This week's creepy conclusion to the month of October...the game of might and fright that is Betrayal at House on the Hill.
Players: 3-6
Time: 60-120 minutes
Genre: Asymmetric Cooperative / Role-Playing Game
Welcome to Hughes3D: A Gaming Blog, where the three D's stand for dice, d-pads, and design. Hughes3D is your portal for impressions and discussions on video games and board games, an exploration into game design, weekly web comics, and more.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Tabletop Tuesday - Betrayal at House on the Hill
Welcome to another wicked edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.
This week's creepy conclusion to the month of October...the game of might and fright that is Betrayal at House on the Hill.
Players: 3-6
Time: 60-120 minutes
Genre: Asymmetric Cooperative / Role-Playing Game
This week's creepy conclusion to the month of October...the game of might and fright that is Betrayal at House on the Hill.
Players: 3-6
Time: 60-120 minutes
Genre: Asymmetric Cooperative / Role-Playing Game
Happy Halloween - Top 5 Ghosts in Video Games
Halloween is a holiday that houses all sorts of creepy-crawly beings of the night, of which the wandering spirit that is the ghost is perhaps one of the most iconic. To celebrate this spooktacular holiday, join us as we take a look at my personal Top 5 ghosts in the world of games.
-1- Blinky, Pinky, Inky & Clyde
No ghost in gaming is quite as iconic and recognizable as the ghosts from the arcade classic that is Pac-Man. And these ethereal entities that roam the dark mazes can prove to be truly horrifying when being constantly pursued and cornered. As some players may or may not be aware, creator Toru Iwatani gave each ghost a distinct personality to add a little variety and interest to the game. Blinky, the red ghost, is aggressive and will consistently try to chase Pac-Man down. Pinky, the pink ghost, will attempt to ambush Pac-Man from the front. Inky, the cyan ghost, is a bit unpredictable, chasing Pac-Man from either direction, or else just wandering off sometimes. Clyde, the orange ghost, will chase Pac-Man much like Blinky, but then gets bashful when getting close and tends to head back to his home in the corner. Adorable, if they weren't trying to consume your soul.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Throwback Thursday - WarioWare (series)
Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia. Stepping up to the mic this week: The quirky games of picking noses and striking poses that is the WarioWare series.
Released in the US on May 26th, 2003, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! was the first in what would become a popular microgame series starring the notoriously greedy and quirky character that is Wario, and a cast of equally bizarre characters. Each character in the game comes with a collection of uniquely themed microgames, both in style and gameplay mechanics, which players will randomly play through and eventually face-off in a "boss" minigame. Once cleared, players can play that character's microgames endlessly, going for a high score as the difficulty and speed gradually ramp up. A unique aspect to WarioWare's microgames is that they are all very quick and simple concepts, making them a test of quick reflexes and the ability to quickly identify the rules of the microgame. Some microgames, like Orbulon's IQ-centric microgames, have a longer timer allowing for more complex puzzles, but short enough still to test the quick wit of the players. And perhaps one of the favorite characters of the series was 9-Volt, whose microgames were all centered around retro gaming goodness, much like an early version of what would later become NES Remix.
Released in the US on May 26th, 2003, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! was the first in what would become a popular microgame series starring the notoriously greedy and quirky character that is Wario, and a cast of equally bizarre characters. Each character in the game comes with a collection of uniquely themed microgames, both in style and gameplay mechanics, which players will randomly play through and eventually face-off in a "boss" minigame. Once cleared, players can play that character's microgames endlessly, going for a high score as the difficulty and speed gradually ramp up. A unique aspect to WarioWare's microgames is that they are all very quick and simple concepts, making them a test of quick reflexes and the ability to quickly identify the rules of the microgame. Some microgames, like Orbulon's IQ-centric microgames, have a longer timer allowing for more complex puzzles, but short enough still to test the quick wit of the players. And perhaps one of the favorite characters of the series was 9-Volt, whose microgames were all centered around retro gaming goodness, much like an early version of what would later become NES Remix.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Tabletop Tuesday - Gloom
Welcome to another sinister edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.
This week's morbid game...the game of bragging rights for dreadful plights that is Gloom.
Players: 2-5*
Time: 30-60 minutes
Genre: Strategy Card Game
This week's morbid game...the game of bragging rights for dreadful plights that is Gloom.
Players: 2-5*
Time: 30-60 minutes
Genre: Strategy Card Game
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Throwback Thursday - Batman: Arkham Asylum
Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia. Hiding in the shadows this week: The game of bat-shaped boomerangs and convoluted plans that is Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Back in Spring 2007, Rocksteady Studios was approached to present their take to the coveted comic series that is Batman. Despite only having one game under their belt at their time, their passion and attention to detail came through, and on August 25th, 2009, they released what is perhaps one of the greatest superhero video games of a generation. The game follows Batman as notorious rival Joker is taken into custody at Arkham Asylum. Suspicious to Joker's actions that led to his capture, Batman personally escorts Joker into the Asylum, to which sure enough, Joker unleashes an elaborate plot, trapping Batman in the asylum while freeing many of Gotham's most infamous villains. Joker goes on to reveal that bombs have been placed all over Gotham city which will blow if anyone tries to enter the asylum. As such, Batman is forced into a solo and daring mission to restore order to this asylum and put a stop to Joker's schemes.
Back in Spring 2007, Rocksteady Studios was approached to present their take to the coveted comic series that is Batman. Despite only having one game under their belt at their time, their passion and attention to detail came through, and on August 25th, 2009, they released what is perhaps one of the greatest superhero video games of a generation. The game follows Batman as notorious rival Joker is taken into custody at Arkham Asylum. Suspicious to Joker's actions that led to his capture, Batman personally escorts Joker into the Asylum, to which sure enough, Joker unleashes an elaborate plot, trapping Batman in the asylum while freeing many of Gotham's most infamous villains. Joker goes on to reveal that bombs have been placed all over Gotham city which will blow if anyone tries to enter the asylum. As such, Batman is forced into a solo and daring mission to restore order to this asylum and put a stop to Joker's schemes.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Tabletop Tuesday - Boss Monster: Tools of Hero Kind
Welcome to another horrific edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.
This week's ghoulish game...the expansion to the dungeon building card game, Boss Monster: Tools of Hero Kind.
(Note: Boss Monster or Boss Monster 2 is required to play this expansion. Click here to learn more about the base game.)
Players: 2-4
Time: 20-40 minutes
Genre: Strategy Card Game
This week's ghoulish game...the expansion to the dungeon building card game, Boss Monster: Tools of Hero Kind.
(Note: Boss Monster or Boss Monster 2 is required to play this expansion. Click here to learn more about the base game.)
Players: 2-4
Time: 20-40 minutes
Genre: Strategy Card Game
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Friday, October 13, 2017
The Legend of Zelda - Top 5 Dungeons
Dungeon crawls have long been the fascination of gamers the world over, with their labyrinthine structures to explore, filled with hordes of monsters and treasure alike. And one series in particular, The Legend of Zelda series, has made dungeons an iconic staple to its masterful franchise. In the spirit of October and all things creepy crawly, here are my personal Top 5 favorite dungeons of The Legend of Zelda series.
-1- Forest Temple (Ocarina of Time)
The Forest Temple from Ocarina of Time is perhaps one of the most atmospheric and fully realized Zelda dungeons in the series. The first dungeon as Link enters the adult timeline in this game, Link finds himself pushing deeper into the Lost Woods than ever before, only to discover this long forgotten mansion with a haunting melody. The evidence of this ruined state is everywhere, from the overgrowth that has taken over inside to the wandering spirits and undead that roam its dusty halls. Dark deeds seem to have taken place here as the Poe Sisters hide and play tricks on Link. From carefully hidden keys to twisted hallways and mocking portraits, this temple tests the player's careful perception to unlock its many mysteries. Upon defeating the Poe Sisters and unraveling the last of the secrets, Link is finally able to reach the depths of the estate, where his skills are put to the test in most epic fashion as he faces Phantom Ganon. This boss once again requires the player to use their keen wits to identify the target as he gallops forward across many portraits, making fantastic use of the 3D space for a thrilling and fitting final fight to this dungeon.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Throwback Thursday - Borderlands (series)
Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia. While this blog is rated E for everyone's safe and enjoyable viewing, I should mention this week's throwback is rated M for Mature. Parental discretion is advised for playing this game series.
Speaking of which, accepting the mission this week: The game of tons of loot and psychos to boot that is the Borderlands series.
Released in the US on October 20th, 2009, Borderlands was a unique fusion of the action first-person shooter (FPS) genre combined with rogue-like, RPG elements. The main gameplay loop would be to kill bad guys for experience and gain new skills / abilities, all the while finding an increasing variety and rarity of loot, from guns to shields to grenades and more. It's a simple, but addictive and satisfying cycle. And the variety of weapon types and attributes keep the experience fresh and encourage plenty of experimentation. In fact, the game boasts its use of a "procedural content creation system" could generate over millions of varied weapons. There is a good chance players would never be able to see every piece of gear there is to be found in the game.
Speaking of which, accepting the mission this week: The game of tons of loot and psychos to boot that is the Borderlands series.
Released in the US on October 20th, 2009, Borderlands was a unique fusion of the action first-person shooter (FPS) genre combined with rogue-like, RPG elements. The main gameplay loop would be to kill bad guys for experience and gain new skills / abilities, all the while finding an increasing variety and rarity of loot, from guns to shields to grenades and more. It's a simple, but addictive and satisfying cycle. And the variety of weapon types and attributes keep the experience fresh and encourage plenty of experimentation. In fact, the game boasts its use of a "procedural content creation system" could generate over millions of varied weapons. There is a good chance players would never be able to see every piece of gear there is to be found in the game.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Tabletop Tuesday - Letters From Whitechapel
Welcome to another spooky edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck, and more of the Tabletop world.
This week's grim game...the game of wretched pawns and escapes by dawn that is Letters from Whitechapel.
Players: 2-6*
Time: 90-120 minutes
Genre: Asymmetric Cooperative / Strategy
This week's grim game...the game of wretched pawns and escapes by dawn that is Letters from Whitechapel.
Players: 2-6*
Time: 90-120 minutes
Genre: Asymmetric Cooperative / Strategy
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Throwback Thursday - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia. Poised to strike this week: The game of smashing pots and dual hook-shots that is The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Released in the US on November 19th, 2006, Twilight Princess was a strong launch game for the hotly anticipated Nintendo Wii, and fitting swan song for the closing act of the Nintendo GameCube. In this Zelda adventure, the land of Hyrule becomes threatened to be cast into a parallel realm of shadows by the King of Shadows. Upon entering the Twilight realm, Link is transformed into a wolf and is hostilely imprisoned. Teaming up with a mysterious and impish character by the name of Midna, they break free and set to restore the Light to the land of Hyrule. This particular entry in the Zelda series is heralded for its darker tones in storytelling and grittier, more realistic approach to art direction. It also features some of the largest and interesting dungeons of the series. While they may not be the most difficult of dungeons, they all feature unique and compelling narrative elements, as was a conscious design decision when the developers were creating these massive labyrinths. And sure enough, it paid off in that aspect. Who could forget the memorable moments of walking on the ceilings of the Goron Mines through use of magnetic plates and the iron boots, or searching the chilly halls of Snowpeak Ruins for fresh ingredients and a warm meal for the sick Yeti. These little bits of narrative touches help to build a more fully realized world and unforgettable experience.
Released in the US on November 19th, 2006, Twilight Princess was a strong launch game for the hotly anticipated Nintendo Wii, and fitting swan song for the closing act of the Nintendo GameCube. In this Zelda adventure, the land of Hyrule becomes threatened to be cast into a parallel realm of shadows by the King of Shadows. Upon entering the Twilight realm, Link is transformed into a wolf and is hostilely imprisoned. Teaming up with a mysterious and impish character by the name of Midna, they break free and set to restore the Light to the land of Hyrule. This particular entry in the Zelda series is heralded for its darker tones in storytelling and grittier, more realistic approach to art direction. It also features some of the largest and interesting dungeons of the series. While they may not be the most difficult of dungeons, they all feature unique and compelling narrative elements, as was a conscious design decision when the developers were creating these massive labyrinths. And sure enough, it paid off in that aspect. Who could forget the memorable moments of walking on the ceilings of the Goron Mines through use of magnetic plates and the iron boots, or searching the chilly halls of Snowpeak Ruins for fresh ingredients and a warm meal for the sick Yeti. These little bits of narrative touches help to build a more fully realized world and unforgettable experience.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Tabletop Tuesday - Clue
Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck, and more of the Tabletop world.
For the month of October, we'll be covering many a variety of spooky and ominous board games. This week's game...the game of suspects and candle sticks that is Clue.
Players: 3-6
Time: 45-60 minutes
Genre: Strategy / Family Game
For the month of October, we'll be covering many a variety of spooky and ominous board games. This week's game...the game of suspects and candle sticks that is Clue.
Players: 3-6
Time: 45-60 minutes
Genre: Strategy / Family Game
Sunday, October 1, 2017
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