Video game myths that felt like chasing a four-leaf clover
READ MORE: Video game myths that felt like chasing a four-leaf clover
Chasing a four-leaf clover requires a special kind of foolish optimism and video games myths operate on the same logic. From the schoolyard whispers of rare Pokémon to spread out Skyrim forum threads, games have always had their share of legends that felt reasonable enough to chase. Some were scrapped ideas that left ghostly traces in the code, and some remain truly unexplained, but what these five gaming myths share — from Pokémon and beyond — is that the hunt itself was often more memorable than any payoff could have been.
The best place to start is with one of the most basic gaming myths, and even one that every child grew up with Pokémon had a “trick” to guarantee a catch – mash B, hold down, press A twice – none of them worked. But failures were ubiquitous then, especially in the Pokemon Red and Pokemon bluewhere everyone was chasing Mew. Rumor had it that somewhere near the SS Anne lurked an immobile truck, and if one could only get the strength after the ship departed and move that boulder, a Mew could be found underneath.
5 RPGs Where Luck Stat ACTUALLY Matters
READ MORE: 5 RPGs Where Luck Stat ACTUALLY Matters
I think we could all use a little extra luck now and then, and while I can't increase my item detection or critical hit rate in real life, I can certainly tweak them in game. Yet the luck stat gets a bad rap, often eschewed in favor of other traditional RPG stat categories like strength, dexterity, and vitality.
But when St. Patrick's Day is approaching, feel it's especially important to highlight the value of the turn stat, as there are plenty of games where investing in turn can lead to viable, fun, or just plain interesting builds. Personally, I've come around to the luck stat more and more as I get older, though I won't try to ascribe any meaning to it: it's generally just a fun way to shake up a playthrough, especially if you like creating your own character archetypes instead of following the predetermined paths of tank, healer, etc. In light of that, I'd like to share a few RPGs where luck is particularly compelling.
These are by far the happiest characters in the entire game
READ MORE: These are by far the happiest characters in all of gaming
Over the years, gaming has seen some truly powerful heroes thrust into the spotlight. Characters like Kratos, Dante, Doomslayer and even Kirby have become known for their strength and unstoppability. Some of the most popular games have become the icons they are today because of their compelling main characters. The best protagonists in gaming tend to be layered, complex individuals. They may not always be the strongest or the smartest, but they are almost always the most willing to do what needs to be done. Sometimes these protagonists also seem to be just ridiculously lucky.
A useful mix of being skilled and up to the challenge often presents itself as luck, but these five characters have survived so much that it's hard not to believe in the concept. Sometimes situations in games are so harrowing and unbelievable that it's natural to assume that no one could ever survive such circumstances. Games with strong protagonists are everywhere, but these are the characters who seem to have endless luck in life.
The most memorable Irish characters in gaming history
READ MORE: The most memorable Irish characters in gaming history
Mary Robinson, Michael Collins, Oscar Wilde, Yeats – these important Irish men and women, along with countless others, are worth celebrating in the week of St. Patrick's Day, but what about the nation's representation in the realm of fiction? Of course, there have been countless iconic Irish characters in literature, film and television, but the Emerald Isle's representation in the gaming medium has also been strong.
It's a matter of quality over quantity though – a quick Google search will reveal that the options for games set in Ireland are depressingly sparse, despite the country being so rich in natural beauty, history and drama. But the people of Ireland, hardy and adventurous as they often are, have served as inspiration for a number of video game characters, big and small, good and bad, over the years. Here are just a handful of the most memorable, compelling or iconic Irish characters in gaming history.
In these 7 games, you better hope luck is on your side
READ MORE: In these 7 games, you better hope luck is on your side
Happiness is a strange thing in games; it's everywhere, from games like Balatro to Call of Dutyor even something similar Pokémon. Technically, it's all RNG, or random number generation, and its invisible hand is also behind the game's most memorable moments: the clutch item, the money badly spent, the perfect play. It's a uniquely desirable and fickle thing, worth celebrating, and the following list of games is just that – a celebration of luck, in all its unfair, auto-fighting, cat-breeding, chip-earning glory.
Not just Luigi: Gaming's greatest green characters
READ MORE: Not just Luigi: Gaming's Greatest Green Characters
Arguably the most iconic green character in all of video game history is Mario's brother Luigi. The plumber's cowardly younger brother originally debuted in the arcade game in 1983 Mario Bros., even before the duo became super. Although this incarnation of Luigi was just a simple palette swap of Mario for Player 2 to use, Luigi has evolved into a much more complex character through his own adventures in games like Luigi's mansion and New Super Luigi U. However, Luigi isn't the only famous green video game character in existence, and these 10 other gaming icons have come to represent the best of the color's use throughout the medium's history.
The long history of Shrek's video games is explained
READ MORE: The long and storied history of Shrek video games explained
In 2001, the DreamWorks animation was released Shrek, a film that quickly captured audiences due to its memorable characters, irreverent sense of humor and unique take on the fairy tale genre. Since then there have been three more Shrek movies — with a fifth coming in 2027 — several shorts and specials, a Broadway musical, theme parks and, of course, plenty of video games. Shrek has become one of DreamWorks' most expansive and beloved franchises. While it's not surprising for an animated film to get a tie-in video game or two, Shrek has gone above and beyond with dozens of game appearances across platforms and genres.
