In an effort to hold tight to a formula (because my personality depends on control or it will unravel like a four year old’s argument in favor of jumping off the roof with a bed sheet as a parachute) we are going to explore another list.
A coworker suggested I combine my interests and so we get Comic Books and Video Games (since writing about my other interests, lawn care and why words with ‘k’ in them are funny, aren’t really Prima Games related).
Now that I think about it, I don’t know that I’ve written about anything else but comics and games so far. Consistent, that’s me.
Anyway. This list is mainly inspired by the advent of the Hellboy video game. Some may think it’s based on the movie franchise but Hellboy first appeared as a comic by Mike Mignola (who is one of the most talented artists in comics today, no matter what Todd thinks). And I’m glad to say that the game, Hellboy: The Science of Evil, is not actually based on the movie at all. Because, as we all know, movie games are usually ass. But not here, the game is pure fun beat-’em-up. The premise is simple: Hit evil until it stops. Which, come to think of it, is essentially the premise of most Hellboy comics.
So in the coming weeks we’ll explore the union of these genres. Synergistic combination or unholy alliance? Or both?
Next week: Comics that should never, ever be made into games for as long as the sun burns bright and the earth is turning.
Today’s the day Solid Snake gets his tactical espionage action on. Check you these 12 awesome author tips from our author team, Piggyback Interactive Limited, and pick up your Limited Edition Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns the of the Patriots Official Game Guide!
1. Life Gauge
Keeping the Life Gauge topped up is therefore vital, but it’s just as important not to panic and keep filling the gauge unnecessarily with precious items. Though you can replenish it with healing objects such as Rations and Noodles, you should take care not to waste them – especially on higher difficulty levels. Using a Ration when Snake’s Life Gauge is 80% full, for example, is plain foolish. You usually don’t need to even think about refilling the gauge until it drops below 25%. During boss fights or difficult skirmishes, you should instead equip Rations, Noodles or Regain and position them as an “active” item. Once Snake’s health reaches zero, these will be automatically used until your stocks are exhausted.
One other method of restoring Snake’s health is simply to find a safe hiding place and let him stand still. After a few seconds the Life Gauge will slowly start to creep back up. If you crouch or go prone, it will refill more quickly. If you have good cover, you’ll find that this even works during boss battles. This can be a great way of refilling your Life Gauge for free – essential when playing on a high difficulty level. Note that recovery speed depends on the condition of Snake’s other main gauge, the Psyche Gauge; the higher the Psyche Gauge, the quicker the Life Gauge refills. (Incidentally, if you have an extended break from playing MGS4 that lasts for more than 24 hours, you may notice that Snake’s Life and Psyche gauges are refilled by 20% per day. It’s hardly necessary, but a nice touch nonetheless.)
Continue reading ‘Metal Gear Solid 4 Author Tips’
