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  • Alex Donaldson

    Alex Donaldson avatar

    Assistant Editor

    Alex started out his career in the games media as an over-eager kid working on fan sites, and now has decades of experience. He's VG247's Assistant Editor, and acts as the site's resident expert on esoteric matters including gaming hardware, Pokemon, and genres like RPGs, fighters, and strategy games.

    He's also the site's 'retro czar' - which basically means he disproportionately obsesses over the "good old days" of gaming, where you had to blow into game carts to get them running.

    Outside of VG247, he's the co-founder of genre-dedicated website RPG Site, which is one of the largest destinations online for fans of role-playing video games. He's also a dog-obsessive, whisky-lover, ten-pin bowler, occasional golfer, and a fan of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. He also collects original arcade machines, Lego, and watches.

    • Image for Xbox has an embarrassing Square Enix problem
      PERSONA NON GRATA

      Xbox has an embarrassing Square Enix problem

      And it's not just that one publisher, either – there's still a big issue Xbox needs to address, Activision Blizzard takeover or not.

    • Image for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom features an awesome tribute to Nintendo's ancient past
      GOTTA HAND IT TO EM

      Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom features an awesome tribute to Nintendo's ancient past

      Did you pick up on the Ultrahand in the latest trailer? And, more importantly, do you know why it's significant?

    • Image for Parasite Eve has the energy that Square Enix needs to bring to new IP in 2023
      HOT SPOT

      Parasite Eve has the energy that Square Enix needs to bring to new IP in 2023

      Parasite Eve might be turning 25 years old, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a template Square Enix could easily follow for modern success.

    • Image for Nvidia’s DLSS offering expands today with 5 new titles and an upgrade for Forza Horizon 5
      LEARNING CURVE

      Nvidia’s DLSS offering expands today with 5 new titles and an upgrade for Forza Horizon 5

      DLSS is arguably the best reason to own one of Nvidia's newer-generation graphics cards - and today, it becomes a little bit more useful.

    • Image for Playable Amy is great, but Sonic Origins Plus is pointless if it doesn’t address the original’s problems
      HAMMER TIME

      Playable Amy is great, but Sonic Origins Plus is pointless if it doesn’t address the original’s problems

      Sonic Origins Plus is making a splash with playable Amy Rose. But Amy and her hammer won’t be worth squat if the rest of the game isn’t fixed.

    • Image for The first major update for Thrustmaster’s eSwap controller is here – and it’s as genius as it is weird
      WHEELY WEIRD

      The first major update for Thrustmaster’s eSwap controller is here – and it’s as genius as it is weird

      Thrustmaster’s modular controller takes a big leap into new areas with its first genre-specific add-on. It’s weird, but… it kinda works, too.

    • Image for Lego 2K Drive: I’m in for a new Lego Racing game no questions asked – but what we really need is Lego Island
      ROAD BLOCKS

      Lego 2K Drive: I’m in for a new Lego Racing game no questions asked – but what we really need is Lego Island

      Could this rumoured new game be the start of Lego returning to its more experimental era? If so, then I have an idea...

    • Image for Atlas Fallen has great combat and that joyous single-A energy
      ATLAS BUGGED

      Atlas Fallen has great combat and that joyous single-A energy

      If you like your games slightly wonky –?but effortlessly charming – Atlas Fallen is likely for you.

    • Image for Devolver is releasing a new light gun shooter into arcades – but what we really need is a home port
      HOUSE OF THE GUNDEAD

      Devolver is releasing a new light gun shooter into arcades – but what we really need is a home port

      Dodge Roll's latest, House of the Gundead, belongs in arcades, sure... but I bet a lot of players would be happier seeing it in their own homes.

    • Image for PS5 Pro? Even if the spurious rumors are true, right now I just don't care
      PLAYSTATION PROLAPSE

      PS5 Pro? Even if the spurious rumors are true, right now I just don't care

      At this point in the generation, with how it's all gone so far, do we really need a PS5 Pro? I don't think so, really.

    • Image for The Xbox Series S is the best value in gaming – that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a problem
      X/S BAGGAGE

      The Xbox Series S is the best value in gaming – that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a problem

      The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S were always supposed to be treated the same, but the reality of that promise is starting to show its teeth – and it's not good news.

    • Image for Bring back incredible video game peripherals, you cowards
      A HARDWARE'S NIGHT

      Bring back incredible video game peripherals, you cowards

      What do slot machines, party games, and arcades all have in common? The best thing about them is dying.

    • Image for Pokemon Trading Card Game Classic is a stroke of genius
      MONEY FOR OLD OAK

      Pokemon Trading Card Game Classic is a stroke of genius

      Revisiting the classic Pokemon TCG experience with a premium new set may seem like an odd move, but it's a very, very canny one.

    • Image for As Final Fantasy 16 boss Naoki Yoshida calls it “discriminatory”, is it time to drop the term ‘JRPG’?
      ROLE BACK THE YEARS

      As Final Fantasy 16 boss Naoki Yoshida calls it “discriminatory”, is it time to drop the term ‘JRPG’?

      A brief history of the JRPG descriptor, and contemplations on the etymology of the genre – and its implications.

    • Image for Octopath Traveler 2 plays it safe, but it’s subtly better than its predecessor in every way that matters
      PIECES OF EIGHT

      Octopath Traveler 2 plays it safe, but it’s subtly better than its predecessor in every way that matters

      By taking what worked for the previous game and gently iterating on it, Octopath Traveler 2 offers up a delightful JRPG throwback - with many similar shortcomings to its predecessor.

    • Image for Take an exclusive look at Iron Treads EX, a new card in the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet TCG expansion
      STEELY MAN

      Take an exclusive look at Iron Treads EX, a new card in the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet TCG expansion

      Meet Iron Treads EX, a hot new card fresh from the Pokemon TCG's latest expansion.

    • Image for As Star Fox turns 30, it’s time for a reboot that admits: it’s okay for games to be short
      SHORT AND SWEET

      As Star Fox turns 30, it’s time for a reboot that admits: it’s okay for games to be short

      Star Fox is celebrating a milestone anniversary - making now as good a time as ever to admit that what makes the games truly great is also their greatest weakness.

    • Image for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be worth ?70, but the price highlights gaming’s possibly unsustainable future
      RHOAMING FEE

      Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be worth ?70, but the price highlights gaming’s possibly unsustainable future

      How expensive is too expensive for a sequel to one of the best games ever made? We may be about to find out.

    • Image for Hitman Freelancer: How to open Safes
      SAFE HANDS

      Hitman Freelancer: How to open Safes

      One of the most important side objectives in Hitman Freelancer is to regularly crack open safes on each mission. Here's how to do it.

    • Image for Hitman Freelancer is a fantastic bonus atop a modern masterpiece
      ROGUE'S GALLERY

      Hitman Freelancer is a fantastic bonus atop a modern masterpiece

      The latest update for the generation's best stealth game is here –?and it makes a perfect game even more interesting.

    • Image for Age of Empires 2 on Xbox: How AI helpers are giving the console real-time strategy genre a new lease of life
      I R WINNER

      Age of Empires 2 on Xbox: How AI helpers are giving the console real-time strategy genre a new lease of life

      Making an RTS work on console is no mean feat, but World's Edge has come up with some advanced tools that make the console experience as enjoyable as the PC one.

    • Image for Final Fantasy 7 at 26: Kitase on being inspired by Nintendo, discarded concepts, and Rebirth changes to come
      THINKING OUT CLOUD

      Final Fantasy 7 at 26: Kitase on being inspired by Nintendo, discarded concepts, and Rebirth changes to come

      In an exclusive interview, Yoshinori Kitase sheds some light Final Fantasy 7's development – and hints at changes to come in the Remake series' future.

    • Goldeneye image with the Xbox Live logo over the top of it.
      Perfect Solution

      Want to play GoldenEye 007 multiplayer online on Xbox? There is a way – sort of

      If this week's Xbox Game Pass release has left you a little disappointed, you ought to read this.

    • Image for Fire Emblem Engage Stats guide: What every Unit Stat does
      NUMBERS GAME

      Fire Emblem Engage Stats guide: What every Unit Stat does

      The strategy combat in Fire Emblem Engage is deep - and the first step to mastering it is understanding the unit stats that power it.

    • Image for Xbox's Hi-Fi Rush has that Dreamcast era vibe, and it could be one of the best games of the year
      A RUSH, A PUSH

      Xbox's Hi-Fi Rush has that Dreamcast era vibe, and it could be one of the best games of the year

      The latest Xbox Game Pass surprise drop has a really retro feel to it – and that is a very good thing.

    • Image for The DualSense Edge is Sony’s best controller ever – and gives the Xbox Elite a run for its money
      EDGE LORD

      The DualSense Edge is Sony’s best controller ever – and gives the Xbox Elite a run for its money

      Move over, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller – there's a new king of premium handsets in town.

    • Image for Fire Emblem Engage has some refreshing representation, especially by Nintendo standards
      TONE POLICING

      Fire Emblem Engage has some refreshing representation, especially by Nintendo standards

      Without making a big deal of it, Fire Emblem Engage just casually presents a diverse fantasy world - and it's better for it.

    • Image for Persona 4 Golden’s new port is a perfect Japanese RPG time capsule, but as for Persona 3? It’s complicated
      AGE BEFORE BEAUTY

      Persona 4 Golden’s new port is a perfect Japanese RPG time capsule, but as for Persona 3? It’s complicated

      Atlus' first proper mainstream hit JRPG is back with a bang, and now that it's on Game Pass, you have no excuse not to play it. Just don't mention Persona 3.

    • Image for Fire Emblem Engage review: brilliantly meaty strategy RPG combat meets a less compelling world
      SAVED BY THE FELL

      Fire Emblem Engage review: brilliantly meaty strategy RPG combat meets a less compelling world

      Following on from Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Engage has equal capacity to delight and frustrate – for newcomers and veterans alike.

    • Image for Marvel Snap is incredible, but its cash prices are incredibly stupid
      GOUGE AWAY

      Marvel Snap is incredible, but its cash prices are incredibly stupid

      One of 2022's breakout mobile games continues to impress, but its monetisation methods leave a lot to be desired.

    • Image for Fire Emblem Engage is Three Houses turned up to 11, for better or worse – preview
      ALL ROADS TO CHROM

      Fire Emblem Engage is Three Houses turned up to 11, for better or worse – preview

      If you're concerned about the Persona-fication of Fire Emblem, you might want to temper your expectations for Engage.

    • Image for The best gaming thing I experienced in the holidays? Sonic Prime
      PRIME EXAMPLE

      The best gaming thing I experienced in the holidays? Sonic Prime

      Turns out a new animated Sonic series is a great way to ring in the New Year.

    • Image for Latest Lego Ideas review eyes new Pac-Man and Zelda playsets
      BRICK-MAN

      Latest Lego Ideas review eyes new Pac-Man and Zelda playsets

      The latest Lego Ideas review has been revealed - and it includes a couple of video game icons that now have a chance to become real, retail Lego sets.

    • Image for How to evolve Pawmi and Pawmo into Pawmot in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
      bear necessities

      How to evolve Pawmi and Pawmo into Pawmot in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

      Here's the beary well-hidden way to get Pawmot in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

    • Image for Best of 2022: Elden Ring, and Alex's other GOTY picks
      GOD-TIER

      Best of 2022: Elden Ring, and Alex's other GOTY picks

      Sometimes picking out a best game each year is a painful, difficult choice. Sometimes it’s easy. This year, it’s… sort of both? Let me explain.

    • Image for Elden Ring New Game Plus explained: How NG+ works
      ENDLESS CYCLE

      Elden Ring New Game Plus explained: How NG+ works

      New Game Plus is back in Elden Ring, letting you begin another journey into The Lands Between. Here's how it works.

    • Image for All Elden Ring endings and how to get them
      choices, choices

      All Elden Ring endings and how to get them

      Elden Ring features multiple endings, as is Soulsborne tradition - but getting each is a complex affair.

    • Image for Best starting classes in Elden Ring and best classes for your skill level
      CLASS WARFARE

      Best starting classes in Elden Ring and best classes for your skill level

      Classes, or Origins, are a key early choice in Elden Ring. But which is the best Elden Ring starting class?

    • Image for Sony handhelds might be dead, but on its 18th birthday the promise of the PSP is as alive as ever
      ALL HANDS ON DECK

      Sony handhelds might be dead, but on its 18th birthday the promise of the PSP is as alive as ever

      The PlayStation Portable and Vita dream might be over, but the Switch and the Steam Deck keep the flame alive.

    • Image for Gaming gift guide: The best Christmas gifts for gamers that aren’t video games
      JOYSTICK NOEL

      Gaming gift guide: The best Christmas gifts for gamers that aren’t video games

      Stuck for what to buy your gamer kids for Christmas in 2022? Need to get a present for your nerd spouse? We’ve got you covered.

    • Image for Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion review: One of the most impressive remasters ever, but still a PSP game at heart
      THE WUTAI THAT BINDS

      Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion review: One of the most impressive remasters ever, but still a PSP game at heart

      With Final Fantasy 7 Remake reinvigorating the wider compilation, is this once-niche RPG spin-off ready for another shot at relevance?

    • Image for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Eevee evolutions: Where to find Eevee and how to evolve

      Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Eevee evolutions: Where to find Eevee and how to evolve

      Eevee returns in Scarlet & Violet, but it's one of the more elusive classic Pokemon to find - until your read this guide, anyway.

    • Image for Andor has made me want a low-key, guerrilla warfare Star Wars Rebellion strategy game
      WITH A REBEL YELL

      Andor has made me want a low-key, guerrilla warfare Star Wars Rebellion strategy game

      Imagine if the world of Andor was merged with the mechanics and setup of, say, XCOM2. It'd be perfect, right?

    • Image for As the rebooted show shoots for international success, now is the time for a big-budget Doctor Who game
      HOTROD COW

      As the rebooted show shoots for international success, now is the time for a big-budget Doctor Who game

      Now, more than ever, it's time we got a decent Dr Who game that plays up to the series' strengths.

    • Image for How to raise Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Friendship Level fast: Where to find the Friendship Checker
      BFF EM ALL

      How to raise Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Friendship Level fast: Where to find the Friendship Checker

      Here's how to befriend Pokemon quickly - and where to find the friendship checker to see where you stand.

    • Image for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Gym Order, Team Star Base & Titan Order Walkthrough
      TALL ORDER

      Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Gym Order, Team Star Base & Titan Order Walkthrough

      This order walkthrough will help you decide the exact best sequence to tackle the Gyms, Bases, and Titan encounters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

    • Image for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Type Chart: every type strength, weakness and resistance detailed
      MY TYPE ON PAPER

      Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Type Chart: every type strength, weakness and resistance detailed

      This Type Chart will help you to blast through battles in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet by exploiting opponent weaknesses.

    • Image for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s performance is truly awful – but if it’s really fun, how much does it matter?
      BUG TYPE

      Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s performance is truly awful – but if it’s really fun, how much does it matter?

      When does a game's performance start to take away from the joy of playing it? For Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, it's a hard question to answer.

    • Image for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet review: a super-effective new vision – with painful performance woes
      ON THE VICTORY ROAD

      Pokemon Scarlet & Violet review: a super-effective new vision – with painful performance woes

      When Game Freak tries to wrap its head around developing on modern platforms, it still hurts itself in its confusion – despite the greatness of everything else.

    • Image for Sonic Frontiers has Dreamcast-era jank and pop-in galore - but I can't stop playing it
      RING IT BACK

      Sonic Frontiers has Dreamcast-era jank and pop-in galore - but I can't stop playing it

      Despite some horrible bad bits, there are some incredible good bits – but that's sort-of par for the course with Sonic at this point, isn't it?

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