Resident Evil: Revelations

I know I've been absent for awhile now, but what better way to start my "comeback" than REvelations, as I like to call it! Resident Evil games have always been about cranks, now though, it's all about screwdrivers! Talk about a handy tool in this game..

Ohh Crank, how I miss thee.

As stated in a previous article, I'm a huge fan of the RE series. When I first heard about REvelations, I thought: "Great, another action game." So I really didn't pay a lot of attention to it, now though, I'm glad I got it. Not only is it scary, but the game actually feels complete! Unlike the previous RE game for the 3DS, it had a lot of things missing, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

The story in this game takes place on an abandoned cruise ship. Not going to spoil anything, but Jill Valentine and her new partner, Parker, have been assigned to find Chris Redfield and Jessica. The last known location was.. yup, you guessed it, the abandoned cruise ship. The only problem I had with the story.. was that you switch characters a lot, kinda like Call of Duty(well, not really THAT extreme). And that kind of breaks the tension you have going on in this cruise ship.

Your standard enemy, the Ooze.

There are a lot of charming characters in this game, I noticed that when turning on the Japanese voice actors(2nd playthrough). You know how I like my voice actors! I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the english voice actors, but sometimes they sound too bossy, too cocky or too whiny. While the japanese voice actors, I think they nailed it. The story should take you up to 7-8 hours to complete, which i felt was just right, any longer and it would've been a drag..

The gameplay is an over-the-shoulder-survival-horror-shooter, or you could switch it to first person aim view if you want. But I personally like the 3rd person view, mainly because it looks great in 3D. The control scheme in this game is a lot like The Mercenaries 3D, with strafing, aim while walking, shoot while walking etc. But the main thing I really enjoyed about this game is the fact that you can gyroscope aim, especially when you feel the 3D isn't doing it's part, I sometimes turned it off and went into gyroscope aiming.

The characters have a lot of detail.

The graphics look amazing in this game, and it's the best looking game on the 3DS with or without the 3D effect. However, sometimes I had some issues with the 3D(while it being rare). The thing about the 3D effect in REvelations, is that you can have normal, strong or very strong. Usually very strong is the way to go if you want amazing 3D effect, but sometimes my eyes weren't focused enough, meaning I see a lot of "ghosts" and aiming becomes difficult. But that's just me, I hope..


Now, there is one mode in this game which is AWESOME, the Raid mode. You get this mode when you complete the story. This mode is a lot like the "old" Mercenaries from RE3, well at least that's what I felt. The main thing about raid mode is to clear monsters from room to room and complete it, simple yet fun. But the thing that got me hooked was the fact that each time you complete a level, you get exp(to level up) and get random weapons/upgrades(custom weapon parts) after each level! Yes, random weapons! You can also upgrade them if you find custom parts throughout the maps. That is, if the weapons have upgradeable "slots", the other thing that is awesome in this mode is that it lets you and your friend play it online, but I don't have any friends, so I have no idea if it works that well.. But judging by the previous game(Mercenaries 3D) I'm sure it is smooth.

Chris Redfield shooting some enemies in raid mode.

While I could go on and on how great this mode is- what? Ohh! I forgot to mention you can also unlock other characters and costumes and whatnot! You also get BP each time you complete a map, this is the currency in this game. You can buy weapons, custom gun parts, you can even restock your ammo if you find some of your weapons have low ammo.

All in all, this game rocks, and gives you a lot of content. The story was fun and all that, but I saw it coming a mile away. So, it's kind of weak but still better than RE5.. But the things that make up for it are: smooth controls, great graphics, scaaary moments, great characters, the fact that you get to stare at Jills ass in 3D and of course, raid mode.

Well done, Capcom, well done..

Apologies!

Due to the fact that there hasn't been any posts lately is because I've been waiting for the Roxio game capture device. And when I finally got it, I figured I also had to order component cables.. That's what I get for not doing extra research. So, the main reason for the lacking articles lately is because: I didn't want to post text-based reviews this time around, but rather video reviews.

I was going to do a video review of Skyrim, but it's rather late, now that everyone already has it. But nonetheless, I guess I'll just make a review out of it.. Since it'll be my first video review in a looong time. And feedback/critic is always something I can learn of, no matter how harsh it may be. I guess the video review will be up at wednesday.. since I figured editing will be time consuming, especially if you're alone. I still haven't gotten the component cables.. but I know I'll get them tomorrow, hopefully... probably.

So, I am really sorry for the lacking posts in the site. However, there are some good news! I managed to bribe Shach to do a review of Minecraft when it is released, you know, the "full" release. I'll notify in the comments section if I get the component cables tomorrow.

People are amazing..

Classic D&D halfling bard.

First off.. there is this picture going through the net nowadays, and it happend to give me a great idea how "Modern Warefares" should be. Now, this probably applies to the fantasy game of Dungeons&Dragons, or P&P. But, remember how bards were? You know, the class that no one picks because they mainly are a support class. Just kidding, Bards can be awesome classes too, even I've played as a bard in my "youthful" days of p&p. Most people see bards as these stupid minstrels nowadays, but that's just because they are disguised as stupid minstrels. When you least expect it, they'll.. probably make you laugh to death by Tasha's Hideous Laughter.. well, not that it will kill the player, but still!

Classic Modern Warefare bard. Which will be the greatest
idea ever! Thanks  to me!

Anyways, I'll keep this article brief, because I have two pictures I just HAVE to show you guys.. And the last picture, I know you've probably already seen it. But imagine if they add that feature to the next Call of Duty game, wouldn't THAT be awesome? I mean, a Bard buffing your party and whatnot! That would make the game more interesting. Or a killstreak! "Bardmageddon", that's what I would call it.. you get a carepackage and a bard suddenly pops out of it! And it would follow your player around and buff you. I know what your thinking, that would be a bad idea, since the bard likes to sing all the time. But! Since the enemy players most likely will hear where the bard is, -if I were to be on that team- I would think "Screw this shit, I'm not going near that overly-buffed-character!".

And that's it! I think this is the greatest idea, EVER.. and I know you agree with me!

The reason!

No, not that cheesy song.. But, the reason I'm not doing a review of Dark Souls is.. well, too much to explain, really. I did it with Demon's Souls awhile ago, it was a major failure, so.. this must be some kind of a From Software curse. The thing is, this is the only type of game I have no idea how to review. Don't get me wrong or anything, I don't think the game is crappy by any means. In fact, if I were to give it a score.. I'd give it 10/10, because of the simple -yet brilliant- combat, it's difficult and it has a LOT of replay value.

Tip how to beat this boss; put on the most awesome
battle theme you know of. Then you'll beat it!

There aren't enough games out there like Dark Souls, most games nowadays hold your hand around every corner and give you checkpoints after checkpoints, and that makes the player spoiled. Dark Souls on the other hand.. is like a strict martial arts trainer that pushes you down a cliff and hopes that you have the ability to take action. It will train you, and whenever there's an obstacle in your way.. you will learn how to defeat it with trial and error. I still remember the first time I beat Megaman(1), I was overjoyed and relieved when the credits started to roll, why? Because I had struggled every stage by trial and error.. Ohh, and I was 6-7 years old when this happend. I still get chills to this day, when I hear the credits theme of Megaman.

Now, the only game I can compare the Dark/Demon's Souls series to is Castlevania 64, though Castlevania 64 didn't have RPG elements. It was a love-it-or-hate-it-game, and I friggin loved it back in the day, because it was one of the most challenging games I had ever tried back then. Now, if you were one of those players who thought that the game was easy, well, kudos to you! But I never saw the end of that game.. All because of a friend.. he managed to use all of the healing items and save before the so-called-last-boss, which I later found out, wasn't the last boss at all.. There were at least two more bosses until you beat the game.. Yes, my friend.. the truth had to come out to the world eventually. <insert evil laughter>

This guy was scary as hell back in the day..

Games should be challenging, at least.. that's what I want in games. Games nowadays are too player-friendly, which to some degree becomes stupid. We're not retarded, we don't need a popup saying how to do things every 5 seconds! Remember when games used to kick you in the balls, and you were ok with it? Now it's like they're tickling your balls, and that just becomes really awkward. Sure, one tutorial level is fine.. But not when they think you'll constantly forget how the game works. Also a thing I'd like to talk about, there is a fine line between unfair and strict. Farcry 2 is unfair, because if you fire a SILENCED weapon, yes, silenced. And miss a guy on the other side of the map, then they'll suddenly spot you and send a raid after you. Now, this wouldn't be a problem if you could just simply hide again, but nooo, when you fire that bullet they suddenly get superhuman tracking abilities. Dark Souls on the other hand, is just strict, NOT unfair. It is your own fault if you run into a pack of undead and they manage to eviscerate you. And even if you think a boss fight is "unfair" in this game, eventually, you'll learn it's pattern. In games like these, you have to be patient..

The reason why everyone wanted to
wear a blue spandex back in the day.

At the end of the day, I think to myself.. why do I play games? Is it because of I want a challenge? I mean, if I wanted a challange I'd simply go to war and try to defeat a tank with a slingshot. But that's suicidal, so instead of real life, games like Dark Souls give me that kind of challenge. Even if I were to die a thousand times, eventually I'd have the knowledge on how to defeat a tank with a slingshot. So, what happend to the entertaiment part? Well, be surprised folks! Since it manages to deliver that aswell, you'll get the feeling of progression after you beat a hard boss. Which is an awesome feeling.. and after awhile, you feel like this master and nothing can beat you! And then at the next corner you get killed by a dragons breath.. Which made me laugh.. and cry at the same time.

And that's about it, folks. Even if this didn't make any sense whatsoever, I felt like I had to post something in this barren blog for once. Since I'm the only one that does that.. *glares at the rest of the gang* Ohh, and I'm not comparing Farcry 2 and Dark Souls, I am simply stating what is unfair and strict.

Have a great day!

You know what time it is? It's BLOCK-time!

Wow, I'm getting better and better posting nonsense headlines.. But now, back to the topic!

We all know that Monday is our official minecraft day, and that's what we're going to talk about in this brief post. Me and Shach seriously need some help now, since we have found a huge open area, where we can build whatever we want. The first thing that came to mind was a kingdom, with castles and whatnot.. But! We have no idea what we should start with.. 

Anyways, these 2-3 last weeks we've been making a Harbour-town, yet another mansion, a tower and a... upside-down-house.. which I really didn't want to take a screenshot of!

BUT ENOUGH TALK! IT'S SCREENSHOT TIME!

Let's start off with the mansion, I'd say it's about 35% bigger
than the last one.

Front view. This is one of the few big buildings I'm
actually satisfied with.

Inside the mansion, Shach is always ready for some
photoshoots.

Mr.Shach, the bartender.. This guy has about every job
in the world.

Shach's tower. Now.. I usually make jokes about Shach's
buildings. But I clearly don't need to, this time.. *wink*

A bit of the open landscape where we can build whatever.

It's not too far away from Shach's tower either.

This town doesn't have a name yet, so I'm just gonna call it
Harbour Town (yes, that's really creative).

Another view of Harbour Town, isn't it awesome?

Street view, the first building from the right is Guard tower,
Jehrino's hut, and Shach's shack.. and what do you know,
he want's to be a part of the picture!

Shach's shack, perfect for holding parties every saturday.

Jehrino's hut, small and practical. Perfect for those hard
sunday morning scenarios.

The awesome guard tower! Spot the creep..

Jehrino's fishing boat, now.. making the sails to this one
was hard as hell. But then again, I had never made
sails before that anyways.

Look at those awesome sails! I even built that before the
small boat-sails. I am proud of myself.. *sniffle*

Now he is a fisherman.. what a guy..

Main attraction of Harbour Town, the most awesome
Tavern ever made!

Wait, where's the bar..?

Tah-dah! Erm.. I seriously think he is following me
around..

Downstairs we have the storage room, looks cozy.

Even more down, you'll end up here!..No, this isn't hell.

The tavern.. I should say that this is one of the BEST
minecraft screenshots I've ever taken.

And that's it, what a great way to start off the week. There are alot of areas that I didn't want to take screenshots from, mainly because those areas aren't quite complete yet. But, looking back to old pics, I'd say we've improved quite a bit, 45% more awesome than before! Soon we'll be hanging out with the pro-builders!..

Nonetheless, have a great day everyone!

Busy busy.

That's right! I'm quite busy nowadays, I am still writing about the story of this "side-story-webcomic" thingie. Even though I have a feeling that this will be the main story in this site, and since we've already made awesome stuff on Minecraft, I thought I'd borrow village names, places, etc. from "OurSecretServer" as I like to call it. Sort of like a "backstory" to the server, which I think will turn out awesome. But that's just me, I'll probably need some help with the writing etc. But I'm not too worried, since I'm going to my hometown this friday, so I think I'll persuade one of my friends to help me out.

Thought I'd make it a bit of a mystery,
as you can see, I am not yet revealing
anything just yet. Don't mind the
doodles here and there.. wait, the
whole concept is like a doodle.

Yet again, I have no update for this monday. But that's because me and Shach haven't done too much lately, so yet again, sorry peeps! But, despite my bad drawing skills, I guess I have to tease you with some really rough concept art. Even though he is nameless at the moment, I'm pretty sure if you would've played at OurSecretServer, you would probably guess who this guy is.

So yeah, I hope it turns out good. Even though my drawing skills aren't that good at the moment, but practice makes perfect, right? Anyways! can't wait to start on this project. I have a really good feeling about it! ..well, that just me.

Have a great day everyone!

Last year's award winning sports game just got better!

I'm not a huge fan of sports, but when it comes to hockey, then I'm a hardcore fan. It was even the NHL games that got me into hockey. So yeah, last years award winning sports game just got better!

So, what can I talk about in a sports game? Well, about everything I talk about in a regular game. Let's start off with the menus, they are indeed slick, and better than in the previous installments, there are tons of modes in this game and the menus are not so confusing anymore *looks at NHL 11 menus*. The nice thing about navigating menus is the fact that there is always awesome music in the background, there are times I turn on the game just to listen to some high quality music and chill out with the shootout mode.

The graphics are about the same as last years game, however, the animations are better. The bodychecks seem more bonecrushing than ever, and also, the animation to bodychecked players have improved. The puck no longer magically sticks near your character when your about to take a slapshot. I had a few of those incidents when playing against my brother, I charge way too long with a slapshot and then the puck drifts away. But it's great that puck is live this year. What also is live this year is the goalie, that's right, you can even bodycheck the goalie, but that'll result you going to the sinbin.

Pavel Datsyuk in position, as always.

The first thing you'll probably notice is the NHL Winter Classic mode, this is an annual event held by the National Hockey League (NHL) on New Year's Day where regular-season games are played outdoors, in areas hosted by the NHL teams. So that means outdoor hockey! Which manages to be interesting for awhile, but if I want to play against another player/computer, I'd simply just go to Play Now menu. But the outdoor areas look and feel fantastic. So, it is nice with outdoor hockey once in awhile. 

Another thing new to the series is the Be a legend mode, this lets you be a legend, in other words, it's a lot like Be a pro mode, but in this, you can be a legend like Wayne Gretzky. Now this mode made me kind of excited at first. The only thing different in this mode compared to be a pro, is that you play as a maxed out player and you have to perform tasks such as "score 25 goals this season" or stuff like that. So, it is a decent mode, but you'll have to unlock the other legends. Anyways, I thought I'd mention the legends that are in this game, so here goes: Ray Bourque, Chris Chelios, Steve Yzerman, Patrick Roy, Jeremy Roenick, Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux, Börje Salming and Wayne Gretzky. What also is cool that there is a "Legends" team included in the game as part of the legends feature.

Ovechkin ready for some outdoor hockey.

Phew, almost done- wait, no I'm not.. This game has modes that'll keep you occupied for a very long time, what also returns this year is the Hockey Ultimate Team. This mode lets you create a fantasy team, with players from NHL, AHL, Elitserien and SM Liga being the major ones. This mode is awesome, this is what had me hooked last year, it's fun. It really is! What's so great about this mode is that, you start out with random players, yes, completely random! You can manage positions however you want, who should play etc. Another cool thing is that you can manage stats to the players, you can even buy new players! But to do this, you have to earn EA pucks, they are the "currency" in this mode, and to earn them, you simply have to win matches or win tournaments. And this grants you EA pucks, especially the tournaments, they grant you a hefty amount. With the EA pucks, you can buy booster cards, or other types of cards, which can contain players, new home/away jerseys, stat cards, contracts and even managers.

Be a pro mode lets you create your character, what is new to this mode is the fact that you can finally make a female character, more about that in a bit. This mode is interesting, since it manages to do it so well, you have goals/tasks to achieve, a lot like as I stated in "be a legend" mode. But you have to make your own character and you can put stats however you want to. In this mode, instead of EA pucks, you earn experience, which you then can invest in one of the many stats. This is what makes it a tad better than be a legend mode. You pick an NHL team, start off with the AHL(American Hockey League), and if you do it well, you get drafted to the NHL! Anyways, you can also create a female character now, thanks to 14-year-old hockey fan named Lexi Peters. It was even her idea to add this feature! She was discouraged by her inability to create a female player that didn't look like a man in a wig in the past NHL versions, Peters wrote a letter to EA, saying to add a gender option to its next NHL iteration, and believe it or not, she was rewarded for her efforts with a starring role as the game's female default model.

Patrice Bergeron laz0r shot during shootout.

I like the fact that you don't have to be a hockey fan to like this game, that's how I started. I even have a friend that is a hardcore hockey fan/"veteran player", as he likes to call it. He is the one who introduced me to hockey, and I sure am glad he did. Hockey is fast paced and brutal, if someone bodychecks you, you can't act like you've been hurt *looks at football*. This game has gotten better, with tons of modes, awesome music and good -yet simple- gameplay. It feels more live than ever! So yeah, I could go on and on about this game, but I thought I'd cover up the modes I think that'll keep you hooked, like it did to me.