My reaction when I first saw the Nintendo Switch was something like this: “Here we go again. Nintendo trying to push innovation and continuing to abandon the standard console model.” Since the release of the Wii, Nintendo has placed more value in designing innovative systems instead of adhering to the standard box top set that Sony and Microsoft have. The Wii utilized motion sensor controllers instead of the generic double stick gamepad, the Wii U upped the ante by giving the controller a screen to second the one on the television set. Because of their desire to be the black sheep of the console family they have trouble attracting third party support and instead, rely on their own household names like Mario, Zelda and Pokemon to fill their library. Their constant efforts to push ingenuity and be different has resulted in Sony and Microsoft being the first choice of consoles for developers to build their games. Despite all of this Nintendo has remained competitive in t...

I was going to take this post to discuss a few of my favorite games from this past year but instead I thought it might be a better idea to look forward instead of looking back so I am going to write about two new games I am looking forward to playing in 2017. For Honor is a new game in development by Ubisoft that utilizes melee weapon combat and puts you in the role of either Vikings, Knights or Samurai. The three factions are in perpetual warfare with each other and it is the player’s responsibility to bring victory to your chosen faction.     The most interesting aspect of the game is its unique combat system. Instead of using basic inputs such as hitting one button to slash and another to do a power attack, the system utilizes the control sticks to mimic something close to real sword duels. It allows for one on one combat to be a guessing game of what your opponent will do next. Move the stick slightly to the write and you will parry an incoming blow, but move it ...