Stories by Julian Aidan
Stylish 'Devil May Cry' offers genuinely fun gameplay experience
- Capcom
BY JULIAN AIDAN
While “DmC: Devil May Cry” isn’t anything new, it offers a solid and genuinely fun experience, some challenging gameplay and a new storyline for series veterans and newcomers alike.
Reading into Reddit
BY JULIAN AIDAN
Founded in June 2005 by University of Virginia graduates Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, Reddit has exploded in recent years in terms of popularity and content diversity.
Notebook: Commercials just want to be your friend
BY JULIAN AIDAN
A grainy shot of an unhappy-looking woman carrying buckets of water fills the screen. FarmersOnly.com, it says. You’ll never farm alone again, it says, begging the question: Who the fuck does FarmersOnly.com think watches ABC Family?
Gameplay and aesthetics shine in 'Ni no Kuni'
- Studio Ghibli
BY JULIAN AIDAN
“Ni no Kuni” is an unbelievably great game, providing a solid role-playing experience in a universe that doesn’t rely on cutting-edge, hyper-realistic gore or shock tactics to provide a memorable experience.
Notebook: Original video game design and plot more appealing than sequels
- Bethesda
BY JULIAN AIDAN
While some may never get sick of old dogs with new tricks, greater originality and more power being given to players and independent developers paint a brighter future for players craving new horizons to explore.
Twisted characters creep under skin in disturbing 'Asylum'
- FX
BY JULIAN AIDAN
“American Horror Story: Asylum” has also managed to probe the depths of Oedipal complexes, abandonment, nymphomania and vehicular manslaughter, among others, relentlessly bombarding the viewer with wave after wave of discomfort.
Fourth iteration of 'Halo' series revives story, hits all the right notes
- 343 Industries
BY JULIAN AIDAN
It has been five years since “Halo 3.” Master Chief has taken the backseat since the finale of the massively successful game, while titles like “Wars,” “Reach” and “ODST” have focused on developing a backstory for the Spartans and allowing multiplayer to evolve. Now, he’s back and kicking ass like he never went into retirement.
'Ragnarok Odyssey' offers mythic thrills, but could deter casual gamers
BY JULIAN AIDAN
“Ragnarok Odyssey” provides a surprising amount of gameplay depth for a handheld console — including intimidating fights and an original equipment setup — but fails to create a motivating gaming experience with rewards always just out of reach.
Steep learning curve in 'War of the Roses' makes gameplay unenjoyable
- Fatshark
BY JULIAN AIDAN
Ever wondered what it’d be like to charge into battle in 15th century England, swinging wildly before having your helmet and, consequently, skull crushed in by some bastard’s spiky-ball-on-a-stick? Then Fatshark’s “War of the Roses” is a game after your own heart.
'Borderlands 2' builds on the success of standout original
- 2k
BY JULIAN AIDAN
While the game hasn’t evolved much in the audio and video department, it feels smoother and looks sharper than its predecessor. And while the game may grow stale for some, the four-person multiplayer and promise of expansions should keep the game at the forefront of the genre for a while to come.
