Kasumi Yoshizawa’s story is a case study on how to carefully and respectfully navigate mental health issues in popular culture — Many people believe fiction has the power to influence real life. This idea is tied to mental health — a topic that has gained much more attention in recent times given the ongoing struggles due to COVID-19. According to Checkpoint.org, an overwhelming majority of gamers believe video games can help…

By Paul Lombardo, Bailey Godwin, Isabella Marzban, Javier Palacios, and Brooke Johsnon — In the 1850s, a Black-fearing Gainesville rallied a strong secessionist sentiment. The white population wanted to leave the Union and join the Confederacy. They wanted to conserve slavery. With fear in their hearts following the abolitionist John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry, the Gainesville Minutemen, a local militia group, was…

An enjoyable and hilarious experience held back by identity issues — Strangers of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a game that I couldn’t hate nor love. It’s got a unique class system, tons of cool loot, enjoyable cooperative experiences, and a slew of dialogue so candidly cringe that it’ll make you laugh in nearly every cutscene. Despite these distinctions, SOP falls…

I can’t think about anything else but victory — February 17th, 2021. Announcement day. My friends and I convene at our designated Discord call and pop open the newest Nintendo Direct stream. Coming together as gamers during these exciting live streams that reveal upcoming titles is a tradition for many (including myself).

A dive into the gameplay mechanics of Wutai’s spirited ninja, Yuffie Kisaragi — Sorry Aerith, as much as I love your terrifying overhead chair scene, you’ve been toppled by Yuffie’s bouncy personality. After spending an hour or so figuring out how to download Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade on my PlayStation 5 console (Square Enix did NOT make this one as simple as…

A recognition of creative minds afflicted by imposter syndrome — There is an inherent noteworthiness to a game that is granted when it takes a stand and speaks about social issues. Games that forego aimless entertainment to make a difference can seem pretentious, but when done right, these treasures can connect to those who relate to their themes. …

Here is the most exciting content coming to Genshin Impact in Version 1.6 (pack a swimsuit) — Swap your swords for swimsuits and get into the summer groove because Genshin Impact will soon release an update themed on a summer beach trip! On Wednesday, June 9th, Genshin Impact’s 1.6 …

The ethics of animal genetic engineering don’t apply in video games, so let’s splice that genome up! — What happens when your local zoologist is also a curious-minded and somewhat ethically questionable genetic engineer? Let’s Build a Zoo! This upcoming Zoo Tycoon-inspired game, with a release date for sometime in 2021, is one to keep an eye on if you’re an animal enthusiast. …

With Team Ninja at the helm and Nioh as an influence, here is what the newest Final Fantasy game could entail — Earlier this year, PlayStation’s State of Play live stream announced Final Fantasy VII: Remake Integrade for PlayStation 5, and in September of 2020, we saw the announcement of Final Fantasy XVI, the newest mainline entry in the series. …