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Lists of all things gaming; a collection of must-try games and the best accessories, video game characters, controllers, online communities and more.
Dungeon Map Templates: Plug-and-Play Layouts for Fast Session Prep
When you're staring down the barrel of a game night and haven't prepped a dungeon yet, panic tends to set in. You want something that feels unique, but you don’t have hours to spend drawing perfect corridors or inventing a clever layout. That’s where dungeon map templates come in—ready-made, modular maps designed to drop into your campaign with minimal effort. Whether you're a veteran Dungeon Master running multiple campaigns or a new DM trying to survive your first one-shot, plug-and-play dungeon layouts can be a true lifesaver.
By Richard Baileyabout a year ago in Gamers
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Weapon Types – All Confirmed Weapons and How to Unlock Them
The weaponry in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is as varied and intricate as feudal Japan itself. With two playable protagonists—Naoe, the agile shinobi, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai—the game introduces a diverse arsenal suited to different combat styles. From swift assassinations in the shadows to devastating swordplay in open battle, every weapon is tailored to enhance stealth, power, or precision.
By Richard Baileyabout a year ago in Gamers
The Mastermind Games: Season 03 Episode 01
The countdown blared across the collapsing Marseille facility: “REBOOT IN 10… 9…” Clara’s hand hovered over the hard-reset trigger, unsure if pressing it again would destroy the system—or herself. The lights flickered violently, the AI’s circuits glitching in every corridor like veins bursting with corrupted blood.
By Engr. Mansoor Ahmadabout a year ago in Gamers
The Mastermind Games: Season 02 Episode 03
The aircraft’s interior was dead silent, save for the rhythmic hum of the engines and the low flicker of LED strips running along the walls. The six remaining players—Clara, Isha, Elise, Rafiq, Sophie, and Julien’s replica—sat strapped into carbon seats that had risen from the floor like claws.
By Engr. Mansoor Ahmadabout a year ago in Gamers
20 Inspiring D&D Map Ideas You Can Steal for Your Campaign
Why Great Maps Matter in D&D Maps are more than lines on parchment. In Dungeons & Dragons, a map can tell a story before a single word is spoken. It can evoke danger, history, wonder—or fear. A good map doesn’t just set the scene; it shapes the entire session.
By Richard Baileyabout a year ago in Gamers
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Difficulty Settings – Which Mode Should You Choose?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings a fresh blend of stealth, combat, and open-world exploration, all set against the turbulent backdrop of feudal Japan. As you prepare to step into the roles of Yasuke and Naoe, one decision will shape your entire experience—which difficulty setting should you choose?
By Richard Baileyabout a year ago in Gamers
Doom: The Dark Ages Review – Time for Demons to Weep
The high-speed train of 2025’s quality games has now arrived at Doom: The Dark Ages, and it’s once again time to slaughter hellish demons. Let’s dive into the review. Even so far, 2025 has been an incredible year for gamers — and it seems that momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The latest proof of that is none other than Doom: The Dark Ages, the newest title from id Software, which once again offers a unique experience within the franchise while staying true to the core Doom DNA. A Prequel to 2016’s Doom – The Slayer’s Most Personal Story Yet Story-wise, Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to 2016’s Doom, taking players back to a medieval era within the Doom universe. If you remember, the 2016 version featured ancient texts that told of a battle between humans and hell’s demons, where a lone warrior stood against them — none other than the Doom Slayer himself. The Dark Ages tells that very story. This time around, the game focuses on the Slayer’s most personal narrative yet, diving into his origin before the events of Doom (2016). What’s especially commendable is how id Software manages to explore the Slayer’s growth and transformation without overcomplicating the plot. The game stays true to Doom’s classic theme of battling evil, while focusing more directly on the Slayer himself — presented through more cinematic cutscenes than ever before. From beginning to end, the Slayer is the undisputed star of the show, and watching him in action in these scenes is consistently exciting. That alone is enough to appreciate and enjoy the game’s story.
By The old Jenkins about a year ago in Gamers
Behaviors That Gamers Consider "Cardinal Sins"
Over the years, as we've all experienced video games in different ways, we’ve encountered—or perhaps even committed—certain behaviors that evoke feelings of weakness, cheating, or unfairness. These actions aren't limited to multiplayer games; even in single-player experiences, there are habits or approaches that may draw harsh judgment from fellow gamers. At one point or another, we've probably found ourselves on one side of this equation. Let’s explore a few of these "sins." Camping and Hiding Anyone who has played online shooters—especially first-person shooters—has likely developed a dislike for “campers.” And yet, it's likely we’ve all camped at least once. Generally, "camping" refers to staying hidden in one spot, waiting to ambush passing players for easy kills. While it’s common in games like Call of Duty, that doesn’t mean it's acceptable in all titles. In more tactical games like Tarkov, Hunt Showdown, or Rainbow Six Siege, "positioning" is a vital skill. Camping in these games can be a strategic choice based on map knowledge and situational awareness. Players are expected to understand the environment and interact using audio cues and tools to overcome each other tactically. But in more arcade-like FPS games with fast-paced movement and respawn mechanics, there’s often no valid reason to sit still. Doing so is usually seen as an unfair method of farming kills, lacking skill or effort. That’s why “camping” has become one of the most hated and frustrating behaviors in the online gaming community. Min-Maxing in RPGs If you're into RPGs or JRPGs, you know that character customization and power progression are essential to the experience. These elements are closely tied to the narrative, level systems, game difficulty, and overall immersion. Some players, however, obsess over optimizing their characters from the start, often using community-discovered META builds. Rather than experimenting and growing naturally, these players immediately seek out the most powerful builds—sometimes making their characters overpowered and disrupting the game’s intended difficulty. For instance, in Elden Ring, a quick online search yields several META builds that trivialize the game, removing strategic depth and personal creativity from the equation. While this approach might make sense in subsequent playthroughs, many RPG fans frown upon using it the first time. It strips away the essence of the adventure and the thrill of personal discovery. The consensus in the RPG community: don't rob yourself of a genuine experience—play naturally the first time. Skipping Dialogues and Cutscenes This behavior started around the sixth console generation when storytelling in games became more prominent. While many gamers used to play just for the gameplay, longer cutscenes and dialogues began emerging in narrative-driven titles. Initially, many players would skip these sequences, but over time it became clear that doing so meant missing crucial parts of the story and the game world. These scenes are not just cinematic fluff—they often hold vital narrative weight and are the result of years of developer effort. In today’s gaming landscape, skipping major cutscenes—especially in deeply story-driven games like Red Dead Redemption 2—is often viewed as disrespectful to the game and its creators. Some fans even argue that if you’re not interested in the story, maybe that kind of game isn’t for you. Spoiling Game Stories Related to the previous point, spoiling a game’s plot—especially on purpose—is widely condemned. Some gamers take twisted pleasure in ruining the experience for others. While some games may not heavily rely on plot, others do. In those cases, a single sentence can spoil hours of buildup and drastically reduce a game's impact. A notorious example was The Last of Us Part II, where a major spoiler was leaked before release, upsetting many fans and even discouraging some from playing the game entirely. In story-heavy games, especially those with choices and plot twists (like Telltale or Quantic Dream titles), spoilers are more damaging than ever. That’s why those who spread them are often harshly criticized in the gaming community. Spamming Moves in Fighting Games Fighting games are skill-based experiences, much like martial arts. They require training, mastery of systems, and character knowledge. Developers have tried to make them more accessible for casual players, but this has opened the door to some abuse. Some players rely solely on one or two moves or combos, repeatedly using them without variation. This is known as “spamming.” It ruins the depth of gameplay and forces skilled players to abandon strategy and focus solely on countering repetitive attacks. For instance, in Tekken 7, the character Lucky Chloe was notorious because many players spammed a single easy combo. Tekken 8 introduced single-button combos for beginners, which also led to spamming. While seasoned players can usually overcome it, they’re often forced to abandon their skills for simpler tactics. For those who dedicate time to mastering fighting games, spamming is an insult to both the game and the opponent—like dancing with someone who constantly steps on your feet. The Smurfing Phenomenon in Online Games Smurfing is when high-level players create new accounts to compete against lower-ranked players. It’s one of the most frustrating issues in competitive online games. Not only does it reflect poorly on the smurfer’s character, but it also ruins fair play for newcomers trying to learn and improve. Smurfing disrupts matchmaking balance and can singlehandedly ruin a match. Even the smurfer’s own team suffers, as these players often act selfishly and ignore team strategy. In tactical games like Rainbow Six Siege, where teamwork is crucial, smurfing can destroy team harmony. Worse still, smurfers often insult or blame their less-skilled teammates, further demoralizing them and pushing them to quit the game altogether. It’s a toxic practice that benefits no one and is strongly condemned by the gaming community.
By The old Jenkins about a year ago in Gamers
10 Video Games That Make You a Better Human
For many people outside the world of gaming, video games are still seen as a simple form of entertainment or a way to pass the time. But for those of us who are part of this culture and have spent years of our lives with this medium, the story is very different. We see games as works of art that can be deeply impactful. They can convey messages that influence our character and worldview—either directly or indirectly.
By The old Jenkins about a year ago in Gamers
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Best Skills to Unlock First for Each Character
Why Early Skill Choices Matter in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a bold dual-protagonist system that deeply changes how you approach stealth, combat, and exploration.
By Richard Baileyabout a year ago in Gamers
