Gaming

Did you know today is Mario day because the date, Mar10 spells his name?! If you’re a 90’s or 80’s baby you can appreciate the global icon that is Mario and can certainly understand why there is a whole day dedicated to the gaming legend. You don’t need to be a gamer to recognise him but most of us will remember growing up playing the famous game and navigating through all levels whilst meeting his equally famous friends like Bowser, Peach or his brother Luigi.

Whether you grew up playing the original Super Mario Bros. in 1985, or the more recent Super Mario 64 it’s sure to give you some sort of nostalgia. To mark the occasion of Mario Day we’ll be taking a look at the evolution of our favourite plumber and video game legend!

1981 Donkey Kong (The Arcade Game)

Mario has been the best-selling game for nearly 30 years, however he actually started off as ‘jump man’ in the Donkey Kong arcade game. In the final level he is reunited with Peach (who was initially called ‘Lady’ and ‘Pauline’) Mario’s famous lover. His name actually came a little later and he was named after a Nintendo worker who was Italian hence Mario’s now, Italian accent!

1988- Super Mario Bros 2

Mario got an upgrade as well as the addition of other characters and friends for him in 1988, with toadstool (Peach’s name in this version), Toad and Luigi joining him to defeat the villain Wart and save the Subcon species. This version of the game was actually based on a Japanese game called ‘Doki Doki Panic’ and was just modified, although the game had many similarities with the first Super Mario Bros, this version saw Mario take on a different form with a changed look which is why it’s a major moment in the evolution of Mario.

1992 Super Mario kart

Another defining moment for Mario was in 1992 where he took on yet another form and players now had to navigate around a race circuit. The evolution of Mario also meant leaps and advancements in gameplay with the added choice of playing with new characters for players, based on the strengths and weaknesses of each character.

The major change from previous versions proved very popular with some of us still preferring the original Super Mario Kart even now.

1996 Super Mario 64

The next important jump in the evolution of Mario was seen in 1996 where he finally became a 3D character and moved away from his underwhelming 2D shape. He looked better and game play was much better too with a wide range of added capabilities for the Italian hero, such as swimming and crawling!

In this version the mission was to rescue princess peach from the clutches of Bowser who captures her in her home, it is considered a real gem even to this day largely due to the much awaited change from 2D to 3D.

2001 Mario Kart Super Circuit

The first opportunity for Mario to be played on a handheld device, Mario Kart Super Circuit was made for the Gameboy Advance, although he didn’t look better graphically, it was a significant moment for Mario and became the 4^th bestselling game for the Gameboy. The much loved game was even re-released in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS because of this popularity.

2012 Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo switch

Finally, the most recent chapter in the evolution of Mario’s so far, is in his latest form for Super Mario Odyssey designed for the newly released Nintendo Switch. The graphics of Mario in the game and the game itself are ground-breaking, ‘Odyssey’, as the name suggests, sees Mario venturing out and exploring worlds outside of the mushroom kingdom which is an exciting add on for any Mario fan.

The change that our favourite video game protagonist has gone through over the years is amazing and we are yet to see just how much Mario and the legacy of the game evolves in another 30 years or so.

We hope you enjoyed our trip down ‘Mario memory lane’ and that we made you remember the good old days of your childhood! Let us know in the comments below and be sure to take some time out today to play some Mario games!

After the release of Pokémon Go in July, it became an overnight global phenomenon, Nintendo’s market value sky-rocketed and re-established the fame of Pokémon! Pokémon Go lovers, you’ve probably already heard the disappointing news. Pokémon Go Plus has been delayed. However, the wait is almost over as the release is due this month! Nintendo later revealed after announcing the delay that they needed to perfect the new app before release.

Polygon lent a helping hand to Nintendo, stating “In order for us to offer new experiences to play Pokémon Go with Pokémon Go Plus with a quality level high enough to satisfy as many people as possible, we decided that it is necessary to take enough time for the completion. We ask for your understanding”.

So while there was a little disappointment, we should now be in for a treat.

What is Pokémon Go Plus?

This neat little device is not only a cool accessory but a helpful alert. When you’re close by to a Pokémon or PokéStop the device will flash and mildly vibrate. Upon purchase you’ll receive a strap, so you can either wear it around your wrist, clip it on to your clothes or keep it in your pocket. It also comes with a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery which powers the device. It is Bluetooth enabled, so connect it to your phone and it’ll track your location and Pokémon’s nearby to you. The app and device is allegedly priced at £34.99.

(Source: Pocket-lint.com)

It seems like Pokémon fanatics are waiting in unbearable anticipation. Not only is it an exciting new release but a handy one too. Walking around with your phone out can be a bit of a nuisance, reducing your battery and you might be a hassle to others; slowing down a crowd, bumping into people…It can also be a little dangerous. It was reported after the release of Pokémon Go and the initial excitement, that there was a significant increase in car and pedestrian collisions in the streets of New York. Walking around with your phone out can be a little dangerous at times too, putting you at risk of having your phone stolen.

Unfortunately, for Android users this app isn’t compatible. It is compatible with Apple iPhones, from the 5 onwards and you must have iOS 8 and 9. Whilst the iPhone compatible version is due to be released this month, Nintendo a while back claimed that from July onwards work on a Pokémon Go Plus app compatible with Androids would begin. So Android users may have to wait a little longer, but the app should be available to you eventually.

Pokémon Go Plus will be available on the Apple app store and you’ll be able to purchase the device from the Nintendo official merchandise store, as well as other online retailers such as eBay and Amazon. The device will also definitely be available on the high street, in stores such as Game, GameStop, Argos and HMV.

The original release was due in July and now already in September, no pre-order date has been released yet, so the wait continues. Hopefully it’ll be released soon!

Keep checking our blog for further Pokémon Go Plus updates, as well as helpful reviews, top picks and other tech related news.

Hard-core gaming enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat this bank holiday weekend. From Friday 26^th – Monday 29^th of August, Insomnia Gaming Festival is on! If you don’t know what it is, we’re going to tell you all you need to know and you’ll still have time to grab some tickets!

It’s the UK’s biggest gaming event and Insomnia are really spoiling you with a bunch of special gaming guests, from YouTube gaming gurus to content creators. Hear what they have to say on interactive stage shows and panels, about gaming, creating and maybe steal a few of their winning tactics and gaming manoeuvres. This is a great opportunity for gamers and aspiring game creators to learn a thing or two from the best in the industry.

Special Guests:

KING JAE, PHASEGAMES, GIVEMEANAMEX, NAYSAYERZ, GAMEBOYLUKE, BLINKLIZ, KELLYJEAN, MISSELLACRONIN, ASHLEYMAARIE, THEPRENTI, UTORAK, PULPJOHNFICTION, SQUIRREL, PHANTOMSFXTV, JOSHBAKED, DEANABEAN, LTZONDA, NICKBLADE, MINI MATT SMITH, SUZY LU, WAGLINGTON, DAWKO, RAZZBOWSKI, AMYLEE33, THE JMC, TOMOHAWK, SLAEMS LADY, NETTYPLAYS, MINI MUKA, ASHDUBH, LEAGUE FEST GUESTS, THE CREATURES, TROLLZOUS, 8BITGAMING, SEAPEEKAY, REDVACKTOR, UBERDANGER, PWNISHER, FALLFROMGRACE, RECKLESS TORTUGA, MISSESMAE, GASSY MEXICAN, TERRORISER, MINI LADD, VANOSS GAMING, NILESY, CAFF, TURPS, THAT GUY BARNEY, ECKOSOLDIER, BIGBSTATZ, KIM AND MANY MORE.

(Source: Insomnia Gaming Festival)

Thriving with hundreds of things to see and visit, the exhibitions are a must see! Play new and upcoming games that haven’t been released yet, browse through exclusive merchandise in the retail zone with exclusive festival and collectors’ items and compete against fellow gamers for free! Partners, gamers and exhibitors will not only be on hosted panels on the main stage but in the exhibition hall too, so let’s see if you’re good enough to take on world acclaimed gamers and outdo the creators! With exhibitors, publishers and retailers such as Custom Controllers, GAME, XBOX ONE, EA Games and GT Omega Racing, gaming fanatics are in for an amazing experience.

(Source: Insomnia Gaming Festival)

Dare to go up against your fellow gamers? Think you can do it? Find out by entering a tournament and see if you can win cash prizes of up to £30,000!

If you dare to enter, you have the choice of these games in the official tournaments:

• Hearth Stone- Heroes of Warcraft
• League of Legends
• Counter Strike
• Team Fortress 2
• Overwatch
• Dota 2
• Rocket League
• Call of Duty
• Fifa 16
• Smash Bros

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. After a day of gaming, exploration and fun, pop into the 24 hours LAN areas for more activities like the World Famous Pub Quiz.

Minecraft enthusiast? You’ll feel right at home in the Minecraft Zone! Yes, you heard right, an entire zone for dedicated gamers who love the Minecraft!

We’re sure some ComicCon goers are bound to be going to Insomnia, and if you’re not, it’s worth checking out. It wouldn’t be a festival without some form of dress up right? Music festivals have people in glitter and ripped denim, ComicCon has you decked out in your favourite superhero costume, and Insomnia Fest is no different. Dress up as your favourite gaming character! It’s a great way to meet fellow gamers that enjoy the same games you do and it’s a bunch of fun.

Be thrown back to the past with Retro Zone. Partners of the festival Retro GT have provided tonnes of old school gaming for you to try out. Take a walk through gaming history, try them out and purchase them. It’s a one of a kind experience and chance as most of these items are difficult (next to impossible) to come by.

Managed by GameQuest, the Tabletop Zone is an area to purchase and try out cards, boards and games with your fellow gamers on a set-up table. With loads of space and demos to try out, brush up on your gaming skills and have some fun with your friends.

Determined to go? Grab your tickets soon before they sell out. It’s the UK’s biggest gaming event, don’t miss out!

For more info or to purchase tickets, check out the Insomnia Gaming Festival site.

For more technology related news, as well as top picks and helpful reviews make sure to keep an eye out on our blog.

As we all know, Facebook has been involved with Candy Crush, Farmville and many other games for years. They have now announced an “all-new gaming platform” partnered with Unity, just as the Oculus Rift has gone on sale.

Unity is a well-known games engine which is increasingly being used for building Virtual Reality and numerous 3D applications. Unity is known for powering PC, mobile, web and console games. Facebook has not specifically mentioned the Oculus Rift, however experts from the gaming industry hold the view that the social network is aiming to construct a superior gaming ecosystem which could also incorporate virtual reality.

The teaming of Facebook and Unity will undoubtedly make it easier for game creators who are using the Unity platform, to broadcast them on Facebook as well as a dedicated desktop application. Facebook will be at an advantage with this move into the gaming world, as it will allow the social network to increase their following, and create a specific market to target gamers –from advanced PC gamers to casual mobile gamers.

Developed games will likely be distributed through a new desktop app by Facebook which is currently running beta tests –namely ‘Facebook Arcade’. The app allows users to play games on Facebook without requiring them to access www.facebook.com; the direct style of this platform is what is expected to attract various gamers.

The founder and chief executive at Rewind (a creative agency and digital production studio, which specialises in VR), Sol Rogers, has considered the comparison of the Facebook gaming platform and its immersion into VR with the likelihood of rivalling Oculus. He stated that this venture will allow Facebook to renew their diminishing reputation as a gaming platform –after the ‘spamming’ style of Facebook-backed games such as Farmville, and it will be a win-win situation as gamers will be attracted to the extensive user base that Facebook has to offer –Rogers labelled the social network a “gold rush” for gamers.

He also stated, on the Facebook-Unity partnership:

“The games you can create with Unity are considerably more complex, look better and have more interactivity than traditional Facebook games.

The transition from casual gamers to more serious gamers, with Unity being based normally around longer games, will be an interesting collision.”

It will be interesting to see the progression of Facebook as the company ventures deeper into the gaming world, and on a much more serious note as it has previously –with games such as Candy Crush. Nevertheless, Facebook has stated that more than 50 million people have been playing Facebook-exclusive games every week already.

Check back for more information on this fascinating partnership.

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Since the launch of Windows 8, which is mostly based on mobile and touchscreen features, many have hinted that the era of the traditional desktop experience is over. Gabe Newell, the owner of Valve which is a world renowned PC game developer, stated that Windows 8 is a “catastrophe” for PC game developers. Laptop and tablet sales have been rising rapidly, in comparison to desktop computer sales which have been gradually decreasing in past years. This is bad news for the long-established PC gaming community. However, there are many reasons which show that the traditional desktop gaming experience will not be replaced by mobile and touchscreen gaming:

• Highly popular and premium titles continue to be launched in the PC Gaming department. The PC gaming market features unique games which are exclusive to it, such as World of Warcraft –one of the most popular video games ever, and only available for the PC.
• NVidia and AMD, two of the leading graphics card chip manufacturers, continue to display assurance in the PC gaming market. Both manufacturers are continuing to release new generations of graphic cards, in a range of different budgets, as they have been doing for many years. Gamers are spoilt for choice in the desktop gaming department, with more choices being introduced regularly.
• PC gamers can experience sharper textures, higher resolution graphics and a possible surplus of user-made add-ons and customisations, depending on the games they play. PC gaming has formed its own unique niche over the years, which cannot be replaced by console gaming, as both platforms provide completely different user experiences.
• An elitist community does exist in the PC gaming, as expert gamers strive to have the best graphics, sound quality, performance, upgradability and customizability –which may not be available in modern console gaming.
• Consoles are preferred by casual gamers who would rather avoid PC gaming issues such as updating drivers and harder, system requirement checks and troubleshooting. However, expert gamers are not deterred by these issues, and continue to favour traditional PC gaming.

Although the interest in console gaming has risen in recent years, as gamers are driven by curiosity in what consoles have to offer. Nevertheless, it is evident that PC gaming has made a comeback. Chris Thursten, the editor of PC Gamer Pro magazine, set up the UK’s first ever PC-specific major gaming convention on 5^th-6^th March. He informed BBC Newsbeat that “PC gaming really came back into popularity a couple of years ago. Simply, I think, because it’s a much cheaper way of playing gamed once you have the technology to do it“. Apart from the advantage that PC gaming costs less than gaming consoles, Thursten also indicates that PC-specific games have been the catalyst for the rise of free games, which lead to the rise of e-sports games, such as League of Legends or DOTA. Free games such as League of Legends, which is played by 27 million people worldwide daily, are a major contributor to the ongoing popularity of PC gaming.