Happy New Year 2010 GameSpot!
I hope we all didn't party too hard the past couple of days 
. I have one new year resolution: stop making new year resolutions.
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Like I've done every year since I started to be active here on GameSpot here's a yearly recap of my progress and stats for the site
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(SkullZoma was my old GT)
For reference purposes here's 2008's stats
It's amazing how fast that decade went by and how much gaming has changed. Let's see where the next 10 years will take us.
It' almost 2010 here, i just want to wish everyone a happy new year, I hope you all have some good things going your way this year!
... or DSi LL as it's refered to in Japan. It's done. Mine is on the way with a couple accessories (hard cover case, screen protector). I got a $50.00 gift card for use on ebay along with a $25.00 Visa gift/debit card. I used both of them to buy my new system and I'm hoping it will all be here over the next week.
I have had a DS Lite for a long time now and when the DSi came out, I considered the upgrade but something inside told me to wait. I'm glad I did becase the DSi LL is the exact same system but with 4.2 in screens. My one complaint about the DS since it first came out was that the screens were just too small. Now, that won't be a problem for me anymore.
For anyone interested, I'll be leaving a full report on the DSi LL as soon as I have had a chance to play it. I'll let you know how everything looks, plays, and sounds on the new system. This will help many of you decide on whether or not you're going to get it as soon as it releases stateside.
I'll keep you all posted.
I'm already at 62%. I guess this is a easy level. I'm sorta glad that there is one, level 56 took forever. Level 56 and Level 58 take 50 days to pass. So I'm gonna be on level 58 forever to. 
Level 57 - Karateka. Karateka is a 1984 computer game by Jordan Mechner, the creator of Prince of Persia. Sadly I've never played this game or heard of it, have you? This topic is where I get the information for the levels, in case you didn't know.
I'm also in charge on updating a list called "The Top 25 User Levels" I do this once a month, and I've been updating this list for close to a year now. I'll post a new update in a few days, also if anyone is interested, I can give you a link to it. There is also a union where other stats are tracked to.So what have I been doing? Well gaming wise, I've decided to try and complete some of the games on my backlog list. Progress is slow, but I'm working on it.
As for gaming in general, I haven't been gaming too much. But the game I've been playing the most lately is the game I recently added to my playing list. It actually inspired me to play my psp again, since it has been sitting around for nearly a year. I have more games and I'll probably mention them in my next bloggie, whenever that is. I promise I won't make you guys wait so long on it.
Video games have been around for quite some time by now, offering multitudes of ways to entertain, captivate, and challenge the player's intellect. Throughout the years, video games have evolved into something much more than simple pixelated sprites shuffling across the screen, giving way to enhanced graphics, more sophisticated stories, and a much greater amount of effort on part of the creator(s). Sadly, despite this magnificent boom in creative potential, there are still some who consider that video games are not, when compared to movies, music, and other forms of expression; art. Take, for example, this statement by Roger Ebert:
"...games could not be high art, as I understand it. How do I know this? How many games have I played? I know it by the definition of the vast majority of games. They tend to involve (1) point and shoot in many variations and plotlines, (2) treasure or scavenger hunts, as in "Myst," and (3) player control of the outcome. I don't think these attributes have much to do with art; they have more in common with sports." - Ebert (2007)
Taking into consideration that Ebert was following up on a previous, more crass statement that video games will never be art; the points he makes can be easily dissolved with a wealth of exceptions and/or creative methods to compensate for such points. The following are examples of games that will, beyond any reasonable doubt, prove that video games are much more than a simple interactive shooter-adventure sport:
Shadow of the Colossus
Anyone with at least a decent knowledge of the previous console generation can recall that Shadow of the Colossus is easily the most stunning games for the PS2, as well as the most unique. Throwing away many traditional conventions, SotC consisted solely of defeating these monstrosities. No mini-bosses, no regular enemies, just a massive world, a horse, and a lonely man aching to revive the maiden he so dearly loves. The sheer scale of the land and the creative, puzzle-like method of dispatching the massive foes creates a unique experience that will not soon be forgotten. Easily, SotC dispels all three of Ebert's claims by being a puzzle game with little point-and-shoot elements, foregoing any "scavenger hunts", and having an ending that is not determined by the player respectively.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjDtw6rmJ9g
Ico
Though by the same developer (SCEA), Ico is, without a doubt, a glorious and touching example of how moving a video game's story can truly be. Playing as a boy guiding a maiden through a perilous journey, the connection between the two grows stronger over the course of the experience until an event occurs that will emotionally effect even some of the heaviest-hearted people. It should also be noted that, for its time, the graphics were quite advanced and the unique art styIe truly made this title one of the best of its year.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsbJ8GIIySE
Katamari Series
By far one of the goofiest (and trippiest) games to come out in quite some time, the Katamari series has proved time and time again that graphics are not the only thing that matters. From its absolutely hilarious surrealism to the quirky bits of dialogue the King of the Cosmos blurts out at the player, every single entry has proved itself worthy as a highly creative series on par with surrealist filmmakers, painters, and so on.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpI5uI6bMm0
Okami
Okami's styIe is instantly recognizable to anyone who has followed the video game world for the past few years. Utilizing the highly-artistic Japanese watercolor theme to its fullest, Okami allowed players to take control of the elements of nature via a magical calligraphy brush that was able to turn the tides of the wind, sea, earth, and also deliver decisive blows to enemies. Its penchant for artistic prowess easily qualifies it as one of the most artistic games in recent memory.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTUm07enrs4
Tower of Shadow
Though it isn't released yet, Tower of Shadow is something any person can glance at and easily consider it a highly creative idea. Using a unique method of gameplay that focuses on the background rather than what would traditionally be played on, the overall styIe of this upcoming title has the potential for Ico-grade artistry.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viZjjpuymrc
Oddworld Series
Created by Lorne Lanning, a magnificent artist judging by the complexity and overwhelming skill taken into his concept art, the Oddworld series is living proof that video games can have not only artistic, but political significance as well. Though subtle, such topics as worker exploitation and species extinction (Abe's Oddysee), brutal takeover of the American West (Stranger's Wrath), animal testing (Munch's Oddysee), and other issues have been covered by entries of this highly creative series. Also, the gameplay in the first couple games are especially unique since it was one of the first side-scrollers to completely reject the Mario format of platforming for a more puzzle-like role as the skinny guy with no weapons.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2EDJbIyzpo
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In conclusion, video games can be much more than simple entertainment. Games can be anything from an artistic expression to a political statement that has considerable significance. It will be interesting to see where technology will take us all in the future of gaming, as uncertain as things may be in the perspective of some. Regardless of the industry's direction, there is something I will always truly believe: Video games are art.
I got tagged by ArmoredCore55 and now it's my turn to write five interesting facts about me, so here we go.
1. I have two favorite TV Shows, and they are Top Gear and 24.
2. Most of my games are racing games.
3. My favorite car that is affordable is Honda S2000
4. My favorite color is Black.
5. My color eyes is blue.
what's all the fuss about? i don't notice any real differences.
I'm still playing BlazBlue. My main character is still Nu according to my D-Card online, but I like Hakumen a lot more ever since I got good with him. He's my new favorite character in the series, and I use him more than any other character these days. Anyway, I made a new signature for myself here on Gamespot featuring Hakumen, and I think it looks even better than the Nu signature I made a couple blog posts back. It definitely looks unique and does his character justice, so I hope you guys like it!
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/346/hakumensignature.png
(In other news, I just leveled up on the site for the first time in what seems like a year.)
I really don't have anything to blog about just letting some others know that if your tracking me here I'm on a different account my username is -Vulpix- so track me there. though I'll make a few appearances with this account. an August 2, 2009 will be this accounts 4 year anniversary I'll try to make a blog then.
Here are some of my usernames on other sites
Gamefaqs: Ecco_Cynder my new main account and perminent one.
Serebii account: -Vulpix-
Darkspyro: Vulpix
Youtube: CynderVulpix
Devian Art: Cynder-Vulpix
and my email address is: eccocynder @ hot mail .com
I haven't ditched this account completely I just needed a break from it.
-Vulpix- I linked itso you can track me there if you wish 
I have 201 Pms I probably should check those see which ones are new. I think my last number if I remember correctly was 175 unread messages I could be wrong.
The Tridrakious Report!
Ok, unlike the last Report. This one will be even more of an opinion piece. I'm going to voice my definitive opinions on what I think Sony should do this year in regards to the PS3. Hardware and Software. 3rd party relations. 1st party decisions and they should at E3 this year. So first up.
HARDWARE REVISION!
Now there have been other people's opinions on what Sony should do about the hardware of the PS3. i've seen people ideas on Playfire, Facebook, Myspace, Vgchartz, etc. Well you all will get to read my opinions on the once "doomed" PS3.
First up. PS2 backwards compatibility. Simply put, bring it back. Make the announcement at GDC this year. I know that will put a whole 25 more dollars (or so) into the manufacturing of the PS3, but come on. The PS2 is pretty much dead at this point. Use the legendary machine to boost PS3 sales. That library would be fantastic in helping the Playstation image. It would be a great time as well. Killzone 2's release, Street Fighter IV's release and Resident Evil 5's release all around the time that you make this announcement would not only (IMO) help boost PS3 sales, it would also help boost the sales of these games on your system. It would also grant you the chance to finally announce PS2 games for the PSN.
Another thing is. The Playstation 3 is suppose to be the central hub of peoples entertainment rigs. Yet I hook up my Ipod to listen to the music on it while playing WipeOut HD and the game and system can't read the songs on my Ipod. I might have just been doing something wrong, but if I was. The PS3 should have adjusted itself to work anyway. Now this isn't a hardware revision, but it should still happen.
Also bring back the extra card readers and those 2 extra USB ports. I know that these things returning would also bring up the cost of manufacturing the PS3, but they didn't cost that much to begin with anyways. Maybe even unlock that closed off SPU that everyone knows about of the Cell. I think if you put together a gaming console, then every part should be accessible to them from day one. Don't wait 4 to 5 years after the system has been launched to give the developing community access to the full thing.
Pretty much Sony needs to go back to the design of the 60 gig. I think that is what Sony should do. I think that is something everyone still wants. They could also use this as a cover up for why they won't cut the price of the PS3. These things in addition to the heating up of Playstation Home and Playstation Network will make the PS3 a player in the industry again and be crucial stepping stones to Sony going back to the top.
PS3 SOFTWARE LINE-UP EXPLOSION
Looking at the PS3's 2009 line-up. I don't think anyone can point out any signs of weakness. While the 3rd party exclusive of Final Fantasy XIII's Japanese release will be the highlight of that region's list. The North American and European regions will be forced to have different highlights. KillZone 2 and God of War III to name an oh so few. Anyway, both of which are going to fully push the PS3 (sales and system wise). I still stand behind my prediction that the PS3 will easily pass 10 million units sold in 2009. Of coarse there will be the people who say "but the PS3 performed terribly in January of this year worldwide". True people. Very true, but don't you think that was based on people waiting to see how KillZone 2 did? How Street Fighter IV was going to turn out? Seeing if Resident Evil 5 was going to be a killer game? I think most people were waiting to see if these games were going to fail. So that if they did, they wouldn't own the PS3 and have felt like they wasted their hard earned money on the system, but since all 3 have proven to be spectacular games.So as an end result, I see the Playstation 3 selling much better (and on a more positive, consistent basis) when the clock shows 12:01am April 1, 2009. Of coarse I think a price drop around the releases of these games would also be nice. Even by 50 dollars, but if they follow my revision statements made earlier. Then the chances of that happening would be very low.
So let's look at some of the games hitting PS3 in 2009. God of War III (X), KillZone 2 (X), Final Fantasy XIII (Japan [X]), Street Fighter IV, Tekken 6, InFamous (X), MAG (X), Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (X), Gran Turismo 5 (X) just to name the ones off top of my head. The X standing for eXclusive. Which if you notice come from Sony's own first party studios.
SONY AT E3 09
Last year Sony did a great job at E3. It wasn't until after E3 that they screwed up. This year I'm pretty sure things will be better.
Sony has more weapons going into the event than they did last year. They need to treat this as a "re-launch" of some sorts for the PS3. Announce new bundles for the holiday shopping season. God of War III and Uncharted 2 both should have bundles and they should last for awhile. Not just a couple months. I'm thinking maybe a year. Also they should bring out Naughty Dog for the announcement of Jak 4. Not for this year, but for next year. Get something's rolling for them for 2010. Insommiac needs to be there as well to discuss Resistance 3 and the next Ratchet and Clank Future game.
This would also be the time to talk about the PSP 2. Getting the industry prepared for the next PSP. No launch dates or anything like that. Just informing the industry and consumer base about some basic features. UMD drive, a built in hard drive, Memory Stick support, etc. They shouldn't talk too much about it, but just enough to get people interested. Also BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY IS A MUST!!! Don't forget that Sony. I previously said that the new PSP 2 should be download only. After thinking about it. I think Sony should take the same approach to PSP 2 as they have with PS3. (game content wise, not price or marketing wise). Make the system be more diverse. Have the big budget games on UMD 2 (they need to improve the UMD format, make it hold 5 GBs). The caching needs to be better utilized. God of War: Chains of Olympus is the best showing of what a big budget retail release should do. I don't remember any load time and with a handheld device. The loading really shouldn't be there. Another thing is that Sony needs to put more of an emphasized push for the PSN on PSP 2. Trophy support should be there. Trophy support should be in the original PSP as well. They are/will be connected to the PSN servers anyways. Make it happen.
Before anyone thinks that I'm asking Sony to neglect the PSP, just hold on. With the announcement of the PSP 2 and it's backwards compatibility. This should make the developing and publishing communities notice that Sony is still going to be supporting PSP 1 games with the new system. Since the new system will be an evolution of the PSP 1, the devs won't have that much of a hard time moving over to the new PSP 2. A lot of this is based on just psychological mind games. Hoping that PR talk and first party support pushes 3rd parties into the 2 systems, but I think it could work.
Anyway. These are just my thoughts on what Sony really should be doing right now. If they want to get back into the #1 spot in the industry, I feel these ideas should be at the top of their to do lists. So unlike last time. This is just some loose thoughts on my stance.
Hopefully they really are good games.Last year had a lot of anticipated releases and feel that most of them were bombs,or at least dissapointments.Hopefully this really will be a good year for gaming.
Anyway, this closeness I have with the theme of the movie; this identifying with the main character is what has made this movie something very special for me; not as an anime or movie fan, but as a human.
As a treat for you, the movie's ending song; One more time, One more chance (is an actual music video and doesn't contain clips from the movie)
good to be back and hope to here from you all soon and have a good THANKS GIVING
TO ALL BY BEST FREINDS.
hey everyone!
not been on here for a good 2 years, no idea why, guess i just didnt have time anymore.
anyway,
laters
mainly for Designers.
http://idsn.proboards58.com
http://idsn.proboards58.com
http://idsn.proboards58.com
I'm admin there and would appreciate it if any of you could join.
It has over 70 resources and over 35 members even though it hasnt opened yet.
Thanks :]
yeahsoul calibur 4
do you like this game!!!
