Game Design, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, Xbox 360
5 Games That Would Be Better with a Portal Gun
There are few certainties in gaming: extra lives, “game over” screens, and saving the princess. It’s time to add one more to that short list. The addition of the gun from Portal would drastically alter any game (for the better, of course), so why not help struggling developers who can’t seem to come up with new game play mechanics? Here’s a list of games that would benefit greatly from the inclusion of a portal gun — GLADoS (sadly) not included.
Do you hear an echo of a Mario coin out of the corner of your dream when you first wake in the morning? Have you ever tried to use your company stapler to secure the perfect headshot? Do you tell your girlfriend that you have a “headache” so you can crawl back to the PS3 without protest? If so, you just might be able to make the grade in the ultimate test of gamer commitment!
EA is no stranger to acquisitions. The monolithic mega-corporation has been snatching up other gaming companies for years, much to the chagrin of gamers and the satisfaction of stockholders. As a result, EA has earned an unflattering reputation specifically among its detractors as a big, bad monopoly - similar to how some think of Microsoft’s computer business. Unsurprisingly, EA could have a new target in mind: Valve. Known for its epic Half Life series, the creative giant isn’t exactly prolific. Could this change if they set up shop under the enormous EA banner? Or will the next Portal game feature burly linebackers tackling each other through tears in the time-space continuum while John Madden mumbles lethargically? Wait…that actually sounds kind of cool.
Reality or ridiculous, the Madden curse is always an intriguing aspect to ponder as the upcoming NFL season approaches. The last eight cover boys have seen their share of bad luck after gracing the front of the fabled football franchise. This year looks to be as interesting as any; and with Brett Favre adorning the cover, we can let the Madden curse analysis begin.
EA Sports has announced plans to bridge the gap between hardcore and casual gamers by introducing an exclusive line of games for the Nintendo Wii. Entitled All-Play, it’s an effort to bring the joy of complex sports titles to those less apt at playing with detailed control schemes. But don’t make the mistake of thinking All-Play games are simply stripped down versions of the original titles.
If you’re like me, you spend hours preparing to draft the best fantasy football team ever (and yet still end up in last place, losing to the person who was on auto-draft…life just isn’t fair). Manning or Brady? LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson? With so many draft kits available, how are you supposed to know which to choose? EA Fantasy Football is hoping you’ll pick them, since they’ve teamed up with Madden to take the fantasy football craze to a whole new level.
