Welcome to TAG Roundup!
Ever wonder what you missed in the world of gaming last week? No worries – we’ve got you covered!
We read a ton of video game articles each week and wanted to share some of our favorites with the Average Gamer community. We’ll feature everything from previews to reviews and everything in between.
The articles we share will be from a combination of well-known sources (like IGN) and more niche blogs that you may not have heard of. In the previous TAG Roundup post, we talked about Amazon’s New World, No Man’s Sky, the Borderlands movie and more!
At the top of the hour, we’ve got an update on the Channel 4 – the first video game console with interchangeable game cartridges.
Remembering Jerry Lawson and the Channel F – USA Today
As Black History Month comes to a close, I wanted to reflect on an influential black person in the gaming space. As the lead on the Fairchild Video Entertainment System, later known as the Channel F, Jerry Lawson built the foundation of the industry before any of the major players got involved!
Jerry was an engineer and designer Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corp. back in the 70s. The company tasked him with making use of its latest processor in a game system, and he rose to the challenge.
Lawson’s combination of unique past experiences made him a great person to bring the Channel F to market. He did everything from repairing TVs to networking with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to building his own arcade game.
The Channel F went on to sell about a quarter of a million units, with a total library of 27 games. Priced at about $20, the gaming list included creatively named cartridges such as ‘Hockey’, ‘Tennis’ and ‘Baseball’. It seems the naming committees weren’t as strong back then…
Having innovated in a field where black developers are a very small minority, Lawson gave hope to upcoming developers in several ways. He spoke at the Blacks in Gaming event in 2011, has an exhibit at The World Video Game Hall of Fame and his work is featured in the book A History of Video Games in 64 Objects.
Jerry Lawson passed away in 2011, but his legacy is cemented in the game-changing Channel F console. He inspired others to follow their passions and continue blazing trails in uncertain territories!
Read more about the Channel F in Fast Company’s 2015 article!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZO6DcMT0NI
Prominent Team-based Shooter Coming to Consoles – Comicbook
Insurgency: Sandstorm has built up quite a reputation for itself in the PC world, garnering over 1 million players in year one. Now, the developers are bringing their hit to PS4 and Xbox One!
Insurgency: Sandstorm is a team-based, tactical FPS based on lethal close quarters combat and objective-oriented multiplayer gameplay,” reads an official pitch of the game. “Sequel to the indie breakout FPS Insurgency, Sandstorm is reborn, improved, expanded, and bigger in every way. Experience the intensity of modern combat where skill is rewarded, and teamwork wins the fight. Prepare for a hardcore depiction of combat with deadly ballistics, light attack vehicles, destructive artillery, and HDR audio putting the fear back into the genre.
It’s described as a hardcore shooter, where time to kill is incredibly short. Positioning is very important and it’s best to work together as a team.
You can play on Steam now or grab your console’s version on August 25.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGQabzcTmQI
New Loot-shooter – Tom’s Guide
If you’ve heard of the Destiny series, the People Can Fly’s Outriders will make a lot of sense to you. If you haven’t heard of the Destiny series, you probably live under a rock.
Marshall Honorof got to play through the demo at PAX East 2020 and shared his full thoughts in the article.Â
At a high level, people set up camp on another planet after Earth was ruined. There’s some “goo” that kills humans and eventually, the settlement collapses. You choose a class, go on missions and kill baddies along the way.
Overall, the early reviews sound positive and praise the combat system of Outriders. It’s slated for a Holiday 2020 release on console and PC and you can pre-order the game now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED4o1WJFmDY
Lara Croft Enters Brawlhalla – Polygon
Brawlhalla is often described as a watered-down version of Super Smash Bros, but it has carved out its own space in the 2D fighting platformer niche. It’s free-to-play, loads of fun and easy to pick up for any gamer looking to scratch that fighting game itch.
In the recent patch, the game introduced Lara Croft as a playable character. Though she mirrors the abilities of an existing character on the roster, she comes with Tomb Raider’s iconic skins.
The game also added a new map, fresh game mode and balances in this update. Check out the quickstart guide if you’re looking to test out the pistol-wielding hero!
https://youtu.be/aq4k2PjBdF4
Gaming Bed, Dreams Become Reality – Gamebyte
After the whole gaming socks thing, I thought I’d seen it all. Lucky for me, I was very wrong.
Right now, you can pick up what has been titled “an eternal dream desk for all games”. The set up includes a mount for dual screens, snack drawer, drink holder, phone arm and more!
It’s hard for 32-year old me to justify anyone making this purchase, but I’d really like for someone to build a time machine and beam me back to 2008 with this beautiful bed. Leave your comments below if you have a time machine available. Thank you.
That’s All For Now
There were plenty of other highlights from last week but these ones really stood out. Be sure to check in next time to read about video game current events.Â
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