Square Enix - MMO Round 3?

I hope I've been reading these reports on numerous gaming blogs wrong lately, I mean Square Enix wouldn't or shouldn't even be thinking of making another MMO right? How could they even consider another MMO when Final Fantasy XIV is still a mess and hasn't even made it to the PS3 yet? I wonder if they've even begun to charge people for playing that game? Plus factor in the point that apparently Square Enix hasn't been doing too well financially and this makes things sound even worse.

Doesn't it sound like a bad idea to have a failing MMO, then decide to throw more money at a whole new one before really, truly fixing the previous one? I mean I keep reading how MMO games can easily sink a company and hearing about how badly Square Enix has been doing this past year or so makes me wonder if they are intending on going out of business?

And I kind of agree with what some others have been saying about this too. Rather then trying to branch out into every genre of games, why can't they just focus on a couple of types of games? Hell, work on your RPGs at the very least! Because if the future of your games are anything at all like Final Fantasy XIII, I think I'd say goodbye to Square Enix once and for all...

Special Edition Madness

I swore some time ago that I wouldn't try and get so many special editions for video games again. I mean these are ultimately costly affairs and a lot of these just include a bunch of codes for stuff I generally don't really use. But lately the swag that is being included in these special editions nowadays is just too tempting to resist. But despite whatever it was that I once thought, things took a quick turn around when I saw pictures of this a few days ago...

This picture is that of the Retro Lancer, a new weapon added into the upcoming Gears of War 3. What's the big deal about this? Well apparently Epic has made replicas of this weapon and GameStop has exclusive bundles that include this bad boy. Surely you can buy this with even the regular edition of the game or you can tack it in with the Limited or Epic specials as well. Alone this thing costs about $100 and with the Epic Edition it goes for about $229...

I am personally looking at the Epic edition because of this...

Thanks to Halo: Reach, I realized that I am a sucker for these statues and a lot of these games nowadays are including these. I loved the statue of Noble Team and I think Marcus Fenix here would look pretty dang awesome right next to those guys. I only wish that instead of just Fenix, the statue could have been something similar to the Halo one and have Delta Squad behind of him.

Regardless, I still this this statue looks pretty awesome as it is.

Which also brings me to Infamous 2...

That also has a Hero (special) edition which isn't nearly as expensive as the Gears 3 ones are. The Hero Edition includes the standard extra DLC codes for skins and powers. There is also a statue of the game's main hero, Cole (Agh!). What is also awesome to me is the addition of a full sized replica bag that is similar to the one that Cole carries around with him. I think I would definitely use that as a replacement to my current backpack...

 

It is all just so tempting to me right now that I just want to get everything I can manage. Actually I suppose this most recent crazy run isn't as bad as the one that swore me away from these previously, since these two games (thankfully) are not being released at the same time. But then Infamous 2 is due for release in a week or two, so that is something to consider I suppose.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage

"Macho Man" Randy Savage During His Wrestling Career

This is ultimately 3 days after the fact, but I still feel like it is something that I need to mention. Last Friday, legendary pro wrestler "Macho Man" Randy Savage (real name Randall Mario Poffo) passed away at the age of 58. The cause of death is still under investigation at this point. There are many reports stating that he suffered at heart attack while driving, lost control of the vehicle, jumped over a median and crashed into a tree. His wife suffered some injuries, but is at least physically okay.

It is sad to see another death in pro wrestling, especially a guy that was as entertaining and talented as the "Macho Man." He is one of the few guys in the wrestling business who could truly be as convincing good guy, as he can be a bad guy. And while I was too young to remember his legendary matches from then WWF, I do remember seeing what he could do while he was in WCW and those matches will always stand out in my mind whenever I think of Randy Savage.

One thing that I was always surprised about is how he never made a real comeback to wrestling after leaving WCW many years ago. Most of the other veterans from yesteryear have all generally kept wrestling or are still involved somewhere, such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair. 

But then it had to have been for the best, by this I mean Savage not returning to the ring. I mean the man seemed content (again, most guys almost never can stay away from the ring for very long) and even got married just barely a year ago this month.

Another irreplaceable character gone, another man that will never be forgotten. Macho Madness will live forever!

The "Macho Man" in recent years, I think this photo was released when he was married to his longtime girlfriend last May.

Brink

Alright, so after giving Brink a lot of play time, I'd like to think I have experienced just about everything there is to see and do in this game. Some of the stuff I wrote about previously still do hold up, though other things I think I'd have to change my mind about.

For starters, the AI isn't quite as bad as I thought it initially was though there are points where they will seemingly group themselves together to defend themselves against your side's attacks. This wouldn't be as bad, if only there were some way to maybe coordinate your own attacks rather then seeing your guys go in groups of 2-3 and get wiped out almost instantly.

I've even experienced a bit of panic also, mostly because when you shoot at someone and take them down, they are not dead immediately. I've taken down groups, but tend to get attacked from behind and it is a little rough to see an enemy medic revive all that you've taken down. This isn't really a bad thing, just adds a bit more to the challenge of the game.  

I still do wish there were more options for the character customization section, such as more choices in faces, clothes, scars, tattoos and maybe even weapons? Then again, I suppose I am the type that just wouldn't ever really have enough choices when it comes down to stuff like this. Maybe this still could be added on in DLC in the future...?

The only thing left I think I have to comment on is the online experience, which has left a bitter taste in my mouth at this point. I've tried to play in competitive matches, which aren't that bad but when the lag kicks in it is impossible to play. And doing the missions online is no different and it was extremely frustrating to play through an entire mission, only to lose it all just shy of completing it because the connection to the game's host was lost.

So overall, I can't say Brink is as bad as I initially thought and not anywhere as terrible as I think some reviews made it out to be. I am hoping this game gets full support (DLC and patching) in the coming months, maybe even years even. Having played through the brief campaign for both the Security and Resistance factions, what is left to accomplish? I am hoping the online lag issues are taken care of as I think I wouldn't mind playing this only a bit more. 

THOR

Despite a lot of things that has been going on this month, one thing I've actually really enjoyed is the simple fact that we've been able to see a couple of movies. And this summer is just brimming with comic book hero movies, such as Thor, Green Lantern and Captain America.

Of course, by the poster above and the title of this, we went to watch Thor and I think it is safe to say we both enjoyed it. It wasn't quite what we were expecting and there was actually a fair bit of action, as well as a fairly decent dash of humor involved as well. It was kind of nice change of pace with these types of movies, which tends to be all serious, most of the time. Maybe what helps us enjoy this movie that much more is the fact that neither of us actually followed this comic. I know I didn't, as I was generally more of a fan of the X-Men and that part of the Marvel Universe.

Besides that though, the story was okay but it kind of felt like there was too much trying to be done and everything kind of felt rushed.

Overall though, it is obviously another piece of the puzzle that will become the Avengers. I am very curious to see how the Captain America movie will be like and if it'll involve as much humor as Thor did. And ultimately I wonder how Iron Man, Captain America and Thor will be when they finally become the Avengers.

First Impressions: Brink

I had a lot of reservations before opening Brink up, which almost is never a good sign. But I threw caution to the wind and took the plunge. And after spending a few hours with this game, my impressions of it? The enemy A.I. is  indeed fairly brutal in their ability to kill you and anyone on your chosen side. But that isn't to say they are that smart either, as I've viewed many of the enemy running aimlessly around and sometimes even just standing there too. Your allies on the other hand, are helpful sometimes, but they aren't nearly as effective as the enemy A.I. are.

The challenges are just that: Challenging.

Coupled with the previously stated fact that the A.I. is generally evil, even teaming with other human players doesn't exactly make life much easier. I tried the first challenge multiple times solo, then tried again online and the results remained the same every time: Failed.

The character customizations aren't too bad either, though not quite as robust as I was expecting. The choices for faces and voices are pretty limited, though the clothing and what not is decent. Still, I wouldn't mind having more options to play with...

The SMART system is okay, though I've found myself taking uncontrolled extra steps and slipping off the sides of ledges (yes, learned about this from yet another failed challenge). Ultimately, I look at this added "feature" as more gimmick, rather then something that really boosts the game play.

So overall, I am liking the changes that the different classes provide and the gameplay isn't actually that bad. But with the A.I. being so effective as they are, you will likely spend a lot of time being downed. I know I have spent much time on the ground in the limited amount of time I've played.

I am hoping that maybe the A.I. will be patched or at least some control given to the players to maybe tone down the A.I. a bit. It isn't very fun trying to learn the ropes of a new game whilst being murdered over and over again.

Security Or Resistance?

So here is the launch trailer for the upcoming game Brink, which technically isn't upcoming as it is being released today. Anyway, I am still on the fence about this, partly because of the lack of split screen co-op, but mostly because I am wondering just what kind of single player game is involved here or if this is much more focused on online play. Maybe I will find out for myself, then again... maybe not?

Random Monday

Jo Garcia

It's Monday morning and I am up and awake before 6 AM. I do not work early this morning, yet my brain is programmed as such that I will still wake the heck up every single day! Meh. Am I just being an old fuddy duddy? Is this "effect" even tied to age at all? I surely hope not because if what I've seen is any indication, it's only going to get worst. We live near a lady that we'd see wandering about at 3AM.

Now to get to what I'm intending on writing about on this early Monday morning.

Isn't it amazing? An actual Playboy Playmate that is actually a gamer! I wonder if anyone would consider on maybe caging her up and doing some testing? Surely this sort of anomaly is next to impossible, yes? Never mind that she is a woman, but a Playboy Playmate? Gaming? Don't they just party all the time?

Okay, all lame jokes aside... maybe this "revelation" isn't really all that amazing or surprising. Rather, it should be more surprising to hear about people who aren't gaming. I mean look at how many ways there are nowadays to get your game on. You could own a game console or handheld, then there are the iPods/iPads, as well as the never ending stream of Facebook games on top of that. So considering how video games have infiltrated and hooked damn near everyone in some way, shape or form over these many years, how is it possible for people not to game? But unlike other celebs or models, she seems to be interested in more games like Oddworld. Other celebrities only go as far as Rock Band or Guitar Hero it seems.

But I'm honestly really just spinning my wheels about all this right now, as I haven't the slightest as to what my point is. Maybe this just gives me an excuse to post pictures and vids of Playmates on my blog. Or maybe I am amazed to see just who really games and what not. I think the best option at this point is to shut up because there is a video below...

Fast Five

Another little something I forgot to mention on here, I was able to get to the movies a few days ago and the movie of choice? Fast Five.

Now unlike the movies prior, Fast Five doesn't really focus all that much on the cars and related culture as much. Instead the movie focuses a lot more on the characters and action, though there is still the fast cars and a ton of girls around them in the tightest, shortest skirts around (at least in one scene). In some ways the plot almost felt like that of the Ocean's movies from some years back. Not that that was a bad thing, at least not in my opinion. But of course, rather then expensive suits and elaborate heist plans found in the Ocean's movies, these guys get down and dirty.

Personally? I actually liked this movie probably more so then any other movie in this series. This group of actors is a perfect blend and it felt natural. Perhaps what helps that chemistry is the fact that a lot of those that make up this group are those that appeared in previous movies of this series. Even the addition of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is good and he fits in with the rest of the cast pretty well I thought. His fight with Vin Diesel was pretty intense!

What blew my mind though was the little extra ending after the credits began to roll. It would appear as though there will be yet another movie in the future, though I think if the next one is anything like Fast Five, it should be pretty damn awesome. And considering the content of this little extra, it doesn't look like Dom (Vin Diesel's character) will be enjoying his retirement for too long.

Eden of the East

Upon some random browsing through my blog this morning, I made quite an unsettling discovery. I can't believe I actually forgot to make a mention, to even write anything at all about Eden of the East! I picked up watching Eden of the East about a month ago, one among many finds in the ever expanding video library that is Netflix.  But above all the other series I've tried to watch, this one I've been hooked to more so then the rest.

If I had to narrow down what it is I am liking so much about this show, I think I could pinpoint it to one thing: I love the mystery of it the most. Even at 7 episodes in, I just can't see how this will all go down in the end and I don't mean this at all in this-story-is-too-confusing sort of way either. I mean the question at the top of my list is who is Akira Tokuzawa really? Who or what caused Careless Monday? And why wasn't anyone killed in that missile attack? Furthermore, who or what is driving the Seleção (an apparent game where there are 12 participants, each of whom is given 10 billion yen to use to save Japan. But if/when the person uses up all of that money, they are killed. And if the money is used for selfish reasons, they will be killed)? And how did and why were the 12 chosen?

Besides the regular series (11 episodes in all), there are two movies (Eden of the East Movie 1: The King of Eden & Eden of the East Movie 2: Paradise Lost) that tie into the series and apparently ties up all the loose ends.

Another interesting find in regards to this show, if you want to watch full episodes of this show, FUNimation actually is streaming the entire series (at this link).

Cosplay for a Cause

This is a little "late in the game," so to speak, in regards to actually donating money towards the disaster relief for Japan. I've wanted to donate something towards this cause, but financial circumstances have kept me from doing so sooner and I am always weary about all of these people who seemingly appear from thin air, eager to take your money. Are all of these people legit? Or is their some bullshit afoot?

Anyway... I happened upon this group of Cosplayers who are selling calenders (Cosplay for a Cause) and they are donating 100% of the proceeds to the Japan Red Cross. Now why would I trust these folks over others? Well besides being more put together and being absolutely clear about where the money is going, I am a sucker for cosplay and also a sucker for helping. Selling chili? Cookies? If it is for a cause (Girl Scouts, school fund raiser, etc) and I can afford to, I'll almost always buy a few.

But back to the subject at hand here! While I don't partake in it myself (Cosplay), I do respect the time and effort these diehard fans put into making themselves look just like the characters they portray. I've seen quite a few pictures of these guys from Japan and America and there are some awesome work done.

So with all of that being said, the link to their website is located on the right side of my blog. It'll stay there until this cause ends, which doesn't appear to be anytime too soon. I think I will be buying a calender myself, just as soon as I am able to...

Armageddon!

Just spent a few hours giving this demo some play time and I had a blast with it! I'm a sucker for destructible environments and this gave me a lot of walkways, buildings, walls and a ton of stuff to take apart (as it also was with Red Faction: Guerrilla). I especially had a lot of fun with the magnetic gun, which allows you to shoot a magnet onto a surface, then you can fire a second shot and objects around the first shot will most likely be pulled towards where ever you fired the second shot.

It is freaking awesome!

The aspect I like in this game is the ability to be able to "repair" structures that you've destroyed, which gives maniacs unlike me the chance to blow shit up all over again. I swear I only took apart the demo level twice (it was honestly like 3-4 times)...

I suppose I will be on the look out for this game, whenever it is released, though the only aspect I enjoy is the breaking stuff part. As it went with the last game, I grew tired of the story and just spent my time breaking everything in sight until even that got old. Maybe this one will be better?

First Impressions: Portal 2

So after much deliberation (how could I say no to a cheap game that is almost absolutely awesome?), I ended up caving in yesterday and picking up Portal 2 became less a thought and more reality. By what little we've played of the co-op portion so far, the game is pretty damn good and some of these puzzles stumped and forced us to use our noodles to make it through these test rooms.

I think for me the biggest twist to get my head around so far was simply the teamwork building stuff. There were some rooms where both of us were apart and I had it in my head that we both needed to solve our own ways through. But when that idea falls flat, we both ended up running about and dropping in and out from portals until we're both stumped. Then usually either myself or my girlfriend will notice we can shoot across into the other player's room or something painfully obvious.  That would usually snap everything else into place and we proceed to breeze through the room.

Story-wise, I can't really say there is anything of real substance involved in the co-op portion so far. I think that stuff is more reserved for the single player part, but again I haven't seen too far into the co-op part so that could all change too.

Last thing I want to say about this game so far is this: I am actually glad I got the game now, rather then at launch. I do feel kind of bad for those who picked this up at launch and paid full price. But that's the breaks I suppose? It is like picking up the super-ultra-mega limited edition Legendary Halo: Reach bundle for a price I don't care to remember. Then to see that very same bundle sitting on the floor at BestBuy for like $70 is pretty heartbreaking.

Then again, I suppose that example isn't quite right and isn't quite the same either. I think I would definitely be pretty pissed off if that same bundle dropped down to $70 a week after release...

Anyway, back to Portal 2... It is awesome, it seems pretty fun from what I've seen so far and I can drop my dearly beloved into portals that lead to bottomless pits and the like. What? Who wouldn't do that "accidentally" every now and again?

McCool Retires?

Michelle McCool

Such a strange wave hitting through the WWE these days and the retirements are starting to rack up by the day it seems. The rumors have been going none stop that McCool would be taking part in a "Loser Leaves WWE" match against her long time cohort Layla at tonight's Extreme Rules show. But rumors being what they are, I can't say I believed it was happening until it was confirmed on Smackdown! this past Friday night.

A part of the rumors were the reasons behind why McCool was stepping away from the ring. Talk about Undertaker wanting his wife at home with up surfaced, others have speculated that she was leaving to start having kids.

Whatever the case might be, I am a little sad about her sudden "retirement" from the WWE. She is probably the only "diva" the WWE actually help to build up and actually succeeded. Sure there are other divas like Melina and... uh...

Anyway, yes there have been some other women to have some successes in the ring but I don't think any of them actually came close to what McCool did. She is one of the few female wrestlers left that actually started up from nothing and actually got to be pretty good. I suppose it does remain much easier for the WWE to simply pick up women that are already trained, rather then having to start everyone from the ground up. Then again it has been many years since any diva has had any significance to either Raw or Smackdown, so I guess it ultimately doesn't really mean or change all that much.

But at the end of all of this, personally as a fan I am sort of bummed that yet another favorite of mine is set to leave in such a short amount of time. But at least she isn't leaving because of some sort of injury or anything truly serious. And I guess that does leave the door open for a potential return somewhere down the road.