REPOST: Lessons From A PAX Veteran

Thursday, August 28, 2014


Today was a pretty hectic travel day for us. On top of that, this year marks the 10th anniversary of PAX Prime. Taking all these factors into account, I can think of no better time than now to reach into the Somnambuant Archives. This post was written on the eve of last year's PAX, but the advice is still good for any new or experienced attendee. Enjoy the article and stay tuned to our twitter feed during the next few days, as we'll be doing our best to keep you updated with the latest news from PAX 2014.

Can't Attend PAX but in the Area? Here are Four PAX Adjacent Events to Check Out

Tuesday, August 26, 2014


PAX Prime is happening in just two days (and some change)! As always, passes sold out shortly after going on sale. It's not unlikely that you were unable to get passes to Seattle's best known gaming festival. If you're in the Seattle area this weekend but don't have a pass (or only have a pass for a day or two) there's no reason you should be left out in the cold. Don't bother with the scalpers, most of those passes are counterfeit anyway; check out some of the other events happening around PAX. Here's a short list to get you started.

Space Bears Beware, Behemoth Announces Game 4!

Thursday, August 21, 2014
Space bears, not water bears. Don't worry little tardigrade, you're safe.


The Behemoth has been very careful about releasing any information about their latest project. Currently known only as "Game 4," there is still very little known about what it is or how it's played. As of yesterday we at least have a premise to work with. From what I saw in the trailer, I'm not sure what to expect other than chaos and joy.

It's Time to Talk About Robot Man-hunts

Tuesday, August 19, 2014


I've been holding off on this for far too long. It's rare that a game comes along with so clear a social message, I thought it important that I take the time to really understand it before I put fingers to keyboard. After long and careful deliberation, I can confidently say that Sir, You are Being Hunted is the most important game of our generation. Finally, someone has opened the floodgates to the debate on man hunting robots.

I Can't Believe I'm Saying this: I Might Like the new Call of Duty

Thursday, August 14, 2014


I've not been a big fan of the Calll of Duty series for a while.I think World At War was the last one that I really enjoyed. The story and plot of each one since has felt more and more sloppy, and the multiplayer is a messy give and take of features and abilities. That said, Advanced Warfare has struck the remains of a chord with me; one that I may be persuaded to follow.

Our Enemies Should be Better Than Us

Tuesday, August 12, 2014
As long as I resist you, I live.


Enemy AI is a tricky subject. In almost any AAA title, there is some debate about the competency of the enemy. Even games that I consider difficult, have glaring omissions in the capabilities of the foes I face. The general push from most developers is to find a middle ground for enemy competence. It's one of many ploys to win the game more players; a push not towards innovation, but towards stable market returns. I think this particular area is ready for a shakeup, and there are a few games that have come tantalizingly close to pushing that envelope.

Battle Fleet 2; Scorched Seas

Thursday, August 7, 2014

One of the first games I remember playing on PC was Scorched Earth. It was quickly followed by Worms and Cannon Fodder. So began a lifelong obsession with turn based wargames. Reading the description of Battle Fleet 2 I was immediately taken by one sentance in particular; "..Battle Fleet 2 is the radically improved sequel to the original and has kept the 'Worms' / 'Scorched Earth' style angle+power mechanic..." There, in a very Maguirrean sense, they had me.  

Assassin's Creed Rogue is Official and Still a Sausage Festival

Tuesday, August 5, 2014


Is it enough to say that Assassin's Creed needs more playable female characters? It isn't as if the argument exists in a vacuum; we are 8 games deep into the "main series" and we've yet to find a female lead. I know about Aveline and Liberation, but frankly, one entry in the secondary series is not enough. Yes, she was female, black, and spoke French. It was all very inspiring, but it doesn't excuse Ubisoft's constant dismissal of female characters. Assassin's Creed Rogue is now official and lo and behold, it stars yet another dudebro.