Mark Smith-Contributor

Editorial Team

Contributor

May, 2023
Creative Writing (BA)
RPG, The Elder Scrolls, Final Fantasy
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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

GTA Best Rewards For 100 percent Completion
Grand Theft Auto: Best Rewards For 100% Completion, Ranked

Grand Theft Auto's 100% completion rewards vary wildly across the series, from San Andreas' Hydra jet and million-dollar prize to GTA 5's elusive UFO.

8-PlayStation-2-Games-That-Were-Technically-Impressive-
8 PlayStation 2 Games That Were Technically Impressive

PS2 games like the Half-Life port, Rogue Galaxy, and Shadow of the Colossus pushed technical limits with physics, smarter AI and massive open worlds."

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Best Video Games That Let You Eat People
7 Best Video Games That Let You Eat People

From the fresh street food of Prototype to Fallout's cannibalism, these games turn eating people into a gameplay loop for power, survival, or chaos.

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Best Sony PlayStation Consoles, Ranked
Best Sony PlayStation Consoles, Ranked

This definitive ranking compares all PlayStation consoles, portable and home, by their technical achievements and cultural influence.

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Best Games Inspired By Norse Mythology, Ranked
12 Best Games Inspired By Norse Mythology, Ranked

From God of War's emotional sagas to Hellblade's psychological horror, these games do Norse mythology justice beyond just axes and Vikings.

Best Open-World Games With Readable In-Game Books
6 Best Open-World Games With Readable In-Game Books

From Skyrim’s 300+ lore books to Minecraft's DIY tomes, these open-world games reward players who take time to read in-game texts.

6-Best-Video-Game-Genres-AAA-Studios-Don't-Make-Like-They-Used-To
6 Best Video Game Genres AAA Studios Don't Make Like They Used To

From Guitar Hero's plastic instruments to Metal Slug's run-and-gun chaos, these mostly-abandoned video game genres once ruled arcades and consoles.

Best Healing Items In Undertale, Ranked
7 Best Healing Items In Undertale, Ranked

From Toriel's wholesome Butterscotch Pie to Spider Donuts, these are Undertale's most powerful recovery items and their best uses.

Most Evil Gods In Video Games
7 Most Evil Gods In Video Games, Ranked

From Dark Souls' Gwyn to Blasphemous' High Wills, these video game gods weaponize faith to enforce suffering and control.

Best Games About Revolution, Ranked
7 Best Games About Revolution, Ranked

From Fable 3 to Watch Dogs: Legion, these games let players lead revolutions, fight tyranny, and reshape history.

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Best Sewer Levels In Video Games, Ranked
8 Best Sewer Levels In Video Games, Ranked

From Batman: Arkham Asylum to Dark Souls, these sewer levels prove even the grimiest settings can make gaming history.

ardenfall details to excite elder scrolls fans
7 Details About Ardenfall That Should Excite Elder Scrolls Fans

Ardenfall is an upcoming, Morrowind-inspired RPG with player choices, exotic landscapes, and immersive world-building that TES fans should know about.

Best Games to Play Chaotic Evil
8 Best Games to Play Chaotic Evil

From Tyranny’s dark empire to GTA 5’s Trevor-fueled chaos, these games let players embrace villainy, betrayal, and unhinged destruction.

Most Toxic Relationships In Video Games-1
7 Most Toxic Relationships In Video Games

From GTA to MGS, these video games explore toxic relationships, from betrayals to manipulation, revealing the potential dark sides of love and family.

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Best Dark Fantasy Games On The PS1
8 Best Dark Fantasy Games On The PS1

From Castlevania to Legacy of Kain, these PS1 classics defined dark fantasy with eerie worlds, mature stories, and twisted gameplay.

PS1 Games That Were Technically Impressive
8 PS1 Games That Were Technically Impressive

From Spyro’s extra draw distance to Metal Gear Solid’s cinematic mastery, these PS1 games pushed the console to its limits with groundbreaking tech.

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Best Fantasy Games That Take Place In A City
7 Best Fantasy Games That Take Place In A Large City

From Dishonored’s Dunwall to Jak 2’s Haven City, these fantasy games immerse players in magical urban areas filled with culture, intrigue, and danger.

Things An Oblivion Remake Can Learn From Skyrim
7 Things An Oblivion Remake Can Learn From Skyrim

An Oblivion remake can learn from Skyrim with its deeper factions, more vibrant visuals, complex magic, and lively NPCs.

The Elder Scrolls Games With The Best Music, Ranked
The Elder Scrolls Games With The Best Music, Ranked

From Morrowind’s powerful melodies to Skyrim’s epic chants, the Elder Scrolls soundtracks define Tamriel’s soul, and these games have the best music.

Assassin's Creed Games With The Best Music
Assassin's Creed Games With The Best Music

The iconic soundtracks of Assassin’s Creed, from AC2's Ezio's Family to Black Flag's sea shanties, are responsible for some of gaming's best music.