Huzzah for a Room Mate with a discount. As you have probably read in an earlier post, I am flat out addicted to cheap games. If it is ten bucks or less, it might as well already be in my collection. It is with that in mind that games have been added to said collection. I don't know when I'll actually get around to playing them, since I've started a bunch of games already, but rest assured, sooner or later, I shall have them beat.
Jeff and I are going to be recording yet another version of Episode Two. For those of you that missed out on the first one (shame), here is a link:
Download E1F.mp3 from FileFactory.com
Enjoy, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Metroid Prime Conclusion
Metroid Prime 2 is, in this big return to the Metroid series, the most fascinating to me. As I previously blogged, it did not appeal to me that much at first, due in parts to my playing World of Warcraft as well as its labyrinthine light-dark structure. I will be honest, I believe I got stuck at the same place that I originally did. Torgus Bog, the one place where the Hint System could kick in faster.
Having just finished Prime 3, I realised that Metroid was the game of the summer for me. I definitely could have chosen worse. Although I will admit that Prime 3 starts too slow and not mysteriously enough, the second half of the game is an epic conclusion to a fascinating iteration of a fantastic franchise.
If you have not had the pleasure of playing any of the Prime titles, you owe it to yourself to play at least one of them, especially if you enjoy Metroid and exploration games. Ideally, get your hand on the Trilogy.
Playing these games again has made me realize that I have yet to play in as fascinating environments as those of Tallon IV, Aether, and those of Prime 3.
This has been a fun ride that will come to its conclusion soon with a new title to boot. Incidentally, I also have not player Super Metroid yet... Keeping the best for last I guess.
Next post will not be about Other M, that's going to be on the podcast.
Until next time... the galaxy is at peace.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Having just finished Prime 3, I realised that Metroid was the game of the summer for me. I definitely could have chosen worse. Although I will admit that Prime 3 starts too slow and not mysteriously enough, the second half of the game is an epic conclusion to a fascinating iteration of a fantastic franchise.
If you have not had the pleasure of playing any of the Prime titles, you owe it to yourself to play at least one of them, especially if you enjoy Metroid and exploration games. Ideally, get your hand on the Trilogy.
Playing these games again has made me realize that I have yet to play in as fascinating environments as those of Tallon IV, Aether, and those of Prime 3.
This has been a fun ride that will come to its conclusion soon with a new title to boot. Incidentally, I also have not player Super Metroid yet... Keeping the best for last I guess.
Next post will not be about Other M, that's going to be on the podcast.
Until next time... the galaxy is at peace.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, August 28, 2010
To Shank or... definitely to Shank
This weeks brainstorming session went pretty well. Jeff and myself are ready to get started on making episode 2... again... FOR THE LAST TIME!!!!.... sorry 'bout that.
Not only did we come up with some stuff for our future podcast, we also played a little game called Shank. In what I would describe as Double Dragon with blood, guts, and more blood and guts, fun was had by all. The cool thing about Shank is that not only is there a regular single player mode like most games, this one has Local Co-op, a dying breed of multiplayer games. Rather than just mashing together a second player on the screen for what would essentially be the Single Player campaign just with more enemies, the Co-op campaign acts as a prequel to the events of the main game.
The game itself revolves around two dudes that are... well, I'm not sure what they are, but they seem to be pissed off at anything that moves that isn't themselves, so it's your job to murder everything. There are tag-team style grapple throws and combo's that just look sick. Not only do you just massacre the little minion dudes of the bad guys, but the boss fights are brilliant as well. Instead of just hiding, or rushing up and mashing the attack button, you have to plan out when to attack, who does what, and get the timing down pretty damn fast.
For example, there was a boss near the end that throws grenades, attacks with a stun gun, and random slash-fodder pops up to crap in your cornflakes. There is a part where he glows yellow for about half a second, then charges you. In order to do any kind of significant damage, you have to dodge all of the aforementioned attacks (minus the minions which you should kill, because killing is fun), get in the way of his charge so you can perform a counter attack. THEN, after you counter attack, your partner has to rush up and perform a grapple attack which will actually damage the guy. It sounds like nothing in text, but when you're actually playing, it's fun as hell. I'm glad that there are co-op modes that actually feel like you are working together as a team, rather than just be thrown together haphazardly.
This week (actually yesterday) I also picked up Blazblue: Continuum Shift on PS3. The art style is slightly different, everyone got some tweaking, and there are a few new characters thrown in there as well. To top it all off, there will also be some DLC Characters available over the next few months. It was easy for me to pick up the game, it was only 45$ as opposed to the usual 70, and I enjoyed the first one. I don't appreciate having to pay that much for extra characters, but that's the beauty of DLC: I can choose to ignore it, and for the moment, that's what I'll do.
Until next time, I'm Chris Taylor wishing all a good Gammage.
Not only did we come up with some stuff for our future podcast, we also played a little game called Shank. In what I would describe as Double Dragon with blood, guts, and more blood and guts, fun was had by all. The cool thing about Shank is that not only is there a regular single player mode like most games, this one has Local Co-op, a dying breed of multiplayer games. Rather than just mashing together a second player on the screen for what would essentially be the Single Player campaign just with more enemies, the Co-op campaign acts as a prequel to the events of the main game.
The game itself revolves around two dudes that are... well, I'm not sure what they are, but they seem to be pissed off at anything that moves that isn't themselves, so it's your job to murder everything. There are tag-team style grapple throws and combo's that just look sick. Not only do you just massacre the little minion dudes of the bad guys, but the boss fights are brilliant as well. Instead of just hiding, or rushing up and mashing the attack button, you have to plan out when to attack, who does what, and get the timing down pretty damn fast.
For example, there was a boss near the end that throws grenades, attacks with a stun gun, and random slash-fodder pops up to crap in your cornflakes. There is a part where he glows yellow for about half a second, then charges you. In order to do any kind of significant damage, you have to dodge all of the aforementioned attacks (minus the minions which you should kill, because killing is fun), get in the way of his charge so you can perform a counter attack. THEN, after you counter attack, your partner has to rush up and perform a grapple attack which will actually damage the guy. It sounds like nothing in text, but when you're actually playing, it's fun as hell. I'm glad that there are co-op modes that actually feel like you are working together as a team, rather than just be thrown together haphazardly.
This week (actually yesterday) I also picked up Blazblue: Continuum Shift on PS3. The art style is slightly different, everyone got some tweaking, and there are a few new characters thrown in there as well. To top it all off, there will also be some DLC Characters available over the next few months. It was easy for me to pick up the game, it was only 45$ as opposed to the usual 70, and I enjoyed the first one. I don't appreciate having to pay that much for extra characters, but that's the beauty of DLC: I can choose to ignore it, and for the moment, that's what I'll do.
Until next time, I'm Chris Taylor wishing all a good Gammage.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Secluded in a Varia Suit
Metroid. A series about being lost and alone, trying to find your place in the world. As you explore this alien world, you grow in strengths, powers and abilities. The usual hero story in other words. In Metroid, however, a lot of emphasis is put on making you uneasy about the setting. Lost, confused, disoriented. Most of my previous posts have been about this series, mainly because that is all I have been playing (with a few StarCraft 2 games in-between). Having recently cleared Zero Mission, Fusion, Prime 1 and 2 (as well as being 30-40% into Prime 3), I thought I would present my thoughts on these perticular titles, especially regarding the Hint System featured in these titles.
I will start with Metroid Prime. One of the great Gamecube games, Prime was the 3Dfication of Super Metroid. Beautifully realised by Retro Studios, it truly captured the feeling of isolation and desolation found in the previous titles. It also introduced the Hint System that would follow in the other titles. The hint system basically showed you where you were supposed to go next, but not as soon as you picked up the latest upgrade. The hints are very well timed and pop up usually when you've been spending maybe too much time walking around, grabbing Missile Expansion. Furthermore, the hint usually was a room in the middle of the map, isolated, with no connections to where you were.
To make your way to this room, you had to explore the environment, scan almost everything to pierce some of the mystery that surrounds Tallon IV, Phazon and the Space Pirates. It is a minimalist system, that you can turn off. Still, the environments being quite massive (especially when you consider their verticality), it is nice to have a little beacon telling at least in which direction you should go. All in all, the introduction of a hint system in the Metroid series was nicely done. Subtle, not too intrusive, and well, the game is not holding your hand.
Moving onto our second game, Metroid Fusion came out at the same time as Prime. It also features a hint system, but this time it is in the form of mission objectives. You do not have much in terms of choices when you enter or exit a section, you MUST access that Navigation Station, which will tell you more about the story as well as where you need to go next. Here, it is an integral part of the game and although the exploratory aspects of the game are not as interesting as those in Prime (it is a 2D game after all), at least it makes sense within the context of the story.
My gripe about Fusion is the difficulty. The boss encounters are mostly about blasting a big baddy as fast as possible with missiles, before he kills you. I will admit that there is definitely something old school about those encounters, but it doesn't mean that they have aged well. My memory of Fusion was distant and I am glad to have re-explored it, unfortunately it will most likely be a long time before I do so again.
Zero Mission, a retelling of the first Metroid game, is an interesting hybrid of Metroid 1 and 3. Sadly, it incorporates Chozo guides that tell you your next destination and the game lacks most of the sentiment of isolation found in its roots. It is still worth the few hours it takes to finish and the end should surprise you.
Speaking of end, I think I've typed enough about Metroid for one day. Next post, my thoughts on Prime 2 & 3 (which hopefully I will have finished by then). Until next time, grab those Missile Tanks!
I will start with Metroid Prime. One of the great Gamecube games, Prime was the 3Dfication of Super Metroid. Beautifully realised by Retro Studios, it truly captured the feeling of isolation and desolation found in the previous titles. It also introduced the Hint System that would follow in the other titles. The hint system basically showed you where you were supposed to go next, but not as soon as you picked up the latest upgrade. The hints are very well timed and pop up usually when you've been spending maybe too much time walking around, grabbing Missile Expansion. Furthermore, the hint usually was a room in the middle of the map, isolated, with no connections to where you were.
To make your way to this room, you had to explore the environment, scan almost everything to pierce some of the mystery that surrounds Tallon IV, Phazon and the Space Pirates. It is a minimalist system, that you can turn off. Still, the environments being quite massive (especially when you consider their verticality), it is nice to have a little beacon telling at least in which direction you should go. All in all, the introduction of a hint system in the Metroid series was nicely done. Subtle, not too intrusive, and well, the game is not holding your hand.
Moving onto our second game, Metroid Fusion came out at the same time as Prime. It also features a hint system, but this time it is in the form of mission objectives. You do not have much in terms of choices when you enter or exit a section, you MUST access that Navigation Station, which will tell you more about the story as well as where you need to go next. Here, it is an integral part of the game and although the exploratory aspects of the game are not as interesting as those in Prime (it is a 2D game after all), at least it makes sense within the context of the story.
My gripe about Fusion is the difficulty. The boss encounters are mostly about blasting a big baddy as fast as possible with missiles, before he kills you. I will admit that there is definitely something old school about those encounters, but it doesn't mean that they have aged well. My memory of Fusion was distant and I am glad to have re-explored it, unfortunately it will most likely be a long time before I do so again.
Zero Mission, a retelling of the first Metroid game, is an interesting hybrid of Metroid 1 and 3. Sadly, it incorporates Chozo guides that tell you your next destination and the game lacks most of the sentiment of isolation found in its roots. It is still worth the few hours it takes to finish and the end should surprise you.
Speaking of end, I think I've typed enough about Metroid for one day. Next post, my thoughts on Prime 2 & 3 (which hopefully I will have finished by then). Until next time, grab those Missile Tanks!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Holy Cow!!?! Chris has played games this week!
... But not many. Again, with a busy work schedule, and with the creativity juices flowing like Niagara Falls, not much game time has been had.
I did spend a few more hours in the 360 resetting of Prince of Persia. The storyline is really what's keeping me into the game, as is the platforming. There isn't a whole lot of combat there to really stick with, but as a whole, the game is fun, and isn't that the whole point of playing games to begin with?
I've also been playing more of Loco Roco 2, and I'm hoping to beat that in the next few days... If I ever play my PSP instead of using it as a glorified MP3 Player. There is just something about listening to music that keeps me actually using my PSP.
Jeff has been kind enough to show me what Eternal Darkness on Gamecube is like. I've had the game in my collection for a while now (lucky for me, when I worked at EB games I got it for like ten bucks) but never really worked up the drive to play it, mostly because me and my gamecube have a neglecting relationship. I never use the gamecube, and it accepts that. We've tried couples therapy and everything, but it's just not working.
Regardless, Jeff should be in the second half of the game by now... I think, and I'll put forth my thoughts on it when he has finished it. Until next time, may the tidings of the gaming gods never leave your controller hands empty.
I did spend a few more hours in the 360 resetting of Prince of Persia. The storyline is really what's keeping me into the game, as is the platforming. There isn't a whole lot of combat there to really stick with, but as a whole, the game is fun, and isn't that the whole point of playing games to begin with?
I've also been playing more of Loco Roco 2, and I'm hoping to beat that in the next few days... If I ever play my PSP instead of using it as a glorified MP3 Player. There is just something about listening to music that keeps me actually using my PSP.
Jeff has been kind enough to show me what Eternal Darkness on Gamecube is like. I've had the game in my collection for a while now (lucky for me, when I worked at EB games I got it for like ten bucks) but never really worked up the drive to play it, mostly because me and my gamecube have a neglecting relationship. I never use the gamecube, and it accepts that. We've tried couples therapy and everything, but it's just not working.
Regardless, Jeff should be in the second half of the game by now... I think, and I'll put forth my thoughts on it when he has finished it. Until next time, may the tidings of the gaming gods never leave your controller hands empty.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A Short Sunday Post about my love for technology
So guess what, I had to fight with my PS3 last night. It would appear that the latest firmware update makes it difficult to play the first disc of the fourth season of How I Met Your Mother, on Blu-Ray. After looking online, the solution was the spam L1 + R1 + X. Luckily, that worked. Reminds me of a modern day "NES Blowjob"...
Speaking about TV, I recently watched the first episode of the relauched Futurama. I laughed, quite a bit. There's also a Nintendo reference at some point.
I'm still playing Scott Pilgrim VS The World - The Game. My character is now strong enough to kick some tails. Goody! It is a fun game and well worth its price (a mere $10, that's twice the price of Trash Panic and more than a hojillion times the fun).
Is there something you would like to read about? Conversations you would like to see? Things you liked? Do not hesitate to comment. Chris and I are looking at a few things to do close to Episode 2. Anywho, you can always e-mail me at jeff.pstplay@gmail.com with any criticism, comments and the likes. We want this to become a fun blog/environment and that's only possible with you guys.
Until next time.
Speaking about TV, I recently watched the first episode of the relauched Futurama. I laughed, quite a bit. There's also a Nintendo reference at some point.
I'm still playing Scott Pilgrim VS The World - The Game. My character is now strong enough to kick some tails. Goody! It is a fun game and well worth its price (a mere $10, that's twice the price of Trash Panic and more than a hojillion times the fun).
Is there something you would like to read about? Conversations you would like to see? Things you liked? Do not hesitate to comment. Chris and I are looking at a few things to do close to Episode 2. Anywho, you can always e-mail me at jeff.pstplay@gmail.com with any criticism, comments and the likes. We want this to become a fun blog/environment and that's only possible with you guys.
Until next time.
Magic is Fun
You know what's really sad, ladies and gents? For a long time, I used to play Magic. A lot! Every lunch break at school me and a bunch of friends would spend time playing, and it was awesome.
Time passes, and suddenly there are no more games of magic. Sure, every once in a while I'll buy a box, people I work with say they'll play, and we do, one game or two. But after that? Nothing.
Tonight that changes. Me and two other friends got together and played. I made two decks, one for me, and one for one of the others. You know what's really sad? It was her deck that keeps winning. I don't like it.
I do like the game however. I don't care that I don't win (although getting mana screwed is always embarrassing), I just love the mechanics of the game. I could play for months, never win a single match, and still feel good.
That being said, I will be using her deck as my own from now on. I want to win.
Next post should be more video game related, just wanted to share the wonderfulness of actually getting together and playing stuff. Thanks to online gaming, getting together and actually seeing the people that you're playing with seems to be a lost art, one that will be sorely missed.
Time passes, and suddenly there are no more games of magic. Sure, every once in a while I'll buy a box, people I work with say they'll play, and we do, one game or two. But after that? Nothing.
Tonight that changes. Me and two other friends got together and played. I made two decks, one for me, and one for one of the others. You know what's really sad? It was her deck that keeps winning. I don't like it.
I do like the game however. I don't care that I don't win (although getting mana screwed is always embarrassing), I just love the mechanics of the game. I could play for months, never win a single match, and still feel good.
That being said, I will be using her deck as my own from now on. I want to win.
Next post should be more video game related, just wanted to share the wonderfulness of actually getting together and playing stuff. Thanks to online gaming, getting together and actually seeing the people that you're playing with seems to be a lost art, one that will be sorely missed.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Rebooting for obsession
As can be expected, I am still playing Metroid. I have now finished once more the following titles: Metroid Zero Mission, Fusion and Prime 1&2.
I've undertaken the last tile of the Prime Trilogy (I'm actually trying to do th stupid Ridley Friend Voucher atm and OCD is in full gear, as I listen to a podcast)... Anywho, playing these games at almost the same time, it has made me realise that what I really loved about the Prime series was the exploration. You've got to hand it to Retro Studios, they definitely gave us interesting worlds to explore. I want to write something longer but I want to finish the series first. I know that Chris is not as into Metroid, but he loves Donkey Kong Country, so he has a lot to look forward to with the DKC Revival that is coming out later this year.
Really, there isn't much more to say yet. My whole schedule has yet to kick back into normal mode I guess. We were supposed to play some board games today, and I wanted to talk about that, but since it didn't happen... I took a look at the conclusion of Wrath of the Lich King as I figured I wouldn't see it anytime soon. Not sure I like what they did with a certain character but what can I do about it, right?
That will be enough rambling for now. Chris and I are working on Episode 2 so expect more on that in the very near future. (oh and, I just got the Friend Voucher, time to continue the Adventure)
Did you get Scott Pilgrim yet?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I've undertaken the last tile of the Prime Trilogy (I'm actually trying to do th stupid Ridley Friend Voucher atm and OCD is in full gear, as I listen to a podcast)... Anywho, playing these games at almost the same time, it has made me realise that what I really loved about the Prime series was the exploration. You've got to hand it to Retro Studios, they definitely gave us interesting worlds to explore. I want to write something longer but I want to finish the series first. I know that Chris is not as into Metroid, but he loves Donkey Kong Country, so he has a lot to look forward to with the DKC Revival that is coming out later this year.
Really, there isn't much more to say yet. My whole schedule has yet to kick back into normal mode I guess. We were supposed to play some board games today, and I wanted to talk about that, but since it didn't happen... I took a look at the conclusion of Wrath of the Lich King as I figured I wouldn't see it anytime soon. Not sure I like what they did with a certain character but what can I do about it, right?
That will be enough rambling for now. Chris and I are working on Episode 2 so expect more on that in the very near future. (oh and, I just got the Friend Voucher, time to continue the Adventure)
Did you get Scott Pilgrim yet?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Otakuthon 2010
This weekend was a wonderful get together of random people who love to dress up as video game and anime characters. My Room Mate went out as Fang from FF XIII, and did a pretty good job pulling it off. She even had the tattoo and red stick thing.
I went as Junpei Iori of Persona 3 fame. It was pretty easy, I already had the hat since I picked up the game on PSP, and the pants pretty much were the same color as my work pants. I just needed a blue shirt and dark blue-ish over coat / jacket thing. It looked pretty good, if I do say so myself.
As far as the weekend, I spent a lot of time in the buyers room. They were selling all sorts of Anime periphernalia, like Manga, anime DVDs, games, little plushies. The best part about all of this was that people even had the opportunity to sell their own creations. I ending up buying some magnets from a dude who made different gaming related pictures out of little plastic circles, but would match pretty good with the actual design or sprite. I got an Xbox Red Ring, and a Kefka.
Speaking of Kefka, that is who I will be dressing up as next year. I wanted to this year, but never got around to actually getting the parts to the outfit. Also, I need to find out what make up won't mess up my skin.
The reason why I'm dressing up as Kefka is quite simple: We (meaning the Room Mate and myself) are getting a booth at the buyers area to start selling stuff. I'm going to be writting some short stories and in-character things. Kefka is a raving lunatic (or at least, appears to be) so the writting will more than likely reflect that. Van (El Room Mate specatuclaaaaaarrr) will be putting up some artwork and other stuff. We're still in the planning phase, but me doing my gaming has taken a back-seat to getting some creative stuff out. It should be good for everybody.
It will also give me a chance to get my name out there, as well as get this blog / cast out in front of a wide variety of people. Pimping out my stuff is among my top 5 things of all time (a list that includes Apple Juice and poking people in the ear).
Until next time, party people, this is Chris wishing a wonderful gammage to everbody out there. Everbody.
I went as Junpei Iori of Persona 3 fame. It was pretty easy, I already had the hat since I picked up the game on PSP, and the pants pretty much were the same color as my work pants. I just needed a blue shirt and dark blue-ish over coat / jacket thing. It looked pretty good, if I do say so myself.
As far as the weekend, I spent a lot of time in the buyers room. They were selling all sorts of Anime periphernalia, like Manga, anime DVDs, games, little plushies. The best part about all of this was that people even had the opportunity to sell their own creations. I ending up buying some magnets from a dude who made different gaming related pictures out of little plastic circles, but would match pretty good with the actual design or sprite. I got an Xbox Red Ring, and a Kefka.
Speaking of Kefka, that is who I will be dressing up as next year. I wanted to this year, but never got around to actually getting the parts to the outfit. Also, I need to find out what make up won't mess up my skin.
The reason why I'm dressing up as Kefka is quite simple: We (meaning the Room Mate and myself) are getting a booth at the buyers area to start selling stuff. I'm going to be writting some short stories and in-character things. Kefka is a raving lunatic (or at least, appears to be) so the writting will more than likely reflect that. Van (El Room Mate specatuclaaaaaarrr) will be putting up some artwork and other stuff. We're still in the planning phase, but me doing my gaming has taken a back-seat to getting some creative stuff out. It should be good for everybody.
It will also give me a chance to get my name out there, as well as get this blog / cast out in front of a wide variety of people. Pimping out my stuff is among my top 5 things of all time (a list that includes Apple Juice and poking people in the ear).
Until next time, party people, this is Chris wishing a wonderful gammage to everbody out there. Everbody.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Scott Pilgrim Vs Books, Games and Movies
Have you ever looked someone up on IMDB.com? A few months ago, I was looking up Edgar Wright, director of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and the great British TV series, Spaced, amongst other things. That's when I saw that his next project, back then, was Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. A litte research showed me that Scott Pilgrim was about videogames.
As said in one of my NY posts, I purchased the whole series, which I read rather rapidly. (By the way, if you are interested, Chapters is offering all six books for $60.) The series, written by Brian Lee O'Malley and published by Oni Press started in 2004. It is a fun love story about a tween fighting (literally) for the love of his life. Not only does the story take place in Canada (Toronto to be exact), but it is filed with videogame references. The basic structure of the story, as you probably know by now, actually mirrors that of a videogame (with final bosses to boot).
The books themselves are a fun read. The art, inspired by anime/manga, is fun to look it with great attention to details in the background. The storyline itself is nothing completely original, but the way it uses videogame references is refreshingly honest and earnest. There is a reason it is there. A must read for videogame and graphic novel/comic book fans.
Of course, the videogame "version" of the story is fun, brutal, simple, like many of the games referenced in the original material. After all, there is a plot point in the books that is basically the plot of River City Ransom, and Scott Pilgrim The Game is an updated version of RCR. The graphics are very close to the original material and the music is everything you could hope for from an 8-bit/16-bit nostalagia infused beat-em up. It is currently available on PSN for $10 and I strongly recommend it, especially if you were a fan of RCR. Either way, try the demo. It is coming out this week on XBLA. One small caveat, no online multiplayer, something it would have benefit from immensely. Oh and, it is really hard so prepare to die a lot.
As for the Edgar Wright directed film, well, the cast is perfect in my opinion. Chris Evans and Brendan Routh shine as the 2nd and 3rd evil-ex respectively. Alison Pill's Kim Pine is the epitome of cool (she also portrays a strong Queen Maud in the Pillars of the Earth TV series). Michael Cera is Michael Cera is Michael Cera... No seriously, although Scott Pilgrim does share some characteristic with the usual type that Cera plays, it is nice to see him play a character that kicks ass and is actually not that likeable. The pacing is what you can expect of 6 books crammed in a little less than 2 hours. The first half is stunning, the second half, less so. Still, the fight sequences are are very well directed and you are not lost in the action, but the second half loses a lot of the character development present in the books. It may not have been as good as I expected, but I am looking forward to seeing it again. One thing I really appreciated was the fact that we hear some sound coming from a DS, and they are not some random sounds. Young Neil is playing the GBA version of A Link to the Past (in one shot we see the GBA cartridge coming out of the DS Lite). That's how serious videogames are in the Scott Pilgrim universe, be it on page or on film.
In short, if you want to enjoy the universe of Scott Pilgrim, there is no way you can go wrong, but the source material is the most approachable, it will not kick your ass and it devotes enough time to all of its cool characters (it is also chock-full of sweet videogame references including one to the Ninja Gaiden opening). If you grew up with an NES, there will be something for you in it.
I wanted to talk, once again, about Metroid, but I will have to postpone that to next post, due to this post's length. I hope these few lines will have made you interested in the fascinating world created by O'Malley and that you will experience Scott Pilgrim in one way or another. (I'd recommend them in that order: Books, Movie, Game).
Jeff out
As said in one of my NY posts, I purchased the whole series, which I read rather rapidly. (By the way, if you are interested, Chapters is offering all six books for $60.) The series, written by Brian Lee O'Malley and published by Oni Press started in 2004. It is a fun love story about a tween fighting (literally) for the love of his life. Not only does the story take place in Canada (Toronto to be exact), but it is filed with videogame references. The basic structure of the story, as you probably know by now, actually mirrors that of a videogame (with final bosses to boot).
The books themselves are a fun read. The art, inspired by anime/manga, is fun to look it with great attention to details in the background. The storyline itself is nothing completely original, but the way it uses videogame references is refreshingly honest and earnest. There is a reason it is there. A must read for videogame and graphic novel/comic book fans.
Of course, the videogame "version" of the story is fun, brutal, simple, like many of the games referenced in the original material. After all, there is a plot point in the books that is basically the plot of River City Ransom, and Scott Pilgrim The Game is an updated version of RCR. The graphics are very close to the original material and the music is everything you could hope for from an 8-bit/16-bit nostalagia infused beat-em up. It is currently available on PSN for $10 and I strongly recommend it, especially if you were a fan of RCR. Either way, try the demo. It is coming out this week on XBLA. One small caveat, no online multiplayer, something it would have benefit from immensely. Oh and, it is really hard so prepare to die a lot.
As for the Edgar Wright directed film, well, the cast is perfect in my opinion. Chris Evans and Brendan Routh shine as the 2nd and 3rd evil-ex respectively. Alison Pill's Kim Pine is the epitome of cool (she also portrays a strong Queen Maud in the Pillars of the Earth TV series). Michael Cera is Michael Cera is Michael Cera... No seriously, although Scott Pilgrim does share some characteristic with the usual type that Cera plays, it is nice to see him play a character that kicks ass and is actually not that likeable. The pacing is what you can expect of 6 books crammed in a little less than 2 hours. The first half is stunning, the second half, less so. Still, the fight sequences are are very well directed and you are not lost in the action, but the second half loses a lot of the character development present in the books. It may not have been as good as I expected, but I am looking forward to seeing it again. One thing I really appreciated was the fact that we hear some sound coming from a DS, and they are not some random sounds. Young Neil is playing the GBA version of A Link to the Past (in one shot we see the GBA cartridge coming out of the DS Lite). That's how serious videogames are in the Scott Pilgrim universe, be it on page or on film.
In short, if you want to enjoy the universe of Scott Pilgrim, there is no way you can go wrong, but the source material is the most approachable, it will not kick your ass and it devotes enough time to all of its cool characters (it is also chock-full of sweet videogame references including one to the Ninja Gaiden opening). If you grew up with an NES, there will be something for you in it.
I wanted to talk, once again, about Metroid, but I will have to postpone that to next post, due to this post's length. I hope these few lines will have made you interested in the fascinating world created by O'Malley and that you will experience Scott Pilgrim in one way or another. (I'd recommend them in that order: Books, Movie, Game).
Jeff out
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Out of Around Here
Ladies and Gentle-Folk, I, Chris Taylor, am not here right now. He'd like to be, for he likes to be around. However, this weekend is the Otakuthon, a get together for Anime Freaks and Video Game Nerds. Tuesday will feature a post about said 'thon, but for now, wish me luck in hoping that more people recognize me. (I'm Junpei from Persona 3. I was going to be Kefka, but we couldn't get the costume together. Oh, and no makeup.)
Peace Out Party People.
Peace Out Party People.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Oops
It looks like the Thursday post is late. Sorry about that, I've been busy (work prospects, Scott Pilgrim, the magnificent StarCraft 2).
Expect something longer on Sunday and a "review" of Scott Pilgrim vs the Movie.
Peace out and sorry about that!
Expect something longer on Sunday and a "review" of Scott Pilgrim vs the Movie.
Peace out and sorry about that!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
New Release Day
Tuesday rolls around once more, and since I haven't stopped playing the games I mentioned before (Warriors Orochi and Locoroco 2), I shall instead turn my attention to the new releases of this week... of which there is only one really: Madden 2011.
Normally this is where the gaming community has an issue. "It's the same game every year, why doesn't EA do something new with the franchise? Why do people keep buying the same old crap every year?" My response to this is... well, why DO you buy the same game every year?
Don't get me wrong, I get why EA does it: It sells. Gaming, as much as we'd all like to pretend otherwise, happens to be a business, or at least the making OF said games is, and if you guys keep buying them, they'll keep making them. Also, when you get something right, why bother changing things?
Mario has ostensibly been the same game for the last two and a half decades (collect coins, run from one side to another to clear X number of levels in Y number of worlds to save the princess from Godzill... err, Bowser), same thing with Zelda (go to a dungeon to get an item, use that item for the rest of the dungeon, SPOILER ALERT: Link gets the Master Sword), Halo (shoot the aliens), any other shooter (kill the guys with different hats than you), Street Fighter, and ... well, anything financially successful.
Street Fighter really is the worst offender of that list. At least with the other games the storylines change to a limited extent. Link has new dungeons to go to, Mario gets some kind of new super power, something about them changes. But Street Fighter is literally the same game with each new installment. Case in point: Super Street Fighter 4. Nothing really new added to the gameplay, all of the characters from Street Fighter 4 come back, with the same moves and same button combo's to do said moves, and most of the characters have similar if not identical inputs to perform those moves. Ryu and Ken are identical characters with a pallet swap and slight variations on animations.
Older SF titles did the same thing. How many versions of Street Fighter 2 were there? Or Street Fighter Alpha? Look at the Wii's Virtual Console and you'll see at least 4 different versions of the former, and sadly enough that's not even all of them to my recollection.
The sad part about this is that people kept buying them. What nowadays would be better suited to a patch or as DLC (the boss characters added, plus Turbo, and any little tidbits they added with subsequent releases), Capcom released as separate games, and it sold really well. Why? Because in the end, people want something that's familiar.
Sure, the newer SF games sport about thirty some odd characters, play a few rounds online and you'll see the same faces: Ryu, Ken, Sagat, Bison, and a few Dan players as some kind of In-Joke without a punchline. All characters with similar (if not identical) movesets and inputs, and let's face it: it works! It's effective, and fun for a lot of players.
And that is all EA is doing. Keeping with a familiar play style, and game play. Are they any more wrong than Capcom for shoveling the same game down our collective throats? Absolutely not, since we keep buying them. If the games were too different, we'd complain that it's different and go play the older ones anyways. It's sad, but keeping the game pretty much the same is what we show the industry that we want, so it's safer to do than bring out a new game each time.
So, to show that we (and by "we" I mean "you", since I personally don't care one way or another) don't want the same game each time: Stop buying the damn games. Sitting on an internet message board and crying and complaining about it isn't going to affect EA's sales records, since chances are you already forked over your seventy bucks to have the game in your possession. They already won the fight before you decided you wanted to fight in the first place. Either stop buying the games, or stop complaining that they're the same. Period.
Now I'm off to play Warriors Orochi, where not only is every Warriors game the same, but what you do in each level is identical; If they're wearing a different hat than you, kill them. A free cookie to the first person who actually knows what I'm referencing here in the comments. Their name will be the title of my Saturday Post. From PSTP, I'm Chris Taylor wishing all a pleasant gammage.
Normally this is where the gaming community has an issue. "It's the same game every year, why doesn't EA do something new with the franchise? Why do people keep buying the same old crap every year?" My response to this is... well, why DO you buy the same game every year?
Don't get me wrong, I get why EA does it: It sells. Gaming, as much as we'd all like to pretend otherwise, happens to be a business, or at least the making OF said games is, and if you guys keep buying them, they'll keep making them. Also, when you get something right, why bother changing things?
Mario has ostensibly been the same game for the last two and a half decades (collect coins, run from one side to another to clear X number of levels in Y number of worlds to save the princess from Godzill... err, Bowser), same thing with Zelda (go to a dungeon to get an item, use that item for the rest of the dungeon, SPOILER ALERT: Link gets the Master Sword), Halo (shoot the aliens), any other shooter (kill the guys with different hats than you), Street Fighter, and ... well, anything financially successful.
Street Fighter really is the worst offender of that list. At least with the other games the storylines change to a limited extent. Link has new dungeons to go to, Mario gets some kind of new super power, something about them changes. But Street Fighter is literally the same game with each new installment. Case in point: Super Street Fighter 4. Nothing really new added to the gameplay, all of the characters from Street Fighter 4 come back, with the same moves and same button combo's to do said moves, and most of the characters have similar if not identical inputs to perform those moves. Ryu and Ken are identical characters with a pallet swap and slight variations on animations.
Older SF titles did the same thing. How many versions of Street Fighter 2 were there? Or Street Fighter Alpha? Look at the Wii's Virtual Console and you'll see at least 4 different versions of the former, and sadly enough that's not even all of them to my recollection.
The sad part about this is that people kept buying them. What nowadays would be better suited to a patch or as DLC (the boss characters added, plus Turbo, and any little tidbits they added with subsequent releases), Capcom released as separate games, and it sold really well. Why? Because in the end, people want something that's familiar.
Sure, the newer SF games sport about thirty some odd characters, play a few rounds online and you'll see the same faces: Ryu, Ken, Sagat, Bison, and a few Dan players as some kind of In-Joke without a punchline. All characters with similar (if not identical) movesets and inputs, and let's face it: it works! It's effective, and fun for a lot of players.
And that is all EA is doing. Keeping with a familiar play style, and game play. Are they any more wrong than Capcom for shoveling the same game down our collective throats? Absolutely not, since we keep buying them. If the games were too different, we'd complain that it's different and go play the older ones anyways. It's sad, but keeping the game pretty much the same is what we show the industry that we want, so it's safer to do than bring out a new game each time.
So, to show that we (and by "we" I mean "you", since I personally don't care one way or another) don't want the same game each time: Stop buying the damn games. Sitting on an internet message board and crying and complaining about it isn't going to affect EA's sales records, since chances are you already forked over your seventy bucks to have the game in your possession. They already won the fight before you decided you wanted to fight in the first place. Either stop buying the games, or stop complaining that they're the same. Period.
Now I'm off to play Warriors Orochi, where not only is every Warriors game the same, but what you do in each level is identical; If they're wearing a different hat than you, kill them. A free cookie to the first person who actually knows what I'm referencing here in the comments. Their name will be the title of my Saturday Post. From PSTP, I'm Chris Taylor wishing all a pleasant gammage.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Old School Lan Party
Have you ever done a LAN party? It is not as common as it used to be, for a few reasons: computer games are not as popular as they once were, most multiplayer games are played online and well, as we get older and move further away it is harder to get together with our computers.
To celebrate the release of StarCraft 2, myself and seven other people got together in a well organized basement to play StarCraft 2. Of course, we had to log onto Battle.Net and we were, in fact, playing over the Internet. But speaking over a microphone or typing a few lines of text are definitely not the same as a shared experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who were present. That was one of the most fun weekends I've had in a very long time. I have also learnt a lot about the game, knowledge that will come in handy as we continue playing together on a regular basis.
Most importantly, an immense thank you to Corsaire for organizing everything (the lodging, the basement, the tech support, the food, etc.).
I hope we get to do this again sooner rather than later because it was, EPIC!
Jeff, signing out and logging on Battle.net!
To celebrate the release of StarCraft 2, myself and seven other people got together in a well organized basement to play StarCraft 2. Of course, we had to log onto Battle.Net and we were, in fact, playing over the Internet. But speaking over a microphone or typing a few lines of text are definitely not the same as a shared experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who were present. That was one of the most fun weekends I've had in a very long time. I have also learnt a lot about the game, knowledge that will come in handy as we continue playing together on a regular basis.
Most importantly, an immense thank you to Corsaire for organizing everything (the lodging, the basement, the tech support, the food, etc.).
I hope we get to do this again sooner rather than later because it was, EPIC!
Jeff, signing out and logging on Battle.net!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Slice Slice Stabbity Stab
Hello once again folks. Another week has gone by where time towards gaming was limited, but the time I did spend playing games was most enjoyable.
Locoroco 2 is officially my "Breaktime" game. At work, I get two fifteen minute breaks, plus an hour for lunch. My hour I walk home and eat something, but on my fifteens, I need something to break the monotony of putting things on shelves. Usually, that involves me bringing a handheld to work so that I can waste ti... I mean, spend time playing games. This week, it's been the Side-Scrolling Katamari style game. Each mission is usually around 8 - 10 minutes your first time through, plus a quick quirky little cut scene showing... something that resembles a story, but usually looks like a reggae head doing something evil. It's your job to collect the fruit, and make your loco roco dude bigger so that ... you can save the world... somehow. I don't really understand the story itself, but in games like this, the more you understand the story, the more confused you get.
Speaking of stories that make no sense: Warriors Orochi. I plugged this one into my 360 just to kill random dudes. The story involves 3 Kingdoms China and Samurai dudes getting into a massive weapons wielding fight with an asian sorcerer named Orochi. Combining time travel and violence in a way never seen before... unless you've played any of Koei's games before. If you have played them before, the game is roughly the same thing with new costumes and music.
Now, if you've listened to the one episode of the podcast that's up (and if you haven't, shame!), then you'll notice I mentioned that I play games predominantly for their story. The Warriors series is kind of like the exception to the rule. I don't really care why a bunch of dudes are coming together to murder each other, as long as I get to do the stabbity stabs! It's random violence, and sometimes that's all you really need.
And I need to go randomly kill some sword wielders. A La Prochain. I think that's spelled right... >_>
Locoroco 2 is officially my "Breaktime" game. At work, I get two fifteen minute breaks, plus an hour for lunch. My hour I walk home and eat something, but on my fifteens, I need something to break the monotony of putting things on shelves. Usually, that involves me bringing a handheld to work so that I can waste ti... I mean, spend time playing games. This week, it's been the Side-Scrolling Katamari style game. Each mission is usually around 8 - 10 minutes your first time through, plus a quick quirky little cut scene showing... something that resembles a story, but usually looks like a reggae head doing something evil. It's your job to collect the fruit, and make your loco roco dude bigger so that ... you can save the world... somehow. I don't really understand the story itself, but in games like this, the more you understand the story, the more confused you get.
Speaking of stories that make no sense: Warriors Orochi. I plugged this one into my 360 just to kill random dudes. The story involves 3 Kingdoms China and Samurai dudes getting into a massive weapons wielding fight with an asian sorcerer named Orochi. Combining time travel and violence in a way never seen before... unless you've played any of Koei's games before. If you have played them before, the game is roughly the same thing with new costumes and music.
Now, if you've listened to the one episode of the podcast that's up (and if you haven't, shame!), then you'll notice I mentioned that I play games predominantly for their story. The Warriors series is kind of like the exception to the rule. I don't really care why a bunch of dudes are coming together to murder each other, as long as I get to do the stabbity stabs! It's random violence, and sometimes that's all you really need.
And I need to go randomly kill some sword wielders. A La Prochain. I think that's spelled right... >_>
Thursday, August 5, 2010
So Silent Hill 2...
So yesterday, Chris showed me Silent Hill 2, from start to finish. It was an interesting experience, watching a game be played, a classic at that. Aside from the small glitches due to the 360 emulation, I found the game interesting.
Now, gameplay and design wise, the game is definitely showing its age. Fetch quests in gorgeous environments are one thing, in bland buildings with glitchy textures, not so much. However, I do not believe this is what this game is about. If there was a game to which we can apply the onion analogy, this is it. Silent Hill 2 is meticulously crafted. The characters are there for a reason, the enemies look the way they do because of who the main character is, the places you explore are significant and the atmosphere still oozes out of your screen.
I am fairly certain that the game would stand on its own, even if it wasn't part of a famous series. On the other hand, I'm glad I was not playing but simply watching. I do not think I would have finished the game, it's pace is too slow for what I like to play now. Although... I think I would get a blast trying to go after the UFO ending.
This experience was very interesting, seeing someone's favourite game being played from start to finish with running commentary to boot. I'm hoping we can turn this look at the other's favourite games into a monthly feature or something.
On to another 2, StarCraft. I'm loving it so far. We are having a "LAN" party this Saturday and I get that feeling that it will be, wait for it, legendary (I'm also watching How I Met your Mother again). Sunday's post will most likely be about
SC2.
If you are wondering what is happening with Episode 2, our podcast will return near the end of August / beginning of September.
Until next post, this is Jeff, saying good game.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Now, gameplay and design wise, the game is definitely showing its age. Fetch quests in gorgeous environments are one thing, in bland buildings with glitchy textures, not so much. However, I do not believe this is what this game is about. If there was a game to which we can apply the onion analogy, this is it. Silent Hill 2 is meticulously crafted. The characters are there for a reason, the enemies look the way they do because of who the main character is, the places you explore are significant and the atmosphere still oozes out of your screen.
I am fairly certain that the game would stand on its own, even if it wasn't part of a famous series. On the other hand, I'm glad I was not playing but simply watching. I do not think I would have finished the game, it's pace is too slow for what I like to play now. Although... I think I would get a blast trying to go after the UFO ending.
This experience was very interesting, seeing someone's favourite game being played from start to finish with running commentary to boot. I'm hoping we can turn this look at the other's favourite games into a monthly feature or something.
On to another 2, StarCraft. I'm loving it so far. We are having a "LAN" party this Saturday and I get that feeling that it will be, wait for it, legendary (I'm also watching How I Met your Mother again). Sunday's post will most likely be about
SC2.
If you are wondering what is happening with Episode 2, our podcast will return near the end of August / beginning of September.
Until next post, this is Jeff, saying good game.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Ballad of Quiet Lumps...
It's hard to pinpoint when exactly I stopped caring about GTA. It could have been when San Andreas went "Gangsta", it could have been when the PSP versions came out on PS2 after being told they were PSP exclusive.
Or it could have been when GTA IV was average at best, yet all the reviewers were giving it perfect scores. Not to say that Nico's escapades in Liberty City were necessarily bad (well, bad as in not enjoyable, murder is never a "good" thing per se), just that it felt like more of the same. They added some decent new things to do, but took away the ability to purchase properties, and no casino, basically meaning your money is for guns and that's pretty much it. It had a lot of potential, not to mention the hype machine, but didn't deliver.
However, when the DLC came out on 360, I picked them up right away. I didn't play them until last month, but I bought them right away. Like the main game, the missions themselves were decent, but nothing we hadn't already done in earlier iterations of the series. What set the DLC apart from the game itself was the stories.
Not to say that GTA has ever had Oscar Wilde epic prose here, but the main game seriously lacked in the story department. You get info on who Nico is and what he's doing in the LC at the beginning of the game, and near the end. That's it. His cousin pisses people off, you clean up, it's that simple. Once the story starts to get interesting, it's over. It didn't even have much closure.
The DLC has actual story arcs. There is a beginning, middle, end, and reason for you to want to know what's going to happen next. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the DLC more than the main game... mostly.
I'm nearing the end of The Ballad of Gay Tony, and the last couple of missions are a little bit of a let down: You are alone against hordes of enemies, and almost no health packs. Kill everything that moves. That's it, that's all. To an extent, it works, but it's still frustrating to see that that's how the game is ending. Still, the story for this and The Lost and The Damned has more than made up for the underwhelming story of Nico Bellic.
To top it all off, there are instances where the characters from the DLC stories intersect with each other. It makes for interesting shifts of missions, seeing the same missions through different characters perspectives, and if there's another GTA on the horizon (and with the way these things sell, you can bet your ass there will be more of them), I hope they explore that aspect in the future.
My second play through this year of Silent Hill 2 is coming up, and Jeff has decided he needs more SH in his life. (He's more a Resident Evil guy... what a sucker XD), so tomorrow he's coming over to my place to watch me play. Hopefully, I will have infected another poor soul into the aura of SH. Until next time folks, Adieu!
Or it could have been when GTA IV was average at best, yet all the reviewers were giving it perfect scores. Not to say that Nico's escapades in Liberty City were necessarily bad (well, bad as in not enjoyable, murder is never a "good" thing per se), just that it felt like more of the same. They added some decent new things to do, but took away the ability to purchase properties, and no casino, basically meaning your money is for guns and that's pretty much it. It had a lot of potential, not to mention the hype machine, but didn't deliver.
However, when the DLC came out on 360, I picked them up right away. I didn't play them until last month, but I bought them right away. Like the main game, the missions themselves were decent, but nothing we hadn't already done in earlier iterations of the series. What set the DLC apart from the game itself was the stories.
Not to say that GTA has ever had Oscar Wilde epic prose here, but the main game seriously lacked in the story department. You get info on who Nico is and what he's doing in the LC at the beginning of the game, and near the end. That's it. His cousin pisses people off, you clean up, it's that simple. Once the story starts to get interesting, it's over. It didn't even have much closure.
The DLC has actual story arcs. There is a beginning, middle, end, and reason for you to want to know what's going to happen next. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the DLC more than the main game... mostly.
I'm nearing the end of The Ballad of Gay Tony, and the last couple of missions are a little bit of a let down: You are alone against hordes of enemies, and almost no health packs. Kill everything that moves. That's it, that's all. To an extent, it works, but it's still frustrating to see that that's how the game is ending. Still, the story for this and The Lost and The Damned has more than made up for the underwhelming story of Nico Bellic.
To top it all off, there are instances where the characters from the DLC stories intersect with each other. It makes for interesting shifts of missions, seeing the same missions through different characters perspectives, and if there's another GTA on the horizon (and with the way these things sell, you can bet your ass there will be more of them), I hope they explore that aspect in the future.
My second play through this year of Silent Hill 2 is coming up, and Jeff has decided he needs more SH in his life. (He's more a Resident Evil guy... what a sucker XD), so tomorrow he's coming over to my place to watch me play. Hopefully, I will have infected another poor soul into the aura of SH. Until next time folks, Adieu!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A visit to NYC
Train ride to NYC:
Chris mentioned addiction. Yeah, I'm definitely addicted to tech. I carry my iPad wherever I go, sometimes with mu iPod too and there's probably a DS in my bag too (that is without countong the book and couple of games that's there too).
You can imagine that the 11-hour train ride between Montréal and NYC gives you a lot of time to play. Well, yeah, but that's not all I do, I mean, I am not that addicted. So what have I been playing? Metroid Zero Mission (GBA) and Angry Birds HD (iPad). As you can see, still in full Metroid Mania mode.
Hotel, last night before return home:
Alright, so that was a really fun trip. Too many things in too little time though. Here are the videogame related highlights arranged in a top 5:
#5: - Seeing the Blue Whale in the American Museum of Natural History. Reminded me a lot of one of the stages in Bioshock 2. The museum itself was also spectacular. A must see.
#4: - The Lego Store. Many sweet Star Wars items. A window dedicated to the Lego Videogames. Also, I wonder if the Lego people are disappointed with their Prince of Persia deal.
#3: - The Nintendo Store. Alhough they did not have the shirts I wanted in my size, I bought a really sweet vest for Alice that looks amazing. It has a green Yoshi on it. Incidentally, I got a Link shirt.
#2: - The Nintendo Store, for the sweet collectibles they had on display. Metroid stuff, limited edition portable systems, and many other cool gear that make this store worth the stop.
#1: - Finding the Scott Pilgrim series at a great price. If you enjoy videogames and comics, I strongly recommend it.
This is Jeff signing out from New York.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Chris mentioned addiction. Yeah, I'm definitely addicted to tech. I carry my iPad wherever I go, sometimes with mu iPod too and there's probably a DS in my bag too (that is without countong the book and couple of games that's there too).
You can imagine that the 11-hour train ride between Montréal and NYC gives you a lot of time to play. Well, yeah, but that's not all I do, I mean, I am not that addicted. So what have I been playing? Metroid Zero Mission (GBA) and Angry Birds HD (iPad). As you can see, still in full Metroid Mania mode.
Hotel, last night before return home:
Alright, so that was a really fun trip. Too many things in too little time though. Here are the videogame related highlights arranged in a top 5:
#5: - Seeing the Blue Whale in the American Museum of Natural History. Reminded me a lot of one of the stages in Bioshock 2. The museum itself was also spectacular. A must see.
#4: - The Lego Store. Many sweet Star Wars items. A window dedicated to the Lego Videogames. Also, I wonder if the Lego people are disappointed with their Prince of Persia deal.
#3: - The Nintendo Store. Alhough they did not have the shirts I wanted in my size, I bought a really sweet vest for Alice that looks amazing. It has a green Yoshi on it. Incidentally, I got a Link shirt.
#2: - The Nintendo Store, for the sweet collectibles they had on display. Metroid stuff, limited edition portable systems, and many other cool gear that make this store worth the stop.
#1: - Finding the Scott Pilgrim series at a great price. If you enjoy videogames and comics, I strongly recommend it.
This is Jeff signing out from New York.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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