Niko Balkaran-Contributor

Staff Writer

Contributor

August, 2023
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism
PS5, Destiny 2, Pokemon
  • 97
    articles
  • 97
    News

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About Niko Balkaran

Niko Balkaran is a freelance writer from the USA who currently contributes to the news section of The Best War Games. He has always been interested in covering video games and the entertainment industry and was inspired by Superman and Lois Lane to join the ranks. Niko has experience writing long and short-form features, reviews, and news. He also has written and produced audio and video broadcast pieces that were reported on air.  

Niko is an avid Destiny 2 player, having over 1900 hours in the game. He is drawn to this franchise because he loves Bungie's worldbuilding and storytelling. He has also yet to find another FPS game where shooting guns feels so good. His other video game franchise of choice is Pokemon. Some of his fondest memories include spending hours training his Pokemon to take on Winona in Pokemon Emerald and hunting for Suicune in Pokemon Crystal.

Favorite Games

Niko tends to try a variety of games across genres and platforms. Some of his recent favorites include Destiny 2, Hades, Final Fantasy 16, Diablo 4, Persona 5, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Tales of Arise, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Baldur's Gate 3, and Bloodborne.

Favorite Console

Niko's favorite console is the Game Boy Advance SP—specifically, the Groudon Red edition. Niko spent many nights avoiding his homework and studying for various exams as he explored the expansive worlds in Pokemon Emerald, Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Golden Sun, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. 

Proudest Gaming Achievement

Over the years, Niko has racked up several gaming achievements that he is proud of. However, none comes close to one of his very first, which involves defeating Whitney's Miltank in Pokemon Crystal. After progressing through the game easily, for the most part, using correct typing, Niko encountered that behemoth of a Pokemon that required several batteries to conquer. 

Latest

Fallout 4 Character and Destiny 2 Last City
Fallout 4 Fan Turns Their Destiny 2 Character Into Preston Garvey To Help More Settlements

A gamer turns their Warlock from Destiny 2 into Preston Garvey, a companion and member of the Commonwealth Minutemen from Bethesda’s Fallout 4.

Tears of the Kingdom Logo and Godzilla
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Video Shows Godzilla Rampaging Across Hyrule

Lurelin Village takes on a Zonai Godzilla in a short Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom fan video complete with music and sound effects.

Ocarina of Time and Studio Ghibli
Talented Fan Creates Ocarina of Time Film with Studio Ghibli Visuals

A talented fan creates a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time film with visuals inspired by Studio Ghibli for the game’s 25th anniversary.

Destiny 2 Guardians and Allies
Destiny 2 to Balance Ability Energy in Season 23

Bungie is changing how ability energy is refunded to create a more balanced experience for Destiny 2 players in Season of the Wish and beyond.

Pokemon Vileplume
Pokemon Fan Shows Off Amazing Handcarved Sculptures

A creative fan is evoking feelings of nostalgia by showcasing several beautiful Generation I Pokemon hand carvings made out of wood.

Diablo 4 Lilith
Diablo 4 Players Will Be Able to Earn Increased XP and Gold for a Limited Time

During Thanksgiving week, Diablo 4 players can earn significantly more experience and gold thanks to the return of a fan-favorite event.

Elden Ring Destiny 2 Guardian
Destiny 2 Player Turns Their Guardian Into Mohg From Elden Ring

One creative Destiny 2 player turns their Warlock into Mohg, the Lord of Blood, an optional but challenging boss from Elden Ring.

Destiny 2 The Final Shape Guardians
Destiny 2 Players Are Refunding The Final Shape Preorders

After the recent revelations about Bungie, Destiny 2 players are canceling their preorders of the Final Shape expansion in protest.

Destiny 2 guardian crafting weapon
Bungie Locks D2's First True All-Black Shader Behind a Memento

With the arrival of the seasonal Festival of the Lost, players in Destiny 2 can obtain a new all-black shader, but there’s a catch.