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Stephen Howard-Author

Stephen Howard

Author

September, 2024
The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo, Super Mario
  • 151
    articles
  • 139
    Features
  • 9
    Lists
  • 3
    Other

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About Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard is a Gaming Writer based in Oxford, United Kingdom. While studying at Solent University, he grew a love for critical writing, publishing his first work in an academic film journal, The Quint, in 2022.

His first video game was New Super Mario Bros. on the DS, and has been a fan of games since. Outside of gaming, he likes to spend time writing, volunteering, and watching movies.

Industry Focus

Stephen's focus mostly lies with Nintendo franchises. He has a particualr expertise for Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. Outside of Nintendo, he has a partiucalr interest in platformers, including Crash Bandicoot and Banjo-Kazooie.

Favorite Media

Video Games: Super Mario Galaxy 2, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Undertale, Sonic Mania, Hollow Knight

Film: Get Out, City Of God, The Dark Knight, Logan

TV: Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Bear, Doctor Who, Cowboy Bebop

Comics: Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, Ultimate Spider-Man, Invincible

Latest

Zelda from Echoes of Wisdom with Link from Ocarina of time
After 23 Years, It's About Time The Zelda Series Brought Back One Of Its Best Features

The Master Quest for Ocarina of Time helped to offer a new experience for returning players, and should be a part of Zelda games moving forward.

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Hazel from South of Midnight gives a confused expression as she stands next to an Xbox Game  logo.
Is South Of Midnight On Xbox Game Day-One?

South of Midnight is one of the most exciting games coming to Game in 2025, but will be wondering if they can play the game at launch.

Nine Sols, Bō Path of the Teal Lotus with Ori
The Success Of The Ori Series Is Proof Metroidvanias Deserve So Much More

With both Ori games having reached huge sales numbers, the time has come for Metroidvanias to receive the attention and recognition they deserve.

Mario looks hopeful as two Nintendo Switch 2 consoles can be found behind him.
New Switch 2 Leaks Have Me Hopeful The Console Will Resolve One of Nintendo's Biggest Shortcomings

With the most recent Switch 2 leaks hinting at the console having faster wi-fi, it suggests Nintendo might finally be improving online play.

Nintendo online logo with the game boy
Nintendo Switch Online Finally Added a Game Boy Title I've Been Waiting A Long Time For

As the Nintendo Switch Online library continues to expand, there's one Game Boy title being added that is a huge win for of the service.

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Ellie from The Last of Us Part II gives a shocked expression, while standing in front of a ruined city.
I'm Glad We Might Not Get The Last Of Us Part 3 - & You Should Be Too

With hopes of The Last of Us Part 3 being laid to rest by Neil Druckmann, it's time to it that moving on from the series is the best path forward.

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A shocked Mario stands in front of a large explosion, with multiple Switch consoles flying behind him.
After 8 Years, The Nintendo Switch Era May Be Over - And The Game Responsible May Surprise You

At least one major Switch release may launch on the Switch 2 instead, causing the original Switch era to come to an abrupt and disappointing end.

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Mio and Zoe from Split Fiction look at each other with worried expressions, while standing in front of two vastly different realities.
Do You Have To Play Split Fiction In Co-Op?

While Split Fiction is a multiplayer-focused game, many players will be wondering if the title will also allow for a single-player option.

Link from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword looks shocked as he stands next Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, who herself has a suspicious expression on her face.
After Years Of Frustration Over The Zelda Timeline, I've Finally Learned The Directors' Reasoning & Now It Makes Sense

I've always been frustrated by the many inconsistencies of the Zelda timeline, before learning that there's a different purpose for its existence.

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A shocked Pikachu, with tears in its eyes, stands next to a Switch 2 console.
Nintendo's Latest eShop Controversy Is Already a Problem For Switch 2

Nintendo's latest eShop controversy brings to light many issues with the digital store that should be addressed for the launch of the Switch 2.

Link from TOTK looking excited
BOTW & TOTK Added The Perfect Side Quest Concept, & I’m Begging Zelda To Keep It Around

House-building was easily one of the most entertaining and rewarding side quests in both BOTW & TOTK, and it deserves to return in future Zelda games.

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Pokemon Day logo with the Switch 2
If You're Disappointed By This Year's Pokémon Presents Stream, You Might Be Looking At The Wrong Event

With the Switch 2 Direct right around the corner, there's a chance that Game Freak could be gearing up for some bigger Pokémon game announcements.

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An Xbox Series X console stands beside a huge Xbox logo, with a futuristic portrait of a person in front of said logo.
Xbox's Latest AI Model Has Me Worried For The Future Of Gaming

While Muse is being posited as a huge advancement for the gaming industry, there are a multitude of issues that could arise from its implementation.

Switch 2 with Link from Wind Waker
Nintendo, Please Revive This Cancelled Zelda Sequel For Switch 2

While The Wind Waker remains in high demand for a rerelease, it might be more beneficial for Nintendo to revive its sequel on Switch 2.

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Statue of the Game Awards trophy behind the Xbox Game  logo.
Now That It's On Xbox Game , You Have No Excuse Not To Play This 2024 GOTY Contender

With Balatro having been shadow-dropped on Xbox Game , now is the perfect time for players to take a chance on this critically-acclaimed title.

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A scared Luigi stands next to a variety of amiibo figures, including one of himself, Wario and Isabelle from Animal Crossing.
If Nintendo Switch 2 Doesn’t Fix Amiibo, It’s Time To Leave Them Behind Completely

Amiibo have failed to offer substantial gameplay experiences in the many titles that they are compatible with, and the Switch 2 needs to fix this.

Xbox logo next to a PS5
Xbox’s Multi-Platform Approach Is Opening My Eyes To PS5’s Biggest Problem

Xbox's more prominent appearance on PS5 than Sony itself is indicative of a much larger issue for PlayStation in general, that must be improved upon.

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Sad Link With Tears Of the Kingdom imagery
I've Played 13 Zelda Games, & This Is Why I'm Still Struggling To Connect With Tears Of the Kingdom

Despite giving Tears of the Kingdom everything I had, I couldn't connect with the game like I have with other titles, and I finally understand why.

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Princess Daisy and Princess Peach holding a giant coin with a lot of coins around them
Need To Spend Gold Points Before Nintendo Discontinues Them In March? Try This

With My Nintendo Gold Points set to be discontinued in March, now is the perfect time to invest in some major titles on the Switch eShop.

Batman from Batman Arkham game with a fire
Rocksteady’s Rumored Batman Game Feels Like A Missed Opportunity And Could Learn From Its Competition

Rocksteady's rumored Batman game could be a step backwards for the studio, and it should take pointers from its competitor to become more ambitious.

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