#level1up

[level1upgaming]

Like Video Games? You ought to check out Dan Bull on youtube for more of this! 

[level1upgaming]

A little about me

I’ve wanted to be a part of the video game industry since I was a child. I’m passionate about video games, and really believe in what they offer as a form of interactive storytelling. Every game is a unique experience, some are emotional roller coasters, some are challenging, some follow a simple concept and provide hours of uncomplicated fun, some present us with food for thought, while some even make us question our own beliefs. I’ve always loved gaming, so when I realised I would eventually need a job, a career centred on my favourite hobby seemed inevitable. My first paid job was for a company that sold second-hand games, consoles and other electronics. I got to take consoles apart and put them back together. I got to play the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One the day that they were released. Although that particular company didn’t suit my needs, the atmosphere and environment I experienced there only served to further my passion for working in the industry. I studied Journalism and Photography in college, having ruled out Game design because I lacked the level of mathematics required for those courses. Instead, I reasoned that I could be a journalist for a gaming publication, or a freelancer that would go to E3 and get to meet and interview my game creating idols. As time went on, I became disillusioned and reconsidered that particular direction. Getting my foot in the door proved difficult. There are so many freelancers in the world and the majority of the exclusive interviews and first access information goes to the established publications with large readerships, making it hard to stand out as a solo journalist.  If I was going to pursue a career in writing for video games, I didn’t want to be writing articles for other magazines. I wanted to be writing them for my own.  That’s my goal. I want to build Level1UP into a memorable, unique brand that holds a strong connection with the gaming community across the board.  Down the line, and with plenty of feedback helping to shape the face of Level1UP, I want to create an interesting, open minded publication with unique content that recognises the latest breakthroughs in gaming while remembering its history, from Space Invaders to Sleeping Dogs and everything in between. This blog will be a celebration of the medium. It will support upcoming artists, game designers, writers like myself, 8-bit Musicians and let’s players alike. There’ll be reviews, think pieces, music, trailers, fan art and news. And for those who share my passion, who want to support me, and this blog : The best thing you can do is click the follow button and share this page with like minded people. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who follow and interact with Level1UP as it exists now, the people who help me daily by providing their insight, and anyone reading this. Thank you for the support. Lauren Rose Morgan

[level1upgaming]

JANUARY 2015 GAME RELEASE DATES!

Let's take a look at what's new this month! Warhammer Quest  January 7 (PC, Mac, Linux)  Chariot  January 8  (Wii U)  Funk of Titan  January 9  (Xbox One)  Atelier Ayesha Plus: The Alchemist of Dusk  January 13  (Vita) Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition January 13  (Vita)  Blackguards 2  January 20  (PC) Citizens of Earth  January 20  (PS4, Wii U, Vita, 3DS, PC)  Resident Evil Remastered  January 20  (Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC)  Saints Row IV: Re-Elected / Gat Out of Hell Expansion January 20  (Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC) Dying Light January 27  (Xbox One, PS4, PC)  Grand Theft Auto V  January 27  (PC)  Grim Fandango  January 27  (PS4, Vita)  Life is Strange: Episode 1  January 30  (Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC) 

[level1upgaming]

I was 4 years old when this game came out in '97 and to this day it still brings me joy. 

[level1upgaming]

The eerily beautiful world of Limbo is making a return at last, check out the reveal at 2014's E3 here!

[level1upgaming]

Level1UP's Top 5 Games Of 2014

The Xbox 360's swan song is fast approaching and after an impressive nine year life span, this console's seen the best, the worst, and the ugliest titles that the gaming industry has to offer.  As it's the dawn of a brand new year of releases, I'd like to take the time to share my top picks of 2014. The bar has been raised, and passing the baton to the Xbox One might not be as easy a transition as expected.

3. South Park : Stick Of Truth (Ubisoft) When Stick of Truth was confirmed to be in the works, I was doubtful that it would amount to more than just another ugly, licensed game thrown out in a bid to cash in quick. Imagine my surprise when I found myself playing what felt like an interactive, extended episode of South Park. This devilishly fun title owes the majority of it's success to the creative minds of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who were heavily involved in the making of what can only be described as Season 18 of South Park in a different format. The animation is spot on, and the world of South Park has been painstakingly re created in a fully explorable environment. The story is a barrel of laughs from start to finish and is full of references to memorable moments from the series. The game play elements are remarkably enjoyable and turn based RPG combat stays fresh with the introduction of different enemy types and a balanced levelling system helps to keep players motivated.  Once again, there are reasons why Stick Of Truth is not number one on this list. A "market decision" made by Ubisoft saw the console versions of Stick Of Truth censored in Europe. Six 20 second scenes were removed from the game, and while I still enjoyed my time with this title, I found myself irritated and removed from my experience when I encountered these scenes, particularly during one segment of the game, where the removed content was integral to a particular level. A much smaller annoyance was the game play  restriction of special moves, that are  unlocked when the player character completes certain side quests. These moves are humorous when executed, but to use them more than once, the player must retrace their steps and revisit the character they got them from.  And those are the only complaints I had for Stick Of Truth.  This game is a "Must Own" for any fan of the South Park television series and is one of the best executed examples of a licensed game I've seen to date. Had this been the Top 5 PC Games of 2014, it may well have struck number one, and I would implore fans to purchase the PC version and enjoy this game without any disruption. However, the Console version has it's flaws, so It rests (comfortably) at number three.

2. Wolfenstein : New World Order (Machine Games) In an alternate timeline to our own, the Nazi's win World War Two and have taken over most of the world. Taking a different direction from how most mediums approach this topic, Wolfenstein shows off some impressive writing and dynamic storytelling. A somewhat grounded addition to the series, New World Order pulls less punches when it comes to the real life atrocities featured in it's campaign, such as the mistreatment of the mentally ill and forced labour camps. Although a little slow to start, this shooter is well paced and responsive, with a compelling storyline and a much better rounded protagonist then we've seen in previous games.  Apart from the somewhat clumsy "dual wield" mechanic that can be hard to control and isn't all that useful, the gunplay is entertaining and accompanied with a varied skill tree that empowers the player without the need for excessive "grinding". Not to risk being restrictive, New World Order allows for players who enjoy exploration in games, and there are plenty of Gold, Letters, and other collectibles to find.  An interesting game play element is the stealthy alternative to the "guns blazing" approach, allowing players to pick off commanders before they can call for backup, or sneak up on unsuspecting Nazi's to knife them mercilessly. Occasionally enemies will sometimes fail to notice dead bodies you've left in plain sight, and the AI isn't without it's bugs, but the larger flaw lies in the way the player accumulates supplies. Ammo and health are in no short supply, but an annoying button press is required, rather than simply running over the item in question. Furthermore, often the on screen prompt to pick up something appears before the player has even seen the object in question, distracting from the atmosphere. Despite the small bumps, Wolfenstein :  New World Order is a solid game, offering an old-school shooter feel and a campaign unlike others we've seen before.

1. Far Cry 4 (Ubisoft) A running theme in the Far Cry series is and giving the player the feeling that they can do anything. Flexible first person combat, intuitive game play mechanics and a vast, fully explorable, downright beautiful open world all make for a fantastic addition to the series. The game follows protagonist Ajay Ghale (Voiced by James.A Woods, aka "Keith" from Far Cry 3) who is returning to his native country Kyrat to spread his mother's ashes. Kyrat is in the midst of a civil war with members of "the Golden Path" seeking to overthrow despotic, (yet very charismatic!) warlord "Pagan Min". Who you may recognise as veteran voice Actor Troy Baker (Booker Dewitt - Bioshock Infinite, Joel - Last Of Us) Although the campaign is well written and by no means rushed (About 15 hours long), the real draw of Far cry 4, and even of the Far Cry series as a whole, is the way players are dropped into these imaginative, real feeling settings and environments. The Himalayan mountains look and feel ancient, with so much to explore that navigating Kyrat is an adventure in itself, whether by personal helicopter, car, zipwire, on foot or another method. The combat is satisfying and the realistic responses from both enemy AI and wild animals you encounter really add to the atmosphere. rarely, there are bugs, such as enemies suspended in mid air, but for a game this size, small hiccups are to be expected. These bugs do not occur often enough to detract from the game's merits, however. Having replaced the somewhat unorthodox map system from Far Cry 2, Far cry 4's menu navigation is much improved. In game, Ajay must liberate "Bell towers" (Much like Radio towers in Far Cry 3) to reveal sections of the map, unlock new missions and gain access to free weapons. It's a familiar mechanic reminiscent of Ubisoft's other brainchild, Assasin's Creed.   Outside of the main campaign there is a lot for Ajay to get up to, such as helping citizens, hunting animals,crafting equipment, riding Elephants, capturing enemy outposts and more.  As with all games, there are flaws, and to some, Far Cry 4 can feel more like Far Cry 3.5. Even with a whole new setting and storyline, the game play feels a little too familiar at times and it shows Ubisoft's tendency to stay true to a winning formula. I don't consider this all negative, as the world of Kyrat is fresh enough to liven up the game play and keep the player finding  ways to put familiar mechanics to better use. The decision to retain those elements saves players having to get to grips with a whole new system, and allows them to jump straight in to a brand new world with comfortable controls. Overall, Far Cry 4 is a well rounded title that tops 2014's charts and delivers a solid single player experience within an atmospheric, compelling setting.  2014 gave us a lot to sink our teeth into, and I for one cannot wait to see what 2015 has to offer, even if I am reluctant to witness the slow decline in 360 releases over the next coming year. As always, we want to hear your thoughts on the games above, and which games made your favourites last year.