Hey all, been mainly posting on random sites but no real home as of yet. So to just be part of that crazy blogging phase everyone's going through, I made my own:
http://eyeofthevoid.wordpress.com
Check it out sometime.
Later.
Mystic_Flames Blog
Giant Bomb
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
Hey guys, it's been a while hasn't it. Been busy with a bunch of stuff, so haven't been able to get on and blog about it. Just to let you all know I'll be keeping my GameSpot account, but I'll be blogging over at Giant Bomb. If you have an account over there, drop me a friend request. Here is the link:
http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/Calidreth
Review System
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
Looks like a lot of people have been getting all worked up about the new review system. After looking at the changes I personally don't have many qualms with it. For one, it doesn't seem to be affecting user reviews, as I just put out a review myself and the same 5 way system was still up for it. Second, I don't see too many issues with altering the system to .5 increments. While I was staff at HonestGamers.com we used a 1-10 system with no decimals. What this system does is not attempt to point fingers and say "the userbase has no intelligence, let's dumb it down." It merely gives the user a reason to actually "read" the review, rather than rely on a score. And for those who argue that they won't know how a game got that particular score, all you have to do is look at the emblems, good/bad comments, and then read the review. Personally, if it were up to me, I would just take out number scores all together.
What they can fix though is the text box for posting these blogs. Don't know how many times I had to adjust the font type and size.
Anyway, enough about that. On another note, I picked up Zelda: TP today for the Wii and am going through the game for the first time, so looking forward to that. And lastly, speaking of the review in the first paragraph, I wrote up one on Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. My first review in almost 8 months so it was definitely odd writing again. But, hopefully this can help me get back into rhythm. Hate to lose that Top 100 Emblem after just getting it.
Going back to the first topic, what are your opinions on the review system?
-Destinati0n
Summertime
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
Hey guys, its been a while.
Haven't been around much for the last 7 months or so, primarily because alot of things have been bouncing around in my life. Finally getting around to finishing up my Bachelors of Science degree, as well as picking up a new job. Also, my interest in MMOs *cough World of Warcraft* have stopped me from playing other games, thus why I haven't put out any reviews or updated my profile page.
With a lot of new games coming out though this summer, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on something different for a change. Metroid Prime III is on the horizon, as is Bioshock. Though MMOs have been my main interest over the winter and spring, I did play around with Pokemon Diamond/Pearl and some XBL Arcade favorites from the past like Galaga and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Man, forgot how good those games were.
So, anyway, I'll probably be around alot more since I'm a bit more situated than I was. And the added fact I got a Top 100 Reviewer Emblem kind of gives me that extra urge to get back into writing. Will just have to get out the kinks :idea: and get typin'.
On another note, what games are you all looking forward to this summer?
-Destinati0n
Back to the Norm
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
My first update in a few months and my first of 2007. Has it been that long already? Meh.
It has been an interesting last few months for games -- I've managed to play the Wii and the PsIII quite a bit at a couple of electronics stores and I have to say I was excited to get the chance to play them. Unfortunately I still do not own a Wii and the PsIII can wait a bit longer (till FF13).
The 360 software has been a bit dry with the exception of Viva Pinata and Gears of War, which were both great games. Though GoW could've been longer.
So in the mean time I've been playing WoW again, getting ready for the Burning Crusade that comes out in about a week. Probably won't be playing as much of it since Lost Planet and Guitar Hero II are coming out soon for the 360, and then there's the possibility I actually get a Wii. With all the games coming out I think I'll get back to writing some reviews again, as there are several duds I'd like to express my opinion on, PSU being one of them.
Since I wasn't around for the Christmas time period, what games/systems did you all get? And if you got a Wii , how are you liking it?
-Destinati0n
Mirage
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
It's been a while.
Mainly for two reasons: my new job and trying to get everything ready for moving into my new house. On the job topic, I ended up getting a PT position at Super Target. Just a job to pull in some cash while I'm getting my bachelor's degree. Bit of a boring job, cashier, but it definitely doesn't take rocket science to get the job done. Whee!
Harvest Moon DS has been the primary thing I've been playing over the past month. Establishing my second year in the game and I am making good money, upgrading my house, and trying to get the livestock and produce down pact. The casino rakes in some extra cash on the side, and I hope to some day clear all 50 some thousand levels of that mine. It has its redundancies, but I recommend it to any DS owner or fan of the HM series. Should have a review for the game done eventually.
On another note: football. What can I say about the Washington Redskins? Well, I can simply sum up their season so far in one word: inconsistent. Or two: Jekyll/Hyde. How does a team that puts up 36 pts on the resiliant Jacksonville defense go and put up a combined 25 on the terrible secondaries of the Titans and Giants? Logic escapes me with this team and I can only hope that something good comes out of the trip to Indianapolis. But at 2-4, things don't look too good.
Oh well, at least I'm not an Arizona fan right now. Ouch.
Lastly, I got done finishing the judge work for the first round of the Great War last week and I was very impressed by the submissions. There were plenty of great reviews, plenty of decent reviews, and a couple of clunkers. Regardless, it made judging alot of fun and I hope the same quality comes through in the next round.
Oh and Phantasy Star Universe out in two weeks. For those who played the beta on XBL, what did you think?
-Destinati0n
Impressions
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
Been playing around with my new DS Lite since I picked it up a few days ago and boy does it kick ass. The screen is a lot brighter than the original, and the lighter weight makes it easier to play games like WarioWare and Star Fox Command. Speaking of Star Fox, I finally got around to writing up a review on it. So check it out here - - Star Fox Command
Also picked up Harvest Moon DS with the DS Lite and I'm really enjoying it thus far. All of the negative reviews the game has been getting seem really kind of silly after playing several hours and I think they were just trying to find faults with it. The game kind of mixes the game-play of FoMT with the characters of AWL, resulting in a solid game with plenty of unique moments.
The touch screen controls for the rucksack is kind of annoying at times, but once you figure it out it's cake. The mine portion is definitely interesting because it kind of adds a dungeon crawling aspect to the series which hasn't been done before. I mean can you picture the main character fighting cursed beings deep in an underground labyrinth with his tools? Neither can I but it works for some reason.
Anyway, I'll probably have a review on that sometime next week when I get around to it. Still job hunting for the most part. Also need to start getting ready for the fall semester at college. So many games, so little time to play them.
And hopefully the Redskins can bounce back next week. What an embarassing lost that was last night. I think we need a new quarterback.
-Destinati0n
Stuff
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
Gonna be picking up this ass-kicking piece of hardware tomorrow with Harvest Moon DS. Looking forward to it.
Let me be the first to say that the Harvest Moon series is one of my favorite game series ever. Up there with Zelda, Mario, and Elder Scrolls. It is one of the few games I can sit back and play, without getting tense or frustrated over. The realistic theme and laid-back style have always been welcome and I can only hope that the DS version is as good.
*Supposed to be based off of Wonderful Life, so hopefully they improve upon that.*
What was also pretty cool was getting 1st in the Monthly Review Spot #3 competition over at the Reviewer's Legion last week. Was definitely curious on how well my Shadow of the Colossus review would do in it since it was a different style approach, but looks like it all worked out. Grats to everyone else who participated in it as well.
On another note, I was bored last night so I wrote up a quick review on Time Pilot. So if you are having trouble deciding whether or not you want to purchase it, you can check out the review here: Time Pilot
So all in all, lot of good games coming up. Getting cooler down here in Virginia which is awesome. Also . . . football is here!
Was fun waking up to some NFL games again on Sunday, though it was disappointing that my Redskins lost. Ah well, hopefully we take it to the Cowboys next week like we did last year. Good stuff.
Any NFL fans out there? If so, what is your team?
-Destinati0n
Ace of Spades
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
Texas Hold'Em
Been spending most of the free time I've had with gaming on this game lately. Fun stuff. Even though the presentation is "meh" and the offline play is boring, it is the online play that makes up for it. Can't wait for the XBox Camera to come out. Will be as close to poker as you can get, without it being the real thing.
Also, looks like I got my wish pertaining to weather. After effects of the southern hurricane got over to Virginia yesterday and the rain's been coming down for a while now. Now if the cool air would just stick around then there would be some progress.
On another note, been playing Star Fox Command as well, and I can say one thing - - it hurts your hand. That is, if you have a regular DS, which I do. I'd get the DS Lite now but I think I'm going to wait until the onyx one comes out next week. Personally I kind of like the strategic approach of the game (definitely tops the adventure and 3rd person shooter styles of Adventures and Assault.)
Nothing tops Star Fox 64 though.
"DO A BARREL ROLL!"
Classic.
-Destinati0n
Autumn
by Mystic_Flames on Comments
I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say, "it is too damn hot outside." Don't know about other places of the country, but here in Virginia it is 90+ with 100% humidity almost every day. Leather steering wheel too hot to touch, can't breathe, etc. I'm all for the beach, but when you have to work outside, it sucks. Fall can't come soon enough.
Well, not just for the heat, but because of the games. I have Star Fox Command on reserve, which I will be picking up tomorrow. Heard mixed reviews on it but honestly I like the whole strategic aspect their bringing to the table. Also, the game looks like it is returning to its roots, minus the 3rd person perspective Action/Adventure feel. Take note Rare and Namco.
Lots of great games coming out that I'm looking forward to as well. DS has Yoshi's Island 2, EBA, Diddy Kong Racing, Mega Man ZX, Final Fantasy III, etc. There's the Wii of course with probably my most anticipated game on it, Zelda: TP. And 360 has a bunch of solid stuff as well. Definitely glad the dry season for games is coming to an end, because there was only so much longer I could play XBLA games and old DS games. Meh.
And lastly, speaking of old reviews, I dug up an old review and updated it a bit. Was a bit odd writing up a review for a spectacular game in comparison to the bash review I threw out for SFII last week. Anyway, you can read it here -- Harvest Moon 64
So what games you all looking forward to?
-Destinati0n
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