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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Column | Unravel intricate AI storyline in survival horror game "SOMA"

Column | Unravel intricate AI storyline in survival horror game “SOMA”

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Mar 17, 2023

PS1 indie horror games provide long lasting stories to players

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Mar 2, 2023
‘No More Heroes’ is a stylish, trailblazing Nintendo abomination

‘No More Heroes’ is a stylish, trailblazing Nintendo abomination

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Feb 23, 2023
‘Resistance: Fall of Man’ presents odd alternate history, unique silliness

‘Resistance: Fall of Man’ presents odd alternate history, unique silliness

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Feb 16, 2023
‘Super Paper Mario’ romance drama, new Illumination spinoff

‘Super Paper Mario’ romance drama, new Illumination spinoff

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Feb 9, 2023
The very weird 2007 ‘Simpsons’ game

The very weird 2007 ‘Simpsons’ game

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Feb 2, 2023
The forgotten Wii ‘Dead Space’ game

The forgotten Wii ‘Dead Space’ game

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 27, 2023
‘Captain America: Super Solider’ is the best kind of average

‘Captain America: Super Solider’ is the best kind of average

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 19, 2023
Classic ‘Bond’ films show up in ’From Russia with Love’

Classic ‘Bond’ films show up in ’From Russia with Love’

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 14, 2023
‘DEFCON’ is the ‘WarGames’ strategy game of nightmares

‘DEFCON’ is the ‘WarGames’ strategy game of nightmares

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 6, 2023
‘Stuntman: Ignition’ is the greatest excuse for a videogame ever

‘Stuntman: Ignition’ is the greatest excuse for a videogame ever

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 2, 2023
'Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master' is a 16-bit joy nearly 30 years later

‘Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master’ is a 16-bit joy nearly 30 years later

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Dec 23, 2022
‘Arma Reforger’ is one weird 80s Cold War fever dream

‘Arma Reforger’ is one weird 80s Cold War fever dream

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Dec 17, 2022
Gameplay cinematic from "Hell Let Loose." "Hell Let Loose" is a first person shooter released in July 2021 from game studio Black Matter.

‘Hell Let Loose’ is the hardcore Battlefield clone people need right now

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Dec 8, 2022
Gameplay from first person shooter "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay." "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay" is an action, crime, and science-fiction game starring Vin Diesel released in 2004.

‘Escape from Butcher Bay’ adds to movie license games

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 30, 2022
Gameplay shot of "Hitman: Absolution." "Hitman: Absolution" is a stealth-action game released in 2012 by Square Enix.

The good, the bad and the very ugly games

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 24, 2022
Looking back at ‘Batman: Arkham’ series

Looking back at ‘Batman: Arkham’ series

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2022
‘Prodeus’ rises as the ‘DOOM’ clone to end all ‘DOOM’ clones

‘Prodeus’ rises as the ‘DOOM’ clone to end all ‘DOOM’ clones

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2022
‘God of War’ provides an excellent mythological brawler

‘God of War’ provides an excellent mythological brawler

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2022
‘Chivalry II’ is stupid, dark ages fun for the whole family

‘Chivalry II’ is stupid, dark ages fun for the whole family

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2022
‘Godfather’ provides weird, wonderful experience for PlayStation 3 gamers

‘Godfather’ provides weird, wonderful experience for PlayStation 3 gamers

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 20, 2022

‘Kentucky Route Zero’ delivers a miserable American fairy tale

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 14, 2022
‘NORCO’ is a beautiful point-and-click American nightmare

‘NORCO’ is a beautiful point-and-click American nightmare

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 7, 2022
‘Judgment’ makes for a lawyer-vigilante thriller

‘Judgment’ makes for a lawyer-vigilante thriller

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 30, 2022
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” the video game is based on the 2009 superhero movie “X-Men Origins: Wolverine" staring Hugh Jackman.

‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ brings action-packed violence in 2009 video game

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 23, 2022
Students line up in front of Foellinger Auditorium to take photos with the Block I as people on the Main Quad walk around visiting the wide array of RSOs during Quad Day on Sunday.

On the scene at Quad Day 2022

By Aidan Finn and Kiran Bond • Aug 22, 2022
Screenshots of the Illinois app show two student-created groups that mock the classic "your mom" joke.

Mums the word: Students find friendship through meme joke on Illinois app

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 11, 2022
The Champaign Fire Department work in front of the UI Ice Arena after a gas leak. 406 E. Armory Avenue was closed off today due to a gas leak inside the UI Ice Arena with an alert sent by the University to avoid the area.

Gas leak reported at the UI Ice Arena

By Aidan Finn and Jonathan Alday • May 4, 2022
Siti Fathimah, a graduate student studying economics, shares what she wish she knew prior to arriving to the University such as the importance of independency and lack of interaction between students.

International students on what they wish they knew before coming to UI

By Ashleigh Kendrick and Aidan Finn • May 3, 2022
Up to no good business: Geese frighten students with aggression, menace

Up to no good business: Geese frighten students with aggression, menace

By Aidan Finn and Ashleigh Kendrick • Apr 29, 2022
The Canopy Club, located on Goodwin Avenue, hosts Open Mic Comedy night every Monday at 8:30 p.m..

Jokes and gin: The Canopy Club comedy night brings laughter to C-U community

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Apr 22, 2022
Neal Specter, sophomore in Engineering, skates across campus. Inline Insomniacs creates a community for different kinds of skaters from skateboarders to roller skaters.

Underground skating club Inline Insomniacs officially registers as an RSO

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Apr 21, 2022
Robin Christian directs, writes and produces for Dreamscape Cinema Inc based in Champaign. Christian has created videos and movies with his newest film "Below" releasing soon.

Champaign close up: Filmmaker makes movie in CU area

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Apr 13, 2022
Actor Steve Burns answers students questions at the Illini Union on Thursday. Burns talked about his journey into becoming Steve from "Blue Clues" with his speech emitting a sense of nostalgia for many in the audience.

‘Blue’s Clues’ star Steve Burns sends a letter of nostalgia during University visit

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Apr 8, 2022
Lucy Economos, senior in LAS, performs at the rehearsal for “Legally Blonde" in Lincoln Hall on Wednesday. Economos and other members from the production talk about their involvement and enthusiasm for the musical.

Illinois Student Musicals make ‘orange the new pink’ for Legally Blonde production

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Mar 31, 2022
Members of the Outdoor Adventure Club enjoy their time at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for one of their trips in 2021. Matt Paliwada, a graduate student in Engineering, and other members talk about the RSO's recent trip to the Shawnee National Forest in February.

Outdoor Adventure Club ’hikes’ up student happiness

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Mar 16, 2022
UI advancements change the purpose of virtual reality

UI advancements change the purpose of virtual reality

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Mar 9, 2022
HackIllinois creates hackathon experience for beginners, pros alike

HackIllinois creates hackathon experience for beginners, pros alike

By Matt Troher and Aidan Finn • Feb 28, 2022
A stack of Nintendo Gamecube games at the Live Action Games store on Dec. 11. The store is located in Champaign and has a large supply of retro video games.

Retro video game store sees bright future during pandemic

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Feb 17, 2022
Screenshot from the sci-fi game "Doom 3" of the main character shooting an enemy. The action, horror game is the third installment a part of the Doom franchise.

‘Doom 3’ features classic action, horror aesthetic 

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 31, 2022
An empty shelf of frozen food sits in the Target on Green street. Other locations around town are dealing with supply shortages that many students say are impacting their eating routines.

Food shortages, inflation cause students to adjust diets

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2022
Student storm chaser goes on a thrilling hunt

Student storm chaser goes on a thrilling hunt

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 26, 2022
An image of one of the playable characters from "Crossing Souls" fights off zombies. This video game allows the player to fight and solve puzzles in its retro world.

‘Crossing Souls’ fuses ‘80s nostalgia, childhood summer adventures

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jan 24, 2022
A screenshot of the game "The Stanley Parable" is shown above.

‘The Stanley Parable’ is a subliminal masterpiece

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Dec 13, 2021
A screenshot of the game, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is shown above. The Marvel film has been adapted into a stunning video game available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ features stunning video game adaption

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Dec 6, 2021
Photo of the Orion nebula taken in Austria. Students a part of Astrobiology Club get the opportunity to bond over stargazing.

Students stargaze with passion for astronomy

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Dec 2, 2021
Screenshot from "Yazuka 5 Remastered" of one of the characters smashing someone down with a weapon. The game includes a variety of features and modes for different types of gameplay.

‘Yakuza 5’ features diverse gameplay modes, features

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 22, 2021
A screenshot from the video game "Red Matter” by Vertical Robot is shown above. This VR game is one of three that deserve more recognition.

Check out these three must-play virtual reality games

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 15, 2021
A screenshot of one of the maps from the first-person adventure video "Mirror's Edge". This 2000s parkour based game has a simple and futuristic style.

‘Mirror’s Edge’ features parkour-themed landscapes, minimalist style

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 8, 2021
The Young Democratic Socialists of America hold a strong presence at the University as they propose radical and structural changes through activism.

Young Democratic Socialists of America hold strong presence on campus

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Nov 7, 2021
Mateus Ward stars in the indie horror film "C.O.R.N.: A Field of Screams. The movie is a great Halloween watch to celebrate spooky season.

Indie Halloween flick ‘C.O.R.N.: A Field of Screams’ features high quality thrills, effects

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2021
A screenshot of the findyourhang.app website is shown above. The app "Hang" was created by a group of Illinois students to help others with hang out ideas.

Student-developed app takes new spin on hanging out

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2021
A screenshot from the video game "Outer Wilds" is shown above. Multiple non-horror games have been chosen as the best for late-night vibes.

These non-horror games embody late-night vibes

By Aidan Finn, Contributing Writer • Oct 25, 2021
A screen shot from the video game "Half-Life" is shown above. The game recently underwent a virtual reality transition.

‘Half Life’ undergoes virtual reality revival

By Aidan Finn, Contributing Writer • Oct 18, 2021
Students return to movie theaters

Students return to movie theaters

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 18, 2021
A screenshot from the game "What Remains of Edith Finch" is shown above. The video game was released on Aug. 24, 2017.

‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ features odyssey through mental struggles

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 11, 2021
Students run around on the South Quad spraying silly string as they play capture the flag on Wednesday. This was one of many activities students could participate in for homecoming week.

Student Alumni Ambassadors host ‘Color Wars’ for Homecoming Week

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 8, 2021
A couple who just married at UIUC walks across the Quad in their wedding attire.

Alumni come to campus to tie the knot

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 6, 2021
A screenshot of the game "The Artful Escape" is shown above. The video game released on Sept. 9.

‘The Artful Escape’ provides otherworldly coming-of-age experience

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Oct 4, 2021
A screenshot of the website "Illini Dumps" is shown above. The site ranks the worst bathrooms on campus.

Alumnus reflects on creating UI bathroom-ranking website

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2021
The game "Superliminal" is a mind-bending game with many puzzles to solve. The game was released on Nov. 5, 2020.

‘Superliminal’ blends puzzle-solving, rouge artificial intelligence plotline

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 27, 2021
A guitarist performs during Dayglow's set at Lollapalooza on July 29. The ELLNORA: Guitar Festival was held at Krannert on Sept. 25 and 26.

ELLNORA guitar festival resonates with students

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
University students walk up the stairs from beneath ISR’s dining hall on Aug. 27. Upperclassmen react to the new renovations at ISR and compare old versus new design.

Upperclassmen react to ISR renovations, compare new to old

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
Sister Cindy poses for a photo with two Illinois students on the Main Quad on Sept. 8. Multiple preachers have been traveling to college campuses across the country to share their beliefs.

Sister Cindy, preachers create frenzy on campus

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 21, 2021
A guys sneaks up on a victim in the game "Mafia III". The game was released May 19, 2020.

‘Mafia III’ is the good-kind of hot mess

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 20, 2021
Sophomores sigh at missing out on dining experience

Sophomores sigh at missing out on dining experience

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 15, 2021
A character from "Psychonauts" runs down a walkway. The game was released April 19, 2005.

‘Psychonauts’ gets jiggy with it

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 13, 2021
Members of the Astro-biology club sit in a park during a social event. The Alien club, an extraterrestrial themed RSO, questions and discusses a series of topics about conspiracy theories.

Astrobiology Club ponders cosmos, questions everything

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 12, 2021
A screenshot of the video game "Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop" is shown above. The game released on April 20, 2017.

‘Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop’ misses mark on originality

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 6, 2021
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sits at 402 S. Lincoln Ave. in Urbana. Mormon missionaries have set out to preach the gospel in the Urbana community to spark recruitment during the pandemic.

Local Mormons sustain a new mission: recruitment during pandemic

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 6, 2021
A graphic from the game "Bloodroots" challenges a player to a speed contest. The game was released March 12.

Indie game ‘Bloodroots’ masters simplicity

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 30, 2021
Students at the Ikenberry Commons walk around getting to know the campus. There have been several different events held around campus welcoming new and old students to campus.

Students host first r/UIUC meetup

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 26, 2021

‘Crossing Souls’ channels ‘80s aesthetic

By Aidan Finn • Aug 22, 2021
A screenshot from the video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" is shown above. The game released on October 27, 2002.

‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’ adds Miami spin to classic game

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 14, 2021

‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’ adds Miami spin to classic game

By Aidan Finn • Aug 13, 2021
A U-Haul truck sits in a parking lot. The U-Haul company has caused Illinois students much stress after canceling rentals.

U-Haul leaves students stranded, abruptly cancels moves

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 11, 2021
A screenshot of the video game "Call of Duty 2" is shown above. The game was released on Oct. 5, 2005.

‘Call of Duty 2’ offers WWII-based missions, easy gameplay

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 10, 2021

“Call of Duty 2” offers WWII-based missions, easy gameplay

By Aidan Finn • Aug 8, 2021
Food Pantry Director Dawn Longfellow wheels a rack of food at a food pantry in the Champaign area on Feb. 21, 2020. Food banks are looking for student volunteers to help out.

Food banks continue to be overwhelmed, search for student volunteers

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 4, 2021
Packaged salads lie in the Ikenberry Dining Hall on Oct. 20. There are many options for new students to grab a bite to eat once on campus.

Explore these snack options after moving in

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Aug 4, 2021
Tyler, The Creator performs on the Camp Stage at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Nov. 9, 2019. Lollapalooza has an impressive lineup full of watch worthy artists.

Look out for these artists at Lollapalooza

By Carolina Garibay, Sydney Wood, Aidan Finn and Raina Kutliroff • Jul 27, 2021
Daniel Toben sits next to the garbage he had picked up. Daniel Toben shows how little things such as picking up trash can make a huge impact.

One man’s trash is another man’s internet stardom

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 24, 2021
The Warriors are forced to battle other gangs in order to make it back to their territory. The game was released on Oct. 17, 2005.

‘The Warriors’ game adaption follow plot of street-brawler cult classic film

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 24, 2021
The Exchange storefront sits quietly at 935 W Belmont Ave in Chicago, Illinois. The store received a boom in business during the pandemic.

Retro video game store faced upsurge in customers during pandemic

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 17, 2021

Activities on campus to experience, enjoy alone

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 15, 2021

Play these four essential video games in college

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 15, 2021
Booming crypto scene makes its way to students

Booming crypto scene makes its way to students

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 14, 2021
A view from a players perspective while playing "Halo: Reach". The game was released Dec. 3, 2019.

Halo mini-games provide fun in-game pastimes

By Aidan Finn, staff writer • Jul 10, 2021
'Outer Wilds' features cosmic horror-filled race against clock

‘Outer Wilds’ features cosmic horror-filled race against clock

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 3, 2021
Nonprofits struggle due to lack of student volunteers

Nonprofits struggle due to lack of student volunteers

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jul 2, 2021
A screenshot of the video game "Tetris Effect" is shown above. The game came out in July 2020.

Add these games to your nighttime gaming repertoire

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jun 26, 2021
A screenshot from the video game "Metroid: Samus Returns" is shown above. The game was originally released Sept. 15, 2017.

‘Metroid: Samus Returns’ packs retro punch

By Aidan Finn, staff writer • Jun 19, 2021
University safety resources reassure students

University safety resources reassure students

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jun 18, 2021
An array of arcade games at Galloping Ghost, an arcade in Brookfield, Illinois. The arcade is the largest in the country.

Galloping Ghost arcade evokes retro gaming nostalgia

By Aidan Finn, staff writer • Jun 13, 2021
"Call of Duty: Black Ops" was the biggest first-person action series of video games. The game was released on Nov. 10, 2010.

‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ series should have stayed in the past

By Aidan Finn, staff writer • Jun 12, 2021
A screenshot of the Vrtumind app is shown above. Students at the University created the app to fight against mental health issues.

Student-created apps tackle declining mental health

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Jun 8, 2021
A screenshot from the video game "Daymare: 1998" is shown above. The game was released on Sept. 17, 2019.

‘Daymare: 1998’ spawns from ‘Resident Evil 2’ fan project

By Aidan Finn, staff writer • Jun 5, 2021
Gameplay from the virtual reality game "Time Stall” is shown above. The game released on Aug. 15, 2019.

‘Time Stall’ blends virtual reality puzzles with unique ridiculousness

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • May 29, 2021
An oil painting of a skull inspired by Pieter Claesz and painted by Farwah Tariq, senior in FAA, is shown above. University students show off their creative abilities on campus.

Student artists explore their craft on campus

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • May 29, 2021
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