The Saga contines

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Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer

I've been playing this game religiously for about a week now, and even though victory still eludes my grasp I think I've played enough to write a review on this game.

First of all if you are reading this, you like RPGs with random dungeons, and own a DS, go out right now and pick it up so that we can help each other through the game. I say this because of the Wi-Fi option of the game. If you die during an attempt to go through the game you can send out a rescue notification, which you have 3 of for the game. Another person with Wi-Fi connection can then look up to see if there is anyone that needs to be rescued, they can then find the character and once found will send the person a revival scroll. The player with the dead character can then use the revival scroll to continue their journey. This process works a lot better if you have friends who have the game and can quickly find your character, instead of just throwing the rescue out to anyone, and you never know if someone is going to help you, or how long its going to take.

The graphics for the game are your standard DS graphics, when not in one of the couple of cities that are spread out across your quest you'll notice that you have your ever present map up. I did find this slightly annoying, but I was still able to see the action so it didn't affect me all that much. Also you have the directions in which you can go constantly at the corners of the screen.

The game play is pretty simple, everything is turned based. If you don't move or perform an action then nothing will move on the screen. You can use that to your advantage, or get destroyed because of that. There are traps dotted throughout the different levels, and there are characters that will join your party to help you through your adventures. On mechanism that can suck is the fullness indicator. Not only do you have to keep your HP up but you also have to monitor your fullness, if it gets to zero you'll start taking damage every step you take. The thing I find strange about this is that there is almost always an abundance of healing herbs if you search each level, but rice balls, the stuff you eat to keep your character full, are almost damn near impossible to find from time to time. There's been the case where I've had all this sweet gear that I'd picked up along the way, and I'm getting Gitans (Money), and items, but because I'm carrying a weapon and a shield my fullness is falling faster and I can't find any rice balls. In the one store that you'll constantly come across there's no guarantee that you'll be able to find rice balls present in there items.

I think that to a degree hurts the overall game. I like the fact that there is a large degree of randomness, it means that its very unlikely that you'll have the same experience twice in a row, but to not be able to have something that is essential to just getting through a level monsters or not is a bit over the top.

There is a mini-game of sorts in the starting village that puts you into a dungeon in which you have to solve the puzzle. Some of the levels are a bit strange, but I think that it definitely allows me to vent some of my adventuring frustrations. Also by completing a challenge you'll be given an item, I believe that is random as well. Thankfully though, as of late I've been getting rice balls as my reward. Oh that reminds me there is one catch to that place, everytime you accept a challenge your inventory disappears so you have to place anything that you won in a warehouse.

The warehouse can be key because everytime you play through the game, if you got some sweet item but don't need it you can leave it there, and then the next time you come through that town, lets say after you died, you can pick up that sweet item.

I think this game is a great buy, if you can find it and I think that if you're like me you'll enjoy the game. I do think, however, that it is crucial for you to know someone else that has the game, otherwise you are going to want to throw your DS through a wall. So I sadly give this game a 6.8 because of the throwing DS factor.

Another Comic delivered in the middle of the night

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As promised here is the latest comic. I'll try to get the next one up a bit earlier than this past one.

Alright well with that and with no witty remarks I'm off to bed.

TiQal

I decided to try out this latest addition to the XBOX LIVE arcade, and overall I think that this is a game that I wouldn't mind adding to my collection.

It's a puzzle game where you are trying to place colored blocks that are in different formations on existing layers of blocks. The object of the game, as far as I can tell, is to just stay alive by making at least a square of the same color. If you make the square larger you get more points, and if you make it to a certain size you can get power ups to help you conquer the level.

The controls for the most part are solid. All you really need is the right and left direction, and the X, A, B buttons. From time to time I found myself accidentally releasing puzzle pieces before I got to flip them with the X or B button, but most of the time I was able to survive from my mistakes. The directional movements can sometimes be a bit to sensitive going over 2 spots instead of just the one that you need to drop the piece. Also when flipping a piece sometimes the shape moves slightly differently than you would expect.

The game play is creative and fun. It took me a bit of time to figure out that you had to have your piece holder touch the power ups as they floated up, but once I figured that out I was having a blast. The one thing I have to say is that once you drop a piece it is going to stay exactly how it is dropped, it isn't going to deform. Also once you make a square of the same color the blocks start to light up more and more until the explode to give you points, but if you drop a block of the same color to increase the size of the shape that you've created the blocks will start their lighting up process again. Another feature of the game is that not all the power ups are unlocked for the player right off the bat, if you complete certain levels more power ups are at your disposal.

The graphics are sharp, and I think that if I had a HD TV I'd probably like it even more. The use of colors on the blocks, as well as the backgrounds and the story map look great. The one flaw to the graphics is the choice of text colors and background colors. Almost on every screen that there is some text there is some blending issue making the text difficult to read in places. I know that in some cases they changed the text color to emphasize a point, but they should have been more careful with what the background color was going to be.

Overall I'd have to give this game a 8.2 out of 10. So give it a look over, all you need to do is go onto XBOX Live and download the demo and try out the first 5 levels of the game.

As Promised Another Has Appeared

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A bit late, but still a comic that gets posted

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Lord of the Rings Online

I know that this game has been out there for a while, and it is in the genre that I have a problem with, but I figured I'd review it since I've actually played the game good amount.

Overall this game is your standard MMO affair. For some this game stands out more because of its tie to Tolkien's immortal work. As a person who hasn't immersed myself through all of his works it was the time period and races that drew me into this game.

The graphics, if you have a good card look stunning, and if you don't have that good of a card, well you're going to see some chugging in large areas. I like the more realistic models over those of WoW, but it does sometimes have the feel of WoW reskinned.

The controls are of course sometimes a bit tricky with the quick slots, but if you are use to this type of game it basically follows the same format as other MMOs.

I think the thing that makes this game a good addition to an MMO player's library is the fact that there is an option out there for a lifetime membership which means that you can kiss monthly fees goodbye, now of course the amount you have to pay is a large amount, but if you feel like this is a game that you're going to be playing for a long while then it is the choice for you.

Another thing that makes me happy about this game is the content updates that they've been able to give to the player. I'm excited that there is more and more to the game. The only thing that people gripe about, and I can see their pain, is the same thing in any MMO, there is a ceiling for leveling up. I know that's to keep players under control and make the game more of a challenge.

There are different quests out there for players, and it isn't required for the player to have to complete all of them, of course I'm the idiot who still tries, but I know that once you've gotten to a certain level some quests just disappear. There are retrieval quests, hunting quests, and of course your rescue quests.

Overall this game is yet another MMO, and the content though being increment isn't going to be able to satisfy hardcore gamers after a while.

To be honest I don't think there's an MMO out there that can. There are MMOs out there that have PvP (Peer vs Peer) battles to get exclusive items, but once you've risen to the top boredom can set in overnight.

I'd give this specific MMO a 7.5 out of 10. It has potential, and staying power but its not something that I can honestly say I'll be hooked on until the end of time.

Another Comic Posted

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GamerTags

Just in case anyone was ever looking for me on XBOX Live here is my gamer tag, I find it only appropriate since I did give my Wii numbers, it's only fair.







I'm pretty sure I'm also wizardofthorns for the PSN, but I would have to check up on that one.

Well as you can see I'm posting a lot, and I've gotten a couple of requests to break up the posts into categories so that people can navigate a bit easier, but sadly I don't think that blogger (the host site) has something like that. So it would appear that the only way to keep up with the action is come back daily. I'm seeing a pattern in my writing, and it says daily. Maybe not daily comics, or daily reviews (well that will happen until I probably run out of games, which will take a while). Speaking of games, I still have yet to put my list of games up, I'll have to grab that list off my laptop and throw it up for people to see, I just have to think about how I'd format it so it doesn't look like crap, and it doesn't take 36 pages worth of space.

Alright back to the working thing that I do. I'll be back I'm sure, and if you have a comment about a post present or past please just leave your comment and I'll answer it, I'm pretty quick on the turn around so don't be surprised if I can comment on your comment or answer your question shortly after you posted.

College Hoops 2K8 ( PS3)

I know this game has been out there since September, but with March Madness in full swing and the sweet 16 getting underway I'd like to talk about this game anyways.

I've been a huge fan of the not-EA sports franchises, and I have to say that this one ranks up at the top. It could be that I'm a huge college hoops fan, and I have an obsession with certain teams, but I think its also the fact that this is a really well made game.

The graphics are always going to be close to the top for a sports game, especially on the PlayStation3. Sure there are small hiccups from time to time on my SD TV, but I can ignore them because I'm into playing the game. The crowd, though generic also look pretty decent, and the cheerleaders are almost as crisp as the players.

The game play is also pretty solid. The problem I have is that in real life the game of basketball is played with ever changing strategies, you wouldn't run the same play 10 times in a row, especially if the other team picks off a pass every time after the third time. I understand why they do it though, its to decrease the chance of a lot of collisions on the court and as a result someone going through another player. The low post moves really need to be looked at, the mechanism for backing down and posting up doesn't really seem to be present. My final problem with the game play is the interpretations that the system takes on what I want to do with the ball, while shooting. I sometimes want to do a layup but instead I get a pull up jumper. There are also times where I want to do a turn around jumper towards the basket but instead I get a fade away jumper. Finally there are times where I want the shooter to take the shot like he did when 6 feet from the hoop at 9 and his entire shooting mechanism changes to a slow developing shot instead of a quick throw up.

Now we come to the sound. If you don't play legacy mode, or season mode you might never experience this, but if you play into Legacy mode at least 3 years through certain things are going to happen. The announcers are going to start stating things that sound weird to you such as while shooting a free-throw, "He's wide open, and he hits the free throw". My personal favorite though is "They are down by 9", upon looking at the scoreboard it is 7-2.

There is one more game play thing that I forgot. At half time you get coach's tips. Its basically a list of things you're doing well, and a list of things that need improving. What I don't understand is when I have only shot baskets close to the hoop, and am up by double digits why the tips tell me that "don't shoot the ball down low our shots aren't falling.". The other one is "our press is backfiring we need to ease off of it", this being said after I've stole the ball 10 times because of the press defense.

After all is said and done, and the fact that there is a chance for underdogs to pull of victories in this game I'm going to give it a 8.2 out of 10. There is a lot of room for improvement which I've quickly talked about above, but the game is solid enough that I can ignore most of it.

First Comic Posted

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The Rating Scale

Seeing as I was called out I'm going to just throw out the primitive scale that I have right now, I will be refining it, but for now its just on a scale of 0 to 10, that's right there is the possibility of a 0. I can think of one game that gets it right off the top of my head.

Stake: Fortune Fighter (XBOX).

This was one of those games that you and a bunch of friends threw all their change in and wanted to see what they could by for $2.49. What we were able to buy was the most confusing and terribly done game, I'm sure that there is someway to salvage the title, but I think you'd have to put in more grueling hours than trying to administer water torture to someone.

On a side note a game that did pan out of the throw the change together scheme is Eternal Eyes (PS) $1.59, now that's a game that I actually got sucked into and played for 16 straight hours. Its a tactics game, so if you like Phantom Brave, LaPuecelle, or FF:Tactics this game is up your alley.

I think I'm going to refine the rating system once I've gotten about 10 reviews up, and when I do I'll probably go back over those game and give the new rating system to them.

PATAPON

Let me start off by saying that this game can get so addictive. You'll want to play it for just a little bit and end up playing it for half an hour to an hour. It is a great addition to anyone's PSP library.

You are a God and control a nation of creatures trying to get to IT. You issue commands by rhythmically pressing keys in different patterns. As you adventure on you'll be given new units, as well as weapons, and items to create the units. Also after a couple missions you'll be able to get a couple extra items by playing your horn for the tree whose crown always itches.

Overall this game is intense, there is a really jump in room for error in the game, and I think that is why there are going to be plenty of people out there that are going to have to wear the wrist strap, if they've even ever put it on, to keep from throwing the PSP in frustration. Depending on when you slightly don't get the beat or miss the pattern entirely you could have just sent your entire army to an early grave.

I think for those who are willing to try levels over and over again they will find that this game is a great game and gives you a sense of accomplishment after you've finally completely a level after about 7+ times. For those who want the action, some difficulty but the ability to mess up and still be able to advance, after the first 7 levels, this game is not for you.

I think my biggest problem is that there is no true pause feature, sure you can hit the start button and it will bring up a pop up but you are going to lose your combo of successful beat patterns, and worst of all you will still be getting attacked and damaged. For a portable game system game I believe that this is a must, you have to be able to truly pause the game. Certain levels will not allow for you to break the rhythm so that you can go to the bathroom, take a phone call, answer a question, or get yourself something to eat/drink.

I'm sorry to say that because of its flaws I'm going to have to give it a 6.5, I'd love to give it something better but my frustration with the game is an all time high right now seeing as I've played the same level 12 times and have still yet to advance.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village

I picked up this game a while back, and I think I even mentioned it in a blog but I felt that it deserved a better review than just a passing thought. This game is for the Nintendo DS, and if I had to put it in a category I'd say its a puzzle mystery.

You play as Professor Layton, or his boy genius assistant Luke, depending on the puzzle. You have been sent to a village to solve the mystery of the golden apple, but as soon as you show up all hell breaks loose and you find that there is more going on in the village than first meets the eye.

It soon becomes apparent that it is no longer just your task to solve the mystery of the golden apple, but also those of a couple other mysteries.

It is really hard to talk about this game without giving away much of the game. The basic controls of the game are simple arrows at the sides of the screen that will navigate you from one section of the city to another. You'll meet several people who all seem to have a riddle, or a puzzle that is stumping them, and if you can solve it they will give you information to help you solve the mysteries.

There are three side quests in the game you'll also be trying to complete. They are a painting, a mechanical machine, and room setups. Throughout the game while your adventuring there will be times when you successfully solve a puzzle that you'll be given an item, those items will be used in one of the three side quests.

I've played the entire game, I didn't get a 100% completion, but I have to say that this game hooked me and I couldn't put it down until I beat it. I would constantly find myself sneaking away to get in a couple more puzzles.

The graphics were pretty standard for a DS game, most of the game was either a flat background drawn in 3D, or 2D characters shifting back and forth in one spot. From a programmer's prospective that means that there is the possibility of more game because the memory really isn't being all that used by graphics. So as a gamer that makes me a happy camper because that means more game for me, and its the kind of game that I'd like to have more of.

There is also the option of downloading new puzzles, but I really haven't looked into that sadly.

If I had to give this game a score I'd give it a 9.4.

Super Smash Brothers

So I picked up Super Smash Bros. over the weekend, and I have to say that right off the bat I was able to breath a sigh of relief as after the quick update and console restart I was able to actually play the game. I've heard that there have been instances of getting the dreaded "can't read disc" error, and I'm just happy that I've still yet to see it.

So lets talk about the game real quick. It is everything that you wanted in a SB game. It has a huge roster of characters, and I think that most people will find that character that they'll be comfortable with. I do have to say that the action is slightly slower than it was in Melee, but for me that's a good thing. I think the reason for slowing it down a bit was so that people who don't have the world's best TVs could actually keep up with the action, and maybe even keep up with where their character is on the screen.

There is so much to this game, there are a ton of stages, a ton of characters, a ton of items, and an interesting adventure game all rolled up into one. The adventure game is in my mind a great move. It gives the player something a little different from the "play x hours or matches to unlock this player". As you go through the adventure you'll be able to open up characters that you meet. I am a bit concerned with some characters that were mention as being in the game that I have still yet meet, but I've still got 20% of the adventure left according to my save file.

The ability to play with a gamecube controller or a wii-mote was yet another good move. I've tried both controller schemes and for me personally I've found that the cube controller is the way to go. Ironically enough, though, the one character I was good at using with the wii-mote setup was Ice-Climbers. I have to say that I don't see that character in play a lot, but maybe its just me or the company that I keep.

The one thing that I haven't been able to try is the online mode, I'm excited and a bit scared of it. I'm excited because I can play my friends online and whoop their ass with Link, that's right he's the man to get the job done, or I can actually play someone I've never met and don't have their Wii Code. I think being able to do that was a great decision on Nintendo's part. I know that they are trying to keep their games tame, and with the friend code protection you're not going to be forced into playing against a douchebag, like you get to do in Halo. The problem is that not everyone knows a ton of people with Wiis, so when they want to test their skills they yearn for something more, and this gives them a chance to do so.

I know that in today's society its all about the High-Def-ness of the game and system, but I have to say for a guy who still can't afford a high def TV, Smash Bros looks amazing. The cut-scenes, the action, even the menus seem clean and appealing. I don't think anyone would be surprised by this but Nintendo has yet again got a game that can knock everyone's socks off.

So as my inaugural review comes to a close I'm going to give a score to this game, and I have to say that even though there are things yet to be seen, I'm willing to give this game a 9. After I play some online action, well see if the grade stays the same, or if it moves.