If you’ve followed the story of independent media outlet Second Wind even a little, then the prospect of this organization reaching a point of security and confidence enough to even host a games showcase likely comes as an impressive feat, if not necessarily a surprise. After all, we’re talking about a talented assortment of folks known for their thoughtful, even-handed coverage and love of games as an artistic and entertainment medium, called upon to help restore the reputation of once-esteemed games media site The Escapist. Had the corporate owners holding The Escapist’s purse strings not overstepped by firing editor-in-chief Nick Calandra, driving much of the staff to resign in protest, who knows what the future of The Escapist might have been? That the ex-Escapist crew are now in a place, a few years down the line, where they can comfortably offer the stage to other creatives within the industry is a magnificent sight to behold. It doesn't hurt that the resulting showcase, publ...
As other, brighter folks have pointed out, 2019 seems a key transitional year for the games industry as all hands prepare for the next (maybe last?) console generation. Questions abound about the future, about the culture in and around the medium, and about the responsibilities those in power must face. Let us turn, then, to the titles I felt stood strongest (in my own experience) during this past year. These works not only impressed and endeared themselves to me, they illustrated the thankless labour and dedication of people in the industry who - let's not beat around the bush - deserve far better. 5) Blazing Chrome Is it shameless in building itself upon the foundational gameplay and sci-fi action imagery of the Contra games? Yes. Does that make it any less of an impressive r endition of that same style of run-and-gun action? Not one bit. Blazing Chrome starts off with absurd excess and never really lets up, thoroughly basking in over-the-top frenzied gunfights agains...