Part 1 and Part 2 in case you missed them.
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4. Mass Effect
Bioware knows how to tell a damn good story, and Mass Effect is no exception. It's not the most original game out there but the time and effort put into creating the sci-fi world in Mass Effect is really something. Being able to create your own Commander Shepard, choose your backstory, and make key decisions in the story really puts you in control of the game and I absolutely love that. Gameplay-wise pulling off biotic powers is fun and the gunplay is solid. There are some shortcomings here and there like some of the side-quests being tedious and handling the Mako (which sucks). But this is one of those games where I can overlook the flaws because of the experience that it provides.
3. Uncharted 2
Yes, I know this game came out only a couple of months ago, but I had no hesitations putting it so high on my list. When the first Uncharted came out it was an instant favorite of mine. Nathan Drake was a charismatic new character that you couldn't help but love and the story had that modern day Raiders of the Lost Ark feel to it (which is one of my favorite movies btw). I enjoyed the gunplay quite a bit and the platforming was great minus the occasional elusive edge here and there. Uncharted 2 takes that game, makes some minor improvements to the gameplay, and includes huge set pieces. This is the equivalent of a great summer action movie, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I won't spoil anything, but the train level in particular is probably the coolest I've ever played in a video game. And whereas Uncharted was a very short game that didn't add much replay value, Uncharted 2 includes some very fun multiplayer that is sure to keep me coming back every now and then. It really is the complete package.
2. Chrono Cross
I know some people that didn't like this game just because it wasn't a proper Chrono Trigger sequel. For the record I love Chrono Trigger, but it's pretty obvious that I didn't mind Chrono Chross not being a true sequel. The story of parallel dimensions and the Frozen Flame is one of the best ever told in an RPG; in fact, I'd put it behind only my #1 game on this list. The plot is extremely important to me when it comes to RPGs, but I also really enjoyed the battle system. It was different from your normal turn-based affair, and I loved the fact that you could even escape boss battles if you needed to get resituated. On top of that the game features an amazing musical score and the inclusion of many potential party members. Sometimes I prefer having a core cast of characters in your party but not in this case.
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Well, there's only one game left. Can you guess what it is? I guarantee it will be a surprise...just kidding, it's kind of obvious.
For about five days straight I did nothing but eat sleep and play AC 2. I had a blast with that game and it is my current choice for game of the year. I played so much I would fall asleep with the controller in my hands, wake back up and continue right back where I let off. However I have basically done everything in that game. I have all the achievements for it and now feel very sad that its over. Well it was a blast while it lasted and now I am yearning for a copy of Borderlands.
Taken on its own, Dragon Age is an enjoyable RPG experience. It combines a solid storyline, memorable characters, and readily accessible game play mechanics. It is impossible, however, to not compare Dragon Age to the legacy of fantasy RPGs that have preceded it, notably the Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights series upon which Dragon Age draws so much inspiration. In many ways I look at Dragon Age as a natural progression from these previous titles. It makes some improvements, some concessions, and delivers an overall wonderful and accessible experience.
The rules behind the game are perhaps the most streamlined ever in a Bioware RPG. Skill points are replaced by a small group of skills each having four ranks, attributes are scaled up much higher, and ability trees are handled as they were in KOTOR. It's hard to imagine how long Bioware has gone without the D&D license thanks to Atari's ownership of it, but I wonder if they would even want to use it given how well they're developing their games without it. Yes, it lacks the depth that the full D&D suite offers, but the accessibility of the system makes up for it as players generally aren't hamstrung into specific paths based on their initial class selection. You don't need a given class to complete the game, but it certainly helps to have a rogue in the group for locks and traps, have a mage serve as the healer (which only requires them to spend one skill point to do), and make a fighter or arcane warrior act as the group tank.
The biggest discrepancy in Dragon Age comes from the stark differences in quality of the storyline and characters that accompany on your journey. If there's one glaring weakness in the game it is that the storyline offers nothing new or exciting to the genre, but rather a retread perpetrated countless times before by authors far less prestigious than Bioware. The sides of good and evil are established immediately and most of the major plot twists are taken care of soon thereafter. The core storyline acts as little more than an impetus for the quests to come, something I would more likely see in an action RPG or a MMO. The ultimate evil in the game, the Archdemon, is something only spoken about in whispers until the very end, offers nothing for the player to identify with other than sending hordes of minions at you, and as a result is grossly overshadowed by the other main antagonist of the game, Logaihn, who himself isn't very special. Everything elsewhere in the game is mostly self-contained within each dungeon hub, with bosses given little introduction before opening themselves up for your killing pleasure. I felt more like a medieval exterminator rather than a conquering hero, cleaning up everyone's mess so they'd like me enough to charge into battle against the great evil at the end. The course taken by many of these self-contained plotlines are good, such as the Anvil of the Void and the Werewolf curse, but as a whole the game is not on as high a level as KOTOR, nor does it have an antagonist as great as in BG2. The blight was never a factor anywhere except the beginning and end of the game, and for me that caused overall game to suffer.
I'm not qualified enough to question Bioware's design choices, but I thought a great addition would have been to make Duncan the reason behind your betrayal in the Origins storyline rather than just the end result. Coming to the realization that he would go to such lengths as orchestrate the murder of your family in order to force you into the service of the Grey Wardens would have made the situation far more intense.
The game succeeds, however, because it has one of the strongest supporting casts I have ever seen in a RPG. Each character has a developed back story, a unique personality, and contributes to the enjoyment of the game in some way. You can tell Bioware spent a great deal of time on the miscellaneous interactions between each character, whether directly with the player or between each other while traveling about the landscape. Dragon Age is a hilarious game thanks to the constant bickering and joking amongst the party. Whether it is Morrigan being mocked for her coldness, Alistair teased about his ignorance, or Shale's perpetual fear of pigeons, everyone has a reason to laugh and be laughed at, and it gives Dragon Age a much welcomed dose of comic relief that closely mimics the style of Peter Jackson's Gimli and Legolas. There have been a lot of RPGs which memorable characters, but rarely are they given this much attention and personality.
In the end, Dragon Age to me feels like a celebration of the fantasy RPG genre, inspired by great adventures of the past cleaned up to appeal to a wider audience. No, it doesn't have the depth of Baldur's Gate or the story of Planescape: Torment, but it sill takes enough of what made games like those great and combines it with some modern sensibilities to make a title that a much wider audience can appreciate. I don't see myself playing through this title again and again like I did with Baldur's or KOTOR, but I can still enjoy it along with millions of others.
The Lazyman rundown:
Likes:
-Great western RPG. Everything you need and expect to have in such a game is here.
-Characters and their interactions are unmatched by any RPG in recent memory. Your party members can emotionally grow and change throughout the course of the story.
-Choices abound. Most situations have multiple solutions that don't just boil down to good, evil, or neutral results.
Dislikes:
-Overall storyline is unoriginal and screams "generic fantasy world."
-Most dungeons were repetitive and dragged on about 25-33% too long.
-The protagonist is a mute. After Mass Effect proved you don't have to play a mute I feel entirely spoiled.
-Advertising DLC within the game. For shame.
Well i finally Picked up a Newer NHL Hockey Game newest one i had was from 2007 lol played it out well to much so sat down played a couple games working on pro level usual get to superstar pretty fast so probably tommorow or this weekend i will give it a try. If 2009 looks this good 2010 must be all the hype its been given well thats about it for today other then my son finally picked up a new game for his Gamecube Star Fox he loves those games well take care have a great weekend all.
I just bought a new boat and decided to take 'er for the maiden voyage this past weekend.
This is my first boat and I wasn't quite sure of the exact Standard Operating Procedures for launching it off a ramp, but I figured it couldn't be too hard.
I consulted my local boat dealer for advice, but they just said "don't let the trailer get too deep when you are trying to launch the boat".
Well, I don't know what they meant by that as I could barely get the trailer in the water at all!
The stupid truck would die and start floating before the trailer even got close to deep enough!
What am I doing wrong? Should I load the truck down with some lead or maybe rocks so it doesn't float?
Anyhow, here's a picture. See for yourself. What am I doing wrong?
Just leveled up once agian. 4 months it took me to get to the next level. That is all.
check it out if you like my reviews on here: www.rpgland.com
my recent articles:
Star Ocean: The Last Hope review: http://rpgland.com/games/reviews/star-ocean-the-last-hope/
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood review: http://rpgland.com/games/reviews/sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood/
Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled preview: http://rpgland.com/previews/black-sigil-blade-of-the-exiled-preview/
I picked up Stoked for $9.98 today at Toys R Us in a bargain bin I thought I was seeing things but I wasn't. I had to pick this game up for less than 10 bucks. Especially since Gamestop gave it a 7.5 well worth my $9.98.
Just wanted to pop in quick and say...Merry Christmahanakwanzaka! I hope that you all have a fantabulous holiday season!! And that you receive whatever your lil heart desires in the coming new year!
so far I'm in chapter 7 and this game is awesome.. This is one of EA good big hit game imo.. The graphics are great as well as the atmosphere, and they made it work together beautifully.. the story so far is on point and the weapons are good collection even though these weapons are for engineering, but they get the job done. i will say for the fans of horror to pick this game up cause you will get scared and surprised through out the game.. so far the bugs are really minimal which is slow down when there are multiple enemies attacking at once.. other then that its a MUST have game of this year. It also have trophy so that's more of a replay value..
i give this game a 8.9/10
well, I haven't post blog for long time...
I have not been a gamer also since I was preparing for college...
Well, college life is good but lots of responsibility to be held...
Hmm.. it's gonna be long before playing games again...
Well, it's been a while since my last post. After watching the E3 press conference for Nintendo, I simply have one question, what the heck is a Nintendo fanboy because I'm really not sure anymore. I know that I used to be. I used to play every Nintendo game. I have had every single Nintendo console so far. I mean, up until this generation, I didn't even have a non-Nintendo console. I broke that streak when I bought an XBox 360.
If Nintendo released a new game from one of its major IPs (Zelda, Mario, Metroid, ...) I would buy it in on launch. Does this still make me a fanboy? At the E3 news conference, no Mario games were discussed. No Metroid games were discussed. No Zelda games were discussed. Unfortunately, it does not look like Nintendo will even make any games such as these for at least the next year. So if I don't buy any Nintendo games, does that make me a former-fanboy or something?
Nintendo seems to care less about anyone other than casual gamers. With the releases of Wii Music, Wii Fit, and another Wii Sports game, this couldn't be more clear. So what happens if a person is a rabid fan of these games. Does the make them a casual hardcore fanboy? Can you even be a hardcore casual game fan?
Just thought I'd get some other people's thoughts on this dilemma.
P.S. At least we get a Wii remake of Samba de Amigo and a new pokemon game. Oh wait who the hell cares. Seriously, how many of you bought a Wii for remakes of old Sega games. No, we bought the damn system for Nintendo's classic IP's. Mario, Kirby(ok, we did get an announcement about a remake of Kirby Super Stars), Zelda, Star Fox, Metroid and many more.
I think the game that started it all for me was the original Star Fox for the SNES. I game I wanted as a kid for a reason I just can't explain. There was just something about it that appealed to me. I guess you could say I simply have a natural affinity for the gameplay, a genuine interest that I did not voluntarily desire.
Over the years I have had some of the funnest, most memorable and most satisfyingly challenging gameplay experiences in my life through rail shooters, especially with the Raiden series. Years ago, back in the days of the great console I know as the Sega Dreamcast, I remember seeing a brief video of a certain rail shooter. I didn't have to see much before I realized the gameplay drew very deep interest with me. To make matters more pleasantly surprising, the developer of the game is known for making a previous absolutely outstanding contribution to the genre, in fact, the game I so deeply wanted to play happened to be the spiritual successor of that very game. The developer was a company called Treasure, the predecessor's title is the c.lassic Radiant Silvergun, and the game I am talking about now is Ikaruga.
Now keep in the mind the time frame of just post-prime of the Sega Dreamcast until now. It was during that time I wasted little time getting the import of the game as a NA version was never made for the Dreamcast. And indeed, I remember playing that first level, I remember getting feeling that I perceive to be a sign of excellently designed gameplay challenge. I remember being unable to make it halfway past the first level of the game...I remember loving every second of my short-lived attempts.
Now honestly, there are few games that I've played that are solid in their design such that the level of challenge in the gameplay actually challenges me instead of turning me off, Ninja Gaiden is one of them, Ikaruga. Regardless of my numerous failed attempts to progress through this seemingly impossible-to-beat game, not once did the thought ever cross my that this game was too hard, as ironic as it sounds. And thus, not once did I ever entertain the thought of giving up.
With Ikaruga, I made a pact with myself that I can't remember ever doing before with any difficult game, I told myself, now matter how long it takes, no matter how many times I have to try, one day, i'm gonna beat this game. That was back in the days of the Dreamcast. Since then I eventually bought the GCN version so that I could read the text as my Japanese was not nearly good enough back then, and I bought the XBLA version the day it was released primarily for the beautiful HD visuals and the Xbox Live co-op. And not once all these years have I stopped playing this game, it has been without a doubt the most consistent and long-lived title on my Now Playing list ever.
Now yes, I can see how it may seem a bit pitiful that it took so long to build my skills with to where they are are. Of course, I have played (and beaten) many other games through this time. I have experienced the game over three different consoles, over multiple generations, and indeed, the game was not always front and center of my gaming focus. But never did any active version of the game collect dust. And regardless of how often I played it, the essential thing to understand about Ikaruga is that, perhaps more than at least the majority of other modern rail shooters out there (easily moreso than any others i've played), the game absolutely demands solid (practically flawless) reflexes, thorough knowledge of the levels and bosses, and true, hard-nosed, raw skill. This game is expertly designed such that if you're at least moderately lacking in any of those qualities, chances are very good that you will fail.
I remember when I first tried going co-op over Live. It simply presented 1 benefit. Everyone I played with died out me before reaching the end of the second level, most died out before reaching the end of the first level. And with shared continues, that meant I always ended up with my one set of lives to get through the entire game, that wasn't going to work out. Now of course, thats not the benefit i'm talking about it. The benefit was (and I really don't mean to be arrogant when I say this) seeing the stark contrast in adeptness to the game. It'd proven to me that my dedication to the game over the years has resulted in true development of my skills with the game, and gave me the confidence that I was definitely moving forward, so I decided to return to going at it alone.
A few days ago, I hit a big a milestone. I finally made it to the last level of the game after barely beating the boss of the level before that as I oh so desperately (verbally) begged to die moments before it did. For first time ever, after all these years, my eyes witnessed the final level of the game. Sure enough, with only one last life remaining, it was over shortly after it began. By that time, i'd been able to get through the first three levels fairly effectively, and I knew it was the level 4 boss that that bottlenecked my lives and practice on those final level should be my focus. I ended up not doing much of either.
Just today (Sunday), I completed Tales of Symphonia (my first ever Tales game) and finished Frequency, freeing up a share of my gaming focus. I'd planned to "transition" to my 360 after completing Tales of Symphonia, and spent a lot of the day pondering if i'd play Viva Pinata, Dead Rising or both. One thing lingered in mind as well: "i'm close...maybe I should practice".
Some of you may know that G4 aired the documentary, The King of Kong today. I watch the first have during its initial air and the second half during its encore. One scene that has stayed with me since seeing the end *spoiler*
was the one that showed Steve Wiebe, after the disappointing lack of return challenge from the then King of Kong, returned home disappointed, but most importantly, did not give up. He kept playing the game, and sure enough, he broke the record.
*end spoiler*
The key value I took from seeing that is the idea that persistence can pay off. That thought hasn't left my mind all night.
After popping in Viva Pinata and boy, getting sucked into the game and not wanting to stop, I eventually got myself to stop in order to work on my projects. I returned to the dashboard, but before I could turn the system off. A voice inside me simply said one thing: "lets just give it one shot".
No practice, no special preparation, lets just give it one shot. One attempt, then I'm turning the system off.
Playing through the game, self-discourse runs through my head:
"Wow you're flawless so far, you may just beat it"
"Just stay cool, don't think, just play"
"I have to think to think that"
"Just play the darn game"
*Killed by stray dot from the mental distraction*
"That was a stupid death"
"Its just one life total so far, I got plenty"
"I need every life I can get it"
"Stop thinking, just play the darn game"
Thankfully, from that point, I was able actually able to stop thinking and just play. I was so cool in fact (and playing so well as the same time) that I felt like I was playing like an expert on the game. I don't think I'd ever played the game so "carefree" before in my entire experience with it. So much so that I didn't know how many continues I had left going into the final stage...and I didn't care too much either. I didn't bother to look during the couple times I died before reaching the final boss, heck I didn't even bother to look when I died fighting the final boss.
The final task of the Ikaruga....is not on rails and it doesn't involve shooting. The final take task of Ikaruga...is survival for 1 minute. An on-screen timer shows this, and when I lost a life during this task, a loss that required the use of a continue, it was then that I finally noticed, I was on my last one...and then I wasn't calm anymore. A very noticeable thumping began in my chest.
My first time ever reaching it that far, 1 stock, 1 minute, 1 shot. Survival. For so many years I'd been working to get this point. Survival. For so long I persisted in my pact. Survival. Never did I give up. Survival...and I survived.
Lots have changed with us here at
~The GAME pad~ were constantly working away to try and create a kickass but professional podcast.
Our official date for our first podcast will be June 8th, so keep checking in!
You can visit us at http://tgppodcast.blogspot.com/.
Hopefully in the near future we'll have a domain to call our own.
If you guys are looking for News,Reviews,Cheats and weekly giveaways
then look no further.The first weeks giveaway will be GTA IV Collectors Edition! and more prizes to come!
Check us out!, we'll be more then glad to see you guys!
We just believe it's our turn to give to the gaming community, and we love doing it!
Thanks for all your support,
Keep on Rockin~
-KingAdrian
Goodbye Gamespot after the firing ofJeff Gerstmann i am leaving gamespot permanently.
I recommend that you all leave gamespot as their site is not trustworthy nor respectable.
Disturbed_1 signing off
I've been on this site for nigh on 8 years now. I've been through three site designs, many reviews, and of course, Trivia Robot (voiced by Jeff).
This is probably the worst moment in the site's history. Or at least, the most shameful.
I have not always agreed with his reviews, (nor Greg's or Alex's), but I have always respected them and at least considered the qualities of their arguments. When Jeff got fired, Gamespot (and Cnet) effectively said "Being honest in a review is against site policy". Jeff didn't say anything that was "off the wall", he didn't bring up stuff from out of left field, and he most certainly didn't say "I don't like this game because Eidos is lining my office with shwag".
Eidos simply didn't make a good game. Jeff pointed this out. Now Jeff has to explain to his bank why he can't pay the mortgage next month.
I have further lost respect for Gamespot for their backhanded story in the news about his severance. I don't for a minute think that either G-spot staffer were actually interviewed. Their quotes reek of spin and PR bolstering.
I also find it shameful that the remaining staff cannot post in their blogs specifically, for fear of losing their jobs. I think Bob, Greg and Adam, who worked with Jeff for a good amount of time have considerably aided the endeavour for thought and information into this matter. Unfortunately, none of them work at Gamespot (or for Cnet).
In the end though, this further proves that Gamespot is indeed no longer serving the people who matter most, the user (people like myself). Gamespot was established to provide the home user with meaningful information as it pertains to video games. Gamespot today it seems, exists to spew advertising from big name publishers, Mountain Dew and Toyota. I'm really quite sick of being branded. It seemed like Gamespot was too, as in game advertising is now something they look at. I really wish they'd look at on-site advertising and say "Gee, maybe our users hate being bombarded on the internet as much as they do in-game".
I suppose my last point was more of a quibble than anything.
If they ever offered Jeff work again, I would hope he turns them down, lest he look like a schill for doing so. I respect his thoughts, find him humourous, and will greatly miss his Points Report. (although he hasn't done one for a while).
I'd stop listening to the Hotspot and watching On the Spot if I hadn't already in probably September 2006. I'll probably shun this website from now on. I'm sorry for the editors and staff remaining, I really do enjoy your work, especially Brian's sports related stuff and anything by Alex. It's your company that has me annoyed. I also highly respect Tim for presumably quitting over this contentious issue. That takes guts. And a lot of grindcore.
"Do you have a sledgehammer or a brick handy?"
* "That's right, not even McGyver could fix it."
* "So -- what are you wearing?"
* "Duuuuuude! Bummer!"
* "Looks like you're gonna need some new dilithium crystals, Capt'n."
* "Press 1 for Support. Press 2 if you're with 60 Minutes. Press 3 if you're with the FTC."
* "We can fix this, but you're gonna need a butter knife, a roll of duct tape, and a car battery."
* "In layman's terms, we call that the Hindenburg Effect."
* "Hold on a second... Mom! Timmy's hitting me!"
* "Okay, turn to page 523 in your copy of Dianetics."
* "Please hold for Mr. Gates' attorney."
alpha_company
here is the latest signature i made. i'm currently using it and really like it. it's nothing too fancy, just a simple photo manip that wasn't that hard.
Aaaah it's been hell lately with all my studies but finally I can take a rest... dark forces prevent me to return to GS as always.
Anyway end of year is near and I still have no time to play all the rpgs I have......yay........................................
I am planning to get the 360 soon just not yet or I will set aside all the games from last gen that I still need to beat.....aahh...life is so hard for gamers....snif 
Well, as my reward for being such a good student hehe 
Ibought some more games for me. Need For Speed Carbon, Kingdom Hearts II, Final Fantasy XII and finally Guild Wars: Nightfall.
Don't worry about that last buy of Nightfall, although I bought the game I won't spend all my time on it like before hehe. Currently playing Kingdom Hearts II so don't panic Savoy.
