Today on Gamer Culture, we’re tackling a subject that every gamer dreads. That’s right, we’re talking about the intersection of our favorite hobby and the popular media—movies based on video games. So, fire up some popcorn, grab a your 3D glasses, and brace yourself for a tour of some of the best and worst video game movies of all time! Continue reading ‘Video Game Movies: A Multi-Media Disaster’
03
Sep
09
Review: Shadow Complex
Ok, ok, we admit it. For a while there, we were too busy actually playing Shadow Complex to write a review for it. I know you’re thinking, “Wait! They can’t play games for fun. They just have to play them so they can talk about them!” Well, dear readers, that’s just not the truth. But look, we eventually got around to it anyway! Read on for our review featuring Fragmatica Swag-matica: Shadow Complex winner ashrua! Continue reading ‘Review: Shadow Complex’
Dear Readers,
After a very brief stint at Go! Gaming Giant, the Fragmatica staff has realized that there’s only one place in the gaming blogosphere that we can call home: here, of course. As a result, we’re back and better than ever (well, we think we are but you’ll have to decide for yourself). Starting tomorrow, we’ll be resuming our normal posting schedule.
In the meantime, we’d like to thank Matt and the crew at Go! Gaming Giant for bringing us aboard, however temporarily. We’re sorry we couldn’t stay longer but the siren song of Fragmatica was just too strong. And what can we say, we’re the sentimental type.
Come back tomorrow, dear readers, for some good old Fragmatica blogging action!
Hugs & Kisses,
The Fragmatica Staff
27
Aug
09
Hidden Surprises
This week on Gamer Culture, we’re taking a look at the time-honored tradition of the Easter egg. No, not the hard boiled type you color with dye from Walmart. We’re talking about the hidden messages, images, animations, etc. found in video games. For a little gaming history and info about some of the best Easter eggs around, read on!
With part one of our achievements post, we covered some of the basics of achievements. Today, we’re going to focus on something a little different. We’ve already established that achievements themselves are an excellent concept, but unfortunately, not all games are created equal in terms of achievements. If you’re looking for achievements that are creative and fun, you won’t always find them. Many games – Fable II, Left 4 Dead, and Geometry Wars 2 – have great achievements. But others – Fallout 3, most sports games, and of course, Avatar: The Last Airbender – could really use some help. So, what qualities distinguish these so-called “good” achievements from “bad” achievements? Continue reading ‘Achievements: The Good and The Bad’
The time has come. What time you ask? An excellent question, really. Time to announce the winner of the second Fragmatica Swag-matica. This round, we’re giving away a copy of Shadow Complex, the newest title to grace the XBLA with its epic presence. And no joke, it really is an astounding game. I urge the rest you who aren’t lucky enough to win a copy to still check it out. Also, look for our review coming in the next week or so. Enough chit-chat, let’s get down to business!
We would like to congratulate ashrua! They were randomly chosen from more than 175 commenters. Once again, we have also offered them the opportunity to write a short review for us. I’m sure you’re dying to hear what their favorite side-scroller is, so here’s the winning comment!
ashrua wrote:
My favorite side-scrolling game would be my very first game, Sonic The Hedgehog. I absolutely loved running through the expansive levels, and attempting to reach the end of the level with 50 rings to enter the gravity-defying special zone.
And, in what’s fast becoming true Fragmatica Swag-matica tradition. Here’s a few of our favorite comments:
Mr Johnny Suede wrote:
“For nostalgia? Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja in the arcades. I’ve played it since however, and it’s mostly utter garbage.
Realistically? Probably Braid, a nice quiet game to puzzle over with a cup of tea… ahhh.”
dolemite wrote:
“castlevania cause you be straight whipping them vamps.”
koruwa wrote:
“I gotta go with Donkey Kong Country. What other game would let you control a monkey that rides on other animals while jumping on crocs and bees?”
Miqualke wrote:
“Definetly Metal Slug 3. Fun, Speed , hard !”
Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest. We hope you like the site, and make sure to check back often as we always have some great new content for you to feast your eyes upon. And, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter. Our next contest may very well take place there!
Like it or not, achievements have definitely developed a strong hold in the gaming world. As of July 2007, Xbox 360 gamers had unlocked close to 500 million achievements for a total gamerscore of over 11 billion. Now, as we’re approaching the fourth anniversary of the 360, I think it’s safe to say that these numbers have at least doubled. So, what is that made the achievement system successful enough to be imitated by the likes of Sony, Valve, and Blizzard? Hit the jump for part one of our discussion on the various aspects, both good and bad, of achievements.
Continue reading ‘Achievements: Good for More than Just Gamerscore?’
Last week on Gamer Culture, we explored the dark and mysterious world of speedrunning and traced its history from the arcade era to modern consoles. Today, we’re going to look at the technical side of speedrunning, with a few tips and, of course, a heavy dose of speedrunning lingo. Think you’re a speed demon? Hit the jump and see just how much you know! Continue reading ‘The Quickest Controller in Town: Part 2′
Update: Contest is now closed! Thanks to everyone who entered!
This year’s Summer of Arcade has come to an end, and what better way to send it out than with a giveaway of Shadow Complex! Since this is our second Swag-matica, you already know how it works, so let’s get right to the good stuff, shall we?
THE PRIZE
One (1) copy of the Xbox Live Arcade Game Shadow Complex (Release Date: August 19, 2009; Retail Value $14.99).
THE RULES
Technically, Shadow Complex is a side-scroller. So this time around, we want to know what YOUR favorite side-scroller is. Whether it’s Contra, Metal Slug, or just good ol’ Super Mario Bros. (it doesn’t have to specifically be one of these three!) leave a comment with the name of your favorite game and a brief explanation of why BEFORE 11:59 pm Pacific Time on Saturday, August 22. Along with your comment, leave a valid email address and your Xbox Live Gamertag. Limit one entry per person. You must be a resident of the United States to enter. On Saturday, we will randomly select one commenter as the winner.
If you have any questions, email us at thefragmatica [at] gmail [dot] com. Go!
THE PRIZE
One copy of the soon to be released Xbox Live Arcade Game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled (Release Date: August 5, 2009; Retail Value $9.99). The code for the game will be purchased from Amazon.com. (Update: If Turtles in Time Re-Shelled is not available, we will be giving away a code for 1600 Microsoft Points (Retail Value: $19.99). See update at top of post for more details.)
THE RULES
We want to know why you are excited to play this game. Is it nostalgia? Do you think it looks cool? Do you love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Whatever the reason, leave a comment on this post explaining it BEFORE 11:59 pm Pacific Time on Thursday, August 6. Along with your comment, leave a valid email address and your Xbox Live Gamertag. Limit one entry per person. You must be a resident of the United States to enter the contest. On Friday, we will randomly select one commenter as the winner and email the code.
If you have any questions, email us at thefragmatica[at]gmail[dot]com. Let the commenting begin!
Here at Fragmatica, we are always working to make the site more accessible to you, the reader. Today, we’re making a few small changes. Here they are!
- ‘Yesterday’s News’ will now be found in the sidebar. Don’t worry, it will still be updated daily! This is just to avoid the burying of some of our more interesting, non-news related posts.
- The ‘upcoming retail titles’ widget is going to be reduced to games coming out only in the next month or two.
- Since Summer of Arcade is now over, the ‘upcoming XBLA titles ‘ section will now include either games with confirmed prices and release dates, or games that specifically interest us.
We would also like to announce that Fragmatica is now on Twitter! Follow us to stay up to date with our latest posts, get the low down on some of the most exciting industry news the second we hear it, and be the first to enter our giveaways. Now that we’ve got you interested, just click the link in our sidebar!
As always, if you’d like to contact us for any reason, we can be reached at thefragmatica [at] gmail [dot] com. Or now, feel free to hit us up on Twitter!
