Fran Ruiz, Author at The Escapist

Opinion

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Is the Perfect Companion to The Last Jedi

This article contains spoilers for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. “The greatest teacher, failure is.” Yoda’s final ...

By Fran RuizMarch 28, 2023

Predecessor moba good early access eventually free to play game from Omeda Studios, better alternative than Dota 2 Smite Paragon

Opinion

Predecessor Is Everything I Love About MOBAs Without the Parts I’m Too Old For

Like many players before and after me, I’ve long had a love-hate relationship with MOBA games. Even before they became a thing, I ...

By Fran RuizMarch 25, 2023

AVP vs. Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction RTS real-time strategy game PS2 Xbox Zono EA retro review

Opinion

Aliens vs. Predator Was Once an Extremely Okay Strategy Game

I keep coming back to obscure video game releases of the 2000s because there truly was an unhinged “let’s try this and see ...

By Fran RuizMarch 14, 2023

Star Wars: Racer Revenge great sequel like Burnout that no one played on PS2 from Rainbow Studios, needs a Criterion podracer reboot

Opinion

Star Wars: Racer Revenge Is the Racer Sequel for Burnout Lovers You Haven’t Played

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones was an even bigger Star Wars cross-media phenomenon than The Phantom Menace, at least when it came ...

By Fran RuizFebruary 28, 2023

Tango Gameworks Hi-Fi Rush is a success for many reasons: One of them is it makes the revolution joyful and recognizes a corporate dystopia may not be gray but actually stupidly colorful.

Opinion

Hi-Fi Rush’s Biggest Success Is Making the Revolution Joyful

This article contains spoilers for Hi-Fi Rush in its discussion of joyful revolution and colorful dystopia. There’s been a lot of talk regarding ...

By Fran RuizFebruary 26, 2023

Dino Crisis is a Capcom forgotten PS1 survival horror classic, and it deserves a remake.

Opinion

Dino Crisis Deserves the Remake Treatment Now More Than Ever

My immediate thoughts after beating EA Motive’s excellent Dead Space remake were directed at Capcom, the publisher that has been regularly knocking it ...

By Fran RuizFebruary 25, 2023

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet indulge in anime plotting structure to terrific effect, and the game franchise should continue that for the plot.

Opinion

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Show the Series Should Embrace Anime Plotting

This article contains spoilers for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in its discussion of series plot conventions and anime plotting. I’m not the biggest ...

By Fran RuizFebruary 24, 2023

Boneraiser Minions preview early access caiys great formula retro gameplay depth builds strategy different from Vampire Survivors

Opinion

Amid All the Vampire Survivors Clones, Boneraiser Minions Is Trying Something Different

It’s hard to deny Vampire Survivors was 2022’s sleeper hit and the perfect refresher for indie roguelites to rethink what they could achieve ...

By Fran RuizFebruary 2, 2023

Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles is the zany crazy ridiculous LucasArts action adventure game you should play on PS1 or Dreamcast before Jedi: Survivor

Opinion

Jedi Power Battles Is the Dumbest Star Wars Game That’s Totally Worth Playing

I have a soft spot for long-forgotten video games. It’s in my DNA. As much as I like to stay on top of ...

By Fran RuizJanuary 28, 2023