How-To Geek

Michael Jay Freeman-Author

Michael Jay Freeman

Author

March, 2025
video games
  • 25
    articles
  • 11
    Features
  • 13
    Lists
  • 1
    Guides

About Michael Jay Freeman

Michael is a gaming journalist for How to Geek with over 14 years of writing and editing experience. Though he specializes in reporting gaming news, he also frequently writes editorials.

His favorite video game genres include RPGs, action-adventures, team shooters, and fighers. His current obsessions include binging on Marvel Rivals with friends and doing Fire Emblem challenge runs.

Besides playing and writing about video games, Michael enjoys cooking and is a physical fitness enthusiast.

Latest

Ethan calling out for Jason in Heavy Rain.
3 Games Where Your Choices Actually Matter

I love my choices in video games having lasting consequences, and these three make sure every decision counts.

A close-up of the left Joy-Con on a Nintendo Switch 2.
I Already Sold My Switch 2 and I Don’t Regret It

I thought I might regret selling my Switch 2, but I'm happy I got rid of it.

6
Bayonetta winking at the player in a Bayonetta 3 trailer.
Video Games Are More Fun When They Embrace Absurdity

As much as I enjoy coherence in video games, they're truly at their best when they throw sensibility to the wind.

Everything included in the Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition.
This Is the Only Thing That’ll Make Me Pay Full Price for a Game

Video games becoming more expensive has made it so I never pay full price for them, except in one specific instance.

Psycho Mantis reading your memory card saves in Metal Gear Solid.
8 Video Game Mechanics That Blew My Mind the First Time I Saw Them

Some video game mechanics were so innovative that they changed gaming forever.

A screenshot from the Unleased Recompiled trailer showing Sonic the Hedgehog in high definition.
Sonic the Hedgehog Turns 35 Next Year, Here's 5 Things SEGA Should Do to Celebrate

It's Sonic the Hedgehog's 34th anniversary, but all I can think about is what SEGA has in store for next year.

1
The game over screen in Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories.
23 Years Later, This PS1 Game Is Still My Mount Everest

Even with 30 years of gaming under my belt, this PlayStation game remains one of the most difficult I've ever played.

2
The Pokémon Legends: Arceus protagonists looking into the distance.
8 Times Changing Genres Made a Game Series Better

Sometimes a radical change is just what a franchise needs to thrive.

Daisy winning a Knockout Tour in Mario Kart World.
8 Tips for Ranking Up in Mario Kart World's Online Mode

It takes more than just good driving to gain points online in Nintendo's Switch 2 racer.

The starting lineup in Mario Kart World.
10 Great Games to Play With Your Parents

There's a game out there for everyone, even your parents.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Samus with hand on ground
8 Games That Need to Be Turned Into TV Shows

I've played the games, now I want to watch the shows.

Zagreus fighting an enemy in Hades.
10 Games That Are Short on Time, Big on Fun

Requiring minimal time investment, these games are perfect to play when you're on a schedule, but still want a great experience.

Tidus about to kick a blitzball in Final Fantasy X.
The 10 Best Mini-Games in Video Games

A good mini-game can be just as engrossing as the main event.

The Last of Us Part 1 trailer image with Joel.
7 Games I Wish I Could Play for the First Time Again

Unfortunately, you only get to experience a game for the first time once.

1
Joker is revealed for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
10 Fighting Game Character Reveal Trailers That Made Me Scream

A good video game trailer always builds hype, but nothing beats unexpected character reveals for fighting games.

Mitsuru's romance social link in Persona 3 Reload.
Why I’m Obsessed With Romance Mechanics in Video Games

I guess I'm just an old romantic at heart.

A NES and SNES console with retro game cartridges and controllers nearby.
How My Gaming Habits Have Changed Now That I'm Older

My enjoyment of gaming hasn't waned, but my habits have drastically changed now that I'm older.

1
The game over screen in the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake.
Challenge Runs Have Taught Me to Embrace My Gaming Failures

Setting rules for myself cured me of my item-hoarding and save-scumming habits.

Alex Mercer hanging off a building in Prototype.
12 Classic Video Games That Let You Be the Villain

Plenty of games task you with saving the world, but there's a certain satisfaction that comes from playing the villain.

9
Captain America and other heroes at the Hellfire Gala in Marvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals Proves Listening to Fans Can Be a Double-Edged Sword

Sometimes incorporating too much fan feedback can hurt a game.