Halo PC Fan Game lives!

Most fangames don’t make it. Fan projects involving IP’s like the Metroid 2 remake, Chrono Trigger, Pokemon Uranium, Bid for Power, Shadow Moses, and more are never released. Often, Video Game companies will send a Cease and Desist to the creators to inform them to stop the release of the fan game or face legal actions. They’ll usually send it after the fangame is nearly finished. Fan games are usually created based on communities’ desires for a remake or a new entry in a series that has changed. Despite fan outcry, most fangame developers have their project stopped before they can release them to long awaiting fans due to Video Game companies lawyers. Mostly because they didn’t listen to the wise words of Woolie Madden. (Sarcastic, video game companies have every right to send a cease and desist).

However, a fan project named Installation 01, a fan made Halo game, will aim to bring Halo Multiplayer to PC gamers. I personally love the Halo Trilogy and Reach. The developers have spoken closely with Microsoft and have operated under their rules. Every asset is created from scratch and not taken from any of the Halo series. Thanks to close conversations as well as agreeing to not earn a single dollar, donation, or profit from Installation 01 has kept the fan project alive.

The project leader, Church, stated “Through these interactions, we have been ensured that Installation 01 is not under imminent legal threat, provided we remain non-commercial in nature and scope and continue to follow Microsoft’s Game Content Usage Rules to the letter.

We are now able to say with certainty that Installation 01 will never be accepting donations. We also will not be selling i01 or Halo related merchandise. This is to keep a respectful distance between us and Microsoft’s intellectual property. It is also important to note that these rules and assurances from 343 are specific to Installation 01 as a project, and should not be interpreted to apply elsewhere. Through ongoing communication with 343 Industries we hope that we, as a fan project, can continue to be a positive driving force within the Halo community.”

I’ve spent countless hours with my cousins and friends playing the multiplayer and story mode. However, we stopped playing after Reach and we weren’t interested in buying a Xbox One just to play Halo 4. But having an old school Halo game on the PC is giving me the itch to play some more! You can watch the cinematic trailer down below.

Source: Eurogamer

installation01.org/

Arm’s Sales and Giving IP’s a Chance

Nintendo took a big risk with launching a new IP so close to the launch of the Switch. ARMS, a new 3D fighter, by Nintendo sold 100,652 units in Japan on its first week. It nearly outperformed Tekken 7 (Namco Bandai) and Street Fighter V (Capcom) combined for their opening week. Their total was 100,762 units. For new fighting games, these sales numbers are fantastic and its thanks to Nintendo’s unique marketing that many companies don’t replicate.

What Ninten-does

While Nintendo is one of the biggest gaming companies in the world, the company’s first party games are relatively quite small in comparison to Playstation and Microsoft. However, they’ve been in the market for so long and their franchises have become so well-known that they can try different marketing styles than them. The best marketing Nintendo did for ARMS was the Nintendo Direct. They are conference shows completely Nintendo focused and two of them this year were about ARMS, the game’s mechanics, characters and story. The Directs bring unique insight and unique focus on one title. Rarely will companies market their new IP with such dedication.

Selling Points

Of course, other selling points of ARMS is the variety of combinations with the arms, the ease of understanding the controls, the different game modes, and ARMS being a Nintendo title. I personally believe if more companies had more dedicated trailers or small direct conferences for a new IP, they’ll see greater success.

What do you think helps make new IP’s popular enough to be successful? ARMS is currently out for the Nintendo Switch.

Sources:

Siliconera

PVPlive

How Important is Art in Gaming?

One of the most surprising titles that was announced at E3 was Dragon Ball Z Fighter. Created by Arc-System Games with art by Akira Toriyama. Graphically, it is beautiful and the effects from fights, energy blasts, and speedy combat looks visually amazing.

When in comparison to Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite, it’s hard to believe these fighting games are being released on modern consoles. MvCi (Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite) looks awful. The character models are clearly recycled from Marvel vs Capcom 3 but their faces look horrendous.

Even the models from MvC3 look better in comparison and that was released for the last generation consoles. Interest for MvCi has definitely dropped but Capcom has generally been consistent with releasing solid fighting game titles such as Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, and MvC. From players’ feedback at E3, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite seems slower but still fun. Source: Maxillian Dude

Another game had recent flack as well. Nidhogg 2‘s new design from its prequel was relatively simple. Two solid color, no faces, blood(?) and fairly simple design. However, its sequel looks like a completely different game. Eyes, facial features, and even background design has been added. The game looks even more violent than before. The initial reaction was dismay from fans. However, fans have soften on their intial feelings after seeing the game contains the same mechanics with more weapons in the game.

For me, art is a huge factor in games. If it doesn’t look appealing than I won’t feel as obligated to buy the game. Art dictates the gameplay feel and style. Great examples are the Devil May Cry series. The characters are highly stylish in comparison to Ryse: Son of Rome. I had no interest in Ryse because it looked generic regardless of the gameplay features. How important is art or style to you? Does it affect your purchase? Or do you consider other factors more important?