Austin Boosinger
Staff BioAustin Boosinger is some sort of writer and gamer.
Once, he had a choice of getting daftly murdered or embracing the girl of his dreams. True story. It was the late 80’s. He was playing this game Karateka, a computer game about saving a princess with, well… karate. The whole deal seemed really important at the time, as he was only a kid. Monumental, even. So he walked (in the game), slowly with trepidation, completely oblivious to such a choice. It seemed he had reached the near-end of the game, and he was moving toward the princess herself. And then, before he knew it, the princess kills “him” with a kick to the head. He was stunned and on the verge of tears. He played through again, quickly running this time into her arms, and was lauded with the appreciation he’d wished for with such a romantic gesture. It was at that moment that he was completely immersed. He was that character, as shallow as he was. Unlike other forms of media, this one—the video game—gave him more than sympathy for it’s protagonist—it gave him empathy. He moved on to play another game by Karateka’s creator, Jordan Mechner, entitled The Last Express. It was more of an adventure game. And it allowed much more choice. More autonomy. And this little boy began to obsess over game after game…
What else can I say about this writer?
He appears to believe that adventure games (and games in general) might be one of the strongest ways to understand (and be) others, allowing for unprecedented events to take place that not even method actors can scam up. He’s played/seen/read an awful lot since Karateka. And maybe it hasn’t really sunk in yet. But he seems to know that in his pursuit of a good game, book, film, and the immersion into a character’s life—he’ll certainly be running.
Austin lives, beautifully, in Portland Oregon.
He also writes about games on his blog, GamingReverie.com
Articles by Austin Boosinger:
Professor Layton and the Last Specter review
This enjoyable darker prequel steps back before the previous games, though its winning gameplay formula will feel very familiar.
Red Johnson’s Chronicles review
This noir-themed PlayStation 3 exclusive has a stylish presentation, but its weak story and clichéd characters lack any real punch.
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future review
Layton's third DS puzzler is more refined than ever, though you'll encounter very similar challenges time and time again.
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth review
Capcom's popular legal series steps out of the courtroom, but not all the changes can be welcomed with full conviction.
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box review
There's plenty of thinking inside the box of this highly entertaining puzzle bonanza on Nintendo DS.
Gobliiins 4 review
The goblins are back and they're wacky as ever in this puzzle-centric adventure that looks like a wiiinner.
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People: Episode 5 - 8-Bit is Enough review
The action heats up in the SBCG4AP season finale, but still leaves a little potential smouldering in its wake.
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People: Episode 4 - Dangeresque 3: The Criminal Projective review
In this homemade movie that's more cutting room than cutting edge, the fourth SBCG4AP episode is as easy as 1-too?-3.
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People: Episode 3 - Baddest of the Bands review
A little rocky at the start, the third episode gets on a roll in this battle for musical supremacy.
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People: Episode 2 - Strong Badia the Free review
Strong Bad secedes where lesser characters fail, but the gameplay remains anything but taxing.
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People: Homestar Ruiner review
The new episodic series from Telltale comes out swinging in a lightweight adventure with plenty of punch.
DreamWeb review
Pinch yourself if you're considering DreamWeb, as the top-down cyberpunk adventure proves a little maddening.
Professor Layton and the Curious Village review
There are no idiots allowed in this village, as the first Professor Layton DS puzzler will challenge you every delightful tap of the way.
Cleopatra: A Queen’s Destiny review
The latest historical adventure from Kheops shows signs of being stellar, but falls a little short of a crowning achievement.
Dead Reefs review
This 3D gothic mystery exudes an alluring atmosphere, but unsuspecting players may want to steer clear.