action video games

An older man with short, wavy blonde hair raises his hand to his ear, wearing an old-timey ruffled collar under a maroon long-sleeve shirt.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Fans, Here’s Some Games You’ll Love!

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

If you’re a fan of the Game of the Year, here are other video games with similarities that you’ll definitely enjoy!…

January 5, 2024

In an article on the "Atomic Heart" controversy are two characters against the backdrop of the Soviet Union flag.

Is Atomic Heart Actually Pro-Russian Propaganda?

Joshua Laine, Emmanuel College

Does this long-awaited video game share problematic ties with Russia?…

April 26, 2023

In an article about the newest Xenoblade Chronicles game, an illustration of the game cover

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Sets the Bar High for RPGs

Christian Simon, Kutztown University

Monolith Soft’s latest and greatest game should serve as an example for all roleplaying games.…

August 28, 2022

In an article about fighting games, an illustration of two characters from popular fighting games.

The Fighting Game Renaissance Is Upon Us

Christian Simon, Kutztown University

The future of the beloved genre is looking bigger and brighter than ever with new releases and old favorites coming into the limelight.…

July 23, 2022

a crowd of people at 2022's Games Done Quick

What You Might Have Missed at Summer Games Done Quick

Christian Simon, Kutztown University

The gaming marathon has concluded, but it’s never too late to go back and see the greatest runs this year.…

July 9, 2022

In an article about the video game The Last of Us, an illustration of the main characters

How ‘The Last of Us’ Changed How PlayStation Told Stories

Christian Simon, Kutztown University

Joel and Ellie’s story defined a whole generation of video game narratives.…

July 1, 2022

A depiction of the potential new graphics for Call of Duty: Modern Duty II

Modern Warfare II’s New Trailer Leaves Many Excited

Janey Schmidt, Columbia College Chicago

Does this reboot have something new to offer to the Call of Duty franchise?…

June 24, 2022

Do the Difficulty Settings of Elden Ring Make It an Unenjoyable Game?

Janey Schmidt, Columbia College Chicago

While the game's limited features turn some players away, others choose to see it as an opportunity to git gud.…

March 17, 2022

In an article about casual games, Kirby stirring a pot of stew

Casual Games Offer a Breath of Fresh Air for the Less-Hardcore Gamer

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

The accessibility of electronic entertainment like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley has expanded what it means to be a member of the gaming community.…

January 31, 2022

An illustration demonstrating video game to TV adaptations for Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness.

‘Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ Remains True to the Franchise’s Roots

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Though casual viewers may not follow the long-running plot of the franchise, the action/horror TV series is a delightful watch for everyone.…

August 2, 2021

Image of a game over, classic Pac-Man sign for an article about Ubisoft prioritizing free-to-play games.

Ubisoft Is Making an Unwelcome Shift to Free-to-Play Games

Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

The transition to inexpensive titles has divided consumers and signals an ongoing trend within the gaming industry.…

July 9, 2021

Illustration by Peyton Stark of Elden Ring character

Everything You Need To Know About ‘Elden Ring’ Before It’s Released

Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

After two years of no news since its initial teaser, the highly anticipated action fantasy role-playing video game finally has an official trailer and release date.…

June 29, 2021

Walker, the anti-hero, from Spec Ops: The Line.

Spec Ops: The Line’s Anti-Hero Takes Advantage of the Player’s Laxity

Amiri Rivers-David, Pomona College

The military shooter defies expectations and deceives players by having them be complicit in the actions of its main character.…

May 13, 2021

a brightly colored illustration of two ninjala characters

With New Features, Ninjala Proves Itself a Game Worth Playing

Diamond Sears-Allen, Borough of Manhattan Community College

The combat game received negative reviews upon its initial release in 2020, but skeptics may have reasons to try it now that, a year later, it includes new weapons, story modes and more.…

April 22, 2021

An illustration of Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid for an article about the video game potentially being turned into a movie. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

Metal Gear Solid: The Challenge of Adapting the Unadaptable

Justin Spencer, University of Texas at San Antonio

Despite the complexities of transforming video games into films, Jordan Vogt-Roberts is tackling an upcoming movie based on the series.…

April 17, 2021

screenshot from monster hunter rise of an armored person battling a fire-breathing dragon

Monster Hunter Rise Is the Fantasy Series’s Best Game Yet

Diamond Sears-Allen, Borough of Manhattan Community College

The much-anticipated newest release in the Nintendo franchise is here, and it takes players through a rich mythical world where battling beasts is great fun.…

April 14, 2021

Persona 5 Strikers Is One of the Year’s Best Games So Far

Diamond Sears-Allen, Borough of Manhattan Community College

The Phantom Thieves gang is back to steal players' hearts in the latest installment in the Japanese role-playing game franchise.…

March 5, 2021

An illustration of the new Mortal Kombat movie cover. (Illustration by Lexey Gonzalez, Wichita State University)

‘Mortal Kombat’ Could Be the Video Game Movie Comeback of the Year

Justin Spencer, University of Texas at San Antonio

After decades of silence, the video game series has released an exciting and violent preview for an upcoming action film.…

March 4, 2021

Screenshot from Creature from the Krusty Krab, of SpongeBob on the hood of a go-kart

SpongeBob: Creature from the Krusty Krab Executes the Perfect Twist

Brady Fitzgerald, Immaculata University

Perhaps the most beloved video game in the franchise, this 2006 release whisks fans into a universe of dreams they won’t soon forget.…

February 5, 2021

Fans of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Either Love It or Hate It

Emily Davies, Solent University

Nearly two months after the latest release of the franchise, reviews remain mixed.…

January 16, 2021

‘Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla’ Looks Promising, If a Little Similar to ‘Odyssey’

Emily Davies, Solent University

The newest addition to the 'Assassin's Creed' franchise looks like it's added some interesting changes, but is it different enough from its predecessor? Does it matter?…

October 22, 2020

Players roam the streets of a fictional Los Angeles in Grand Theft Auto V.

A Potential Grand Theft Auto VI Could Be Rockstar’s Biggest Game Yet

Chris Dang, University of California, Riverside

Multiple protagonists? Multiple cities? The much-anticipated but highly mysterious GTA VI could be another record-breaking installment of the controversial series.…

September 14, 2020

Black and white sketch of Arkham City and the Batman's Batarang.

Rumored Reboot of the Batman Arkham Video Game Series Excites Fans

Chris Dang, University of California, Riverside

Rocksteady’s critically-acclaimed franchise supposedly ended in 2015, but all indications point to another installment on the horizon.…

July 20, 2020

Is ‘Fortnite’ Just a Meme or a Cultural Phenomenon?

James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

It is time to decide whether the video game is just all for laughs or if it truly deserves all the hype and influence it produces.…

July 14, 2020

‘The Last of Us Part II’ Masterfully Reinvents the Narrative-Driven Video Game

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

Countless franchises create characters an audience will admire. What happens when a player is forced to question the motives of a beloved protagonist?…

July 9, 2020

Life Is Strange 2: The Game Tackling More Than Just a Tragic Storyline

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

The adventure game isn't as popular as its predecessor, but it's just as good.…

April 16, 2020

Danganronpa Uses Its Gameplay To Deconstruct Mental Illness

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

This game isn't just fun puzzles and a psychotic teddy bear. Its relevant mental health metaphors make it the perfect game to get you through a lonely quarantine.…

April 4, 2020