Opinion: Gripping, Informative And Utterly Hilarious – Why You Need To Check Out Beaglerush’s XCOM Series

A determined and entertaining Australian has been taking on one of 2012′s toughest gaming challenges – and documenting his sterling efforts in some style. Mark Butler salutes the brilliant XCOM videos of the YouTuber known as ‘Beaglerush’. If you fancy both a good laugh and a genuinely interesting insight into one of this year’s best games, treat yourself this Christmas by sitting back and watching the XCOM video series... Read More

Opinion: Four Movie-Game Mash-Ups Made In Heaven

We all know that movies based on games are invariably terrible, while games based on movies are usually just as bad. And yet there are many classic films and games that seem completely compatible as experiences – and potentially dynamite if spliced together. Inspired by recent revelations, Mark Butler suggests four pairs of experiences that could provide fantastic mash-ups if the cinematic substance were translated into the game’s framework. Recently,... Read More

Opinion: Five Sequels And Reboots That Will Completely Divide Gamers

They say you can’t please all the people all the time – and that’s certainly the case with some of 2013′s most talked-about sequels and reboots. With controversy already brewing over the change of direction in a number of famous series, Mark Butler looks at five high-profile releases that seem certain to split opinion. When creating a sequel to a highly successful game, the biggest challenge faced by developers is undoubtedly... Read More

Opinion: Could 2012 Be The Most Boring Year in Gaming History?

With next year’s release schedule dominated by familiar faces and severely lacking in exciting new IPs, Mark Butler asks whether the mainstream games industry has lost all sense of imagination. As I glance down the roll-call of major titles set for release in 2012, I find myself struck by a strange mixture of intense excitement, and weary resignation. It’s safe to say I’m more than looking forward to the appetite-whetting likes... Read More

Mad Mack: XCOM Gets X-Rated

This week, disgruntled gamer Dave ‘Mack’ McConkey looks ahead to the forthcoming release of 2k Marin’s XCOM by looking back at the original series that inspired it, taking pot-shots at anyone and everyone along the way. (NB. FMV does not necessarily share Dave’s views, and accepts absolutely no responsibility for any offence his diatribes may cause.) Welcome video game fans to my second long-winded rant about the state of play... Read More