Movies and the The Elusive Game

Just got to see GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra on Thursday and I must say I actually enjoyed it. It wasn't overly cheesy, which was what I was afraid would have happened. As far as action, there are a lot of gun battles throughout, though my favorite scenes would have to involve that of the two ninjas, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow (pictured above).

Every single time those two crossed paths, it always turned into a fight.

Kinda of a spoiler here, but they named this movie "The Rise of Cobra" and yes, they do rise. But only at the very end of the movie and both Cobra Commander and Destro are arrested. And Baroness, well... I'll not say. But with how the movie ends, it looks all but certain that there will be a sequel someday.

The other movie which I got to see a few days ago was The Soloist, with Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.

Now this was, without a doubt, a great movie to watch. Not the fastest paced movies, but it tells a heck of a good story (which is based on a true one it seems).

Robert Downey Jr. amazes me still, to see how much talent the guy has to be able to play damn near any character. I mean he does Iron Man, Tropic Thunder and now I see him in this and it is just amazing. I gotta wonder: What can't this guy do?!

And together with Jamie Foxx, the duo is just awesome together. They fit perfectly and from the moment their characters meet, the movie just flows along. How can I say this? Everything feels natural, like what was happening on screen was the real story rather then it feeling like it was being a movie.

Does that make sense?

What interested me about this was just seeing how both characters change throughout the movie. Jamie Foxx's character begins to come back to reality, while Robert Downey Jr.'s character begins to see life, his life, in an entirely different light.

Changing gears completely now, I have to confess another frustration from the gaming.

So last night, after getting off of work, I decide to check out the GameStop nearby to pick up Mass Effect (again). And to my amazement, they did not have it! Then I went to the Navy Exchange and guess what? They didn't have it either and just a few weeks ago, there were a lot of those buggers! It kind of irritates me to no end when I can't find something that was so common just only recently.

Next came my attempt at locating the game at BlockBuster and boy, that didn't work out well at all either. What happened? Was there an extremely late recall on the game or something?

Actually I did find it at the second BlockBuster I went to, but meh. It was a little too late and I was actually looking to get the Platinum Hits. So in the end, I decided not to rent it and just hold out for maybe a trip to BestBuy. I could have sworn I saw it there...

Final Fantasy XIII Demo! Maybe!

Wow, so after writing yesterday about how we'd never get a FFXIII demo, today I read about how a Final Fantasy XIII demo could possibly happen! And if by chance (miracle) it does, it could be a totally new demo! No second hand demo for us folks!

Maybe.

Now I would almost be thrilled by this news, if it weren't for the fact that that there are just a few too many maybes in there. Actually now that I think about it, what is the point of telling people "Oh, maybe we'll release a demo someday before the game is released. Oh and we still aren't going to tell you when that is. The release date for the game or if we'll get a demo out there. But hey! Look on the bright side... if we release the demo before the game's release date which we won't confirm, it'll be a new demo!"

What the hell?

But then again, I guess all of this really shouldn't be a surprise at all by now. I mean when did us folks in the states ever get any love from Japan? Hell, they got their demo with Advent Children Complete. What did we get? Not a fucking thing!

Which surprises me in that regard, because I would have thought that after all of these years, I don't know... Maybe we'd get a little something more by now? Oh yes, that wouldn't be fair to their Japanese fans. Meh. Then they would turn around and release the same stuff for them, plus another truck load of extras. I guess we'll always lose that one huh?

It is a frustrating thing, as it kind of always has been, to be a fan of a company and of people who only take care of their own. And I kind of see this mentality even in the place that I work too. Its like saying "Well, we love all of our fans! But we like these guys better, because... you know, their our people."

I think the word of the day is...

Frustration.

Too Much Game

I don't even know where to begin to write about all of these seemingly good games that will be released from now to the ending of the year. I mean there are just some great looking games in every genre that it is just outright insane!

But one thing that has changed for me, unlike it was last year, is I am definitely going to be more cautious on which of the many games I'll actually get this time around. What prompts this change (besides the hurting for money) is just that a lot of the games ended up being not that great (Prince of Persia! Inhuman! Blah!).

Top of my list is WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010, which I wasn't entirely sure of until I read and watched what they announced about this year's installment. Let me put it this way: They had me sold from the moment they said YOU are in control. But what does that mean?

So unlike in the past games of the series, this year you get a lot more control over damn near everything. Rather then just playing and/or making the matches (As it was in the GM Mode from 07-08), you can put together the ENTIRE show yourself. You control the matches made, what is said and just everything.

Does that make sense?

Factor in that the create-a-wrestler has *hopefully* gotten a overhaul and the create-a-finisher has been improved as well.

Now it would be nice if you could make a little more in-depth factions, rather then the lame ones up until now. I don't know how to explain what I'm thinking right now, but when I get that stuff sorted out, I shall return here and yack, yack away.

Now it all doesn't sound like a big deal, but I am a fiend when it comes to creating and I have been hooked into wrestling games for years just on the fact that you are given a lot of freedom in creating what you like.

Another game I am getting a little hyped up over is Assassin's Creed II, which looks like it has solved a number of issues that was present in the original. I am surely hoping that the second time around brings out the full (or at least more) of the ideas that this game had in it.

Then of course there is Final Fantasy XIII, though that seems certain to not be out until some time next year. And no demo loving for us folks in the US. Ouch. So why did I even bother to mention it? I don't know to be quite honest...

One thing I do know is that I like to just throw the name back out there, just to keep it fresh in the mind. Whatever that means...?

Really though, it is looking like it is shaping up to being a pretty good game. But as it was before, my real interest at this point isn't in FFXIII, but rather Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Now when is that going to be released here in the states? 2012? UGH.

Now I won't say much about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 other then I enjoyed the first Modern Warfare quite a bit. I'm expecting to enjoy this newest game as well. What is there not to enjoy? It is uncommon to see a FPS set more to modern times, rather then having to shoot up aliens or something outwordly like that.

And truth be told, I didn't really care for World at War. But then that wasn't made by the same guys, so that is a whole different story anyway.

The Watch List: Here are the games that LOOKED interesting to me, but presently I am just not that sold on 'em.

The Way of the Samurai 3: I've only played one of the games in this series and it wasn't all that bad. I am hoping since it is on a new generation of consoles, it'll be much improved over the past games. Why can't they do that for Dynasty Warriors?

Halo 3 ODST: Truthfully, I am actually strongly considering this game and yet I have my doubts. I think I had more fun with FPS games like Call of Duty, Gears of War and even Rainbow Six.

Katamari Forever: Its a Katamari game! What isn't there to love? Actually, after the last game I played from this series (can't remember the exact name, but it was on the XBox 360), it left a bitter taste in my mouth. I am hoping this goes back to what made it weird and fun. Can't beat the original!

Kingdom Hearts 358/2: I haven't actually played a lot of these offshoot games (like Chain of Memories), so this is actually more for my girlfriend then anything. She loves this series and I would love it more if, maybe, there was a Kingdom Hearts 3? Hmm...

Dissidia Final Fantasy: Yes it is a Final Fantasy, but after playing the demo I will simply say this about it: I'm not sold. I haven't been since they announced the roster of fighters. When I thought of a fighting game based on the FF Series, I thought it'd be more of a free for all. You know, EVERYONE verses EVERYONE. Oh well.

Scribblenauts: I don't know all that much about this game. But from what I can recall, it surely looked like a different and fun game. Maybe different isn't the right choice of words. Unique? Sounds a little better, don't it?

Army of Two: The 40th Day: Improved co-op? I'm almost sold right there! But I still haven't heard all that much about this game yet, so I'm reserving judgment on this until there is more info. Looks fun though. I want my gold and shiny AK-47 back! Enemies the world over were mesmerized by its radiant glow of awesomeness!

And one last mention before I end this and while it was just announced and who knows when it'll be released, but....

FABLE 3?!

The Colony

Perhaps I am going a little stir crazy here, but I find myself without anything better to do at this moment other then to write on. All of this extra free time has left me wanting to just write and write and so here I go yet again.

Just the other night, while between playing anything on my 360, I browsed through the TV shows. Usually I just watch through a bunch of previews and be done with it. But then I saw something interesting. A new "reality" show called "The Colony" on the Discovery Channel.

The premise is simple: Could a group of 10 people (each of whom have a specialty such as a doctor, engineer) survive after an apocalyptic disaster has left much of the world in ruins? They are first given 15 minutes to raid an abandoned department store for whatever they can carry (mostly they grabbed food). From there they end up setting up their sanctuary in an abandoned warehouse, which was apparently an old factory. Because of this, they have some basic tools at their disposal. But the building has no functioning electricity or running water.

In the episodes we've seen so far, they've built a water filter, a generator out of a power washer and even a shower. Basically they can build whatever they can from whatever they materials they scavenge. And considering they have a few engineers, they have come up with all sorts of stuff.

While having a camera crew does kind of butcher the idea, the show itself has been interesting to me. If for nothing else, it is fun to see what sort of device they manage out of all kinds of random things.

This past episode was particularly interesting because they focused on developing weapons. You see, in the previous episode, their camp was raided (the "marauders" that attack are instructed not to harm anyone. But apparently the "survivors" don't know about that.) and they lost a few days worth of food because of it. Probably the best or at least the most interesting weapon was the flame thrower, which had a hell of a flame to it.

Anyway, it is a fun show to watch and it is interesting to see how they MacGuyver machines and equipment they need.

One thing I do wonder though... where is this show going? And where and how will this controlled experiment end?

Time to Write!

I've been out of work for two days now and it is sort of nice to get a chance to sit down and write a little more. It certainly helps to clear my mind, which has been cluttered down with all sorts of things lately.

Actually, I've been at home lately because of a upset stomach which I think I can thank the food from 7-11 for. It is the only place where I've seen spam in shades of gray and other, un-spam like colors.

Okay, so maybe it isn't such a great thing huh?

One thing I've been able to do today (besides feeling sick and other things I'll leave out), is playing Wii Sports Resort.

Of the sports that I've tried during my first time in (sword play, basketball, bowling and archery), I think my favorites are sword play and bowling. I'm still enjoying bowling, which I have to say the 100 pin game is kind of fun. Think regular bowling with a whole lot more pins to knock down.

The sport that I did the absolute worst in was basketball, where I scored a grand total of 1 point. Career in the NBA? I think so...! Anyway, I just couldn't get the right timing or right something down, because obviously I scored so well! *grumbles*

One sport that didn't make a return (which sadden me a little) was boxing. I had been playing boxing in the original Wii Sports for a while and I was looking forward to the enhanced controls. But alas...

I guess they didn't want to steal any thunder from Punch-Out. Meh, I liked having the game in the bundle. And as far as spending more money to pick up another game just to box? I think not. Maybe a rent will help it's cause...

As far as the other games are concerned, I think I will give them a try a little later on today. I think I messed up my arm just a little bit, in thanks to bowling and sword playing. I have to say this though: it is kind of fun to be running through a beach and hitting other people in the face, body, where ever to get them the hell out of your way!

This Made Me Laugh

When I first heard about these $10 HDTVs for sale on BestBuy's website, it was already the day after it happened. Too good to be true huh? What amazed me was how people were actually rushing out there and buying like 40-50 of these TVs. I suppose at $10 a pop, you'd have to be insane to pass it up huh?

But come on, seriously folks... a HDTV for ONLY $10? They (BestBuy) would have to be even more insane then the people who bought a few dozen of 'em.

All that aside, I heard about how BestBuy canceled the orders and informed everyone that it was an error (no kidding right?) and there is just no way they could honor that price. Now what actually made me laugh was hearing about people getting so very bitter and angry about this. I even read about people saying they would get lawyers and the works over this.

Are you kidding?!

I can't imagine how people think they could actually get the TVs (much less even one) for the $10 price tag that was accidentally slapped onto it. Hell I work in a mere grocery store and yes, if the price difference is CLOSE, then they consent to letting the customer have the product for the slightly lower price. But if he/she grabs a bag of rice where a price tag for a package of candy was, there is no chance in hell they'd be getting a bag of rice for $2-$3.

So it really just blows my mind that there are people out there who expect to get a TV for so cheap. And now that they can't, some even want to sue? I suppose in this bad economy, people have to be creative (or outright crazy) in their means to getting more money.

Crazy or just downright stupid. Get a clue! You ain't getting shit, much less a 52 inch HDTV for $10! Don't like the idea? Tough luck pal!

One comment I think said it best: So what if you posted a online ad to sell your car for $10,000 and the website posts the price at $100 instead. Would you honor the mistake and sell the car for $100? And if not, then how would you feel to be sued over that mistake?

Totally ridiculous, that's what I think about all this!

Pondering About

I've been feeling a little uninspired lately, both in writing and in life. I don't know what it is or why I've come to this point, but it is a little irritating to me. What I would like to do is take a trip, vacation or just anything where I could just spend a few days knowing work isn't right around the corner.

Wouldn't everyone love to do that every now and then?

More then ever, I'm feeling like I need to hurry up and find myself a direction in life. I don't want to be the guy who, at the age of 30, is still doing the exact same things as I was in my 20's. Wait, I don't think that came out the way I wanted it to. What I am trying to say is that I just hope by the time I reach my 30s, I'd have made some sort of progress forward in life. I know this stuff is always much easier to say and write, but actually getting there is a whole different story.

I think a part of my growing frustration with life stems from the fact that I realize I really don't have many friends. Actually, I don't really know if I have any at all. I mean we don't hang out or do stuff together like friends would. It is weird for me in that this sort of thing generally does not bother me. Yet it is now. Ugh.

I suppose this sort of thing happens to me much more often whenever I actually stop to think about things outside of the present. I think that would explain why I never really missed home when I left Kona nearly seven years ago. It would be difficult to miss what you never really give a thought to, huh?

But all of this thinking is leading me down a bad way I thinks. I know I'm having a little more trouble with anxieties, which seems to only really bog me down in the morning as I'm heading out to work. It seems that is the prime time for my brain to kick into overdrive and every kind of thought and worry starts blasting through my mind. It isn't fun.

I am thankful that it doesn't hang with me all day long and I am usually fine as when I get onto the bus and ride it out for a few minutes.

Overall, I think I just need to get a grip and sort out the messes in my mind. I feel like I have to get control of my life back first (having two jobs and still not making enough money sucks!), then sort everything else out one problem, one thought at a time.

Tack onto that the fact that I've finally changed the look of this blog from it's darker, gloomier look to this bright white layout. Maybe it'll help? Maybe? Nah, I just want to blind anyone who reads my blog late at night. It'll be bright enough to help land planes I hope...

Fun Little Adventure

So I finally finished off Infinite Undiscovery today, which is a pretty big deal for me because I haven't taken much interest in RPGs these days. Like I said in my previous writing, this game is by no means perfect. Still, there is a charm to the story and it's characters that I somehow just could not ignore.

Of all the characters, and there are quite a few here, the most compelling character to me is the main character himself: Capell.

While the other characters don't get much of a chance to be fleshed out (which is a little sad), Capell gets quite a bit of time and story. The result? It was interesting to see how this cowardly boy transforms into a brave and all around human leader. What I mean by that is he doesn't just turn over and suddenly becomes a brave guy, no. Through the course of the game, Capell struggles to find out who and what he really is. He stops running, he starts fighting for a cause and in the end, he finds everything he ever wanted in life.

And despite what I wrote a little while ago about the other characters not having their time to shine, that isn't entirely true. For most of the game they aren't given much focus, but as the end of the game comes up, they are all given moments to give a little depth to themselves and it does wonders! It surely made me come to appreciate these characters much more then I ever did previously.

The one complaint that I have about the game is during any spoken dialogue scenes. At some times there mouths move and other times, they just don't. Or when speaking, their mouths open, yet their teeth are clenched together. Yes, it is a minor complaint but it gets a little annoying after a while.

All in all, I am still surprised at just how much I enjoyed this game. I regret that I did not pick this one up sooner, but still I am just glad I did now. It was well worth the time (total hours spent in-game: roughly about 34-35 hours) and money.

I read somewhere that there are secret dungeons which unlock after passing the game on normal. I also heard that there are some fierce monsters in these places. Sounds like I have more work to do...

Undiscovering

After dodging the game for quite a while, I finally caved in and bought Infinite Undiscovery. I avoided this game at first, just like I did with The Last Remnant, because I honestly didn't think either one of these games looked all that good.

A few months back I rented The Last Remnant and my thoughts were affirmed. I thought the game was pretty bland and outright boring and so that was the end of that.

Besides, this was made with the same guys that made the last few Star Ocean games. Now a lot of people might be able to pick up and play the games in that series.

I am not one of them.

Anyway, now fast forward to a few days ago and I see Infinite Undiscovery just sitting there on a shelf at a local department store. I didn't give into buying this when it was released and I held off from ever renting it. And yet here it was right before my eyes and I was tempted to get it.

What helped convince me in giving this game a try had a lot to do the with fact that this game selling for a mere $20. How could I possibly go wrong? If it is the worse game ever made, at least I didn't have to pay full price to suffer such inhumanity.

And I admit that I was pleasantly surprised at how much I am actually enjoying this. Surely it isn't a Final Fantasy and it isn't the nicest or best game ever made, but it is fun. It actually has feeling to me, unlike a lot of games that just feel so bland. Honest truth, this is probably the most fun I've had with an RPG in many, many long years.

Hell, I think the last time I actually got hooked into a RPG was back with Final Fantasy XII...

Anyway, 14 hours in and somewhere on the second disk, I'll surely be back sooner rather then later with my final verdict. But as far as with what I've seen and played of this game thus far, I like it. I ever dare dispute the many negative reviews that this game has garnered.

What Doesn't Kill You, Makes You Stronger...

While I think that statement is generally true, I have learned yet another valuable lesson as well over the course of these past few days. Yes, it may not kill you and yes, you might come back stronger in the end. But until that point in time arrives, you will suffer like a mutha...

Such as it is, throwing out your back is one painful bitch. And after having this pain for 3 straight days now and it just doesn't seem like it is improving any yet. I'm hoping with some rest today and tomorrow, my back will be in better shape by the starting of next week. Granted, I am still able to move around and all that, it is just accompanied with a kind of a sharp pain. I always heard that sharp pains aren't ever a good sign, but I am being extremely hopeful that it isn't anything too serious.

Such a great way to start off the month of August... *grumbles*