Hey! Whatchya Playing!?!?! Volume 13

I can feel myself slipping back into a gaming haze like what I experienced with Fable II. I don’t feel like blogging much right now. But I know if I stop, it will be extremely tough to get back into things. Thankfully I’m playing a lot of games so there will be plenty to write about in the future.

Xbox 360

Mass Effect 2
As of this writing, My Shepherd is a little more than 20 hours in. For my crew, I’m needing 2 more recruits and the loyalty of half my crew. My most recent exploits include isolating Jack, flirting with Miranda, passing the Rite with Grunt, and helping Jacob deal with his father. I plan to aid all my crew for the best odds of passing our mission against our greatest foe: the Collectors. My armory and tech upgrades are expanding which is requiring me to scan more planets. The research and the hacking games are simple yet addicting.

Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime- Demo
I like the Ghostbusters but I hate terrible dungeon crawlers with crappy story elements. Yes, the game that snuck out isn’t nearly as cool as I imagined. The motion comic style presentation with no voice track is boring. The bad team AI is most obvious when my character was downed. They stopped attacking ghost to heal me only to die themselves. Dumb. This sad effort makes me think the franchise doesn’t matter anymore.

Swarm-Demo
In this game, players control a group of 50 Swarmites to complete a common goal. Swarm has a cute and fun style about it. The gameplay caters to multiple playthroughs to seek perfection.

Rush’N Attack Ex-Patriot- Demo
I wasn’t sure what to think about this game except it was a 2D action-espionage adventure. The campaign story starts with the Tunguska Event which I thought was cool. The s
storytelling isn’t quite up to the level of other XBLA titles, but it has a cool art style. I would consider it the best game of it’s type since Shadow Complex. The game offers up a very lengthy demo clocking in at around 20 minutes. My only nag is that the dialog balloons aren’t that great.

The Dishwasher Vampire Smile- Demo
I played the demo of the first game and it looks like something I would enjoy.  So I figured I’d check out the sequel.  This game is an ultra violent slasher noire sidescrolling adventure. The game has awesome visuals and story.  The game is simple like a button masher, except with cool combos. There is an arcade and 2 campaigns, so lots of replay value.

Doom 2
Even though I’ve played this game many times over on PC, a sale on Xbox Live prompted me to buy it again.  I’ve been playing mostly for achievements.  A good chunk of them can be unlocked before level 8.  I had high hopes to start an ultra violence playthrough of both campaigns as a break to ME2.  Unfortunately my current game is on normal because I’m a huge wuss.  I tried the first level or two on ultra violence and it was taking a ton of time.  Also, I died and forgot to save.  So I picked up Tricks and Traps and have made it to Nirvana.  Aside from that I’ve been jumping into deathmatch every so often to grab a few kills.  Hopefully I’ll have 100 frags sometime soon.

World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars
This was going to be my side project while working on Mass Effect 2.  I’ve played maybe 2 or 3 events since last time and a little online.  Nothing major.

iPhone

Street Fighter IV
My old standby has seen a ton of action lately.  I finished the tournament again with Ken, Abel, and Zangief to help me get used to their moves.  When I got back into Street Fighter I tried playing as Zangief and got pretty good.  Sadly all his special moves require being extremely close to an opponent.  I plan to work with Cammy and Blanka next time.

djay
I’m a huge fan of real life DJ’s and I’ve been wanting to purchase this app for so long.  It was recently on sale for $4.99 (down from $9.99), so I couldn’t pass it up.  Though it really isn’t a game, I tend to just mess around with it for long periods of time.  If you like working two turntables I suggest checking djay out.

Deal Alert: Capcom and Microsoft Game Studios content on Xbox Live

I hope you’ve got Microsoft Points to spare. Because, there are a boat-load of great games and add-ons available from Microsoft Game Studios and Capcom. Below are some highlights of the deals.

Halo: Reach – Noble Map Pack
Was: $10
Now: $5

Gears of War 2: All Fronts
Was: $10
Now: $5

Perfect Dark
Was: $10
Now: $5

Splosion Man
Was: $10
Now: $5

Braid
Was: $10
Now: $5

Duke Nukem 3D
Was: $10
Now: $5

Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Was: $15
Now: $7.50

Mega Man 10
Was: $10
Now: $5

Bionic Commando: Rearmed
Was: $10
Now: $5

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
Was: $15
Now: $7.50

There are also some related avatar items on sale if you’re into that.

Remember Microsoft Points cards come in 1600 ($20)  and 4000 ($50) point increments in stores.  In addition, they can be purchased from the console via credit card.

For more information check out the Xbox Live dashboard.  Reviews for some can be found here, and check the internet for the rest.   Also, be sure to come back on Friday April 15th for some special one-day deal. I’ll be posting them on my Facebook as they become available. Now, to run out and stock up on Microsoft Points!

DLC Review: Mass Effect 2 – Kasumi’s Stolen Memory

Before I launch into my review, I should talk a little about the downloadable content for Mass Effect 2.  The strategy for add-ons in this game is considerably different than for other games.  Rather than expand the story after completing the main game, Mass Effect 2 enriches its story through DLC.  For example, the Cerberus Network adds worthwhile cool free stuff like a few extra weapons, armor, some missions, and the recruitable Zaeed.  As a part of Project Ten Dollar, this token is free to people who buy a new copy of Mass Effect 2 (or purchase it for $10 on Xbox Live Marketplace).

There is also paid content available that is worth having from the start of the game.  These DLC packs add depth to the story along with all the extra goodies like equipment. Granted a player could work through them on a second playthrough, but that means less time for other games.  Personally, I grabbed most of the packs when they were on sale around Christmas.  And since there isn’t much to deviate them from regular content, I’ve been playing them. So on to the fun!

Kasumi’s Stolen Memory adds the mysterious thief as a recruitable character with her own loyalty mission.  I had been playing Mass Effect 2 for under 10 hours when I recruited Kasumi Goto.  She is a fairly interesting character you meet on Ilium.  Her powers are fairly good for almost any enemy types.  Kasumi doesn’t pack much firepower, but her well rounded skills make her a valuable part of the team.

The best part of the DLC is Kasumi’s loyalty mission.  Players find out more about her history including a relationship for her deceased partner Keiji Okuda.  The plan is to recover his graybox from the man who killed him: playboy arms dealer Donovan Hock.  The heist requires cracking his vault when he’s entertaining party guests.  There are several steps that lead Shepherd to bypass security and enter the vault.  Shortly after, you are caught and forced to fight a path out.  The last thing standing in your way is Donovan Hock who fights from an armored gunship.  In the end, Shepherd and Kasumi destroy Hock and escape.

The mission isn’t lengthy (around an hour total), but the resources and loyalty more than make up for that.  I think the price is appropriate though it would have been nice to have even more content.  I look forward to seeing more as I adventure through the galaxy.  I recommend anyone purchase this if you’re looking for the full Mass Effect 2 experience.

Hey! Whatchya Playing!?!?! Volume 12

Finally I’m starting to beak into some of my backlog of games. I also wanted to pair a lengthy game with a shorter game which I’m doing! Woot! Plus I did purchase X-Men and Doom II on Xbox Live, so no shortage of game stuff!

Xbox 360

Mass Effect 2
After the debacle last week that was Halo: Reach, I vowed to start something new: it had to be Mass Effect 2. Both games may be set in space and populated with guns that go “pew-pew,” but nothing rivals the story and depth found in the Mass Effect universe. Since I finished the original game multiple times I started out with my most experienced existing save (level 56). It was interesting to see how much of the story I remembered. And because the way my Shepherd was quizzed about his past after the thrilling opening sequence. Sorry. When I talk about the story I’ll always try to be vague, so not to spoil things. The gameplay remains largely the same though refined. Selecting a class, you are equipped with specific weapons and biotics. The command and weapon wheels return allowing full access to your squad. It seems better implemented here than ever before. I’m around 15 hours into my adventure, have a healthy amount of crew recruited (a few loyalty missions done too), and am loving the game. Excitement seems to lurk on every world without much of a break. I look forward to seeing more as I continue to play.

World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars
This game has been on my most wanted list for some time now. After a trip to the Gaming Center, it’s mine! I took a break from the previously mentioned Mass Effect 2 and played a few hours. The game isn’t the greatest ever, but the racing is the closest I’ll ever get to driving a sprint car. The tracks are authentic and events are fun. I have hardly made a dent in the career mode. The graphics and sound are pretty weak, but the game has it’s followers. I ran into a group of these players in my online sessions. Races online are fun though I like the other gimmicky modes like Bomb Tag and Tag better. So far, I’m liking World of Outlaws more than any of the stock car games I’ve played.

iPhone

Moviecat!
I played a game or two of this in the last week without winning. I’m determined to finish it on Medium difficulty again. Usually I blow most of my nine lives in a single round.

Skee Ball
I’m kinda hooked on this arcade game. But, I haven’t found one definitive version that I think is the best. If you have any suggestions, let me know. Or maybe I should just go to a Chuck E. Cheese and just get it out of my system.

Impressions: Nintendo 3DS

Since the announcement of the Nintendo 3DS, I’ve wondered how well the 3D actual works.  And with the unit out little more than a week, I’ve had two opportunities to get hands-on. I’m not in the market for the upgraded handheld, but a store display is too inviting. For those interested in their own experience visit a participating Target store.  Read on for my impressions…

The Hardware:

The Nintendo 3DS on display was the colorful glossy Aqua Blue.  Compared to the DSi, the unit is roughly the same size (very close according to the specifications). Aside from the 3D top screen, the most noticeably tweaked features are the controls.  The start and select buttons are no longer traditional buttons and located at the base of the lower screen along with a new “home” button. I didn’t notice them at first and don’t understand the design choice.  On the right side of the unit the A, B, X, and Y buttons are in a familiar position.  I’m not sure if there was a stylus on the demo unit, but I didn’t need it for Pilotwings Resort.  The power button is now larger and found at the bottom of the right side.  Shoulder buttons are there, but I still question their existence.  On the left side of the 3DS there are now two controls: the directional pad and the the circle pad.  The d-pad remains the same, but the circle pad is the new hotness.  It offers a fair amount of control which helps games that exist in 3D worlds (not 3D visuals).  There are also 3 cameras.  The inside camera facing the player purely 2D while the outside cameras shoot 3D pictures.

Speaking of that gimmick, the top screen has a slider that controls the amount of 3D.  At the lowest setting there is nothing much separating the Nintendo 3DS from other DS units.  The graphics are little smoother and the colors brighter, but nothing much more.  Cranking the slider up to the maximum explodes the screen revealing a fair amount of depth.  I tried playing at this setting, but didn’t find it very appealing.  I tried to adjust it to something in-between without much luck.  I also tried varying how far I held the unit away from my face.  Most of the time I ended up blurry visuals.  For me, I’m not planning on making the jump to this iteration.  Also, assuming the success of 3D depends on the user, I suggest potential buyers try a demo somewhere.

Pilotwings Resort:

I remember first playing Pilotwings back in the Nintendo 64 days, so this new installment had me excited for the franchise to return.  This 3DS launch game has two main modes, free flight and mission flight.  I tried out the latter and found it to be fun.  The circle pad controls the aircraft well and makes navigating the air easy.  From my few minutes with it, I think it is an excellent game to demo the unit.  From the looks of it though, there isn’t much to keep people playing it.

Final Thoughts:

At $250, I know the Nintendo 3DS is outside the price ranger of many consumers.  It may offer up some cool ideas and improvements, but I’ll stick to the DSi for now.  Still, I’ll be interested to see how more game developers use the technology in the future.  If people are curious about the 3D check out a demo station in your participating store, it may be right up your alley.