Gaming setup #2

While playing on a nice large HD TV is very nice, the huge thing occupies our living/dining room, and is facing my wife while she's busy. While I respect her space and kindly refrain myself from playing games in her presense (long story short, I just enjoy her company), there ARE two TVs in my house.

So I decided to set up my ol' slim PS2 to the second screen and voila - gaming station #2! While it's not HD, it DOES sport component cables, so the quality still looks crisp.

Sure, I have a PS3 that's backwards compatible and I'm grateful to have luckily scored one that does, but it sometimes becomes a chore to switch between the two types of games. Having to set up the virtual memory card, change to the right controller settings, and with my slew of PS3 games to play...seperating them is probably a good thing.

Plus the new station is in a seperate room. Bad news? It's the bedroom.

No worries. I'm far from being the jerk that plays games in bed all night. Like 13 years far.

Zero Punctuation sound-off: 2.5D Hoedown

This week's Zero Punctuation is more centered around the concept of 2.5D and its implementation into games. Frankly, they could've just labeled them as "3D-platform sidescrollers," but I guess that is a bit long. Yahtzee also talks about the game Splosion Man and Trine, though I'm surprised he didn't mention Shadow Complex.

Anyways, I'm sure it's NSFW, so enjoy!

Batman: Arkham Asylum is here.

Apologies for the blurry picture, but this game is finally in my hands. From not even giving it the time of day to my renewed view of it during E3, I slowly expressed interest to Batman: Arkham Asylum. Now, with exclusive Joker challenge maps and a free ahead-of-time Dem Bones challenge map, I'm all set to immerse myself into this DC universe!

LittleBigWater opens beta applications

Little Big Planet has always been consistent with costume updates, the occasional level packs and other useful tools, but the next update plans to add another element to those creative levels - the element of water!



Now YOU can get a chance to apply for their Beta testing of this new element here. Give it a try and save yourself from sticking blue stickers all over the place to make that ocean level by using the real deal!

Gameritis...now with PSN Portable ID!

What better way to mindlessly inform random strangers of my less-than-steller gameplay progress than to post my PSN Portable ID on my site?

Well, there's my blog in general, but this is more compact and elegant.

Anyways, this brings some color at least to the blog. Maybe this'll start a trend...the weird text-only placard right below that "Gameritis" title is a bit worn. I should probably spruce things up a bit around here.

And if you want to get your own, check it out here...because I removed the original link below mine. What, you think I'd let Sony use my PID to shill their link?

Zero Punctuation review: Silent Hill 2

Call it a fluke, call it mercy. Call it what you will, but I presume that Yahtzee, for one reason or another, wants to show the world that he is not just a heartless gaming bastard and whips out a game that he admires as his review topic for today, Silent Hill 2. Despite his praise, Yahtzee still jabs his own beloved game with appropriately witty comments, but through it all he wants to show the world that there are good games out there, and that he CAN say nice things once in a while.

Well, nice until he sticks in a penis joke.

NSFW, so enjoy!

Flipnote Studio released!

Who doesn't recall making their own flipbook when they were young? Making something seemingly static and flat, only to see it animate before your eyes when you flipped the pages exposed me to my first lessons in animation. Heck, even "sharing" your creation often involved marking the corners of a textbook, in hopes that the next owner will discover your "contribution."

Well, Nintendo's Flipnote Studio (Moving Memo in Japan) is set to bring back that sensation, sans paper or ruined textbooks. Released the end of last year in Japan, this free app is finally released in the US, allowing users to use the touch screen to create, frame by frame, their own short little flipnote animation.

With the DSi's touch screen, making an animation is as easy as drawing. Using the D-pad, you can quickly add the next frame or go into the menu and adjust your tools. You can even adjust the speed at which your creation animates, and insert more frames between existing ones when necessary. The app even uses the DSi camera to help create frames, granulating images for use in the app. You can also use the mic and add annoying sounds to key points in your animation. And you don't have to worry about size constraints, since this app can save your animations to your SD card as well.

And even if you have no creative bone in your body, you can check out Flipnote Hatena, which will connect your DSi to the internet and access other people's creations straight to your DSi. And when you DO create your own flipnote, you can upload it yourself to the site and share with everyone else.

Thankfully, my prayers have been answered - this version of Flipnote Studio IS the updated version of the app that was released in Japan. The updates include the ability to copy and paste (realized faster than iPhone...HI-YO!), layers, new brushes and pens, image scaling, and some resolved connection issues to Flipnote Hatena.

If you've been waiting to get the most out of your DSi purchase, then you need to download the free Flipnote Studio app.

Zero Punctuation review: The Conduit

Is there any Wii game that Yahtzee believes to NOT be marred by the system's control scheme? Is there any Wii game that can live up to Yahtzee's expectations? Is there no justice to the Wii game review in general?

Well, The Escapist doesn't care, so they threw The Conduit into the Yahtzee pit of misfortune.

There are times when I'll laugh at Yahtzee for his jokes. And then there are times that I laugh at him for his ignorance. This is the latter. Well, okay...a little of the former, but the majority at the latter.

I found some faults at the fact he neglected the highly-customizable controls and multiplayer all together just to get his jollies in. But what can you do with a man that has to make a living testing out ALL games that get tossed at him with no choice? Just let the guy rant - it's what he's being paid to do anyways.

It's Wii, so you know it'll be NSFW, so enjoy!

Vacationing in Wii Sports Resort

One of the few games I enjoyed the most during my time at E3, Wii Sports Resort is finally here with its Wiimotion Plus goodness. Playing it is much like the first time I played Wii Sports, except now there's a 1:1 motion capture ratio, which makes swordplay possible and extremely enjoyable.

How enjoyable? How about "muttering-cheesy-lines-while-taking-out-your-opponent" enjoyable? In the Swordplay Showdown mode, you're faced with countless Miis to take down in small hoard groups, and you can't help but feel like a Jedi with the Force as you take down each and every one - it's THAT enjoyable. I still don't get tired of saying "watch your feet" as I trip them up.

This and the other game that really stood out during E3 was their Table Tennis game, which almost accurately captures every top and back spin I put on the ball. I say almost, since it seems to not react quite so quick when I decide a last-minute changeup. But other than that, the game is quite accurate in recreating the advance fun one can have with a ping pong ball.

Of course, there's the classic Bowling that I've loved last time back, and Archery is fun to play. But what really took me by surprise was Basketball, and now natural it was for me to get into it. The game even had a 3-on-3 mode, which got the core mechanics of the game down, all except the running-around-the-court feeling.

Nintendo was right - this is a good place to spend a Stay-cation. Now, to get a second Wiimotion Plus and get my wife to join...

Zero Punctuation's 100th review: Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood

It's hard to believe that Yahtzee has reviewed 99 games thus far, making his review of Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood his 100th.

I'm just surprised no game developer has stopped developing games because of his reviews. It would've cut his tramplings down a notch, that's for sure.

But please enjoy this review for all its worth, and stick around for the full version of their theme song, in all of Yahtzee's glory. NSFW, of course. Enjoy!

Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?...Finished!

At 6 hrs, 30 minutes, and 49 seconds with 777 Prinnies left, Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? can be finally added to the games I've finished. Don't let the short playtime fool you. It's only short due to the numerous attempts I've tried and failed at completing the game.

As a platformer, the game's unrelentless at knocking you down at every turn, with enemies appearing at exactly the wrong place at the wrong time. The boss battles themselves can be as challenging as the levels themselves. And with only less than 8 minutes to complete each level, and 3 minutes to take down the bosses, the term "speed run" takes on a whole different meeting.

But beating the game is only part of the game. There are still countless medals to obtain, lots of background music to collect, and opportunities to play levels at varying difficulties. And, to tell you the truth, I actually look forward to blowing up more Prinnies.

Making a list, checking it twice…gonna find out if I can beat it tonight…

You’ll find that, as you grow older and more maturer (well…at least older), there is less time to spend on your favorite video games. And unless you find the one job that allows you to play games constantly or you’re Adam Sessler, games will always be categorized near, if not, the last item on your mental list of things to do.

For me, everything else precedes games, but games will be on the agenda when there is some free time available. But even then, I’m often times left just struggling with constant pausing and disjointed gameplay due to life’s many interruptions. So I fell back to a proven method of getting things done – making a list.

It’s been reported somewhere that people that write down lists of things to accomplish reach those goals faster and more often than those that don’t physically write them down. Something about physically manifesting them to actual goals that you can check off with a pencil as you go through them. Think of it like your personal achievements/trophies list.

Scoff at it all you want, but it seems to be working. I spend some time making a quick list of things to do, then when I have time, I mark off as much as I can while I play. Then again, the goals I put aside for myself are quite small – finish one level here, complete a few golf courses there. But organizing the small nuggets of gameplay into these short goals help me maintain focus on what needs to be played.

Does this take away from enjoying the game? Not really. I’m already having fun playing, but with my objectives organized, I become more focused at what needs to be done, and waste less time just wandering around.

Give it a shot. Make a list of things you’ll need to complete next and see how it goes! Results will vary, but if you have little to nil time, this might be a good alternative.

Zero Punctuation Review: Wii Sports Resort

You will never find anyone more revolted with the Wii than Yahtzee. So you’d think that a game fully utilizing the WiiMotion+ will sway even the most negative gamer.

You’d think so, but then you’d be wrong.

So Yahtzee has the pleasure (er, displeasure?) to review Wii Sports Resort for the Nintendo Wii. Oh joy, this is gonna be fun.

As with video games, I remain unbiased towards Yahtzee’s reviews, and enjoy them for what they truly are – less than 5 minutes of ranting wit that can boil down to what most of us are feeling deep, deep inside but are afraid to actually say. It’s still his brand of humor and that’s what I enjoy the most out of these reviews.

The only argument I have against his review is when he casually calls out table tennis as just tennis all over again. If he bothered with actually trying to utilize the WM+, he’d discover that the motions to perform top and back spin were quite accurate, making the game even more enjoyable and more unique.

Then again, he’d probably tell me to fuck off and play a real game.

Think that was NSFW? Just wait until you check out the review below. Enjoy!

Oh, and I’m still getting the game. Not that you should care.

Hammerin' Hero...finished!

Probably as a result from watching a lot of Game Center CX, I felt motivated once more to pursue that ever-elusive end-game credits screen, so I took out what I could find in my sights...which was Hammerin' Hero.

Granted, it was a game that had its shares of flaws and slowdowns. But through it all, it was still a game - and through Arino's eyes, it was a game that begged the challenge to complete it, to take it down. So, with a fresh new attitude towards video games, I tackled my procrastination and finished the game in one ftell swoop.

I haven't had this feeling since April, when I finished Rhythm Heaven. And, much to my surprise, there is still some redeeming replay value left in the game. There are more people (friends AND enemies) to search for to fill my info database, and there are also the harder difficulties per level to attempt. To get me to still play a game after the end credits rolled is not an easy task, so to see Hammerin' Hero get me to play the game immediately after I finished it is certainly pleasant.

Now, I don't feel so bad getting those figurines with the game's purchase. Plus, I get to mark off another game from my backloggery list!

Gamer's TV: Game Center CX

With so many good-looking games being released nowadays, it's easy to forget the retro games that started it all. Sure, there are lots of games now that use the 8-bit style to bring back the feeling of the good ol' days, but who will play the games from yester-year?

Enter Shinya Arino of Game Center CX fame. This Japanese comedian, along with a filming crew made up of Assistant Directors (or AD) and staff, plays any given game for up to one full day, trying to accomplish set challenges against any old game of the day. These games can range from an old Famicom title, to any Nintendo Disc system title, to even a PS2 or Dreamcast game back in the day.

What makes the show so captivating is Arino's rational reactions to each game as he conquers (or in some cases, fail to conquer) the challenges set before him. You not only get to visually see his frustration and exhaustion as each hour passing by takes his toll, but he constantly narrates his actions in an almost child-like innocence. Add to that the typical suspense-driven cues and black-and-white dramatic screenshots, and you have a pseudo-drama every episode - except it's still just a comedian, playing old games, and being filmed the entire time.

And it's not just Arino that captivates the audience. The games in each episode take center stage, taking us back to that particular game's flaws and quirks exclusive to that era of video games. Who doesn't remember the vague storylines, the poor hit detection, or the obscure cheats that no one would find unless they bought a strategy guide?

Despite the fact that Arino is suppose to complete the challenges on his own, he still receives assistance from his staff and AD on occasion, especially when he must return to a certain section of the game after a game over. And they provide just as much amusement as Arino does when playing as well, sometimes exceeding expectations, and other times failing just as poorly as Arino did.

In the end, you don't really need to be a gamer to enjoy the level of old-school frustration and innocence of retro games. Game Center CX is one show that you'll be glad to stop your gaming to watch.

Zero Punctuation review: Red Faction Guerrilla

Ah, memories. I remember playing the first Red Faction game on the PS2 and its "destroy anything" mentality. After telling me that I can essentially blast around anything and not take a door, I went to the first door in the caverns and blew the cave along the left side consistantly, burrowing a tunnel that carried me to the other side. Sure, the entire ordeal took almost 10 minutes, but it was very satisfying to blast my own exit.

After two iterations on the PS2, designers decided to try their hand on the next-gen consoles and bring it's "destroy everything" mantra in Red Faction Guerrilla. I have to admit, the appeal of destroying whatever you see still makes me giddy like a kid. Yahtzee apparently also enjoys destroying everything he sees.

His NSFW review below. Enjoy!

Zero Punctuation quartet: A true "Lazy Wednesday"

If I can't put up an interesting post, the very least I can do is post up the backlog of Yahtzee-reviewed games here. So, here you go - 3 weeks worth of Zero Punctuation, including a 4th for today.

Usually I'd have something unique to talk about for all 4 titles here, but...yeah...very...lazy...

NSFW, and enjoy!

Prototype


The Sims 3


Ghostbusters: The Video Game


And this week's review, Overlord 2

Summer laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag...

First off, my apologies for the extreme lack of posts here. Summer has officially arrived, and with it all the energy-sapping heat rays. Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, I vow to post something this week to recover.

But boy, the heat....

Guitar Hero...Arcade?

You would think that after a few years, most everyone would've gotten either Guitar Hero or Rock Band to play at home. So you can imagine how surprised I was when I found the arcade cabinet at my local movie theater arcade.

Upon further research, I found that the arcade version is based off a limited track list from Guitar Hero III. So, if you don't have any of the latest incarnations of these games and NO friends who own these games, I suppose 4 quarters per play is the best you can do in your local arcade.

Retro Game Challenge arrives

Having a spare gift card can sometimes be a burden, especially when there's no immediate purchases in mind. But while strolling in a Best Buy last week, I saw what I wanted, nay HAD to purchase - Retro Game Challenge for the DS.

I've played the import game in the past through certain means, but have always stalled on getting my own domestic copy. However, with all the recent reports of small sales not matching the humongous praise this game's been getting, I had to show my support and purchase the game.

If you're a retro gamer at heart, you really owe it to yourself to get this title. The nostalgia and simplicity of these fake retro games take me back to a more innocent time when graphics weren't all about realism, the only thing to achieve was high scores, and genres were in their early defining stages.

Sure, thanks to piracy, the game's getting all the attention and none of the sales...which is a terrible, terrible shame. I'd be a hypocrite if I said I've never dabbled in rom downloads myself. Despite that, I'm a firm believer of spending my money on quality products to show my support. You have to respect that, in the end, the game industry is still a business, and no amount of praise for a game is worth anything unless people actually go out and purchase the game as well. And as much as anyone would LOVE to bring over these quirky titles from the Land of the Rising Sun to the States, there are little people who would do it for next to nothing.

It is because of this that I've decided to make this game-purchase post a little different, a little more significant. To anyone who has already purchased the game, thank you for supporting XSEED and their quest to bringing obscure titles to the States.

Send To Phone