“BioShock Infinite” is set in 1912 at the height of American exceptionalism. Booker Dewitt is sent to the city in the sky, Columbia, with the mission of retrieving a woman named Elizabeth from captivity amidst a civil war between two factions: the Vox Populi and the Founders.

Developer Irrational Games (the original team behind the first BioShock released in 2007) has been slowly, painstakingly slowly, building BioShock Infinite since 2010. Three years of “content in progress” videos, concept art, gameplay videos and most recently released the actual first five minutes of the game. Ken Levine, co-founder of Irrational Games, has been resolute in Irrational’s development of Infinite even as some employees left Irrational in the middle of Infinite’s development.

Despite setbacks, fans were still excited, that is until Levine discussed the target audience for BioShock Infinite. Apparently, Levine and his team intended the game to appeal to gamers who are fans of games like the “Call of Duty” franchise. Levine has interviewed these fans in an effort to understand what makes them play certain games over others. It is understandable that Irrational Games would want a demographic that is as lucrative as the young male demographic since they buy the same types of games over and over again. However, this means some things about the game will be tailored to that demographic; such as the protagonist, Booker Dewitt, being the only featured character on the box art. This is questionable because there are two main characters: Booker and Elizabeth. Irrational made an attempt to remedy this by having fans vote on a reversible cover.

In classic “BioShock” style, the player is aided by supernatural powers. These powers are gained by ingesting “Vigors” and grant the player control over elements such as electricity or even crows. Dewitt’s partner, Elizabeth, comes with her own power which only she has control over: the ability to summon objects through space and time to assist the player in combat situations. She brings objects called “Tears,” which can be determined from their gray, fragmented appearance over objects nearby. For example the player may come under heavy fire and may want Elizabeth to bring a cover into the space from another reality. She can do so only if a “Tear” allows her to. In addition, Elizabeth’s abilities cannot be overused as they require a cool down period, causing the player to think about every “Tear” they use.

Moreover, the actual gameplay is akin to a free for all, all out chaos with enemies shooting, tears being ripped open by Elizabeth, Dewitt being hurled from skyline to skyline while using his “Vigors” and guns to aid him. Such a dynamic combat system is overwhelming to watch and take in. However, when one has the controller in their hands they could become lost in the combat and feel more immersed in Dewitt’s role as the one who needs to protect Elizabeth and escape the madness that Columbia has become. The tag team dynamic that Elizabeth and Dewitt share can only give the player more choices on how to handle a particular fight, which in the end is a positive and intriguing aspect of the gameplay.

Another interesting aspect of “BioShock Infinite” is the “1999 mode” which is much more than a hardest difficulty setting. The player will need to plan out every single choice they make in order to survive. Ken Levine states on the BioShock Infinite website that “1999 Mode will demand that players pick specializations, and focus on them.” This mode promises to frustrate gamers, but in a good way. Levine advises to save often in result.

In the meantime, players who pre-ordered any version of “BioShock Infinite” can play the online flash puzzle game “Industrial Revolution.” In the game you are a worker in a factory and it is your choice whether you want to support the Vox Populi or the Founders. In line with BioShock heritage, the choice the player makes effects the story. The player is also able to unlock money and powers that they can use in “Infinite” when it is released.

Irrational has also jumped on the special edition bandwagon in which players have a choice of two editions: “Premium Edition”($79.99 USD) or the “Ultimate Songbird Edition”($149.99 USD). Both editions come with unlockables, an artbook, keychain, handyman figurine, avatars and themes for the Xbox 360 or PS3. The only major difference is the “Ultimate Songbird Edition” comes with a statue of the Songbird, the monster that holds Elizabeth captive. The player has a choice to make here as well:  is a statue worth the price of $149.99? According to Ken Levine, it is. Moreover, in addition to all of these goodies, on January 22, 2013, Irrational announced an e-book, “BioShock Infinite: Mind in Revolt,” will be free for gamers that pre-ordered with Amazon.com. The prequel covers the lead up to the events in “Infinite” and delves deeper into the conflict between the Vox Populi and the Founders.

“BioShock Infinite” will finally be released on March 26, 2013. As one of the most highly anticipated games in the New Year, one can only hope Levine has not let fans down. As Levine said in an interview with Adam Sessler, “Columbia is the memory of America that people think existed that never really quite existed.” Just from viewing trailers from the game, Levine and Irrational have definitely brought to life a highly concentrated version of American idealism from long ago.

The article Gaming Update: “BioShock Infinite” is Finally Almost Upon Us appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Significant amounts of video game play have led to this short list of the top ten villains in video games. In Part 1 of this article series Porky Minch (Earthbound), Andrew Ryan (Bioshock), Nemesis (Resident Evil), Jubileus (Bayonetta), and Magus (Chrono Trigger) all made the list either because they are classics that are without a doubt some of the best characters, or just extremely awesome in their fighting techniques. Polls to vote on battle pairings between heroes and villains will be posted on the Toonari Post Facebook page every week, so don’t miss your chance to have your comments and opinions in an article! You can also comment on this article to leave your vote.

Kefka Palazzo (Final Fantasy VI)

Kefka Palazzo is the main antagonist in Final Fantasy VI, whose appearance is that of an outlandish clown. He first works as a General for Emperor Gestahl, and was the first human to be infused with “Magetik” which granted him the ability to use magic but drove him completely insane. He brainwashes Terra (one of the main protagonists), he poisons the water by the Castle Doma (thus killing pretty much everyone in the Castle), and then becomes god-like enough to wipe out any who refuse to worship him.

He eventually becomes powerful enough to destroy the world. Kefka is a humorous villain, which is seen in his first appearance where he makes the men dust the sand off his feet when they are in the desert, not to mention his random dialogue such as “son of a submariner.” However, Kefka is revealed to be much more complex at the end of the game when it is suggested that Kefka wants to destroy everything because everything in life is passing. The player also gets the feeling that he has never had love, hopes, or dream.

GLaDOS (Portal series)

GLaDOS, short for Genetic Life-form and Disk Operating System, is not human; she is in fact an extremely advanced computer with complete control of the Aperture Science Facility. She is first believed to be just a guide for the player, Chell, but later shows her true colors when she attempts to kill the player. She is very manipulative, constantly coming up with excuses for the player not to attempt to kill her or to escape. She is also good at coming up with witty insults against the player (especially in Portal 2), often commenting about how the player is evil, fat, and adopted.

In both games her main goal is to kill the player; that is, until Aperture is taken over by Wheatley. Then her goal becomes taking over Aperture again and destroying Wheatley. She even agrees to work with the player in Portal 2, but this doesn’t, by any means, make her any less of a villain. Once she regains control she quickly moves on to more human testing which will most likely end in many casualties. Overall, this is one video game villain where players will enjoy the villain’s insults and may regret killing her.

Ganondorf (Legend of Zelda series)

The King of the Gerudo, wielder the Triforce of Power, and an accomplished sorcerer and swordsmen; Ganondorf  – or Ganon in his ‘demon form’ – is another villain everyone probably fought against during their childhood. However, unlike most villains from childhood games, Ganondorf is never silly or lighthearted; if anything, he is rather terrifying. Unlike many video game villains who make their presence known immediately, Ganondorf prefers to work from the shadows, often manipulating other villains or even the heroes to do his bidding.

The majority of the time the player is not even aware if Ganondorf is present in the game until very late into the game. His appearance does vary in the different games and even sometimes over the course of the same game. He seems to have two specifically different forms ,one humanoid and one bestial, usually looking a bit like a large boar and known as Ganon. Overall, this is a villain players anxiously wait to see!

Bowser (Mario series)

The fire-breathing Koopa King and generally the main villain of the Mario video games series, Bowser is most likely the first video game boss most players ever fought against. In simply kidnapping Princess Peach and taking over the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser’s motivations normally are for domination or to lure Mario into a trap. However, in the Super Mario Galaxy series, his plans get even more grandiose when he plans to recreate the universe and dominate it.

He takes a much different turn in the Mario RPGs, such as the Paper Mario series, and the Mario and Luigi series. In these games he is not the primary antagonist and even acts as a playable character or main character and is seen as more humorous. Often seen in these games as a buffoonish bully who has a softer side, Bowser is a playful villain everyone will enjoying fighting against or fighting as.

Dormin (Shadow of the Colossus)

A disembodied entity promises the player, Wander, that he can bring back a girl named Mono from the dead if he takes down sixteen colossuses. The colossuses are large majestic creatures, the majority of them being basically harmless, which causes the player wonder whether it is right to slay these creatures. Once the player has taken down all the colossuses, Dormin then proceeds to possess the player, which causes a platoon of soldiers that was trying to prevent the death of the colossuses to shoot the player with arrows and be stabbed through the chest.

The entire time the player never sees Mono awaken, making everything the player achieved in the game look as if it was for nothing. Only after the player is destroyed does the player see that Dormin actually kept his promise and Mono is brought back to life. Even though Wander doesn’t fight Dormin in a boss battle, it doesn’t negate the fact that he manipulates all the events that occur in Shadow of the Colossus.

Now that you have a taste of the top ten villains, go vote in the polls on our Facebook page or comment at the bottom of this article. The villain pairings are: Andrew Ryan v GlaDOS, Kefka v Ganondorf, Magus v Dormin, Nemesis v Jubileus, and Bowser v Porky. Don’t miss your chance to contribute!

Jordan Fisher contributed significantly to the writing and research of this article.

The article Top Ten Video Game Villains of All Time Part 2 appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

After much research (aka gaming) and discussion the top ten video game heroes and villains of all time have been decided by the gaming team here at The Toonari Post. Many reasons account for why these characters have made the list, ranging from their wide classical appeal to their incredibly terrifying skills.

Either way, this list features the worst of the worst. In upcoming articles, pairings of the best (or worst) villains will fight and the winner will be determined by polls on The Toonari Post facebook page beforehand. If you are interested in voting and cannot find the poll on Facebook, simply comment at the end of this article as to which character you believe will win. Also check out the follow-up article to this, “Top Ten Video Game Villains of All Time Part 2.”

Porky Minch (Earthbound and Mother 3)

First introduced in Earthbound as the highly obnoxious and cowardly friend, Porky soon shows his true nature when he is revealed to be the right-hand man of the main antagonist, Giygas. He shows up throughout the game to attempt to thwart the player as well as to thoroughly annoy him or her. What’s worse is that he taunts the player while he or she are battling Giygas and runs away before he can be taken down.

However, he is shown to be even more evil in Mother 3 where he is the leader of the Pigmask Army and attempts to access the Dark Dragon’s power so he can destroy the entire Earth. Porky does all of this because he has an extreme case of boredom. Unlike most villains whom players normally enjoy in some way – be it the battle with them or their personality – Porky was clearly created to be a villain for the player to openly hate. Overall, this is one villain that everyone loves to hate.

Andrew Ryan (Bioshock and Bioshock 2)

The founder and creator of Rapture, Andrew Ryan possesses a deep hatred of anything that gets in the way of man’s free will. Even though Andrew Ryan is not seen until the near end of Bioshock, the player does hear him a lot through radio transmissions and audio diaries. Once the character, Jack, arrives in Rapture, Ryan immediately begins attempting to kill Jack, believing him to be a government agent. Having little to no belief in ethics, because he believes they restrain mankind’s free will, he does whatever he has to, to try and kill Jack.

What’s more is that when it is revealed that Jack is actually Ryan’s son he calls the player his “greatest disappointment.” Even though Andrew Ryan is dead in the events of Bioshock 2 his audio diaries journey even further into Ryan’s history and ideals. While you might not agree with what Ryan has to say, one must admit that what he expresses is very interesting and thought-provoking. Overall, Andrew Ryan is a character the player will hope to hear again soon.

Nemesis (Resident Evil series)

A deadly stalker, Nemesis is named after the Goddess of Vengeance from Greek mythology. Nemesis is one of the most popular villains from the Resident Evil series, even having its name appear in the title of one of the games, Resident Evil: Nemesis. Nemesis is the result of a tyrant class zombie that has been infected with a parasitic organism, giving it increased intelligence and regenerative abilities. Throughout the entire game of Resident Evil: Nemesis, Nemesis stalks the player, Jill Valentine, attacking her with its rocket launcher and killing her if it touches her.

However, that is not the only reason Nemesis is on the list. Nemesis is a terrifying villain. Throughout the entire game there are only a few safe rooms in which Nemesis cannot find the player but beyond that it is always stalking the player and can show up at any moment. Therefore the player always has the thought in the back of his or her mind that Nemesis is out there waiting for his moment to strike. Overall, this is one villain players will not be looking forward to seeing again.

Jubileus (Bayonetta)

Jubileus is the final boss in the game Bayonetta, a game from the creators of Devil May Cry. In the game Jubileus is also called ‘the Creator’ and is the physical embodiment of Divine Will. The main protagonist and title character, Bayonetta, is trying to prevent the resurrection of Jubileus, who has been put into a deep slumber, because her resurrection would upset the balance of dark and light. Jubileus, whose name is related to the world jubilee, is incredibly powerful, although since the process of her resurrection is prevented partially by Bayonetta and her allies, Bayonetta is able to destroy her.

The only way that the player is able to fully ensure that Jubileus is defeated is by summoning an equally dark character, Queen Sheba, and having the demon throw Jubileus into the sun. Bayonetta then must destroy the remaining statues of Jubileus so that she can never be resurrected again. Ultimately, Jubileus makes the list because of her exceptional powers and incredible resistance/regeneration.

Magus (Chrono Trigger)

Originally born Janus, Magus was the crown prince of Zeal, a culture of super-powerful wizards from 12,000 BC. Transported through time as a child to 600 AD, he quickly establishes himself as a villain of that era, a demon-like king; in fact, he is literally called Demon-King in the Japanese version of the game. He is originally the main antagonist of the game, although he is defeated in the first half by the protagonist, Chrono. He is then sent back through time to 12,000 BC and becomes the adviser to his mother, the queen, although his identity is never revealed.

His adult-self becomes known as the Prophet and he summons the next villain of the game Lavos, who ends up destroying his entire civilization and sending his childhood self forward in time. Once Magus realizes that he is the one responsible for the destruction of his people and his time-travel as a child, he repents and will actually join the player’s team if they decide to not kill him. Magus normally fights via the mastery of all elements of magic and a scythe.

Now that you have a taste of the top ten villains go vote in the polls on our Facebook page or comment at the bottom of this article. The villain pairings are: Andrew Ryan v GlaDOS, Kefka v Ganondorf, Magus v Dormin, Nemesis v Jubileus, and Bowser v Porky. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to a great set of articles!

Jordan Fisher contributed significantly to the writing and research of this article.

The article Top Ten Video Game Villains of All Time Part 1 appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.