For the loyal readers out there...

Merry Christmas! :D

Street Fighter Fail!

The console versions of Street Fighter IV are just two months away, and it sounds like everything has come full circle for Capcom. But did you know that there are some things best left untouched?

America certainly personifies this, when back in the day, back when the Street Fighter franchise is rolling, they have decided to create a cartoon of it. A cartoon. In the US. Really?

Me blabbing about this whole thing will not give this cause justice. But if a picture is truly worth a thousand words, then this is just as good as the Bible.







Some things are best left untouched. Double goes to US companies. And this could be the greatest shame Capcom has ever developed, a good reason to feel sorry for them for prolly being pushed to do something like this.

Spore = Most Pirated Game of 2008... and ever?

Spore definitely has the tools to top all the Sim-type games in history, with all the hype carrying it for many, many years. It is a dream Will Wright fought for it to be a reality, and was responded with tons of positive feedback. All the advertising, marketing, and previewing hype came to fruition as it being one of the best offerings 2008 has to offer, and in many ways, a mainstay that has now set a bar as to how Sim games should be done. It is so successful that they have now followed it up with an add-on for your creatures, as you may be able to locate in various gaming outlets.

But with all the hype and the success, there has to be some sort of price to pay. And unfortunately, it came as nothing short of a surprise.

Spore at top of the piracy charts


As THE BBC will tell you, along with many other news sources, Spore has topped another list: the most pirated. In fact, it is SO pirated that in hindsight, EA has lost 1.7M units worth of potential sales, a nightmare caused by the ever-so-unpopular DRM issue, wherein the original version allowed three times for it to be activated. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to find out how frustrating that can be. And to say the least, the rest is history.

This is one of the rare cases when the game is so amazing and stellar in its genre, but thanks to certain issues in other business aspects like marketing, copyright issues, and basic PR. It's such a sad case really, but it could've been worse. Hey, EA is still the biggest game giant in the world right now, so I'm pretty sure they'll be able to recover to some extent. But wow, what a way to screw up the plans of Mr. Will Wright, yes?

And let's face it, piracy is an all-too-common issue that is basically connected to the way our economy works. Gaming, TV, music, movies, prawn (you get it, right?), you name it. It's all thanks to the screw-ups of the economy (or rather, the ones who played around with the stock market, the mortgages, and anything money-related) that people are forced out of their hands to search for cheaper / free means of entertainment. So yeah, everything is generally a crash based on circumstance, not by free will. Had they offer cheaper and easier legal means to obtain such sources of entertainment, especially in certain third-world countries, then it is easier to handle this situation, right?

Here's a little tidbit for you economics / finance majors out there: you may consider Meredith Whitney, financial analyst and current wife of John "Bradshaw" Layfield of WWE RAW, a goddess for being the one woman who has actually foreseen the global economic crisis even before it was even declared when she predicted the rough fall that the Citigroup would experience. Oh, how right she was, and how we hope we would have listened to her back then.

See, the world is in a bad state, and it won't be a surprise that now, people will find more means for free (and illegal) forms of entertainment. This is a time when game companies must step up to ensure their own survival in the long run, as well as find better means to distribute their offerings to their customers easier and cheaper. Times are changing, especially right now when the economy is not in the right condition. I'm also pointing at you, World of Warcraft. I love the game so much, but I think it's time to reconsider adjusting your prices further, don't you think WoW?




Sorry, Bumbaloobygigantumama, but you're technically a pirate too. (Source of pic: BBC)

Seth Green, Robot Chicken, and gaming = WIN

If there's anything Seth Green should be thanked for besides the fact that he portrayed Oz in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", Scott Evil in the Austin Powers trilogy(? - as of this point in time), a comic book store owner in the third season of Heroes (he virtually SAVED The Eclipse parts I and II), and voices Chris Griffin in Family Guy, it's the fact that he is co-creator of one of the greatest shows ever made that will never see the light of day here in the Philippines: ROBOT CHICKEN.

And not only that, but like Seth MacFarlane, he knows where to give respect where respect is due. Thankfully, based on some of the shorts they did over many seasons, he has the love of gaming to boot. It certainly shows in the following vids below:



GRAND THEFT MARIO FTW!

I was gonna post their parody of Final Fantasy VII, but... *poof* in lieu of this, here's something to hopefully cheer you up!



Finally, as a way of saying advanced Merry Christmas :D

Comparing and Overviewing Couture/Lesnar and De la Hoya/Pacquiao (in celebration of UFC 2009 Undisputed)

The following is in celebration of the soon-to-be-released game that could finally end the sucky MMA gaming stereotype, UFC 2009 Undisputed, and the fact that Manny Pacquiao won. Cheers, chief!

My good friend, MJ, told me last night about how the fight between Oscar and Manny would end up being Couture/Lesnar once again, in which case it was easy to side on that prediction based on premise and reputation.

And that got me thinking: how do you put these two fights in perspective?

(Oh, and if anyone thinks I've lost my touch, you may want to reconsider)

Randy Couture/Brock Lesnar

- At first glance, and honestly speaking, I was going to root for Couture based on the fact that Lesnar was getting it too easy. When I saw Lesnar's first MMA fight overseas many, many months ago, he was dominant on the basis of size over a Korean MMA opponent, and the fact that he's basically filler. So for Lesnar to get this much hype based on the fact that he's an NCAA champ in 2000 (RESPECT) and a former WWE Superstar could doubt many MMA fanatics. Then again, it's also hard to argue how much he is improving. Case in point was Heath Herring's decimation andhim being able to merely hang with Frank Mir in his first true big MMA fight.

Couture, more than a year ago, was on a phenomenal roll (frankly, to note all of his accomplishments is like telling a story). He beat (and basically did us all a favor by getting rid of) Tim Sylvia for his nth UFC Heavyweight Title and beat Gabriel Gonzaga in his first defense. However, due to certain financial and contractual conflicts, Couture and Zuffa (company handling the UFC) cannot reach an agreement to settle for virtually a whole year. So yeah, consider the ring rust and his age, which is certainly not ripe in any MMA environment, he had quite a disadvantage already. But it is still difficult to doubt Randy Couture in any case.

Fight night came, and we all know what happened. Still, Brock won, give or take (or even, by luck).

But let's give these men credit. After all, in Couture's 4th MMA fight / UFC fight, he won his first UFC Heavyweight Title. In Lesnar's 4th MMA fight, he won his first UFC Heavyweight Title. So for what it's worth, don't judge Lesnar because he was kind of "spoon-fed", since at the very least, he did prove himself. But winning the title is one thing, and defending it is another. Lord, please let Nogueira win his fight against Mir.


Oscar De la Hoya/Manny Pacquiao


- I won't get too much into detail here, since virtually speaking, tomorrow's other reason why it is declared a holiday is because of Pacman's victory. Those who did watch it (and spoiled it for us) would have told you that Pacman pretty much dominated the whole thing like he did before in his other fights, despite the odds against him in both size and betting lingo. Let Yahoo! be your guide, yes?


So in a way, two different situations were dealt with Brock Lesnar and Manny Pacquiao in two different professions. Brock is deemed as the perfect heavyweight in MMA considering that it's hard to basically bring down a guy who's also quick as a cat. Pacman is, on paper, the smaller one, but he still pretty much raped De la Hoya. But they DO have one thing in common: AGE. They're young and can carry their respective professions in the long run, which deserves more credit than anything. However, what if they thought Randy Couture or Oscar De la Hoya in their prime? Could you imagine that? But I guess we'll never know. At least there's still guys like Mir, Nogueira, and Hatton around.

Still, kudos to Manny Pacquiao! Now, he has one more opponent to deal with: The English language. Again, what is Manny Pacquiao's favorite number 1 shampoo?





(and the promised entry on what men can't do, coming real soon!)

Men should never do splits. EVER.

This is a bit of a preview for my next blog topic coming up. I'll say this much:


Women can do many things that men cannot do. This is just one of them.

(And the Bazonkers do not count =P)

This guy should be in this season's American Idol!

If there's anything I love besides the typical and usual games, it's playing unique games that involve lots of action. Some time ago, me, my cousin, and some friends friends played Rock Band (with me as the vocalist, apparently =P). If you can go through Rush's Tom Sawyer, then you can prolly go through any song =P

Then, while reminiscing, I came upon this video. Then I thought, "this gifted piece of talent is someone who TRULY deserves to be in American Idol, seriously".

Really, with a voice like this, why not?



Oh yeah, if you don't know, he's Scooby Doo's long lost Japanese cousin.

Internet Suicide and the Ramifications

Normally, I am not in a position to talk about things that are beyond gaming in this blog. But after seeing this particular situation happen and witness the media (including the likes of CNET, CNN, G4TV, etc) get into this, I cannot help but feel that I have to be responsible enough to seriously note about what transpired. Being that the net has become a superhuman entity all by itself, this very much involves us one way or another, take it for what it's worth.

For those who are not in-the-know (and since these media outlets can explain this better than I ever would):

Facelessness of the Internet

From CNN

Justin.tv Suicide w/ LA Times' David Sarno

One way or another, this event will carry serious ramifications not only to the definition of online responsibility as a whole and for sites like Justin.tv, YouTube, and other streaming websites, but more importantly, to the net users as well.

I'm not going to judge the victim in any way, manner, or form (it's more of me offering my condolences to his families). But there are many ways to look at this. Sure, it's cool to see a guy like Jack Thompson get what he deserves for trying to "fight the good fight" against gaming censorship, but this is a whole different banana.

We can discuss the ways that this could have been prevented (by means both IRL and OL if necessary) or even who should be to blame for this tragedy. But it all comes down to two things: Freedom and Self-Responsibility.

Here's but one of many angles to see this: We have the majesty of streaming, free video-posting sites, torrents, and whatever you can think of in this age of technological convenience. Now, we can use of these to entertain, provide information, and all other uses one can do for the benefit of others. Now, there is a thin line between good, clean fun (as far as the interwebs go), and extreme tendencies. No matter who you are or where you are from, there are ways to deal with situations like these. And let us not limit ourselves here. There are ways to settle things with your own problems or with people you seriously do not like, but I believe that we all have the sense to understand our own bounds and handle things in a better light. In fact, if anything, we should take the initiative to settle these things and minimize other related negatives that could come from a situation. It's just unfortunate that either net problems can easily be brought IRL, or vice versa.

For some ways to help with problems that could arise to or from irresponsible net use, think of alternative means like talking to your friends about your problems, or settle issues as soon as possible as to not let it grow. You know better on how to deal with your problems.

At this day and age, we have everything we could ever ask for in the tip of our fingers. Today is not the greatest time to sully it.

When It Comes To Bad Habits...

(Shameless Plug: Please do check out the review for Red Alert 3 from GAME! Magazine's website found in the right side of your screen. Thanks! :D)

I was talking with a friend of mine, Karl, some time ago regarding games that I never bothered to go through and finish. Though I have been able to finish a lot of games over the years, when he found out that I not only played Star Ocean 2 back in the day, but I also never finished 3.

He was pretty shocked, to say the least.

And I can't blame him! Haha!

One of the reasons I never fully finished Star Ocean 3 before was more of a technical issue. The other half? That's where one of my worse habits kick in.

You see, I cannot seem to fully dedicate myself in finishing a certain RPG sometimes because of the fact that there are "irreversible" things that you might trigger, and missable things you might overlook. The Star Ocean remake for the PSP is one such example.

Of course, it gets to be addictive and fun as time passes by, but the fact that there are actions that you might do that you cannot go back and fix is just downright disheartening sometimes. If you plan to go through a game without a decent walkthrough on the important details that would impact the end of the game, go through 3/4's of a game, and find out that you screwed up, you basically wasted much of your time for fruitless results.

There are many games around that have that certain quality. Suikoden, with 2 being the greatest among the five games, is not only epic in nature, but if you are not sure with what you're doing, you might end up missing more than you expected. Or how about Silent Hill? If you're not sure with what you're doing, you might end up getting the worst ending.

That's why it's risky sometimes to just dive yourself in the woods without knowing or considering the consequences. If you're a busy body, then certainly you wouldn't want to waste all your efforts and end up with a banana instead of a banana split. Yeah, that's just one of my bad habits when it comes to games. But truth be told, I'm not the only one with that kind of feeling, that's for damn skippy.

Oh, here's a lesson I learned today: There's no such thing as a restraining order. See below.

Second-Hand Smokality!

I was supposed to put in the promised entry from last time today, but because of my pretty exhausted self at the moment being tired and all, that will be reserved as my next blog entry. But until then, I just want to point it out.

Does anyone believe MK vs DC suck because of certain kid-friendly censorship?

Seriously. Remember the Joker vid I posted months ago? Look what lengths they had to do to make this retail-friendly.



While had sucked much, these alternative fatalities are certainly welcome any day.

All it takes is one line.

The 2008 version of Alone in the Dark has gotten an interesting mix of reactions, but overall, it's still a fun experience to try this game, with the use of fire and all.

But what makes this game legendary is just one line.

Really, in this case, one line makes all the difference.





Thanks to JC for this!

Retrospective: The Mega Man X Franchise

Those who have read a past issue of GAME! Magazine (please do check out the November issue out now in bookstores everywhere!) will know that Mega Man (or Rock Man, for the strict Japanese pop culture-based peeps) has earned his place in Guiness history carrying the most number of titles/games in history under a single banner. And honest to goodness, Mega Man has remained to be the greatest gaming character in history, in my book. If you ask me who my favorite character in gaming is, I'd say, "screw Mario, Sonic, Link, and all the other overhyped names", and I'll say Mega Man any day. Yes, it's side scrolling taken to school in many different ways.

Now over the years, since the original (and most difficult of the series) came out, a lot of games have spanned to different genres and different storylines. Currently, Capcom is seriously focusing on the current Ryusei no Rockman (or Mega Man Star Force) series, which is by all means better than its predecessor, the Battle Network one. But let's face it, the way it's running now is just similar to the whole Pokefad going on, which does carry a bizarre sense of mixed emotions. It's better now, but then again, the same sense of "collectemall-ism" still exists.

Which brings me to my next point. If there is any spin-off or sequel that carries both momentum and authenticity in sincere respect and truth, then only one can carry its rightful distinction.




X takes place many years after not even knowing what happened to the original. Due to its extensive history, I won't go through the entire course of this amazing tale (feel free to do your research). But all I have to say is this:

It's the older, more mature Mega Man, the one we deserve to have.

Gone are the days when we stay generic with the usual 8 Robot Masters and having to go play a game of connect-the-dots leading to Dr. Wily's chamber in his base. For once, we are driven into an intense storyline that involves the concept of Mavericks, "going Maverick", and the choices of morality between X, Zero, Axl, and all the other games they are involved with. With Sigma as the antagonist, we are brought to the new dimensions of storytelling never thought possible once upon a time. And it's truly diverse at that! Zero being killed in the first game, dealing with various aspects of right and wrong between humanity, Reploids, and Mavericks, X's continuous struggle between finding peace and having to choose the inevitable, encounters with the likes of the X Hunters, Dr. Cain, Repliforce, the Eurasia threat, the Zero Nightmare, Red Alert, and Lumine, and the concept of utilizing art imitating life, it is a great way to give us an in-depth interpretation on the world we live in.

Not to mention, this game also exhibits new features far beyond what the original could do. Besides the new armor add-ons (and the Street Fighter-inspired extras), we are also introduced to wall climbing, the use of multiple characters, different mechanics per game (the time limit in X5, different paths in X4, the introduction of dual characters in X7 as examples), the dynamics of the Mavericks (gone are the "Man" in the end of a given noun, hello creative names!), and others to name a few.

X is also one of those spin-offs that have the rare distinction to spawn a different set of spin-offs. Following X5's alternative ending, a new possibility came up with Mega Man Zero for the GBA, looking at a different and alternative look at the future of humanity. It is also the recipient of the first Mega Man RPG in Command Mission, an alternative story away from the X canon with new characters and a new villain to deal with, dealing with loyalty, betrayal, and all the usual storytelling that you'd expect in an RPG.

It's just too bad that the series is stopped for now, but believe me, this game still has a lot of life to show. This is not just a diamond in the rough, but it's a tested diamond at that. So for crying out loud, I hope and pray that this particular series gets its chance to continue on and for years to come. The X8 ending should be a precursor of things to come. Give this one a chance, and you won't be disappointed! (Let's give Mega Man 9 credit though. They did break the glass ceiling with Splash "Victim of 4chan meme's and the long lost sister of Sarah Palin" Woman)




(Gon, this vid is still awesome in all respects) XP

The 1000 and 1 Innuendos

Originally, I was going to post something about one of my worst habits when it comes to role-playing games, but after that very enlightening discussion with my good friend Joan, I decided to lay it off for something more interesting (until tomorrow, I mean).

And it came to my attention ever since my reaction to certain elements of the current arc of Bleach. I can tell you about the most number of Ishida + stomach puns I can drop, and the number of censors they have put in versus the manga, but something struck us so shockingly that we failed to realize it until today...



It was right in front of me that there was already a stereotype that deserves ranting about!

See it?

No? Not yet? Look closer.

There we go.

As I watched Bleach and see through Orihime's transformation as a character of an ironic damsel in distress (since she has the ability to end it all with her undisputed ability, but... I have no idea why she's still going ditzy and continue to say "Kurosaki-kun" irritatingly so), I cannot help but cringe at the typical view towards women with...

Big Bazonkers
Twin Peaks
Menos Grande's (or Grande Grande)
Oval-tine's
Sailor Moons
Gigantus Granadus
Balloonbas
Major Guns
Huge Hollows
Above-waist Buoys
Jimminy Jambalaya's
Marshmallow Mountain
Voluptuous Valleys
Ginormous Melon Grenades
BIG BANKAI
Corporal Commodities
Dangling Duds
Bumping Buns
Push-up Pillows
Loaded Boxing Gloves
Cow Substitutes
Ching Chong Ding Dongs (thank you Stephen Colbert!)
Mammoth Mammaries
Lamb Chops
The Hills from the Highlands
Tifa's Lockhearts
Me Bouncy's (for Mai Shiranui)
Palin's Pumped-up Plumps (if she took breast-enchancements)

And I'll be stopping right there. Don't want to be a bad influence or whatnot. =P (Yes, they all popped up in my head just now)

But the point is, truth be told, sex sells. Since Mai Shiranui came to the picture, the depiction of the standard bearer of video-game femme icons have always been associated with the circles of life. Soul Caliber and Dead or Alive are certainly no exceptions. Japanese anime, series, movies, direct-to-DVD/Blue Ray movies, whatever your preference is, more likely than not, you'd find at least one big bazonkered character. And seriously, somewhere along the way, this pattern will have to exhaust itself in the long run. Yes, they are delightful. But the way we see women in the media will have to change sooner or later, and go beyond the chest-giftedness of women. I know we're already taking slow steps, but this is something we'll have to live by for a while. But you have to agree with me on the fact that characters like Orihime (ditzy + biggie) should pave way to other characters with more substance. Take that for what it's worth.

Don Cheadle = WAR MACHINE? SERIOUSLY? REALLY?

Those who may not have heard through the grapevine, and I doubt there are a lot of you who do not know this by now, Don Cheadle has been announced to replace Terrence Howard in the Iron Man sequel and the impending Avengers film as the eventual War Machine.

Seriously?

Really?

No kidding?

No question, Don Cheadle should be respected by everyone for being part of such films as the Ocean's trilogy, Traffic, Crash (amazing!) and of course, Hotel Rwanda (and I seriously loved his leading role there, a role that netted him a nomination). If anything, he's a pimp, a humble kind of pimp who can easily get what he wants. But this has to be somewhat of a joke this time around. There are roles especially suited for Don Cheadle, but War Machine is NOT one of them.

And the sad part of it all is that Terrence Howard is an anomaly, being given a role that is perfect for Tony Stark's buddy, but is shadowed over thanks to negative concerns like being overpaid and hard to deal with (according to various news sources). All the more crappy is the part that the next film could deal with Tony Stark's alcoholism, something that could have helped Terrence set himself apart from the rest of the pack.

And with all due respect, Don Cheadle isn't exactly the kind of guy to be "gung ho", especially with his new role. But of course, I could be wrong. It's kinda doubtful though, and that's rare for me to say to someone as awesome as him.

Imagine how the next Iron Man games are going to be like with Cheadle in the cast. It's going to be quite an interesting set of years ahead of us, and for him.

Oh well...




Cheers to you!

Retrospective: Breath of Fire III

I seriously miss traditional RPG's.

With all due respect to games like Persona 3 (and 4, for those who really love the Persona franchise) and whatnot, but I miss the kind of games that involve fantasy and the works. You know, the kind that resembles the Final Fantasy of old (aka pre-VII) but not given a gargantuan amount of hype that is purely associated with today's Final Fantasy. Something like Chrono Trigger (BTW, I can't wait to try the remake for the Nintendo DS, which will be my first game run, ever), which puts the quality of the story above solid graphics when it mattered the most.

What people may not have remembered is that while Capcom has always been known for its innovative and standard-bearing titles like Street Fighter and the Mega(Rock)man titles, along with hard-hitting titles like Resident Evil (or Biohazard), Phoenix Wright, and Okami, Capcom will forever be known as an ambivalent dynamo thanks to a certain RPG title that will forever remain in the annals of greatness: Breath of Fire.

And while the first and second games are A-OK back in the day, 4 did not necessarily live up to the expectations, and 5 absolutely sucked (IMO), 3 has always stood out as a class of its own.



Along with the typical Ryu as your main character, you get to control other characters like the princess Nina, the thief Rei, the plant-formed Pico, and the huge and sturdy guardian known as Garr. In a story that spanned two different timelines, with many different characters, an interesting fighting mechanic, and the ability to manage a fairy's town for neat loot, this game definitely has substance as compared to the different games of that era (look for Granstream Saga in my blog if you know what I mean). I remember spending a lot of time messing with different Dragon combinations just for the heck of it. Oh, and did I mention the fishing part? Yup, it had a great story and an interesting soundtrack to accompany it.

Yes, it's been a long time since the game was released for the original PlayStation. But if you guys get a chance, I'd seriously suggest you take your time checking this out and either live up the nostalgia for the experienced gamers, or experience greatness that Capcom has proven for a long time through this role-playing orgasm. As compared to a lot of games today (ESPECIALLY VALHALLA KNIGHTS 2), this is an amazing alternative for you peeps to try out.

That is, until Chrono Trigger for the DS comes along.

Krauser Has No Class

I have seen a lot of final bosses in fighting games over the years. From M. Bison (or Vega, to all the Japanese loyalists) and Gill to the likes of Rugal, Heihachi, Orochi, Cervantes, and even Azazel. There are A LOT.

But no one has ever reached the level of PWNage the way Wolfgang Krauser of Fatal Fury 2 has achieved.

Yes, let's consider that some of the final bosses have moves like whole-screen attacks, awesome combo-related moves, insane teleportation, and even resurrection!

But Krauser made it oh-so-simpler.

The Gender Bender (or more reasons to watch How I Met Your Mother)

I just had to put this up. To this day, it still made me go LOL every time I watch this. It reminded me of a story my friend told me to mess with some peeps. Let's just say it went a little something like this:

Getting Hooked with SvR 2009

By no means am I one of those "smart" wrestling fans (though I do support them in a way. Seriously, too much Cena can be a killer for those who are not already used to the "Five Moves of Doom"), but I certainly love the genre, and the games that come along with it. After all, in the end, entertainment wins.

Which is why I am such a sucker for great wrestling games. For crying out loud, I've been a pro wrestling fan since I was but a little kid. Apparently, the game that got me hooked this month is nothing less of a shocker than with SmackDown! VS RAW 2009.

By all means is this not the greatest wrestling game in history, but it sure is enjoyable to say the least. Finally, I get to punt someone in the head using Randy Orton. Thank God that I can now put somebody on fire in an Inferno Match. Thank the stars that I am now able to make The Undertaker go MMA with the Devil's Triangle submission move. And finally, rosters can be updated via downloads, and this goes double to Ted DiBiase Jr.

And I'm stressing this out because when you compare the SmackDown! and SvR gaming franchise, their monopoly is as similar as to how the WWE has generally monopolized the entire industry in the United States (not that it is a bad thing in any way since we're talking about a business here, but monopoly by definition does have its own history). I love the game, really. But there comes a time that after years, and after all the experimenting with new features, a true ultimate wrestling game that can surpass WWE No Mercy will come out. Who knows when that will happen though? And TNA iMPACT! sure is not helping in the cause for this year (though it is a great start).

And to be honest, I have yet to see an MMA game that actually delivers (the top of the list being Pride FC. For cying out loud, I made opponents submit in a matter of ten seconds). I seriously hope the new UFC game will finally live up to the hype.

And yes, I do hope Couture breaks down Lesnar.

Until then...

The Super Mario from Hell

Be rest assured, I am but one of many people in the world who believe that the Super Mario franchise, though deserving of much credit in more ways than one, is unbelievably overrated, very much synonymous to Sonic, the Dragon Ball franchise, and yes, Naruto.

But if there is anything that would tantamount to awesomeness that is related to Mario, then this has to be it. This is 24 minutes long, but believe me, this has brought the term "difficult" to unbelievably new heights. It's extremely fun to watch, and it sucks to be playing this one.



(Thanks to Ian and MJ for the vid)

Suda51 is the Quentin Tarantino of Gaming

Those who either do not have a Wii or have not been keen on Wii-formed violence may not have heard of the announcement regarding No More Heroes 2 coming soon. If you just found that out by reading what I just wrote, then, now you know.

But for fans of this franchise, I'm pretty sure you can't wait to see this game and experience all the nonsense violence that this game has been known for (along with that certain unique way you charge up your weapon. For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, let's just say it's a prelude to maturity). And the game deserves all the props in the world for developing and conceptualizing such an over-the-top game.

But as much as I love this game's off-beat nature, I tell you, there is another game that deserves all the respect in the world. If you think No More Heroes is bizarre, quirky, and fun in a dark way, then you certainly have never tried this game before:



killer7 (available for the now-defunct Gamecube and the still-surviving PS2) revolves around one man embodying the personalities (or bodies) of 7 established killers, making for one of the most beautiful and outstanding blood-filled festivals in history, honestly speaking. Now, I cannot get into detail when it comes to the story for it has a unique plot that spans from killing targets to a screwed-up take on pop and J-culture, and even an amazing theory on the US government! But I urge you to at least get the chance to play this game even once. This game can beat most movie experiences you can come up, NA or Japanese. Let me tell you, the story of this game is so detailed and thought through that you can put any crazy thing you can think of and put these elements in the middle, and still come up with an excellent experience for those who are playing the game.

And who is the man responsible for this?

Suda Goichi, more popularly known as Suda51.

Yes, he's contributed to pro wrestling games as well as other reputable games that he can easily put on his resume, but killer7 has made a believer out of everyone who has played this game. Let's face it, storylines in games tend to be too cliche, or even boring for today's tastes. Suda51 has brought up the level of storytelling and gaming interface to levels never thought possible, enabling out-of-the-box ideas to make a masterpiece from a canvas. He has the balls to pull anything out of a hat, even if it's too violent and unusual for anyone's tastes, and make it look really good.

Alas, it is easy to say that Suda51 is the Quentin Tarantino of gaming. Quentin Tarantino did have a tough road starting out, but it was Pulp Fiction that made him who he is today (and for those who watched the film, you can see the similarities). Suda51 is the visionary we need for originality to strive. And with the re-release of Flower, Sun, and Rain coming soon for the Nintendo DS, things are looking up for the guy that used to be an undertaker. I salute you, sir!

Oh, want to see what I'm talking about? This is from killer7. Thank you, Suda!

I WANT MY DPS, NOW!

Okay, it's hard for me to be quiet about it, but...


I. WANT. MY. DPS. NOW.

Yes, even I cannot wait for Wrath of the Lich King. And right now, I want to see my crits, DPS's, mounts, yes, even Karazhan again!

I want to see my guildmates work well together or fail miserably, leading them to constantly blame each other for reasons ranging from pathetic to understandable.

I want to sneak my enemies from behind during BG battles by sneaking my way into casting DPS spells while the can't do anything either because I'm hiding somewhere they can't find me, or they got FEARED instead.

I miss overselling my enchants just for me to get gold, more popular before Daily Quests were implemented.

I miss humiliating the Alliance every time they try to get past me even if they think I'm fully exhausted from a previous encounter with a creature.

I miss all the Chuck Norris jokes in the Barrens.

I miss having to collect tokens to get better loot.

I miss needing, even if it's fair to go greeding.

I miss going to Gruul's lair just for the heck of it, especially if we're just collecting better stuff for our weaker guildmates.

I miss screaming "Captain Planet" in BG's.

But I won't have to miss them any longer, because it's all coming back very soon. If it's not obvious, I love WoW that much, that I'm getting the PC updated all the way for its release. =P

Better hum this one till then.

The Greatest Irony Within Castlevania

I've just finished playing Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for the Nintendo DS, which is a feat all by itself (try it, and you'll know why. Sorry, non-veteran players! Don't lose it, now). By all means, it is the Castlevania game that could trump all other Castlevania games since Symphony of the Night, and by my count, it would be more than 10 years now since the game was released.

And this brings me to a point what I've thought of as the greatest irony is Castlevania, and in the history of gaming for that matter.

The Castlevania series has always been associated to the Belmont clan, those who wield whips to slay demons and keep the Dark Lord, Dracula, at bay. It is a point to consider that the Belmonts and Dracula are mortal enemies whose rivalry has spanned for many, many generations. So on paper, the Belmont clan should have been the true heroes if you want to put it on a typical protagonist perspective.

In 1997, a surprising entry to the Castlevania franchise came about for the Sony PlayStation, known as Symphony of the Night. The story surrounded on, and unheard of during that time, the son of Dracula, Alucard. It is, undoubtedly, the very definition of how 2D side-scrolling RPG's/games should be. It went on to become a success financially and overall, eventually marking this game as the benchmark, or the standard-bearer if you will, of side-scrolling gaming.

It's really funny, because the most successful game in the Castlevania franchise, a title which is supposedly Belmont country, is headlined by the son of the very creature the clan has been trying to kill to begin with!

Since then, the games that have adapted the SotN system have become regarded as successful games in their own right, most of which are not headlined by a Belmont. Notice that these games (Aria and Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, etc) are exclusive to portable systems. Smart, successful, amazing. They should REALLY consider the SotN system to the console games in the future. Seriously.

Castlevania: Judgment is a fighting game title I cannot wait to see personally. It's the first of its kind under the franchise, which is a total risk to say the least. But you know, anything can happen.

Until then, by popular demand...

DC = Dark Chocolate?

This is a follow-up to my previous post on MK VS DC Universe, and at this point, this should matter to the comic book and movie fans as well, besides the gaming fans.

As you guys may know, as a result of The Dark Knight's ultimate success in lieu of being able to capture the right formula, DC has opted to make their future movies as dark as the history-making money machine heralded by the Batman. To that effect, the Superman franchise will be restarted and not pay any attention to Superman Returns, taking a page out of the Hulk's restart during the year. I guess they finally found the hidden recipe they've been looking for after all those years, and with great movies come movie-based games that range from sucky to mediocre. Oh, the humanity!

That being said...



You're well on your way, Clark. You're well on your way.

Define "Hard", Please.

Sorry for the long delay, guys! I just had a lot to do for the past few weeks, so I kinda got lagged. But now, I hope to do this on an everyday basis. Thanks for the patience =P

More than a month ago, me and some of my friends had a drinking session just for the heck of it. During our usual chatter, we reminisced on our childhood, when things were really simple back then.

My friend, MJ, then made good mention of how games were truly difficult back in the day, especially in the arcades. And you know what? I SERIOUSLY AGREE WITH HIM.

Yeah, people tell me how difficult games are in today's generation, and I actually agree with them on certain areas. But to say that today's games are really difficult, this just goes to show that they have never played the games we grew up with. Let's face it, relatively speaking, games today are pretty friendly to the customers, with virtually limitless lives, easier mechanics, and all that jazz. Not to say that they are hampering with the gameplay by any means, no no no. But in retrospect, I believe there is quite an argument to be made when you consider the games of today and yesterday.

And there are a lot of wonderful examples, but I cannot think of a better game to throw my point across than with a certainly iconic arcade game (especially for comic book fanatics out there):


The X-Men Arcade Game. (C/O racketboy.com)


How many times has your character died in the course of the game? How many times did you have to spend your credits just so you can take out Magneto in the final stage, after having to deal with a gauntlet of bosses you have encountered throughout the course of the game, ON THE SAME FINAL STAGE?

But it was fun as heck.

Six players (or four in different locations) get to team up and beat the living heck out of all the enemies in the huge screen, making for a fun arcade experience. I remember having to go play the game every Sunday morning just to play the game and get through the same wacky mechanics all over again. It was tough, but it's simply priceless just to experience that kind of fun.

Same goes with games like the Simpsons arcade game, the Bucky O"Haire arcade game, TMNT: Turtles in Time, and even Street Fighter 2 (even with the modded ones, with the double hadoukens and rocket-launching shoryukens). They are really tough, but it's nothing compared to the experience you get to feel after going through the game and finishing it, all for the sense of accomplishment.

And I believe that's what we need right now. We need hard arcade games that cater to not only our generation, but to introduce that same sense of fun to today's generation. When I look at the arcade games of today, I still cannot believe that they are not as difficultly fun as what we in the times of old have gone through. Perhaps, if games like these come back, maybe we are in for a treat ourselves. I mean, okay, fighting games are a huge exception. They have phenomenally improved, after all. But for our usual adventure games, why not? Oh, Gauntlet is not included in my arcade wish list, for the record. That's just my opinion.

By the way, I now have Twitter added on the right side of this blog. For more information on Twitter, please check out their website at http://twitter.com =)

Star Power in the next Red Alert installment = WIN?

RTS fans should be well aware of the upcoming Command and Conquer: Red Alert game coming out pretty soon. And even I don't have to say much about its storyline, gameplay, and what-have-you under the R.A. universe since by now, many of our friends here in the interwebs would have done extensive research on this one. Heck, even I have to agree that this game looks amazing already! (until Starcraft 2 comes along? Maybe...)

But one thing that sticks to my mind when it comes to this game is something that has been pretty surprising if you think about it: THE VOICE TALENT.

To give you an idea of how far EA, today's game company giant, will go to make sure this game becomes extremely successful, let's go to our favorite movie friend, IMDB, to help us out:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1198194/fullcredits#cast

As a fan, who wouldn't be glad of George Takei being in this game, much less as the emperor? (Did anyone see You Don't Mess With the Zohan?) Besides him, there's Tim Curry, Kelly Hu, Jenny McCarthy (AS TANYA!?), J.K Simmons, Jonathan Pryce, Gina Carano of MMA and American Gladiators fame, and wait...

RANDY COUTURE! (Yes, the real Captain America, UFC Hall of Famer, current UFC Heavyweight Champion, and currently starred in Big Stan)

If you look at a game like Kingdom Hearts 2 and look at their voice cast, and looking at this game, it's hard to tell that these two games have no similarities at all when it comes to a big-time ensemble. It's also pretty obvious that for a game to have such a cast would tantamount to the company taking this particular title REALLY seriously, especially with the talent fees involved.

Why is it such a wonder? Because sometimes, despite a game featuring big-time names, it does not necessarily mean it'll score high in the ratings and be considered a flop. So when it comes right down to it, let us hope that the look and the gameplay both live up to the hype, and that it can deeply complement the great talent involved in the making of this game.

As a side note, does anyone believe Couture can beat Lesnar in their world title encounter?

Keep playing!

Don't worry, I ain't dead yet!

Hey everyone! Sorry for not being able to update the blog for a while due to the lack of net connection at the moment (especially to those who are wondering). Just so you know, updates are coming soon, so keep yourselves posted till then!

And keep playing!

Featured Blog of the Day - September 5, 2008

Some of you may be wondering about the other blog that is recently posted by the sidebar of my blog. Well...


http://thediaryofsigrid.blogspot.com


This is the blog of my friend, Joan, who is also a writer for GAME! Mag, as well as a proud Girl Gamer to boot! Her blog features many of her exploits as a GE player.But not only that, it also shows how the mind of a smoking hot Girl Gamer works (if I may say so myself). In fact, she defines the anti-stereotype of a female gamer, and as a whole, she simply has a lot in store. Oh, and did I mention she got interviewed as well?

Instead of me just babbling about her awesome blog, why don't you check it out yourself? So go! Check it now! =)


Keep playing!

The Online Video of the Day - September 4, 2008

As promised, my WoW-related Online Videos of the Day. Yes, here's two for all of you!

First is a report of what could happen if you can play a player playing a character in WoW, in which you have to see for yourselves.

The second is simply self-explainatory. WoW fans should know what it is. =)

Keep playing!

Retrospective: The Granstream Saga

THQ has been more commonly known as the company that is responsible for the SmackDown! and SmackDown! VS RAW gaming franchises, a yearly staple. But I remember a time in 1998 that they released a certain action RPG game that, in retrospect, pretty much left me lacking. That being, The Granstream Saga.

What would one expect in a typical action RPG? A tale of fantasy, two battling factions, a lone hero carrying the weight of the world, same old banana. What got me reminded of this title is one simple thing: THE ENDING/S.


SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!








In order to beat the last boss, the hero must choose which female lead he wants to sacrifice in order to restore order in the world. And the world, at that point, was, if I remember correctly, already engulfed in darkness. You see, after beating what was perceived as the big villain in the game, the world has suddenly ended, setting up the stage for the final battle. And the endings? Well, let's say they could have done better. YouTube it if they exist.

The game was a prime example of how one company could not really be seen as a staple in a certain genre. RPG gaming? NAH! It's just that this title could have been better should more effort and capital be thrown in, signifying that the direction could have been different, and the game could have gone better.

Of course, one door may have closed, and another opened, as their wrestling games have become a yearly success over time. At least they take these games seriously, for what it's worth.


Keep playing!

New Minesweeper Record!

When I said before that gaming is serious business, I wasn't kidding in any way, manner, or form. Same goes for one of the most addicting free games around: Minesweeper.


Around a few weeks ago, I started doing the Minesweeper habit. Yup, once you get used to playing the game, it's sometimes hard to resist the temptation. Haha!





In any case, some time ago, a very good friend of mine, Ian, beat my record of 270 seconds on Expert mode in Minesweeper, as follows:





By luck, just some hours ago, well, just take a look for yoruselves:


(No photoshopping in any way, believe it.)

If you guys think you have a better record than mine, feel free to post or send in your pictures! Let's see if you can beat this record. Same goes for you, Ian! XD



Keep playing!

The Online Video of the Day - September 3, 2008

Originally, I was gonna post in the greatest boss fight in gaming history, featuring the Family Guy video game released for multiple platforms: Peter Griffin VS Ernie, the Giant Chicken. Fans of the series should know why their three fights are considered epic. =P

But since it's not longer available, I've decided to post in the next best thing, as shown above. If that's not epic enough, I don't know what is. But to say the least, it's simply awesome.

(Insert Peter Griffin laugh here)

Keep playing!

What Grinds My Gears: Girls VS the Stereotypes, and Internet Trolling

My friend, PJ aka NineMoons (see the first Featured Blog of the Day), recently posted a particular blog entry that got my original thoughts in check, and it was dawning on me for a very long time:





http://geninemoons.blogspot.com/2008/09/homage-ninemoons-and-one-about-ge-gamer.html (Besides that, please do check out the whole event in conjunction with L'Oreal XD)



So, you know what grinds my gears?


- You see, I, for the life of me, cannot understand why some people consider women to be pretty stereotypical when it comes to them and video gaming. I seriously believe it's awesome to have girls join in the fun when it comes to them being involved in video gaming. And why shouldn't they? There is a reason why a gaming community is called AS SUCH. So I find myself being left with a bad taste in my mouth when women are being stereotyped from being able to do anything men can, for the matter. I don't know, but haven't they learned anything in the course of human history? Let me put it this way:







See? That's called incorporating history with gaming! She's an example of women who have made a difference, and I'm glad to see a game to feature such a historical figure, even if the story of the game does have a bit of an anime-ish and fantasy feel to it. Regardless, women are to be respected in every way, bank on it. And if they can beat you in fighting games, so be it, and be happy for it.

- I have a bit of mixed feelings with Internet Trolling. I mean, for whatever it's worth, they did help innovate a lot of internet memes over the years, which is fun. But I simply do not like the discriminatory aspect of it. Again, it seems a bit funny at first, but in the long run, I just don't see it as a perfect topic to talk about in real social situations. Homophobic and racial slurs, and all that jazz are the things I don't like about this phenomenon. And what's worse, gamers tend to say a lot of these things, thinking that they would sound a lot tougher if they say words like n#@!$r, "f$@", and what have you. And as a result, this is just ruining the fun of not only hardcore gamers, but casual gamers as well. And if that happens, who knows how these people will view gaming with misguided gamers being like that. There is a fine line between acting tough (or being tough), and being a total a$$.



Keep playing!

Rewinding the World of WoW - September 1, 2008

Soon, I'll be coming back to my online home, the World of Warcraft. Come to think of it, when I was playing WoW and before taking a hiatus, I've had a lot of crazy moments that got me going during that time. Some got me pulling my hair in frustration, others had me laughing my ass off. So without any further ado, here is the first installment of my tales on WoW.

- My character's name is Khizandrou, (ATM) a level 70 Undead Affliction Warlock. People say it's easy to level up a Warlock while others said it can be quite a pain when you're doing it solo at times. But this is one of the rare moments when I pretty proved the latter wrong.

See, whenever I see an Alliance representative, I just let him or her be. But one time, when I was by the Barrens, I saw two members of the Alliance stopping while they were traveling and just stared at me. I wondered, "What the hell are the looking at?", and all of a sudden, those two sudden rushed at me and tried to take my head off!

Little did they know, I had a Voidwalker and the majesty of fear in my corner.

The two were going at me like Spongebob and Patrick tried to catch a jellyfish. But alas, just when they thought they had me for some cheap honor points, I pulled off...

A sacrifice.

I sacrificed my VW in order to give my character some added defense absorption, so I'm sure not to end up dying. So I cursed the hell out of the two, and one by one, they fell down. Yes, they all got PWND.

Of course, I only had little life left. Like, 10HP. But who cares, I sent two Alliance numbnuts to their graves! Haha! FOR THE HO-HO-HORDE!



Keep playing!

A Chink in the Wii Armor?

I was browsing through the interwebs earlier on, and I found something that got my undivided attention:

US company sues Nintendo in Wii wand patent suit
By YURI KAGEYAMA – Aug 20, 2008

TOKYO (AP) — Nintendo's hit Wii console with its wandlike remote controller has been targeted in patent infringement complaints by a U.S. technology company.

Hillcrest Laboratories, based in Rockville, Md., has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington D.C., and a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Maryland against Nintendo Corp., the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Kyoto-based Nintendo spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa said Thursday the Japanese video game company has not yet received the lawsuit and had no comment.

Hillcrest is accusing Nintendo of infringement in four patents dealing with technology for a handheld three-dimensional pointing device and a display interface system for organizing graphic content on a TV, it said.

"While Hillcrest Labs has a great deal of respect for Nintendo and the Wii, Hillcrest Labs believes that Nintendo is in clear violation of its patents and has taken this action to protect its intellectual property rights," it said.

The Wii console has been a big hit around the world, selling a cumulative 29.6 million worldwide since its arrival in late 2006.

With its trademark wandlike remove controller, which users have dubbed "Wiimote," the Wii has scored success against the PlayStation 3 from Japanese rival Sony Corp., which went on sale about the same time, as well as against the Xbox 360 from Microsoft Corp.

Unlike old-style games that require players to push a complex combination of buttons, Wii comes with an easy-to-use remote to swing around like a tennis racket or fishing pole. The machine has proven appealing to relative newcomers to gaming, including women and the elderly.

Nintendo — which also makes the Nintendo DS handheld machine and Pokemon and Super Mario game software — aims to sell 25 million Wii consoles in the fiscal year through March 2009. (Source: The Associated Press)

And as reported from Yahoo!, one of the consequences included should the whole lawsuit push through is the stoppage of Wii importation altogether. But this entire conundrum take up to 15 months, so it's still a good time to get a Wii until then, I reckon (http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/playback/playback-11/1242766).


This says a lot about Nintendo's current state these days. I mean, what with the Wii being the current top dog in console gaming, together with the brilliance of Mr. Miyamoto, and not to mention capitalizing on the weaknesses of the other two gaming consoles (PS3 = syphoning money, X-Box 360 = Red Ring of Death). On paper, the Wii could most likely pull off the upset more than ten years in the making since their spot was overthrown by the PlayStation. But not without having to deal with a lot of controversy along the way. Really, who would have been surprised on another copyright infringement from another company? Thinking about it, how long has Nintendo been existing in the first place? I guess that says a lot.

But I guess that can be considered the utter chink in the once-impenetrable Wii armor: infringement suits. Hey, every console has to go through some sort of mega controversy sooner or later, right?


Keep playing!

Tenchu IV, and The Online Video of the Day - 08/31/08

Before anything else...









Please do check out the September issue of GAME! Magazine, available in leading bookstores everywhere! =)


Now, where were we? Oh yes, THAT game.






This should be enough said. Tenchu IV, if you haven't heard it yet, has been announced for the Wii. Seems as though the developers figured the closest way to make anyone feel closer to be a ninja is to make use of the Wii's special functions. From the looks of things, the two popular protagonists have been given a lot of new ground to work on. But never in my wildest dreams will I ever see a cat being used for espionage. EVER. Oh, and did I mention nut cracking as a bonus?

Haven't heard any news for an international release yet, but I have a great feeling that it's going to be announced sooner rather than later.

Oh, and as promised from day one, and first of many, here's the Online Video of the Day!




Barack to the Future FTW!


And for the record, as my cousin has requested me to say this:

My cousin has beaten my ass so many times in Street Fighter 2 that he only needs one hand to pull off a hadouken and beat me up in the game back then. Haha!


Keep playing!

Retrospect: Wild ARMs

The time was around the mid 90's. The SNES and Genesis were about to throw the towel as the top dogs in the gaming world as we are saying "farewell" to 16-bit gaming as we know it. Changes were abound in the corner, and no one knew what was going to happen.




Enter Sony's attempt to capture the gaming market: The Sony PlayStation.





As history will tell us, the PlayStation is simply one of the most popular systems to ever grace the world, and the PlayStation 2 would pick up the same pace and became just as popular (but I cannot say the same about the PlayStation 3, however). But back when it was starting, they definitely needed a powerhouse title in order to let everyone know that this system is truly worth the hype. Yes, it is the very same game that virtually started the whole "Final Fantasy Fanboy (FFF)" craze, that being Final Fantasy VII. So Sony definitely had a solid base to revolve the PS back in the day.





But many people fail to realize that while VII is a solid title to have, there is another title that deserves just as much attention. In a way, this is a title that ensured that even though things have changed, there are certainly things that definitely remained the same, and that's good for business:





Those who may not be familiar with the first title, it is simply about three heroes saving the world against demons from ruling over Filgaia (a name what would have been significant as the sequels come by). Yes, the premise is simple, but in the big picture, it's anything but.

It is a time when 3D gaming would officially take the spotlight, and it is common conception that through evolution, some things are forgotten. The story is very enticing in a fantasy-esque setting, as much as it has a unique take on the usual gaming format found in role-playing games. It is part-puzzle game as well, if you consider the challenges faced to get through certain dungeons.

Personally, it is one of my top favorite franchises for retaining its fantasy feel with a Western twist in a time that graphics and coolness are on top of anyone's minds. Case in point: Final Fantasy VII. Don't get me wrong, FFVII will always have a special place in gaming history for its amazing contributions. But Wild ARMs will always have a special place in the heart of gamers who prefer to not forget where RPG's are built upon, when it is the very story of the game, as well as its unique gameplay, that has captured the imagination of gamers and make them feel that they are like reading a novel that keeps them coming back for more. Yes, I said it, coming back for more. VII and ARMs are polar opposites in this case, with VII boasting on graphics and awesomeness while ARMs can be proud of their wonderful story and old-school feel. Save for the anime-ish looks, that's a bonus that's pretty cool in my book.

Thank God for whoever made this game, and this franchise as a whole. Those who have not tried this game yet, I seriously urge you to consider saving your time to experience one of the most gratuitous RPG's in history. Bank on it.


Keep playing!

Featured Blogger/Blog of the Day - August 28, 2008

As promised, I'm going to officially start off my Featured Blogger/Blog of the Day! (aka something to make up for my two days of non-blogging. Hahaha!)

Seeing as though online gaming is pretty huge these days locally and internationally, one particular online game stands out from the rest of a vast number of reasons (great visuals, unique gameplay), that being Granado Espada. As one of the most popular online games in the Philippines today, one can expect a blossoming community to flourish from within the game. And one of the cornerstones of this community is PJ Punla, aka "NineMoons" to the GE-verse. Oh, and did I mention she also contributes for GAME! Magazine as well?

http://geninemoons.blogspot.com/

When it comes to everything GE-related, one can look no further than take a good gander in her blog. News, updates, events, anything that bonds the GE community together, and everything under the GE umbrella, this blog has it all! The blog not only points out what is new and interesting to anticipative levels in the world of Espada (when I said Espada, some of you might be thinking "Bleach" right then and there. Haha!), but it also makes a point to oversee what aspects need to be looked at and checked. With images and videos of "must-see" GE content as a point to be included in her posts, it only adds to the GE love that the loyalists can appreciate with high satisfaction. And with her long standing experience with the game (since March 2007, as I've seen), one cannot go wrong with a loyal GE gamer to give what the loyal GE players want to know and hear. Looks like the GE community is in good spirits, and her blog can show you that.

If you're an online gaming fanatic here or in another country, or a GE player for that matter, I REALLY recommend you checking this one out. It'll very much be worth your while.

By the way, she does have other blogs that might quirk your interests. It's found in her profile, by the way.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778927917324784864 - NineMoons' profile and blogs



Keep playing!

Looking at Mirror's Edge (or officially breaking down the first-person stereotype)

- Personally, one of the titles I cannot wait to see and try hands-on is a title that was once shrouded in mystery at first, and at that, one of the most interesting titles to ever come out this year. Not only that, this certain title also puts the term "first-person" in true perspective as compared to the other commonly conceptualized "first-person" games out there:






Those who are not familiar yet with this eye-opening title, the player assumes the role of Faith, a runner whose job is to deliver and relay important messages while avoiding the clutches of a hostile and control-minded government. Yes, the setting might look a bit calm (and downright visually impressive), but trust me, it's anything but calm. So that means you have one very flexible girl faced against a buckload of hostiles while constantly running and avoiding. Oh, did I also mention that carrying firearms can only slow her down? Thank God for hand-to-hand combat and much-needed speed. Note: speed and freedom are the main points of this game. The trailers and available gameplay footage are enough to show that to you.





(Pictures from Wiki)


And that is so refreshing, especially in first-person gaming!


Let's face it, FP games have always been associated with shooting and killing, mainly. But with Mirror's Edge, the very definition of FP gaming has been shifted from shooting and killing to a more freedom-oriented approach, TRULY emphasizing on the perspective of the person itself than just mere weapon-switching. I dare say, this game could probably step up against the likes of Mercenaries 2 and Gears of War 2 as one of the most enticing titles of the fourth quarter of 2008, mark my words. I am not saying it is game of the year, by the way, since the entire year is filled with powerhouses like MGS4. But if there is a game worth getting, at this point, you can bet this one right off the bat.


Keep playing!

On the new PSP 3000 (REALLY!?) and DC's Roll of the Dice (With an exclusive new video, including THE JOKER!)

- Those who are not in-the-know, especially during the entire Leipzig Gaming Convention 2008, Sony has recently announced, wait for it........ wait for it.......

A NEW PSP MODEL!

Yes, Sony has decided to pull off another surprise that virtually no one saw coming, that of a new model in a time when the major home consoles take center stage especially nearing Fall.

Dubbed as the "PSP 3000", this new system will offer new functions to the usual Lite functionability that probably most people in the world are used to by now, it also boasts what is probably described as a clearer screen for better gaming pleasure, as well as a new "built-in microphone" to those who are into Skype and whatnot. Did someone take notice to a certain competitor and decide to add microphone functionability to cater its audience well? Oh, and it is also available in the usual bundles we tend to see most of the time. You know how it goes. As a matter of fact, I dare say, it is the "Jesus Phone 3G" equivalent of the two already-released PSP models!

This should truly be somewhat of a mixed reaction for Sony fans all over the world. I mean, if you look at it in perspective, it's just pretty recently that the company released its Lite version, which has proven to be a financial success all over the world (unlike a certain system under the same banner that is syphoning money instead). Are we THAT ready to get a NEW PSP MODEL after the released of an improved lite version? I'm sure there are people who are willing to purchase it right then and there considering the new features and the fact that whoever holds new is as cool as the next person holding an iPhone 3G. But then again, with the economy being sucky and all, I wouldn't be surprised if the gaming public wouldn't buy it then and there. After all, splurging isn't a talent used by many people in this world these days. Is Sony trying to take a risk once again by releasing a new PSP model than concentrate on improving the financial standing of the PS3? Or perhaps it could be an attempt to help alleviate the financial PS3 problem? Or it could be a surprising booming success? If that's so, what could the future hold for portable gaming as a whole? Only time will tell, but let's hope Sony finally knows what they are dealing with. Thanks, rising oil prices!






(Courtesy of IGN: http://www.ign.com/)

- In an attempt to exhibit diversity on my blog, I decided to talk about entertainment as well, being that gaming and entertainment tend to coincide with each other. With that said, I think everyone would have heard about DC's new attempt to capture a lacking gaming market.

If that includes certain iconic ninjas, "magic", and fatalities, then DC MIGHT be on the right track with Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe. Yes, it sounds absurd at first, but after checking out the gameplay, it is definitely hard to ignore the possibility of a comic-based game becoming UBER SUCCESSFUL! And gamers should know the record with the ratio between successful and bombed comic-based games.

It’s hard to imagine Superman having his ass beat down in levels insurmountable at first, but yes, “magic” apparently changed everything! And you know, one of my personal dreams is to have Superman beat down by one of my favorite gaming icons, Scorpion (who made a guest appearance of sorts in Comedy Central’s “Drawn Together”. Check that out!).


(Image c/o Geekadelphia)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Mx57LtXb0 - Check this out for more info on the latest MK VS DC news, which finally confirms the inclusion of the Joker! (c/o Gametrailers)

While we are on the subject, did anyone hear the news of DC’s plan to up the ante against Marvel? Ever since The Dark Knight hit paydirt and made multiple records within one month. So what else can they do to fight off the roll Marvel’s in? Roll the dice, take their chances! In fact, both Midway and DC can benefit from one another in this new endeavor the same way Marvel and Capcom did it, as much as Square Enix and Disney has done it as well. Can this remedy the disgrace of a game known as Justice League Heroes? Let's hope so.

Yes, I also believe Superman Returns in a pile of baloney. That is why they pulled off a Hulk and decided to revamp the whole franchise! Nothing can ever beat the original Christopher Reeves-driven Superman, but if Marvel can create the right Hulk, then DC can definitely learn from the past and make Superman mean something in today’s generation. After all, who could forget the Superman Curse? With all due respect, and God rest his soul, Mr. Reeve was involved in an accident that got him paralyzed. Then you have Dean Cain, who starred in the “Lois and Clark” TV series. You know what happened to Mr. Cain. And then we have Superman Returns. The fact that it really lacked sufficient fight scenes, was more story-based, and has only one 3D-worthy scene. Yes, the Superman Curse truly exists.

But that could all change. DC is planning to release different movies, a possible third Batman (please, let it be Depp and Seymour-Hoffman!), a revamped Superman, and two different DC movies by 2011. You know what that means: more movie-to-game adaptations! Again, only time will tell. But anything can happen, so like what I always do, just judge at the time of their releases, and see if they live up to the hype.

Expect the first "featured blogger/s of the day" to debut tomorrow. Think of it as bonus icing to the cake, if you will. =)

(News and information c/o IGN.com)

Wakka wakka XD

Our Usual and Typical Introductory Post

Hello there!

The name's Lance, gaming enthusiast and a fan like the majority of the world, and those who already know me, thanks for checking out my new blog. For those who may not know me, allow me to put in a bit of info to get things started:

I'm 22 years old, proudly made in the Philippines, and am also a proud writer for GAME! Magazine (Please check it out in your favorite bookstores like National Book Store and Fully Booked. It's awesomeness redefined!). I've been kicking it since the old-school Mario and Contra games back in the NES, and further solidified my gaming jive courtesy of Street Fighter, and the oh-so-omnipotent Street Fighter II. And I've been a huge fan since then.

I've created this blog to focus on the news, rants, raves, and overall significance of gaming today, locally in the Philippines (online or otherwise), and all over the world. What with the power of online blogging these days, this should be a good time to show my love for gaming, especially in the time of the PS3, the X-Box360, the Wii, and probably even the Miyamoto, the Itagaki, and for whatever it's worth, even the Jack Thompson (who is so "loved" by gamers everywhere for another reason).

What started as a chain of events from simple pastimes like Donkey Kong and Pong suddenly became a humongous, money-generating industry filled with stories, controversies, rivalries, and plenty of tales to tell. Of course, as time goes by, business and gaming icons are made, legends withstand the test of time, and fans get to enjoy the benefits of this particular science.

Yes, I said science. Apparently, the industry has grown so much that it deserves to have its own course in any prestigious university in the world. And as a huge gaming fan, I feel that it is my duty to put gaming in a pedestal of significance especially in today's world. Many people misunderstand gaming at times, having said to be the couch potato's best friend. But people can be so wrong in so many dimensions sometimes. But that is for another topic in a future post.

So here we go, my first blog ever exclusive for gaming. I'll be putting in posts that matter to you, the deserving gamers. By that, I mean ANYTHING under the sun about the world of gaming, news and whatnot, will be featured here (as I said earlier above), locally in the Philippines and internationally. Since viral videos have become a marketer's best friend in the entertainment biz and the fact that these videos have involved gaming fans and viewed by these supporters, I'll be trying my best to put some much-beloved viral videos once I get the hang of this. Let's face it, viral vids are the funniest forms of comedy these days.

Speaking of hanging, please bear with me for this is my first official blog, so expect A LOT of renovations for the next few weeks until I can finally make this big. Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Hope you like it! Everything starts tomorrow.

Wakka wakka XD