GoozerNation 4.0

Hello and thank you for reading GoozerNation. You are currently on GoozerNation 3.0 at the URL goozernation.com/video-games. We launched GoozerNation 4.0 in August 2012. You can find that site at goozernation.com. We'll see you on the other side.

Evolution of a Gamer 10: Kids Ask the Darndest Things-Gamer Edition

You know those questions kids are supposed to ask, just because they are kids? "Why is the sky blue?" "Where do babies come from?" The wonderful generic questions that are simple in our minds, yet very difficult to explain to someone so young, or at least with such a short attention span? In this lighthearted episode of Evolution of a Gamer, I'm going to give you the game-related questions that come spouting out of my child while playing some of the modern iterations of Mario, as well as the musings I have had in trying to answer them. Some of them are silly, some make us sit back and think about why we actually do what we do in gaming, and others just flat out make no sense. So click in, and be entertained. Maybe you can help me figure out better answers.

Mortal Kombat Review (PS Vita)

Mortal Kombat was an instant hit when it launched on consoles last year, and now it intends to recreate that experience on the PlayStation Vita.  This new Vita edition of the game includes everything you would find on the console version of the game (which includes the PS3 exclusive Kratos character), all four of the DLC characters, and a brand new Vita challenge tower.  Add in all of this and the new Vita controls and you have a pretty new way to experience what you may have already played for over a year.

City of Steam Alpha Codes Giveaway

GoozerNation has 20 sneak peek alpha codes to give away. Here's all the information you need to know. The first 20 people to comment will get a code. 

City of Steam, a full-featured, browser-based 3D MMORPG, transports players to an industrial metropolis that has fallen from grace. Emerging from the ashes of ages past, heroes versed in swordplay, divine harmonies, and the arcane arts seek their fortune in a world beset by countless foes, from dangerous factions to mechanical horrors.

Transformers Fall of Cybertron vs. Guild Wars 2: Who has the better pre-order bonuses?

The next game in the Transformers saga, Fall of Cybertron, is hitting stores August 21, followed by Guild Wars 2 at the end of August. Both are really big releases for long time fans. A few places are offering pre-order bonuses and there is still time to pre-order both games. Unfortunately, none of the pre-orders jump out as must-haves.

Best. Music. Ever.

The GoozerNation "Best. Ever." series returns. GN Staffers are not afraid to publically answer those big questions that you and your buddies argue and lament with each other on out in the open for the world to see!  This time: "Best. Music. Ever." What video game music stands out for you through the years as the most epic soundtrack, moment, title screen...anything goes. Three GN team members weighed in on this one, and we're looking for you to add your opinions in the comments! 

Darksiders II Pre-order Bonus Breakdown

Out of all the games to come out in August, Darksiders II has some of the best pre-order bonuses. Hailed as THQ’s lifesaver, this game looks to be a blast to play come August 14. Amazon, Gamestop, and Best Buy have some unique bonuses for gamers who pre-order Darksiders II.

The Last Story: Gears of Fantasy?

Hironobu Sakaguchi and Nobuo Uematsu, famous for bringing us classic stories with unforgettable music in earlier Final Fantasy titles, have teamed up again to bring us The Last Story. Clever twist on a name, yes, but what exactly is it?

Test Drive: Ferrari Legends Review

Gamers, start your engines! I was half hoping to hear that sometime during this racing game. Test Drive: Ferrari Legends looks like the perfect blend of racing simulation all behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The big question is there enough to keep gamers interested?

Amazon has Dark Souls and other games on sale

Amazon has some fantastic deals on games in the month of July. Dark Souls and several other games are on sale right now. When Amazon has deals like this its hard for gamers to spend their money elsewhere.

Walking Dead Episode 2: Starved for Help Review

Telltale games has given gamers another fantastic point and click adventure with their second episode of the Walking Dead. For those gamers who didn't play the first game there is a nice recap of the events from the first one near the start of the next episode. Gamers should be able to finish it in 4-6 hours, but there is at least one reason gamers may enjoy this episode more.

Evolution of a Gamer 9: Bravery

"Dad, can I play Super Mario Brothers on the Wii? Dad, can you play Super Mario Brothers on the Wii with me? I want to be Player 1, please. Let's go here!"

I have heard these words on a daily basis from my son lately. As much as I like playing games with him, I've got to say that at times I've dreaded these words. Perhaps it's because my home life has been busy lately and I've had a lack of personal gaming time. My ONLY gaming has been with my son. And when he does, it's Super Mario Brothers Wii. Worlds 1-1 through 1-4. Usually in the exact same pattern. Followed by a 20 minute stint in Princess Peach's castle, where you watch ProTip "how-to" movies.

Over.

And over.

And over.

Honestly, I've got the first four levels of Mario down in muscle memory, and could probably play it with my eyes closed now. I know I have learned in previous entries in this series that "you play what you like" for a reason, and as long as you are enjoying it you are enjoying video games, but this was getting ridiculous. I didn't want to force proceeding and frustrate him from gaming, but I also didn't want to play these same exact levels even one more time.

Hidden Path Entertainment Launches Kickstarter for Defense Grid 2

The Kickstarter for Defense Grid 2 started on July 10, 2012. In less than 24 hours it already has more than 1,200 backers and is over 20% of its pledge. Defense Grid is a tower defense game created by an independent game company called Hidden Path Entertainment. The player strategically places towers to prevent aliens from stealing power cores. Defense Grid: The Awakening is advertised as only having 8-10 hours of story play, but I’ve easily spent over 40 hours so far.

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Review

Without a doubt this may be one of the best Lego video games as Lego Batman 2 DC Super Heroes outshines the original by far. This is a game that anyone can pick up and play. There is hours and hours of gameplay crammed into Lego Batman 2. So with such a great game, what are the highlights, and are there any flaws?

Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition Review

Dead Island is a title I’ve been meaning to pick up for some time now.  With the game of the year edition hitting shelves, why wait any longer?  I’ve heard good and bad about Dead Island, but now I know firsthand what Dead Island is worth.  One thing is for sure, if you passed on Dead Island before, it will be hard to pass up the GOTY edition for only $30.

Crysis (First 10 Minutes)

Join Cole Burton for the beginning of Crysis, running on PS3!

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