8 Best Highest Paying URL Shortener Sites to Make Money Online

1. Linkbucks

   Linkbucks is another best and one of the most popular sites for shortening URLs and earning money. It boasts of high Google Page Rank as well as very high Alexa rankings. Linkbucks is paying $0.5 to $7 per 1000 views, and it depends on country to country.
   The minimum payout is $10, and payment method is PayPal. It also provides the opportunity of referral earnings wherein you can earn 20% commission for a lifetime. Linkbucks runs advertising programs as well.
   
   • The payout for 1000 views-$3-9
   • Minimum payout-$10
   • Referral commission-20%
   • Payment options-PayPal,Payza,and Payoneer
   • Payment-on the daily basis
   
   

2. Clk.sh

   Clk.sh is a newly launched trusted link shortener network, it is a sister site of shrinkearn.com. I like ClkSh because it accepts multiple views from same visitors. If any one searching for Top and best url shortener service then i recommend this url shortener to our users. Clk.sh accepts advertisers and publishers from all over the world. It offers an opportunity to all its publishers to earn money and advertisers will get their targeted audience for cheapest rate. While writing ClkSh was offering up to $8 per 1000 visits and its minimum cpm rate is $1.4. Like Shrinkearn, Shorte.st url shorteners Clk.sh also offers some best features to all its users, including Good customer support, multiple views counting, decent cpm rates, good referral rate, multiple tools, quick payments etc. ClkSh offers 30% referral commission to its publishers. It uses 6 payment methods to all its users.
   • Payout for 1000 Views: Upto $8
   • Minimum Withdrawal: $5
   • Referral Commission: 30%
   • Payment Methods: PayPal, Payza, Skrill etc.
   • Payment Time: Daily
   
   

3. LINK.TL

   LINK.TL is one of the best and highest URL shortener website.It pays up to $16 for every 1000 views.You just have to sign up for free.You can earn by shortening your long URL into short and you can paste that URL into your website, blogs or social media networking sites, like facebook, twitter, and google plus etc.
   One of the best thing about this site is its referral system.They offer 10% referral commission.You can withdraw your amount when it reaches $5.
   
   • Payout for 1000 views-$16
   • Minimum payout-$5
   • Referral commission-10%
   • Payout methods-Paypal, Payza, and Skrill
   • Payment time-daily basis
   
   

4. Adf.ly

   Adf.ly is the oldest and one of the most trusted URL Shortener Service for making money by shrinking your links. Adf.ly provides you an opportunity to earn up to $5 per 1000 views. However, the earnings depend upon the demographics of users who go on to click the shortened link by Adf.ly.
   It offers a very comprehensive reporting system for tracking the performance of your each shortened URL. The minimum payout is kept low, and it is $5. It pays on 10th of every month. You can receive your earnings via PayPal, Payza, or AlertPay. Adf.ly also runs a referral program wherein you can earn a flat 20% commission for each referral for a lifetime.
   

5. Wi.cr

   Wi.cr is also one of the 30 highest paying URL sites.You can earn through shortening links.When someone will click on your link.You will be paid.They offer $7 for 1000 views.Minimum payout is $5.
   You can earn through its referral program.When someone will open the account through your link you will get 10% commission.Payment option is PayPal.
   
   • Payout for 1000 views-$7
   • Minimum payout-$5
   • Referral commission-10%
   • Payout method-Paypal
   • Payout time-daily
   
   

6. Ouo.io

   Ouo.io is one of the fastest growing URL Shortener Service. Its pretty domain name is helpful in generating more clicks than other URL Shortener Services, and so you get a good opportunity for earning more money out of your shortened link. Ouo.io comes with several advanced features as well as customization options.
   With Ouo.io you can earn up to $8 per 1000 views. It also counts multiple views from same IP or person. With Ouo.io is becomes easy to earn money using its URL Shortener Service. The minimum payout is $5. Your earnings are automatically credited to your PayPal or Payoneer account on 1st or 15th of the month.
   
   • Payout for every 1000 views-$5
   • Minimum payout-$5
   • Referral commission-20%
   • Payout time-1st and 15th date of the month
   • Payout options-PayPal and Payza
   
   

7. Short.am

   Short.am provides a big opportunity for earning money by shortening links. It is a rapidly growing URL Shortening Service. You simply need to sign up and start shrinking links. You can share the shortened links across the web, on your webpage, Twitter, Facebook, and more. Short.am provides detailed statistics and easy-to-use API.
   It even provides add-ons and plugins so that you can monetize your WordPress site. The minimum payout is $5 before you will be paid. It pays users via PayPal or Payoneer. It has the best market payout rates, offering unparalleled revenue. Short.am also run a referral program wherein you can earn 20% extra commission for life.
   

8. CPMlink

   CPMlink is one of the most legit URL shortener sites.You can sign up for free.It works like other shortener sites.You just have to shorten your link and paste that link into the internet.When someone will click on your link.
   You will get some amount of that click.It pays around $5 for every 1000 views.They offer 10% commission as the referral program.You can withdraw your amount when it reaches $5.The payment is then sent to your PayPal, Payza or Skrill account daily after requesting it.
   
   • The payout for 1000 views-$5
   • Minimum payout-$5
   • Referral commission-10%
   • Payment methods-Paypal, Payza, and Skrill
   • Payment time-daily
   
   

Not So Lucky!

What's going on everyone!?

Today was spent running errands and preparing for our big move to our new place so by the time we got home this evening, everyone was ready for bed. 

That being the case, I decided to play a solo game of Carcassonne on the mobile app for the #2019gameaday challenge. 

Tonight I got my butt kicked by the Ai which surprised me because I thought I was actually doing good, lol!

As always, thank you for reading and don't forget to stop and smell the meeples! :)

-Tim

2015 GAME OF THE YEAR - Genre Awards

2015 Game of the Year - from media outlets

* Video Game Awards Only - The Video Game includes Console games,
PC games, Handheld games, and Indie games, but not Mac games, Kids games,
Free games, etc.

* Professional Awards Only - The Media include Sites, Magazines, Newspapers, Publications, Broadcastings, but not Blogs have a staff of one.

* All-Format GOTY Awards Only - But a single GOTY pick must be a single title, except for a tie.

* In release order.




2015 SHOOTER OF THE YEAR


Game-Debate Global Game Awards (UK) : Star Wars Battlefront

Gamefa.Com (IR) : Halo 5: Guardians

The Game Awards (US) : Splatoon

City A.M. (UK) : Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

UOL Jogos (BR) : Destiny: The Taken King

SA Gamer (ZA) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

TechTudo (BR) : Fallout 4

HunGamer (HU) :
First Person - Dying Light and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Third Person - Grand Theft Auto V

Lazygamer (ZA) : Splatoon

VidaExtra Readers' Choice (ES) : Star Wars Battlefront

EGMR (ZA) : Halo 5: Guardians

Colorado Springs Gazette (US) : Halo 5: Guardians

Press Play TV (US) : Dirty Bomb

Gameblog (FR) : Splatoon

Gameblog Readers' Choice (FR) : Splatoon

IMGMR (CA) : Splatoon

Cheat Code Central (US) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

The Koalition (US) : Halo 5: Guardians

XGN Readers' Choice (NL) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

XGN Readers' Choice (ES) : Star Wars Battlefront

Games.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Star Wars Battlefront

Millenium (FR) :
First Person - Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Third Person - Splatoon

Jagat Play (MY) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Actiontrip (US) : Destiny: The Taken King

Gameswelt Readers' Choice (DE) : Splatoon

Eurogamer.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Halo 5: Guardians

Facteur Geek (CA) : Halo 5: Guardians

GameMAG (RU) : Fallout 4

Entertainment Buddha (US) :
First Person - Halo 5: Guardians
Third Person - Gears of War: Ultimate Edition

CtrlAltElite (SE) : Star Wars Battlefront

GeekWeek (PL) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Tell Me About Games (IT) : Halo 5: Guardians

Tell Me About Games Readers' Choice (IT) : Halo 5: Guardians

CyprusGamer (GR) : Star Wars Battlefront

Diehard Gamefan (US) : Supercharged Robot Vulkaiser

4Players (DE) : Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

3DJuegos (ES) : Halo 5: Guardians

3DJuegos Readers' Choice (ES) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Gmbox Readers' Choice (RU) : Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

TheSixthAxis Readers' Choice (UK) : Star Wars Battlefront

GameTrailers (US) :
First Person - Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Third Person - Splatoon

PlayGround.ru (RU) : Halo 5: Guardians

PlayGround.ru Readers' Choice (RU) : Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

UOL Jogos Readers' Choice (BR) : Star Wars Battlefront

Gamekapocs Readers' Choice (HU) : Dying Light

DualShockers (US) : Halo 5: Guardians

Game Revolution (US) : Halo 5: Guardians

StrefaGier.pl (PL) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

PlayNation Readers' Choice (DE) : Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

GamAlive Readers' Choice (FR) : Fallout 4

Навигатор игрового мира (RU) :
First Person - Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Third Person - Bloodborne

Gamesource (IT) : Star Wars Battlefront

Tribo Gamer Readers' Choice (BR) : Star Wars Battlefront

MMGN Readers' Choice (AU) : Splatoon

Game Informer (US) : Destiny: The Taken King

Game Informer Readers' Choice (US) : Destiny: The Taken King

WCCFtech (US) : Star Wars Battlefront

WCCFtech Readers' Choice (US) : Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

IGN (US) : Splatoon

IGN Readers' Choice (US) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Hardcore Gamer (US) : Halo 5: Guardians

New Game Network (CA) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

IGN Middle East (AE) : Halo 5: Guardians

IGN Middle East Readers' Choice (AE) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

GamersPack (US) : Splatoon

Just Push Start (US) : Star Wars Battlefront

The Game Fanatics (US) : Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

Everyeye.it (IT) : Halo 5: Guardians

Everyeye.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Halo 5: Guardians

VGChartz (UK) : Splatoon

VGChartz Readers' Choice (UK) : Splatoon

Game-eXperience.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Halo 5: Guardians

ActuGaming.net Readers' Choice (FR) : Splatoon

PressFire.no (NO) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

NeoGAF (US) : Splatoon

VGTimes.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) : Star Wars Battlefront

NZGamer.com Readers' Choice (NZ) : Star Wars Battlefront

PlayDome Readers' Choice (HU) : Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Game4Me Readers' Choice (BE) : Halo 5: Guardians

GameSoul Readers' Choice (IT) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Livegamers (FI) : Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Mail.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) : Star Wars Battlefront

Gamezilla Readers' Choice (PL) : Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

Play Legit (US) : Splatoon

Play Legit Readers' Choice (US) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

GRY OnLine Readers' Choice (PL) : Star Wars Battlefront

Danish Game Awards (DK) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Hobby Consolas Readers' Choice (ES) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Premio Drago D'Oro (IT) : Splatoon

GAMETECH (RU) : Call of Duty: Black Ops III

GAMETECH Readers' Choice (RU) : Destiny: The Taken King

Game Industry News Readers' Choice (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain




2015 RPG OF THE YEAR


Game-Debate Global Game Awards (UK) : Pillars of Eternity

Gamefa.Com (IR) : Bloodborne

The Game Awards (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

City A.M. (UK) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

UOL Jogos (BR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

SA Gamer (ZA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

TechTudo (BR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

HunGamer (HU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Lazygamer (ZA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

VidaExtra Readers' Choice (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

EGMR (ZA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Press Play TV (US) : Fallout 4

Gameblog (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gameblog Readers' Choice (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IMGMR (CA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Cheat Code Central (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Reviews on the Run - Rocket & Raygun Awards (US) : Fallout 4

The Koalition (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

XGN Readers' Choice (NL) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

XGN Readers' Choice (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Games.it Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Millenium (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Jagat Play (MY) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Métro Montréal (CA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Actiontrip (US) : Pillars of Eternity

Gameswelt Readers' Choice (DE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Eurogamer.it Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Facteur Geek (CA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GameMAG (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Entertainment Buddha (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Golden4Games (OM) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CtrlAltElite (SE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GeekWeek (PL) : Pillars of Eternity

Tell Me About Games (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Tell Me About Games Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CyprusGamer (GR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

4Players (DE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

3DJuegos (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

3DJuegos Readers' Choice (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gmbox Readers' Choice (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

TheSixthAxis Readers' Choice (UK) : Fallout 4

GameTrailers (US) : Bloodborne

Stevivor (AU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

PlayGround.ru (RU) : Pillars of Eternity

PlayGround.ru Readers' Choice (RU) : Pillars of Eternity

UOL Jogos Readers' Choice (BR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamekapocs Readers' Choice (HU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Escapist (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

DualShockers (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Revolution (US) : Pillars of Eternity

StrefaGier.pl (PL) : Pillars of Eternity

PlayNation Readers' Choice (DE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GamAlive Readers' Choice (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Навигатор игрового мира (RU) : Fallout 4

Tribo Gamer Readers' Choice (BR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

MMGN Readers' Choice (AU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Informer (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Informer Readers' Choice (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

WCCFtech (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

WCCFtech Readers' Choice (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IGN (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IGN Readers' Choice (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Hardcore Gamer (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

New Game Network (CA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IGN Middle East (AE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IGN Middle East Readers' Choice (AE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GamersPack (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Just Push Start (US) : Fallout 4

The Game Fanatics (US) : Fallout 4

Everyeye.it (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Everyeye.it Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

VGChartz (UK) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

VGChartz Readers' Choice (UK) : Xenoblade Chronicles X

Game-eXperience.it Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Hrej.cz Readers' Choice (CZ) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

ActuGaming.net Readers' Choice (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

PressFire.no (NO) : Fallout 4

Games.cz (CZ) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Games.cz Readers' Choice (CZ) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

NeoGAF (US) : Bloodborne

Игромания (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

VGTimes.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

NZGamer.com Readers' Choice (NZ) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

PlayDome Readers' Choice (HU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game4Me Readers' Choice (BE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GameSoul Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Livegamers (FI) : Fallout 4

Mail.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamezilla Readers' Choice (PL) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Play Legit (US) : Fallout 4

Play Legit Readers' Choice (US) : Fallout 4

GRY OnLine Readers' Choice (PL) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Danish Game Awards (DK) : Fallout 4

AIAS - D.I.C.E. Awards (US) : Fallout 4

Hobby Consolas Readers' Choice (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Premio Drago D'Oro (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GAMETECH (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GAMETECH Readers' Choice (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Industry News Readers' Choice (US) : Fallout 4




2015 ACTION / ADVENTURE OF THE YEAR


Game-Debate Global Game Awards (UK) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Life Is Strange

Gamefa.Com (IR) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

The Game Awards (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

UOL Jogos (BR) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

SA Gamer (ZA) : Adventure - Rise of the Tomb Raider

TechTudo (BR) : Adventure - Rise of the Tomb Raider

HunGamer (HU) : Fallout 4

Lazygamer (ZA) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

VidaExtra Readers' Choice (ES) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Life Is Strange

EGMR (ZA) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Colorado Springs Gazette (US) : Fallout 4

Press Play TV (US) :
Action - Dying Light
Adventure - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gameblog (FR) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Gameblog Readers' Choice (FR) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

IMGMR (CA) : Action - Batman: Arkham Knight

Cheat Code Central (US) : Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Reviews on the Run - Rocket & Raygun Awards (US) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

The Koalition (US) : Just Cause 3

XGN Readers' Choice (NL) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Rise of the Tomb Raider

XGN Readers' Choice (ES) :
Action - Batman: Arkham Knight
Adventure - Rise of the Tomb Raider

Games.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Batman: Arkham Knight

Millenium (FR) : Batman: Arkham Knight

Jagat Play (MY) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Actiontrip (US) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Gameswelt Readers' Choice (DE) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Eurogamer.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Action - Bloodborne

Facteur Geek (CA) : Assassin's Creed Syndicate

GameMAG (RU) : Bloodborne

Sky Mag (IT) : Adventure - Batman: Arkham Knight

Entertainment Buddha (US) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Golden4Games (OM) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Rise of the Tomb Raider

CtrlAltElite (SE) :
Action - Rise of the Tomb Raider
Adventure - Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

GeekWeek (PL) : Adventure - Life Is Strange

Tell Me About Games (IT) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Tell Me About Games Readers' Choice (IT) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

CyprusGamer (GR) : Just Cause 3

Diehard Gamefan (US) :
Action - Dragon Quest Heroes
Adventure - City Quest

4Players (DE) :
Action - Lego Dimensions
Adventure - Sunless Sea

3DJuegos (ES) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

3DJuegos Readers' Choice (ES) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Gmbox Readers' Choice (RU) : Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

TheSixthAxis Readers' Choice (UK) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

GameTrailers (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Stevivor (AU) : Rise of the Tomb Raider and Bloodborne

PlayGround.ru (RU) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Life Is Strange

PlayGround.ru Readers' Choice (RU) :
Action - Dying Light
Adventure - Life Is Strange

UOL Jogos Readers' Choice (BR) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Gamekapocs Readers' Choice (HU) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

DualShockers (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Game Revolution (US) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

StrefaGier.pl (PL) : Adventure - Life Is Strange

PlayNation Readers' Choice (DE) : Just Cause 3

GamAlive Readers' Choice (FR) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Навигатор игрового мира (RU) :
Action - Star Wars Battlefront
Adventure - Until Dawn

Gamesource (IT) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Tribo Gamer Readers' Choice (BR) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

MMGN Readers' Choice (AU) : Bloodborne

Game Informer (US) :
Action - Bloodborne
Adventure - Life Is Strange

Game Informer Readers' Choice (US) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Until Dawn

WCCFtech (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

WCCFtech Readers' Choice (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

IGN (US) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

IGN Readers' Choice (US) : Batman: Arkham Knight

Hardcore Gamer (US) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Tales from the Borderlands

New Game Network (CA) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Tales from the Borderlands

IGN Middle East (AE) : Batman: Arkham Knight

IGN Middle East Readers' Choice (AE) : Batman: Arkham Knight

GamersPack (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Just Push Start (US) : Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

The Game Fanatics (US) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Until Dawn

Everyeye.it (IT) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Everyeye.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

VGChartz (UK) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

VGChartz Readers' Choice (UK) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Game-eXperience.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Hrej.cz Readers' Choice (CZ) : Adventure - Life Is Strange

ActuGaming.net Readers' Choice (FR) : Life Is Strange

PressFire.no (NO) : Batman: Arkham Knight

Games.cz (CZ) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Life Is Strange

Games.cz Readers' Choice (CZ) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Life Is Strange

NeoGAF (US) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Life Is Strange

VGTimes.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) :
Action - Dying Light
Adventure - Rise of the Tomb Raider

NZGamer.com Readers' Choice (NZ) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

PlayDome Readers' Choice (HU) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Game4Me Readers' Choice (BE) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Life Is Strange

GameSoul Readers' Choice (IT) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Livegamers (FI) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Mail.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) :
Action - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Adventure - Tales from the Borderlands

Gamezilla Readers' Choice (PL) : Dying Light

Play Legit (US) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Play Legit Readers' Choice (US) : Batman: Arkham Knight

GRY OnLine Readers' Choice (PL) :
Action - Dying Light
Adventure - Life Is Strange

Danish Game Awards (DK) : Assassin's Creed Syndicate

AIAS - D.I.C.E. Awards (US) :
Action - Star Wars Battlefront
Adventure - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Hobby Consolas Readers' Choice (ES) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Premio Drago D'Oro (IT) : Batman: Arkham Knight

GAMETECH (RU) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

GAMETECH Readers' Choice (RU) : Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Game Industry News Readers' Choice (US) : Adventure - Life Is Strange




2015 SPORTS OF THE YEAR


Game-Debate Global Game Awards (UK) : FIFA 16

TecMundo Games NZN Readers' Choice (BR) : Rocket League

Fun & Serious Game Festival (ES) : NBA 2K16

Gamefa.Com (IR) : FIFA 16

The Game Awards (US) : Rocket League

City A.M. (UK) : Rocket League

UOL Jogos (BR) : Rocket League

SA Gamer (ZA) : NBA 2K16

HunGamer (HU) : Blood Bowl 2

Lazygamer (ZA) : Rocket League

VidaExtra Readers' Choice (ES) : Rocket League

EGMR (ZA) : Rocket League

Gameblog (FR) : NBA 2K16

Gameblog Readers' Choice (FR) : Rocket League

IMGMR (CA) : Rocket League

Cheat Code Central (US) : NBA 2K16

Reviews on the Run - Rocket & Raygun Awards (US) : Rocket League

The Koalition (US) : Rocket League

XGN Readers' Choice (NL) : FIFA 16

XGN Readers' Choice (ES) : FIFA 16

Games.it Readers' Choice (IT) : NBA 2K16

Gameswelt Readers' Choice (DE) : Rocket League

Eurogamer.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Rocket League

Facteur Geek (CA) : Rocket League

GameMAG (RU) : Pro Evolution Soccer 2016

Sky Mag (IT) : NBA 2K15

Entertainment Buddha (US) : Mortal Kombat X

Golden4Games (OM) : Mortal Kombat X

Tell Me About Games (IT) : FIFA 16

Tell Me About Games Readers' Choice (IT) : Rocket League

CyprusGamer (GR) : FIFA 16

Diehard Gamefan (US) : Out of the Park Baseball 16

4Players (DE) : NBA 2K16

3DJuegos (ES) : NBA 2K16

3DJuegos Readers' Choice (ES) : Rocket League

Gmbox Readers' Choice (RU) : FIFA 16

TheSixthAxis Readers' Choice (UK) : Rocket League

Stevivor (AU) : Rocket League

PlayGround.ru (RU) : FIFA 16

PlayGround.ru Readers' Choice (RU) : FIFA 16

UOL Jogos Readers' Choice (BR) : Pro Evolution Soccer 2016

Gamekapocs Readers' Choice (HU) : FIFA 16

DualShockers (US) : Rocket League

PlayNation Readers' Choice (DE) : Rocket League

GamAlive Readers' Choice (FR) : Blood Bowl 2

Gamesource (IT) : NBA 2K16

Tribo Gamer Readers' Choice (BR) : Rocket League

Game Informer (US) : Rocket League

Game Informer Readers' Choice (US) : Rocket League

WCCFtech (US) : FIFA 16

WCCFtech Readers' Choice (US) : FIFA 16

IGN (US) : Rocket League

IGN Readers' Choice (US) : Rocket League

Hardcore Gamer (US) : Madden NFL 16

New Game Network (CA) : FIFA 16

IGN Middle East (AE) : Rocket League

IGN Middle East Readers' Choice (AE) : FIFA 16

GamersPack (US) : Rocket League

The Game Fanatics (US) : NBA 2K16

Everyeye.it (IT) : NBA 2K16

Everyeye.it Readers' Choice (IT) : NBA 2K16

VGChartz (UK) : Rocket League

VGChartz Readers' Choice (UK) : Rocket League

Game-eXperience.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Rocket League

Hrej.cz Readers' Choice (CZ) : Rocket League

ActuGaming.net Readers' Choice (FR) : Rocket League

PressFire.no (NO) : Rocket League

Games.cz (CZ) : Rocket League

Games.cz Readers' Choice (CZ) : Rocket League

NeoGAF (US) : Rocket League

Игромания (RU) : FIFA 16

VGTimes.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) : FIFA 16

NZGamer.com Readers' Choice (NZ) : Rocket League

PlayDome Readers' Choice (HU) : Rocket League

Game4Me Readers' Choice (BE) : NBA 2K16

GameSoul Readers' Choice (IT) : FIFA 16

Mail.Ru Readers' Choice (RU) : Rocket League

Gamezilla Readers' Choice (PL) : FIFA 16

Play Legit (US) : Forza Motorsport 6

Play Legit Readers' Choice (US) : Forza Motorsport 6

GRY OnLine Readers' Choice (PL) : Rocket League

Danish Game Awards (DK) : FIFA 16

AIAS - D.I.C.E. Awards (US) : Rocket League

Hobby Consolas Readers' Choice (ES) : FIFA 16

Premio Drago D'Oro (IT) : Rocket League

BAFTA Awards (UK) : Rocket League

Game Industry News Readers' Choice (US) : FIFA 16




2015 BEST GRAPHICS


Golden Joystick Awards (UK) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game-Debate Global Game Awards (UK) : Star Wars Battlefront

TecMundo Games NZN Readers' Choice (BR) : Star Wars Battlefront

Fun & Serious Game Festival (ES) : Art Design - Ori and the Blind Forest

Gamefa.Com (IR) : Art Direction - Ori and the Blind Forest

Load The Game (US) : Star Wars Battlefront

The Game Awards (US) : Art Direction - Ori and the Blind Forest

SA Gamer (ZA) : Star Wars Battlefront

HunGamer (HU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Lazygamer (ZA) : Art Direction - Ori and the Blind Forest

EGMR (ZA) :
Artistic - Ori and the Blind Forest
Realistic - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Telegraph (UK) : Art Direction - Bloodborne

Press Play TV (US) : Art Direction - Ori and the Blind Forest

Gameblog (FR) : The Order: 1886

Gameblog Readers' Choice (FR) : The Order: 1886

Gamekult Readers' Choice (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Cheat Code Central (US) : Yoshi's Woolly World

Reviews on the Run - Rocket & Raygun Awards (US) : Star Wars Battlefront

Digitally Downloaded (AU) : Art Direction - Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

Jagat Play (MY) : Star Wars Battlefront

Techly (AU) : Project CARS

Eurogamer.it Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Metro - GameCentral (UK) : Star Wars Battlefront

GameMAG (RU) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

Entertainment Buddha (US) : The Order: 1886

CyprusGamer (GR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Diehard Gamefan (US) : Bloodborne

4Players (DE) :
Art Design - Bloodborne
Technical - Star Wars Battlefront

3DJuegos (ES) : Star Wars Battlefront

3DJuegos Readers' Choice (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamereactor Danmark (DK) : Star Wars Battlefront

Gamereactor Norge (NO) : Ori and the Blind Forest

TheSixthAxis Readers' Choice (UK) : Art Direction - The Order: 1886

Gamereactor Italia (IT) : The Order: 1886

Giant Bomb (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

DualShockers (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Revolution (US) : Art Direction - Star Wars Battlefront

VGNetwork (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Tribo Gamer Readers' Choice (BR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IGN (US) : Art Direction - Bloodborne

IGN Readers' Choice (US) : Art Direction - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Hardcore Gamer (US) :
Artistic Design - Ori and the Blind Forest
Technical - Star Wars Battlefront

New Game Network (CA) :
Art - Ori and the Blind Forest
Technical - Star Wars Battlefront

GamersPack (US) : Bloodborne

IGN Italia (IT) : Art Direction - Splatoon

Everyeye.it (IT) : Art Direction - Bloodborne

Everyeye.it Readers' Choice (IT) : Art Direction - Bloodborne

VGChartz (UK) : Art Direction - Ori and the Blind Forest

VGChartz Readers' Choice (UK) : Art Direction - Bloodborne

EDGE Magazine (UK) : Bloodborne

VideoGames24 Readers' Choice (GR) : The Order: 1886

All Around Gaming Hub (US) : Yoshi's Woolly World

Игромания (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

NZGamer.com Readers' Choice (NZ) : Art Direction - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Horrible Night (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Analog Addiction (AU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Play Legit (US) : Batman: Arkham Knight

Play Legit Readers' Choice (US) : Batman: Arkham Knight

IGN Black Beta Select Awards (AU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

AIAS - D.I.C.E. Awards (US) :
Animation - Ori and the Blind Forest
Art Direction - Ori and the Blind Forest

Premio Drago D'Oro (IT) : The Order: 1886

GAMETECH (RU) : Star Wars Battlefront

GAMETECH Readers' Choice (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Developers Choice Awards (US) : Ori and the Blind Forest

SXSW Gaming Awards (US) :
Art - Bloodborne
Animation - Rise of the Tomb Raider
Visual Achievement - The Order: 1886

NAVGTR Awards (US) :
Animation, Artistic - Rise of the Tomb Raider
Animation, Technical - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Art Direction, Period Influence - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Art Direction, Fantasy - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Art Direction, Contemporary - Rise of the Tomb Raider
Technical - Star Wars Battlefront
Lighting/Texturing - Rise of the Tomb Raider

BAFTA Awards (UK) : Artistic Achievement - Ori and the Blind Forest




2015 BEST STORY


Golden Joystick Awards (UK) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game-Debate Global Game Awards (UK) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

TecMundo Games NZN Readers' Choice (BR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Fun & Serious Game Festival (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamefa.Com (IR) : Life Is Strange

The Game Awards (US) : Her Story

SA Gamer (ZA) : Life Is Strange

HunGamer (HU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Lazygamer (ZA) : Her Story

EGMR (ZA) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Telegraph (UK) : Until Dawn

Press Play TV (US) : Her Story

Gameblog (FR) : Life Is Strange

Gameblog Readers' Choice (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Digitally Downloaded (AU) : Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

Jagat Play (MY) : Her Story

Gameswelt Readers' Choice (DE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Eurogamer.it Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Metro - GameCentral (UK) : Her Story

GameMAG (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Entertainment Buddha (US) : Undertale

Golden4Games (OM) : Until Dawn

Tell Me About Games (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Tell Me About Games Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CyprusGamer (GR) : Life Is Strange

Diehard Gamefan (US) : The Fruit of Grisaia

4Players (DE) : Sunless Sea

3DJuegos (ES) : SOMA

3DJuegos Readers' Choice (ES) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamereactor Danmark (DK) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamereactor Norge (NO) : Life Is Strange

TheSixthAxis Readers' Choice (UK) : Life Is Strange

PlayGround.ru (RU) : The Beginner's Guide

PlayGround.ru Readers' Choice (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamereactor Sverige (SE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GamingBolt (IN) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamereactor Italia (IT) : Life Is Strange

Giant Bomb (US) : SOMA

DualShockers (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Revolution (US) : Undertale

PlayNation Readers' Choice (DE) : Life Is Strange

Gamereactor Deutschland (DE) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GamAlive Readers' Choice (FR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamesource (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Tribo Gamer Readers' Choice (BR) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Gamereactor Suomi (FI) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IGN (US) : Undertale

IGN Readers' Choice (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Stay Nerd (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Hardcore Gamer (US) : Tales from the Borderlands

Multiplayer.it (IT) : Life Is Strange

New Game Network (CA) : Tales from the Borderlands

GamersPack (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Game Fanatics (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Everyeye.it (IT) : Her Story

Everyeye.it Readers' Choice (IT) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

VGChartz (UK) : Ori and the Blind Forest

VGChartz Readers' Choice (UK) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

EDGE Magazine (UK) : Her Story

MonsterVine (US) : Life Is Strange

PressFire.no (NO) : Her Story

Игромания (RU) : Her Story

NZGamer.com Readers' Choice (NZ) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Livegamers (FI) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

IGN Black Beta Select Awards (AU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The New York Videogame Awards (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Writers Guild Awards (US) : Rise of the Tomb Raider

AIAS - D.I.C.E. Awards (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

NWTV Readers' Choice (NL) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Premio Drago D'Oro (IT) : Life Is Strange

GAMETECH (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

GAMETECH Readers' Choice (RU) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Developers Choice Awards (US) : Her Story

SXSW Gaming Awards (US) : The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

NAVGTR Awards (US) :
Comedy - Tales from the Borderlands
Drama - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

BAFTA Awards (UK) : Life Is Strange

Game Industry News Readers' Choice (US) : Life Is Strange




Previous Page - 2015 GAME OF THE YEAR

707-111, Tanks But No Tanks!

The 2018 Summer Of Tanks kicks off with Tanks But No Tanks by Zimag, an NTSC version of the PAL game Phantom Tank by Bit Corporation. Don't know what Summer Of Tanks is? Well, fear not, it's only a listen away! Coming up next on Summer Of Tanks is Robot Tank by Activision, which may contain tanks. You have been warned. Do you like Robot Tank enough to shout about it? Well then, direct your shouting over to 2600gamebygame@gmail.com, and your shouting will be shouted or played shoutingly on the show. I hope you enjoy the episode and I tank you very kindly for listening! HAHAHA

Links But No Links

Activision Circle A Box Mark thread on Atari Age
March 1983 Video Game Update on Atari Compendium
Tanks But No Tanks on Random Terrain
No Swear Gamer 459 - Tanks But No Tanks
NSG Tanks But No Tanks gameplay video
8 Bit Rocket Essential Guide to Flash Games book infomercial
Earl Green's GoFundMe page
Earl's Atomic Arcade review
Retrogaming Times - History of Pac-Man on the 2600 by Eugenio
Edladdin Controllers

Super Castlevania IV - Nintendo SNES - 1991

Judging by the sheer number of entries on my shortlist, the Castlevania series certainly has something going for it.  For the NES I've played the first three titles and a spoof called Akumajo Special: Boku Dracula-Kun, plus Vampire Killer for the MSX.  So far none of these has managed to float my boat.  At first glance Super Castlevania IV seemed like nothing special - just more of the same with enhanced sound and graphics.  Unless I'm certain I won't like a game, I give each one a fair crack of the whip (pun intended) and after a while Castlevania IV began to grow on me.

The manual says that every 100 years the powers of evil grow stronger and the forces of good become weak.  During these times Dracula is revived, intent on turning humanity into creatures of darkness.  Over the centuries the Belmont family has passed down the secrets of vampire slaying to their eldest son, successfully keeping Dracula in check.  

Now an evil group has performed a ritual in a ruined abbey allowing Dracula to rise once more.  Armed only with a mystical whip, it is up to Simon Belmont to face the Prince of Darkness....

The game is basically an action platformer in which you guide Simon through a generous eleven levels.  Each level ends with a boss fight.  The ultimate aim is to defeat Dracula himself. 

Koranot - one of the many bosses

In Super Castlevania IV, as with previous Castlevania games, the protagonists primary weapon is a whip.  It can be used to attack enemies in eight directions.  It can also be used to latch on to hoops to swing across gaps that are too large to jump.

Hanging on to a conveniently placed hoop while the whole level turns through 90 degrees.

Secondary weapons and whip upgrades can be collected by destroying candles.  Only one secondary weapon may be carried at a time and include a watch (freezes enemies), an axe (powerful but difficult to accurately aim), fire bomb (which I found basically useless), a 'boomerang' (causes damage when thrown and when returning) and a dagger (easy to aim but doesn't cause much damage).  These secondary weapons are powered by hearts which are by far the most numerous objects dropped by candles.  A small heart allows one use of a weapon and a large heart gives five uses.

Where's the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch when you need it?

If Simon gets hit by an enemy his life bar decreases.  The life bar can be replenished to a certain degree by picking up food that occasionally drops from the candles.  If it expires he loses one of his three lives.  He can be instantly killed by falling off the bottom of the screen or if the time limit runs out.  Once all lives are lost you are presented with a password, allowing you to restart at the beginning of the same level without power ups or secondary weapons. 

Super Castlevania IV certainly is a great game, although some may find it repetitive.  There is a soundtrack playing throughout which, while not really memorable, is pretty good and matches the mood of the game.  Likewise the sound effects do not really stand out but are more than adequate.  The graphics, however, are excellent.  The artwork is superb and there are several layers of parallax scrolling on some levels.  Mode 7 is put to effective use at various points.  My only gripe is a small one and that is the animation of the main character himself.  If lowly 8-bit computers can manage it in Dun Darach, and Prince of Persia does it with many more frames of animation, why can't Konami make Simon Belmont walk realistically instead of looking like he is ice skating?  It doesn't detract from the action at all but is a personal annoyance I have with animation in many video games.

Mode 7 is put to good use in this rotating corridor

Example gameplay....