Over the years, I’ve played countless racing games, but very few have stuck with me the way Blackrock Studios’ Split/Second has. Thanks to my love for the Burnout franchise, I have a soft spot for arcade racers, and this explosive, over-the-top racer hits all the right notes even fifteen years after its release. Continue reading
When I think of the Dutch folk fest Sinterklaas, I think of Pokémon. Not because I still do anything with those charming Japanese creatures today, but because it takes me straight back to December 1998. The month I received Pokémon Red and my world instantly became a little more magical.
Ack! Ack! Uh, pardon… did you know that Tim Burton’s 1996 film Mars Attacks! was based on a set of trading cards from the 1960s? I sure didn’t! Back in 1962, Topps released a series of collectible trading Mars Attacks!cards called Mars Attacks!. So why am I bringing this up now? Because the franchise is suddenly back in the spotlight thanks to a brand-new video game, fittingly titled Mars Attracts (without the exclamation mark present in the original title). What’s in a name?! Continue reading
For decades, LEGO games have been everywhere, and not without success. By now, the formula is tried and true, loved by millions of gamers worldwide. With yet another LEGO Batman game on the horizon, it feels like it has been ages since a brand-new franchise received the LEGO treatment. So here is my list of nine franchises that I believe deserve their own LEGOfied video game. Continue reading
As a young video game enthusiast, I often chose my games based on nothing more than box art. One of those early 2000s impulse buys was SEGA Soccer Slam for the Nintendo GameCube. This wild twist on the beautiful game took nothing seriously, and leaned into pure arcade madness. Now that I can play it again through emulation on my Steam Deck, I can’t stop smiling. Continue reading
Nintendo often launches new consoles with a few strong first-party titles. Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup is underwhelming. With only one first-party game, Mario Kart World, that seems worth playing excluding the Welcome Tour, which I’ll conveniently ignore. The rest are mostly third-party games you can already play on other consoles. What’s not to like? 🙁 Continue reading
I don’t play a lot of video games anymore, but I still find the medium endlessly fascinating. I follow the industry fairly closely, but over time, I’ve developed a particular love for older games; especially football titles. Recently I wrote a tribute to FIFA Street 3, but just the other day, a friend came over and we dove into another golden oldie from the genre.
In the Netherlands, there’s a tradition that, for me, used to be the way to get cheap new video games. It used to be on Queen’s Day, but now on King’s Day, I would go with my parents and the rest of the family to a flea market. A giant field where everyone from the neighborhood and surrounding areas was selling their stuff. For me, it was the way to celebrate King’s Day! Continue reading
Some people love football games. Others can’t stand them. I fall into the latter category, unless we’re talking about something a bit different like the one I’m writing this article about. FIFA Street 3 might just be the most overlooked entry in the franchise, but for me, it’s an oddball gem I keep coming back to. Continue reading
When people talk about legendary Game Boy games, titles like Tetris or Pokémon often come to mind. But for me, Super Mario Land 3, better known as Wario Land, tops the list. It might just be my all-time favorite. Why? Well, let me take you back in time. Continue reading