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Back in the good old days of pre-online gaming, two to four people could sit together on a couch and play video games on one screen. However today, we’re lucky if video games support split-screen multiplayer, but board games are making a resurgence to pick up the slack. If people want to play their favorite video game with friends, but it either isn’t a multiplayer game, or it only supports online multiplayer, odds are they can find a board game based on that game. However, some video games and video game franchises deserve a board game makeover, if only to help older gamers relive the times when they could just play video games with friends by inviting them over to their houses. Here is a list, in no particular order, of six video games that deserve board games. And before I begin, I did not consider existing board game franchises with a special video game theme such as Risk: Mass Effect Galaxy at War Edition or Monopoly: The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition as board games based on video games, so don’t expect me to include Yahtzee: Resident Evil Edition on this list.

Pikmin

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Have you ever wanted to lead an army of tiny, color-coordinated plant minions who gladly sacrifice their lives to destroy monsters and gather treasure? Well, oversimplification aside, Pikmin would make a great board game. In a Pikmin board game, players could compete to gather as much treasure as possible with a Pikmin army. In order to do so, players would need to move their Pikmin pieces around a board to gather treasure and recruit more Pikmin, and as in the video game, players would need to strategize which Pikmin should be used in various situations. The game could have a risk vs. reward in the form of a day/night cycle: players could either find shelter at night and keep their Pikmin safe, or they could search for extra-valuable treasure and risk losing most, if not all, their Pikmin to powerful predators. The game would end after a set number of turns, and the player with the most treasure wins.

Super Smash Bros.

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Super Smash Bros. is as much a fighting game as it is a party game, but it also relies heavily on mind games. Self-knowledge  and knowledge of your opponent’s abilities are a must, and that’s ignoring more advanced tactics such as wall jumping and the inherent randomness of item spawns. Put simply, Super Smash Bros. would make for glorious chaos in board game form, albeit simplified. The board game could be a competitive affair where players try to knock their opponents off of the board. They would need to predict where their opponents will move and use their attacks, probably represented by a deck of cards, wisely. However, a smart player would be more than capable of turning near defeat into victory. Furthermore, this kind of game just begs for amiibos and fan support; you know you always wanted Shovel Knight and Waluigi in Super Smash Bros., and you could with a Super Smash Bros. board game.

Monster Hunter

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Monster Hunter is arguably one of the best cooperative video games on the planet. Up to four players hunt one giant monster (sorry Evolve fans, Monster Hunter did it first and did it better) with swords, spears, hammers, explosive barrels, traps, and other items. And yes, they actually have to hunt them. Players don’t know where these monsters are, but after many playthroughs, players learn a lot about these creatures, from where they hide to when they’re about to breathe fireballs. Most importantly, players learn which extra items work well when hunting specific monsters. A Monster Hunter board game could emphasize the cooperative and preparation aspects of the video game. The game could easily be played with either a fifth player who controls the monster, or a random set of cards and dice rolls could control it instead. In this board game, either the human players would win and earn rewards they could use in the next game session or the monster eats well tonight.

Silent Hill

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Konami might have abandoned the Silent Hill franchise, but that doesn’t mean we have to. Games such as Mansions of Madness show that even in board games, people love to wander mysterious locales and fight Lovecraftian horrors that turn most men into gibbering, insane wretches. A Silent Hill board game could be played either competitively or cooperatively as people search various tiles to find items, solve puzzles, and fight monsters, all to escape Silent Hill. Depending on how they want to play, people could either keep monsters busy while others solve puzzles, or they could lure other players into traps and escape alone. Once the game enters the Otherworld, new monsters could appear and passageways shift; some unlucky players might even find themselves trapped in a room with no way out. The Silent Hill video games kept players on edge, and so should the Silent Hill board game. Oh, and the player or players who escape first would be the winners; sometimes the best way to escape would be to team up with a player and betray him or her right before the escape, and other time the best way would be to see that teamwork all the way to the end. Again, the game should keep players on their toes.

Fire Emblem

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This video game was just made to be a board game. Two (or more) players could have armies of carefully selected character pieces that move around a grid map, attack other character pieces, and use spells to turn the tide of battle. The winner would be the last player standing.  What more needs to be said?

Borderlands

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It’s a game about looting guns and completing quests; what more could you ask for? Well, plenty. The game could  support up to four players who could either either go it alone or team up to complete missions and win loot. Each character would have his or her (or its) special abilities, but the name of the game is looting guns; these guns would be represented by a big deck of cards, probably the largest deck you’ve ever seen. Each gun would determine how players fight enemies, both in terms of tactics and efficacy. Each mission would give players loot and points, and the more missions players complete, the more chances they get to draw a super-powerful gun card. Missions would be easier to complete when on a team, but then players would have to split up the points and loot, which would force players to decide whether they think the extra points and loot are worth the extra risk. At the end of the game, the player with the most points would be the winner.

I probably missed a few games on this list. In fact, I know I did. But why should I be the only one here who gets to brainstorm on what video games should be turned into board games and how they should be played? Comment down below and tell me what video games you want to turn into board games.

All you have to do to get my attention is talk about video games, technology, anime, and/or Dungeons & Dragons - also people in spandex fighting rubber suited monsters.

Gaming

Will Stellar Blade be available for PC?

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It’s quite possible. Fans all over the world are interested in Shift Up’s highly anticipated action-adventure game, Stellar Blade. With its captivating post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of Nier and a compelling protagonist named Eve, it’s no wonder the game has generated such widespread attention.

The game consistently impresses with its stunning visuals and high-octane action, leaving players in awe with each new trailer.

Yet, just like other noteworthy second-party and third-party game releases, fans are pondering: Will Stellar Blade be available on PC?

In this article, we delve into the details to determine the platform availability of the highly anticipated title.

Will Stellar Blade be available on PC? Allow me to provide you with the answer.

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Unfortunately, Stellar Blade will not be available on PC, at least not initially. Currently, the game is only available on PlayStation 5 starting on April 26, 2024.

Regrettably, it appears that there is no indication of a potential PC release for Stellar Blade in the future. In most cases, trailers for PlayStation timed-exclusive titles conclude with a disclaimer that specifies the duration of their exclusivity.

In the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launch trailer, it is explicitly stated that the game will only be accessible on other platforms starting on May 29, 2024.

Regrettably, when it comes to the stellar blade, there is no indication of such.

It’s important to note that Sony Entertainment Interactive published Stellar Blade, unlike Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This means that the chances of it being released on PC or other platforms in the near future are even slimmer.

However, it is worth noting that there is a chance the game might be released on PC in the future, given PlayStation’s track record of bringing their exclusive titles to the platform. However, it could be a while before this comes to fruition.

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Gaming

A Review of Fallout 4

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After nearly ten years since its initial release, Bethesda has brought Fallout 4 to the PS5, offering enhanced technical performance that one would anticipate from a leap to a new generation. Does the open-world RPG still hold up in 2024?

Answering that question is quite challenging, I must say. While opinions may vary, it’s worth noting that Fallout 4 has its fair share of critics. However, one cannot deny the allure of its captivating gameplay loop, which keeps players hooked with its constant exploration, mutant battles, and character progression. The loop in question has undoubtedly stood the test of time, and Fallout 4 continues to captivate players with its addictive character development mechanics. From acquiring loot to distributing perk points, the game offers a truly engaging experience.

Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic Boston is yet another example of Bethesda’s talent for creating immersive worlds that captivate and divert your attention from your intended path. This map is incredibly dense, providing adventure at every corner. This open world is incredibly immersive, captivating players for hours on end. The various character progression systems add depth and complexity to the experience.

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However, this is where the game begins to show some weaknesses, especially when compared to more contemporary standards. Technical limitations that were already dubious when Fallout 4’s release in 2015 hinder the gameplay experience. It’s quite disappointing to encounter a loading screen every time you enter or exit an interior location, which feels incredibly outdated, even with the significantly improved load times of the PS5 version.

Additionally, comparable restrictions limit the game’s overall scope. Now, it’s clear that one wouldn’t anticipate a radiation-soaked wasteland to be bustling with life, but Boston can’t help but come across as lacking ambition. As you journey through different locations, you’ll notice a noticeable lack of action. Even well-known settlements such as Diamond City and Goodneighbor, which are supposed to be bustling hubs of activity and trade, feel disappointingly empty with a population of only around 30 NPCs.

This illusion may have been somewhat passable back in 2015, but after almost a decade, it’s clear that the game’s outdated engine is to blame for many of its glaring flaws. It’s undeniable that some aspects of Fallout 4’s design haven’t aged well, especially considering how much the open-world genre has evolved in the past decade. While it’s not fair to expect a complete remake in the 2024 re-release, there are certain aspects that could have been improved upon.

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Fallout 4 undeniably possesses an alluring atmosphere, capturing that eerie sense of wonder that has become synonymous with the series. There is a unique experience in scaling the remnants of a decrepit skyscraper and surveying the desolate landscape, immersing oneself in the inherent solitude while the game’s subtly captivating music softly plays in the distance.

When it comes to immersion, let’s delve into Fallout 4’s take on role-playing. Upon its release, numerous dedicated Fallout fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the game’s decision to introduce a fully voiced protagonist, along with the limited dialogue choices that accompanied this change. Truly, the absence of morally ambiguous decisions in this game is quite noticeable, especially when comparing it to titles such as Fallout: New Vegas or even Fallout 3. The side quests often guide you towards two predictable options, where you can either embody a beacon of hope or a deranged maniac, and the latter option never truly feels authentic, given the protagonist’s predetermined, almost heroic role in the story.

Emerging from a two-century cryogenic sleep, the protagonist must navigate the treacherous landscape of post-apocalyptic America to save their kidnapped infant son, who was taken from the very same cryogenic facility. In this particular situation, deviating from the main questline may not contribute to the overall narrative coherence. However, it must be acknowledged that the story presents significant opportunities for making impactful decisions that can greatly influence the game world, especially when aligning oneself with pivotal factions.

Once again, it’s worth noting that there is limited opportunity to delve into your character’s personality and motivations in Fallout 4. As a result, the game can be seen as a regression compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, the side quests tend to be quite forgettable. The main plot of Fallout 3 had its fair share of issues, but it managed to find balance by incorporating some wild and unpredictable misadventures. The sequel, on the other hand, lacks personality, featuring one-dimensional characters and unremarkable dialogue. It heavily relies on self-referential storytelling, which can be immersion-breaking.

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If you’re interested in seeing faction plotlines come to a conclusion, you’ll have to go through a plethora of ‘radiant’ filler quests. These are the types of games that provide little context and simply place a procedurally generated objective marker on your map, instructing you to “go here, do something.” While the prospect of embarking on an adventure and uncovering hidden treasures is certainly enticing, the overall experience feels somewhat lacking in depth and emotion. It’s hard to ignore the excessive filler content that hinders your progress towards important narrative milestones.

However, it is worth mentioning that the gameplay loop of Fallout 4 is incredibly captivating, and combat plays a vital role in this experience. While it may not boast the most polished shooting mechanics compared to other games on the market, it undeniably stands out as the most enjoyable Fallout installment to date. The action in the game is filled with a satisfying and almost comical bloodlust. Whether you’re sniping super mutants with precision or hacking raiders to bits with modified chainsaws, the result is a spectacle of skulls popping and limbs flying.

The standout feature of the game is undoubtedly V.A.T.S., which grants you the power to manipulate time and execute visually stunning attacks on specific body parts. Even after nearly ten years, there is still no other system quite like it. The version of V.A.T.S. in Fallout 4 truly stands out, offering moments of pure chaos and excitement. Experiencing the exhilarating thrill of a deathclaw’s head exploding mere moments before its talons make contact with your face; being rendered speechless as a mini nuke hurtles directly towards you; obliterating grotesquely mutated wildlife with your beloved energy weapon, all captured in flawless slow motion. This is an exceptional experience.

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Regrettably, not everything that Fallout 4 does is met with universal acclaim. Despite being largely overlooked, the game’s settlement system continues to be a topic of heated debate. During your adventure, you’ll stumble upon small communities that you can nurture by collecting various items and utilizing specific materials to construct a wide range of structures. These include essential defenses like walls and gates, as well as intricate computer networks and ingenious mechanical contraptions.

The system itself is undeniably impressive, providing an immense amount of depth for players who truly want to immerse themselves in the experience. If you’re looking for a classic Fallout experience, settlements might come across as unnecessary baggage, adding unnecessary weight to an already content-packed game that can sometimes feel like busywork. It’s quite frustrating how settlements don’t immediately prove their value. The initial phase involves the monotonous task of collecting a vast amount of resources, and that’s just for the basic needs such as shelter, food, and water.

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While certain aspects of Fallout 4 may not have stood the test of time, it’s worth noting that the PS5 port does indeed deliver on its commitment to enhancing the game’s technical performance. The game’s performance mode, running at 60 frames per second, is impressively smooth overall, with only occasional minor hitches lasting for a fraction of a second in crowded areas. The smooth frame rate greatly enhances the gunplay, which can sometimes feel a bit twitchy. Additionally, the dynamic 4K resolution significantly improves the overall visual experience, making everything look better than ever.

From an artistic standpoint, this video game can be visually unappealing. It’s safe to say that the visuals were less than impressive back in 2015, and unfortunately, they haven’t aged well. The human character models leave much to be desired, with their lackluster facial features and lifeless expressions. The lip-syncing and facial animations are particularly disappointing.

In summary

The core gameplay loop of Fallout 4 remains strong, despite the fact that the surrounding adventure is starting to show its age, nearly ten years after its initial release. The addition of a smooth 60-fps performance mode will surely please many returning players. Roaming through post-apocalyptic Boston can still provide some enjoyment, especially with the reliable V.A.T.S. system at your disposal. However, it is undeniable that open-world games have made significant progress since the release of Fallout 4, which some may argue already felt outdated even at its launch in 2015.

Pros:

  • The open-world design is both dense and engaging
  • Engaging progression systems that keep you hooked
  • V.A.T.S. continues to impress
  • The performance on PS5 is impressively smooth
  • Significantly decreased loading times
  • Several poignant narrative moments
  • The soundtrack creates a captivating atmosphere

Cons:

  • Shows signs of significant deterioration in various aspects
  • Unremarkable side quests and forgettable characters
  • Lacking depth in the realm of role-playing
  • An abundance of mundane tasks
  • The character models are visually unappealing

Good 7/10

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Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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