Celebrating Ten Years of Skyrim by Reflecting on the Past

Posted by DehlinaR

It’s the 10^th anniversary of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim! Instead of wondering what platform I’ll be able to play the game on next, let me take some time to share a few moments of my life connected by the thread called Skyrim.

Introduction to The Elder Scrolls (TES)

My first introduction to The Elder Scrolls series was through some of my classmates in my art school’s spring semester sculpture class. It was The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion release day or 4.20.2006. We had just turned in a major assignment and several students wanted to skip the rest of the day’s classes to go home and play. It made me curious to know what the excitement was about. Although I was out of the loop at the time, I would be ready five years later.

Skyrim Release Day

Release day, 11.11.2011, was two days before my birthday. It was a present I asked from my father, who picked it up at the GameStop where my Beloved-to-be worked at the time. (It’s a good story for another time.) Eager to play the game that Friday, after a long day of classes and fun with friends, I dropped everything and settled on the couch in my living room. I booted the game, installed the updates…and fell asleep.

I woke up Saturday morning with the controller in my hands. What did I do? I started Skyrim of course! I ended up glued to my console all day because it was the most fun I had experienced in a while. Skyrim would have been my first Platinum playthrough if it weren’t for that first DLC.

A Game for Community

Skyrim was one of those games at the time that was not only fun to play, but it was also fun to watch. I watched my friends play. I watched my cousin play after she took interest in the game. I realized that I, the solitary gamer, found enjoyment in a gaming experience that I didn’t control. The soundtrack, environments, visuals, and experiences available in the game were enthralling to me. I watched others play as much as I played.

The Spiral

I purchased multiple versions of Skyrim. I picked up the Game of the Year edition of Oblivion thanks to my experiences with Skyrim. I downloaded and started Morrowind on Steam thanks to my experience with Oblivion. Now, I am a fangirl with Elder Scrolls Online accounts for multiple platforms and volumes of lore on my bookshelf.

Looking Forward

Skyrim and TES series opened my eyes and heart to western role-playing games. I was once a fan of only Japanese role-playing games, but now I have love and respect for both. I have learned to play, enjoy, and critique both.

So, I thank Skyrim for changing my playstyle and reforming my genre prejudice. Here’s to ten years of Skyrim!

Now, where is TES VI?

Check it Out! – TLBX Staff Picks for October 2021

Posted by tehr3m1x

Here’s what the staff of Teh Lunchbox Publications has been checking out to celebrate last month with thrills and chills!

Editor in Chief’s Pick: Pumpkin Night

I wasn’t into horror films back when I was a kid, because they gave me nightmares. However, after growing up, I realized I enjoy reading horror manga more.

When this month started, I wanted to get into some horror manga that wasn’t written and drawn by Junji Ito (Gyo, Tomie). After an hour or so of looking through the genre, I came across one called Pumpkin Night, by Masaya Hokazono and Seima Taniguchi.

The story follows Naoko Kirino, a student who escaped a mental hospital after killing dozens of doctors and patients. Her main goal is to exact revenge on those who have given her a disfigured face, which she covers up with a pumpkin head. The way Naoko takes out her victims can be pretty gruesome, as in some cases she tortures them before sending them off to the afterlife. For example, the first victim got their eyes taken out with a sharp pumpkin scoop before being ran over by a truck. Brutal.

If you’re a huge fan of slasher movies such as John Carpenter’s 1978 film, Halloween or Sean S. Cunningham’s Friday the 13th, then this manga series is for you. Oh, did I also mention that this is pretty much an rated M for mature audiences manga?

– Greg M. “TehR3M1X” (Founder/CEO/Editor in Chief)

Editor’s Pick: Netflix’s Ratched

While I appreciate all seasons of the year (and favor Winter), Fall holds a special place. As we watch the leaves fall, increase our intake of pumpkin spice, and hear the whispers of the spaces beyond us, let’s dive into the cerebral world of my recommendation, Ratched.

Netflix’s Ratched released back in Fall 2020 centers around the titular character, Nurse Mildred Ratched, played by Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story, Bird Box.) It tells the story behind the woman who is the antagonist of the 1975 comedy One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest…with a twist.

The show is set in the late 1940s to early 1950s California and centers around the ascent of Ratched to Head Nurse at Dr. Hanover’s mental hospital, Lucia. The subplot centers around the political struggle involving the fate of Edmund Tolleson, Ratched’s foster brother and murderer, who is being held at Lucia.

The show’s warm color pallet and use of iconic fashion thinly veil secrets, torture, murder, and romance. It serves to increase our discomfort with the subject matter. The show’s soundtrack is eerie and guides you through the waves of the unfolding plot. The show’s bonus is that it even allows space for many of its female characters to tell their stories.

Through all this we begin to wonder, as Mildred manipulates her way to her goals, is she really the worst? Watch to find out! Ratched is still available for Netflix subscribers.

– Denise G. “DehlinaR” (Editor)

Lead Artist’s Pick: House of Velez

I’m a huge fan of horror movies, TV shows, and indie horror games. I don’t think I’ve ever seen or played a game that uses gore as the selling point in a while. The House of Velez is a side-scrolling PC horror game made by game developer Dark Room Games. This game was infamous for its death scene compilations on YouTube in 2020.

You play as Lily Velez, a reporter who visits her childhood home and soon discovers something’s VERY wrong with your childhood home. The developer slowly introduces the player to the game’s mechanics and death sequences – and let me tell you, every death sequence is thought out and animated differently and uniquely every time you play.

The monster designs are also extremely creepy. Just like the Silent Hill series, many of the monsters and event areas the protagonist must go through are symbolic of the past and the trauma the main character has gone through.

The overbearing gore in the game would be a deal breaker for many gamers, so if you do pick this game up on steam, I highly recommend you read the developer notes and play with caution.

House of Velez is a very unnerving, unforgettable horror game, and I hope you guys consider picking it up to support the developer! Part 1 and Part 2 are currently available on Steam for $3.99 each.

– Gaylene A. “Paranormiac” (Lead Art Director)

Content Creator’s Pick: Psychonauts

When it comes to video games, I have a habit of determining my desire to play a game based on its art. Based on screenshots from Psychonauts available on its store page on Steam, I was originally uninterested. However, I decided to give the game a try after a friend of mine gifted it to me.

I was surprised. The overall art style of Psychonauts turned out to be one of its charms. Cut scenes placed throughout the game appealed to the ’90s kid in me that used to watch cartoons on Nickelodeon while eating a bowl of Froot Loops. Aside from the rush of nostalgia, the story behind Psychonauts is interesting.

The game is played from the perspective of a boy named Razputin Aquato. Razputin, also known as Raz, is in a league of his own. Having snuck into a training facility for future Psychonauts, government agents gifted with psychic abilities, it is made clear that Raz’s psychic abilities are more advanced than those of his peers.

Overall, the game is fun and a treat for ’90s kids. Due to some of the games’ darker themes (emotional baggage, infidelity, and brains?!), the game is rated T for Teen. Psychonauts is available on both Steam and on the Playstation Store!

– Lori C. “Starry Strawberries” (Content Creator)

Was there anything that caught your attention last month? Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments below!

Ghost of Tsushima Movie Inbound!

Posted by tehr3m1x

Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima has been making history. With breaking sales records as selling 2.4 million copies the first three days (becoming Playstation 4’s fastest selling game), winning both Best Art Direction and Viewer’s Choice awards in The Game Awards, and having Sucker Punch become the ambassadors for the actual island of Tsushima, the list of achievements is endless.

Ghost of Tsushima is also Teh Lunchbox Publication’s Game of the Year and Best Multiplayer for its Legends add on, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 from us. So what’s next for the series? Hollywood.

It’s been reported that Sucker Punch is taking their beloved title to the big screen, teaming up with Sony Pictures. The director on helm with this project is none other than Chad Stahelski, whose credits include the John Wick movies, need we say more?

For the official announcement, check out Playstation’s post here.

Ghost of Tsushima is Rated M for Mature and available now for the Playstation 4.

Viking Survival with Friends

Posted by breakingb0xes

Coffee Stain Studios has launched their newest early access title Valheim. This game may not impress graphically but is a load of fun in every other aspect. With a crafting system similar to their other recent title Satisfactory, a focused combat system, and Norse mythology to coat it all results in a very satisfying gameplay experience.

Having already played the game with friends, it has been a blast. Even set backs like death don’t ruin much of the fun to be had. The game doesn’t hold your hand but gives you hints on what to do, while letting you play however you want to. The combat itself holds strong, with simple attack and blocking mechanics that are enhanced through crafting different gear. All this really comes together for MMO-like boss battles. Having friends at the ready only enhances the experience, allowing up to ten players per server to really up the party factor.

While the textures are low quality at the moment, the attention to detail is astounding, from the water, to how smoke moves and even the sails on your boats. Small inclusions like that help make this still be a breath taking experience. The game is available on Steam for $19.99, pick it up for a good time.

Playstation Plus Games – February 2021

Posted by tehr3m1x

A new month means new titles to play and add to your collection with PlayStation Plus. Let’s see what they have to offer.

PlayStation isn’t holding back any punches for the month of February with titles to play on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

PlayStation 4 owners will be playing the following:

Concrete Genie – Pixelopus’s creative third person adventure title gives players control of young artist, Ash. In the town of Denska, players along the way will guide Ash in recovering pages of his sketchbook while using his creative abilities with the power of a large paintbrush.

Control: Ultimate Edition – My 2019 Game of the Year for Teh Lunchbox Publications will be available to play for both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5! From the studio that brought you Max Payne, Quantum Break, and Alan Wake, Remedy Entertainment has players following Jessie Faden. Jessie will venture further into the Oldest House searching for her brother and battling a threat known as the Hiss.

PlayStation 5 owners will be looking forward the following:

Destruction AllStars – Originally a PlayStation 5 launch title for November, players will choose from 16 different characters with unique abilities to dominate the competition. With four game modes to choose from, players will use a mixture of driving with cars and parkour to aim to the top of the leaderboards! Just recently for this title, PlayStation had a State of Play to give a rundown in what Destruction AllStars is all about, check it out below!

These Playstation Plus titles will be available to download on Tuesday, February 2nd through March 1st.

What do you think about this month’s PlayStation Plus releases to ring in the new year? Let us know in the comments below!

Resident Evil Village Reveal

Posted by tehr3m1x

Fellow fans and followers of Capcom’s Resident Evil series were treated to a world premiere of what’s to come. This past Thursday, Capcom showcased their next addition to the franchise with Resident Evil Village. Here’s a quick rundown of what was announced and shown.

Village takes place a few years after Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Players take control of Ethan Winters, the protagonist from the last game, as he is once again diving into a world of horror after meeting with Chris Redfield. Ethan will once again face many challenges and frightening new foes along the way as he searches for answers.

Players will be able to take themselves to a castle run by Lady Dimitrescu, a vampire who apparently is in charge of stopping Ethan in his tracks, with her daughters and other hordes of foes. Capcom was also showing off other characters such as “the Duke”, a merchant who is willing to sell the player various weapons, upgrades, and other items to help them on their journey. Players will also meet one more character who currently remains as a mystery.

Capcom dropped details on the various editions of the game they have to offer. The Collector’s Edition of Resident Evil Village will give players a bunch of both collectibles and in game items such as a Chris Redfield statue, poster, artbook, and a SteelBook Case.

Are you one of the lucky ones who were able to obtain a PlayStation 5? Well you’re in luck as Capcom released the Resident Evil 5 Demo in the PlayStation Store called Maiden. Players have a chance to take a sneak peak into Lady Dimitrescu’s castle and escape. For all of you who don’t have a PlayStation 5, don’t worry as Capcom is soon going to release another demo later this spring.

Resident Evil Village hits the shelves for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series Console, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam) on May 7, 2021. Players who purchase the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One copies will get a chance to upgrade to the next gen consoles at no extra cost.

PlayStation Plus Games – January 2021

Posted by tehr3m1x

A new year means a new month of free games for PlayStation Plus subscribers! Let’s see what’s in store for the month of January.

PlayStation 4 owners have the following two new games to look forward to:

Shadow of the Tomb Raider – SquareEnix’s final installment of the origin trilogy for Lara Croft. Taking place right after “Rise of the Tomb Raider,” the game follows our heroine as she stops the paramilitary organization, Trinity, from activating an apocalyptic ritual to destroy all of mankind.

GreedFall – A role playing game from Focus Home Entertainment. Players control De Sardet, an individual who has landed in a new land filled with supernatural beasts and magic. From there, players will create choices that will affect both the gameplay and story.

PlayStation 5 owners also get a new game to add to their library this month.

Maneater – Terrorize the sea as you control and evolve your own Shark! Become Jaws as you rip and tear into various sea creatures and humans to level up various perks and become the apex predator!

What do you think about this month’s PlayStation Plus releases to ring in the new year? Let us know in the comments below!

“Fortnite” Chapter 2 – Season 5 Is Here!

Posted by tehr3m1x

With the fall of Galactus in yesterday’s “Fortnite” event (Click here to watch it provided by IGN), Epic Games kicked off Season 5 of it’s Battle Royale franchise.

A new battle pass and yes folks, you can play as the Mandalorian himself, players can unlock new skins, new gliders, and new ways to earn V-Bucks. Prepare to take on new areas on the map along with familiar locations (TILTED TOWERS!) with new weapons such as Mando’s Amban Sniper Rifle.

Check out the trailer below!

The “Fortnite” Chapter 2 – Season 5 Battle Pass is now available for purchase for 950 Bucks (Which you can buy with $7.99, for 1000 V Bucks.)

Fortnite Chapter 2 – Season 5 is available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Mobile, and PC.

Rumor: PlayStation 5 Pro Inbound?

Posted by tehr3m1x

It is almost a month since the release of the PlayStation 5. Some players have successfully obtained one on release day, but others are either having a hard time getting to a store at the right time or are facing the terrors of bots and scalpers online.

However, there are reports inbound of a PlayStation 5 Pro. Mentioned by T3, there appears to be a Patent from Sony for the console to perform with two GPUS.

If this is the case, it could it be recommended for those who haven’t purchased the PlayStation 5 yet to aim towards the Pro upgrade itself?

Only time will tell.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Super Nintendo World Revealed!

Posted by tehr3m1x

Universal Studios Japan unveiled their next park attraction, Super Nintendo World!

Scheduled for a grand opening next year, February 4th, 2021, in Osaka, Japan, this attraction will feature a Nintendo Themed Café, a merch store, Bowser’s Castle, and a virtual Mario Kart-themed roller coaster which is accompanied via VR headsets!

Check out the video footage of the park below!

With the current state of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal Studios Japan is working closely with health officials to make sure it’s safe for both staff and attendees.

Super Nintendo World is planned to open next year, February 4th, 2021.