Opinionated Gamer

Hype: Lost Planet 2

2009-02-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ooh la la, Now normally I'd have a box art screen to the right. But this game has no box art. so we'll just make due.

Lost Planet as we all should know, is an XBOX/PS3 game that did spectacularly on the XBOX and PC. It had a lot of things going on, graphics, gameplay, sound and online was also pretty sexy. This game was definitely the in cream of the crop in third-person shooters. Year-ish later, it was released on the PS3 as attempt to gain more money, but it didn't do so well.

Now we are graced by a likely exclusive sequel; one of which will include huge mofos out of the ground and brutal combat. Hopefully theyll improve on what the first one lacked: story. As innovative as the first one was. It's story was pretty sub-par. Green-Eye? Really? But sometimes the gameplay makes up for a crap story: like here.

Ok, so in the trailer, we saw huge monsters, like 10 guys riding that monster, sea travel, shield-gun-thing, squad control-ish, and massive combat. All of these appeal to me, so should this game score over 70, it's a total buy for me. The grpahics seem improved and the new models look cleaner and sharper; which brings me to the multiplayer unlockables. We want more, right? Anyway, this game, as little as we know, is looking completely awesome.

First Impressions: Looking good! This game seems to pack lots, we asked and hopefully they deliver. If it's as good as it looks: it'll kick ass and take names.

If you're wondering.

2009-02-23T00:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah, yeah. I haven't posted in a while.

Only 'cause I'm playing Starcraft.

But, I'm noob so that's why I need to practice.

Expect me in 5-ish days. Give or take.

Rumor: New Capcom Title.

2009-02-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

Awesome news guys. Capcom's gonna do something awesome on the 23rd of February.

Okay, so Capcom released, or is going to, some new footage of an unknown game. On the XBL Games Marketplace you can find an ad for such an announcement. Fans and trolls of all kinds are already speculating what new IP (or Retro-make) is going to be featured, hopefully it's some kind of MMOFPSRPG. Although that might not be the case, it's definately something worth looking into.

PS. I'm still unclear whether or not the PS3 is going to get the game as well.

Bottom Line: Nobody is sure what it is, not even I.

Thought: Linux is Awesome, just Game-less.

2009-02-16T20:30:00.001-08:00

Linux? What's a Linux? I'll tell you.

Linux is a free open-source OS based on ancient technologies (no, really) and has evolved a lot the course of 15-ish years. Linux, holds the lowest market share in the whole industry and is backed by small companies and hardcore devotees. Sure, sure, there are a bunch of games playable on the Linux OS, but in terms of wholesome paid-for retail games, they are sparse.

So far in the time I have spent using a Linux OS, I have seen only 2 companies that support Linux: idsoftware and Epic Games, compared to the one million companies that support Windows. So what am I saying exactly? With the dawning of the Windows 7 up ahead and the support of XP dying, Linux is starting to become a choice for those who want a simple business PC. Linux has it's advantages and it's disadvantages. It's obviously not the first choice for a gamer. But it could be for someone working on a budget.

Some of Linux's advantages are:
+ It works on virtually any PC
+ Everything is Opensource, which means it is completely customizable
+ It's very stable
+ Almost no viruses!
+ The community is helpful (Ubuntu for me.)
+ Can emulate a lot of Windows applications (games too!)
+ It's easy to mod
+ and it's free!

But it also:
- Has a poor amount of games.
- Tricky for computer newbies.
- Installation isn't exactly the easiest.

There're way more negatives, but I support Linux. I do my gaming on my XP, but my laptop is all Linux.

But, if companies start developing for Linux, maybe the OS could become more and more widespread. Think about it, with one seed, you can plant one tree which is equal to more seeds. In the right conditions that is. If all the consumer had to pay for were the games and the PC, well of course they'd like a Linux. But until that day comes, it's not so smooth sailing for the Linux.

WTF: Pedophile Luring - The Sport of the Internet.

2009-02-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I stumbled onto a "lounging" thread in NeoSeeker (a gaming forum) in which the 'seekers take part in a little sport that a member has made. It's quite disturbing but at the same time amusing.

It is "PEDOPHILE LURING".

The seeker goes to a chat site and engages chat with another member. Usually masquerading as a girl under 19, they will try to get them to catch the bait. If they hook, they play a little longer. After such a time, they say they've a "wang" or they say they're FBI or some organization like LOLZBOOBZ.

Honestly, pedophilia is wrong. But, if the both members are over 16, they can choose to have sex (atleast in Canada), so then is it illegal if they both consent?

Think about it.

Rumour: Mass Effect on PS3

2009-02-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

I don't think it's likely, in fact it'd be for the better if it didn't.

So EA, which recently acquired BioWare; the makers of Mass Effect, have hinted at the sequel going multiplatform. Now this would generate the most profit but also the most hate, with the original being an MS exclusive, it would cause a huge uproar of rants from the trolls and fanboys (me). But they are a company, company's make money. Anyway, hopefully what they meant by multiplatform, they meant PC and 360. They are 2 different consoles after all. And if they do make a PS3 version, it'd be ported by EA and hopefully they get the short end of the stick. We (360) could also have the extra-edge: as owners of the original ME can port their character and continue their legacy.

But unless Microsoft Studios still has the series publishing contract, which may have been given to EA, then PS3 could see an RPG epic fall into their hands. Although I dislike PS3 a lot, it would hopefully be better for the series.

Bottom Line: I hope not, but it isn't impossible.

If They Did: More reason for me to get angry at EA, a consequence of this could be a tidal wave of angry men and women. It's good for SONY and MS in terms of money, but we'll be pretty pissed.

Review: Mass Effect

2009-02-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is. It is awesome, in fact so very awesome I will try to not spoil it.

Long ago, this game was the epitome of choices-in-a-game with it's innovative dialogue and character influence system, every playthrough was completely different from the last. Brought to us by RPG legend factory Bioware, set here in Canada. Bioware has a long lineage of awesome RPG titles like 'NeverWinter Nights', 'Baldur's Gate' and 'KotOR'. These guys are masters of story manipulation and balance in character maintenance and awesome gameplay. So, without further ado, I shall review MASS EFFECT!

Story:
This game is just awesome, not perfect, but really damn close. The story is set in the future with known space inhabited by either the humans or the 'council races'. Your character is forced to undergo serious choices and situations which could adversely affect the rest of the game. So here you are, Shepard, poised to save the world in such a short period of time.

From the opening sequence to the final battle, each little piece of story is so intriguing and awesome you can't help but keep playing. From the battle-hardened gunnery chief, to the asari consort, each character is awesome with an interesting backstory to boot. The story does have some plot holes, but most of which adress what happened before the game, most of them are answered at the end of the game. The twists and turns take you on an emotional rollercoaster coupled with action packed scenes that just pump you with adrenaline. This game is so big and so large you'll have to play at least twice to understand it all. It's just awesome.

Gameplay:
Holy crap, this game is phenomenal, even choosing your character is an enriching experience with tons of depth. Every aspect of this game is really good, gameplay-wise that is. The skill trees are balanced and specialized and the classes are just as well-crafted as the game itself; with half-mage-half-warriors or full mages and full warriors it really depends on how you play. You can run-and-gun or play like a sniper, either way each and every kill is satisfying no matter who you choose to be.

Your character and his/her skills all affect the game, if you choose to be charming, then you'll have more dialogue options, if you choose to be intimidating, others will see you as such. From shooting to looting to customizing your character, there are hundreds of ways to mix and match every piece of equipment. Another thing I love about this game is it's open-endedness, you don't have to go to Point A from Point B, you could choose to go from A to C to B and back. Hell, you can go somewhere else first! There's a lot to do and a lot to see, with over 50 missions it'll take at least 28 hours to beat the game, and that's just the story.

Everything Else:
This game has wonderful controls and wonderful graphics, all adding to the already diverse atmosphere. Or should I say, 'Atmospheres'. This game has great music to match each scene and each planet holds it's own history. Ultimately, this game is ultimate and a real twist in it's fantasy-dominated genre. It isn't perfect, but it's damn close.

SCORE: 97/100

Hype: Ninja Blade

2009-02-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, where to start? This game is made by From Software, those guys with 'Tenchu', 'Armored Core' and 'Chromehounds' under the belt.

Well, It's classified as a Cinematic action game which is quite unappealing to a gamer of my mindset. Nonetheless let's begin.

Summary:
So you play as a Ninja in a modern setting fighting off some kind of infestation of harshly deformed creature things. The game is (according to the trailer) heavy on QTE, which is short for 'QuickTime Events'. Think of the 'God of War' boss killing sequences. There's a lot of buttons to be pushed and movies to be watched, but there's still room for 'on-the-ground action' which reminds me of the 'Ninja Gaiden' series but less entertaining and thankfully, hard. The movie sequences in the game are visually pleasing and makes sense for transitioning levels but can cause impatient gamers to stray away and play something else. If you're one of them, you might as well be playing 'Ninja Gaiden'.

First Impressions: The game looks good visually but I honestly don't know if it can pack substance with flash. It's alot like a scale, good if it's balanced but crapola when it's not. Hopefully if this game can actually bring a CAG audience, then we could see more games with better cutscenes. All in all, I don't know if it's a rent or a buy. But go ahead, JOIN THE HYPE.

FI Rating: 7/10

Rumor: Xbox 720 using Blu-Ray?

2009-02-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

Hell no. This is what I hope wouldn't happen. I'll tell you why.

Everybody is still talking about the 720 using a different Optical Medium like Blu-Ray. I honestly don't think that MS would really pay a company that their competing with, now would they? I want you to think about it, you'd be giving almost half your profit to them. And that would raise game prices to around 70 - 90 dollars! The game industry is moving way to damn fast, in about 20 years it's become a huge part of the media, not only for 'kids' but now adults as well. Okay, I'm starting to get off topic so I'll, jump back on.

If Microsoft chose to release their console in 2010-2012, then that would give them about 1 - 3 years to either create or buy a new form of media. So, we could have a modified version of HD-DVD to work with, or possibly even a Tri-Layered DVD. What ever they use, they'd have to choose what's best for the consumer and themselves. They're a company first, not a fan-servicer.

Bottom Line: Highly unlikely, but not impossible.

If They Did: I'd be pissed a lot, they've practically given half of themselves to SONY, because their good games would run on a Blu-Ray disc. This could mean bigger games but the compression methods (seeing Gears 2 on DVD) of MS would already give them more than enough space on an 20GB HD-DVD.

Hype: Killzone 2

2009-02-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hurrah, a good game for the PS3, a rare sight but a good one nonetheless.

Many people have said that February 27th (release date for Kz2) will nail the coffin of Xbox360. I, OG, think otherwise. It's simply a game, it can never kill Halo 3. Nothing can, yet. This game has it's roots in the previous PlayStation consoles (PS2, PSP) with not the greatest pedigree. With KZ1 only sporting good graphics and lackluster gameplay, It wasn't the worse game ever but it was pretty bad.

Summary-ish:
Contrary to popular belief, I have played this game. I have been in the Beta. The game is nice, polished, but nothing to glamorous. The bots were a nice addition but not exactly innovative. It lacks co-op in it's campaign but it's multiplayer is where it sparkles.

Set in an urban wasteland, it stays true to it's universe: gritty, warlike, melancholy almost. The skies in this game are almost always cloudy and adds to the atmosphere. The weapons are sparse and not very memorable, the only cool additions were the Flamethrower and Bolt Gun. This time the player is not Jan Templar but now a squad leader by the name of Sev (well that's his nickname) who leads a pack of underdogs through a gloriously bloody battlefield.

First Impression:
I like it. Doesn't make me want to buy a PS3 just yet, but I have always liked the KZ series. No matter how bad it is. Many people complain 'it's to real', but adversely, that would change the direction of the game. Trust me, it's not UT3 or Quake 4. It's not the next Halo, but it's a good game in it's own right. But still; DON'T FALL TO THE HYPE. (There's a lot going around, but it's still only an FPS.)

FI RATING: 9/10

Rumor: GEARS 3 on PS3.

2009-02-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, so a lot of you have heard that Gears 3 can come on a PS3. Well shut up and listen.

No, It's not going to happen. If Microsoft owns the publishing rights to the Gears series, why would they release it on the competitor's console. Seldom is seen an MS game on another console. This game follows very much like the Halo series. Another company develops but MS publishes, Bungie may have split but MS still 'owns' the Halo series (which is why we get Halo Wars). Besides, the series is already planned as a trilogy and therefore this rumor is not true.

Also, the rumored Gears MMO is not likely to be released elsewhere unless Epic chooses to rename it to something weird like "War Cogs". Same explanation as above.

Bottom Line: NO, it's never coming. Go play HAZE.

If it did: I would be pretty angry. You would get a good game but I wouldn't kill over it.