"One of the first formal studies of the phenomenon was at Harvard Medical School in the year 2000. Participants played the game for seven hours each, spread over the course of three days. Remarkably, 63% of the participants - almost two thirds - reported seeing imagery from the game hours after they finished playing; often just as they were falling asleep. This fact on its own was newsworthy. But, even more surprising, amnesic patients with brain damage that prevents them from forming new memories also reported seeing game imagery well after they finished playing. These participants were unable to recall even playing the game, but their descriptions matched those of players with perfect memories. Blocks… They all saw blocks, falling through space, sometimes rotating or fitting neatly into empty spaces between other blocks. Some participants also reported seeing computed lines disappearing." - Tetris Effect Announcement Trailer, 2018 One day in the early 1980s, a Russian game designer named Alexey Pajitnov thought of an idea that would go on to redefine gaming forever. Using simple coding to create formations of blocks that would fall from the sky, the game forced players to connect these blocks, slotting them into perfect symmetrical positions on a grid layout. The objective was to prevent the blocks from stacking high enough to touch the top; connecting these blocks in a horizontal line would dissipate that line, allowing room for more formations to be conceived on the grid. The simplistic, yet highly addictive game would come to be known as Tetris. What is the Tetris Effect? The Tetris effect is a strange phenomenon that originated from the video game, Tetris, in the early 2000s. Various studies were carried out by those curious as to the psychological aftereffects of obsessively playing video games for extensive periods of time. The first gaming subject of these studies, which it would be named after, was Tetris. According to reports, the first studies carried out at Harvard Medical School in 2000 produced surprising results: participants saw imagery of Tetris long after they had played the game, particularly just before falling asleep. This phenomenon would spearhead a new wave of research in observing the aftereffects of gaming and lifestyle in general; whether it was seeing imagery or mysteriously hearing sounds on the verge of sleep. The Tetris effect was explored in greater detail over the decades, with new games being experimented with. Perhaps the most notable example of The Tetris Effect being used in the context of a game’s actual narrative was Jonathan Blow’s The Witness, which featured an ending that had the unnamed main character brainwashed and left with only the memories of the puzzles throughout the game – a slice of meta-storytelling that perfectly encapsulated the phenomenon. Personal Experimentation I wanted to test the Tetris effect for myself, despite vaguely recalling its effects in past cases – namely hearing sounds from various fighting games and shooters before falling asleep. The experiment led me to play the originator of the syndrome, Tetris, in a darkened room with nothing but the bright screen of my laptop, for a total of four hours. Shortly before falling asleep, I vaguely recalled being quite skeptical as to the extent of the game’s short-lived effects on me. Then, it started happening – faint imagery of blocks falling from the roof began to fill my mind, and eventually, trickle into reality. I closed my eyes but all I could see were those iconic Tetris shapes, connecting in lines of increasing, various formations. Was I still playing the game in my imagination? Needless to say, the Tetris effect worked on me in a short burst of time. I also experienced hypnic jerks on two separate occasions before falling asleep, awoken by a familiar 8-bit tune that seemed to float in and out of my dark room (you can imagine how scary of an experience this was). When I did fall asleep, I didn’t expect to dream of Tetris, but I can only vaguely recall the game appearing in fragments throughout my borderline REM sleep. The Legacy of the Tetris Effect The Tetris effect is now a recognized term used to describe any phenomenon in which a person gives so much time and attention to one activity, their mind immediately collects and patterns that activity in vivid mental imagery and dreams. It is also used as a basis to describe why children often have nightmares after watching a scary movie, or why we’re likely to dream of a video game in some capacity if we play it for long enough – often hearing audio or seeing imagery projected through our subconscious recollections. The human mind is far scarier than anything in reality, and it is capable of conjuring up as much darkness as it inspires creativity or knowledge. The Tetris effect slips in between this creation process and digs deep into our subconscious; so far, that it ever so slightly alters our perception of reality for a short period of time, often catching us at our most vulnerable state right at the moment when we fall asleep. If you’d like to try this experiment for yourself, play a video game in a dark room for an extensive period of time, without interruptions or distractions – particularly one that features some kind of repetitious audio or visual mechanic. It’s not guaranteed that you will experience the Tetris effect, but more than likely, the afterimages will linger in your mind after the game shuts down. Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s Tetris Effect Sony unveiled their new PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR game, Tetris Effect, at E3 2018, from the creators of Lumines and Rez Infinite, and led by the creative vision of Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Touted as the next step in Tetris, Tetris Effect features hypnotic, arresting visuals, a pulsating yet relaxing dance soundtrack, and the classic Tetris gameplay that we’re all familiar with – only with major artistic liberties taken with its more rhythmic musical approach. At first glance, it may seem like a spiritual successor to the likes of Rez Infinite and other music rhythm video games, but Tetris Effect understands the implications of its title, smartly using virtual reality to immerse players not only in the game, but in the Tetris effect as a phenomenon. Tetris Effect isn’t the first game to pioneer the idea, but it is the first to feature it as an intentional gameplay mechanic as opposed to a narrative device (e.g. The Witness). When it releases sometime this year, I implore players to give the game a glance, whether they’re fans of Tetris or not. It might be one of the most memorable gaming experiences of your life... no pun intended.

AWX Nexus is currently having a massive clearance sale while stocks last! The sale features a variety of goodies from video games and anime to collector's editions and POP vinyl figures. While the list is very extensive and you may need to stop by AWX Nexus in Randburg to have a peak at all the awesome products marked for sale, here's a few highlights from PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. PlayStation 4 Highlights: The Evil Within 2 (PS4) - Bethesda's and Tango Gameworks' sequel to the acclaimed The Evil Within takes horror to a whole new level, introducing a semi-open world for the first time in the series as well as more horror elements than its predecessor. The scares are relentless, cleverly orchestrated, and are sure to appease the die-hard fans of horror gaming. If you're a horror enthusiast like me, don't miss up on the opportunity to pick up The Evil Within 2 for R299. Destiny 2 (PS4) - Bungie's MMO first-person shooter, Destiny 2, offers everything you'd come to expect from the Destiny franchise; a beautifully realized world, tight-knit gameplay and combat, and a story that captivates with its memorable characters and twists. Pick up Destiny 2 at our clearance sale for only R499. Final Fantasy XV Day One Edition/Royal Edition (PS4) - I'm not going to beat around the bush - Final Fantasy XV quickly became one of my all-time favourite video games. The travelling band of leather-bound brothers fighting monsters in the scorching desert heat aside, the characters are well-rounded, the open world of Eos is an incredible sight to behold, and the various activities that include monster hunting, fishing, and occasionally rebelling against a totalitarian regime is a ton of fun. If you're a fan of J-RPGs, or RPGs in general and have yet to play Final Fantasy XV, pick up the Day One Edition for R299. The Royal Edition, priced at R499, nets you all previously released DLC that adds a great deal of additional content to an already massive game. Mass Effect: Andromeda (PS4) - While it didn't receive the most lukewarm reception at launch, Bioware's Mass Effect: Andromeda is one of the underrated gems of 2017, and a must-play for any fan of the Mass Effect series or decent space-adventure RPGs in general. With all bugs fixed with patches and updates that improved those pesky facial animations, Andromeda is a steal at R399. Steep (PS4) - Ubisoft's answer to SSX arrived in the form of Steep, a spiritual successor to the aforementioned title and one that takes extreme winter sports to new heights - literally. With a more competitive edge to online games that includes snowboarding, skiing, jet-gliding, and more, Steep is well worth the low price of R199. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet (PS4) - Bandai Namco brings forth a chance to become the hero of Gun Gale Online. Fatal Bullet features an original story in which players can create a character to battle against opponents using new weapons. The story unwinds in accordance with the player’s choice and includes characters from the original Sword Art Online novels, anime, and previous games. Immerse yourself in the world of Gun Gale Online for only R599. (Also available on Xbox One) Life Is Strange: Before The Storm (PS4) - Join Dontnod Entertainment’s critically acclaimed prequel to Life is Strange. You play as Chloe Price, a 16-year-old who was close friends with Max Caulfield, the previous games protagonist. After a tragic event, Chloe drifts into the punk scene, only to befriend the outgoing Rachel Amber, who brings some strange changes to her life. This excellent prequel can be yours for R299. Gran Turismo Sport: Collector’s Edition (PS4) - The return of the racing simulator prodigal son, as Gran Turismo finally made its way to current gen consoles. Developer Polyphony Digital aimed to breath new life into the series with its latest instalment. Race in 177 cars, with over 27 configurations and 19 beautiful locations to race on. This is the first Gran Turismo to include the Porsche lineup of cars, along with a multitude of online options to enjoy motorsport with your friends. The Collector’s Edition features 18 more cars, 2.5 million credits, 60 PS4 Avatars, and a Chrome Racing Helmet. Along with the aforementioned digital content, there will be a steenbok, Apex booklet, and a Mercedes-AMG GTS 1:43 scale model. All this is on sale for only R999. The Last Guardian (PS4) - From Japan Studio comes an unforgettable story of companionship, trust and extraordinary adventures in a land unknown. When a young boy meets a gigantic, peculiar creature named Trico, the pair come together to survive amongst the crumbling ruins and malevolent dangers that surround. Join Trico as you uncover the mysteries of the beautiful fantasy world in front of you, currently on sale for R299. Xbox One Highlights FIFA 17 (Xbox One) - For those who might've missed EA's daring leap into new boundaries for the FIFA gaming franchise, be sure to pick up FIFA 17, which was the first game to introduce the admittedly gripping single-player campaign called The Journey, following a young aspiring footballer named Alex Hunter trying to break into the big leagues. FIFA 17 is on sale for R199 (also available for the same price on PlayStation 4). Forza Motorsport 7 (Xbox One) - Forza Motorsport continues to be the leading racing simulator series in gaming, even after seven installments. The seventh game is a visually striking, immersive racing experience unlike anything you've seen before, featuring a wide plethora of cars and tracks. The crisp visuals, smooth gameplay, and eye-popping graphics make Forza Motorsport 7 the most refined and absorbing racing sim on the market, currently on sale for R399. Prey (Xbox One) - Arkane Studios' excellent reboot of Prey received plenty of accolades at launch, mostly praised for its incredible visuals and attention to detail, along with a story that twists and turns as much as it captivates. We live in a world where Half-Life 3 doesn't exist, but Prey might fill that blank space for you at R299 (also available for the same price on PlayStation 4). Alien: Isolation Nostromo Edition (Xbox One) - Another criminally underrated horror gem, Alien: Isolation scared the living daylights out of gamers when it first launched in 2014, and continues to scare people to this day. Thanks to an ingenious, unpredictable AI system making the dreaded xenomorph a formidably terrifying enemy, Isolation is well worth the price of admission now at R99. The Nostromo Edition additionally includes all previously released DLC. The Crew: Ultimate Edition (Xbox One) - Ubisoft brings forth the continental US to gamers, as you take part in the beautifully re-imagined open-world racing game. The Crew: Ultimate Edition includes all expansions that were introduced into the game along with additional cars, bikes, and game modes to shred your tyres into. Enjoy beautiful locations from the USA with groups of friends for only R199. (Also available on PS4) PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (Xbox One) - Battle Royale has been taking the gaming world by storm and one of the first to do so is PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. This exclusive title brings forth all the jam-packed action that Battle Royale is known for. Do you have what it takes to get to the top? Gather your squad and enter the fray for only R299. For Honor (Xbox One) - Ubisoft’s take on a PvP fighting game for those who crave ancient combat. For Honor puts you in the shoes of a Knight, Viking, or Samurai to take on your opponents. The title features a strategic approach to the traditional fighting game formula, with a wide variety of characters and modes to choose from. Level up your gear and fight on behalf of your faction. Do you have what it takes to put your honour on the line and win at all costs? Take part in medieval combat for only R199. (Also available on PS4) Battlefield 1: Revolution (Xbox One) - Take part in the award-winning first-person shooter brought to you by DICE and EA. Battlefield 1 puts you in the heart of World War I, as you fight your way through the beautifully imagined War Stories. Follow their paths through loss, triumph, defeat, and hope as you fight your way through the chaos to survive. Revolution gives you access to the base game, plus four unique expansions, on sale for only R599. Honourable Mentions Resident Evil 7: Lenticular Edition (Xbox One) - Welcome to the series that embarks on an ambitious journey through the house of the Bakers. Trade the classic third-person gameplay for an unsettling first-person adventure, filled with stomach-turning design and a gruelling cast of new characters. Resident Evil 7 takes you through an unforgettable journey in a taut, nightmarish atmosphere. Currently on sale for R399. (Also available on PS4)
 Watch Dogs 2: San Francisco Edition (Xbox One) - Calling all hackers! Ubisoft places you in the aftermath of Aiden Pearce’s successful battle with the Chicago cOS system, however, the Blume Corporation quadrupled their efforts. ctOS 2.0 was born in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is up to you to use your brilliant young mind to stop cOS 2.0 from harming the masses. Do you have what it takes to save San Francisco from the tyranny that is about to befall them? Put your hacker skills to the test for only R299. (Also available on PS4)
 Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Legacy Pro Edition (Xbox One) - Join Infinity Ward in this classic war story with grand scale combat. It's up to you to disrupt the human conflict that has spread throughout the Solar System - and only you can fight against the brutal Settlement Defence Front to protect humanities very way of life. The Legacy Pro Edition features the classic Call of Duty 4: Modern Warefare. Take a trip down memory lane in this nostalgic remaster featuring classical characters such as Cast, Price, Gaze and Soap. Currently only sale for R499. (Also available on PS4) 2K Sports NBA 2K17 (Xbox One) - Show the world that you have what it takes, as you step into the court. A place where careers are built and dreams become reality; where the finest athletes in the world go head-to-head for the chance at superstardom. Boasting a full career mode and online feature, 2K17 is a steal for only R69. (Also available on PS4) The AWX clearance sale contains a lot more than these highlights, so be sure to visit the AWX store and browse through dozens of great deals and specials. Remember, it's while stocks last, so come through as soon as possible to purchase your favourite games, collectibles, anime box sets and films, DVDs, Blu-Rays, figurines, and much more!

The already anticipated sequel to Avengers: Infinity War has been full of fan theories and seems to be plagued with leaks as well. However, the title of the film is still debated but we have already been given some hints on what it could be - and there might even be confirmation. The new Avengers movie is speculated to be titled ‘Avengers: End Game’. Trent Opalocj, the cinematographer for Captain America: Civil War, Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Infinity War, supposedly let it slip through his CV, which included the new Avengers title (seems these pros aren’t aware that LinkedIn seems to be the main leak source). This could just be a working title but if you have a keen eye, you will notice that Thanos is referred to as the ‘end game’ by Iron Man in Age of Utron, and Doctor Strange portentously tells Tony that ‘we’re in the end game now’ after he bequeaths the Time Stone unto Thanos. Furthermore, Opalach’s CV has been amended to just say Avengers 4 now, and despite the Russo's denying the theory completely, they have stated that the title for Avengers 4 would be a spoiler for Infinity War. Avengers 4 (working title) will be in theatres in April 2019.

Right off of the heels of the controversial Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 reveal, DICE have been hard at work as they not only revealed Battlefield V and its World War II roots, but the game has just wrapped up a closed alpha test. While the limited event gave a handful of players a single map known as Arctic Fjord, DICE was busy collecting feedback in preparation of additional tests that will be coming in the near future. This includes an anticipated open beta. In a recent blog post, fans now know when they can give Battlefield V a test run. The blog post was put on the Battlefield V website. DICE gives fans a clear indication as to how they will solve issues around “matchmaking, gameplay, magic houses, and more.” They did apologise for the limitations to fully test the game as their server capacity was limited. While their abilities were limited, the closed alpha provided enough “valuable feedback” to the team in order to improve the game overall. DICE will be working on adjusting aspects of the Airborne Grand Operations including flight paths and the characteristics of players parachutes based on the data it collected regarding where players jumped out of the plane. To read more on the changes click here. Players who are hoping to be part of the testing and changes made to the game, can expect the open beta to come around September time, a month before the game’s release. Expect more on offer in the beta than that of the alpha testing, but this will be based on the fact that there will be more content closer to release.