Are you Reaching?
So it’s Halo: Reach time.
Are you playing?
I was a big fan of Halo and an ever larger fan of Halo2, less a fan of Halo 3 and never bothered with ODST. Yes, my interest in the Halo franchise faded like the memories of my nursery school crush.
With such hype surrounding the game, the beta, the event tents and so on, it still somehow flew below my list of must gettable fall games.
And now, today, folks will call in sick, forget to eat, sleep AND shower, in the attempts to plow through a significant portion of Halo: Reach together.
Halo: Reach is the newest edition to the FPS franchise; developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox360. The multiplayer gameplay enjoyed a great beta run this past May which is and was a great method of marketing the game before it was ready for release.
My question is: Are you playing?
I for one am not a midnight launch type of gal so I did not wait in line, venture the crowds or pick it up. Therefore, I am not currently playing it. This isnt to say I wont pick it up, but I have some other games to finish off before that makes into my library.
Drop me a line or link to your review, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
In the meantime keep reaching for th… … oh forget it. 😛
Poll: Motion Gaming
While at Fan Expo Canada at the end of August 2010, I had the opportunity to try out the major 3 console party's motion gaming controls. I most assuredly formed some opinions about the titles and the responsiveness of the controls. I've come to the conclusion that whether willing, or kicking and screaming, my anticipation of all households containing one system with motion gaming is a confident one. My question is: which one will you buy into? Have you tried any of them?
FanExpo 2010: Must or Bust?
This year I again attended Fan Expo Canada and my gawd the crowds!
Media passes didn’t seem to mean much for most people and I missed more than 1 important scheduled event!
Boo-urns to that!
But was it worth all the hassle?
Check out my impressions at GirlGamer.com
Top Ten Goofy Grin Generating Game Weapons
Top Ten Goofy Grin Generating Game Weapons
As first posted on YourHealthisLow
#10 The Duck Hunt Gun/NES Zapper
Yes I realize that the mere presence of this on list which will inevitably miss some important life altering weaponry for the majority of gamers may cause a few jeers… for many the Duck Hunt gun was one of the coolest controllers…er… weapons to hit our living rooms. The zapper provided hours of fun shooting at not only ducks but clay pigeons, title screens and annoying siblings all over living rooms everywhere!
#9 Original Half life – Crowbar
Gordon’s arm holding this iconic weapon is an image that can be thought of fondly. From bashing open crates to clearing debris to bludgeoning enemies in close range combat; the crowbar is not the most elegant or sophisticated of weapons but dammit, it got the job done and without it what would you and Gordon have been able to achieve? The Half Life crowbar, for these reasons, remains a steadfast symbol of survival.
#8 The Duke Nukem Shrink Ray
The Shrink Ray Gun from Duke Nukem is one fabulous , effective weapon that creates absolutely zero damage. The ability to reduce your enemies to inches and then automatically trample them when near enough, is astoundingly fun. Just be sure to run like the wind once shrunken yourself, and plot your revenge while you wait for the effects to wear off.
#7 Soldier of Fortune Flame Gun
Soldier of Fortune brought gore to a controversy creating level. Being scrutinized heavily by both Canada and Germany for its violent content the game gave us many weapons to love. The ability to ‘remove’ appendages from enemies with carefully skilled shots coupled with goreiffic consequences made this game prime picking for all time weaponry. Despite the weapons of great technology and precision, the Flame Gun is one heck of a fun way for creating a lot of damage very quickly!
#6 Metal Gear from Metal Gear
From the original begrudgingly created Metal Gear to Metal Gear REX, The ultimate wearing nuclear weapon is oft overlooked. Creating so much controversy among its creators, owners, and obtainers, this game weapon has me squeal with delight after all the anguish and overly complicated plot twists it takes to finally reach this ominous example of game weaponry.
#5 The Chainsaw – Doom, Resident Evil, others
No matter the game there is always room for chainsaw killing action. First winning my heart in Doom, and continuing the bloody love affair in Resident Evil and all that is in between, the chainsaw is a big disgusting mess of destruction. Guaranteed not to be clean a clean killing weapon; watching the splitter splatter of enemies’ innards is bound to create that big goofy grin, or sly smirk as only a chainsaw can do.
#4 Quake’s Rocket Launcher.
The sheer ability that the rocket launcher in Quake gives you is delightful. in multiplayer death matches the rocket launcher is undisputable. If you aren’t sure why Quake’s rocket launcher can put a big goofy grin of weaponry destruction upon a gamer’s face then you have neither hit with or been hit by one of these deadly weapons. I urge you to rectify this handicap post haste!
#3 Gears of War2 – Lancer
This weapon is a bayonet chainsaw and assault riffle and has become synonymous with the game. Whether releasing approximately 15 rounds per second into your enemies or tearing them to shreds during melee combat is your thing, the Lancer is for you! Hold down that B button and hear that thing rev up. Mmm.
#2 Unreal Tournament’s Redeemer
Though tricky with it’s POV use, the Redeemer is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying weapons to use well. The weapon is more effective at close range followed by a quick escape and though it may leave you vulnerable longer than desired you can not deny the wildly gratifying kill at the end of a challenging steer towards the ultimate demise of your enemy.
#1. BFG – Doom
No surprises here. No matter whether you agree or disagree Doom’s BFG is renowned for its immense level of destruction. The first time you fire the BFG you are awestruck and you may even release a whispered curse. As a 13 year old FPS explorer, at the time, I can tell you I did just that. The colossal devastation that is the BFG is only questioned if you have yet to experience it; in this case, hello! And welcome to the wonderful world of video games 😀
The mailman stole my heart.
Sometimes, in the midst of a horrible series of happenings something good comes about. Today my gem was receiving my review copy of Metroid: Other M for the wii. I can’t wait to play it but with such a busy week I know Friday will be the soonest I can manage to it. Oooh Samus, what have you got in store for me now? 😀
I will be reviewing this game for http:/www.Girlgamer.com
Miles Edgeworth and Me.
Originally posted at YourHealthisLow
Miles Edgeworth and Me.
Posted by Sharon on August 10, 2010 · 3 Comments
Review. Ace Attorney: Investigations
My relationship with Miles Edgeworth began on a whim and a confident recommendation.
Walking in to one of the three game stores I visit on a regular basis, I was met with a new young female associate busy answering a barrage of questions from the seemingly growing group fans. After the satisfied crowd subsided, not purchasing anything, she headed my way and offered assistance.
Just as with every new associate I now go to for my gaming needs, I asked her one important question.
What do you recommend?
Disclaimer: Now this is a risky tactic and I do not recommend asking that question unless you are prepared for the possible answer. I have been recommended every level/genre of game by using this tactic and have followed through every time. I once walked out of a store with a copy of Celebrity DeathMatch for the PS2 because the associate assured me that my ragtag group of friends and I would be in hysterics.
The only thing in hysterics was that associate as I drove away.
Much to my surprise as I stood there with my purchase of Fallout3, the young gamestress recommended the DS title Ace Attorney: Investigations. I asked her a bit about her experiences with the game, purchased it, and put it away for some time. The trepidation of this title came to me in the thought that the game would be ‘too slow’, ‘too anime’ or ‘too childish’. I didn’t play the game for quite some time because I did not anticipate it would be MY cup of tea.
I judged the game before I played it.
Miles Edgeworth is not a new concept, Ace Attorney: Investigations is the fifth game in the Ace Attorney series. By Capcom, the game is available on the DS but has seen life on the GBA, PC, WiiWare and even Iphone. (you can see Jay’s June review of the Iphone title Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney here!) This title, released in North America in February of 2010, was the second best selling DS title in Japan after their 2009 release and received relatively positive reviews from online reviewers.
Ace Attorney: Investigations is an adventure title that reminded me strongly of the parser based adventure games from my youth. The point and click gameplay is all that you will require to understand aside from some basic movement controls of Miles Edgeworth, our main character. Throughout the game your goal is to collect and present evidence in order to complete the specific case file that you are solving at the time. You will have an opportunity to examine crime scenes, press your witness’ testimony, raise objections and make clear deductions based on your line of logic. Be careful when making your connections, an incorrect deduction or connection can result in the loss of health from your health bar. Once all your health is gone you start again at the beginning of your case file. Connecting evidence and testimony in Miles’ line of logic can sometimes happen with great ease and at other times can take more effort; his logic sometimes taking a rather illogical route.
Ace Attorney: Investigations has a broad cast of characters, some you will know from other Ace Attorney titles such as the proposed main character of this title, Ema Skye, and others who are new to the series such as spunky teen Kay Faraday. The game takes place in ‘the field’ which is contrary to the courtroom setting of previous titles featuring Pheonix Wright. One of your cases is aboard a plane, while another in an amusement park, allowing for scenery changes and comical situations.
The sounds, the music and the characters all mesh together wonderfully in an amusing over the top and purposely dramatic ensemble of accusation and rebuttal. The facial and verbal expressions are animated in a comical fashion and one can not help but be enthralled with the word filled starburst that appears as a character shouts “NOT SO FAST!”
The character design, costumes and hairstyles, will spark even the non cosplayer to take note and reconsider and the disjointed but continuous plot will propel you through the game.
Overall the game played like a good book. A good, choose your own adventure book. There is a lot of reading, compelling characters and lots of wrong turns that will eventually deduce you to the correct line of reasoning. The game has quotable lines and quirky moments that add comic relief to the seriousness of finding a dead body in the garage and a ransom style kidnapping investigation. If you are a fan of point and click adventure games than Ace Attorney Investigations is a worthy title.
So while I may have doubted the tastes of the new young associate at one of my favorite game shops I find myself inherently glad that I took a risk and the opportunity to appreciate the aspects of a gaming genre I may not ever have paid notice of before. I’ve gone outside my comfort zone and returned with fingers pointing,shouting EURIKA!
QuakeCon 2010: Be There!
Originally posted at YourHealthisLow
QuakeCon 2010: Be There!
Posted by Sharon on August 5, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Are you ready for QuakeCon?
In case you were not aware QuakeCon is a four-day, non-stop event that celebrates all things gaming. This BYOC LAN style gathering is open to the public and best of all FREE! QuakeCon features a wide variety of sights and spectacles including LAN party for nearly 3,000 people, drawings and contests with big cash prizes, exhibits with the latest games and hardware, and non-stop entertainment, parties and events.
This year QuakeCon offers you something very special after 15yrs of success: exclusive QuakeCon broadcast coverage!
Quake Live TV has partnered with QuakeCon 2010 to provide complete coverage of the official QUAKE LIVE® tournaments and Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) events, in addition to interviews and community content. The Intel® QUAKE LIVE® Masters Championship will be hosted by world-renowned eSports commentators James “2GD” Harding and Joe “Joe” Miller. They will be partnering with Quake Live TV commentators Steve “GreasedScotsman” Huff and Alex “Jehar” Popa, who will be covering the Capture the Flag, Open Duel and BYOC tournaments. Together, they will capture all of the QUAKE LIVE® action, energy, and excitement.
Intel® Masters will help you follow QuakeCon via www.quakelive.com with supplementary content syndicated on www.quakelive.tv. For European viewers, the broadcast will be recorded and replayed outside of tournament hours.
The Quake Live TV team currently features fifteen staff members who volunteer their time and effort.
Don’t forget to go!
QuakeCon is returning for another year at the Hilton Anatole in downtown Dallas. The event is from August 12 to August 15, with the first day of the volunteer effort on Monday, August 9, 2010.
If tournaments are your thing keep your eye on QuakeCon’s tournament Center ( http://www.quakecon.org/tournament/ ) for more information about the tournaments being held and how to register.
Each year, QuakeCon plays host for some of the most exciting electronic gaming competitions in the world. Players travel from around the globe for a chance at the prize money and bragging rights that come with a QuakeCon victory.
So get yourself to Texas and explore QuakeCon or volunteer to help out with this amazing event! You only have a few more weeks to find a ride and pack up your computer. If not be sure to tune in to www.quakelive.com and see what all the fuss is about!
Alan Wake DLC is here!
Originally posted at YourHealthisLow
Alan Wake DLC is here!
Posted by Sharon on July 28, 2010 · 2 Comments
The Signal
From Games Press:
LONDON – 27 July 2010 – Now is the time to descend into madness as you explore the dark and twisted world of “The Signal,” the first Game Add-on for “Alan Wake.” In this latest chapter to the critically acclaimed psychological action thriller exclusive to Xbox 360, our favourite writer is in greater peril than ever before as the boundaries between reality and nightmare become disturbingly distorted. Threatening to overwhelm Alan’s mind, the nightmarish mysteries feel chillingly familiar. Keep your flashlight nearby as you get ready to follow “The Signal.”
“Alan Wake” fans can take a glimpse into Alan’s terrifying world with the debut of a new trailer. As the freakish landscapes and enemies become all-too-real, Alan must find a way to escape in “The Signal,” offering a heart-pounding thrill ride featuring new locations and innovative gameplay.
For “Alan Wake” fans that purchased new copies of the game, a token card is included in each copy to download “The Signal” at no cost. For those looking to purchase the Game Add-on, “The Signal” is available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE for 560 Microsoft Points.
Fans can also further immerse themselves in the mystery of “Alan Wake” through the “Alan Wake” novel from Tor Books, the original soundtrack by Sumthing Else Music Works, the official strategy guide from Prima Games, and the “Alan Wake Illuminated” hardcover art book from Random House. Those who want to gear up properly for their adventure through Bright Falls can also stock up at the official “Alan Wake” store and at CafePress.
Bringing a new style of storytelling to Xbox 360, “Alan Wake” is a psychological action thriller from Remedy, the renowned original developers of the successful “Max Payne” series. The game immerses players in an intense and expansive cinematic world with hyper-realistic and interactive environments modelled after real locations in Washington and Oregon. “Alan Wake” is episodic-based with a deeply engaging and suspenseful storyline inspired by the likes of Stephen King, “Lost” and “Twin Peaks,” unveiling new twists and profound character revelations at every turn.
If you haven’t yet seen the newly released trailer for this DLC, check it out. It’s chalk full of suspense and win.
Original Duck Hunt on your iphone.
Originally posted at YourHealthisLow
Original Duck Hunt on your iphone.
Posted by Sharon on June 24, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Duck Hunt is back! And it’s on your iphone.
There seems to be a lot of ongoing discussion, lately, regarding the validity of gaming on mobile devices. The simplicity, interface, short game play, and scores of terrible game-turned-apps, out there further perpetuate the thought from console and PC gamers that this new ‘platform’ is less respected than its competition. This topic, which I am still largely on the fence about, has some great points on either side but every once and a while something comes along to offer a new perspective. For me this new perspective came when I hesitantly downloaded Duck Hunt for my iphone.
With a bank full of Duck Hunt memories in tow, I opened up the game and was pleased with what I saw. In 1985 I stood in my living room, armed with my zapper, shooting all manner of flying ducks and clay pigeons, and revisiting the retro classic on my iphone seemed contradictory but much to my surprise was as satisfying as ever.
The graphics are spot on what you will recall from the original NES version, which (for those of you who don’t remember) was one of the two bundle games that came with the system purchase, and includes all the sounds that you enjoyed a mere 25 years ago.
After you download this game to your iphone or ipod touch, you will notice one glaring difference with this port… no zapper! Instead the controls of the touch screen are right and left thumb based. The left thumb will be used to navigate your crosshairs and the right to fire your deadly weaponry.
The only levels available to you are the one and two duck challenges, but that will be enough to satisfy your retro needs. The gun still fires, the dog still laughs and the ducks still fly ferociously away after 3 misfires, but you wouldn’t miss now would you? Visit the app store and pick up Original Duck Hunt By Triceratops Games for the best $0.99 you will spend today and do so with haste!
For a moment let us consider the validity of the NES games of yesteryear. Do we negate the games that got us playing and dub them casual, simple and easy or can a resurgence of NES games bring the iphone, ipod, and other mobile devices to a level of respectability with all gamers?
What do you think?
Sweet Tooth is Back! All new Twisted Metal!
Origianlly posted at YourHealthisLow
Sweet Tooth is Back! All new Twisted Metal!
Posted by Sharon on June 17, 2010 · Leave a Comment
The closing announcement today from Sony at the Electronics Entertainment Expo in LA had the theater filled with gasps. After a recent rumor that a new Twisted Metal was on it’s way, creator David Jaffe was spotted posting a misleading status on twitter in May.
Jaffe posted
“By the way, I WISH we were making a new Twisted Metal. Making game you’ve already worked on is tons easier cuz your core blueprint is already there. This new game design stuff tho? Man, that is hard…reason I’m so stressed these days!”
But Jaffe was playing foolzies.
The appearance of Sweet Tooth and Doll Face filled the faces of gamers everywhere with ear to ear grins at the end of this highly anticipated conference.
With a big PS3 line up promised for the coming year, this resurrection of the beloved twisted title looks to be a stand above release.
Our favorite multiplayer death match will accommodate up to 16 players online and is said to have 4 player split screen capabilities. The gameplay demo began with helicopter use, a vehicle not used before now. The gameplay looked amazing, dark, and stylish and of course with familiar levels of destruction and anarchy.
Nuke Mode, new to Twisted Metal, debuted to an excited crowd and promised to give us the chance to pit two teams against one another in and effort to race against each other to destroy the opposing team’s flag which in this case happens to be a large areal suspended metal sculpture.
With an unscheduled 2011 release Twisted Metal will continue to keep us waiting for a while yet before it makes its way to our PS3
To get your peek, check out the official E3 trailer!
Check out the all new NUKE mode
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