Game ZXC

Martin Wood-Features Writer

Martin Wood

Features Writer

Qualifications MA Literature & Culture, BA English
Expertise
Pokemon, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda
  • 434
    articles
  • 434
    Features

About Martin Wood

Having worked as a writer for over a decade, Martin Wood started his own academic gaming site before joining the GameZXC team. His passion first started with Pokemon Silver and then exploded from there, becoming a huge driving force behind his aspirations in life. As an advocate for the critical academic study of gaming and backed by an MA in Literature and Culture with specialization in digital media from the University of Birmingham, he's hoping to take the field further and help inspire others to join the conversation. If he's not found at his desk trying to plumb his brain for interesting insights and stories about gaming, then he'll either be doing "research" on his latest favorite games or spending time with his two poodles, Bentley and Jensen.

Favorite Games

Despite its age and hit-and-miss legacy, the Jak & Daxter trilogy will always have a special place in my heart as one of my first childhood games alongside others like Pokemon and Ratchet & Clank.

But recent favorites have to include The Legend of Zelda Switch games and the Legendary Edition of Mass Effect, as I finally got to experience these beloved gaming classics for myself.

Favorite Console

Since Nintendo has proven itself to be the master of handheld consoles with the Switch, it is thanks to the likes of Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom which proved you don't need the highest hardware specs for a great gaming experience.

Industry Focus

With my academic background specialized in digital media, I'm driven to discover new insights and ideas about gaming at large. I want to understand what makes certain games tick, why they succeed or why they fail, how future games might evolve moving forward, and so much more.

Ultimately, through this passion, I hope to encourage others to see gaming as more than just entertainment, but as a fascinating field worth a deep dive into.

Latest

Mass Effect 4 Suicide Mission-1
Why Mass Effect May Never Have Another 'Suicide Mission' Again

With Mass Effect 2's Suicide Mission remaining one of the series' most harrowing levels, future Mass Effect games may never live up to its standard.

Pokemon Go Ultra Beasts Burnet
Pokemon GO Makes It Clear that Ultra Beasts Can't Stay on the Shelf

With Pokemon GO highlighting just how weird and wonderful Ultra Beasts are, it might be time for them to make a return in a future Pokemon game.

Dragon Age Dreadwolf Original Trilogy
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Can't Leave the Original Games Behind Entirely

Despite BioWare's best efforts to welcome new players, it may not be possible to separate Dragon Age: Dreadwolf from the previous Dragon Age games.

2:36
silent-hill-townfall-downpour-homecoming-radio-comms-good-why
This Silent Hill Trope May Make Its Way Into Silent HIll: Townfall

Silent Hill: Townfall may play into this huge staple of the Silent Hill Franchise.

2:36
Silent Hill Downpour Screenshots Large
Silent Hill: Townfall Will Hopefully Play on a Fun Downpour Trope

With the recurring use of radios throughout the Silent Hill series, Silent Hill: Townfall's trailer might have teased a new take on this design trope.

Pokemon Legends ZA Arceus Characters Large
Pokemon Legends: Z-A's Cast of Characters Has One Advantage Over PL: Arceus

Though Pokemon Legends: Z-A can't revisit Pokemon Legends: Arceus' ancestral characters, its more modern backdrop could still give it an edge.

Hollow Knight Sad Elderbug
Hollow Knight: Silksong Could Be Foreshadowing a Tragic Ending in Plain Sight

Knowing how dark and melancholic the first game was, there might be an obvious clue that Hollow Knight: Silksong's story will tell a similar tale.

Zelda BOTW TOTK Timeline Split
Tears of the Kingdom, BotW Offer the Perfect Setup for a New Zelda Timeline Split

Even if The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom marks the end of the series' branching timelines, it could also be the ideal start of another split.

Haunted Chocolatier Stardew Valley Mastery
Haunted Chocolatier Desperately Needs One Stardew Valley 1.6 Feature at Launch

Out of everything added to Stardew Valley in its 1.6 update, one key feature should be carried over and included in Haunted Chocolatier at launch.

Assassin's Creed Nebula Settings
The Best Time Periods for Assassin's Creed Nebula's Rumored Settings

If Assassin's Creed Nebula's settings are more than just rumors, then Ubisoft has the chance to explore unique time periods in world history.

Zelda TOTK Light Demon Dragon
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Draconification Process Explained

Understanding The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's draconification process could reveal more about the series' mysterious history with dragons.

Minecraft Mace Zombie
Minecraft 1.21's New Mace Weapon Explained

As part of its 1.21 update, Minecraft's newest weapon may have also just become its most powerful if players take the time to find and master it.

Stardew Valley Mastery Cave-1
Stardew Valley 1.6's New 'Mastery System' is a Game-Changer

The new Mastery System introduced in Stardew Valley's latest update adds an extra layer to the game that both new and returning players should enjoy.

Dragon Age Dreadwolf Companions
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf's Additional Settings are a Golden Opportunity for Returning Companions

With Dragon Age: Dreadwolf set across four key regions throughout Thedas, there is a good chance for several companions to make a comeback.

Minecraft Trial Chamber Deep Dark Warden
Minecraft's 1.21 Update Needs to Unearth 1.19's Ancient City Secrets

Inspired by Minecraft's new Trial Chambers, Ancient Cities could be revamped thanks to the focus on combat and tinkering in the 1.21 update.

Mass Effect 4 Illusive Man Scourge
Mass Effect 4's Primary Antagonist Feels a Little Obvious

Mass Effect 4's main villain seems like an inevitable choice as it would be the best way to bring the series' trilogy and spin-off together.

Pokemon Legends ZA Sun Moon
Pokemon Legends Z-A Might Build On Top of Gen 7 and Gen 9

Between Gen 7's and Gen 9's gimmicks for their Legendary Pokemon mascots, Pokemon Legends: Z-A could have big plans for Zygarde's potential role.

Zelda Ultrahand Magnesis TOTK
The Next Zelda Game's Loss of Ultrahand Could Be BotW Magnesis' Gain

While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Ultrahand has been retired, Breath of the Wild's Magnesis ability now has a second chance to shine.

Minecraft Trial Keys Trial Chambers
One New Item in Minecraft 1.21 Could Unlock New Possibilities

Though they seem unassuming, a new Minecraft item could help pave the way for big changes and fresh features following the upcoming 1.21 update.

Pokemon Legends ZA Regional Forms
Pokemon Legends Z-A's Future Setting Has Unique Potential With Regional Pokemon

Pokemon Legends: Z-A's futuristic city setting could add a new spin to its regional Pokemon by exploring real-world examples of urban evolution.

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