III Greek's Corner III

Late Night Corner: It's been a while

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:23:06 GMT

Good lord did I miss a lot of news or what!?

Gamespot getting held to the fire for finally showing even they aren't immune to a corp. take over. IMO it's just a matter of time before IGN and other so called reliable gaming web sites get busted for their actions of taking big money from publishers in return for favorable review scores.

I say what now? to the IGN podcasts and other podcasts that makes light of this tactic being used. It does exists and it so happens that it took a firing of a big time reviewer to bring all of this to light.

Exactly why I say you cannot always go by what these sites say when it comes to game reviews. Anyway I've been playing games, games and more games. From Rock Band to the recently purchased Vice City stories for my PSP it's been busy.

This combined with going out with friends and having a social life it takes away from posting here on a regular basis.

So what's next?

Next game up for me is UT3 for PS3, honestly I am excited and can't wait. I also got my Blu Ray movies and added Casino Royale to my collection. It was a gift from a friend, you could say an early Christmas present.

I also borrowed Jean De Arc from a co worker and I have to say the game is hard.

In the vein of Final Fantasy Tactics it employs tactical game play mixed with strategy. I'm not used to this type of game play but I have to say I am hooked and it gives me something different to play for my PSP besides the GTA and Syhon Filter type games.

Speaking of which the new GTA looks awesome, as well as the new Street Fighter game but alas I can't fall for the hype until I get to play it.

What will be the biggest disappointments of 2008 be? I'm just saying Capcom has to deliver on this. Show us something and not just pretty eye candy.

Last but not least the Fall Update for the 360, ugh it's good but man the XBOX Originals equals disappointment. I could be reading into all this way to much and MS may have the best of intentions for the gamer in mind. But honestly isn't the offering of games that are already backwards compatible on a disc media mind you, that this is just an attempt to sell more overpriced 120 gb HDD.

Maybe not, but why couldn't they add achievements and all the other goodness that even an ancient game like dig dug has? I don't know that I will buy Xbox Original games.

What I do like however is that everything from movies, to tv shows are easier to find, I have not tried Divx support yet LOL ugh yeah anyway another topic for another time!

Greek-

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-

Late Night Corner: ROCK BAND

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:42:46 GMT

IMO this is the game of the year, I know we have so many other game's out there this year.

To say this maybe a little premature considering one of the biggest features of the game isn't even online. However this game has me hooked, hence the reason for this late posting.

I picked this game up at 10 am this morning and it took me about 35 mins or so give or take to setup the drum kit, the Fender, and then that was it. I just stopped playing this game at 11:34 pm.

Now don't get me wrong, I wish Harmonix would have put Band World Tour online. I think that maybe the biggest drawback to the game. Honestly it isn't doing anything more then Guitar Hero with regards to online play.

But time and time again it was said by everyone, that this game is best enjoyed and played with other people locally. I would like to know when consoles will get an MMO or anything that will connect people massively. The console generation is not there yet. Let's face it though the game has an awesome set list and the single player hooked me for about 12 hrs or close to it.

Easy difficulty is pretty boring, but Medium maybe almost on par with the Guitar Hero games. I had a hell of a time playing Fortunate Son but just like Guitar Hero practice makes perfect.

When it comes to the set lists, seems like Rock Band took most of the night when compared to GH3. For some reason and I really can't place or understand why but I had more fun playing this game then GH3.

Maybe it's the guitar, perhaps but I did find myself switching to play drums 3 times tonight. Let me just say I still suck at the drums but playing Bon Jovi "Wanted Dead Or Alive" is like playing nothing else. Stepping on the bass pedal is awesome and IMO everyone needs to experience that at one time or another, you feel powerful when commanding the drums.

Signing I suck at which is why I don't sing but hell with it, it was fun but it's hard keeping your voice level with the tempo bars.

One thing however and I have a couple gripes, first the the little headset connectors that plug into your Drums and the Fender so you can connect with the 360's proprietary headset connection. Well one of my connectors has a short in it, and I have to hold it in place to keep from the voice cutting out. Which sucks cause I can't shoot the shit with friends over LIVE while I play.

Secondly, the voice quality on the Fender sucks balls to the 2nd power. The Les Paul from Guitar Hero 3 has it's quirks but it's a lot better when talking through the headset.

Third gripe is the length wires that connect to the USB hub, It would be nice to space everything out a little bit. I mean you don't wanna be hugging the person next to you while playing.

I guess nothing's perfect and the Guitar Hero 3 Les Paul's had issues as well, really we all know this stuff get's play tested (or at least I hope it does) to a degree so some equipment will fail through the cracks undoubtedly.

I still have Mass Effect to play but won't be getting into that game until next week or the following week. Rock Band will keep me other members of the family busy, my cousin's husband will probably end up my band mate. I got him hooked on Guitar Hero 2 and 3. Plus he can really play the drums so for him this will be an experience like not other.

In the end that's what Rock Band is a social party game that brings people together for a excellent time. For those of us who can't really play these instruments in real life this is the closest thing ever.

This will be the last pre order I will most likely do for a game, I heard all of this non sense about the game being limited. While that's true for certain people it was hardly the case for me. I could have gotten this game at my local Walmart at 7am this morning.

My tags were up for renewal and so after that I went to Walmart to pick up some ass wipe. Well big mistake cause curiosity killed me, I just had to know. Wouldn't you know it 10-15 Rock Band Special Editions laying on wood pallets right in the middle of the electronics dept up for display.

This was the case when I bought Gears Of War on launch day as I found that game at another Gamestop with a lot of extra copies. I think games can and do sell out but very few games actually sell completely out to where you cannot find them.

IMO it depends where you live I suppose but it pissed me off to no end.

Rock Band was worth it for me at least, even if that meant getting Mass Effect one or two weeks later, plus the downloadable content. Which is still high but was nothing like Guitar Hero 2's debacle.

Over the Xbox Live Market Place I did purchase the Metallica Pack, Fortunate Son, Juke Box Hero and My Sharona. I plan on purchasing the Queens Of The Stone Age and Police packs. With all of the DLC coming out it will make Rock Band last that much longer for me. Paying 179.26 plus another 12.50 plus tax for some MS points, I never thought I would plunk 200.00 or more on a game. I guess they hooked me, and not everyone will want to or can afford this game.

200.00 is a lot of loot for a game plus content, but this is the day and age we gamer's live in now. Like it or not it comes with the territory....

I'm going to bed, tomorrow it's more Rock Band before work.

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-

Late Night Corner: Assassins Creed impressions part2 SPOILER"S

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 07:51:08 GMT

I'm back home from work been home for a little bit, I have to go through my daily routine of web browsing and checking out all the stories I missed while away at work.

First before we begin if you don't want to know what the twist is don't read but if so and you don't care read on.

*************************************************************************************************************

Anyway back to what I was going to post earlier about this game, I'm most of you already know about the Animus a machine that let's our hero jack into to go back into the stone age's and take out whoever the target maybe.

I guess this is a machine that takes you back to your ancestry days and let's you play Assassin. Maybe this twist ruined it for most reviewer's? Hard to say but IMO jacking into the past and living out the days of your ancestors would be cool, I don't get what the big deal is here.

Sure it is taking from the Matrix in a way but let's not forget what the Matrix really was a total VR world controlled by the machines. So to compare this with that mythos is not accurate at all.

Here in Assassins Creed your like an experiment for these scientist and are pretty much forced to go back in time via the Animus.

The Animus also is where you go to look at your settings as well, like screen adjustment and options menu and so fourth. I think it is a creative way of doing things and something that IMO is well thought out idea.

Sure It's just a menu system but the way it is pulled off is a slick interface. Anyway our Hero Altair really looks like this:

Pretty unimpressive but in the nether worlds he is a true bad ass. Maybe the development team could have done a little bit better in the costume they give him in the world of today but it's no big deal.

His living quarters really is not all the impressive either. Which brings me to this question why is he here and what he is trying to find out by going back and Assassinating people? Revenge, what is the motive the game really does not explain all this that well and I can see reviewers getting a little pissed about this aspect of the story.

Also if there is a part two and three I am hoping Jade Raymond and company can give us a little more insight of the characters history and so fourth. Also why in the hell is he doing this. I mean the scientist are a bunch of pushovers so I can't imagine that they have him by the balls that much to force him to do this.

I will see how all this comes into play the more I get into the story, but why wasn't all this shown in the previews? Was UBI soft keeping this a secret and that close to the hip? I believe secrets can still be kept in the gaming industry to a degree, maybe a this point they were hesitant to reveal everything.

Don't forget not so long ago all they kept showing were gameplay builds of the leap of faith off the top of the steeple into the stack of hay. Also the moving through the crowds and all that. I really don't though how reviewers would be so shocked by the scientific twist in the game.

For one it's at the very beginning of the game, and in cut scenes you can see little hints matrix type little code in white and go up and down the screen in spots to indicate your in a Virtual Reality. Was it a necessary evil for the developer give all this away pertaining to the story at the very first level?

If you think about it, in a way yes since all the training is revolving around the Animus system. It really reminds me of Metal Gear's VR simulator system, as in Metal Gear Solid for the Playstation one. Where you could practice sneaking past enemies and honing your skills.

One thing that the game does do in the very beginning is fast forward memory lapses or take you to different parts in your memory in the very first part of the game which is a little annoying but nothing really big.

So I mean is the whole simulation twist a big let down? Not really it's been done before and I'm glad the developers were up front cause if I played through the entire game just to find out I was in a VR simulation I would have been kind of pissed.

Sure the plot twist would have been well I guess cool, but very meh. This morning I was surprised when I first played the game this morning but I'm over it. Do I think the game deserves the average score it got? No, for one thing worse game have been rated higher and why was that. The publisher paying off the site for exclusive right in return for a favorable score.

Should the game have gotten a 10/10 no way, not even GTA or Halo deserves a 10/10. No game is perfect hell not even Mario Galaxy, site's and magazines are way to liberal with review scores. Setting a game up for so much hype month after month in previews and what not only frustrates a gamer when the site or magazine come back with a less then stellar review.

I mean these sites and editors see the game along the development can they not tell these things? Or is it just so they can collect hits on their sites and or sell magazines on the news stand. I read reviews just like everyone else but lately you cannot trust these outlets cause even they have their own agenda and spin.

The game is IMO this creative and and brings it's own take on virtual reality, while it will not garner any Game Of The Year awards. It is an excellent title that deserves to be played by gamers abroad and yes it does have it's quirks that any game does and has had since any game before and after it.

Let's face it, the game is good and one of the stand outs in a above average year for games. Just because a couple reviewers are perhaps disappointed or jaded by the story behind Assassins Creed does that mean that you should take their opinion and word as gospel, I think not.

The game strives to be different in a way like Bioshock was. Sure maybe not as creative but none the less well worth the experience and one that can be in anyone's game collection.

After I finish AC I hope there will be a second game and even a third, but for now I'm happy with what I have in this 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-

Late Night Corner: XBOX ORIGINALS, Assassins Creed tomorrow, Rock Band and Mass Effect next week!

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 07:33:03 GMT

First it's awesome that MS has put original Xbox original games up for download, unlike the Playstation Network where you can just download PSone games and play them on the PS3 and PSP.

Kudos to MS, secondly another congrats to MS on Live's birthday. I will be renewing my gold membership as I have made many friends since launch day back in November 2005. It really is a HUGE week for the Xbox community, IMO it is the premiere online gaming service bar none. I can't say that I am or have been really impressed with Sony's efforts thus far.

With this new service the good folks at Microsoft announced that as part of Live's birthday they will be rolling out downloadable Xbox games of yesteryear, Halo, Pyschonauts, Crimson Skies what's not to like here all terrific games.

The problem however is the of course the price, 1200 ms points. In other words 15.00 per downloadable game. Not a bad deal but MS sure isn't really throwing any saving's my way that's for sure.

When I first heard the new my initial reaction was awesome now I can buy the over priced 120gb hard drive. But as I just got to thinking about it, why download a game I can buy BC for 9.99 or less at my local game store? I like to ask question's and while all you may think I'm nit picky it's for a reason. See I don't mind the 49.99 a year for Live and I don't even mind the content on Live all though there is quite a bit that is over priced.

It just seems a little over priced IMO, maybe I am wrong and the beauty is if I don't want to buy it I don't have too. Many will I can guarantee and hell I may down the road. I would ask at least they could include some form of achievements for the 15.00. I mean if paper boy can have achievements why not HALO?

Another thing I'm wondering about is the download time for these games, and file size. With Live being so differing for everyone on speeds I do wonder how long a Xbox game will take to download?

Whoever said the classic gaming scene is dead made an understatement for generations to come. The Wii with it's 8 to 16 bit army, and Xbox Live Arcade with both classic, last generation and indy games all widely available on the 360. Plus the PS3 with it's downloadable games. One has to wonder how much money is really being made on repackaged oldies?

I'm not going to stand on my soap box saying how bad this all is, I'm just saying a little more price sensitive options would have sweetened the deal. Moving a long then you have the on demand service which I'll have to try out. I don't know if this on demand service is something that has to do with Netflix rumors, or how it will differ from the PPV movies that you can download now.

More details I'm sure in the coming weeks.

So onto more Assassins Creed news, gamespot chimed in with a 9.0 score. I do care no, am I getting the game tomorrow yes! IMO that's all that matters, look at TeamXbox giving a 9 to Need For Speed while IGN the same site that now owns TeamXbox gave it a 6.8. Hey like I have said different strokes for different folks that's all reviews are.

Uncharted scored really good, I'm looking forward to playing this on my PS3 and hopefully soon with a Dual Shock 3 controller. I know I going to pay the premium and basically get raped money wise but I just cannot wait until Spring 08 for one.

Next week we have Rock Band which I was able and lucky enough to pre order at a local gamestop up here. They had four left and I am firmly starting to believe EA CEO John Ricatello about this game being limited in fashion.

At first I passed the comments off as building the hype, but after reading that our neighbors to the north will not be getting this game until December I started thinking maybe the preorder was not so bad.

Just today I called about 6 stores and only two stores were selling bundle pre orders. Gamecrazy on Pecos, and Gamestop on 120th ave in Northglenn, CO were doing the preorders still. Surprisingly enough the Gamestop I decided to preorder at had 4 left and after my order it now stands at 3 and today was the last day this store would be taking preorders. I figured this beats camping out at Bestbuy at midnight or taking a chance at Walmart. So I chose the less of the two evils, sorry to say but many gamers could be waiting until 08 to play Rock Band. Hell even the PS2 allotment was filled and if that does not say something then I don't know what will.

I think even Mass Effect has an excellent chance of selling out it's first couple weeks after release. Many gamers are saying this could be Game Of The Year, in a year when a Halo game is released that's also saying a lot. Maybe not a huge message and Mass Effect could possibly fall victim to the more popular Master Chief but you never know!

Tomorrow I plan to put up pictures of Assassins Creed and impressions. I'm sure it will be a love fest and I am well aware of the combat, jumping and AI in this game.

Personally this game has been to long in the making and I have waited for what seems a life time to play this game. So tomorrow marks a long journey that started back a couple years ago when I first laid eyes on the game. This IMO also marks that last of most preview games we seen at X06 except the Banjo game Rare is supposedly still working on.

For many of us Assassins Creed marks the end of what was and beginnings of what is still to come on the 360 and PS3.

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-

Late Night Corer: Pulling out the Trifecta!

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:53:04 GMT

I really didn't know what to name this post so we'll just go with this. Everyone maybe wondering WTF this is about.

Let me explain, the beginning of the month I was contemplating what in the hell to buy this month. With so many games someone has to be left out in the cold, I will be passing on Kane and Lynch and Need For Speed Pro Street until December.

But what I will attempt to pull out of my gaming ass this month in the way of purchases may either be the stupidest thing ever or one of the months where I bought a crap ton of games.

So what ahead in the coming weeks on the this blog:

This week Assassins Creed: Xbox 360 version

Next week: Uncharted: Drakes Fortune: PS3

Mass Effect: Xbox360

Rock Band:Xbox360

In the coming weeks or the week after Dual Shock 3, that's right I'm one of these dumb shit's that will pay 74.95 plus shipping for a controller. See I can't help it I need rumble on the PS3 and come hell or high water I will secure one.

For one Assassins Creed looks to be the shit literally, I mean the crusades old Jerusalem mixed in with some stealth killing, climbing up steeples what's not to like. Sure It may get repetitive and it may have some issues but until the reviews come out or other gamer opinions that highlight the pro and cons of the game we'll have to wait and see come the 14th.

Onto Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, the hunt for El-dorado is on, the demo sold me and I think Naughty Dog along with Assassins and COD4 and let's not forget Rachet and Clank may have very well saved Sony's ass this year. The game looks adventurous and it's different. The combat has stop and pop style gameplay, light on SixAxsis control which is a good thing. Plus the graphical style shows what a power house maybe lurking under the PS3's hood.

Now I will buy a single player game only for 59.99, sure to some that's a huge waste of money but when I was wee lad that's all there was. We weren't spoiled with Xbox Live or Playstation Network. So this part of me still exists in my gaming way of thinking. Everyone is different look at people that paid full price for Shadow Run this year. They like online only and felt it was worth the experience, bottom line nobody should tell you how and what to spend your cash on!

Moving along we have the big daddy called Mass Effect, I'm not to impressed with the stripper vids or the lesbo sex scenes cause they look lame! However that's why I'm not buying this game. Everyone should be buying this game for the simple fact this game could be the greatest Bioshock game ever! Frankly I don't want to miss out on this game. I have heard it is so good it's like playing through a movie. Sure the game can't be perfect for the simple fact it maybe a little to ambitious, had there ever been a game like this in the history of gaming just based on sheer scope? I think not.

There have been epics but this game could very well turn out to be one of the best ever. I don't know about you gamer's out there but I can't miss out and I will most likely be purchasing the collector's edition. Now if you have read previous posts you know that I hate them. But this maybe an exception to the rule you get a guide to the universe whatever that means but I am hoping it has useful information pertaining to the game. Of course the extra DVD and the art book which maybe good.

If you don't believe me check out Wired's out unwrapping of the game:

Unwrapped: Mass Effect Limited Edition

I bought the Lost Planet, Gears Of War and Prey and Rainbow 6 collectors and thought they were all crap. This one however looks to be different cause you get your moneys worth. Plus look at the pictures the game comes is housed in a separate case from the metal tin. We shouldn't see a repeat of the Halo3 debacle with scratched disks.

Then finally we have Sing Star combined with Guitar Hero and what do you get ROCK BAND! Throw in some drums. DLC in the way of albums, online play where you can name your band and create a logo what's not to like? This is like Guitar Hero to the 10th power and beyond. This can never replace a real band but for us that are not skilled or don't want to eat countless baloney sandwiches while sleeping on a mattress in a cold apartment shared by 3 to 4 other dudes, this is the only way to get the band experience safely and of course drug free!

Rock Band is a game that you will need to play with other living people out there to get the full experience and I do plan on doing that. I got made fun of by my roommate last year for playing Guitar Hero 2, but why was that? It's because he did not understand the concept and what people don't understand they criticize.

A few weeks later I loaned my copy and Guitar out to his brother who is a gamer and knew of this game, well turned out that he knew some females that loved the game so go figure. Hey just because were gamers doesn't mean were nerds living in mom's basement. A gamer can be me, you or anyone and anyone can play Rock Band without shame. I will still keep both Guitar Hero games and as well I will pick up Rock Band. I love Rock Music. I live on Metallica, Kiss, Korn, Slayer, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Rush and list goes on. If you don't love Rock music then you need not apply for this game.

I'll also be picking up Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops Plus for my PSP. My wallet will hate me but gaming is a way of life, maybe an addiction at times. This year especially with every game being stacked this week and next the month of November 07 will go down as one of the greatest ever in gaming history.

My list up top may pale in comparison but IMO for this month these games are the best bet and the most bang for my buck. I don't have a Wii just yet but I may get one soon so I can play Super Mario Galaxy. Why not, I have the PS3. 360 and PSP all I'm missing is the Nintendo love.

Honestly right now I'm glad I am single and don't really have to worry about dates and female issues. Hey maybe if I met a lady that was into gaming just as much as me then it would be a totally different story.

Anyway's I plan to buy all these games, Rock Band however will prove the most difficult. I will have to camp as I didn't preorder the game, looking back at this it was a mistake but hell I don't care how cold it is I will wait for this game.

If not then I'll be the first inline at my local Best Buy, Circuit city or wherever I decide to wait at. So stay tuned for the unboxing video of that game, this month is about to get crazy.

November will be the month where I Rock out with my Cock out!

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-

Late Night Corner: Drake Demo, PS3 Thoughts, more 2.0 update thoughts and GH3 companion pack.

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:14:16 GMT

Well let's get started cause I have a ton to get to this morning. First thing's first the Mass Effect videos of the stripper's and lesbo love scenes IMO are LAME.

What was it I read on Kotaku tonight about it oh yeah subtle can be sexy to. It can but also lame and can put a gamer to sleep. Why even have them in there BIOWARE? Lame filler shit that very few of us will enjoy, unless there is a reason for all this then I can see. Otherwise if all this serves no purpose in the game why is it in there? It would be cool if it can replenish health or has something to do with the game play, we'll all find out come the 21st. It could be the coolest or lamest thing ever in a videogame.

Now on to the 2.0 firmware update and just a quick thought as I sit here looking at the information bar. What's the point of this feature, the only thing I see is a waste of space that has a bunch of advertisements for PS3 and PSP games. If Sony could perhaps partner with some websites like PS3 fanboy to plug then that would be again cool. Having just lame ads and useless information leaves me to wonder who the genius is that thought this idea up.

Also why don't they have some cool themes in the PSN store instead we get all these flower and pink themes. Oh well I guess it's better then something but guaranteed you wouldn't find that on my PS3.

I'm not even going to go into the Kaz interview he did this week on various websites. Just read this on the BC, taken from (Kaz Hirai discusses recent Sony events), see below:

As for backwards compatibility, Hirai and company decided it was more important to get PS3 owners to buy PS3 games and Blu-ray movies and play those on the system, in addtion to PSN content. Removing the backwards compatibility and lowering the price is just one strategy employed to get the PS3 in more homes, he says.

I find it irritating, cause for one this is marketing speak, two when MS did this Sony blasted them to hell and back and three they are having a tough time selling the unit. The 399.99 PS3 is a deal but until Sony can get better content up,release more games that you can't play on the 360 and or run better on the PS3. Sony will still have a tough time convincing you and me that the PS3 is that much more advanced and worth our hard earned money.

The difference between the 360's BC and the PS3's, is this: MS and Nvidia did the split after the original Xbox and when MS announced the ATI GPU for the 360. There fore all the BC on the 360 is software emulated and they have to get those original Xbox games to work through code. I'm not sure if they have to pay Nvidia some type of royalty fee but it would not surprise me. In the end Nvidia put their GPU in the PS3.

This is why the PS3's BC was so much more superior because they had the PS2 chipset soldered onto the PS3's mother board. Just like the PS2 had the PSone's chipset.

I agree to a point that many people own a PS2 and the 399.99 PS3 is a steal. However do not tell us this lack of BC and lack of two USB ports, and the lack of memory card(Pro Duo) slots are the reason it's so cheap. What ever happened to giving the consumer all of the package? This is what my problem is with the 399.99 40GB PS3. The differences are to minimal and Sony could have released a 40gb unit with all the trimmings for the same price. Or hell make it easy and drop the 80gb unit down to 399.99 and stick to one SKU, easier for everyone. This is just greed on a companies part IMO.

If it lacked Blu Ray and or something big for the reasoning of the price cut and not some lame excuses on BC, then the pill would be a lot easier for us to swallow.

**Quick note** and correction on the Guitar Hero Companion Pack it was 3 songs not 2, sorry I was in a hurry to get the update out and get to bed. Basically you take the code on the slip of paper packed in with the CD redeem the code on the Guitar hero code website, then it will confirm the code and give you the code to redeem on the 360' market place blade under the redeem code to the lower right of the screen.

Now that's out of the way let's talk about the Uncharted: Drake's Fortune DEMO.

Where in the hell did this game come from?

Naughty Dog out of nowhere may have just saved Sony for the holiday season or at least give them a big boost.

First I wasn't expecting much from this game, then I kept hearing that Naughty Dog the developer known for Crash Bandicoot first and foremost were developing the game.

Then I kept hearing about all of the collision detection and combat problems the game had on the e3 demo. But now that I have played the game I'm sold. I do want to say though that Sony did themselves a big disservice by region locking the demo so that the North American region can only play this. Hopefully that changes soon.

Back to the demo you start off on Level 4, it's the jungle type environment and basically your shooting pirates. I guess we should start with shooting what you do is hold the LT button in to aim then hold the RT button to fire. You can also pick which shoulder to fire over by clicking the LS button or the left analog stick.

Weapons combat is pretty sweet and the AI does try to dodge although you wont to much trouble if you take cover by pressing the circle button. Picking up bullets is and grenades is easy as well. Seems like for every action there is an icon that comes on screen and basically you get the idea.

The controls are easy to master seems like very fun and very pick up and play. The only thing that bugged me was the lack of rumble. It felt like Drake, hopefully this is the characters name, was skating across the ground. I mean I would have like a little more less fast pace I guess when running. This is nitpicking and when I can get my hands on a dual shock 3 some of this bothersome should go away. I did notice any load times either very fast from what I can tell and the game runs super smooth.

Melee combat Icons come on the screen and advise you how to pull of combos by pressing square, triangle and then square once more and Drake will pull of some wicked shit. Trust me it was fun going up to these guys and kicking their asses in.

I was able to break some dude's neck when getting behind him, I even did a wrestling type move called the insagury (sp?) when a guy catches your leg and use the other leg to kick him behind his head or on the side of the head to drop him.

Graphically the game is colorful and has that feel of adventurous. this seems to own Tomb Raider in regards to scale. It just seems to be more epic then Tomb Raider is and or was. Waterfalls are also a nice touch and look way nice, the pics I snapped with the camera does not do this game justice.

I played the game on a 720P setting and this game is one of the best looking games I have ever seen besides COD4. Two completely different genres and setting but damn this game will give you a hard on for sure.

This is what I have noticed about PS3 games is that they seem to be really colorful and while the 360 is colorful too there is a difference but I just cant seem to put my finger on it.

Also switching weapons is another thing Naughty Dog has done right. The d-pad comes into play here by pressing left you arm your pistol, by pressing right you arm your heavy or boomer. Like a shotgun or AK-47, down on the d-pad is your grenades. By pressing your normal trigger button for fire you will toss a nade if it is selected. Which is easy to remember, this system to me IMO is very user friendly.

Camera control is the best system I have ever seen so far in a game. The camera does not get lost or stuck in stupid awkward positions. It moves very fast at time and keeps up so that you never get disoriented and loose where you are on the map. But IMO the best part of the camera system is that you can swing it manually around your character in 360 degrees no pun intended.

Last but not least is the Six Axsis controls, I know Liar flashbacks and jokes are coming and Heavenly Sword IMO relied way to much on them. Rachet and Clank even really doesn't do them all to good either. So what is the control scheme good for?

One word balancing...

Finally someone gets the idea here, using the system to compliment the main control scheme and not trying to over use the technology by downing the player in it. When ever you walk across tree stumps in the demo to get to the other side you have to balance Drake out with Six Axsis while moving him across with the Left analog stick. WAY AWESOME.

I could go on and on but it's late and I have to get this posted and get ready for bed. One thing is for sure I'm sold on this game and my PS3 will be getting some love. This along with Rachet and Clank the PS3 may indeed have a bright future in store.

Now if I can just get my hands on a dual shock 3 before spring 08!

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-