Review: Fraggs Magazine
Online focused magazines seem to be all the rage these days as compared to the old school printed magazines. If you are in need of a new e-mag, perhaps Fraggs Magazine is what you are seeking.
Remember the days of the ’90s and early 2000′s when you were subscribed to magazines like GamePro, Official Xbox Magazine, PSM, and Nintendo Power? I still have my OXM stash hidden somewhere, alongside the dozens of demo discs that came with them. That was certainly the best time of the month, when a fresh new demo disc made it to your mailbox. The times have changed since those days.
Physically printed magazines are on the down, and online focused e-magazines are on the rise. Demo discs are now obsolete given the digital downloading services each platform provides, which I won’t lie caused me to end my subscription to OXM, among others. Unlike physically printed media, there is no one dominant e-magazine just yet – there seems to be steady competition between dozens of participants. Want a recommendation? Check out Fraggs Magazine!
Founded back in January 2010, Fraggs has recently restructured itself to become an online e-magazine provider for the gaming community; covering all platforms alongside providing content that will appeal to just about any gamer (hardcore, casual, WoW fanatic). The magazine was founded by Michael Ireland, who started in the gaming industry as a PR representative for the Nokia N-Gage. Hey, he has the balls to admit it himself. Besides, the N-Gage is one of the inspirations behind the PSP and even the iPhone, so let us not be too down on the little portable that couldn’t.
Fraggs has put out two online publications, a February and a March issue, both are currently FREE on their website. Each magazine comes in the universally friendly PDF format and stays true to that of a magazine publication. Accessibility is great, as the format fits perfectly on any tablet device like your newly acquired iPad 2 (and the original), smartphone, iPhone, and obviously your computer monitor.
Content wise, you can expect to see content you see on other publications, including in depth reviews, interviews; original articles such as editorials, community pieces, polls and much more. Fraggs reviews products including both video games and accessories, in a 1-10 range, and will outline notable pros and cons in each. Respect the fact that each review is opinion, but the editors keep their reviews on a neutral stance, outlining what the game does right, what it does wrong, and how it plays.
The writers over at Fraggs realize that reviews are important for the reader; outside of being including in each released publication, reviews are also openly available on their website at no charge. Their content remains to be up to date, focusing on newly released games, upcoming games, and the hot topics of today. Their March Issues recently included a new column “Fight Nation” which is a monthly piece focusing on the ever popular fighting genre. Discussing new releases, new DLC for currently released games, discussing rumors, and much more. With the newly released Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and its upcoming DLC, it’s a piece to keep an eye out for.
NASCAR fans will be overjoyed in the fact that also included in the March Issue is a look inside the upcoming NASCAR 2011: The Game from Activision. Previously held by EA, and recently included in Gran Turismo 5, fans of the left turning sport will be excited to see how the game is churning out and how close it is to the real sport. It is original content like this that gives readers inspiration to continue downloading new issues.
The Fraggs.net website is coming together to include original content of its own. With reviews already published, the editors also have posted new original shows such as “First10,” where you can get an inside scoop to the first ten minutes of selected games. Those who want to see what Dead Space 2 is like can get a glance at it by visiting the First10 page.
If an online edition is not for you, you can also check out the printed edition of Fraggs Magazine at over 500 retailers nationwide. In its first month of print, it sold over 90,000 copies across all mediums. Kindle users can look forward to seeing Fraggs become available in the coming months, alongside a future release on iTunes.
All in all, with two complimentary issues already released, Fraggs Magazine is looking to be your provider for the inside look at upcoming and newly released titles, housing original content among other featurettes that are sure to ‘wet your whistle.’ It wouldn’t hurt giving them a look, as when downloading new issues there will be no unnecessarily ads or checkboxes for you to be pushed for a subscription.
Follow Fraggs on Facebook, like their page and stay tuned for updates of what is to come in the latest issues as well as being informed of their newest content on their website. You can also follow them on Twitter and look forward to ongoing contests and giveaways. The team is currently at work on releasing a dedicated iPhone application. We all love apps, so bring it on!
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