Saturday, February 24, 2024

15 Spooky video game urban legends

Some gamers have the most wicked of imaginations. Whether they're lost video games, monstrous hidden enemies or lethal (and hopefully not real) curses, here are 15 video game urban legends sure to send a chill up your spine. Warning: This list has some potential nightmare fuel in it. Viewers discretion is advised.

#15: Morrowind: JVK1166z.esp

She's after you!

This story details a creepy mod for the popular game Morrowind. In this mod corpses litter the ground, the sky looks like the real world's night sky and a shadowy figure stalks you all throughout the game. Some players have reported this figure stalking them in their own lives after they played for too long.

#14: Misfortune.GB

And there goes your ability to sleep tonight!

This is a mysterious Gameboy game where you play a boy whose trapped within a dark maze being pursued by a demonic entity. Allegedly those who played it suffered from various side effects. Some reported depression, while others believed that viewing the image of the evil character on the game over screen would entail misfortune.

#13: Minecraft: Herobrine

You think he knows Slenderman?

Supposedly the popular game Minecraft is haunted by the ghost of Notch's brother. This ghost takes the form of the player character sans pupils and would cause trouble for any players unfortunate enough to encounter him.

#12: The Madden Curse

Best pray for this poor unfortunate soul!

The legend goes that any NFL start that shows up on the cover of a Madden NFL game will suffer either an injury or poor performance on the field. This rumor started when Garrison Hearst, who appeared on the 99 edition, broke his ankle in the Gergia Dome and since then several players who also appeared on the covers had worse performances in later years.

#11: Grand Theft Auto: Ratman

This is why I never go to the subways!

One of the most well-known rumors tied to this game series is Ratman, a half-man half-rat hybrid said to inhabit the subways of GTA 3, 4 and 5. He is said to run very quick and likes to stay out of sight.

#10: Webkinz killer

Today your virtual pets. Tomorrow YOU!!!

According to various rumors, there is a murderous individual roaming the land of this kid's game, just waiting for the chance to put your beloved pet in the ground. Depending on the legend you read, the killer is Doctor Quack, Mrs. Birdy, an entirely new character or even a Neopet.

#9: Mr. Mix

He's looking at you pal!

Allegedly this is an edutainment game that was released in the 80s. The goal of it was to type in words to have a chef mix things in a bowl while eerie noises played in the background. The game was impossible to beat normally, but the story goes that a group of hackers tried to hack the game to do just that.

#8: Luigi's Mansion: Luigi's death

Gee that's not dark at all...

This theory proposes that Luigi is dead during the game. This theory came about because at one point in the game when E Gadd calls you, Luigi's shadow appears to be hanging from a noose.

#7: Fallout 3: Numbers station

This is one radio station you shouldn't tune into!

Supposedly in Fallout 3 there is a number station that's said to predict the future. Some of the events predicted by this number station include the death of Gary Coleman and the BP oil spill.

#6: Majora's Mask: Haunted Cartridge

Just when you thought the moon was the scariest thing this game had to offer.

Allegedly one unlucky individual found a cartridge of Majora's Mask that was haunted by the ghost of a kid named Ben who drowned in a lake. The individual taped some of the things he found on the cartridge and what he recorded is eerie to say the least.

#5: Super Mario 64: Wario Apparition

Quick! Use the Joestar Family Technique!

Among the many odd anomalies alleged to appear in certain copies of Super Mario 64, this is possibly the most well-known and scariest. It is an entity shaped like a giant Wario head that's said to appear in the entrance to Dire Dire Docks and chase Mario down the hallway. It's also said to induce stroke like symptoms to any players unfortunate enough to encounter it.

#4: Pokemon: Lavender Town Syndrome

May Arceus help you help...

Allegedly the original Japanese version of the Lavender Town theme had extra notes that only kids could hear. Legend says that kids who listened to this original version were driven to madness. Some of them even developed suicidal thoughts.

#3: Pale Luna

Advice: Go play I-Mockery's Select your Destiny games instead!

Allegedly this is a text-based adventure about a guy going through a forest looking for something. When beaten it showed a bunch of random numbers that when deciphered led players to the corpse of a little girl.

#2: Polybius

Keep your quarters far away from this game!

Supposedly there is a game in the 1980s made by the US government. Those who played it suffered various psychological effects, including nightmares, adversity towards video games and suicidal thoughts.

#1: Curse of Evil Otto

He's coming for you!

It is said that anyone who gets a high score on a Berzerk arcade cabinet will die shortly after. This legend started in 1982 after an unfortunate player died from a heart attack after playing the game.

Even if these are all just urban legends, it kinda makes you think, doesn't it. If you know of some eerie gaming myths that you thought should've been included, be sure to leave your suggestions in the comments section. Thanks for reading and be sure you lock your doors and windows tonight. You'll thank me when Herobrine comes for you.

Sources

Sunday, December 25, 2022

My joke Christmas Wishlist

 It ain't your average wishlist, I can tell you that! In honor of both Christmas and this blog's continues existence (even though the uploads have slowed down a little), here is a Christmas wishlist consisting of some rather odd things. 

#30: The end of global warming

Seriously, %$^# global warning!

#29: A lifetime supply of McDonald's fries

If you're wondering why this is on the list, you obviously never tried them yourself!

#28: The ability to teleport

I wouldn't need a car if I could instantly go anywhere in the world!

#27: A reboot of Catscratch

Or at the very least, this show to rerun occasionally on Nicktoons. Seriously Nick, this series was hilarious! Also stop cancelling shows within 1-2 seasons or people will give up making shows for you!

#26: Bear trap cup

Anybody who tries to kick my balls will get a real nasty surprise!

#25: Baloney

A HA HA HA HA! Ok I was never the most creative type.

#24: Nuclear weaponry

BOOM SHOCKA LOCKA!!!

#23: Gold necklace with a diamond attached

I deserve some bling, Ya'll!

#22: Contact to alien life

Preferably the type of alien life that has no interest in wiping us out.

#21: Gills

I love swimming!

#20: A time machine

So I can go back in time and prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from happening!

#19: Some more reanimated collabs

I already have some ideas.

#18: Telekinesis

Even if I get the bargain bin version that can only move small objects, that would be infinitely useful!

#17: A lifetime supply of Pizza Hut Pizza

I'm especially gonna love this!

#16: The extinction of poachers

Seriously, what are they good for?!

#15: A dollar

Or better yet, a million dollars!

#14: A Ouija board

Preferably with some instructions on avoiding evil spirits when I talk to my deceased relatives.

#13: The ability to make any taste happen in my mouth

It's not very useful, but it will make me happy. 

#12: Nintendo to loosen up on their copyright protection

Seriously Nintendo, one of these days the extreme lengths you go to protect your intellectual properties is going to bite you in the ass if you keep it up!

#11: A big pouch on my stomach

If I had that I wouldn't need pockets on my clothes!

#10: A lifetime supply of Reese's peanut butter cups

A have quite the sweet tooth!

#9: A knight's sword

This would probably be better thief deterrent than a guard dog.

#8: Controllable intangibility

I wouldn't have to fear locking myself out of the house if I had this!

#7: A good luck charm that works

Do I have to explain this one?

#6: A giant robot

For those pesky giant monster attacks!

#5: A long prehensile tail

I could find some uses for that.

#4: Lotsa spaghetti!

Luigi be very proud!

#3: A personal visit with Santa Clause

It would be a childhood dream!

#2: World Peace

As well as Russia to quit invading Ukraine!

#1: You all to keep watching

I wouldn't be anywhere without you beautiful people!

Thanks for viewing and sticking with me for so long, even if it meant being really patient. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! 

Monday, October 31, 2022

15 Freaky af game over sequences in video games

 Some games will make you dread getting a game over. Whether they laugh evilly at you, involve the playable character undergoing a horrible fate or straight up show the world coming to an end, here are 15 absolutely terrifying game over screens in video games. Warning: This list contains some gruesome, sometimes bloody scenes. Viewer's discretion is advised.

#15: Sonic CD (US)


Get a game over in the Japanese version of this game and you'll get an upbeat song. Get a game over in the US version, however, and you'll hear psychotic violin music and absolutely terrifying laughter.

#14: Final Fight series

Holy Ganster execution method, Batman!

Depending on the game you play, losing all your lives will result in your character of choice being tied up and either put in front of a lit bomb, placed in a room that's slowly flooding or located underneath a massive crusher with spikes on it.

#13: Conker's Bad Fur Day

You know a fate is horrific when even this game can't show it!

This game has multiple game over sequences: Depending on how you die, either Conker will be used to replace the missing table leg on one of the Panther King's tables, Conker's dismembered and bloody remains will be presented to the Panther King in a burlap sack or Conker's fate will be left unknown as the game closes in on a milk carton that says he's missing.

#12: Plants Vs Zombies

What you get for not bringing guns to a zombie apocalypse!

Should a zombie make it into the house, you'll hear the owner scream in fear and/or pain and get the message "The zombies at you brain!" The second game ups the ante by showing a brain on a plate with a huge bite taken out of it.

#11: Donkey Kong Country Series

That's gonna leave some marks!

Depending which game you play, losing to the Kremlins will net you an image of Donkey and Diddy in a dark room covered in bruises, Diddy and Dixie locked in a cell or Dixie and Kiddy trapped in a baby crib.

#10: Mortal Kombat 4

Three guesses on what happens if you don't hit continue...

Get killed during the MK Tournament and you'll witness your chosen character flailing helplessly as they plumet down a massive hole with large, sharp spikes at the bottom.

#9: Tecmo Knight

Somebody's hungry!

Lose all your lives in this arcade game and you'll witness your character in the jaws of a massive beast. If you don't put in any quarters your character's strength will fail and he'll be swallowed whole.

#8: Hong Kong 97

Should've got Bruce Lee to handle this invasion!

Die to the #&$*ing ugly reds invading Hong Kong and the last thing you see before the game ends is a bloody corpse lying on the ground accompanied by the phrase "Chin is dead!" While Nexpo found out the image is actually taken from a documentary and the body is most likely fake, it's still an unsettling image to end a game on.

#7: System Shock

It could be worse: He could be forced to watch Onision videos while he's in there!

Die at the hands of Shodan and the hacker will find himself being loaded into one of her machines, turning him into an unwilling pawn.

#6: Robinson's Requiem

"Go explore alien planets" they said. "You'll love it" they said. I would've preferred Great Wolf Lodge!

Succumb to the hostile alien planet and you'll witness Treplieve1's horrified face surrounded by skulls and fire, as if he wound up in Hell. On rare occasions Trepievel1's face will turn into a skull itself.

#5: Donkey Kong 64

This goes way beyond stealing DK's banana horde!

The original Donkey Kong Country games may've had some creepy game over screens, but this one is next level. Fail to stop King K. Rool's latest evil plan and you'll witness the reptilian tyrant laugh maniacally as he prepares to blow DK Island up with a powerful laser.

#4: Ninja Gaiden arcade

Even ninja's have their off days!

Lose all your lives in this notoriously hard game and you'll see Ryu Hyabusha strapped to a table, looking on in sheer terror as a giant sawblade slowly descends towards him. Even more disturbing, there are several demonic faces watching him meet his doom.

#3: Luigi's Mansion 3

Welcome to the trapped Nintendo character museum!

Succumb to the ghosts in this game and you'll witness Luigi and all his friends being trapped within paintings while King Boo admires his new gallery. As if that wasn't bad enough, he'll turn to the screen right before the sequence ends, almost like he's intending to attack the player next.

#2: Soma



Get caught by the monsters in this game and you'll be hit by a barrage of horrifying images, including what looks like a red robotic eye and a man with black sludge coming out of his eyes and mouth.

#1: Majora's Mask

Why didn't Ganon ever think of this?

Fail to stop the titular mask's evil plan and you'll witness the moon fall onto Termina, causing a massive shockwave that destroys everything in its path. The last part of the sequence shows Link looking at the destruction before he too is wiped out.

Those are some ways to make you regret failing to beat a game. If you can think of some horrific game overs I might've missed, feel free to leave some suggestions. Thanks for reading and have yet another happy Halloween.

Sources

Thursday, June 9, 2022

15 Really cool multitools

 What's better than a tool that can do one thing? A tool that can do nearly everything. Whether they can fit in your wallet, have some unique features to them or can double as deadly weapons, here are 15 multitool worth checking out. 

#15: SOG Popgrip

It's more versatile than the average phone grip!

In addition to letting you better hold your phone, this grip holds a little tool that that has a bottle opener, a sharp blade, 2 small hex bits and a mini pry bar.

#14: PenUltimate 7-in-1 pen

It does way more than write!

This pen has a stylus, philips and flathead screwdrivers, a ruler and a spirit level all built into its aluminum frame. It can clip onto your shirt so its always at hand.

#13: Victorinox Swiss Card Lite

It's the Swiss Army knife of credit cards!

This item contains many of the tools you'd find on a Swiss Army knife, but it takes the form of a card that can easily fit in your wallet.

#12: Leatherman Free T4

Finally, a Swiss Army knife for people with one hand!

While this may seem like just another Swiss Army knife at first, this knife has notches on both sides that let you open and close the tools one handed.

#11: Wallet Ninja

Hey look, another handy tool that fits in your wallet!

This credit card sized piece of steel has 18 tools built into it. These tools include multiple screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a can opener, a ruler and a phone stand (provided you put a credit card through the long, thin hole) just to name a few.

#10: Kniper Lifesaver

It's a handy tool, a lethal effective weapon and smokers assistant all rolled into one!

This sharp dagger comes with a some of the usual multitool functions like wrench holes, screwdrivers, a bottle opener and a saw edge. What's makes it unique, however, is that you can smoke out of it during your breaks.

#9: Snowflake

Ho ho ho what a handy little tool!

This snowflake-shaped tool comes equipped with 18 tools including screwdrivers, wrenches and bottle openers. When you're not using it for work it makes a good fidget spinner or Christmas tree ornament. It also has a keyring hole for easy transportation and weighs hardly nothing.

#8: Kiltn 10-in-1 Tactile Pen

It's a heck of a lot more than just a pen!

This solidly built pen has a variety of interchangeable tools, including a double headed screwdriver, a flashlight, a whistle and a glass breaker. It also comes with a case to hold all the bits.

#7: MyTask Phone Cases

For the tool man who can't stay away from their smartphones!

Made by the same people who brought us the TaskOne, this phone case has a sliding tray that holds the tools you need. There are currently 3 versions: Bike, which has various tools for handyman work, Urban, which comes with tools for urban life, and Stash, which is just the case itself that you can add your own items to.

#6: Rovertac Multitool Axe

With this tool you can pound and decapitate a nail!

Not only does this item come with many of the tools you'd expect a pliers multitool to have, but it also has a hammer head and axe blade built into the pliers part for even greater versatility.

#5: Leatherman Raptor

It does way more than cut paper!

This pair of collapsible scissors comes equipped with ring and strap cutters, a small ruler, a wrench for oxygen tanks and a glass breaker. This tool was designed EMTs, rescue workers, and medical professionals.

#4: Kelvin 23 Urban Multi Tool

Thank goodness for Kelvin!

This compact tool comes equipped with a magnetic screwdriver with multiple bits, a tape measurer, a flashlight, a spirit level and a hammer (the little coin thing at the back).

#3: Leatherman Tread

Handy and fashionable! Always a good combo!

This multitool is made of various metal links, each containing 2 to 3 different tools(up to 25 per complete band!) and connected in a way that the unit forms a bracelet. It has numerous hex keys and screwdrivers built into it and can even be used as a watch band.

#2: Crovel Extreme 3

That's one handy dandy shovel!

The spade of this shovel includes a built-in saw edge and bottle opener, the other end holds a crowbar/hammer combo. In addition, the handle is hollow for storing stuff and comes wrapped in 15 feet of paracord that can be unwrapped as you need it.

#1: Lil Trucker

This baby will prepare you for the zombie apocalypse!

This sweet little axe has several nifty tools built into it, including a hammer, pry bar, several wrench holes and a folding saw just to name a few.

As it turns out, multitools can go far beyond the usual Swiss Army Knives and pliers with tons of different tools built into them. Honorable mentions include the SwissPen X-1 Multipen (both PenUltimate and Kiltn offered more tools), the Wenger Giant (it's far too big and complicated to be practical), the TaskOne iPhone case and the OKO Odyssey water bottle (I talked about both in past lists). I'll see you later. Thanks for viewing and I hope I let your eye to some useful tools.

Sources

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

20 Unique video game controllers

 Sometimes the standard joypad and 4 buttons just ain't enough. Whether they're shaped weirdly, have weird inputs made specifically for certain games or don't resemble controllers at all, here are 20 video game controllers that stand out from the crowd. Note: this list is about handheld and tabletop controllers, so other video game accessories will be discussed some other time.

#20: Nintendo Wii Remote

Wii would like to play!

This remote-shaped controller has motion sensing capabilities, so you can play games using motion control as well as the included buttons. The top of the controller can also act like a mouse for game menus and other apps. As if that wasn't enough, the Wiimote also comes with a bottom port that you can plug a variety of different accessories into.

#19: Dreamcast Controller

Because 2 screens are better than one!

What makes this controller unique is the Visual Memory Unit it houses. This VMU can function as a memory card, file manager and a second screen for certain games.

#18: Virtual Boy Controller

I'm surprised this never caught on. #sarcasm

Well, it's kinda unique, that's for sure.
This controller has 2 d-pads on both sides and some buttons on the bottom. It also holds the battery pack of the Virtual Boy itself.

#17: Steam Controller

We humans really like combining things, don't we?

Made by Valve for use with Steam games, this controller replaces the usual joysticks with 2 circular trackpads for finer movement and compatibility with mouse programs.

#16: Namco NeGcon


What a twist!

Made for the Playstation 1 and 2, this controller comes with a swivel joint in the center so the 2 halves of the controller can be twisted back and forth. Not only that, but it also has "I" and "II" buttons for analog control.

#15: Intellivison and Colecovision Controllers

Did the makers of these things think they were making phones?

I lumped these 2 together because they're pretty similar. Instead of the face buttons we see on controllers today, these controllers come equipped with number pads plus a few buttons on the sides. The Intellivision controller goes a bit further by having a strange disc for movement instead of a joystick.

#14: V-Smile joystick

Finally, a controller for left-handed people!

In addition to working like an arcade controller, the joystick can be rotated to the left or right side of the buttons to support left or right-handed gamers. Some versions also replace the really big button with a touchscreen and stylus.

#13: Thrustmaster E-Swap X Pro Controller 

It's the Lego set of video game controllers!

The control modules can be moved around the front of the controller to fit your needs. In addition, this controller also includes locking shoulder buttons and 4 buttons at the bottom for remapping.

#12: Wii U Gamepad

Not sponsored by Apple or Google.

Alongside the usual controls, this gamepad comes with a huge touchscreen in the middle which functions differently depending on what game you play. Some games and programs can even be played on the gamepad itself, even if the tv isn't on!

#11: Demon Destroyer Gunn

Demons beware!

While it looks like a light gun, it instead functions like a traditional controller. It has a keyboard key like control stick on the back and 2 buttons, the trigger and a little red button on the handle.

#10: Resident Evil Chainsaw Controller

Hell yeah!

True to its name, this is a GameCube or PS2 controller shaped like a big, bloody chainsaw.

#9: SpaceOrb 360 Controller

This has more directions than a Tack Shooter!

Instead of a control stick or d-pad, this controller has a big ball on the side that allows for 360 degree movements.

#8: Nintendo 64 Racing Controller

Just when you thought the N64's default controller was odd!

This controller ditches the d-pad and controller of the traditional controller for a little steering wheel for racing games,

#7: ASCII Keyboard Controller

It still beats typing with the controller and onscreen keyboard!

It's a GameCube controller with a huge keyboard in the middle. Honestly there isn't much more I can say about this one.

#6: Fairchild Channel F Controller

In all fairness this was before the standard controller setup we use today.

This vertical controller has joystick at the top that you can move side to side, push up and down or twist like a paddle controller. In addition, some controllers had buttons on the side for additional action.

#5: Steel Battalion Controller

Battle stations!

Befitting the game this was designed for, this controller resembles the control board of a war machine, like a tank or a giant robot. It has 2 joy sticks, some switches and knobs, a whole bunch of buttons and 3 foot pedals for good measure.

#4: NES U-Force

Nintendo was experimenting with motion control even before the Wii.Steel Battalionjdafar

Instead of a d-pad and buttons, this desk mounted controller uses infrared sensors so you can play your games with just your hands. In addition, it also has a flight stick for flying games.

#3: Xbox Adaptive Controller

Talk about modular!

On its own this controller has only a d-pad and a few buttons. What makes it different, however, is that you can plug a whole variety of different accessories into it, essentially letting make your own controller however you like it.

#2: PC AlphaGrip AG-5

It's a controller, mouse and keyboard all rolled into one!

This controller can be used for both games and computer functions. It has a bunch of keyboard keys on both the front and back, plus a little trackball for movement of a character or mouse.

#1: Magnavox Odyssey controller

What we have here is the ancient ancestor of today's controllers!

This controller looks nothing like today's controllers. It is square shaped, is controlled with 3 knobs on the sides instead of control pads or d-pads and has a reset button on the top.

Some controllers just like to stand out, don't they? Some controllers that didn't make the list include the Intellivision Amico Controller (As of the time of writing this that console isn't out), the Nintendo Switch Joy Cons (I decided to put the unit as a whole onto an upcoming unique console list), the Slime Controller (besides it's weird shape it's just a standard controller) and Ben Heck's Access Controller (that was made by a hacker and isn't commercially available). I'll see you later. Thank for viewing and game on my comrades!

Sources