My update schedule recently has been worse than Mark X over at Broken TV, blame many many games. Mainly though blame Half-Life 2, which I've just got sucked into big time. My plan is to play all the big 360 releases first and run through the major Wii stuff when I have spare time. This is where single player shortness comes in handy, being able to blitz a campaign mode means I can spend more time with quick games like Mario and Sonic, Guitar Hero and XBLA games. Unfortunately HL2 isn't going down without a fight, Mass Effect won't and I'm not expecting Eternal Sonata to go quietly either. Fortunately a short campaign in Call Of Duty 4 means I can spend more quality time with the supreme multiplayer, one of the few online shooters I consider myself rather tasty at.
And amongst all this I have Metroid Prime 3 to play, I haven't finished PGR4 and Viva Pinata is guilting me with the small amount of time I've put in. Finished Skate though, which is nice even though I'm sure to go back just to find some truly stupid trick combos and finish some of the goals I left. Will have to deal with Tony Hawk first though.
Don't even get me started on music. I haven't bought a CD since The Holloways album a few months ago.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The London Expo October 2007
London Expo is always an entertaining time. Whether its because of the tube system taking the piss or the actual joy of the people there. For me its mostly about spending money though so lets see the league table of who took my money this year.
Grinding at the bottom is United Publications, lacking the CCS boxset that was so tempting to me resulted in UP only taking £8 of my money through 3 fine posters covering Prince of Tennis, Yu-Gi-Oh and of course Card Captor Sakura.
Slightly up from that is Sweatdrop who got £10 with two brilliant prints. Sweatdrop always seem to have the fine prints and continue to give a reason for the Expo having an Artist Alley.
Tokyopop's wall of manga took £20 off me dispite my protestations that I wasn't going to spend money there this time. Lament of the Lamb 6, Fake 3 and Loveless 5 gave me the required spend to get an extremely sizable Pita-Ten artbook for £5.
Manga Entertainment got £25 thanks to their stand selling Terratag shirts. A fine zip up number (which looks like the top half of a boiler suit, and is therefore cool as hell) combined with Naruto Unleashed 2.1 got the cash off me.
The top prize for extracting money from my wallet though goes to Tokyo Toys. A supreme Tsubasa Chronicle messenger bag meant they took £34.
Cosplayer of the day is without any shadow of a doubt the fursuit Pikachu. I've seen Pikachu cosplay before but this one was truly excellent. Runner-up goes to another fursuit, a full size Kon.
Corporate stand of the day was easily Sony's showing off of Eye of Judgement. Giving out free cards and providing fairly extensive looks at the game meant that I can say this is a game I must have, And soon.
The new bag is excellent but it has left me with some sad news. After over 5 years of faithful service my Jeep backpack is now being retired. I bought it for £15 in TKMaxx back in 2002 ready for the 9th year at Bishops but now its age is starting to show. Its accompanied me through 3 years of Bishops, 2 years of college and a summer of full time work but now its over.
NJ's Jeep backpack
2002-2007
All the pictures are on my Facebook, because Photobucket's being a bitch.
Grinding at the bottom is United Publications, lacking the CCS boxset that was so tempting to me resulted in UP only taking £8 of my money through 3 fine posters covering Prince of Tennis, Yu-Gi-Oh and of course Card Captor Sakura.
Slightly up from that is Sweatdrop who got £10 with two brilliant prints. Sweatdrop always seem to have the fine prints and continue to give a reason for the Expo having an Artist Alley.
Tokyopop's wall of manga took £20 off me dispite my protestations that I wasn't going to spend money there this time. Lament of the Lamb 6, Fake 3 and Loveless 5 gave me the required spend to get an extremely sizable Pita-Ten artbook for £5.
Manga Entertainment got £25 thanks to their stand selling Terratag shirts. A fine zip up number (which looks like the top half of a boiler suit, and is therefore cool as hell) combined with Naruto Unleashed 2.1 got the cash off me.
The top prize for extracting money from my wallet though goes to Tokyo Toys. A supreme Tsubasa Chronicle messenger bag meant they took £34.
Cosplayer of the day is without any shadow of a doubt the fursuit Pikachu. I've seen Pikachu cosplay before but this one was truly excellent. Runner-up goes to another fursuit, a full size Kon.
Corporate stand of the day was easily Sony's showing off of Eye of Judgement. Giving out free cards and providing fairly extensive looks at the game meant that I can say this is a game I must have, And soon.
The new bag is excellent but it has left me with some sad news. After over 5 years of faithful service my Jeep backpack is now being retired. I bought it for £15 in TKMaxx back in 2002 ready for the 9th year at Bishops but now its age is starting to show. Its accompanied me through 3 years of Bishops, 2 years of college and a summer of full time work but now its over.
NJ's Jeep backpack
2002-2007
All the pictures are on my Facebook, because Photobucket's being a bitch.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Tumbleweed
Haven't been here for a bit but I have a few things to talk about.
I've been quite busy with work and gaming as October is a hell month as far as games are concerned. This week's XBLA releases don't help as they're both games I want to play (Every Extend Extra Extreme and Speedball 2).
London Expo is next week, or this weekend depending on your own grasp of the english language. I have a warchest of cash in the bank account to spend, around £150-160 for splurging which will hopefully result in me bringing home the other half of the Cardcaptor Sakura boxset which in turn will result in me doing little else than just trying to figure the fuck out of the ending. Hopefully something got cut from the English version that took all the sense out of the series ending. I'll probably pick up a few more Cardcaptors TCG boosters and some more volumes of the CCS manga. If I can find a CCS-era Sakura plushie (as opposed to my Tsubasa-era one) then that would be score. Might actually spend some time by Tokyo Toys as I haven't been tracking their stuff lately as their obsession with the damn monkey after its Big Brother appearance. Hopefully they're back to their proper purpose in the market (statues and wallscrolls).
I need a ham sandwich so I'll get one result in before going off to eat.
You Don't Know Jack Episode 32
Score: $5,135
I've been quite busy with work and gaming as October is a hell month as far as games are concerned. This week's XBLA releases don't help as they're both games I want to play (Every Extend Extra Extreme and Speedball 2).
London Expo is next week, or this weekend depending on your own grasp of the english language. I have a warchest of cash in the bank account to spend, around £150-160 for splurging which will hopefully result in me bringing home the other half of the Cardcaptor Sakura boxset which in turn will result in me doing little else than just trying to figure the fuck out of the ending. Hopefully something got cut from the English version that took all the sense out of the series ending. I'll probably pick up a few more Cardcaptors TCG boosters and some more volumes of the CCS manga. If I can find a CCS-era Sakura plushie (as opposed to my Tsubasa-era one) then that would be score. Might actually spend some time by Tokyo Toys as I haven't been tracking their stuff lately as their obsession with the damn monkey after its Big Brother appearance. Hopefully they're back to their proper purpose in the market (statues and wallscrolls).
I need a ham sandwich so I'll get one result in before going off to eat.
You Don't Know Jack Episode 32
Score: $5,135
Friday, October 05, 2007
Beautiful Voice, Great Writing and Smoking Hot
Now as you know I have far more appreciation for the male form than the female. This week though I just had to refer to some ladies as smoking hot though.
On Tuesday I did a 360 games run, I called this my 'Games I Really Want To Play' run. I bought Fuzion Frenzy 2 and Viva Pinata.
On Wednesday I did another games run, this was my 'Big Tough Manly' games run. I bought PGR3 and Quake 4.
On that day I also got a new pair of headphones and 3 CDs to listen to through them. This is where the smoking hot bit comes in.
The Zutons - Tired Of Hanging Around
KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic
Feist - The Reminder
You Don't Know Jack Episode 31
Score: $12,111
Not bad actually.
On Tuesday I did a 360 games run, I called this my 'Games I Really Want To Play' run. I bought Fuzion Frenzy 2 and Viva Pinata.
On Wednesday I did another games run, this was my 'Big Tough Manly' games run. I bought PGR3 and Quake 4.
On that day I also got a new pair of headphones and 3 CDs to listen to through them. This is where the smoking hot bit comes in.
The Zutons - Tired Of Hanging Around
KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic
Feist - The Reminder
You Don't Know Jack Episode 31
Score: $12,111
Not bad actually.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Nakedness
So the attention of my siblings to the site means I have to be careful about what I say on Facebook. For the most part anyway.
You Don't Know Jack Episode 30
Score: $8,541
You Don't Know Jack Episode 30
Score: $8,541
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Head to Head - NBA Games
In the world of sports games, there are a few certainties. Pro Evo will always be better than FIFA, Madden will always exist long after the man himself dies and no-one will buy a baseball game no matter how good it is. However the unknown quantity and real competition every year is the NBA game. So is 2008 the year for 2K or EA?
The short answer, EA. The long answer is all Electronic Arts. Having played the 2 demos I found that NBA 2k8 is hard to follow and quite tedious while NBA Live 2008 is a lot more fun and fluid as well as much faster.
I'll talk about Alton Towers later and why its so necessary to go during term time.
Oh, and Zero Punctuation is all about Manhunt this week. Another case of him being nice (or at least forgiving) about a game.
You Don't Know Jack Episode 29
Score: $6,725
The short answer, EA. The long answer is all Electronic Arts. Having played the 2 demos I found that NBA 2k8 is hard to follow and quite tedious while NBA Live 2008 is a lot more fun and fluid as well as much faster.
I'll talk about Alton Towers later and why its so necessary to go during term time.
Oh, and Zero Punctuation is all about Manhunt this week. Another case of him being nice (or at least forgiving) about a game.
You Don't Know Jack Episode 29
Score: $6,725
Sunday, September 16, 2007
RIP Colin McRae
Colin McRae
1968 - 2007
One of the greatest rally drivers the country's ever produced and the man who helped bring rallying into the world of videogames. The helicopter he was piloting crashed yesterday near his home. My condolences go out to his wife and all his family and friends.
1968 - 2007
One of the greatest rally drivers the country's ever produced and the man who helped bring rallying into the world of videogames. The helicopter he was piloting crashed yesterday near his home. My condolences go out to his wife and all his family and friends.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
250 Titles - Microsoft At TGS '07
So the Tokyo Game Show is officially started. Here's my thoughts on Microsoft's showing at their press conference.
1) Lost Odyssey
Square have really started throwing their weight behind the 360 now and the machine has a buttload of excellent looking RPGs coming out. Lost Odyssey looks to be one of them, no word yet on how it plays but if its half as good as the trailer says then this will be a system seller. Having Nobou Uematsu on the music team will help no end.
Release - 6th December in Japan, February in Europe and January in America.
2) Halo 3
*yawn* Nothing to say that hasn't been said many, many, many, many times.
Release - 25th September with free Xbox Live Gold for the 3 days after launch
3) Project Gotham Racing 4
No new trailer, but a hard release date
Release - 11th October
4) Atsumare! Pinata
Nice to have what I think is a new Viva Pinata game.
Release - December
5) Ace Combat 6
Time for the 360 to print money. The japanese love their Ace Combat.
Release - 1st November
6) Gundam Operation Troy
Yep, Gundam prints money.
Release - TBA
7) Beautiful Katamari
Lack of exclusivity will hurt this one, if the Wii gets it then the others will be left out in the cold.
Release - October
8) Dynasty Warriors 6
Hack, slash, yawn.
Release - November
9) Devil May Cry 4
Pick a platform for this one, it'll either sell PS3's or 360s.
Release - 2008
10) Ninja Gaiden 2
Ninja. Now there's a selling point.
Release - TBA
11) Xbox Live Arcade
This was the bit that killed. XBLA will be raking in the cash next year. Shmup legends Every Extend, Ikaruga, Omega Five and Trigger Heart will be joined by one of the PSP's good games Exit. That'll sting for Sony.
12) Rez HD
Its an XBLA game, but having Rez back in the present is a great thing for all involved.
13) Infinate Undiscovery
New Square Enix IP here, as is...
14) The Last Remnant
Another new IP. Square looks to really be going for it.
So there we are. 12 new games in total, a bunch of XBLA games and Square's performance alone makes me feel very good about owning a 360.
Verdict
Microsoft are looking to show a new reliance on RPGs that will really aid the 360 in Japan, whether they're any good yet remains to be seen but the line-up is incredibly strong.
B+
1) Lost Odyssey
Square have really started throwing their weight behind the 360 now and the machine has a buttload of excellent looking RPGs coming out. Lost Odyssey looks to be one of them, no word yet on how it plays but if its half as good as the trailer says then this will be a system seller. Having Nobou Uematsu on the music team will help no end.
Release - 6th December in Japan, February in Europe and January in America.
2) Halo 3
*yawn* Nothing to say that hasn't been said many, many, many, many times.
Release - 25th September with free Xbox Live Gold for the 3 days after launch
3) Project Gotham Racing 4
No new trailer, but a hard release date
Release - 11th October
4) Atsumare! Pinata
Nice to have what I think is a new Viva Pinata game.
Release - December
5) Ace Combat 6
Time for the 360 to print money. The japanese love their Ace Combat.
Release - 1st November
6) Gundam Operation Troy
Yep, Gundam prints money.
Release - TBA
7) Beautiful Katamari
Lack of exclusivity will hurt this one, if the Wii gets it then the others will be left out in the cold.
Release - October
8) Dynasty Warriors 6
Hack, slash, yawn.
Release - November
9) Devil May Cry 4
Pick a platform for this one, it'll either sell PS3's or 360s.
Release - 2008
10) Ninja Gaiden 2
Ninja. Now there's a selling point.
Release - TBA
11) Xbox Live Arcade
This was the bit that killed. XBLA will be raking in the cash next year. Shmup legends Every Extend, Ikaruga, Omega Five and Trigger Heart will be joined by one of the PSP's good games Exit. That'll sting for Sony.
12) Rez HD
Its an XBLA game, but having Rez back in the present is a great thing for all involved.
13) Infinate Undiscovery
New Square Enix IP here, as is...
14) The Last Remnant
Another new IP. Square looks to really be going for it.
So there we are. 12 new games in total, a bunch of XBLA games and Square's performance alone makes me feel very good about owning a 360.
Verdict
Microsoft are looking to show a new reliance on RPGs that will really aid the 360 in Japan, whether they're any good yet remains to be seen but the line-up is incredibly strong.
B+
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Kick Kick Punch Punch Block Block Chop Chop Master Onion
You're not a gaming blog unless you can reference Parappa. This isn't a gaming blog, but I do it anyway.
So if I was writing a post on Kotaku about how the Kingdom Hearts 2 theme appears in iTunes the sub-title would be 'Giant Utada Face'. It creeps me out a little.
You know I like Pani Poni Dash right? Well today I decided to wipe all the anime themes I recorded off the original fansubs off my computer, resulting in 16 full themes I had to find. If anyone knows what the opening and closing themes are to Yumeria are then I'd be greatful. I mention the almight PPD as I tracked down the full opening and closing themes to get about 15 minutes of glorious j-pop that's so sweet I've now got cavities.
So there.
So if I was writing a post on Kotaku about how the Kingdom Hearts 2 theme appears in iTunes the sub-title would be 'Giant Utada Face'. It creeps me out a little.
You know I like Pani Poni Dash right? Well today I decided to wipe all the anime themes I recorded off the original fansubs off my computer, resulting in 16 full themes I had to find. If anyone knows what the opening and closing themes are to Yumeria are then I'd be greatful. I mention the almight PPD as I tracked down the full opening and closing themes to get about 15 minutes of glorious j-pop that's so sweet I've now got cavities.
So there.
Video Face-Off
Jermaine Stewart appears to be rather in demand right now, 2 songs are currently hanging around using the classic anthem to platonic love that is 'We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off'.
Title - Clothes Off
Artist - Gym Class Heroes
Album - As Cruel As School Children
Title - We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off
Artist - Lil Chris
Personally, a proper cover beats a badly used sample any day. Chris really does the song justice.
You Don't Know Jack Episode 28
Score: $13,826
It would've been over $15,000 if a) I hadn't taken a stupid Jack Attack guess or b) I hadn't screwed up the first question.
Title - Clothes Off
Artist - Gym Class Heroes
Album - As Cruel As School Children
Title - We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off
Artist - Lil Chris
Personally, a proper cover beats a badly used sample any day. Chris really does the song justice.
You Don't Know Jack Episode 28
Score: $13,826
It would've been over $15,000 if a) I hadn't taken a stupid Jack Attack guess or b) I hadn't screwed up the first question.
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