A trip to space, and a persistant war!

 What can I say. I have had a marvelous time this month. However, with a combination of things, I haven't really had alot of time to play games that is. That dosen't mean that I haven't played anything though. On the contrary, I have recently put time into two great games that recently came out. Chromehounds and Prey.

..Prey is a FPS that combines some strange mechanics with old school simplicity. In truth, I would highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys FPS. In Prey, you can litterally mess with gravity to get the drop on your enemies. As much as I like Prey, the true gem of these games is Chromehounds.

....Without typing a long and otherwise boring review, I will just say a few choice words about this game. Chromehounds is a mech game, and it is a mech game of the highest order. While the single player portion of the game is nice, the real meat lies in the online aspect. I cannot stress enough the depth and insane amount of thought that went into planning the online battles in Chromehounds.

   You basically join a squad of up to 20 other players, and participate in a ongoing ever changing war called the Neromus War. The War involves three nations that fight for supremecy via the mechs that individual squads control. When you first go online, you get the chance to join any of these nations, and once you chose, it is up to you to defend your affiliated nation. Graphically both Prey and Chromehounds are visually stunning.

..If you plan on picking up either of these games I would advise on getting Xbox Live if you don't already have it. It will make the experience, particularly in the case of Chromehounds, all the more enjoyable.

                                                       Chromehounds is beautiful! Oh, and the mechs are nice too!

Going to classes, playing games,.....

Sorry that I haven't added anything new to my blog for a while. I've just been so busy!

...Oh well, earlier this month I finally picked up Kameo, and I am very happy with the game.

It looks very nice on my HDTV! Anyway, I will try to update my blog every week or so!

 Thanks for visiting!

Chas!

After nearly a month of vacation, Table Tennis brings me back into the swing of things!!

 WOW!! What a month! After the E3 explosion ($600.00 for a PS3!!  ), and many exciting things (Xbox 360 exclusives! Yeah!) I am finally back from a long vacation!

...After downloading numerous trailers from the 360 marketplace, and sifting through the usual internet forums, the fallout from E3 is still reverberating. Two stories dominated the show:

 1. The announcement of 2 PS3 sku's, and thier prices $500.00 = base model, while $600.00 = premium model.

 2. Microsofts games! (Gears of War, Mass Effect, Too Human, and of course Halo 3.)

I found it interesting that at E3, many people seemed to be underwhelmed by Sony's conference. I think this has to do with the price announcement, but who knows.

..Anyway, the announcement that the next Grand Theft Auto would come to both the PS3 and the 360, has led to countless debates about which system would have the better version. I don't really care, just as long as I get to play the game!

.....The Gears of War multiplayer demo wowed and shocked folks, and even some other game designers got in on the fun...

  The middle guy is none other than Kojima-san, Metal Gear Solid creator. Apparently he likes Gears of War... 

 From the looks of things Gears of War will be the holiday game to own, and should definately sell a fair share of 360s. Well, as for me, and what I am playing right now, I have to admit, that Table Tennis is by FAR the most addictive sports game I have ever played!

 ..I purchased this game with the mindset that it would be okay, but it completely blew me away. Also of note, the graphics in Table Tennis are almost photo-realistic! The character models are the best I have seen yet. Online play is extremely fast and furious, to the point where you almost zone out because of the intensity. I have to tell you, that when you get a rally going of more than 150 shots, the game kicks in with its teckno music, and your palms get sweaty in anticipation! It is truly great gaming!

..But enough talk, I am finally back from LA, and must get some sleep!

Chas!

 If this list is true, Microsoft has a knockout show in store for E3 '06!! along with a shocking exclusive!

 Over at the teamxbox forums, I usually surf around the various topics disguised as my alter-ego (Ascalaphus.) Anyway, while there today, I happened to stumble upon something VERY interesting. A certain person posted a list that supposedly details some of the games Microsoft will be showing at E3! Now, though I will not disclose who this person is, let me just say that they have proved to be very credible in the past. The "poster" goes on to say that the list is official, and straight from Microsoft!

  If the list is legit or not, it does allude to some previous comments made from top Microsoft figures as to what will be shown at E3!

 ..Anyway, without further explaination, here is what was posted...

 1. Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs (PC)
 2. Blue Dragon (Xbox 360)
 3. Crackdown (Xbox 360)
 4. Fable 2 (Xbox 360)
 5. Forza Motorsport 2 (Xbox 360)
 6. Gears of War (Xbox 360)
 7. Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
 8. Mass Effect (Xbox 360)
 9. Microsoft Flight Simulator (PC)
 10. Ninety-Nine Nights (Xbox 360)
 11. Shadowrun (Xbox 360, PC)
 12. Too Human (Xbox 360)
 13. Vanguard Saga (PC)
 14. Viva Piñata (Xbox 360)

 Now let me start off by saying that this list is pure speculation until E3 actually starts. However, looking at it, one can assume that most of what is there has actually been confirmed in one way or another. Obviously the presence of the "BIG 3" ( Halo 3, Gears Of War, and Forza 2) alone makes this list spectacular.

  What I want to know, is if this list is real, then what exactly will be shown at E3? Will it be either actual gameplay, or CGI "target" video? Unfortunately, the "poster" at teamxbox did not reveal if what will be shown of these games, or if they will just simply be announced!

 Also, the "poster" at teamxbox indicated that the long announced next-gen title Alan Wake is now a Microsoft exclusive! According to the "poster," Microsoft has already bought the publishing rights to the game. If you don't remember Alan Wake, it was originally announced as a next-gen title way back during E3 2005 for the PS3, 360, and PC.

                                       Alan Wake from the E3 '05 build! Now a Microsoft exclusive!!?

 ..Now it seems that from various sources around the net, including one at gamersreports.com, as quoting "someone within Microsoft" as verifying that the rumor is true, and that Alan Wake is indeed a 360 exclusive!

  Now, all this should be taken with a grain of salt, but it is interesting nontheless!

...and about that list!! All I can say is that this list seems very real to me, and it wouldn't surprise me if all of these games are shown in some shape or form. However, with E3 just around the corner, we, along with everyone else, will just have to wait and see! Let the speculation begin!!!

 Oh man, the wait is just killin' me!! Arggghhhh!!!

 Chas!

That is F.E.A.R., or ( First Encounter Assault Recon,)  for the uninformed!

 Last year, PC mega title FEAR released, and won critical acclaim for it's portrayal of the paranormal. Now, Xbox360 owners will also have a chance to experience the strange and bizzare. Vivendi Games officially told the gaming press that FEAR is in developement for the Xbox360 platform! The develpement of the game is being handled by Day 1. Studios.

                                                                 Pixelated Destruction! Oh yeah!

The storyline of FEAR is presented entirely through the first person perspective. The game is basically about the paranormal, and close quarter brawls that result in massive chaos, death, and destruction! The game sold very well on the PC, and is considered by quite a few people to be one of the best games of 2005! It is resonable to think that the title will garner similar sentiments when it is released on the 360!

  The 360 version is expected to have an improved online component, as well as an expanding storyline outside that of the original PC version! Hopefully more will be shown at E3! Can't wait!

..If you want to read the original article over at teamxbox click here!

 FEAR is currently on going for a fall '06 release!

 Chas!

One robs tombs! The other destroys dataDyne! But against each other!?? Hmmmmm???
 

  It is the battle of the women! Two high profile ladies in the world of video games. One is known more for her "assets" than her games. The other, is a spunky red-head who is more deadly with a gun than Sam Fisher! Both have had great video game careers, but only one will survive the onslaught of a virtual battleground! I present Lara Croft, and Joanna Dark!

  In this battle, I will present the pros and cons of the two, see which one has the best list, and judge appropriately! Feel free to leave me feedback!

  Ladies and Gentlemen...Round: 1!!

In this corner...Lara Croft!

Pros...

• She has ALOT of money!
• Can do four backflips in a row! ( Yeehaw)
• Can speak multiple languages
• Has fought and killed a dragon!
• Can hold her breath longer than any video game heroine!
• She can shoot while doing acrobatics!
• Has been all over the world!
• Is English! ( Can be considered a pro or con depending on how you look at it!)
• Wears um..interesting outfits!
• She has...ah hem..substantial "assets."
• Has found and fought a Yeti. 
• Tomb Raider 1 and 2 are considered the best of the best!
• Has starred in two high profile feature films!

 Cons...

• Her clothes can seem completely pointless. ( What is up with that microscopic backpack she is so fond of wearing?? I mean, can anything even fit inside??
• Tends to shoot at the wildlife! ( PETA hates you Lara!)
•  Has killed a dragon!....without any superpowers!??? What??
•  Seen stealing more things than actually buying them! ( Just think about it! More often then not, Lara Croft is riding someone else's motorcyle in her games!)
•  Wanton destruction of some ancient sites! ( Toppling statues of ancient gods, and destroying other archeiological things.)
•  Lara, what exactly is your occupation? Really! Cause I DO NOT HAVE A CLUE!!
•  She has dabbled in the occult!
• Has suffered numerous setbacks. Including horrible sequal games, and two lackluster movies!
• Sometimes spends too much time jumping to get to higher places! (  Lara, just use a helicopter!)

..and in this corner...Joanna Dark!

Pros...

• She is more level-headed than most video game heroins.
• She is hot!
• Can use a variety of powerful weapons. ( Silencers! Yeah baby!)
• Has fought some very powerful individuals.
• Makes tight leather look good!
• Generally does more things to improve mankind than others.
• Is the female version of Splinter Cell's Sam Fisher.
• Original Perfect Dark is hailed as one of the best games of all time.
• Can sneak better than Lara Croft!
• All but destroyed the evil dataDyne Corp.

Cons...

• Joanna Dark could single-handedly start World War III! ( No that is not a good thing!)
• She has killed more humans than animals or mythilogical beings.
• Can only roll and jump. ( Jump ability being from her N64 days.)
• Also a victim of pointless garb. ( Has been spotted wearing a loose-fitting tank-top with camo fatigues! Oh yeah,...while dodgeing bullets!...Exactly!)
• Too trusting of friends and family.
• She is really pale!
• Her occupations include: Bounty Hunter, Bail Enforcement Agent and Carrington Institute Operative. ( The other two I understand, but what is up with Bail Enforcement Agent??)
• Perfect Dark Zero is considered by many 360 owners to be both "slow" and "inaccurate."
• Has yet to star in her own movie! ( Someone should look into doing this!)

Well! The dust has settled, and who is it that emerges victorious?......Joanna Dark!

  From looking at the list, it would seem that Lara Croft has a better moves list, along with alot of money. However, Miss Dark trumps her because she can use more weapons, generally blows more stuff up, and seems more dangerous than Lara.

..They both also share alot of similarites! Anyway, round 1 of the battle is now over, and while Joanna has won the first rout, will she win the war?? It will be interesting to see where these women go in thier next games, but as for now, I declare Joanna the winner!

  Chas!

  "Wii" play together! ..Or "We" play together!? Huh??

 Well, I have learned many things about the gaming industry. While the industry as a whole offers its own share of interesting things, its always one solitary company that seems to single-handedly define that chaotic and unpredictable mix that ensnares the gaming world. That company is Nintendo, and with todays announcement, the big "N" has taken things up a notch.

   Originally known as the Nintendo Revolution, the next-gen system has been shrouded in a storm of mystery. Part of that storm cleared when Nintendo shocked the gaming world with the unveiling of its strange but intriguing controller. Now, with the storm clouds finally settleling before the tornado that is E3, Nintendo has finally introduced the official name of its next-gen system...

  The Nintendo "Wii!" .....That is pronounced "We."

                                                               Introducing the "Wii!"

At Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, here is what was officially said...

"Introducing... Wii.

As in "we."

While the code-name "Revolution" expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.

Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.

Wii will put people more in touch with their games ... and each other. But you're probably asking: What does the name mean?

Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes this console is for everyone.

Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.

PDZ gets some hot new content!

 Much can be said about Joanna Dark. She is hot, sexy, dangerous, and knows how to use a gun. Well, so does Lara Croft...hmmm...I wonder who would win in a fight!? Anyway, back to Joanna. It seems that dataDyne Corp. is about to get a literal kick in the sweets by Miss Dark.

  Extra content is down the pipeline according to Microsoft and Rare. A free playable demo, along with updated content will give long-time fans more bang for thier buck. The new free updates will load once you load up the actual game. These updates include:

   Bots that now take things to the next level: 

 Judge Bots: These bots now only target the player with the most kills in a multiplayer match! Yeah, thats right!.....BIG BROTHER IS WATCHIN YOU!!  

 Venge Bots: Walking constructs of vengance, these bots will only go after the last player that killed them! Watch those stray bullets folks!

 Dark Ops Bots: Yeah, they will also make an apperance!

     :All of these bots will be available in every scenario!

  Also mentioned and likely to appear soon will be the addition of four new multiplayer maps available for download sometime in the future. Though there has been no word of when and if they cost, how much.

                                                That's right Joanna, your world is about to get a little more deadly!

The extra content and demo should appease eager fans and newbies who have been waiting for more. The addition of the "killa bots" should also make online play much more frantic! Lock and Load folks, cause its about to get out of control in PDZ!

 If you want to read up on more of the details surrounding the update, head over to teamxbox.com, or just click here to get the full article..

 Chas!

 Legend revives an old series!

 Tomb Raider was actually the first game that I bought for my original Playstation. When Sony released it's system in late 1995, Tomb Raider seemed like the 3D platformer of the time.

 Indeed the original Tomb Raider could be hailed as Lara's best adventure. The game had everything from raiding tombs, to fighting strange creatures, solving complex puzzles,..and of course, Miss Croft herself. The fact that the main character of Tomb Raider was a very buxom woman who weilded dual pistols obviously had an affect on me and many other early teenage boys.

      Well, the original Tomb Raider had its share of moments!

As you can see, lady Lara has gone through some significant changes. Some were for the good, some for the bad. While her adventures have remained mainly close to her original outing, sadly many of her sequals suffered from horrible plots, to straight out crappy gameplay. The sequal to the first game, Tomb Raider: 2, was actually the best made of all the Tomb Raider sequals. It is safe to come to the conclusion that the Tomb Raider series was going downhill, and the fact that two high profile feature films based on the video game series didn't help either. Fastforward to March 2006, and you have Tomb Raider: Legend!

  ..This game is possibly the best Tomb Raider ever made, and the fact that it has addressed many of the problems that plauged other Tomb Raiders, is testament to its achievements.

Tomb Raider Legend brings Lara back to the tombs in style!

 Having played Tomb Raider Legend for quite some time, I have come to the realization that the game has really made the jump from old to new, while still retaining many of the quirks that made the original so enjoyable. Most importantly, Legend takes Lara back to the tombs, rather than forcing fans of the series to endure the more modern enviorments of her earlier sequals. Lara also has a set of better moves that flow more fluid than in the other games.

  ..The enviorments in Legend also have a more natural feel, with a jumping style similar to that of the recent Prince of Persia games. The plot in Legend is also more emotionally driven, while you play through some of Lara's flashbacks. Fans of the series like me, can finally enjoy a real Tomb Raider game. I really must give props to the people at Eidos Interactive, because I had almost lost all hope for the series. Legend has finally revived Lara Croft, and this game should make for a great sequal title.

 Chas!

 Now this is just CRAZY!!

  Yes, you are probably wondering what I am talking about. Usually, in the world of videogames, Nintendo and Xbox are not in the same sentence. However, due to a recent report, these two things may now be closer related. Over at Xbox Scene, a site devoted to mods for the Xbox and Xbox 360, the technical wizardry has found out that you can run emulated NES games on a Xbox 360 using Windows Media Center 2005!

 ..Yes, that's right! Playing original NES games on your Xbox 360! Now, before you ask if this is legal or night, keep in mind that the program or rather the way to exploit Media Center 2005 is not illegal. By this I mean that Microsoft did not make the emulators that you use to do this.

  Over at the Xbox Scene forums, this is what was posted..

"I've attached a link to a version of NESCafe that works through Media Center on the Xbox 360. This is currently setup to run at 480p (Widescreen). You can edit the nes.htm file if it does not fit correctly on your screen. I haven't found a way to add a menu for the roms list so you will have to edit the nes.htm and change to whatever Nes rom you want to play. I've included a Public Domain rom for testing but have verified Zelda1-2, Excitebike, and TecmoBowl and all worked."