Video Games Set in the 19th Century and Their Literary Allusions
It’s fitting that these video games set in 19th century England transform reading into a form of socializing, as reading in the 19th century was communal.
Games
‘Five Years Old Memories’ and Naïve Art in Video Games
Japanese visual artist, Komitsu’s newest work “Five Years Old Memories” is a colorful interactive documentary. It reimagines old CD-ROM software for the digital era.
The 5 Best Video Game Hip-Hop Soundtracks
Fresh off hip-hop’s 50th birthday PopMatters looks at some of the best hip-hop video game soundtracks. These games boast soundtracks fit for classic status.
Horror Puzzle Video Game ‘The Exit 8’ Is an Inescapable Meme
The horror puzzle video game The Exit 8 is peak capitalist art, or if you prefer, content farm. Either way, it’s also an inescapable meme.
No Such Thing as Failure: Nintendo’s Failed Virtual Boy
Nintendo’s failed Virtual Boy followed the tradition of wondrous human inventions made to trick the eyes, like a diorama. “Retro collecting” gamers love it.
1000xResist’s Magnificent Operatic Heterotopia
Set in the politically significant year of 2046, sci-fi game 1000xResist evokes Michel van der Aa’s operatic music and Hou Hsiao-hsien’s heterotopia-like films.
Cuban Video Game ‘Saviorless’ Subverts the Revolution’s Narrative
Cuban video game Saviorless joins Lillian Guerra’s scholarship and Tomás Gutiérrez Alea’s film The Last Supper in subverting the Cuban Revolution’s narrative.
‘Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’ Represents
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, depicts its setting and characters with care and arguably more seriously than any commercial game produced outside of Iran.
Video Game History Preservation: It’s Not All Fun and Games
It’s Not All Fun and Games is straightforward in manner and unconcerned with critical introspection. It’s a practical affair about how games are produced.
Five Sci-fi Video Game Soundtracks for the End of the World
PopMatters looks to the sonic canvas of five sci-fi video game soundtracks, because every dystopia, no matter how bleak, deserves good music.
‘Bahnsen Knights’ Game Revels in ’80s Pulp Fiction
Bahnsen Knights‘ story is an intersection between violent fanaticism and German expressionist philosophy. The clue is in the game’s title.
The Best Video Games of 2023
PopMatters’ best video games of 2023 are important cultural artifacts. These games also stand out for their artistry, innovation, and accessibility.