Staff Writer
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About Mark Smith
Mark has been thinking and writing about games since a Gameboy Pocket and a copy of Link's Awakening was first placed into his tender, seven-year-old hands.
Since then, he snagged a creative writing (BA) degree, roleplayed as a banker, an English teacher, and finally, a games writer – all while pursuing his true passion: inhabiting and creating virtual worlds.
As well as writing about, reading about, thinking about, talking about, dreaming about, and generally fantasizing about video games, Mark also dabbles with game development.
Proudest Gaming Achievement
I make my own video games (achievement unlocked!), which you can check out (and play for free) here:
https://markgsmith.itch.io/
Favorite Games
Mark's favorite game worlds are found in titles such as the Elder Scrolls, Metal Gear Solid, Jak and Daxter, and Guild Wars.
Favorite Console
The PS2 had all the bangers, but who can deny the divine right of PC gaming?
Latest
The Legend Of Zelda: Best 3D Games, Ranked
Every 3D Zelda game ranked, from Ocarina to Tears of the Kingdom, based on their lore, innovations, gameplay, and emotional impact.
Final Fantasy: 7 Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time
From fluid roles to killing grind, these Final Fantasy games introduced bold ideas that wouldn’t catch on until years later, changing RPGs forever.
Final Fantasy: 7 Games With The Best Limit Break Systems, Ranked
Here’s how the best Limit Break systems across Final Fantasy history stack up, ranked by style, impact, and sheer coolness factor.
The Legend Of Zelda: Best 2D Games, Ranked
From pixel-perfect classics like Minish Cap to hybrids like A Link Between Worlds, the top-down Zelda games prove the 2D formula still has the magic.
8 Biggest Retcons In Video Games, Ranked
From Resident Evil to Metal Gear Solid, these major video game retcons changed characters, timelines, and entire franchises forever.
Assassin's Creed: Scariest Locations In The Games, Ranked
From Syndicate's madhouse of horrors to Odyssey's claustrophobic caves, these Assassin’s Creed locations bring serious terror to the series.
8 Physically Strongest Tough Guys in Video Game Ever, Ranked
These guys punch gods through planets, toss tanks like toys, and redefine the term "overpowered," without picking up a weapon or stepping into armor.
8 Physically Strongest Video Game Characters Ever, Ranked
Gods, viruses, and vengeful mortals in a rage, these video game titans are the strongest ever, ranked by their absurd, physics-defying feats of power.
6 Best Open-World Games Where NPCs Remember Your Actions, Ranked
In open-world games like Metal Gear Solid 5 and Minecraft, NPCs retain memories of the player's actions, leading to evolving and dynamic gameplay.
7 Best Open-World Games That Focus On Making Money, Ranked
From X4: Foundations to Grand Theft Auto, these open-world games reward players who grind cash, build empires, and dominate the economy.
Guild Wars: Every New Feature From The 20th Anniversary Update, Explained
Here's all the info on Guild Wars' 20th Anniversary Update adds build-changing gear, quests, rare minipets, exclusive weapons, and festival rewards.
7 Bleakest Areas In The Legend of Zelda Games, Ranked
From Majora's Mask's Music Box House to Wind Waker's drowned Hyrule, these are Zelda's most hauntingly bleak locations.
7 Open-World Games That Could Have Used The Nemesis System
The Nemesis System could have revolutionized Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and Red Dead Redemption 2, but sadly, WB's patent kept it under wraps.
5 Forgotten Open-World Features That Deserve A Comeback
These forgotten open-world mechanics, from Shadow of the Colossus’ minimalism to MGS5’s adaptive AI, are begging for a modern revival.
6 Best Open World Games That Don't Hold Your Hand, Ranked
These open-world games refuse to guide you, as getting lost is the point. From STALKER to Morrowind, they reward the bold and punish the careless.
6 Best Open-World Games With Secret Fast Travel Options
From Skyrim's secret ferries to Minecraft's ender pearl stasis chambers, these secret open-world fast travel options save players hours of time.
6 Best Open-World Games Where NPCs Notice Your Achievements
From Kingdom Come's peasants bowing down in respect to Fallout's enemies running in fear, these games have NPCs that acknowledge the player's powers.
7 Best Video Game Rewards For 100% Completion, Ranked
These legendary rewards, from Spyro's revenge to Super Mario Galaxy's secret playable character, are the ultimate prizes for the most dedicated.
7 Best Games Inspired By Mexican Culture, Ranked
From Guacamelee's luchador Metroidvania to Grim Fandango's Aztec afterlife adventures, these games celebrate Mexico's culture beyond the stereotypes.
Grand Theft Auto: The Fates Of Every Mainline Antagonist
GTA's most brutal villains from San Andreas, Vice City, and GTA5, meet fitting ends after betrayal, power plays, and underestimating the wrong people.