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