Mainstream
What Happened to Local Multiplayer?
I have a lot of fond memories of getting friends together and playing video games. With Mario Kart 8 recently released, it was the perfect opportunity to call up some of my buddies and throw shells at each other. In the midst of all the fun and chaos, though, I realized that this experience was almost entirely limited to Nintendo consoles. After unlocking all of the tracks, we hopped over to Nintendoland and exhausted the competitive multiplayer mini games for the umpteenth time.
Even though we have played enough to have unlocked everything, we are still drawn to it both because of the unique experience we can have with it and how easy it is to get everyone to play. Online multiplayer is sort of a novelty for us because it is hardly as engaging an experience as those special occasions where we get together.
Amongst my friends, Mario Chase is easily the most popular choice of these minigames. Its total lack of barrier-to-entry means it is accessible to everyone, even those who have almost no experience playing video games. It is the exact same quality that made the original Wii so appealing and this is just one many of the Wii U’s unfortunate circumstances. On the other hand, though, Nintendo is the only one catering to this experience. Online multiplayer is certainly important but I sort of doubt that it could ever replicate the same sort of sensation that crowding around the TV and yelling at each other through the laughter brings.
Once the party had winded down considerably, the remaining guests wanted a change of pace and were curious about Watch Dogs, but we ended up just crashing cars and motorcycles for an hour while passing the controller around. It was funny, sure, but I can’t help but feel that doing the same thing simultaneously would have been a more memorable experience. The beauty of Nintendo games is in their accessibility, because I have a feeling that Watch Dogs control scheme would have been too difficult for some of the newer players in our party to grasp whereas Mario Chase is really just two buttons at the most. This can definitely be a double-edged swords of sorts, especially when it comes to their single player endeavors, but their party games have this phenomenally universal appeal that all but the biggest of grouches can find some enjoyment in. Everyone that was part of our Mario Kart 8 rotation was able to pick up the game pretty quickly and while they may not have been taking first place they were doing considerably well for themselves, even the less experienced of us.
Gaming, like most “nerd” hobbies, used to be this sort of condemnable act that only a select few would really enjoy to any meaningful degree. Now that it is becoming more and more popular, I think it is tragically ironic that local multiplayer is rarely integrated. It obviously has not just disappeared from gaming, so I find it curious that it is not as common as it could be while online multiplayer is, most of the time, an expectation.
Watch Dogs has a pretty respectable array of online multiplayer modes yet nothing for local multiplayer. It begs the question: why has local multiplayer almost all but disappeared? Is there a weird catch 22 wherein graphical fidelity is sacrificed so it is not worth the risk and if they did implement a split-screen mode, would it be so limited that it is essentially a throwaway mode? Are games just too detailed to effectively sacrifice any of the screen? We have had experiences like this with Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed where everything sort of blurred together into bright flashing lights and everyone getting confused so I suppose it is definitely possible.
I have heard the argument that online multiplayer is intended to be a replacement but I am not convinced that it ever could be because it lacks that distinctly human element. It is the difference between playing game with your friends and playing a game with your friends. It is an undoubtedly more convenient option because it can be unrealistic to gather enough of your friends where you can really get everyone in on the action. I saw a lot of disappointment that Nintendoland would only have local multiplayer, but that seems like a game that totally defeats the purpose of separating the players. Talking smack to one another and just being obnoxious with each other seems relatively frowned upon in online multiplayer, at least in my experience where the trash talk is frankly sort of deplorable or out and out bizarre.
Local multiplayer creates a social experience where the focus is on having fun and the game is sort of ancillary to that end. Online multiplayer, on the other hand, draws the focus towards the game and your skill level. While you could play against your friends online, it is still pretty likely you are playing with people you do not really know. It might still be multiplayer but it is more of a singular and less engaging experience. In my case, the banter we create is part of the experience and I have never had something similar with online multiplayer.
Of course, there are tradeoffs for both options. Online multiplayer has to contend with network latency and if someone decides that they do not want to play along then you are sort of stuck. Split-screen multiplayer does not have to deal with these but then there is the issue of a single device’s resources being put into overdrive and divided amongst the players and some pretty serious sacrifices, like a smooth frame rate, might have to be made. Of course, there is the possibility that all players could share the screen like Super Mario 3D World which demands at least a partial level skill of its players.
But this has left me sort of interested about the recent emphasis on second screen gameplay as with the Wii U’s sort of muddled effort and the PlayStation 4’s remote play with the PlayStation Vita. I think it is possible that local multiplayer may see a resurgence of sorts even if it is not split-screen. While local multiplayer may have been overshadowed by its online counterpart, it seems very possible that local multiplayer will rise from the ashes in a new form so to speak. As it stands, Nintendo consoles look to still be the first option for local multiplayer chaos. If that changes in the future, however, there will always be the consoles of yesteryear to remind us of the incredible fun we can have with four people, four controllers, and one screen.
Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.
From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.
Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Justin Kurzel
Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.
Rampage (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Director: Brad Peyton
Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Jeff Fowler
Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Simon McQuoid
Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Warcraft (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Duncan Jones
Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster
Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes
Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Roar Uthaug
Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Resident Evil (2002)
Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.
Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.
Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.
Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.
But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.
Marvel Contest of Champions
While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.
Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.
Skullgirls: Fighting RPG
Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.
And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.
Mortal Kombat
Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.
And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.
EA Sports UFC
The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.
Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.
Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.
The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!
The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming
With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.
Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:
The increasing legalization of online casinos globally
As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.
For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.
Virtual reality gaming
With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.
Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems
Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.
Game development
When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.
Top of the line Live Dealer Games
Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.
These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!
In Summary
Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.
-
Guides4 years ago6 Proven Ways to Get more Instagram Likes on your Business Account
-
Mainstream9 years agoBioWare: Mass Effect 4 to Benefit From Dropping Last-Gen, Will Not Share Template With Dragon Age: Inquisition
-
Guides2 months agoExplore 15 Most Popular Poki Games
-
Mainstream11 years agoNew Assets Found for Half Life Episode 4
-
Guides1 year agoGan Rubik’s Cube vs. Traditional Rubik’s Cube: Key Differences and Advantages
-
Mainstream14 years ago
How to Fix Modern Warfare 2 Problems/Freezings
-
Casual5 months ago8 Ways to Fix Over-Extrusion and Under-Extrusion in 3D Printing
-
Guides15 years ago
Locked Room Escape Walkthrough
Ethan Horn
June 2, 2014 at 3:29 pm
I get what your saying, but I think that Local Multi has really disappeared only in the Triple A space. Games like Towerfall, Sportsfriends and soon Nidhogg are great on PS4, and the PC has tons of local multi titles like Samurai Gunn, The Yawgh, Gun Monkey, Super Space _____ and Foiled. You just have to have the four controllers and console which can cost a bit, but after that more fun can be had now than ever before.