Team Rocket succeeds because of its grounded and persistent nature

By Jenni Lada // 7.30.197.28.19

What makes a good villain? It could be how justified and vindicated someone feels when they get the chance to rise up and defeat them. Ones with intense backstories and motivations that almost a player sympathize with them are intriguing too. But, when it comes to the Pokemon series, one villainous group keeps enjoying one uprising after another. Team Rocket can’t be kept down. (Team Go Rocket even took Pokemon Go by storm.) In the case of this group, one could argue it is their persistence. Because, while the group does have an array of activities that can make people justified in fighting them and does have more affable members like Jessie and James, their in-game activities come down to relying on certain Pokemon they are familiar with, gradually building up plans, never hiding their intention and always being ready to make a comeback.

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A beginner’s guide to Fire Emblem

By Graham Russell // 7.24.197.24.19

With the release of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, a lot of people have been talking about the long-running strategy franchise, and many are being introduced to what it has to offer. So where do you start if you want to get into the series? What’s the next step if you enjoy Three Houses or mobile hit Fire Emblem Heroes, and where do you go after that? We’re here to help you answer those questions.

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Many of the final Nintendo 3DS games are substantial ones

By Jenni Lada // 7.15.197.7.19

The Nintendo 3DS has entered its sunset years. Nintendo had nothing to announce for it at E3 2019. There don’t appear to any new games on the horizon in any region. It seems time to bid a fond farewell. However, for a system at the end of its lifespan, it is quite a fortunate one. Those gathering around to bid it goodbye will find a number of games that, well, are intended to be played for not only days, but perhaps even weeks or months. It seems like a rather positive send-off for a handheld that greatly deserves it.

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Replaying Fire Emblem Awakening made me appreciate Virion

By Jenni Lada // 7.10.197.1.19

I never really cared for Virion. In Fire Emblem Awakening, I found him obnoxious. His attitude was too over-the-top. It seemed like he was hitting on all of the female units. The only thing I ever felt like he had going for him is that he was an early game archer in both Fire Emblem Awakening and Fire Emblem Heroes, games where you otherwise may have to wait a bit to get another neutral, ranged unit.

Then, I was forced to use Virion.

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Celebrating summer festivals in games

By Jenni Lada // 7.1.197.1.19

Every year, summer is accompanied by festivals. Maybe they are local affairs, where communities gather for food and fun. Perhaps, if people are in the United States, it can mean fireworks and getting together for the Fourth of July. In Japan, July and August tend to be the main summer festival months, with people getting together for Bon festivals to celebrate their ancestors, enjoy fun with family and friends, dress up in yutaka and special clothing, have good food and perhaps even dance. While most people might not get a chance to experience this sort of thing firsthand, they can go through them virtually in games. Lots of Japanese games pay tribute to these events, giving you a taste of what that kind of life might be like.

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The Westerner’s guide to getting into Sakura Wars

By Graham Russell // 6.27.197.8.19

The Sakura Wars franchise is making its way to the West once again next year after a less-than-successful attempt nearly a decade ago, and it’s a great time to get caught up on it to be ready for the new release. Unfortunately, Sakura Wars doesn’t make it easy on you if you don’t know Japanese. Here’s our guide for, well, doing the best you can!

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A beginner’s guide to Puyo Puyo

By Graham Russell // 6.4.196.4.19

So you want to get into a venerable, classic puzzle series, but don’t know where should you start? We’re here to help! Here’s a new player’s guide to the Puyo Puyo franchise as a whole.

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Yoshiki Kishinuma is one of Corpse Party’s most important characters

By Jenni Lada // 4.16.194.14.19

The Corpse Party series is one with a massive cast. Considering the original game, sequels and spin-offs, there are lots of characters people might want to root for. However, there is one person who can often stand out: Yoshiki Kishinuma. This member of the supporting cast has the distinction of being a survivor and recurring hero who starts out as just another person, but goes on to become one of the most important and prominent people there. As a result, people might find themselves constantly rooting for him and realizing all the good he does.

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What do you need to know about Ace Attorney?

By Jenni Lada // 4.8.193.25.19

It is a good time to be an Ace Attorney fan. Capcom’s series of courtroom simulations has a whole new audience, as Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is bringing the first three games in HD to the PS4, Switch, Xbox One and PC. But, what if someone isn’t familiar with Phoenix Wright? What if people don’t know the first thing about being a virtual attorney? Let’s go through a debriefing before heading to court.

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