PIXELATED A TECHNOLOGY AND VIDEO GAME MAGAZINE Vol. VIII - NO 02 - Spring 2019

SAMSUNG Winning the Smartphone Game CONTENT

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Graphene Airpods vs Galaxy Buds by Lorenzo Hess by Siddiq Nanabawa

PIXELATED TECHNOLOGY Andre Dang 4 SpaceX BFR Libby Mather by Lorenzo Hess Editors-In-Chief 8 S10 Lineup by Pratham Gandhi

Ryan Eastep GAMING Managing Editor 10 Yoshi’s Crafted World by Leonard Song 11 Link’s Awakening Pratham Gandhi by Jayer Yang Ryan Leung 12 Top 8 Players at MSI Design Editors by Ryan Eastep

14 MLB The Show Lorenzo Hess by Mark Fernandez Mark Fernandez 18 Anthem Victor Dimitrov by Victor Dimitrov Content Editors 20 The Role of Assasin’s Creed in Notre Dame’s Repair Keith Renner Akira Eisenbeiss Faculty Advisor 21 Pokemon Sword and Shield by Ryan Leung 22 New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe by Aidan McAndrew

-2- PIXELATED 16 24

Apex Legends Smash Ultimate Tier List by Victor Dimitrov by Ryan Eastep, Melchior Lee, and Spencer Kahn LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Hello again!

We’re excited to present to you Pixelated’s second edition for this year! All of our writers and editors put their all into it and for one of us EICs, this is our last year, so it’s bittersweet to be leaving Pixelated behind. This is the last issue of the year, and it’s been a great journey. We have the latest in gaming and tech to present to you in this fnal issue of the year.

In technology, we’ve got the updates on SpaceX, the innovations of Graphene, news about new samsung phones, and a discussion about airpods vs. galaxy buds. In video games, we have a discussion about a competitive smash bros ultimate tier list, news about the new hit game Apex Legends, MLB the show 2019, Anthem, Competitive League of Legends, and about Assassin’s creed’s role in the repair of Notre Dame. We also have the latest about new switch games, like the Link’s awakening reboot, Yoshi’s crafted world, New Super Mario Bros deluxe, and Pokemon sword and shield.

We want to thank all of our readers for their continued support of our publication and interest. A special thanks to all our writers, editors, and our Faculty advisor, Mr. Renner for helping make this possible, we hope you enjoy this issue!

Until next time, Andre Dang Libby Mather Editors-in-Chief, Volume VIII

PIXELATEDPIXELATED -3--3- n February 6th, 2018, SpaceX develop a fully functioning, low-cost rocket lunar orbit for an easier week-long mission launched its Falcon Heavy Rocket. that could transport humans and cargo to which is scheduled for the year 2023. Soon Falcon Heavy had never been Mars and back, all while keeping the rocket afer the announcement, Japanese billionaire Olaunched before, and afer years of planning, largely reusable. However, SpaceX has its Yusaku Maezawa bought all the tickets on building, and testing, it completed its maiden eyes trained on the Red Planet and is quickly that fight and has not revealed whether he voyage without exploding into what would be working towards its goal. It has already will invite others along with him. Tis trip the “best frework display” one would have designed, created, and successfully tested an will help to test and further fnance BFR. ever seen, to quote SpaceX CEO and Founder inner-ship spacesuit. SpaceX has proven that Afer BFR completes its frst mission, SpaceX Elon Musk. it can maintain fnancial stability and remain hopes to also land it on the Moon and begin Falcon Heavy can be used to transport proftable, and the accelerating development developing a moon base. Ten, afer proving heavier cargoes than other rockets; it has 27 of rockets and other space technologies the rockets’ capabilities, will SpaceX send it Merlin engines and can deliver up to 5 million ensures the continued demand for its rockets. to Mars. Earth-Mars synchronization, or the pounds of thrust at lifof, the equivalent of the And while it appears that SpaceX has yet to term for describing when Mars is closest to maximum thrust of 18 Boeing 747 aircrafs. begin researching Martian colonization, its Earth in terms of each planet’s orbit, occurs Falcon Heavy delivers the most thrust of any design and construction of an eventual Mars about every two years. In 2017, SpaceX stated currently operational rocket on Earth and rocket is well underway. it would send its frst Mars mission in 2022, is second in total only to the United States’ and its second in 2024, both being Earth- Saturn V Rocket. Falcon Heavy can transport “With reusable rockets, low launch Mars synchronization years. With the lunar up to 141,000 lb pounds of cargo, and its three mission scheduled for 2023, however, it’s rocket boosters of are able to self-navigate costs, and other efcient business probable that SpaceX will send BFR to Mars themselves down to a landing pad on Earth models like in-house vertically later than originally scheduled. for use in following missions. Tis unique integrated manufacturing, SpaceX Te frst BFR Mars mission will only send ability allows SpaceX to greatly cut launch one rocket, the purpose of the mission being costs. It hasn’t fown since its maiden launch is poised to become a global leader “to confrm water resources, identify hazards, but is set to fy again on April 9, 2019, as of the in rocket transport” and put in place initial power, mining, and writing of this article. life support infrastructure”. BFR’s second SpaceX’s other, smaller rocket is the Falcon Originally, SpaceX planned to develop Mars mission will involve at least two rockets 9 Rocket. It is a single-fuselage rocket with its “BFR”, or “Big Falcon Rocket” (also “Big carrying both cargo and a crew. Te BFR 9 Merlin engines and can deliver up to 1.7 Friendly Rocket” or, more bluntly, “Big uses liquid oxygen and liquid methane as millions pounds of thrust at sea level. It can F*****g Rocket”), as a single booster rocket its propellants. Since these resources are transport up to 50,000 pounds of cargo, and standing 348 f tall and delivering almost 12 abundant in the solar system refueling afer being launched into space, its rocket million pounds of thrust. SpaceX recently stations can be set up on planets like Mars. booster can self-navigates itself back down redesigned the BFR, however, and it is now Setting up a refueling station will be one of the to Earth like the Falcon Heavy. SpaceX has a two-part rocket. Its booster is called Super frst objectives of BFR’s frst manned mission. used Falcon 9 for dozens of missions. It only Heavy and its ship is called Starship, with the Once the basic refueling and life support costs $62 million to launch, compared to the whole rocket still being referred to as BFR. necessities are set up, more rockets will be launch cost of the Falcon Heavy coming it at Super Heavy will be about 207 f long, and sent to Mars thereby bringing more cargo and $90 million. Tese prices are lower than what Starship will be about 180 f long, making the more people. competitors can ofer, and are extremely low BFR 387 f tall in total. BFR will be able to Even without factoring in technological when compared to launch costs of previous carry 150 tons, the greatest payload capacity obstacles, further questions surround US government rockets. of any rocket ever, greater than the 135 tons humanity’s likely colonization of Mars. Will With reusable rockets, low launch costs, for Saturn V and 54.4 tons for Falcon Heavy. people be comfortable with the several- and other efcient business models like in- On top of this, Starship can also house up month-long trip? How will Martian gravity house vertically integrated manufacturing, to 100 people. Because it is fully reusable, afect the human body? If we continuously SpaceX is poised to become a global leader BFR also has the lowest marginal cost per struggle with both domestic and international in rocket transport. One of the main goals of launch of any rocket ever built. In fact, the politics, how are we supposed to even consider the industry is lowering the cost/cargo ratio of Falcon 1, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy, all dealing with interplanetary politics? How a rocket launch, and thanks to technological SpaceX’s rockets, happen to be the next three will we deal with intersections of Martian achievements like these, the company has rockets (in descending order) with the lowest and Earthian societies? While SpaceX’s frst begun to tout rockets as both economically marginal cost per launch. Martian city may be governed under “direct and technologically viable forms of intercity To fnance BFR, SpaceX designed it to be democracy,” as Elon Musk has stated, how will transportation. It would take approximately able to support all the missions that its current other Earthian nations and corporations rule half an hour to get from New York to Los operational rockets, the Falcon 9 and Falcon their own settlements? Massive infrastructure Angeles in a rocket, SpaceX says. Heavy, are able to carry out all at a lower is needed to create BFR but also to ensure that Overshadowing SpaceX’s “smaller” marginal cost per launch. BFR will not only future Martians are ensured the preservation dreams such as intercity rocket transport is be able to deliver satellites to Earth orbit but of their basic human rights. Questions such the company and CEOs’ prized goal: a self- will transport cargo and humans to and from as “how will passengers live comfortably on sustaining city on Mars with a population of 1 the International Space Station, the Moon, the trip over?” should be answered with “how million by 2060. Tis is, as usual with Musk, and Mars. It is designed to replace Falcon 9 will passengers live comfortably once the trip an extremely ambitious goal, and requires the and Falcon Heavy and allow SpaceX to direct is over?” If we want to get a million people completion of numerous steps. In addition its all its resources to them. there by 2060, we need our sociologists, to perfecting a spacesuit, maintaining Despite expectations, BFR’s frst mission psychologists, and anthropologists to think as fnancial stability, and researching Martian will not be to Mars; SpaceX has made the hard as the physicists and aerospace engineers colonization methods, SpaceX would need to prudent decision of launching BFR into at SpaceX.

-4- | TECHNOLOGY PIXELATED SPACEX BFR by Lorenzo Hess

PIXELATED TECHNOLOGY | -5- Graphene by Lorenzo Hess raphene, which might sound like an almost no resistance. Of course, as one graphene supercapacitors capable of over-the-counter medicine if one would expect, graphene can also act as a delivering a power output between 520 has not learned some chemistry, has complete insulator, blocking any fow of kW and 1500 kW were frst available for Gonly recently surfaced as a molecule that electric current. industrial use. Using graphene to build could revolutionize the technological world. Graphene’s electronic properties are electric car batteries could modernize the Graphene has been hidden right under our greatly appealing, but have only barely begun feld and completely disrupt the current noses for centuries, in places as common to show themselves. Tis last clause turns lithium-ion battery market. as our graphite pencils. For the many who into a pun once you consider that graphene Graphene’s scope of electronic capabilities know some chemistry but need a complete is practically transparent, only absorbing 2% also makes it extremely efcient for use in defnition, graphene is a single-layered of all incoming light. If multiple sheets of photovoltaic cells, more commonly known hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms, depicted graphene are stacked, it does become more as the solar cells used in solar panels which well by the accompanying image. opaque, but a semi-transparent graphene convert light energy into electrical energy. Graphene is essentially a 2D lattice of display only 10 to 40 atoms thick was already Graphene, when it absorbs a photon, tends carbon atoms; layers of graphene form produced in 2014. Given graphene’s high to emit multiple electrons, whereas silicon larger structures, such as graphite, and other conductivity, strength, and fexibility, it is emits only one electron per absorbed photon. carbon-based molecules, such as fullerenes, a natural choice for replacing or improving To reiterate, graphene’s host of other special have similar structures. A fullerene is like screen technology. characteristics—its transparency, fexibility, a spherical or cylindrical layer of graphene, Graphene’s other properties include its and low weight— means some sort of clear, basically any cage or cylindrical shape extremely high thermal conductivity, which ultra-thin, non-rigid photovoltaic graphene made of a layer of carbon molecules. While is higher than that of natural diamond, the cell could be manufactured and applied to they are used a lot in the biomedical feld, most thermally conductive natural material. surfaces such as the outside of buildings many are not such as the carbon nanotube, Furthermore, two-dimensional graphene or one’s own clothes. For similar reasons, a cylindrical fullerene with exceptional is the strongest material to be tested, Graphene is also expected to be useful strength, stifness, thermal conductivity, measured to be 200 times stronger than in building LED lights and touch screen and conductive properties. Te properties steel. However, a single layer of graphene is panels. of carbon nanotubes are not unlike those of not a tough material, as it is brittle and can Graphene has further been combined graphene. easily fracture. Multiple layers of graphene with other materials to form graphene Graphene has incredibly high electron are more tough, though, and despite composites. Using a graphene-plastic mobility, a measure of how quickly an being brittle, graphene is still incredibly composite instead of steel to build aircraf electron moves through a conductor. Its lightweight and fexible. could reduce weight and improve aircraf electron mobility has been calculated to Graphene itself was frst observed in strength beyond what currently used carbon be at least 15,000 cm2/V*s at around 300K 1948 but was never fully researched until fber composites can do. Applications of (room temperature); the electron mobility 2004. As anticipated, with the ever-growing these composites extend to all vehicles, of silicon, the main semiconductor used to technological market always looking for and coating planes, ships, and cars with build transistors, is only 1400cm2/V*s at smaller, faster, and more versatile materials, graphene-based paint could prevent 300K. It is worth noting that the electron graphene’s unique properties are already corrosion and rust. mobility of graphene theoretically goes up to being put to the test. Graphene seems to be a probable “Holy 200,000cm2/V*s, in specifc situations, and Graphene has been used to create Grail” for future technology, with the current that its electron mobility remains relatively supercapacitors, which are ofen used limiting factor being its production price. If unchanged within temperatures from 10K in rechargeable batteries. In addition to that can be brought down, Graphene will and 300K. Graphene also has an extremely charging quickly, supercapacitors can prove exceptionally useful in improving low resistivity and has demonstrated to store 10 to 100 times more energy and can upon existing technologies. have superconducting properties, meaning withstand many more charge/discharge an electric current can pass through it with cycles than a normal battery. In 2017,

-6- | TECHNOLOGY PIXELATED AIRPODS vs.

by Lorenzo Hess GALAXY BUDS by Siddiq Nanabawa

irpods, which were frst released on sound quality. Te Airpods weigh a light hours while the Airpods have a battery life December 13, 2016, have gained .14 ounces, so they sit comfortably in the of only 5 hours. Te Samsung Galaxy Buds lots of popularity in the past few ear and are hard to feel. However, some also have wireless charging, which is an Ayears. It is estimated that Apple shipped people say that it feels as though one extremely useful feature. It is also possible up to 28 million pairs of Airpods in 2018, hard step or movement will be enough to get wireless charging for your Airpods, (almost 10 million more than how many to knock Airpods out of their ears. In however that costs even more money they shipped in 2016) and brought in $4.3 contrast, Te Samsung Buds weigh a money on top of the original price of the billion in revenue since they frst released similar 0.2 ounces while having a side Airpods.. in 2016. Although Airpods are the most wing that helps keep to keep them from Now we can move on to the most popular wireless headphones at the falling out. As a result, the Samsung important part of this discussion: how moment, this may not be the case forever; Galaxy Buds are more secure and are less easy both of these headphones are to use. on March 8, 2019, Samsung released the likely to fall out compared to the Airpods. Starting of with Samsung, the Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds. Te Samsung Buds So far, it seems as though the Samsung Buds have their own app which allows were released alongside the Galaxy S10, S10 Galaxy Buds have a clear advantage over the user to set up certain settings for the Plus, and S10e and they are gaining lots of the Airpods, and that’s not going to change. Buds such as customizing button controls attention. Tese Samsung Galaxy Buds are Te Samsung Galaxy Buds have buttons on or fnding misplaced Buds. Airpods, on the newest competition for Apple’s Airpods the actual earbud which allows people to the other hand, do not have their own app so it’s important that we know how they play/pause a song, skip a song or start/end and all of their options are in the phone’s compare to each other. a call. While Airpods also have these same default settings, which in my opinion can Te frst major diference between functions, Airpods do not function as well be a bit difcult to use. Lastly, both of these Airpods and Samsung Galaxy buds is their as Galaxy Buds when it comes to using headphones are compatible with iPhones price. these buttons according to online reviews. and Androids and they both connect to Airpods, which were released more Tis can be a problem as Siri is already these devices in similar ways which require than a year ago, cost $160, which is steep ofen hard to use and it only works well the user to use normal bluetooth. Despite considering that Samsung Galaxy Buds with Apple music. It seems obvious that the all of the debate, both of these headphones only cost $130 right at release. In addition Samsung Buds take the win when it comes are great devices that have amazing audio to being cheaper, Samsung Galaxy Buds to the controls for the headphones. and will serve their purpose. However, in are also available in three diferent colors, Battery life is also a very important my opinion, the Samsung Galaxy Buds are (white, black and bright yellow) while feature of these devices and continuing the cheaper and have more options as well as Airpods are only available in white. trend, Galaxy Buds have a larger battery they are easier to use. If it were up to me, I Moving on, Airpods and Samsung life than Airpods. Te Samsung Galaxy would say that the Samsung Buds would be Galaxy Buds also difer in comfort and Buds have an expected battery life of 6 a better purchase.

PIXELATED TECHNOLOGY | -7- S10 LINEUP by Pratham Gandhi

-8- | TECHNOLOGY PIXELATED n February 28th, Samsung held to capture the same view that the human is the budget version of the new flagships, its annual Galaxy Unpacked eye sees. The dual aperture rear cameras comparable to the iPhone XR. The S10e event where they unveiled the produce stunning shots in low light sacrifices the in-display fingerprint Onew additions to their Galaxy line of conditions as well. Samsung’s growing sensor, larger screen size, Edge display, smartphones and wearables. Amongst the focus on Artificial Intelligence can be seen and telephoto camera for a one hundred devices discussed were the Galaxy Buds, in the new photography boosts it built into fifty dollar price drop. The Galaxy Fold the Galaxy Watch Active, and the Galaxy the new phones, such as Pro Assist, which is a foldable phone which combines the Fit, however, the main focus of the event uses object recognition to figure out what phone and tablet experience into one. Not was undoubtedly the new smartphones. objects are in the shot and automatically many details were revealed about the Fold The new phones reflect Samsung’s suggests setting adjustments which except for its general design, but Samsung investment and opinion regarding the could improve the shots. With a host of did provide the price of the device: a future of mobile computing, with a heavy additional AI boosted features and highly whopping one thousand nine hundred focus on processing power and artificial customizable settings, the new flagship and eighty dollars. While I can’t be too intelligence-boosted productivity. Many phones’ cameras are certainly one of the sure until the device is actually released, critics agree that this is the direction best on the market. Though I haven’t used my suspicion is that the Galaxy Fold won’t in which consumer technology should one of the phones myself, I’ve seen photos gain a widespread user-base for quite a be moving. Some of the most notable online from the Samsung phones and long time due to its extremely expensive features have been added to this year’s S their competitors, and to me, the shots cost and, honestly, impracticality. line phones, specifically the S10e, S10, from the Samsungs are clearly sharper and S10+. These include the new display, and have a better color quality. I certainly the lack of the all too common “notch”, am in agreement that these are the best “This year, the improved camera, in-glass fingerprint cameras available on smartphones right scanner, and internal performance now, period. Samsung has made upgrades. With the addition of the new cameras a significant step Starting with the primary flagship on the rear of the phone, Samsung had to phones, the S10 and S10+, one of the move the fingerprint sensor. Due to their forward in the changes immediately caught everyone’s commitment to a bezel-less design, they eyes is the circular cutout within the elected to embed the fingerprint sensor development of a front display. Samsung has always been within the screen on the S10 and S10+. truly bezel-less all- opposed to the more commonly adopted Using ultrasonic technology, the phone notch design, something you can see is able to scan your finger using a device screen phone” on the iPhone XS and Pixel 3. Instead, underneath the glass of the screen. This they’ve been eliminating side bezels is one of the many small adjustments So this all brings forward the question, and shrinking the top bezels as much Samsung made this year which bolsters “Which one should I buy?” Well, I’d say as technologically possible. This year, their status as a premier innovator in immediately rule out waiting for the Samsung has made a significant step the consumer technology industry. Fold. Besides the fact that we don’t really forward in the development of a truly Other examples of this include higher know what it’ll entail exactly and it’s likely bezel-less all-screen phone in the form of performance internal processors which going to be a fairly cumbersome device a small cutout in the top right-hand corner make playing Fortnite at highest settings without much-added functionality, it of the screen which houses the front- a breeze, 5G capabilities which will allow almost costs more than the price of a facing camera on both the S10 and S10+. the phone to download data at a blazing laptop and smartphone combined. While This approach is yet to be adopted by any speed, an improved UI which prioritizes the larger battery, additional camera, other manufacturer. The new design is focus and simplicity, and wireless and wider screen of the S10+ may be a quite unfamiliar to many, but reviewers powersharing which charges wireless draw, I personally don’t think that the and critics say it’s easy to get used to. This, accessories directly from the phone. accompanying price hike is worth the though, is a perfect opportunity to talk The new UI has been pushed out to old money either, especially since the majority about the cameras themselves. Samsung phones already and I’ve had a of important features are available on Apart from the front camera, both the chance to use it for myself for an extended both the flagship phones. So, that leaves S10 and S10+ have a set of rear cameras. time. From a user’s perspective, the new us with just the S10 and the S10e. Given The S10 has a single front camera in a UI is definitely more visually appealing the fact that it’s only a one hundred and circular cutout, while the S10+ has two and easier to use, allowing me to get what fifty dollar price difference, the lack of front cameras, one selfie camera, and one I want done much quicker. I’m confident some of the truly revolutionary features Red Green Blue depth camera, encased in S10 owners will thoroughly enjoy the which Samsung is pushing this year on an oval cutout. On the rear, both versions experience. the S10e would make me spring for the have a magnifying telephoto, wide The S10 and S10+ were not, however, S10. In the end, however, it’s all up to the angle, and ultra-wide camera. The three the only phones unveiled at the event. In individual customer, and I’m excited to cameras produce a one hundred twenty- fact, there were two other phones shown see how the sales of the different devices three degree field of view which is able off: the S10e and the Galaxy Fold. The S10e play out.

PIXELATED TECHNOLOGY | -9- Yoshi's Crafted World

Most people love Yoshi, an Nintendo is aware of the lack of much effort went into perfecting adorable, friendly, green dinosaur difficulty associated with a side- the visuals. The boss battles also that is a side character in the Mario scrolling platformer paired with a felt repetitive, without much franchise. In 1995, Nintendo character that is almost impossible differing one battle from the released a game with Yoshi as the to die with, and instead of trying next. It seems as if Nintendo took main character instead of a sidekick. to create the difficult levels, they these reviews seriously, as many Since then, they have released eight go the other way: make the levels of these underperforming parts more games, including Yoshi’s easy to beat, but add secrets of Yoshi’s Woolly World seem to Crafted World. In the opening within each level. From the basic be fixed in Crafted World. They cutscene, Kamek tries to steal the gold coins to the secretive red introduced hiding secrets in the Sundream Stone and sends the coins to the hidden flowers, every background and foreground add stone’s gems flying across the map level poses a challenge in finding extra spice for players, and give in the process. Either flying solo and collecting every single item. the platforming feeling a little or playing alongside a partner, the Extra flowers are rewarded for more three-dimensionality in a goal is to complete levels and fight completing levels under certain mostly 2D game. The boss battles, bosses to save the fellow Yoshis. conditions, such as collecting all although similar in some aspects, Yoshi is seen as a really adorable 20 red coins, or not losing a single differ enough for players to not get character, so the world and craft- life. The golden coins have another bored. Since both games are very themed level details put into this use: buying costumes for Yoshi. For similar, Nintendo has been able to game make it super fitting for every 100 coins, Yoshi is allowed smoothen out the flaws for Crafted a character like Yoshi. Its level to buy a special costume that she World, making it a game with little design is very much similar to that can use in levels for more than just to no flaws. in Yoshi’s Woolly World, having appearance; each costume gives Unless you are a player who a very similar arts-and-crafts Yoshi armor to soak up damage, wants an action-packed game, then style. The cardboard doors, paper with rarer costumes giving more I think Yoshi’s Crafted World is a platforms hanging from a string, armor. There is also a secret boss good game to buy overall. The levels and the very plush-like Yoshis and fight at the end of the game, which are not tediously long that playing enemies are very well done. Even can only be unlocked by completing requires hours to spare, nor are the bosses Kamek creates to battle a sequence of specific actions, and they too short that you just breeze you are built in front of your eyes as it takes Yoshi into a special fight through the game. Yoshi’s abilities a basic art project. The cutscenes, against Kamek. Nintendo has also allow players to not focus all although very short, are very even included two new abilities if of their energy onto surviving, but creatively built to give players a there are two players. The first one enough to find all the secrets. And moment to just enjoy the game and allows a Yoshi to ride on the back on top of it all, a relaxing visual and maybe even let out a little laugh. of another Yoshi, and the second soundtrack make this game one The accompanying music adds on allows a Yoshi to eat and spit out worth getting. There will definitely even more to such brilliantly built their partner at enemies. They are be more Yoshi games in the future, visuals. One might even say that the not very special or make the levels but as of right now Nintendo has visuals of this game reflect a dream easier, but the fact that Nintendo not released any information of of a five-year-old: very surreal and thought to include these features one. We can expect the next game friendly, appealing to all ages. shows the creativity put into the to maintain some of the features Like Woolly World, the levels game. in Yoshi’s Crafted World, such as are hardly impossible to beat, When Nintendo released Yoshi’s easy levels with secrets, detailed especially given Yoshi’s two main Woolly World back in 2015, visuals, and a solid soundtrack, as abilities, his flutter jump and his the game was met with mixed this game did with Yoshi’s Woolly eating. Within playing the first reactions. Most people liked and World, but we can still expect level, the basic mechanics become appreciated the woolen textures, Nintendo to spice things up with pretty simple: eat everything in but felt as if the gameplay itself whatever they have in mind for the sight, and jump wherever needed. was underdeveloped because so next Yoshi game.

-10- | GAMING PIXELATED by Jayer Yang

n February 13th, an unexpect- Te game was released to critical and com- made the huge jump from 2D graphics to 3D. ed announcement caused waves mercial success, selling about 6 million units From the footage that’s been released so far in the Nintendo community. total and proving its distinction from A Link from the Nintendo Direct and its announce- NintendoO was planning on remaking Link’s to Te Past as its own, very successful, game. ment trailer, the newest edition of the game Awakening on the Switch. Te original game was released for the Gameboy over “Te newest 25 years ago, and is still regarded as one of looks better than ever, featuring modernized, the best entries into the Legend of Zelda edition of the game and completely new graphics in the style of A series to this day, being praised for its origi- Link Between Worlds, another entry in the nality and diference from other main series looksobetter than Legend of Zelda series. At the same time, the games. Now that the game is being remas- remake seems to have taken cues from the tered, it seems like a good time to take a ever, featuring original, taking careful steps to maintain the look back at the development of the original. feel of gameplay and layout of the original Te original Link’s Awakening was released modernized, and map to create an authentic experience that in America for the Gameboy in August 1993, completely new blends the best of both worlds, old and new. and it was considered extremely ground- A full-on remake of an older game is rare breaking as it was the frst portable game in graphics” for Nintendo, so details on how much work the Legend of Zelda series. Te game has Link was put into this project as of now remain explore the island of Koholint, a deviation Interestingly, 2019 is not the frst time this sparse, but will most likely become clearer as from the regular setting of Hyrule, battling game has been remastered. Appearing for the time goes on. No ofcial release date has been monsters and exploring dungeons in a classic newer Gameboy Color, the remaster, titled slated for Link’s Awakening, only that it will overhead-perspective action-adventure game. Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX was be available by the end of 2019 exclusively on (Fun Fact: Tis is the frst in the series that uti- released in 1998. It built of the biggest com- the Nintendo Switch. It will be distributed lizes the overhead style of gameplay to also give plaints that the public had with the original, through digital download, accompanied by a Link the ability to jump.) Originally intended those being the control scheme and its bland limited physical release. Tis is probably due to be a port of A Link To Te Past, which was color palette. Its release came paired with an to the fact that Nintendo is expecting low- released on the SNES, Awakening’s develop- exclusive dungeon level and compatibility er sales on this game than say, 2017’s Breath ment process was relatively unique, starting with the Gameboy printer, a mostly forgot- of Te Wild, due to its nature as a remake. out as an unapproved side project which was ten accessory that allowed you to print little Regardless of sales, however, we couldn’t be distinctly apart from the rest of the games. pictures of certain screenshots. Te port was more excited to see how this game turns out. Te idea behind its experimental nature was praised for providing some new content and to test the limits of the Gameboy’s hardware for touching up most of the little gameplay and sofware capabilities, and once the devel- issues with the original game. However, the opers were satisfed with what they saw the game’s revamp for the switch seems a lot more project quickly became its own unique game. complex than a graphics touch-up, having

PIXELATED GAMING | -11- Top 8 Players at the Mid-Season Invitational

by Ryan Eastep

very year, the best teams and 1) Kang "TeShy" Seung-lok, Invictus no fuke. players from around the world Gaming come together for the Mid-Season Ever since he blossomed onto the 3) Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, SK Telecom InvitationalE (MSI), the second biggest T1 scene as a dominant top lane force in international tournament of the calendar early 2018, TeShy has exceeded all of the When you think of professional League year, only outshined by annual League of enormous expectations placed on him. In of Legends, one name comes to mind: Faker. Legends World Championship. Te feld is incredible fashion, he led IG to their frst By far the most decorated player in the made up of the champions from each of the World Championship title by fexing on his history of competitive LoL, and coming of 13 regions around the globe, ranging from opponents with lane dominant picks like of his most disappointing year to date, this the more successful regions like Korea, his signature Fiora and Aatrox, proving to year is just another chapter to the story that China, and Europe to the lesser known the world that no one can match up to him is Faker’s redemption arc. Assembling a new ones such as Japan, Oceania, and Turkey. one on one. He hasn’t lost a beat since then, roster for 2019, SKT and Faker consistently Considering that only regional champions placing in the top 5 for MVP voting despite stayed at the top of the LCK, then absolutely make it to the tournament, there’s always not playing for half of the season. TeShy dismantled #1 seeded Grifn to capture the serious competition present, and this year is undoubtedly the current best player in Spring split title. A large part in that was due is no diferent. In fact, this year might be the world and looks to build on his already to Faker and his incredible champion ocean the most stacked MSI has ever been. Te impressive legacy by showcasing his talent and mechanics. Sporting an incredible 13 reigning world champions, China’s Invictus yet again at MSI. champions played, even afer accounting Gaming (IG), are ready to expand on their for the numerous bans he drew every game, legacy, while 3-time World Champions 2) Song "Rookie" Eui-jin, Invictus in addition to a mind-boggling 90.9% on SK Telecom (SKT) are looking to stop Gaming Lissandra, Faker has returned and is ready them in their tracks en route to their 3rd Afer many years of hardship and failure, to take back titles that were rightfully his in MSI trophy. Europe’s G2 Esports, fresh Rookie fnally broke through and with his the past. of of a semifnal fnish at the 2018 World partner in crime TeShy, was an integral Championship and a dominating Spring part of IG’s Worlds run. Undoubtedly the 4) Park "Teddy" Jin-seong, SK Telecom split, built a superteam ready to take on the best mid laner in the world for the majority T1 best in the world and ultimately prove their of 2017/2018, Rookie has shown time and Arguably the biggest acquisition of worth. Even Team Liquid, a team which has time again that similar to his fellow solo the of-season, Teddy has way exceeded struggled in the past, look solid with their laner, almost no one can match him in expectations. Formally the singular force newly minted roster stacked with world lane. His profciency on dominant lane on a horrid Jin Air Greenwings team, SKT champions, MVPs, and loads of experience. picks like Akali and Leblanc enable him to picked up the promising AD Carry in hopes Each of these rosters has their fair share of control both his lane and the map in ways that he would contribute in ways he formerly outstanding talent, and we’re going to look unmatched by anyone. Although he’s no couldn’t considering the previous set of talent at who, individually, can make the biggest longer the trophy-less player thought of by around him. Tat experiment has more splash at this year’s MSI. many to be the best player to never win a than paid of, with Teddy dominating bot title, Rookie is determined to show that his lanes across the LCK without much hassle. dominance from the last couple years was He has shown extraordinary profciency on

-12- | GAMING PIXELATED highly mechanical champions like Ezreal superteam, only to pick up right where he in North America, Yiliang “Doublelif” and Kai’sa, and will not back down from the lef of. Winning another MVP award and Peng, CoreJJ was able to unlock his full spotlight at his frst big international event. another split, Caps is looking to redeem potential, capturing his frst MVP title and himself for his shortcomings last year, and led TL to an epic reverse sweep over TSM for 5) Martin "Wunder" Hansen, G2 this may be the best opportunity he’ll get. the season title. Although his resumé seems Esports stacked enough for most players, he wants Te highest ranked Western player on 7) Gao "Ning" Zhen-Ning, Invictus to win MSI to fll up his international trophy this list, Wunder is the epitome of steady Gaming case. Tis current TL squad defnitely looks improvement. Originally a role player on Te unsung hero of Invictus Gaming, like this is the way to do it. Splyce, has slowly blossomed into a world- 2018 World Championship MVP Ning has class top laner, capable of many diferent been a quiet yet integral part of IG’s stretch styles. His versatility is shown directly of dominance. He occupies the role of in his champion pool this year, ranging enabling IG’s dazzling solo lanes, playing from heavy tanks like Sion to poke/battle optimally to the team’s win condition. Ning mages like Karma or Kennen. Although he is no joke mechanically, either, with his struggled mightily against TeShy at Worlds occasional carry performances if the team 2018, Wunder has more than proven that he needs it. He just fts the roster so well, and has moved past that performance, and with performing well at MSI will give him a his new superteam at his side is ready to way to prove that he’s more than just a role take on the dominant Eastern forces again. player.

6) Rasmus "Caps" Winther, G2 Esports 8) Jo "CoreJJ" Yong-in, Team Liquid Te two-time reigning MVP in EU Rounding of the list, we have the only has had an interesting year. Last summer, player from North America, Team Liquid’s he nearly led Fnatic to a perfect record in CoreJJ. A former world champion for Europe, and was part of the roster that Samsung Galaxy in 2017, CoreJJ decided made it all the way to the World Final before to return to the North American scene getting swept by Invictus Gaming. Caps following a disastrous showing at Worlds proceeded to leave Fnatic and join the G2 2018 with Gen.G. Paired with the best ADC

PIXELATED GAMING | -13- hat’s hard about or football it is common for them to improving the MLB the lose at least 1 game out of three to a "While the game does Show franchise is that team worse than them. What is also have multiplayer mode theW game is already great. Even with great about this mode which stands the difficulty of adding new content, out from other MyTeam modes is that where you can play your this edition still adds another layer to you get to design your team uniforms. the game by making defending even This addition seems small, but it adds friend in a 9 inning more realistic than before. Even with to the feeling that this is your own the upgrades, the game seems to have team, a personal touch which I enjoy. game; they don’t have holes that they need to patch up for Besides Diamond Dynasty, the a mycareer multiplayer next year’s version. other big game mode is Road to the The game itself is still as fluid as Show, which is the MyCareer mode of experience like the ever, with turning looking as easy as the game. Road to the show seems to ever. I found that I tended to dive right be slightly improving every year. This NBA 2K series and into Diamond Dynasty, the myteam year, the mode lets you choose from NHL series." version of the show, early on instead 5 different archetypes to start your of the other modes. Diamond Dynasty journey with 2 as a hitter and 3 for a mode. Even with all time spent in has always stood apart from other card pitcher. While gameplay itself isn’t bad the gym, it all becomes worth it once collecting myteam games, as it isn’t in this mode, the time that you spend your player makes it to the Major just about who has the highest cards. working out in the gym or doing other Leagues. The show captures the MLB Skill plays a huge part to this mode activities to get your upgrades can be aspect incredibly as there is a genuine and really reflects the true essence tedious. I found myself spending an feeling your player is in a major of baseball. The better team can still abnormal amount of time doing this, league stadium with thousands of lose 63 games, and unlike basketball and it took away from the rest of the fans cheering you on. Another great

-14- | GAMING PIXELATED MLB The Show

by Mark Fernandez

addition about the game this year is that is not worth the time. Similar to would be a lot of waiting and not of that the developers listened to the Road to October is Franchise mode, action. community and have reactivated the where you take over a franchise Overall, time goes on and ability for your player to become a for multiple seasons, which hasn’t MLB the Show has maintained its 90th percentile player. changed and is the ever lovable time greatness. Expect to find me in Moments is a new addition to killing mode. Diamond Dynasty until next March the game this year which allows you The biggest thing that MLB the with the release of MLB the Show 20. to play big ‘moments’ from player’s Show misses on is the incorporation careers and get rewards for it. There of playing with friends. While the are different kinds of moments as game does have multiplayer mode some will be as easy as getting a hit where you can play your friend in in a tense game while another will be a 9 inning game; they don’t have a hitting a homerun in one at-bat or mycareer multiplayer experience like getting 5 extra base hits in 3 games. the NBA 2K series and NHL series. For someone who doesn’t want to These series create a world where grind through a full season mode to your mycareer player can interact get coins, this is the perfect mode. with others and even play 2 on 2, 3 on Road to October, an abridged 3, or even 5 on 5 games against each version of season mode -where you other using their players. MLB the take control of a team throughout Show doesn’t do this simply because it their entire season- leaves something doesn’t work with baseball. To play a to be desired as half of the mode is baseball game, you need 9 players and simulated and there is no lasting effect there is a lot of time between action. from winning besides getting a reward If you were to play a live game, there

PIXELATED GAMING | -15- Apex Legends by Victor Dimitrov

all down aerial bombardments, While the world of Apex Legends the only new features being introduced charge your shields, and find shares a universe with the Titanfall into the battle-royale stereotype. your nearest zipline because franchise, there aren't any Titans to Squads are now made up into 3 players Respawn’sC newly released free-to-play commandeer in the game. Although I per squad 20 squads per game, this creates Apex Legends is here! After a flooding of could tell from playing the game that the an interesting dynamic all but unseen battle-royales from everybody and their intricacy and technological level of the in the gaming world. Even with the odd second cousin, Apex Legends delivers a equipment used would be on par with number, the system works incredibly well fresh take on the dying genre. Imagine huge soldier-like mechs. For those who and has only improved the mechanics Overwatch and Fortnite combined and you were waiting for Titanfall 3 to delve deeper from the outdated 4-man squad almost have what Apex Legends delivers. into the lore, this is the next best thing. dynamic. Since the number of Legends If you have put countless hours into The game has an opening that briefly you can choose from are limited at the games like PUBG or any other battle- explains the characters, appropriately moment, this feature makes every time royale, you know what fatigue feels like. named Apex Legends. They all have you choose a Legend a crucial decision. Constantly dropping out of the sky, different reasons for joining the battle, Will you play as a healer/support while grabbing as much armor and weapons most of which are only hinted to in your friends tank, or will you have high as possible then running from house to the game. Although we have a year of damage potential, the choice is yours. house, surviving by the skin of your teeth... updates and new content on the horizon, After choosing a Legend, a screen Until you either get chicken dinner or get I am sure Respawn will want to delve pops up that is new to the battle-royale jumped by another player you never saw deeper into the characters just like the genre, it shows you a team from the coming. Even faster paced battle-royale wildly popular Overwatch still does. game you’re playing and names the best games have been stained by over-the-top The first thing that catches your eye among them the Champion, the best in-game purchases and the repetitiveness when you start playing Apex Legends is, in the last match. There is also a kill- that comes with any game in this genre. well, the Legends themselves. One of the leader: this player, appropriately named, If you understand what I am referring many twists on the genre you can expect has the highest kill count. Both of these to, and even if you don't, playing Apex from the game is the integration of 3 players practically have bounties on legends will feel like a breath of fresh air; special abilities per Legend. This takes their heads, giving a certain sadistic and with a million players within the first 8 the gameplay to a whole other level. Just element to hunting down certain squads. hours, the fans everywhere seem to agree. imagine you see an enemy squad in a shack This game has something for everyone, Released on February 4th, with only a across the valley, and instead of having having handpicked the best parts of stream right before launch and a couple a straight-up firefight you have tactical some of the most successful games being of Tweets to advertise it, Apex Legends options depending on your Legend. Call played right now. A good example of this is now one of the most beloved battle- down an airstrike, use your sense to see is the executions or finishers that are royales of all time. As of now, there is no them through structures, or even string a performed in a short animation when cross-platform play, but Respawn vaguely zip line to a better vantage point. These killing an enemy using melee. Each mentioned wanting to allow players are just some of the ways Legends affect Legend has its own repertoire of finishers to play with friends on other systems. the overall gameplay, but they aren't which complement their personality.

-16- | GAMING PIXELATED Bloodhound, for instance, will throw a Beacon you are giving them a second by changing up the squad number to 3 knife at his victims face, and if you the chance without any prior loot. These and adding an Overwatch Hero element, unlucky receiver of that knife, it still looks short but entertaining animations break but all of it paid off in the long run. With great from your first-person perspective. the constant first-person view you will new updates and a flood of new content On the flip side, when you revive a most likely be using for most of the game. announced for the coming year, this squadmate there is a short animation of At the end of the day, I have yet to game seems to be reaching for the skies. your character sticking a needle in your play a better game in this oversaturated There may not be Titans but the pure friend bringing him back with all of his genre. Given that the game had no hype replayability of this game has made up for gear. If your squadmate dies fully after or any advertising leading up to it, the most if not all of its insignificant faults. being knocked down, there is still hope. player base is very impressive and the How? By bringing their tag (which will reactions to the game are even better. expire in 90 seconds) to a nearby Respawn Respawn was playing a dangerous game

PIXELATED GAMING | -17- Anthem

by Victor Dimitrov

nthem’s gameplay is built off a-character modes, however, it is better The on-the-ground portions of of Mass Effect 3’s incredible than Destiny’s, and you do have a choice Anthem function well enough. Guns feel co-op multiplayer experience in terms of how they look. Freelancers are weighty and have a solid sound design. whichA was also developed by Bioware. In the men and woman contracted to venture The game even allows the option to that mode, up to four players would pick outside of Fort Tarsis, the Freelancer increase the volume of successful bullet a character class, choose a loadout, then enclave, in large exosuits called Javelins. hits on enemies, which is a nice touch engage in battles across various maps. You can explore, fight and protect what more games should take note of. However, It was expansive, had a ton of depth remains of a world left in ruin by a whether through networking issues or and really pushed Mass Effect’s combat destructive alien force general latency, the actual physical impact into the stratosphere. Biotics, weapon These environments are explored weapons have on enemies is rather ho- selection and character skills were honed in perhaps the best part of Anthem: the hum. Even when wielding a massive to perfection and it was easily one of feel of piloting and controlling your grenade launcher, or an epic shotgun, the best co-op experiences ever created. Javelin. Bioware has finally delivered getting right up on enemies and emptying Years later, they took it mode and decided on something Iron-Man fans have been the clip never quite satisfies the way it to build a completely unique and fully waiting decades for: the simulated feeling should. The sound of damaging an enemy featured experience centered around that of stepping off a cliff, going into free is quite anticlimactic and does not do a tight and satisfying gameplay loop. The fall and then activating all thrusters and great job of reflecting the weapons’ power. game is directed by Jonathan Warner and launching forward at high speed into the Each of the four javelins provides a was made be available on February 22, sky, from where you can take in the sights large variety of gear and attacks that they 2019. of the game’s world. The weight of the share, alongside their own unique combo Anthem places you in control of a Javelin, the satisfying thud when you land, style and ultimate attack. Executing these Freelancer of your creation. It’s not on and the sound of your jets activating and abilities and attacks truly feels awesome. the same scale of older Bioware create- giving you thrust is incredibly satisfying. Running around as a Colossus with my

-18- | GAMING PIXELATED shield out as a fellow Storm is flying truly shines when the team is working cosmetics can be acquired via in-game overhead and launching huge, arcing together to keep those combos chaining coins or a currency called Shards that bolts of lightning to enemies in front of throughout each combat scenario. It’s a you pay for with real money. So far the me is an incredible sight to behold. When thrilling and engaging system that rewards game’s cosmetic options are slim to none, Anthem is at its best it feels like the long player skill, teamwork and unique builds with only a couple of different armors and one-take fight scenes from the Avengers which will keep you coming back for looks to unlock. More are coming when films. All four character classes in lockstep more the same way you would at the start. the game officially launches on the 22nd, coordinating attacks and darting around and during a live Q&A Bioware laid out huge battlefields leaving destruction in "When Anthem is at plans for in-game cosmetic unlocks via their wake. Anthem Javelins come in four strongholds and end-game activities. varieties, or classes: the Colossus, Storm, its best it feels like Regardless of future plans, Anthem does Interceptor, and Ranger. The Ranger is the the long one-take not offer nearly enough different looks to all-around class; Colossus is the warrior- satisfy players who really want to dig into type defender class, Storm is the magic- fght scenes from the that aspect of customization. Only time user class, and Interceptor is the agility/ will tell how far this aspect goes, but as speed class. It feels like a dance, carefully Avengers flms." of right now it doesn’t offer much in that choreographed to get through the tougher regard. encounters and requiring coordination Anthem is a great new start for and teamwork in a way other games in The powers, teamwork and combo system Bioware. A lore-rich, co-op RPG with a this genre just don’t ask of the player. make up for the lackluster gunplay. The fantastic combat engine and visuals to Anchoring the combat is the return combat is really good, but it could have match. The real test will be if Bioware can of Mass Effect’s combo system. Each been truly one-of-a-kind if that aspect keep up the cadence of delivering content character class has several primer and matched the rest of the experience if not on a frequent basis to keep the player detonator abilities. Ideally, in combat, you for this weak link. base moving forward and prevent it from want to try and prime a target and then Each character can level up to 30 becoming stagnant. They have already laid detonate him to create a combo which and has several slots for equipping gear. out an extensive roadmap, but the launch does massive damage. Combo damage Two weapon slots, three ability slots, and day Anthem experience is fully featured will increase the damage that you deal to six components are the gear that will and has a ton of content to get through. an enemy and it will have different effects affect your power and gear score. As for Strong alone, stronger together, Anthem depending on which equipment you are cosmetics, Anthem is more like Warframe is a fantastic action-RPG experience for using. You can deal damage in Anthem in than Destiny: gear doesn’t impart a new solo players or groups. Don’t miss it. It different ways. You can freeze enemies, physical appearance for your Javelin; will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox electrocute them, douse them with acid, instead, you can unlock different armor One, and Microsoft Windows. and set them on fire. Each class is capable pieces and vinyls and choose the materials of doing both of those aspects themselves and colors of your different parts to and it works well enough, but Anthem make your Javelin unique to you. These

PIXELATED GAMING | -19- The Role of Assassin's Creed in Notre Dame’s Repair

by Akira Eisenbeiss

or the vast majority of has ventured into the American their series. Intricate knowledge people, video games are War for Independence, 16th- of the iconic monument was merely entertainment. century Italy under the Borgias, necessary in order to ensure the YetF the recent fire that devastated and even Ancient Greece. With best playing experience. In the the Notre-Dame cathedral has Ubisoft being a titan in the video- game, players can climb over allowed the video game industry game industry (the fourth largest objects and explore every nook to potentially serve some very publicly-traded in Europe and the and cranny of the game map with real and useful applications. After Americas), it is no surprise that little restriction. To achieve this, the roof and spire of the medieval the developers had to map out Parisian cathedral burned down "Tis digital everything from the pews to the in mid-April, people all over the buttresses of the cathedral. The world have been mourning the Notre-Dame boasts developers at Ubisoft conducted loss of the iconic monument. the necessary research by taking The church, constructed in more detail than a photos and videos of all aspects of 1180, survived revolutions, wars, the church, accumulating to over occupations, and was even the professional laser five thousand hours of work. The location of Napoleon Bonaparte’s lead artist for this construction coronation. President Emmanuel scan, and architects project, Caroline Miousse, says Macron promised to launch a that her team did a full and fundraising campaign and to find believe it is a thorough digital replication of the the best solution to rebuild the church, even including elements cathedral. Among the potential promising path to as specific as the artwork on the suggestions for how to restore the walls of the interior. This digital 850 year old church is an unlikely reconstruction Notre-Dame boasts more detail solution using a popular video than a professional laser scan, and game franchise. of the actual architects believe it is a promising During the production of their path to reconstruction of the Assassin’s Creed video game series, cathedral." actual cathedral. the French game development In the wake of the devastating company Ubisoft spent years they pay extreme attention to the fire, Ubisoft has been vocal about recreating famous structures level of detail in their game worlds. their willingness to aid in the and monuments. In Assassin’s For their 2014 title Assassin’s reconstruction of the cathedral, Creed, players are immersed Creed Unity, Ubisoft spent two acknowledging their franchise’s into a fictional action-adventure years painstakingly modeling the debt to Notre-Dame de Paris. In experience set during historical Notre-Dame cathedral as the game fact, they have already pledged events in real locations. The series map for the eighth installment in half a million euros to the repair

-20- | GAMING PIXELATED of the church. Furthermore, they solution. Unfortunately, Durand church has raised more than made Assassin's Creed Unity free remains skeptical that the French enough money to fund the repairs, to download on PC in order to government will actually engage many fans are using Assassin’s raise support for the church. Since Ubisoft in the reconstruction of Creed Unity as a way to view the it was made free, downloads of the the colossal cathedral. Still, it beloved monument. In a time game have surged and over 950 would be extraordinary if the hard where these is frequent disconnect people have left positive reviews work of game developers could between the developers of games on the Assassin’s Creed Steam really be used to rebuild one of and their fanbases, the Notre page in the past 30 days, many the oldest and most important Dame fire has brought player and referencing the cathedral. Maxime French landmarks. The digital creator together to remember this Durand, the Assassin’s Creed Notre Dame cathedral created by historic site. franchise historian at Ubisoft, says Ubisoft represents an attention that he and other employees were to detail that can sometimes be not planning on using the video overlooked by game critics and game to restore the cathedral. shows the amount of time and However, fans clamored on social effort developers are willing to media suggesting that the game sink into these titles. Even though presented a potentially perfect the reconstruction effort for the PIXELATED GAMING | -21- Pokemon Sword and Shield

by Ryan Leung

inally, the newest addition Three Pokemon from other generations Galar to be an open world similar to to the incredibly popular have been revealed in the trailers thus far, other Nintendo Switch classics like Breath Pokemon franchise is set to be with favorites like Pikachu, Lucario, and of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey. releasedF in late 2019. Pokemon Sword Tyranitar having already been confirmed Traditionally, Pokemon has been a game and Shield is that game, teased back at to be in the game. Because there is so without much room for exploration E3 by Nintendo when they said they were little information that has been released as the game pushes you to move the working on developing a new addition to by Nintendo about this newest addition, story forward at every instance in the to the Pokemon series. This will be the many fans have resorted to scouring game, but many players want a chance second Pokemon game released on the the web for leaks that are supposedly to explore the region of Galar. Another Nintendo Switch, but the first that stays produced via data mining. One of the item on the wishlist for many players is a true to the philosophy of previous games. popular leaks that most people found return of characters from past Pokemon The first Pokemon game released on the interesting contain information regarding games, making it feel even more true to Switch was Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu armored evolution of Pokemon, available the traditional Pokemon RPGs we have and Let’s Go Eevee, games which were across a variety of Pokemon, even all come to love. Pokemon Sword and more akin to the popular mobile game including legendaries such as Mewtwo. Shield are available for pre-order now Pokemon Go. Avid fans are also hoping for some on Amazon, so reserve your copy now if The game features a brand new region core improvements to previous Pokemon you’re ready to explore the Galar region called the Galar region. Based on what was games. Perhaps in an act of wishful and all it has to offer. revealed in the direct, the Galar region thinking, many players are hoping for seems to draw lots of inspiration from the United Kingdom, mainly England. The shape of the island is extremely similar to that of the UK, and the big city in the back features many of the landmarks that are found in England such as Big Ben and the London Eye. The Galar region also is more industrialized than other regions in the Pokemon universe due to it featuring a large industrial town and mines that you can explore. Some other notable points of interest in the region are a coastal area that hosts the water gym, a large gothic town, a Dugtrio shrine, and a snowy area. The player’s hometown in the Galar region seems to be much larger than that of a traditional hometown, potentially sporting a Pokemon school. To the excitement of many, the starter Pokemon were also revealed in the direct: the grass type Pokemon, Grookey, the fire type, Scorbunny, and the water type, Sobble. Nintendo has not released any information about the difference between Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield at the time of this writing, but every other Pokemon game has had its own exclusive legendary Pokemon - giving reason to believe the same to be true for the new games. In addition to exclusive Pokemon, Pokemon Sword and Shield will also likely contain Pokemon from past generations. -22- | GAMING PIXELATED New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe by Aidan McAndrew

arlier in January, Nintendo be significantly more equipped with an and this Wii U port is almost an insult fans got another Wii U port item that makes the game way too easy. to fans which shows the lack of effort or for the Switch. New Super Nintendo has had a recent history of desire Nintendo possesses to experiment Mario Bros. U Deluxe, (a making their games significantly easier with new ideas, and instead make a bad mouthful,E right?), was the next game that to try and capture a broader audience, attempt at a cash-grab Nintendo saw as one of their winning however it is almost unanimously agreed The sixty-dollar price-point for this [MOU3] titles to start off the year. that making challenging games doesn’t game is another glaring issue. People Another new Mario title sounds exciting mean that people won’t buy them. It is already had an issue with another Wii U because Mario is so recognizable and unfortunate to see that Nintendo thought port, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical often well-regarded, so it was obvious that it was necessary to tone down difficulty Freeze, which was also sixty dollars. it was going to sell well and make a decent to a game that is not all that challenging However, that game added a new mode profit. Yet there was a slew of glaring to begin with. This hand-holding was and was a better constructed platformer problems that the community had with intended to attract a wider audience, but than New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, as the port: why should someone pay sixty in fact, for Mario veterans, it drove them well as being newer than this other port. dollars for a game released in 2012, with away from this game because of it. It is absurd to pay full price for an inferior minimal to no new content that only has Apart from the changes that were platformer that is already seven years old. roughly three to four hours of playtime to made to make the game easier, the lack Super Mario Odyssey, a fantastic 2017 finish it? Frankly, nobody should have to. of new content also contributes to why Game of the Year nominee, which is an This port includes the original game this game is such a disappointment. The evidently incredibly polished masterpiece as well as the downloadable content New New Super Mario set of games has existed is worth the same as this old port. That is Super Luigi U that came out one year after since the initial New Super Mario Bros. aggravating to see Nintendo set the games the game was initially released. The two on the Nintendo DS in 2006, and then as equal when in reality the port should new additions they added were replacing the Mario 2D side scrolling platformer only be worth a quarter of what Odyssey Blue Toad as a playable character with hadn’t been seen in years, and so it was is, maybe even less. Yet, Nintendo is able Toadette. The problem with the character refreshing for Nintendo to return to the to charge so much because they know swap is that Nintendo created Toadette old style of Mario apart from the 3D Mario that parents and people like me will still with the intent to make the already games like Sunshine and 64. However, go out and buy the game, just because it notoriously easy game even more effortless after the first game, the developers made is recognizable, and it is Mario. Nintendo for children to cheese their way through. no significant changes to each of the has historically held their games up to a Toadette has a new character specific subsequent titles for the Wii, then the Wii respectably high quality, but this game item called the “Super Crown”, which U. Nintendo used the same formula for all turned out to be the opposite, setting itself transforms Toadette into “Peachette” and of the games, and now the “New” series on the more forgettable end in Mario’s grants her abilities that make the game feels generic and sub-par. This statement history. significantly easier. Peachette can glide is especially true when compared to the Overall this game isn’t necessarily bad, through the air for quite a long distance fantastic indie platformers that have it is just very safe and boring. The difficulty as well as double jump in the air. Neither released in the past decade such as Celeste is lacking and almost non-existent if you Mario or Luigi have these abilities, and and Guacamelee, both tight, fun and have played any platformer at all in your they cannot pick up a Super Crown. challenging platformers, of which are on life, it is overpriced, and definitely not Instead of having an option to play as the Switch e-shop for half of the price of worth picking up. I guarantee someone Blue Toad without any special perks, you this mediocre port . Don’t get me wrong, would get much more enjoyment out cannot play with four people in couch New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is not a of the previous indie titles I mentioned co-op unless one person plays Toadette. bad game in the slightest. It runs and looks or literally any other platformer. Sadly, The lack of the player’s option to choose clean, and you can still have fun with it as there is not much positivity behind this is incredibly disappointing and frankly it is a solid title. However, nothing new disappointing relic from the Nintendo’s bad game-design, as now one friend will has been done with 2D Mario games, dark days of the Wii U.

PIXELATED GAMING | -23- SMASH ULTIMATE TIER LIST by Ryan Eastep, Melchior Lee, and Spencer Kahn

Olimar quick, lag-less moves to pressure opponents good. Solidly at the bottom of top tier and the Olimar is one of the most unique characters with aggression, or use his great damage- top of high tier, Inkling has a lot of potential in the game, along with being an extremely racking ability to play a longer, slower game. room to grow, but nothing quite motivating prominent tournament threat. Similar to his Olimar’s huge variety of oppressive options top players to play her when there are simply home game, Pikmin, Olimar is constantly has led to his top tier placement. Without better characters at their disposal. followed by up to three plant-like creatures signifcant changes or nerfs to his character, named Pikmin, which can be plucked from it won’t be surprising to see a more dominant Fox the ground using his neutral special. Olimar Olimar presence as the metagame evolves. Fox has returned to the top of the Smash uses the Pikmin for all of his smash attacks, Inkling tier lists and while he may not be as god- aerials, and specials. Tere are fve Pikmin Once considered the best character in the like as his notorious dominance in Melee, types each with their own advantages: Red game, Inkling has fallen quite a bit from grace. Fox is defnitely a fearsome character that Pikmin make attacks stronger, but grabs She was predicted to have made a much larger appears frequently in casual and professional weaker, Yellow Pikmin are the largest, Blue splash on the competitive scene, but that has play. Being an ofensive-based character, he Pikmin power up Olimar’s grab and throw yet to come, aside from some decent regional relies on racking up damage with his quick attacks, White Pikmin do the most damage placings and one top player in Cosmos. aerials and up tilt combos before killing when they latch on to an enemy, and Purple Inkling is able to ink up her foes using a with his favorite option: the up smash. He is Pikmin function as a hard-hitting projectile variety of attacks, and deal extra damage extremely also quick, his movement speed when thrown, complimenting their extreme based on how painted the opponent is. ranks 5th among all characters and his high damage buf to attacks. Olimar can be a very Inkling also possesses quick, safe, and strong jumping means that he is even more mobile overwhelming character to fght, as many aerials, a deceptively good dash animation, and hard to deal with. Fox can produce tons of his moves look similar and most of them and a powerful, easy-to-land kill confrm in of shield pressure on the ground by looking don’t have a lot of end-lag where Olimar can Roller. Despite all of this, Inkling isn’t quite for dash attack setups. Despite his positive be punished. Combine this with the fact that able to match the strengths of other top tiers. points, notable weaknesses are his grab game most of his moves are relatively safe on shield, Some characters just have better aerials, as well as his ofstage recovery. Fox does and you have the best defensive character movement, tilt attacks, and kill moves. Inkling not have a kill throw nor does he have any in the game. Players are able to use Olimar’s has a lot of options, but none are particularly throws that combo very well with the rest of strengths in diferent ways; you can use his overwhelming. In this way, Inkling fts a niche his kit. And of course, he is fairly light which of a character that’s really good, but not too means that he can be killed at early percents. -24- | GAMING PIXELATED Furthermore, while his frefox recovery (up- recovery make just taking one of his stocks tilts can start long combo strings, allowing special) has a long range, the charge-up leaves a challenge, so be prepared for some longer him to rack up percent at an astronomical him vulnerable to attacks. Fox players must matches than usual. pace. A little while afer the game’s release, be wary of this as a charge-up to recover from Snake is not perfect by any means; his players also discovered “lightning loops” - a below the stage is primarily vulnerable to a large stature makes him an easy target for mechanic in which Pichu can do drag down down-air spike. Overall, Fox’s play style is long combos and ranged pokes. His foaty combos that combo into itself, allowing him reminiscent of his fast-paced Melee version. movement can also hinder his landing to essentially leave opponents helpless within While Fox is defnitely a handful to deal with, ability, as his slow descent can make him a certain percent window. To go along with Fox defnitely has weaknesses that can be easier to juggle in the air, given that you can all of his phenomenal traits, Pichu also has exploited by an informed player. accurately predict any sort of momentum- some of the best kill options in the game. reversing mix-ups Snake has access to. Snake In Ultimate, both his Tunder and Down Snake is also pretty slow in terms of ground speed air were heavily bufed, allowing him to not Snake is not your traditional fghter. compared to most other characters, allowing only spike opponents but also edgeguard He’s quite foaty in the air, with some quick the majority of the cast to run away from him incredibly well. His back and forward air moves and a very projectile-heavy strategy faster than he can approach with projectiles. kill at reasonable percents, and neutral air plan. Unlike many other top tiers and good Tese weaknesses, however, are not nearly is still the incredible combo breaker and characters, Snake plays a more trap-based enough to make him not a threat at top- extender it has always been. Even his moves defensive game, rather than having a quick level play, so Snake has seen great success in that don’t kill, like his up air, provide crazy rush-down playstyle. Tis is both a blessing the tournament scene so far. Snake is one of utility in the way it combos into the rest of for players and a curse for opponents; Snake’s the most popular characters to use and has his abilities. However, his smash attacks leave Grenades, Remote Missile, and C4 are helped many top players win large events. more to be desired. Although his forward great for controlling space on the stage and Without any nerfs to his tilts or projectiles, smash is incredibly strong, it has a very small manipulating your opponent’s movements, expect Snake to keep making constant top 8 hitbox. For his up and down smash, they and they are all complimented by Snake’s appearances for years to come. just aren’t that powerful at all. Additionally, strong, fast, and ranged tilt and aerial attacks. Pichu is the lightest character in the game, Not to mention his fantastic grab and throw Pichu which causes him to die at abnormally low game, with great damage and positioning Small and adorable, Pichu packs quite percents. Tis isn’t helped by the fact that he advantages at low to mid percent, and the punch in Ultimate. Originally one of the still damages himself with a majority of his guaranteed kill confrms at high percent. Te bottom 3 characters in his frst game, Super moveset, magnifying an already problematic combination of all these tools alone make Smash Bros. Melee, Pichu has risen from issue. Tat being said, good players can use Snake one of the most oppressing characters the ashes all the way to the top of Ultimate this mechanic to get themselves out of certain in the game when used by a high-level player. tier lists. His incredible projectiles, small kill percent windows, but it should be used Beating a skilled Snake player is mentally hurtbox, and aerial options make him difcult with caution. All in all, Pichu is an absolute taxing, requiring you to be able to take note of to deal with in neutral, and his throws and menace in Smash Ultimate and should not be a variety of options all at once, and knowing incredible out of shield options with back slept on in both casual and competitive play. just how and when you can counter-attack. air give him one of the best punish games Snake’s weight and super-armor boosted out of any character. Not to mention, his PIXELATED GAMING | -25- IMAGE SOURCES

Covers: Link’s Awakening: The Role of wired.com nintendo.co.uk Assasin’s Creed in screenrant.com Notre Dame’s Top 8 Players at Repair: SpaceX BFR: Mid-Season pavbca.com wikipedia.org Invitational: dotesports.com Pokemon Sword Graphene: and Shield: singiularityhub.com MLB The Show: ign.com playstation.com Airpods vs Galaxy New Super Mario Buds: Apex Legends: Bros U Deluxe: cnet.com gadgets.ndtv.com mashable.com halfgen.com S10 Lineup: tomsguide.com Anthem: Smash Ultimate engadget.com Tier List: Yoshi’s Crafted reddit.com engadget.com World: thesixthaxis.com

-26- | GAMING PIXELATED FAIR USE NOTICE

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