Alright, so “The Year of the PlayStation” was 2008. What? Sure there were great games, some outstanding, some were cast aside due to launch windows, but was it really “The Year of the PlayStation”?

2008 saw the release of Metal Gear Solid 4, LittleBigPlanet, Resistance 2, WipEout HD, Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty, Valkyria Chronicles, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, The Last Guy, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, Buzz! Quiz TV, echochrome, Crash Commando, Lumines Supernova, PixelJunk Monsters, PixelJunk Eden, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, Siren: Blood Curse, Age of Booty, Elefunk, SOCOM: Confrontation, HOME, Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice, SingStar games and Haze(no matter how terrible you think it was).

How many exclusives is that? At least 24. That’s a pretty decent number, along with Bioshock, Eternal Sonata and other games that are multiplatform like Grand Theft Auto, Burnout: Paradise and Sonic: Unleashed to name a few.

How many have I played personally though? Which are my Top 5, (Top 3 is too hard) in PSN and Blu-ray releases? I’ve played (full games) 10 exclusives including both PSN and Blu-ray releases. Demos? 7, so a good 17 out of 24 is not bad to make some decisions.

I must say WipEout HD is my favourite and I think the best racing game exclusive to the PS3. (I have not played Motorstorm: Pacific Rift yet, only a demo). Why? For the steal-price of $20 you get a full game with many tracks (forwards and backwards), varying difficulties, 4 different modes of play, split screen (horizontal or vertical), online and more! Honestly, this is a great game, and to reward you upon finishing some tough challenges you can even earn Trophies!

Favourite shooter? Resistance 2 of course, Haze who? The 1st Resistance was a great way to introduce the Chimera and Nathan Hale. R2‘s single-player campaign is enticing at points and “Ehh, let’s keep going,” at others. Background knowledge helps, but I didn’t have any and I was fine. The replayability to obtain all Intel’s, gain XP from beating it at higher difficulties, SuperHuman difficulty, insanely large Chimera and ridiculous boss fights will keep you wanting more.

Not to mention 8-player Online Co-op (up to two on each PS3), with so many missions you’ll be playing a few nights past your “bed time.” You can’t forget about Competitive Play pitting you (and a party if you wish) against other around the world in up to 64-player maps competing to complete missions or making the opposing team not succeed.

One huge let-down would have to be the lobby system constantly kicking you out of games once a single round is finished and forcing you to go into a new game.

Best Puzzle game I’ve played is PixelJunk Monsters, I’m sure once I get Lumines Supernova I might change my mind. PixelJunk Monsters is a great Tower Defense Game, but it is definitely in the puzzle genre when you have to figure out how to place your towers and what to upgrade and when. There are 7 towers you’ll use a lot, but don’t forget about the other 2, all are needed eventually! It’s a great game, has an expansion island and is only $10 and $5 for the expansion. Trophies are an added bonus along with In-game music and YouTube upload ability.

Valkyria Chronicles is one of those games that received the shaft from a poor launch window, set up against Resistance 2 and Gears of War 2. I’ve played the demo and must say it is a great new twist on RPG’s. The canvas-esque graphics is relaxing and the free-roam aspect they added into the game make it refreshingly new.

I can’t push aside Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty. Although this game is a small $15 title on the PSN, I love it. It may not have Trophies, but it doesn’t need that. What it needed was “Gold Bolts” or some replay value to entice me into getting 100% on it.

One thing I must say to this game is it’s great at it’s price and is worth a purchase. Some think being so small down-sizes this game’s worth and you should not play it. I am here to tell you to not listen to them. The story is great and leaves you on a twist at the end that will have you on your feet exclaiming, “WHAT!? THAT’S AWESOME!”

New wrench abilities and new puzzles introducing shadows and more really touch a new part of your brain for the Ratchet and Clank series. Graphics are even upped slightly despite it being a smaller game. Bottom line: get it.

LittleBigPlanet has had too many cough-ups, fixing a song with a reference to the Islamic sciptures, ridiculously charged DLC and issues with moderation and searching. But despite all the hassle LittleBigPlanet has gone through, it’s still a wonderful game that brings a whole new way to create things.

If you haven’t played this game on a store PS3 or a friend’s PS3, or you just haven’t played it and you’re not getting it for Christmas, I suggest you do so. The story line I must say went completely over my head. Probably because people called when I played and I was half-asleep pushing myself to keep going at 12:56 AM to “go to bed after this next level,” or after I “Ace” the level (not dying).

Playing around with the levels and others’ levels online is a blast though. You can really see how imagination is the limit with people creating calculators, actual intelligence Tic-Tac-Toe boards and immense time-consuming music levels that must have taken at least 24 hours to get correct. Unfortunately that level I speak of was made to a MegaMan boss’ theme song and was moderated.

Creating is fun too, but of course if that’s not your specialty, leave it to others to do it for you and play their levels. DLC though is quite ridiculous, charging so much money for a single costume, and Level Packs are a little more acceptable, expanding the game’s actual content, but some Costume Packs are down-right expensive. That Metal Gear Solid Costume and Level Pack coming out tomorrow are actual packs to consider purchasing, 6 new levels and more, that I do not mind paying $6 at all. $12 for two packs is pushing it, but it’s Metal Gear Solid 4. At least its not $15.

Ok, so Metal Gear Solid 4 received 10′s accross all major gaming sites, maybe a 9.9 in a certain review or 9.9 in another, but this game delivers. What does it deliver? Certainly not pizza, it delivers action, an intense story to finish the series and lasting impressions on all who play it.

I’ve only been fortunate to play select parts of the game and Metal Gear: Online, but from what I’ve played, I can guarantee you will love this game. It’s not all about killing as most of you know, you can stealthily sneak past every part in the game, you can hide in boxes and the bosses are some of the most crazy women you’ll ever meet, hopefully.

The game’s in-game iPod is so nice, being able to listen to podcasts, to score’s in the game and more is just incredibly ingenious. The Mk. II is a fun little robot and deserves quite a lot of the attention as well! The depth put into this game is note-worthy, award-winning and time-preserved.

This game deserves a 10/10, it wasn’t bribery that caused it to get 10′s, it was how marvelous it was built and carried out so effectively. Not many games are such a sensation as Metal Gear Solid 4 is.

Lastly there’s HOME, Sony’s “lobby.” It’s “not a game, it’s a place for users to interact and meet others.” It’s a game, you can customize your character (avatar, same thing), you can go on adventures (explore the maps), visit other areas that developers and partners put time into.

These include Uncharted‘s “Sully’s Bar” and it’s 3 doors with mysterious Key Pads that let you into other areas and Far Cry 2‘s “Train Station” and “Reuben’s Office.” Mancala is playable in the Train Station, I love that mini-game, a past-time favourite. Mercenary Madness is an 8-bit arcade game in Sully’s Bar and that’s much too addicting. [Side Note: If you would like the Combination's to Sully's Bar's locked doors, do some exploring in this article and you'll find them in order]

You can play echochrome, Ice Breaker, Carriage Return, Bowling, Pool, Mancala, Mercenary Madness and purchase items of clothing, furniture or residences. It’s great, you don’t have to purchase anything if you don’t want to, you can win items from playing arcade games (mini-games if you will) and interact with others in a lobby (Bowling Alley, Mall, Central Plaza or Move Theatre) and play games. There are infact only 7 areas right now, but there will be more (not including your Personal Space(s) or Clubhouse). You can set up other games like Warhawk or Resistance: Fall of Man straight from HOME as well.

It is a lobby, it is a game, it is a place for users to meet and make friends in and it is a place to just hang out. It’s not revolutionary just yet, but it has potential as more and more partners are being made and more and more areas are being created. 7 areas doesn’t seem promising yet, but it will.

So wait, what are my Top 5 game you might be wondering? Here are my Top 5 Games Exclusive to the PlayStation 3 of 2008:

5. Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty – Nice pun and great game.
4. WipEout HD – Outstandingly hard and rewarding.
3. Resistance 2 – Asanine replay value and Chimera.
2. LittleBigPlanet – Most innovative title in a long time.
1. Metal Gear Solid 4 – Generally perfect? Kojima doesn’t think so, but we “lesser-beings” do.

So there you have it, my Top 5 PlayStation titles. You might agree with me on certain points, you might disagree. That’s fine, this isn’t a democracy, this isn’t me siding with you, it’s my own personal thoughts on some really wonderful games. You should try picking up some of them, you won’t regret it.

Now here’s something for parents and gamers to chew on. Whether games are art or not, and how they affect video game players. (more…)

I was browsing Yahoo and discovered an article about some upcoming game movies. The usual suspects were there (eg. Prince of Persia, Halo, WoW, and even The Sims), but there was one game series I feel needed to be on the list: Zelda.

Considering how big the Lord of the Rings series turned out to be, I could imagine Link on the silver screen.

For series fans that whine that a movie would have to give Link a voice, take a look at Disney’s WALL-E for a great example of a movie that has very little dialogue from the main character. Likewise, if you dread seeing Link portrayed by a real person, there’s no rule that says every game movie has to be live action.–in fact, Hyrule seems to work best in animation considering the magical elements that would make a live version be a cheese fest: the fairies, the monsters, and some effects of items.

Secondly, I would want the crew to at least play some of the Zelda games before settling on a script so that they have a feel for the mythos and retain some authenticity when they bring Hyrule to life. I don’t want a potential Zelda movie to be a complete copy of a game, but a story in its own right that could be believeable as a game (something the Mario movie forgot.)

I will continue looking foward to the day when I can hear that beloved theme song in a theater and see on the screen The Legend of Zelda: The Movie…but until that day comes, I can dream.

GIFT GUDE

 

Hello, it is almost the end of 2008 and with that, the gift season.

The iPhone / iTouch is perhaps one of the most requested items this year. They are extremely popular.

 

The first part of the Article will focus on the basics.

 

DO YOU HAVE OR ARE GOING TO GIVE / RECEIVE AN ITOUCH / IPHONE?

If this is unclear I recommend you check out your local Apple Store immediately and check them out.

 

I can tell you but talking isn’t the same as owning so anyways. The main differences right now are well. 

 

The iPhone 3G requires a phone contract of-course from AT&T, you will also be charged accordingly, the weight is a little heavier on the outside, there are many configurations, black and white, different memory configurations. Also the iPhone other than being a phone has a camera (rather mediocre but oh well) and a mic. (very useful some times)

 

The iTouch though is perfect if you want to focus on the games, on the iPod feature rather than the mic, camera, and phone. The advantages about it, much thinner, a bit more like the original iPhone cosmetically, no extra charges or contracts come included, it actually is ready out of the box (once you register it), so this one is defiantly amazing (if you don’t want the phone.)

 

Overall it depends on your personal preference, they’re both amazing, but like I said there is nothing better than actually going to the Apple store, wait in one of the lines (it will always be packed in there, especially now, trust me on that), and try them out yourself. And if your still not sure talk to a sales rep, or get an appointment. It will defiantly be very worth your time.

 

Now. 

 

Part 2, the accessories.

 

When writing about accessories one must have a good idea of what the person likes.

 

The ultimate accessory right now for the 3G is defiantly the card. 

http://www.apple.com/iphone/gift/buy.html

This is what you should get if your giving an iPhone as a gift, no questions asked.

With music you need headphones.

 

Apple isn’t known for their amazing quality headphones, I actually trashed the ones that came with my iPod classic and switched them for Bose ones, but anyways, something that actually seems convincing, the new Apple ear-buds. They are $80 and actually look quite amazing, defiantly a good cheap ear-bud choice.

 

If you want quality, the name I must mention, of-course, BOSE. Bose is simply breath-taking, trust me, if you were going to give headphones from Bose they would not be disappointed. 

The Best one in the market from Bose right now-  The Quiet Comfort headphones, these headphones literally just blow your mind away. They are simply amazing. That is all I can say about them. They start at around $300. While you shop Bose, you can not turn away from the best iPhone / iPod accessory of them all, the Bose SoundDock. I am not going to even recommend any other Sounddock other than this one, this just with a little volume, blasts the whole room, it is sex in the form of music.

 

Another amazing option in high quality headphones- Monster Beats/ Dr. Dre. This are just funk (in a good way) It is so hard to describe these, they are just a pleasure to listen to. I recommend you hear them for yourself, they are beautiful.

 

Another great accessory you should consider- Travel Radio / Travel charge packs, there are so many to choose from so really just look, this is a necessity if you travel a lot. Defiantly get this.

 

The most luxurious part of owning an iPhone / iTouch, why the cases of-course. 

 

The most luxurious (semi-affordable case out there) the Louis Vuitton case. Now for those who are fashionably-impaired, Louis Vuitton is a huge French luggage and clothing couture designer, and the thing I am beyond obsessed in. Now this case is simply amazing (It is the one I own, and wow, it pampers the iPhone) it is available in the Monogram and Damier Canvas and seasonal collections. (I have the Traditional Monogram) And it is lined with calf skin on some. It is amazing except for one thing, you can’t access the iPhone directly, you have to slip it out. It sells for $250, and you can ONLY (I stress this) get it directly from an LV Boutique or eluxury.com. 

 

Now if you don’t want to spend that much on a case there are other options.

 

Some names I would look for are Griffin, Case-Mate, and Ear leaf, I own a few for my regular iPods and I have to say the protection is amazing on them. They are also much more affordable. And if you want to see more I would so go to the Apple Store and go check out their case shrine. It has a huge selection.

 

Now for the gamer in you.

 

iTunes Gift card (make it $25 or higher if you really want some good games) is the perfect card to get a gamer now that the App store has launched. Perfect way to get some good games.

 

and the most importantly there have been rumors of a Belkin joypad for the iPhone, this is not known yet, but if it does come out you will defiantly have to get it, it will be the ultimate accessory for a gamer.

 

If your going to buy Apps I would also recommend you look towards the newest ones first, they tend to (if they get popular) get a lot more expensive, so I would so recommend you look for some good early ones (ahem cowabunga a few months ago).

 

Now some universal accessories from “Mapple” (pun from Simpsons episode if you don’t know) the Apple Universal Dock, this is a must have, It will make syncing so much more enjoyable. And the latest from Apple for the iPhone, The iPhone bluetooth set. Self Explanatory. 

 

So anyways this might actually have a sequel if I find new and exciting stuff.

 

Happy Holidays.

William linked me to an interesting article today on IGN where two of its writers, Erik Brudvig and Hilary Goldstein, published an article that lambastes the quality of Square-Enix’s work as a developer of RPGs (the omission of JRPG was intentional, as both Erik and Hilary did not make such a reference either).

It was quite frankly, ridiculous. Having ruined their credibility five sentences into their first point, both Erik and Hilary make themselves victim to the one of the core reasons why JRPGs have suddenly lost so much appeal in the West. William and I couldn’t seem to contain ourselves and have consequently chosen to publish a rebuttal against such a carelessly ignorant article. (more…)

Can you believe it has already been two years? Yes, the Nintendo Wii arrived in stores exactly two years ago today. Many of use probably still remember how hard it was to get our hands on this generation’s most popular console.

(more…)

Though this is a 24 or so hours late, It is the 2nd  anniversary since chaos hit the United States. Yes, two years ago, the PS3 came out.

Many can remember the giant lines, the two people per store that actually got one, the guy getting hit in the head by a post, the police escorts, the gun shuts, the white flags being raised as the weak ones lost their treasures, ok that is exaggerating. But just two years ago the news were nothing but. Whether it was the police or the PS3′s being sold for millions on eBay, who can’t forget that week.

Well Happy Birthday PS3!