I want a PS3 so bad I can taste it. And it tastes better than a warm brownie smothered in vanilla ice cream with chocholate fudge on top. Let me just state right now that I am not a Sony fangirl. I simply love gaming. So, I make it no secret that I don't really understand why anyone would want Sony to fail. Sure, they can be seen as "uncool" by the hardcore crowd due to its mainstream appeal, but if we didn't have Sony (or more specifically, the Playstation brand), we may not have tons of killer exclusives that we all know and love.
And that is where my want for a PS3 comes in. My favorite type of game is the "samurai action" or "hack n' slash" games that run rampant on the Playstation 2. Games like the Onimusha series, Devil May Cry, Genji, Bunjingai, and hell even Chaos Legion are all games that get my gaming blood flowing and I could not and would not want to imagine a gaming world without those games or games like them. The PS3 is launching with no less than three games (I only need a few solid games to make a launch good in my eyes) that I want that are exclusives: Genji: Days of the Blade, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom. Did you see Genji in there? And Untold Legends? Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Games like that (I loved the first Genji and enjoy both Untold Legends games on PSP) are what make it fun to be a gamer.
Not to mention the Blu-Ray player. Yeah, I'm interested in that. Since my husband is an audio/video nut, we've already been blessed with an HD-DVD player. You better believe a Blu-Ray player, in one form or another, is in our future. And the first two Blu-Ray movies I'll bring home? Underworld and Underworld: Evolution, baby!
With early impressions from the gaming journalism community stating that the launch games for PS3 are looking even *better* than current Xbox 360 games and those overall impressions being quite positive (yeah, there is plenty of positive talk out there, some folks simply tend to overlook it), what's not to love? Don't get me wrong; I'm no graphics whore. Purdy graphics certainly don't automatically make a game good cough*Kameo*cough. That game had 5-year old gameplay with a $50 coat of paint; a polished turd, if you will. But hey, if Sony's giving me crisper graphics, why would I turn that down? About the only thing I'm kind of leary of is their tilt-sensory controller... the SIXAXIS. No one will ever convince me that isn't a Wii ripoff. However, that's not to say it automatically makes it bad. I'm looking forward to playing those exclusives that I only seem to be able to get on a Playstation console and am going into the SIXAXIS control scheme with an open mind.
There's no Sony hype here; I genuinely want a PS3 not because I'm being fed reasons to own one by some corporate suit or that moron Kaz but because with the Playstation's previous record, I know I'll be getting the games I want to play. Or at least until something crazy happens and every game goes multiplatform.
So, if I want one so bad, why didn't I pre-order one?
Because I'm a dumbass, that's why. Well, that and technically I was working at the time my local EB began taking pre-orders. Although, had I been in my right mind, I would've found a way. Calling my EB's manager and telling her "I want one!" would've been a good first step. There is sort of another reason, too. My husband and I opted to go with the console that we both wanted most. With the Wii coming out two days after the PS3 launches and Christmas a month later, I thought I was doing the more responsible thing financially in deciding to wait. And I may very well have to, but it'll be a tough wait. However, it will be a glorious day when my hubby and I bring home our shiney new PS3. Whenever that may be.
Friday, November 3, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Bully
Wow. Simply wow.
Ya know, I've wanted to post my impressions all weekend but have refrained until I felt comfortable with the amount of time I've invested. Now that I've put 10 hours into the game, I feel like I can give it the praise it deserves without steering anyone wrong. Needless to say, I'm hooked. Bully has taken me away from Baten Kaitos Origins (which I've also got 10 hours in), and is keeping me from two other favorite series games of mine (Tales of the Abyss and SMT: Devil Summoner). When I wasn't on my motorcycle this weekend, I was playing Bully.
Basically, if you like the structure that Rockstar implemented in Grand Theft Auto III and have a desire to play that in a prep school setting, then Bully is for you. The protagonist isn't the bully that the title (and perhaps even Jack Thompson) would lead you to believe. I've only played through the first chapter's main quests so far (there are tons of side quests, though) and I'm not really seeing that little Jimmy Hopkins is such a bad kid. Sure, according to the narrative, he has been thrown out of previous schools, arrested, etc. but when it comes to being a bully, so far I have not witnessed Jimmy beating up anyone who didn't in some way deserve it.
The mission structure may be set up very similar to GTAIII but it tosses in its own uniqueness to help gel with the school premise. You've got two classes per day that you can choose to attend or not. The first starts at 9:30 and the second starts at 1pm. By going to class and passing the lesson, you either gain new abilities or gain stat-building attributes to current abilities. I've already completed Chemistry (there are 5 lessons per subject), 3 lessons in English, Art and Gym, and just opened the ability to attend Shop and Photography classes. There are mini-games involved in the classes which make going both fun and challenging. And speaking of challenging... while the Chemistry class requires you to pass a timed button pressing mini-game, English class requires you to create as many words as you can from a handful of scrambled letters in a certain amount of time. And you have to meet a certain percentage or you fail. This class has been the most challenging and rewarding to me thus far. I'm actually having to work at gaining new abilities for my character! lol
All in all, Rockstar nailed the prep school setting, stereotypical characters and all. The voice acting couldn't be better. It is exactly what you'd expect depending on which kind of schoolmate you are talking to (this is where the stereotypes soar). The music (especially that chilling opening music - very Potter-esque) fits the mold perfectly.
The story starts out with Jimmy basically learning his way around (both physically around campus and interacting with his schoolmates). It's enough to draw you in, that's for sure. Maybe because it touches on something we've all experienced at one time or another (compared to the GTA series where we aren't all working for the mob, haha), but it's almost surreal how real Bullworth Academy is. It's a living, breathing school. Even with the not-too-surprising twist at the end of chapter one, the story is moving along at a nice pace and I can't wait to see where else is leads me.
1up's "10" for Bully caused me to have reservations at first, but after my time with it, that 10 isn't so far fetched. I'm not saying I'd award it a 10, but it's easier to swallow now that I've experienced some of the game for myself.
It comes down to one synopsis really. Definitely a rental; worth of a purchase. I am so very satisfied that I followed my instinct and took a chance on Bully. (Actually, Voodoo gave it to me as an anniversary gift, so I'm really glad that I spoke up about my interest in it.)
My .02? Opt for the $50 EB/Gamestop exclusive. The life-size (yes, it's an official playing size) dodge ball with the Bully logo on it is a very nice touch. And a fine collectible that I will proudly display.
Ya know, I've wanted to post my impressions all weekend but have refrained until I felt comfortable with the amount of time I've invested. Now that I've put 10 hours into the game, I feel like I can give it the praise it deserves without steering anyone wrong. Needless to say, I'm hooked. Bully has taken me away from Baten Kaitos Origins (which I've also got 10 hours in), and is keeping me from two other favorite series games of mine (Tales of the Abyss and SMT: Devil Summoner). When I wasn't on my motorcycle this weekend, I was playing Bully.
Basically, if you like the structure that Rockstar implemented in Grand Theft Auto III and have a desire to play that in a prep school setting, then Bully is for you. The protagonist isn't the bully that the title (and perhaps even Jack Thompson) would lead you to believe. I've only played through the first chapter's main quests so far (there are tons of side quests, though) and I'm not really seeing that little Jimmy Hopkins is such a bad kid. Sure, according to the narrative, he has been thrown out of previous schools, arrested, etc. but when it comes to being a bully, so far I have not witnessed Jimmy beating up anyone who didn't in some way deserve it.
The mission structure may be set up very similar to GTAIII but it tosses in its own uniqueness to help gel with the school premise. You've got two classes per day that you can choose to attend or not. The first starts at 9:30 and the second starts at 1pm. By going to class and passing the lesson, you either gain new abilities or gain stat-building attributes to current abilities. I've already completed Chemistry (there are 5 lessons per subject), 3 lessons in English, Art and Gym, and just opened the ability to attend Shop and Photography classes. There are mini-games involved in the classes which make going both fun and challenging. And speaking of challenging... while the Chemistry class requires you to pass a timed button pressing mini-game, English class requires you to create as many words as you can from a handful of scrambled letters in a certain amount of time. And you have to meet a certain percentage or you fail. This class has been the most challenging and rewarding to me thus far. I'm actually having to work at gaining new abilities for my character! lol
All in all, Rockstar nailed the prep school setting, stereotypical characters and all. The voice acting couldn't be better. It is exactly what you'd expect depending on which kind of schoolmate you are talking to (this is where the stereotypes soar). The music (especially that chilling opening music - very Potter-esque) fits the mold perfectly.
The story starts out with Jimmy basically learning his way around (both physically around campus and interacting with his schoolmates). It's enough to draw you in, that's for sure. Maybe because it touches on something we've all experienced at one time or another (compared to the GTA series where we aren't all working for the mob, haha), but it's almost surreal how real Bullworth Academy is. It's a living, breathing school. Even with the not-too-surprising twist at the end of chapter one, the story is moving along at a nice pace and I can't wait to see where else is leads me.
1up's "10" for Bully caused me to have reservations at first, but after my time with it, that 10 isn't so far fetched. I'm not saying I'd award it a 10, but it's easier to swallow now that I've experienced some of the game for myself.
It comes down to one synopsis really. Definitely a rental; worth of a purchase. I am so very satisfied that I followed my instinct and took a chance on Bully. (Actually, Voodoo gave it to me as an anniversary gift, so I'm really glad that I spoke up about my interest in it.)
My .02? Opt for the $50 EB/Gamestop exclusive. The life-size (yes, it's an official playing size) dodge ball with the Bully logo on it is a very nice touch. And a fine collectible that I will proudly display.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
PS3 + ebay = Capitalism
Yeah, I admit it. It pisses me off to hear or read "gamers" say that they plan to wait in line, in the freezing cold, for hours and hours, to buy a PS3 only to bring it home, take a picture of the box (if they even go to that effort) and put it on ebay for astronomical prices. Why does this piss me off? Because any real "gamer" would rather be playing that console than taking advantage of someone else's stupidity (or laziness). Of course, it is difficult to blame 'em for that; stupidity deserves to be slapped upside its head. But it is tough to swallow that the honest PS3 fan will be out the chance to get one while these other schmucks are only doing it to pad their pockets. But what can you do. Capitalism is the American way, right?
For the record, I will own a PS3 in the near future. Possibly next spring once all the hoopla has died somewhat. I could have reserved a spot on the reserve list yesterday, but elected to save my 100 bucks (and the other 500) for my motorcycle and the Wii.
For the record, I will own a PS3 in the near future. Possibly next spring once all the hoopla has died somewhat. I could have reserved a spot on the reserve list yesterday, but elected to save my 100 bucks (and the other 500) for my motorcycle and the Wii.
Monday, October 9, 2006
Two Shadows
W00t! We did it. We upgraded to bigger bikes this past Saturday. Our Honda dealer made us a deal we could not refuse. Now I am riding a big girl's bike! LOL! It is buttery smooth, too. We went on a 75 mile trip through a nearby state park on Sunday and had the best time. The bike fits perfectly. And it's got much more power than the Rebel ever did. And even with the wider gear ratios, I have noticed a huge difference. Cruising at 45-50mph is smooth in 3rd gear. I had to be in 5th gear on that Rebel to ride 45 comfortably (what I thought was comfort!).
Here are a few pics. The first two show the bike the day we bought them (Saturday) and the last pic of mine shows my first mod (saddlebags).
Ice Queen - I'm considering this name for my bike. "Ice" is derived from the blue color and "Queen" came from my husband referring to it as "The Queen."
My husband bought a beautiful and badass 2007 Honda Spirit 750 in the Titanium color.
My first mod of many - Saddlebags
My dad (who rides a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1100) and my husband have both riden my bike around the block a few times and both say the same thing I do.... that it's smooth as butter. It's nice to know I have the compliments of two people I respect so much. I couldn't be happier with it!
Here are a few pics. The first two show the bike the day we bought them (Saturday) and the last pic of mine shows my first mod (saddlebags).
Ice Queen - I'm considering this name for my bike. "Ice" is derived from the blue color and "Queen" came from my husband referring to it as "The Queen."
My husband bought a beautiful and badass 2007 Honda Spirit 750 in the Titanium color.
My first mod of many - Saddlebags
My dad (who rides a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1100) and my husband have both riden my bike around the block a few times and both say the same thing I do.... that it's smooth as butter. It's nice to know I have the compliments of two people I respect so much. I couldn't be happier with it!
Friday, October 6, 2006
Free Spirit
Wow, it's been like... forever since I last updated. Two reasons: gaming, summer, and my new motorcycle. Ok, that's three. Sue me. I do a lot of gaming in my off time (I'm up to 26 completed games for 2006) and this past summer, my husband and I went to Disney World for a vacation. You don't have to be a kid to appreciate the magic of Disney. Anyone with an imagination can have a ball.
After our vacation, I got the fever. The motorcycle fever. See, I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I was bitten by the bug at a very early age. But it wasn't until this past July that the fever for a street bike set in. My dad bought a Yamaha 1100 V-Star during the summer and boy was I ever envious. But my husband has never expressed an interest in bikes, so I sort of ignored the green monster growing inside me. Actually, it wasn't necessarily envy; I'm just really into riding motorcycles and really wanted to be out there with him when I heard about how much fun he was having.
Well, long story short, my stepbrother's girlfriend had her bike over at my dad's one Thursday evening when I was there. It is a red 2002 Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe 600cc. And it was just my size! Needless to say, I was very anxious about telling my hubby that I wanted a bike. Basically, I was going to respect his wishes but I wasn't prepared to take 'no' as an answer. Imagine my surprise when I proposed to him two days later (I had to work up the nerve!) that I buy a bike and he.... was very interested!!!! As in interested in even getting his own!
So, that weekend we went bike shopping. By that Monday we were the proud owners of two 2007 Honda 250cc Rebels both black. We decided to go with smaller bikes since these were our first street bikes. By the following week we had our licenses and were out on the open road.
Fast forward to this past week. We've both got bigger bike envy. We are going this evening and possibly even tomorrow back to our Honda dealer to see what they can do for us. My husband has already talked to the salesman and he was very receptive to wanting to help. Hopefully Honda can do well for us and we can bring home two new bikes!
I'm looking at the 2007 Shadow VLX Deluxe in the light blue silver metallic color. It's gorgeous.
After our vacation, I got the fever. The motorcycle fever. See, I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I was bitten by the bug at a very early age. But it wasn't until this past July that the fever for a street bike set in. My dad bought a Yamaha 1100 V-Star during the summer and boy was I ever envious. But my husband has never expressed an interest in bikes, so I sort of ignored the green monster growing inside me. Actually, it wasn't necessarily envy; I'm just really into riding motorcycles and really wanted to be out there with him when I heard about how much fun he was having.
Well, long story short, my stepbrother's girlfriend had her bike over at my dad's one Thursday evening when I was there. It is a red 2002 Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe 600cc. And it was just my size! Needless to say, I was very anxious about telling my hubby that I wanted a bike. Basically, I was going to respect his wishes but I wasn't prepared to take 'no' as an answer. Imagine my surprise when I proposed to him two days later (I had to work up the nerve!) that I buy a bike and he.... was very interested!!!! As in interested in even getting his own!
So, that weekend we went bike shopping. By that Monday we were the proud owners of two 2007 Honda 250cc Rebels both black. We decided to go with smaller bikes since these were our first street bikes. By the following week we had our licenses and were out on the open road.
Fast forward to this past week. We've both got bigger bike envy. We are going this evening and possibly even tomorrow back to our Honda dealer to see what they can do for us. My husband has already talked to the salesman and he was very receptive to wanting to help. Hopefully Honda can do well for us and we can bring home two new bikes!
I'm looking at the 2007 Shadow VLX Deluxe in the light blue silver metallic color. It's gorgeous.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Bored of Achievements and my Xbox 360
No big surprise, eh? I knew it couldn't last forever. The truth is, the only reason I own an Xbox or an Xbox 360 is for Xbox Live. Probably 98% of the games for these two systems do not interest me on a single-player level. That's really too bad. But Xbox just can't compete with the Gamecube or PS2 (or the handhelds, for that matter) in terms of the kind of games I like. I can't get Mario on Xbox, nor can I find the samurai/sword-action games on it like I can on PS2. Xbox seems like it's only known for its PC ports and its FPS. Meh, neither really interest me. Therefore, playing Xbox 360 games strictly for Achievement points is a total waste of perfectly good gaming time.
Hence, my current refound love and affection for my PS2. Kingdom Hearts II has taken a hold on me and it hasn't let up yet. And my DS is still getting a TON of play time. (I just bought a DS Lite and I've fallen in love all over again.) Anywho. I've found that I was spending too much time playing games that I didn't really enjoy just to say I've played them and because the Achievement points I got in return was a big incentive. So, I've gone back to what I truly enjoy: action games on PS2 and portable goodness on DS.
Achievement points be damned. They can't make a boring game fun, and they can't make me like First-Person-Shooters just because I can gain a few extra points by playing through them. And unfortunately, they can't make Xbox Live as fun as it used to be. That's another thing that's bumming out about my 360. Live seems to have dropped in quality since the launch of the 360. Voice echo, dropped games, unjoinable games, it's all here and I'm sick of it. When I can have a more enjoyable experience playing Metroid Prime Hunters or Mario Kart DS online, something's not right with paying $50 a year for a service.
Too bad Achievement points can't buy a better Xbox Live experience.
Hence, my current refound love and affection for my PS2. Kingdom Hearts II has taken a hold on me and it hasn't let up yet. And my DS is still getting a TON of play time. (I just bought a DS Lite and I've fallen in love all over again.) Anywho. I've found that I was spending too much time playing games that I didn't really enjoy just to say I've played them and because the Achievement points I got in return was a big incentive. So, I've gone back to what I truly enjoy: action games on PS2 and portable goodness on DS.
Achievement points be damned. They can't make a boring game fun, and they can't make me like First-Person-Shooters just because I can gain a few extra points by playing through them. And unfortunately, they can't make Xbox Live as fun as it used to be. That's another thing that's bumming out about my 360. Live seems to have dropped in quality since the launch of the 360. Voice echo, dropped games, unjoinable games, it's all here and I'm sick of it. When I can have a more enjoyable experience playing Metroid Prime Hunters or Mario Kart DS online, something's not right with paying $50 a year for a service.
Too bad Achievement points can't buy a better Xbox Live experience.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Monthly Check In.....
It's been almost two months since I last sat down to write something (reviews included). Gaming has consumed most of my free time lately and it shows by the number of games I've completed this year. It is already rivaling last year and it's only March. And since even sitting here now and typing this is cutting into valuable gaming time, I'll make this quick.
I've played a lot of Xbox 360 and DS lately. There for a while, the 360 was the only thing I touched. Damn Achievements are like crack. Now, my tastes seem to have shifted back to portable gaming and my DS. God, I love this little thing! Here are some of what I've been playing lately:
360
Full Auto - Fun game. I hated the demo, but am very happy I rented this one. I liked it so much I wound up buying it from Gamefly for 35 bucks.
Oblivion - Literally just started this one. So far so good, but with the release of Kingdom Hearts II, this one will have to take a back seat for now.
GRAW - Ghost Recon has been a staple with the D-Pad Junkies ever since Ghost Recon 2. GRAW is settling into this tradition quite nicely. The new and improved lobby and the addition of 16-player co-op campaign give the game an added bonus.
DS
Mario Kart DS - The Junkies are back to having monthly gatherings with this one, because quite frankly, Mario Kart never gets old.
Super Princess Peach - Fun little platformer. It's no where near the perfection and godliness of the Mario games, but that shouldn't deter anyone from playing and enjoying this gem.
Metroid Prime Hunters - Speaking of gems. WOW. The DS amazes me constantly with what it can pull off. MPH really is like having Metroid Prime (GC) in the palm of your hand. Multiplayer is as awesome and as frantic as the greatest FPS on Xbox - Unreal Championship. When I think of "deathmatch," I've always pictured Unreal. MPH ranks right up there with it. And with online stat tracking, it really is a fully realized experience. W00t! for Nintendo!
PS2
Kingdom Hearts II - WOW. I just brought this one home last night and already put 4 hours into it. I sat down with the intentions of playing for an hour, hour and a half tops, but I couldn't get up. I was literally glued to the tv for 4 hours getting up only once for about 60 seconds. From the opening theme to all of the flashbacks from KH and Chain of Memories, I was intrigued. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and cannot wait to see this one through to the end. Roxas is a cutie and a total kick ass Keyblade master. I even spent the money to get the limited edition guide even after buying the regular one. Curse my EB for not getting the LE version! It's cool, it came with a cool Jiminy Journal with artwork, etc. But that's me. Resident Kingdom Hearts nut.
I've played a lot of Xbox 360 and DS lately. There for a while, the 360 was the only thing I touched. Damn Achievements are like crack. Now, my tastes seem to have shifted back to portable gaming and my DS. God, I love this little thing! Here are some of what I've been playing lately:
360
Full Auto - Fun game. I hated the demo, but am very happy I rented this one. I liked it so much I wound up buying it from Gamefly for 35 bucks.
Oblivion - Literally just started this one. So far so good, but with the release of Kingdom Hearts II, this one will have to take a back seat for now.
GRAW - Ghost Recon has been a staple with the D-Pad Junkies ever since Ghost Recon 2. GRAW is settling into this tradition quite nicely. The new and improved lobby and the addition of 16-player co-op campaign give the game an added bonus.
DS
Mario Kart DS - The Junkies are back to having monthly gatherings with this one, because quite frankly, Mario Kart never gets old.
Super Princess Peach - Fun little platformer. It's no where near the perfection and godliness of the Mario games, but that shouldn't deter anyone from playing and enjoying this gem.
Metroid Prime Hunters - Speaking of gems. WOW. The DS amazes me constantly with what it can pull off. MPH really is like having Metroid Prime (GC) in the palm of your hand. Multiplayer is as awesome and as frantic as the greatest FPS on Xbox - Unreal Championship. When I think of "deathmatch," I've always pictured Unreal. MPH ranks right up there with it. And with online stat tracking, it really is a fully realized experience. W00t! for Nintendo!
PS2
Kingdom Hearts II - WOW. I just brought this one home last night and already put 4 hours into it. I sat down with the intentions of playing for an hour, hour and a half tops, but I couldn't get up. I was literally glued to the tv for 4 hours getting up only once for about 60 seconds. From the opening theme to all of the flashbacks from KH and Chain of Memories, I was intrigued. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and cannot wait to see this one through to the end. Roxas is a cutie and a total kick ass Keyblade master. I even spent the money to get the limited edition guide even after buying the regular one. Curse my EB for not getting the LE version! It's cool, it came with a cool Jiminy Journal with artwork, etc. But that's me. Resident Kingdom Hearts nut.
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
REVIEW: God of War
God of War
Platform: Playstation 2
Genre: Action
Developer: Sony Santa Monica
Publisher: Sony
“To play God of War is to experience greatness on the grandest of scales.”
Few games truly achieve a level of prominence brought forth by its impeccable gameplay design that it becomes an art form. God of War is such a game. With its large landscapes and fluid control, God of War excels in almost every category, thus emitting the feel of something designed by an artist staring into his canvas. And for a game to have such huge gameplay, it must take place on the largest canvas it can find. And what is larger than a mythological landscape created by the Gods? From Zeus to Hades’ hell, you will traverse the most beautiful environments that ever graced game consoles. Just wait until you reach the resting place of Pandora’s Box. Where it sits is a sight no gamer will soon forget. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say that Kronos the Titan is one big guy.
Near perfect comes to mind when I think of describing the control in God of War. Even when it comes to Kratos traversing across a beam high above the beautifully landscaped ground below, control is tight. If he slips, he immediately grabs the edge allowing the player to tap X to pull him up again.
Combat is a wonder to behold. Never have I seen such grace since Vanessa Z. Schneider danced around her foes in P.N.03. It is ballet at its finest, albeit very bloody and very deadly, to maneuver Kratos around swarms of enemies. In fact the more enemies I fought at one time, the greater satisfaction I got from combat. It was at these moments that the fluid and responsive controls shinned the brightest.
God of War may appear to be the average action game at first glance, but make no mistake. The grandness of the environments and story as well as intense action make this game beyond the realm of the average action game.
If not for the unbelievably awesome action coming to a screeching halt every time I had to drag a box around, this game would have been perfect. As it stands, I am a firm believer that push/pull box puzzles do not belong in action games. However, do not let that deter you from experiencing GoW. Run, don’t walk to your nearest game store and buy this game today. Games like this only come around so often. God of War may not be perfect, but it is good enough to earn a permanent position on this generation's must buy list.
4.5 out of 5
Platform: Playstation 2
Genre: Action
Developer: Sony Santa Monica
Publisher: Sony
“To play God of War is to experience greatness on the grandest of scales.”
Few games truly achieve a level of prominence brought forth by its impeccable gameplay design that it becomes an art form. God of War is such a game. With its large landscapes and fluid control, God of War excels in almost every category, thus emitting the feel of something designed by an artist staring into his canvas. And for a game to have such huge gameplay, it must take place on the largest canvas it can find. And what is larger than a mythological landscape created by the Gods? From Zeus to Hades’ hell, you will traverse the most beautiful environments that ever graced game consoles. Just wait until you reach the resting place of Pandora’s Box. Where it sits is a sight no gamer will soon forget. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say that Kronos the Titan is one big guy.
Near perfect comes to mind when I think of describing the control in God of War. Even when it comes to Kratos traversing across a beam high above the beautifully landscaped ground below, control is tight. If he slips, he immediately grabs the edge allowing the player to tap X to pull him up again.
Combat is a wonder to behold. Never have I seen such grace since Vanessa Z. Schneider danced around her foes in P.N.03. It is ballet at its finest, albeit very bloody and very deadly, to maneuver Kratos around swarms of enemies. In fact the more enemies I fought at one time, the greater satisfaction I got from combat. It was at these moments that the fluid and responsive controls shinned the brightest.
God of War may appear to be the average action game at first glance, but make no mistake. The grandness of the environments and story as well as intense action make this game beyond the realm of the average action game.
If not for the unbelievably awesome action coming to a screeching halt every time I had to drag a box around, this game would have been perfect. As it stands, I am a firm believer that push/pull box puzzles do not belong in action games. However, do not let that deter you from experiencing GoW. Run, don’t walk to your nearest game store and buy this game today. Games like this only come around so often. God of War may not be perfect, but it is good enough to earn a permanent position on this generation's must buy list.
4.5 out of 5
REVIEW: Destory All Humans!
Destroy All Humans!
Platform: Xbox (reviewed), Playstation 2
Genre: Action
Developer: Pandemic
Publisher: THQ
“On giant step on mankind…”
From the moment my senses first encountered Destroy All Humans!, I was in awe. Not because of the graphics (there is horrible draw-in), and not because the game broke any innovative records. No, DAH! is a straight forward action game with similarities to the ever-popular Grand Theft Auto III and shares characteristics with other open-ended games, but without so much of the open-endedness.
So, why then did I absolutely fall in love with all things DAH!? Well, for starters, Cryptosporidium-137, or Crypto, for short. He is the wise-cracking, yet lovable, Jack Nicholson voice rip-off star of the game. The voice is so Nicholson that if I didn’t know better, upon first hearing Crypto speak, I would swear Jacky boy was moonlighting as a voice actor. Take that for what it’s worth – be it good or bad – but I found it hilariously refreshing.
Crypto’s genuine child-on-Christmas-morning glee when he receives a new weapon and mission are also very charismatic. It’s too bad there weren’t more of those cool weapons to choose from, but the few at your disposal will have you smiling. Crypto starts out with his trusty Zap-O-Matic. For instance, using the Anal-Probe on the innocent civilians really never does grow old. However, for those moments when you need to get the job done without toying around, the weapon of choice is most definitely the Disintegrator Ray. It allows Crypto to fry his opponent quickly and in as few as one to two shots after a few upgrades. For the bigger jobs such as tanks or robots, the Ion-Detonator distributes bombs to cause much larger desctructions.
While the game does offer free roam and side-quests, the “awareness” meter ramps up in a hurry leaving you to constantly dodge missile attacks from the army even after only a few witnessed brain stem steals. Brain stem steals? Yes, you read that correctly.
And anal probes and brain stems aren't the only wackiness you'll encounter as Crypto. Walking in the vicinity of civilians is like stepping into the 1950's. There are so many funny movie-related and decade-related moments it is pure comedic gold and will surely put a smile on your face. It even had me wanting to watch old science-fiction movies just to keep the vibe going.
With the tongue-in-cheek anti-American government theme coupled with the innocence (and arguably ignorant bliss) of the 50's, walking around zapping brain stems as an alien after landing his spaceship on a family farm, doesn't really seem that odd after all.
4 out of 5
Platform: Xbox (reviewed), Playstation 2
Genre: Action
Developer: Pandemic
Publisher: THQ
“On giant step on mankind…”
From the moment my senses first encountered Destroy All Humans!, I was in awe. Not because of the graphics (there is horrible draw-in), and not because the game broke any innovative records. No, DAH! is a straight forward action game with similarities to the ever-popular Grand Theft Auto III and shares characteristics with other open-ended games, but without so much of the open-endedness.
So, why then did I absolutely fall in love with all things DAH!? Well, for starters, Cryptosporidium-137, or Crypto, for short. He is the wise-cracking, yet lovable, Jack Nicholson voice rip-off star of the game. The voice is so Nicholson that if I didn’t know better, upon first hearing Crypto speak, I would swear Jacky boy was moonlighting as a voice actor. Take that for what it’s worth – be it good or bad – but I found it hilariously refreshing.
Crypto’s genuine child-on-Christmas-morning glee when he receives a new weapon and mission are also very charismatic. It’s too bad there weren’t more of those cool weapons to choose from, but the few at your disposal will have you smiling. Crypto starts out with his trusty Zap-O-Matic. For instance, using the Anal-Probe on the innocent civilians really never does grow old. However, for those moments when you need to get the job done without toying around, the weapon of choice is most definitely the Disintegrator Ray. It allows Crypto to fry his opponent quickly and in as few as one to two shots after a few upgrades. For the bigger jobs such as tanks or robots, the Ion-Detonator distributes bombs to cause much larger desctructions.
While the game does offer free roam and side-quests, the “awareness” meter ramps up in a hurry leaving you to constantly dodge missile attacks from the army even after only a few witnessed brain stem steals. Brain stem steals? Yes, you read that correctly.
And anal probes and brain stems aren't the only wackiness you'll encounter as Crypto. Walking in the vicinity of civilians is like stepping into the 1950's. There are so many funny movie-related and decade-related moments it is pure comedic gold and will surely put a smile on your face. It even had me wanting to watch old science-fiction movies just to keep the vibe going.
With the tongue-in-cheek anti-American government theme coupled with the innocence (and arguably ignorant bliss) of the 50's, walking around zapping brain stems as an alien after landing his spaceship on a family farm, doesn't really seem that odd after all.
4 out of 5
Monday, February 6, 2006
REVIEW: GUN
GUN
Genre: Action
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Neversoft
Publisher: Activision
I've never much fancied the wild west days, what with the outdoor plumbing, hunting my own food, and no Internet, however during my time with GUN, I let my senses soak up what the environment had to offer. I'm still not convinced to set my time machine to that era, but the experience wasn't bad. That's not to say the game isn't without its problems. Of the three Activision Xbox 360 launch games I have played - GUN, Quake 4, and Tony Hawk's American Wasteland - two of them have left little to be desired. Since Quake 4 doesn't suffer from the same problems, I'm now convinced the problem lies with the developer.
Neversoft is known for the highly acclaimed Tony Hawk series and finally decided to use some of those earnings to branch out a bit. Or at least that is what I had hoped, but it seems Neversoft's 360 ports aren't up to snuff. Both Tony Hawk's American Wasteland and GUN have similar issues. Coincidence? Perhaps not.
GUN, at least in HD, suffers from much graphical ugliness. Visible environment seams, bland textures, and draw-in are just a few of the issues that you'll see in GUN. There is even one glitch in the side missions that allow a mission title to appear on the horizon yet when you approach the spot on the map, it disappears. It should disappear to symbolize that all side missions are completed until further story progression, but it shouldn't wait until you're right on top of it.
The good news is that GUN does have a few redeeming qualities. The story, albeit short, does have some depth to it. You play as gunslinging Colton West who was raised by a good-hearted hunter named Ned. Ned is voiced by Kris Kristofferson and instantly sells you on his character. Unfortunately, your time with Ned is short lived as he and Colton find themselves on a steamboat destined for demise. After Ned discretely checks on a mysterious item, the ship quickly comes under attack and Ned goes down, but not before telling Colton that a journey awaits him in Dodge. Off you go with hope to uncover the story of the mysterious item that is assumed lost at the bottom of the lake.
GUN plays out in a style similar to Grand Theft Auto III with its open ended world and bustling activity. Granted, GUN is not nearly as big as GTAIII, as its two main towns (Dodge and Empire) are very small in size compared to Liberty City. However, the sprawling landscapes do offer the chance for big adventures, hunting and various other side missions, and bandit attacks to partake in or evade. On normal mode, the game is rather easy and should net you 8 hours (or less) of play time depending on if you chose to play the side missions and/or search out the 44 gold pieces that are scattered about.
With the main story being as short as it is, the side missions do offer a little more variety and play time. Although, I would have preferred the side missions to further flesh out the main story even if it was to merely have Colton cross paths with other key characters. As it stands, the side missions seem to stand out from the rest of the story like a separate entity and not meld with it. However, there are benefits to completing side missions. Not only is it the only way to gain 100% completion, but they also grant you cash to spend on weapon upgrades and stat improvements.
With top-notch voice acting from celebrities like Kris Kristofferson and Lance Henriksen, I do have to wonder if Neversoft blew all of their finances on voice talent rather than on graphical prowess or fleshing out the story. The story is not bad by action game standards, but it seemed somewhat rushed. Combat, while simple in execution, was done well, I thought. Even during firefights while on horseback, I never had a problem hitting my intended target, and as the game progresses, your weapons get more powerful. By the end of the game, you've got one of the coolest rifles around that truly makes you feel every shot it fires.
If it sounds like I'm being unfair to GUN simply for its technical problems, rest assured I only have us gamers' interests at heart. What is unfair is paying $10 more for something that is being passed off as next-gen when it clearly is not. That, to me, is not worth 60 of my hard earned dollars. So, would I recommend GUN? Yes, but its short length and lack of replayability makes it a rental at best. Save your money for developers and publishers who understand the meaning of next-gen. If it weren't for the halfway decent story, terrific voice acting, and the well done horseback aspect, I'd give the game a 2.5, but since those traits are present, I've tacked on an extra half of a point.
3 out of 5
Genre: Action
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Neversoft
Publisher: Activision
I've never much fancied the wild west days, what with the outdoor plumbing, hunting my own food, and no Internet, however during my time with GUN, I let my senses soak up what the environment had to offer. I'm still not convinced to set my time machine to that era, but the experience wasn't bad. That's not to say the game isn't without its problems. Of the three Activision Xbox 360 launch games I have played - GUN, Quake 4, and Tony Hawk's American Wasteland - two of them have left little to be desired. Since Quake 4 doesn't suffer from the same problems, I'm now convinced the problem lies with the developer.
Neversoft is known for the highly acclaimed Tony Hawk series and finally decided to use some of those earnings to branch out a bit. Or at least that is what I had hoped, but it seems Neversoft's 360 ports aren't up to snuff. Both Tony Hawk's American Wasteland and GUN have similar issues. Coincidence? Perhaps not.
GUN, at least in HD, suffers from much graphical ugliness. Visible environment seams, bland textures, and draw-in are just a few of the issues that you'll see in GUN. There is even one glitch in the side missions that allow a mission title to appear on the horizon yet when you approach the spot on the map, it disappears. It should disappear to symbolize that all side missions are completed until further story progression, but it shouldn't wait until you're right on top of it.
The good news is that GUN does have a few redeeming qualities. The story, albeit short, does have some depth to it. You play as gunslinging Colton West who was raised by a good-hearted hunter named Ned. Ned is voiced by Kris Kristofferson and instantly sells you on his character. Unfortunately, your time with Ned is short lived as he and Colton find themselves on a steamboat destined for demise. After Ned discretely checks on a mysterious item, the ship quickly comes under attack and Ned goes down, but not before telling Colton that a journey awaits him in Dodge. Off you go with hope to uncover the story of the mysterious item that is assumed lost at the bottom of the lake.
GUN plays out in a style similar to Grand Theft Auto III with its open ended world and bustling activity. Granted, GUN is not nearly as big as GTAIII, as its two main towns (Dodge and Empire) are very small in size compared to Liberty City. However, the sprawling landscapes do offer the chance for big adventures, hunting and various other side missions, and bandit attacks to partake in or evade. On normal mode, the game is rather easy and should net you 8 hours (or less) of play time depending on if you chose to play the side missions and/or search out the 44 gold pieces that are scattered about.
With the main story being as short as it is, the side missions do offer a little more variety and play time. Although, I would have preferred the side missions to further flesh out the main story even if it was to merely have Colton cross paths with other key characters. As it stands, the side missions seem to stand out from the rest of the story like a separate entity and not meld with it. However, there are benefits to completing side missions. Not only is it the only way to gain 100% completion, but they also grant you cash to spend on weapon upgrades and stat improvements.
With top-notch voice acting from celebrities like Kris Kristofferson and Lance Henriksen, I do have to wonder if Neversoft blew all of their finances on voice talent rather than on graphical prowess or fleshing out the story. The story is not bad by action game standards, but it seemed somewhat rushed. Combat, while simple in execution, was done well, I thought. Even during firefights while on horseback, I never had a problem hitting my intended target, and as the game progresses, your weapons get more powerful. By the end of the game, you've got one of the coolest rifles around that truly makes you feel every shot it fires.
If it sounds like I'm being unfair to GUN simply for its technical problems, rest assured I only have us gamers' interests at heart. What is unfair is paying $10 more for something that is being passed off as next-gen when it clearly is not. That, to me, is not worth 60 of my hard earned dollars. So, would I recommend GUN? Yes, but its short length and lack of replayability makes it a rental at best. Save your money for developers and publishers who understand the meaning of next-gen. If it weren't for the halfway decent story, terrific voice acting, and the well done horseback aspect, I'd give the game a 2.5, but since those traits are present, I've tacked on an extra half of a point.
3 out of 5
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Condemned: Criminal Origins
I posted this review at my gaming site D-Pad Junkies, but I thought I'd share it here, too. It's one of my favorites that I've written.
Condemned: Criminal Origins
Genre: Horror
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Monolith
Publisher: Sega
Condemned: Criminal Origins does not revolutionize video games. Yet everything Condemned does, it does very well. The way in which the story unfolds through clues is intriguing. The combat, while simple, never grows tired. The sound will send shivers down your spine. Plus, it is one of the best looking Xbox 360 games to date. It isn't glitchy like some of the other first generation games are. Monolith and Sega got it right with this one, and if there is one Xbox 360 game you need to experience, it's Condemned: Criminal Origins.
I use the word "experience" rather than "play" simply because Condemned feels more like a suspense thriller unraveling before your eyes than something you directly affect the outcome to. It makes you feel like you are actually in the middle of something huge going on around you. The game revolves around the player-controlled character of Ethan Thomas, an FBI agent, who is following up on a routine call. He is a serial killer investigator who arrives with the police on the scene of a murder. Eventually, things turn from bad to worse as he quickly finds himself implicated for the deaths of two police officers. Not how you want a routine call to turn out.
Condemned, as you can imagine, is not a peace and love game, but rather a game that will bring you to many everyday settings that are filled with many undesirables. Some locales may feel familiar, but they definitely do not put off a feeling of comfort. Grisly images of department store mannequins, deranged lunatics who like to beat you over the head with any nearby item they can find, and unsettling evidence are just a few of the things you can expect to run across during your journey.
Fortunately for you, Ethan Thomas, you've got some help on the inside. Rosa is your real-life lab partner that you'll be in contact with throughout the investigation. As you collect evidence, it is immediately transmitted via cell phone to Rosa's computer for analysis. It's very cool and high tech. She gives her report in real-time and aides in deciphering the meaning of the clues as well as where your investigation should lead you next. The forensic aspect of the game is the part that truly makes Condemned shine. The only drawback that some gamers may balk at is the handholding the game does for you during these forensic moments. You are limited to only certain areas that require scanning for evidence, and the game automatically selects the appropriate tool. However, I can't really knock the game for this handholding, because it does play into a storytelling element that I dare not reveal. Trust me, the last thing you want to be doing in these completely creeped-out environments is fumbling around in your inventory while a depraved thug whacks you from behind. If it was truly a shortcoming, at least the designers made up for that fact in an intelligent way that worked.
Combat is handled in a very interesting way. Not only is all of the gameplay in first person perspective, but the combat is just as gruesome as some of the evidence you find. Armed with only an FBI standard issue taser, it is in your best interest to find a weapon and hold on to it. As you progress through various locales investigating clues, you will find all sorts of items to use as weapons. You'll run across everything from pipes and entry tools to firearms and locale-specific objects. And you'll need the right weapon to not only take down your assailant but to defend yourself as well. Each potential weapon is graded in damage, blocking, speed, and reach. As you walk over a useable item, a little bar graph pops up on the screen that shows these attributes. When given more than one weapon option, it is a very useful tool in deciding which item is the best weapon for the situation. While it may seem that firearms are the ideal weapon of choice, keep in mind that ammo is limited.
While bludgeoning these deranged baddies is brutal fun, it doesn't change much as the game progresses. However, there is the optional "finishing move" to help mix things up a bit. For instance, once the player wears down an opponent with 1-2 hits depending upon the weapon, a small D-Pad will appear on the screen. The four directional buttons on the D-Pad represent a different move, and you get one chance to finish off this stunned enemy with a violent move. Another interesting aspect that adds to the combat is watching enemies interact with each other and the environment. It is not uncommon to walk into a firefight between several enemies and watch at least one of them get finished off. Or better yet, when one of the enemies searches for a different weapon and then joins the beating. That's a nice interactive touch to the overall experience.
The thing that makes Condemned so great is that it never lets the player get bored. While the story definitely alludes to more than is revealed, there is always a new, disturbing clue to discover, more weirdoes to encounter (they get weirder and tougher as the game progresses), and another unsettling locale to visit to keep you guessing. The game keeps you on your toes with its eerie sounds as well. Ambient noises seem so real you'll find yourself looking over your shoulder, especially if you experience this game alone in the dark. You're likely to exhale a sigh of relief once the experience comes to an end; however, don't be fooled. I guarantee you'll never look at department store mannequins the same again.
4.5 out of 5
Condemned: Criminal Origins
Genre: Horror
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Monolith
Publisher: Sega
Condemned: Criminal Origins does not revolutionize video games. Yet everything Condemned does, it does very well. The way in which the story unfolds through clues is intriguing. The combat, while simple, never grows tired. The sound will send shivers down your spine. Plus, it is one of the best looking Xbox 360 games to date. It isn't glitchy like some of the other first generation games are. Monolith and Sega got it right with this one, and if there is one Xbox 360 game you need to experience, it's Condemned: Criminal Origins.
I use the word "experience" rather than "play" simply because Condemned feels more like a suspense thriller unraveling before your eyes than something you directly affect the outcome to. It makes you feel like you are actually in the middle of something huge going on around you. The game revolves around the player-controlled character of Ethan Thomas, an FBI agent, who is following up on a routine call. He is a serial killer investigator who arrives with the police on the scene of a murder. Eventually, things turn from bad to worse as he quickly finds himself implicated for the deaths of two police officers. Not how you want a routine call to turn out.
Condemned, as you can imagine, is not a peace and love game, but rather a game that will bring you to many everyday settings that are filled with many undesirables. Some locales may feel familiar, but they definitely do not put off a feeling of comfort. Grisly images of department store mannequins, deranged lunatics who like to beat you over the head with any nearby item they can find, and unsettling evidence are just a few of the things you can expect to run across during your journey.
Fortunately for you, Ethan Thomas, you've got some help on the inside. Rosa is your real-life lab partner that you'll be in contact with throughout the investigation. As you collect evidence, it is immediately transmitted via cell phone to Rosa's computer for analysis. It's very cool and high tech. She gives her report in real-time and aides in deciphering the meaning of the clues as well as where your investigation should lead you next. The forensic aspect of the game is the part that truly makes Condemned shine. The only drawback that some gamers may balk at is the handholding the game does for you during these forensic moments. You are limited to only certain areas that require scanning for evidence, and the game automatically selects the appropriate tool. However, I can't really knock the game for this handholding, because it does play into a storytelling element that I dare not reveal. Trust me, the last thing you want to be doing in these completely creeped-out environments is fumbling around in your inventory while a depraved thug whacks you from behind. If it was truly a shortcoming, at least the designers made up for that fact in an intelligent way that worked.
Combat is handled in a very interesting way. Not only is all of the gameplay in first person perspective, but the combat is just as gruesome as some of the evidence you find. Armed with only an FBI standard issue taser, it is in your best interest to find a weapon and hold on to it. As you progress through various locales investigating clues, you will find all sorts of items to use as weapons. You'll run across everything from pipes and entry tools to firearms and locale-specific objects. And you'll need the right weapon to not only take down your assailant but to defend yourself as well. Each potential weapon is graded in damage, blocking, speed, and reach. As you walk over a useable item, a little bar graph pops up on the screen that shows these attributes. When given more than one weapon option, it is a very useful tool in deciding which item is the best weapon for the situation. While it may seem that firearms are the ideal weapon of choice, keep in mind that ammo is limited.
While bludgeoning these deranged baddies is brutal fun, it doesn't change much as the game progresses. However, there is the optional "finishing move" to help mix things up a bit. For instance, once the player wears down an opponent with 1-2 hits depending upon the weapon, a small D-Pad will appear on the screen. The four directional buttons on the D-Pad represent a different move, and you get one chance to finish off this stunned enemy with a violent move. Another interesting aspect that adds to the combat is watching enemies interact with each other and the environment. It is not uncommon to walk into a firefight between several enemies and watch at least one of them get finished off. Or better yet, when one of the enemies searches for a different weapon and then joins the beating. That's a nice interactive touch to the overall experience.
The thing that makes Condemned so great is that it never lets the player get bored. While the story definitely alludes to more than is revealed, there is always a new, disturbing clue to discover, more weirdoes to encounter (they get weirder and tougher as the game progresses), and another unsettling locale to visit to keep you guessing. The game keeps you on your toes with its eerie sounds as well. Ambient noises seem so real you'll find yourself looking over your shoulder, especially if you experience this game alone in the dark. You're likely to exhale a sigh of relief once the experience comes to an end; however, don't be fooled. I guarantee you'll never look at department store mannequins the same again.
4.5 out of 5
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Top Ten of 2005
This was a very difficult list to put together this year due to the sheer amount of stellar titles available. The DS hit its stride early on and shows no sign of letting up and we saw all sorts of original titles from the various consoles. When ordering this best of list, I tried to look at each game as a whole for what it did for the industry and yet at the same time not ignore the importance of my own personal tastes. Hopefully you will recognize this as fair and just as well as entertaining. So, without further ado, I present to you my "Best of 2005." May it guide you on your journey of balancing out your gaming diet.
10.Killer 7 - Gamecube
Surrealism of the senses would be a good way to describe this on-rails shooter, because well, there aren't many words that can paint the picture of one of the most unique games to ever grace the Gamecube. You have to experience it for yourself to truly appreciate the beautiful art, whacked out conspiracy story, and very focused gameplay. I say focused, because the game forces the player to choose the characters' different paths in an attempt to create the illusion that the game character is always in control. That's no easy task since each character comes from the same place - the mind of Harman Smith. Smith has seven very deadly personalities who take on the role of assassins throughout the game. As the player, you have control of each of the "killer 7" via a television (proof the story is whacked) and each has their own unique ability to utilize. These abilities come in handy when trying to solve various puzzles in the very vibrantly colored world. The on-rails gameplay may be a turn off for some with the marriage of pressing the analog stick to choose your desired direction and the A button to select the path, but I thought it captured the unique feeling of the game just as each of the 7 personalities fit into the odd mind of Harman Smith. I'm not sure the developers ever intended for us to fully understand the meaning of the story in a cognitive way, hence my use of the term "surreal," however if you are looking for something that breaks the common game design mold, you should check out Killer 7. Even if the game is ultimately not for you, it is an experience you won't soon forget.
9. Kirby Canvas Curse - DS
What Yoshi Touch & Go touched on with pushing the boundaries of platform gaming with stylus control, Kirby Canvas Curse took and sprinted to the finish line with it. Canvas Curse gives new meaning to platform gaming in a way I never thought imaginable. Imagine my surprise when I realized I was manipulating the world around Kirby instead of the familiar way I was used to playing a game - manipulating the game character itself to meet the level goals. With its touch screen control, you will alter the environment in a way that refreshes the whole genre. Drawing colorful lines to protect Kirby from spikes or lava pits is only the tip of the innovative gameplay at work here. Kirby's trademark enemy-stealing ability is present as well, so fans of the little pink puffball will ultimately feel at home as the touch screen aspects become second nature. I tapped into platforming skills I never even knew I had, and so will you.
8. Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2 - PS2
What can I say about Digital Devil Saga that I haven't already said? Probably not much considering I like to compliment the Shin Megami Tensei games every chance I get. However, I will touch on one specific aspect since there seems to be a running theme to my list. If you haven't figured it out by number one, don't worry, I offer a full explanation.
RPG's have always had a close relationship with its players. Not only do we invest many hours into the characters and story but we are also required to constantly access menus for inventory purposes and also for manual combat control. Coupled with DDS's knack for making such extensive use of the elements, the immersion that RPG's control offers its gamers keeps us constantly thinking and contemplating the outcome. Both visually and intellectually compelling, Digital Devil Saga offers a different experience than most RPG's. Shin Megami Tensei games pride themselves on apocalyptic and demonic storytelling and Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2 are no different. For example, in DDS, your character transforms into a demon when in combat. It plays a bigger role than simply becoming a demon for the sake of becoming a demon, as the main reason for the transformation delves deep into an inner need to feed the demon you harbor by devouring your enemies. It's definitely not your average light hearted RPG, but that is what helps set DDS apart. It makes no apologies for requiring you to constantly level-up, or for demanding the utmost care in deciding how to use the elements to your advantage. Make no mistake, DDS will chew you up and spit you out if you aren't careful when traversing its maze like dungeons, but the overall feeling and story are both so well shaped that you will be glad to experience it.
7. Condemned: Criminal Origins - Xbox 360
Condemned represents something the Xbox 360 sorely needs more of: original games. The fact that it's actually a solid title helps give merit to my case. I've given the game its dues in my [url=http://www.dpadjunkies.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=63]review[/url], but I'll touch on a few aspects that make Condemned a worth title. You play as Ethan Thomas, an FBI agent whose day goes from bad to worse when he is implemented in the murder of two police officers. To prove your innocence, you'll have to put your detective skills to the test. Lucky for you, there are various and neat forensic tools at your disposal to aid in your search for clues. It's easily the coolest feature in the game and the interaction helps to immerse you into Ethan's crazy world. Along the way, you'll also cross paths with all sorts of deranged lunatics who want to inflict damage on you with whatever object they can find. With limited ammo, your melee combat skills will be put to the test. Condemned isn't overly difficult and it's not long at all. So, do yourself a favor and experience this original property. Just watch out for those pesky and creepy mannequins.
6. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks - Xbox
I would wager that not many people expected much from another Mortal Kombat action game after its previous embarrassing attempts, but the effort paid off. Even as a huge Mortal Kombat fan, I was crossing my fingers with this one. Shaolin Monks immediately impresses with its butter smooth combat in a 3D world. Its multi-directional fighting motions set a new standard in the world of 3D. The story takes place during the time of Mortal Kombat II and includes many familiar faces - some alibis, some foes. There is one brilliant battle between the player and a highly popular MK character that truly shines as one of the most memorable boss fights in recent history. The interaction between the two fighters during this battle made me realize how great a game Shaolin Monks is. The amount of control the game allows the player makes for an epic battle. Fan service at its finest.
5. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - DS
Dawn of Sorrow could have easily been my number one game for 2005 because I love the game so much and it does everything right, however, as you read on, you will see that originality ultimately wins out this year. Continuing the Symphony of the Night graphical style and exploration aspect, DoS is actually the first in the Castlevania series to be a direct sequel. It picks up right after Soma Cruz destroys Dracula in Aria of Sorrow. It's apparent that Iga still believes in his product, because his style and story still continue to draw in the player. The graphics look absolutely gorgeous on the DS and do their part in creating the illusion of the world of Castlevania. The addition of the touch screen control to draw magic symbols to "seal" away bosses is a nice addition to the series. It's a simple element that does not detract from the familiar Castlevania mold. The soul system has been improved since Aria of Sorrow, however the biggest bonus to DoS is Julius Mode. This mode could have been a stand alone game, as it's that good. It doesn't feel tacked on like so many other games' bonus features sometimes do. Plus, it fully takes advantage of the existing castle map and enemies while adding three characters (Julius Belmont, Alucard, and Yoko) with distinct abilities who can be switched on the fly. As you can imagine, it is quite like having two full length games in one package. Julius Mode alone is worth the price of admission. No gamer will be disappointed with this very full package.
4. Resident Evil 4 - Gamecube
Of all the games on my list, none gave me more trouble placing than Resident Evil 4. The odd thing is I can't give a definitive answer as to why. It didn't immediately impress me like it did the rest of the gaming world and I still can't help but feel somewhat detracted from the experience, yet RE4 does so many things right and corrects so many past flaws that it would be a great misfortune to overlook this game. RE4 takes the series in a much needed updated direction that it makes it difficult to describe in fear of losing the famous Resident Evil feeling that the series is known for. Rest assured, this fourth installment still feels like Resident Evil but with a fresh coat of paint, an improved inventory system, and smoother controls than you have ever witnessed. I feel RE4 is a leap in the right direction for all of those reasons with the most important being control. It's obvious the developers knew this fourth game had to mature the series, and it shows with its updated fluid controls. The interactive control scheme in the boss battles and in many escape sequences adds a new gameplay mechanic, too. I guarantee the rush you get from evading a boulder set on destruction will not soon leave you. The pacing has also been improved. In an almost methodical way, the game pushes you to the limits and lets you catch your breath in the most calculated, exceptionally designed way. And none can deny that RE4 gives escort missions a new standard. How realistic is it that who you escort can go and hide when danger is imminent? Talk about realism in game design. Let's hope the next generation of gaming can tap into this more realistic gameplay as much as the beautiful graphics we are often promised.
3. Trauma Center: Under the Knife - DS
Many naysayers claimed the DS's touch screen gameplay was a gimmick. By definition alone that would mean that the DS was easy to advertise yet it was destined to fail. Within the first year of the DS's life, in walks Trauma Center with is solid story complete with character development, tricky puzzles, and true creativity in how to capitalize on the touch screen innovation. You play as Dr. Derek Stiles, a young doctor finding his way in his craft of medicine. He is immediately tasked with some difficult life changing decisions and thrust himself head on into a battle against a deadly virus known as GUILT. Using the DS's touch screen, the stylus becomes your direct tool into the medical field as you find yourself operating on various patients who are affected by this virus. The game can be demanding at times, but soon enough, you will be removing tumors and viruses, and suturing wounds with precise speed and execution. Trauma Center capitalizes on the DS's abilities in a real way. It's a complete game experience all around and one that any DS owner must try. Trauma Center: Under the Knife is originality at its best.
2. God of War - PS2
I'll refrain from complaining about the box pushing puzzles for this "best of" piece, because every once in a while a new intellectual property (an original idea) comes along that pushes the boundaries of what we consider a great action game. This generation has seen a few really great ones that are now considered the mold for future action games. Annoying box pushing or not, God of War fits the bill of a great action game. Like Devil May Cry before it, God of War gave us action fans something to get excited about. With Kratos' fluid Blades of Chaos and Ares' demanding presence, it was obvious much care and planning went into this one. The architecture and grand landscapes accent this story of the gods with beauty and grace.
In an attempt to keep the player in control and involved, there are several moments in the game that require direct player interaction. Tapping out a sequence of button presses to bring down an enormous beast gives the player the sense of realism that can otherwise seem mundane. In other words, by the time the sequence is over, you feel like you are Kratos defeating the towering bosses. Make God of War the next action game you try. In no time at all, you'll see how fluid it moves, the grandness of the environments, and fall in love with action games all over again.
1. Guitar Hero - PS2
My number one game of 2005 may come as a shock to some. After all, it isn't what most gamers see as a typical video game. It has no baddies to fight, no hero who overcomes tragedy, no leveling-up, no new cool weapons to gain; I could go on and on. But do all of those things have to be present in order to have a true video game? I'd like to think gamers are more than just exploring caves and fighting bosses. They're about interactivity. And if there's one element that all of these games on my list have in common it's direct, physical interactivity with the player. That interactivity is the catalyst through which we experience games. As for Guitar Hero, I believe that its interactivity and replayability were enough to grant it the number one spot on my list. After all, it is an original intellectual property, not a sequel. Sure, it required a special controller to play, but that only meant I, the player, was in the role that much more. When jamming out to Cream's "Crossroads" or shredding to Ozzy Osborune's "Bark at the Moon," there was no denying that I felt like a rockstar. How's that for role playing? Interactivity is an extra step the developers can take to ensure total immersion. Take for example something I just touched on, the mandatory button presses God of War requires you to perform when bringing down bosses. Sure, you could argue that all games are interactive since it is the player controlling the lead character. That is definitely true, but these games are offering the cure for the player sitting on their couch, controller in hand, and becoming numb to the experience. It's keeping you involved throughout the entire gaming experience and allows you to become that character you're controlling.
There is no denying the Nintendo DS's innovations have influenced much of my list this year; it has influenced much of what interested me this year as well. When three of the ten games listed are DS exclusive titles, I would say it definitely has a hold on me. The direct interaction that it demands of gamers is refreshing and it gives hope that the gaming industry won't get stuck in a mundane rut. As I look ahead at 2006, I hope this is a trend the developers adopt and master and with the Nintendo Revolution on the horizon, I have a very good feeling about gaming as a whole.
Honorable Mentions:
Riviera: The Promised Land
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath
Mario Kart DS
Most Underappreciated Console Game - Phantom Dust
Most Underappreciated Portable Game - Sigma Star Saga
Most Overlooked FPS - Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict
Best Console of 2005 - Nintendo DS
And The Best Console of 2005's Five Best Games -
5. Mario Kart
4. Animal Crossing: Wild World
3. Kirby Canvas Curse
2. Trauma Center: Under the Knife
1. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
2006 Wishlist
Even more innovative DS titles, the Nintendo Revolution, a smaller DS (which is coming!!!), a new game in the Golden Sun series, cheaper next-gen games and PSP titles, gameplay that exceeds its pretty graphics, and last but not least.... a new Mario game!!!!
10.Killer 7 - Gamecube
Surrealism of the senses would be a good way to describe this on-rails shooter, because well, there aren't many words that can paint the picture of one of the most unique games to ever grace the Gamecube. You have to experience it for yourself to truly appreciate the beautiful art, whacked out conspiracy story, and very focused gameplay. I say focused, because the game forces the player to choose the characters' different paths in an attempt to create the illusion that the game character is always in control. That's no easy task since each character comes from the same place - the mind of Harman Smith. Smith has seven very deadly personalities who take on the role of assassins throughout the game. As the player, you have control of each of the "killer 7" via a television (proof the story is whacked) and each has their own unique ability to utilize. These abilities come in handy when trying to solve various puzzles in the very vibrantly colored world. The on-rails gameplay may be a turn off for some with the marriage of pressing the analog stick to choose your desired direction and the A button to select the path, but I thought it captured the unique feeling of the game just as each of the 7 personalities fit into the odd mind of Harman Smith. I'm not sure the developers ever intended for us to fully understand the meaning of the story in a cognitive way, hence my use of the term "surreal," however if you are looking for something that breaks the common game design mold, you should check out Killer 7. Even if the game is ultimately not for you, it is an experience you won't soon forget.
9. Kirby Canvas Curse - DS
What Yoshi Touch & Go touched on with pushing the boundaries of platform gaming with stylus control, Kirby Canvas Curse took and sprinted to the finish line with it. Canvas Curse gives new meaning to platform gaming in a way I never thought imaginable. Imagine my surprise when I realized I was manipulating the world around Kirby instead of the familiar way I was used to playing a game - manipulating the game character itself to meet the level goals. With its touch screen control, you will alter the environment in a way that refreshes the whole genre. Drawing colorful lines to protect Kirby from spikes or lava pits is only the tip of the innovative gameplay at work here. Kirby's trademark enemy-stealing ability is present as well, so fans of the little pink puffball will ultimately feel at home as the touch screen aspects become second nature. I tapped into platforming skills I never even knew I had, and so will you.
8. Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2 - PS2
What can I say about Digital Devil Saga that I haven't already said? Probably not much considering I like to compliment the Shin Megami Tensei games every chance I get. However, I will touch on one specific aspect since there seems to be a running theme to my list. If you haven't figured it out by number one, don't worry, I offer a full explanation.
RPG's have always had a close relationship with its players. Not only do we invest many hours into the characters and story but we are also required to constantly access menus for inventory purposes and also for manual combat control. Coupled with DDS's knack for making such extensive use of the elements, the immersion that RPG's control offers its gamers keeps us constantly thinking and contemplating the outcome. Both visually and intellectually compelling, Digital Devil Saga offers a different experience than most RPG's. Shin Megami Tensei games pride themselves on apocalyptic and demonic storytelling and Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2 are no different. For example, in DDS, your character transforms into a demon when in combat. It plays a bigger role than simply becoming a demon for the sake of becoming a demon, as the main reason for the transformation delves deep into an inner need to feed the demon you harbor by devouring your enemies. It's definitely not your average light hearted RPG, but that is what helps set DDS apart. It makes no apologies for requiring you to constantly level-up, or for demanding the utmost care in deciding how to use the elements to your advantage. Make no mistake, DDS will chew you up and spit you out if you aren't careful when traversing its maze like dungeons, but the overall feeling and story are both so well shaped that you will be glad to experience it.
7. Condemned: Criminal Origins - Xbox 360
Condemned represents something the Xbox 360 sorely needs more of: original games. The fact that it's actually a solid title helps give merit to my case. I've given the game its dues in my [url=http://www.dpadjunkies.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=63]review[/url], but I'll touch on a few aspects that make Condemned a worth title. You play as Ethan Thomas, an FBI agent whose day goes from bad to worse when he is implemented in the murder of two police officers. To prove your innocence, you'll have to put your detective skills to the test. Lucky for you, there are various and neat forensic tools at your disposal to aid in your search for clues. It's easily the coolest feature in the game and the interaction helps to immerse you into Ethan's crazy world. Along the way, you'll also cross paths with all sorts of deranged lunatics who want to inflict damage on you with whatever object they can find. With limited ammo, your melee combat skills will be put to the test. Condemned isn't overly difficult and it's not long at all. So, do yourself a favor and experience this original property. Just watch out for those pesky and creepy mannequins.
6. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks - Xbox
I would wager that not many people expected much from another Mortal Kombat action game after its previous embarrassing attempts, but the effort paid off. Even as a huge Mortal Kombat fan, I was crossing my fingers with this one. Shaolin Monks immediately impresses with its butter smooth combat in a 3D world. Its multi-directional fighting motions set a new standard in the world of 3D. The story takes place during the time of Mortal Kombat II and includes many familiar faces - some alibis, some foes. There is one brilliant battle between the player and a highly popular MK character that truly shines as one of the most memorable boss fights in recent history. The interaction between the two fighters during this battle made me realize how great a game Shaolin Monks is. The amount of control the game allows the player makes for an epic battle. Fan service at its finest.
5. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - DS
Dawn of Sorrow could have easily been my number one game for 2005 because I love the game so much and it does everything right, however, as you read on, you will see that originality ultimately wins out this year. Continuing the Symphony of the Night graphical style and exploration aspect, DoS is actually the first in the Castlevania series to be a direct sequel. It picks up right after Soma Cruz destroys Dracula in Aria of Sorrow. It's apparent that Iga still believes in his product, because his style and story still continue to draw in the player. The graphics look absolutely gorgeous on the DS and do their part in creating the illusion of the world of Castlevania. The addition of the touch screen control to draw magic symbols to "seal" away bosses is a nice addition to the series. It's a simple element that does not detract from the familiar Castlevania mold. The soul system has been improved since Aria of Sorrow, however the biggest bonus to DoS is Julius Mode. This mode could have been a stand alone game, as it's that good. It doesn't feel tacked on like so many other games' bonus features sometimes do. Plus, it fully takes advantage of the existing castle map and enemies while adding three characters (Julius Belmont, Alucard, and Yoko) with distinct abilities who can be switched on the fly. As you can imagine, it is quite like having two full length games in one package. Julius Mode alone is worth the price of admission. No gamer will be disappointed with this very full package.
4. Resident Evil 4 - Gamecube
Of all the games on my list, none gave me more trouble placing than Resident Evil 4. The odd thing is I can't give a definitive answer as to why. It didn't immediately impress me like it did the rest of the gaming world and I still can't help but feel somewhat detracted from the experience, yet RE4 does so many things right and corrects so many past flaws that it would be a great misfortune to overlook this game. RE4 takes the series in a much needed updated direction that it makes it difficult to describe in fear of losing the famous Resident Evil feeling that the series is known for. Rest assured, this fourth installment still feels like Resident Evil but with a fresh coat of paint, an improved inventory system, and smoother controls than you have ever witnessed. I feel RE4 is a leap in the right direction for all of those reasons with the most important being control. It's obvious the developers knew this fourth game had to mature the series, and it shows with its updated fluid controls. The interactive control scheme in the boss battles and in many escape sequences adds a new gameplay mechanic, too. I guarantee the rush you get from evading a boulder set on destruction will not soon leave you. The pacing has also been improved. In an almost methodical way, the game pushes you to the limits and lets you catch your breath in the most calculated, exceptionally designed way. And none can deny that RE4 gives escort missions a new standard. How realistic is it that who you escort can go and hide when danger is imminent? Talk about realism in game design. Let's hope the next generation of gaming can tap into this more realistic gameplay as much as the beautiful graphics we are often promised.
3. Trauma Center: Under the Knife - DS
Many naysayers claimed the DS's touch screen gameplay was a gimmick. By definition alone that would mean that the DS was easy to advertise yet it was destined to fail. Within the first year of the DS's life, in walks Trauma Center with is solid story complete with character development, tricky puzzles, and true creativity in how to capitalize on the touch screen innovation. You play as Dr. Derek Stiles, a young doctor finding his way in his craft of medicine. He is immediately tasked with some difficult life changing decisions and thrust himself head on into a battle against a deadly virus known as GUILT. Using the DS's touch screen, the stylus becomes your direct tool into the medical field as you find yourself operating on various patients who are affected by this virus. The game can be demanding at times, but soon enough, you will be removing tumors and viruses, and suturing wounds with precise speed and execution. Trauma Center capitalizes on the DS's abilities in a real way. It's a complete game experience all around and one that any DS owner must try. Trauma Center: Under the Knife is originality at its best.
2. God of War - PS2
I'll refrain from complaining about the box pushing puzzles for this "best of" piece, because every once in a while a new intellectual property (an original idea) comes along that pushes the boundaries of what we consider a great action game. This generation has seen a few really great ones that are now considered the mold for future action games. Annoying box pushing or not, God of War fits the bill of a great action game. Like Devil May Cry before it, God of War gave us action fans something to get excited about. With Kratos' fluid Blades of Chaos and Ares' demanding presence, it was obvious much care and planning went into this one. The architecture and grand landscapes accent this story of the gods with beauty and grace.
In an attempt to keep the player in control and involved, there are several moments in the game that require direct player interaction. Tapping out a sequence of button presses to bring down an enormous beast gives the player the sense of realism that can otherwise seem mundane. In other words, by the time the sequence is over, you feel like you are Kratos defeating the towering bosses. Make God of War the next action game you try. In no time at all, you'll see how fluid it moves, the grandness of the environments, and fall in love with action games all over again.
1. Guitar Hero - PS2
My number one game of 2005 may come as a shock to some. After all, it isn't what most gamers see as a typical video game. It has no baddies to fight, no hero who overcomes tragedy, no leveling-up, no new cool weapons to gain; I could go on and on. But do all of those things have to be present in order to have a true video game? I'd like to think gamers are more than just exploring caves and fighting bosses. They're about interactivity. And if there's one element that all of these games on my list have in common it's direct, physical interactivity with the player. That interactivity is the catalyst through which we experience games. As for Guitar Hero, I believe that its interactivity and replayability were enough to grant it the number one spot on my list. After all, it is an original intellectual property, not a sequel. Sure, it required a special controller to play, but that only meant I, the player, was in the role that much more. When jamming out to Cream's "Crossroads" or shredding to Ozzy Osborune's "Bark at the Moon," there was no denying that I felt like a rockstar. How's that for role playing? Interactivity is an extra step the developers can take to ensure total immersion. Take for example something I just touched on, the mandatory button presses God of War requires you to perform when bringing down bosses. Sure, you could argue that all games are interactive since it is the player controlling the lead character. That is definitely true, but these games are offering the cure for the player sitting on their couch, controller in hand, and becoming numb to the experience. It's keeping you involved throughout the entire gaming experience and allows you to become that character you're controlling.
There is no denying the Nintendo DS's innovations have influenced much of my list this year; it has influenced much of what interested me this year as well. When three of the ten games listed are DS exclusive titles, I would say it definitely has a hold on me. The direct interaction that it demands of gamers is refreshing and it gives hope that the gaming industry won't get stuck in a mundane rut. As I look ahead at 2006, I hope this is a trend the developers adopt and master and with the Nintendo Revolution on the horizon, I have a very good feeling about gaming as a whole.
Honorable Mentions:
Riviera: The Promised Land
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath
Mario Kart DS
Most Underappreciated Console Game - Phantom Dust
Most Underappreciated Portable Game - Sigma Star Saga
Most Overlooked FPS - Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict
Best Console of 2005 - Nintendo DS
And The Best Console of 2005's Five Best Games -
5. Mario Kart
4. Animal Crossing: Wild World
3. Kirby Canvas Curse
2. Trauma Center: Under the Knife
1. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
2006 Wishlist
Even more innovative DS titles, the Nintendo Revolution, a smaller DS (which is coming!!!), a new game in the Golden Sun series, cheaper next-gen games and PSP titles, gameplay that exceeds its pretty graphics, and last but not least.... a new Mario game!!!!
Friday, January 13, 2006
And the Credits Roll....
It's a great feeling of accomplishment when I finish a video game. When I've slayed the final baddie or boss, or when I've nailed Dracula's coffin shut for the final time.... once again. Recently, I've been on such a gaming kick and it's brought my yearly total to 13 completed games. See, I've got this habit of buying more games at one time than I can actually complete at one time. However, I am trying to make up for that by actually completing some of them. I'm even going back to games I stopped playing a year ago in hopes that I can finally close the book on those games as well. Gamefly will also help with the buying too many games habit. I've recently signed up and I think it's been the best decision since I bought my Sirius satellite radio. I should have done it a long time ago since relying on Blockbuster to buy more than one copy of anything other than Madden or the Mom n' Pop rental stores around my area to keep up with current games is a total waste of time. But I'm getting off topic.
Here are the games I completed in 2005:
WarioWare Touched!
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
God of War
Unreal Championship 2
Destroy All Humans!
Riviera: The Promised Land
Radiata Stories
Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - 100%
Guitar Hero - Easy and Medium modes
Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga
Mario Kart DS
Quake 4
That's a total of 13 games. And I won't even get into the unGodly amount of hours I put into Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS) in the month of Dec 2005 alone. As I post this entry, I've already beaten 3 games since Jan 1, 2006. I'm on my way to beating last year's record. Some people have New Year's resolutions that involve life changes. Not me. Resolutions are bullshit. The way I see it, if there is something important enough to improve about yourself, you don't need a new year to do it. So, why resolve to do something you have no intention of ever living up to? It's like setting yourself up for failure. That's premeditated ignorance [a term my Dad coined] if you ask me. So, my "resolution" (if I have to use that word) is simple: To be happy and enjoy life.
Oh, and beat my record for "games beaten in 2005." But that's more of a personal goal than a resolution.
Here are the games I completed in 2005:
WarioWare Touched!
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
God of War
Unreal Championship 2
Destroy All Humans!
Riviera: The Promised Land
Radiata Stories
Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - 100%
Guitar Hero - Easy and Medium modes
Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga
Mario Kart DS
Quake 4
That's a total of 13 games. And I won't even get into the unGodly amount of hours I put into Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS) in the month of Dec 2005 alone. As I post this entry, I've already beaten 3 games since Jan 1, 2006. I'm on my way to beating last year's record. Some people have New Year's resolutions that involve life changes. Not me. Resolutions are bullshit. The way I see it, if there is something important enough to improve about yourself, you don't need a new year to do it. So, why resolve to do something you have no intention of ever living up to? It's like setting yourself up for failure. That's premeditated ignorance [a term my Dad coined] if you ask me. So, my "resolution" (if I have to use that word) is simple: To be happy and enjoy life.
Oh, and beat my record for "games beaten in 2005." But that's more of a personal goal than a resolution.
Monday, January 9, 2006
He Came All Over America
So, today was the inaugural event. The Howard Stern Show debuted on Sirius satellite radio. I chose to listen to channel Howard 101 (the East coast feed) since I was able to catch the entire show from 8am-1pm my time. I have to say, George Takei took the cake today. Next to Howard, of course. I'm glad to hear that Takei will be the new Stern show announcer. Arty, on the other hand, was the most annoying I've ever heard him. I'd love to hear Takei be given a permanent seat in the studio.
It was a good show. It's hard to compare this show to a normal show simply because it wasn't a normal show. The press conference was needed because this show was special - it was the first - but I look forward to the days to come when we start hearing normal bits again. I can't wait for "That's Just Wrong." So, I'm definitely excited for what's to come. The big revelations were awesome. I can't wait to hear which revelation belongs to which cast member. We'll find out next Monday!
The great thing about Sirius is that I don't just get The Howard Stern Show, but also great music. I've got every available preset on my Sirius Starmate already set. All 30 of them. It's great. "Hair Nation" the "60s" channel are definitely two of my favorite channels thus far. And it's not just the commercial free music I get. It's mainly that I'm getting to listen to the music I actually want to listen to. Not the shit that local radio loves to play: Puddle of Mudd, Nickelback, I could go on. I don't mind paying for something that I actually want. I don't even listen to my FM radio anymore. I bought Sirius for Howard, and having the music I want to hear is just the icing on the cake.
During the news, Robin brought up Peter Jackson's King Kong movie and in true form, Howard burst in to give his thoughts on the big ape film. I thought it was hillarious and it felt like some of the normality was being brought into today's very busy show. I didn't much care for the movie, but then again I never liked the original either. Ironically, I bought the game for my Xbox 360 this weekend and already beat it. I enjoyed the game much more than the movie.
Back to Howard... I'm glad to finally have him back in my mornings again.
It was a good show. It's hard to compare this show to a normal show simply because it wasn't a normal show. The press conference was needed because this show was special - it was the first - but I look forward to the days to come when we start hearing normal bits again. I can't wait for "That's Just Wrong." So, I'm definitely excited for what's to come. The big revelations were awesome. I can't wait to hear which revelation belongs to which cast member. We'll find out next Monday!
The great thing about Sirius is that I don't just get The Howard Stern Show, but also great music. I've got every available preset on my Sirius Starmate already set. All 30 of them. It's great. "Hair Nation" the "60s" channel are definitely two of my favorite channels thus far. And it's not just the commercial free music I get. It's mainly that I'm getting to listen to the music I actually want to listen to. Not the shit that local radio loves to play: Puddle of Mudd, Nickelback, I could go on. I don't mind paying for something that I actually want. I don't even listen to my FM radio anymore. I bought Sirius for Howard, and having the music I want to hear is just the icing on the cake.
During the news, Robin brought up Peter Jackson's King Kong movie and in true form, Howard burst in to give his thoughts on the big ape film. I thought it was hillarious and it felt like some of the normality was being brought into today's very busy show. I didn't much care for the movie, but then again I never liked the original either. Ironically, I bought the game for my Xbox 360 this weekend and already beat it. I enjoyed the game much more than the movie.
Back to Howard... I'm glad to finally have him back in my mornings again.
Sunday, January 8, 2006
1-9-06
Howard Stern is coming... all over America. And I'm gonna be there with my Sirus radio to welcome him.
Never before have I wanted a Monday to get here. I can't wait.
Just felt like saying that.
Never before have I wanted a Monday to get here. I can't wait.
Just felt like saying that.
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