Game Rant Features

Game Rant Features

Game Rant is an online publication dedicated to reporting news and features about video games and the gaming industry.

In December 2019 I was hired onto the site as a freelance News Writer, but starting in March 2020 I expanded my reach into the Features section as well. There I wrote longer-form articles more independent, informative, or opinionated as original content for the site.

In April 2020 I was hired on as a full-time Staff Writer at Game Rant, and in June 2020 I published my first full-scale video game review for the site.

In September 2020 I became an editor at the site, which led to my time being split between writing, editing, and more.

In July 2021 I became the Lead Features Editor.

2022

January

  • Monday, 10 – Sunday, 16

Splatoon 3 Would Be a Perfect Summer 2022 Game for Nintendo

Kirby and the Forgotten Land ‘Elfilin is the Villain’ Theory Explained

Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Sub-Games May be Part of the Main Adventure

Minecraft Needs to Make the Jump to Next-Gen

January 13 is Going to Be a Heartbreaking Day for Halo Fans

Horizon Forbidden West, Sequels Could Learn From Monster Hunter’s Elemental Weapons

Captain Toad Would Work Well as Nintendo’s Next Mobile Game

  • Monday, 3 – Sunday, 9

Pikmin Bloom’s Postcards Could Solve Issues With Decor Diversity

Rainbow Six Extraction Is a Great Introduction For Ubisoft+ Content in Xbox Game Pass [UPDATE]

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Should Bring Back Squeak Squad’s Ghost Ability

Nintendo is Leaving Money on the Table By Not Releasing Mario Party Superstars DLC

Horizon Call of the Mountain Proves Guerrilla Games is a Top PlayStation Studio

EVE Online Crossovers That Could Follow Doctor Who

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Should Take an Archery Lesson From Horizon Zero Dawn

  • Saturday, 1 – Sunday, 2

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Shouldn’t be Held Back by Capcom’s 2024 Plans

Perfect Dark Needs a Modern Remaster

Sonic Frontiers’ Focus on Quality Over Timeliness is a Good Sign for the Future

The Next Fire Emblem Should Lean More Into Branching Story Paths

Halo Infinite’s Active Battle Pass Challenges Should Not Repeat Objectives

2021

December

  • Monday, 27 – Friday, 31

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 – More Enemies Should Get Unique Battle Music

Original Super Smash Bros. Bosses Should Get More Play in Nintendo Games

Deep Rock Galactic’s PS5 Port Could Be Its Most Immersive

Pokemon Masters EX: Giratina’s ‘Zones’ Mechanic Should Carry Into the Main Series

Halo Infinite Should Introduce a Shotgun Variant of Tactical Slayer

  • Monday, 20 – Sunday, 26

Control’s Service Weapon Sets The Bar For Video Game Weapons

All Pokemon Belonging to Generation 3

Star Trek: Resurgence’s Cameos Should be Far Broader Than Spock

The Case for a Marvel’s Doctor Strange Game

Minecraft: The Best Changes in the 1.18 Update

End of Year: 10 Best Video Game Villains of 2021

Super Animal Royale’s ‘The Bwoking Dead’ LTM Thrives on Suspense

Paper Mario’s Small Details Make it Worth Playing Via Nintendo Switch Online

  • Monday, 13 – Sunday, 19

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Could Make Better Use of the Branching Zelda Timeline

Interview with Ghost Ship Games’ Game Director Mikkel Martin Pedersen:

Pikmin Bloom Should Add These Decor Locations After ‘Hamburger Shops’

Don’t Starve is Seeing a Resurgence, and That’s Great

Pokemon Legends: Arceus’ Special Bonuses May Hinder Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Fire Emblem Heroes’ Ongoing Story Could Set a Template for Three Houses’ Successor

End of Year: 10 Best Co-Op Games of 2021

  • Monday, 6 – Sunday, 12

All the Confirmed Halo Infinite Fracture: Tenrai Event Return Dates for 2022

Minecraft Needs More Uses for Copper After Caves and Cliffs Part 2

Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s Epic Games Store Exclusivity Could be Huge for Fortnite

Shantae and the Seven Sirens’ Spectacular Superstar Accessibility Options Should Have Come Earlier

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Is Smart to Give Rondine a Bigger Role

Pikmin 4 Should Adapt the Customization Practices of Niantic’s Bloom

Interview with G4 Hosts Fiona Nova, Will Neff, and Kassem G:

  • Wednesday, 1 – Sunday, 5

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Should Have Picked an Aesthetic Lane

Paper Mario’s Standalone Switch Online Expansion Pack Release is a Double-Edged Sword

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Kapp’n Tours Should Give Players More Control

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s Successor Should Have Personalized ‘Break the Targets’ Stages

November

  • Monday, 29 – Tuesday, 30

Everything in Minecraft’s Caves and Cliffs Part 2 Update

Halo Infinite: Fiesta Playlists Should be Permanent Chaotic Learning Tools

  • Monday, 22 – Sunday, 28

Interview with Paper Castle Games Lead Writer and 2D Artist Andrea “Andie” Gallo:

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’s Poketch Should Include Field Moves like Flash

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Needs Something Clever For the Great Plateau

The LEGO Dimensions Concept is Worth Revisiting as a Traditional Game

Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ DIY Cooking Leaves a Lot on The Table

Hollow Knight’s Dead Cells Crossover May Be a Good Sign for Silksong

Stardew Valley: Why Players Should Consider Marrying Sam

Interview with Spaceflux Creator Calin Ardelean:

Pokemon Masters EX Needs to Work On Its Promotional Events

Pikmin Bloom Should Add Better Uses for Coins

  • Monday, 18 – Sunday, 21

Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Could Include Exclusive Game Demos

Halo Infinite: Everything You Need to Know About the Battle Pass Changes

Stardew Valley: Why Players Should Consider Marrying Maru

Pokemon Sun and Moon’s Family Drama is Just as Powerful After Five Years

Metroid Dread: Samus Aran’s Awakened Abilities Set the Foundation for Sequels

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise’s Steady Progression is Really Smart Design

It Takes Two is a Perfect Game of the Year Nominee for The COVID-19 Era

Fire Emblem Would Make a Great Competitive Niantic Game After Pikmin Bloom

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Should Include Outside Nintendo Enemies, References

  • Monday, 8 – Sunday, 17

Stardew Valley: Why Players Should Consider Marrying Penny

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Should Get the Link’s Awakening Treatment

Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Most Undersung New Addition May be Customizable Fences

Paper Mario Should Finally Give The Thousand-Year Door’s Luigi His Due

Pikmin Bloom’s Co-Op Challenge Mushrooms Should Open Up Earlier

How Among Us’ Cosmicubes Shake Up the Battle Pass Model Well

Unity Acquiring Weta Digital Could Mean Big Things for the Games Industry

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Which Starter Makes the Game Easier?

Xbox Game Pass Game One Step from Eden Explained

  • Monday, 1 – Sunday, 7

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Who is Cornimer?

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Should Bring Meta Knightmare Mode into 3D

Pikmin Bloom’s Community Days Need Better Rewards Going Forward

Pokemon: The Lore Behind Vullaby Explained

Interview with BlueGooGames Project Lead Niclas Marie and Art/Creative Director Tobias Tranell:

Monster Hunter Rise Should Release Nintendo Collabs After Sonic the Hedgehog

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2’s Floating Islands Could Evolve A Link Between Worlds’ Partitioned Lorule

What Harry Potter: Wizards Unite’s Shut Down Says For Pikmin Bloom

Metroid’s Chozo Could Be Perfect Subjects for a New Spin-Off Game

October

  • Monday, 25 – Sunday, 31

LEGO Luigi’s Mansion Could Inspire More Spooky Halloween Mario Sets

Pikmin Bloom is More Exercise Tool Than Game, and That’s Great

Future Pokemon Games Should Lean More Into Referential Cosmetics

Deep Rock Galactic’s Seasonal Content Seems Like a Great Example of the Practice

Mario Party Superstars’ Tug o’ War Warning Should Include Accessibility Options

  • Monday, 18 – Sunday, 24

Cris Tales’ Regression Skill Makes a Great Case for Time-Based Combat

Why It’s Not Too Late for Pokemon Z

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Should Bring Back a Unique Gallery of Bosses

ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier Looks Like Stardew Valley with Shop Manager Mechanics

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Would Be an Interesting Addition to NSO’s Expansion Pack

The Hamtaro Game Boy Trilogy Deserves a Remastered Collection

  • Monday, 11 – Sunday, 17

Pokemon Games Should Further Consolidate Their Technology Sources

Minecraft Live 2021: What is The Allay?

Pikmin 4 on Switch Feels More Likely After Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Minecraft: The Wild Update’s New Swamp Mobs Have a Lot of Potential

Interview with TOMO CAMP founder Willem Rosenthal:

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Sora’s Taunts Should Be His Primary Magic

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Needs Something Clever For the Negative Spaces in its Map

Mario Party Superstars’ Online Game Saves Suggests Nintendo is Learning

Metroid Dread, Hollow Knight Share a Great Way for Players to Impact Game Worlds

Guardians of the Galaxy Should Follow Marvel’s Avengers to Game Pass

  • Monday, 4 – Sunday, 10

Metroid Dread’s First E.M.M.I. Encounter Drops the Ball on a Great Mechanic

Paper Mario Developers Should Try Paper-Themed RPGs for More Nintendo Franchises

What We Hope to See From Prince Zuko in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl

Pokemon: All of Slowpoke’s Evolutions Explained

Where Splatoon 3: Return of the Mammalians Can Go After Octo Expansion

Monster Hunter Rise’s Sonic the Hedgehog Collab Could Take a Few Different Routes

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Needs a New Master Cycle Upgrade

  • Friday, 1 – Sunday, 3

Kingdom Hearts’ Castle Oblivion and Its Role in the Franchise Explained

New Pokemon Stadium Games Would Have a Lot to Work With

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Should Bring Back The Crystal Shards’ Ability Mixing

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl: Prince Zuko Would Perfect Round Out the Avatar Cast

Revita’s Risk vs. Reward Health Mechanic is Worth Watching

Interview with Dreams Uncorporated CEO and SYCK co-founder Carlos Andres Rocha Silva:

September

  • Monday, 27 – Thursday, 30

Nintendo Switch Online Adding Paper Mario is Hopefully Just the Beginning

Monster Hunter Rise: Shogun Ceanataur is a Perfect Addition for Sunbreak

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Amity Square’s Upgrades Should Include Co-Op

All the Rare-Developed Nintendo 64 Games That Could Come to Switch Online

The Case for Save Data Transfer in Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2

  • Monday, 20 – Sunday, 26

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Whispy Woods Needs a Radical Redesign

Should Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Give Link a Clean Slate?

Everything Confirmed for Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak DLC So Far

Hollow Knight: Silksong Should Take Steel Soul Mode to the Next Level With Silk Soul

The Pokemon Stadium Games Are Must-Haves for Future Switch Online Updates

Kirby Should Attempt Another Metroidvania-Style Game Like Amazing Mirror

The Case for New Pokemon Games to Revisit Older Regions

Breath of the Wild 2 Should Add Zelda’s Loftwing With Amiibo Support

  • Monday, 13 – Sunday, 19

Fire Emblem Could Lean Into the Sci-Fi Fantasy Void Left by Final Fantasy 16

How Festivals Work in Stardew Valley

Pokemon is Going All-In on Its Villain Legacy

The Nickelodeon Video Game Resurgence is Relying on Fans’ Nostalgia

Alan Wake Remastered Will Be a Completely Different Experience After Control

Nintendo Switch Bluetooth Audio Pairing Comes at The Perfect Time for Switch OLED

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: What Is the Worldmind?

  • Monday, 6 – Sunday, 12

Deep Rock Galactic’s Terrain Scanner Should Set a Standard for 3D Maps

Metroid Dread Could Finally Provide the Origins of Fusion’s Yakuza Boss

What Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ Social System Can Learn From Fire Emblem

Interview with Happy Broccoli Games’ Founder Annika Maar and Marketing Manager Irene Preuss:

A ‘Metroid Maker’ Game Has As Much Potential as Super Mario Maker

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Should Add More Ways to Traverse Hyrule

  • Wednesday, 1 – Sunday, 5

Pokemon Legends: Arceus Could Make Use of Black and White’s Seasons

Warner Bros. Could be Priming Mortal Kombat 12 for a Scooby-Doo Crossover

August

  • Monday, 30 – Tuesday, 31

Super Mario Odyssey 2 Should Explore the Fourth Dimension

  • Monday, 23 – Sunday, 29

How Niantic’s Pikmin Mobile Game Could Handle Seasonal Celebrations

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Should Explore One of the Series’ Greatest Bromances

  • Monday, 16 – Sunday, 22

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Should Give Paya The Chance to Shine

Gotham Knights Can’t Come Back from Batman’s Death

Metroid Dread Needs to Live Up To Fusion’s Iconic SA-X

  • Monday, 9 – Sunday, 15

Fortnite’s Street Fighter Collabs Are Great, but More Fighting Games Deserve a Chance

Pokemon Masters’ Eternatus Event Suggests Mega Evolution Isn’t Dead

The Legend of Zelda: How Link’s Breath of the Wild Incarnation Differs From Past Ones

A Kingdom Hearts Star Wars Crossover Could Help Redeem the Sequel Trilogy

A Cris Tales Sequel Should Learn From Classic Pokemon Encounters

Why Hollow Knight: Silksong Fans May Want to Keep an Eye on August 11

  • Monday, 2 – Sunday, 8

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Needs to Address the Champions’ Descendants

Why The Next Fire Emblem Game Should Be Pirate-Themed

Interview with Stormrite Creator Kelechi Apakama:

  • Sunday, 1

Hollow Knight: Silksong Can Take a Lesson From Pikmin

Halo Infinite Has Obvious Path for Its Seasonal Content

July

  • Monday, 26 – Saturday, 31

Monster Hunter Rise: Palamute Crossovers That Should Happen After Okami

Metroid Dread: Will Nightmare Appear?

  • Monday, 19 – Sunday, 25

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Could be a Game-Changer for Online Communities

The Yoshi’s Island Series Should Get Its Own ‘Metroid Dread’

A Fire Emblem Remake on Switch Should Build Upon Three Houses’ Monastery

Zelda: Skyward Sword – Everything You Need to Know About Groose

Remedy Entertainment’s Control Sequel Could Follow Loki’s Lead

Dying Light 2 Needs to Thread the Needle With Stealth Sections

Explaining The Role of the Metroid in the Series So Far

  • Monday, 12 – Sunday, 18

Nintendo Consoles That Deserve LEGO Sets Like the NES

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’s Most Exciting Update Might Not be Graphical

Sucker Punch Should Return to Sly Cooper After Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Pikmin 4 Would Really Shine on Switch OLED

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Should Go All-In On Character Customization

Interview with Konitama Founder Christopher Gottron:

Returnal Still Needs This Big Feature

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Should Give More Attention to Ally NPCs

  • Monday, 5 – Sunday, 11

Kingdom Hearts 4 Should Expand Upon This KH2 Mechanic

Now Is The Perfect Time For Loki Content in Marvel’s Avengers

Mario Golf: Super Rush Shows Nintendo Should Use Mario’s Cast in 3D Sandbox Games

Metroid Dread Offers the Perfect Excuse to Re-Release Metroid Prime Trilogy

Every Game Featured at Sony’s July 2021 State of Play

Nintendo Switch OLED is a Great Step Forward for Accessibility

Hollow Knight: Silksong and Metroid Dread Showcase a Similar Lesson

  • Thursday, 1 – Sunday, 4

Fire Emblem Games That Deserve to be Remade

Interview with G4 Hosts Jirard Khalil and Gina Darling:

June

Interview with Splashteam Creative Directors Romain Claude and Marie Marquet:

May

Interview with Behaviour Interactive Creative Director Dave Richard and CMO David Reid:

Hardware Review: MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD esports Gaming Monitor Review

Interview with Pixile Studios CEO Michael Silverwood:

Interview with Breath of the Wild Voice Actor Patricia Summersett:

Pokemon Gen 9 Should Steal This Feature from Pokemon Masters

Interview with Kabam Development Director Ethan Young and Creative Director Gabriel Frizzera:

April

Super Mario Odyssey 2 Would Be the Perfect Follow-Up to Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Can’t Replicate This DS Feature, and That’s a Shame

Interview with Team Ninja Producer Fumihiko Yasuda:

March

Interview with GungHo Online Entertainment Directors Yuki Okano and Satoshi Ogihara:

Niantic’s Pikmin Game Could Take the Franchise to New Heights

Interview with The Completionist Jirard Khalil:

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Should Have Their Own Delta Episode

February

How Shantae Could Work in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Game Preview: Knockout City

New Pokemon Snap Skipped February’s Nintendo Direct, but May Reappear Soon

Fire Emblem Fates’ Ambitions Set the Stage for Three Houses’ Success

The Various Fire Emblems Across the Franchise Explained

January

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Remakes Should Embrace This Aesthetic Feature from Sword and Shield

Monster Hunter Should Borrow This Weapon Type from Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Case for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to Add Perfect Dark’s Joanna Dark as DLC

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is Proof an Odyssey 2 Could Still Happen

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Should Include One Major DLC

One Hades Mechanic Perfectly Sets Up a Spiritual Successor

2020

December

Zelda: Breath of the Wild Areas That Would Be Great for Age of Calamity DLC

End of Year: The 10 Best In-Game Events of 2020

The King of Hyrule is the True Villain of Breath of the Wild

End of Year: 10 Best Video Game Villains of 2020

How Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity’s Big Twist Could Affect Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2

Game Review: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

November

Gen 9 Needs to Fix Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Villain Problem

Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Calyrex May Be a Test for Gen 9

Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Dynamax Adventures Evoke an Updated Battle Frontier

Hardware Review: Razer 2020 Wireless Flagship Peripherals Suite

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity’s Mini Guardian Could Change Everything

October

Game Review: ScourgeBringer

Interview with CCP Games; MMOS Scientists:

Interview with Flying Oak Games Co-Founder Thomas Altenburger:

Ikenfell Shows How Thousand-Year Door Sequel Could Innovate

Game Review: Ikenfell

Pokemon Sword and Shield Kalos Rumors Are Connected to One Long-Running Fan Desire

Pokemon Sword and Shield Crown Tundra DLC Spells Good News Beyond Diamond and Pearl Remakes

September

The Defenders Need the Marvel’s Avengers Treatment

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Has a Zelda Problem

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Remakes Seem More Likely Than Ever

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Stands Out From Other Zelda Games In Interesting Way

Harry Potter RPG Hogwarts legacy Should Follow Jedi: Fallen Order’s Lead in One Big Way

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Has Big Breath of the Wild Problem

Other Nintendo Franchises that Should Get the Warriors Treatment

Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra May Be Setting Up a Big Pattern

Sonic the Hedgehog Games That Deserve the Mario 35th Anniversary Treatment

August

Interview with Codemasters Lead Designer Michael Moreton:

Most Wanted MW2 Map Remakes for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Pokemon Sword and Shield Could Take a Lesson From Pokemon GO

How Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Could Utilize Dark Link

Interview with Gunfire Games Design Director John Pearl:

Harry Potter RPG on PS5, Xbox Series X Has Huge Opportunity No Other HP Game Has Had Before

Nintendo’s Pikmin and Paper Mario Announcements Are Parties to Two Different Camps

Paper Mario: The Origami King Opens a Really Big Door

July

Paper Mario: The Origami King Has a Princess Peach Problem

Interview with Jagex – Lead Designer David Osborne, Senior Games Designer Tim Fletcher, Lead Content Developer James Crowther:

Game Preview: Skully

Paper Mario: The Origami King Spells Good News for Other Subfranchises

Interview with Finish Line Games Lead Designer Jason Canam:

Game Preview: Among Trees (Early Access)

June

Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Isle of Armor DLC Sets Precedent for Next Gen

Game Review: Command and Conquer Remastered Collection

New Pokemon Snap Sets High Expectations for Next ‘Pokemon Presents’ Announcement

10 Animals That Should Get the Horizon Treatment in Forbidden West

Interview with Petroglyph Games Audio Director Frank Klepacki:

May

Super Mario Odyssey 2 Should Leave Princess Peach to Paper Mario

Interview with Behaviour Interactive – Game Director Mathieu Cote, Creative Director Dave Richard, Head of Public Relations Marie Claude Bernard:

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Should Address the Rito in the Room

One Thing Paper Mario: The Origami King Could Do Better than The Thousand-Year Door

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 May Have a Master Sword Problem

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Who is Rover?

April

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Should Let Link Form Relationships, Date

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Could Follow in Ocarina of Time’s Footsteps

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Needs More Robust Local Co-Op

March

Interview with Robot Entertainment Design Director Jerome K. Jones:

This Pokemon Spin-Off Needs a Remake like Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Breath of the Wild 2 Could Start a Brand New Legend of Zelda Timeline

Pokemon Sword and Shield Should Distribute Zarude like a Gen 4 Mythical Pokemon