tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40950066825402778622024-03-05T23:33:39.123-06:00Text AdventureGamers Blogging About GamesSUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-50761783357765909412010-09-11T08:21:00.001-06:002010-09-11T08:45:02.201-06:00How Lara Got Her Groove Back<p><strong><em>Tomb Raiding has never felt so good!</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQvOfj4bI/AAAAAAAAASw/gE3jQV49eHE/s1600-h/lara-croft%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lara-croft" border="0" alt="lara-croft" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXFqmRoH2NQaQpsporM1dkmjsLfxwkjr5134Vntvh2F9Jjf485EHNsr4BxrvhGSXHJnAcSTDkE8C4OLF26YLGFEwntYKBMYv5l5flIIQzYHXlmFfoti80rHEr7-qOUEsxkjuEmRSVHko/?imgmax=800" width="415" height="267" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/fr/2H/1ICLiGJhbC82FQUXXFJRbjU5L2FjaC8wL0IAAAAA5+fn+6i9ZQ==.jpg" width="69" height="69" /></p> <p><strong>Vanquish Xolotl</strong> <br />Regain the Mirror of Smoke</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 25 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 10/9/2010</strong></p> <p>I really liked Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.  There, I said it.  I didn’t realize before I purchased this game just how much I was to enjoy it.  You see, I have had a history with Lara Croft .  There is some water under the bridge between us, and we have jumped over it.  The difference between Tomb Raider of yore and today’s Lara Croft is that ‘jumping’ that water has never been so effortless and exciting at the same time!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQwGIl1II/AAAAAAAAAS4/-M2_p48Bfqw/s1600-h/LC%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="LC" border="0" alt="LC" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQwXVs_TI/AAAAAAAAAS8/bT9TIQ4A3bM/LC_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="194" /></a></p> <p>Lara Croft has always been synonymous with the Tomb Raider franchise which is, for good or ill, one of the most storied in gaming history  Tomb raider of course spawned movies, comics, and numerous games.  In my opinion, Lara Croft got by on her looks for some time after the initial smash hit that was Tomb Raider, but it was clear to me that with each of the ensuing games in the series, each had less of that Lara Croft magic than the original. Developers would continue to resuscitate and reinvigorate the franchise with varying degrees of success and failure, but each refresh only momentarily recaptured my imagination.  That was until the developers at Crystal Dynamics took a gamble on the biggest shift for the series yet.  A gamble that in my opinion has paid of handsomely.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQw7Jtl9I/AAAAAAAAATA/YOccGuPD3EI/s1600-h/LC_GoL_10_xl%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="LC_GoL_10_xl" border="0" alt="LC_GoL_10_xl" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNUnMYEyQV_v0r6Zp2taHWtDdgL4cGCP-I2ylJ-47sJ7MjMeMQN3Ln7rGzh5s9IYrggqmnGL14ojrwoFvtziFlxwTTdToaA5tnp03cB2D24XloqSD7JEO-rrwDjE0_5Z_OKQNmw9rIWA/?imgmax=800" width="340" height="194" /></a>What is first striking about Lara Croft is that it has abandoned the Tomb Raider name.  Using exclusively Lara Croft rather that the recognizable Tomb Raider is a clear effort to separate this game from its past, and I think it is for good reason.  If this game were carrying the Tomb Raider brand, gamers may expect a Tomb Raider game.  Lara Croft is not a Tomb Raider game… well not exactly.  The first major difference is this is a downloadable title, a first for the brand.  With a downloadable versus a boxed game come expectations of length, quality, and fidelity.  While Lara Croft delivers a full retail experience, it is presented in this fashion.  Another major change is the game isometric perspective.  I could not help but think of Sonic the Hedgehogs' foray into the isometric with Sonic 3D Blast and what a disappointment that was.  Fortunately Lara Croft does not suffer the same fate.  The transition to the new perspective was in my opinion a very smooth transition.  The action and platforming elements do not suffer at all for it.</p> <p>Now Lara Croft may be exceedingly different from its predecessors in many ways, but at the same time it still capture the essence of what made the Tomb Raider popular in the first place.  Personally, I like to call Lara Croft a Triple-A game.  Not in the way that it cost $80 million dollars to create, rather that this genre is an Arcade Action Adventure.  The arcade refers to with the speed the action plays out as well as the score and time-attack elements of the gameplay are integral to the experience.  This game can travel at a break-neck pace, or you may need to take the time to solve the numerous, yet fair, puzzles that populate the gamescape.  The games looks and sounds like a Tomb Raider game as well, the difference being your character model is very small on the screen to allow for the bevy of monsters, mazes, and traps that make up the rest of your perspective.  For a downloadable game, it is a real looker.</p> <p>What would a tomb raiding game be without loot?  For me, this is what really separates this game from the rest.  Your ability to accomplish tasks and solve puzzles will give you the opportunity to uncover loot such as ancient relics and treasure, weapons, and upgrades.  From there you can customize your character to take on those quests you may not have been able to accomplish your first time around.  Lara Croft also supports co-op gameplay.  Unfortunately I was unable to explore this feature as the online component is still yet unavailable.  But if you do have a friend nearby there is always the couch co-op option!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill3_MuZK-Mr-13AhKW9vMDFBerXZVEEeWGqtkRyaYi9Vw1cerdKwtMyfjiPd0CCxsQqGuUcACJ2HFG4Dd4HHYEN4jDExwH6AE1HjdzdL-4XcVriQxjRCkz9TiLAjAY1j3yU9up5EpESg/s1600-h/LC_GoL_08_xl%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="LC_GoL_08_xl" border="0" alt="LC_GoL_08_xl" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQyclAoxI/AAAAAAAAATM/olUKDyYTmhM/LC_GoL_08_xl_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="202" /></a>Lara Croft has done an another amazing thing, it has me believing in Tomb Raider as a franchise again.  To be honest, the next game I would like to see is another Lara Croft title.  While I was thinking about this game and writing this particular review I was thinking of  a way to describe this game.  It then popped into my head that Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is the ultimate evolution of Activision’s Pitfall for the Atari 2600.  If you sit back and you think about it, you will see what I mean, and I will leave you with that.</p> <p><a href="http://www.laracroftandtheguardianoflight.com/">Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light</a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-37971691696929400252010-09-11T08:21:00.000-06:002010-09-11T08:23:06.276-06:00How Lara Got Her Grove Back<p><strong><em>Tomb Raiding has never felt so good!</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQvOfj4bI/AAAAAAAAASw/gE3jQV49eHE/s1600-h/lara-croft%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lara-croft" border="0" alt="lara-croft" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXFqmRoH2NQaQpsporM1dkmjsLfxwkjr5134Vntvh2F9Jjf485EHNsr4BxrvhGSXHJnAcSTDkE8C4OLF26YLGFEwntYKBMYv5l5flIIQzYHXlmFfoti80rHEr7-qOUEsxkjuEmRSVHko/?imgmax=800" width="415" height="267" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/fr/2H/1ICLiGJhbC82FQUXXFJRbjU5L2FjaC8wL0IAAAAA5+fn+6i9ZQ==.jpg" width="69" height="69" /></p> <p><strong>Vanquish Xolotl</strong> <br />Regain the Mirror of Smoke</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 25 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 10/9/2010</strong></p> <p>I really liked Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.  There, I said it.  I didn’t realize before I purchased this game just how much I was to enjoy it.  You see, I have had a history with Lara Croft .  There is some water under the bridge between us, and we have jumped over it.  The difference between Tomb Raider of yore and today’s Lara Croft is that ‘jumping’ that water has never been so effortless and exciting at the same time!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQwGIl1II/AAAAAAAAAS4/-M2_p48Bfqw/s1600-h/LC%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="LC" border="0" alt="LC" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQwXVs_TI/AAAAAAAAAS8/bT9TIQ4A3bM/LC_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="194" /></a></p> <p>Lara Croft has always been synonymous with the Tomb Raider franchise which is, for good or ill, one of the most storied in gaming history  Tomb raider of course spawned movies, comics, and numerous games.  In my opinion, Lara Croft got by on her looks for some time after the initial smash hit that was Tomb Raider, but it was clear to me that with each of the ensuing games in the series, each had less of that Lara Croft magic than the original. Developers would continue to resuscitate and reinvigorate the franchise with varying degrees of success and failure, but each refresh only momentarily recaptured my imagination.  That was until the developers at Crystal Dynamics took a gamble on the biggest shift for the series yet.  A gamble that in my opinion has paid of handsomely.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQw7Jtl9I/AAAAAAAAATA/YOccGuPD3EI/s1600-h/LC_GoL_10_xl%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="LC_GoL_10_xl" border="0" alt="LC_GoL_10_xl" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNUnMYEyQV_v0r6Zp2taHWtDdgL4cGCP-I2ylJ-47sJ7MjMeMQN3Ln7rGzh5s9IYrggqmnGL14ojrwoFvtziFlxwTTdToaA5tnp03cB2D24XloqSD7JEO-rrwDjE0_5Z_OKQNmw9rIWA/?imgmax=800" width="340" height="194" /></a>What is first striking about Lara Croft is that it has abandoned the Tomb Raider name.  Using exclusively Lara Croft rather that the recognizable Tomb Raider is a clear effort to separate this game from its past, and I think it is for good reason.  If this game were carrying the Tomb Raider brand, gamers may expect a Tomb Raider game.  Lara Croft is not a Tomb Raider game… well not exactly.  The first major difference is this is a downloadable title, a first for the brand.  With a downloadable versus a boxed game come expectations of length, quality, and fidelity.  While Lara Croft delivers a full retail experience, it is presented in this fashion.  Another major change is the game isometric perspective.  I could not help but think of Sonic the Hedgehogs' foray into the isometric with Sonic 3D Blast and what a disappointment that was.  Fortunately Lara Croft does not suffer the same fate.  The transition to the new perspective was in my opinion a very smooth transition.  The action and platforming elements do not suffer at all for it.</p> <p>Now Lara Croft may be exceedingly different from its predecessors in many ways, but at the same time it still capture the essence of what made the Tomb Raider popular in the first place.  Personally, I like to call Lara Croft a Triple-A game.  Not in the way that it cost $80 million dollars to create, rather that this genre is an Arcade Action Adventure.  The arcade refers to with the speed the action plays out as well as the score and time-attack elements of the gameplay are integral to the experience.  This game can travel at a break-neck pace, or you may need to take the time to solve the numerous, yet fair, puzzles that populate the gamescape.  The games looks and sounds like a Tomb Raider game as well, the difference being your character model is very small on the screen to allow for the bevy of monsters, mazes, and traps that make up the rest of your perspective.  For a downloadable game, it is a real looker.</p> <p>What would a tomb raiding game be without loot?  For me, this is what really separates this game from the rest.  Your ability to accomplish tasks and solve puzzles will give you the opportunity to uncover loot such as ancient relics and treasure, weapons, and upgrades.  From there you can customize your character to take on those quests you may not have been able to accomplish your first time around.  Lara Croft also supports co-op gameplay.  Unfortunately I was unable to explore this feature as the online component is still yet unavailable.  But if you do have a friend nearby there is always the couch co-op option!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill3_MuZK-Mr-13AhKW9vMDFBerXZVEEeWGqtkRyaYi9Vw1cerdKwtMyfjiPd0CCxsQqGuUcACJ2HFG4Dd4HHYEN4jDExwH6AE1HjdzdL-4XcVriQxjRCkz9TiLAjAY1j3yU9up5EpESg/s1600-h/LC_GoL_08_xl%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="LC_GoL_08_xl" border="0" alt="LC_GoL_08_xl" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TIuQyclAoxI/AAAAAAAAATM/olUKDyYTmhM/LC_GoL_08_xl_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="202" /></a>Lara Croft has done an another amazing thing, it has me believing in Tomb Raider as a franchise again.  To be honest, the next game I would like to see is another Lara Croft title.  While I was thinking about this game and writing this particular review I was thinking of  a way to describe this game.  It then popped into my head that Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is the ultimate evolution of Activision’s Pitfall for the Atari 2600.  If you sit back and you think about it, you will see what I mean, and I will leave you with that.</p> <p><a href="http://www.laracroftandtheguardianoflight.com/">Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light</a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-56813445092474798832010-09-01T22:09:00.000-06:002010-09-01T22:11:24.260-06:00Xtra Points: Prologues and Epilogues<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j2L8fuNI/AAAAAAAAASE/TefPyai19B0/s1600-h/DRCase0%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DRCase0" border="0" alt="DRCase0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j2viMNxI/AAAAAAAAASI/OFdGs2hyvCg/DRCase0_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="217" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/Hx/kI/04CLiGJhbC8xFQUXXFJRbjhEL2FjaC8wL0UAAAAA5+fn-CcZBA==.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>A Taste of Things to Come</strong> <br />Built a combo weapon. Necessity is the father of invention.</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 10 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 31/8/2010</strong></p> <p>Purchased my prologue/game trial for Dead Rising 2 yesterday which is aptly subtitled Case 0.  Because of my schedule I literally had seconds to play, but in that time I was able to snag the above achievement.  I look forward to diving into the game tonight and see what all the fuss is about.  Should help me decide if Dead Rising 2 is still a must play this fall amongst a sea of Triple-A heavy hitters.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j3SMkB4I/AAAAAAAAASM/ARZ1tY8qiHI/s1600-h/MinervasDen%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="MinervasDen" border="0" alt="MinervasDen" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j36xMiMI/AAAAAAAAASQ/iunCsGAIb24/MinervasDen_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="216" /></a> With BioShock fresh on my mind with the exciting announcement of BioShock Infinite I have recently had a hankering to return to my BioShock games.  With the release of the BioShock 2 DLC, Minerva’s Den, i can have my wish!  Once I get my fill of Dead Rising Case 0 I will once again return to BioShock 2 for some more Big-Daddy action.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j4kD92XI/AAAAAAAAASY/qN4S3JRexVg/s1600-h/cowboystadium1%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="cowboystadium1" border="0" alt="cowboystadium1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j40xfirI/AAAAAAAAASc/HfpqGmlo4-0/cowboystadium1_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="216" /></a> I thought this was kind of neat.  The impressive Cowboy Stadium will be one of the available venues in the upcoming EA Sports MMA title.  I would like to see an event here in real life someday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j6AJvwVI/AAAAAAAAASg/gCL0F179s8Q/s1600-h/l4d2%5B6%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="l4d2" border="0" alt="l4d2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TH8j6_1h8JI/AAAAAAAAASk/lsx0FmUEMgQ/l4d2_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="376" height="214" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/xH/jP/0YCLiGJhbC82AxsFG1lTWUQ0L2FjaC8wLzlCAAAAAOfn5-7geNg=.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>MUTANT OVERLORD</strong> <br />Play 6 Mutations.</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 30 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 30/8/2010</strong></p> <p>Nailed the MUTANT OVERLORD achievement.  Now awaiting the next round of L4D/L4D2 DLC.</p> <p><a href="http://deadrising-2.com/agecheck?r=">Dead Rising 2 Offical Site</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-66434334229386386742010-08-23T22:18:00.000-06:002010-08-23T22:19:47.107-06:00Xtra Point: Mass Effect 2<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/THNIXpN_eTI/AAAAAAAAAR8/-PyOayRPQXA/s1600-h/mass_effect2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="mass_effect2" border="0" alt="mass_effect2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/THNIYLfEtrI/AAAAAAAAASA/k_IjVCvPCts/mass_effect2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="254" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/Yy/EP/0ICLiGJhbC9HCxsFG1lTWUNFL2FjaC8wLzEzAAAAAOfn5-8gIX8=.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>Doppelganger</strong> <br />Help the Justicar resolve her mission</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 10 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 22/8/2010</strong></p> <p>The best game of 2010 I hardly play would be Mass Effect 2.  I have put in over 40 hours into the game, so it is not like I haven’t played it, its just usually gets put to the back of the list in favour of the newer games.  I am going to try and make a more concerted effort to complete the game, but with new DLC coming out such as <a href="http://masseffect.bioware.com/home/archives/">Lair of the Shadowbroker</a>, will Mass Effect 2 ever be done for me?  Soon it will rival Fallout 3 for DLC.</p> <p><em><strong><u>More Xtra Points:</u></strong></em></p> <ul> <li><strong>More DLC for Left 4 Dead 1 and 2:</strong>  Some more reasons to keep coming back to your L4D’s. Valve is bringing DLC packs “The Sacrifice” as well as an updated “No Mercy” campaign.  All that an a digital comic the expand the story! Not sure how this will all be consumed, but I am sure <a href="http://left4dead411.com/">Left4Dead411</a> will have more soon!  Also, I am still working on getting the Mutations achievement, I just have to wait until a new one that I have not played comes into rotation. </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://masseffect.bioware.com/">BioWare | Mass Effect 2</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-58202376619689464012010-08-21T10:26:00.000-06:002010-08-21T10:28:01.760-06:00Xtra Points: Peggle Nights<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TG_-jxWpzsI/AAAAAAAAAR0/lETzj0aiC1E/s1600-h/pegglenightslogo%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="pegglenightslogo" border="0" alt="pegglenightslogo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TG_-kEkY5AI/AAAAAAAAAR4/rmfuV_-WtEM/pegglenightslogo_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="232" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/9i/Bk/0oCLiGJhbC8xFQUXXFJRFzg5L2FjaC8wL0UAAAAA5+fn-Usg7Q==.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>Go ULTRA!</strong> <br />Ultra extremely cleared all the pegs in a level.</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 15 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 20/8/2010</strong></p> <p><strong><u>Peggle Nights:</u> </strong>I finally purchased Peggle Nights yesterday.  My son has really been into Peggle as of late and I wanted to give him more levels to play through as he already ground through all of the originals.  You can’t go wrong for 400 MS Points.  As you can see by the achievement above I have taken part in Peggle again as well.  Some good, clean fun to be had for certain.</p> <p><strong><u>Lara Croft GoL:</u></strong> The XBLA game that keeps on giving!  I made my way through 2 more levels last night and I still have a way to go.</p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/6x/8U/0ICLiGJhbC9HCxsFG1lTWUZFL2FjaC8wLzEzAAAAAOfn5-87H-c=.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>The Elusive Man</strong> <br />Break 5 tackles in a game with one player (no OTP)</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 25 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 20/8/2010</strong></p> <p><strong><u>Madden 11:</u></strong> Continued with my Franchise last night by hammering the J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!  I would like to complete at least one season before NHL 11 comes out in early September.</p> <p><strong><u>Halo Waypoint:</u></strong> I have to remember to keep an eye on this as the release of Halo Reach approaches.</p> <p><a href="http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-CA/games/media/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410889/?of=3">Peggle Nights</a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-24799282125872195732010-08-19T17:59:00.000-06:002010-08-19T18:00:05.174-06:00Introducing: Xtra Points<p>If you have been reading my blog over the last 5 years, you may have noticed I have struggled with consistency.  Mostly that is due to family and gaming obligations.  I have often wanted to be able to produce more, if for no other reason to keep things fresh on the page.  With the advent of twitter we are certainly getting used to bite-sized updates and comments that do not stop coming.  So every day or two I plan on dropping some <strong><em>Xtra Points</em></strong> of interest from my endeavours in gaming culture.  Now it does not mean i will no longer have larger features, it just means hopefully that there will be more content.  </p> <p><strong><u>Xtra Points: Featuring Lara Croft</u></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TG3FgnTTX9I/AAAAAAAAARs/_nUSShfRQT8/s1600-h/lara-croft%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lara-croft" border="0" alt="lara-croft" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/TG3FhNvc4mI/AAAAAAAAARw/3tRwPSwKwIw/lara-croft_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="257" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/Cl/kY/1YCLiGJhbC9NFQUXXFJRbjU5L2FjaC8wLzkAAAAA5+fn+jdZEQ==.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>Overachiever</strong> <br />Complete any level-specific Reward Challenge</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 15 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />  </strong><strong>Acquired 18/8/2010</strong></p> <p><strong>Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light: </strong>Very pleasantly surprised with this game!  The Summer of Arcade is now ever, and for me they saved the best for last.  Played for the better part of 3 hours last night and had lots of fun. I hope to have a more extensive feature on this soon.</p> <p><strong>Madden 11: </strong>Another August winner!  I played my first co-op game last night and hope to play many more.  Check out the attached video to see the game-winning touchdown!</p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 971px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:664aabe5-c9a6-4d40-8692-2e7500f066be" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="398" height="223" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyODIyNjE*Mjg5MjcmcHQ9MTI4MjI2MTQzNTcyOCZwPTk1MDcxJmQ9Jmc9MSZvPWYxODM3YTY1ZWJiYTRkODg4YjFl/OGFhZTRlZjA3ZTU3Jm9mPTA=.gif" /><object width="398" height="223"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" valuetype="data" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/194.20.4/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf?file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2011/madden11/140903/552A0001_3_FLV_VIDEO_xLw.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/30974987&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_topℑ=" valuetype="data" /><embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/194.20.4/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="398" height="223" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=223&width=398&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2011/madden11/140903/552A0001_3_FLV_VIDEO_xLw.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/30974987&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_top&image="></embed></object><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.easports.com/" target="_top" shape="rect">EA Sports</a>: <a href="http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/30974987" target="_top" shape="rect">Madden NFL 11 Video Highlight</a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p><strong>Left 4 Dead 2:  </strong>Need 1 more mutation to earn the MUTANT OVERLORD achievement.</p> <p><a href="http://www.laracroftandtheguardianoflight.com/">Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light</a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>- <a href="https://twitter.com/superghost">@superghost</a></p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-55902880319029593702010-05-24T09:27:00.000-06:002010-05-24T09:30:50.083-06:00Halo Highlight Reel: Reach Beta Post-Mortem<p><strong><em>The beginning of the beginning of the end!</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S_qboflPeCI/AAAAAAAAARY/URpTaxdBhZY/s1600-h/GoodnightBeta4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Goodnight Beta" border="0" alt="Goodnight Beta" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S_qboy7U9xI/AAAAAAAAARc/8Ogwb4Fbc1U/GoodnightBeta_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="244" /></a>It is almost hard to believe after all the months of waiting in anticipation for the Halo Reach multiplayer beta, that the beta is all but a distant memory.  In my travels the prevailing sentiments over the beta have been mixed.  While many of the gamers were impressed with the great new modes and armour abilities, others ere taken back by the lack of polish on the visuals and some of the way the game was playing.  Fortunately the issues that most gamers’ had could be chalked up to the beta state of the game.   There are still a lot of coats of paint to go on the final product, in fact I recently read on <a href="http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_052110">Bungie.net</a> that the blandest of all the maps, Sword Base, is well into receiving its overhaul and will look quite different in the final product.</p> <p>The main thing that I took away from the beta is that Halo Reach is still Halo, but is Halo ++, Halo on steroids, it had made the game exactly the same yet completely different at the same time.  I know that this will come off sounding weird, but long time Halo gamers will understand what I am talking about.  When Bungie built the first Halo, they came up with the ultimate console FPS.  With each iteration they have always left the core gameplay intact but have kept tweaking the formula.  The guns, ‘nades, and melee combination is still there, but now with the inclusion of armour abilities and a host of new weapons the gameplay is more varied than ever!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S_qbpcPzpQI/AAAAAAAAARg/I8ueZSP8Ntw/s1600-h/MyOddball9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="My Oddball" border="0" alt="My Oddball" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S_qbp2AbELI/AAAAAAAAARk/itoSH_zR2tk/MyOddball_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="244" /></a> I could go into a deep analysis of what Halo Reach had to offer as far as modes and the back-end had to offer, but that would take up a serious amount of page real estate. Instead I thought I would highlight and briefly describe my favourite components of the Halo Reach beta:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Level Up</strong>: Persistent character creation and modification has arrived to Halo and much like it has in other shooters.  We just had but a taste in the beta. </li> <li><strong>Cool New Game Types and Modes</strong>: Arena, Invasion, Headhunter, and Stockpile were the highlights of the beta for me.  It is nice to have some fresh game modes to add to the already legendary library of Halo game types </li> <li><strong>Armour Abilities</strong>: Running, flying, sneaking, and shielding are all cool new additions to the game, and your choices effect how you approach each match and situations within each match. </li> <li><strong>File Share</strong>: While not new to Halo, I really explored this feature in the beta. </li> </ul> <div style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:517eda53-9010-4e93-89b4-2bdfd4f013b3" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="87d238f9-41ac-4b7b-bcd1-6256c2109bd1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUK5rqeK0c4&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S_qbqY_dVMI/AAAAAAAAARo/XcHYkJyEnJA/videod80811b59abf%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('87d238f9-41ac-4b7b-bcd1-6256c2109bd1'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/zUK5rqeK0c4&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/zUK5rqeK0c4&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="clear:both;font-size:.8em;">Halo Reach Invasion Mode: Closing Moments</div></div> <p>Now that the beta is over and Bungie prepares for its recently announced September 14 release date there is still much to be revealed regarding the single player as well as the multiplayer.  I believe we have only scratched the surface of what Halo Reach has to offer.  I remember looking back post Halo 3’s release and thinking what a complete package that game was.  Reach will have the feature set of Halo 3 plus all off the newly announced features, and perhaps we will even see Firefight make it over from ODST.  June’s E3 will reveal that much more for us, and I can hardly wait.</p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-81171719198942395152010-05-15T09:53:00.000-06:002010-05-15T09:54:29.550-06:00Re-Emerged Into Gears of War 2<p><strong><em>It is good to chainsaw together!</em></strong> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqton9Ubmnr9FVyZ7b8xQ5-aDZBi5XQI11c1ZzgGHzjwi8Q92G8BgyL-s0YWr3dj1wEndL0GxmDxSp9qa3VDH11Zzd0Vj1RCTiIMsiveiGQPgMmV2jtOesrCTeGnEKHs4uCZtkaIXQMY/s1600-h/HordeFight%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="HordeFight" border="0" alt="HordeFight" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S-7DsRh86vI/AAAAAAAAARM/smP9YribfZM/HordeFight_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="228" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/sw/eL/1ICLiGJhbC9FDht0GltTWTJEL2FjaC8wLzQxAAAAAOfn5-ukB68=.jpg" width="74" height="74" /></p> <p><strong>Battle-Tested Gear</strong> <br />Reached level 25 in multiplayer</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 30 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />  </strong><strong>Acquired 11/5/2010</strong></p> <p>I have had a passion for Gears of War since the earliest days of its announcement.  In fact if you dig way back into my personal blog archives you can find some Gears dedicated blogs that I posted, in particular, focusing on the Locust and what they may be like when we finally got our hands on the game.  All the information I had on Gears at that time was taken from interviews with Cliff Bleszinski or from an online scan of Destroyed Beauty, an art book of sorts introducing people to the Gears universe.  I played the life out of the first Gears, playing through the campaign several times and many, many hours of multiplayer as well.</p> <p>Next we had Gears of War 2, and like Cliff said, it was bigger, badder, and more badass.  The launch of Gears 2 even had me standing out in the cold Saskatchewan winter awaiting its midnight release.  I took to the game straight away, ripping through the campaign, and loving the new Horde mode as well as all the multiplayer improvements, but one day I just stopped playing.  I can’t really pin down why, I think other games just stepped up and I never looked back.  Fortunately for me I have some friends who were dedicated, day in and day out, Gears of War 2 multiplayer players.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S-7Dshp5xEI/AAAAAAAAARQ/NacXXreTvrc/s1600-h/Canals%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Canals" border="0" alt="Canals" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S-7DtL5Z9FI/AAAAAAAAARU/wkACJTaZY_Q/Canals_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="225" /></a>Recently I decide to take up my friends invitation to return for some matchmaking.  It was a rough start.  What skills I may of possessed before had severely atrophied, that and the fact that everyone else had their skills finally tuned making game after game a quick march to death for myself.  So why would I continue taking this punishment?  Usually repeated spankings drive me running for cover in game-land.  What kept me in the game was the lure of the achievements.  I had scanned which achievements I could relatively earn quite easily, there were quite a few just within reach.  So I took my punishment and earned some achievements, but along the way I started to get my Gears legs back again, then I started to run, then I started frag some fools!</p> <p>So even in the face of the Halo: Reach beta, which I have putting most of my gaming energy into, I have been finding myself wanting to put in some Gears multiplayer each day.  I still have some attainable achievements to earn and I am having some fun in the process. The recent announcement of Gears of War 3 has only driven me closer to Gears.  I expect to be playing a fair amount of Gears 2 before its launch so when the last chapter arrives, I will be ready with Lancer in hand!</p> <p><a href="http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/Default.htm">Gears of War - Official Site</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-56466083449550332082010-03-28T18:27:00.001-06:002010-03-28T18:27:32.899-06:00SG’s Arcade: My Game Room Launch in Review<p><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Insert Quarter</strong></em><em><strong> to Continue!</strong></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zSsbKJ6I/AAAAAAAAAQg/zaixCZI_nMo/s1600-h/Game-Room%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Game-Room" border="0" alt="Game-Room" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zTI8MgDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/sSy8dCxwUP4/Game-Room_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="223" /></a> I managed to circumvent the initial hurdles that Xbox LIVE had thrown at me (inability to load Game Room, server connection issues) on day-one and get into the thick of the Game Room experience.</p> <p>My initial impressions of the Game Room are extremely positive.  The other evening I garnered the ‘4 Hour’ achievement for time spent playing games in the arcade.  I have also won my first challenge!  Game Room really takes me back to my gaming roots, I look forward to see what other great games are coming down the pipeline in the next several weeks so that I can relieve other great moments from my youth as well as discover those games that eluded me.</p> <p>As for the initial batch of games I added 4 to my arcade (after all, what is an arcade without games).  I actually have been very pleased with my initial purchases. Here is a quick rundown of my purchases, year released, weapon of choice (controller preference), my high-score, and a twitter-sized impression.  Enjoy:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zTSZ3diI/AAAAAAAAAQo/0U2ptOxukRk/s1600-h/icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe" border="0" alt="icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zT2be1gI/AAAAAAAAAQs/TOqcRorszzQ/icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="145" height="171" /></a><strong>Game:</strong>  Asteroids Deluxe (Atari)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1980</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Arcade Stick</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> 23,560</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #AsteroidsDeluxe: Reflexes will be tested! Fast paced shooter w/ enemies galore! Use your shield to advance! Best #GameRoom Day1 purchase!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zUMvjMWI/AAAAAAAAAQw/0j6H0v2pOsA/s1600-h/icn_arc_gravitar%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_arc_gravitar" border="0" alt="icn_arc_gravitar" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zUYeJpPI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ayeKbUsHNpM/icn_arc_gravitar_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="171" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Game:</strong>  Gravitar (Atari)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1982</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Arcade Stick</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> 14,050</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #Gravitar: Most excited to purchase #GameRoom. Great concept, difficulty spikes quickly! Much practice time required to advance! </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zU6ohMOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/4MaDY3jmZXA/s1600-h/icn_arc_tempest%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_arc_tempest" border="0" alt="icn_arc_tempest" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zVBZNMNI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/MKqitpI4jkM/icn_arc_tempest_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="171" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Game:</strong>  Tempest (Atari)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1980</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Xbox 360 Controller; D-Pad / Analog split</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> 26,611</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #Tempest: Always been curious about game. Was better once I discovered #SmartBomb. #QtrMuncher! Surprised how much I like this one #GameRoom</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zVm7GCiI/AAAAAAAAARA/6oic8_q3Ekc/s1600-h/icn_int_skiing%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_int_skiing" border="0" alt="icn_int_skiing" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zVyTRRgI/AAAAAAAAARE/71RDztuIGEg/icn_int_skiing_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="171" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Game:</strong>  Mountain Madness Super Pro Skiing (Intellivision)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1988</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Xbox 360 Controller; D-Pad</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> N/A</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #MountainMadnessSkiing: Good old-skool skiing game. Menu is clunky but once on slopes it is fun! Don’t get sideways out there! #GameRoom</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/splash/g/gameroomxbla/#">Game Room</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-76449879159344188642010-03-28T18:21:00.000-06:002010-03-28T18:24:56.628-06:00SG’s Arcade: My Game Room Launch in Review<p><em><strong>Insert Quarter to Continue!</strong></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zSsbKJ6I/AAAAAAAAAQg/zaixCZI_nMo/s1600-h/Game-Room%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Game-Room" border="0" alt="Game-Room" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zTI8MgDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/sSy8dCxwUP4/Game-Room_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="223" /></a> I managed to circumvent the initial hurdles that Xbox LIVE had thrown at me (inability to load Game Room, server connection issues) on day-one and get into the thick of the Game Room experience.</p> <p>My initial impressions of the Game Room are extremely positive.  The other evening I garnered the ‘4 Hour’ achievement for time spent playing games in the arcade.  I have also won my first challenge!  Game Room really takes me back to my gaming roots, I look forward to see what other great games are coming down the pipeline in the next several weeks so that I can relieve other great moments from my youth as well as discover those games that eluded me.</p> <p>As for the initial batch of games I added 4 to my arcade (after all, what is an arcade without games).  I actually have been very pleased with my initial purchases. Here is a quick rundown of my purchases, year released, weapon of choice (controller preference), my high-score, and a twitter-sized impression.  Enjoy:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zTSZ3diI/AAAAAAAAAQo/0U2ptOxukRk/s1600-h/icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe" border="0" alt="icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zT2be1gI/AAAAAAAAAQs/TOqcRorszzQ/icn_arc_asteroidsdeluxe_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="145" height="171" /></a><strong>Game:</strong>  Asteroids Deluxe (Atari)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1980</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Arcade Stick</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> 23,560</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #AsteroidsDeluxe: Reflexes will be tested! Fast paced shooter w/ enemies galore! Use your shield to advance! Best #GameRoom Day1 purchase!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zUMvjMWI/AAAAAAAAAQw/0j6H0v2pOsA/s1600-h/icn_arc_gravitar%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_arc_gravitar" border="0" alt="icn_arc_gravitar" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zUYeJpPI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ayeKbUsHNpM/icn_arc_gravitar_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="171" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Game:</strong>  Gravitar (Atari)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1982</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Arcade Stick</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> 14,050</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #Gravitar: Most excited to purchase #GameRoom. Great concept, difficulty spikes quickly! Much practice time required to advance! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zU6ohMOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/4MaDY3jmZXA/s1600-h/icn_arc_tempest%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_arc_tempest" border="0" alt="icn_arc_tempest" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zVBZNMNI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/MKqitpI4jkM/icn_arc_tempest_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="171" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Game:</strong>  Tempest (Atari)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1980</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Xbox 360 Controller; D-Pad / Analog split</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> 26,611</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #Tempest: Always been curious about game. Was better once I discovered #SmartBomb. #QtrMuncher! Surprised how much I like this one #GameRoom</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zVm7GCiI/AAAAAAAAARA/6oic8_q3Ekc/s1600-h/icn_int_skiing%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="icn_int_skiing" border="0" alt="icn_int_skiing" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6_zVyTRRgI/AAAAAAAAARE/71RDztuIGEg/icn_int_skiing_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="171" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Game:</strong>  Mountain Madness Super Pro Skiing (Intellivision)</p> <p><strong>Released:</strong> 1988</p> <p><strong>Weapon of Choice:</strong> Xbox 360 Controller; D-Pad</p> <p><strong>Hi-Score:</strong> N/A</p> <p><strong>TwitteReview:</strong> #MountainMadnessSkiing: Good old-skool skiing game. Menu is clunky but once on slopes it is fun! Don’t get sideways out there! #GameRoom</p> <p><a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/splash/g/gameroomxbla/#">Game Room</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-4156779528811384882010-03-26T10:46:00.000-06:002010-03-26T10:47:21.664-06:00Mission Accomplished: Left 4 Dead 2<p><strong><em>The Greatest Game I Never Play…</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6zlFiN8_bI/AAAAAAAAAQY/bEgB1sLKZ7Q/s1600-h/left4dead2%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="left4dead2" border="0" alt="left4dead2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6zlGA9hoqI/AAAAAAAAAQc/LI55stp4ytE/left4dead2_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="264" /></a></em></strong></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/0l/WI/04CLiGJhbC9NDBsFG1lTWUQ0L2FjaC8wLzY5AAAAAOfn5-ynVc4=.jpg" width="73" height="73" /></p> <p><strong>BRIDGE BURNER</strong> <br />Survive the Parish campaign.</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 20 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />  </strong><strong>Acquired 21/3/2010</strong></p> <p>This achievement came way too long after the fact.  I remember prior to Left 4 Dead 2’s release that I had proclaimed in my head that this was the game I was most excited to play over the Christmas season.  As it turned out games like Forza Motorsport 3, Borderlands, and Modern Warfare 2 took hold of me in a serious way, leaving Left 4 Dead 2 left behind.</p> <p>In the months between its release and now I have hipped away at it with a few play sessions, some being more successful than others, but until this past week I had never even seen the Parish campaign.  So I gathered up my brother and decided that enough was enough and I was going to see this level through.</p> <p>And I did see the game through, but my adventure is not over.  It was recently announced that this game along with the original Left 4 Dead will be expanded and storylines intertwined as The Passing downloadable chapters are added to the L4D epic.  The Passing will arrive before Summer and will carry with it a serious shifting of gears as one of the survivors…will not survive! </p> <p>I look forward to see how The Passing handles the story integration as well as the death of a survivor.  For me, this really meshes the zombie movie with the zombie video game.  If you have ever seen a zombie flick you know one thing…that Nobody Survives Forever!</p> <p><a href="http://www.l4d.com/home.html">Left 4 Dead 2 - HOME</a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-15444089515679860292010-03-23T20:51:00.000-06:002010-03-23T20:52:56.095-06:00SG’s Arcade: Enter the Game Room<p><strong><em>Take a Trip Back to Gaming’s Golden Age!</em></strong> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6l-gaCCSRI/AAAAAAAAAQI/63iyAQir2rE/s1600-h/Xbox-Game-Room-Debut%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Xbox-Game-Room-Debut" border="0" alt="Xbox-Game-Room-Debut" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6l-g4OuT3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/ij97RcF2oBU/Xbox-Game-Room-Debut_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="145" /></a> Being a child of the 70s and 80s I had fond memories of arcades and the early video game console scene.  I think that is one of the main reasons I am very excited for the Xbox 360 launch of Game Room tomorrow.</p> <p>Growing up in a rural environment my visits to arcades and opportunities to play video or pinball games were few and far between.  Each time that I had an opportunity and a spare quarter (which when you are a kid can be sparingly at best) I could be found plugging it into some arcade cabinet and getting minutes or (and depending the game) seconds of satisfaction!  I cherished these moments, often going to extreme measures and great distances to even have a moment to cherish, but these early days of gaming formed my love of gaming that is stronger than ever over thirty years after the fact.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6l-hdq9NuI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ryhEIbri0Io/s1600-h/xbox-game-room%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="xbox-game-room" border="0" alt="xbox-game-room" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S6l-h1pfnDI/AAAAAAAAAQU/k62YXpKz094/xbox-game-room_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="147" /></a>So the games of my yesteryear will be front and foremost with Microsoft’s newest gaming platform, the Game Room.  I am excited to once again experience favourites from my past, or to try games that I always wanted to for the first time.  Some gamers and pundits have been sour on this initiative saying that it is too expensive for old games.  I say the present 240 point per game price tag is very acceptable for a game experience, considering the additional work and features that they have built around these games.</p> <p>Tomorrow after work you will find me hanging out in SUPERGHOST’s arcade.  While it may not be overly impressive day one, you can expect it to be the place to be as time goes on.  Make sure your joystick wrist is in good shape because the challenges for old school gaming supremacy starts tomorrow!  You can put your initials on that!</p> <p><a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-CA/Games/g/gameroomxbla/">Xbox.com | Game Room - Game Detail Page</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-54437628413270375112010-03-14T17:16:00.000-06:002010-03-14T17:27:57.101-06:00Rolling Start: Nascar Knights and Blur Beta Impressions<p><strong><em>Nights of Thunder!</em></strong></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Nascar_Knight" border="0" alt="Nascar_Knight" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S51w9K0GluI/AAAAAAAAAP4/7DL5kvYnD_8/Nascar_Knight%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="255" /><strong>Rubbin’ is Racin’:</strong> Late Wednesday evening I mentioned to my friend <a href="http://live.xbox.com/en-CA/profile/profile.aspx?pp=0&GamerTag=TormentX">TormentX</a> that we needed to have a Nascar racing night.  A night where we would purchase a stock car body from the store in Forza Motorsport 3 and then purchase somebody’s design from the game’s Storefront.  Torment did one better and suggested that we design our own Nascar-themed paint-jobs and bring them to the race.  I thought that was an excellent idea, so the race was on!</p> <p>We went on to spend the next couple of hours designing our own cars.  My design can be seen above and is also currently available through my in-game <a href="http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/profile/default.htm?gamertag=superghost">Storefront</a>.  So after the designs were done myself and three friends took to the game’s ovals to attempt to recreate the Stock Car experience.  To make it in some ways more authentic and in others more forgiving I forced the view to in-car only, but left the damage as cosmetic. </p> <p>The races were what you would expect, left turns, drafting, a little bit of paint traded, but all in all it was a lot of fun!  What is cool about Forza Motorsport 3 is that the game is very flexible, especially in the multiplayer department.  There you can create your own fun my making races with rules that don’t just end with the fastest lap times.  Feeling creative? Well you can paint your car, take photos, or make <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/THEOBRIXTON">videos</a> that detail your experience.  I am hoping to once again have a Nascar Knight, and next time I hope to have a full field of competitors.  Do you have what it takes?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S51w-NhJGxI/AAAAAAAAAP8/oys8BDl8DIU/s1600-h/blur_screenshot_04%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="blur_screenshot_04" border="0" alt="blur_screenshot_04" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S51w-j6QoeI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Q1TK18rq99M/blur_screenshot_04_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="248" /></a><strong>Blur Beta Impressions:</strong> Speaking of full fields, <a href="http://www.blurgame.com/home">Blur</a> is at its best when a full field of twenty (that is right, TWENTY) cars take to the track where rubbin’ is not only racin’, it is a necessity!  I didn’t mean to jump into an impression without a more sound lead up, but that full-field transition was just to perfect.</p> <p>Blur for me started as a bit of a slow burn.  My initial impressions were not the most favourable.  Coming from Bizarre Creations most recent racers, Project Gotham Racing 3 and 4, I had more of an expectation regarding the cars handling in the game.  But once I started to earn better cars and get my head wrapped around the ‘Kart-Racing’ mentality things started to come around for me.</p> <p>Yesterday I had my most extensive runs with the beta and was very pleased with how things went.  What is tough that early on you may have the underpowered cars that make the experience fairly rocky, but as you build in-game ‘fans’ you will unlock better cars and mods that allow you to compete or excel (it is up to you).  But even in losing the game can be wildly fun.  As I  mentioned earlier, a field of 20 cars all frenzied for crumpled metal creates a gaming atmosphere quite like no other.</p> <p>So my advice for you regarding this beta if you find yourself with an opportunity to play it, give it some time, level-up, and if possible, gather some friends up to play.  The beta has literally taken me from curious about, to not buying, to must buy.  While the visuals are not stunning, the player count is, that with twitter intigration it looks like Bizarre Creations may have their grove back!</p> <p><a href="http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/game/gallery/detail/default.htm?photoid=3372938"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mines_GTR_Tyre" border="0" alt="Mines_GTR_Tyre" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S51w_DS3TYI/AAAAAAAAAQE/GJPlfJyjDiY/Mines_GTR_Tyre%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="249" /></a></p> <p>That is all for this edition of Rolling Start.  Hope to see you on the track or in the comments section.  Until next time, don’t let off the accelerator!</p> <p><a href="http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/default.htm">Home Page | Forza Motorsport</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-65563239318528461342010-03-07T15:36:00.000-06:002010-03-07T15:39:42.091-06:00Rolling Start: Forza 3 Drifting and Blur Beta<p>Much like I have expanded my Zombie Action News blog into the Survival Horror genre with ‘Scare Tactics’, I am now pushing my video game racing blog posts beyond Forza and into other racers.   ‘Rolling Start’ is now my catch-all video game racing blog post that will appear when I have some racing game news or stories I would like to share.   In this, my first edition, I will recount my success on obtaining a certain drift achievement in Forza Motorsport 3, my impending Blur beta key, and a little introduction on one of my new favourite Zune Marketplace TV shows.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S5QdDqye1JI/AAAAAAAAAPY/yiqeW3rdJ8w/s1600-h/Drift100K%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Drift100K" border="0" alt="Drift100K" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S5QdEf8q-5I/AAAAAAAAAPc/eOqvQKefGWc/Drift100K_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="242" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/jX/AM/0ICLiGJhbC8xFQRrXVBRFzREL2FjaC8wL0UAAAAA5+fn-yNwlg==.jpg" width="70" height="70" /></p> <p><strong>Drift Lap</strong> <br />Earn over 100,000 points in a single lap.</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 5 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />   </strong><strong>Acquired 6/3/2010</strong></p> <p><strong>Achievement Unlocked – Drift Lap:  </strong>I had previously made several attempts to gain this achievement to no avail.  I did have a feeling though that my Ford Focus RS would be the car to take me there.  The only thing was that I did not think that this front-wheel drive car had the hp to make my drifts score high enough to get the total of 100,000 points that I needed.</p> <p>So yesterday I decided that another attempt needed to be made, this time though I auto-tuned my car into the ‘B’ Class to give it the power it would need to keep those tires spinning after the fact.  My first lap was somewhat of a failure, only garnering me 87,000 points, but it did allow me the practice I needed to get the feel for the new upgrades I applied to the car.  So next up was lap 2, and I was not going to be denied.</p> <p>Right from the get go I could feel that with each corner I was producing more points.  At the half-way point I was already at 50,000 with nothing but down hill in front of me.  The picture above was taken near the end of my run, but I almost got ahead of myself as I was able to produce just enough points to get the achievement.  I have only a handful of achievements yet to earn in Forza 3, all surrounding the season mode.  So I hope to earn the rest over the next few months. Stay tuned for that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S5QdE5Qy_bI/AAAAAAAAAPg/Feg4uFOp66I/s1600-h/blur_screenshot_09%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="blur_screenshot_09" border="0" alt="blur_screenshot_09" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S5QdFachYpI/AAAAAAAAAPk/N7CJZup7HxY/blur_screenshot_09_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="234" /></a><strong>A Bizarre Turn of Events:</strong>   I thought I had sworn off <a href="http://www.bizarrecreations.com/">Bizarre Creations</a>.  I have been a staunch supporter of their brand since the days of Metropolis Street Racer on the Sega Dreamcast until the release PGR4 a couple of years back.  When BC was picked up by Activision, lost the PGR brand, and then was off to make a ‘Mario Kart’ style of racer, I figured they had jumped the shark so to speak, and I would move onto bigger and better things.</p> <p>Sometimes for me my interest can turn on a dime, and with the recent buzz about the Blur beta, I suddenly have found myself back on the BC train!  At present I am waiting for my code to enter into the beta (thanks to twitter-friend <a href="https://twitter.com/thewesker">@thewesker</a>).  I actually once again find myself excited for an arcade racer.  I know if anyone can pull this off it is the team at BC.  And with features like twitter integration, challenges, and massive multiplayer racing, it is no wonder Blur has my attention.  Stay tuned for some of my Blur impressions in an upcoming post.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S5QdF6KTcoI/AAAAAAAAAPo/haK02BvHz9o/s1600-h/480-topgear%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="480-topgear" border="0" alt="480-topgear" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S5QdGLyWxFI/AAAAAAAAAPs/PpFLooQCYzg/480-topgear_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="264" /></a><strong>Top Show, Top Gear:</strong>   My brother introduced me to this show and I now I am a die-hard fan!  If you like cars and like being entertained you will love Top Gear.  Heck, I wager that even if you did not like cars you would still love it (I made my wife watch…she loved it).  It is hard to explain why it is so good, I just recommend that you go to your <a href="http://social.zune.net/tv/series/Top-Gear/e2d60e08-30d1-4dcc-9212-0f823a3fbf72">Zune Marketplace</a> and download an episode and see for yourself.  Even the culture barrier is shattered as both North Americans and Europeans will find common ground and common laughs during an episode.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfv1PpHu1ZvpgQ_9J8EkxzJWZarRyHHPTqUmdSlhYixIp_q1i3ThxxFIH80lUzTWrecsvGPMWcxBVNBKf-zU-_boCYnZTUlDB2_Bj9UGVW2cQWgqDJrO-_53ocGn65120FxzB5h-YGUE/s1600-h/Abarth_500%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Abarth_500" border="0" alt="Abarth_500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu-ttltgrKW_IppiWEXM7B5bLn7o6bibdJaqXh0YTJ7QyYCabz-udKYaA9oP-ZUlyn0hwH6v6xG0CTxnojUf0CTV4tb9kbgtQAMsITeFBBT6bQtdUauvNswpooRBhp_24vbQ5YIYve_Q/?imgmax=800" width="414" height="236" /></a>And that is all for now.  Be sure to check in on my <strong>Storefront</strong> in Forza Motorsport 3 (Gamertag SUPERGHOST of course).  While there please be sure to view and rate my photos as well as do a little shopping.  Check out my latest creation above for my 2010 FIAT Abarth 500 esseesse.  Get it while it is hot! On the web, check out my <a href="http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/profile/default.htm?gamertag=superghost"><strong>Profile Page</strong></a> at forzamotorsport.net.  Until next time, don’t let off the accelerator!</p> <p><a href="http://www.forzamotorsport.net/en-us/default.htm">Home Page | Forza Motorsport</a></p> <p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/superghost">@superghost</a></p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-65454358257115405872010-02-27T13:28:00.000-06:002010-02-27T13:31:03.425-06:00Scare Tactics - Episode #2: Featuring Deadly Premonition<p><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>It Wasn’t Wrapped in Plastic</em></strong> </p> <p>Part of being scared certainly is the ‘surprise’ factor.  Episode Two of Scare Tactics is what I would consider a ‘surprise’ edition as that I did not know up until the last hour that I would be writing this post.  This edition looks at two budget conscious and curious additions of survival-horror games to my Xbox 360, Ignition Entertainment’s Deadly Premonition and Atari’s Alone in the Dark.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S4ly615Dq4I/AAAAAAAAAPA/kA80U5vYFM4/s1600-h/deadly-premonition-announced-x360%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="deadly-premonition-announced-x360" border="0" alt="deadly-premonition-announced-x360" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S4ly7FGkvaI/AAAAAAAAAPE/KcaFK0jnZEM/deadly-premonition-announced-x360_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="220" /></a><strong>Did Not See Deadly Premonition Coming:</strong> I follow former 1UP.com ‘man –god’ and current Director of Business Development at Ignition Entertainment, Shane Bettenhausen, via his <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWatch">twitter feed</a> as I do many other industry types.  I did see several mentions of Deadly Premonition, but sometimes I skim the feed so quickly I do not get all the detail I need.  So when I saw Shane tweeting about this game I automatically assumed that it was another Wii game as I was under the impression that it was all they were doing.</p> <p>Last night my brother joined my Xbox LIVE party late at night and started raving about this new game, Deadly Premonition.  Using key descriptors like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Peaks">Twin Peaks</a>-like, open-world, survival-horror, and most importantly, $25 price tag, I was quickly sold on this game and knew I had to have it!  Now that I was sold on acquiring this game my next hurdle would be to actually find this game in stores.  Knowing how GameStop/EB operates, I knew this game would be short-ordered, with perhaps one or two copies to be made available per store.  But if I have been in the dark about this game, more than most would be as well.  So this morning my search ended as quickly as it began, I snagged the last copy of this niche title from my local EB Games.</p> <p>Now that I have it, I look forward to playing it.  I am going to go into it cold, not reading any previews or reviews to cloud my judgement.  All I have to go on is the brief description given by my brother and the back of the game’s box which I am looking at right now.  It certainly looks and sounds to be very interesting.  The one glaring negative that was expressed to me by my brother was that the game’s graphics lacks much to be desired.  But recent plays and purchases of <a href="http://www.bitmob.com/articles/silent-hill-shattered-memories-you-are-always-on-my-mind">Silent Hill: Shattered Memories</a> and Silent Hill Origins has already prepped me for less than perfect graphical fidelity.  So tonight I will journey to Greenvale to investigate the town’s deadly secrets.  Wish me luck!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZXpaDrJ2ugUl2RKguIK-guAaLmVYaVw0MDlMRM-duOfK57EWMUirDQwZIpK1XbVCog4_XzTvTuVLDHYzMNg9YRL-gPbtgoq_D0pwlJAUughc-hVimYgXGbxBCIn643svSUDKIVzNrRM/s1600-h/alone-in-the-dark-screenshot-ny-night%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="alone-in-the-dark-screenshot-ny-night" border="0" alt="alone-in-the-dark-screenshot-ny-night" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S4ly8XVNnxI/AAAAAAAAAPM/a7lQzvBJNzY/alone-in-the-dark-screenshot-ny-night_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="262" /></a><strong>Third Time ‘In The Dark’ is the Charm?:</strong> Another unusual pickup for me this week was the re-acquiring of Alone in the Dark for the Xbox 360.  I have had a long history with this game without actually ever playing it.  At first I had i pre-ordered and ready to go when I got scared off by poor reviews.  Now normally I don’t let reviewers dictate my gaming picks, but when money is tight and choices between games have to be made, Alone in the Dark was voted off my island.</p> <p>My next encounter with Alone in the Dark came when I purchased a discounted version of the game (complete with a AitD T-shirt) for $18.  I actually got as far as putting this disk into my console and dabbling for a few minutes, but that was as far as I would get.  It wasn’t meant to be as later traded the game off in a massive purge of my 360 collection.</p> <p>Finally, this week I was picking up some Microsoft points at my local EB when I saw AitD sitting on the shelf with a $4 price tag.  I will buy any Xbox 360 game for under $5, even if it is just for the possibility to acquire a nice game case.  So I once again have the game in my possession (as well as the game’s soundtrack which was included with the game), I am unsure when I will try to play it again, but since it was so cheap I am sure I will never trade it in, so it is with me for good.  I have always had an interest in the game.  Perhaps it would be a good warm-up for Remedy’s Alan Wake which is set to arrive this May.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S4ly9KNw2tI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/E3oA63TxLZ8/s1600-h/alan_wake_1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="alan_wake_1" border="0" alt="alan_wake_1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S4ly9aLIcdI/AAAAAAAAAPU/yszCoP2aOy0/alan_wake_1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="239" /></a>So in conclusion, it looks like al signs point to Alan Wake.  Like Deadly Premonition, Alan Wake has been compared to Twin Peaks.  As for Alone in the Dark, its episodic styling's and fire/light combat have oft drawn comparison to the upcoming Alan Wake.  Rest assured I will be focusing on Alan Wake as its release draws closer.  For now, just be sure to check under your bed and close the closet door before going to sleep!</p> <p><a href="http://www.deadlypremonition.com/">Deadly Premonition</a></p> <p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/superghost">@superghost</a></p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-40260168032774131962010-02-15T14:29:00.000-06:002010-02-15T14:34:38.066-06:00Scare Tactics - Episode #1: Featuring Silent Hill Origins<p><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>For Games That Go ‘Bump’ in the Night!</em></strong></p> <p>Previously in my blog I would post on Zombie games with ‘<a href="http://sghh.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!DF41DECD5EA81F34!5457.entry">Zombie Action News’</a>.  Since I have a strong interest in Horror-themed games I thought I would expand my scope beyond the Zombie menace and branch out into ‘Survival Horror’ games as well as others that will fit the into this genre.</p> <p>For as long as I can remember I have always been a fan of ‘scary’ games.  in the 90s we saw the rise of the ‘Survival Horror’ genre with the arrival of Resident Evil franchise.  Soon after we saw the sophistication of the genre with the more cerebral Silent Hill games.  Now many games and series of games have come, gone, or hung around in this space, but certainly Resident Evil and Silent Hill are the biggest names on this block.  For my first edition of ‘Scare Tactics’ I will some of my recent goings-on with each of these two franchises.  Stick around for some old news and personal perspectives on the survival of horror games if you dare:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S3mvn7IxwdI/AAAAAAAAAOs/qnES_Xumlio/s1600-h/lisaoriginsposter5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lisaoriginsposter" border="0" alt="lisaoriginsposter" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S3mvoMLAKZI/AAAAAAAAAOw/jABcCTWq_eE/lisaoriginsposter_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="313" /></a><strong>Origin of the Species:</strong> I recently posted about my adventures in <a href="http://sghh.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!DF41DECD5EA81F34!5596.entry">Silent Hill: Shattered Memories</a>, the most recent of Silent Hill titles.  I have had a strong desire, if I ever can find the time, to play through the entire catalogue of Silent Hill games.  Over the past several months I have been acquiring all the games, some of which I already had, some on eBay, others waiting for the price to be right.  Regarding Silent Hill Origins, I thought I would need to buy a PSP in order to play it, something this weekend I was strongly considering.  I liked the idea of having a portion of the series playable on the go (Silent Hill, Shattered memories, and Origins).</p> <p>On vacation this past weekend I was in a used game store in Calgary when I noticed Silent Hill Origins on the shelf for the PS2.  I have been so out of the loop regarding Playstation releases that I did not even realize the game arrived on the PS2 as well.  I picked it up and now I believe I have all of the core releases in the franchise.  The only thing with ‘Origins’ is that I know nothing about it.  I had heard in passing that the game is not particularly good.  I will be the first to admit that most Silent Hill games suffer from control issues.  Nevertheless, I am excited for this addition to my collection.  </p> <p>Here is a rundown of my Silent Hill collection along with the corresponding system that I have it on in order of its release.  Hopefully I can find the time to marathon these games in the near future:</p> <ul> <li>Silent Hill (PS1) </li> <li>Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams (Xbox) </li> <li>Silent Hill 3 (PS2) </li> <li>Silent Hill 4: The Room (Xbox) </li> <li>Silent Hill: Origins (PS2) </li> <li>Silent Hill: Homecoming (Xbox 360) </li> <li>Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (PS2) </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S3mvowq-cZI/AAAAAAAAAO0/pRBQrWFFRM4/s1600-h/resident-evil-5-alternative-edition-dlc%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="resident-evil-5-alternative-edition-dlc" border="0" alt="resident-evil-5-alternative-edition-dlc" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S3mvpULTkiI/AAAAAAAAAO4/hvhPdzZKYIE/resident-evil-5-alternative-edition-dlc_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="264" /></a><strong> Back to the Mansion:  </strong>The 2009 Tokyo Game Show gave word that new downloadable scenarios would be made available For Resident Evil 5 in early 2010. "Lost in Nightmares" is essentially the prologue to RE5 as you play the alluded to adventure of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine infiltrating the Spencer Estate in 2006 which clearly resembles the mansion from RE1.  The next episode, "Desperate Escape",  allows you to play as Josh Stone and Jill Valentine post Jill’s liberation as they race to assist Chris and Sheva in their quest.  We will also get to see for the first time in next-gen, Rebecca Chambers and Barry Burton, as they make their respective return to the series in the Mercenaries reunion.</p> <p>Personally I am looking forward to the “Lost in Nightmares” Chapter as I was very intrigued by that flashback in RE5.  Also, word on the street is that it plays like a next-gen version of the original mansion.  My favourite parts of the Resident Evil franchise take place in the original mansion and the streets of Racoon City in RE2 and RE3.  Like Silent Hill, I too would love to run the table of Resident Evil games, again time is the factor that most stands in my way.</p> <p>My core collection of Resident Evil games is complete along with one of the side games.  Here is a list of what I have:</p> <ul> <li>Resident Evil (Saturn and Nintendo DS) </li> <li>Resident Evil 2 (Dreamcast) </li> <li>Resident Evil 3 (Dreamcast) </li> <li>Resident Evil: Code Veronica (Dreamcast) Code Veronica X (PS2) </li> <li>Resident Evil: Outbreak (PS2) </li> <li>Resident Evil 4 (PS2) </li> <li>Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360) </li> </ul> <p>The completes my first edition of Scare Tactics.  In the next instalment I plan on getting up to speed with Dead Rising 2, BioShock 2, and Alan Wake. Until then make sure to check under your bed and close the closet door before going to sleep!</p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-23136464663335264962010-02-03T18:43:00.001-06:002010-02-03T18:46:57.845-06:00Massively Effective: Mass Effect 2 and the Cerberus Network<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S2oYdASlgRI/AAAAAAAAAOc/TTTfRPtVS1s/s1600-h/me2sheppard%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="me2sheppard" border="0" alt="me2sheppard" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S2oYdnaattI/AAAAAAAAAOg/kEFH44GoQtA/me2sheppard_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="255" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/Tm/aW/0ICLiGJhbC9GFQQaXFJRF0NFL2FjaC8wLzIAAAAA5+fn-7lmVQ==.jpg" width="69" height="69" /></p> <p><strong>Missing in Action</strong> <br />Save your crew from an overwhelming attack</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 5 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />  </strong><strong>Acquired 26/1/2010</strong></p> <p>One of the question I have about Mass Effect 2 is how they are going to keep it the game journalist minds 10 months down the road when ‘Game of the Year’ voting rears its ugly head.  I am only a dozen hours into the game, but you only really need to see the first hour of the game to acknowledge that Mass Effect 2 is not only heads and shoulders above its predecessor, but that it is one of the finest games of this generation.  By blending genres BioWare has created the unthinkable, a hardcore RPG that anyone can play.</p> <p>I could write thousands of words comparing the two Mass Effect games, the improvements and changes that were made, the graphics, the sound, everything that makes this package special.  What I think perhaps the most important change/addition to the new title is the inclusion of the in game news feed/DLC delivery system, the Cerberus Network.</p> <p>The Cerberus Network is very important in several ways.  Firstly it almost ensures that BioWare/EA will see money when a used copy of the game is purchased.  In order to enable the Cerberus Network you need to input a one-time use code that is included in every new copy of the game.  If you buy used you eill have to shell out 1,200 MS points to have access to this portal.  I am sure some gamers will find this upsetting, but developers are always looking for new ways to have gamers buy new copies of the game.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S2oYeKdLOaI/AAAAAAAAAOk/oaVQWdrfnwM/s1600-h/illusive_man-02-p%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="illusive_man-02-p" border="0" alt="illusive_man-02-p" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLpd9bIP618ce_jTZFYzR8cyoF5KUFOkZc9HpfhQcojp1BFuA9pAJ1X0BAVqwHoOzgSJoH3ImGHaRTrwyY_yVARqfg-w9v30zIXe759qks_4Ex-UzeDuV8_mr1S2fm6yMiuRqTWP2sQ4/?imgmax=800" width="448" height="255" /></a>Secondly, the Cerberus Network is the realization of a promise BioWare made prior to the release of Mass Effect 1.  Some years back we were told that new and interesting chapters of downloadable content will be made available for Mass Effect, bridging the gap between the sequels and keeping gamers engaged with the property.  We are all too aware of how that worked out.  In the years between games, BioWare was only able to squeeze out two content packs, one of which was more of a game mode that a add-on.  I have heard several reasons from project director Casey Hudson why that was the case, but that is the past, what is done is done.  The Cerberus Network has already added two DLC packs and promises much more in the future including vehicle missions.  The regularly updated news feed from around the Galaxy contributes to the games’ flavour.  These things will keep me checking back with the game over the following months.</p> <p>Mass Effect 2 is designed to keep us coming back for more.  With so many choices to be made and ways to play the game, plus the ability to port over the decisions from the first Mass Effect and take all that data beyond into Mass Effect 3, BioWare is creating an RPG dynasty the likes of which we have never seen.  It even has me wanting to once again go back into ME1 so that I can play both games all over again, and I am not even close to being done my first ME2 playthrough!  So when 2010 draws to a close I believe BioWare has set a stage so that we all will not forget ME2 when comes to choosing the Game of the Year.  In fact, we will probably be playing an all-new mission from the Cerberus Network.</p> <p><a href="http://masseffect.bioware.com/">BioWare | Mass Effect 2</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-57571532012525247932010-02-03T18:43:00.000-06:002010-02-03T18:44:43.305-06:00Massively Effective: Mass Effect 2 and the Cerberus Network<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S2oYdASlgRI/AAAAAAAAAOc/TTTfRPtVS1s/s1600-h/me2sheppard%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="me2sheppard" border="0" alt="me2sheppard" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S2oYdnaattI/AAAAAAAAAOg/kEFH44GoQtA/me2sheppard_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="255" /></a></p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://tiles.xbox.com/tiles/Tm/aW/0ICLiGJhbC9GFQQaXFJRF0NFL2FjaC8wLzIAAAAA5+fn-7lmVQ==.jpg" width="69" height="69" /></p> <p><strong>Missing in Action</strong> <br />Save your crew from an overwhelming attack</p> <p><strong>Gamerscore = 5 <img src="http://live.xbox.com/xweb/lib/images/G_Icon_External.gif" />  </strong><strong>Acquired 26/1/2010</strong></p> <p>One of the question I have about Mass Effect 2 is how they are going to keep it the game journalist minds 10 months down the road when ‘Game of the Year’ voting rears its ugly head.  I am only a dozen hours into the game, but you only really need to see the first hour of the game to acknowledge that Mass Effect 2 is not only heads and shoulders above its predecessor, but that it is one of the finest games of this generation.  By blending genres BioWare has created the unthinkable, a hardcore RPG that anyone can play.</p> <p>I could write thousands of words comparing the two Mass Effect games, the improvements and changes that were made, the graphics, the sound, everything that makes this package special.  What I think perhaps the most important change/addition to the new title is the inclusion of the in game news feed/DLC delivery system, the Cerberus Network.</p> <p>The Cerberus Network is very important in several ways.  Firstly it almost ensures that BioWare/EA will see money when a used copy of the game is purchased.  In order to enable the Cerberus Network you need to input a one-time use code that is included in every new copy of the game.  If you buy used you eill have to shell out 1,200 MS points to have access to this portal.  I am sure some gamers will find this upsetting, but developers are always looking for new ways to have gamers buy new copies of the game.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S2oYeKdLOaI/AAAAAAAAAOk/oaVQWdrfnwM/s1600-h/illusive_man-02-p%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="illusive_man-02-p" border="0" alt="illusive_man-02-p" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLpd9bIP618ce_jTZFYzR8cyoF5KUFOkZc9HpfhQcojp1BFuA9pAJ1X0BAVqwHoOzgSJoH3ImGHaRTrwyY_yVARqfg-w9v30zIXe759qks_4Ex-UzeDuV8_mr1S2fm6yMiuRqTWP2sQ4/?imgmax=800" width="448" height="255" /></a>Secondly, the Cerberus Network is the realization of a promise BioWare made prior to the release of Mass Effect 1.  Some years back we were told that new and interesting chapters of downloadable content will be made available for Mass Effect, bridging the gap between the sequels and keeping gamers engaged with the property.  We are all too aware of how that worked out.  In the years between games, BioWare was only able to squeeze out two content packs, one of which was more of a game mode that a add-on.  I have heard several reasons from project director Casey Hudson why that was the case, but that is the past, what is done is done.  The Cerberus Network has already added two DLC packs and promises much more in the future including vehicle missions.  The regularly updated news feed from around the Galaxy contributes to the games’ flavour.  These things will keep me checking back with the game over the following months.</p> <p>Mass Effect 2 is designed to keep us coming back for more.  With so many choices to be made and ways to play the game, plus the ability to port over the decisions from the first Mass Effect and take all that data beyond into Mass Effect 3, BioWare is creating an RPG dynasty the likes of which we have never seen.  It even has me wanting to once again go back into ME1 so that I can play both games all over again, and I am not even close to being done my first ME2 playthrough!  So when 2010 draws to a close I believe BioWare has set a stage so that we all will not forget ME2 when comes to choosing the Game of the Year.  In fact, we will probably be playing an all-new mission from the Cerberus Network.</p> <p><a href="http://masseffect.bioware.com/">BioWare | Mass Effect 2</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-35434192686911770272010-01-24T17:58:00.000-06:002010-01-24T18:48:47.142-06:00Silent Hill: You Are Always on My Mind…<p><strong><em>Not Your Father’s Silent Hill</em></strong> </p> <blockquote> <p>I have always made a point that the is blog was “All Xbox, All the Time” and I have stood behind that for nearly five years.  But in the realm of Silent Hill games, one of my favourite game franchises of all time, only three of the core six titles have appeared on the Xbox or Xbox 360.  So In my mind that is enough to consider Silent Hill as an Xbox franchise.  Having just played and been blown away by the PS2 version of Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, I feel compelled to discuss this game right here and right now.  So I hope you enjoy my take on Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. –SG</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S1zqZwu0C6I/AAAAAAAAAOE/5uKF5S0MTl4/s1600-h/shsm15.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="shsm1" border="0" alt="shsm1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdePv691gCRARSBTXtXOP7A48zEfQyE9NfVeTsOq0h9IBWea7Lxymk1N4yLNm62mmsc7QeuCmaXOCDrB-X6ELpUfSZbWI44k-sExdNMVyo9f2b0dNibgV1vkNdH0mny3hWMqxBUYxhNE/?imgmax=800" width="377" height="250" /></a>I had originally planed a grand write up for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, but when I try to go on I find I have to much to say, the completion of the game still to fresh in my mind.  So I am going to try and keep this simple on point.  I put my playing of Silent Hill: Homecoming on hold for a bit in favour of the fresh experience that Shattered Memories had promised.  I wasn’t expecting just how much a departure it would be from the Silent Hill games we have come to know and love , but it is a departure in all the right ways.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S1zqakjLYWI/AAAAAAAAAOM/ARpjhI5f-X0/s1600-h/shsm35.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="shsm3" border="0" alt="shsm3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S1zqa7jCahI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/h8LNStVnGuA/shsm3_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="244" /></a>Developer Climax streamlined the Silent Hill experience by replacing the tedious combat, item collection, and open-door hunt with a chase/escape mechanic, a cell phone/camera collection system, and a very straight forward world exploration which relies heavily on the story to propel you forward.  While some of these changes may seem counter to the core Silent Hill experience of the past, they are refreshing, allowing players to enjoy the Silent Hill universe in an entirely different way.  I personally liked the lack of combat.  Being a coward in real life, my first inclination would be to run for my life, just like you have to in this game.</p> <p>Two of the other big changes, the therapist sessions and the world shifting to ice rather than rust add significantly to the experience.  At first I didn’t think I would like the shift to the ice world, but in the context of the game it works very well.  Playing this game in the dead of winter just adds to my appreciation for it.  Your in-game session with the therapist creates a very unique twist to the game you play.  If you play through this part of the game honestly as ‘yourself’, you will be surprised how it impacts the game as well as the ending.  I was quite surprised with how personal the game’s ending was for me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S1zqbZEAGaI/AAAAAAAAAOU/rN9JpQ_7Xs0/s1600-h/shsm25.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="shsm2" border="0" alt="shsm2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/S1zqbnD3T8I/AAAAAAAAAOY/mzBi_Jq79iM/shsm2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="242" /></a>Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, as I have said before, is one of those rare games that just will not let you put it down.  You just want to see what is around the next corner.  This game also represents game music legend, Akira Yamaoka’s last work on the game series as he has since left Konami.  I don’t think Silent Hill games will be the same without him.  He has been there from the beginning and his signature haunting melodies have put the series on the map.</p> <p>Replayablity for me with this game may be an issue.  Now this game has all the different endings which Silent Hill games have traditionally had, but if you play this game true to yourself, it has that one-shot special feeling that I don’t think you could recapture on further playthroughs.  On the other hand I really want to play through it one more time because I now that I have seen the end I would like to see the game through with knowing eyes.</p> <p>In conclusion I would like to leave you with this thought.  Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is the most ‘real’ game in the series, more of a psychological thriller than a survival horror game. I will leave you with that. Enjoy your trip to Silent Hill!</p> <p><a href="http://www.konami.com/shsm/blog/">Silent Hill | Shattered Memories</a></p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-2568007363917382502009-10-22T14:41:00.001-06:002009-10-22T14:41:45.264-06:00Borderlands<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9Gsjjmam1JQ/SuDDh-tP46I/AAAAAAAAALo/g2aOb0HeGr0/s1600-h/max22%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="max22" border="0" alt="max22" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Gsjjmam1JQ/SuDDiAeZbmI/AAAAAAAAALs/izvaGXa6-z0/max22_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="200" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Wow I'm totally blown away by Borderlands. Here's a game I've been watching for a while now and wasn't sure what to expect. Yeah I knew that Id bee getting a cell shaded wasteland featuring coop play , but the game had some stiff competition it that category with Halo ODST being released a few weeks prior to it. </p> <p>As far as I'm concerned this game blows Halo ODST away in the coop department. Not that ODST was a bad game it just wasn't meant to be a coop game in my opinion, Borderlands was built from the ground up for coop and it shows. It also lends its self at being a great single player game to. </p> <p>The game is all about picking up loot. From weapons (tons of them) and shields, to boat loads of cash and rare items. This game does for me what I wish Too Human could have done and that's get me addicted to it. Borderlands also succeeds at being a great FPS and RPG all at the same time, a formula that doesn't always turn out to well. I guess there's something about the wasteland setting that makes these two genres work great together…think Fallout 3. </p> <p>So why should you buy a copy of Borderlands</p> <ol> <li>Its a First person Shooter</li> <li>Its also an RPG</li> <li>4 player online coop !</li> <li>Addictive as hell</li> <li>And a Gagillion Weapons !</li> </ol> <p><strong>-TX</strong></p> TormentXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861666451774109116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-13580919443128566692009-10-16T07:16:00.001-06:002009-10-16T07:16:14.878-06:00Be your own Lego developer !<p>Lego fanboy I may seem like but not really. Thing is  have 2 boys who love Lego's and love the video games even more.  Enter Lego Indiana Jones 2. The Lego games have always been great fun but one huge thing was missing from the games until now and that was a level creator. Checkout the video below and see what Indies new game has to offer. Now all they need to do is release a stand alone Lego creator game.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 480px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:dd6534d0-699f-4a6d-986a-961ae0968633" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><embed src="http://blip.tv/play/gpk2gafCfgI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></div></div> <p></p> <p> </p> <p>Source: <a href="http://kotaku.com/5382456/littlebigplanet-meets-lego-indiana-jones-2">Kotaku</a></p> <p><strong>-TX</strong></p> TormentXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861666451774109116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-92135183416285074662009-10-05T14:38:00.001-06:002009-10-05T14:38:34.802-06:00Introducing Lego: Left 4 Dead ! Not Really ….<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc-TTiFygF2ajPr19vs1ZlEhxdat3kj_8srq_8-6EWnLy7ddu4VhuGjqrELndy8WFDHvHEwQcGNCPgeWl6Ia3VzPeHevfM5TnKAPQnAYcpVubTIdwNmve0DIdL8AI-etYO1RJ0tLw/s1600-h/left_4_dead_03%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="left_4_dead_03" border="0" alt="left_4_dead_03" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Gsjjmam1JQ/SspZLSpeiGI/AAAAAAAAALc/UbpVn1pyIfY/left_4_dead_03_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="268" /></a> </p> <p>First lets thank whom ever it is that you pray to that there is no true a Lego:Left 4 Dead game because that would just be plain old silly. What's not silly is checking of pictures of your favorite game turned in Lego's. At <strong><a href="http://www.saber-scorpion.com/lego/">Saber-Scorpion’s Lair.com</a></strong> You can check out many more games turned into Lego's such Mass Effect, Half Life, Assassins Creed and many more …..</p> <p><strong>-TX</strong></p> TormentXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861666451774109116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-39177028450888970552009-09-29T17:18:00.001-06:002009-09-29T17:18:13.451-06:00Forza 3 Demo vs. Grand Turismo 5 Prologue<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Gsjjmam1JQ/SsKVsIrlAPI/AAAAAAAAALA/0bt-HL2Vgj0/s1600-h/200908032139%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="200908032139" border="0" alt="200908032139" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Gsjjmam1JQ/SsKVsuZwpkI/AAAAAAAAALE/5ROUqczC9sg/200908032139_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="145" height="207" /></a> The long awaited Forza 3 Demo had finally made its way to the XBL Marketplace 2 weeks ago and so far it really impresses. The Forza franchise is the number one racer when it comes to user created content and online play. Forza 3 looks to push the envelope even further this time around with a more stream lined marketplace for buying and selling user created vehicles that either have custom paints , tuned engines or even both ! </p> <p>The competition against Forza is slim right now. Games Like DiRT  2 and NFS Shift  offer fast and furious racing action but they do it in a more arcady sim fashion. The only other sim racer looking to go head to head with Forza is GT 5 and for now all we know is that wont be releasing till sometime in March in Japan and the U.S. shortly after.</p> <p>But while we still have to wait to play both games, we do have playable version of both games in a demo form of sorts. GT5 Prologue has been out for some time now and is basically a very small portion of the game wrapped up in a $30 package. And of course like I mentioned XBL just received the Forza 3 demo not to long ago. Id like to do a little comparison of the two “demos” based on graphics, gameplay and presentation.</p> <p>For starters Forza 3 is a beautiful game. The 60 fps, the lighting and the over all overhaul in graphics just makes this game some serious eye candy. GT5 Pro is just as pretty of a game and even edges Forza out a bit in this area. While both games have a great frame rate and lovely environments to race in GT5 has the better lighting effects and I think the in car cam is a bit better in GT5. Its still great in Forza but again its just edged out a bit that's all. The same could be said for the car models as well. Over all they are both breath taking to look at and worthy of showing off each consoles capabilities.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGSyPBzd8ZrjMt0MsavtCkyUhESYxQ3Tk9lSP5Ubz8K9F2VqFVhQBXP02-D994Bt7gECaJsp8bpTduEKveQDWhDRLmXWAQOy_od08NMTxXEjwph6S32BX1A6fJuOpiJOr0m_ChzKg/s1600-h/__Gran_Turismo_5_Prologue%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="__Gran_Turismo_5_Prologue" border="0" alt="__Gran_Turismo_5_Prologue" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Gsjjmam1JQ/SsKVtBBWnwI/AAAAAAAAALM/lPb8-yV34N4/__Gran_Turismo_5_Prologue_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="202" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I think when it comes to gameplay both games excel in the sim department as they should, but I feel Forza 3 not only handles the “sim” part of racing better, but also it allows new comers the chance to ease into the game. Forza 3 and GT5 both allow for customized driving difficulties with the option of turning driver assists on and off, but as of right now only Forza 3 allows for the player to have the auto brake feature that slows the car down with the proper braking to help keep you on the track and in the race.  The addition of the rewind feature will be loved by the hardcore player as well as the new comer. You screw up and just do it over again !</p> <p>I think the A.I. still and has always gone to the Forza franchise. The A.I. keeps true the real life style of racing for position as opposed to be programmed to stay  in a certain line like GT5. I felt that Forza 3 was heading in this direction a bit, but after some more time with the demo I've come to realize that the A.I. is a bit more aggressive then before , but still makes the moves it needs to win the race on its own.</p> <p>As far as production values and game presentation both games impress. I think that GT5 Prologue being in more of a game state gives it the upper hand here so I think Ill pass judgment till The full retail version of Forza 3 comes. The demo did show a much cleaner presentation, but again it wasn't much to go on.</p> <p>With both games landing and consoles soon I think gamers choosing one way or the other wont be disappointed. For me my I have to stay with what's made me happy over the past few years and that's Forza 3. Both games are going to demand a lot of time and energy just to play  so to have both would be setting ones self up for gaming fatigue. That being said I need to go pre-order my copy of Forza Motorsports 3. </p> <p><strong>-TX</strong></p> TormentXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861666451774109116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-64144721858160936552009-09-23T21:22:00.000-06:002009-09-23T22:33:49.005-06:00BioShocked! Where Has My Interest Gone?<p>In the Summer of 2007 (2008 for PS3 owners) gamers were treated to an incredible gaming experience, one which won the heart of gamers and critics alike, 2K Boston's Bioshock . Many of you I am sure were left with an indelible impression of wonder and excitement as a result of your exploration of the city of Rapture, its inhabitants, and the adventure of which you just partaken of. The game's environment set the mood and the story took you on a wild ride through the underwater city and, in the end, left one wanting more of Rapture. At least that is how I felt, and so with that I waited for word on an impending sequel.</p> <p>When a sequel was finally announced I was excited indeed and I followed the news for the upcoming game very closely, but a funny thing has happened to me on my path to the Sea of Dreams. I have noticed that recently my desired return to Rapture was not what it used to be, that it has waned significantly, almost to the point of myself giving a big shrug to the games recently (and finally) announced release date of February 9, 2010. How could this have happened? How could my interest for the sequel for one of my favourite games of all time fall away so? I took some time recently to analyse this situation, and I have came up with a few points that may be responsible for this phenomenon:</p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmGZ92dvI/AAAAAAAAANc/5g_9WvjHGYU/s1600-h/ken_levine%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="ken_levine" border="0" alt="ken_levine" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmHH9A65I/AAAAAAAAANg/3pk6bRjXj2c/ken_levine_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="148" /></a></strong><strong>The Man They Call Levine:</strong> Ken Levine was widely considered the mastermind behind BioShock, and for good reason, he was the mastermind behind BioShock and its trippy and wonderful storyline. When the sequel was announced we were also made aware that the development would fall to the dev team at 2K Marin, well stocked with original BioShock development veterans. No offence to the hard working team at 2K Marin, but when you lose a lead like Ken Levine from your project, it is not going to do your game any favours. Early in development it was announced the Ken Levine would have some input on the new BioShock, but I speculate with Ken hard at work on his own super-secret project and no word on his involvement since, that BioShock 2 will be for good or ill a Levine-less project.</p> <p><strong>Delays:</strong> Though we now have a firm release date as I stated above, BioShock 2's pushed back date has put it out of sight and out of mind behind a sea of tripe-A games. It will be about two-and-a-half years between games, while not a huge amount of time between sequels, it does give one time to forget possibly why they were excited in the first place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmHeobGcI/AAAAAAAAANk/ynty-DqkHhA/s1600-h/bioshock-2-1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bioshock-2-1" border="0" alt="bioshock-2-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmHwMa4uI/AAAAAAAAANo/WN0hzFxq-NY/bioshock-2-1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="147" /></a><strong>Competition:</strong> Remember that sea of triple-A games I just mentioned? Sure fire hits like Halo 3: ODST, Forza Motorsport 3, Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead 2, and Assassin's Creed 2 as well as games like Borderlands, Tekken 6, and Lost Planet 2 will be arriving before BioShock 2. Each of these games are not only highly anticipated, but also have serious legs. Will we be ready for BioShock by February? Will we care if we are knee-deep in our Modern Warfare 2 or Halo 3: ODST multi players?</p> <p><strong>Increased Financial Expectations:</strong> BioShock 2 is already earmarked as one of Take 2's flagship franchises and with all the expectations that go along with it. Like the Grand Theft Auto franchise, much of Take 2's fortunes ride on BioShock and its sequel. With sales expectations of more than 5 million for this game (much more than the games original sales) the company has a lot riding on it's success, and I fear that these expectations will not be met. What would that mean for BioShock going forward?</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlO6hHxgku-CKhyOkclT6KVXkeSgf1IOspu5INAH19cNrJy8sOkKxzNhI52qXIEfzjH7ftPbR2NYKYaHBYGOCw1lORBYeSA2I7WQstL_TUEuqlfUp6NpXsWEOLu8C936igjGhd5JABmU/s1600-h/bio2mp%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bio2mp" border="0" alt="bio2mp" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmIuplYCI/AAAAAAAAANw/cYU3CvR9gr8/bio2mp_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186" /></a><strong>Too Many Cooks:</strong> With all these expectations heaped upon BioShock 2, 2K Games is sparing no expense in order to ensure this game's release schedule slips no further. No less than four separate development teams are involved at this point in order to bring the game to market. With lead developer 2K Marin creating the core of the game, 2K Australia has taken over the testing with Digital Extremes creating the games multi player component and Arcane Studios lending a hand with the art design. BioShock 2's Sea of Dreams appears to be spread all over the globe. Will they be able to pull all these desperate pieces together into one cohesive collection of a game?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmJDQZtGI/AAAAAAAAAN0/WqiaM1lCxjk/s1600-h/bioshock_2_teaser%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bioshock_2_teaser" border="0" alt="bioshock_2_teaser" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmJ_ETb6I/AAAAAAAAAN4/45DXjJQu8I8/bioshock_2_teaser_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="150" /></a><strong>This is Not the Prequel I was Looking For:</strong> Yes I am judging this very early, but I think it is because I had certain expectations from what I wanted to see from this game, particularly from the prequel/multiplayer portion. Early on when rumours were swirling about the next BioShock game, the idea that it was to be a prequel really caught my interest. I really wanted to experience Rapture before the fall and interact or see the story unfold for Ryan, Fontaine, Doctors Tenenbaum and Steinman, Sander Cohen and all the great Rapture personalities which were alluded to in the first game. I imagined a Rapture before the fall being a bright, vibrant, world that Andrew Ryan envisioned when creating his undersea utopia. BioShock 2 will visit Rapture before the fall, but only as a component of its multiplayer, therefore bypassing all that potential and esthetic. The multiplayer takes place in the thick of the Rapture civil war, ignoring all the great stories that could have been told. Perhaps we will get the prequel I wish for someday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmKUFvZUI/AAAAAAAAAN8/NDhfOfQXTjM/s1600-h/bioshock_2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bioshock_2" border="0" alt="bioshock_2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FJdaHqWnzOE/SrrmK_Hi5sI/AAAAAAAAAOA/oeCH0Iyf_mk/bioshock_2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="144" /></a><strong>Big Daddy, Big Problem:</strong> Everybody loves the Big Daddy, right? I think we can all agree on that. But to play the entire game as one? I am not so sure about that one. Yes we will be able to explore Rapture's undersea back yard, but we will miss that feeling of being a helpless every-man trapped in this strange world. Will the first Big Daddy versus the Big Sister sustain through the game? <SPOILER> I think I may miss being the prodigal son returning.</p> <p>It appears that I have some major concerns with the potential for this game, and I do. It has definitely slipped off my radar a lot, but it is still there, and I do intend on purchasing the game. I hope to play it and be proved wrong, hoping that 2K Game's army of developers can recreate the magic of BioShock and climb out from under Ken Levine's shadow. As I stated before, I loved the original and want to once again be immersed in this world. While I am not sure if BioShock ever needed a multiplayer component, it appears we are getting one anyway. So February 10, 2009 will be the test, lets hope that we have room on our calendars and in our hearts for this sequel with the uphill (up swim) climb.</p> <p>-SG</p> SUPERGHOSThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582216410411488723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095006682540277862.post-54197445959287686372009-09-21T08:23:00.001-06:002009-09-21T13:45:32.109-06:00A Halo Launch<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqvbUANj4HhG95m5nFCmAoAq1uHjsp4rhk9SMlKqIOgjwFmM8HCqvtBf1kRYcJhahL-a2gsvDuEO5UIDhc7tU9dwhS9dPsbkw41sLJoEOFr29hyphenhyphen2EpxgIAnnnNwtrzIVQr6YQVrDl/s1600-h/halo-3-odst-20090410091321323%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="halo-3-odst-20090410091321323" border="0" alt="halo-3-odst-20090410091321323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Gsjjmam1JQ/SreMcSMEddI/AAAAAAAAAK0/F_YIwm7KXao/halo-3-odst-20090410091321323_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="234" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>In the past I would do a blog post that gave an hour by hour detailed schedule of what Id be doing up until the midnight release of a Halo game. It was fun considering that I happened to be off of work for both Halo 2 and 3 making the anticipation for each release that much longer through out the day while others at least had an 8 hour work day to kill some time. (today is no different)</p> <p>What was it about this franchise that made these midnight release dates such a big deal ?  What made myself plus millions of other gamers lineup in the brisk fall weather to wait for the game ?  Well  I think it stems back to the original Halo Combat Evolved. Never before has a console shooter come a long with such spot on gameplay along with a story and new a Hero that intrigued us all. With all the overwhelming amount multiplayer options the first Halo had, it left  just one thing out. Online play !</p> <p>Well due to the fact that it was released on the launch day of a new console I think made it kinda hard to just jump online. That didn't stop hardcore gamers from finding out which was the better team,  Red or Blue.  Halo became a phenom in the multiplayer community with people packing up their TV’s and Xbox’s and driving to friends house or even tournaments to play the greatest first person shooter ever !</p> <p>Then it happened, on November 9th 2004 Microsoft and Bungie Studios released Halo 2. This would be the biggest launch in video game history. Why ?  Because for the first time ever you could take the Master Chief online and lay the smack down on the rest of the world. Oh and a little added bonus was the incredible campaign that came along with  Halo 2.</p> <p>That's leads us to the only game that would be bigger then the Halo 2 launch and that would be Halo 3 of course. Halo 2’s campaign ending really left some us (most of us) feeling empty inside and wanting to “Finish the Fight”. Well not only would we get that chance, but we'd get to do on the box 360 the new home of the Master Chief  in all of his high definition glory. So with New maps, new weapons and the chance to hand the Covent their ass its no wonder why this was the single most biggest console exclusive game ever !  </p> <p>I think that most of us  were apart of all the excitement of the last two Halo games, but there's one more on the way tonight. So where's all the excitement for this one ?  While it may not seem as big as the last two games that dropped (get it, dropped…) it still generating some new buzz for the fans of the Halo Universe. So no we wont be suit up in our Spartan armor this time around, in fact Master Chief will be no ware to be found in this Halo title.</p> <p>What's the big deal then ?  Why all the excitement ? ODST ……Orbital Drop Shock Troopers ! Now we get to play as the highly trained Marines that do a lot of the dirty work behind the scenes we never got a chance to see. These guys bring us a whole new campaign that takes place during Halo 2’s timeline. The ODST’s also pack in all of the Halo3 multiplayer maps plus 3 new ones and even bring us an entirely new game mode called Fire Fight. In Fire Fight you and up to 3 other buddies can take on waves of Covent scum while trying to survive. Top it all off with co-op campaign and its another Halo recipe for success !</p> <p>So while I wont be blogging about my entire day till the midnight launch or even the fact that I may not even be going to it tonight, that doesn't mean I'm not excited about the new Halo game and all its new modes and features. I think I'm more excited about this Halo game with its high emphasis on co-op play more then ever before . Halo ODST…….. T minus 13 hour 40 mins till DROP !</p> <p><strong>TX</strong></p> TormentXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861666451774109116noreply@blogger.com2