video games

Cosplayers get ready for RetroGameCon 5 in Syracuse
By Aaron Halls
November 16, 2017 - 12:00am
Cosplayers from all over will attend Syracuse's retro video game-themed convention this weekend at the Oncenter, donning elaborate themed costumes.

In a posted Instagram photo, John Bass looks like a knight in 21st century armor ready to take on a supervillain. Black and silver metal plates cover him from head to toe, a fiery red light glows from his chest, two square-shaped hand cannons are on his wrists and another appears on the suit’s shoulder ready to fire Nerf darts. The costume is based on the Marvel Comics character War Machine, who appears in the Marvel Studios films and is portrayed by actor Don Cheadle.

Gamers young and old flock to the third annual RetroGameCon
By Anonymous
November 15, 2015 - 5:58pm
RetroGameCon, a convention celebrating legendary video games, charmed thousands at their largest venue yet, the New York State Fairgrounds.

Video gaming convention, RetroGameCon, ran for its third year at the New York State Fair Grounds Saturday, bringing in a swarm of video gamers, anime enthusiasts, comic fans, local businesses and community groups passionate about everything geeky.

New game 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter' emphasizes the stories we tell and how we tell them
By Evan Lewis
October 30, 2014 - 5:11pm
Review: The new PC game places players inside the heart of a slowly unraveling mystery, with plenty of gorgeous visuals to entice them further.

Before placing players on the ominously dilapidated railroad leading into Red Creek Valley, PC video game The Vanishing of Ethan Carter opens with a disclaimer. The simple warning — white text on a black screen — pertains not to harsh language or moments of graphic violence, which begin to manifest within minutes of the start of the game, but to narrative style: “This game is a narrative experience that does not hold your hand.”

Voltage Video Games survives summer with retro games, personal service
By Evan Lewis
September 11, 2014 - 8:32pm
The downtown Syracuse shop lowered its prices to compete with GameStop, but its dedicated customer core helped it surpass expectations.

A group of customers assembled outside Voltage Video Games one Sunday afternoon, waiting for the store’s owner to open up shop. After filing into the store, some customers went straight to the register to exchange old games for new ones, while others wandered the aisles, scoping out games that span back decades to systems like the original Nintendo Entertainment System and Atari 2600.

The Orange Pop: Video Games and a Pop Culture Grab Bag (Episode 8)
By Jack Thomas Williams
November 19, 2013 - 10:07pm
Your pop culture team delves into video games this week! We talk consoles, games and old Nintendo 64 memories. We then go wherever the wind takes us. Trailers, Premieres and more.

This week we talk about video games (4:05). We talk about the two new consoles, some new games, and old memories about games and gaming systems during our childhood.

We then talk about whatever makes us happy. There are trailers (Noah), films (Captain Phillips), and little tidbits about everything else (26:55).

We finish off the week by giving our recommendations (40:00) and going over a very important observation from the gym in 'JWill's Gym Corner.'

Masterpiece 'Grand Theft Auto 5' gives society what it's asking for
By Nick Schmiedicker
November 16, 2013 - 4:39pm
Review: 'Grand Theft Auto 5' has been criticized for its level of violence, but the game uses that violence to create a social commentary. Narratively and technically, the latest game in the franchise is a masterpiece.

There are so many video games out now that it takes a little extra to stand out above the rest. Standard shooters, action-adventure, puzzle, even dance, they all need to be at the forefront of innovation to elevate themselves above the competition. Grand Theft Auto 5 does this through social commentary and by being extraordinary on multiple types of gameplay.

Battle of the consoles: Xbox One vs. Playstation 4 buyers' guide
By Natasha Schuyler
November 13, 2013 - 8:23pm
Follow the flow chart to decide which next generation console is right for you.

Video game fans will soon have to decide which of the new consoles they prefer.

Graphic by Jessica Cabe

Video Games Live strengthens local art community, offers night of entertainment
By Jessica Cabe
November 9, 2013 - 5:14pm
The interactive, multimedia concert experience will come to the Landmark Theatre Nov. 9.

Syracuse is becoming immersed in virtual reality.

'The Art of Video Games' offers insightful look into gaming as an art form
By Andrew Martini
October 28, 2013 - 5:58pm
Review: The Everson Museum of Art debuted 'The Art of Video Games' at a reception on Friday before the exhibit opened to the general public on Saturday. The exhibit chronicles the evolution of gaming through the lenses of developers and players.

The evolution of one of the most progressive media is the focus of the Everson Museum of Art’s most recent exhibition: The Art of Video Games.

Symposium talks human rights through video games
By Vekonda Luangaphay
October 11, 2013 - 3:20pm
Susana Ruiz and Angel David Nieves brought awareness to human rights activism through video games at Thursday’s 4th Digital Witness Symposium.

Susana Ruiz and Angel David Nieves brought awareness to human rights activism through video games at Thursday’s 4th Digital Witness Symposium.

Ruiz, who is a doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California School Cinematic Arts, is a media scholar, designer and analyst.

She co-founded the design studio Take Action Games, which first launched with their first launched in 2006 with the multi-award winning game Darfur is Dying. A player must maintain a refugee camp through dangerous disruptions.