QCF: Bubble Bobble 4 Friends (Switch)

t the time of this review, many have found video games to be a way to escape the uncertainty and harshness of an ever-changing structure in society. What has surprised me, however, is how video games and sharing that passion to those that may not have had any interest in the past can take our minds off that stress and uneasiness, if even for just a little bit. I have a bit of familiarity with the protagonists of Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, mostly from the spin-off Puzzle Bobble but I did not spend too much time with the Taito titles from decades ago. This current iteration published by ININ Games does a great service to fans of those original entries while introducing the series to a new audience, myself and various members of my family included. Although there are some features and additions to the gameplay that are lacking, I am glad that this title and the cooperative nature it promotes is available to enjoy while we adjust to finding entertainment in the comfort of our homes.

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QCF: Duck Game

ucks make everything better, there’s no denying it, cartoons, sound effects, sandwich meat, pets, efficient means disposing of expired bread, there’s no limit to how they can improve our way of life; shit, I mean have you guys seen Fly Away Home? That movie’s amazing!

Anyway, getting back on track, it was only a matter of time before a developer took it upon himself to give us the Duck Game we all deserved; it’s called Duck Game.

While most of you may cynically write it off as another local multiplayer Towerfall clone, I can assure you that it’s one of the best times I’ve had with the Ouya yet, and helps define just why the android console is the best indie sweetheart to go to the dance with.

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PPR Presents Versus-Samurai Gunn VS. Towerfall

e’ve talked about the renaissance of local couch play and its recent comeback thanks in large, to the efforts of passionate independent developers—and one particular pair of games that have raised the bar. Matt Thorson’s Towerfall has breached into new territories on the PS4, and has pushed the bar even further, but Teknopants to the frenetic kill-or-be-killed sensibilities to a whole new level; well, at least that’s what Andrew thinks, because George thinks he’s full of shit.

Welcome to the newest edition of VS, there are no friendships, no feelings, and no mercy—only compelling discourse that will determine a winner or accomplish nothing more than a bunch of entitled white dudes arguing over nebulous horseshit. So here's Andrew to lead things off.

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QCF: Towerfall

ideo Games have the unique ability of making you constantly hate your friends with what should be a fun time making digitized pictures move with one another. The appeal of getting your buds and pals on a couch together, huddled around the glow of a television has always skirted towards the edge of violence and fits of rage that ranged anywhere from thrown controllers to controller unplugging. And you know, the internet makes me miss those days. The days of swearing at Bomberman because Chad pulled a dick move, or sitting back and watching Lisa ruin Mario Party because she somehow took everyone’s stars in one foul dice roll with Bowser are nearly long gone now. The good news is that the indie scene keeps the labor of love that is "couch play" alive.

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GDC 2013: Towerfall brings all the boys to the yard

013 is the year for the local-couch co-op play renaissance. Developers are embracing the personal open forum of pummeling their friends within inches of each other. Matt Thornsen has been developing a title that’s poised to lead the charge out of the pack with his work on Towerfall, a four-player arena fighting game that takes elements from a variable palate of ideas and makes for an indefinable label but potentially excellent slobber knocker. We had the pleasure to hang out and play Matt’s display at the Indie Mixer, and here are our thoughts.

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