III Greek's Corner III: Video games

Thanks Giving Update Part2: Mass Effect

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:41:49 GMT

I picked up Mass Effect yesterday at my local EB games but wasn't able to play it until early this morning.

These are just my impressions of the game, character creation while awesome I was a little disappointed in the pre set options and the lack of variety in hair, beards etc.

My understanding was you can make your Sheppard look anyway you wanted. That's not the case all I'm saying is a little more would have what the doctor ordered.

Graphically the game looks awesome, the Citadel is breathtaking when you land on that 2nd level the graphics are something to behold. The game pushes the 360 but how far who really knows. Everyone keeps saying that this game maxed out the 360 graphics capabilities.

When I hear thing's like this I laugh, for one it's a style and secondly the 360 is only as good as the developers and how they code and program games. We can't say for sure if this game does max the 360 capabilities out graphically but until I hear from Bio Ware, the 360 still has plenty of untapped horsepower.

Those graphics do come with a price in the way of frame rate troubles and texture pop in and this game is no exception. The textures in certain parts load in slow so you can see them being popped in or drawn in. Which sucks, reminds me of Halo2 single player campaign for the Xbox. Another annoyance is the little hiccups the frame rate suffers from randomly.

Voice acting is cool except for Seth Green, now I love the family guy and all. But couldn't Bio Ware pick another character for him to voice over. I mean the character does not go with his voice and it's not only annoying but disturbing to watch.

Other then the small technical issues the game is a blast and does have a classic sci fi look to it. From the uniforms to the people that in habit places through out the game.

It's off to work for me but if you can get over the technicalities of Bio Ware's latest master piece you won't be disappointed. I'm currently playing as a Vanguard class for my character. I can't say if this is GOTY with Rock Band and Mario being strong contenders but it's in the running for sure.

Greek-

Happy Thanksgiving Update: PSP store!

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:14:05 GMT

First I'm throwing two updates down before work, yeah I have to work on Thanksgiving which sucks but the pay is good.

First update is about the PSP store anyone can access on their PC. Sony launched the new store which allows you to download games, wall papers, themes, demos and PSone classics.

Looks like the Playstation store on the PS3, however this is awesome for PSP users such as myself. I guess that 4GB card is coming out of my bank account soon so I can take advantage.

Seems like it just launched, but it's a step in the right direction and a cool thing none the less. However it is a little disappointing that I have to connect my PSP to my PC and download and install software on my PC.

Maybe there is a direct version on the PSP and I don't know about it. Anyway look for of this in the coming weeks as more content goes up.

Playstation store for PSP users

Greek-

Afternoon Update: Uncharted Drake's Fortune

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:52:34 GMT

Awesome enough Drake was released Friday early this week much like Rachet And Clank.

WOW this game I have to say is why I bought a PS3, top notch and first a little ass kissing and congrats to Naughty Dog cause so far this game is like a little slice of heaven.

I once again lucked out and found this game at the same local Super Target where I purchased my copy of the Eye Of Judgment. Currently I am on chapter 3, a level before the demo that was released on PSN a couple weeks ago.

Animation wise everyone is saying including myself that Assassins Creed has the best climbing animation's ever. Think again cause this game can rival Assassins Creed in the animation dept. Bar none the game is a beauty and this like Rachet really shows off the colorful palette that the Playstation 3 possess.

I'm not exactly sure the size of the game on Blu Ray but none the less the game is just beautiful. Graphically the game is top notch, it's a different style then Assassins Creed but it is equally just that good. Plush jungle setting's, water running down rocks that leave a shinny sheen on them.

Bright and vibrant plant life to dark dungeon like tomb's that you would find in Ms. Croft's adventures. Speaking of which the climbing in the game is almost just like Tomb Raiders. Which isn't a bad thing I mean that climbing system is pretty sweet so why not copy it to a degree. I can't be mad at the developers for doing this cause IMO the system works.

The game does contextual button timing presses to perform certain actions like pushing carts, pushing boulders etc. Again it's ben done to death but not a bad thing considering it is done right. The game also has pop and stop gameplay like Gears Of War. IMO I liked the style in GOW and I like here too, being able to take cover and fire from it is nice. I has not having a cover system in games now days, Graw's sucked balls, but R6 did it right.

Don't think I am comparing this game to any first person shooters, all I'm saying is this game borrows from other game's play mechanics but does so with respect. The control system and gameplay is top notch. Puzzle's however are pretty easy so far. Which Is okay for me cause IMO there is nothing worse then getting frustrated and stuck on some puzzle which takes you out of the game.

I hate having to solve puzzle's that become a chore to do, many of times they have ruined the whole experience for me. Which one of two thing's happen either I trade the game in or don't play it for another 6 months. By that time I have to rely on guides. Another thing I hate doing is using guides when I get ultra stuck, it's like questioning my man hood.

Thankfully though the developer see's this and doesn't throw any puzzles that maybe to difficult,

When you come across them however you do see the select button come up which is your journal you get in the beginning of the game which helps you solve them. For those of you that have not played it let's just leave it at that.

Other little touches I have found in the game so far, when you swim your clothes get wet and it has that dark wet looks, very awesome. Also treasure is another thing I have found. The funny thing is though for these little items you find you get a gamerscore from them. Yeah this is a PS3 game that has metals with point's.

Can anyone say Trophy Room in HOME next year?

Achievements with game's sell and you can bet your asses that Sony want's in on what the phenomenon that MS has created with them. Hell I bought Assassins Creed on the 360 over the PS3 cause of them. One thing achievements do is add replay ability to the game. It draws the game out for a longer period of time and most of us collect crap like flags in Assassins Creed for the point's. If this were last generation most of us would have said the hell with flag collecting and move on.

Bottom line if your a PS3 owner and you haven't got this game, RUN and find it NOW. IMO this will perhaps not justify the PS3's lofty price tag but it will take away the sting. COD4, Assassins Creed, Rachet, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, EOJ, Heavenly Sword and now add Uncharted Drakes Fortune to this list. Must have's for any Playstation3 owner.

Now I gotta get back to this awesome game.

Greek-

Assassins Creed Impressions

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:41:36 GMT

What is there to say, I picked the game up at 10am today. UPS was late so of course the Gamestop employee's were freaking out cause there were about 5 of us waiting in line for the game.

I don't want to comment on the spoilers until tonight, but the game does have a sc-fi type twist that was unexpected but a pleasant surprise IMO.

Maybe this is why the reviews were negative but on the other hand if reviews spent so much time previewing this game I don't see how they could not been aware of the game's futuristic implications.

I don't understand how this is getting a 7 first and foremost. I will say that if you attack an enemy and then attack another one. Both will then starting fighting you, the reason why you don't want to do this at first is because of your weapon set in your first battles. To me this part of the AI is not a game breaker as other sites have claimed.

You cannot fight off two enemies at once with a short sword, your an Assassin not a Knight, not certainly not some action hero that kills everyone. Your an Assassin the game walks you through at the beginning of the game learning how to "Assassinate" targets and go through crowds etc.

Like I said I can't understand the negative reviews, anyway what I believe is that when the game was previewed all of the gaming public was led to believe that the game took place In the old times, Jerusalem and Damascus. But what the game is and what we have seen are a little different.

I was under the impression the game's entire story and premise was taking place back in the day. So even I was a little surprised.... SPOILERS

Actually I decided not to post any spoilers until tonight's update when I get home that way the news will be out which it already is. I want to spend more time talking about other things with this game.

Anyway I will talk about the other side of Assassins Creed tonight as I think it takes a twist on this game. Like I said the game kind of took a left field on everyone and gave us something a little different.

But is this a bad thing? I give Jade Raymond the UBIsoft kudos for taking this direction. For one thing it shows somebody out there is willing to be a little different from the pack and secondly it's IMO creative.

On the other side I can see how this turn of events may have pissed off reviewers and thus the lower then expected scores. Actually I don't see what the big fuss is about sure it was exactly what everyone wanted but does that make it a horrible game?

I think from my playtime the whole twist adds a cool element to the game, it's definitely something that has made me think of other possibilities and where this franchise may decide to go if there is another AC. Could you imagine a midlevel or modern day Assassins Creed IMO that's something that hasn't quite been done.

Moving on the graphics are sick, top notch on the 360. I really have not noticed any glitches yet as I am only an hour or so in the game. But I watched the Game Trailers review so I know what to expect. One thing I think they over looked was the AI comment of their review. In the training part of the mission you have to take out a guard low profile style which means stealth.

After you kill him and are standing back a little ways in the distance another guard discovers the body with you standing there he detects you and you run up the ladder. The thing the review doesn't mention is that this guard has what is called an alert system.

He didn't see me right away cause his alert level was not RED yet. Is this why they think the AI is dumb? I can't answer that but seems like by Game Trailers not divulging this information hurt their review in the process. Sure it has a lot to do with what i will talk about tonight but none the less, they still should have mentioned that guards and such has an alert level that can be tripped.

Perhaps I am just to early in the game but so far the AI is not that stupid I have played worse games where the AI completely does knuckle headed crap. I will have to play more to seek the answer to the question. But like I have said the alert system the NPC have could be the reason.

Control wise the game gets another mark, however I think it's a little to easy jumping from platform to platform. You can also see elements from Prince Of Persia in this, like running up walls etc. Later in the game you have to walk across beams which again is a little to simplistic. Your basically glued to the beam seems like as there is not any balance indicators and you can move across the beam pretty with little hassle. I would have love to have seen some sort of balance system be put into place as I think that would have given a challenge but whatever.

IMO if your curious and don't want to fork over 59.99 like a did just for a single player walk through. Then go rent, I'll be playing this tons more and will do every mission that I possibly can.

I'll be back tonight for another update right now it's time for me to go to work!

Greek-

Afternoon update: Assassins Creed reviews ugh!

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:40:46 GMT

For one I posting this before work cause as I scavenge the message boards on this game.

I'm reading that IGN and I read the minor spoilers in the TeamXbox review, now why is this happening? I can't answer this but it's garbage and talk about ruining a game for the rest of the gaming public.

When will review sites be held accountable for taking bribes and pulling shit like this? Is there no honor in reviewing games anymore, or is everyone just jaded after a while?

I will give kudos to Game Trailers as they did not put any spoilers in their review.

Also where in the fuck did all these 9, and10's come from if there are glaring A.I issues and there are as pointed out in the GT review. This just goes to show everyone out there that the best choice is your own.

AC will be a love it or hate it affair bar none and with all the mixed feelings this morning it's pretty obvious the game was over hyped by everyone!

I pre ordered the game and paid it off, I have played a lot worse for full price so even though the game is not perfect it's still fun and that's what counts. The trust in gaming site reviews are diminishing with seemingly a lot of high profile reviews.

Sure it's just all opinion and I understand that these sites need to exist but when you start pulling unacceptable crap to get excusive's and add spoilers then the journalism aspect is compromised and goes out the window. It's really no wonder why game the gaming public including myself really does not trust what these review sites rate games.

Another reason why I believe all the "previews" they post are worthless. Any developer can change the game code overnight and just because they seen it a month ago does not mean this will be the final retail version! Me personally I prefer the final hands on experience and the final retail version we all get to play. Not some preview build that promises nothing just like a demo.

In other news, I was able to pre order Rock Band. Honestly I can't wait for this game and Mass Effect and Uncharted which are all games that will be purchased next week. Plus the Dual Shock 3 controller....

It will be the first item I ever imported from outside the US, cool way cool !

Greek-

Gaming Weekend for 11-11-07

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:54:19 GMT

It's been a good but busy weekend for me, first my attempts to secure a copy of Mass Effect failed. Which honestly I don't care that I was not able to get a copy I can wait like everyone else.

I had no idea about what had took place at Kmart and Toys r us this weekend, I heard about it Saturday night went to Game faqs Mass Effect board. Then I scrambled and got on the phone and well nothing, the Kmart off of 120th in Broomfield, CO has the game but advised they can't sell it until the 20th.

I tried at least 6 Kmarts in all, the one up in Greeley, CO which is like 57 miles away had it but sold out very quick either that or the employee that sold the game was busted and they pulled the game off store shelves.

Then tonight my Toy r us store in Westminster, CO also had the game but was sold out. However the Toys R Us website has it in stock and supposedly you can order this game. Also throw in the fact that Walmart got into the act with their website listing the game for sale.

If this changes and gamer's who ordered off the website this weekend get screwed that's lame IMO. I hate to say it but the retail chain is filled with gaps and holes, from disgruntled employee's to other's who simply don't give a rats ass.

Which leaves me with this question, this is by far more wide spread then the Bioshock screw up so why not just release the damn game? Guaranteed some one will post spoilers a full week before the game releases. Also since this year has been filled with release date being broken what's in store for gamer's next year?

Will we have to wait a couple extra days as publishers hold off on shipping one to two weeks to retail outlets in advance? Hard to say but like I've said before 2007 has been a crazy year for release dates.

Now to on the other gaming activities that went on, early Saturday night I got paid cause of the Veterans Holiday. Whenever there is a holiday I get paid over the weekend. Pretty sweet deal huh?

I could have gotten drunk, went to the strip club which is great and all but I just didn't feel like doing all that. Instead in my gamer ways I purchased Rachet and Clank for the Playstation3. I know I said that I would hold off into December for this game but how could I resist?

I figure if I am to enjoy my PS3 I better get to buying some games for it. I played the game for 3 hrs today and it's a great game. I miss platforming games in general which you don't see to many now days. If your a Rachet fan and have a PS3 for sure pick this up. The SixAxsis controls aren't half bad and Insomniac from what I can tell so far just puts enough in there so it's not overblown like Liar. Is it the best game bar none for PS3? I can't say it is the absolute best cause Resistance Fall Of Man and Ninja Gaiden Sigma are very good game as well.

Does anyone owe this game at least a rent and a probable purchase down the road? I'd say to them again yes, the graphical style is very colorful and has a lot going on in the backgrounds to bring the environments to life. I can't really agree with the whole pixar comparison I have been reading about. If any game is even close to that level it would be Mass Effect IMO. Sure the game is beautiful but let's not get carried away jut yet. Were still a generation or more from that IMO.

My last thought on this game would be for those of you on the fence about the PS3 in general. After playing this game and seeing that COD4 did not sacrifice anything concerning the level of the PS3 quality. Also after all games like Assassins Creed which hit store's this week BTW, all in all my perception and my optimism had risen a bit on the Playstation3 in general.

Speaking of Assassins Creed did anyone see the new PS3 add? This is what I have been talking about in regards to Sony's marketing. Someone is ready some message boards and listening to podcasts. This is what they need to do and the new ads are among the best and sends a clear message that the PS3 is and all around powerhouse. Not any of this stupid floating babies and the PS3 breaking glass confusing WTF moments. Those early ads were brutal and whoever did those ads you suck!

Now onto AC or Assassins Creed, which platform does one buy the game for?

Assuming that both game's are on par with eachother and the only difference is the achievements on the Xbox 360 and perhaps SixAxsis controls on the PS3. If there are any implemented of course. It's a hard choice to say the least, I did pre order the game for the Xbox360. If I did only own the PS3 I would get it for that rightfully so.

I am still playing COD4 which I plan to throw together some videos of me sucking it up and basically it's to test the Eye Create and Playstation Eye out. Even though it's bare bones I'm still exploring what all I can do with it.

I'm off to play some COD4....waiting until the 14th for Assassins Creed is way to long.

Greek-

Afternoon Update: Eye Create and the 2.0 firmware update

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:35:45 GMT

This morning I downloaded the 2.00 update I have to say it's basic but pretty cool.

The informational bar is a neat feature and something the 360 really doesn't have, other then that it's good but Sony needs to do more. I think they are getting there.

Not to much to say really, PS3 owners get improved chat features but still no private chat functionality. I'm not understanding why it's is taking so long to implement this into the Playstation Network.

Everyone chats with friends while playing games on the 360. Does Sony just think people do not like to do this? One reason why the PS3's network features and the PS3 experience feels so closed off and you always feel like your in a offline environment.

Then we get themes, which is cool and it's already on the PSP but that's good Sony is making this cross platform and why not it should be easy enough to implement.

Other then that overall the 2.0 firmware update is a good thing.

Now on to Eye Create, the camera software for the PS3 that works with the Playstation Eye. I snapped some pictures below to test it out, I plan on making some COD4, manhunt and Castlevania pictures as well. I figure it would be a cool thing to add to the old blog here.

I did make a COD4 video but someone ruined it by sneezing in the background so I'll start that over from scratch. I would love make a Drake video tonight but the thing is you can't play a PS3 game and capture it at the same time. But if I could have used my Playstation Eye with with my PC SONY! But you can't which is mind boggling case the eye toy you can. Oh well, see below for the pics I snapped with the Playstation Eye.

No to bad really and a lot more clear then my crappy 3.0 mega pixel cheap camera that I have been using. The software itself is very basic and well bare bones and Im not holding my breath for future updates. Still though IMO this camera is a ton better then the 360's Vision Camera and who know's I could resurrect the Vision Camera Chronicles with this camera.

Anyway I plan to play Uncharted Demo tonight honestly that will be sweet!

Greek-

Afternoon Update: Guitar Hero 3 Legends Of ROCK impressions

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 17:46:14 GMT

Well after spending sometime with this game it kicks major ass. I can't even imagine what ROCK BAND will be like come this November.

So far I've taken on Tom Morello in a boss fight and it's pretty wicked plus it adds an extra element to the game. So far my Les Paul seems fine and I know there is a failure rate as well this time around. But like I said my Les is so far so good!

It looks like a repeat of the last launch which sucks but what can you do. I guess it's to be expected but IMO when you have time to manufacturer products like this failure rates should not be there, but then again that's if we all lived in a perfect world.

I'd say right now I'm through a good portion of easy and it's damn fun. IMO this game has a better song list then Guitar Hero2. Graphics are improved, when I first heard about this game I was pissed because I had just bought part 2 earlier this year . But I have to say after a good play through that pissed off feeling just melts away. Then again I just re-bought part to but I'm glad I did cause never know when you will need a second controller.

Seems like I'm finding more fun with this one, the lip synching the background animations with the props on stage etc this game seems more improved which is a good thing.

The lag issues with the wireless guitar I've notice is pretty minimal all though sometimes I swear I hit the note and it doesn't register so I may hook the explorer up and give it a run to see if there is indeed lag.

Speaking of which the Les Paul is heavier then the Xplorer, but the strum bar IMO on the Les is far better and tighter then the Xplorer. It maybe just me but it certainly does feel different. I like both guitars so I really don't have a personal preference. But one thing I don't like about the wireless guitar is that it takes regular AA batteries.

Red Octane should have made the 360 version so it could house the battery packs we use for our controllers. I can't speak for every 360 owner but it would have been a hell of a lot better then going through 2 AA for wireless connectivity.

I guess you can't have everything and it's a small gripe, and I guess it could be worse hell the PS3 has those ugly looking dongles. Another thing Iv' e noticed is the animated cut scenes are cool but they don't make much sense! Neversoft could have done something better I think with the cutscenes cause they really don't have anything to do with your character.

Also tilting the Les Paul up for star power is more responsive then the Xplorer guitar I barley tilt it and it activates which makes it a lot easier and it helps when you trying to string notes together. It seems like I can do that a lot easier in this game as well. I don't know if it's me or if this game easier then GH2 on the easy setting . I'm sure medium is going to be a different story all together.

It's time for me to go back to playing Guitar Hero 3, fans will not be disappointed as neversoft has done the series proud once again. Boss Battles kick ass and what do ya know this one had co-op to which makes it even sweeter.

Greek-

Afternoon Update: Eye Of Judgment

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 20:44:44 GMT

Soon after the morning update I left for my local Super Target to see if by any stretch of the imagination they had Eye Of Judgment for the Playstation3.

Guess what?

They did.

Whoo Hoo!

Finally I get to play my PS3 and finally I have a unique game that should keep me busy for many months to come. Rachet and Clank will still be a must buy for me but not until December and not until the November games are out of the way.

Right as I got to my local Target store I walked over to the glass case and noticed they had just put up 5 copies of the game and Booster packs and the Water theme deck, sorry I forgot the actual name of the theme deck.

Anyway once I got home I cleared the way ripped open the packaging, and downloaded eye create for the PS3. One thing I noticed about the eye camera is that the build quality seems better to me then the 360's vision camera, also it has a wide angle needed to play EOJ and a tight angle as well.

Pretty easy to adjust you just twist the lens from right to left and back the same way to get the desired angle shots. The whole package comes with a starter deck with 34 cards and one booster deck. The booster deck had a couple rare cards but I was told to look at the emblem and number on the right hand side of the card to determine between rare and ultra rare.

In my noobish ways with this game I'm still figuring all this out and the rarity of my cards. Still with everything you get in the pack I still went ahead and bought an extra booster pack. Maybe it was a good idea or bad I dunno but the pack was 3.99 so it's not going to brake the bank.

The stand is a plastic stand and at first was kinda of leary about placing my eye camera in the stand but if your careful everything will be ok. Unless of course you have kids or have the setup in the living room with wires from the camera to the PS3 going across the floor. I figure I will just set this up each time I'm ready to play, this game is fun but I do wonder how long it will keep my interest. However I figure the camera bundled in was an excellent edition and plan on using eye create to see what all I can do with it.

My first game was with a buddy I play with online all the time over Xbox Live, basically he owned my ass as I wasn't sure WTF I was doing. I was laying cards down in the wrong direction didn't know what mana was and WOW it was special. So after the ass whooping I went through the tutorials where it takes you step by step on what to do and how to place cards etc. I never played a game like this before but so far it's fun.

I can't imagine though how people place Magic the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Hey I'm not going to dis anyone playing these games but I think what makes this game pretty sweet is that you can see the end result of the card lay down when the PS3 takes over. This type of card game is imagined now with the PS3 eye camera and finally it brings card battling games to a new set of gamers.

After learning all of what the cards do, elemental cards, spell casting cards and what not I took the fight to the computer in the offline mode. The game did get dissed by 1up, IGN, Gamespot for not having single player. My question to all these guys are how would or could you work single player into this type of game?

I can't take off points for this lack of mode because one you have to take into account this is the first type of this game, second how would a campaign mode work and again game length comes into question. See this is why the review is only as good as the reviewer themselves. Third I do think the industry does need some kind of a rating system to weed out the crap from the gold but reviews are really skewed and it's a shame a lot of people out there just rely on what they are feed on tv and in print.

This isn't a review by any stretch of the imagination I'm just tying out what my play time and experience is with this game. Another thing is also I have not has any lighting issues or issues with the card's being read by the PS3 camera. So I have no idea where these claims are coming or why they are even being made considering it walks you through the process step by step before you even play the game.

After a few matches I won against the computer on normal difficulty. Eye Of Judgment IMO should have got a higher score then the 4's one nameless magazine site gave it and better then the 7.5's the other gaming sites gave it. I can only think since playing this game if MS could have benefited from a game like this on the 360. The vision camera was the biggest waste of money I spent on the 360 and why is that?

Let's see I have Uno and Texas Hold'em to show my mug in and well then there's totum ball the single biggest POS on XBOX LIVE Market Place. Sorry Xbots but it's true everyone think's that game sucks! In this regard I applaud Sony, mark it down cause that doesn't happen very often here on this blog.

But it's true I mean if this game came on 360 it could have been a big hit. Sony took action and brought a unique game to the PS3 and it's fun. It hooked me and I have never played a card battle game ever in all of my gaming years. This adds a whole new element to this genre. My only concern is the support the game will receive. A game like this can thrive on a console and I have to believe since Wizards of the West Coast and Hasbro is involved it will.

Like I've said my biggest bitch with the game was not finding it and I place the blame on Sony for that considering it made poor allocation choices to retailers.

Only time will tell but at least PS3 owners are now getting games that can't be found on the 360. Which is good cause we need a three console race as gamer's. A hoarse race is only a win win for us as there more chances of games like this being developed and coming out for all us to enjoy. Sure I hate Sony's PR but not their console there is a difference for sure. Also who knows how the game will sell due to the allotment and the lack of machines on the market, cause why? Again it is the lack of games!

Rachet and Drake, along with this game should give some solace and comfort to PS3 owners including myself this year. Knowing things aren't as dim as the industry and nays sayer's will speak. Sure It doesn't mean the PS3 will suddenly be in a leadership position but what it does is give some of us the chance to do what we love to and that's play games.

Lastly on the subject of the card copying function, it's good if you don't want to damage your cards and I have to believe this is what the functionality is for. I'm not sure you can cheat since before playing online I had to register my starter deck to prove the authenticity of the card. Now if you can get bypass this part then we got a problem. Until then I will keep an eye out for this issue to see what becomes of it. Hopefully nothing and everyone just has their panties in a stir.

Well I' off until tonight and only hours away from game three of three of the World Series and Guitar Hero 3. This weekend kicks ass!

Greek-

Rachet and Clank Future Tools Of Destruction

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:08:01 GMT

All I have to say is WOW, this game is a must buy for me. I downloaded the game Thursday, but didn't play it as I thought it's just a demo.

I just was not motivated for some reason, but today after I got a little fed up with playing Half Life2 I finally bit the bullet and installed the game. For a Demo I have to say that it's very polished as it should be it is the complete first level of the game.

But still the game does stand out and is really impressive both color wise and graphically. I did notice a lot going on in the city around me while I was boosting from platform to platform.

Rachet and Clank has always been known for it's weapons. The new game is no exception and you get a little taste of what to expect in the final retail verison.

Some weaponry is use for distraction purposes like the Disco Ball. Others like grenades lock on automatically to your opponent. Combusters are plentiful in the game and seems like they are everywhere.

I cant wait to see what other devices, weapons and gadgets so up in the final game. I know I could go to Wikipedia but what fun is that? Part of a new game like this is testing everything out for the first time to its effects.

One of the coolest parts of the demo is the rail sliding, this really showcases the game graphically. Yeah it is just a little eye candy and not as deep as the context button presses that other Sony game has incorporated in the past. But It isn't trying to be any of those games. Insomniac like Valve are one of those developers that go the extra mile to bring us polished and very enjoyable games.

In the context heavy God Of War and Heavenly Sword games this is a nice touch and Insomiac has added something a little different without doing the same old same old. As much as I enjoy the other two games hitting X and O all the time for button sequences is getting a little old.

Reaching new platforms is done by jumping on jump pods. I forgot the exact name of them. But when you jump on the pads by pressing X you are automatically brought to the next level. Sure this is the first level granted and I wonder what else we can expect is this aspect of the game on different levels.

Sure it's not deep or anything of that sort but it's still fun to watch as you get swooped up. One thing about this game that concerns me is the camera system and just like every other platformer the game does have its quirks in this regard. It's not as bad as a lot of other games and for the most part quite good but sometime you can miss judge perception wise where on the platform you maybe and go over the edge of a bridge or platform trying to get to the other side.

It's not a big deal though as for the most part the camera is fixed in a certain position in most sequences so it was not a big deal but this is only the first level.

Sixaxsis ugh well, one of the worst controller idea ever!? Perhaps depends on who you talk to. In the end of the demo you use this motion control to dodge in between cars. It was fun and in theory a good idea but I found myself going through cars and not bouncing off them aka clipping. Is this the demo part of the game or the final retail. I mean Sony does say this is the first complete level of the game after all. It is an innovative way to use Sixaxsis control but eh yeah clipping through cars kind of puts a damper on this aspect of the game.

I will be adding this game for sure to my very small PS3 lineup. This and everyday shooter will give me reason to play my PS3 once again.

Greek-

Halo3 hangover, Activsion buys Bizzare Creations

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:43:13 GMT

Well it is the day after Halo 3 and boy can I feel it, after yesterday I think there feels like nothing exciting is going down. All the gaming site are ho hum on new stories and reviews.

I woke up at 0730 Mountain Time cause hell I couldn't sleep and I had the day off and it was only hours of dipping and getting my feet wet into Halo 3. I got up fired on the 360 and played with friends all day and into early morning hours. Finally wrapping it up at 1:30 am.

Honestly for better or worse Halo 3 multiplayer is like no other, I'm having more fun with this game then I am Warhawk on PS3. Sure you have the un desirable ass holes scattered within the Halo community but the gameplay is like crack. If you can team up with good players and players that have fun you can play just the multiplayer for a full day easily.

We finished the night out with 3 player co-op and it was fun but laggy. Which I guess can be forgivable since Xbox Live was having major trouble. Once again not surprising and I believe there is some sort of petition in the Live community going down, I'm seeing a lot of gamer tags with Xbox Live Free, maybe this will fad or maybe it's due to people that can't afford or maybe there just pissed off that Live goes down and almost every major game release.

Another topic another time, personally I'm torn on the subject on one hand 50 a year is not anything, on the other however seems like maintenance and updates to the service comes with some sort of a price. Meaning the service always needs some sort of overhaul because of a crash or something! I reference the fall update last year and this Halo 3 as two examples. Could go on but that would just turn into a rant.

So far Halo 3 is an awesome game, like I said it will not be a deep shooter like R6 or COD series but its damn addicting. Something I'm not so sure I'll see on the PS3 this year. Perhaps MGS next year will fill my tummy with PS3 goodness and maybe Rachet and Clank will too who knows but so far the 360 lineup is hands down better then the PS3. Until Sony makes it easier to connect with gamers through chat and in game invites despite it's issues XBOX LIVE is still a ton easier to connect with friends.

Now for some head scratching news, today on TeamXbox there is a story that Activison has bought Bizzare Creations the developers of the Project Gotham Series. The deal for 1.4 billion(Activison acquires Bizzare Creations) and IMO why MS never bought Bizzare is mind boggling. The trend now days is usually for a big company to buy and company that has consistently performed for the company it has done work for in the past almost exclusively. We always see it in the gaming industry, now everyone has to wonder if PGR will go multi platform in the future.

MS buys Rare who hasn't produced it share, and honestly I think that is one of the worst purchases in the history of gaming. Maybe Banjo Kazooie will change everything but what did we get PDO remake that was blah on 360's launch. Oh yeah and that thing they call Viva Pinata.

With this move I guess we can look forward to perhaps seeing Geo Wars on PS3 one day, hell it's being ported to the DS so hey never know right? IMO MS may have missed the boat in acquiring one of the developers that has consistently given solid and great games.

Ms still has Forza and well IMO I just have more fun with PGR.

Greek-

Halo 3 the 360 game to beat

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:22:08 GMT

The Verdict is in Halo 3 is the greatest Halo game the franchise to date.

While I don't really advise listening to the review site for every game. Once every year or two years a game come by that is universally accepted and is recognized by not only the fans, hardcore gamers and even critics alike says something to a franchises longevity.

We can all agree to disagree except the hardcore fanboys in which there is no hope for this breed. All the gaming site's alike scored the game 9.5 to a 10 and while I feel that 1up gives 10 scores out a little much there is no arguing this game is one for the ages.

Maybe I'm starting to give into the hype as I've been clamoring for the game all weekend. I still think MS would have has a lot more success releasing this game on a Friday and thus giving everyone the weekend to play.

Plus they could have done the whole free two day's of Xbox Live promo when Live would most likely be at it's peak. Sat and Sun are no longer typical weekend days off as everyone has different schedules now days but most of the population still enjoys these two days.

I'm fully preparing myself for the mass hysteria that will be launch night and after work I plan on picking up my copy. Also I'm ready for the influx for "Halo Kiddies" when I go online and resume my career. Last but not least I'm ready for all the "GAYLO3" jokes jealous gamers will spout off in disgust, and make comparisons to Gears Of War and Rainbow Six Vegas.

Both games mentioned above are awesome and great, peoples inability to naively compare a tactical shooter in R6 and a hybrid of "stop and pop" game play as seen in Gears Of War, make them look all the more foolish and shows that popular things and events like Halo3 will always be hated for one reason or another.

It will be very curious to read what the first day sales figures will be knowing what we now know after reading these reviews, co-op, forge map editor, and multiplayer are all solid according to all the reviews. This game reeks of a system seller.

I will be watching the game head and g4 coverage as well tomorrow night, via TIVO on delay cause of work and all that. All in all gamer's could not of asked for a better game to come out this year after the GTA4 delay and mediocre month of games.

After reading the reviews I ask myself should we as gamers demand more from developers then just plunking down 59.99 for just single player games like BIO SHOCK and Heavenly Sword.

Like it's been said there are developer's then there's BUNGIE! Take that how you will....the thing after the fight is finished is where does Bungie go with this franchise next?!?

Greek-

Gaming Saturday Night: High Stakes Poker, Bioshock, Metal Gear Portal Ops and Heavenly Sword

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 01:40:37 GMT

It's the weekend time to drink and play, this morning my gaming day began with Metal Gear Portable Ops for the PSP.

WOW I had not idea there was this much depth to a portable game, I play this for a couple hours this morning from the time I got home from work Friday night until 0400 this morning.

Right now I'm going around converting solider's to my side its complicated you just have to play the game one of the best game's for the PSP. IMO a must buy for the PSP next buys maybe Monster Hunter2 and Killzone Liberation.

I just got done playing Bioshock and getting my ass kicked, well kind of I'm on some sorta theater level and there is a lot of action going on. Big Daddy's walking around splicer's chasing me and little sisters getting rescued. All in a days gaming....

Heavenly Sword and High Stakes Poker should finish off a good day and night, so far Heavenly Sword is an awesome game. Yeah I know it's short but this is a showcase game to show off friends on what the PS3 can do. I mean really there is no other way around it. Honestly I thought about the length and well hell do I really want to play that type of game for 12-16 hours not really.

There are different ways of looking at it I suppose, yeah I could have gotten Skate, NHL blah blah...but none of those games captured me like this one. As long as my collection isn't filled with short games.

My night cap comes with some High Stakes Poker and with some friends maybe a few beers while playing, good times. I have no idea what kind of reviews this game is getting nor do I care.

Sure it can have more character customization but its poker and seems to be more fun then the 360 version of poker on Xbox Live. I will delve deeper into the game but so far its pretty damn fun.

Well I'm going back to some gaming.

Greek-

Stranglehold PS3 demo: Disappointing

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 23:26:28 GMT

Well I know I already own the game on the 360, but I can still give Impressions on the demo.

Let's say if you have both systems and need to play this game the 360 version is the one to get. It sucks cause the PS3 version has the bundled Hardboiled movie in all it's Hi-Def glory.

This game is the sequel to that movie, probably one of the greatest movies of all time. It would make sense for anyone to pick the game on the PS3, right? Well not exactly from my playtime with this demo the sound sucks ass!

WOW I know my HDTV speakers on not this bad, it's like listening to nails run across the fuckin chalkboard for sakes! When are these developers going to start harnessing the potential of the PS3.

Yeah the console is still in its infancy but damn WTF is going on, Resistance, Gaiden Sigma, Motorstorm doesn't have these annoying blur issues like in the EA games, nor sound quality and frame rate trouble like again in this demo and the EA games.

Peter Moore was quoted on that NBA LIVE '08 will have 60fps. WOW NBA fucking LIVE one of the worst basketball games year in and year out! Thanks Pete, my man nobody gives a flying rats ass about that game! Also why are there blur issues in skate according to the IGN review when N4g.com has side by sides and it looks really good. Maybe its the magic of still photography I don't know...

At this point PS3 owners are going through troublesome times, sure Rachet and Clank will turn out great for all intensive purposes and here's to hoping COD4 as well. My question is though what about Assassins Creed and other 3rd party games?

Could be though I'm tired of the excuses and for me the PS3 since it's harder to develop for and more unforgiving then the 360, the skills and tools of developers are sticking out like a sore thumb IMO.

Back to the topic, hopefully this demo is just that a DEMO. If the game has the crap-tacular sound I just subjected my ears to in the final game then it will easily score mid to high 7's.

Originally my thoughts were well this cant be that bad, but compared to the 360 demo the PS3 demo just well isn't worth it. It looks horrible for just the game that has the PS3 and nothing else, not a very good way to try and garner more sales with a weak demo.

If anyone thinks I'm full of shit, try me please!? Demo's on the 360 prove that this outlet can sell more copies on release day. Look at the e3 showing of Lost Planet the demo was way better then the final game but yet it did it's job in selling the gamer's. I could go on and on why demo's these days are becoming ever more important for publishers.

When I bought my PS3 I truly wanted it to be my system of choice, why? Well for one I was so pissed at MS and the RROD and going through my 4th 360 in a year and a half. But its looking like my 360 games collection will be 2x the amount as the PS3 games selection I have on my shelf.

Sony and their developers are dropping the ball Lair, Heavenly Sword is okay but is it worth 59.99 when I can download the so called unlockable content on the Playstation store, IMO NO. So much so that I'm willing to play a skate boarding game after years and years of not playing a single game from that genre.

Differences between the PS3 and 360 are becoming more and more clear. PS3 is not a console killer, or even a high end PC right now. The machine is only as good as the developers skills are like I have mentioned in past post.

Achievements whether you hate them or not do add some replay ability to games like Stranglehold etc. As well as lighting differences right now between both consoles are seeing some significant differences, look at Dirt, and Skate screens for both.

Well it's time to go play Warhawk or go watch Blades Of Glory!

Greek-

StrangleHold for XBOX 360

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:48:21 GMT

Well the search is over and it's been one day, but allot of us were able to secure this game via Best Buy.

I don't know how and or why they were able to break the release date for this game before Gamestop or anyone really! So far I'm on level 2 Tai O the island looking level everyone has seen pictures of for a while. I will not spoil the game so no worries. I think everyone should be able to enjoy the game.

Since I didn't pick up the Sixaxsis suck fest known as Lair for the PS3 this was the only option. Yes I know about the 6 hour warning from IGN and well while that's true I have seven chapters and 307 people to kill on XBOX LIVE, plus achievements and considering the fact that it take's me forever to complete the game unless its super easy I still have another play through on Hard Boiled. Speaking of which I know I said multiple times the PS3 version was the only consideration cause of the bundled movie. But since the game is short the 360 one was the only way to go for me, plus the achievements will add some depth to those "6 hours".

Also considering yet another delay for that version made me wonder why the delay? I mean is the PS3 version a port of the 360, or is the Bluray transfer ass, or is it just a corporate decision. One has to wonder why the 25th, everyone knows about a game called HALO3. This is one of the most botched game releases I have witnessed in a while.

Wait, I take that back I forgot about BIOSHOCK!

Midway a word of advice never ever release a version of the game on the same day with the words HALO in it, come on! I know you want to sell copies but I mean this is a stupid move IMO.

So I'm off playing the game and while I know it will be short I highly doubt I will pick up Metal Of Honor, I'm burned out on the whole WW2 genre. Just look at my achievements for COD3 under greekGeek718 my Live gamer tag, it's pretty bad!

Trust me I wanted this game to be longer and I hope I can drag out the game time by not going hardcore on it and getting all of the achievements. For those who are on the fence it's a rental unfortunately. I just happen to have the extra dough and also be a stubborn SOB when it comes to wanting something and basically getting sucked into the hype to put it to you straight!

Still I have played worse and shorter games in my gaming life and StrangleHold may have some short comings it is still one hell of ride while it lasts. I cant complain to much about that the game and Midway have done their job. Let's just hope from here on out that the rest of the gaming lineup for 2007 is a little more fruitful and has more substance!

Next week should be just as good with Heavenly Sword,then in the coming weeks Halo3 and maybe Skate. I am still on the fence about Skate but the demo was pretty wicked!

Greek-

Recent Shit

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:37:21 GMT

It's the end of another week and I've been playing Warhawk and trust me it is worth it. If anyone need's a reason to play their PS3 this is that excuse!

It's multiplayer only but hell if your into that it's a great game, unlike Shadow Run, Warhawk has to be the best multiplayer game to date. I only average like 5-7 kills and most of the time I get killed but hey I'm learning.

What strikes me most is that yet another PSN game with more then 30 players 32 to be exact has no lag what so ever! I mean I get lag from time to time on XBOX LIVE on certain game's like GRAW and it has like 8 on 8 online WTF!?

Warhawk also has voice chat which is a welcome addition to the game cause without this it would virtually suck. Another awesome thing is that this game has dedicated servers, WOW Sony rocks!

You can even join your buddies in ranked games unlike XBOX LIVE where you have to search for their rooms ala Gears Of War etc. There has been an issue with the data though and I hope Sony gets of their asses and fixes this issue, which it may already be I have not been on in 1 day.

The other thing is that I got my token for the COD 4 Multiplayer Beta which I hope to play here in a couple minutes, I hope to throw an update down tonight or tomorrow morning. I know it's a Beta and not the finished and a work in progress, however I can't wait to see what Infinity Ward has in store.

Greek-

The Morning Wood: 360's back but for how long?

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:01:38 GMT

I'm a happy camper this morning the 360 was delivered to me at 4:11PM by the UPS guy yesterday, my cousin signed for it.

Last night when I got home I unpacked the 360 set it up on a table next to my HDTV so the unit is completely in the open. Now if this overheats I'm going to be truly pissed off. There is no reason this console should over heat.

No, my 360 is just premium not an Elite or Premium with HDMI, I've been hearing allot of people getting refurbished units back that are either or. Frankly I am just happy I got my 360 back without it being damaged and or lost in the shipping chain.

I did get a XBOX LIVE card for 1 month but it's like i already have LIVE for the year so it's no big deal. MS does pack in a questionnaire for customer service purposes like how was the service etc. I'm honestly sure if I want to fill it out, for one does it really matter. I mean do they really use this data, and two with all of these 360's dying out why even include this paper. IMO MS you failed when you rushed this machine trying to beat Sony to the punch and now your in this hardware mess cause of that.

Hey, like I said the 360 is a good machine, design wise it's showing it's flaws. With story's coming out on Kotaku like gamer's sending in their console's with 4 quadrants blinking instead of 3 and MS proclaiming that a good percentage of hardware fails are not actually issue's at all. Seem's to me that this story is a PR move at it's finest or hell it's damage control.

With all that said it amazes me that a company can go through the worst hardware debacle in maybe gaming history and still come out ahead and while we all make fun of the RROD. The 360 still has one hell of a holiday lineup, it could be worse too I think back to all those early XBOX forum post of people having to pay MS to get their 360 fixed. Don't think I won't buy another machine either I will, I'm waiting for the falcon chips and all that to come out if they ever do!

Honestly this long without the console is hell, but I do notice my PS3 while runs a tad hotter then the 360 is super quiet and smooth. Pretty funny how everyone completely rags on the PS3 on the daily but let's face it peeps the PS3 is made to last. Yeah don't think I have no idea about PS3 fail issues either cause I'm well aware of them and I know they do happen.

So what did I do besides hug and kiss my 360? Played games dammit! I bought BioShock and honestly I can't remember an opening like this since Half Life where the game completely eng gauges you in the world of Rapture. Very original and 2K Boston and Australia get all the praises and kudos they deserve.

Also played John Woo's Strangle Hold and let me say shit I don't know if I can wait for the PS3 version I want this game now. Ah DOOD, I'm in a bind for sure.... Warhawk is a must for me on PS3 but Stranglehold on PS3 come's with Hard boiled.

I could get Madden '08 for the 360 and suppose some more game's until the PS3 version of Stranglehold comes out. But we all know the PS3 version will be ported and with all these developer's claiming they need more time to learn the machine what's the difference besides the movie on Bluray. Of course the PS3 version maybe built from the ground up only Midway knows this. Either way stay tuned but don't be surprised if I'm playing the game next week on 360 instead.

I have enough game's to buy for both consoles this year and with HALO3 hitting next month I need all the money I can get!

Greek-