And we're back from an extended break. In order to celebrate our triumphant return to the internets, here's a list of games that are out this week!
Wait a minute...
Playstation 3
Xbox 360
Nintendo Wii
...
...
•Baroque •Mini Copter Adventure Flight
PSP
Nintendo DS
Playstation 2
•World Championship Cards
•Fab 5 Soccer (Sorry, this isn't a game with The Beatles, it's a shitty budget title) •Plushees
•Arcana Heart •Baroque
Looks like the release list is taking a break this week too...
HOWEVER! There are two big releases this week that fall outside my realm of coverage. The first is Sony's long-awaited US release of the new DualShock 3 controller. The new controller adds rumble back into the controller and makes your PS3 controller not feel like a cheap piece of plastic. I got mine last night and I must say it's a definite improvement over both the Sixaxis and the DualShock 2. I highly recommend any PS3 owner to get one as soon as you can. Also, here's a list of games that have vibration support at the moment. More will be coming in the future with game patches. In addition, the DS3 supports vibration on all PS2 and PS1 games.
That is not my pick of the week, though. My pick of the week easily goes to Ikaruga on Xbox Live Arcade. That's right, Treasure's classic (and very hard to find) vertical shooter has been ported to Xbox Live Arcade and will be selling for the ultra-low price of $10. If you have an Xbox 360 and don't buy this game, I will be extremely disappointed in you because Ikaruga is one of the greatest games ever created and is something that everyone needs to experience it at least once. Sure, you could be old-fashioned and buy the Dreamcast or Gamecube version, but you'll be paying at least $30 or $40 more for a disc and a case. Not worth it just for that. Come on, you know you want it. Drop your fear of digital distribution and experience one of the greatest games of all time.
We all know about the battle between the Sony Playstation and the SEGA Saturn. But what about the other "NEXT GEN SYSTEM"? Let's take a look at just how many games were released on both the SEGA Saturn and the 3DO. Below is what I believe to be a complete list of games that saw a release on both consoles. If I have missed any please let me know.
List of games released on both consoles:
1. World Cup Golf: In Hyatt Dorado Beach
2. BattleSport
3. Brain Dead 13
4. Casper
5. Creature Shock
6. D
7. Defcon 5
8. Doom
9. Gex
10.Horde, The
11.Johnny Bazookatone
12.Myst
13.Need for Speed,The
14.Off-World Interceptor
15.Olympic Soccer
16.Pebble Beach Golf Links
17.Primal Rage
18.Road Rash
19.Shanghai: Triple Threat
20.Space Hulk Vengeance of the Blood Angels
21.Star Fighter
Okay... Wow... a whopping 21!
Below are some small reviews for each game in an attempt to find the "Best" version. Each review is compiled from searching the net, reviews, word of mouth, personal experience and any info found on game forums. Just like any other review, these are just personal opinions and are intended for fun. I will try my best to review each game in an unbiased manner.
Note: Not all 3DO players are equal. One game might run smoother on a Panasonic model than it does on a goldstar model. I've tried my best to take this into consideration when making my review.
-BattleSport-
Battlesport is exactly the same on both consoles. I've heard of a slight graphical difference, but nothing really stood out to me. I'm calling this one a draw. Best version: Draw
-Brain Dead 13-
Same game on both systems. Frame rate can get bad on 3DO, causing choppy playback. Not good when your playing a FMV game. Best version: Saturn
-Casper-
Same Game on both consoles. I noticed the Saturn version had some brighter colors but nothing to brag about. Game play is exactly the same. Best version: Draw
-Creature Shock-
Creature shock on the Saturn seamed a little bit more grainy than it's 3DO counterpart. 3DO can have the usual slow down but all in all runs fairly smooth. Reader ratings on IGN: Saturn: 5.0 3DO: 6.8
It seams that the readers prefer the 3do version. Best Version: 3DO
-D-
In 1994 development began on "D" with only the 3DO in mind and was released in 1995.It was then ported over to the Saturn and PSX in 1996. These Ports were just that...Ports! Nothing Special was added and neither port took advantage of the more superior hardware. For some reason the Saturn port looks "grainy" at times. Best version: 3DO
-Defcon 5-
With the 3DO version being PAL only, I have had a hard time finding one to play. I have heard some rave reviews on Forums about the 3DO version being better than the Saturn. Ive seen video for both and did not notice the usual frame rate issues that the 3DO usually has, and the 3DO graphics are outstanding. Users have actually commented that the 3DO version runs smoother! so based on forum comments... Best Version: 3DO
-Doom-
This one was kind of Hard. Both versions are kind of crummy (Both are real slow) The 3do version does have the best soundtrack. But thats about it. 3DO lacks full screen from the start, has noticeably worse frame rate, and has far less levels than the Saturn version. Best version: Saturn
-Gex-
Gex is another game created with the 3DO in mind. In fact it kind of became 3DO's Mascot. Honestly, when you think 3DO what's the first thing that comes to mind?... GEX! Just like "D" GEX was made for the 3DO, then ported over to the Saturn and PSX. Everything is exactly the same on all 3 consoles... except one thing. Gex on 3DO allowed saving to the internal Memory. Saturn used passwords... I don't know about all of you but...I hate passwords. Best version(Barely): 3DO
-Horde, The-
All in all The Horde is the same on both consoles. The FMV scenes were turned into slideshows with full sound on the Saturn. This may be the reason for the lower user scores. Although FMV's can sometimes make the game worse, I have to agree with gamespot users... Having the FMV's is definitely a plus for this game.
Based on gamespot user scores: 3DO: 8.0 Saturn: 6.3 Best version: 3DO
-Johnny Bazookatone-
Same Game on both consoles and equally horrible. Best version: Draw
-Myst-
Myst on the 3DO is amazing. Honestly any version of Myst thats not on Saturn or PSX is going to be good. Saturn and PSX got the worst Ports. Best Version: 3DO
-Need for Speed, The-
Ever hear the term 3D-Slow? Well here is a prime example. Need For Speed on the 3DO has so much lag that I wanted to throw my Controller! visuals are nice though... Best version: Saturn
-Off-World Interceptor-
The 3DO version The textures and polygons have higher resolution, and are brighter. Sprites are brighter too. The texture mapping seems to have smoothing to it, while the Saturn is blocky. But the Saturn has some transparency the 3DO doesnt have, be it somewhat blocky transparency. Saturn has almost twice the frame rate and much better controls. Also on the Saturn the cars seam to drive faster making battles more intense. Most importantly Theres also a cockpit/chase view toggle button in the Saturn. 3DO is fixed to chase-mode. However, the camera always points down the Z-axis, even in cockpit mode, which makes cockpit mode mostly useless, since the camera doesnt actually point where youre driving when you turn. Best version: Saturn
-Olympic Soccer-
an okay soccer game on both consoles. It's only let-down is the ridiculous distance players slide tackle. The Saturn version does have a graphical advantage with noticeably better colors and smoother game play. Best version: Saturn
-Pebble Beach Golf Links-
While it was never a great game, Pebble Beach Golf Links was an all around "good" golf game... for it's time. The graphics were okay, the ball view was a nice touch and who didn't love the help from the fat guy? The Saturn version got a little bit better treatment in the graphics dept. The Saturn version also runs a bit smoother. Best version: Saturn
-Primal Rage-
While all versions hold a tribute to it's arcade counterpart, The most accurate Arcade port is on the Sega Saturn. Best version: Saturn
-Road Rash-
Same game on both systems. The 3Do does have the cool 90's licensed bands like sound garden etc... that won best game soundtrack of the year in 94'. But all of those songs are only played in the options menu and in the FMV cuts. the game still uses the boring midi garbage from it's 16 bit predecessors. While the Saturn version did get real bands music, it was mostly garage bands that people sent in. all in all the music makes no difference. I'm calling this one a draw. Best version: Draw
-Shanghai: Triple Threat-
Same Game on both consoles. Nothing really noticeable was changed. Best version: Draw
-Space Hulk: Vengeance of the Blood Angels-
In my opinion Space Hulk is one of the best games for the 3DO. Made By EA (one of the bigger supporters of the 3DO) Space hulk is a pre rendered first person shooter/ strategic Game. The game itself is nicely done an very easy on the eyes. This one was close, Both games are on par with one another and not many differences are noticeable. One difference is the grainy look that most Saturn Ports seam to have. I'm going to give this one to the 3DO mostly because I was surprised to see it look/play so well on my Goldstar. But overall Both versions are well matched Best version: 3DO
-Starfighter-
Starfighter (3DO) - Shooter and Sim fans alike will really dig Starfighter, a Studio 3DO product that just suddenly appeared on store shelves, with practically no advertisement. It looks pretty mediocre on the box, but on the 3DO its amazing. "60 stages of furious action". The Saturn port Seams a little washed out. Controls are crummy, draw distance is horrible and the graphics are less than par to the 3DO version. Best version: 3DO
-World Cup Golf: Hyatt Dorado Beach-
Also known as World cup golf: professional edition on the Sega Saturn. Same game on both systems. The Saturn version does have a slight graphical advantage and a faster frame rate. But got a lower user score on IGN. After reviewing both games on both systems, I have determined the Saturn version, having much better controls and a slight graphical advantage to be the better one.
IGN Scores: 3DO: 5.8 Saturn: 4.6 Best version: Saturn
FINAL SCORES: 3DO : 10.5/21 SEGA SATURN : 10.5/21
WINNER: DRAW!!!!!!!
(each draw counted as 1/2 point)
WOW! Looks like the 3DO and Saturn were equally matched in their respected categories... or the Saturn just got the short end of the stick with crummy ports... Any way you look at it though the 3Do held it's own against the SEGA Saturn. Who knows...maybe if the 3DO wasn't so overpriced they may have gotten some more big developers on board and maybe just maybe could have been a big contender in the 32bit battle...
I hope everyone enjoyed this... Look forward to More SATURN Vs.__________ in the future. If anyone has any input please feel free to contact me.
[img align=right width=250]http://www.rfgeneration.com/images/repository/116598339947f01bc0747fdwifi_failure.gif[/img]Nintendo. They like making money. They could make so much more money if they had a viable online system. Microtransactions also print money, so it boggles my mind that Nintendo has opted for the castrated Online Plan. To Nintendo, it's better to assume that everyone is 6 than their actual age, and for that reason most people would call the system... subpar. Not exactly a fun experience to play online, especially if you want to try to hook up with your friends.
Slate decided, in its infinite wisdom, that it needed to tell the world that Nintendo's Online Plan is in fact, "a smashing failure." So, yeah, good job there Slate, where have you been for the last 3 years. I could have said that back when the DS was going online. Friend Codes are in fact, absolute rubbish. Poorly executed Smash Bros. with anyone online games is in fact, absolute rubbish. Tantalizing Wii owners with the prospect of only one Wii Friend Code only to find out that every damn game still has its own way of doing online, is rubbish.
So, where have you been, Slate? I conject that you must have been really far away not to realize this cold reality years ago. How was the stay on the third rock from Alpha Centari, Slate, because clearly for the last few years you were nowhere near Earth.
Oh, you say that you were? Perhaps then you just are late to the obvious, or you're just out of touch with gaming in general. The only reason I've heard of you is because Kotaku mentions you. Perhaps you should just... um... keep quiet about games.
While the Jaguar was never really a big Contender in the 32 bit era, It was a Contender nonetheless. Below is a list of Games that saw a release on both the Atari Jaguar and the SEGA Saturn.
1. Braindead 13
2. Doom
3. Myst
4. NBA Jam T.E.
5. Primal Rage
6. Rayman
7. Theme Park
8. Tempest 2000
9. Worms
Not very many.... Most of the games that came out on both console were nothing more than Ports. When I decided to do a Saturn/Jag comparison I expected it to be one sided... I was wrong... Below are some short reviews for each game in The list above. Just like any other review, These are just personal opinions and are intended for fun. I will try my best to review each game in a unbiased manner.
-Braindead 13-
Exact same Game On Both Systems! I'm going to Call this one a draw.
-Doom-
Jaguar Doom featured most of the levels from the PC, though the majority of them were Modified, or even completely remade. The lighting and textures were less complex and There is no in game music. Best Version: Saturn
-Myst-
Myst looks Amazing on the Jaguar. It does have a slight longer load time... but well worth it. Saturn and PSX owners really got the short end of the stick. The Saturn Port is just plain horrible... The Two worst versions of Myst are on PSX and Saturn. Best version: Jaguar CD
-NBA Jam T.E.-
Exact same game on both consoles. Saturn has CD quality sound while Jaguar has no load times. I guess it all depends on what you prefer... better sound or shorter load times. Keeping in mind that even though the Jaguar's sound is not CD quality; its pretty darn good. I'm going to have to call this one a Draw!
-Primal Rage-
Graphics baby, Graphics! And Saturn's got em' Primal rage is basically the same game on both consoles. But put them up next to each other and man! The Saturn version just jumps right out of the screen. Best version: Saturn
-Rayman-
Rayman was a game made from the ground up specifically for the Jaguar. Because of this Rayman remains as one of the Best Jaguar games today. The Saturn later received a port in 97, but User scores were slightly lower than it's Jaguar Predecessor.
From IGN: Jaguar: 8.9 Saturn: 8.5 Close Call... Best Version: Jaguar
-Theme Park-
Great game on both consoles. But the Jaguar lacks the ability to save your park. So once the console is turned off you lose all your hard work. Also when your park starts getting fairly Large The Jag Version will slow down noticeably... Kind of Frustrating. Best version: Saturn
-Tempest 2000-
Another game developed for the Jaguar and then later ported to other consoles. Tempest 2000 is considered by many to be one of the best games created for the ill fated Jaguar. The Saturn version used a limited amount of sound channels causing "thin sound". The third type of bonus level was completely removed.The game also fails to recreate the wild framebuffer effects of the original satisfactorily. Best Version: Jaguar
-Worms-
Worms plays exactly the same on both consoles. The Jag version does have a little less content and less scaling than the Saturn. Probably due to storage issues on the 2MEG cart that JAG used. Best version: Saturn
FINAL SCORES:
JAGUAR/JAGUAR CD: 4/9
SEGA SATURN : 5/9
WINNER: SATURN!
(each draw counted as 1/2 point)
Wow some of those were kind of close. I guess When developers made these games, the Saturn was never really used to bring out the full potential.
I hope everyone enjoyed this... Look forward to More SATURN Vs.__________ in the future. If anyone has any input, or feel I have missed something please feel free to contact me.
Some of you may be die hard haters of other game consoles besides the ones that you own. For others, you might be such a fanboy that you need be reminded of reasons why you should curb your enthusiasm. Fortunately for you, Gamesradar wishes to fan the flames of console bashing during its hate week, where they harp about why you should hate everything. Thank God for that too, because I certainly could not think of my own reasons to be spiteful about the console manufacturers.
Shall we check out these videos? Because I am a nice guy, I'll start out with the company I tend to support heavily (aside from my latest Cynical Gamer piece), Nintendo. You can find Sony and Microsoft after the Jump.
So, I checked the IndieGames Weblog yesterday, and their freeware game of the day was a game called Rom Check Fail.
Just what is Rom Check Fail? Turns out this game was made for a competition on another site I lurk, The Indpendent Gaming Source (aka: TIGSource). This competition was to make a game based on whatever title this video game name generator chooses. However, the creator of the game decided to break the rules of the competition and do what he calls a "video game generator".
Rom Check Fail is like a broken emulator that glitches by throwing in random music, characters, levels, and gameplay. The object of the game is to defeat all the enemies in a level, however that will not be easy because every five seconds or so, the gameplay, music, and characters will change on you. For example, you could start out as Pac-Man trying to eat the power dot and turn Asteroids into ghosts, then the next second you could be Link trying to stab some Goombas, and then finally Mario trying to jump on some Space Invaders. Sometimes, what the game does may not work out, but that's ok because it's randomly generated combinations.
If you love games, which I assume you do, then you've got to check this game out. It's free and is a small 2.6 MB download. You can get it at Farbs.org.
While I'm at it, I'd like to feature some of the other standout games entered in this competition.
I haven't played every game, but I enjoyed or got a laugh out of those games I just listed. If I find any other great ones, I'll post them in the comment.
You can view every entry in the competition, including the ones I just listed, at TIGSource. Monocles are optional.
We all knew it was coming. Sega Master System will be added as the next VC system over here. Here is what they have to say:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that Wonder Boy and Fantasy Zone will be the first wave of many SEGA Master™ System titles that will soon be available for download on the Wii™ Shop Channel. Prices start at 400 Wii™ Points for SEGA Master System titles. Wii Points can be purchased online or at select retailers at an MSRP of $20 for 2,000 points.
WonderBoy - As Tom-Tom the Wonder Boy, it's up to you to rescue your girlfriend Tanya from the vile clutches of a monster that has kidnapped her. To do so, you must navigate through a series of worlds in a race against time to reach your goal, as you battle off foes and collect fruit that will add to the amount of time you have to complete your mission. You can also collect helpful power-ups from various eggs, but make sure to avoid the "bad" eggs and poisonous mushrooms that sap your precious vitality. Find the magic doll in each level that opens up the hidden areas, and make it to the very end to rescue your one true love!
Fantasy Zone - Take command of the spaceship Opa-Opa and blast your way through various fantastical levels as you try to take out all the enemy bases in each stage. Once you've destroyed the bases, you'll have to beat the stage boss in order to move on to the next level. By using your guns and bombs wisely, you'll be able to take down your enemies and explore each of the crazy environments in this side-scroller. You can also buy upgraded weapons for your ship by accessing the shop. Various SEGA games through the years have referenced the Opa-Opa - now you can play the game that started it all!
The Wii Shop Channel serves as the Wii's online storefront, where visitors can redeem Wii Points to download games and other items. Users need a high-speed Internet connection to access the Wii Shop Channel. More Virtual Console games will come available every Monday following launch. Users buy Wii Points at retail or with a credit card online from the Wii Shop Channel and redeem their Wii Points to download the classic games." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I never had a chance to play SMS, so this might be fun. And only 400 points for a game is not bad.
Activision, while slow and quiet in their response, has stepped up and admitted they've made mistakes with the Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock by taking appropriate actions to remedy the situation. As a thank you gift to those who have had to wait through the disc replacement process, they are sending a free guitar faceplate. Those who registered should recieve a note stating the faceplate will arrive a few weeks after the fixed edition of the game.
It seems a lot of things are shipped out only to break immediately in consumers' hands. Overheating 360s, breaking Rock Band guitars, and snapping Wiimote straps are just some of the things gamers have had to put up with in recent years, and the best one can expect is to have the shoddy product replaced after waiting for months. It is nice for a change that a company goes the extra mile to make up for the inconvenience. Things are looking better for RedOctane and Activision.
So... Guitar Hero III owners, does the freebie balance out the disappointment and hassle? Is RedOctane still cool? Who will gaff up next? Only time will tell.
The new upcoming Wiiplay title Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My life as a King, will feature DLC.
The DLC so far will be new costumes that will be available for Leo and Chancellor Chime, such as a pirate set. You will also be able to download housing to gain more races such as the Yukes, Lilties or Selkies. Prices have not has a set price, but will be around 100-300 respectevely.
I am all for DLC on any game one the Wii after the Rockband news. And $3 is not bad for a whole new race in your game. Now all we need is an HD...
[img width=200 align=right]http://www.rfgeneration.com/images/repository/57026936647e82160480ffcg3.jpg[/img]Nintendo! What the hell is wrong with you? Words can describe how frustrated you make me. It's times like today where I wish that you went the way of Sega. You know how to print money for yourself, but in terms of catering to everyone, you've failed. I remember how you said that you wanted to cater to everyone, but now it's obvious that was a crock of shit. Kudos to you Nintendo, we love the shovelware that you promote.
Get this Nintendo - a large population of Wii owners are actually above the age of 18! We're sick of the "Protect the Kids Bullshit!" Microsoft does a great job protecting the kids while at the same time providing the best online experience of any console. You, on the other hand, are so preoccupied with "protecting the kids" that you neglect the potential sales and desires of your older owners. It pisses us off, and we hate it.
I don't want Carnival Games. I want more games like No More Heroes. I don't want Smash Bros with Friend Codes. I want Smash Bros with Live. I don't want the PS2 version of Rock Band; I want the full fledged version that the 360 and PS3 has. Perhaps you don't realize it Nintendo, but what you're doing now is pissing people like me off because your policies promote developers to port CRAP! I'm sick of this crap, and I am getting rather sick of you.
[img align=right width=200]http://www.rfgeneration.com/images/repository/180407488746fd6a4042c40Rock_band_cover.jpg[/img]Let's not kid ourselves. I really like music / rhythm games. As such, I really like games like Guitar Hero. So, when the next Harmonix game was announced and it was Rock Band, it was pretty damn exciting. Then, there was the revelation that the game was only coming out for the 360 and PS3, which made baby Jesus cry. I myself, was one sad panda. The pain was lessened a bit when I saw the associated price tag, but the game still was amazing, and deep down, I still wanted it.
Fortunately, Harmonix announced that eventually Rock Band would be coming to the Wii, and that was about it. No price, no release date... nothing other than that the game was coming to the Wii. Well, that's nice, but I want more concrete information. The Wii owners want more information. Would it be expensive like its brethren, or would it be slightly more affordable? Would it be a quick cash in like Guitar Hero / PS2 Rock Band, or would the content be more like the 360 / PS3 versions? Most importantly, when would it be coming out?
Well, there is a release data and price for the Wii version. June 22, 2008. $170. Price, not too surprising, but hey! We now have a date. Additionally, it will be a "Special Edition", with 63 songs, including 5 bonus songs. Oh boy, I can barely contain myself. Yay. Seriously.
So, the burning question of will this game be a gimped version like the PS2 version, or will the game be like the 360 / PS3 version has yet to be answered. Certainly, my excitement will either fall or rise with that announcement, and I can't wait to hear more about this version of the game.
•Naruto Ultimate Ninja 3 •Obscure: The Aftermath •Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure
My pick this week goes to Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. Now, before all you Final Fantasy fangirls start crying becuase I didn't pick your OMFGKAWAIIBISHIE ^__^ game, let me just say that I would never award FF7 or FF anything, other than "Series Tony Most Hates". Now to the pick at hand, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword for the Nintendo DS. This game, while lacking the graphical prowess of Sigma, Black, and II, it definitely looks like a well thought out and well executed version of the game that you can put in your pocket and play anywhere. The game really seems to live up to the high bar set by the console iterations of the series. The critics so far seem to agree with my analysis, as it has been getting very positive scores across the board.
In addition to Dragon Sword, be on the look out for Dark Sector and Viking: Battle for Asgard. Dark Sector may end up being meh, but Viking looks like it could be a real surprise. The first review I've seen of that game gave it a 9.5/10. Be sure to check out the other reviews of it as the week progresses, because this might wind up being a game to buy. The fact that it's based on the Vikings only makes me more intrigued, because Vikings are freaking badass.
Also, I have a correction from last week's list. World Championship Cards for PSP has been delayed until April. Sorry for disappointing all less than two of you who are looking forward to this game.
Check back here next week to find out what games are begging for your money!
[img width=350 align=right]http://www.adpulp.com/gamesgrow_4_small.jpg[/img]Hello all.
Gaming has been a test of diligence this past week. I have been working through another go around of The Elder Scrolls III - Morrowind GOY edition on my XB 360. I had spent roughly 20 minutes traveling all around the great world of Vvarendall to finally retrieve the awesome Skull Crusher war hammer. Right when I begin to enter the archaic structured home of some half-breed I am to suppose to deliver this relic to, all of my efforts are wasted due to the game freezing. Talk about frustrating! I am tired of this crap happening and I find that my patience is lacking when trying to re-indulge in the adventure/mission that I had previously thought I had accomplished.
This situation mirrors my real life realization that I am not the gamer that I was back in my heyday. Hence, this is a solid preface to the next part in the series - Erosion of the Gaming Skills: Reality Bites!
I guess this hit me first when my younger brother (he is 8 years my junior) eventually started to beat on me like a farm animal in Halo. When we first started playing this game, I routinely sniped his sorry ass from the hidden glacial recesses. I relied upon guile and stealth to defeat my opponent. And then self-reality punched me square in the nose - I had turned into one of those hated 'campers' in the Call of Duty (and like) online series. As my brother improved (by playing), I stagnated and only had time to play every now and again. Now I was the one being abused like a rent-a-car at his will. Anyone who has a younger brother can attest to this - beating on them is pure satisfaction. Now that the tables had turned, one of my sincere joys in life had been extinguished.
As I grow wiser (older), I find myself gravitating to slower paced games where I can utilize my best asset - the brain. No, I have not crossed over to the dark side and become a fan of edutainment titles. However, RPGs are right up my alley (as they have always been) and golf games (thank goodness for the return of the three-button method employed in Tigers Woods 2008 - old school!). I was a HUGE Tekken fan at one point in my gaming career, but being beat on like a red-headed step child is just not appealing to me anymore. I will admit, to the probable disgust of most gamers (and deservedly so), that I do employ cheat codes liberally. I do not do this to beat on my chest to say I conquered X game, but simply to be able to enjoy the great games that are being released in today's age. At this point in life, my time, patience and thumb-motor ability are resources that I do not have in abundance.
[img width=350 align=left]http://www.gso-media.com/upload/old-gamer-2.jpg[/img]This realization is not something new to me. As I entered into the working world and my career began to escalate, priorities obviously had to change. No more could I devote the necessary hours to master the key button combination required to decapitate a foe in Mortal Kombat or the timing of a certain jump to avoid a villain in Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Sometimes I just don't have the time to master, or even become remotely proficient, in a game; other times I find that I simply lack the patience to perform the necessary trial-and-error functions to get better. Either way, this is a sad reality that gamers of all ages will eventually face - the gaming skills do erode.
One word of the advice to the young pups out there that enjoy looking to take down 'oldman111' in your latest online game of BioShock - be respectful. That will be you one day. Give 'creds' to us old-timers that are still out there on the playing field trying to enjoy the passion we both share - video games.
Next week's edition: Buying Decision Do's & Don'ts. Until then, be careful in your next CoD online game - you might just get your ass sniped
[img align=right width=250]http://www.rfgeneration.com/images/repository/89805237447e2a8683ef7cjack_thompson_attorney.jpg[/img]Poor old Jack. Man gets a law degree, starts making frivolous lawsuits bordering the absurdity realm of Hot Coffee Cup Warnings, and then eventually gets referred to the Florida Bar. While the Bar Trial is still in process, we do have an interesting development that did occur today.
Apparently the Florida Supreme Court doesn't enjoy constantly receiving lots of frivolous cases from certain people. Recently, they sent Jack an order demanding why they should not place sanctions against him. Well, apparently Jack's reasons either were not good enough or he just flat out did not provide them with any. Well, the Florida Supreme Court has just decided to set sanctions against good ol' Jack. These sanctions now make it so that Jack can not submit any cases directly to them. That means now that he needs to find an equally crazy person to submit his cases, and I honestly doubt that anyone would be stupid enough to join him in his quest for frivolous lawsuits.
We wish Jack the best of luck in his future endeavors, and hope that the Florida Bar makes an expedient solution soon enough.
We are a community of collectors, gamers and the likes, and some of us enjoy to let the world know what is on our mind. For those members, we have the community blogs, a place where they can publish their thoughts and feelings regarding life, universe, and everything. Some of those members might even choose to write about gaming and collecting! Whatever they write about, you can find it on their blog. You can either see the latest community blog entries in the feed you see to the left, or you can browse for your favorite blog using the menu above. Interested in having your own blog hosted on RF Generation? It's rather simple, first be a registered member, and then click the "My Blog" link that you see in the navigation above. Following those two steps will certainly get you on your way to blogging.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy our entries, rantings, and completely unrelated series of thoughts. We write for you to read, so we certainly hope that you enjoy our material.
That is not my pick of the week, though. My pick of the week easily goes to Ikaruga on Xbox Live Arcade. That's right, Treasure's classic (and very hard to find) vertical shooter has been ported to Xbox Live Arcade and will be selling for the ultra-low price of $10. If you have an Xbox 360 and don't buy this game, I will be extremely disappointed in you because Ikaruga is one of the greatest games ever created and is something that everyone needs to experience it at least once. Sure, you could be old-fashioned and buy the Dreamcast or Gamecube version, but you'll be paying at least $30 or $40 more for a disc and a case. Not worth it just for that. Come on, you know you want it. Drop your fear of digital distribution and experience one of the greatest games of all time. 
So, I checked the IndieGames Weblog yesterday, and their freeware game of the day was a game called Rom Check Fail.
My pick this week goes to Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. Now, before all you Final Fantasy fangirls start crying becuase I didn't pick your OMFGKAWAIIBISHIE ^__^ game, let me just say that I would never award FF7 or FF anything, other than "Series Tony Most Hates". Now to the pick at hand, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword for the Nintendo DS. This game, while lacking the graphical prowess of Sigma, Black, and II, it definitely looks like a well thought out and well executed version of the game that you can put in your pocket and play anywhere. The game really seems to live up to the high bar set by the console iterations of the series. The critics so far seem to agree with my analysis, as it has been getting very positive scores across the board.