Friday, September 10, 2010
Please pardon the mess
Blog host here, I'm just here to tell you that I have changes in the works for this, I've deleted a few posts and added some new ones, nothing really new other than that (Yet). Soon I will add some minecraft tutorial videos (and pictures) and some video game related things. I will also be reviewing music and videos every now and again, so please stay tuned for that.
Minecraft Tips #1
Always make a path from where you build something, out to where you explore, it's easy to get lost without some kind of markers to show your way, and it's a bad feeling when you search for materials and then lose your building.
Wood can burn, so be careful not to have a open fire or lava nearby.
Plant trees when you chop a tree down so later on you have more trees, instead of having to go out further and further.
Always carry enough torches, and don't carry unnecessary/valuable items.
Light the area around your main base/bunker so that monsters can not spawn nearby.
You can get monsters to fight each other, sometimes its easier to have them fight each other and then pick off the winner.
Wood can burn, so be careful not to have a open fire or lava nearby.
Plant trees when you chop a tree down so later on you have more trees, instead of having to go out further and further.
Always carry enough torches, and don't carry unnecessary/valuable items.
Light the area around your main base/bunker so that monsters can not spawn nearby.
You can get monsters to fight each other, sometimes its easier to have them fight each other and then pick off the winner.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Mega Man X Review
Mega Man X was the first in a series of games made by Capcom that was released late 1994/early 1995, it was the first Megaman that was released on the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) and later on the computer, and was the first of many games not to feature the original Mega Man and Wily, instead this game was a new part of a vast story with new characters. The game changed how you played, allowing you to switch between the 8 weapons instantly, gave you armor upgrades which gave you new abilities like dashing (instead of sliding) and to break blocks with your feet/head. It let you charge your shots like in the later mega man games. Gone were the energy cans that filled up your life, instead you got 4 sub tanks that you could fill by gathering energy when your life was full. You could climb up walls and dash, the game changed how you played megaman, as I've stated before, and these changes were for the better.
The new character X could be seen as a highly advanced version of Mega Man, instead of having morals, he was given free will to do whatever he wanted to do and the emotions of a human. He was built by Light but had to be sealed away for x number of years. When he was activated in the future, he helped the humans build more like himself, but they could turn evil at any time. X helped Dr. Cain form a group called the Maverick hunters, who would help subdue (or destroy) the offending robots (reploids).
This game received a re-release on the ps2, xbox, and gamecube, and a remake on the PSP (I may review it at some point).
I give this game a 9/10, it was a really good first game in a series of great to decent games.
It's the same intro stage + 8 mavericks + 4 stages (1 of which is a second fight with all of the bosses).
This game received a re-release on the ps2, xbox, and gamecube, and a remake on the PSP (I may review it at some point).
I give this game a 9/10, it was a really good first game in a series of great to decent games.
It's the same intro stage + 8 mavericks + 4 stages (1 of which is a second fight with all of the bosses).
DVD Review: Super Mario Brothers Super Show
Super Mario Brothers Super Show was something I remember watching as a kid, it was every kids dream, a cartoon about the two lovable plumbers, a talking mushroom, and a princess from the hit video game series Super Mario Brothers. The show itself was a little cheesy in it's humor, but what Saturday morning cartoon wasn't? It also had a cheesy live action segment before and after the cartoon part. The original airings of this show had licensed music in the cartoon segments and many guest stars in the live action part. The DVD release of this took out the music sadly but keeps everything else the same, I'm fine with that (Though my favorite episode did take a hit because of it.) This is something I would even show my kids one day, that's how much it has stuck on me, and I recommend it to my readers.
Buy The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
here.
Buy The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
here.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent Short Review
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a survival horror game created by Frictional Games (a small indie game) like never I've played before. You start off as a man called Daniel and you have to remember what you made yourself forget. The story is told through various journal entries. The graphics are dark and gritty and the environment can suck you in at times. The game recommends you wear headphones and lose yourself in the game, and it's great about getting you lost in it.
I'd recommend this to people who like unique games and or is looking for a great game made by the creators of Penumbra: Overture (I have yet to play it)
I'd recommend this to people who like unique games and or is looking for a great game made by the creators of Penumbra: Overture (I have yet to play it)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Minecraft (Alpha) Review
What is Minecraft you may ask? Well Minecraft's a game where the world is vast and infinite, where mountains touch the very tips of the sky and the deepest darkest caves lead to treasure (or your doom). The world is your playground and the only limit to the world itself is your imagination.
It's still in Alpha though, do not let that stop you from playing it though. There's a lot of features being added each update. It has single player survival mode (currently) and multiplayer mode of the same name so far (the barebones anyway), and the creator notch has plans for more. Another thing about this game is that he has made it himself, all the graphics are stuff he has hand drawn. The graphics might be just a bunch of blocks overall, but the textures on each block look amazing.
In Single Player Survival you have to survive by killing spiders, skeletons, zombies, and something that explodes called creepers for materials that you can craft. You can craft tools out of wood, iron, gold, stone, and even diamond and building blocks like bricks out of clay. You can craft a sword out of the different stones and metals and you can craft bow and arrows.
I highly recommend this game for people who enjoy building and being creative, or for those looking for a survival game, because it offers plenty in the way of both. It's rather cheap at only $13 (us dollars) at the moment.
Click Here to play Minecraft
It's still in Alpha though, do not let that stop you from playing it though. There's a lot of features being added each update. It has single player survival mode (currently) and multiplayer mode of the same name so far (the barebones anyway), and the creator notch has plans for more. Another thing about this game is that he has made it himself, all the graphics are stuff he has hand drawn. The graphics might be just a bunch of blocks overall, but the textures on each block look amazing.
In Single Player Survival you have to survive by killing spiders, skeletons, zombies, and something that explodes called creepers for materials that you can craft. You can craft tools out of wood, iron, gold, stone, and even diamond and building blocks like bricks out of clay. You can craft a sword out of the different stones and metals and you can craft bow and arrows.
I highly recommend this game for people who enjoy building and being creative, or for those looking for a survival game, because it offers plenty in the way of both. It's rather cheap at only $13 (us dollars) at the moment.
Click Here to play Minecraft
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Retrolink SNES USB Controller Review
Last christmas I received the Retrolink Snes controller
. Let me tell you this, it hasn't let me down once yet.
Pros:
Feels like a SNES controller
Plug and play (No drivers to install)
Feels durable
Cheap!
Cons:
The color is a bit darker on this than on the snes controller
The Dpad is a bit stiff at first.
Lack of analog sticks (not a big deal)
overall, if you're looking for a basic controller, I'd say give this one a try if you grew up with the snes like I did.
. Let me tell you this, it hasn't let me down once yet.Pros:
Feels like a SNES controller
Plug and play (No drivers to install)
Feels durable
Cheap!
Cons:
The color is a bit darker on this than on the snes controller
The Dpad is a bit stiff at first.
Lack of analog sticks (not a big deal)
overall, if you're looking for a basic controller, I'd say give this one a try if you grew up with the snes like I did.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver Review
Yes, I know, I hardly do reviews (I've done maybe 5 in my entire life) And I thought why not, another one couldn't possibly hurt.
The game in question (Well games) is the newest in a successful franchise where you have to catch them all, that's right, Pokémon Pokemon HeartGold Version
and Pokemon SoulSilver Version
.
Pokémon SS/HG is a remake of the Gameboy Color games Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal, taking most of the things that were added in crystal and bringing it into the next generation of Pokémon games. Things like Apricorns and the Blue card are brought over while new events and music have been added, mostly for the better. It feels like a new Pokémon game at yet at the same time, those who enjoyed Gold and Silver will still enjoy their newer brothers.
The game itself runs on a modified Platinum engine, all the bugs and glitches are the same for the most part, if it's good or bad. The graphics look pretty good for a DS game and the Pokémon following you and showing emotion is a nice touch, it brings something to the series that hasn't been shown in depth since Yellow. It does not add any Pokémon to the already massive 493 Pokémon, but it does allow you to catch a lot of them easily, only a few are event Pokémon/traded from the game boy advance games). The reasoning behind that is because the Nintendo DSI does not have a gba slot, so using the feature called pal park is disabled for the games.
The game comes with what is called the Pokéwalker, a device the counts the number of steps you take and turn it into experience and watts, a currency that you can exchange for items and chances to catch unique Pokémon. Of course this has it's ups and downs, but for the most part it's well designed and works, the battery is supposed to last up to 3 months on normal use. The only real bad thing about this is that Pokémon sent to the Pokéwalker can only gain one level per stroll, and won't learn any level up moves.
The Pokéathlon is a set of 10 minigames where you can use various Pokémon to compete in various events for points that can be traded for hard to find items. The games themselves rely on the touch screen, so if you are the type of person who dislikes using the touch screen, then it's something to avoid. Overall a nice little detour of the main game.
The Game Corner has changed in any non-japanese country to what is called Voltorb Flip, its a fun little waste of time, not as luck based as the slots, but the payoff in the early levels aren't that great, there is also no way to buy coins, but you don't lose coins if you lose, so I guess it isn't bad.
The bad? Well, three things come to mind, the first being that the (Acid Rain glitch , and some of the remixed music (After a certain event, you get something that makes the music 8bit like the gameboy) sound bad compared to the full version. And the last one is not really a major thing is that it takes so long to unlock routes on the pokewalker.
My Ranking:
Gameplay: 10/10
Sound 8.5/10
Graphics: 10/10
Fun Factor: 8.5/10
Overall: 9/10
My Final Thoughts: If you liked either the gbc games, or any of the pokemon games and you are looking to play these, then go for it, it's a worthy investment being longer than pearl/diamond/platinum by a long shot. If you didn't like D/P/P, you can still give these a try, they don't bring in the other half of the pokemon till after you beat all 16 badges.
Fond memories of gold and silver: Beating the game for the first time not expecting anything else and then suddenly you have 8 more gyms to go after and end game content.
Best Battle track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vdXjkWkAg8 (Ho-oh Battle)/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhkGx0QGVDY Red battle
Best out of battle theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_1IoC6m7UU (Lugia Summoning) / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQeD1IdI-cU (Ecruteak)
The game in question (Well games) is the newest in a successful franchise where you have to catch them all, that's right, Pokémon Pokemon HeartGold Version
and Pokemon SoulSilver Version.
Pokémon SS/HG is a remake of the Gameboy Color games Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal, taking most of the things that were added in crystal and bringing it into the next generation of Pokémon games. Things like Apricorns and the Blue card are brought over while new events and music have been added, mostly for the better. It feels like a new Pokémon game at yet at the same time, those who enjoyed Gold and Silver will still enjoy their newer brothers.
The game itself runs on a modified Platinum engine, all the bugs and glitches are the same for the most part, if it's good or bad. The graphics look pretty good for a DS game and the Pokémon following you and showing emotion is a nice touch, it brings something to the series that hasn't been shown in depth since Yellow. It does not add any Pokémon to the already massive 493 Pokémon, but it does allow you to catch a lot of them easily, only a few are event Pokémon/traded from the game boy advance games). The reasoning behind that is because the Nintendo DSI does not have a gba slot, so using the feature called pal park is disabled for the games.
The game comes with what is called the Pokéwalker, a device the counts the number of steps you take and turn it into experience and watts, a currency that you can exchange for items and chances to catch unique Pokémon. Of course this has it's ups and downs, but for the most part it's well designed and works, the battery is supposed to last up to 3 months on normal use. The only real bad thing about this is that Pokémon sent to the Pokéwalker can only gain one level per stroll, and won't learn any level up moves.
The Pokéathlon is a set of 10 minigames where you can use various Pokémon to compete in various events for points that can be traded for hard to find items. The games themselves rely on the touch screen, so if you are the type of person who dislikes using the touch screen, then it's something to avoid. Overall a nice little detour of the main game.
The Game Corner has changed in any non-japanese country to what is called Voltorb Flip, its a fun little waste of time, not as luck based as the slots, but the payoff in the early levels aren't that great, there is also no way to buy coins, but you don't lose coins if you lose, so I guess it isn't bad.
The bad? Well, three things come to mind, the first being that the (Acid Rain glitch , and some of the remixed music (After a certain event, you get something that makes the music 8bit like the gameboy) sound bad compared to the full version. And the last one is not really a major thing is that it takes so long to unlock routes on the pokewalker.
My Ranking:
Gameplay: 10/10
Sound 8.5/10
Graphics: 10/10
Fun Factor: 8.5/10
Overall: 9/10
My Final Thoughts: If you liked either the gbc games, or any of the pokemon games and you are looking to play these, then go for it, it's a worthy investment being longer than pearl/diamond/platinum by a long shot. If you didn't like D/P/P, you can still give these a try, they don't bring in the other half of the pokemon till after you beat all 16 badges.
Fond memories of gold and silver: Beating the game for the first time not expecting anything else and then suddenly you have 8 more gyms to go after and end game content.
Best Battle track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vdXjkWkAg8 (Ho-oh Battle)/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhkGx0QGVDY Red battle
Best out of battle theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_1IoC6m7UU (Lugia Summoning) / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQeD1IdI-cU (Ecruteak)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
DRM and You
Wow, another blog by me, but this is something that's been on my mind for a bit, and I'll explain why Security like DRM is horrible.
Now you may be wondering "Oh DRM, isn't that what software companies/music companies use to stop the sharing and illegally distribution of software or music." Yeah, that's it, but its a bad thing when it's taken too far.
Let's say you come home with that new game Dictation & Triumph 4. you install D&T4 and it tells you that you must have an active connection to play the game, thats fine, but wait, you have to be online to play single player. Do you see where I am coming from, if not then I can tell you what that means. Your internet goes down and then there goes all your experience, the ablility to save and the ability to play the game with the said experince, leaving the game you are currently playing will send you to a login screen. Can't even access the main menu. The game requires the exp to get upgrades. Or, let's say it's not on your end, let's use the example that it's server side, same thing happens. All over a little bit of piracy, all they're really doing is hurting the honest man and not really hurting the dishonest man.
Another example that I have, 3 music tracks that I have gotten for free from buying a cd at Wal-Mart (I dislike Wal-Mart, but I won't go into details), I transfer the media over to a hard drive. A while later I tried to play the tracks and it says that I can not, because it is not on the origonal hardware. In fact, you can't play it on most mp3 players unless you have it on the internal memory instead of like an sd card. This keeps the honest man honest and the dishonest man to find ways to get free music. These were offered as free, but I don't think I can refind the redemable code.
In all honesty, DRM hurts the honest people and does nothing to stop pirates, they will find ways around the protection, I don't want to support companies that uses such a tactic like that. It's unfair to the honest people with horrible internet connections due to location or other factors, or who don't even have internet for a period of time.
Now you may be wondering "Oh DRM, isn't that what software companies/music companies use to stop the sharing and illegally distribution of software or music." Yeah, that's it, but its a bad thing when it's taken too far.
Let's say you come home with that new game Dictation & Triumph 4. you install D&T4 and it tells you that you must have an active connection to play the game, thats fine, but wait, you have to be online to play single player. Do you see where I am coming from, if not then I can tell you what that means. Your internet goes down and then there goes all your experience, the ablility to save and the ability to play the game with the said experince, leaving the game you are currently playing will send you to a login screen. Can't even access the main menu. The game requires the exp to get upgrades. Or, let's say it's not on your end, let's use the example that it's server side, same thing happens. All over a little bit of piracy, all they're really doing is hurting the honest man and not really hurting the dishonest man.
Another example that I have, 3 music tracks that I have gotten for free from buying a cd at Wal-Mart (I dislike Wal-Mart, but I won't go into details), I transfer the media over to a hard drive. A while later I tried to play the tracks and it says that I can not, because it is not on the origonal hardware. In fact, you can't play it on most mp3 players unless you have it on the internal memory instead of like an sd card. This keeps the honest man honest and the dishonest man to find ways to get free music. These were offered as free, but I don't think I can refind the redemable code.
In all honesty, DRM hurts the honest people and does nothing to stop pirates, they will find ways around the protection, I don't want to support companies that uses such a tactic like that. It's unfair to the honest people with horrible internet connections due to location or other factors, or who don't even have internet for a period of time.
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