2010, games I am looking forward to.

As my old list is horribly outdated, I feel I should make a new list of games I am excited for. This is in no order.

Earthworm Jim HD

Platform: PS3, 360, (PC? Wii? iPhone?)

Release Date: N/A

Hype Level: Medium-Low

I loved the second Earthworm Jim game, as I used to play it at my big brother's house when I was growing up. I never however got very far, and only saw more of the game when a friend pulled it out. I still love the style and humor, as well as the music.

Overall the original game is great, and it's nice to have a new reason to buy it. The HD-ness and new COOP levels and modes are really nice additions.

Only gripe I have is that the HD-ness doesn't look that different, as seen in the picture above.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Platforms: PSP

Release Date: 6/8/10

Hype Level: Medium high.

It's no secret I love Metal Gear Solid, as I MGS 1-4 would probably be in my top 10 games. I loved MGS4 more then I could say in words.

It was interesting, after the closure of MGS4 to hear about 2 new MGS games, Metal Gear Rising, and Peace Walker. I still feel a little strange that there are more games after the series ended...

Also, I tried the demo, and was a little setback on the removal of some core MGS game components, as well as the focus a little more on action, following in MGS4's footsteps.

However, since then, I have read a review or two and it seems like despite my issues, it might be a really, really good game. I'm keeping two fingers crossed.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

Platforms: PSP

Release Date: 9/7/10

Hype Level: Medium-High

Ah Kingdom Hearts, I loved the first game a lot, I thought it was really sweet, and was well written. It suffered from awkward controls and some other issues, so I was really excited for it's sequels. Both Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II have let be down, with the first being boring and repetitive, and the later being just kind 'alright' and nothing special.

However, from the little I've heard of the game, and the updates to Kingdom Hearts II in Japan, in the form of Final Mix+, I figure this game might be on the right track. I also like the look of the new worlds, and story structure.

I don't, however, like the sound of the battle system. What was wrong with the KH1 battle system? Sure it was a little clunky, but if you smoothed it out, it would have been great. Chain of memories went with a card battle system, and Kingdom Hearts II was too much looks, and too little depth, and was far too easy. This one sounds like a mix of CoM and KH2. I hope it's better than all that though.

Killzone 3

Platforms: PS3

Release Date: TBA 2011

Hype Level: Medium High

I loved Killzone 1, despite what most people thought, The gameplay was clunky, to be sure, but it looked great, had a amazing atmosphere, great characters and story, wonderful weapons, satisfying gameplay, ect. The PSP Killzone did one of the mos successful genre changes for a cannon main game in a series, while not as good as the original was a great game, and had more smooth gameplay.

Killzone 2 was amazing, it had the graphics, and gameplay of the heavens, I was blown away be the 'feeling' of the game, and I still start it up to play botmatches to the day.

However, Killzone 2 suffered from a very boring and generic story, with all the main characters from previous games left to the side, or turned into different characters, while the main story was uneventful, and uninteresting. They also took away secondary fire, and multiple level paths. Killzone 3 is looking to bring back multiple level paths, but I am holding off on getting too excited until I hear more about the story.

LitleBigPlanet2

Platforms: PS3

Release Date: Q4 2010

Hype Level: Medium-High

I did expect a lot from LBP, and at first was let down because of it, but soon found that it was one of the best hotseat multiplayer games in years. I enjoyed hours of that game, playing and slapping each other.

Not only that, but the game had an awesome style, and absolutely wonderful soundtrack, amazing graphics, and crazy online features.

LBP2 contains a level editor which can make more then just new levels, it can make new games; the developers have made an RTS, a racing game, a space invaders clone, a scrolling shooter, and even an FPS. That along with the new online features and level sharing abilities such as an added code system which can print a code for a level you have made, and swipe it infront of any playstation eye, to automatically load it up in LBP2. If you are not near a computer, you can take a picture of it with a smart phone, and see a preview of the level.

As for LBP2, I am quite excited for it, but I feel I probably still wont enjoy it that much solo, but maybe it can change my mind.

Beyond Good and Evil 2

Platforms: PS3, 360, PC

Release Date: TBA

Hype Level: High

I loved Beyond Good and Evil 1, I couldn't wait to see more of the universe. when BG&E2 was announced, I nearly spit my metaphorical coffee onto my computer screen, I was so happy.

The only issue I have so far, is that it feels like it might be a little more 'realistic', but I have complete faith in the developers. Make it happen.

Team ICO Collection

Platforms: PS3

Release Date: Rumor

Hype Level: Cautious.

*(Fake Cover art)*

This is not announced, but heavily rumored. Still, an HD Shadow of the Colossus with no frame-rate problems along with an ICO with a camera mapped to the right joystick, padded both games with trophies.

That sounds like a dream come true.

I am still worried this will never surface, or wont include the above fixes...

The Last Guardian

Platoforms: PS3

Release Date: 2011?

Hype Level: Medium-High

I loved Shadow of the Colossus, I liked ICO, but I had some issues with it. Overall though, both games were amazing. Anything made by the same people is automatically in my hyped games list.

I am a little worried since there isn't much information yet, I don't know what kind of game it's going to be..

inFAMOUS 2

Platforms: PS3

Release Date: TBA 2011

Hype Level: Medium-High

I liked the first game a lot, after playing the demo, it surprised me how much I enjoyed the game. I almost feel like playing it again, it's good stuff. The ending also made me excited for any other games in the series.

My wish was granted via the announcement recently.

Only worry is that there isn't much info yet, and it could end up being very different then the first.

Driver (working title)

Platforms: PS3? 360? PC? Wii? PSP?

Release Date: No clue

Hype Level: Medium-High

I loved Driver 1-3, as gltichy and problematic as they were, I enjoyed 100s of hours on them, playing the mini games and free-roaming. The driving in driver spoiled me so much over every other free roaming game, in a way that nothing else has done driving wise.

Driver: Parallel Lines was a good game, but a very different one. Kinda not a direction I liked, truth be told, even if I did quite enjoy the game.

I am a bit worried as there is no info for the game yet, but as they announced the return of Tanner, I am quite happy. :)

Halo: Reach

Platforms: 360

Release Date: 9/14/2010

Hype Level: Medium

Halo. I loved you when you were 1, and I even liked you when you turned 2, but when you turned 3, you really became something that grew away from me. ODST I liked, but still had many problems that processed from Halo 3.

I am still a Halo fan, and no matter what will try this game, at least for the story.

I don't like the sound of almost all the changes I've heard though, as it sounds like it is trying to change to be more like Modern Warfare and other popular games, which is a terrible idea. That, and the return of the worse elements of Halo 1. I do like the sound of the gametypes though. Who knows, it might be good.

Fallout: New Vegas

Platforms: PS3, 360, PC

Release Date: 11/16/10

Hype level: Medium

I liked Obilivion, and I liked Fallout 3, but I never beat either of them. I figure this game will be the same way, and I will probably put a few 100 hours into it, and never beat it.

I am a bit worried that not enough will have changed from Fallout 3, and that the things that changed could be for the worse. I haven't seen enough of it though.

Crysis 2

Platforms: PS3, 360, PC

Release Date: December 2010

Hype Level: Medium

Having never played the original, or Warhead, I am quite curious what the fuss is all about.

Having not played the original two, it might just really not appeal to me.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Platforms: PS3, 360

Release Date: October 2010

Hype Level: Medium

I liked Ninja Theory's other game, Heavenly Sword a lot, while I never had the chance to finish it, I really wish I had. The visuals, style and story telling was great.

Enslaved looks like a very different beast but the style and story still interest me, not sold on the gameplay yet.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4

Platforms: PS3, 360, Wii, iPhone

Release Date: Late 2010

Hype Level: Medium-High

I loved Sonic 2, I loved Sonic and knuckles, but I never owned Sonic 3. I loved Sonic Adventure 1, but thought 2 was only okay.

Hearing about the return to roots was quite surprising due to the decade or so of crap from Sonic, and the first trailer and screens looked amazing.

Still it's Sonic, he's let people down, time and time again, So he might again.

Rage

Platforms: PS3, 360, PC, Mac

Release Date: TBA 2011

Hype Level: Medium

I've never really liked ID's games, sure they were influential, but not my style. However when I saw a game described to me as a mixture of Fallout 3 and MotorStorm, I was excited, and the visuals really back up the excitement.

I however, feel this has a large chance of turning out sour. Also, I've never liked ID's games before, this might just be really not my style.

Red Faction: Armageddon

Platforms: PS3, 360, PC

Release Date: March 2011

Hype level: Medium

I loved Red Faction 1, RF2 was alright, kinda a step in the wrong direction, Red Faction: Guerilla was... Interesting, it was good in a different way, but didn't feel a lot like the old Red Factions.

Red Faction: Armageddon has a good chance of falling into genericy, with the direction they are taking it. At the same time, I wasn't sure Red Faction: Guerilla would be worth playing...

American McGee's Alice 2

Platforms: PS3, 360, PC

Release Date: Possibly early 2011?

Hype Level: High

I only started playing American McGee's Alice (1) recently, and am loving it. I still haven't beaten it, but I can't even imagine how amazing a game in this world would be with modern technology. Seems like a Win to me.

Only thing that worries me, American McGee's last few games have been less than amazing, I hope he's not lost his touch.

Half-Life 2: Episode 3

Platforms: 360? PC? PS3? Mac?

Release Date: Maybe... Someday...

Hype Level: Uh...

While I didn't thing Half-Life 2 was all that amazing, I did enjoy the story, and with the ending of Half-Life 2: Episode 2, I feel very cheated to be waiting this long, and still not have heard even whispers about this game.

I am curious if, at this rate, we will ever see it. Also, if we do, I am worried it wont be on PS3...

LeChuck's Revenge - Monkey Island: Special Edition 2

Platforms: PS3, 360, PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad

Release Date: Summer 2010

Hype Level: High

I loved the Monkey Island series, and loved the idea of the Secret of Monkey Island remake. While I didn't like some of the artstyle changes, overall, I liked the look of the remake (I still haven't gotten around to playing it too much).

The remake of the second game was a welcome thing to hear about, and it looks like they are going as far as they can to make it so much better than the first remake. All the changes, such as optional joystick movement, original developer commentary, and updated hint system for newbs. It sounds like it will be amazing.

Portal 2

Platforms: 360? PC, Mac, PS3?

Release Date: Late 2010?

Hype Level: Medium-High

I absolutely loved the first. Great idea, great execution, amazing overall. I did feel like they could have done a little more with the concept, but it didn't distract me from enjoying it a lot.

I am a little worried that Portal 2, being a full length game might get old before you get to the end, and I don't know if they can pull off the quality of the first. I did however like the look of the game. I am kinda worried it wont be on PS3...

PixelJunk Shooter 2

Platforms: PS3

Release Date: 2011?

Hype Level: High

I have almost finished PixelJunk Shooter 1, and I can find very little to complain about. Overall the game is just amazing, the only 'problems' are things that could be added, not things done wrong.

I love Q Games, I think they will deliver us more gold with this.

The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn

Platforms: PS3? 360? Wii? PSP? DS? PC? iPhone?

Release Date: Late 2011

Hype Level: (waiting)

I love Tintin so much, I've read and own all the books, and have watched all the episodes of the show. I've read pages of info on the books online, read behind the scenes books, and listened to audio dramas.

While there have been Tintin games before, none of them were that notable, and I cannot wait to see if this new game breaks that.

I am worried as I've not seen what the movie will be like yet, and this is a movie game, it could end up being rushed. Also, it could end up being a puzzle game, or something that ends up being just not good. There are too many 'ifs' right now.

Valkyria Chronicles 2

Platforms: PSP

Release Date: Summer 2010

Hype Level: Medium

I enjoyed playing the first game a great deal, and was quite looking forward to playing a second... However, one thing I enjoyed a lot about the first game was playing through it with my brother next to me, watching it like a movie. This game, being on the PSP, won't allow that.

The demo seemed good, but I am a little worried the first game will be a fluke, and this game just wont be as good.

Diablo III

Platforms: PC, Mac

Release Date: TBA

Hype Level: Medium-High

I loved Diablo 2 very very much. I was in the top 20 scoreboard online for a short time, and played it a great deal. I've probably beaten in 7 or more times. I still go back and play Diablo 2 from time to time, in fact.

Diablo 3 looks... Different. I am leaning towards in a worse way. It looks much less dark, and more WoW-y. I hated the artstyle of WoW, and liked how dark the original 2 Diablo games were. I also don't like the look of the combat compared to the original games. Lastly, I am worried I wont be able to play it when it comes out.

Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Platforms: PS3, (360, Rumored)

Release Date: TBA

Hype Level: Medium High

I liked Final Fantasy VI, VII and IX, but haven't really enjoyed many of the others (I liked the look of XIII, but haven't played it yet). Since it was first showed though, I really like the look of this game, a more realistic world and darker story.

I can't say that much, because there's not much known about it yet.

I am a bit worried it will end up just not being fun.

So there you have it, my list of games that I am excited for.

Halo 3: ODST review

Name: Halo 3: ODST

System/s: Xbox 360

Developers: Bungie

Release Date: 9/22/09

I am a Halo fan. I played Halo 1 for a long time, then moved to Halo 2 which I played for years, every day. I didn't have a 360 when Halo 3 came out, but found a way to beat it within 24 hours of release. I however, did not like Halo 3. I own all but one of the books, and I have read lots of backstory on characters, and such. It's safe to say I've really loved this series.

ODST started off on the wrong foot for a number of reasons for me, First, I will start with the most minor reason. Why the name? The working title was 'Recon' which I feel still fits it better then ODST; sure you play as an ODST, but Halo 1 wasn't called "Halo: Master Chief". Second, I feel that bungie really sold out with this, one thing about the ODSTs that a lot of people liked, was that they weren't talked about much, and felt kinda mysterious, and when they did show up, it was like 'Woah, it's an ODST!' Making a game which stars one was just riding on the reputation of them as a class, rather then making something new, and just as interesting, if not more so.

Furthermore, Bungie continually talked about how it was a game developed in such a short time, and how it was special because of it. This always disappointed me, as there were games developed in shorter amounts of time, with multiples of content, where the developers didn't tout the development time. Instead, Bungie brought it up time and time again, as if it was something to be proud of, when in fact it really wasn't very unique at all. Lastly, the price, it felt like a completely rip off, especially since they confirmed it would cost less then a normal game before release, then backtracked, and released it at $60, even though it was not the length of a full game.

Prior to playing the game, I had only had one experience with it, watching someone play firefight in a level that completely didn't interest me. I was able to borrow the game (Curtsy of a friend, thanks!) and began playing through it.

The game follows an ODST, who never talks, or makes almost any gestures, making him one of the least interesting silent protagonists I've played as. The concept is giving the player a large(ish) area to free-roam around in, taking missions, and finding secrets.

One thing that struck me right away, was that while it uses the same engine as Halo 3, it looks quite a bit better due to the setting, and lighting. The graphics themsevles, however still have that dated "last-gen' feel to the most of the time, I mean, no, you're not going to think it looks like an original Xbox game, but there are times where the textures look really flat, and the graphical style reeks of Last gen technology. Overall, the graphics stayed at a pretty decent quality, only in some places did it feel under detailed, and while the graphics weren't what I'd call bad, they did not once come even close to awe-ing, impressing, or even making me notice a detail I liked about them. Another issue with the graphics is that a lot of the game, will be spent with night vision on, which makes the graphics look even more flat often.

The gameplay is similar, yet different to Halo 3. To me it seemed as though, while it was good to see changes, it didn't really hit a good balance between new stuff and old stuff. When I heard you were going to play as a ODST, I thought "This will be interesting, experiencing this world from the perspective of a normal person. (Albeit, a badass normal person)." What made this fall apart for me, was, as I said before a balance. While you now have a health bar again, and are much less tough, you can still chuck a grenade a long ways. While you can't dual wield, you can still jump very high. While your melees do much less damage, you can still rip turrets up, and carry them around. There are parts like this scattered throughout the game, making you feel, not like a human at all, but a weaker spartan.

The story falls into the problem of telling a story in a non-linear fashion, but being a linear story, so unless you know what missions go when, the entire story will feel very disjointed. The story itself is very brief, and most of the story itself takes place in the last 60 minutes or so, leaving the rest to be pretty much just be fighting. Even after finishing the game, none of the characters seemed very defined to me. All of them were just thrown at you at the start with no real introductions, and are not fleshed out very well, besides 'Buck' the squad leader. The story was a little surprising, but even during the surprises, it disappointed me, I felt like there could have been something more interesting to fill the cutscenes with.

Musically, this game takes a step in a different direction, and sounds very little like the other Halo games. While I loved the music to the other Halo games, I absolutely loved the soundtrack for this one. Almost all the ambient music in this game I fell for, but most of the action music kinda falls behind. Suppose you can't win em all.

Voice acting in this title is what you should come to expect from a Halo game, though, again the female isn't played by a voice actor that I liked, she came off as unintentionally annoying to me, otherwise, a solid cast.

I touched on it before, but the basic premise of free roaming is quite interesting, I feel it should be done more in First Person games, however, I don't feel that ODST should be taken of an example of how to do it. ODST gives you a area to free roam in that is... Well, it's larger then any areas in the previous games in the series, but for a free-roaming map, it's quite small, making me wonder why they went with this design choice. Not to say anything bad about mixing things up a little, but I feel this could have been done better, even if it used the same system. For one thing, the loading screens hidden by large doors was annoying, a rule of free-roaming games, is don't make people load on the world map. This didn't just make it take a second to load, but it also made you have to get out of your vehicle, and press a button, and get back in, to drive through. Also, the areas nearly always seemed to have enemies spawn in the same places between missions, making it feel like "Man, I've been here before, I've fought this fight before."

The level design is something I feel Halo 3 did horribly, and while this is a lot better then Halo 3 in some places, it has some steep dips. Some of the levels just are uninteresting, and bland, feeling like they fell out of Halo 3, while others I had a complete blast playing. It was strange to see the vast difference between quality of some of the levels (Not graphical, but play-wise).

I was really disappointed that it didn't have it's own multiplayer, ODST style, or at least some options to tweak Halo 3's multiplayer to act like ODST, instead you are given Halo 3's multiplayer with all the downloadable content, which feels like a strange choice, since this is Halo 3: ODST. It does, however, have Firefight mode, which pits you against waves of AI enemies coop. This works out pretty well, but the way most of the levels are set up, makes this feel very repetitive, as you usually need to stay right near the start, to collect supplies. Not to say it's all bad, as it's still a blast to play, but it certainly could see room for improvement.

What I liked:

Setting: I always loved Halo 2's solo levels "outskirts" and "Metropolis" and I remember watching the Halo 2 trailer in New Mombassa tens of times, wishing I could play it. While I will never be able to play that exact level, this is a nice homage to what that level could have been. It's nice to see urban combat in Halo.

Music: Did I mention I loved the soundtrack? It's great, and it's something I will listen to for year to come. Good stuff.

Good ol' Halo: If you like the Halo world, or the Halo gameplay, you will have fun with this. It feels like Halo, which is all some fans will need.

Atmosphere: While I didn't touch on it in the main section of the review, I thought the amazing music really helped set an atmosphere, along with the loneliness and dark sky.

Pistol is fun to use: It feels like they finally balanced it, at least for single player, but where the heck on the weapon to they hide the scope?

Mixed up gameplay: It's nice to see some new stuff done with Halo, not just the Master Chief fighting, but seeing things from another angle, and playing as someone else.

Fun to explore: Unlike Halo 3, but like the older Halos, you can explore, which is always a plus in my book.

Firefight: While it isn't perfect, it's good for some fun, I enjoyed a few games of it.

Things I didn't like:

Level Design: This dipped too much in some levels, and really made me want to just finish the level to get away from it. Not a good thing.

Bland story: It feels like the entire story adds pretty much nothing to the Halo world, almost nothing shown that anyone who played the other games doesn't know.

Bland Characters: I really didn't care about any of the characters until near the end of the game, where I felt like I actually got to know one or two of them.

Disjointed: The whole thing feels like watching a TV show, but putting the episodes in a random order. It is hard to follow at first, and it doesn't flow very well.

Not Human Afterall: It still feels like you are playing as the Master Chief, just like, not as badass. Too many things take away from feeling like a normal Human.

Repetition: Like fighting Grunts, Drones, Jackals and Brutes? Well that's all you'll fight the entire game (besides about 6-8 hunters). It gets very boring fighting the same enemies nearly the entire time, as Drones and Jackals aren't in every fight.

Lack of True multiplayer: Where's my "ODST" fights? I want to try playing as an ODST in multiplayer!

Firefight: While it is fun, I feel it's half-baked, they should have spent more time ironing out how it worked. It would have been more fun to walk around, and have covenant spawn in different places depending on where you are, same with supplies.

Disappointing: There were parts of this game that I just felt "bleah" about, it felt like the dropped the ball a few times throughout the game.

More new weapons please?: Why only 2 'new' weapons? And why are they just modified old weapons? You're more creative then that Bungie...

Free Roaming not well implemented: Like the title says, I feel they really didn't pull off the free roaming in a way that will make you think anything more then "Well.... It's.... Interesting... I guess.."

Story pacing: For some reason almost the entire story of anything interesting happens in the last hour or so of the game, with the rest left to "let's go here".

Grpahics: So, they look better then Halo 3, to me that isn't saying much. While it never felt like the graphics were 'bad' per say (Some parts looked pretty under-detailed), they never impressed me.

Price: Okay, seriously? $60 This is an expansion pack sized game, don't rip people off.

Overall Scores:

Presentation - 8/10: The atmosphere and music alone would have made this possibly a 10, or 9.5, but the lousy story pacing, bland characters, and less then impressive graphics let this down.

Graphics - 7/10: This game is technically proficient, but unless you really don't play many games, it will not awe you even once.

Sound - 9.5/10: Besides the poor female voice actor they chose, there's nothing worth complaining about here.

Gameplay - 8/10: It's Halo, Halo is good. But this game doesn't push it very far in any direction, but it's nice they pushed it the little they did.

Lasting appeal - 7/10: The campaign is short, there isn't a unique multiplayer, so if you didn't like Halo 3's multiplayer (Like me), you are stuck with Firefight, and replaying the story mode, which isn't that much to chew on.

Overall fun - 8/10: While it had many dips, and issues that really bothered me, I enjoyed myself. Though it may just have been since Halo 3 lowered my expectations so much. ;)

Author's Note: Overall Fun is NOT an overall score, it's simple how much fun I feel I had with it.

My gripes with seventh generation consoles.

While in most ways this generation of consoles is better then the last, there are some major gripes I have with them:

1. (PS3/360) What the fuck happened to spilt screen? Seriously? How many games have it these days? Like 1 in 20? I happen to have a large TV, and have guests over nearly all the time, can't I play multiplayer without buying a second PS3/360, TV, and copy of the game? This is sheer bullocks.

2. (PS3) Mandatory Installs, go fuck yourself. Fucking installs. I hate installs. Great, I get a game, bring it home, and realize I need more space on my PS3. Okay, gotta delete stuff. Now I have enough room, set it to install and sit for 15 minutes, 'fun'. Now what about games that have no instal on 360, but a mandatory install of 5Gbs on PS3? Wtf is that shit? Also why don't all games store updates and installs in different places? I hate having to not only download the updates, but install it over again if I delete the install to make space...

3. (PS3/360) Downloadable Content. Okay, lower your pitchforks, and hear me out. I have nothing against well made DLC, I've bought my fair share for a fair amount of games. However, when you have overpriced downloadable content, and stuff that should have been in the game in the first place, it's a PITA. Also, what's with DLC that gives you the end of the game? What is this fucking bullshit? Look at Resident Evil 5, why is Versus a $5 download of 5Mbs? This shit doesn't fly with me.

4. (All) Death of genres. There are a few genres that have all but disappeared since the last generation of consoles. JRPG, Kart Racing, Jak/Sly/Ratchet style platformers, Zelda Style adventures, ect. Not to say there are none of these games coming out, but there are far and few between. Now to all of you that say "Well, JRPG deserves to die, WRPG are better" or "JRPG should die, they haven't innovated in years", please go fuck yourself with a wrench. Having less variety is NEVER a good thing.

5. (All) Timed Exclusives. Okay, seriously I don't give a fuck if I have to wait for a game on one console, but don't do all this dodgy PR shit, it makes you look like douchebags. "Exclusive for the timing being" is about as honest as that person that can only tell lies in the duo of which one always lies, and the other always tells the truth.

6. (All) Lack of color. While this generally doesn't bother me, some games take it too far. Gears of War is one case, Resistance: Fall of Man is another. Since when does life take place in a grayscaled world? Gimme some goddamn color.

7. (All) Motion Control. Wii, PS3, 360, iPhone.... Fucking seriously? What is this obsession with a control scheme that makes it impossible to have smooth gameplay on anything but minigame compilation and casual games? What's that? Mad World? Sure, that and No More Heros, That's like 2 in 5,000 that could get it right? And from my experience they are considered better only because they not as bad as the other games, but would have been simply 'pretty good' last generation. Great innovation guys! Now we have to wait a few years before people realize that if you want a smooth controlling game that isn't gimmicky, you need fucking buttons.

8. (All) Activision. While they were around last generation, they weren't the horrible shitbags they are now. Activision, you may suck my dick, choke on the ejaculate and be buried in your own piss. good day.

9. (Wii) Too many casual (aka shitty games). Casual gaming is one thing, making games that suck because people that buy them wont don't know what makes a game good is another thing. People making shitty games for the Wii to prey off the 'casual gamers' can eat shit and die.

10. (All) CEO Prickfights. Okay, seriously, I know you are competing, but some companies realize this doesn't mean you have to publicly diss other companies. Seriously. It makes you look like a dick. When I hear "We are excited to see what the competition is up to" and "We wish them good luck" I smile, and when I hear "Our company is the best" or "Our game is better then their game" I want to first kill those people, then babies. Stoppit dickweeds.

11. (PS3/360) $60 games. "But games cost more to develop for." Keep eating this PR shit. No, this is simply greedy companies. Fuck you. I buy my games used now, just to prove to you that I wont take this shit.

12. (All) Reviewer sucking the dicks of publishers. GTA IV was, In my opinion, a shitpile of a game. I rented it, and wasn't able to play it for over an hour. I later rented it again, thinking that it might have been my mood, but no, I still hated it. I then asked people, no one I know said they enjoyed the game, and I looked online, and it seemed the people that actually enjoyed the game were only about maybe 60% that bought it. Yet all reviews for the game on Metacritic are 90%+. Bullshit. Also note the whole Kane and Lynch scandal at Gamespot, We are getting fucked over by paid off review scores.

13. (All) Non-crossplatform plastic controllers. Rock Band and Guitar Hero compete, and use almost exactly the same type of controllers. It was bizarre when GH3's controllers didn't work with RB1 and vice versa, but it's really sad that PS3, 360, PS2, and Wii versions of all these games do not have compatible instruments. The only difference is the 'playstation' 'guide' and 'home' buttons. That is stupid reason to screw gamers out of cross-platform instruments.

That's all for now.

Ratchet and Clank combined post

Rather then make a few posts of the same thing, I am just making one post.

• I got Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters for PSP finally.

• The menus are, in fact, in english, now I need to make sure the 'brows look normal.

• I beat Ratchet: Deadlocked. It was better then I expected, though short. I might replay it in coop at some point. God I love spilt screen COOP.

And Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty got here

Now I need to make sure the menus aren't in Chinese. :)

In coincidental relation to today's earlier post...

I beat Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal.

Fun stuff, much better in almost every category then the previous game, though I still could see room for improvement.

Overall, good though.

Since I figured you people new to this blog might wanna catch up

... And not have to shift through all those news posts, so, for your viewing pleasure, I present this link, which will show only the real articles for this blog, have fun!

LINK