Note: My experience with Gran Turismo 5, is after implementation of patch 1.05 which was very significant.
Apparently, I am not supposed to enjoy, like or favour this title at all. Isn't this the car simulator I'm supposed to complain about?
I've found that gamers and reviewers are so focused on their "negative" aspects of the game. They don't like the menu system, which I didn't have a problem with and was a huge improvement over Gran Turismo V: Prologue. They dislike the load times which is understandable but again, I don't have a problem with them. Many of them don't even like the experience of the simulator because, well, it isn't a video game. Last time I checked the box cover, it does indicate that it is "The Real Driving Simulator". Even on the back of the cover, no where it states that it is a "video game".
Look, the Gran Turismo series is the Mona Lisa of race car experiences. If you want the MAD Magazine version, then go ahead and play Need For Speed or Burnout. Please, go right ahead. What I am saying, is that literally, Gran Turismo is digital art. It's an experience like no other. From presentation to the actual driving experience, it is art. You don't play it with full throttle, jammin' explosions. You drive in Gran Turismo. You take your time. You earn the right to drive "premium" cars. It will take time, patience and perseverance. Again, if that isn't your bag, than don't play the simulator.
Quick note: Again, I didn't mind the load times and I didn't even install the title. I sadly, don't have 8 gigs of storage to do so. Yes, the load times are a bit of wait. Yet, the simulator can be an intense driving experience, and the load times allow myself a bit of breathing room between each race.
Malick is a friggin' national treasure. A true living, cinema legend who makes film like no other.
Most films we goto the theatre are generally "six pack of beer" experiences featuring dazzling drunkin' delights, cocktail napkin scripts and cinematography my cat could capture in his litter box. Look, I enjoy my theatre fair like the next Old Spice wearing, Budweiser drinkin', and Maxim magazine reader, but every once and a while it's nice to stretch out. Terrance Malick flicks are those escapes.
You have probably heard of his recent epics like The Thin Red Line and The New World, two of my favourite films of all time. Now we have The Tree of Life, which still remains a mystery even after you watch the embed trailer bellow. If you are new to Malick or curious, I recommend watching a Blu-Ray or High Definition version of one of his flicks in the afternoon on a Sunday. Relax, grab a cup of coffee, wrap up in a blanket and prepare to be mesmerized.
Unlike Spike TV, IGN.COM had much more sence when it came to decide their PSP game of the year.
Not that I need a video game news media site to decide what is right and wrong for myself, I'm an adult. I'm a big boy and can decide on my own. However, I can respect differences of opinion and enjoy a good PlayStation community. IGN's PlayStation Beyond is possibly my most favourite and entertaining video game podcast I listen to. Plus, I have to send out huge props to Greg Miller and his endless pursuit of telling listeners how damn good the PSP is and how phenomenal a game Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is. IGN.COM has finally delivered the goods.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker has won the following PSP awards -
Best Story
Best Co-Op Game
Coolest Atmosphere
Most Addictive Game
Best Visuals
Most Bang For Your Buck
Best PSP Game of The Year
It scored seven out of nine awards. It cleaned house, much like Peter Jackson's Return of The King did years ago at the Oscars. The two it lost out to were "Funniest Game", which is understandable and "Best Competitive Multiplayer", which is also understandable since the game isn't online.
Congratulations to Peace Walker! Now for the love of Jesus, God, and Christmas, go pick up a PSP people!
SingStar is one of those great party games that is huge across the pond, but not in North America. As of lately, things are about to change.
The addition of being able to play guitar and to dance with the Move controller to certain songs, makes the game more robust and fun. If you are a fan or wanna get on with the excitement, I really recommend picking up the new SingStar Dance bundle and a PS Move set as well. Parties are fun with it my friends and it offers a different experience to Rock Band and Guitar Hero. I honestly prefer SingStar to the competition and it's not just because I'm a Sony fan boy, I just find it easily more accessible, interacting with the music videos is a blast, and you don't need plastic instruments taking up space in your living room. Plus, if you have the Move bundle, the game will record your performance and take photos during it.
In the past, living in North America and being a fan has been frustrating. Updates to the SingStar store were very tiny. You were lucky to get a handful of songs from time to time. As of today, the official PlayStation Blog has announced all of that has changed.
Starting Wednesday, November 15th, song updates to the European and North American SingStore will be universal. North American fans will now have access to the European store content, thanks to Universal Music, to a tune of 60 plus songs including a crap load of Lady Gaga and Bon Jovi. Hell yeah! Plus, more songs will feature dance support so you can get your groove on.
This is exciting news! I can't wait for Wednesday!
Spike Television's Video Game Awards 2010 happened last night to much excitement and anticipation, that is, if you even give a crap. The show was entertaining, I actually watched the entire event from start to finish.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta won best Handheld Portable Game of The Year. Fitting for a God. Yet, the competition included Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
Look, I love Ghost of Sparta. I love Kratos, but Peace Walker is awesomer. It's the game that keeps on giving. 60 hours into the game, I haven't completed all of the extra mission nor the "Monster Hunter" challenges. Heck, I haven't even unlocked everything. Plus, there is all of free downloadable goodies from Kojima Productions to enhance the game. The game gives and gives... and give some more. Plus, no offence Kratos, it's a better game than Ghost of Sparta.
This is gonna be a huge post, discussing not only the sick release of new Pac-Man games, but also the lack of communication Namco has with their fan base.
Mysterious Pac-Man Game Release #1 - See that arcade machine on the left, that brand new "Pac-Man's Arcade Party" cabinet is now out in bars, arcades, hotels, Chuck E. Cheeses and available for sale. I had no idea this arcade machine even existed. No word. Nothing even on the Namco Networks Blog, which BTW hasn't been updated since April 6th.
Mysterious Pac-Man Game Release #2 - Pac-Mania is a fun and interesting take on Pac-Man, which adds the ability to jump over ghosts in a 3D isometric mazes. It was released on the iPod Touch/iPhone on November 17th without mention on Namco Games. It's available for $1.99 and I'm sure it's a blast. Thanks Namco for the 411?!?!?!?
Mysterious Pac-Man Game Release #3 - Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is out now on the PlayStation Network and X-Box Live. It was barely mentioned on internet video game news sources before it's release, I stumbled upon it's existence literally days before it came out. Again, wouldn't it kill Namco to throw out something on their official homepage a month or two to get the fan base excited?
Mysterious Pac-Man Game Release #4 - Pac-Man Championship Edition for the PSP/PS3 is available in Europe as a MINI title. Somehow this completely dodged yesterday's North American PSN update. In fact, we haven't heard anything about this title since the summer of E3 2010. I don't even know if this game will come to North America and there hasn't been any word on it on the North American PSN Blog. Oh look! Here's a trailer...
Mysterious Pac-Man Game Release #5 - The Namco Museum Megamix was just released and is an updated version of the original Wii's Remix edition. It features a nice collection of arcade classics including Pac-Man and Pac-Mania and some new Wii crap. It was released with very little fanfare and I stumbled upon it at Wal-Mart for $18.99. Nice price! Once again, modern Namco Museum collections do not include the arcade game Ms. Pac-Man. Namco just hates the game for some reason and I don't know why?
The only game that was released with knowledge and a bit of hype, was the Wii release of Pac-Man Party. Which is out now.
Well there you have it, you can finally start your Pac-Man 30th Anniversary celebrations at the end of 2010! Now go get some Pac-Man games and have fun.
BTW Namco, could you please inform your fan community about what is going on with your beloved mascot?!?! You could easily do it at your own 30th Anniversary Pac-Man Website. I believe you, the reader, easily understands the situation here. A crap load of brand new Pac-Man content has just come out and no one, absolutely no one in the fan base knew about it.
Amazon.ca is selling the PSP GO black or white Digital Bundle for $149.99.
Best Buy Canada is selling them for $139.99 for an entire week.
I am going to provide a little bit of simple math for you. The current PSP GO Digital Bundle contains 80 dollars worth of games for free. You receive LittleBigPlanet, Socom 3 and Ratchet & Clank for free. So you don't even have to buy anything else when you purchase this bad boy. The games included are awesome. Period. End of line.
Let's say you purchase the bundle for $150, you actually purchased the device for only $70 bones.
That's not hard math. It's pretty easy to understand.
Look, the PSP GO is the best portable game player on the market. Period. End of line.
It's also a pretty kick ass multimedia machine and I can not recommend enough to everyone TO RUN OUR AND BUY ONE NOW! THEN GO HOME AND DOWNLOAD PEACE WALKER FOR $19.99! ;)
Black Friday deals are still available on the PSN and if you don't own it, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is $19.99. You might want to pick it up!
Since it's world wide release in the summer of 2010, within six months the title has sold nearly 1.5 million units for Konami and Kojima Productions. IGN PSP dug up the information from Konami's Official Web Site. This information was released on November 4th, 2010 and dose not account for Back Friday sales nor the upcoming Christmas shopping extravaganza.
So happy success to Snake, Kojima Productions and Konami!
I believe this is the first time in Canadian shopping history that crazy, awesome American "Black Friday" price deals are happening in "The Great White North". Now, all I've done is scan my local Best Buy flyer, so there are possibly a ton of great deals elsewhere but here are the Sony exclusives happening all week at the electronics giant.
PSP GO's ARE $139.99! Again... PSP GO's ARE $139.99! Now is the time. Run, drive, bus, hitchhike, whatever you have to go to get down there, get one now! You still receive $80 worth of free downloadable games when you purchase this which include Socom 3, Ratchet & Clank, and LittleBigPlanet. Awesome stuff!
When I was a little kid way back in the early 1980's, I'd wake up every Saturday morning with excitement for the day's cartoons. With a big bowl of Pac-Man cereal in tow, I'd sit down in front of that magical, glowing box as it displayed wonders of animated light. I had my Coleco Pac-Man tabletop beside me, as I awaited patiently for one cartoon in particular, Hannah-Barbera's Pac-Man.
Looking back at it today, it was an interesting take on the video game classic. I mean, there isn't exactly a plot with the original arcade games Pac-Man or Ms. Pac-Man. You just ran around the maze eating dots while being pursued by ghosts. So how did Hannah-Barbera deal with this when making an animated series?
Flinstone's + Pac-Man = Pac-Man The Cartoon Series!
Simple math isn't it? For the most part, it worked.
The show was cute, fun and colourful. Now, nearly 30 years since it's debut it is finally arriving on DVD thanks to Warner Bros. It will be released sometime in 2011.
You see that arcade cabinet on the left? Apparently, Namco didn't forget about Pac-Man's 30th anniversary. Even though his birthday is celebrated late May, all of the little yellow guy's goodies ain't coming out until the end of 2010.
Thanks to Arcade Heroes for the 411, Namco is releasing a brand new Pac-Man arcade cabinet. It will feature Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga once again like previous cabinets. Only this one will also include 10 more Namco classics such as Dig Dug and Pac-Mania. Nice!
Namco has released a brand new trailer for Pac-Man Championship Edition DX. It sure looks sweet. Yet, no details on it's release has surfaced, nor for the Sony PSP edition of Championship Edition.
We're waiting Namco...
Update!
On Tuesday, November 16th Namco will be releasing 2 Pac-Man themed Wii titles. The first is Pac-Man Party, a party/mini-game collection which I hope the living crap is good. Plus, a brand new Namco Museum is coming out. The Namco Museum MegaMix is an updated version of the previous Namco Museum Remix. The MegaMix will include 18 arcade classics such as Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man and Dig Dug alongside updates of the Wii specific games. It will retail for around 20 bones. Nice! That's a great deal Pac-Fans!
In my continuing adventures of partying like it's 1999 with the likes of Sonic Adventure on my PlayStation 3, the Power Stone Collection/Crazy Taxi on the PSP GO and now finally, we have Chu Chu Rocket on the iPod Touch/Phone/Pad.
Chu Chu Rocket was released way back in early 2000 on the Sega Dreamcast. It was the first console, online worldwide multi-player game. My memories of the Sega Dreamcast are pure gold, the same goes for this particular title. The DC system included a 56k modem, which Sega supported greatly. It was a defining gamer moment, that first time I logged online and played with gamers worldwide. Awesome stuff!
Chu Chu Rocket is an amazing, fast paced j-puzzle game that you've never experienced before. It's crazy fun and addictive. It's one of those Sega titles you play and you're instantly thinking, "Why the hell isn't Sega releasing this game on every gamer console available?" The game has only been released in it's original DC version and as a launch title for the GameBoy Advance, way back in the summer of 2001. This alongside other great Dreamcast titles, has stuck in the minds of gamers forever. A true gem amongst others, that are just finally being re-released again for a new generation to enjoy.
The iPod Touch edition is great stuff. It controls surprisingly well for a game designed for a DC controller. It's another one of those great, pick up and play games that you can spend a few minutes or a few hours to enjoy. It retails for $4.99 on the App Store and is worth it. Get it now! With this release, Sega has a number of tites on sale for .99 cents. These include Ecco The Dolphin and Streets of Rage. Sweet!
I you wanna play like it's 1999, here are a list of Dreamcast titles you can acquire right now and start rockin'. Go for it!
* Sonic Adventure - PlayStation Network Store/X-Box Live - PS3/X-Box 360 - $9.99
* Power Stone Collection - PlayStation Network - PSP-3000/PSP GO - $9.99
* Crazy Taxi - PlayStation Network - PSP-3000/PSP GO - $14.99
* Chu Chu Rocket - Apple App Store - iPod touch/phone/pad - $4.99
* Samba De Amigo - Retail - Nintendo Wii - Price Around $19.99
Future Dreamcast titles re-released:
* Crazy Taxi - End of November 2010 - PlayStation Network Store/X-Box Live - PS3/X-Box 360 - $9.99
* Space Channel 5 Part 2 - Spring 2011 - PlayStation Network Store/X-Box Live - PS3/X-Box 360 - $9.99
* Sega Bass Fishing - Spring 2011 - PlayStation Network Store/X-Box Live - PS3/X-Box 360 - $9.99
This wonderful podcast features my buddy Tyler and myself as we discuss video games, movies and other fun things. I think we're approaching our tenth year recording podcasts. Enjoy the show!
* Show Description *
Kelley and Tyler focus on downloadable games from Costume Quest to Sonic The Hedgehog 4. Holiday titles are discussed as more Sony 1st party titles disappear while Nintendo continues to have a strong X-Mas lineup. Tyler rants Metroid: Other M and Kelley talks iPod Touch Gameloft titles.
after a millennium in the making, we finally present a new episode of the Cut To The Chase Cast. Episode 4 features such awesome topics as Tron: legacy, Valkyrie Chronicles II, Sonic The Hedgehog 4, The Hobbit and much, much more!
This game celebrates Pac-Man's 30th Anniversary. It's much better than the 25th Anniversary celebrations we had. Releases such as Pac-Man World 3, a brand new Pac-Man arcade cabinet and the Namco Museum 50th Anniversary Collection.
After the awesomeness that the Sonic Adventure DC port to next-gen consoles was, you expect more from SEGA. Well now there is more. Much, much more!
Here comes CRAZY TAXI!
It'll be available in at the end of November. A little over a month dawgs! For $9.99, it launches November 23rd on the PSN and on the 24th for X-Box gamerz.
I live in the heart of Canada aka "The Great White North" with a Central Standard Time-Zone tick-tocking away. At around 9pm last night, the iTunes store was updated with Sonic The Hedgehog 4. I about spilled my crunk juice in excitement as I preceded to download Sonic's latest 2-D adventure, 15 years in the making.
Well it wasn't really 15 years in the making, it just sounds so cool to say that. It's like the advertising for Jurassic Park. "An Adventure 65 Million Years In The Making!" As sweet as it sounded, the marketing slogan started to sound really stupid after away.
I'm off topic, back to SONIC!
Quick impressions. There are 4 zones available with 3 sub-levels available and a boss battle at the end. So you have access to 24 stages of game play. Plus, apparently there are 2 exclusive, iPod Touch/iPhone levels which I believe are accessible when you complete the "main" game.
The game totally feels like playing "Sonic The Hedgehog 4". It plays, sounds and looks(in HD of course) like a natural progression from Sonic 3/Sonic & Knuckles. It's really damn good and I mean that.
The game is $9.99, which is a premium downloadable price on iTunes. Is it worth it? Hell yeah! It's great stuff! I feel although future installments, which nobody knows how many there will be, will cost less. We're just paying a premium for the introductory package. I expect Episode II to be priced around $6.99. The same ideology can also be applied to the console editions which are retailing at $14.99. I could see their future installments costing around $9.99.
I am having a blast with the title. It really is a true sequel to the classic Genesis/Mega Drive titles and I'm pumped up for future episodes. I expect 2 more, a trilogy of Sonic The Hedgehog 4 would be awesome! The number 3 has a nice "ring" to it.
Look at that. As soon as I log out, they pull me back in!
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 is right now on the U.K. iTunes store. Argh! Poop! I have to wait a whopping 24 hours. Well, not really.
The North American iTunes store should update with the title late, late tonight. Maybe around midnight we'll get it. Man, it's gonna be a long wait. Like many of us, I've waited 15 years for this baby!
Here's the scoop from the U.K. store. Let the copying and pasting... BEGIN!
Description
The sequel fans have waited 16 years for is finally here - Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I!
Featuring enhanced gameplay elements, including the classic Sonic Spin Dash, and the versatile Homing Attack, Sonic 4 picks up right where Sonic and Knuckles™ left off.
_________________________________________
2 EXCLUSIVE LEVELS!!!
Two exclusive levels build specifically for the iPhone & iPod touch using the accelerometer.
NEW MOVES
All of Sonic's classic moves are available, including the newer Homing Attack which will add a new level of control and excitement.
CLASSIC SONIC STAGES
Race through 4 unique zones containing 4 acts each as well as 7 special stages.
SPECIAL STAGES RETURN
A staple of the Genesis-era games, the special stages return allowing fans to collect the 7 Chaos Emeralds and unlock Super Sonic.
REVAMPED CLASSIC BOSS BATTLES
Dr. Eggman returns with new and improved mechas and will go berserk when he accumulates damage.
¬¬
GamePro - “…this looks and feels like a genuine Sonic game, deserving of the "4" attached to its title.”
IGN – “After an afternoon in its presence it's become seared in our conscience just like the classic levels of the early Sonics – and surely that's reason enough to have faith in Sonic the Hedgehog 4.”
Just look at the trailer. Like holy crap... It's the greatest thing of all time!p
This is the 295th post for my blog. I'm so happy for myself. It takes time, dedication, money,
and power to be this good and to be this good takes AGES! Hmmm... Get it? AGES is SEGA backwards! Oh, that old Sega European "Mega Drive" advertising campaign was pretty sweet.
You know what I'm going to do to celebrate?
Get myself Sonic The Hedgehog 4 for my iPod Touch 4!
WOOT! Sweet! Awesome!
The game will then be released a half a week later on current gen systems, on their respected, regular network store updates. The Wii version on October 11th. The PS3 edition on October 12th and the XBox 360 version on October 13th.
I'm excited about gettin' the Touch version because I'm going to be outta town on the weekend and I'll be able to take a little bit of the new magic with me.
With Sonic Adventure released only a few weeks ago on the next-gen consoles, Sonic The Hedgehog 4 just around the corner, and Sonic Colours arriving next month in stores... This has truly become the season of Sonic!
Apparently companies like Square-Enix and Namco-Bandia are huge developers of butt loads of mobile content for your favourite device. There is so much too list from them that I'll pass, instead I'll focus on some non-interesting Sega news. ;)
In the span of one month, can you believe it that the PSP has been graced with two giant sequels to two giant Sega IPs? Wow! Japan loves the PSP! All I can say is, "thank you."
First we have the sequel to one of the greatest games in the last 10 years, Valkyria Chronicles II released exclusively for the PSP. Up next is the one I've been waiting for, Phantasy Star Portable II. Oh hell yeah! Gotta love it yo! The titles have been released in both UMD and digital formats. :)
The mobile lovin' doesn't end there. A few days ago, Sega held a special game day for the press focused on the iPod Touch/iPhone. Coming very soon is a new franchise entitled Kingdom Conquest which is described as a free MMO. That's cool. Maybe Sega will finally be the company to get me interested in such a gaming genre. The Sega genesis classics Altered Beast and Gunstar Heroes will hit the platform as well. Exciting stuff!
Now for the mega-ton announcements... Drum roll...
The Dreamcast classic Chu-Chu Rocket! and the brand new Sonic The Hedgehog 4 are hitting the iPod Touch/iPhone! Sweet!
All of these newly announced goodies are all going to be released this fall. Awesome!
* * * *
STOP THE PRESS! STOP ALL THE PRESSES!!!!!
This just in. I just got this handed to me from my lacky, but it has been announced that Valkyria Chronicles III is coming to the PSP! Nice. Thanks Sega!
Last week, Steve "God" Jobs unveiled the yearly, refreshed iPod line. The "shuffle" got its buttons back. The "nano" is now completely redesigned and features the sweetest, tiniest touch screen on the planet. Finally, the "touch" has been updated and is a true "iPhone without a contract".
So, tomorrow like millions of other tech dawgs I will be purchasing the new "iTouch" with all those fancy new features. Now the blog will be reviewing Apple content alongside my lovely Sony goodies.
Not only has the iPod line been refreshed, sadly so are their prices.
Specifically, the brand new "iTouch" in Canada will run you -
8GB Model - $249.99
32GB Model - $319.99
64GB Model - $429.99
Compared to last year's models, especially the 8GB model, prices have exploded. I loved the fact that in North America, the last generation 8GB "iTouch" cost $199.99. That was a great introductory price. Now the price has been jacked up 50 bones. Argh. I understand you are getting FaceTime and the new processor and much, much more. I had hoped that Apple would have killed the 8GB storage and upgrade it to 16GB so the new price would be warranted. Guess what? Nope. Bummer.
I was thinking of purchasing the 64GB model because I am a man who enjoys his storage, but the price is astronomical. I just can't fathom having close to $500 worth of technology in my pocket after taxes. Argh. So the 32GB model is the way I'll be rolling.
Regardless, I am still super pumped up about getting up early tomorrow and buying my sweet new toy. Have fun tomorrow folks and enjoy the new tech! ;)
On November 2nd, 2010, my latest adventure God of War: Ghost of Sparta arrives on retail shelves. It will reveal secrets of my powerful origin as I plan to defeat Zeus and all who oppose me.
Raaarrrrr!!!!
You can participate in my adventure or if you don't own a PSP, purchase my special PSP-3000 bundle, crafted by my loyal Spartan army to defeat the enemies in my way.
The bundle will include -
- A Black and Red Two-Toned PSP-3000
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta UMD Game– After God of War concludes, Ghost of Sparta begins with the story of Kratos’ ascension to power as the God of War.
- God of War: Chains of Olympus PlayStation Network Downloadable Game Voucher – Before the events of God of War, experience Kratos’ journey during the 10-years of servitude to the Gods of Olympus in one of the most highly acclaimed action titles of all time!
The trapped Chilean miners incident marches on as messages of love and hope are delivered to the workers. The miners will possibly be trapped beneath the Earth until Christmas or even longer. Messages of love from your family is great and all but how are those poor souls really supposed to pass the time with? Why playing PSP of course!
Now these guys can get a crackin' on Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker! That's a kick ass game to pass the time with. I'm over 54 hours into that epic and still counting. Awesome! I just had to share this story, it's just too cool!
The gang over at techdirt have discovered that a kid who re-created Pac-Man, has been contacted by the Namco empire to take it down. The game was developed using the simple programing language Scratch. The whole story can be read here.
From Scratch's Official Site - "Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, with financial support from the National Science Foundation, Microsoft, Intel Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Google, Iomega and MIT Media Lab research consortia."
Yeah, Namco's really gotta chill out on this one. The language is designed for kids to get them interested in programming. I doubt a kid's version of Pac-Man is gonna put a dent in all them iTouch/iPhone/iPad sales.
I haven't updated my blog forever. Sadly, real life plays a far greater roll and the fun blog is placed aside. Now: No More! I'm back and ready to take action!
Apparently there was some kinda German video game show that happened last week, which I'll have to catch up and comment on later. Today however, we have two sweet videos from Attack of The Show featuring James "The Man" Cameron as he explains Avatar 2 and his brand new awesome 3-D camera technology. It is great stuff! Enjoy!
The Expendables and Scott Pilgrim VS The World are summer flicks. They should have opened somewhere in the beginning or middle of the sunny season. Instead, they appear at the end. Where I live, summer is over. It's cool, cloudy and rainy. Burrrr...
In theatres, one can watch Stallone and the gang blow up crap awesome and beat the snot out of bad dudes. The Expendables is glorious fun. It is the stuff of 80's action movie dreams are made of. It's paced better, more rewarding and constructed a hell of a lot better than the movies of the gone era. We've seen this film before. Good guys take on bad guys and win. The Expendables just does it better than the rest. The action scenes are epic. The flick ends and I had a stupid grin from ear to ear. Thanks Sly, you rock! The scene with Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Willis is awesome. I was waiting my entire life for that one scene!
Scott Pilgrim VS The World is for the ADHD generation. The movie is explosive in imagery and action. I couldn't stop laughing during the flick. My only complaint is that once and awhile, the pacing seemed off resulting the flick grind to a stop. Example: right at the beginning with Scott and his high school girlfriend, the setup felt long and tedious. It needed to be tightened up. Plus, moments after the thunderous action scenes felt boring as hell. I still highly recommend seeing it. It's visually awesome and hysterical!
Madden 11 is out for every single video console and handheld in the galaxy. I picked up the PS3 edition and awaiting to purchase it on the PSN Store later today. I'm very curious about the iTouch/iPad edition of the game. I played Madden 10 last year on the iTouch and found it very enjoyable. This year's looks even more impressive. EA is just rockin' the franchise, It's awesome to see it hit Apple's platform in style.
There are a million reviews out on the internets for the latest pigskin experience. So instead of reading more thoughts of it, let's look at the past and how Madden was started.
Over at EDGE, they have a wonderful article detailing the origial, the very 1st Madden game ever made. The game hit not only the Sega Genesis but the Commodore 64 as well. Check out the article HERE.
Also, IGN presents a very deep and sweet look at the entire history of the Madden franchise. It can be found HERE.
This post has a few partial spoilers to Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. I ain't spoiling the story or all of it's wonderful secrets. I am going to keep my description very brief. Still, if you haven't played this epic adventure you may wanna skip this. You've been warned!
As many of you know, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a HUGE GAME. MEGA HUGE. It's the BIGGEST MGS GAME EVER!
After one has completed Chapter 4 and the gorgeous cinematic's unveil it's awesome ending, the credits roll and then BOOM! In text the game proclaims that it will be concluded in Chapter 5.
WTF? Argh! Didn't I complete this baby?!?! Leave it to Kojima to keep us guessing and continually rewarded. ;)
So how does one get to the final, final battle in Peace Walker? Straight from Prima's Essential Guide is the following description:
- Complete Zadornov Search 6
- Mother Base must have been upgraded to two plants. When your Intel Team reaches Level 40, development on the second plant will begin. At that point, complete 13 missions other than Target Practice: No Limit or training missions to complete construction.
- You must have gathered all the basic parts for Metal Gear ZEKE, and must have the railgun installed. Metal Gear ZEKE cannot be assigned to an Outer Ops Team.
- After fulfilling the requirements above, complete three additional missions (other than Target Practice: No Limit) to trigger the call from Kaz informing you that Zadornov has escaped his cell again.
- Load Target Practice: No Limit (Extra Ops Mission 001) and climb the stairs to the second floor to find Zardornov. Approach him to trigger a cutscene. After the cutscene the mission begins.
There ya go! Good luck! Big phat props to Prima and their sweet guide. It's worth picking up to help you discover all of the game's hidden secret's and how to kick major ass during all of the missions.
Kelley and Kathy discuss summer movies such as Inception, The A-Team and Kick Ass. They also review Suikoden, Persona 1 and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
Snake racks in the money for Konami HQ and Big Boss Kojima. To date, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker has sold over 1.06 million units worldwide. Sadly, this dose not include those mysterious PlayStation Network purchases. Who knows how many people obtained the title digitally? A clue may lead in Konami's first quarter official sales data.
During the months of April to June, Metal Gear games have sold a total of 1.27 million world wide. The official Konami info strictly states the data as "METAL GEAR". So it may include sales of Metal Gear Solid 4 or Peace Walker digital purchases.
The fact is that the title has sold over a million units within two months of release.
Congratulations to Kojima and Konami! The game deserves great success.
My latest adventure, God of War: Ghost of Sparta arrives November 2. If you pre-order now, you'll receive a Spartan army size of rewards including exclusive PSP/PS3 themes, avatars and a video documentary featuring the directors of my adventures.
Rarr! Pre-order now! Visit the PlayStation Blog for more details...
In a little over a week, Madden 11 arrives for the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2 and 3. Yes, they are still making a PS2 version once again. Wow! Madden 11 for the PSP and PS3 will allow gamers to export their franchise between both versions. This is a feature we fans have been dreamin' about for a long time.
Now look what we have here. A brand new PSP-3000 bundle, celebrating the release of the beloved pigskin game. This package includes a black PSP-3000 and a copy of Madden 11 on UMD. There are no additional PSN downloads included, nor a movie or memory stick. Still, the package only costs the price of the PSP unit itself, $169.99.
I however, highly recommend the Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker PSP-3000 bundle. It costs a little bit more, $199.99 but you get more content and it's worth it. Plus, the green PSP-3000 is pretty sweet.
If you still don't have a PSP. Here's a detailed article I wrote explaining all the sweet things the mobile device can do.
This isn't it all shocking, it just adds dents to my wallet. We already have a Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Edition announced and now look what we have here. A LittleBigPlanet 2 Special Super Duper Sackboy Edition, sweet!
Included are a number of digital download goodies, bookends to help organize that ever growing PS3 collection and finally a very adorable 7" stuffed Sackboy. Just look at him. He's all cute and sh*t! I just wanna snuggle him.
Retailing for $79.99, Canucks will probably be able to purchase it at an EB Games location much like the God of War III Collector's Edition.
Hmm... I have an itchin' to play a bit of LittlebigPlanet 1 now.
Ever since Sony unveiled their new PSP promotion, they've been firing on all cylinders and backing up my favorite mobile device. The last PSN Store update once again brought us a number of PSP UMD Legacy price drops. Among them are two of my favorite EA titles.
First, we've got Medal of Honor: Heroes. Oh yeah! You know it wasn't that long ago when EA's WWII series was king of the FPS. Then, the trilogy of bad happened. Medal of Honor: European Assault, Vanguard and Airborne. Ouch! Them hurt bad. During that troubling period, EA Canada out in Vancouver developed a heaping helping of awesome with their portable version of the series.
Medal of Honor: Heroes for the PSP is fantastic stuff. It dropped in price on the network store to $9.99, it's well worth it folks. A sequel was developed for the PSP and the Wii easily titled, Medal of Honor: Heroes II. EA Canada showed off impressive work with this one-two punch of WWII power. Both titles feature a fantastic single player campaign as well as full online battle modes. Download the original title right now! It's that damn good. You may even be tempted to get it's sequel right after, available for $19.99. Sadly, a Heroes III ain't happening. *sniff* :(
Next, we've got a very unique and beloved racer. You know it. You love it. It's a compilation of the greatest tracks with a mixture of new ones. We've got Burnout Legends. Portable Burnout... I'm in heaven! Nothin' like being anywhere, anytime during the day and busting out my PSP GO and playin' a quick round of Burnout. It's $9.99 as well. Do not pass this baby up! Those who've only played the very kick ass Burnout: Paradise City, will wanna experience the origins of this franchise and Legends is a fantastic start.
Stay tuned for more articles focusing on discounted treasures, those buried goodies that you may have mistakenly skipped by.
Gran Turismo has always interested me, I was never a super fan. Over time, I grew into one.
I'll always remember visiting some family up in Edmonton. Checking out the West Edmonton Mall, going to movies and eating at great restaurants. While checking out my cousin's apartment, her husband to be busted out his PlayStation and wanted to show me one hell of a cool racer. I didn't know what it was. He turned on Gran Turismo and it looked amazing. The realism. The cars. The courses. A simulator that took so much care in recreating reality.
There have been car simulators before, particularly on the PC with such series as Test Drive. However, Gran Turismo blew all of them out of the water. Even that first, low resolution, PS1 game is still phenomenal. I hope it will be released as a PS1 classic on the network store some day.
Today, I love playing Gran Turismo on my PSP. What an amazing job the gang at Polyphony Digital did on that one. I still fire up GT5 Prologue once and a while, but I've slowed down on that one. I want the real deal now. Prologue is great stuff, but it was just a taste. The final game is insane with greater graphics, realism and more cars than any simulator before.
Gran Turismo 5 releases November 2. Alongside it, is a sweet collector's edition that I must own. Nearly a thousand cars are available to collect and drive. I already have a head start on my garage. Every vehicle collected and unlocked in the PSP edition will be available for GT5. The games share garages. Awesome!
I can't wait for Gran Turismo 5 and you should too. The game will be in 3D for those lucky enough to own a 3D television. Plus, there is Move support as well. The game is so feature packed, makes it worth the long development wait.
Here's that sweet E3 2010 trailer of theirs. Enjoy!
Chris Nolan is the man. We are in the presence of a cinematic genius my friends. The man who brought you Batman Begins, The Prestige and The Dark Knight crafts films like no other. Whenever I sit in a theatre with his vision projected onto the big screen, I am blown away. He is a master storyteller and filmmaker. I wanna be Chris Nolan when i grow up.
Inception is his latest masterpiece. In a summer of sequels, reboots, movies based on video games or TV shows, Nolan battles them all with an original summer flick like no other. Inception has great talent behind and in front of the camera and it shows.
Yeah, Predators was a hell of a lot of fun but Inception is the real deal. Go see it now!
You know, I do play other games besides Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. One I recently purchased is Midway Arcade Treasures Extended for the PSP.
Developed by retro fan favourite Digital Eclipse, the attractive compilation of classic arcade games includes -
Defender
Joust
Mortal Kombat I, II & III
Rampage
Spy Hunter
Xenophobia
Nice. In total, 21 arcade classics are represented. I have to admit, being able to play Mortal Kombat II, Joust and Xenophobia on the go makes me very happy.
Midway Arcade Treasures Extended s available for the PSP on the PlayStation Network Store for $9.99. This is stuff you can't pass up on. A great compilation and a great price.
I can't stop playing this game. I still haven't unlocked or completed all of the Extra Ops. Nor have I discovered all of the game's secrets. Heck, I haven't even completed the "true" ending to Peace Walker, Chapter 5: Outer Heaven. I did compete the main story, 22 hours into the game. There is so much to do, so much to discover, so much to play that it has "Game of The Year" written all over it.
I haven't written or recorded a podcast to review the game yet because I still feel I haven't put a dent into it. I love replaying missions. Receiving better ranks and recruiting new soldiers. CQC brings a smile to my face. Developing new items and weapons is bitchin'. Rescuing prisoners is so damn cool, I giggle in delight just thinking about it.
All I can say is that this game is worth purchasing a PSP for. You have to get the bundle and enjoy what is possibly the greatest Metal Gear Solid title ever.
Look at this game. It is a PSP game. It looks amazing! God of War: Ghost of Sparta will be available this fall alongside a special PSP-3000 bundle. Again, another kick ass title in the PSP's library. There are no excuses anymore to not own one.
UPDATE: Did you know this game has won 9 E3 2010 awards. Here they are!
Game Critics — Best Handheld Game (WINNER)
Kotaku.com — Best PSP Game (WINNER)
X-Play & G4tv.com — Best Handheld Game (WINNER)
Machinima.com — Best Handheld Game (WINNER)
GameTrailers.com — Best PSP Game (WINNER)
GameSpy.com — PSP Game of Show (WINNER)
Game Informer — Best Handheld Game (WINNER)
IGN.com — Best PSP Game (WINNER)
Ripten.com – Best PSP Game (WINNER)
I'm sure you are familiar with the Starbucks experience. It can be a 6 to 8 dollar price point for a coffee and some kinda backed goodie. Well, now the price doesn't appear to be too steep.
I am posting this absolutely mind shattering blog post from a Starbucks location with the thanks to their free Wi-Fi service from Bell.
Hooray!
I remember back in the day, a week ago that is, that one had to purchase internet minutes and crap just to get online. Now, things are different.
All locations in Canada and the U.S.A. now provide the free service and this makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Word! Keep it real! Now I'm gonna get back to my coffee... Damn, they make a good cup. ;)
As you know this is a Sony Blog. In particular, a Sony PlayStation line blog. It is also written and posted up in Canada. Home of kick ass beer, Olympic winning hockey teams, RUSH, Elisha Cuthbert, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, more kick ass beer and homeland of Neil Blomkamp, the awesome dude who directed District 9.
As far as I know, out of the three big gaming companies, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony... Sony was the only company who happily acknowledged Canada Day and gave PlayStation 3 owners a sweet gift.
On July 1st, Canada Day, Sony launched the video download/purchasing store to the PSN. Hi-Def movies and television shows can be rented and SD versions can be purchased. Sweet!
That's not all! Canucks who visit the store within the next couple of weeks will receive a voucher to download and keep a SD copy of Charlie's Angels for free. The voucher will be e-mailed to the visitors within 10 business days of their visit.
I love Apple products. Their form and ease of function. The iPad is awesome stuff. I love how slick and sexy it is. Then there's the other side of me that is always disappointed.
I held back on the purchase of an iPad because of the pricing. It's a total consumer munching device, with productivity to boot. You wanna buy plenty of goodies for it and store it on board for ease of access. I couldn't own one unless I purchased the 64GB model. I am more than happy owning the Wi-Fi only edition, I have no interest in 3G. The 64GB/Wi-Fi model will run me back $749 in Canada... Before taxes. I'm writing this blog post on a $299 HP Notebook with 160GB of storage... Before taxes.
I know my Netbook ain't no iPad. However, the price was right and she's a tough little bugger. I love my Notebook.
Let's put this into another perspective.
You could go pick yourself up the following and still have change to spare...
$299.99 - PlayStation 3 - 120GB Model
$199.99 - Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker PSP-3000 Bundle
$50 - PlayStation Network Card for Online Store Purchases
$29.99 - Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots
$29.99 - Grand Theft Auto 4
$10.00 - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Blu-Ray
$619.96 Total... Before Taxes.
$749.99 and all I get is an iPad? Kinda sucks...
I'm running off topic.
The iPhone 4 was just released to great sales and hype, thanks to Apple's Kool-Aid. There have been more occasions of hiccups and users aren't happy.
Users of previous iPhone models, would fall into great depths of dropped calls and service. Many speculated that it was the service provider AT&T's, fault. The iPhone 4 appeared to have resolved this issue with a fairly robust hardware redesign.
Visiting a few of my favourite Apple blogs, things aren't appearing to be doing so well.
"The iPhone 4 antenna issue is a very real one for Apple. While no one is certain what is causing the issue, it appears that when held with the left hand, assumedly connecting the two antennas, the signal drops significantly, often cutting off data and any phone calls." - Seth Weintraub, 9 to 5 Mac Apple Intelligence
Umm... Okay.
Apple officially responds to the public with, "Gripping any phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance, with certain places being worse than others depending on the placement of the antennas. This is a fact of life for every wireless phone. If you ever experience this on your iPhone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases."
At this year's E3 2010, Sony provided another strong presence with emphases on 3D gaming and pricing/details on the new Move controller. A few surprises remained with Value now committed to the PS3 platform with Portal 2 and their Steam service. The long rumoured new PSP ad campaign featuring Marcus was very successful. Check it out.
Very funny stuff! There were still a number of surprises, things quietly announced during and after Sony's press conference. Here they are...
On stage, Jack Tretton announced that the brand new PSP God of War title arriving this fall will be available in a hardware bundle. Cool! Quietly placed within journalist's goodie conference bag is the very PSP that will be included. It's a gorgeous black/red PSP-3000! Look at it in awe. It is beautiful stuff! Thanks Kotaku for the 411.
* * * *
Why wasn't this title shown during the press conference? This would have been perfect. Another PS3 exclusive downloadable PSN title that looks beautiful and unique. It would have blown the socks off a lot of fan boys. The developers of Flower have a new title in development called Journey. it looks gorgeous.
...when we are hiking in the wild, we become tiny and weak again. These feelings make every other person we encounter much more important and enjoyable. We greet them, giving them genuine and useful help. We might travel together for a period, learn from and rely on each other. Struggling against the dangerous nature together, somehow, makes us warm and powerful inside... - Jenova Chen, Creative Director of thatgamecompany
Let's wrap this up with a couple of side announcements during Sony's conference. A Sly Cooper PS3 collection will be arriving this fall. It will include Move enabled mini-games, HD visuals and trophy support. Awesome.
PixelJunk's Shooter exists! It looks sweet! Why wasn't this pumped up at the press conference?
Patapon 3 exists as well. Again, why wasn't this pumped up at the press conference?
Finally, Singstar will incorporate Move functionality as you sing and Dance. Very cool! I love me some Singstar and now I can bust a Move! I already boogie while I sing, I might as well get some points for doing so.
People of North America. Are you sitting down? If not, you must. Good. Here's the word...
Sony has finally unveiled new PSP promotions! Holy crap! Calm down. This information is very real, even in the face of disbelief.
Starting right now, two new PSP campaigns begin. With the PSP GO, Sony announces...
If you purchase a PSPgo system from today through March 31, 2011, you will receive an e-mail with a PlayStation Network voucher to download three games absolutely free! With premiere titles such as LittleBigPlanet, Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters and SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3, the PSPgo “Digital Game Pack” offers you an $80 value while giving you access to a great variety of our biggest games to get you started gaming on-the-go.
Wait! What? This is real?
Yes it is my friends and I can confirm that ALL OF THESE TITLES ROCK! This is finally a great value for new purchasers of the PSP GO system.
For PSP-3000 new and old owners alike, UMD explosions occur as...
we’re excited to introduce a new $9.99 “Favorites” software line. Featuring a healthy variety of your favorite titles, this new value line will reconnect you with some of your old favorites or introduce you to titles you haven’t played before. Initial Favorites games will include:
* Ape Escape: On the Loose
* Buzz! Master Quiz
* Hot Shots Golf Open Tee
* LocoRoco 2
* Patapon 2
* PixelJunk Monster Deluxe
* SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo
* Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow
* Twisted Metal: Head On
These titles are also available on the PlayStation Network Store for PSP Go owners as with the newly reduced price.
OMG! I'm about to faint... Call an ambulance...
Good job, Sony! Nice to see a little love and attention to my favourite portable device. :)
Sony has updated the PSP section on their official North American website with information about next week's super-duper arrival. The Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Entertainment Pack arrives on Tuesday, June 8th and retails for $199.99. The package includes the movie 2012 and it'll be available as a downloadable voucher for U.S. purchasers. In Canada, the movie will be included as a UMD disc. Direct from Sony here is their official description. The official page can be accessed HERE.
Metal Gear Solid®:
Peace Walker Entertainment Pack
Gaming Without Borders
Hideo Kojima, the father of all stealth action games, has created Metal Gear Solid®: Peace Walker exclusively for the PSP® system. Telling the story of Naked Snake creeping through Columbia during the depths of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Konami crafts one of the deepest PSP® system games ever. The only thing you need to enjoy it? A PSP-3000 system. Its 4.3” LCD screen perfectly displays acclaimed art and enhances new gameplay features and classic stealth moves. The PSP-3000 system also enables a unique multiplayer experience with four-player CO-OP gameplay, where four friends can team up to create a CO-OP ring and move in a new “snake formation.”
Together, Metal Gear Solid®: Peace Walker and the PSP-3000 system form the perfect bundle: a slim, portable handheld and the right game to make it shine. To complete the package, we throw in a 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ that can hold TV shows, movies, games and other good stuff downloadable from PlayStation®Store. You’ll also get a PlayStation®Network Movie Voucher for 2012 and everything you need to get started with your PSP-3000: an AC power cord, AC adaptor and a battery pack.
Metal Gear Solid®: Peace Walker Entertainment Pack Details
* Includes code to unlock in-game content including the Stealth gun and FOX T-shirt.
* A true continuation of the ever-evolving franchise directed by Hideo Kojima.
* 4 player “CO-OPS” gameplay that introduces the all-new “Snake Formation”.
* With 2GB of memory, the compact Memory Stick PRO Duo™ allows you to save your PlayStation®Network downloads, as well as store your videos, photos, music and more.
Contains:
* Green PSP-3000 system
* Metal Gear Solid®: Peace Walker UMD® Game
* 2012 PlayStation®Network Movie Voucher
* 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™
* AC Power Cord
* AC Adaptor
* Battery Pack
