With summer quickly approaching and restrictions slowly lifting, many of us want to drop the controllers and dive into the briny deep. But what if I told you that you could have a (somewhat) pleasant beach experience without getting sand in your unmentionables?
Epic Games
Ever wanted to be a shark? Random, right? But ManEater will satisfy your summer cravings (at least till Shark Week rolls around). In this lighthearted game narrated by Chris Parnell (Jerry, from Rick and Morty), you play a shark growing up in the bayou who takes on predators and humans alike. You will grow stronger from consuming different fish, evolve your abilities for maximum munching, and even get to bust up a few beach parties. It’s almost like a pandemic-free summer, right?
The Indie Game Website
Instead of blistering on the beach “irl”, swim through nuclear waste, flop around golf courses, and interrupt beach parties (they are definitely not social distancing!). I’ve played through the game so quickly and so intensely that I didn’t take a lot of screenshots. It’s difficult to remember a game that was this enjoyable. It’s definitely a GTA/Far Cry-esque game but as a shark.
The only difficulty I’ve had thus far is some of the controls for fighting other fish or predators. It takes a lot of getting used to but is swiftly managed with practice.
It seems that everyone is trying to break into the video game market these days. With countless consoles, platforms, game options, and player modes, the competition is fierce to have the next hot ticket item.
Not sure what’s going on here tbh.
Amazon, in a never-ending attempt to rule the world, has entered the ring with titles Crucible and New World, which will be releasing in May 2020. Their goal will definitely be to appeal to hard-core gamers using the cloud-gaming processing system. Basically, games need consoles (phone, PC, XBox) to perform the duties of downloads, patches, and installments. Instead of utilizing a physical console, cloud gaming uses a corporate data farm that practically does the hard work of your console. Meaning you can play the games from the provider on cheaper devices. Cheaper devices=more players.
So will Amazon games prevail or will it fall flat against global gaming expectations? To answer this question, we’ll pose a brief breakdown.
The Games
You log into Amazon all the time. There’s a specially curated set of gaming recommendations: headsets, light attachments, maybe even PC fans to cool down your engine. You have access to new games, classics, and any console imaginable. In another corner, you also have Twitch, where you can watch other people play yout favorite games while you…do whatever one does while watching a stream. The subscriptions and money flying around has to be tempting.
Does this not look like an Overwatch character? Still pretty cool though.
Is it really a suprise that Amazon would throw money at the multi-billion dollar industry of gaming?
But the starter games for Project Tempo (the cloud-gaming platform’s code name) seem…generic.
Typical battle royale
Crucible. When I hear the word, I instantly recall The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller based on the Salem Witch Trials. It’s hard to think of a Fortnight/Overwatch combo game while all I’m thinking of is a bunch of foolish Puritan girls pinching each other and fainting in a courtroom in 17th century Massachusetts (for those outside of the U.S., The Crucible is typically–but not always– taught to teens at the high school level).
But enough with the name calling. While the PvP sci-fi game seems like it may offer excellent fighting and maybe some decent multiplayer, the game just seems like another battle royale set-up that gamers just can’t seem to get enough of.
If an island could have coronovirus, it would probably look like this.
The second title to be released in May is New World. The official site sets the game up: “Under the surface of Aeternum’s breathtaking landscape lay the seeds of an ancient evil that plots to erase all traces of humanity from its shores. Warriors of bygone ages, doomed adventurers, and creatures of legend have all succumbed to its corruption. It must be stopped.” All of this seems suspiciously close to the plot of GreedFall, which I just finished up on PS4.
Island from GreedFall. Look familiar?
Both involve islands, colonists, “taming” the wilderness, uncovering secrets of the island, and fighting an unseen and unknown evil. Oh yeah, GreedFall also takes place in an alternate, 17th century world of colonizing forces driven by…get it…greed and the need for resources and power.
The System
But it’s not just the game that counts, but the platform that will be running it. It’s no secret that Google’s Stadia has fumbled into the gaming world and stayed down. While the system boasts a futuristic gaming experience, consumers have been hesitant to hop on the Stadia train. On a page for purchasing, the company claims: “There’s no need to overpay for expensive hardware. With Stadia, you get up to 4K 60 FPS2 gameplay on TVs3 without the hassle of time‑consuming game downloads or in‑game updates. And you can take your favorite games with you on your laptop, tablet, or phone4 as long as you have Wi‑Fi.5 “
Many of Stadia’s players complain about limited game options, lag, and poor reviews. While Stadia has several cloud-gaming competitors with better gaming options, it doesn’t change the fact that developers and investors marketed the system as a new gaming experience but recieved a “lag-ridden mess” instead.
This controller looks kind of flimsy…not gonna lie.
Stadia’s release should have been a warning for anyone delving into the world of cloud-gaming or system development but will Amazon learn from the mistakes of predecessors or will it make the same mistakes? And at what cost?
Amazon seems to be keeping mum about some of the technical aspects of the releases, but we’ll definitely be keeping a sharp eye on any more information that they’re willing to share.
Last year, WHO (World Health Organization) added gaming addiction to it’s list of 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) . Gaming addiction is defined by WHO as a “characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
While some gamers rolled their eyes at the thought of a medical addiction defining one of their favorite past times, others used the WHO definition of gaming addiction to discourage parts of the population from indulging in their ‘addiction’. But the tides seem to be turning.
Actual photo of me during quarantine
Children were warned by their parents to stay off of games because of the potential harm it can cause and the fact it may take away from study time. While parenting styles and techniques differ, so does the conflicting sciences of gaming. Some experts argue that gaming can lead to addiction like gambling while others say that gaming is a great way to relieve stress, practice making decisions, and experiencing in-game consequences.
Psychology Today reports that gaming allows the younger generation to practice autonomy over their decisions after having every action dictated by authority figures at school or home. The article then continues to say “Of course, none of this is to say video games are a good substitution—quite the opposite. While a well-designed game attempts to satisfy these needs, it can’t come close to the deep satisfaction that real life and real human connection can provide. No game can give a child the feeling of competence that comes from accomplishing a difficult task or learning a new skill on their own accord.”
Then: coronovirus.
Don’t. Shake. Hands. Like. Ever.
With thousands trapped inside their homes, many people who were originally apprehensive of gaming have changed their minds. Nintendo Switches have been selling out of stores, leaving retailers struggling to keep the shelves full. Activision Blizzard, Amazon, Jam City, Riot Games, Twitch, YouTube, and Zynga have joined together under the hashtag #PlayApartTogether in conjunction with WHO to create a new online movement. This movement encourages those stuck at home or those participating in social distancing to play together online instead of exposing themselves and others to the coronavirus in their areas.
Many critics are calling out WHO’s hypocrisy at this 180 turn by discussing WHO’s loose definition of gaming addiction which does not include hours but instead only discusses that gaming may interfere with other activities. Now WHO wants you to understandably follow health guidelines but also keep in touch socially with your friends and family…through gaming.
Ah. Sweet isolation.
While many may be taking social distancing as a joke, I have mad respect for those of you taking it seriously. So stay inside and play a video game. You can even participate in the #PlayApartTogether. Who knows. When all this is over, will WHO reclassify a new wave of gamers as the new addicts? Will companies try to make games more addicting? Only time will tell.
After careful consideration, we as a society have realized that our current attire is just not cutting it. What did our ancestors wear in their times of pandemic? After playing games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and A Plague Tale: Innocence, we’ve got some ideas. Here are a few articles of clothing that would make a wicked comeback in this time of peril. Introducing: The Plague Spring Collection 2020.
Bird Man Mask
It’s hard to dismiss the iconic bird-like mask of the Black Death of the 1300s. Except this particular design didn’t come around till the seventeenth century. Different suits have existed for centuries in several different forms. Even medieval doctors realized that there needed to be a barrier between the sickly outside world and remaining in a healthy state. The reasons for the shape varies, but one article states:
“According to one source, people once believed that the plague was spread by birds. Therefore, the use of such a mask may have stemmed from the belief that the disease could be removed from a patient by transferring it to the garment. The mask also had a utilitarian function, as the beak was packed with strong, pleasant smelling substances, such as ambergris, mint, or rose petals. These were meant to ward the disease away because people believed miasma (“bad air”) spread the disease . “
So, are you brave enough to rock this edgy look? If not, here are a few others to try out.
Yas, queen!
Totally Tunics
There’s no need to dress too fancy when you are confined to your home for an unspecified amount of time. The perfect, effortless garment that you need for the season is the completely versatile and unisex tunic!
So they must be expensive and difficult to make, right? Wrong! Experts state “Such tunics are made either by folding over a long piece of fabric and cutting a hole in the center of the fold for the neck; or by sewing two pieces of fabric together at the shoulders, leaving a gap for the neck. Sleeves, which weren’t always part of the garment, could be cut as part of the same piece of fabric and sewn closed or added later. Tunics fell to at least the thighs. Though the garment might be called by different names at different times and places, the construction of the tunic was essentially the same throughout these centuries.”
These were all the rage in the medieval ages, my friend. They were perfect for work in the fields or home. In the public square or to bed. The material was typically wool but the designs and lengths could vary. Women traditionally wore longer garments, but you don’t have to adhere to those outdated stereotypes! Short or long, embrace that tunic! Slit it up the sides for a breezy, beachy look (not that you should be at the beach…celebrating Spring Break...FLORIDA). Or belt it and pair with a cozy, long sleeved undershirt for those early spring snow storms.
#tunictuesday
Pinterest and other online sources are available if you would like to purchase one online. There’s a huge market for that kind of stuff, apparently. Or you can make your one and add embellishments like ribbons or details to EXPRESS YOUR UNIQUE IDENTITY. Fashion Nova can’t beat this sick piece.
Saturdays with the boys will be a lot more comfortable!
Hoods…but not Hoodies
Mix up your head-wear with a pointed hood to protect you from the sun or to keep you anonymous as you traverse the mall when you’re supposed to be self-isolating. These hoods provide a quick, easy, adjustment for protection or the coziness of a hoodie, without changing your outfit.
Hoods, like tunics, were unisex in medievel times. So why not indulge your loved one with the perfect accessory?
Perfect hood for acorn gathering!
Some hoods for women can even drift into the ‘cap’ style of head-covering. Save a good hair day for when life returns to normal. Instead, slap a cap on and go about your day in style. Or you could even opt for a later era French hood, popularized by the infamous Anne Boleyn.
Beyonce has nothing on the French hood, hun.
Girdles…but not like that
While the definition of girdles has changed to mean a corset-like garment that holds in fat, historically, it was a garment more like a belt. One article says “They might be made from rope, fabric cords, or leather. Occasionally belts might have buckles, but it was more common for poorer folk to tie them instead. Laborers and peasants not only tucked up their clothing with their girdles, but they also attached tools, purses, and utility pouches to them.”
Slayeth, king! Wait, was that heresy?
What better way to adjust your tunic than to cinch it in with a fancy…rope. For those late Walmart runs, it may be hard to reach into your pocket, get out money, hand sanitizer, your keys. Your germy hands rummage around your pocket or purse until every surface is counted with the pathogen. You’re practically a corpse walking.
Yes, that brown garment is the girdle.
Picture this: all of these important items are simply attached to your girdle! With a swift hand, you are in and out of the store with all the toilet paper you need. Clearly, the multi-purpose girdle is the absolute finishing touch to the collection.
If you are ready to join the future by embracing the past, gird your loins in this collection today! As tomorrow, you may perish of the pestilence.
Many games have focused on elements of isolation or quarantine. Alien: Isolation focused on being alone in space (with a xenomorph). Far Cry 5 zeroed in on a community where prepping for doomsday led to social isolation (and eventually nuclear holocaust). Being able to accomplish tasks on your own in a video game has always been a self-exploratory journey of strength and determination. However, in the upcoming weeks, we might see a different reason for setting out on our own in light of more than just a journey of self-discovery.
Coronovirus is sweeping the nation at the moment and nearly everyone has been affected by it in some way or another. The most common predicament is quarantine and isolation, or keeping yourself away from sick people or away from healthy people, depending on existing symptoms or conditions.
The crushing loneliness of Death Stranding should be different from your quarantine…Also, don’t go delivering mail while sick.
Quarantine vs. Isolation
First, we need to get our definitions straight. As defined by LifeHacker, quarantine is for people who might have the disease or who have been instructed to stay home and monitor whatever symptoms that they may be exhibiting.
Isolation is when someone has the disease and has isolated themselves or are isolated in a hospital.
Let’s say you are one of the few without the disease but you’re struggling with going through every day life with a world that seems to be crushing down around you. Here’s a gamplan inspired by…well…games.
Step One: Stocking Up
I’m sure you’ve all seen the toilet paper video. If not, watch it. This craziness happens every year in the south but instead of toilet paper, it’s typically bottles of water. When it comes to stocking up or prepping, customers in your local Walmart act more like the starving monkeys in Thailand than people.
You don’t need a million rolls of toilet paper, nor do you need a bunker full of supplies for the apocalypse. Preparing for a possible future quarantine just means that you won’t have trouble staying home for a few days.
When I first heard about coronovirus in early Febuary, I slowly began to stock up on canned foods and some paper products. I made sure that all of our meds were up to date and we had some medications that we hadn’t stocked up on before (antacids, etc). By doing this seemingly crazy act, I have avoided most of the insanity of shopping at the moment.
Press ‘X’ to eat
If you can, stock up on a few canned goods and granola bars, but be careful on OVERSTOCKING. This is where things get tricky. Depending on your household, you are probably not going to need 10 packages of toilet paper. If you are going to horde, do it in small doses so you are not exposing others to possible starvation. LifeHacker continues by saying “You don’t need a million rolls of toilet paper, nor do you need a bunker full of supplies for the apocalypse. Preparing for a possible future quarantine just means that you won’t have trouble staying home for a few days.” So everyone. Needs. to. Remain. Calm.
Wryd? Just chillin’ in the attic with my corn doll. wby?
I grew up with the survival young-adult novel Hatchet and Little House on the Prairie. My great-grandmother survived the Great Depression. She washed out Ziploc bags and gardened and canned food in her later years. Nothing ever went to waste. Preservation and preparedness should be key elements of American self-reliance.
While not everyone has the means to, stocking up (easy on hording…I don’t like the word) has always been a part of being American. Preparing for the future is okay, as long as you aren’t denying others food or resources in the store that you are good on for the time being.
Headgear, bro
The CDC says that if you believe you have the virus, to “Wear a facemask when sick: Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.” Seems appropriate. Except…
Christmas photos are going to be lit this year.
Face masks are sold out at most places. The insanity surrounding their sale has been unexpected, but we should have expected it. While coronovirus is airborne, many experts suggest by covering your mouth, not touching your mouth and face, spending more time at home, we can slow the spread of the virus to help hospitals and medical facilities prepare for future cases.
While you could go with you standard face mask (if you were lucky enough to buy one), you can always get creative with it. For some inspiration, you can turn to some of your favorite games.
One Reddit user, u/HeyItsAppie, created this Black Persian outfit in Assassins Creed Origins. What better way to do a grocery store run than dressed like an ancient warrior?
Maybe these are too subtle. You want to protect your ENTIRE face from this virus. For that, perhaps you’d like to don a Yalung mask from Far Cry 4?
Just because they belonged to a serial killer, doesn’t mean it’s not an option!
And who can forget some of the best-known masks in the gaming world: Borderlands!
I can’t guarantee your bank won’t call the cops when you go in for a withdrawal.
In Honor of the latest event in For Honor, how about a decorative and functional For Honor face mask? Perfect for a crusade OR raid!
Walk the dog or reclaim Constantinople? I’ll decide when I go outside.
Distancing Yourself
Think of Logan or Wolverine. Think of the Witcher. Think of all those game and movie characters who know that they don’t belong around people. Channel that angst and energy and get ready to stay in your house. For awhile.
If you are sick, the CDC says “Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.” If you aren’t sick but perhaps live in a more populated area, it’s best to settle in and cut your outside time short. While some experts are saying you can still go out as long as you are more than six feet away from others, many are not taking the chance and are foregoing outings altogether.
How I imagine the stores during the epidemic. Also, I still have nightmares of Alien: Isolation.
So you don’t want to risk it out there in the world, prepare for some monastic isolation in your self-imposed quarantine. In the meantime, you can play video games, visit the library and check out a few books (before they close the library), purchase a good book or two on Kindle (I’ve got several articles of suggestions on the homepage), or take up some new hobby.
Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Even if your level of risk is low, it’s important to be considerate of those around you who may be more at risk like children or the elderly. If you live alone or with a roommate, just set up your PC or console and buckle down for the long run with that game that you’ve been meaning to finish but were never able to find the time.
If you have a lot of time on your hands and you haven’t played them already, the Assassins Creed games are enormous and will consume a lot of time as you play through battles, stories, and costume changes. Other longer games include:
Witcher 3
Skyrim
Final Fantasy XIV
Persona 5
Red Dead Redemption 2
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
If you really crave human interaction, try:
World of Warcraft
Destiny
Monster Hunter
Fortnite
Apex Legends
Minecraft
Borderlands
But Seriously
We’re all hoping this passes over soon. But in the meantime…
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap (duh)
Cover mouth when you cough
If you think you may be sick with coronovirus, call the doctor’s office or hospital BEFORE you go.
Alert healthcare officials and limit exposure to those around you.
If you aren’t sick but are are worried about yourself or others, limit your time in crowded areas if possible (optional but encouraged)
GameStop has had a rough few years. With the rise of online shopping, accessible games through online stores, and companies like GameFly where you can get games delivered to return, it’s not difficult to see that the games seller would run into trouble. “Digital downloads are becoming more and more prevalent, and people are buying their consoles on Amazon. The physical copies of the games that GameStop sells are becoming less popular because most gamers either download their games or order them online instead of going into stores”, FRAGHERO reports. Browsing for games and merchandise in a crowded mall and selling back your slightly used games for less than a fraction of their worth just doesn’t seem that appealing to everyone.
Shopping? Without the internet? Absurd.
Except it gets worse.
The company has been plagued with scandals. An article on thegamer.com reports that workers are instructed to prey on those who are unfamiliar with games (encouraging them to purchase more without understanding what it may be that they are purchasing), push certain subscription agendas (GameStop Elite Pro memberships, PowerUp Rewards) to fuel the corporate circle of game purchases, and even price games differently in the same store. Same game. Same store. Same condition (new or used). This happened to me this weekend while trying to purchase a used copy of For Honor (one was $4.99, the other $9.99).
It’s no wonder the finances are an additional issue to the ethics of the gluttonous gaming giant. The company is set to close over 200 under-performing stores in the next year, with over 100 employees being laid off in the previous year. The company’s plan is to revamp the stores in a way that appeals to gaming communities and introduces a stream-lined concept. GameIndustrybiz.com says “While details are a little light, the firm has said it wants to introduce new ways for its customers to try games before they purchase them, as well as add other features that encourage people to visit their local branch more often”. They may also be adding competitive gaming areas (think e-sports) and retro-gaming consoles. Cool. I guess. Anyway, here’s my beef.
My Beef
Vegans mad.
Speaking of being interactive…my experience at GameStop is a little too interactive. While not anti-social, I do appreciate privacy while I’m shopping. Avoiding people is the name of the game when you’re busy comparing prices and trying to find a deal before the Fortnite-dancing 8-year old behind you finds it first.
In 10 minutes, three separate employees had asked me if I needed help. Because the store was empty, they had all seen the other one ask. But. They. Persisted. Why?
I had come to browse and pass the time before going out to eat and getting berated by salespeople with nothing else to do made me want to leave before picking out a game. Not a very good sales strategy but that’s just me.
Attack of the Merch
One of the local GameStops in my area recently moved some merchandise around. It happens all the time. No big deal. Except it became grossly apparent that now the store was 80% pop culture merchandise and less than 20% games and gaming accessories. Rows of t-shirts with anime images, marked down coffee mugs with Rick and Morty on the sides, and crudely cheap action figures assaulted customers as they made their way to the back where the games are kept. Before me was an entire wall of the most hated commercial nerd merch imaginable– Funko Pops!.
Why would you spend money on this? Do you want this in your house?
Why is it suddenly cool to own every item of merchandise for a particular show like Bob’s Burgers? Why are there seven different Rick and Morty shirt designs? Foam Fortnite weapons? Collectible Stranger Things spoons? While I initially enjoyed some of these shows or games or movies, the sheer volume of marketed brands pushing a product with the characters printed on it quickly pushed me away from anything other than mild curiosity.
You get banned, you get banned!
My husband received the phone call from an unfamiliar number. He answered, hung up, and grew quiet.
“They said I’ve been banned from GameStop…”
I shook my head in confusion. “For what?”
He had tried to pre-order a game from another store but sent it closer to our home for pick-up. We had gone into the store earlier to make sure everything was set up for the pre-order of Control.
Worth getting banned over
He had pre-ordered Control in another city while visiting family. He attempted to transfer to another store an hour away closer to his workplace for pickup. After some debating, he switched it back to the original store.
In the store an hour away, a female employee was on the line with the GameStop employee in front of us who was inquiring about the transfer. The employee hung up and politely informed us that the girl on the other end had banned him from pre-ordering anything else at that store. My husband had “clogged up the phone lines for other customers and had cost them business”.
Over the phone, she nosily inquired why my husband hadn’t returned to her store and acknowledged that she had memorized his name and his order. And seeing how the store was empty most of the time, it was a surprise that we had caused any business to be lost, especially with a fully-stocked Walmart across the street.
The flirtatious, green-haired teenager who had shamelessly giggled at my husband while she rang up our past order had banned him. To say we were upset was an understatement but after researching the management issues at GameStops across the U.S., I can’t say I’m surprised.
No offense…BUT
As mentioned before, I’m not anti-social but I am socially wary. Crowds scare me, people who get to close to you when you’re shopping are scary, but the thing that horrifies me the most is body odor.
We all know the plague–I mean, coronovirus is going around–but the scariest thing about it so far is the amount of people who weren’t washing their hands (at all or correctly) PRIOR to the breakout of COVID-19.
You don’t need a pandemic to know you need to wash your hands after the bathroom, right? Right?
Personal hygiene is difficult for someone people. It could be a cultural thing as well. But I have not met anyone who said that they enjoyed smelling someone’s body-odor while shopping. In the south, it’s hot most of the year and everyone is sweating almost constantly. However, the only place I seem to notice atrocious B.O. is inside GameStop. The stores are so small that all it takes is one person to quick fill up the space with noxious fumes of odor.
It’s not just sweat though. While body odor is pretty rough, the second most powerful scent that sweeps through is the powerful odor of skunk weed or pot. A man walked in with a gaseous cloak of weed fumes that quickly had most of the store coughing. I watched the man walk over to the Nintendo Switch display where a man and his child were searching for a game. I looked around. There was a lot of children in there, having to inhale that skunk weed marijuana. Many began to leave. The man was undisturbed.
Call me old-fashioned. I don’t care. GameStop is a place for nerds, gamers, consumers, really anyone who is interested in what the store has to offer. But seeing how historically nerds or gamers are seen as filthy or couch-potatoes, it’s really uncomfortable for the store’s consumers (not all but back to the space thing. It only takes one person’s B.O. to trash a store.) to adhere to these prehistoric stereotypes.
“Sorry, son. We have to go to GameStop for the midnight release of Animal Crossing.”
In summary, my beef is as follows:
Too many bored salespeople, make me uncomfortable
Way too much merch, most of it unsold and taking up room for more games
Got banned
THE SMELL
Will I still shop at GameStop? Probably. At least to take some of my trade-ins to die in peace. But the experience has rapidly changed in the past decade. Walking into GameStop went from a favorite store experience to something to dread. With the changes proposed by the company, maybe the future has more to offer consumers instead of over-priced used games, terrible buy-back policies, and questionable sales strategies. I am cautiously optimistic for the future but the store will have to change drastically for me to actually enjoy shopping there again.
I used to want to be an astronaut. Going through that phase all children do, I relished the idea of floating, traveling to distant galaxies, and getting the smug pleasure from watching peoples’ faces when I told them I was an astronaut.
I think everyone grows out of this phase. It happened when I was in middle school and realized I was really bad at math. So I would never touch the stars and see aliens. Oh well. Certain games can sell you the experience with more plot and less aeronautic training.
Alien: Isolation came out in 2014 and I’ve always wondered why I didn’t play it sooner. It got a few bad reviews (who trusts these anymore anyway?) and cost too much (for me at the time) so I let it slide through my fingers. Until this past week.
The game is so much more than I could’ve imagined. Playing as Amanda Ripley, you embark on a mission to Svestapol where you hope to recover the equivalent of the “black box” from the doomed space station, the Nostromo. The Nostromo, carrying Ellen Ripley (Amanda’s mother) was the setting for the events of the original Alien movie. In this universe, that was fifteen years ago. Amanda, desperate for closure, is eager to discover what happened to her mother. On her journey within the space station Svestapol, she encounters the infamous xenomorph, rogue androids, and the wild inhabitants of a space station in decline. All of these factors contribute to a horrifying environment of consistent fear with the added threats of outer space.
Death has been my constant companion during the entirety of my game experience with Alien: Isolation. The xenomorph that has haunted our dreams is quiet and nearly impossible to detect with the equipment Amanda acquires. But the combination of death, space, and aliens is larger than simply the Alien franchise. The most frightening aspect is the actual isolation and the science behind it.
The Psychological Fear of Isolation
In 2014, The Guardian published an article discussing the effects of space travel on the human body. To the surprise of most people outside of NASA, the public was exposed to the possibility of their friendly neighborhood astronaut experiencing mind-altering hallucinations, eye flashes due to cosmic radiation, and depression due to the isolating factor of being in cramped space compartments.
Astronauts also miss home in a sensory way (the smell of grass, the sight of a sunny day, the feel of their feet on the ground). When those familiar experiences are taken away, it impacts a person’s motivation. Over extended periods of time, it can even affect the ability to make decisions.
The evidence for erratic behaviors and incidents in space is not new. When the Russians were experimenting with space travel in 1976, one particular bad smell grounded an entire Soyuz-21 Russian mission. The cosmonauts complained of a horrific smell in the space station and took the appropriate actions to assess whether a potentially fatal leak had occurred. There was no leak. And NASA concluded that there probably wasn’t a smell either. Psychological issues and anxiety plagued the cosmonauts prior to the “smell” perhaps influencing their decision to abandon ship. So what caused this incident?
Space+Brain=Potential Chaos
NASA scientists are only beginning to learn about the effects of space on the brain. One assessment is that the lack of gravity effects how the brain operates. This can become increasingly problematic when you factor in isolation social environments, anxiety of being away from others, the lack of earthly sensory details like smells and tastes, and the cohesion of a crew who may all be experiencing the symptoms listed above.
When you’re isolated, and can’t get home or talk to your family, how long can you stay positive?
Another case of human isolation studies comes from an event that occurred in the winter of 1956. When a member of an Arctic exploration team began to suffer from extreme paranoid schizophrenia, the entire expedition was placed on hold as he threatened the lives of those around him to the point that they had him confined. Being in an isolated environment like the Arctic, surrounded by mostly strangers in extreme weather conditions was likely the cause of the mental decline that resulted to a member of the team being strapped to a mattress to contain his ravings. With evacuation being impossible, sedation was the only answer. The real question is what would happen in an environment so far from earth?
Bill Paloski, Ph.D., Director of NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP), states that the stresses of space are hugely influential on the success of future space missions. How long can you stay motivated and positive in a confined space? How long can you stay civilized with a group of pre-selected strangers like those working on current space missions or those seen in the Alien movies? Because mental health is so indicative of the quality of life for nearly everyone on a mission, it’s no wonder so many studies are trying to determine how healthy we can remain while in space. These factors alone contribute a great deal of stress to Amanda’s already precarious situations.
Isolating the Brain
Overall, knowing the intimate details of mental health while in orbit was critical to comprehending the “gravity” of isolation in Alien: Isolation. Wandering through corridors for hours without seeing someone led to intense feelings of loneliness. Helpful friends are devoured soon after helping you. Most characters you know will most likely perish in front of you. The intensity of the game play, the sensation of sliding through slim compartments with no breathing room, and the hollow plot driven aspect of Amanda’s seeming-doomed search for the last remnant of her mother made for a maddening gaming experience.
If you haven’t played Alien: Isolation yet, it will be available on Nintendo Switch sometime later this year. Good luck surviving the bone-crushing, asphyxiating, hallucinogenic terrors of being trapped in deep space. Alone…unless you want to count a hungry xenomorph.
A few days ago, Nintendo dropped a new console that is cheaper, lighter in weight than the Switch, and offers an alternative to the “dated” Nintendo 3DS. While Nintendo believes this will be a cheaper alternative to the pricey Switch, many Nintendo fans have expressed apprehension in dropping several hundreds of dollars more for the Lite when they already own a Switch. What can the Lite offer that would warrant the price tag?
Personally, the Nintendo Switch was a huge disappointment. While many claim it has revolutionized gaming with more playing options, multiplayer modes, and sleek controllers, I had a much different experience. The screen was too large, the controls too tiny, and the size seemed bulky and uneven. While younger audiences seemingly adore the Switch’s versatility, I’m sure parents will not be eager to drop an additional $199 for the smaller Switch Lite.
The Lite is offering a handheld gaming experience which may, unfortunately, bring up the subject of the competition of mobile gaming. How can Nintendo compete with what many view as the ultimate mobile gaming device: the phone? Though I’m apprehensive, I’m curious to see how the reviews roll out for Nintendo’s new baby when it hits the market in September of this year.
Since the release of Far Cry Primal in 2016, the gaming community has been intrigued by their own prehistory. What experiences did early humans have? How did they struggle? And with the global warming crisis at hand, what did the trash-free, Eden-like landscape look like?
Though I doubt my ancestors rode woolly mammoths (sigh), playing the game on Play Station 4 was exhilarating as I worked hard on strengthening my village and taking back the homeland of the Wenja from savage tribes intent on destroying–and in some cases, eating–my people.
Next year, developer Panache Games plans on releasing a prehistoric journey that goes back even further than ‘caveman’ Takkar of Far Cry Primal. Enter, the ancestor of your ancestors. In all their hairy glory!
In Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, you’ll get to play as your early ape-like ancestor as you try to survive in Neogene Africa, millions of years ago. You’ll be able to expand a clan, learn new survival skills, evolve, and try new foods that may or may not kill you! Are you excited?!
To prepare for this adventure, I like to indulge my literary tastes with some prehistoric classics* (I’m an English major so you can trust me). Understanding the volatile geography of earlier earth and its inhabitants is crucial in appreciating every detail in a game on prehistory. So behold: your literary guide to understanding the world of prehistoric splendor!
*Note: This is not a sponsored post and includes my personal favorite books on prehistory.
Daughter of Kura: A Novel by Debra Austin
Prehistoric Africa. Half a million years ago. Picture: A land of wonder and danger. Chunks of zebra slowly roasting over the evening fire. A cackling hyena out in the brush makes you shiver with fear. The sun sets and you are surrounded by billions of stars…and hundred of threats.
A young Homo erectus woman in a nonverbal society copes with death, young love, and coming-of-age in her matriarchal society where her mother is Kura or the clan leader. Snap–our young protagonist– faces her daily struggles of taking care of children or hunting, but all is not as it seems on the Serengeti. A newcomer threatens to overturn the careful balance of society and a girl becomes a woman in one of the harshest terrains on earth.
I couldn’t put this book down! The descriptions of early African society and the struggles of those who were able to survive (and perish) is incredible amidst a backdrop of fluttering hand and guttural conversations. The author consulted with recent research on anthropology and culture theory before writing Daughter of Kura. The extra miles are appreciated if you enjoy fiction with science to back it up.
Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
Considered a paleo-classic, Clan of the Cave Bear has set the bar for prehistoric fiction. Written in 1980, this story takes place during the Ice Age where a young Cro-Magnun woman who is adopted into a Neanderthal tribe. Her story intertwines the cultures of both societies and outlines the differences in appearances and communications between early humans and Neanderthals.
I got bored. I really did. Some of the descriptions of land or people or animals are lengthy and tone-deaf. But I found the story intriguing and thought the author included several plot twists and interesting cultural speculations since Neanderthals didn’t leave a lot in terms of historical records.
Far Cry Primal Collector’s Edition by Prima Games
It may be odd to consider a gaming guide as literature but the book is filled with so much more than maps or character studies. The developers extensively studied research, archaeology, and anthropology to establish a feasible society and patterns of conflict. Clothing and even the language used in the game (derived from Hittite) are carefully constructed from research and excavation sites. In my opinion, the game guide almost doubles as a textbook in how much information it provides on the actual lifestyles of prehistoric people while weaving in the fictional tale of Takkar. Plus, you know, tons of pictures.
Mammoths: Giants of the Ice Age by Adrian Lister
I love scientific picture books and have a weakness for anything National Geographic or Smithsonian related. Someone gave this book to me as a gift and I find myself flipping through it occasionally after initially reading it cover to cover. Mammoths are typically a staple creature in any prehistoric novel or game so this nonfiction guide to understanding the mysterious mammoths can lift the veil of time and show you the different species of mammoths, their unique environments, and their eventual demise after coming into contact with early humans.
Also included are the archaeological finds and discussions and disputes on the study of mammoths and the possibility of reviving the species through recently obtained genetic material. If you are interested in the species, this is a must-have for your GeekShelf. So grab a beer and a spear and…
With Sony skipping E3 this year, Microsoft possesses a unique opportunity to take center stage and create an impact on many fronts. Not only does Xbox Game Studios have a bevy of announcements of their own (with 14 promised first party titles present and the looming announcement of the next generation Xbox), the company’s show stands as prime real estate for third parties hoping to create buzz with their new games. This E3 stands as Microsoft’s best opportunity to change the conversation around the future of their platform and you’d best believe they will try their best to do just that.
The Next-Gen Xbox
While it was essentially a given Microsoft would provide details on their next generation platform (having already declared its existence last E3), Sony’s detailed unveiling of the next PlayStation has assured Microsoft will reveal its own new system in a big way next week. Details are scarce at the moment, but we can make a few guesses based upon the company’s previous comments and trends.
The next Xbox will feature backwards compatibility. Given the rampant rumors that the next Xbox will continue Microsoft’s partnership with AMD for providing its CPU and GPU, it’s a safe bet that the Scarlett (the console’s code name) will feature full backwards compatibility with the current library of Xbox One games. Backwards compatibility has been a big initiative for Microsoft this generation, and it would be hard to believe that the company would allow Sony to take the mantle of “gamer friendliness” that they have worked so hard to earn with.
The next Xbox will have multiple SKUs. Microsoft does not seem keen to fully abandon brick-and-mortar retail spaces just yet, but the Scarlett will likely follow the company’s previous initiatives to create a fully digital gaming ecosystem. Microsoft’s hints toward a streaming and digital platform have not been exactly subtle. The release of the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition as well as their increasing emphasis on Xbox Game Pass and xCloud game streaming all point to a future where Microsoft’s digital storefront and streaming services stand front and center of their service model. With this in mind, we will more than likely see the reveal of a disc-based Scarlett as well as a disc less, all-digital, cheaper sister model unveiled simultaneously.
The next Xbox may release sooner than expected. Microsoft has a lot to prove in the next generation. After losing tremendous market share within the lifespans of the Xbox 360 and the Xbox One, the Xbox brand has to make some big bold moves if it wants to recover from its losses this generation. One way to make strides in the next generation would be to follow in the footsteps of the Xbox 360’s success and release substantially ahead of their competitors. Given that the next PlayStation will likely not release until late into 2020, Microsoft may try to seize the gap and push the Scarlett to market in the Spring (or, radically, holiday this year). With both Sony and Microsoft showing no aversion to selling iterative versions of their systems, Microsoft could conceptually release Scarlett early and, within two years, bring a more powerful version of the console to market against the next PlayStation. Being the sole next generation platform would give Microsoft ownership of the space and ensure they would be headlining nearly every big third-party game. This amount of buzz would be just what the company needs to begin turning the tides and ensure they remain competitive against Sony in the years to come.
Xbox Game Studios 14 Titles
Microsoft has promised an extended showcase of 14 first-party titles at this year’s conference. That’s quite a meaty promise, and there has been much speculation on what the company plans to show to fulfill this promise. SQD throws its hat in the ring with our own set of predictions.
Halo Infinite – This title from 343 Industries is practically a given. First unveiled at last year’s E3, this year’s show should provide us with our first glimpse of gameplay. How well will Halo translate into an open world and what does this imply for the structure of the game (quests, levelling, builds)? How much will Azure and xCloud factor into the experience? We’ll surely find out June 9th!
Gears 5– Another no-brainer. The Coalition will reveal the latest info on Microsoft’s flagpole series, and, by every expectation, they should present a nice, bombastic slice of gameplay to sell the shooter. Expect big set pieces, large hordes of enemies, and a look into co-op’s integration into the experience.
Sea of Thieves– Rare and Microsoft have been committed to evolving this swashbuckling title with new modes and story quests. Considering the attention the title has gotten on Twitch, expect Microsoft to invest at least one more big content push for the game. Perhaps a popular tie-in is in the works?
Crackdown 3– Almost every AAA title is developed with some form of download content in mind, so it stands to reason Microsoft has something in store for the beleaguered exclusive. While it may not have achieved critical or commercial notoriety, Microsoft could lean on a wacky single-player expansion to breathe some life into poor Crackdown.
Mojang title– If you spent 2.5 billion dollars on a company, you would probably expect to see some frequent dividends from your purchase. With the arrival of Scarlett and the xCloud service, it’s nearly a sure thing that Microsoft will leverage the company in the form of some exclusive content for their new platforms. Will it be Minecraft 2? A Minecraft spin-off? Or perhaps a new IP is in the pipes?
Ori and the Will of the Wisps– Microsoft’s Moon Studio’s latest project will surely have a presence during their conference. The question lies in what capacity will the anticipated sequel be featured. Will it be presented singularly, relegated to montage, or, perhaps, showcased as the latest project to be ported to Switch?
Forza– With Playground Games critical gem Forza Horizon 4 recently released, the weight now falls on Turn 10 Studios to push the Forza brand into the future. If we have an official Scarlett reveal, put your money on Microsoft showcasing the new tech with a very pretty Forza demonstration. The question is whether the new Forza will a be truly next generation push or one of the inevitable cross-generation titles to bridge the gap.
Battletoads– The time has come for the official return of Battletoads. No more shirts and logos; this year’s E3 will finally showcase gameplay from the anticipated revival. Hopefully Rare and Dlala Studios won’t disappoint with their “4K 2.5D” “genre mashup” (as per last year’s E3 trailer).
Fable Revival– It has long been circulating in the rumor mill that Playground Games (of Forza Horizon fame) has taken on the task of developing a new installment in Microsoft’s celebrated RPG franchise. With Lionhead Studios going the way of the dodo, few would have expected a new Fable game, let alone from a study known for its racing pedigree (albeit in an open world). Yet, Playground Games stands poised to surprise, especially if the game can coincide with Scarlett’s launch.
Phantom Dust– This one may be a longshot, but Microsoft has promised that the previously cancelled and now long-dormant Phantom Dust project will see the light of day. Microsoft has stated they were looking for the right developer to pick up the reboot. Phil Spencer spent a week in Korea and Japan this past March speaking to “developers and publishers” about their E3 showcase. Could Phil be in communication with a studio that’s picked up the franchise?
Ninja Theory project– At last year’s E3, Microsoft sent ripples through the industry when they announced a series of studio acquisitions. Of the 4 studios, one was industry darling Ninja Theory who recently released the thematically ambitious Hellbade: Senua’s Sacrifice. However, the team behind this game was quite small, equalling approximately 20 developers at any given time. With 100 employees publicly listed and only a few VR projects to their name after Hellblade, its safe to say the team has something else in development and that this project may have had a hand in Microsoft pulling the trigger on their purchase. Perhaps we’ll see what this project was and on what platforms it will fall. (Author’s Note: Since the writing of this article, it has been leaked that Ninja Theory’s PVP title Bleeding Edge will be revealed at E3)
Halo: Master Chief Collection– Though perhaps not as exciting as a game announcement, there stands a good chance that Microsoft may further update its collection of the perennial flagship franchise. With Halo Infinite marking a new chapter in the Halo saga, could the addition of Halo 5 complete the Master Chief Collection?
State of Decay DLC– Microsoft is a fan of the “shadow drop” (making content available the day of the announcement) and an expansion for the exclusive zombie-survival sim would fit the timeline. Perhaps a new map or game mode will breathe new life into the game’s community.
The Initiative reveal- Along with a slew of acquisitions, last year Microsoft also announced the creation of a brand new studio called The Initiative. Though the studio is very young, it’s quite possible that Microsoft may have a tease of what to expect from the Santa Monica game makers. Expect a CG trailer at most, though, but also bet on it being for the Scarlett.
Third-Party Showcases
It wouldn’t be an E3 show without some new looks and surprises from third-party developers. Given that major publishers are focusing more and more on their own E3 presentations, the amount of third-party content at Microsoft’s conference could vary wildly, but we would not be surprised to see the following in attendance supporting Xbox.
Cyberpunk 2077– The white-hot RPG from CD Projekt Red will show up in a big way at Microsoft’s conference. Cyberpunk has already confirmed their presence at E3, and Microsoft’s conference will serve as the biggest stage to showcase their work. Expect an extended gameplay sequence, perhaps showcasing some city traversal and more dialogue/social interaction. Will we even get a glimpse of the spectacle that would be the next-gen version?
From Software’s new project– The internet recently caught fire with the rumors that From Software’s next project is not only a new open-world title but a collaboration with famed author George R. R. Martin. However, a number of breadcrumbs may hint at the project showing up at Microsoft’s E3 conference. First, From Software unveiled new latest game Sekiro: Shadow’s Die Twice last year on Microsoft’s stage, so there is already a working relationship there. Second, Phil Spencer tweeted he was in Japan 3 months ago “getting input on future plans,” more than likely referring to Scarlett. It’s merely supposition, but Phil could have been meeting with From Software to cement plans to unveil their new next-gen project. Don’t expect exclusivity, but having this new game there will definitely make waves.
Playdead’s next game– Playdead Games has a short but stellar track record. Having worked with Microsoft to release their first acclaimed game Limbo on Xbox 360 during the Summer of Arcade, Playdead would go on to reveal their next gem Inside at Microsoft’s 2014 E3 Conference. There has been radio silence from the studio for 3 years, but it may finally be time to pull back the curtain on their next project. They have hinted that their next game will make the jump to three dimensions, and, given their close ties to Microsoft, we very well could see this new venture on stage next week.
That’s quite a lot of content, but Microsoft (more than anyone) has a lot to prove this year in Los Angeles. Will they take bold moves and stake claim on the next generation? Check back next for our predictions post-mortem as well as more reactions from E3!
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Story Quest Decoded 
