What video game features would improve your everyday life?

I’m at odds with myself. On the one hand, I would really like to own a grappling hook. Video games have shown me the immense enjoyment of this item. Characters like Batman, Link, Scorpio and even Sackboy all look like they are having the best of times bounding across the landscape using their hand-held winch. I can’t be the only gamer to have contemplated our normal lives made better with this contraption. The simple acts of crossing the road or travelling to work would be so much more entertaining.

On the other hand… the grown-up, rational side of my brain is quick to point out that owning a grappling hook in real life would not produce the results I’m expecting. If I wasn’t slamming into the sides of buildings I’d be popping my shoulder out of its socket at a hundred miles an hour. It would only be a matter of time before I accidentally grappling-hooked the side of a speeding car as I tried to crossed the road, or knocked out a passer-by with a poorly judged shot. Sure, that grown-up side isn’t very fun, but it’s keeping me from causing mischief and harm.

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D’You Dig Double-Jumps?

Now there’s a blog title I can be proud of for a long time. In my ongoing battle against the pile of games labelled “Want To Play” play sat upon various shelves and inside hard drives, I wandered into the side-scolling Mexican playground that is Guacamelee! One of the many aspects of the game I enjoyed were the the power-ups (special wrestling moves) which can be used in combat and in the platforming sections.

Early on in the game, you unlock the ‘Rooster Uppercut’, which allows your character to punch into the air, flaming fist first. Jump before using the attack, and Juan the Luchador will leap twice as high into the air, allowing you to reach higher platforms. Or groin-punch unsuspecting flying opponents.

“That is an interesting way to bring the classic double-jump into the game”, I thought to myself.

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