Yeah, I know I'm pretty late, but whatever. Yes, though the holidays reflected upon the nation's economy, I saw the difference were pretty minimal, compared to my expectations. Anyway, this year I've received:

-Fallout 3 (Excellent game)

-Fable II (Really great, deep game)

-Bioshock (FINALLY!!!)

-Guitar Hero World Tour

-Mirror's Edge (Really fun, but way too short)

-AC/DC Rock Band Track Pack

-Tropic Thunder (Hilarious satirical take on the movie industry)

And that about sums it up. A little note, if you haven't played Bioshock yet, you're really missing out. The game is an amazing different twist on first-person shooters with great art and an incredible sense of immersion (I've played for hours without even realizing that so much time has passed). Also, as a fan of the Destroy All Humans! series, I expected to get the new title for the holidays as well. This was before I read the reviews declaring it broken and seeming like a last-gen title. Good news, though, is that I didn't get it and I still have Destroy All Humans! 2 to go back and get nostalgic about again.

Aside from gifts, the holidays also offered a wide selection of other things to do. Being as caught up as I was with my stuff, I only got to experience two new movies: Valkyrie and the Day the Earth Stood Still. The first is an excellent thriller that never betrays its goal that it is trying to achieve in its genre with a wonderful supporting cast (in my opinion, Tom Cruise was the only main character). The latter, well, I saw it in IMAX, so the main draw of the movie, the special effects, were not without merit. The movie however, seemed to miss the plot that was supposed to keep me wondering what would happen next. If you like fast-paced action with amazing special effects, you won't be disappointed. If you like plot with deep character development, well, there's not much of that. In short, meh. That pretty much sums it up.

-Wolf

So, like may other gamers on the Xbox 360, I have discovered that I am an achievement whore. For those n00bs out there who don't know what that is, I play games until the achievements that can be humanly unlocked are bashed into the ground. So far, I've ripped apart 5 games for all they're worth. As I mentioned in the last post, I have all the achievements in Call of Duty 4, Bully: Scholarship Edition, LEGO Indiana Jones, The Simpsons Game, and, most recently, Madden NFL 09.

Also, I would have had Spider-Man 3 completed, but the game wasn't worth my achievement greed.

So what's next for me? Right now, I'm aiming for the remaining four achievements in Rock Band 2. Speaking of which, two seemingly hard achievements were mixed for me. For those that think that getting Flawless Drumming is inhuman due to what they've seen on YouTube (if you think what you've already seen is bad, check out videos for They're Red Hot and Visions respectively), try watching videos of people playing Silver on drums. Yes, that's what I had to resort to in order to get the achievement. The other hard achievement was actually quite hard. The infamous Bladder of Steel Award (finish the 84-song Endless Setlist 2 without pausing or failing) was simple. I was able to resist the urge to get food and drinks and other stuff by leaving during the intro to Master Exploder. I played on bass on expert to get the other three achievements easily... or so I thought. I ran into serious issues on the song Visions, which is just as hard on bass as it is on guitar and drums. I almost failed, almost disqualifying myself from the achievement, but I survived just barely.

Also, despite my lack of achievements so far, I'll also try to get all, if not most, of the achievements in Oblivion. Yes, I just got the Shivering Isles, and now qualify to get the remaining 250 points. If you want to see my amazing (in my terms) gaming accomplishments, just click on the gamertag picture on my user.

Also, if you aren't somehow affected by this video, you have no soul. Laugh, cry, ask yourself "What the hell?", I don't really care. Just watch:

http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=1cDZ32mhr60

That's all for now. 'Til next time.

-Wolf

So know that half of 2008 is over, what's left? Games such as Grand Theft Auto IV (Incredible Game) and Metal Gear Solid 4 (I'm yet to play this one) have already been released and most of the biggest events of the year have probably already happened to anyone who is reading. So, as previously mentioned, what's left?

For those doubtful ones, A HELL OF A LOT, THAT'S WHAT!!!

I've reserved two of the rest of the year's most popular games: Madden NFL 09 (due out next week) and Gears of War 2 (YES!!!). Me and my dad love the Madden series and are thoroughly anticipating the 20th edition of the series. And for Gears, what's to say?

Gears of War was the first Xbox 360 game that I played and one of the reasons that I bought a 360. Now the sequel is one of the games that I'd kill to get my hands on. Luckily, I already reserved it, so I won't have to resort to that. :shock:

Moving on, there are games that I'll try before I buy. To do this, I may start a Gamefly subscription soon. First, I'll go back in time and try the some of the last two years' best games: Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Bioshock. Then, when it comes out, I'll also try Fable II first. I bought the original Fable over Xbox Live and I had mixed feelings. The gameplay was good, but what I heard about the game was drastically overblown. Hopefully, Fable II looks to make my complaints disappear, but I'm still not fully drawn into it. I'll just have to wait until October to get my final decision.

And, I'm getting the most out of my games. I now have 4 of my played Xbox 360 games completed to 1000/1000 Gamerscore. There are some easy ones such as Bully: Scholarship Edition, The Simpsons Game and Lego Indiana Jones, as well as the unbelievable Call of Duty 4 (THOSE DAMN MILE HIGH CLUB AND PACKAGE ACHIEVEMENTS!!!). Next on my list: Crackdown and Halo 3.

So, that's the rest of the year in perspective for you. Tomorrow, I'm seeing The Police in concert, so that'll give me something to write about on Tuesday.

Until next time,

Wolf

I'm back and a lot has been going on since I was last year. First, I finally beat Gears of War and I'm thoroughly anticipating Gears of War 2, coming out November 7, 2008. I'll probably place a preorder by the end of summer.

Next, something that nearly everyone is excited about: THE DARK KNIGHT!!!!

I can honestly say that, without a doubt, this is, and will be, the best movie of 2008. The visuals and effects were stunning and the darker mood presented more room for Chris Nolan's filming ideas to flourish. Christian Bale once again played a magnificent job as Bruce Wayne, A.K.A. Batman. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman also reprised their roles as Alfred and Lucius Fox respectively, both well done and unique in their own ways. Gary Oldman also performed well as Lieutenant Gordon, and Katie Holmes from Batman Begins was replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes.

But the performance that everyone has been talking about since January is Heath Ledger's thrilling and eerie performance of The Joker. It doesn't disappoint: his take on the villain is sadistic and keeps the movie incredibly exciting all the way through. The movie also adds a certain layer of drama to the atmosphere that Batman Begins didn't have. The Joker in general can clearly express this, with his emotions that are just plain haunting and brilliant.

Also new to the mix is Aaron Eckhart as Gotham's DA: Harvey Dent. And yes, Batman fans can correctly predict what will happen to him. That being said, even if you don't like Batman, this movie is filled with enough drama and action to allow those who just want to see a great movie, but don't want to see another bland superhero movie to still have a great time. No matter what type of movies you like or your opinion of superhero movies, you should definitely see this movie. It is one of the best movies of 2008 and lives up to all of the hype. If you haven't seen this movie yet, go out ASAP. This is one of 2008's must-sees.

This is it for now, so take care and have a good time.

This part of the blog features Super Bowl commercials, which most people watch the game for alone. This year had some good contenders, and I have my top five and three honorable mentions.

5. Justin Timberlake Gets Beaten Up by a Mysterious Force: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27487227

Grade: 8/10

This commercial for Pepsi shows Justin Timberlake getting drawn to a Pepsi drinker through a new gimmick that brings music (and HDTVs, points for the surprise ending) straight to you.

4. Ugly Woman, Attractive Scent: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27486383

Grade: 8/10

This high-expectation ad features every man falling for this... weird woman. The secret? Perfume a la Planters.

3. Here Comes Richard Simmons!: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27486696

Grade: 9/10

This hilarious ad shows a driver avoiding a deer and Alice Cooper. One second before running down Richard Simmons, the driver swerves. If only, if only...

2. Balloon Wars: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27486948

Grade 10/10

A fight between Stewie and Underdog as balloons over a bottle of Coke is packed from start to finish with laughs. The surprise ending was great. There are two things that only a person with too much time on their hands can notice: the great music that accompanies the visuals, and how much the little girl with the football looks like Lucy from the Peanuts after the winner is declared.

And the winner... Pony Balboa!: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27486041

Grade: 11/10

This inspirational ad features a horse that gets cut from a team dragging beer for a year. With the help of a Dalmatian, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cheer, you'll yell at me.

Here are some honorable mentions:

6. Thrillicious: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27486214

Grade: 8/10

What do you get when you mix lizards and SoBe water? A mock Michael Jackson video? Eh, works out, especially when the lizard eats the bug randomly.

7. Goin' On a Cheese Run!: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27485722

Grade: 8/10

Are all the beer commercials this funny? I guess so, because when you mix a dinner party with beer, you have to do it the way these guys did it.

8. The Birds III: FedEx Strikes Back: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=27485922

Grade: 8/10

It seems like a lazily written way to end the Birds movies when you have gigantic birds deliver packages for good.. until something goes wrong! GASP! Great except for the cliched "Let's go with FedEx" at the end.

That's all for now.

-Wolf

My Xbox is back, I believe I got straight-A's this quarter, and I finally saw I Am Legend. Things are looking much better. First, the Super Bowl. The Giants.. won?! Everyone in my school excited that a team from our state won a championship for the first time since... the Yankees winning the World Series back in 2000. So, that's great.

Next, one month after it came out, I got to see I Am Legend. It was better than everyone said, 2 1/2 stars out of four. The only things that really disappointed me were the use of mannequins and the use of flashbacks. I'm hoping to see Academy Award nomination favorite There Will Be Blood soon. If anyone's seen it, I'd like to know your opinion.

Lastly, my Xbox 360 is back and better than ever. I now alternate between playing Halo 3, Rock Band and the Simpsons Game, all very good games. Since I've already given brief synopsises of the first two, the Simpsons Game is good, but pretty easy. I'mm gonna actually try to get 100% and all the adchievements on the 360 version.

On Part 2, my reviews of the five greatest Super Bowl commercials.

-Wolf

I've gotten a package from Microsoft after 3 weeks of waiting. However, inside was another power supply. There is a happy ending to this, however. My dad ordered a power cord yesterday online and it should be here tomorrow or Thursday. Microsoft is giving me one also, however it'll come much later if I've learned anything.

Since I just got Rock Band for Christmas, it has now become my new favorite game at the moment. I played it at my friend's house once, and at my neighbor's twice. We've formed a band known as Harmonicus Puppy, with me being the lead guitarist and secondary singer. My gamertag is now for view on my profile as well. So for know, things are looking a bit up. Good news soon.

-WolfLink

Even though my Xbox is still unable to be used, I got a bunch of other good stuff. That includes:

-24, Guns n' Roses, The Who, and Homer Simpson T-Shirts

-Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Live Free or Die Hard, Blades of Glory, The Simpsons Movie, Disturbia, and Pirates of the Caribbean 3

-The Wall by Pink Floyd, Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves by Rush, London Calling by the Clash, and The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden CDs

-24 Seasons 2 and 3

-Halo 3, Rock Band, and The Simpsons Game on Xbox 360

-A $25 Gamestop Gift Card

-A 2008 Simpsons Calendar

-A lava lamp

I'm also interested in what you have received as well. So if anyone is here, you may tell me. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

-Wolf

I got my Xbox back yet again today, only to find yet another packaging flaw from Microsoft. When I sent my Xbox in last time, I had to sent my power supply and cord with it. Opening it today, I found neither of them. Since Microsoft has had just about enough with me, they said they sent one back, but it won't arrive for another week.

Since Christmas is around the bend and I have nothing but free time for the next week and a half, I'm getting both Halo 3 and Rock Band for Xbox 360. Since I won't get the cord until I go back to school, I'm not gonna be able to play either of them until after the break. My parents won't buy me a new system in general but they're trying to find a way to get me a cable until the one sent arrives. If anyone knows where I can get one, please tell me.

In other news, I saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets last night. I personally thought it was better than the first, because it added a more characters and gave the movie more time to grow. Riley's one-liners had me in stitches the entire night. The movie is about Ben Gates, the treasure hunter from the previous movie, who must prove his great-great-grandfather innocent of taking part in Lincoln's assassination. Eventually, Gates finds another treasure map on the incriminating document and must find where it leads to to clear his ancestor's name. If you were a fan of the first movie, you'll love this one, and this installment in the series has a shocking ending to it as well. Best of luck and happy holidays!

-Wolf

Now..... I'm...... MAD!!! Seriously though, I got my Xbox 360 back Monday, a refurbished one, to be exact. Problem being, this one also has the Red Ring of Death. So I'm sending it back tomorrow. I'll get it back just in time for Christmas though. My dad will also complain that I get back a new console, not a refurbished one.

In other news, today we had a huge snowstorm during school, so they made everyone go home the second school ended. My bus was the only one late, and due to the bad weather, the bus came 15 minutes late.

When I went to my friend's house the other day, I began playing Halo 3, beating the first two levels and getting the Skulls in both. In comparison to the other games, this game has a bunch of extra stuff, such as hidden easter eggs, including a family of monkeys in the first level that look like humans and bleed when you shoot them, but don't move, talk, or die. There are also hidden Skulls in every level that made the game harder, easier, or just plain ridiculous, such as the Grunt Headshot Birthday Party Skull (my personal favorite). Even though the IWHBYD Skull also unlocks hidden dialog, there are some secret conversations you can hear in the game, even without the Skull.

I have begun replaying the Jak games to help relieve my stress. I have currently started Act 3 on Jak 2 after starting this week, and I must say, the games are easier than I remember. The games have you playing as Jak, a boy who travels to an Apocalyptic future with his sidekick, Daxter, where you must overturn a cruel Baron, survive in harsh deserts, and shoot things up and play in a GTA-type environment. Personally, next to Shadow of the Colossus, these games are the best on PS2.

Finally, I have begun playing World of Warcraft, which only means one thing: I have no life! It's really cool and a lot easier than it sounds in the South Park episode (when my friend and I watched it, we both thought it sounded incredibly difficult). If you get the chance, download the free trial from the game's website (the one here is much to slow, taking download an upward of 3 hours). 'Til next time!

-Wolf