Gaming Update 9/27/12

Hello all, this is officially my second blog. The past month has been pretty interesting in the gaming world and a lot of change is ahead of me in my personal life.

As far as my personal world, I am on the verge of being laid off which is no big deal, see I am a contract employee and my contract end date is approaching quickly (this Friday!). I was employed longer than expected, so I am gracious to have been there as long as I have been. I have a trip to Hawaii planned for mid-October and it will be my first time going there, really looking forward to it! After that is the stress inducing task of looking for employment, but to be honest I have never had immense amount of trouble looking for work, so advice to anyone in college is to; first off graduate and second of all, make connections! With the search for work in mind, also I have to also remember is that I will most likely have to move, so change of location and work is approaching quickly!
With that said, in my upcoming down time, I will have the chance to finally catch up a little bit on my backlog! So here what is going on in the gaming sides of things:

 

NEWS (THAT’S IMPORTANT TO ME)

 

 

Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes

To say that I just like the Metal Gear Solid franchise would be an understatement! I adore the series and to me, they are the best games made to this day. So when Ground Zeroes was announced out of nowhere, it seemed as though I couldn’t read enough about it, I want to know more and more!

Call of Duty: Black Ops II – Zombie Campaign Trailer

The original Call of Duty: Black Ops is where I was personally exposed to ZOMBIES and boy was it awesome. The above trailer takes everything about ZOMBIES I loved and throws in a story, “buildables” and custom modes where some players can even play as the zombies.

“The biggest change to Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's Zombie gameplay comes in the form of its campaign mode. Titled Tranzit, this tosses you and up to three of your friends into the biggest world the team at Treyarch has ever created for Zombies. Your goal in Tranzit is simple: kill all the undead that you come across and leave a trail of bodies in your wake. You and your team jump between a number of locales along the way, doing what appears to be defensive stands and clearing them out before moving on to the next place….

If Tranzit doesn't sound like your thing, if you're the type of person that just wants to hop in with friends and defend a single position, you'll be pleased to hear that Survival mode is returning with Black Ops 2. Playable either solo or with three friends, Survival offers the classic survival experience wherein you build defenses and hold out…

Cooperative play isn't for everyone, and while Black Ops 2 will feature a competitive multiplayer mode as well, Treyarch's also developing a new take on competitive play for Zombies called Grief. Internally the team at Treyarch likes to refer to Grief as "4z4," because unlike traditional competitive games both sides have to deal with a third party that wants their brains -- the Zombies.”

Source: http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/26/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-everything-we-know-about-zombies


I get that the Call of Duty franchise is not for everybody, but I have been playing since Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and I spend a lot of time online in the multiplayer matches. The original Black Ops was also my favorite entry into the series, so I am pretty stoked about this game.
The easter eggs in the ZOMBIES mode are random, complicated but awesome nonetheless. Though some might not like to hear this, but I will happily plop down $60 for Black Ops II on release day (which I never do) because I know I will be playing it for a year at the least!



Mass Effect Trilogy announced

 

 

“BioWare has announced the Mass Effect Trilogy Compilation, bringing the original Mass Effect to PlayStation 3 for the first time. The set will combine all three Mass Effect titles into one package and will launch on Xbox 360 and PC on November 6th for $59.99. A PlayStation 3 version will follow, though a specific date hasn’t been announced just yet…” 
 
Source: http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/26/mass-effect-trilogy-set-announced

BioWare will also release the original Mass Effect as a standalone title via PlayStation Network, though an exact date hasn’t been announced for that either.

The big deal here is that the original Mass Effect game will be coming to PS3! I own the original for Xbox 360, but have ME2 and ME3 for PS3. It will be awfully tempting to sell my current copies of the game to buy this Trilogy and have all the games for PS3.




RUMOR: Onimusha 4 is in development

“We haven't seen a new game in the Onimusha series since 2006. But it's not for lack of interest from Capcom. In fact, rumors are starting to surface that a new game in the series is on the way from a Western developer.

Specifically, it's being developed by Spark Unlimited, which is working on Lost Planet 3 and much to the surprise of many also on the Ninja Gaiden spinoff Yaiba. It is known that Spark is working with Capcom on an "adventure series reboot", but which franchise is getting a new lease on life hasn't been identified yet.

If this is true, it wouldn't be entirely without precedent. Series mastermind Yoshinori Ono has noted before that he'd like to bring the franchise back, especially with a stronger multiplayer component, and the franchise has no lack of fans both East and West.”

Source: http://www.gametrailers.com/side-mission/30405/rumor-onimusha-4-in-the-works

I always enjoyed the Onimusha games, especially Genma Onimusha because of the tug-of-war system with the green souls. Onimusha 3 has one of the best intro movies in gaming and the series overall is a lot of fun. I am interested in hearing more information as it comes available.

CURRENTLY PLAYING

 

Assassin’s Creed II (PS3)

In my last blog, I had basically just started this game, learning the mechanics and combat system. To be fair, a majority of the combat for me in this game has been counter attacking, which is what I commonly hear as a gripe about this game, and I have to say that the complaints are justified. Counter attacking seems like the only effective way to eliminate enemies (besides assassinating).

 

But despite that gripe, the game has grown on me a bit; I have been enjoying taking on assassin missions and climbing to viewpoints. I have done two assassin’s tombs so far, so I am still guessing that I have a while to go. Looking at the trophies (which always helps me judge progress), I can see that I have completed DNA sequence #4 of the 14 possible. I am guessing the length of this game depends entirely on how long you get wrapped up in the side missions, which seems pretty obvious. One frustrating thing that’s been happening to me a lot is when free-running, Ezio just leaps on the ground from high distances and taking damage when I simply mean to grab a ledge or hop to the next building, but I think that is more my fault then the game’s. So I will continue on with this game…




Double Dragon: Neon (PSN)

 

I got this game for free through Playstation Plus and the first word to come to mind when describing it; tough. It is an interesting mix of both old and new as far as I am concerned. What makes this game tough is that when you are fighting an opponent, the other enemies are not shy to cut-in and swarm you. Maybe I haven’t quite learned the right way to go about it yet. Enemies drop cassette tapes which you can equip for abilities and super moves, that is pretty cool.

 

 

The first thing that jumps out at anyone who plays this game is that it does not take itself too seriously. The enemies, levels and all seem goofy. Even the main adversary, Skullmageddon, has a high-pitched and annoying voice and spouts off cheesy one liners. It’s all in good fun though, I have enjoyed the bit of time I have had with the game. I have not played co-op yet, but I bet this game is much more pleasing that way. I don’t know if the game is worth $10 though, I would say it would differ with taste, as with anything. I’ll put it this way, if I had to pay for this game, I wouldn’t own it.









Street Fighter X Tekken (PS3)

As a fan of both Tekken and Street Fighter, the announcement of this game came to me as both exciting and surprising. Street Fighter IV is an awesome game, I just wish they hadn’t released multiple versions of it and segmented the audience (atleast Arcade Edition is compatible with Super though). This game is basically Street Fighter IV with Tekken characters in it and a tag system. My favorite characters include: Paul Phoenix, Chun-Li, Hwoarang, Sakura, Jin and Rufus.

 

 

I have never really been good at fighting games, but I do enjoy them. That being said, I go to play this game online and get completely annihilated! I can appreciate a fair match in which I get my ass whooped, but what I cannot stand are the people who spam projectile attacks or just cheap in general. This game is plagued with that online, which really sucks, because I would love to play competitively online. And this is the exact reason why I wish every fighting game made it mandatory to have a survival mode (which this game does not!). That being said, I still enjoy the game and the characters, although Mega Man seems kind of out of place…

 

 

Capcom should be releasing the other characters soon (12 more characters for $20!), but in my opinion, it is too late. Everyone who is into this game has others on their radar or on the verge of moving on. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 looks awesome, it has a survival mode, and it is a sequel to one of my favorite games of all time. And they will be supporting the game with FREE DLC, Capcom should take note here. I will play Street Fighter X Tekken though until Tekken Tag Tournament 2 drops in price.

 

 

 

 

Resident Evil 6 (DEMO, PSN)

 

 

After playing through the Resent Evil 6 demo for about 20 minutes, I would say the game is worth buying, but not at $60. To me, it’s too similar to RE5. I found it annoying when I was trying to line up head shots (with Leon) and my partner starts blasting away totally screwing up my aim. One thing I have to say is that the graphics look awesome in this game. The fact that there will be four campaigns or something like that seems like a cool idea, and I would definitely say I am interested in the game. The Agent Hunter mode where other players can jump into your game is also awesome and it’s nice to see some new things being brought to the franchise. The thing though is that I will always miss the horror aspect of the series in the first three games, when the games where actually scary/weird and you were on your toes when walking through the creepy atmosphere. This game is on my radar for sure…

 

 

 

RECENT PURCHASES

 

Asura’s Wrath (PS3)

 

 

This game is on sale at Newegg.com at this moment for (16$), which is exactly about where I was waiting for it to drop to. I have been interested in this game since it’s announcement. One disappointing thing though is that you have to buy the ending as DLC. Really Capcom? Although that is disappointing, part of me is glad that Capcom releases new, original games like this (and Remember Me).

 

 

 

Final Fantasy XIII-2 (PS3)

 

 

I bought this game because it was on sale extremely cheap ($13). I am definitely a fan of the Final Fantasy series and this game seems like a must own for me. I have yet to play through Final Fantasy XIII, but atleast I know this will be waiting for me for when I complete it. I have heard of this game being compared to Pokemon in a way, which seems very intriguing.




Humble Indie Bundle VI (PC)

Games: Rochard, Torchlight, Shatter, S.P.A.Z. (Space Pirates and Zombies), Vessel, Dustforce

 

 

I am new to the PC gaming arena and saw the Humble Indie Bundles before, only to say “if only my PC would run games decently”. With my new PC, that is finally a possibility. I almost bought Torchlight alone for $10 so this was a chance to get it with some other games for a great deal. The only games I have installed on my PC at this time are Torchlight and Shatter. I have heard Torchlight allows you to mod the game at will, I was wondering if anyone out there is savvy with where I could locate some cool (cosmetic at first) mods for this game. Eventually I will be playing all the games, but I for now, Torchlight is the game to play.

ON MY RADAR:

 

 

Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes

Day one buy, no doubt about it. Cannot wait to hear about where they are going with the story, gameplay and concepts. Release can never be close enough.





Dishonored

 

 

This game reminds me a lot of the first Bioshock for some reason. The tone is dark and the game just demands my attention. Cannot wait to play it…





Borderlands 2

 

 

Borderlands is one of my favorite games this gen. I will wait to pick up the sequel though until the “Game of the Year” edition with all extra content is released. I have plenty to keep me busy until then…




Call of Duty: Black Ops II

 

 

The original Black Ops was my favorite in the series. With every bit leaked about this game, the more excited I get. This will be a day one buy for me…






Bioshock: Infinite

It is a shame that this game was pushed into next year. I have a big backlog to keep me busy, but this remains my most anticipated game in a while…






Okami HD

I missed this game entirely and it looks very good! Next month I believe it will be released on PSN and I will definitely be picking it up.






Splinter Cell: Blacklist

 

 

This game really intrigues me. I have been a fan of the Splinter Cell games since the first and never played the last one (can’t remember the name at the moment).

CLASSIC GAMING

 

 

Valkyrie Profile (PS1)

I have been interested in some of the older PS1 classic RPGs and I realized that Valkyrie Profile looks exactly like the type of game for me! I have never played it but it sure looks fun.

 

 

Maybe some of you who have played it can assure or warn me, but nonetheless I will be looking to possibly pick it up.

Thanks to anyone who can help! The PS1 sure was a gold mine for great role playing games, some of my favorite include: Final Fantasy series, Legend of Dragoon, Xenogears, Legend of Legaia, Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy Tatics and Star Ocean: Second Story.

Thanks to everyone for reading!