The Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks

for the Nintendo DS on December 7th, 2009.


Looks so good -- I like the train, and then I just learned that Princess Zelda accompanies Link throughout his trip as a spirit. Along the way, she'll help you with puzzles and control suits of armor in order to assist you. But beware! If a mouse or rat bothers her, she'll be less likely to help! (Hilarious.)

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

This movie based on a video game looks like it's going to be very good. The quality looks excellent, like a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I'm so looking forward to this one!

Assassin's Creed Lineage (Short Movie) Part I

This thing is amazing. Way to go, Ubisoft.

Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep

• Being able to play as three different characters looks like a wonderful addition.
• New worlds & Characters!!!

I have a feeling this will be my favorite PSP game, easily. Coming out...sometime in the near future, hopefully.

Phantasy Star Portable 2


This looks so good. The first Phantasy Star Portable was enjoyable, but I didn't make that purchase. This one, however, looks like it may be worth it!

PXP-2000

pxp-2000

for around $85, you can have your very own psp-go look-alike. no, it does not play psp games, but it plays virtually any media file, can take and view photos, and emulates nes, snes, gameboy, and genesis games. it comes with 2 gb internal memory and a rechargeable lithium battery. not a bad deal, huh?

Bayonetta

Bayonetta. Hot chick with glasses, kicking ass. I guess I can support that. It's just too bad the PS3's version seems to be inferior in terms of framerate and contrast. For more images of this, visit here.

Personal Buy Price: <$20

Bayonetta is being released January 31, 2010.

Play with your face.

PlayFace is a new website by Sony that showcases players' faces while they're gaming. In slow-motion. The point of this website? I'll get back to you.
It's amusing if you have absolutely nothing else to do.

Today's Music // October 7, 2009

Darkstone - "The Darkstone Will Shine" by Audren

We Cheer 2

All right, all right. I probably know what you're thinking.
With this post, I've become less of a gamer, hahaha.



But honestly? This game looks like good fun for young girls.
I'm not too hot about the whole ''cheerleader'' thing, because I'm not sure what it teaches girls (I tend to see Cheerleaders dressing in very little and being all over guys), but in this game it seems like a good-enough exercise in girl-power.

If you have daughters below the age of 11 who don't mind playing as a cheerleader, I'd look into this one. Unless you're adamant about them being hardcore, anyway. Then you want to give them some Assassin's Creed. Lmao, that was a joke.

Ghost Trick

Ghost Trick, for the Nintendo DS, is a new title being made by the creators of the popular Phoenix Wright series. The animation looks delightfully fluid, the characters lots of fun, the world full of cartoon life. Right now, I'd have to say I'm very optimistic about this one.

Today's Music // September 27, 2009

Pirate Tavern BGM from World of Warcraft

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

Oh my gosh, I didn't know how much I wanted this game. It's not a real, intense need, persay, but I would like to have this in my video game collection by winter.

It looks like such a good Family game, or it could be some fun with friends. I love the Winter Olympics, because of all the fun skating and snowboarding and stuff. That, and it's a nice way to spend a winter day.

The extra modes like Snowball Fights and Skiing with power-ups look like some silly fun. And the new characters, such as Metal Sonic and Silver, are loved.

I'd like to get this, as I never picked up the first installment.

Toting new features on its predecessor, such as the ability to customize miis and a sort of campaign mode, and with a price tag of $49.99, expect to see this game in stores next month.

Just thinking about it makes me shiver.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers for Nintendo Wii

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers



I just got very psyched for this game. This has become my most wanted Wii game, replacing Super Paper Mario. Lmao, not much of a competition. I don't want many Wii games.

Coming out December 26, 2009.

Final Fantasy XIV / Ninokuni

Final Fantasy XIV looks wonderful. There are many quotes that get me thinking and make me feel good on this website, and the trailer looks really nice. On the site, there are some in-game screenshots, and that looks like it won't disappoint. Looking forward to seeing the game in action.
Expected in 2010.




Ninokuni is a Nintendo DS in the making, by Studio Ghibli and Level 5.
These two companies working together can't go wrong. It's a must-buy.
Look forward to this one in 2010 in Japan.

Console Price Drops Galore

All three consoles are undergoing price drops. The Xbox 360 and PS3 have both dropped $100, and the Nintendo Wii is planning to drop it's price $50 this Sunday. This is good for new consumers, since the price drops mean that you can buy your console and play it, too.

For people who already own a console, it's an "eh" factor.

Anyone secretly thinking the makers of the consoles will be trying to break the ones we own so that we'll buy another? Haha, joking, joking. But that PS3 firmware update 3.0 is a little fishy. . . .

Gorgeous FFXIII Playstation 3 Bundle

Final Fantasy XIII PS3 Bundle
¥41,600 / $461.76

This has to be the prettiest playstation 3 made, ever. If I didn't already have one, I would want this. Badly. So badly. It's gorgeous, perfect for girls. I'm fawning over it. Feel free to join me.

.....sigh.

Today's Music // September 25, 2009

"Still Alive" - The Theme Song from Mirror's Edge
Sung by Swedish pop star Lisa Miskovsky~



This song is just so beautiful, magical, a pleasure to listen to.
The fact that it's from a video game never stops amazing me.

Today's Music // September 23, 2009

Katamari Tribute - Saynoara Rolling Star (Yuri's Mixx)



from the new game Katamari Forever (available at Amazon.com, $46)

Katamari Tribute - Katamari on the Swing
(SEXY-SYNTHESIZER ALL ABOUT NAMCO Mix)



I've been looking at and listening to Katamari Forever for the past few days, and I've come to the conclusion that I want this game. It looks like such a fun, relaxing, quirky, asian time. Right now the price is a bit too much for me, (I could use that money on Final Fantasy when it comes out), but if the price ever drops to $30 or so, I'll have to grab this one. :)

Today's Music // September 22, 2009

Never Turn Back by Crush 40
from the video game Shadow the Hedgehog



Chosen for its conflicting nature, and bad-ass-ness.
Turn it on, enjoy the piano, and then headbang or whatever.
Sonic the Hedgehog may not be perfect, but I love it.

World of Warcraft Video for someone's birthday. . .

Happy Birthday Billy! @ Yahoo! Video

So I know someone who just happens to love World of Warcraft, and has had a birthday.
Ta-da. My cheap & easy present.

(g'night)

Hannah Montana PSP & PS3 Slim

Playstation 3 Slim 120 GB
$299, available September 1st

All right, the big announcement! Sony's Playstation 3 is getting a makeover!
While some won't find this very exciting (like myself), most people are very happy with a smaller, more affordable PS3. (I would be, if I didn't own one.)

While price drops are always welcome, it's still disappointing that the PS3 Slim will not play PS2 games. That, and it's not shiny anymore! Seriously, Sony. I like the glamor! I'm sure that the aesthetics won't change anyone's mind, though. It just has a bit more of a subtle look going for it.

Hannah Montana PSP
$199.99

This is old news for the blogging world, but yes, Hannah Montana has even made her way to the Playstation Portable. The horror!

"Bundle includes limited edition "Lilac" PSP-3000 system, Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show UMD game, Hannah Montana UMD video, 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, and PSP vinyl stickers." --Amazon.com

While the Lilac PSP is very nice, everything else is a bit scary. Even the promotion for the product, titled ''Girlz Play Too'' sounds immature and forced. It doesn't seem all that cool.
As some others have mentioned, it sounds like a parent who is trying a bit too hard. It's nice that they're trying to think about what girls might like, but. . . .

The bundle isn't a bad price for what you get, especially for a kid who likes Hannah Montana.
A PSP, UMD game, UMD video, and 2 GB memory stick for 200 dollars is a good deal. The stickers, well, I wouldn't let my kid stick anything on their PSP, but I'm a bit picky about that sort of thing. I'm sure most kids will like them--my cousin can't resist putting flowers and pokemon all over her things.

Other games included in the ''Girlz Play Too'' campaign are

• Pangya Fantasy Golf
• Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
• Loco Roco 2
• Patapon 2

Pangya is a good-looking game, I'll admit. I want it myself. Patapon is very fun, and Loco Roco 2 is decent, but Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs? Are you serious? How does that even qualify as a 'girl game'? Stick a LMAO here. Parents, listen to your kids. I doubt they want this game.


More exciting is the Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines PSP I hear is coming up soon (november?) and the highly-anticipated Dissidia! More on that in September!

Coming Soon // Spectrobes: Origins

"An action/adventure game mixing real-time battles, science fiction and monster collection, Spectrobes: Origins brings the successful series known from its previous DS releases to the Wii for the first time. Packed with an exciting new story that reveals secrets from the franchises past, three-dimensional graphics, unique Wii controls and all new gameplay features--including co-op gameplay--Spectrobes: Origins challenges players to prevent a galactic threat by utilizing speed, strategy and of course, Spectrobes. " --Amazon.com


Spectrobes: Origins is being released for the Nintendo Wii this Fall.
Retail price: 49.99

Bonus Video!

My thoughts//

Recommended to fans of: Pokemon, Kingdom Hearts, Anime

Can be described as: a mixture of Collection, Action, and Excavation

Feels like: A kid's version of Devil May Cry mixed with Pokemon

Music Games // Audiosurf

Just something that I thought was cool. . . .



So I was looking for some Metric music on youtube today, and came across a game I'd never heard of.

It's called Audiosurf. If you like interacting with your favorite songs, this game is definitely a must-have. I could see someone playing it on their laptop, or if you're in college it's a nice way to pass the time. Audiosurf is like an interactive, chunkier mp3 player (in my opinion). A purchase costs you $9.99, but a demo of the game is available for free.

Go forth, young music riders. . . .

First Look // Antiphona no Seikahime

Antiphona no Seikahime for the PSP releases in Japan this October. A musical RPG created by Nippon Ichi, it looks like a relaxing time of good fun. If you liked Disgaea or Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, then I'd say that this game is a good bet.

Overlord: Raising Hell for PS3

Overlord: Raising Hell for the Playstation 3

Overlord was a very enjoyable game, for the time I played it. The characters were well-voiced and very likable. I compare them to the characters from a Jim Henson film, such as Labyrinth or The Dark Crystal.

The three main minions you'll be spending time with are your mentor, a minion named Gnarl, The Jester, and Giblet. Gnarl is the first minion you'll get to know, as he travels with you for your first mission, and basically shows you the ropes. The Jester comes next--you first meet him while you're beating the crap out of him! He's part of the battle tutorial, teaching you how to attack and lock on, how to follow your enemies and thoroughly squash them. Giblet is almost unnoticeable, except for the fact that Gnarl has taken a liking to him, and therefore he is mentioned here and there, and eventually in charge of your castle's forge.

Through spending time with your minions and building up your castle and reputation, you start to experience a fun, quirky story. While the storyline doesn't shock anyone, the freedom you have and the choices you're allowed to make does ensure that it's enjoyable. Like the game Fable, throughout the course of the gameplay, you will choose whether you'd like to be a good guy, a friend to the people, and an overall wuss--or if you'll fulfill your castle's expectations of being King Badass. This means stealing and pillaging, stealing the town's maidens, and basically being a greedy, nasty guy. Making choices is always a fun thing in a video game, and for the most part it goes rather smoothly here.
One thing, though--I did everything possible to be an evil overlord, and yet the Jester will still call me "Friend to the Flowers and Trees!" just because I didn't kill a sacred tree in the forest of the Elves quickly enough. Well, excuse me, I wasn't aware there was a time limit for destruction. I'll have to keep that in mind. Nothing kills your 'Oh yeah, I'm bad' mood like going home to your keep and hearing that you're friendly with flowers.

Another thing this game has that people will like: Customization! Choices include

• what color cloth your person is wearing
• how your weapon and armor look
  
• a choice between sisters as your wife
  
• the cosmetics of the exterior and interior of your castle
• Attack and Defense
  
• HP & MP stats, as well as health regeneration and max. number of minions you can hold

The graphics of this game will not blow your mind, but they are very nice and suit the game well.

Bosses will show up and confront you, like in most games. Melvin, the halfling hero, provides plenty of amusement with his puzzles. At first, he seems like just a regular boss... that explodes.... but later, in the Raising Hell expansion, he actually poses some fun puzzles. First, you need to lead him to food dishes in the right order, but it's more complicated than that, with switches that need to be activated and monsters that need to be taken out. Next, it's a game of "Breakout", where you must bounce Melvin against the doors you need broken, because he's such a huge ball of lard. Lastly, it's a few holes of golf, where you must "putt" Melvin, in one shot, to where he needs to be. Luckily, his body provides plenty of bounce, so that your one shot is rather powerful and lengthy.
Sir William the Black of Heaven's Peak is another boss. He has been seduced by succubus, and joined some sort of cult. Consequently, the town is hit with some sort of evil, magical plague and most of the city turns into a horde of zombies. Yes, zombies. I was surprised--Resident Evil, anyone? This was actually one of my favorite areas to play in. Your goal is to defeat Sir William, and free the city from the grip of plague. I enjoyed this battle because Sir William is such a selfish wimp, and it was fun to beat him up, and because while battling him, you meet one of your choices for a wife, which was quite interesting. You also meet Sir William later on in the Raising Hell expansion pack, where you solve puzzles by dragging his body from place to place and sticking him in different contraptions in order to fix things.
The last boss I'm going to mention is Oberon, the sleeping lord of the elves. He has fallen into a restless, magical dream state, and is controlling the entire forest from the foot of a great tree. Through this tree he has poisoned the land, darkening it and making it lose its former sense of peace and goodness. The land is suffering greatly, and the elves implore you to help. Enemies include unicorns, giant frogs, scuttling poisonous insects, and minotaurs, all of which are somehow controlled by Oberon. Once you weaken the great tree by hacking at its very long, complicated roots, you sock it to him and open the gateway to the dwarven lands. It's actually a lot of fun, once you finish with the roots--That's the difficult part.

The only bad things I see in this game are that it can freeze or slow down sometimes. I'll be playing, and my 30 or so minions will be pulling something, I'll be too close to them, and everything will just stop. The sounds still work, I can flip the camera around, but nothing else. Luckily it still allows you to access the menu, so you can just load, but it really breaks up the action. Granted, it only froze on me once, and slowed down maybe 5 or 6 times out of 24 hours playtime, so it's not a severe issue. The gameplay can get frustrating at times, if you forget where you should go or miss a doorway, but again, this only happened to me once or twice. Eventually, though, the big problem for me was that it got stale. Nothing was propelling me to complete this game after playing it for 23hr & 44 min. Yes, the game is fun to play, the characters are lively, and the choices are wonderful, but.... sometime later you wish that the characters were just a little more lively, or perhaps that there were more choices. The game is still pretty great, though I would only rent it. I might have to check out Overlord II someday....

Review:

Megan says:
Rent it!

A Little Bit About Myself.

So, I've been thinking, what should I blog about? What goes on in my life? What do I like?

And. . . . the answer came to me. The most anti-social, dorky answer ever.
VIDEO GAMES. MY LOVE. YES.

It all started when I was, well, in the womb.
My mother would be resting on the couch, while my father tapped away at the nintendo controller and made Link kick some serious ass in the Legend of Zelda. That's kind of all I listened to as a fetus. I suppose I could always blame that, partially, for my intense love of video games.

Once released into the world, you know, free from stomach constrictions, I would stand next to my father and watch him play video games all the time. I still have images and sounds from the Legend of Zelda, Ultima, and Final Fantasy burned into my brain. Good times.

My father would have his brother, my uncle, stop by often. They would play football on the NES, and of course, I would watch. Heeheehee. By this time, I was 4 to 6 years old, and had already been playing good old Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt. I loved Duck Hunt. That dog was a riot.

Eventually I moved onto the Playstation, Sega Saturn, and things went from there. Mostly I've been a Sony fangirl, but here's a list of consoles I've owned.....
NES, Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn, Playstation, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS, and PSP.

Games that stand out in my memory are: Duck Hunt (NES), Sonic the Hedgehog, Aladdin(SEGA), MYST, Clockwork Knight, Astal, Dragonheart(SATURN), Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX, Chocobo Racing, Spyro the Dragon, Xena: Warrior Princess, Evilzone(PSONE), DDR, Guitar Hero, Drakengard, Kingdom Hearts(PS2).

Playstation One has been my favorite console all this time. It pwned. I'm still discovering new Playstation 2 games to play, so my list is a little skimpy there. I won't list anything too recent, because what I like best will be written about.

So, in honor of times spent playing video games for days and hours on end, I start this blog. Happy Birthday, bloggie.

And Welcome.