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Showing posts from July, 2024

Hot Wheels Unleashed: Unleashing Childhood Dreams

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As I opened Hot Wheels Unleashed for the first time, a strong sense of deja vu quickly came over me. Not just another racing game--this was like going back in time; transporting me back to a world filled with plastic tracks and die-cast cars that defined my childhood in London. Something about those little cars made time stand still so when I found myself gripping my controller in anticipation of racing through loops and jumps defying gravity I couldn't help but smile; not only was this not about speed but rediscovering an aspect of myself I thought long gone back into hiding again! Speed, Fun, Simple Controls,... Simple Exhilarating Hot Wheels Unleashed is, at its core, a racing game designed to celebrate the pure, unadulterated pleasure of competition. No fighting, no complex power-ups; simply the thrill of competition! No combat; only speed! Each turn in this exhilarating racing adventure propels players closer and closer towards speed; each twist and turn pushing players onwa

Blue Dragon: A Reevaluation

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Akira Toriyama's artwork can be found across legendary manga and anime series like Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, and Chrono Trigger as well as lesser-known JRPG Blue Dragon, often outshone by more popular titles in its genre such as Dragon Ball. Unfortunately, though, Blue Dragon often finds itself overshadowed by other more well-known titles in its field and even if it is understandable from a historical point of view that tries to explain the events of that time, it should be revisited and reevaluated by today's players. One thing is certain: unappreciated, though enjoyable nevertheless, Blue Dragon is not the first choice when we are thinking of Toriyama's work. So why should we bother with this game now? It is a prime example of an overlooked video game, a game that had some bad luck to be caught in the events of that time, and a game that deserves better. Enjoyable but Without Narrative Depth Let's start with the artwork: needless to say, Toriyama's mark on Blue Dra

TopSpin 2K25: Uncovering the Meta Through Data Analysis

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Navigating the online meta of TopSpin 2K25 can be daunting for competitive tennis enthusiasts, but don't despair! Players with powerful serves are statistically more likely to secure victories. Particularly powerful serves to exceed 190 km/h (118 mph) can see significant jumps in win probability; but raw power alone doesn't account for all outcomes: slice serves with their deceptive trajectory and awkward bounce are more likely to result in returned errors compared with flat ones. TopSpin Academy: Where Nerds Become Net Genius TopSpin Academy became my home away from home. Here I practiced backhands like an elite boxer training for a title fight; footwork until it almost mimicked Roger Federer waltzing around on the court; slowly the game clicked for me as I learned timing techniques and how to read opponent moves with strategic advice from John McEnroe (even when this advice entailed insults against Roger!). Eventually, my tennis began clicking with more fervor; thanks, Joh

Conquering MyGM in WWE 2K24

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Attention wrestling fans and armchair managers in London! I cannot contain my excitement for WWE 2K24 ; as an avid wrestling enthusiast, I cannot contain myself with anticipation for its arrival this November. Body slamming my friends in virtual wrestling rings has long been one of my favorite pastimes, but this year MyGM mode is getting me jazzed! Now, I have managed teams in numerous sports games - Premier League, American Football, and more - but MyGM adds an entirely new layer of chaos and strategy into the mix. Not just drafting big names (though who wouldn't want Roman Reigns on their squad?!), MyGM allows users to build brands, establish rivalries, and put on shows so electrifying that virtual audiences get hooked into them down to every seat in a stadium! MyGM Provided an Easy Start Instead of meticulously selecting rookies or overseeing salary caps, you are dealing with larger-than-life personalities on predetermined rosters, much like managing fighting game rosters whe