Best Tributes In Video Games

Video game homages often take shape as nods to cherished players or acknowledgements of other games, including rival titles. Regardless, such gestures are consistently touching to see. Let’s explore some outstanding examples of in-game tributes:

1. A tribute to Pac-Man in Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary: To celebrate the quarter-century milestone of Pac-Man, Nintendo included a special level in Super Mario Bros. that was an exact replica of the classic maze from Pac-Man. Players even controlled Mario as Pac-Man, complete with the iconic power pellet effect!

2. The ‘Stanley Parable’ Easter egg in Half-Life 2: In a hidden room within Half-Life 2, developer Valve hid an homage to The Stanley Parable, another game created by one of their former employees. A poster featuring the main character from The Stanley Parable was found among the clutter, delighting fans who discovered it!

3. A salute to Donkey Kong in Super Smash Bros.: As a nod to the arcade classic Donkey Kong, which marked Nintendo’s first foray into the video game industry, the titular ape made an appearance as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Series. His moveset included many references to his original game, allowing fans to relive the fun of Donkey Kong through this new medium!

4. The ‘Fez’ level in Portal 2: To acknowledge the indie hit Fez, developer Valve created a secret level in Portal 2 that mimicked the look and feel of the original game. Fans who managed to find the hidden entrance could enjoy exploring a portal-filled world inspired by Fez!

Mario Kart World Players Are Completing Laps Without Accelerating

In the lineup of initial games for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, the title “Mario Kart World” has gained significant popularity due to its release. This game distinguishes itself from its predecessor, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” by incorporating an interconnected open world that allows players to drive seamlessly between courses. Although the paths connecting the world have been a subject of debate, many players have appreciated the game’s diverse tracks, which include remakes of fan-favorites and entirely new creations.

Final Fantasy Tactics Fans Helped Save the Remaster

Fans of Final Fantasy Tactics have long anticipated the remastered version, titled Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. Yet, some concern arose when it was disclosed that the original code for Final Fantasy Tactics had been misplaced. Given the development techniques back then, the code was repeatedly overwritten, leading to a significant part of The Ivalice Chronicles being recreated anew.

Pokemon TCG Cards Get Player In Trouble with Airport Security

Airports routinely inspect travelers’ belongings using x-rays and various scanning devices to ensure safety. Generally, this process goes smoothly for passengers, but certain items might necessitate a closer examination by security personnel. For instance, an enthusiast of the Call of Duty game faced trouble at an airport for carrying a replica of the Monkey Bomb, causing it to be seized. However, the following Pokemon Trading Card Game situation is rather surprising.

Arcane’s Jinx and Vi Recreated in The Sims 4

For more than a decade, The Sims 4 has graced us with its presence, accumulating countless expansions, kits, and stuff packs along the way. These elements, coupled with the multitude of mods designed for The Sims 4, empower players to create virtually anything they can imagine. Interestingly enough, League of Legends, the inspiration behind Arcane, is older still, yet both games continue to thrive in popularity today.

007 First Light State of Play Didn’t Do the Game Any Favors

For those eagerly awaiting details about IO Interactive’s take on James Bond’s origins, you’ll be thrilled to hear that the opulent Legacy edition has been unveiled, and it’s officially confirmed that 007 First Light will launch on March 27, 2026. However, this presentation raises a question about the importance of dedicated, single-game State of Plays, as some might argue that 007 First Light, in its current form, didn’t quite live up to its full potential.

Cronos The New Dawn: Steelworks Oddity Puzzle

In the game, one of the challenges in the Desert Region involves moving certain obstructions that are blocked by a mysterious phenomenon called the “Temporal Anomaly.” Here’s a guide on how to solve this puzzle in the game, Cronos: The New Dawn.

September 7 is Going to be a Big Day for Jujutsu Kaisen Fans

Although the popular series “Jujutsu Kaisen” has concluded, its followers have reason to rejoice as Gege, its creator, is set to launch a new manga titled “Mojuro” in the near future. Even though this new series might not completely bridge the gap left by Jujutsu Kaisen, it promises to be an entertaining read for fans. This upcoming manga will debut in Weekly Shonen Jump starting on September 7, 2025, making it a momentous day for all “Jujutsu Kaisen” enthusiasts. The excitement is palpable among fans as they eagerly await to see what new stories Gege has prepared and if this new manga shares any connections with “Jujutsu Kaisen.

Boruto: Kishimoto Confirms Post-Timeskip Sasuke’s God Level Power

Fans of the Boruto series, featuring the two-blue vortex, eagerly anticipate the comeback of a treasured character: Sasuke Uchiha. As a major figure in Naruto’s storyline, his affection by readers of the Boruto manga is unsurprising, and fans can hardly wait for his much-desired return. Above all, they long to see Sasuke Uchiha exhibit his usual strength, which implies that he needs to grow even stronger in the process.

007 First Light Cast Revealed, Including Who is Playing James Bond

Immediately following the launch of the game “007 First Light” in June, a segment of the “James Bond” fanbase began to speculate on who would be portraying the iconic character within the game. At that point, there was no official statement regarding the actor; however, fans took it upon themselves to analyze the trailer and suggest potential candidates whose names appeared to resemble the character shown. This intrigue escalated when a developer of “007 First Light” hinted that IO Interactive might be intentionally withholding the actor’s name, in order to generate excitement about the game before revealing it. However, it seems that this approach has been abandoned more recently.