Beyond Midgar
Showcasing Final Fantasy VII
Welcome to the latest issue of SUPERJUMP Weekly. As you can see, we're sporting a shiny new coat of paint. We hope you like it! This special issue is visible to all visitors, too. If you enjoy it, make sure to become a member (which is totally free).
In this issue, we anticipate the impending launch of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by delving into Final Fantasy VII, which is arguably the most iconic JRPG of all time. If you're looking forward to Rebirth, consider this your primer!
Oh, and one more thing: we are now working with Carbon Positive Australia to plant a 🌳 for every issue of this newsletter going forward.
IN THIS ISSUE
✍ Story Showcase: Final Fantasy VII
⭐ Author Showcase: Josh Bycer
📡 On the Radar: Europa
📅 This Week on SJP
🛒 Featured SJP Merch
🏆 Backers
FINAL FANTASY VII
STORY SHOWCASE
Rewriting Final Fantasy VII [ Part I + Part II ]
Reimagining one of gaming's most beloved titles
✍ Andrew Johnston
How Final Fantasy VII Nailed the Mini-Game
Mini-games can be boring and tedious, but Final Fantasy VII gets them right
✍ Kristina M.H.
A New Appraisal of Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII isn't done showing us why it's so great
✍ Brandon R. Chinn
What is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII?
Explaining the connection between Crisis Core and Final Fantasy VII
✍ Alex Anyfantis
JOSH BYCER
Josh Bycer is a game design critic with more than a decade of experience analysing video games. He is the author of the "Game Design Deep Dive series" and has interviewed hundreds of game developers.
How Retro Games Have Taken on a New Life
The joys of kaizo and beyond
What is "Dark Side Monetization"?
Delving into dark game design patterns
The Scary Secrets of Horror Design From Silent Hill 4
What an 18-year-old game can teach us about horror design
The Challenge of Preserving the Game Industry
What will it take to preserve video games?
EUROPA
ON THE RADAR
Over the last few years, we've seen the development of games themed entirely around exploration - little to no combat, minimal boundaries, and a giant map through which to journey. Europa is looking like a fine addition to this genre, with a gorgeous world and a few narrative twists to keep it fresh.
In the distant future, terraforming technology has become the last hope for humanity. The android Zee has been sent ahead to Europa, a moon of Jupiter, to see if the satellite is a suitable home for people from the ruins of Earth. Europa is all that it was promised to be - a pristine environment with all the necessities for life. But there are also remnants of some other civilization, including machines that are still active. It's up to Zee to learn the secrets of Europa and decide if it is truly a suitable home.
For any exploration-themed game, the main character's mobility options are always one of the most important mechanics. Zee comes equipped with a jetpack that can trigger several mini-boosts in a row. By timing out those boosts, Zee can perform a range of intricate maneuvers - quick changes in direction, rapid acceleration and ascent, and a graceful glide. Mastering the jetpack is key because Europa is not without its hazards. Skillful maneuvering can keep Zee safe against some of the moon's more dangerous machines while also allowing him to reach new and distant areas.
Europa is scheduled for an April 16th release.
💻 Developed by Helder Pinto, Chozabu (Alex PB), and Novadust Entertainment
✍ Andrew Johnston
THIS WEEK
ON SUPERJUMP
Hidden Gems of Game Design Volume 20
Featuring Psycutlery, Patapon, Fate, and Picayune Dreams
✍ Josh Bycer, Andrew Johnston, Antony Terence, and Lucas Di Quinzio
Alan Wake and the Author
Examining the journey and the darkness
✍ Jacob Self
A Deep Dive Into the World of Splatoon
Exploring the fascinating player-influenced world of Splatoon
✍ Joe Richards
FEATURED
SUPERJUMP MERCH
ZELDA by FAUSTO
BACKERS
THANK YOU 🙏
Thank you to Berke, CT, Cathie, Claire, Emily, Lexi, Nick, Troy, Radha, and Wes for supporting independent, cynicism-free games publishing.
Becoming a SUPERJUMP Backer means:
• 100% of your contribution goes directly to our authors.
• You'll receive a monthly 10% discount code for all purchases at PixelCrib and the SUPERJUMP Merch Store.
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