so, a lot has gone down on Gamespot since I last posted a looong time ago. A lot of people quit/left/got fired. That makes me sad. But then I got a bunch of shiny new games since then. And that made me happy!

So far this year I've played quite a few PS3 and 360 games that I'm sure anyone reading this will have heard of as well. I'm just going to give a few details about some of them and if they are worth the price of admission. And by that I mean worth BUYING. Any idiot can go rent something for a couple bucks. But what is worth OWNING in these days of super expensive EVERTHINGness? I'll tell ya what I've played.

Lost Odyssey: Ok, so yeah, it's a traditional RPG. SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT!?! The production values are ridiculous, the story is new and interesting, the characters are well animated and voiced. And what really strikes me beside the visuals is the audio. As your character enter and exit battle and as they wait for commands, you can hear their armor and weapons clanking and stuff. And when they charge towards the target the camera takes this Gears of War running camera view. It's really neat. Overall a good game and it has an interesting twist. Your main character is basically an immortal. Now people automatically think since you can't die what's the point? But that's all explained in game. My point about bringing this up is the story implications of having immortals that can't remember every detail about their past. You see different things that trigger basically SHORT STORIES that take you through memories of Kaim's past. They are very well written and very interesting considering the themes they cover. I haven't seen an RPG character this fleshed out for a while now. Worth the Green if you like Old School RPG's, turn based, that is.

BioShock: Ok, so everybody has already played this by now, but I pretty much refuse to pay full price for a shooter nowadays, especially since all the hype Halo 2 and 3 got. (Long story short, I bought them both at launch, full price, beat both of them within 6-7 hours each got bored with multiplayer and felt like I had waisted $120 US.) So I get BioShock at it's awesome new $40 wal-mart price and started playing. I like it, it looks good, the story is a little confusing and uninteresting so far. With this whole underwater world to explore, I expected a few normal humans to still be alive. Guess I was wrong. I like the feel of the weapons too, very well animated and such. What this game suffers from is having waay tooo much repetition in what the bad guys look like. I've killed the same masked man and woman 30 times by now and about 10 of the same deranged doctor. Sure they move well, but was it that hard to throw in some variety of clothes or something? Overall, it's ok so far. This story had better pick up, or else I'm going to quickly lose interest.

Conan: I was pleasantly surprised by this game. All the reviews cried and whined about no depth or whatever. But seriously, the controls are tight, the graphics are nice, and the combat is.....well, ok the combat isn't perfect, but it's still GREAT. Good boss battles, nice variety of moves, I liked this game a lot. It was one I was trying to beat and trade in towards GTA IV, but that didn't work out, so I still have it here. I liked it though, I liked how I could grab any weapon and use it. One of my favorite things when facing more than one enemy is to start attacking one, reach down and grab a spear or something off the ground, chuck it at another attacker, then go back to that first guy and start wailing on him again with whatever I had in that other hand. The major flaw in this game that could have been easily corrected in my opinion.....RON PERLMAN. What is the deal with that? Now, I read the old Robert E. Howard novels, and got a description of what Conan's character appears to behave and act like. And the lines are pretty accurate...maybe toned down a bit ("I'll varnish these floors with your brains!!" comes to mind from one of the original short stories.) but Perlman's delivery is terrible. He kinda goes all mono-tone and says the stuff kinda calm as well. I'm sorry but when you say "I'll cleave your skull to the teeth" it shouldn't sound like you are saying it from a recliner while you are smoking a pipe and reading "The New Yorker." As you can tell, the voice acting irritated me more than any technical flaws the game had.

Viking: This game got really bad reviews. Mostly 5's and 6's from what I can tell. Now I am not that far into it, but I can see it is repetitive and not very deep. But what about people who just enjoy hack and slash action? Is it so wrong to enjoy games such as Dynasty Warriors year after year? Is it wrong to like a Norse mythology version of Dynasty Warriors if you enjoy it? I don't think so. More power to the hack and slash gamer crowd!

Assassin's Creed: Another one I picked up after a price drop or two (and used). Ok, first I'll explain why I waited. Because as much as this game was built up about how graphically wonderful it was and how tremendously unique and wonderful and life-changing the gameplay would be, I knew I would be let down if nothing else, by it's short length. Then the reviews dropped, and guess what? I was right! So I waited and now I'm starting it. Personally, I expected to just be able to jump right in to helping the Jews (I think?) take out some crusader scum bags in good ol' Jerusalem. But this didn't happen, no, I'm lost in a fog of....what is that....chemical structures? Not paying attention in Organic Chemistry is coming back to haunt me just like my professor said it would!!! Ha haha, no seriously, I'm getting trained so I can line up my mystical historical force powers with my ancient ancestor. But beyond that, I remembered reading how the crowd interactions would be revolutionary and such, but overall, still a bit disappointed with all of that. Maybe the more I play the more fluid it will be. Also, on a control note, the "gentle push" button should be able to be held down, I think. Just hold it down while approaching a crowd and he shouldn't start pushing until people are AROUND at least. He looks like he's swimming through the air until he's near some people. I do it because it's funny.

Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core: NOT WHAT I EXPECTED AT ALL. Having not played much of the original...Final Fantasy VII. I cannot accurately compare the two, but this game is basically an action game with a mission selection database, nearly NO travelling between different areas of the world, and a weird combat mechanic. I say weird because it's not bad, it DOES work. But if you are going to make an action RPG, why not make the attacks real time like Kingdom Hearts? Nope, instead you get this beep when you push the button for your chosen attack, then a second later, your guy attacks. So your MOVEMENT controls are real time, but your attacks are slighty delayed. Also with other RPG's you get party members. I'm here all by my lonesome taking on droves and droves of monsters that appear out of nowhere. I don't know about this game, it seems they are trying to mix PS1, and PS2 rpg ideas all together. I can only judge how good I think this game plays by telling you I played it for about 2 weeks, on and off, then forgot about it. Partly due to school, but also due to the fact that I had to work too hard for the fun parts.

GTA IV: This is a little known game that I was excited about, but not to the point I had skip out on my normal plans to go pick it up. It is fun so far. I like how this one will be known for it's variety in animation and gameplay as well as it's graphics. Because up until this point, the graphics in these games were cruddy, as well as the lock-on targeting. I like how they have refined it all. Now personally, I got it for PS3 because I thought there would be some obvious visual differences. Surprised to say, neither system is getting attention in that department. Also, I could care less at this point about online play etc. I mainly wanted it on PS3 for the controller, which I prefer for my GTA's. I'm old school I guess. Anyways, that's all I'm saying. Besides, what can I say here in my little blog that hasn't been said in all those 10's and 5 star reviews? Exactly.

Ok, so there's a few games I've been playing that might be relevant to you youngsters. In other older gamer news. I have picked up Final Fantasy VII and Legend of Dragoon. Old school RPG's that I'm excited to get into this summer :D

I'll try to update this blog more often so that I don't disappoint any of my loyal reading fans as well as that crazy Rually guy that's always all like "You never update your blog. What's wrong with you?"

So there, Rually. I updated it. And change your profile avatar for crying out loud!

sincerely,

that guy, u know, the one that didn't just say he loved Crisis Core and be done with it.

Wesman

To some gamers, backwards compatability is not a big deal.  I know especially younger gamers getting Next Gen systems now could care less about a 3 or 4 year old PS2 game, so for them this whole reworking of the PS3 is great.  But as for us long-time gamers from the old school know, most of the best games...have already been made.  That's right.  We want to be able to play the entire Final Fantasy Saga on our shiny new GiGANTIC Sony Boxes.  We want to sneak through Solid Snake's past adventures, just to remind us of that time in high school when we first beat that game.  Yep, the pistol is still hidden there, yes, the history of the cardboard box is both long and interesting.

Microsoft learned hard that backwards compatability was important to the now average 18 year old gamer.  A couple months after the 360 launch, a Microsoft exec said nobody cared about backwards compatability.  That it would phase out soon.  Then they spent the next year and a half backtracking, updating the system software to play more original Xbox games. 

From the beginning of the PS2 it was assumed that you could play your PS1 games and that was that.  Gameboys for years promoted their 700+ game library available from the launch of each new incarnation (pocket,color,advance,sp,etc...) because of all the older games that people continue to buy sell collect and trade to this day!!  It's really an interesting side note to think about compatability with newer versions of a system.  Why then has this new generation struggled with finding a comfortable spot on the topic?  Well, for one, these huge companies know that people want to play those games, but on the other hand, those same companies want us going out there buying new fancy games, with new fancy prices (Collector's Edition Anyone?). 

So why DO they continue to switch the compatability on the PS3?  Well, first let's discuss what HAS happened in this tale of turncoat trickery:  In the beginning, the PS3 was born in two types (in the States anyways).  You had your 20 and 60 gig hard drives.  You had your card slots your Chrome and your price tag on that 60 gig.  But most important to my article here, you had your EMOTION engine.  Thas right baby.  It allowed for functional backwards compatability on both models with minor hiccups in the graphics or sound, due to software emulation troubles, or the fact that you were playing an old game on an incredibly powerful and different new system.  Software updates were announced throughout the first months of the PS3's life that made some games run smoother and allowed others to just run.  It was a good time for us older gamers.  We could enjoy our shiny new PS3 games, but still dust off our old black PS discs and play some Final Fantasy 7 (Which looking back now, with those graphics...how did we keep from going blind?).  Then Sony decides they're taking too big of a hit on the hardware market and they sure can't move the price up.  So they start in Europe, I believe, by introducing systems without an emotion engine.  This component, which probably cost Sony all of....5 cents US$, was removed so that they made more profit on the system.  But to fill in that backwards compatability gap, they introduced SoftWare Emulation for that model.  It allowed for backwards compatablity on CERTAIN games.  I'm not sure which ones, but I'd say 9/10 you couldn't play any of your more sub-genre third party developed ones.  Meanwhile, Back in the US of A, we get a price cut, knowing that those emotionless boxes are on their way to OUR shores.  This is when I jumped on board the PS3 wagon, just because I had recently collected about...oh 20...PS1 and 2 RPG's to play!  I got a 60 gb before they left the shelves.

Now, we have arrived at present day.  This new 40GB punk is hitting the shelves soon.  Less USB's, no card readers, no emotion engine, basically NO Backwards compatability according to a GameSpot Article.  He's a rebel without a cause.  Well, maybe a stripped down, lower price point cause.  So this is where Sony stands = "We don't care which PS3 you own, just buy one of 'em!  Please!  They play Blu-Ray!"

So, there's the story.  Take it as you will.  If you have alot of old games you haven't beat yet, and you wanna play 'em still, then get a PS3 that will play'em.  You know they're still making games for the PS2, right?  But if all you care about is the future of gaming?  Forget all this!  I'm not gonna tell you about all that you will be missing, because this industry is only getting better!  Look toward the future then, and Don't Look Back.

Sincerely,

Wesman

Yeah, so's I love my new Bravia.  It makes my games so nice, big, and clear.  Playing PS3 how it's supposed to be seen is a HUGE improvement over the last generation of systems and games.  Yeah, I like the HD era.  Everything's nice and clear.  Gears of War looks better (if that's even possible) and Ninja Gaiden Sigma still looks and plays glorious!!  I'm happy.
Now I'm discovering that they're re-doing the PSP to sort of slim it down a little.  Sounds cool.  I would just like some more games for it.  I mean, I have every single thing that says "Metal Gear" in the title.  I've got a couple RPG's and that's it.  Come on!  Give us some new stuff.  Something that's not a remake or a re-do.  And if they were really gonna revamp the PSP.  PUT IN ANOTHER STICK!!!  Just have alternate control schemes so that Old models and new PSPs can both play the same games.  Just the new ones can incorporate two control sticks.  I don't know, it might work.
Later,
wesman

So yeah, basically just thought that I'd mention that there are too many good RPG's in the world and I just can't stop buying them.  It's a sickness, I know that.  But its not entirely MY fault right?  I mean, the developers should get at least SOME of the blame.  They're the ones who make these delicious stories and beautiful graphics with excellent sound and controls. 

So yeah, its not all my fault.  Blame them for my addiction!!

I've got games to play.  c-ya.

 

thewesman

Yeah, so I'm considering going into debt for a brand new fantastic HD television to play games and watch movies on (note I didn't say cable).  The problem is there are too many choices.  I mean, I know what size I want, but I don't know what all connections I need besides HDMI and Component (for my NOT Elite 360).  Also, I'm gonna keep my PS2 until they decide the PS3 is fully backwards compatible so I's can still play my faves on it.

But anyways, I don't know about all these contrast resolutions and stuff.  I do know that 1080p is a requirement, but that's about it for resolution and contrast knowledge.  Its just so confusing.  Just when I think I've found the one I want, uh nope, it's only 10000:1 contrast instead of 15000:1!  What?!?  The website says 400:1 is excellent?  Ok, time to rethink this whole thing.  Maybe I should invest in something else.  Maybe a new couch and recliner set for the same price, or less.

Seriously, I want to learn more so I can pick this thing out.  I suppose the main question is:  What choices can I make NOW so that I won't regret this TV purchase 4 years from now, when the PS4 and XBOX 12400 are coming out at just under two grand each?

That's the hypothetical question that I'm pondering instead of studying.  lol

Later.

 Wesman

P.S. If anyone has advice, send me a message on here if you know how.

Wow.  Apparently nothing can please GameSpot nowadays.  Or maybe the quality of the entire industry has went downhill since Christmas.  Hmmm...I wonder which is more probable.  Go look at the reviews page if you don't believe me.  Looks like these guys and girls hate video games now.  It's really getting rather pathetic to read "Doesn't control well" and the tremendously important (note sarcasm)  "No Online Play" as well as the common "It Doesn't Look Next Gen."  Ah these phrases are starting to actually become cliches in my book.  And a new classic "This isn't close enough to Grand Theft Auto to be good."  Ok, I made that one up, but everyone is thinking it.  It seems GTA sets the bar for everything from shooters to freakin' Tetris games!  I wish somebody unexpected like....i don't know....Nintendo would come out with a game that just blew GTA out of the water.  It would be great to see something,...ANYTHING that could have that effect on a mass audience.

Gamespot:  I know we can't accept bad quality, but if there are not any good games to review, don't review 50 bad ones.  It makes you all look really stuck up and inaccurate.  I'm sure there is a committee of advertisers discussing this right now, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in, just for the heck of it.

Good luck this summer, GameSpot.  You're gonna need it till November rolls around and all your big budget junk starts coming out.  We'll all be reading, watching, and waiting for some GOOD news.

 

Sincerely,

 

thewesman

So here we are.  Almost May.  Mass Effect has been effectively delayed.  Nothing to play except that stack of RPG's that have been collecting dust.  Maybe I need a new action game.  Nah, better play those RPG's.  Must beat all Squeenix games this summer.  Huge pile.  Getting bigger.  I've been collecting them since I got hooked on FFX last year.  Turns out those games rock, and since then I've been collecting them in the hope that one day eventually I would have time to play them all on a huge television while my supermodel girlfriend brings me drinks.

 

Well, at least I can still play the games this summer.  By the way, if anyone knows of a way to get FF 7 on the cheap, let me know, allright?  Its the only one I'm missing that I really want to play.  Its super expensive on ebay, but maybe if someone knows another place to get it?  That'd be great.  I know they're making other versions for PSP and PS3, but from what I've read, they're all extensions of the story and not the original masterpiece that I've heard so much about.  Any news would be helpful, thanks.

 

Totally,

 

thewesman

This download is taking forever.  Must be patient.  Must not freak out.  5% done?  That's not good.  This could take all night.  Maybe if I wasn't using the internet to update my blog.....hrmmm.  Perhaps I'll update in a few hours. 

 

When I'm at 10%  haha.

 

Later

You know, like everyone else on this website, I'm starting to get pretty tired of Microsoft's shenanigans.  I love GoW, I like Halo too, but this putting out a new system whenever they feel like it, and setting their own goals (First to 10 million units sold, Wins!!  *30 seconds later*  We Win!  Yay!) for success is getting pretty old.  What ever happened to "Dear Game Developers, this system we have is a good enough platform so you should make your games for us.  We have millions of units in households around the world, you will make lots of money." ?  Why do they have to keep changing the systems and making people buy new ones?

And speaking of that, will people buy the new ones?  Of course they will!  Gamers are never to be underestimated!  We will mow lawns, play scratch off lottery tickets, sell bikes and other exercise equipment and give blood to get our precious gaming fix!  Some people would say "No, they won't spend the money"  Yet people went out and shot at each other for those PS3's!  And they're still paying the same ticket price for that machine.  Of course people will buy a black 120 GB HDMI Capable machine to shoot aliens on!  Cause that's what we do!  That's how we roll, dawg!

Now the question nobody cares about.  Will thewesman buy a shiny new super microsoft thrillbox mystery machine?  ah No.  After having to return and receive THREE separate 360's as of two months ago, I think I'm going to wait till waaaay after this new one launches before I decide to upgrade.

One final suggestion, and possibly a new topic for my next entry.  Buy video game machines TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES.  Not watch HD movies, or downloadable television, or chat with your new friends from Panama.  Use them for what they're built for.  Racing, Shooting, Platforming, Laughing, Thinking, Enjoying!  Forget all this other crap and play the games people!!

 

Your Own Private Revolutionary,

 

 thewesman

Finally, some classic TMNT on these new-fangled supercomputers we call videogame systems.  I'm looking forward to the new Ubisoft game, but my excitement really extends to this XBLA classic TMNT arcade game!!  It was voted in the top 10 games people wanted to see on XBLA over at another Video Game site...(IGN)...or maybe it was here, I'm not sure, but I am very glad they decided to do it.  Now if we could only get some other classics like X-men and such.  Those were alot of fun.  What about Maximum Carnage?  Those games were fun and the licenses are still hot.  I bet they'd make a fortune on this stuff!  Oh well, guess we'll have to wait and see.  As that guy says on the hotspot, "Only Time will Tell."

later.