Hey Guys,
Condition: Stable-ish
A week, yes a week has passed and no matter how much gameplay I watch I'm not getting any gaming cravings! It's awesome! I feel great and I only have two weeks left of this I can make it! I would like to touch a little on SkyFall's post. I have to say that I'm almost against this more than SOPA. I know they mean well but it could be handled a little better. However, if I had my way we'd have a few problems especially on sensitivity.
BF3 was recently banned from Iran because quoted from PC Gamer "a fictionalized US assault on Iran’s capital Tehran, where many men must be shot in the face" Well this angered the Iranian Government and made it 'illegal.'Well for starters the game wasn't supposed to be there in the first place seeing as EA has no resellers there. This ban made it the first game marked 'illegal' and they really weren't playing around. Iranian police were raiding shops and arresting owners. Even the youth of Iran were in uproar. A young group started an online petition against the game which received over 5,000 signatures. Quoted from the group, "We believe the game is purposely released at a time when the US is pushing the international community into fearing Iran.” So it may be for the better, but I still don't really agree with it right now.
I'm interested in the Fire Emblem, but most of the early ones (the only ones I can play since I only have a GBA) are in Japan only. Two of which I am interested in (FE6: Sacred Stone and FE7: Blazing Sword) are here, but the others I can't play because lack of console. If I ever get a 3DS I pray that Fire Emblem 3DS: Kakusei will release here in the USA. I hope I can find a copy of Fire Emblem: Blazing Sword and/or Sacred Stone some where on the net.
-TRSF
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Region Lockout
Hey guys, it's SkyFall! Now while our friend over there is putting off games for a month (by the way, I could never do that), I want to talk about a problem some gamers, hardcore or not, have come across...
Region Lock!!!
Now, do I think it's a problem? Maybe. Do I have a problem with it? Slightly. Should it be banned? To a degree, yes. Let me inform those who aren't aware of what region lock really is. Region Lock, or Region Lockout, is a programming code that blocks games to be played on a console, in a different region. Let's say, you own a Wii or Xbox 360. You buy and import a game from wherever the game was made, most likely Japan. So the game was made in Japan, so the text is in Japan. In it's coding, it reads the game as a Japanese game. So you import it to the U.S for example, and you own a North American Nintendo Wii or Microsoft Xbox 360 console. A console that was made, to be read as a North American console. If you try to play the imported game on that console you have, it won't play. Because of regional lockout, you cannot play any game that the software was made for a different country that the console you own is. Now not all consoles are locked. Nintendo Wiis, Xbox 360s, 3DSs, and PSP and DSis to an extent, all have regional lockout. Now this is what bugs some gamers out there. Games that are made in a specific country (I'm going to use Japan as an example from now on, since it's primarily where games are imported from), and aren't ever localized in your country you live in, presents a problem if the game is on a regional locked system. As such, you might have heard of Project Rainfall, a fan campaign to localize 3 RPGs, for the Nintendo Wii. Well, this wouldn't be a problem, if the Wii wasn't region locked. Currently, one of the three, Xenoblade Chronicles, is in the process of being localized at Nintendo of America, while another one was just announced 4 days ago, The Last Story. Now, I'm not interested in buying or playing any of these, though. The reasons for region locking a console, are reasonable, and make sense, but to me they can become inconvenient, the longer you think about it. 1. Pricing. Pricing of games ranges from region to region.You might pay a certain amount in your country, about a low end of 35$ to a high end base price of 55$. But then, because different regions have their own money, could translate the price to a lower or higher price than what you generally pay. I guess it's a good reason, but I don't think it should make any difference. If you're a hardcore gamer, you'd pay whatever you could to get the game you want, right? 2. Sensitivity. Now this is a reason I understand, and is a large reason why they call it, 'localization'. Some regions, may allow certain elements, which may be offensive in another region. That is simply it, but is a big part in the whole thing as well. 3. Piracy. In some regions, it is more common for a game, or any media, to be pirated, and so if a console is region locked, it becomes harder to pirate a game. But, if the game is published in your region, it can still be pirated, right? Then, I don't understand this. Those are pretty much the main reason, which I get, but again to a degree.
That's pretty much it. I just wanted to talk about it. Another thing I found out, is that some printers, and their ink cartridges are region locked as well. I wish companies didn't do this, because if they didn't, I would have a load of Japanese games. The whole reason this came up for me, is a certain game is being released next month in Japan, and if it weren't for the 3DS's regional lockout, I would already have this game pre-ordered. But then again, any gamer can just buy a region's console to play the game on as well!
I'm gonna try to post some news about video games, maybe in a week or two. Maybe less. But I see you till then!
P.S. Have you heard of Pokemon Black and White 2?
Region Lock!!!
Now, do I think it's a problem? Maybe. Do I have a problem with it? Slightly. Should it be banned? To a degree, yes. Let me inform those who aren't aware of what region lock really is. Region Lock, or Region Lockout, is a programming code that blocks games to be played on a console, in a different region. Let's say, you own a Wii or Xbox 360. You buy and import a game from wherever the game was made, most likely Japan. So the game was made in Japan, so the text is in Japan. In it's coding, it reads the game as a Japanese game. So you import it to the U.S for example, and you own a North American Nintendo Wii or Microsoft Xbox 360 console. A console that was made, to be read as a North American console. If you try to play the imported game on that console you have, it won't play. Because of regional lockout, you cannot play any game that the software was made for a different country that the console you own is. Now not all consoles are locked. Nintendo Wiis, Xbox 360s, 3DSs, and PSP and DSis to an extent, all have regional lockout. Now this is what bugs some gamers out there. Games that are made in a specific country (I'm going to use Japan as an example from now on, since it's primarily where games are imported from), and aren't ever localized in your country you live in, presents a problem if the game is on a regional locked system. As such, you might have heard of Project Rainfall, a fan campaign to localize 3 RPGs, for the Nintendo Wii. Well, this wouldn't be a problem, if the Wii wasn't region locked. Currently, one of the three, Xenoblade Chronicles, is in the process of being localized at Nintendo of America, while another one was just announced 4 days ago, The Last Story. Now, I'm not interested in buying or playing any of these, though. The reasons for region locking a console, are reasonable, and make sense, but to me they can become inconvenient, the longer you think about it. 1. Pricing. Pricing of games ranges from region to region.You might pay a certain amount in your country, about a low end of 35$ to a high end base price of 55$. But then, because different regions have their own money, could translate the price to a lower or higher price than what you generally pay. I guess it's a good reason, but I don't think it should make any difference. If you're a hardcore gamer, you'd pay whatever you could to get the game you want, right? 2. Sensitivity. Now this is a reason I understand, and is a large reason why they call it, 'localization'. Some regions, may allow certain elements, which may be offensive in another region. That is simply it, but is a big part in the whole thing as well. 3. Piracy. In some regions, it is more common for a game, or any media, to be pirated, and so if a console is region locked, it becomes harder to pirate a game. But, if the game is published in your region, it can still be pirated, right? Then, I don't understand this. Those are pretty much the main reason, which I get, but again to a degree.
That's pretty much it. I just wanted to talk about it. Another thing I found out, is that some printers, and their ink cartridges are region locked as well. I wish companies didn't do this, because if they didn't, I would have a load of Japanese games. The whole reason this came up for me, is a certain game is being released next month in Japan, and if it weren't for the 3DS's regional lockout, I would already have this game pre-ordered. But then again, any gamer can just buy a region's console to play the game on as well!
I'm gonna try to post some news about video games, maybe in a week or two. Maybe less. But I see you till then!
P.S. Have you heard of Pokemon Black and White 2?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Video Game Fast |Day: 3|
Hey Guys,
Condition: Getting Rocky
I know strong will right? Only three days and I'm already getting the urge to play. What I need to do is stop watching video game videos! I keep watching my favorite Minecraft LP player Pyropuncher, and I don't know how much longer my will can take being taunted. I've got to find something better to do with my time. The hours seems to last longer now, and it really gets on my nerves for some apparent reason. I hope I can last 27 more days of this.
-TRSF
For the record: I'M NOT HAVING ADDICTION WITHDRAWALS!
Condition: Getting Rocky
I know strong will right? Only three days and I'm already getting the urge to play. What I need to do is stop watching video game videos! I keep watching my favorite Minecraft LP player Pyropuncher, and I don't know how much longer my will can take being taunted. I've got to find something better to do with my time. The hours seems to last longer now, and it really gets on my nerves for some apparent reason. I hope I can last 27 more days of this.
-TRSF
For the record: I'M NOT HAVING ADDICTION WITHDRAWALS!
Video Game Fast |Day: 2|
Hey Guys,
Condition: Stable
Okay this is technically supposed to be the first post for this series, but I posted it late.
Here's the full (with a few holes) story. I was talking to someone about video games (the person I will leave undisclosed but you can probably guess who it could be) and all of a sudden it turned into an argument. The person stated that I was addicted to gaming and didn't know what else to do with my time, so they made a bet with me. I wouldn't last one month without gaming. One of my life's principles is whenever fazed with a challenge they think I can't do I will prove them wrong, unless it's really something I can't do. So that's how I got stuck in this. I thought it would be worse than I thought, but it's not all bad. I was watching minecraft videos earlier and my mind went 'Man I could sure go from some MC myself,' but I remembered my bet so I'm a little annoyed with myself right now. It's only been two days so do the math and that means I just have to endure this two day thing fifteen times. The really funny thing is you never notice how much you use something until you loose it.
-TRSF
Condition: Stable
Okay this is technically supposed to be the first post for this series, but I posted it late.
Here's the full (with a few holes) story. I was talking to someone about video games (the person I will leave undisclosed but you can probably guess who it could be) and all of a sudden it turned into an argument. The person stated that I was addicted to gaming and didn't know what else to do with my time, so they made a bet with me. I wouldn't last one month without gaming. One of my life's principles is whenever fazed with a challenge they think I can't do I will prove them wrong, unless it's really something I can't do. So that's how I got stuck in this. I thought it would be worse than I thought, but it's not all bad. I was watching minecraft videos earlier and my mind went 'Man I could sure go from some MC myself,' but I remembered my bet so I'm a little annoyed with myself right now. It's only been two days so do the math and that means I just have to endure this two day thing fifteen times. The really funny thing is you never notice how much you use something until you loose it.
-TRSF
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Best Free Video Games of the Week/Month
Hey Guys,
You heard me! BFVGOTW/M (I love ridiculously long acronyms) is back in full swing! This will cover the top ten best Video Games of this month. Reason being will be posted soon. With out further wait lets get this started.
# Ten
DotHack
The name is now the link.
DotHack is a strategy conquest. Quite good one at that. The levels increase with difficulty quite mildly. I don't know where it ties in with hacking or computers, but aside from that I don't have any pet peeves with it. You can toggle the difficulty in the level index and there are achievements you can earn. Nothing fancy, but simplistic and fun.
7/10
Replay Rate: High
#Nine
Bubble Tanks 2
It's you against the world in this bubble war.
Bubble Tanks 2 is a war with you against everybubble. You start as this small pathetic bubble tank, but as you progress you pick up bubbles from you popped enemies to make yourself the ultimate bubble war machine. The games is almost too simple with the no objective except for you to continuously upgrade. The game seems to have no end. And after awhile you get tired of going from one bubble room to the other. Another problem with the game is that your tank is extremely sensitive if you take successive hits your craft starts to deteriorate extremely fast. If you get backed up against the wall you can easily pop out of that room and go to a more challenging one accidentally. The idea was great, but it could have used some objectives and a few tweaks.
6.75/10
Replay Rate: Low
#Eight
Rebuild 2
This dark and quite zombie strategy has excellent gameplay, but could use better plot.
Let me get this straight, I am not one for zombie games of any kind. Not even Plants Vs. Zombies. I don't know why, but anyway about the game. Extremely well built gameplay easy strategy to get the hang of in minutes. Tutorial is a bit long, but teaches you everything you need to know. A quick play if your good at strategic games maybe forty or thirty minutes long. The only problem I have is the plot line. The world has gone apocalyptic and zombies have taken over. You and a few other people band together to bring civilization back. The idea is to take back thirty blocks of your city and the city hall to win. Another thing is that the game gives you the city hall in the end. You don't have to explore for it. I know this is really opinionated, but the part I hate is the zombie part and that's it. So great game and mechanics, but the plot could have used some work.
7.5/10
Replay Rate:Good
#Seven
Steambirds
Fun basic RPG is a little rough to grasp.
Set in the early 1900's Steambirds is a game about dog fighting. I call it a turn based RPG, but the description says its action/strategy. Anyway, the game is hard to describe. You command two (number of planes vary) planes and do battle in the air against the enemy. The game is fun, but controlling all the planes can get annoying. It takes forever to turn one ship around or set up productive strategies. At some instants I was frustrated because one of my planes was getting gunned, and the other couldn't make a sharp turn to help him. With the abilities it can change the game like Sharp Turn for one, or 180 Spin where the plane turns completely around. However you only get one of each these abilities so if you blow it by using is too early you just wasted it. The increase in difficulty is dramatic. You go from fighting easy enemies to battling challenging bosses too fast.
6/10
Replay Rate:Well
#Six
Epic Coaster
A never ending coaster of skill.
Epic Coaster is a simple platform/timing based game. You press the up arrow, W, or space to make your coaster jump and land on the heightened or lowered rails to continue on. The game never ends, and if you have an account to the website your distance and score is submitted. I'm a very competitive person so this game was right up my alley. I love trying to put someone else's score to shame. I've yet to do that, but I have a blast playing the game murdering the time as I do.
7.5/10
Replay Rate: Moderate
Aw Yeah! Top five games right here guys! Get ready for some of the best games yet.
#Five
Cardinal Quest
A deep adventure that's harsh if you don't do it right.
Cardinal Quest your average pixellated dungeon crawling adventure. You have three guilds to choose from I don't know if each quest is different or not. The game is a fun adventure. The objective of each level is to grab as much treasure and find the stairs to keep advancing on your quest. If you loose all of your lives they start you at level one which is crude, so you'll have to start all over again.
8/10
Replay Rate:Moderate
#Four
Focus
Can you handle the of missiles, lasers, sharp pointy things, and more hurling your way and FOCUS to win? Probably one of the most entertaining and exciting skill/platform games you will ever play. You play as this little white ball with a face and feet that has to complete this array of evil levels set by your mysterious antagonist. However fazing the level may be you can complete them with the use of your Focus. Focus is this circle that surrounds you with it you can slow down time, object, etc. when it enters your circle, and you can use it for a number of things like A: Get out of sticky situations B: Take time to contemplate the puzzle while your in the middle of it C: teleport threw walls and floors or D: Show off by dodging missiles with a hairs breath of space. The game is fun, the plot is entertaining as you continue to baffle and anger your enemy. This game really got to me.
9.25/10
Replay Rate: High
#Three
Upgrade Complete
Start with nothing and play a simple game to create it.
I know that sounded really weird but let me explain. You start out with nothing at all. The game starts with dialogue:
8.5/10
Replay Rate: Okay
#Two
Crumpled
A parkour based platformer.
Great platformer, parkour is amazing. You play this stick figure on a piece of paper, along with this strange blob that changes color along with shape. Together you complete levels. The game at first was really difficult to play. However, the programmer made some control fixes and made this game really shine. I do have a problem, though, and that's that it would make a much more enjoyable co-op game more than anything else. I found it overwhelming to do both the blob and the stick man at the same time. Other than that the levels and gameplay are enjoyable and you won't have a dull moment.
9/10
Replay Rate: Moderately High
#One
Love Letter
Hold your judgement!
Not very much to explain here. You play as the most popular boy in school and everything is normal until you get a love letter in your locker. You read the letter to find that there is a secret admirer who wants you to meet her at her locker after the second bell. If you don't she will be heart broken FOR ETERNITY. Not quite that serious, but being the gentleman you are you will have five minutes to find a private location to read the letter, and make it to the locker on time. Being the most popular kid means that people will tend to follow you around. This is a really cute, (Yeah I said it!) short, and simple game. I wish that there was a boy and girl plot to choose for girls if they wanted to play the game. This is the perfect valentines day game to send to your valentine. By the way happy Belated V-Day! All around this game is just simply great.
9.85/10
Replay Rate: Good
I will be doing a new series tomorrow so watch out for that. Let me know how I did rating and if you have any recommendations for games don't fear to comment or say so on my Google+. Also I should note I made this one longer because this covers it for the month. I think this is better than every week.
-TRSF
You heard me! BFVGOTW/M (I love ridiculously long acronyms) is back in full swing! This will cover the top ten best Video Games of this month. Reason being will be posted soon. With out further wait lets get this started.
# Ten
DotHack
The name is now the link.
DotHack is a strategy conquest. Quite good one at that. The levels increase with difficulty quite mildly. I don't know where it ties in with hacking or computers, but aside from that I don't have any pet peeves with it. You can toggle the difficulty in the level index and there are achievements you can earn. Nothing fancy, but simplistic and fun.
7/10
Replay Rate: High
#Nine
Bubble Tanks 2
It's you against the world in this bubble war.
Bubble Tanks 2 is a war with you against everybubble. You start as this small pathetic bubble tank, but as you progress you pick up bubbles from you popped enemies to make yourself the ultimate bubble war machine. The games is almost too simple with the no objective except for you to continuously upgrade. The game seems to have no end. And after awhile you get tired of going from one bubble room to the other. Another problem with the game is that your tank is extremely sensitive if you take successive hits your craft starts to deteriorate extremely fast. If you get backed up against the wall you can easily pop out of that room and go to a more challenging one accidentally. The idea was great, but it could have used some objectives and a few tweaks.
6.75/10
Replay Rate: Low
#Eight
Rebuild 2
This dark and quite zombie strategy has excellent gameplay, but could use better plot.
Let me get this straight, I am not one for zombie games of any kind. Not even Plants Vs. Zombies. I don't know why, but anyway about the game. Extremely well built gameplay easy strategy to get the hang of in minutes. Tutorial is a bit long, but teaches you everything you need to know. A quick play if your good at strategic games maybe forty or thirty minutes long. The only problem I have is the plot line. The world has gone apocalyptic and zombies have taken over. You and a few other people band together to bring civilization back. The idea is to take back thirty blocks of your city and the city hall to win. Another thing is that the game gives you the city hall in the end. You don't have to explore for it. I know this is really opinionated, but the part I hate is the zombie part and that's it. So great game and mechanics, but the plot could have used some work.
7.5/10
Replay Rate:Good
#Seven
Steambirds
Fun basic RPG is a little rough to grasp.
Set in the early 1900's Steambirds is a game about dog fighting. I call it a turn based RPG, but the description says its action/strategy. Anyway, the game is hard to describe. You command two (number of planes vary) planes and do battle in the air against the enemy. The game is fun, but controlling all the planes can get annoying. It takes forever to turn one ship around or set up productive strategies. At some instants I was frustrated because one of my planes was getting gunned, and the other couldn't make a sharp turn to help him. With the abilities it can change the game like Sharp Turn for one, or 180 Spin where the plane turns completely around. However you only get one of each these abilities so if you blow it by using is too early you just wasted it. The increase in difficulty is dramatic. You go from fighting easy enemies to battling challenging bosses too fast.
6/10
Replay Rate:Well
#Six
Epic Coaster
A never ending coaster of skill.
Epic Coaster is a simple platform/timing based game. You press the up arrow, W, or space to make your coaster jump and land on the heightened or lowered rails to continue on. The game never ends, and if you have an account to the website your distance and score is submitted. I'm a very competitive person so this game was right up my alley. I love trying to put someone else's score to shame. I've yet to do that, but I have a blast playing the game murdering the time as I do.
7.5/10
Replay Rate: Moderate
Aw Yeah! Top five games right here guys! Get ready for some of the best games yet.
#Five
Cardinal Quest
A deep adventure that's harsh if you don't do it right.
Cardinal Quest your average pixellated dungeon crawling adventure. You have three guilds to choose from I don't know if each quest is different or not. The game is a fun adventure. The objective of each level is to grab as much treasure and find the stairs to keep advancing on your quest. If you loose all of your lives they start you at level one which is crude, so you'll have to start all over again.
8/10
Replay Rate:Moderate
#Four
Focus
Can you handle the of missiles, lasers, sharp pointy things, and more hurling your way and FOCUS to win? Probably one of the most entertaining and exciting skill/platform games you will ever play. You play as this little white ball with a face and feet that has to complete this array of evil levels set by your mysterious antagonist. However fazing the level may be you can complete them with the use of your Focus. Focus is this circle that surrounds you with it you can slow down time, object, etc. when it enters your circle, and you can use it for a number of things like A: Get out of sticky situations B: Take time to contemplate the puzzle while your in the middle of it C: teleport threw walls and floors or D: Show off by dodging missiles with a hairs breath of space. The game is fun, the plot is entertaining as you continue to baffle and anger your enemy. This game really got to me.
9.25/10
Replay Rate: High
#Three
Upgrade Complete
Start with nothing and play a simple game to create it.
I know that sounded really weird but let me explain. You start out with nothing at all. The game starts with dialogue:
Welcome to "Upgrade Complete!"
The aim of the game game is to upgrade... EVERYTHING! You have to pretty much buy everything in the entire game!
But if you want to buy things, you'll need a shop to buy them from. Would you like to buy a shop menu for $400?
|Yes?| |No|
Please upgrade your decision making power
to choose this option
That's how the game opens up offering you a shop to buy things from. You'll end up buying a game and the more money you get you can spend it on upgrading your games, graphics, logo, etc. At first it doesn't sound very interesting, but if you enjoy these kind of games then you'll be sure to like it. 8.5/10
Replay Rate: Okay
#Two
Crumpled
A parkour based platformer.
Great platformer, parkour is amazing. You play this stick figure on a piece of paper, along with this strange blob that changes color along with shape. Together you complete levels. The game at first was really difficult to play. However, the programmer made some control fixes and made this game really shine. I do have a problem, though, and that's that it would make a much more enjoyable co-op game more than anything else. I found it overwhelming to do both the blob and the stick man at the same time. Other than that the levels and gameplay are enjoyable and you won't have a dull moment.
9/10
Replay Rate: Moderately High
#One
Love Letter
Hold your judgement!
Not very much to explain here. You play as the most popular boy in school and everything is normal until you get a love letter in your locker. You read the letter to find that there is a secret admirer who wants you to meet her at her locker after the second bell. If you don't she will be heart broken FOR ETERNITY. Not quite that serious, but being the gentleman you are you will have five minutes to find a private location to read the letter, and make it to the locker on time. Being the most popular kid means that people will tend to follow you around. This is a really cute, (Yeah I said it!) short, and simple game. I wish that there was a boy and girl plot to choose for girls if they wanted to play the game. This is the perfect valentines day game to send to your valentine. By the way happy Belated V-Day! All around this game is just simply great.
9.85/10
Replay Rate: Good
I will be doing a new series tomorrow so watch out for that. Let me know how I did rating and if you have any recommendations for games don't fear to comment or say so on my Google+. Also I should note I made this one longer because this covers it for the month. I think this is better than every week.
-TRSF
Friday, February 17, 2012
I'm Back!
Hey Guys,
It's been a while (okay a long time) since I've posted, and because of the busy body that I am I haven't had time to post. So I'm going to give you a summary of 'whats up' in the video gaming world.
I'm working on my Portal 2 review so stay tuned for that.
AMD has reported that they have created the Octa-core processor(aka The Bulldozer) more info here.
Sony and Microsoft says they should have a model of the new PS4 and Xbox at this years E3. More info at IGN.
I know it was short, but I'll get back to you all as soon as I can.
Stay tuned,
-TRSF
It's been a while (okay a long time) since I've posted, and because of the busy body that I am I haven't had time to post. So I'm going to give you a summary of 'whats up' in the video gaming world.
I'm working on my Portal 2 review so stay tuned for that.
AMD has reported that they have created the Octa-core processor(aka The Bulldozer) more info here.
Sony and Microsoft says they should have a model of the new PS4 and Xbox at this years E3. More info at IGN.
I know it was short, but I'll get back to you all as soon as I can.
Stay tuned,
-TRSF
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Gamifaction TED speaks.
Hey Guys,
If you've got a few minutes to spare watch this TED talk. I personally don't agree with everything he says, but before I rant about it I should let you watch the video first.
If you've got a few minutes to spare watch this TED talk. I personally don't agree with everything he says, but before I rant about it I should let you watch the video first.
Don't read down here until you've watched some of the video.
The first thing he says is that he remembers the game "Where in the World is Carmon San Diego?" He goes on saying it's the best game for the gaming world because it's a game parents, teachers, and children liked all together because it was educational. I talked to some one about this video that remembered the game and she said that she loved the game, but because it was she like advancing in the game not learning geography. In fact she still doesn't remember half of what she was taught in the game. She's admits that she always been bad a geography until she started traveling around the country. He then adds that he grew up a gamer and that he has a made a living off gaming. My argument is what are the chances of kids getting up off the console and doing something for themselves? Sure he did, but that was a one in one hundred chance. Besides he wasn't raised in the generation that is now he was raised in his time. He wasn't always playing games. He wasn't always at the console day, noon, and night. Like he said only the rich had the consoles. You go over to today's modern house and they've got a bookshelf of games. Gaming wasn't as big as it is now. Another thing I hate that he said is that kids today don't sit down and read a book while sipping tea. Well heck not even most adults do that now a days. Who has time? I'm and avid gamer, but I still like to enjoy a good book every so often. In fact I'm in the middle of Inheritance (praise to Christopher Poalini). He then talks about kids learning math and English when a teacher plunked them down in front of DS and computer games. English maybe, but not math. I say stop letting video games babysit our children. Let me get this straight. Video games are for entertainment only. They also say that we should let our children play what they want whether it's violent or not. Because they won't be any more violent when they learn how to knife some one in the back. So we just said that we teach kids but then we don't? How do you learn math when you play Call of Duty and watch some one get shot in face? Explain that. This talk I think was for the market. So parents can go out knowing that their kids are getting smarter, oh! excuse me, getting larger 'grey matter' areas. No doubt the marketing companies had something to do with this. Epically, since the holidays are right around the corner. Sale aren't high enough so they pull something like this.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
-TRSF
Friday, November 18, 2011
Minecraft is released
Whats up,
It's me TRSF and I'm here to talk about the release of Minecraft! It just came out about a few minutes ago. I have one question though for all this. Does this mean that Notch will stop updating Minecraft? I would like to know. And if he is going to continue to update the game then why release it when it's not ready yet? Sadly I missed the beta so I have to pay the extra $5.00. I've played a little of it and I love it. For all of you who don't know what I'm talking about I put a link, at the bottom, to the website. For those of you that have Minecraft tell me what you think of the released version. Does it now have the features that the pre-releases 1.9 1, 2, and so on had? Please let me know!
-TRSF
Almost forgot the link.
No better song to celebrate the release than this
-TRSF
Almost forgot the link.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Best Free Video Games of the Week
What's up guys,
I'm going to list this weeks best video games of the week. I think I'll change the title to BFVGW what do you think?
Number 5:
Robokill
Metroid or Castlevania with a birds eye view.
Robokill is an interesting game. At the beginning of every level you are given an objective which is shown on your map. The goal is simple you move towards the objective while trying not to die. The beginning is kind of dull but if you stick with it the game gets more interesting as you level up your weapons. But after level 1 you kind of have to be at the best you can be to continue because after level 1 the fun and games are over. If you like to explore a lot and try to answer puzzles and whatnot then the game is for you. Otherwise, don't bother playing. Another thing is that got me is that if you return to the main menu they wipe away everywhere you went off the map. Meaning you practically start over.
Replay rate: Low
1 to 10: 6
Link here.
Number 4:
Shell Shock Live
Tanks, Chat rooms, and tactics.
In shell shock live the game is straight forward you fire at opponents racking up as many points as possible before the time limit. Gameplay is fun and it takes a few minutes to get the hang of. The reason it's named Shell Shock Live is because you never play any bots or CPU's. It's all with live people playing somewhere else. Now this gives the game an unpredictable aspect. You can't really tell what the other person will do. The game is also really social with a chat room in the lobby and during the game. You can also talk privately with your team mates as well. The few things bad with this game is that to level up you have to grind like mad for XP. And that can get tiring. Another thing is that if you start out you get cursed out pretty bad because no one takes well to noobs. Although there is a profanity filter it sure didn't seem to work for me. You can mute that person if you wish though. I don't really get mad about the cursing and stuff so if it doesn't bother you then start playing it. Another thing that was kind a weird is that there is no free-for-all. It's always with a team.
Replay rate: Okay
1 to10: 7.5
Number 3:
One Step Back
Racing against yourself.
One Step Back is a really neat game. You play as a guy in
blue who runs for the exit. Easy right? The puzzling twist to the game is that when
you run another you comes from the door and you can't run into him(or you?).
The first few levels you'll pass by with ease but the game gets challenging as
you progress. However, the challenges don't really get tough in the good way. Some
of the puzzles don't really need you to problem solve or think about some are
about rhythm and others about something else. Not only that but the wall
hopping is extremely sensitive, and can screw you up if you are doing a rhythmic
puzzle. The maps can get to the point where you would want to pull your hair
out, and answering the puzzle doesn't feel that rewarding because you dread
what's coming up next.
Replay rate: Good
1 to 10: 9
Number 2:
Continuity
A Puzzle/platform with a twist.
Describing this game is pretty tough. You have to play it to
understand but, I'll try my best. Continuity is a game where you play as a
little man stuck in these boxes you shift around to get to the exit. The switch
between puzzle to platform is seamless. What you have to do is get the boxes
set up to the exit for you to complete the level. The puzzle are challenging
but not hair pulling. I never found the game dull in the least.
Replay rate: Moderately high
1 to 10: 9.5
Number 1:
Where am I
Well where are you?
Take a maze and then make the walls invisible only when you
crash into them. You then get Where am I. You play as this dot and navigate
through mazes by crashing into walls which light up on impact. There is no time
limit or lives. The game is fun and puzzling but not crazy tough to get
through. It takes a lot of trial and error before you escape the maze. I found
the game simplistic and fun.
Replay Rate: Moderately high
1 to 10: 9.75
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Ōkami Review
Hey, It's SkyFall
About 5 months ago, I bought a game called, Ōkami. 2 weeks ago, I finished it. And now I'm ready to give you a review on the PlayStation 2 version of Ōkami!
Ōkami (PS2 Version)Release Date: September 19th, 2006 (PS2), April 15th 2008 (Wii)
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Clover Studio
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii
ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
Premise
Set in old Japan, the powers of Orochi (originating from the myth of Yamata-no-Orochi) are released, and a powerful darkness is spread across the land of Nippon (Japan in Japanese). Sakuya the Tree Sprite who lives in Kamiki Village, right near the cave that Orochi’s powers awakened in, in a last attempt to save the land, awakened Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess. Taking the form of Shiranui, a pure white wolf that saved Kamiki Village 100 years ago from Orochi, Amaterasu and your new sidekick, Issun, restore life back to the village. You then set out to defeat Orochi, and any other darkness along the way. You often cross paths with a clumsy swordsman, Susano, who claims to be a descendant of Nagi the warrior who fought alongside Shiranui 100 years ago against Orochi. You also come across a mysterious man named Waka, who is on a similar journey as you, but interferes much. Along the way you meet others who need your help, and others who will help you. But your main goal, it to restore Nippon to the way it was.
Characters
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| Amaterasu and Issun |
Amaterasu. Amaterasu is the main protagonist of Ōkami. Issun gives the nickname, Ammy, to Amaterasu pretty early in the game, so he doesn’t have to remember Ammy’s whole name. Amaterasu is based off of Amaterasu (天照), or Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神), the sun goddess and is a major Shinto deity. Amaterasu has the ability to ‘draw’ the sun in the sky from the beginning of the game, being that you are a sun god. In the English version of the game, Amaterasu’s gender is never stated. There are points at which you assume that the character is female, and others you might think that it’s male.
Issun. Issun is the inch-tall, pint size, wandering artist and traveling companion to ‘Ammy’. Issun is not based on any mythology in Japan. Issun is pretty much the comic relief in the game, and supplies the dialogue that Amaterasu lacks. He wears a bug helmet, which is the reason some characters call him a bug, most likely a flea, because his companion is a wolf. He is very flirtatious, and falls in love with practically every female character. That being said, he can become rude quickly if things fall out of hand for him.
Susano. Susano is the lazy coward warrior who resides in Kamiki Village, trying to win the heart of Kushi, the town’s sake brewer. He loves sake, and will fall asleep and odd places in the world, and claim he is meditating. Susano is based off of Susanoo (須佐之男) (スサノオ), romanized as Susano-o, Susa-no-O and Susanowo), or Tatehaya Susanoo-no-Mikoto (建速須佐之男命). Susanoo is the brother to Amaterasu, and is the Shinto god of the sea and storms
Waka. Waka is a mysterious character, who never shows signs of being upset or fearful, to Issun’s dismay. He carries a sword locked in its scabbard, while his flute doubles as a beamsword. He is very vague in giving prophecies to you, though is quite playful and isn’t serious for the most part. Waka is based off of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経), where he is considered one of the greatest warriors of his era, and one of the most famous samurai fighters in Japan.
Gameplay
Ōkami originally was going to look realistic (alpha stage videos are available once you complete the game), but it was ditched for the cel-shaded, Japanese ink-illustration (known as sumi-e) look. The game involves, action fighting, adventuring, and puzzle solving. Many fans relate this to the The Legend of Zelda series, as both are very similar. The director even agreed that the Zelda series was one of his inspirations.
By completing missions, and side-quests, you obtain Praise, which can be used to upgrade health, ink pots, astral pouches (lives), and the money purse. Money is in the usual Japanese standard, Yen (¥). At shops you can buy feedbags to feed animals which will give you extra praise, potions called Holy Bones (S,M, and L), bombs that will automatically damage a foe without having to attack them, Exorcist Slips (S,M, and L), and some will have Gold Dust, an item to power up a weapon, which few shops will sell weapons.
Fighting takes place in a separate area blocked off from the main world. The game introduces enemies in groups at a time, and every enemy is slightly harder than the last. You use your Divine Instrument to attack, and can use the Celestial Brush to attack, dodge, or block enemy attacks if you use them right. There are three categories of Divine Instruments: Reflector, Rosary, and the Glaive. Each having its own specific trait and abilities.
The Celestial Brush is unique to Ōkami, in which you freeze the screen and pull up a canvas, then you use the left-analog stick (or Wiimote in the Wii version) to paint on what you want. For example, a straight horizontal line can attack or cut down something, and it known as power slash. A circle with a line coming out of it creates a bome that can blow up a piece of land or hurt an enemy, and is known as Cherry Bomb. Like I said before, drawing a circle in the sky creates the sun, since the game has a day-night system. Later on you will be able to create wind, make vines and hook-shot from one place to the next, and make lightning come straight out of the sky, and even draw the moon to make it appear. Although you don’t get all of the abilities at once, you gradually get them, and their powerups, for instance at the beginning you might be able to draw only one cherry bomb, but you will get to the point to draw three at a time, or instead of only being able to draw fire from one place to the next, you’ll be able to make fire appear. The ink pots stand for how much ink you can use at a time to draw.
Audio
The characters vocal tracks sound like those of Animal Crossing, depending on what gender the character is or how old the person may be, the voice may sound higher pitched or lower, or more female or male. The music is based upon classical Japanese music. It was all composed by 4 composers, Masami Ueda, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Rei Kondo, and Akari Groves. Capcom has released a 5-disc set of the whole score. Although, when you finish the game, you have access to a jukebox to listen to all of the music. Ayaka Hirahara wrote the game’s theme song, “Reset”, that plays in the end credits of the PS2 version.
Extras
Name
The title, Ōkami, is a pun itself. In Japanese, okami means wolf, but the kanji for ‘great deity’ is (大神), which is also Ōkami. So the title of the game, Ōkami and the kanji of the game 大神 roughly translates to ‘Great Wolf Deity’
 | |
| Wii Boxart with IGN watermark |
Wii Version
In 2006, Okami was released onto the PS2, as one of the last games ever released, before the PS3 debuted. When the Wii was announced, the creators thought that the motion sensor in the Wiimote would be a much easier way to use the Celestial Brush in the game. In 2008, the Wii version was released. It is an exact port of the PS2 version, and I will later elaborate on that down below. Though, because Clover Studio had dissolved before the Wii port had begun, Capcom had to delete the credits completely from it. The original box art has an IGN watermark near Amaterasu’s mouth. Capcom in reply to this released 3 new boxarts that excluded the watermark.
Sequel
Many fans speculated a sequel, and one came. In 2010, Ōkamiden for the DS was released. It has the same gameplay, with the Celestial brush, but using the Stylus and Touch Screen interface. It stars Chibiterasu, Amaterasu’s son, in which he has a similar journey traveling Nippon, with various companions.
Closing Thoughts
I had begun to watch this game as a Let’s Play. I got about 1/3 of the way through before I realized that I needed this game. Japanese culture and language is a huge part of my life now, before and after. I played the Playstation 2 version of this game alongside a Wii version Let’s Play. That’s how much I stress that it was an exact port. The whole atmosphere of the game, the music, the art, the gameplay, the story, was all an exciting experience, which I say is breathtaking. This beautiful a game is something I recommend you play. Although, I’m not much of a Zelda fan, I’m sure that If you’ve played a Zelda game Ocarina of Time and upward, you’d really enjoy this game. It is hard, for any game to reach my favorite status. And ever since playing this, it was reached tying with my favorite. So thanks to this the two are at battle. Though, I’ve never finished the other one. I am waiting for a console sequel to Ōkami, which probably won’t happen, but I’m glad I’ve played this one. If I had to rate it, I would give it a 9.5. Mostly because there are a few aggravating glitches, plus I feel like the game is a bit short.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Canvas Rider
Hey Guys,
This is a site I found surfing the net like I normally do. It's called Canvas Rider. Its a really neat game. For those of you that know the game Free Rider it's about the same thing. You draw jumps and whatnot and ride them. However Canvas Rider is different than Free Rider.
For starters the game doesn't use codes that you have to paste into the load slot like Free Rider does. Second, the canvas' have speed-walls which are leader boards for the fastest times that the track was completed so you can challenge and try and beat those times. Also, it looks better.
The gameplay is fun and gripping. When you crash you cringe at the sight of some of them. At others you'll laugh like crazy (unless you don't like painful humor then you're on your own).The rag doll effect adds to the point.
Making tracks isn't that user friendly. It takes some practice and experimenting to get the hang on how to build a basic jump. Another problem is that it's hard to find tracks for beginners. Some tracks are for people that can really ride. Although, some tracks are harder than others if you stick with drawing and riding you get the hang of it over time. I'll post some of the tracks I like at the bottom, and are good starters.
Number 1
Number 2
Number 3
Number 4
Number 5 a little tougher than the others.
The site is here.
-TRSF
 |
| Woo Hoo! |
This is a site I found surfing the net like I normally do. It's called Canvas Rider. Its a really neat game. For those of you that know the game Free Rider it's about the same thing. You draw jumps and whatnot and ride them. However Canvas Rider is different than Free Rider.
For starters the game doesn't use codes that you have to paste into the load slot like Free Rider does. Second, the canvas' have speed-walls which are leader boards for the fastest times that the track was completed so you can challenge and try and beat those times. Also, it looks better.
The gameplay is fun and gripping. When you crash you cringe at the sight of some of them. At others you'll laugh like crazy (unless you don't like painful humor then you're on your own).The rag doll effect adds to the point.
Making tracks isn't that user friendly. It takes some practice and experimenting to get the hang on how to build a basic jump. Another problem is that it's hard to find tracks for beginners. Some tracks are for people that can really ride. Although, some tracks are harder than others if you stick with drawing and riding you get the hang of it over time. I'll post some of the tracks I like at the bottom, and are good starters.
Number 1
Number 2
Number 3
Number 4
Number 5 a little tougher than the others.
The site is here.
-TRSF
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