Feature: Child’s Play: Gamers Unite for a Good Cause

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

It’s pretty awesome to have a charity for gaming minded-folks that also helps out hospitalized kids. If you’re feeling generous this holiday season, Child’s Play is a great cause. Plus it was formed by the folks over Penny Arcade, which is killer. Seriously, go read the comics and the witty write-ups, it’s like a +13 Sword of Funny (+20 vs Gamers) aside the head.

Anyhow, I wrote up a feature on Child’s Play for What They Play which can be read over there. I urge you to check it out and consider making a donation.

Top Downloadable Games October 2010

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“The spooks and specters are out and about this month, which means the holiday gaming season is almost upon us. With lots of big blockbuster titles recently released and many others great games set to launch in the coming weeks, there’s a lot to be excited about. But don’t forget about the tasty downloadable goodies awaiting you as well! This month’s downloadable games selection has us hunting for candy in crazy costumes, hopping through scores of comics, rhythmically blasting robots in space, and head-banging with some baddies.”

Ok, I’ve neglected to post each installment here over the past few months, but my monthly downloadable games column is still going strong over at What They Play. Check out the October installment here.

Feature: 7 Things Parents Should Know about FF XIV

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“While Final Fantasy XIV features character and class development, leveling-up, exploration, missions, combat, and many other elements common to the role-playing genre and the broader series at large, the fact the game is designed specifically for online brings with it many changes that impact the interface, the gameplay flow, and how you interact with other characters. This changes the experience substantially. Here are some important factors you should consider before diving into Final Fantasy XIV’s vast online world.”

Check out the full article here at What They Play.

Top Downloadable Games August 2010

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“Summer has faded away, and school is back in session, but that hasn’t stopped the flow of great downloadable games. In this month’s exploration of downloadable gaming delights, we jump into high speed racing boats, corral strange monsters on a dangerous planet, pummel 8-bit baddies to win a girl’s affections, and explore a mirror-image kingdom.”

Check out the full column here at What They Play.

StarCraft II: 6 Things Parents Should Know

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“It’s been many years since StarCraft first took players by storm, but the lengthy wait for the highly anticipated follow-up to the original is now over. As thousands of players flock to StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty and dive into this dark sci-fi real-time strategy game, parents will no doubt hear about it from their kids sooner or later. After spending many hours waging war against the Zerg, Terran, and Protoss forces, we’ve put together six important things parents should know before deciding whether to purchase the game for the household or their kids.”

Check out the full article here at What They Play.

Top Downloadable Games June 2010

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“Summer is officially here, and the month of June brings with it some seriously hot downloadable games to match rising temperatures and sunny weather. If you need a break from the bright sun, there are plenty of cool new gaming downloads to check out for every system. Get ready for action this month, as we blast colorful gems, pull off daredevil bike stunts, incinerate space garbage, and dogfight with classic cartoon characters.”

Check out the full column here at What They Play.

Top Downloadable Games May 2010

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“The warmer season is ramping up into full swing, prompting many folks to venture outside for some fresh air, T-shirt temperatures, and pleasant sun. But when the inevitable rainy spells and cold snaps put a damper on the many delightful outdoor activities that summer brings with it, there’s still plenty of downloadable gaming fun to explore. This month we ride along with rocket-powered possums, shred carpet in tiny remote controlled race cars, go jogging with Commander Video, and bust out some silly kung-fu moves.”

Check out the full column here at What They Play.

Feature: Getting Fit With Pikachu

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“I’ll admit; I didn’t get off to a great start. I spent most of day one on a bus for five hours on the trip home from attending PAX East in Boston, but I did manage to get into the swing by mid-week. Walking around the house and venturing out each day to walk my dog Coco around the block was enough to make it past the first week’s goal of 21,000 steps by the seat of my pants. Keeping up with my competitors via Twitter, I grew concerned that my meager average of around 5,000 steps a day wasn’t going to cut it for very long.”

Check out my feature article detailing the Pokewalker Fitness Challenge experiment I took part in here at What They Play. Also scope a pic of my cute doggie on pg 2.

Dead to Rights: Retribution – 6 Things Parents Should Know

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“Once a grand metropolis full of thriving commerce and industry, Grant City has long since fallen under the thumb of numerous gang factions bent on causing havoc and mayhem throughout the darkened streets. Retribution re-imagines the original plot and gameplay of the original Dead to Rights on modern consoles. As Jack Slate, an ex-marine turned vice cop, you’ll get sucked into a personal quest to strike out at the numerous gangs and other scum responsible for dragging the city into the toilet. You’ll also pursue your goals with the help of Shadow, a large, powerful, and lethal dog who accompanies you throughout the game.”

Check out the full feature here at What They Play.

Top Downloadable Games: April 2010

Posted on April 30, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“It seems there’s never a dull moment in the downloadable gaming world, as new and exciting titles are launched each week across numerous systems. This month continues the winning streak for players seeking fun games to download with some hotly anticipated releases and a few other pleasant surprises. Plug in and get set, as we dig into pixilated caves, hop after thieving monsters, explore the challenges and drama of high school, and uncover alien conspiracies.”