I've heard of this happening to other gamers but I didn't picture myself getting into the same situation. I'm at the point where I have a lot of games but not enough time to play. Work and other obligations keep getting in the way. Anyway, here's a little update on the progress I'm making on several titles I own. I mean, why pay so much money for these games just to have them sitting on a shelf, right?
First up is Twilight Princess, which I started a couple of weeks ago but haven't played in a while. So far, I'm just after the second dungeon (the fire one). It's the predictable "first three" dungeons built on forest, fire, and water (I expect) themes. The batteries in my Wii-mote died.
I'm also playing a co-op campaign with my sister on Gears of War. The stupid Berserker freaked me out and I like the "stay in the light" gameplay later on. We managed to make it to the area after the mine carts before quitting. This game is great fun on Casual and I imagine the Insane difficulty is just that!
I gotta mention Soul Calibur IV. Picked this up about a week ago and wow, is it ever awesome! So many characters, updated movelists, and fast action! I'm getting accustomed to Xianghua's updated moves and messing around with Yoda's Force-powered antics. New character Hilde is pretty awesome. I think it's time to get familiar with her weapon style.
The Orange Box caught my attention while I was getting SCIV. I had read great reviews about all the games on this disk and so far they're right. Half-Life 2 completely draws you into the game and mixes gunfights with some great action sequences. The canal escape on the airboat really picked up the pace and the helicopter firefight was a good standoff. I'm betting this is gonna get better and better.
And I now get "the cake is a lie" and all the "companion cube" t-shirts I've seen. I get it. I get why people love Portal so much. Portal is awesome! One of the best, most memorable games I've ever played. This is the effect that games should have on players. All of the elements came together to create a game sensation! I know I'm like a year late but now I get what all the hype is about.
Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Make my way back home and learn to fly
Oh, internet. It doesn't seize to amaze me.
There I was, for two weeks searching stores for a Wii. Sold out everywhere. No word on when they would get more. None at Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, Gamestop, ToysRUs, or even Wal-Mart. Not any of these stores in Las Vegas had any in stock! It's crazy that these things are still selling out everywhere.
Since I wasn't about to pay $400.00 or more for it on Craigslist, I thought there has to be someone out there who has done the work for me. I googled "finding a wii" and came up with this result near the top. Okay, so these tips are a start. Hopefully this can lead to somewhere.
So last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings I woke up early to search stores for it with no luck. Then Sunday, the 24th, I decided to take a rest. At 2pm I eventually came across this Amazon forum thread: Wii at Target, Sunday February 24. First, I did not believe it. Perhaps in other cities but so far everywhere I looked has been sold out. Second, I considered that even if they did have Wiis in stock, it was already 2pm, so they would have probably been sold out. Twenty minutes before I had to leave to work I decide to just give it a shot.
I called the nearest Target and the lady on the other end confirmed that they did in fact receive a shipment of Wiis that morning.
"You did?! Do you have any right now?"
"Yeah, we still have a couple more."
"Thanks."Alright, internets! You paid off! I then raced to Target as the minutes counted down before I had to be at work. A thought crossed my mind as I was driving. What if they sold out by the time I got there? What if they only had like one left?
Relieve, I actually found myself standing in front of a display case with 12 Wiis just sitting there like nothing! It was as if I was the only one that knew they were in stock. I mean, I thought these sold like hotcakes the minute the doors to the store opened.
Ah, well, what matters is that I picked one up along with a copy of Mario Galaxy and then sped off to start my day at work. Thanks again, interwebs. Not only for stupid videos and pirated music but also for being creatively useful and helpful.
There I was, for two weeks searching stores for a Wii. Sold out everywhere. No word on when they would get more. None at Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, Gamestop, ToysRUs, or even Wal-Mart. Not any of these stores in Las Vegas had any in stock! It's crazy that these things are still selling out everywhere.
Since I wasn't about to pay $400.00 or more for it on Craigslist, I thought there has to be someone out there who has done the work for me. I googled "finding a wii" and came up with this result near the top. Okay, so these tips are a start. Hopefully this can lead to somewhere.
So last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings I woke up early to search stores for it with no luck. Then Sunday, the 24th, I decided to take a rest. At 2pm I eventually came across this Amazon forum thread: Wii at Target, Sunday February 24. First, I did not believe it. Perhaps in other cities but so far everywhere I looked has been sold out. Second, I considered that even if they did have Wiis in stock, it was already 2pm, so they would have probably been sold out. Twenty minutes before I had to leave to work I decide to just give it a shot.
I called the nearest Target and the lady on the other end confirmed that they did in fact receive a shipment of Wiis that morning.
"You did?! Do you have any right now?"
"Yeah, we still have a couple more."
"Thanks."Alright, internets! You paid off! I then raced to Target as the minutes counted down before I had to be at work. A thought crossed my mind as I was driving. What if they sold out by the time I got there? What if they only had like one left?
Relieve, I actually found myself standing in front of a display case with 12 Wiis just sitting there like nothing! It was as if I was the only one that knew they were in stock. I mean, I thought these sold like hotcakes the minute the doors to the store opened.
Ah, well, what matters is that I picked one up along with a copy of Mario Galaxy and then sped off to start my day at work. Thanks again, interwebs. Not only for stupid videos and pirated music but also for being creatively useful and helpful.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Blaming gaming
A lot of things have been blamed for corrupting the youth. It used to be that heavy metal made kids misbehave and dress weird. Then violent movies were believed to be the cause of so much violence among teenagers and young adults. Then it was rap music and after that Marylin Manson. These days, the cross-hairs are lining up on video games more and more.
Opportunistic individuals like Florida attorney Jack Thompson continue to perpetuate the myth that video games are one of the main causes for violent events such as the Columbine shootings and the recent university shootings in Illinois. There is no evidence to suggest that playing video games will turn you into a murderer. Yet, people will jump to this conclusion based on this flawed logic.
It's very irresponsible for Jack Thompson to continue to say the things he does and it's ridiculous that media outlets take people like him seriously. I cringe when people who are otherwise level headed thinkers will accept this argument simply because some idiot with a supposed sense of authority is saying it.
The fact is playing Wii, Xbox, or Playstation games is not going to cause people to take a gun and go on a shooting spree. Even if you limit the argument to just violent games, the conclusions do not add up. Thousands of people get online every day to frag the crap out of their friends on Halo 3 and Call of Duty. If what Jack Thompson is saying was true, there would be numerous incidents of violent crime happening everyday all committed by gamers. But look! That's not true.
Scientific studies conclude that playing violent games does indeed increase aggressiveness in players afterwards. But there is evidence that this will lead to violence. It's the same thing as listening to Metallica at high volume or watching Saw II, Fight Club, and 30 Days of Night in one sitting. Yeah, you feel excited afterwards and your adrenaline pumps up. But you're not going to go put a bullet in someone.
News reports tell people that the killers from Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University were avid gamers who spent hours playing Call of Duty and other first-person shooters. Yeah, and so do thousand of other college kids! I mean, why mention that background info without any sort of context? It's irresponsible. If playing Resident Evil 4 makes you load up a shotgun and plan to aim it randomly into your classroom tomorrow, then you obviously have some deeper issues underlying your actions.
But it's like I mentioned before. Video games are the new scapegoat. There's currently no call to ban violent movies or to ban heavy metal but there is one to ban violent video games. It's a stupid move that isn't really solving anything and is standing in the way of having a real discussion of why this sort of violence occurs at a higher rate in the US than in any other country in the world. Well, at least Thompson is being held accountable for his behavior.
Additional reading:
Off Target: Games Leading to Violence
Fox News Headline - Video Gamers Leave Baby to Die
After Shootings, Illinois Campus Prepares to Mourn Victims
Opportunistic individuals like Florida attorney Jack Thompson continue to perpetuate the myth that video games are one of the main causes for violent events such as the Columbine shootings and the recent university shootings in Illinois. There is no evidence to suggest that playing video games will turn you into a murderer. Yet, people will jump to this conclusion based on this flawed logic.
It's very irresponsible for Jack Thompson to continue to say the things he does and it's ridiculous that media outlets take people like him seriously. I cringe when people who are otherwise level headed thinkers will accept this argument simply because some idiot with a supposed sense of authority is saying it.
The fact is playing Wii, Xbox, or Playstation games is not going to cause people to take a gun and go on a shooting spree. Even if you limit the argument to just violent games, the conclusions do not add up. Thousands of people get online every day to frag the crap out of their friends on Halo 3 and Call of Duty. If what Jack Thompson is saying was true, there would be numerous incidents of violent crime happening everyday all committed by gamers. But look! That's not true.
Scientific studies conclude that playing violent games does indeed increase aggressiveness in players afterwards. But there is evidence that this will lead to violence. It's the same thing as listening to Metallica at high volume or watching Saw II, Fight Club, and 30 Days of Night in one sitting. Yeah, you feel excited afterwards and your adrenaline pumps up. But you're not going to go put a bullet in someone.
News reports tell people that the killers from Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University were avid gamers who spent hours playing Call of Duty and other first-person shooters. Yeah, and so do thousand of other college kids! I mean, why mention that background info without any sort of context? It's irresponsible. If playing Resident Evil 4 makes you load up a shotgun and plan to aim it randomly into your classroom tomorrow, then you obviously have some deeper issues underlying your actions.
But it's like I mentioned before. Video games are the new scapegoat. There's currently no call to ban violent movies or to ban heavy metal but there is one to ban violent video games. It's a stupid move that isn't really solving anything and is standing in the way of having a real discussion of why this sort of violence occurs at a higher rate in the US than in any other country in the world. Well, at least Thompson is being held accountable for his behavior.
Additional reading:
Off Target: Games Leading to Violence
Fox News Headline - Video Gamers Leave Baby to Die
After Shootings, Illinois Campus Prepares to Mourn Victims
Monday, January 21, 2008
More Smash news
This official Nintendo video presents the features on upcoming Smash Bros. Brawl and is rumored to reveal three new fighters: two Pokemon and Ness.
That Nintendogs power-up looks annoying.
That Nintendogs power-up looks annoying.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Gaming Stuff
Okay, so if you haven't yet heard, Smash Bros. Brawl is delayed until March 9th. The roster is already up to 29 characters ready to battle it out. And this doesn't include secret/unlockable characters!
The latest issue of EGM (February) has an insightful editorial on journalistic integrity and not selling out. Yes, I do read/subscribe to print media even though news is now instantly available online. Anyway, this editorial explains one of the reasons why I've always like EGM ever since I started reading it in the old Mortal Kombat days. The reviews have always been honest and they let you know if a game is great, good, okay, bad, or a piece of crap. Read it here. (By the way, I got Yoshi on my EGM cover; Link is way awesomer.)
Gabe and Tycho take on Soul Calibur IV. It's the whole Star Wars thing. Invite Indiana Jones into the fight while you're at it, Namco. He can wield a bullwhip. Short Round can be in it too!
Finally, 1up has a great feature up: 101 Free Games 2008. Some of these look pretty cool and they're not that big to download. In fact, some are online; like Five Minutes to Kill Yourself! It's a nice timewaster; I killed myself in 4:52.
The latest issue of EGM (February) has an insightful editorial on journalistic integrity and not selling out. Yes, I do read/subscribe to print media even though news is now instantly available online. Anyway, this editorial explains one of the reasons why I've always like EGM ever since I started reading it in the old Mortal Kombat days. The reviews have always been honest and they let you know if a game is great, good, okay, bad, or a piece of crap. Read it here. (By the way, I got Yoshi on my EGM cover; Link is way awesomer.)
Gabe and Tycho take on Soul Calibur IV. It's the whole Star Wars thing. Invite Indiana Jones into the fight while you're at it, Namco. He can wield a bullwhip. Short Round can be in it too!
Finally, 1up has a great feature up: 101 Free Games 2008. Some of these look pretty cool and they're not that big to download. In fact, some are online; like Five Minutes to Kill Yourself! It's a nice timewaster; I killed myself in 4:52.
Friday, January 11, 2008
The soul still burns
Among the stuff at the 2008 CES, which is taking place less than a mile from where I live, is a playable demo of Soul Calibur IV and the debut of Yoda and Vader as guest fighters in the game. Forget Street Fighter, SC4 is the game to get! Now, since the CES is not open to the public, the demo was only available for those in the industry. But from reports it looks like the game is faster than previous installments and still retains the many gameplay elements that make it great.
One thing I did hear is that Guard Impacts are back. Wait, were they missing from SC3? I'm pretty sure they've never been out of the series. Soul Calibur 3 is the only one I haven't played extensively but I'm positive that Guard Impacts can be performed on it.
From the footage shown, new character Hilde looks to have a pretty cool fighting style. I especially like that spinning move that you can see in the trailer for about three seconds. As for the Star Wars characters... They're really out of place but it'll be fun fighting as/against them. Darth Vader looks really plain compared to someone like Voldo or Siegfried. A very cool idea would be to add pre-mutilated Anakin as a second or special outfit!
A more important question is how Yoda will play. I mean, that freak is small; will you have to use low attacks on him or will he be jumping up all the time to stand/float face to face to the other characters? Ivy could just stomp on him. And will there be any cool Force-chokes or Force-slams or will those just be their fancy throws? And where's Xianghua? Haven't seen her in any of the trailers. And why Star Wars for that matter?
The latest issue of EGM arrived in the mail today sporting Yoshi on the cover promoting the upcoming Smash Bros Brawl. The latest confirmed fighter being the spaceman from Pikmin with his Pikmin. They're really piling in the cameos for this one. And there's no way of knowing who the secret unlockable characters are going to be. Luigi for sure, maybe some stupid Pokemon. Young Link again? They should use the Wind Waker Link. Since Sonic is in the game they'll probably put in Tails or Eggman. Knuckles would be the better addition. Diddy Kong's joined up so they might add some girl monkey. Kinda lame. Ah, lets just hope for the best and see if Nintendo will add some really worthwhile fighters. That ninja from Metal Gear would be cool.
This baby is hilarious.
One thing I did hear is that Guard Impacts are back. Wait, were they missing from SC3? I'm pretty sure they've never been out of the series. Soul Calibur 3 is the only one I haven't played extensively but I'm positive that Guard Impacts can be performed on it.
From the footage shown, new character Hilde looks to have a pretty cool fighting style. I especially like that spinning move that you can see in the trailer for about three seconds. As for the Star Wars characters... They're really out of place but it'll be fun fighting as/against them. Darth Vader looks really plain compared to someone like Voldo or Siegfried. A very cool idea would be to add pre-mutilated Anakin as a second or special outfit!
A more important question is how Yoda will play. I mean, that freak is small; will you have to use low attacks on him or will he be jumping up all the time to stand/float face to face to the other characters? Ivy could just stomp on him. And will there be any cool Force-chokes or Force-slams or will those just be their fancy throws? And where's Xianghua? Haven't seen her in any of the trailers. And why Star Wars for that matter?
The latest issue of EGM arrived in the mail today sporting Yoshi on the cover promoting the upcoming Smash Bros Brawl. The latest confirmed fighter being the spaceman from Pikmin with his Pikmin. They're really piling in the cameos for this one. And there's no way of knowing who the secret unlockable characters are going to be. Luigi for sure, maybe some stupid Pokemon. Young Link again? They should use the Wind Waker Link. Since Sonic is in the game they'll probably put in Tails or Eggman. Knuckles would be the better addition. Diddy Kong's joined up so they might add some girl monkey. Kinda lame. Ah, lets just hope for the best and see if Nintendo will add some really worthwhile fighters. That ninja from Metal Gear would be cool.
This baby is hilarious.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Yes, I know. Not keeping up with posting consistently. But, then again, my readership probably consists of two, maybe three people at the most. That being the case, there'll probably be no uproar over the lack of frequent postings.
Who am I talking to?
Anyway, Penny Arcade has some old but amusing comics poking fun at Facebook here and here. If you get annoyed by Facebook, you'll like these. Maybe. I'm not promising anything.
Then theres Mario Doom:
I like the subterranean part of the level. This takes me back to the days when Doom first came out. Man, that was a while ago. I want to see someone do this with Mario 3. Racoon Suit!
Who am I talking to?
Anyway, Penny Arcade has some old but amusing comics poking fun at Facebook here and here. If you get annoyed by Facebook, you'll like these. Maybe. I'm not promising anything.
Then theres Mario Doom:
I like the subterranean part of the level. This takes me back to the days when Doom first came out. Man, that was a while ago. I want to see someone do this with Mario 3. Racoon Suit!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
THIS BLOG IS CANCEROUS
Do not read this because this blog is cancerous. Also, since I am now going to mention video games, it is DOUBLE cancerous.
Video games are cool!
I am part of the corrosion of society. Read.
Video games are cool!
I am part of the corrosion of society. Read.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
No money but...
I purchased "The Distant Future" by Flight of the Conchords on a recent trip to Barnes and Noble. The only reason I decided to get it is because it was $6. All of these big stores like B&N and Tower Records sell CDs for way too much. I mean, Metallica's Kill 'Em All for $19.99? C'mon, that album came out in the 80s, they should just give it to me free.
When you're low on cash, you end up looking for any deals you can and keep yourself from buying stuff you don't need. That's why I can't stay at Best Buy or Target or Gamestop for too long or I'll want to buy something. In fact, today I had to put down a $8.99 copy of Silent Hill once I reconsidered the purchase. It's a good movie, yeah, but I should just wait on it.
Interesting note on my trip to Best Buy though. They've been selling out of Wiis every Sunday!! According to one Best Buy employee, they get a shipment of approximately 20-some Wii units every Sunday and they sell them all soon after the store opens at 10:00am. Hijole! People are lining up for this already? And it's not even November yet.
When you're low on cash, you end up looking for any deals you can and keep yourself from buying stuff you don't need. That's why I can't stay at Best Buy or Target or Gamestop for too long or I'll want to buy something. In fact, today I had to put down a $8.99 copy of Silent Hill once I reconsidered the purchase. It's a good movie, yeah, but I should just wait on it.
Interesting note on my trip to Best Buy though. They've been selling out of Wiis every Sunday!! According to one Best Buy employee, they get a shipment of approximately 20-some Wii units every Sunday and they sell them all soon after the store opens at 10:00am. Hijole! People are lining up for this already? And it's not even November yet.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
A matter of power
So I installed the Sims 2 Seasons expansion pack on my computer and haven't been able to play it. After much frustration and research I found out that my laptop may not be powerful enough to run it which explains why it won't even start. To make matters worse, the EP writes over my Sims 2 saved file so I had to uninstall both Seasons and the base game. Ah well, I wasn't too far into the game so I don't mind it that much.
Also, I found World of Warcraft at a yard sale for $5! My laptop probably can't handle it but I'll see if the desktop system can. Actually, I'll probably wait to play it until I can find a steady income. Don't want to get addicted to games while my money runs out!
Also, I found World of Warcraft at a yard sale for $5! My laptop probably can't handle it but I'll see if the desktop system can. Actually, I'll probably wait to play it until I can find a steady income. Don't want to get addicted to games while my money runs out!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The 16-bit BRAWL!
This is freakin awesome! Finally, Mario and Sonic can battle it out! Now I really want a Wii.
Also, why do people here think I'm older, married, and have kids?! I'm 23, you weirdo. People that I've talked to here constantly assume that about me. Maybe I'm somehow projecting that image to others. Ah, well whatever. At least I get referred to as "sir" everywhere I go now!
Also, why do people here think I'm older, married, and have kids?! I'm 23, you weirdo. People that I've talked to here constantly assume that about me. Maybe I'm somehow projecting that image to others. Ah, well whatever. At least I get referred to as "sir" everywhere I go now!
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