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Influential FPS Games #9: GoldenEye 007 – the First Major Console FPS
GoldenEye 007 was the first great console FPS. It also introduced numerous innovations which became common FPS practice. Let's investigate.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 16, 20208 min read


Influential FPS Games #8: Quake 2
Quake 2 was as influential as its predecessor. In particular, it is credited with the creation of e-sports. Let's find out why.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 16, 20205 min read


Influential FPS Games #7: Quake
Quake was the first fully 3D FPS. This is the story of its development and its influence on FPS and PC gaming.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 15, 20207 min read


Influential FPS Games #6: Doom and Doom 2: Part Four
Doom's ports were some the first console FPS games. Doom also kickstarted the PC modding community. Let's investigate.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 15, 20205 min read


Influential FPS Games #5: Doom and Doom 2: Part Three
Doom and its expansion packs kick-started the PC on-line multiplayer scene. Let's find out why.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 15, 20206 min read


Influential FPS Games #4: Doom (1993) – Part Two
We investigate Doom's arsenal of weapons, powerups and abilities, and how they have influenced many FPS games to this day.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 14, 20207 min read


Influential FPS Games #3: Doom (1993) – Part One
An in-depth look into the design and development of the Doom - the father of the FPS

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 14, 20206 min read


Influential FPS Games #2: Wolfenstein 3D (1992)
Wolfenstein 3D is often referred to as "The Grandfather of FPS games." Let's find out why...

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 13, 20206 min read


Influential FPS Games #1: What was the First FPS?
Part one of an investigation into the FPS games that defined the genre. We start by asking the question "What was the first FPS?"

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 13, 20205 min read


Design Sins: Non-Customizable Controls – Part Two
We investigate a selection of AAA games to assess the customizability of their controls. It's not looking good...

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 9, 20206 min read


Design Sins: Non-Customisable Controls - Part One
Some games allow the player to alter their controls to their liking, some do not. Lets investigate the best and worst examples of each.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 9, 20207 min read


Design Sins - Taking Control Away From the Player
Some games restrict the player's agency at predefined points. This is jarring and there are better alternatives. Let's investigate...

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 8, 20208 min read


Design Sins in Video Games: Top Loading Level Design
Some games start out strong, but are weak at the finish - AKA 'Top Loading.' We look at this Design Sin, and how to fix it.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 8, 20208 min read


Design Sins in Platform Games
Some platform games are marred by multiple 'Design Sins'. Let's take a look the the ten worst offenders.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 8, 20207 min read


Design Sins (and Pet Peeves) in Shoot 'em Ups
Some Shoot 'Em Ups could've been great, but weren't due to 'Design Sins'. We investigate the ten most annoying and how to fix them.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 7, 20208 min read


I’m a Save Scummer and Proud!
Save scumming is not only great, it is sometimes necessary. let's find out why.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 7, 202010 min read


Why Developers and Publishers Should Embrace Modding
Is modding good for the gaming industry? This commentator reasons that "Yes, it is, and it should be embraced by everyone."

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 6, 20208 min read


How to Make a Good Escort Quest (And How Not To)
We all hate escort quests, but what if I said there was a way to make them good? Read on to find out how...

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 6, 20209 min read


Enemy Respawn Rates in Open World Games - Striking the Balance
Many games handle enemy respawns poorly. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Lost Alpha shows how to handle respawns well

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 6, 20208 min read


In Defence of Storytelling in Video Games, Past Present and Future: Part Two
Are video games as legitimate a storytelling medium as books, TV and film? This commentator says yes, and has the proof to back it up

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 6, 20208 min read


In Defense of Storytelling in Video Games, Past Present and Future: Part One
Can video games match the storytelling of books, film, TV and live theatre?
This investigator says yes, and has the proof to back it up.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 5, 20208 min read


Brawlers: Retrospective and Rebirth: Part 3 - Resurgence
Third and final part of our look at Brawlers that asks "What is happening now?" and "What might the future bring?"

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 4, 20207 min read


Brawlers: Retrospective and Rebirth: Part Two – The Peak and the Fall
Brawlers reached their zenith in the early 1990s, but declined in popularity soon after. Let's find out why.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jul 1, 20207 min read


Brawlers: Retrospective and Rebirth: Part One – The Rise
Brawlers were a popular genre during the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. In part one investigate their origins and rise in popularity.

Iain 'Sessile_Nomad' Baker
Jun 29, 20208 min read
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