It's a bit odd that I could forget my own birthday however when you're being distracted by your brand new Nintendo Wii it's hard not t notice the time pass by :lol: Oh right, I got a Nintendo Wii on Thursday :D Unfortunately I didn't play as much as I wanted to before school started again but it's still great!

Wii Sports is simply fun. All the games included are great however I'm not a big fan of Wii Golf and the controls for Boxing and Tennis could've used some tweaking but it's all great. Only one problem. I have no SD card :? Thus I've held back a bit on Twilight Princess but from what I've played. The grame is every bit as amazing as I thought it would be. Yet to fully experience the magnificence that I assume Twilight Princess will be, I must continue to wait patiently.

Among the two Wii titles I also got Super Smash Bros.Melee! How I've longed to play it again. It's absolutely one of my favourite games of all time.Loaded with content and great gameplay that doesn't let up. I think I'll be writting a review for it as well as Wii Sports in the future.

Now remember the cash I got for Christmas? Well I've used up almost all of it. I bought my Wii console, Super Smash Bros. Melee and loads of manga. I now own Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 2, 4-10 and the Anime Profiles Book. I'm still searching for Vol. 1 & 3 though so unfortunately I will not be reading the others. However the Anime Profiles book is absolutely AWESOME! If you're a fan of the anime then I recommend you get this book. It's loaded with content that goes through the story and share some neat insights on the characters with the profiles. One of the most noticable things in the book is Edward's responses to those making a short related comment about him. They're quite funny.

So right now I think I'll just keep the rest of the money and save up again. It is my Birthday though so who knows, maybe I'll get some more cash coming my way. The only thing I plan to buy is FMA Vol. 1 & 3 and later on the Manga Profiles Book.

Too bad it's a Wednesday.. oh well that won't stop me from having fun. I'm off to play more SSBM and await the party to come this weekend :D

Wait a sec, I didn't even say how old I am :lol: And here I was concluding the blog relating to my Birthday or at least it was supposed to. Anyways, I'm now 17 years old! :D Things look much better for me this year in my life. I've begun writing stories and poetry again. There's plenty to look forward to. Such as the ending of Fullmetal Alchemist here that only has 8 episodes to go, I have mixed reactions about this. It's my favourite anime and look it to death and I'm glad it doesn't linger on with pointless filler however it's sad to see it end. Then again by then I should have all the manga issues to keep myself occupied along with my Nintendo Wii.

In terms of games Metroid Prime 3, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros. Brawl are all coming out this year so this will definitely be a fun year for me in gaming. I also hope to pick up a DS Lite later on. And who knows what else will come up on that, there's already so many great games available!

So anyways, writing this blog is taking away from my gaming. I will see you all later :)

"The only thing that makes sense is moving forward." - Edward Elric

It's true. The only thing that makes sense is moving forward. You can't linger on a certain event in life. You must continue to move forward and progress. This is truly an inspirational quote, one that I follow in every day life. However can this motivational quote for humans apply in gaming?

Games are quite possibly the best medium for expressing what I believe to be art. Featuring a large variety of different art styles ranging from anime inspired characters to colossal creatures rampaging across a vast plain. As well as some of the most moving scores that range from orchestral pieces to hard rock themes. It's funny how some don't think games deserve to be considered as a form of art. Nonetheless, developers have done great work in utilizing technology to make these expressions of art that much more amazing.

Technology as it applies to gaming has truly moved forward. So much so that it's becoming a real issue. Gaming consoles are becoming less and less about the games and more about multimedia based capabilities. I'm all for gaming moving forward but what happened to the days where the technology was used solely for the games? Not to say that games haven’t gotten better since the days of the NES/SNES/N64 etc. But the whole multimedia movement is starting to get a bit out of hand. I as many of you will buy a console to play the games, not for the mp3 playback, not for viewing HD quality movies. These things are nice but if you take all that away all you end up with is a gaming console. And no matter how impressive it’s technological capabilities is. The only thing that matters at the end is the quality of the games.

My point is simple, I believe that gaming is indeed moving forward but is turning towards a shortcut that's been placed by companies trying to get you to buy their product for the wrong reasons. We don't need a gaming console to be a computer, we don't need it to be our household movie player but that's how companies and technology have turned it. We also don't need a game based on our favourite movie of the year. Now I don't mind these additions, once the games are good. There have been quite a few great games recently, Gears of War, LoZ: Twilight Princess, etc.  But there's also been a ton of flops.. Sure, there has been a hell of a lot of terrible games in the past. And today there are seemingly even more half baked, cheap rip-offs to get a quick buck titles floating around than ever.

This is one instance where gaming has lost its way. What happened to focusing on the actual games and how they play and how to offer a different experience to gamers? The only company that I've seen that's stuck to what gaming was is Nintendo. The NES, SNES, N64 and GC are all 'real' gaming consoles. In the sense they only focus on the games themselves. Yea sure the N64 shouldn't have used cartridges as a format and yes the GC was a flop, though let me note that was because of a lack of third-party support but when the dust is cleared all of Nintendo's systems including GB/GBC/GBA/DS have all offered fun and still technologically impressive games.

However because of the lack of third-party support and the huge of library of great games on the PS2, it just couldn't hang in there. Still Nintendo continued to release games. Unfortunately a lot of these games didn't get the attention they deserved. The majority may have been Mario but here's the thing. Nintendo moved forward by using the Mario franchise to put a spin on more conventional games like Tennis, Soccer and Baseball. These games are incredibly fun but for the most part underappreciated. They used the technology they had to release some great games that anyone could enjoy and get into. The Wii is the same thing.

By having the Wii-mote as their controller they can offer something that the rest cannot. Instead of using multimedia capabilities to attract people, they have the Wii-mote which is likely to give players a fun and immersive experience. Nintendo has a lot of hardcore fans and the pursuit of going after non-gamers and casual gamers is a great idea because the more gamers the better! Not to mention it's likely that a good amount of these new gamers will be of the hardcore type. This has worked perfect for the DS. However time will tell if developers will support the Wii throughout its life span, I believe this time we will see more games for Nintendo's next-gen.

The way I see it Nintendo is moving forward and are on the right path to success. Now for a quick note regarding the PS3 and 360. I plan to be a future 360 owner, why? Because a lot of the upcoming and a few currently released games look amazing. Games like Blue dragon, Lost Odyssey and Halo 3 may not be much different to what we've seen in the past and I don't mind once the game is good and I believe these will meet my expectations. Honestly, I'm a sucker for nostalgia. No matter how much gaming moves forward I think games like Super Mario Bros. 3, LoZ: A Link to the Past and Chrono Trigger will always have a place in my heat. Which can also contribute to why I don't mind if Lost Odyssey or Blue dragon don't really change much in terms of the battle system.

As for the PS3. All of the hype around its power and Blu-Ray disc format is doing nothing for it right now. It's selling pretty well but not the extent of the Wii or even the DS for that matter. Every time Sony sells one, they lose money. What's even worse is that they're losing exclusive titles left and right and not to any ol' console but to one that's cheaper and is currently doing very well and is just as powerful. So as you can see Sony did move forward but it seems they're moving towards a black hole more than anything else.

Now for the games themselves, yes I love the classics and I do enjoy quite a lot of the new games out there but publishers are moving forward in the wrong direction. What's with all the movie based titles? These may be directed towards kids but honestly there's a lot better they can enjoy out there. Any Mario games would be perfect for a younger gamer. It was fine for us. Don't give them half baked games that only lead to a bit of enjoyment and a waste of the parents' money. It seems that publishers think they can get away with this because of the movement of technology. Just because the ability to make the game is available doesn't mean it's a good idea. The PS2/GC/XBOX era had to suffer from these titles and unfortunately it will likely continue and the games are just going to get worse.

So I've gone through the consoles and the games in general but what about technology pushing the art? Well simply Gameplay will forever be over graphics. Games are meant to be fun. I love a Link to the Past for it's gameplay above anything else. Though I must admit it looks amazing for an SNES game. It's unfortunate that games are over hyped just because the graphics looks really nice and what not. Before being hyped up for a game, do some research on it's story and how it works, before building anticipation. Also look to the game's past installments if it's a sequel. If you notice that a lot of what was hyped in previous game wasn't so great. Then think twice about the sequel and its supposedly spectacular features. Be educated, so at least if it flops you can simple move forward easier.

So back to the original question at hand, does the quote atop the blog apply to gaming? After everything I've gone through I can easily say... it only makes sense that gaming moves forward, let's just hope the right path is taken for the sake of the games. Ed & Al will always remember their mother, as I will always remember those classics but we move on with the world and we try to make it so the path we're taking is the right one. Because you can move forward but its intent and where you're moving that's most important. Thank You for reading. :)

Filled with anticipation I tried to sleep the night before. I wanted to but I just couldn't. My mind was wide awake while I lay tired. 8:30am I finally rose from my sheets. Into the light, I stared. Before me the Christmas tree stood. Underneath it shrouded the various gifts I was about to unveil. Hoping and waiting since it's launch that the Nintendo Wii would be revealed from within one of the boxes covered by the shiny wrapping.

I noticed there were a couple of larger sized gifts under the tree so I saved them for last. I started small and worked my to the larger gifts. Among one of the first gifts I opened. I was pleased to find Fullmetal Alchemist (manga) Vol. 5 & 6. I was quite happy since I was planning to buy them in the near future. Along with Vol. 2 & 4. However I am missing Vol. 1 & 3. I haven't begun reading because of this.  

As I moved on I came across some rather nice and seemingly expensive clothes. Some of them I recognized and knew they were costly but some of the others I just really liked. By this point I did actually open a couple of the larger gifts. I opened the rest finding Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker first then Twilight Princess (Wii). As you would expect I was incredibly excited at that point where only one gift left, a large one and that I had two games that I could only play on the Wii. Also with no current consoles I really was pleased to have both games to play.

Before selling my GameCube a couple years back, which lately realizing it did have a minor issue. I was happy to finally get Wind Waker since I was planning ot pre-order it at it's release. And then when I saw the next gift after was Twilight Princess. I took on an almost Alex Louis Armstrong like look. :lol:

Note the sparkling. :P

One gift remained. Full of cereal but starving for something to play for the following two weeks off school. I began to open the gift. o my disappointment it wasn't the Nintendo Wii box. Instead it was more clothes. Rather nice as well but it left me confused as my parents knew that I had asked for one since before the launch. Though I was aware of the fact it could be sold out. I remained optimistic. Thinking perhaps a surprise might occur. Overall I wasn't that sad. I looked under the tree once more.

A small little gift bag stood behind the tree. I grabbed it and instantly thought it was a voucher or gift card. I took out the gift card inside. I opened it up and read a nice message from my uncle and family in Trinidad. Who seemed to have given a hell of a lot of money to my parents to make this year extra special. I found $500 inside the card. Twilight Princess was also bought with some of the money. So as it is now. I am incredibly happy and even though I don't have a Nintendo Wii yet. With more than enough to buy the Wii I can't complain one bit. Along with some more money I received early for my B-Day present. I have $560 and my dad owes me $160. $720, it's the most amount of money I will ever hold in my hands. So here's a Merry Christmas feat: Legend of Zelda & Fullmetal Alchemist Only. Can't go wrong with that. My favourite game series and anime/manga series. :D

 It's a bit funny the last time I got a Legend of Zelda game, which was A Link to the Past for the GBA. I also got Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie: Conqueror of Shamblla! Maybe everyimte I buy an LoZ game I should buy something Fullmetal Alchemist based on the same day from now on. :lol:

I can honestly say this is one of my best Christmas's in a LONG time and I hope you guys also have an equally puzzling but overall amazing Christmas holiday!

Merry Chirstmas Everyone! :)

What Are the Chances?

• That Microsoft will buy Nintendo?
• That Microsoft & Nintendo may form a partnership of sorts to develop a game or two?
• That Sony & Nintendo will ever work together?

*Despite the Console Wars*

Nintendo will probably never be bought by another company. Much less Microsft. They have a shared amount of respect for each other. Plus they fear that it would be too much of an investment to buy Nintendo. As seen here. The XBOX projects is enough. However I think the possibility of a "partnership" in developing a game or two is much more realistic. The purchase of Rare may very well be a key element in the "partnership" idea. As well as the fact that Microsoft has "boosted" the Wii a bit in statements.

Sony affiliating with Nintendo though I don't even think is a discussion worthy topic. It's been well confirmed in gaming history that Sony and Nintendo share somewhat of a bitterness.

• The SNES era conflicts regarding Philips
• PS taking Nintendo's crown
• The lack of recognition for the Wii as a console war competitor

Kutaragi on 360, Wii: "We Don't Care"

When asked his opinion of the PS3's competitors, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii, Kutaragi was blunt. "We don't care," he flatly told the trade.

So it's not only the Wii but they're also dismissing the XBOX360, at least that's what they say.

Kutaragi's statements could mean numerous things:

1. Kutaragi has lost his marbles
2. Kutaragai has "marbles"
3. Kutaragi is sniffing some type of illegal substance

Whichever one it works for me.

"Nintendo has strong views on how we should run our company. We consider ourselves, above all else, as a gaming company. We believe other companies (in the console marketplace) see themselves primarily as technology companies.” - Satoru Iwata.

Well even though he is probably referring to Microsoft as well. He definitely feels the above for Sony. Especially when Sony considers their console to be a computer. It makes it more obvious that they're on the technological side of things. 

Harrison denies Wii influenced PS3 controller, says PCs unnecessary it's clearly stated that Harrison refers to the PS3 not as a console but as the following:

"The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC." - Phil Harrison.

Kind of funny since the hardware additions all cater to the software which are all games.

So the idea that Nintendo and Sony becoming buddies and working together is something that we'll probably never witness nor future generations for that matter.

360 Success in Japan

I'd also like to quickly address some of you that say that the Japanese hate American made consoles. I read about the Famitsu interview asking the developers about what they're most looking forward to. A lot of positive reaction towards the PS3 and especially the Wii but very little towards the 360.

However, there are a lot of Japanese developers out there and to be honest the poll can't justify the overall opinion of the Japanese developers. Hironobu Sakaguchi, Final Fantasy creator has lots of interest in the 360. Which can be seen in his announced upcoming titles in; Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon and Cry On and of course ASH for the DS. Also Capcom, KOEI and Team Ninja have developed and/or developing games for the 360. Not to mention Namco will probably develop for the console as well. I've also read that Shigeru Miyamoto apparently enjoys playing Call of Duty 2 on his XBOX360 especially online and is fairly good. I saw this on wikipedia so it could be false but it is easily believable.

As for the consumers. It's simple. The reason the 360 hasn't been successful in Japan is because there's not enough there that interest them. It's only recently Microsft have begun to cater to the Japanese in software so give it some time. Eventually I think the 360 will become welcomed in Japan and though may not have as much popularity as the PS3 and Wii, it will still have some type of impact.

So to conclude the above.

• Microsoft buying Nintendo - NEVER!
• Microsoft & Nintendo partner up for developing a game or two - Quite possibly,
• Sony & Nintendo doing anything together - Competiting doesn't count, simple enough.
• XBOX360 becomes more popular in Japan - It's very likely as time moves on

Thank You for reading.