WARNING, POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR THE FOLLOWING FILMS/GAMES "The Mandalorian, Avengers Endgame (you should have seen it by now), Dark Souls series and Axiom Verge. (I know, its a lot) I don't know why this is something that I keep looking for, but the use of clever and hidden hints to progress a plot are a very effective way to add depth to a story. This is part of my main topic, which is the use of complicated plots in an already mysterious game. I'm saying this in light of resent releases that really appeal to me through their complicated plot and the questions they leave behind. First up, The Mandalorian and Avengers Endgame both follow the pattern of creating more questions than there are answers. Questions such as, who is baby Yoda? What is past Loki doing with the Tesseract? Who is the Mandalorian. The barrage of questions is exactly what keeps a viewer hooked for so long, as they want to know the answer to every question, this goal sitting in the back of their minds until it is solved. This mystery tactic is an extremely powerful tool for plot building, wether it's supporting the story from day one, or its helping the series follow into a new chapter. Games use this strategy too, and I'm using the Dark Souls series as an example again. The plot in this game is so complicated and interconnected that 8 years after the release of the original game, fans still haven't completely cracked the code. I'm also using a new game to explain, Axiom Verge. Axiom Verge is a Metroidvania, meaning it is a platformer filled to the brim with secret items and lore. While I'm not a comepletionist, games like these are right up that alley, keeping a person's interest for quite some time. Another great example of mystery is in the description of certain enemies, the less you know about them, the more terrifying they become. As you have no idea how to counter this new threat. These are just my observations, which I decided to connect to some more recent stuff. And I can tell you for sure, I really like this strategy.
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Most of my reviews consist of challenging games, which is a trend I am perfectly fine with, as I love hard (but possible) games. One of my first reviews was on Dark Souls, and how its challenging aspects add to the overall quality of the game. Earlier this year, FromSoftware, the developers of Dark Souls, released their newest title. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The name implies that it's going to be an adrenaline fueled adventure, with over the top effects. While it is extreme at some points, (boss fights mostly), its actually quite calm. With serene environments set in medieval Japan. In contrast with Dark Souls, Sekiro tends to put a lot more effort into environmental design, and not make everything... depressing. This is actually the reason I chose this specific picture, as it is one of, if not the best designed boss arena in the game. The focus on design is a stark contrast to the constant gloomy atmosphere of Dark Souls, which also makes the game easier in a way, as it gives you the inspiration to continue your journey. That doesn't mean that the game is easy though, as any enemy is perfectly capable of killing you in one shot, and every foe requires a different strategy to defeat. The game is extremely extensive as well, with a unique combat and upgrade system. So extensive that anyone reading this would most likely fall asleep before I finished explaining, but I'll make it quick. Every attack must be deflected with a timed button press, and battles consist of long periods of circling, as you wait for your opponent to make a move and leave an opening. Skill trees also allow for new techniques to turn the tide of battle, with every battle you win getting you a certain amount of experience. Bottom line, the patterns of bosses and enemies in this game force any Souls veteran to abandon normal techniques and follow the Sekiro fighting style of speed and timing. My personal experience has been great, I'm currently in the late stages of the game, and have not had a single bug in the system so for. While the story, gameplay and design never cease to amaze. My Final Review: 9.5/10. Despite extra challenge for beginners, its incredible design and gameplay allow Sekiro to join the legacy of its predecessors.
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AuthorI have a passion for creating things, and hopefully one day those things will be video games. You can check over on this blog if you wish to see any updates on my work or other subjects. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent those of Durham School of the Arts or Durham Public Schools.
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