Staff Writer
Staff Writer
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235articles
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2Features
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267Lists
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29Guides
About Stephen LaGioia
Stephen is an avid Nintendo, Indie, and retro gamer of 30 years who dabbles in Xbox, mainly in the form of binge sessions of Overwatch. He's a history buff, an aspiring writer of short fiction, and a devout metalhead who enjoys poorly drumming along to Black Sabbath on his cheap drum set. When his beloved Chicago Cubs or Bulls are not playing, he typically likes to watch obscure documentaries or campy horror films.
Stephen has spent a decade writing extensively about video games, film, and television. He graduated with degrees in History (minor in English) as well as Animation.
Proudest Gaming Achievement
Attending the Electronic Entertainment Expo as media in 2017 and 2018, and getting exclusive looks (and demos) of so many awesome upcoming games... A close second would be getting 101% in Donkey Kong 64.
Favorite Games
Super Mario series (and Mario Kart), Overwatch, Starcraft, Gears of War, Donkey Kong Country, Pokemon Red/Blue, Super Mario RPG, (modern) Assassin's Creed, Borderlands, Super Smash Bros, Roller Coaster Tycoon.
Generally speaking - a dynamic and rewarding, yet accessible ARPG, platformer, RTS, or action game (typically open-world or expansive) is likely to captivate me.
I also tend to have a soft spot for the more action-oriented and imaginative indie titles - especially those that genre-bend, like Minecraft, Terraria, and Dave the Diver. I still contend that the 16-bit era was the Golden Age of Gaming - so naturally, I enjoy many SNES and Genesis titles from the '90s.
Favorite TV Shows
The Twilight Zone, Breaking Bad, South Park, Game of Thrones, Squid Game, Spartacus, Vikings, Everybody Loves Raymond.
Latest
Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The Best Weapons
Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes players on a wild Viking adventure, and it's important to carry only the best weapons during a playthrough.
6 Games With Realistic Stamina Systems
Stamina systems can feel burdensome, yet they can raise the intensity through vulnerability and add a sense of realism. These are the best examples.
7 Best Action JRPG Games That Let You Play Your Own Way
The more open-world, flexible RPGs aren't as common from the Land of the Rising Sun, but are becoming moreso. These are among the best.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Unlockables Guide
As an updated re-release, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe comes with a lot of content available at the start, but there are still a few hidden unlockables.
11 Things Confirmed for Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4's September release date is finally on the horizon! As it draws closer, clearer and increasingly interesting details have come to light.
8 Best Immersive Realistic Nintendo Switch Games, Ranked
Switch is largely known for colorful, more stylistic games, though there are some very immersive, realistic games for the system. Here are the best.
8 Hardest Bonus and Extra Levels in the Super Mario Games, Ranked
The iconic Super Mario Bros. games are typically family-friendly platformers. Yet, many offer some enticing, yet particularly grueling, extra stages.
Avowed: Best Bows, Ranked
Inflicting damage from range is a particluary fun aspect of Avowed's combat system. These are the best bows to achieve this effectively.
Avowed: Best Early Weapons For A Magic Build
Among Avowed's handful of distinct Wands offered, there are a few notable ones that players will find useful to aim for. These are the best early on.
9 Best Status Moves In The Pokemon Main Series Games
Pokemon status moves, with their unique qualities and lack of immediate damage, are underutilized. These are the best, often overlooked, status moves.
Best Offline Mobile Horror Games, Ranked
Horror games can be chilling when playing solo and vulnerable, which lends itself to mobile gaming. These are the best offline mobile horror romps.
Avowed: Best Grimoires, Ranked
A highlight feature of Avowed is the slew of Grimoires and the variety of fun spell they can cast. These are the best of the best.
Avowed: Best Skills For A Stealth Mage Build
Avowed impresses with its versatility in customization regarding class builds. For those seeking magic power and steath, prioritize these skills.
Avowed: Best Wands, Ranked
Avowed has no shortage of satisfying magic spells and attacks, and its handful of Wands is no different. These are the best of the best.
Avowed: Best Skills For A Fire Wizard Build
Using fire spells is particularly satisfying in Obsidian's ARPG. These skills will help you become the potent, firey mage you strive to be in Avowed.
Avowed: Best Pistols, Ranked
Avowed is a fantasy ARPG that focuses on spells and bows for most ranged attacks. Yet there are a few high-powered pistols that pack a punch.
30 Great Multitasking Games Similar To Overcooked
Overcooked blends a charming arcade sensibility with simple mechanics & frantic gameplay, but it's not one of a kind.
18 Best Ways To Earn Credits In Forza Horizon 4
To get all the goodies that Forza Horizon 4 can provide, you have to earn credits. Amounting a lot can be tedious, but here are some tips.
16 Ways To Earn Bells Fast In Animal Crossing: New Horizons
If you're looking to get rich in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you're in the right place! These are the fastest ways to earn Bells in the game.
8 Handheld Games Better Than Their Console Counterparts
Handheld games aren't often superior to the console or PC counterparts. Yet there are a few exceptions. These are some of the best and most notable.