Fatal Frame franchise guide: putting fright in focus

By Jenni Lada // 10.31.1610.31.16

“Inspired by a true story” are the five words that can both inspire delight and strike fear in the hearts of anyone looking for something spooking to enjoy. Koei Tecmo has been using that approach to help sell the Fatal Frame series for years. By offering fictional locations, rituals and situations inspired by Japanese folklore and history, the company has provided people with a shooter that involves defeating ghosts with cameras to survive otherworldly encounters. Join us as we go through the catalog of Fatal Frame games.

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Pokemon Snap is an educational experience

By Jenni Lada // 8.10.1611.21.16

In most Pokémon games, we’re meant to see the creatures we can collect as tools. While some element of research is tacked on to our expeditions, due to a lofty goal of completing a Pokedex, that’s something that happens in the background as we play. It’s coincidental; our real focus lies elsewhere. Pokémon Snap is the only entry in the series focused on entirely on researching the critters, allowing us to actually learn about these beasts by viewing them in their natural habitat.

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Exploring Puyo Puyo 2’s prolific past

By Jenni Lada // 5.16.165.19.16

Sega 3D Classics Collection affords every Nintendo 3DS owner the best opportunity. This is the first time Puyo Puyo 2 has been released overseas. Which is absolutely insane, because for many people, this is the installment that comes to mind when they think of Puyo Puyo.

3DS Arcade Guide PS2 PS3 PSP Vita Wii Wii U

Welcome back, Taiko Drum Master!

By Graham Russell // 12.8.151.19.16

Yakuza 5 has reached the West today. It’s the end of a long wait for Yakuza fans, and an encouraging sign that the roughest days for American fans of Japanese games are behind us. Secretly, though, it’s the return for a franchise that is just as beloved and missing outside Japan for even longer: Taiko Drum Master, or Taiko no Tatsujin.

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Video: Google and Nintendo join forces in And-Kensaku

By Graham Russell // 9.10.159.4.15

Google and Nintendo made a game together? Yep! Graham and Jeremy check out And-Kensaku, a Japan-only Wii party game about search results and knowing the world you live in.

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Preview: Rodea the Sky Soldier is so NiGHTs

By Jenni Lada // 8.3.158.13.15

You can see NiGHTS into Dreams influence in every aspect of Rodea the Sky Soldier. When I sat down to play the game for the first time, I knew I’d “get” it. That becoming Rodea’s would be like returning to a time when I glided and spun through the sky as an old friend. If you’ve ever played a NiGHTS game before, you’ll find Rodea the Sky Soldier a homecoming.