The Hidden, Destructive Legacy of 'Duke Nukem'
Duke aged poorly and so did the games starring him, but we're still stuck with more clever imitators.
News
Apex Legends Patch Fixes Critical Issue: Its Extremely Loud Title Screen
Now you no longer have to immediately regret putting on your headphones before you open the game.
Come for the Jet Set Radio Soundtracks, Stay for the 5G Conspiracy Theories
The rise of social media means we're exposed to the people who make the things we like, including disinformation and conspiracy theories.
Activision Is Resisting Diversity Hiring Push by America's Unions
This month the AFL-CIO submitted shareholder proposals requesting that Activision and Electronic Arts implement a "Rooney Rule" in their hiring practices to improve gender and racial diversity in the gaming industry.
Podcasts
Everybody Loves Lady Dimitrescu, the Giant Woman in 'Resident Evil Village'
Capcom absolutely knew what they were doing when they designed Lady Dimitrescu.
The Thin Line Between Thoughtful On-Ramp and Annoying Tutorial
Possibly the hardest part of making a sequel is onboarding new players while keeping things interesting for series veterans.
Reviews
'Hitman 3' Loses Its Identity as It Goes All-In on Story
Agent 47 is good at a lot of things, but starring in adventure games is not one of them.
‘Unto The End’ Goes Too Hard at Being a Souls-like
Frustration builds in this bleak and beautiful march through a wintry wilderness.
Opinion
The Hidden, Destructive Legacy of 'Duke Nukem'
Duke aged poorly and so did the games starring him, but we're still stuck with more clever imitators.
'Slay the Spire' Taught Me Friction Can Make a Game Easier in the Long Run
When a game feels so effortless you forget you need to make one.
I've Turned My iPhone into a Portable PS5 With This Rad Controller
Attaching a Backbone controller to my iPhone has transformed the convenience of playing video games.
Features
How 'Umurangi Generation' Captured 2020's Despair and Neoliberal Decay
There is no question video games are political, but not every game shouts it from the rooftops, screaming for the world to listen.
Car Seat Headrest's Drummer Made His Own Video Game Franchise, Regrets It
How a musical side-project led to a game where you hunt down the head of a major record label.
Columns
The Astonishing Berlin Level in 'Hitman 3' Is a Landmark in the Series
It's never gotten much better, or much weirder, than this.
The Awesome Responsibility of a Dark Souls Summon
Why co-op is one of the underrated pleasures of a series full of distrust and suspicion between players.
'Assassin's Creed Valhalla' Is Obsessed with Story, and Its Deceptions
A story about controlling the narrative, for a time when facts and their meaning are all disputed.