So, I'm off to a good old fashion Halo Lan party right now. And, let me tell you, I'm ready to wreck shop.
I can't even begin to count to how many times I've played Halo. No, seriously I can't begin to count. Theoretically, counting to the number Zero is impossible, so I truthfully can't tally up all the zero times I've played Halo.
Given my stunning success at the few FPSs I have played, I am afraid that this might be one of the most embarrassing gaming experiences of my life. So much so, that I'm taking along my copy of Killer Instinct on the offhand chance that everyone gets bored with slaughtering my pathetic ass.
I do believe that there is only one option available to me. First, make my Master Chief pink. And second, talk so much shit it doesn't even matter how many times I die.
Oh, and three, tally the number of times I die compared to the number of kills I get. I bet my kill score will be so small that most respected scientists would consider it 'negligible.'
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Pure Awesome
While stalking, er, 'checking status updates' on Facebook the other day, I ran across the best thing ever conceived of by man.
That's right: MEN IN BELTED SWEATERS. What else could you possibly need. I totally want one. Especially if the sweater comes with those rockin' hats.
On the gaming front, I've been playing a lot of Tactics Ogre lately, in whatever spare time I have. And while I don't have time to go into it now, I will say that, in general, it's been pissing me off.
I'll get something up on the games I've been playing soon, but until then, bask in the glory that is belted sweaters.
That's right: MEN IN BELTED SWEATERS. What else could you possibly need. I totally want one. Especially if the sweater comes with those rockin' hats.
On the gaming front, I've been playing a lot of Tactics Ogre lately, in whatever spare time I have. And while I don't have time to go into it now, I will say that, in general, it's been pissing me off.
I'll get something up on the games I've been playing soon, but until then, bask in the glory that is belted sweaters.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
E3 Wrap-Up: Part 3
Sony
While I don’t really consider myself a fanboy, per se, I do have a vested interest in Sony’s success. I own pretty much all of Sony’s consoles (well, except for the Go), and the PS3 was my choice as my first next-gen console. So, naturally, I was really hoping for a slew of new games announced at E3 that would really get me excited. Did Sony produce? Honestly, I’m not sure.
Killzone 3
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Generally Positive
- I have never really been interested in Killzone, but the trailer looked fantastic. It’s still not quite my thing, being an FPS and all, but it still looked great.
Sorcery
Pre-E3 – Never heard of it
Post-E3 – Generally Positive
- Upon seeing the first screens of Sorcery during the show, I was a bit put off. I’m generally opposed to motion control, as I don’t think it really brings anything new to the table (Metroid Prime 3 being the lone exception), but Sorcery appeared to have actually tapped into some innovative use of a motion control. I was really impressed with how the magic spell changes based on exactly how the player casts it with the controller. I can almost definitely say I won’t buy it, but it did get a slight approving head nod from me.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Still Ambivalent
- I hate playing golf in real life. I hate playing golf on my TV. I do not want this game. The Move control seemed to work a bit better than the Wii golf that I’ve played in the past, but that’s about the only props I can give this game. Steke is definitely not the target audience for these types of games.
Heroes on the Move
Pre-E3 – Didn’t know about it
Post-E3 – Confused mostly
- I guess I just got lost somewhere and failed to grasp the concept behind Heroes on the Move. I know that it is kind of a Playstation-All-Stars-Mashup, but I just didn’t get a good feel for it. Plus, I’ve never really followed Sony’s flagship exclusives, so this isn't tugging at my nostalgia.
Kevin Butler
- Is the Man. Seriously. This guy is the best marketing strategy I’ve ever seen. Just watch this.No really, stop reading and go watch it now.
Chains of Olympus
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Confused again
- They kind of threw Chains of Olympus and Ghosts of Sparta into a massive and convoluted PSP ad. I had difficulty getting a solid feel for any of the games shown, as they was kind of thrown together. I love the PSP, I think it is a fantastic system. The downside, however, is that there are something like five games on it that I really want (which is why I bought them). Apart from that tiny slice of games, nothing really interests me on the console. It always feels as if Sony is on the verge of dropping the PSP entirely. I wish they would; either that, or, I don’t know, maybe consider supporting it? Seriously Sony, either back your console or drop it and give us something new that you will support.
Home Plus
- Online play really isn’t my thing, so this is transparent to me. As long as I can still do the bare minimum of online stuff for free, I really could care less what Sony chooses to do with PSN
Little Big Planet 2
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Still Ambivalent
- Little Big Planet is somewhat beyond me. I just don’t get it. Plus, it relies on online and multiplayer support to maximize its potential, which is why I stay away from it.
Medal of Honor
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Slightly Negative
- The EA press event had a much more impressive display, when 12 v 12 was demo-ed right there on stage. Still, like almost every other announced PS3 game, it does look really good. However, I am unsure of how I feel about games that are based on current, actual wars with locations and circumstances that match real-life situations from that war. It just doesn’t sit right with me. I won’t argue against the game being made or sold, I simply won’t play it, nor get very excited about it.
Dead Space 2
Pre-E3 – Anticipatory
Post-E3 – Positive, but a bit less excited
- I haven’t had much of a chance to play through the first Dead Space, but from what I’ve played, combined with what I have read, heard, and seen on the interwebs, makes me very interested in the original and the sequel. Unfortunately, the demo was a bit hectic and I had trouble grasping what was going on, especially during the boss fight. I know that I will buy it; and I know I will die several (hundred) times.
Portal 2
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Still Ambivalent
- Yeah I haven’t played Portal. I suppose I should be happy the sequel is coming to consoles. Maybe I’ll just have to pick it up and see what the fuss is about.
Final Fantasy XIV
- What the hell was this? The Final Fantasy series contains some of my favorite games of all time. I always give the franchise the benefit of the doubt, regardless of negative reviews (although I should have passed on X, ugh). But, this? This looked awful. It didn’t show me anything, unless you count bad character design and sub-par graphics. Definitely a pass. (To be honest, it was a pass well before the trailer, mainly due to it being an MMO. Look, I know that WOW is a great game, I simply know I be one of those guys who gets totally sucked in and loses his entire like to it. So I pass when it comes to MMOs.)
Assassins Creed Brotherhood Multiplayer
- The trailer really didn’t show much of anything, besides a dude in a ridiculous costume who kills a guy, who in turn is killed by another guy in a ridiculous costume, who is then hunted down and killed by a third, and so on. Very underwhelming.
Gran Turismo 5
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Ambivalent
- I will not deny that graphically, GT 5 looks amazing. There were points during the trailer when I was unsure if it was game footage or video of the actual cars. Other than being a graphical masterpiece, I didn’t see anything to really interest me. I’m happy all the GT fans out there finally get their long awaited fifth installment, it just doesn’t do anything for me.
Infamous 2
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Ambivalent
- Just like nearly every other game announced by Sony, I feel that Infamous should get me excited, but instead falls flat.
Twisted Metal
Pre-E3 – Had heard the rumors
Post-E3 – Ambivalent
- Yet another sequel to a franchise that I’ve never really bought in to. I thought the new Sniper mechanic was an interesting addition, but otherwise seemed kind of par for the Twisted Metal course.
Overall, I felt let down by Sony’s press conference. With all the games announced, there was nothing that really excited me. All the games looked beautiful and there are folks out there who are, no doubt, thrilled by most of the announcements; but for me, it was all lackluster. Kevin Butler really was all kinds of awesome though.
While I don’t really consider myself a fanboy, per se, I do have a vested interest in Sony’s success. I own pretty much all of Sony’s consoles (well, except for the Go), and the PS3 was my choice as my first next-gen console. So, naturally, I was really hoping for a slew of new games announced at E3 that would really get me excited. Did Sony produce? Honestly, I’m not sure.
Killzone 3
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Generally Positive
- I have never really been interested in Killzone, but the trailer looked fantastic. It’s still not quite my thing, being an FPS and all, but it still looked great.
Sorcery
Pre-E3 – Never heard of it
Post-E3 – Generally Positive
- Upon seeing the first screens of Sorcery during the show, I was a bit put off. I’m generally opposed to motion control, as I don’t think it really brings anything new to the table (Metroid Prime 3 being the lone exception), but Sorcery appeared to have actually tapped into some innovative use of a motion control. I was really impressed with how the magic spell changes based on exactly how the player casts it with the controller. I can almost definitely say I won’t buy it, but it did get a slight approving head nod from me.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Still Ambivalent
- I hate playing golf in real life. I hate playing golf on my TV. I do not want this game. The Move control seemed to work a bit better than the Wii golf that I’ve played in the past, but that’s about the only props I can give this game. Steke is definitely not the target audience for these types of games.
Heroes on the Move
Pre-E3 – Didn’t know about it
Post-E3 – Confused mostly
- I guess I just got lost somewhere and failed to grasp the concept behind Heroes on the Move. I know that it is kind of a Playstation-All-Stars-Mashup, but I just didn’t get a good feel for it. Plus, I’ve never really followed Sony’s flagship exclusives, so this isn't tugging at my nostalgia.
Kevin Butler
- Is the Man. Seriously. This guy is the best marketing strategy I’ve ever seen. Just watch this.No really, stop reading and go watch it now.
Chains of Olympus
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Confused again
- They kind of threw Chains of Olympus and Ghosts of Sparta into a massive and convoluted PSP ad. I had difficulty getting a solid feel for any of the games shown, as they was kind of thrown together. I love the PSP, I think it is a fantastic system. The downside, however, is that there are something like five games on it that I really want (which is why I bought them). Apart from that tiny slice of games, nothing really interests me on the console. It always feels as if Sony is on the verge of dropping the PSP entirely. I wish they would; either that, or, I don’t know, maybe consider supporting it? Seriously Sony, either back your console or drop it and give us something new that you will support.
Home Plus
- Online play really isn’t my thing, so this is transparent to me. As long as I can still do the bare minimum of online stuff for free, I really could care less what Sony chooses to do with PSN
Little Big Planet 2
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Still Ambivalent
- Little Big Planet is somewhat beyond me. I just don’t get it. Plus, it relies on online and multiplayer support to maximize its potential, which is why I stay away from it.
Medal of Honor
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Slightly Negative
- The EA press event had a much more impressive display, when 12 v 12 was demo-ed right there on stage. Still, like almost every other announced PS3 game, it does look really good. However, I am unsure of how I feel about games that are based on current, actual wars with locations and circumstances that match real-life situations from that war. It just doesn’t sit right with me. I won’t argue against the game being made or sold, I simply won’t play it, nor get very excited about it.
Dead Space 2
Pre-E3 – Anticipatory
Post-E3 – Positive, but a bit less excited
- I haven’t had much of a chance to play through the first Dead Space, but from what I’ve played, combined with what I have read, heard, and seen on the interwebs, makes me very interested in the original and the sequel. Unfortunately, the demo was a bit hectic and I had trouble grasping what was going on, especially during the boss fight. I know that I will buy it; and I know I will die several (hundred) times.
Portal 2
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Still Ambivalent
- Yeah I haven’t played Portal. I suppose I should be happy the sequel is coming to consoles. Maybe I’ll just have to pick it up and see what the fuss is about.
Final Fantasy XIV
- What the hell was this? The Final Fantasy series contains some of my favorite games of all time. I always give the franchise the benefit of the doubt, regardless of negative reviews (although I should have passed on X, ugh). But, this? This looked awful. It didn’t show me anything, unless you count bad character design and sub-par graphics. Definitely a pass. (To be honest, it was a pass well before the trailer, mainly due to it being an MMO. Look, I know that WOW is a great game, I simply know I be one of those guys who gets totally sucked in and loses his entire like to it. So I pass when it comes to MMOs.)
Assassins Creed Brotherhood Multiplayer
- The trailer really didn’t show much of anything, besides a dude in a ridiculous costume who kills a guy, who in turn is killed by another guy in a ridiculous costume, who is then hunted down and killed by a third, and so on. Very underwhelming.
Gran Turismo 5
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Ambivalent
- I will not deny that graphically, GT 5 looks amazing. There were points during the trailer when I was unsure if it was game footage or video of the actual cars. Other than being a graphical masterpiece, I didn’t see anything to really interest me. I’m happy all the GT fans out there finally get their long awaited fifth installment, it just doesn’t do anything for me.
Infamous 2
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Ambivalent
- Just like nearly every other game announced by Sony, I feel that Infamous should get me excited, but instead falls flat.
Twisted Metal
Pre-E3 – Had heard the rumors
Post-E3 – Ambivalent
- Yet another sequel to a franchise that I’ve never really bought in to. I thought the new Sniper mechanic was an interesting addition, but otherwise seemed kind of par for the Twisted Metal course.
Overall, I felt let down by Sony’s press conference. With all the games announced, there was nothing that really excited me. All the games looked beautiful and there are folks out there who are, no doubt, thrilled by most of the announcements; but for me, it was all lackluster. Kevin Butler really was all kinds of awesome though.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
E3 Wrap-Up: Part 2
Nintendo
I really wanted to see Nintendo turn around from their miserable performances the past few years. Talk about Vitality Sensors, worthless peripherals, and casual games leading up to E3 had me worried that was what Nintendo and Front-Man-Reggie had in store for us. Instead, they chose to pull out the stops and blow me away.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Skeptical
- While the unveiling of a new Zelda is promising in its own right, the technical difficulties with the motion controller really worry me. However, after playing quality first party games from Nintendo for nearly a quarter of a century, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that it will work beautifully once released. Not owning a Wii, I can’t say for certain that I’ll play it, but it does increase my chance of adding the console to my collection.
Mario Sports Mix
Pre-E3 – Hadn’t heard of it
Post-E3 – My non-gamer friends would probably have a blast with this (and so would I, but I’d pretend to not like it)
- Part of me wanted to completely reject this as another crappy Mario/Party Sports Game, but then I saw it included dodge ball. Additionally, it looked like there was a bit of grabbing power-ups, ala Mario Kart. Oh, and if I didn’t see that right and there really weren’t power-ups, you can go ahead and take that idea for free, Nintendo. I’d love to play a Sports Party Game where I can use a turtle shell to attack the catcher while trying to steal home or get a mushroom that makes me huge and untouchable while running the ball in for a touchdown.
Wii Party
Pre-E3 – Hadn’t heard of it
Post-E3 – Don’t really care
- I almost feel that Reggie was kind of apologizing for Wii Party, calling it a ‘Bridge Game.’ As long as a company isn’t entirely focused on casual gaming, I’m okay that games like Wii Party exist. So, please Nintendo, give me something to offset this announcement. Something cool, like a new Metroid Trailer, or…
Just Dance 2
Pre-E3 – Hadn’t heard of it
Post-E3 – Don’t really care
- Ugh, not exactly what I had in mind, but I concede that this is likely a solid marketing decision. The first Just Dance sort of exploded without anyone really thinking it would be successful. I suppose it will sell bucket loads.
Golden Sun: Dark Dawn
Pre-E3 – I thought this franchise was dead
Post-E3 – Mildly interested
- Eh, I own the first two games, but have only really played through one of them. It was mildly fun, but didn’t really make a lasting impression on me. It’s unlikely that I will pick this one up, unless it gets stellar reviews.
Golden Eye
Pre-E3 – Believed this to be a rumor
Post-E3 – Hail to the king, baby
- I’m glad Nintendo did this, provided they don’t screw it all up. Golden Eye was where I learned that I sucked at FPSs. It is also where I learned what jackasses people can be when they get really good and have the maps memorized. This doesn't mean I don't want it though. Heck, add another point to the ‘Buy a Wii’ argument.
Epic Mickey
Pre-E3 – Excited
Post-E3 – Skeptical, but still positive
- The initial release images of Epic Mickey really excited me. At the time there were a bunch of steam-punkish designs of Goofy and other characters. Then there was a long silence with nothing, plus rumors of a needed graphical redesign. I almost thought Epic Mickey was destined to join the ranks of Duke Nukem Forever. The announcement at E3 showed the core game mechanic and a side scrolling level, but I’m somewhat skeptical. There really wasn’t anything on the story or any compelling gameplay shown to get me really excited. I need to see more.
Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Pre-E3 – No idea it existed
Post-E3 – Oddly positive
- Initially put off by the fact that Kirby isn’t eating anything, I find myself strangely drawn to the unusual style and creativity of Kirby’s Epic Yarn. I find it refreshing that they did go a whole new route with Kirby instead of sticking to the same formula. And, since it's a Wii title, add it to the growing and increasingly persuasive 'Need to buy a Wii' pile.
Dragon Quest
Pre-E3 – Not really interested
Post-E3 – Still not that interested, but may give it a try
- I have never really gotten into the Dragon Quest and don’t see a change in the future. I was impressed by the online support Nintendo has developed for the game, however.
Metroid Other M
Pre-E3 – I think I need to change my shorts
Post-E3 – Still need to change my shorts
- My favorite franchise of all time is Metroid. While this trailer left me disappointed that it didn’t show more, I’m no less excited than I was before. This is the first game I have pre-ordered since Final Fantasy IX, and I don’t even own a Wii. That’s how excited I am for this game.
Donkey Kong Returns
Pre-E3 – Thought the franchise was long gone
Post-E3 – Freaking awesome
- Greatest lead-in ever for this game; starting with the music while Reggie was still talking, then saying, ‘I think you hear it coming.’ Pure. Awesome. It looks beautiful, doesn’t try any new fangled control scheme or style. I got goose-bumps seeing it. I want it. Add this it to the ‘Go Get a Wii Now’ pile.
3DS
Pre-E3 – I knew it was something, but was skeptical
Post-E3 – Jaw-dropping
- I was convinced that the 3DS would either utterly bomb or be outrageously successful. After seeing the several-hour-long line to play the demo at the Nintendo booth, I am convinced it will ultimately beat out the DS as the most successful gaming system ever released. Skipping ahead a bit to the DS commercial, Nintendo implied that an absolute boatload of games were in development for the 3DS release, to include: Star Fox (sweet!), Mario Kart, another Mario title or two, Zelda (Ocarina of Time confirmed), games by Atlus, Konami, THQ, and whole bunch of others. Add to this the ability to watch 3D movies and take 3D pictures, and I'm convinced that Nintendo has hit this one out of the park. I’m glad I held off getting one of the newer DS systems, because I will definitely be buying one of these.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Pre-E3 – Had long since lost hope of a new Icarus game
Post-E3 – I got choked up seeing the trailer
- Seriously, this was a brilliant move by Nintendo. Bringing Kid Icarus back, the first title of the franchise in nearly 20 years, as the launch title for their new 3D system is absolutely genius. Plus it looks amazing. Graphically, it compares to a decent Wii game. Naturally, my cynical nature takes me back to Metroid Prime Hunters, as that was a launch title for the DS and could be considered inherently flawed. However, the one-two punch of the 3DS announcement and then Kid Icarus has totally destroyed all doubt and I find myself completely optimistic and excited and enthusiastic and giddy and a bunch of other cool adjectives.
Overall Nintendo totally obliterated my expectations. There was a bit of down time during the conference to discuss Mario Sports Mix, Wii Party, and Just Dance 2. But, then it was one title after another of games that I genuinely want to play and buy. This press conference made me want to buy a bunch of Nintendo products; consoles, games, you name it.
I find it interesting that this is the year Microsoft and Sony are releasing their motion control systems. At the same time, Nintendo is almost downplaying their motion control and announcing the first true 3D system. Say what you want about Nintendo, but it definitely looks like they know what they are doing.
I really wanted to see Nintendo turn around from their miserable performances the past few years. Talk about Vitality Sensors, worthless peripherals, and casual games leading up to E3 had me worried that was what Nintendo and Front-Man-Reggie had in store for us. Instead, they chose to pull out the stops and blow me away.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Skeptical
- While the unveiling of a new Zelda is promising in its own right, the technical difficulties with the motion controller really worry me. However, after playing quality first party games from Nintendo for nearly a quarter of a century, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that it will work beautifully once released. Not owning a Wii, I can’t say for certain that I’ll play it, but it does increase my chance of adding the console to my collection.
Mario Sports Mix
Pre-E3 – Hadn’t heard of it
Post-E3 – My non-gamer friends would probably have a blast with this (and so would I, but I’d pretend to not like it)
- Part of me wanted to completely reject this as another crappy Mario/Party Sports Game, but then I saw it included dodge ball. Additionally, it looked like there was a bit of grabbing power-ups, ala Mario Kart. Oh, and if I didn’t see that right and there really weren’t power-ups, you can go ahead and take that idea for free, Nintendo. I’d love to play a Sports Party Game where I can use a turtle shell to attack the catcher while trying to steal home or get a mushroom that makes me huge and untouchable while running the ball in for a touchdown.
Wii Party
Pre-E3 – Hadn’t heard of it
Post-E3 – Don’t really care
- I almost feel that Reggie was kind of apologizing for Wii Party, calling it a ‘Bridge Game.’ As long as a company isn’t entirely focused on casual gaming, I’m okay that games like Wii Party exist. So, please Nintendo, give me something to offset this announcement. Something cool, like a new Metroid Trailer, or…
Just Dance 2
Pre-E3 – Hadn’t heard of it
Post-E3 – Don’t really care
- Ugh, not exactly what I had in mind, but I concede that this is likely a solid marketing decision. The first Just Dance sort of exploded without anyone really thinking it would be successful. I suppose it will sell bucket loads.
Golden Sun: Dark Dawn
Pre-E3 – I thought this franchise was dead
Post-E3 – Mildly interested
- Eh, I own the first two games, but have only really played through one of them. It was mildly fun, but didn’t really make a lasting impression on me. It’s unlikely that I will pick this one up, unless it gets stellar reviews.
Golden Eye
Pre-E3 – Believed this to be a rumor
Post-E3 – Hail to the king, baby
- I’m glad Nintendo did this, provided they don’t screw it all up. Golden Eye was where I learned that I sucked at FPSs. It is also where I learned what jackasses people can be when they get really good and have the maps memorized. This doesn't mean I don't want it though. Heck, add another point to the ‘Buy a Wii’ argument.
Epic Mickey
Pre-E3 – Excited
Post-E3 – Skeptical, but still positive
- The initial release images of Epic Mickey really excited me. At the time there were a bunch of steam-punkish designs of Goofy and other characters. Then there was a long silence with nothing, plus rumors of a needed graphical redesign. I almost thought Epic Mickey was destined to join the ranks of Duke Nukem Forever. The announcement at E3 showed the core game mechanic and a side scrolling level, but I’m somewhat skeptical. There really wasn’t anything on the story or any compelling gameplay shown to get me really excited. I need to see more.
Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Pre-E3 – No idea it existed
Post-E3 – Oddly positive
- Initially put off by the fact that Kirby isn’t eating anything, I find myself strangely drawn to the unusual style and creativity of Kirby’s Epic Yarn. I find it refreshing that they did go a whole new route with Kirby instead of sticking to the same formula. And, since it's a Wii title, add it to the growing and increasingly persuasive 'Need to buy a Wii' pile.
Dragon Quest
Pre-E3 – Not really interested
Post-E3 – Still not that interested, but may give it a try
- I have never really gotten into the Dragon Quest and don’t see a change in the future. I was impressed by the online support Nintendo has developed for the game, however.
Metroid Other M
Pre-E3 – I think I need to change my shorts
Post-E3 – Still need to change my shorts
- My favorite franchise of all time is Metroid. While this trailer left me disappointed that it didn’t show more, I’m no less excited than I was before. This is the first game I have pre-ordered since Final Fantasy IX, and I don’t even own a Wii. That’s how excited I am for this game.
Donkey Kong Returns
Pre-E3 – Thought the franchise was long gone
Post-E3 – Freaking awesome
- Greatest lead-in ever for this game; starting with the music while Reggie was still talking, then saying, ‘I think you hear it coming.’ Pure. Awesome. It looks beautiful, doesn’t try any new fangled control scheme or style. I got goose-bumps seeing it. I want it. Add this it to the ‘Go Get a Wii Now’ pile.
3DS
Pre-E3 – I knew it was something, but was skeptical
Post-E3 – Jaw-dropping
- I was convinced that the 3DS would either utterly bomb or be outrageously successful. After seeing the several-hour-long line to play the demo at the Nintendo booth, I am convinced it will ultimately beat out the DS as the most successful gaming system ever released. Skipping ahead a bit to the DS commercial, Nintendo implied that an absolute boatload of games were in development for the 3DS release, to include: Star Fox (sweet!), Mario Kart, another Mario title or two, Zelda (Ocarina of Time confirmed), games by Atlus, Konami, THQ, and whole bunch of others. Add to this the ability to watch 3D movies and take 3D pictures, and I'm convinced that Nintendo has hit this one out of the park. I’m glad I held off getting one of the newer DS systems, because I will definitely be buying one of these.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Pre-E3 – Had long since lost hope of a new Icarus game
Post-E3 – I got choked up seeing the trailer
- Seriously, this was a brilliant move by Nintendo. Bringing Kid Icarus back, the first title of the franchise in nearly 20 years, as the launch title for their new 3D system is absolutely genius. Plus it looks amazing. Graphically, it compares to a decent Wii game. Naturally, my cynical nature takes me back to Metroid Prime Hunters, as that was a launch title for the DS and could be considered inherently flawed. However, the one-two punch of the 3DS announcement and then Kid Icarus has totally destroyed all doubt and I find myself completely optimistic and excited and enthusiastic and giddy and a bunch of other cool adjectives.
Overall Nintendo totally obliterated my expectations. There was a bit of down time during the conference to discuss Mario Sports Mix, Wii Party, and Just Dance 2. But, then it was one title after another of games that I genuinely want to play and buy. This press conference made me want to buy a bunch of Nintendo products; consoles, games, you name it.
I find it interesting that this is the year Microsoft and Sony are releasing their motion control systems. At the same time, Nintendo is almost downplaying their motion control and announcing the first true 3D system. Say what you want about Nintendo, but it definitely looks like they know what they are doing.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
E3 Wrap-Up: Part 1
Well E3 is wrapping up its third day and after spending way too much time watching a bunch of live videos streamed in dubious quality, I thought I’d give my view of the different press conferences, announcements, news, and the like.
Before I start, I do want to say that this is the most invested I’ve ever been for E3. In the past, I was content to watch the videos at my leisure in the weeks after the event. I was fine with the various internet gaming personalities I follow let me know what was good, bad, and ugly. But, for some reason, that was not the case this year.
Let’s get to it.
Microsoft
I try my hardest to not be a console fanboy. I recognize there are very good games on all systems and that capability-wise each system has strengths and weaknesses. Having said that, Microsoft has absolutely zero nostalgic value for me. I grew up on Nintendo consoles and was a rabid PS1 fan, so those companies already have a strong standing with me. Xbox however, never really clicked with me, so Microsoft needed to work pretty hard to impress me.
They didn’t.
Some of the games they showed really did excite me, but not enough to convince me to buy a 360. Plus all the crap with Kinect really just baffles me. I understand the whole ‘casual’ market approach and some of the Kinetic capabilities are impressive, but I don’t understand how controller-less game play is going to work for a majority of games.
Let’s get to the games. For each announcement, I’ll give the Pre-E3 Stake Hype Level, then my Post-E3 Level, as well as a few notes on what I thought.
Call of Duty Black Ops
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Positive
- The trailer looked great and gave me a favorable view of the game. However, not being an FPS fan means I won’t be buying this.
Metal Gear Solid Rising
Pre-E3 – Only vaguely aware of it being a thing
Post-E3 – Very Impressed
- At the start of the announcement, I think my impression of MGS Rising was verging on negative. Even through the start of the trailer, I was skeptical. Then, they started to show how the player can control the angle to swing the sword and cut up the enemies in all sorts of different ways. That was incredible and really made me want to play it.
Gears of War 3
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Mildly Positive
- I played through a majority of the first Gears while hanging out with a bunch of friends one weekend. It was a very enjoyable, good looking game. Not really memorable, but good destruction and mayhem fun. This looks more of that.
Fable 3
Pre-E3 – Negative
Post-E3 – More Negative
- This looks like crap. Did anyone really play the first two? Maybe I’m missing out on the gaming experience of a lifetime, or maybe this is just a mediocre franchise. This announcement really needed to wow me, but instead failed miserably.
Codename Kingdoms
- Uh, What? Am I missing something here? What the hell is this?
Halo Reach
Pre-E3 – Negative
Post-E3 – Excited, then sort of let down
- I was firmly in the ‘Need to let Halo Die’ camp prior to E3. I believed that ODST and Wars were the death knells of the once great franchise. Then I watched the gameplay footage of the beach combat and got all sorts of hyped. This is a game I would love to watch someone with mad shooter skills play (instead of play myself, which would just result in giving me a headache). But, then it went into some sort of space combat sequence. Wait. Space combat? I know I should be all excited that they are trying something new, but it just didn’t sit right with me. Doesn’t the Halo universe have, I don’t know, pilots for that sort of thing? Apparently human military operations in the future fail unless a Spartan is involved with every single aspect. Everyone else in the military is simply cannon fodder to keep the enemy busy until a Spartan rolls in.
Kinect Homepage
Pre-E3 – Negative
Post-E3 – Very mildly positive
- This is about the only thing from Kinect that I like. The ability to tell the Xbox what to do is pretty darn nifty. I did think it was odd that in order to select a menu item with your hand you have to hold it over the onscreen button for what seemed a fraction of a second long to be intuitive.
ESPN exclusively on Xbox 360
Pre-E3 – No clue this was going to happen
Post-E3 – Extremely positive
- This was a dang good idea, brilliant marketing. I can see this really taking off.
Kinectimals
Pre-E3 – No idea this exists
Post-E3 – Trying to forget that it exists
- Skittles needs to be shot by a group of poachers.
Some Kinect Sports Pack that I’m too Lazy to Find the Name of
Pre-E3 – Had a feeling that they would do something to copy Wii Sports
Post-E3 – Ugh
- Do you remember the Nintendo Power Pad? Remember running in place on that crappy plastic tarp? Yeah, nearly two decades of technological advancement and millions of dollars in investment later and you get the same thing. This time you just don’t have to use a tarp, but you still look like an idiot.
Every other Title with Kinect in the Name
Pre-E3 – Didn’t care
Post-E3 – Still don’t care
- I guess there is a market for this crap. Obviously, the Wii has sold a metric buttload of consoles based on a similar assortment of plastic junk. I just don’t get it I guess. Plus why do all motion control games look like shit? I guess, the big bosses think that the game is for a casual audience, so why put the effort in to give it great graphics. Whatever the reason, its bullshit.
Dance Central (see above)
Star Wars
Pre-E3 – Surprise announcement
Post-E3 – Very skeptical
- See, this is one of those games that I want something in my hand. I want to hold something the general shape of a lightsaber, not just swing around clenched fists. I have a strong feeling this is going to suck balls. Plus, graphically it looks like a Wii game (which I don’t have a problem with . . . on the Wii, but if it is going to be on an HD system, it better at least look good, even if it plays like shit).
Forza
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Negative
- I guess my big issue is that if I’m using my hands to control the steering wheel with Kinect, how do I brake or accelerate? I NEED ME SOME BUTTONS.
Xbox 360 Slim
Pre-E3 – Suspected it was coming
Post-E3 – Ambivalent, I guess
- This is a fantastic marketing ploy, it will increase 360 sales, but it isn’t convincing me to become a 360 owner. I think my viewpoint would be a bit different if I had just been given a free one, just like each member of the audience. That just served to piss me off. People whose job it is to play videogames and many of whom have access to nearly every console they desire at their place of work shouldn’t get the damn thing for free. Microsoft was catering to the wrong audience, had they devised a way to give a bunch away for free to the general public, now that would have built a bunch of support.
All in all, the Microsoft Media Event was kind of underwhelming. It’s sad that the most exciting thing about a gaming expo is the unveiling of a partnership with ESPN and that a bunch of dudes who already have Xbox 360s just got free new ones.
Lame.
Before I start, I do want to say that this is the most invested I’ve ever been for E3. In the past, I was content to watch the videos at my leisure in the weeks after the event. I was fine with the various internet gaming personalities I follow let me know what was good, bad, and ugly. But, for some reason, that was not the case this year.
Let’s get to it.
Microsoft
I try my hardest to not be a console fanboy. I recognize there are very good games on all systems and that capability-wise each system has strengths and weaknesses. Having said that, Microsoft has absolutely zero nostalgic value for me. I grew up on Nintendo consoles and was a rabid PS1 fan, so those companies already have a strong standing with me. Xbox however, never really clicked with me, so Microsoft needed to work pretty hard to impress me.
They didn’t.
Some of the games they showed really did excite me, but not enough to convince me to buy a 360. Plus all the crap with Kinect really just baffles me. I understand the whole ‘casual’ market approach and some of the Kinetic capabilities are impressive, but I don’t understand how controller-less game play is going to work for a majority of games.
Let’s get to the games. For each announcement, I’ll give the Pre-E3 Stake Hype Level, then my Post-E3 Level, as well as a few notes on what I thought.
Call of Duty Black Ops
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Positive
- The trailer looked great and gave me a favorable view of the game. However, not being an FPS fan means I won’t be buying this.
Metal Gear Solid Rising
Pre-E3 – Only vaguely aware of it being a thing
Post-E3 – Very Impressed
- At the start of the announcement, I think my impression of MGS Rising was verging on negative. Even through the start of the trailer, I was skeptical. Then, they started to show how the player can control the angle to swing the sword and cut up the enemies in all sorts of different ways. That was incredible and really made me want to play it.
Gears of War 3
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Mildly Positive
- I played through a majority of the first Gears while hanging out with a bunch of friends one weekend. It was a very enjoyable, good looking game. Not really memorable, but good destruction and mayhem fun. This looks more of that.
Fable 3
Pre-E3 – Negative
Post-E3 – More Negative
- This looks like crap. Did anyone really play the first two? Maybe I’m missing out on the gaming experience of a lifetime, or maybe this is just a mediocre franchise. This announcement really needed to wow me, but instead failed miserably.
Codename Kingdoms
- Uh, What? Am I missing something here? What the hell is this?
Halo Reach
Pre-E3 – Negative
Post-E3 – Excited, then sort of let down
- I was firmly in the ‘Need to let Halo Die’ camp prior to E3. I believed that ODST and Wars were the death knells of the once great franchise. Then I watched the gameplay footage of the beach combat and got all sorts of hyped. This is a game I would love to watch someone with mad shooter skills play (instead of play myself, which would just result in giving me a headache). But, then it went into some sort of space combat sequence. Wait. Space combat? I know I should be all excited that they are trying something new, but it just didn’t sit right with me. Doesn’t the Halo universe have, I don’t know, pilots for that sort of thing? Apparently human military operations in the future fail unless a Spartan is involved with every single aspect. Everyone else in the military is simply cannon fodder to keep the enemy busy until a Spartan rolls in.
Kinect Homepage
Pre-E3 – Negative
Post-E3 – Very mildly positive
- This is about the only thing from Kinect that I like. The ability to tell the Xbox what to do is pretty darn nifty. I did think it was odd that in order to select a menu item with your hand you have to hold it over the onscreen button for what seemed a fraction of a second long to be intuitive.
ESPN exclusively on Xbox 360
Pre-E3 – No clue this was going to happen
Post-E3 – Extremely positive
- This was a dang good idea, brilliant marketing. I can see this really taking off.
Kinectimals
Pre-E3 – No idea this exists
Post-E3 – Trying to forget that it exists
- Skittles needs to be shot by a group of poachers.
Some Kinect Sports Pack that I’m too Lazy to Find the Name of
Pre-E3 – Had a feeling that they would do something to copy Wii Sports
Post-E3 – Ugh
- Do you remember the Nintendo Power Pad? Remember running in place on that crappy plastic tarp? Yeah, nearly two decades of technological advancement and millions of dollars in investment later and you get the same thing. This time you just don’t have to use a tarp, but you still look like an idiot.
Every other Title with Kinect in the Name
Pre-E3 – Didn’t care
Post-E3 – Still don’t care
- I guess there is a market for this crap. Obviously, the Wii has sold a metric buttload of consoles based on a similar assortment of plastic junk. I just don’t get it I guess. Plus why do all motion control games look like shit? I guess, the big bosses think that the game is for a casual audience, so why put the effort in to give it great graphics. Whatever the reason, its bullshit.
Dance Central (see above)
Star Wars
Pre-E3 – Surprise announcement
Post-E3 – Very skeptical
- See, this is one of those games that I want something in my hand. I want to hold something the general shape of a lightsaber, not just swing around clenched fists. I have a strong feeling this is going to suck balls. Plus, graphically it looks like a Wii game (which I don’t have a problem with . . . on the Wii, but if it is going to be on an HD system, it better at least look good, even if it plays like shit).
Forza
Pre-E3 – Ambivalent
Post-E3 – Negative
- I guess my big issue is that if I’m using my hands to control the steering wheel with Kinect, how do I brake or accelerate? I NEED ME SOME BUTTONS.
Xbox 360 Slim
Pre-E3 – Suspected it was coming
Post-E3 – Ambivalent, I guess
- This is a fantastic marketing ploy, it will increase 360 sales, but it isn’t convincing me to become a 360 owner. I think my viewpoint would be a bit different if I had just been given a free one, just like each member of the audience. That just served to piss me off. People whose job it is to play videogames and many of whom have access to nearly every console they desire at their place of work shouldn’t get the damn thing for free. Microsoft was catering to the wrong audience, had they devised a way to give a bunch away for free to the general public, now that would have built a bunch of support.
All in all, the Microsoft Media Event was kind of underwhelming. It’s sad that the most exciting thing about a gaming expo is the unveiling of a partnership with ESPN and that a bunch of dudes who already have Xbox 360s just got free new ones.
Lame.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Currently Playing: Tactics Buffet
Having just typed the above subject line makes me wish there actually was a game called Tactics Buffet. In fact, if you told me that there was a limited run Atlus game, that only came out in Japan and told the story of the epic Catering War between the evil Hors D'oeuvres Empire and rebellious Four Food Groups Alliance, I’d probably believe you. And, would also really want to play it.
No, Tactics Buffet is my current approach to gaming. As I have alluded to before, I have a really hard time starting new games. Unless I have a good chunk of time set aside today, tomorrow, and for the next week or so, I simply do not have the motivation to launch wholeheartedly into a new game.
For me, this undoubtedly stems from my upbringing on NES and SNES sidescrollers. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, for many games, it wasn’t worth even starting, if you weren’t willing to play it excessively to the point of memorization. Granted skill and experience (which I sorely lacked) aided considerably, but those ball-busting games demanded a huge devotion of time and energy to beat.
I concede that in the current gaming world, games that require this type of mental commitment are few and far between. Occasionally, a game does come along that pays homage to the days of yore by being legitimately crazy hard, but this is by far the exception rather than the rule.
However, my NES gaming boot camp brainwashed me to such an extent that, to this day, I can’t get over the notion that a new game will take me weeks of nearly continuous play to memorize and eventually beat.
Additionally, I have a horrible character flaw: I’m a perfectionist. I have a very difficult time not trying to find every item and discover every secret. Games with branching paths and choices that affect story cause me to struggle because I know am going to miss out on a different part of the story, items, characters, and perhaps even entire levels.
With the above realizations in mind, now consider that I have recently gone through a pretty huge lifestyle change and have seen my gaming time dwindle to almost nothing. Consequently, when I do have time to play, I am inevitably drawn to my old favorites, the ones that are so ingrained in my head, that it seems like my fingers know what buttons to press based on pure instinct. But with U.N. Squadron, Super Metroid, and my other favorites I’m not making any progress. Remember, the point of this blog is to actually work through my backlog of games, not just comment on how nice they look sitting on the shelf.
Enter my favorite genre of all time: the Tactical RPG.
With my free time dwindling, TRPGs may just be my saving grace. Focusing on gameplay over pretty much all else, the TRPG allows me to play for a few hours then walk away for a day or two, perhaps even a month. When I come back, I don’t need to remember where the obscure old man in a hut told me to go to find his missing dog in order to advance the story. I don’t need to re-acclimate to the control scheme or physics engine. Nor do I need to remember exactly where the next fifteen squadrons of space fighters enter the screen. TRPGs are not a test of reaction time or level memorization, but instead rely on an analytical and systematic approach to gaming.
In fact, there is one TRPG that I have been playing fairly consistently for maybe two years without having yet beaten: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2: Grimoire of the Rift. Overly complicated name aside, I’m currently clocked in at over 110 hours and that is just from completing all the side missions possible before advancing the story. I have no issues that the story is weak, that’s not why I play it. I play it for the battle system (which I like a heck of a lot better then the first Tactics Advance).
To add to my potpourri of Tactical RPGs, I started Tactics Ogre about a week ago and, while it currently rates above average, it’s taking some getting used to. I’ve also returned to trucking through the Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War for the PSP, which of course is awesome, despite the numerous issues I have with it, but I’ll save that rant for another time. Finally, I just started another DS TRPG, the port of the original Front Mission. I played the 3rd one years ago and really enjoyed it and am hoping the first is just as awesome.
So that's where I stand. I'll try and get as much game time in as I can and update as I find the time, or whenever I need to let off some steam.
The Buffet Wars Have Begun! Let's Attack Aggressively!
No, Tactics Buffet is my current approach to gaming. As I have alluded to before, I have a really hard time starting new games. Unless I have a good chunk of time set aside today, tomorrow, and for the next week or so, I simply do not have the motivation to launch wholeheartedly into a new game.
For me, this undoubtedly stems from my upbringing on NES and SNES sidescrollers. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, for many games, it wasn’t worth even starting, if you weren’t willing to play it excessively to the point of memorization. Granted skill and experience (which I sorely lacked) aided considerably, but those ball-busting games demanded a huge devotion of time and energy to beat.
I concede that in the current gaming world, games that require this type of mental commitment are few and far between. Occasionally, a game does come along that pays homage to the days of yore by being legitimately crazy hard, but this is by far the exception rather than the rule.
However, my NES gaming boot camp brainwashed me to such an extent that, to this day, I can’t get over the notion that a new game will take me weeks of nearly continuous play to memorize and eventually beat.
Additionally, I have a horrible character flaw: I’m a perfectionist. I have a very difficult time not trying to find every item and discover every secret. Games with branching paths and choices that affect story cause me to struggle because I know am going to miss out on a different part of the story, items, characters, and perhaps even entire levels.
With the above realizations in mind, now consider that I have recently gone through a pretty huge lifestyle change and have seen my gaming time dwindle to almost nothing. Consequently, when I do have time to play, I am inevitably drawn to my old favorites, the ones that are so ingrained in my head, that it seems like my fingers know what buttons to press based on pure instinct. But with U.N. Squadron, Super Metroid, and my other favorites I’m not making any progress. Remember, the point of this blog is to actually work through my backlog of games, not just comment on how nice they look sitting on the shelf.
Enter my favorite genre of all time: the Tactical RPG.
With my free time dwindling, TRPGs may just be my saving grace. Focusing on gameplay over pretty much all else, the TRPG allows me to play for a few hours then walk away for a day or two, perhaps even a month. When I come back, I don’t need to remember where the obscure old man in a hut told me to go to find his missing dog in order to advance the story. I don’t need to re-acclimate to the control scheme or physics engine. Nor do I need to remember exactly where the next fifteen squadrons of space fighters enter the screen. TRPGs are not a test of reaction time or level memorization, but instead rely on an analytical and systematic approach to gaming.
In fact, there is one TRPG that I have been playing fairly consistently for maybe two years without having yet beaten: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2: Grimoire of the Rift. Overly complicated name aside, I’m currently clocked in at over 110 hours and that is just from completing all the side missions possible before advancing the story. I have no issues that the story is weak, that’s not why I play it. I play it for the battle system (which I like a heck of a lot better then the first Tactics Advance).
To add to my potpourri of Tactical RPGs, I started Tactics Ogre about a week ago and, while it currently rates above average, it’s taking some getting used to. I’ve also returned to trucking through the Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War for the PSP, which of course is awesome, despite the numerous issues I have with it, but I’ll save that rant for another time. Finally, I just started another DS TRPG, the port of the original Front Mission. I played the 3rd one years ago and really enjoyed it and am hoping the first is just as awesome.
So that's where I stand. I'll try and get as much game time in as I can and update as I find the time, or whenever I need to let off some steam.
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