Author Archives: TheGamingShelf

About TheGamingShelf

As far back as he can remember, Taylor's always had a game controller in his hands. Starting with classic Mega Man and continuing into the modern age with games like Uncharted, there's always been a game to catch his interest. He's written for the gaming site Blistered Thumbs since 2010, writing news, reviews and covering indutsry events. Recently, he's made the leap to video with his show "Shinkara" to share his passion for Japanese games. Some of Taylor's other hobbies include the electric guitar, anime, and following the KPOP scene. A few of his favorite KPOP artists include Girls' Generation, 2NE1, and Super Junior. He's also a big fan of 90's & 80's cartoons, some of which include Voltron, Gargoyles, Batman: The Animated Series, and Robotech. Favorite Systems: SNES, PS1, PS2, PSP. Favorite Games: Persona 4, Final Fantasy Tactics, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Shadow of the Colossus, and Final Fantasy VII.

Getting Into Visual Novels

Curious about Visual Novels? Taylor shares how he got into the genre and offers a few recommendations for those looking to give them a try. Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by …

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11 New JRPGs You Can Play in 2015

The second half of 2015 is chock full of JRPGs! Taylor breaks down 11 of them you can pick up later this Fall (and one extra we’re all keeping our fingers crossed for). Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to …

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Final Fantasy XV: A Retrospective

Why is Final Fantasy XV taking so long and what exactly happened along the way? Allow me to fill you in on the details! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click …

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Taylor’s Top 5 Games of 2014

2015 is upon us, but Taylor takes a moment to reflect and count down his Top 5 games of 2014. What were your favorite games of 2014? Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional …

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I Can’t Stop Playing Fantasy Life!

After a week of playing through Fantasy Life Taylor shares his impressions of Level 5’s latest RPG for the 3ds! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new …

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Akiba’s Trip Review – The Gaming Shelf

Stripping vampires in Tokyo’s Akihabara district. What could go wrong!? Taylor takes a look at the latest weird and wacky game from Japan! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here …

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Top 5 Video Game Art Styles – The Gaming Shelf

What’s the best looking video game? That’s up for debate, but Taylor counts down his personal Top 5 favorite video game art styles! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here …

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One Piece: Unlimited World Red Review – The Gaming Shelf

Taylor takes a look at the latest video game from the long running anime and manga franchise, One Piece! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 …

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California Extreme 2014 Arcade Convention Highlights – The Gaming Shelf

Taylor and his buddy Grason check out a classic Arcade and Pinball convention, California Extreme, and find some pretty wild and rare machines! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here …

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The Gaming Shelf – Tales of Symphonia HD

Taylor finally gets a chance to play the fan favorite Tales of Symphonia! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 forums: http://dev2017.gamester81.com/forum

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The Gaming Shelf – Final Thoughts on Lightning Returns

After finishing Lightning Returns, Taylor shares his final thoughts on this disappointing entry in the Final Fantasy series. Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 forums: http://dev2017.gamester81.com/forum

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Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII in 5 Seconds

  Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 forums: http://dev2017.gamester81.com/forum

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The Gaming Shelf – Time and Eternity

Is Time and Eternity truly the worst JRPG ever, as some have claimed it to be? Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 forums: http://dev2017.gamester81.com/forum

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The Gaming Shelf – Puppeteer Review

Who says it’s dangerous to run with scissors? Taylor takes a look at Sony’s new, charming platformer title Puppeteer! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to me on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 …

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Taylor’s Top 10 PS3 Games

With the launch of the PS4 here, Taylor takes some time to reflect on has favorite games for the PlayStation 3! Be sure to leave your favorite PS3 exclusives in the comments below! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to …

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Shinkara – Catherine

Taylor takes a look at one of the most unique games of this generation, Catherine! Who knew pushing and pulling blocks could be so intense? Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by …

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Shinkara – Disgaea D2 Review

Do you like Strategy RPGS, anime, and silly humor? Then let Taylor tell you all about the awesome PS3 exclusive Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Subscribe to me on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos by …

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Shinkara – Tales of Xillia Review

After the long wait we finally have Tales of Xillia. Has the wait been worth it? Check out this episode of Shinkara to find out!   Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the …

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I Love My 3DS!

Taylor recently picked up Nintendo’s 3DS and has been loving it. In this video he shares his collection, favorite games so far, and games he’s looking forward to in the future! Follow me on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf OC Remix Songs used …

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Shinkara: Tales of Vesperia

After a long hiatus Taylor is back to take a look at the first Tales game developed in HD, Tales of Vesperia. Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 forums: http://dev2017.gamester81.com/forum

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Shinkara: Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory

Ever wondered what the game industry personified as cute anime girls would play like as a game? Probably not, but let Taylor tell you all about it anyways! REVIEW GAMEPLAY SHOWCASE Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Original Art: Ririkuto Logo …

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Shinkara: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk

Break out those alchemy pots and get to synthesizing! Atelier Ayesha marks a new chapter in the long-running Atelier series. Are these new changes for the better? Check out Taylor’s full review to find out! REVIEW GAMEPLAY SHOWCASE Follow Taylor …

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Gameplay Showcase: Bit.Trip Presents…Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

Wanna hear about the best platformer since Rayman Origins? Then don’t miss this latest Showcase on Bit.Trip Runner 2! A copy of this game was provided by the developer for the PS3. Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf For additional videos by …

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Shinkara: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Blade mode engaged! In this episode Taylor reviews the action-packed Metal Gear spin-off, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. REVIEW GAMEPLAY SHOWCASE “What’s this?” you might ask. This is basically a 20-30 minute video of straight unedited gameplay with commentary showcasing a …

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Shinkara: Jade Cocoon

Ni No Kuni wasn’t the only game Studio Ghibli worked on! Taylor reviews the PS1 RPG Jade Cocoon in this episode of Shinkara. Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Original Art: Ririkuto Subscribe to Taylor on Youtube: Subscribe For additional videos …

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My Ni No Kuni Obsession

In this video Taylor shares his ever-growing Ni no Kuni collection and more on why he’s been so excited for this game!    For additional videos by TheGamingShelf: Click Here Join the new Gamester81 forums: http://dev2017.gamester81.com/forum

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Game Session: Viewtiful Joe 2

Taylor plays through the first few hours of Viewtiful Joe 2 to let you know if it’s a worthy follow-up to the original! No need to click anywhere as the next video in the playlist will automatically start once the …

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Shinkara – Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Review

A well-crafted JRPG mixed with Studio Ghibli style visuals seems like something only reserved for dreams. No need to keep pinching yourself because it’s real. In this episode Taylor looks at the beautiful Level-5 & Studio Ghibli collaboration, Ni no …

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Shinkara: Folkore

What would a game made by Tim Burton be like? Probably a little something like Folklore, only with Johnny Depp playing the main character. Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Original Art: Ririkuto Opening and credit songs: Incompetech.com Logo design: @PyreHavoc …

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Shinkara: Top 10 Video Game Intro Songs

No great video game is without a great soundtrack, and no song may be more important that the one that plays when you boot up the game! In my first Top 10 list I discuss my favorite video game intro …

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Shinkara: Okami

With Okami HD releasing recently Taylor decides take a look at the original PS2 gem on this episode of Shinkara! With Okami HD releasing recently Taylor decides take a look at the original PS2 gem on this episode of Shinkara! Follow Taylor …

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Shinkara: Mugen Souls

With slingshot pinball attacks, a bunny spaceship, and a protagonist with eight personalities, could this be Nippon Ichi’s craziest game yet? Taylor lets you know in this episode of Shinkara! Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Original Art: Ririkuto Opening and …

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Shinkara: Viewtiful Joe

HENSHIN A GO GO, BABY! On this episode of Shinkara Taylor takes a look at Clover Studio’s first game, Viewtiful Joe. Does this wacky action title still hold up? Follow Taylor on Twitter: @TaylorsShelf Original Art: Ririkuto Opening and credit …

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Shinkara: The Last Story

The Last Story is an all too appropriate title to potentially send the Wii out on a high note. Has Mistwalker created the Wii’s swan song, or just more shovelware? Taylor lets you know in this episode of Shinkara! Follow …

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Shinkara: Persona 4 Arena

The dream team of Atlus and Arc System Works have come together to create the dazzling spectacle Persona 4 Arena. Does it manage to please both RPG and fighting game fans? Taylor lets you know in this episode of Shinkara! …

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