I did some research and wrote a review on the OUYA:

While heated fanboys troll comment threads and online forums against the backdrop of the raging console wars, today's international launch of the OUYA went largely unnoticed. The OUYA, an Android-powered, open source console, is currently sold out on amazon.com, and has more than a few heads turning to see why. So what is the OUYA and why might it merit our attention?

The OUYA opened as a kickstarter project on July 10, 2012. In just under a period of a month the OUYA exceeded its funding goal by a staggering 904%, boasting over $8.5 million in funding from over 63,000 backers worldwide. So what makes the OUYA different from next generation consoles and why should we be excited?

Firstly, the OUYA allows any developer to easily create, and design their own video games. Even you. And in a world where the video game industry is worth billions, small-scale independents have the odds stacked against them. The OUYA, then, opens a bright new door for new up-and-coming developers: "You can build games for OUYA [...] Our tools are free and come with every OUYA--no more excuses [...] Create a boundless 3D universe with the UNITY engine or scale things back to the turn-based RPG--youre in control."

Second, OUYA listens to their consumers, and has relied heavily on consumer feedback. In today's world where megacorporations like Microsoft can pump millions into their own projects, consumer opinion is often ignored. Coversely, the majority of financial support for the OUYA has come directly from the wallets of consumers, rather than big money and big corporate interests. For now, at least, OUYA is listening.

Now for the specs. Physically, the OUYA is small and easily portable. It's been outfitted with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage. Storage can be increased simply by connecting (via USB) to an external source, such as a thumb drive, external hardrive, etc. In addition, whether you use WiFi or Ethernet, the OUYA allows users to stream their favorite videos or music apps in 1080p HD. As for games, they are downloaded directly to the OUYA, which means less clutter.

As for it's game library, 177 titles are currently available on the OUYA. Its shinier titles include: Final Fantasy 3, ChronoBlade, and The Bard's Tale, which isn't much. However, their library is consistently growing. To compete with the big boys, OUYA has partnered up with Twitch.tv, Crunchyroll, iheartradio, TuneIn, XBMX, PLex, and Flixster. And don't forget that the OUYA provides access to multiple emulators, including Atari, NES, SNES, Gameboy, and N64. All users need do is download their favorite ROMS, bringing classic titles back to the big screen. This, perhaps, is the most underappreciated aspect of the OUYA, as there are literally thousands of ROMS available to download--for free.

Now let's talk about price. The OUYA bundle is currently selling on amazon.com for $99.99, and includes the console itself along with 1 wireless controller. Sold separately, the OUYA controller is US$49.99. Not a bad deal. Should you buy a OUYA? Truth be told, probably not just yet. With a limited library and having only just been released, as a console it still has a long way to go. However, keep in mind that it only launched today. With new developers signing up, and new games continually added to its library, the OUYA has the potential to grow into something great. We'll have to wait and see!

Sorry guys, didn't realize I had to be a lvl 10 to post :s

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to writing reviews and editorials, but I had a go at reviewing the OUYA. Have a read, and any tips would be appreciated. If you like it or hate it, feel free to comment on the original article on my blog page :D 

ENTER: THE OUYA

While heated fanboys troll comment threads and online forums against the backdrop of the raging console wars, today's international launch of the OUYA went largely unnoticed. The OUYA, an Android-powered, open source console, is currently sold out on amazon.com, and has more than a few heads turning to see why. So what is the OUYA and why might it merit our attention?

The OUYA opened as a kickstarter project on July 10, 2012. In just under a period of a month the OUYA exceeded its funding goal by a staggering 904%, boasting over $8.5 million in funding from over 63,000 backers worldwide. So what makes the OUYA different from next generation consoles and why should we be excited?

Firstly, the OUYA allows any developer to easily create, and design their own video games. Even you. And in a world where the video game industry is worth billions, small-scale independents have the odds stacked against them. The OUYA, then, opens a bright new door for new up-and-coming developers: "You can build games for OUYA [...] Our tools are free and come with every OUYA--no more excuses [...] Create a boundless 3D universe with the UNITY engine or scale things back to the turn-based RPG--youre in control."

Second, OUYA listens to their consumers, and has relied heavily on consumer feedback. In today's world where megacorporations like Microsoft can pump millions into their own projects, consumer opinion is often ignored. Coversely, the majority of financial support for the OUYA has come directly from the wallets of consumers, rather than big money and big corporate interests. For now, at least, OUYA is listening.

Now for the specs. Physically, the OUYA is small and easily portable. It's been outfitted with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage. Storage can be increased simply by connecting (via USB) to an external source, such as a thumb drive, external hardrive, etc. In addition, whether you use WiFi or Ethernet, the OUYA allows users to stream their favorite videos or music apps in 1080p HD. As for games, they are downloaded directly to the OUYA, which means less clutter.

As for it's game library, 177 titles are currently available on the OUYA. Its shinier titles include: Final Fantasy 3, ChronoBlade, and The Bard's Tale, which isn't much. However, their library is consistently growing. To compete with the big boys, OUYA has partnered up with Twitch.tv, Crunchyroll, iheartradio, TuneIn, XBMX, PLex, and Flixster. And don't forget that the OUYA provides access to multiple emulators, including Atari, NES, SNES, Gameboy, and N64. All users need do is download their favorite ROMS, bringing classic titles back to the big screen. This, perhaps, is the most underappreciated aspect of the OUYA, as there are literally thousands of ROMS available to download--for free.

Now let's talk about price. The OUYA bundle is currently selling on amazon.com for $99.99, and includes the console itself along with 1 wireless controller. Sold separately, the OUYA controller is US$49.99. Not a bad deal. Should you buy a OUYA? Truth be told, probably not just yet. With a limited library and having only just been released, as a console it still has a long way to go. However, keep in mind that it only launched today. With new developers signing up, and new games continually added to its library, the OUYA has the potential to grow into something great. We'll have to wait and see!

Hey everyone, I've written an article on the newly-launched OUYA and wouldn't mind some critique. I'm fairly new to writing reviews, and prefer prose fiction. I tried to come off as objective as I can in this article. Have a read, enjoy, and any tips would be appreciated! Thanks

WHAT IS A OUYA? 

While heated fanboys troll comment threads and online forums against the backdrop of the raging console wars, today's international launch of the OUYA went largely unnoticed. The OUYA, an Android-powered, open source console, is currently sold out on amazon.com, and has more than a few heads turning to see why. So what is the OUYA and why might it merit our attention?

The OUYA opened as a kickstarter project on July 10, 2012. In just under a period of a month the OUYA exceeded its funding goal by a staggering 904%, boasting over $8.5 million in funding from over 63,000 backers worldwide. So what makes the OUYA different from next generation consoles and why should we be excited?

Firstly, the OUYA allows any developer to easily create, and design their own video games. Even you. And in a world where the video game industry is worth billions, small-scale independents have the odds stacked against them. The OUYA, then, opens a bright new door for new up-and-coming developers: "You can build games for OUYA [...] Our tools are free and come with every OUYA--no more excuses [...] Create a boundless 3D universe with the UNITY engine or scale things back to the turn-based RPG--youre in control."

Second, OUYA listens to their consumers, and has relied heavily on consumer feedback. In today's world where megacorporations like Microsoft can pump millions into their own projects, consumer opinion is often ignored. Coversely, the majority of financial support for the OUYA has come directly from the wallets of consumers, rather than big money and big corporate interests. For now, at least, OUYA is listening.

Now for the specs. Physically, the OUYA is small and easily portable. It's been outfitted with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage. Storage can be increased simply by connecting (via USB) to an external source, such as a thumb drive, external hardrive, etc. In addition, whether you use WiFi or Ethernet, the OUYA allows users to stream their favorite videos or music apps in 1080p HD. As for games, they are downloaded directly to the OUYA, which means less clutter.

As for its game library, 177 titles are currently available on the OUYA. Its shinier titles include: Final Fantasy 3, ChronoBlade, and The Bard's Tale, which isn't much. However, their library is consistently growing. To compete with the big boys, OUYA has partnered up with Twitch.tv, Crunchyroll, iheartradio, TuneIn, XBMX, PLex, and Flixster. And don't forget that the OUYA provides access to multiple emulators, including Atari, NES, SNES, Gameboy, and N64. All users need do is download their favorite ROMS, bringing classic titles back to the big screen. This, perhaps, is the most underappreciated aspect of the OUYA, as there are literally thousands of ROMS available to download--for free.

Now let's talk about price. The OUYA bundle is currently selling on amazon.com for $99.99, and includes the console itself along with 1 wireless controller. Sold separately, the OUYA controller is US$49.99. Not a bad deal. Should you buy a OUYA? Truth be told, probably not just yet. With a limited library and having only just been released, as a console it still has a long way to go. However, keep in mind that it only launched today. With new developers signing up, and new games continually added to its library, the OUYA has the potential to grow into something great. We'll have to wait and see!

Before you die, try to watch GundamWing, Dragonball Kai, Escaflowne, Trigun, One Piece, and Full Metal Alchemist.

My top 3 recommended...

Final Fantasy: War of the Lions

Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker

Final Fantasy: Crisis Core

Markath is quite far away from your starting area. I would suggest questing around your starting area and slowly branching out. I spent most of my early levels exploring, and came across loads of nearby quests--always finding new areas to explore and level in. Additionally, in most areas the level of enemies present is usually based on the player's level, so it might also be how you're spending your perks. You have chosen a two-handed weapon, I think, which means your block is limited and you'll take a lot of damage in combat until you get your damage up. Potions are harder to come by than food, so stock up on food! Whenever you're low on healthy, gorge yourself lol 

In my first play through I specialized in archery, sneak, and wore light armour. When I got to a higher level, I started specializing in melee weapons and magic, and it was way easier to level it up since I was much stronger. I wasn't even close to beating the game by the time I hit 100 on archery because I focused on the side quests--and there's A LOT! Hope that helps, and good luck!!!

It's true, but hopefully Samsung and Microsoft won't be using their technology to spy :/ These innovations do make our lives more convenient, but at what cost? 

I found the top critics at Rotten Tomatoes were way off -- the audience rating was way higher. I wrote a review of "Man of Steel" on my blog. Check it out:

The new Superman movie, "Man of Steel," directed by Zack Snyder and written by Christopher Nolan, emerged over this past weekend as a soaring summer blockbuster with an audience rating of 8.2/10 on Rotten Tomatoes. However, not everyone was happy with Superman's make-over; top critics at Rotten Tomatoes were especially severe, collectively giving Snyder's reboot a paltry 5.4/10. The majority of complaints typically included film length (too long), character development (none), action (too much), romance (lacking), and humour (lacking).

Top critics were quick to compare "Man of Steel" to the bygone Christopher Reeve's films. Critic David Kaplan commented: "Rest easy, Christopher Reeve fans. He's still the best Superman ever, and Margot Kidder is still the number one Lois Lane."

Are you kidding me, Kaplan? Anyone suffering under the same assumptions, please, re-watch Reeve's Superman films--when you're finished getting the cheese out of your eyes, come back to the table and we'll have you promptly exiled into the Phantom Zone. Obviously, something is "rotten" with the top critics at Rotten Tomatoes, especially considering that they gave "Superman Returns" (2006) a 7.5/10 while audience ratings dropped to 6.7/10.

With a runtime of 2hr. 28min., Snyder's "Man of Steel" is lengthy, but with good cause, providing us with a new-and-improved look at the planet Krypton, as well as additional insight into its history, and tragic destruction.

As for characterization, Superman, Lois Lane, and the Kents remain constant and true to our expectations, while the development of Jor-El, Lara, and General Zod is deepened considerably.

Like its DC counterpart, "The Dark Knight trilogy," the film takes on a darker, more serious level of reality, punctuated with subtle moments of comic relief and romance. Much of the film occupies itself with flashbacks, affording the audience glimpses into Superman's troubled childhood as he struggles to control his powers in a world that threatens to reject him. Searching for purpose and clues to his past, we first see him as a drifter before he dons the cape. But then watch out when the cape is on--the action doesn't stop! From gunfire and explosions to godly brawls and beatings, "Man of Steel" is CGI at its best, accompanied by a soundtrack that compliments every minute.

Romance definitely takes a second seat to action, but "Man of Steel" is not without its softer moments, culminating in a first kiss between Clark and Lois. But really, how much smooching can be expected when the film ends on Clark's first day at the Daily Planet Newspaper? Fans of romance and blue tights will have to wait for a sequel.

On a personal level, I had no complaints. As a stand alone movie, "Man of Steel" was fantastic! Well worth my money, and 2 hours and 28 minutes of my life that I don't want back. In fact, I hope to see a sequel from Snyder and Nolan, both masters in their fields. As for top critics at Rotten Tomatoes, I will--as I always have--take their reviews and ratings with a grain of salt. Audience ratings are usually less severe and much more accurate, in regards to my own preference.