Kotaku reporter Jason Schreier summed up these feelings in a recent tweet, saying “Switch right now in a word: undercooked.” Many devout followers of the industry are wondering why Nintendo would release a seemingly unfinished console for what amounts to an early-adopter beta test. With the system’s heavy hitters not landing until later this year along with the full version of a new online system, why didn’t Nintendo wait until November and launch with a stacked lineup and a full sampling of features? The answer to this question is simple; The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

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Inside the mind of a Switch early adopter

The Nintendo Switch is less than two weeks away from launch, and the flexible new machine has been a divisive topic of discussion that has dominated the community. While many, myself included, are incredibly excited for March 3rd, there is a massive contingent of gamers that do not agree, and are not afraid to share their opinions. In fact, given what we know, or rather, what we do not, many could not possibly understand why anyone would be excited about the Switch. The future early-adopters and I have been called morons, fanboys, Nintendorks, Nintentards and a number of other clever names and Nintendo puns. Despite these assaults on our intelligence, there is a passionate community who couldn’t be more thrilled for the console.

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Like them or not, Season Passes are here to stay

Season passes are the black sheep of the gaming community. They deviously pry into our collective wallets in search of our precious cash, often in exchange for content we don’t fully understand. This earns them a spot atop our hit lists, and whenever a new pass is announced we grab our torches and pitchforks and set out to pillage the internet with angry comments across the datascape. The only thing that rivals the ire that season passes draw is, arguably, Nintendo. And luckily for us, these two juggernauts of vitriol crossed paths when Nintendo announced a season pass for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

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MONG’s guide to save money on gaming!

Gaming has sucked our wallets dry for years. From consoles, to games, to accessories, there is always money to be spent. I, like millions of others, have had this problem since the dawn of gaming! With anger in my heart and nothing in my wallet I consulted the Middle Of Nowhere Gaming crew and have compiled a guide to help save you every cent possible! Continue reading MONG’s guide to save money on gaming!

Fire Emblem Heroes Review

I Need a Hero

When Nintendo first announced their partnership with mobile developer DeNA, Fire Emblem was one of the series that immediately jumped to mind as a fit for iOS and Android devices. Cue Fire Emblem Heroes, Nintendo’s third foray into the mobile market and a bite-sized version of the hardcore strategy-RPG series. Wrapped in a shell of free-to-play (F2P), Gacha-style mechanics based on the franchise’s likeable cast of warriors, Nintendo has succeeded in creating an entertaining game that is true to the spirit of Fire Emblem while being accessible for franchise rookies.

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MONG’s 10 Most Wanted for the Switch Virtual Console

The Nintendo Switch is less than a month away, and while we have been treated to a slow trickle of information and a Super Bowl commercial, there is still plenty we don’t know about Nintendo’s newest console. Of these unknowns, the questions surrounding the Switch’s Virtual Console iteration are the most tantalizing. Rumors of GameCube releases on the platform have sent the industry buzzing and the motion-capable Joy-Con leave the door open for a possible Wii renaissance. There is no argument about the potential of Nintendo’s classic games service, but will Nintendo capitalize on the monumental opportunity at hand?

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