

Mark Smith
Contributor
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About Mark Smith
Mark has been thinking and writing about games since a Gameboy Pocket and a copy of Link's Awakening was first placed into his tender, seven-year-old hands.
Since then, he snagged a creative writing (BA) degree, roleplayed as a banker, an English teacher, and finally, a games writer – all while pursuing his true passion: inhabiting and creating virtual worlds.
As well as writing about, reading about, thinking about, talking about, dreaming about, and generally fantasizing about video games, Mark also dabbles with game development.
Proudest Gaming Achievement
I make my own video games (achievement unlocked!), which you can check out (and play for free) here:
https://markgsmith.itch.io/
Favorite Games
Mark's favorite game worlds are found in titles such as the Elder Scrolls, Metal Gear Solid, Jak and Daxter, and Guild Wars.
Favorite Console
The PS2 had all the bangers, but who can deny the divine right of PC gaming?
Latest

Final Fantasy: 6 Best Sci-Fi Games In The Franchise, Ranked
From dystopian cities in Final Fantasy 13 to the magitek utopia of Final Fantasy 8, Final Fantasy often explores sci-fi, despite its namesake.

Final Fantasy: 7 Most Underused Jobs In The Series
Rare Final Fantasy jobs like the geomancer and necromancer offer appeal and unique mechanics yet remain underused and overshadowed by series staples.

6 Games That Are Technically RPGs But Don’t Feel Like It
From Dark Souls' action-heavy gameplay to Pokémon's strategic battles, these RPGs challenge traditional definitions of the genre in surprising ways.

The Elder Scrolls: 7 Most Controversial Changes In The Series
From lore retcons in Oblivion to controversial creations in Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls series has brought its share of divisive changes.

The Elder Scrolls: 9 Things In The Oblivion Remake That Shouldn't Be Changed
The Oblivion remake has the potential to honor its legacy by refining important, classic features while embracing modern enhancements.

9 Things The Oblivion Remake Should Change From The Original Game
From combat modernizations to progression and level scaling, here’s what fans are hoping to see in the rumored Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion remake.

7 Best RPGs With Blood Magic
RPGs like Dragon Age and Guild Wars imbue players with dark powers of blood magic, blending vampire tropes, ritual sacrifice, and visceral gameplay.

Disco Elysium: Best Tips For A Sensitive Archetype Build
These tips will help Disco Elysium's sensitive cop navigate his case and help the player get the most out of this lurid and deeply soulful RPG.

Disco Elysium: Best Tips For A Thinker Archetype Build
Choosing the thinker archetype in Disco Elysium is smart since the game is about solving a complex crime; these tips will smooth that investigation.

8 Best RPGs For Story-Driven Gameplay With Minimal Combat
Some gamers enjoy RPGs for their combat encounters, but other RPG fans want to play games like Planescape and The Council where combat can be avoided.

7 Best Dark Fantasy Video Game Franchises, Ranked
Dark fantasy series like Diablo and Thief have delivered evolving worlds with rich lore and immersive nightmares across multiple installments.

Disco Elysium: Best Tips For A Physical Archetype Build
Disco Elysium is known for its cerebral narrative, but the physical archetype is a viable playstyle. These tips will help bruisers get the best start.

10 Biggest Traditions In The Elder Scrolls Series
From loot hoarding to meme-worthy guards, these traditions have shaped the Elder Scrolls experience across all games from Arena to Skyrim.

7 Most Idealistic Final Fantasy Characters, Ranked
Much of Final Fantasy's appeal lies in its idealistic characters, each striving for a better world through bold visions and unwavering optimism.

7 Most Iconic Cities In Open-World Games, Ranked
Thanks to their iconic designs, the cities of Grand Theft Auto, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Witcher are de facto capitals for gamers everywhere.

7 Most Iconic Dungeons In Elder Scrolls, Ranked
Oblivion, Morrowind, and Skyrim have some great dungeon experiences, but these underground gauntlets are The Elder Scrolls' most memorable and iconic.

Metal Gear Solid: The 8 Most Shocking Betrayals In The Series, Ranked
The Metal Gear Solid series is infamous for its shocking betrayals, unforgettable twists, and devastating revelations, but these are the most brutal.

7 Best Silent Protagonists Who Gained A Voice In Later Games
Silent characters can be powerful stand-ins for players, but in some games, like Dead Space and Jak & Daxter, the story demands they find their voice.

Final Fantasy: The 7 Strongest Dragoons In The Series, Ranked
Legendary lance-wielding fighters known for their jumps and unmatched aerial combat prowess, dragoons are one of Final Fantasy's most iconic jobs.

7 Best Indie Games That Look, Feel, And Play Like AAA Titles
With stunning visuals and immersive gameplay, indie games like Hollow Knight and Subnautica prove you don’t need a fortune to make a masterpiece.