Rogue Legacy 2 Trailer

Rogue Legacy is by far one of my favourite indie titles of all time. Its rogue-like hack and slash, platforming perfection is as rewarding as it is brutal. Now after many moons, we get a sequel!

The Last of Us Showcase Month

The Last of Us shot by Wolfwithashield

After a bit of feedback from people I decided to hold off a little longer on the Last of Us Showcase Week. I have a host of content scheduled to upload, but people requested a little more time to get their shots in. 

Not wanting to make people feel pressured I have delayed the posts. Instead of an intensive week it will be stretched over the month. A Last of Us Showcase Month. 

If you have any content you would like to share. Please get in touch.

Cyberpunk 2077: New Trailer

Today marks the launch of the next trailer most of us were hyped to see. Regretfully I cannot imbed the video but you can CLICK HERE to see the whole thing on Youtube. 

Enjoy.

The Evolution of Chen San-yuan

Chen San-yuan back in 2018 featured on BBC News

I first heard about Chen San-yuan back in 2018. His obsession and innovation with Pokemon Go swept the globe. Now this Taiwanese man, who has been nicknamed Pokémon Grandpa, has affixed an array of 64 phones to his bike in order to play dozens of simultaneous games of Pokémon Go.

As the months have passed Chen San-yuan has gradually been adding to his invention and increasing the number of phones on his bike.

An ambitious 45 phones!

Now he rides with 64 phones attached to his bike all simultaneously playing Pokemon Go.

What a hero

If only he had speakers playing the TV show theme tune it would be perfect.

Photograph credit: Yanwu

July's Xbox Gold Games

As per usual next months PS Now games have not been announced, but as the  the Tenth Anniversary of the subscription’s launch next week, PS4 owners could be in for a treat.

Sony hasn’t confirmed celebrating the milestone, but they rarely confirm anything ahead of the official announcement. 

Meanwhile Xbox Gold users can snap up these games on their system in July:

Xbox One
WRC 8 FIA World Rally Championship (July 1-31)
Dunk Lords (July 16-August 15)

Xbox 360 
Saints Row 2 (July 1-15)
Juju (July 16-31)

The Last of Us: Ben Croft Gaming

The Last of Us by Bencroftgaming

I can recall the first time I saw Bencroftgaming's work, it was as the name would suggest, some shots of Lara coated heavily in action and emotion. From that moment I have been a follower of their content. 

The Last of Us by Bencroftgaming

No matter what game they turn their attention to the shots continue to be an emotive journey and one that I am pleased to observe. 

The Last of Us by Bencroftgaming

These shots of The Last of Us are no exception. Each captures that moment in time, the lighting adding to the depth and tension. To see more of Bencroftgaming's work, check out their Twitter here and Instagram here.

 

The Last of Us by Bencroftgaming

The Last of Us: Photomode_On

The Last of Us by Photomode_on

Today for the third showcase feature for The Last of Us week, we have the work of Erika aka Photomode_on. 

The Last of Us by Photomode_on

Whichever game Erika shoots from she leaves an almost dream like quality to the final image.  The angles and choice of subject complement the lighting and composition of the photo. 

The Last of Us by Photomode_on

Both the landscapes and portraits tell a story. Her portraits are never "just a face" or lacking in emotion, each tells a story. The shots above and below are great examples of how so little in terms of the image can say so much. 

The Last of Us by Photomode_on

For more of Erika's work, check out here Instagram page here.

The Last of Us: VP Vibrancy

The Last of Us by VP Vibrancy

As I won't be getting the second instalment for some time I thought I would post four of my shots from my play-through of The Last of Us.

The Last of Us by VP Vibrancy

Naughty Dog have been wonderful to virtual photographers and it is amazing to be able to take shots in older games. The Uncharted Trilogy release that was given to all PS Plus subscribers and then for free during lockdown was brilliant and The Last of Us is no exception. 

The Last of Us by VP Vibrancy

It may not be the most diverse photo mode but there is plenty to take shots of and the game stretches across so many locations. I hope you enjoy the showcase week. If you have any shots of The Last of Us you would like to share, contact me and I shall get them up on the blog. 

The Last of Us by VP Vibrancy

The Last of Us: Uncharted Horizon

The Last of Us shot by Uncharted Horizon

Caitlyn aka Uncharted Horizon was previously featured for her work on Days Gone. Today for The Last of Us Week and the release of the game we have her virtual photography from the original game. 

The Last of Us shot by Uncharted Horizon

Throughout her work, we see the tragedy of the setting as well as the serenity that comes with the absence of mankind. The cityscape above is both beautiful and horrifying. 

I cannot wait to see what Caitlyn has in store for us with The Last of Us Part 2. For more of her virtual photography check out her page here.

The Last of Us Part 2: Enthusiast Gamer

The Last of Us by Enthusiast Gamer

Tomorrow is the big official release of the game many have been waiting for. The Last of Us was not only a huge success with fans but received widespread critical acclaim. A few people were lucky enough to get their early copies in. One of these was Kevin aka Enthusiast Gamer. A fellow Plat Runner and virtual photographer. 

The Last of Us by Enthusiast Gamer

He was kind enough (also excited enough) to send me his first shots of the game and for you all I post them here now to show you what the game is capable of. At first I approached him for photographs that he had taken of the original. However due to the sequel arriving today this has become a double feature. 

The Last of Us Part 2  by Enthusiast Gamer

Between the two sets of shots you can see they are miles apart in terms of graphical capability, yet Kevin's photography style still shines through. 

The Last of Us Part 2  by Enthusiast Gamer

All the shots of the Last of Us Part 2 are unedited in their "raw" form.

The Last of Us Part 2  by Enthusiast Gamer

To all of you that are snapping shots of the new game, if you want yours featured on the blog get in touch and I will make it a reality for the Last of Us Showcase Week, in celebration of the games launch. 

The Last of Us by Enthusiast Gamer

For more of Kevin's shots check out his page here.

Red Dead Redemption 2 x Zero Zero Zero Zero

To go along with my platinum trophy from Zero Zero Zero Zero, I decided to start making some virtual photography shots for the games that would never even come close to requiring virtual photography. 

I started with this as the picture does all of the work. Its a western, with sci-fi elements. My goal was to try and capture the feeling in the artwork and game without using Photoshop or other heavy editing software. Red Dead Redemption 2 was the game that I approached. While they do not radiate Sci-fi I like to think I captured the games tension and also exhaustive qualities. 

I wanted our protagonist to look tired and worn but ready for the next barrage of insanity.  If you have used a game to pay homage to another game get in touch via my about section and I will feature you here on the blog.

Plat Runner 04: Zero Zero Zero Zero

A few days ago I managed to get my 50th Platinum. It was Dynasty Warriors 9, a series close to my heart. Straight after getting it I decided to hit a few indie titles as a cheeky reward. All three of course are published by Ratalaika Games S.L. but the one I am going to give advice on today is Zero Zero Zero Zero.

This monochrome platformer felt like the later levels of Super Meat Boy. It is simple, fast and brutal. Some levels feel near impossible while some are more straightforward. The twist is there is no level select. Levels are thrown at you, if you die you are put at the start of one of the levels you have yet to finish. This twist means that you do not have time to learn from your errors or even what the level entails sometimes. 

I adored it. It made me sweat and got me thinking. About halfway to the final trophy I announced I was done and then continued to play on. Not many of Ratalaika Games S.L. products come with this deep level of frustration meeting satisfaction. 

Unlike a lot of hard games these days you are not learning through death. There is no trickery here or subterfuge. The game handles smoothly and you can see the entire level and what it entails before you. All errors are your own. The game demands patience, precision and skill. Luck does not come into it.

In hardcore you have one life to get as many levels done as you can. Thankfully the only hardcore trophy Requires you to only pass the initial level, where you walk to the coin and back to the door. Every level requires you to carry out this task but none will ever be this easy again.

As far as the trophy list goes it is very straightforward: 1 Platinum and 11 Golds. Finish 1 level on hardcore and 34 on Normal.

Tips and Tricks

• You will die and you will die a lot. Do not be put off, the payoff is very rewarding for each level completed.

• There are a lot more than 34 levels.  If one looks to hard or you hate it die and try for something that is more to your skill set.

• Take it slow, you are unlikely to get anywhere charging in blind. Some levels require speed in order to avoid death but in most cases you can pace it until you get the lay of the level. 

• Know that you only have to succeed once. When a level is done it will not return. 

• It should only take between 30 minutes and an hour. It took me 36 minutes and 27 seconds. 

That sweet Pop moment

I have seen this game get a lot of hate online and I don't think it's justified. It is cheap, satisfying and well considered. If you don't like the idea of a punishing platformer or just are in it for a quick plat, go elsewhere. But if for a change you want to play something that pays a homage to the dawn of gaming, gives you a decent challenge and a more proud indie plat, then Zero Zero Zero Zero is for you. 

PS5 Launch List and Trailer Links

It has been a few days due to some technical issues. Since the PS5 reveal my access to the PC has been limited. But there is much content coming in terms of showcases, news and Plat Runner articles. 

If for some reason you are still in the dark almost a week later, or you fancy seeing the reveal trailers again. Here they are in no particular order:

Deathloop

Horizon: Forbidden West

Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Resident Evil 8: Village

Gran Turismo 7

Godfall

Pragmata

Oddworld: Soulstorm

Demon's Souls

Grand Theft Auto 5 enhanced

Project Athia

Solar Ash

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

NBA 2K21

Destruction AllStars

Stray

Goodbye Volcano High

Returnal

Bugsnax

Hitman 3

Ghostwire: Tokyo

Jett: The Far Shore

Kena: Bridge of the Spirits

Little Devil Inside

Astro's Playroom