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 Yes that's right, it's time to "gather ye around the fireplace" and swap stories of powerups, gigantic bosses and bonus stages. Or maybe just big rocks you destroyed. You know, asteroids and those types of things.
Shmups, specifically spaceship based ones, have a long and illustrious history. From games like Spacewar! in 1962, to Galaga Legions and Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, we've had the pleasure of playing these games for 46 years. Imagine that, in four years Shmups will be celebrating their Golden Anniversary!
With 2008 being another big year for Shmups with games like 1942: Joint Strike, Aces of the Galaxy, Galaga Legions, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, Ikaruga (re-release), Space Invaders Extreme, Thunder Force VI, shumps seem to have started yet another re-birth for new systems. Not to mention the dozens of great indie-made ones and even those that can be found on our very own Arcade here at RF Generation!
So as usual, feel free to share your list of favorite shmups or your criticisms of them for everyone else to read and comment on. This is and has always been, a group feature! Without further ado, here's my top 5 space shmups in no particular order:
Continue reading List 'em Vol. 13: Space Shmups
 It's kind of ironic that a little over a year since my first blog post here at RF Generation, that I'd be blogging about another Space Invaders game. As you may or may not know, 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of the original Space Invaders in the arcades back in 1978.
To commemorate this milestone, Taito, now owned by Square-Enix, released Space Invaders Extreme for both the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP roughly 3 weeks ago. A re-imagined game in the same sense as Pac-Man CE, that has a mixture of the old gameplay and new modes and elements common by today's standards.
Now et me get the bad stuff out of the way first. There aren't any sound options for turning down the music or sound effects (which are both good mind you). The Ad Hoc multiplayer mode is really simple and not all that feature rich. That's it, that's all the bad I have to say about this game!
The first thing I'll mention I like about this game is it's price. $19.99 is a great value for any game new and this one is no exception. Since the DS has such tiny controls for my hands, I decided to opt for the PSP version instead. It's also my preferred choice because of the bigger screen.
One of the best features of this game are the changes made to the gameplay. Now I like Space Invaders in all it's revisions and spinoffs, but that's not to say that it can't change while maintaining it's identity and heritage. Taito did a great job of keeping the core game intact while adding such things as powerups, boss battles, bonus stages and colour coded enemies and UFOs. In some ways, this game reminds me of a Galaga/Xevious/Space Invaders mashup with all it's parts and pieces of added gameplay elements. The boss battles are cool because they showcase the pixelated form of the aliens on a larger scale as well as adding a bit of strategy as to how each one needs to be beaten.
Control is simple and you won't get cramped thumbs trying to be everywhere at once on the screen. Graphics are crisp and colourful and there is an option to turn the background effects on or off if you find them too distracting. If you do those effects are replaced by a colourful background that doesn't move.
Difficulty is on a more steady curve and those who may not be pros at shooters or twitch/reflex types of games will still be able to enjoy it and survive for 10-15 minutes at a time. In other words it's equally suited both as a short diversion as well as a marathon high score challenge. Also as you play you'll unlock Stages which you can always go back to later on and rack up more high scores.
I think Taito did an amazing job in re-invigorating an old game for it's third decade of play. This has to be among the most addictive, simple and enjoyable games on the PSP system and one of my favorite games of the year so far. As far as this wave of retro remakes is concerned, Space Invaders Extreme sits very high on the quality list and sticks to it's roots while adding something new at the same time. A feat not easy to accomplish when you have 3 generations of gamers to try to appeal to!
9.0/10
 Now before I get to my review, I want to say that I bought this game at a bargain bin price a month or so ago because my instincts told me it wasn’t a full price kind of game. Although late to the party in terms of writing a review (4 1/2 months after release) I can honestly say I’ve beaten it and have experienced all four player classes. This game has gotten a bit of a bad rap by the gaming press and much of it undeservedly so.
Now as many of you know, I’m a sucker for WRPGs (Western RPGs). That’s a bit of a stereotype I’m afraid but it has since taken root and is generally used on a wide scale to describe these type of games. A WRPG is basically a sword & sorcery type role playing game, usually developed by a European or North American company, and has plenty of Dungeons & Dragons or Tolkien inspired elements to it.
This game is a port of the 2006 PC Dark Messiah title and is more simplified and altered to better match the console experience. You have four player classes (Fighter, Archer, Mage & Assassin) and have no real customization of your character other than the equipment you choose to use. Leveling up is linear and since there is no respawn of enemies, it’s carefully spread out throughout the game.
Gameplay if I was to formulate an analogy, would be something like a cross between Thief, Tomb Raider and Oblivion. The combat is pretty straight forward, the controls work well and the platforming aspect of it using the rope bow can be very challenging and rewarding. It let’s you explore and challenge yourself on a scale I wish more games would offer. This exploration is a combination of acrobatics, skill and puzzle solving and is one of the best virtues of this game.
This would be what I’d call a “Lite” RPG, where one could argue this to be a “action RPG” or an “unsophisticated dungeon crawler”. There’s even a bit of humor in the game from time to time to keep the dark story in check. The story itself is pretty simple and really unimportant, and there are two different endings to the game for you to explore as well as a few in-game story paths you can follow.
The sounds & voice acting is generally well done, the graphics look a bit dated but still work well for the type of game and considering it’s a 2 year old port. There are a couple minor bugs but nothing game breaking or overly aggravating. You can expect a solid 20 hour game give or take a few hours depending on how you play it and the multiplayer is simple, mindless fun.
If you can find this game for $20 or less and would enjoy a “Lite” RPG, or a simple game with a fun laid back single player, I recommend this game wholeheartedley. Few instances in gaming does a “Jack of all trades, Master of none” type of title work out so well. Just don’t spend a lot of money on it hoping to get your WRPG fix until Fallout 3 or the Two Worlds sequel comes out.
8.0/10
 As a sort of unofficial part II to a great blog entry Dave wrote in January called "Game Music through the Ages... Why is Game Music so Popular?", I've decided to write one focusing on custom soundtracks and user recommendations.
In the last decade or so, custom soundtracks in video games have increased in popularity both due to the digital age as well as advances in game systems and personal computers. Of course there are also the memories and nostalgia of times when one would have their 8-track, LP, Cassette, or CD playing in the background. Add digital files to that and you've come all the way across 30+ years of gaming. Any of you listen to Pac-Man fever while chasing ghosts? Or "Gangsta's Paradise" when Ridge Racer came out for the PlayStation and you found out you could take the game disc out and pop in a music CD? No shame in that, we've all made mistakes in the past. Hell I remember when "U Can't Touch This" was all the rage a few months after Super Mario Bros. 3 came out 18 years ago. Did that make you feel old, or maybe really young? Just wait until the 25th anniversary of that song and the game when you, or one of your parents, break out the elephant pants and make an ass of you/themselves, hopefully all in good fun. Maybe Fred Savage will reprise his role in the sequel: The Wizard II: Arthritic Speedrun Pwnage.
That's not to say the default game music that is included in a title is bad, in fact in many cases far from it. It means that if a game's soundtrack doesn't suit you, you can always change it. So if your willing, feel free to share with your fellow RFGen members, your favorite custom music you listen to while gaming. Everyone's tastes are different and it's always great to find new songs or albums that may make a particular game that much better, or a song that really suits a genre perfectly. So here's a few favorites of mine and the games I like to play while listening to them:
Continue reading Play 'em: Custom Game Sountracks
 Ok so I’ve played a few games in my life. Different genres, game systems, from different countries, even different languages. One thing that never seems to escape my attention is the simple fact that game stories tend to be one trick ponies. Not to say that game stories aren’t well written or imaginative, but there seems to be several taboos, clichés, stereotypes, whatever you want to call them, in place in most instances.
Now humans have a wide range of motivational excuses, reasons etc for doing things. Now prudence says the same could be said of non-humans. So it seems to me that games should be exploring this a bit more.
Let me give you an example. Say your playing a “D&D like game”. Your standard sword & sorcery fare. Magic, armour, dungeons you know, the usual. Why does every story have to be of revenge for family lost, to defeat a cruel villain or seeking glory and title through deeds and battle?
2004’s The Bard’s Tale did a great job of poking fun at those very things. The motivation for the story was “coin and cleavage”, which ironically enough would be a more believable reason for questing than “saving the world”. At one point your character inadvertently causes mayhem because of his own ignorance, the result of which is recognized by the NPC’s later on. Now that made this game refreshing because in the real world, whether your an optimist or not, there seems to be more ignorance and greed than virtue and righteousness.
Unfortunately, there are few games like that. Another nice option is to have a moral system like BioWare games tend to have, or Bethesda games. Oblivion, Morrowind, Mass Effect, Jade Empire, Knights of the Old Republic etc. are a few specific examples. You can choose to be a neutral rogue, an evil person, or a good Samaritan. But whether good or evil the stories still have that stereotypical motivation thing going on, mainly good versus evil.
How about a story where your tracking down a lost family member? Or maybe your really pissed off at another character and your motivated simply by the desire to beat the crap out of them? Maybe even tackle a few real issues in game form. Like crusading to eliminate racism, or bring a rapist to justice, or something like that? These games are rated “M” anyway, there are worse things in games these days than tackling real issues that’s for sure.
While we are at it, how about fewer awkward teen love stories for main characters and fewer somber main characters? Would a jovial easygoing warrior be so hard to fathom? Or a character who already has a family, very much alive, throughout the whole story? It seems to be that if your pushing for realism in games these days, you need mental realism as much as physical. All the polygons on the screen can’t compensate for hollow characters with little backstory or identifiable traits the players can relate to.
It really doesn’t matter how the story turns out, it’s how it’s motivated. Like say your doing quests or missions to pay for your car or a house for your family. Through circumstance, you become mixed up in a conspiracy or conflict of some kind, or maybe a grand destiny. The point is not everyone has such a clandestine purpose in doing the things they do. Sometimes the motivations of people are simple, sometimes primal and always have consequences good or bad.
Here’s a good example to consider, the movie “To Hell and Back” which is a biopic about Audie Murphy and starring him as himself. Here’s a brief synopsis from IMDB:
“True-life account of the military career of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in WWII. Native of Texas, he was placed in charge of his many younger siblings on the death of his mother and decided to join the military at the age of 18 to provide for them. His many acts of bravery and heroism during the US military advance through Italy, France and into Germany earn him increasing rank and responsibility as well as the respect of his comrades in arms. Eventually he receives two dozen of the highest medals the US and France can bestow, culminating in the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor.”
Simple, believable and you can even relate to him. You can even understand him a bit just from reading that. On top of that it’s a helluva story. I’m surprised there hasn’t been a WWII game made about him already, or about someone like him.
Or how about this as an angle. Your already a King/Commander, leader of some kind. Since you’ve already got the title, you can concentrate on the story of why you made a good one. Seems to me most of the games I’ve played where you gain power and influence, you only get at the end of the game meaning you really never get to use or enjoy it’s privileges. Or maybe you had it, retired from it, and had to pick up the mantle once more, dealing with all the issues and trials that being “out of the loop” would cause for you.
OK I’ve rambled enough. It’s late and I need to get some sleep. I’ll leave this disorganized mess as is, a testament to my exhaustion and disappointment of the ending and stories of otherwise fantastic games.
Yes, late to the party but better late than never no? The one thing about being a game collector is the enormous backlog of games you have on your shopping list. When you have 35+ game systems (a small but proud number in collecting circles), you have to split priority between new games and old. Right now with the Xbox/Gamecube/PS2 slowly disappearing from shelves, those have been my priority at the moment.
I initially wanted to buy GHIII for the PS2. One of the many perks of collecting, is that we can indulge ourselves in a little obsessive compulsive behavior and make matching sets. I already have GH and GHII both in the guitar/game bundle form and I also have the 80's Encore version as well. So having the GHIII guitar/game would have been a nice completion to a music set that would have included Rock Band in the future as well. Unfortunately I was unable to find a PS2 version without resorting to online purchasing. Oh well. Since part of the reason was also because I have two guitars from the previous games, buying the Xbox 360 version screwed that up. So I bought the Guitar Hero II bundle as well since it's now only $30-40 more for the bundle than a second guitar by itself.
I'm not a journalist, nor a member of the gaming industry. I won't pretend I'm a hardcore reviewer or an industry analyst. I'm just going to throw a few observations and criticisms out there based on my own experiences, as much for my future self to read over as entertainment for you, the reader who has stopped by to check out our humble site. I'm going to compare GHII with GHIII, as I see them as not only separate games, but a turning point in the evolution of the series both game-wise and hardware-wise.
One of the first things I noticed is how it's packaged. GHIII doesn't have the same kind of semi-case that II has and probably can't take the same beating. It has a thin sleeve over a plain white box, which without digging out my PS2 GH boxes, is similar to the comparison between I and II. That isn't so much a concern for the average gamer as it is for collectors who like to keep everything intact.
Once un-boxed, I really like the look of the Les Paul guitar controller more so than the X-plorer that comes with GHII. Though I have to admit that the X-plorer feels more solid and better built than the Les Paul and a bit heavier as well. I like the fact that it's wireless, but I don't like the fact it comes in two pieces. It never feels quite solid when the two are locked up. Not that I think it could come undone while playing, but it has too large of a tolerance when you wiggle the neck while connected to the body for my tastes.
The game itself plays great. The wheel wasn't re-invented here, but for their first time out Neversoft who took over from Harmonix, played it safe and kept it familiar while adding a bit of personal flair which worked out well. I was split as to which game had a better song list RB or GHIII. I like Rock Bands soundtrack equally for a couple reasons. The Guitar Hero III soundtrack in my opinion is better than Rock Band, but Rock band has way more master tracks which by itself is an impressive boast.
The tempo of the game is pretty much the same as before. Hardcores may tell you otherwise but for those of us who play the game without over-analyzing it, we won't find too many differences in that respect. I admit I skip the "caveman band"ť cutscenes where your band apparently can't speak in anything but a series of grunts, I think it just slows down getting to the gameplay.
I'm also not a fan of the boss battles, which luckily are few and far between. The whole "attack and whatnot"ť thing just distracts from the game. No worries though, the boss battles are spread out and there's only three of them.
My only other negative critique is the "Star Power". Maybe it's just me but it seems to activate whenever it wants to, and sometimes not at all. That can be a major issue if you were playing multiplayer or trying to complete achievements. I figure that it's either the angle that I hold the guitar which isn't completely vertical, or the guitar itself doesn't have all that great of a tilt sensor. Sure I could hit the back button when I wanted it, but what about the 75% of the time when it activates on it's own? Also the crowd noise drowns out the song when in star power mode, I just like to hear the music while I play so it's a bit distracting.
All in all GHIII is a good addition to the series. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it doesn't suffer from Madden syndrome either or seem like a half-baked sequel with nothing new. Those who haven't played the previous games shouldn't feel like they couldn't jump into it. Each game is user friendly for first time shredders and offers different songs for different tastes.
I give it a 9.0/10. I would have given it a 8.5 just to put it slightly under GHII, but "Knights of Cydonia"ť kicks so much ass and it was a major incentive for me to buy it.
 I certainly hope not. Still so many Xbox games I'd like to see emulated on the X360. I know the hint was dropped that the last update late last year may be the final one, but the list still has a few loose ends and questions needing closure. Mechassault 2 but not 1? Certain versions of some games but not their online variations? I have a hundred questions but no final answers either way.
My Xbox collecting has slowed down considerably in the last few months. Mostly because I'm satisfied with what I already have. As I near my goal of 150 unique Xbox games, I thought I'd take a moment and do a ratio of compatible versus not. I have 141 Xbox titles, 81 of which are compatible on the Xbox 360. That's roughly 57%. Not a bad ratio but nothing to brag about either.
I know the advent of "Xbox Originals" has probably signaled the end of any further updates, I still hope for just one more. If not a list of new compatible games, at least optimizations and fixes for the ones currently there. "Playable" and "Compatible" truly are in the mind of the beholder, play PGR2, Thief or a few others and you'll see what I mean.
Sure I still own an Xbox, it sits underneath the 360, enthusiastically waiting to be used, perhaps jealous of it's younger sibling. It's just nice to have as many on one platform as I can. I'm sure 40gig PS3 owners feel the same way. Saves space, saves power and has the benefits of upscaling etc.
In the meantime, while I wait for the update that may never come, I'll list a few Xbox games I'd still like to see on that X360 compatible list yet:
Advent Rising
Arx Fatalis
Beyond Good & Evil
Blood Wake
Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, The
Conflict: Global Terror
Dead Man's Hand
Deus Ex: Invisible War
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
MechAssault
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath
Painkiller: Hell Wars
Pirates of the Caribbean
RalliSport Challenge 2
Samurai Shodown V
Secret Weapons Over Normandy
Spartan: Total Warrior
Star Trek Shattered Universe
Star Wars: Obi-Wan
TransWorld Snowboarding
Tron 2.0: Killer App
Yager
A bit of a long list sure but these are cherished titles that I'd like to have alongside the other 81 already on my X360. Even just a couple of these would be great. The more I can use my 360 for these, the less I have to use my Xbox and the longer I can keep it in good running order. I know many of those have PC or PS2/Gamecube versions but DD 5.1 is something hard to let go of. So is a nice gamepad versus keyboard and mouse for certain games. 
 Last year, specifically last August, I wrote a "List 'em" of my most wanted titles for the latter half of 2007. Now that the last one (Twisted Metal) has been released, I thought I'd revisit this list and see how things turned out for myself and everyone else who had listed theirs as well.
Here's the original post:
http://www.rfgeneration.c...st-Wanted-Edition-179.php
Here's how things turned out for me:
- Mass Effect - Fantastic game! Better than my most optimistic hopes could have imagined. The story and backdrop of the future was great, the whole experience felt like I was rewarded with 2 seasons worth of Babylon 5 or Stargate. The game did have a few bugs and framerate problems, but I couldn't care less, everything else overshadowed that. Best X360 game so far in my opinion, and one of BioWare's best ever. Hell I'll even buy the PC version, just because it's so good. Click the name if you want to check out a couple reviews on it.
- Twisted Metal Head-on (PS2) - This one was a bit slow out of the gate. Having been delayed until February 2008, it put a damper on my plan to do this list at the beginning of the year. In any case, it's out now and well worth the wait. This port of the PSP version brings the Twisted Metal series back to it's roots. Colourful, addictive and fun, it has all the feeling of Twisted Metal 2 and some of it IS Twisted Metal 2, albeit enhanced and remade for a modern audience. This was a great buy and one of the last great PS2 titles for that system this year. Well worth the $19.99, even without all the bonus features and documentary.
- Time Crisis 4 - The first of two on my list I didn't get. I had hoped the PS3 would have had a better selection of exclusive titles by now, but alas it does not. As much as I joke about the PS3 sucking so hard, I know someday it won't. When that day will come? Who knows. Could be this year, could be 5 years from now. The game didn't turn out quite as good as I had hoped, but still good enough to buy it if I had a PS3. I'm torn between getting it now and waiting for a PS3 or looking later on and hoping I'll find it. Time Crisis titles CIB are difficult to find on the best of days, this one will be no exception I'm sure.
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - With the Zelda series, I find it's really hit or miss. Some I like, some I don't but I do own most of them. After finding out that you'd be able to use the stylus for everything in-game, I knew this would be a fun game and a memorable one. When I got it, I played it every night for an hour or two until I beat it. Great game, easily among the best Zelda titles in the series. I even went so far as to get the registration bonus and limited edition strategy guide. The love child of Animal Crossing and Wind waker (which I ironically don't care much for) is among the best games the DS has to offer.
- Project Gotham Racing 4 - Somewhere down the line I lost interest in this game. Not sure where or for what reason, but I suspect it was the holiday rush and it kept being put lower and lower on my gaming priority list until it seemingly fell off the map. To it's credit, it looks like a nice game, and I'll probably buy it eventually when it reaches an agreeable price point. For now, we'll just chalk this one up to the increased trend to market games during the holiday season, which seems worse than ever. How does one buy half a dozen $60 games in the same week and still buy others that come out in the same month as well?
So overall I think the last half of 2007 ended well. Two Worlds and Front Mission DS get mentions here because they turned out to be pleasant surprises as well and were both on my "most wanted radar". Both excellent games in their own right that would make my top list for '07. So to everyone who posted a list in the original post and those who had their own list elsewhere, how was your fall/holiday 2007?
 I figure a stupidly long titled game needs a stupidly long titled review. David Jaffe, I want you to know I'm putting you on notice. Your game is really good but the title really really sucks ass and is too long. I'm docking you a tenth of a review point for it's lameness.
Change of plans
I just got off the phone with Sony customer service. I was going to write a nice review for this game detailing it's pros and cons. Instead I'm going to rant a bit on how Sony's customer service sucks ass. Maybe by the time I get to the bottom of this article I'll have vented enough to score it.
[rant]So I bought this game brand new last night for $19.99 from a major chain retailer. Got it home and opened it to find that there was no included artbook or download code for the soundtrack. Stewed on it a bit, played the game, and figured I'd sort it out the next day.
After unsuccessfully locating a software specific support site on the web, I decided to hunt through the manual for the 1-800 number. The first 10-15 minutes were spent waiting on hold while listening to generic background music with one of the songs having the chorus line "Don't make me wait too long". Obviously someone has a sense of humor at that call center.
Over the course of the 45 minute call, I was asked questions, put on hold again several times and finally received my answer and suggested course of action. If I mailed them proof of purchase, shipped the $19.99 game and it's contents back to California from New Brunswick and waited without my new title for no doubt at least a couple of weeks, they'd repackage my game with the artbook and download code and send it back.
So to summarize, If I spend $10 shipping a $19.99 game back to Sony, they'd repack it and send it back to me instead of just sending me the missing items after I had faxed them the proof of purchase.
No wonder prostitution is a growing industry. You don't have to wait for what seems like forever to get fucked. That's 45 minutes + that I'll never get back. [/rant]
Back on topic:
Giving credit where credit is due, for a budget title and for being a PSP port, they did a great job bringing this to the PlayStation 2. The gameplay is incredibly fun, smooth 60fps even in 2 player play. The "Lost Levels" are really great, though it's a sad story when you find out why Twisted Metal: Harbor City was cancelled in the first place and why these had never seen the light of day.
If you haven't played the PSP version before, think of it as a quasi-Twisted Metal 2 remade and enhanced. It has the old feel, the same attitude and addictiveness as well. Not the nicest looking game out there, but colourful and easy on the eyes, much more so than TM:Black's darker tone.
Lots of bonus features, some good some bad. A great documentary on the series with interviews from key members, extremely cheesy ending movies that were cut from Twisted Metal 1, and an odd gameplay mode where you run around an empty asylum/junkyard as Sweetooth collecting factoids and concept art. As for the other bonus stuff, well Sony has decided that I can pay half the cost of a new game or forget about it so I have no opinion on how good the songs or the artbooks are.
As it stands, it's a fun budget title that any shooter/Twisted Metal/car combat gamer should own. For the low price of $19.99 it's a good deal even if you feel like that Matador in the post underneath this one because of what you may be missing. 
Tan's score 8.4/10
 As this hobby of ours levels off and the initial rush of collectors begins weeding out those who aren't as dedicated, have grown bored or can no longer afford it, we begin to read deeper into the trends that are developed by those who have stuck it out for several years. You begin to notice these trends when chatting about certain systems or about one's progress towards their personal goals or reading about a huge score.
One trend in particular that I have found both interesting and somewhat disguised is for someone to have in their collection, a system or several systems that they don't particularly care for or play, but insist it's a worthy investment and have no wish to part with. No one seems to talk about it openly but you can read between the lines on what they honestly think of it. I call this trend "system pity".
System pity is owning a system you don't play, and buying games you care nothing for or only have a minor interest in, because you think it should sit on your shelf to complete your collection. Maybe you feel you've missed out on something by not having one. Maybe you can't understand why it was popular but every once in a while, you pop in a game and try to figure it out for yourself. Not to be confused with buying an obscure system or a rare one, system pity is directed more towards a system you have experience with, yet have no real love for.
My personal object of system pity is the Nintendo Gamecube, and on a lesser scale, the Nintendo 64. Now I'm not going to turn this into a bashing article, as that is not my intent. Not every video game system made appeals to every gamer ever born. That's a simple truth we can all appreciate.
I had a Gamecube early in it's lifecycle. It had some good games I honestly enjoyed like Star Wars Rogue Squadron II and Wave Race: Blue Storm. What it didn't have was enough games to warrant keeping one in my living room, prompting me to get rid of it later on. Much of my distaste for it came from how the games were being made and it's reliance on 1st party games to keep it afloat. Games similar in philosophy and style to the N64 library, which also has a few great games but not a well rounded library. Of course the horrible controller didn't help matters much either, especially if you have large hands.
Later on when the Wii came out several friends who knew I collected offered their Gamecubes to me, some with games, accessories etc. I didn't accept any of them because I honestly had no idea what I'd do with them. Free is free sure but if all it would do is sit in the closet untouched, well there's not much point in having it now is there?
Then at some point later on, a large assortment of Gamecubes, memory cards, controllers, games etc just seemed to be falling into my lap. Brand new stuff, top rated games etc. were finding their way into my hands and it quickly gathered into a decent collection of titles and hardware one could be proud of. I started reading about other gamers and collector's experiences with the Gamecube and why they enjoyed it so much. I talked with friends and family who have fond memories of that system and hoped the Wii would provide the same enjoyment for them.
Although for the most part I didn't share in these opinions of these games, I decided then and there that having a Gamecube collection could be a shameless indulgence of mine. I still look at the little toyish looking system with the dinky fisher price controllers and wonder how it even accomplished what it did. Oddly enough it was the one and only mainstream game system I didn't own. That's where the pity started.
So now as I type this, 7 feet away from a Gamecube that has been hooked into my AV hub for who knows how long, I don't question having it anymore. Sure it gets less usage than my R-Zone, gathers more dust than my TRS-80, but the pity I feel for Nintendo's 3rd and decidedly weakest machine, cements it's place in my collection. And someday, with patience and an open mind, I just may figure out what all the fuss was about.
So, have you got a system you own just to own? Something you have just for the sake of having and to round out your collection? Maybe something you keep hooked up because it seems popular with your friends and guests who enjoy playing it at your house? What's your object of system pity?
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So a few people I know have asked me about the whole mono sound issue with the Wii version of Guitar Hero III. If any of you are still unaware, Activision has a disc replacement plan in the works and pre-registration for a free of charge replacement is now available. So to save you some time and effort, here's the official customer support statement from the Activision website:
We recently became aware that some consumers have not been able to enjoy the full audio output in the Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. We are currently working with Nintendo and are planning to issue an improved audio experience in future versions of the game. We expect to have re-mastered discs available by early 2008 and we will be offering consumers replacement discs at no cost once they become available. Should you have any further inquiries, please contact Activision customer support at http://www.activision.com/support. Customers based in North America wanting to pre-register for a free replacement disc can call (866) 780-8286 from 8:00am-8:00pm EST, Monday-Friday, and we will notify you once the replacement discs are available. We thank all of our customers for their support and patience. If you wish to be notified by email as the information on this page is updated, please click the 'Notify Me by Email if this Answer is Updated' button. Please note- you must have an account with us to use this feature. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one by clicking the My Stuff tab and then 'Create a New Account'.
You can also subscibe to email updates from Activision support by going here:
https://activision.custhe...GFnZT0x&p_li=&p_topview=1
 An interesting story popped up this weekend by Dean Takahashi, journalist for San Jose Mercury News and the author of "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked". In the article, he claims to know someone who has seen game code for an Xbox 360 sequel to Jade Empire that's apparently in the works. Not known as a drama queen or a news fabricator, Dean blogging about it adds a lot of weight and fuels further speculation.
Being a huge fan of all things BioWare, it's hard not to get excited at this, even if it's a semi-rumor awaiting confirmation or disapproval. However the recent acquisition by Electronic Arts will certainly raise some concerns about shameless ports for every system, OS and cell phone in existence. BioWare is a company who makes high quality games, one at a time, usually for one system at a time. When they do port something they take the time to improve it and add new content, not EA's typical "If it gets to the title screen without crashing, certify it gold". Yeah that's right, I said it. EA and BioWare couldn't be any farther apart on the spectrum of policy and quality than they are right now.
But imagine the possibilities. The Mass Effect engine and dialog system tweaked and improved. A new melee/martial arts combat RPG set in a part magic, part sci-fi, mystical Asian land. If you haven't had the pleasure of playing Jade Empire on the Xbox, or on the PC, I suggest you give it a try. A richly rewarding game with lots of replay value and a great story, or as I like to call it, "a typical BioWare game".
In any case, keep it tuned to this channel for future updates on this as they break. Like a beagle on a foxhunt, if there's news on a new BioWare game, you better believe I'll be on it's heels.
Original article:
http://blogs.mercurynews....e_empire_2_is_coming.html
I've had a few ideas for games rolling around inside my head for some time now, perhaps I should write some of these down. If by chance any game developers read my blog and see merit in some of these, PM me. I could use a better job and would love to help develope an idea further . Otherwise, feel free to use these ideas and make these games. My attention span, respect and wallet will all reward you for it.
So here's a few I came up with, forgive me if it's been done already. One man can not possibly play and know every game from the past 30+ years from every system.
- Cowboy/Western RPG - A story akin to Fable where a character goes from childhood to manhood, with choices of profession such as coach driver, cattle rustler, bandit, lawman, frontiersman etc etc each with their own class specific skills. A weapon upgrade system where you can have revolvers, rifles and shotguns ranging from flintlocks (early days of civil war) to percussion cap and eventually cartridges. Gunsmiths can modify them or the player can learn the trade themselves, with upgrades, add-ons and such being realistic and limited to the technology available at the time. Transportation by train, paddle wheel boat or by horse. Sidequests from joining the army, becoming a deputy/sheriff/marshal, trade with natives, gunsmithing, settling, prospecting, gambling, courier riding, train security etc. Accessories such as ponchos, tobacco, alcohol, knives, different hats and boots, spurs, saddlebags etc.
- Ice age RTS - An RTS where you play as either a tribe of Neanderthals, or as the new comers the Cro-Magnons. Limited in brain capacity and understanding, you guide them by example using a "hero" character who develops the authentic bone/stone tools of each "faction". Goals are things like taking down the largest animal, controlling territory, making small advances in hunting/science, protecting your young and surviving harsh environmental conditions. A more casual laid back RTS that can be suitable for either PC or console with multiplayer.
- War crime Courtroom adventure - A Phoenix Wright type of game where you investigate war crimes by solving puzzles, interviewing witnesses and interrogating prisoners, travel to scenes of the crime, review evidence etc etc. Also assist either the prosecution or defense depending on the person or persons charged. Something like the Nuremburg Trials that doesn't necessarily need to use real countries or real people. Also deal with international extradition law and the justice system, avoid or embrace shady dealings/bribery. Played either first or third person, it would use the Mass Effect dialog system.
- Doom Trainer/Crisis/Scope/X - I love Doom. I love light-gun games. Take Doom 3, a light gun, and let me battle my way from mars to the fiery pits of hell itself. No stupid cover system (glares at Time Crisis 4), just me, a light-gun and hundreds of imps, demons, cyberdemons, arachnotrons, hell knights etc. Make a peripheral that can be either a pistol, rifle or shotgun just like the Silent Scope rifle from Pelican. That way I can have my double-barreled shotgun for maximum carnage.
That's all for now. I have many more. For the record, I do realize that all three of these games would be M rated. I also realize that the theory that Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon existed at the same time or even interacted is a highly debated one at best. But damn wouldn't it make a fun game?
Before I rant, feast your eyes, you'd prob skip the article first anyway to get a glimpse of it :
For convenience I'll break 1up's article down for quick reading:
- Gameplay will be 2D.
- New moves, locales, and gameplay features.
- Will use a standard 6 button configuration.
- Ryu Ken, Chun-Li and Dhalsim are confirmed so far.
- No details on what platform yet.
- Full scoop on the game with all the details in the January '08 issue of EGM
When I look at that pic it reminds me of being in the arcades when I was a kid and the fierce competitions games like SFII would invoke. Admittedly in the last 10 years or so my interest in fighting games has waned as the SF series got stale and nothing really replaced it. Same can be said for just about every 2D fighting series out there.
It seems like Capcom really wants to stick to their roots and I don't blame them. If it ain't broke don't fix it really applies here. I'll do some safe speculating and say that online will be a given and keep an eye out for special arcade sticks and 6 button pads. Beside the obvious money grab a "Limited Edition Controller" would bring, no one really wants to use 4 face buttons and shoulder/triggers for a fighting game anyway. Let's hope there's still enough of the old Capcom left to pull this off, it may encourage a new interest in the very old and popular genre of 2D fighting games.
Here's the original article courtesy of 1up.com:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3164756
For the crazy folks who haven't bought this game yet and those of you sitting on the fence, let me share my initial impression of this game with you. Furthermore, Let me convince you that tracking down a Limited Collector's Edition online is well worth it. This game certainly deserves a review but that will wait until I've beaten it a couple different ways first and that make take a while so hopefully this blog entry will suffice for now.
First off, I'll tell you that I'm among other things, both a huge BioWare fan and a staunt supporter of western RPG's. I've played BioWare games since Shattered Steel and they've always managed to impress me. I'm also not a particularly huge fan of Star Wars yet KOTOR ranks very highly on my top list of games. I say that because this game reminds me a lot of it, but IMO Mass Effect is a better universe to play in.
Ok, enough with the "HTMbiography". Let me be frank: This game f*cking rocks. Becoming Keith once more here's what I call the "you've seen it" formula: Ths game reminds me of Babylon 5 mixed with KOTOR, Stargate, GRAW, Jade Empire and some dark humor reminiscent of Firefly. Maybe throw in a few likenesses to games like Elite and Freelancer as well.
Having read the novel I was already familiar with the Mass Effect universe, it's factions, races, technology etc. I've also read the author's work before in other series like Forgotten Realms. The same author is the lead writer for this series so it's nice to be spoiled by a game that matches the mind's eye of things written in the novel.
Jumping into the game felt both familiar because of BioWare's style of presentation as well as the familiarity I mentioned earlier. The game presents itself like an epic movie and gives you that big screen cinema feeling even in your living room. Gameplay consisting of various mini-games, exploration, squad combat, vehicles and dialogue sequences both keep the game fresh and interesting. The combat can be either strategic and complex or simple and efficient, the controls well thought out and easy to use with minimal effort. The leveling system and equipment customization is all they said it'd be and the morale choice thing provides humor, intrigue and a deeper connection with the main character that you play.
Graphics and sound so far are outstanding and although it has some minor pop-in and slowdown, it doesn't hinder the experience nor it is as bad as I keep reading on the 'net. The amount of instantly recognizable voice actors adds more of that big screen appeal as well.
One other major thing I personally found impressive is the character creation. Should you choose to make a custom character, the options are well laid out, easy to use and you can finally make a perfect moustache-less goatee!!!!! This truly is a next gen age we live in.
Should you buy the LCE version versus the regular? Is it worth the extra $10? You bet your space-faring ass it is! Besides the awesome tin case with artwork etched into it's surface, there are two mini books, one artwork and the other a Codex which is a guide to the various races you encounter. Also a second disc with loads of goodies like gamerpics, themes, videos, soundtrack etc. Those of you with a pre-order disc or have heard of it, imagine that content x3.
This game feels like a GOTY to me. It's also shaping up to be every bit the reason to buy a X360 I thought it would. BioWare is one of those few developers that I'd follow to any platform needed to play their games. Hell for a great game like this, I'd even go to Arby's the Wii. Yes I said it, thankfully however they spared me that indignity.
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