E3 2017 - Top 5 Highlights

With every E3 comes a tidal wave of games and announcements, of which it may be difficult to keep track just what was announced.  Even I likely may of missed many trailers and/or announcements, but from what I saw through the press conferences, online, and at the show floor, here are my Top 5 Highlights of E3 2017:

-WARNING: The trailer for Beyond Good & Evil 2 below contains mature themes and language.  Parental discretion is advised before viewing video.

-1- Super Mario Odyssey

When Nintendo once again went all out decorating their entire show floor to the theme of New Donk City, it should be no surprise that Super Mario Odyssey was confident to have an impressive showing.  But it was an unexpected surprise the degree in which this game was able to astonish players around every bend and turn.  With a more open-ended structure to explore these vastly various worlds and a crazy new hat-possessing mechanic for tons of new gameplay possibilities, this game can't come soon enough.  Thankfully, it appears to be coming sooner than anyone initially anticipated, due to launch October 27th.  Yahoo!

Throwback Thursday - Mole Mania

Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia.  On the market this week: The game of short-sighted moles and lots of holes that is Mole Mania.

Released in the US for the Game Boy back in February 1997, Mole Mania is a hidden gem designed by famed game creator of Mario, Zelda, and more that is Shigeru Miyamoto.  Players take control of a mole by the name of Muddy Mole on a quest to rescue his family from an evil farmer, Jinbe.  Using a similar top-down perspective as found in certain Zelda games, players will explore puzzling landscapes filled with iron balls to push and toss, and various enemies to defeat.  Of course, as a mole though, players can also dig underground to reveal a parallel underside of each screen in which to circumnavigate obstacles and reveal hidden paths.

E3 2017 - Event Impressions

E3 2017 has come and passed, but jet lag will always remain with us.  Sorry for the delay folks.  That jet lag really did take more of a toll than expected.  For those who noticed the absence of Sunday comics, expect such to return this coming weekend.  In the meantime, here are some impressions of the E3 event from attending as the average gamer, consumer, aspiring designer, and gaming enthusiast.

Nintendo's E3 2017 Booth - New Donk City, where the fun and funk never stops.

Walking onto the show floor the first day was an overwhelming spectacle to behold.  The colorful displays.  The mass of crowds.  Everything was calling for your attention, but it became quickly apparent that only so many would be able to partake in what there was to offer.  It was like a mix of a convention and a miniature theme park.  Even without the extra 15,000 first-time attendees, I can imagine this being a packed event.  With this addition though, it's clear that this event is experiencing some growing pains.  That's not to say it wasn't still a fun and exhilarating experience.  It was just an experience that needed some adjusted expectations and a fair share of patience.

Tabletop Tuesday - No Thanks!

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck, and more of the Tabletop world.

This week's game...the game of chips and wit that is No Thanks!

Players: 3-5*
Time: 10-20 minutes
Genre: Casual Card Game

Throwback Thursday - Shantae and the Pirate's Curse

Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia.  This week's destination: The game of swashbuckling and alluring dancing that is Shantae and the Pirate's Curse.

Released in the US on October 23rd, 2014, Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is the third game in the Shantae series.  Continuing the events of Risky's Revenge, Shantae lives the life of an ordinary human now with no genie powers.  When her rival Risky Boots notices her minions disappeared and turned into evil Cacklebats, an unlikely alliance is formed with Shantae to retrieve the dark magic and prevent the resurrection of an evil Pirate Master.

Tabletop Tuesday - Smash Up

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck, and more of the Tabletop world.

This week's game...the game of alien abductions and ninja minions that is Smash Up.

Players: 2-4
Time: 45-60 minutes
Genre: Strategy Card Game

Shy Guys

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