Does A Good Game Need A Good Story? - Guest Blog With Mohammed Hasan

 "No amount of great animation will save a bad story.

John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar

As a '90s kid, growing up with the Nintendo 64 encompassed a fountain of endless fun and impeccable classics. Super Mario 64, Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Brothers and much more! However, as time progressed, the video game industry changed its focus to immersive storytelling. This paradigm shift begs the question: Do video games make the story or does the story make the video game?

Let's look at Naughty Dog, the lucrative company that prides itself on character-driven narrative with the Uncharted series and The Last of Us. Their studio philosophy and award winning titles redefined the emotional connection gamers have with their characters, while aiming to set the narrative gold standard. "I want studios that make story-based games to start taking their stories more seriously...[with] an in-house writer that sits next to the designer, helping them make their levels," Neil Druckmann beckons. While this meticulous standpoint cemented Naughty Dog's legacy in the industry, other companies etched their name in a different way.

Arguably, Nintendo is the root of the video game tree. Its mega influence stretches worldwide and at the forefront of that triumph is the Mario franchise. Despite its earth-shattering sales, it’s unlikely that the average gamer recognizes the Mario series based on its storytelling. Getting entangled with the enthralling Super Mario 64 levels overshadowed the basic goal of rescuing Peach, who happened to make a delicious cake and left it at the castle. I highly doubt gamers mouths’ watered as they heroically strived to obtain that cake with every collected star, ability cap and crushed Goomba. In this case, Nintendo laser focused on memorable gameplay, not memorable storytelling. "Video games are meant to be just one thing. Fun. Fun for everyone," Satoru Iwata proclaimed. Even though you weren't hanging on the edge of your seat anticipating the flavour of the cake, Super Mario 64 embodied the fun factor.

So, is storytelling necessary for video games? It depends on how you view gaming in general. If you're someone who casually pops in a disk or cartridge to have a good time, then gameplay would probably take precedence instead of storytelling. However, if you look at gaming as an immersive, cinematic experience, then scout out story-driven games.

Play the story or let the story play you.

About the Author

As a local GTA resident, Mohammed Maxwel Hasan enjoys the treasure trove of effective storytelling in a variety of contexts. Starting with the N64, he found gems within the video game world and looks forward to what the future brings. For storytelling in video games, feedback on this article, or just want to connect, you can directly email him mohammedmaxwel@gmail.com or visit his website https://maxwel92.wixsite.com/mohammedmaxwelhasan.

Guest Blog Post - Thoughts on Bit Bazaar from Mega Power Games

Along with Brian Yoon the other day, Antonio Miceli from Mega Power Games got to try out some games at the recent Bit Bazaar last week, as well as Gaming Garage at CNE. He was kind enough to write up some thoughts on the recent event. While reading his thoughts make sure to check out Shift from Mega Power Games.

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On the weekend of August 25-27 I had the opportunity to participate in the first edition of the
CNE Gaming Garage (CNEGG) and Bit Bazaar. Here of some of the highlights of the weekend:

PINBALL-MANIA
From the moment you walk through the doors of the CNE Gaming Garage, you are greeted with
the clacks and dings of modern and restored pinball machines. There were approximately 15-20
machines set up for free play where anyone could hop on a machine and go to town. On the
Friday and Saturday there were qualifiers for a pinball tournament (the CNEPC 2017, run by the
Toronto Pinball League). As someone who had never participated in a pinball tournament
before, my results were expected (I stunk up the joint). My favourite pinball machine was one of
the oldest: a machine called Jungle Queen where I posted my best individual result.

Tabletop
In one corner of the Garage there was an area where CNE goers could sit down, grab a board
game and play.
There were also vendors selling board games in booths nearby. I was lucky enough to have
time to play Uncaged: World Warriors, an MMA deck building game from ZeMind Games. As an
MMA fan I was pleased to see a board game encapsulate the strategy one would use in an
MMA fight.

Northern Arena
A large part of the Gaming Garage was devoted to esports and VR, all run by Northern Arena.
This was arguably one of the most popular fixtures inside the garage, as there were consistent
lineups to play VR games, as well as esports games finals being broadcast on the mainstage.

Bit Bazaar
Garage goers would have noticed a long line of tables along the side with games on display that
they may have never heard of before. The Bit Bazaar has been running since 2013, and thanks
to assistance from the Ontario Media Development Corporation, Gamma Space TO managed to
secure some table space to host their eighth edition of the event. Here are only a small subset
of games that you would have found at the event (and that I had a chance to play):

Way Of the Passive Fist - Household Games
This was one of the games that I was looking forward to playing. The artstyle evokes classic
games made in the 90s, but the strategy that you need in this tactical brawler definitely lives up to the standards of today’s modern games. HH Games built a custom arcade machine to show
off at the CNEGG on the Friday and Saturday before packing the machine up and driving across
the continent for PAX.

Tribes of Teldar - Boat Rocker Games
A free mobile turn based strategy game, Tribes of Teldar is a board capture game which is
reminiscent (at least to me) to Go...if each Go piece had a warrior on it that could directly fight
other warriors. The art style is fantastic, the gameplay is easy to pick up, and there’s a lot of
replay value.

Block Droppin’ - Rocketship Park
I read about this game before the CNE Gaming Garage started, and the style intrigued me.
Turns out the gameplay is just as fun as the game looks. Released last week, Block Droppin’ is
a puzzle game where the board is divided into two halves. In the top half, players slide colored
blocks to create shapes by matching colors. Once created, those shapes drop into a grid below
where they’ll need to complete horizontal lines to score points. The game plays smooth, and is
something I could easily see myself playing everyday (if I had an IPhone that is).

Dungeon Crew - Clockwork Kraken
Don’t be fooled by the game’s artstyle. While gorgeous and kid friendly, this demo packs a lot of
tactical elements. The game is level based where you take four warriors out into the battlefield
to battle waves of enemies. Unlike in Final Fantasy where your warriors are stationary and
susceptible to damage, this game allows you to dynamically switch your warriors to adjust
depending what appears in the enemy lanes. The boys at Clockwork Kraken were looking for
feedback for their game all weekend, and from what I can see, the game looks absolutely
promising. Watch out for the the finished product, folks.

Breakforcist - Lucid Sheep Games x Pete Ellison
Breakforcist is the most adorable brick breaker game I have ever played. As waffles fall from the
sky, you need to bat the ball to break them and earn points before they hit the bottom of the
screen. The game made me happy, as well as hungry. If you seek out this game, give it a whirl.

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Thanks again to Antonio and Brian for writing up some things about the Gaming Garage/Bit Bazaar since I couldn't make it out!

Guest Blog Post - Thoughts on Bit Bazaar From Brian Yoon

Friend of the site Brian Yoon checked out this past weekends Bit Bazaar and was kind enough to give some thoughts on the games he played. You can check Brian's Soundcloud right here, and follow him on Twitter here.

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It was my first game event that I attended that was not a game jam. I was there to promote the game that I made music for called The Dungeon Crew by Clockwork Kraken (https://www.clockwork-kraken.com) and it was amazing! The hours are definitely gruesome, however it was fun and fulfilling.

The gaming garage inside CNE displayed array of games. Anywhere from boardgames to console games were there. Also there was a street fighter tournament happening as well. On the right side as soon as you enter, was game full of indie developers around Toronto. I was really surprised by all the different types of games that Toronto had to offer. There were games that are action driven to narrative games. I tried almost all the games that was there and I must say I was impressed and honoured to be part of such talented scene! Here are some of my favourite highlights. I will try my best to keep it nice and brief. Also they are in no particular order!

1) Quench by Axoninteractive

This is a story driven puzzle game where you play as a Shepard that controls the weather. With your weather controlling powers, you guide animals to safety. This game reminded me of Black & White except you are not a god. The game design was simple and yet had depth. Player is given a level of freedom to manipulate the weather however the player wants. I really like the concept and idea of involving something as simple as weather to project the game. 

2) Way Of The Passive Fist by Household Games

This game reminded me of the 80s game side scrolling fighting games as such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or any of the games you played that sucked all the quarters out of you in the arcade. However, this game takes it a step further. This game is about parrying and doing the enemy to charge up for your attack, hence the name Passive Fist. The art work reminded me of Mad Max mixed with some samurai. The concept of the game is what sold me. We often think of button mashing and "hack and slash" games when it comes to fighting and action packed games. This game has as much action as those types of games and it takes a step further by having players' full attention to mechanics and surroundings. Not only that, these guys brought a homemade arcade machine to really give the arcade feel. Amazing. 

3) Shift by Mega Power Games

Super casual game! If you liked 2048 on your phone, then you are going to love this. This game has similar game play without math. Who likes math anyway?

4) The Dungeon Crew by Clockwork Kraken

I know I made music for this and it could be self promotion type of thing. But I really think this game has potential. Easy mechanics and visuals to satisfy all age and gamers. Also very casual because it can be played on your mobile devices.The game features different class of heroes that you can control and manipulate as the game progresses. Don't let cute animation and characters fool you, this game is more challenging than you think! Release date is likely to be next year. 

Overall, I really enjoyed discovering and exploring all the different types of games at BitBaazar. I hope this event becomes a bigger platform for indie game companies to shine and display their product in the future. 

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Thanks to Brian for putting this all together, we'll have another person's take on Bit Bazaar soon!

Bleed Out Now To Xbox One and PlayStation 4 This Week

Little late on this one, but Bleed from Ian Campbell is out now on PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Check out the trailer below!

Bleed is out on #PS4 and #XboxOne!! Air-dodge, slow time and blast bosses old-school style! Big thanks to @DigeratiDM and @GameNephilim!! :D pic.twitter.com/vBfByTATBb

— Ian Campbell (@BootdiskRev) August 22, 2017

Maize From Finish Line Games Launches On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Next Month

Maize released on Steam last year, and now we're getting an Xbox One and PlayStation 4 port that will be out next month. You can check out the announcement trailer below.

Maize, a Video Game about Sentient Corn, is out on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 12, 2017. We're sure you'll be riveted by it. Well, at least more than our focus group was. Watch the trailer for more.

You'll be able to hang out with Sentient corn September 12th on console, or right now on Steam.

Light Fingers Announced For Nintendo Switch - Coming 2018

The gang over at Numizmatic had a huge day today - announcing that their turned based multiplayer game Light Fingers will be releasing on Nintendo Switch next year. The announcement was made during the Nindies showcase this morning.

What do skulking thieves do after a night of procuring shady spoils? They gather at a favorite tavern and wager it away on a friendly game of Light Fingers!

Played on a magical clockworks game board, this turn-based multiplayer game has real-time action and devious opportunities for misdirection, all in the pursuit of securing more loot than your opponents.

After all, bragging rights for the most deft are the greatest steal of all!

Uploaded by Numizmatic on 2017-08-11.

The game will feature local pick up and play, and take place on a game board that unfolds into a miniature world. The game will be out on Nintendo Switch in 2018.

Planet of the Eyes Releases On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Next Month

Cococucumber is busy working on Riverbond, but before we see that game we'll get a chance to see their Limbo-inspired platformer Planet of the Eyes on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The game will be out September 12th on both systems and you can check out the trailer below.

Atmospheric narrative platformer Planet of the Eyes is coming to PS4 and Xbox One Sept 12, 2017. A finalist for "Best Indie Game" at the Canadian Videogame Awards, Planet of the Eyes tells the tale of a service robot stranded on a mysterious planet.

Block Dropping Out Now

As we mentioned earlier this month, Block Dropping has been released on iOS for free, which you can get here.

Block Droppin' is available now, exclusively on @AppStoreGames. https://t.co/9bE0jzvUtf pic.twitter.com/nhO1aHEzhM

— Rocketship Park (@Rocketship_Park) August 24, 2017

Jamhammer Games Teases Shwip News Coming This Week

It's been a while since we last heard from Jamhammer Games about Shwip, but that appears to be changing soon.  Having tweeted out they went on media blackout not to long ago - they just followed up with teasing we'll get some news this week.

Shwip news coming soon, sorry for the media blackout. We've been busy little bees :) pic.twitter.com/H5Qp23P2es

— Jamhammer Games (@JamhammerGames) June 19, 2017

Exciting #shwip news coming this week :) #indiedev #indiegaming #gaming https://t.co/fxascA7sZh

— Jamhammer Games (@JamhammerGames) August 16, 2017

Shwip is expected to come out for PC and Xbox, but that may change and we'll have to wait and see. Until then, make sure to follow them on Twitter.

New Trailer For Tram-Panic From Bitr Blok Games

Bitr Blok Games, a group of George Brown Game Design students, have released a new trailer for Tram-Panic. The game has you controlling a street car from our beloved* TTC, and you can check out some screenshots and the trailer below:

Welcome to Tram-Panic! Play as a streetcar operator in the city of Toronto, picking up people throughout the day as bringing them to their stations. Use buffs from your fellow operators to protect the passengers and try to get the highest score or reach your objective before time runs out!

You can follow the developers on Twitter and Facebook. The game is expected to hit Android devices September 2017.

* - Lol, no one loves the TTC

Block Droppin' Out August 24th

They were looking for Beta testers not to long ago, and now it looks like Block Droppin' is ready for the masses. Rocketship Park's puzzle game will be available on iPhone and iPad August 24th as a free download.

"Block Droppin' is a fast-paced puzzle game of sliding tiles and falling blocks. Players race against the clock to make shapes in the upper playing field, and then drop those shapes into the well below to clear lines. It's the sort of experience that blends classic concepts into something wholly unique and (we believe) has the potential to secure a permanent spot on the homescreens of puzzle loving gamers."

New Trailer For Debris

I missed this one, but it looks like Debris had a trailer launch last month as well as putting the game page on Steam. According to the Steam page its set for release October of this year. If you want to get your hands on the game before that, you can check it out at Bit Bazaar at the CNE later this month.

Debris is an atmospheric single-player/co-op adventure game set in beautifully dangerous underwater ice caves. You must find a way back to the surface, but power is scarce, your team is lost and unusual creatures lurk in the darkness. Debris is coming to Steam October 1st, 2017 for PC and Mac.

Skies of Fury Update Coming This Week

Skies of Fury, the World War 1 aerial combat game will be getting a big update this week, which includes 50 new missions.. You can download the game for free on iOS here, and Android here.

Massive update on #skiesoffury due this week! Exciting news for #IlluminationGames pic.twitter.com/KbVK7RWves

— SEED Interactive (@Seed_Interactiv) August 9, 2017

Arrow Heads Coming to Steam on September 21st

Arrow Heads by OddBird Studio will be released on Steam on September 21.  Arrow Heads is a local and online multiplayer archery game that includes a single and co-op mode.  OddBird showed this game at LevelUp! 2016, winning Best Overall Game and Best Artistic Achievement, as well as winning at the ESAC Student Game Competition.

Coming to Steam September 21st! Get ready to join in on the zany battle royale archery game known as Arrow Heads! For more information visit our steam page below. We will be releasing to Xbox and Playstation later on as well! Stay tuned on our social media for updates of when the game will be available.

ARROW HEADS IS COMING STEAM SEPTEMBER 21ST!

Announcement Trailer: https://t.co/SVUUXDBklh
Steam Page: https://t.co/xwRf8YeS11#indiedev pic.twitter.com/TVfJwiKQOz

— OddBird (@OddBirdStudio) August 8, 2017

Severed now Available on Nintendo Switch

DrinkBox Studios has announced that their critically acclaimed game Severed is now available on Nintendo Switch.  It previously has been available for PlayStation Vita, Wii U, iOS, and Nintendo 3DS.

Severed won the Best Mobile/Handheld Game and Best Musical Score at the Canadian Video Game Awards 2016, Best Mobile Game 2016 on Destructoid, and 2016 iPad Game of the Year from Apple.  Check out the Nintendo Switch release trailer below!

Severed is now on the Nintendo Switch! Take control of a one-armed warrior named Sasha, wielding a living sword on her journey through a nightmare world in search of her family. Swipe-based touch controls will let you solve puzzles, find secrets, and do battle with a host of disturbing monsters.