I've been going on a strange gaming path lately, playing games that I don't think I might usually play otherwise.
Perhaps what is stranger still, I have not even finished Final Fantasy XIII. My interests in the game sort of fell out and I have not so much as touched that game in weeks now. One of these days soon, however, I will go back and at least finish the game off just to see how that whole mess of a story ends.
I've been hooked onto Plants vs. Zombies lately, which is strange because I've had the game for quite a while and only recently have I started to really play it. I think it has to do with the fact that my PC is actually running rather smoothly lately, which is a rare event in it of itself. Usually PvZ lags out really badly for me, so playing and enjoying the game never really happens.
I also gave in and bought Might And Magic: Clash of Heroes for the DS. I have been wanting to play that for some time, but just never got around to picking it up. I was going to wait for it to be released on PSN and Xbox Live, but with the lack of a release date, I just couldn't help myself anymore.
Last little ditty; I downloaded the demo for UFC Undisputed 2010. I am curious to see what kind of changes have been made to the game play this year. While I did enjoy 2009, I never really got the whole experience of it because I just never could pick up on how in the world you lock in those submission holds.
I am hoping that system has been made a little easier to learn. Or else I have the feeling I will be trying to get through yet another run though a UFC career using extensive jabs, 'superman' punches, leg kicks and the ever deadly head kicks too.
Fun days are ahead (or so I am hoping)...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Lousy Day in Paradise
The title just about says it for me today folks.
What a lousy day in paradise....
The day started out okay, though I usually head into work early in the morning. While it was nice to be able to sleep in a little longer, it sort of messed me up in the process. Today started out differently and I didn't get to work until 12 in the afternoon. So my brain (and apparently my body too) was a mess and I just didn't feel right today. I don't know how to explain it, but I just couldn't get moving like normal. I was sluggish and it doesn't help anything that my stomach felt like it was zipping around in a circle (think Sonic the Hedgehog speeding around those loops).
So what was supposed to be a 6-7 hour work day, turned into a lousy 3 hour affair. I know I needed to be there longer, I surely needed that extra cash. But I just wasn't 'feeling' it at all. Tack onto that my stupidity of wearing a thicker then normal shirt for an undershirt and I was sweating like a mutha. Torture? Very much so, yes...
What does today teach me?
For my lack of work today, I have to work doubly hard tomorrow and Saturday. Yeesh... but that is the price I know I have to pay to make up for today. Long days ahead doesn't even begin to express what I'm meaning here.
Days like this makes me wish I were filthy rich, so I wouldn't ever have to worry about paying for anything. I wonder how life would be like if everything was just taken care of? No bills, no worries, no nothing at all. Just live life carefree...
What? A guy can dream sometimes, can't he?
What a lousy day in paradise....
The day started out okay, though I usually head into work early in the morning. While it was nice to be able to sleep in a little longer, it sort of messed me up in the process. Today started out differently and I didn't get to work until 12 in the afternoon. So my brain (and apparently my body too) was a mess and I just didn't feel right today. I don't know how to explain it, but I just couldn't get moving like normal. I was sluggish and it doesn't help anything that my stomach felt like it was zipping around in a circle (think Sonic the Hedgehog speeding around those loops).
So what was supposed to be a 6-7 hour work day, turned into a lousy 3 hour affair. I know I needed to be there longer, I surely needed that extra cash. But I just wasn't 'feeling' it at all. Tack onto that my stupidity of wearing a thicker then normal shirt for an undershirt and I was sweating like a mutha. Torture? Very much so, yes...
What does today teach me?
For my lack of work today, I have to work doubly hard tomorrow and Saturday. Yeesh... but that is the price I know I have to pay to make up for today. Long days ahead doesn't even begin to express what I'm meaning here.
Days like this makes me wish I were filthy rich, so I wouldn't ever have to worry about paying for anything. I wonder how life would be like if everything was just taken care of? No bills, no worries, no nothing at all. Just live life carefree...
What? A guy can dream sometimes, can't he?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
AVATAR
+ Obviously the graphics for this movie is unbelievable and seeing it in blu-ray made me really wish I made it a point to watch this in 3-D (apparently this movie is being worked on for a theatrical re-release in August, which will apparently include some extended scenes, so I may get my chance yet). I mean the environments were absolutely beautiful! There were moments where I even forgot that what I was watching was CG at all!
+ The pacing of the movie was pretty well played out, though I thought it did start a little slow in the beginning. But after watching for a while, I realized that everything happens for a reason here. The action doesn't just happen for the sake of it, for example. When the actual fighting comes, it has a purpose and I got the feeling that they were truly fighting for a cause and not just because. And truth be told, I love movies like this, which actually takes the time to tie everything together and after it all ends, I can walk away from it not being at all confused and actually feeling satisfied (for the most part anyway). Whew!
+ Touching on the story or at least the attention to detail, I loved how the Na'vi were actually explained. It was cool to see Jake Sully (the main human character) learn everything about them, from how they speak and walk, down to their hunting methods and even how they share memories. A unique aspect that I liked was how the Na'vi could link to their mounts and basically become one mind with it. Did I geek out on all this stuff? Absolutely.
- Having bought the blu-ray, I thought the disk would have to be LOADED with extra features like the usual behind the scenes stuff and the like. I mean the movie was such a big deal, how could there be anything less right? But to my surprise, there was absolutely NOTHING. Not even trailers for other movies. Wow. Ouch.
After seeing the lack of extras, I get the feeling like all of that is being saved for a near future re-release (probably after the August re-release to theaters I assume). While I am a little peeved about that, I am just glad that the movie was as good as it was. I had fun and I I actually enjoyed watching this movie. How can I be that mad about the lack of other features?
My real disappointment remains with the fact that I passed up on watching this in 3-D. When I heard about it, I didn't think it would be that great and generally disregarded the movie as such. But after seeing it in blu-ray and being blown away with how beautiful it looked in that format, I honestly think it would have been worth the extra money to see this in 3-D after all.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Red Dead
I have been spending some time looking up info for the upcoming Red Dead Redemption and I am feeling hooked. Maybe it was because I watched all of the promotional videos for the game and have fallen (again) for the hype. But these are the guys who made Grand Theft Auto! And they are taking that know how and applying it to the Wild West!
How can that possibly go wrong?!
I am remaining hopeful that the multiplayer function will somehow include split screen co-op play, but I am becoming more and more doubtful by the day. Is split screen co-op really a thing of the past?
Anyway, I am liking what I've been seeing of this game. So much to do! Shoot vultures! Save stolen stage coaches! Destroy the hideouts of wanted outlaws! Gamble! Lasso and break wild horses! Hunt! I am probably forgetting a few things, but still! So much to do in this game!
But I wonder also if I can even truly get into playing a game like this. I am hoping it isn't exactly like a GTA game, because let me be honest here; I never got into any of the GTA games all that much. I don't know what it was, but I would usually end up getting bored of the game and fast. Another wonder is if this game can live up to its own hype. That seems to be the big question these days, with games having increasingly better graphics and all that jazz.
At the end of the day, however, I am trying to remain hopeful and perhaps more importantly, open minded. This game interests me a whole lot more then any GTA thus far, so maybe this will be something I'll actually get into for a change?
Hopefully it'll keep my attention a lot better then Final Fantasy XIII....
How can that possibly go wrong?!
I am remaining hopeful that the multiplayer function will somehow include split screen co-op play, but I am becoming more and more doubtful by the day. Is split screen co-op really a thing of the past?
Anyway, I am liking what I've been seeing of this game. So much to do! Shoot vultures! Save stolen stage coaches! Destroy the hideouts of wanted outlaws! Gamble! Lasso and break wild horses! Hunt! I am probably forgetting a few things, but still! So much to do in this game!
But I wonder also if I can even truly get into playing a game like this. I am hoping it isn't exactly like a GTA game, because let me be honest here; I never got into any of the GTA games all that much. I don't know what it was, but I would usually end up getting bored of the game and fast. Another wonder is if this game can live up to its own hype. That seems to be the big question these days, with games having increasingly better graphics and all that jazz.
At the end of the day, however, I am trying to remain hopeful and perhaps more importantly, open minded. This game interests me a whole lot more then any GTA thus far, so maybe this will be something I'll actually get into for a change?
Hopefully it'll keep my attention a lot better then Final Fantasy XIII....
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
What The Year Ahead Holds
I went ahead and dug through the listings of games that are coming out this year and made a little tiny list of titles that I think look interesting. And after going through the listings, I noticed that I came out with a lot of PS3 games on the list. I know I am definitely looking to get more games for my PS3, as it has been collecting dust as of late and I would rather find some other, more practical use for it then that. Besides that, I am trying to stray away from Xbox 360 games a bit, almost purely out of fear that I'll buy a good game and have the console red ring on me. I do not want to experience that...
I wish I could say that there are a great deal of games I want to get for the PSP, but that would be a lie. It would appear as though there is still a lack of good games for that expensive little piece of... gaming. I thought Sony promised better support for it's hand held? Where is that at?!
About the only game I want to get there is Persona 3 Portable, which I never got to play but it seems as though it is a great RPG. I'd like to find that out! And Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is more for my girlfriend, who has been obsessing over that series for years now. She still has not forgiven Square-Enix for not bringing Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix to the States...
Actually I don't even think all of these will make it out this year, but still. Interest! Yes! And those that have been bolded...ed... those are the games I am fairly set on buying this year. Or so I think. Is boldeded even a word?
Red Dead Redemption (PS3) - I wasn't into Western movies all that much as a kid (that was more my dad's thing), I still can't help but to be drawn to this game. I think I'd like to play as a gun toting outlaw...
UFC Undisputed 2010 (PS3) - I played through 2009 and generally liked what was there. I never got a hold of the submission system, but still managed to go through the brutal career mode by head kicking people to a state of unconsciousness.
ModNation Racers (PS3) - I like making stuff and this allows you to make racers, race tracks and who knows what else!
Alpha Protocol (PS3) - I admit that my interest in this game has been restored to a small degree. Still, I can't help but laugh when I saw a "solid" release date for this game. I'm not getting hyped at all over this, just gonna sit back and wait for that last minute "ALPHA PROTOCOL DELAYED... AGAIN" notice.
Final Fantasy XIV (PS3) - It looks kind of like Final Fantasy XI, but with better graphics and a lot of new things. I actually just want to start playing this at launch so I can mouth off to people with "Yeah, well, I was playing since NA release! That makes me UUUUUBERRRR!" I have issues...
Front Mission Evolved (PS3) - Like I said with ModNation Racers, I love to make stuff and this game gives players the chance to customize giant freaking, near Gundam-like robots! I tried a couple of games from this series in the past and... I never got that into it. So what am I thinking?! I'm a fool for punishment.
Star Wars The Force Unleashed II (PS3) - I still have a lot of questions about this game like is it based off of a new character? Or did StarKiller (the weird kid that turned on the Dark Side during the original game) some how survive his encounter with the Emperor? And are there going to be more ways to use the Force to launch Storm Troopers off of ledges, cliffs and all manner of structures?
Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360) - I watched the recently released debut trailer for the game and I wasn't all that hyped up after it. It just wasn't that damn exciting! But I will reserve judgment until more info is released about this. In some ways, I feel like this is Halo 3 all over again. It doesn't look like the greatest game ever made, but I spent all that time to play the last 2. I guess I should finish the fight...?
Halo Reach (Xbox 360) - Speaking of finishing the fight, aren't we done yet?! How many aliens are there exactly? I am assuming these aliens breed like rabbits or else how can this even go on? Or is this a prequel? Ah ha... that explains things. Sort of.
Ghost Recon Future Soldier (Xbox 360) - Another shooter, but with fancy gadgets and spiffy on screen displays and such. I'm a sucker for things like that. Hopefully there will actually be a local, split screen co-op story and other modes this time around.
Fable III (Xbox 360) - This should be an absolute and yet it is not. Why? Because I keep reading about all of these changes that are pushing this game to becoming more action rather then a RPG. Will this even be anything like Fable 2?!
Ninety-Nine Nights 2 (Xbox 360) - The original Ninety-Nine Nights game was actually my very first purchase for my assumed new Xbox 360 back in the day. Everyone said this was just like Dynasty Warriors, but with a crap-ton more baddies to hack and slash! And after playing it then I said this: They all lied! This game sucks! So why the interest now? Well it has been a long while since that game and I am hoping against hope that it'll actually be better this time around.
Super Street Fighter 4 (Xbox 360) - After getting my ass handed to me over a dozen times by that damn Seth, I swore I was done with Street Fighter 4. But what is this?! SUPER Street Fighter 4!! Aw damn, sign me up!!? Seriously though, I don't know why I am even interested here. Maybe its the inner child in me wanting to seek revenge against M. Bison for all those times he kicked my ass back in the Street Fighter II days.
Scribblenauts 2 (DS) - More words! Better interaction! Better everything! Gahh!
Dragon Quest IX (DS) - Where is this game at? I don't even recall seeing this on the coming soon list that I was looking at. My first and only experience with this series was with Dragon Quest VIII and that was a lot of fun for me. So again... where is this game at?!
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable (PSP) - Never played this, but always heard a lot of good things about it no less. And it's a RPG. How can I ignore this?
Disgaea Infinite (PSP) - I don't know all that much about this, but apparently it has something to do with a lot (more maybe all) of the Disgaea characters being thrown together into a single game. If I read this right, you can jump back and forth to the different Netherworlds and you're solving mysteries? Hmm...
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep (PSP) - What is Roxas doing there? Oh, what? That isn't Roxas you say? Why could Square-Enix at least come up with another original design? Why not just throw Cloud in there too and all him Sky instead? Never mind. Looked interesting from what little I've seen and read. Maybe this will lead to Kingdom Hearts 3 somehow??
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Black & White
Nintendo has a interesting idea when it comes to their business and I suppose they can't be blamed for making money. I mean seriously, it seems they will throw a ton of games baring the Pokemon name out almost as fast as they release GameBoys!
And wasn't Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver just released not that long ago? Can't the dust even settle before throwing out more games? I mean now I've been reading about these two new games for the series, Black and White!
Meanwhile, I'm over here throwing a kid-like tantrum to get copies for both myself and my girlfriend and now I feel like I may have made a mistake. I mean isn't it a smarter idea to get the latest of any game? I mean sure I'd love to exact my revenge NOW, but...
Okay I feel like I gotta say a little something more about the kid-like tantrums. Like I've stated here and as I wrote in the past, I fought and lost to my girlfriend in this Pokemon madness. That was about five years ago I believe? And the thought of it still burns me up. I don't take losing too well and I'll be damned if I pass up the chance to even the score!
And the tantrum business happened tonight as she bought only ONE version, rather then picking up both. We had an agreement over it and she was to get them both tonight. But that didn't happen and I'm bugged about that fact.
Why?
Because I want to be sure that when I get my revenge that the playing field is even from the get go. I don't want to hear later about how I had a head start in leveling and all the what ifs bubble up after the fact. This will be the final battle!
That's right, I take my gaming seriously and I am competitive as hell to boot. I suppose in some ways, that is why I don't get that into online gaming. I think I would be addicted to no end and I would be trying to avenge losses to people all over the world. That cannot be healthy folks...
But whatever... at the end of the day I don't even know if being so worked up over this mindlessness is even worth the effort. I mean with these new games somewhere in the near future, it almost makes the present seem not worth it.
As for the quickness in which these games are being churned out, I guess this theory goes hand in hand with Nintendo releasing the DSi and now the DSi XL. By this I mean the screwed up truth that despite the small gap of time between releases, people are buying it all up! But like I said earlier, I guess you can't blame a company for capitalizing on a money making opportunity. They'd be fools to pass it up right?!
Pure madness this is...
And wasn't Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver just released not that long ago? Can't the dust even settle before throwing out more games? I mean now I've been reading about these two new games for the series, Black and White!
Meanwhile, I'm over here throwing a kid-like tantrum to get copies for both myself and my girlfriend and now I feel like I may have made a mistake. I mean isn't it a smarter idea to get the latest of any game? I mean sure I'd love to exact my revenge NOW, but...
Okay I feel like I gotta say a little something more about the kid-like tantrums. Like I've stated here and as I wrote in the past, I fought and lost to my girlfriend in this Pokemon madness. That was about five years ago I believe? And the thought of it still burns me up. I don't take losing too well and I'll be damned if I pass up the chance to even the score!
And the tantrum business happened tonight as she bought only ONE version, rather then picking up both. We had an agreement over it and she was to get them both tonight. But that didn't happen and I'm bugged about that fact.
Why?
Because I want to be sure that when I get my revenge that the playing field is even from the get go. I don't want to hear later about how I had a head start in leveling and all the what ifs bubble up after the fact. This will be the final battle!
That's right, I take my gaming seriously and I am competitive as hell to boot. I suppose in some ways, that is why I don't get that into online gaming. I think I would be addicted to no end and I would be trying to avenge losses to people all over the world. That cannot be healthy folks...
But whatever... at the end of the day I don't even know if being so worked up over this mindlessness is even worth the effort. I mean with these new games somewhere in the near future, it almost makes the present seem not worth it.
As for the quickness in which these games are being churned out, I guess this theory goes hand in hand with Nintendo releasing the DSi and now the DSi XL. By this I mean the screwed up truth that despite the small gap of time between releases, people are buying it all up! But like I said earlier, I guess you can't blame a company for capitalizing on a money making opportunity. They'd be fools to pass it up right?!
Pure madness this is...
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Resident Evil: Afterlife
While I can't say the series has been perfect, I have been almost faithfully watching the Resident Evil movies for years now. And while I am sort of excited to see another movie coming out for the series, I have to wonder what so many others have said as well: When did Resident Evil become a Matrix/Blade mash up?
Interesting, interesting...
Hmmm....
And on another interesting note, it would appear as though Blogger no longer stretches out to accommodate videos and the like. So I apologize for posting a half of a trailer... this is just not my night (more about this later)!
Blood & Guts
I could have a long, winded write up about the movie "Ninja Assassin," but I think the title of this writing speaks volumes of what that movie is made of. As the trailer for the movie may imply beforehand and as I saw for myself throughout the movie, you can expect lots of death (some creative ways of dying are in there too) and absolutely no shortage of blood. It is violent, no questions about it.
For me, just basing my opinions off of what I read about the movie, I sort of steeled myself into not really expecting to like this gore fest much. What good is a movie really if all it has going for itself is nonstop blood and gore right?
But I can say I enjoyed it quite a bit, more for the action then the story (obviously). The story itself was okay for the most part, although nothing about it was overly creative or anything truly original. Still there was just a few glaring points that made me think I was watching a low budget movie, but otherwise it was pretty fine in my book.
I'd suggest anyone wanting to see this movie give a try as a rental first. For me personally, while I enjoyed the movie for what it was, I still don't see myself making it a point of watching Ninja Assassins over and over again. It just doesn't have much to it to make me want to sit through it a second time. Does that make sense?
For me, just basing my opinions off of what I read about the movie, I sort of steeled myself into not really expecting to like this gore fest much. What good is a movie really if all it has going for itself is nonstop blood and gore right?
But I can say I enjoyed it quite a bit, more for the action then the story (obviously). The story itself was okay for the most part, although nothing about it was overly creative or anything truly original. Still there was just a few glaring points that made me think I was watching a low budget movie, but otherwise it was pretty fine in my book.
I'd suggest anyone wanting to see this movie give a try as a rental first. For me personally, while I enjoyed the movie for what it was, I still don't see myself making it a point of watching Ninja Assassins over and over again. It just doesn't have much to it to make me want to sit through it a second time. Does that make sense?
Friday, April 02, 2010
Back To Business
Now I've been reading about the rumors about the possible near future release of Final Fantasy IX on PSN. Lo and behold, it seems that is no longer a rumor and it has become fact that FFIX is on its way to PSN or at least for the Japanese PSN. But it would be right to assume that it'll arrive here in the States too, right? I mean they've already gone through with FF VII and FFVIII, so why not FFIX too?! I will continue on in life under the assumption that the game is coming! It must! Of all the Final Fantasy games on the original Playstation, this one holds a unique spot for me.
Why?
Because this is the one Final Fantasy that I never was able to finish. During this time, I spent a great deal of time being grounded back in high school, so gaming was practically nonexistent for me or at least as far as my parents knew of. It absolutely sucks having to try and play a RPG in secret, because the hours that I was able to play were usually after midnight and that was a drag to be sure.
So this is kind of like redemption for me, to finally be able to get closure on a Final Fantasy that I liked in some ways, and disliked in others.
And I said I would write about Ponyo, which I only got to watch recently and so here that one goes now. My quick thoughts about it? I liked it, I enjoyed it almost as much as I did Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away. But what got to me about this was the supposed challenges that was to test Sosuke's love for Ponyo.
Where and what were these tests supposed to be? I didn't see anything all that trying, but maybe I was expecting too much?
Regardless of that, as I said, I did enjoy Ponyo as it was every bit as imaginative as any of Hayao Miyazaki's films. It was a cute story and dare I say I enjoyed it more then I did the Little Mermaid (which it was supposed to have been based on)? Okay, maybe that isn't a fair comparison.
Anyway, recap! Yes I enjoyed Ponyo and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who has a heart for animated movies and especially to people who've enjoyed Hayao Miyazaki's previous movies. It is good!
Why?
Because this is the one Final Fantasy that I never was able to finish. During this time, I spent a great deal of time being grounded back in high school, so gaming was practically nonexistent for me or at least as far as my parents knew of. It absolutely sucks having to try and play a RPG in secret, because the hours that I was able to play were usually after midnight and that was a drag to be sure.
So this is kind of like redemption for me, to finally be able to get closure on a Final Fantasy that I liked in some ways, and disliked in others.
And I said I would write about Ponyo, which I only got to watch recently and so here that one goes now. My quick thoughts about it? I liked it, I enjoyed it almost as much as I did Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away. But what got to me about this was the supposed challenges that was to test Sosuke's love for Ponyo.
Where and what were these tests supposed to be? I didn't see anything all that trying, but maybe I was expecting too much?
Regardless of that, as I said, I did enjoy Ponyo as it was every bit as imaginative as any of Hayao Miyazaki's films. It was a cute story and dare I say I enjoyed it more then I did the Little Mermaid (which it was supposed to have been based on)? Okay, maybe that isn't a fair comparison.
Anyway, recap! Yes I enjoyed Ponyo and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who has a heart for animated movies and especially to people who've enjoyed Hayao Miyazaki's previous movies. It is good!
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