...thirty-eight years ago.
BONUS:
Back in those days, the only time you ever saw a TV being used in class was when something on PBS showed up during school hours. Sometimes the school might even saved a copy of the program if they had a 3/4" U-Matic deck lying around but that was all you got (besides Mr. 16mm and Mrs. 35mm Filmstrip projectors). Here's one such program I remember wasting my first grade existence on...
Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 Impression
A new Final Fantasy, a new generation of systems and a new reason for RPG gamers to get geeked. With dual release on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Final Fantasy XIII marks the next great step in RPG gaming … or does it? While the franchise has a storied past and has attained many great achievements and awards does FFXIII measure up or is it resting on the laurels of the past? The answer is yes, but let’s takes a look at which road of ‘yes’ FFXIII travels.
Gameplay – It’s a role-playing game where characters move in and out of gamers party of three, level up and continue an a fairly linear path with some side-quest later in the adventure. This is core Final Fantasy but changes have been made such as the Active Time Battle system where battles flow much faster with pre-issued commands to fighters as well as an interesting leveling up system, Crystarium, where gamers have more control over the flow of growth. Towns where shopping was done in the past are replaced with a camp shopping system and summons have been turned into vehicle transformations, like the love child of Transformers and M.A.S.K.
Graphics – Stunning. The level of detail in cut-scenes is amazing from blades of grass to the shine on a blade. The in-game action is also off the charts with a level of polish only an experienced dev team and years of work could produce. Every detail of the game comes across as alive and even the menu system is crisp and polished. Doubters can say whatever they like but they cannot diss the visual appeal of Final Fantasy XIII. Surprising note is the PS3 boast better graphics than Xbox 360. It’s not major but it is one of the few times the PS3 has beat out the 360 on this front.
Sound – Wonderful thing about Blu-ray is the amount of data one disc can handle. This space allows for hours of dialogue in FFXIII and while some of the lines may be cheesy it’s all very well delivered with the proper dramatics. The music is excellent also and while it does not have that one ear catching tune, well this may take shape over time and play through but still a great score.
Design – Tons of design, tons of action, settings, weapons, monsters … all very, very well done down to the jewelry. The battle system, Active Time Battle, design is great in being able to set class commands moving the flow of battle along. The leveling up system, Crystaruim, is also a nice update to grid and sphere systems from prior games. No towns to explore but this design element is welcomed by this gamer. Finally the Eidolons and how they manifest, are utilized is solid. While this is indeed a Final Fantasy it makes some bold design changes to core gameplay elements and they all pay off.
Miscellaneous – First, FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS. This project by Square Enix to create different chapters, pieces of the overall same story world is going to be interesting, to see how it plays out in other entries. Second the story and characters. These are core to the success of any Final Fantasy and one of the reasons FFVII is so well remembered. Same can be said to FFX but not as much for FFIX. The story is a bit confusing as the primary city world of Cocoon protects itself from the outside world of Pulse and the branded I’Cie, enemies of the state. The ruling group of Sanctum is behind some larger conspiracy, of course, and the main plot beings as rebels fighting against this plot. The story will begin to make sense and gamers will come to like, maybe love the new cast from strong femme fatal Lighting, her sister Sarah and fiancé Snow to chocobo carry Sazh and annoying youngsters Hope and Vanille.
Overall, there are some significant changes to the Final Fantasy formula that purest may frown on but these are good solid changes. The game flows faster and will take fewer hours to complete due to the lack to backtracking, exploration and mini-games but there is well over 60 hours of visual and gaming bliss to experience so it’s a great purchase. So is it worthy of the Final Fantasy name? Yes and just like any great game franchise, Final Fantasy continues to evolve while doing enough to stay on top.
Nier Comic Impression
Many games have been using both novels and comics to further their story from a prequel to adaptation of the in-game action. NIER from Square Enix is no exception as gamers can jump into the NIER comic and learn more about the mysterious story. It’s a free download but is it worth gamers and comic fans time? The three part comic explains the back story for NIER from the Fall of Humanity to the birth of “The Black Scrawl” (what now?). So just what is NIER?
NIER is an action-RPG (role-playing game) from Square Enix, better known for their Final Fantasy series. Beyond this and its April release timeframe not much is known about the story outside the crazy trailers populated with some of the most aggressive language seen in a Square Enix game. Nier is the name of the sword wielding, book carrying hero, who travels with his daughter. The book is not really carried; it floats and is called the Grimoire Weiss. This living book tells a tale of a dark past and future. Nier’s purpose is to travel around and defeat the Shade (bad guys) while saving those the Shade seeks to destroy. This is the first comic plot but there is more to Nier than meets the eye. The games trailers show off an impressive game with a slew of interesting characters and tons of action. So why should gamers care?
The comic is offered as a download or a scrolling three minute viewing of the story. The art is more traditional American comic than anything seen in manga and when compared to the game looks totally different from a design standpoint. The coloring is great and while the art is different it works and works well. The fleshing out of the story will only add to enhance the game experience and allow gamers to invest more in the unique characters but is it worth the time?
Yes and yes. For gamers investing in Nier you need to check out the comic. There is zero cost and total immersion into the series. For gamers thinking about taking a dive into Nier then start with the comic. If the story and characters interest you then get the game but if it’s all boring then why invest. This is the world gamers will dive into so read the comic first then make a buying decision. The choice is gamers and release is drawing Nier so time to download.
Stuart the Wonder Dog Papercraft
STUART is the dog of the paper model designer and animal lover Michael Haggard. Stuart is a Shiba Inu stray found on the streets of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. You can download the template here.
Top Fat Burners
Losing weight is way more tougher than gaining it. Diet and exercise are two of the most used when trying to lose weight but they're not easy to do and take a lot of time and effort for 'em to work. That's why people use fat burners but which of 'em actually works? Find out the top fat burners at topratedfatburners.com.
Strike Witches DVD Complete Series Impression
Aliens called Neuroi invade Earth; wipe out a good portion of the populace and stand up to most all military. How does humanity stave off extinction … flying witches of course. Strike Witches from FUNimation puts young witches in leg engines called Striker Units and sends them into the skies to battle the invading Neuroi. Sounds a bit odd, well yeah it is but there are things to like and a niche for this particular anime.
The Neuroi invade. The year is 1944 and no force on the planet can stand up to these invaders until it’s discovered witches have the power to do battle. With the development of the Striker Unit, engines crafted and strapped to the witches’ legs, humanity has a good fighting chance. These young witches are sought out and trained to battle the Neuroi as they appear and it’s the latest recruit, Yoshika Miyafuji who’s the latest into the fray. As Yoshika learns the ropes and battles the Neuroi she grows close to her fellow pilots and begins to learn more about the Neuroi. Will she hold the secret to turning the tide of battle in humanities favor or just be another weapon in a lasting battle?
Strike Witches is … interesting. First the animation is solid and simple. If there is a poster child for anime girls then is it. Strike Witches is not amazing looking or original but it’s solid. There are plenty of girls for all fetish flavors and yes I point this out due to the plentiful leg and panty shots. It’s not over the top but also not needed for a solid series so total fan service. The animal ears and tails that appear when a witch uses her powers is also very plushy. The ladies of Strike Witches will make many an otaku happy, but what about the story? Well the World War II setting and substitution of aliens for Nazi and flying girls for military is interesting and really does have so much more ground to discover. The 12 episodes presented offer many answers and create so many more questions that may (MAY) be answered in future releases. For some reason the story reminds of the PlayStation 3 video game Resistance where alien chimera invade and take over Europe. It’s the alien and WWII setting but that is all that creates comparison.
Overall from an anime fans perspective what you see on the cover is really what you get as this is an anime with good quality action and animation of flying girls with magic, ears and tails taking on a faceless and mysterious enemy. If this is what you want then go to it.
Paper Fight Club Papercraft Update
Check out the newest fighters at the paper fight club. You can also vote for you favorite fighter. Right now, Mammoth is leading by a big margin. Go here to download and/or vote.
Reduce Fat Belly
The belly area is one of the first part of the body that accumulates fat. It is also the part that people look at to see if a person is fit or not. If you are desperately trying to reduce belly fat, check this site out. The site has reviewed and ranked the best products that will help you get rid of that fat belly.
Chrontendo (video game review blog)
I've been following this particular blog for a while, and I tend to enjoy the chronological look into games released for the Nintendo Famicom (and subsequently the NES if possible), just thought I'd share it here...
The Bloodstained Man, Netherworld Book 2 Impression
Heavy Metal Pulp
In Netherworld Book 1 readers were introduced to Detective Rook Venner, a man caught up in a government conspiracy that seems to gravitate to a certain pleasure model he’s protecting. With his life all but forfeit Rook and Plesur go on the run, hunted, and keep learning more about why they are targets and just how big the conspiracy is. As the first story ends the second volume of Heavy Metal Pulp’s Netherworld, The Bloodstained Man, kicks in. How are Rook and Plesur doing? That’s what you have to read for. Having just seen an ex-presidents head go boom Rook, Plesur and Julia make their escape thanks to an upgraded Plesur. Instantly they look for more names tied to the recently uncovered Taste Imperative, a deadly government secret which the shadowy Sable Ranch will kill to keep secret. While on the run the trio is captured by the Latin gang located in the uninsured wild just outside the city where Rook must fight while Julia puts her unique skills to work. The trio encounters not only Latin gangs and gators but some very finicky robotic kitties. Not all pleasure mods are created equal but a secret underground soon reveals they can be free but is this enough for Rook as his feelings for Plesur grow?
This second volume picks up where the first left off and never misses a beat. The story is frantic; fast paced and cannot be put down once begun. It’s actually a very quick read with tons of comic style pics thrown in to give a visual to the story. It’s not War & Peace but seeing Rook grown closer to Plesur is enjoyable while this huge conspiracy unravels around them. That is the story, Rook on the run and government conspiracy. Nope, it’s not resolved in this volume but if you are a fan of the first book you’ve just got to get Bloodstained Man. My only gripe is the story ends with such a surprise and now I’ve got to wait for volume 3 … dang it all.
Sakura Wars on Wii Impression
Sakura Taisen is well known to anime fans worldwide but it’s never received the proper release here in the States. The now defunct ADV Films released Sakura Wars but it was at a very saturated time for anime. This being said it’s not too late to get caught up on the anime but now gamers get the chance to experience one of the fine games in the long running Sakura Wars franchise on the Nintendo Wii. Released on both the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii Sakura Wars is indeed dated graphics wise but it fits quite well on the Wii. So what does this release offer both anime and strategy role-playing fans, let’s take a look.
Gameplay – Battles are carried out in a strategy RPG setting but there are many more elements which set Sakura Wars apart. First there is an adventure mode, think dating sim, where gamers choose main character Shinjiro’s reactions to various encounters thus shaping gameplay. These interactions are usually with other STAR (mech) pilots and will affect the mech driven gameplay. The game takes place in New York and as Shinjiro travels around he can snap pictures around the city so there is a pic taking element. There are also musicals to watch which only makes sense since this is how the STAR pilots make their money. Yeah, in the world of anime this makes sense. A strategy RPG wrapped with a relationship sim and photo sim.
Graphics – The animated cut-scenes are beautiful, worthy of any DVD release while the photo stills found in many of the conversations are true to the anime and just plain pretty to look at. The in-game graphics capture the look and feel of Sakura Wars to a tee and look better than any mech titles seen on both PS2 and GameCube. It reminds of a much more polished Eureka 7 and for an S-RPG it avoids the boring grid look and feel.
Sound – Fantastic voice work when present mixes with an anime inspired soundtrack that rocks for fans. Battle sounds are good, but it’s the voice work that captures the day here.
Design – The mixture of genre types works very well since this is actually the 4th installment of the series in Japan. The mixture of dating sim and S-RPG works well as this is how the franchise is meant to work, for relationships to impact story and battle. The mech designs may seem clunky to fans of Gundam or Evangelion but they are designed to have a more industrial, steam punk feel and it comes across very well in the older New York setting.
Miscellaneous – The value of the Wii to anime fans. While the system does not boast the line-up or power of the PS3 or Xbox 360 what is does is offer games ‘next-gen’ system would usually pass over. Seeing (essentially) PS2 titles such as Bleach, Sky Crawlers and now Sakura Wars getting pub is awesome. There are a ton of great anime based games on the PS2 in Japan that gamers here never got the chance to play outside of imports. Localization is not cheap but seeing the release of these titles, even as a trickle, is outstanding. Overall, the story, voice work and setting in Sakura Wars are great, established and something fans will love. For straight-up S-RPG fans the dating aspect and sometimes plodding story may not be your cup of soup but it’s worth a taste for a system starved of good RPG’s. The price is right, the formula refined and for such an odd mixture it’s worth the try.
Geoff Peterson Papercraft
The robot Skeleton sidekick was created by Grant Imahara of the Mythbusters for Craig Ferguson on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson". Go get it here.
Plasma TV Stands
More and more people are now using plasma TV because of the great quality of display it produces. If you own one and is looking for plasma tv stands then check out standsandmounts.com. The site is a nationally recognized online store that offers thousands of products for use with home theater equipment. They offer a vast range of entertainment furniture and accessories including TV stands, audio racks and many more.
Coming soon....
A certain rounded pal of ours is turning 30 next month, so I think it's only customary that we dedicate next month to one of the world's famous video game icons to chomp his way into our hearts. Stay tune for some classic, retrospective, hard-hitting views o our yellow orb of power!
1980's mall arcade training film
Because I've been on an 80's vibe today (and will never get a job at one of these places no more)....
Smog Monster Sounds
If you've been singing "Save the Earth" since Earth Day then head over to Magic Carpet Burn and download a copy of the Godzilla VS. Hedorah soundtrack. Plus there's a link to the Godzilla VS. Megalon soundtrack, too!
Thanks Prof. Grewbeard!
It's Earth Day!
Celebrate Earth Day by singing along with the opening from Godzlla VS The Smog Monster! SAVE THE EARTH!
SAVE THE EARTH!
Animals, God's animals
Don't go away, don't go
Flowers, my flowers
Don't go away, don't go
The sea has cobalt, it's full of mercury
Too many fumes in our oxygen
All the smog now is choking you and me
Good Lord, where is it gonna end?
Got to get it back, someday
Got to get it back, and soon now
For tomorrow maybe you and me
We're movin', we're movin', movin' to the Moon now
It's up to us to make a choice
We know what it's worth to save the Earth
Come raise your voice
Save the Earth! (save the Earth)
Save the Earth! (save the Earth)
See the evil problem around us
Save the Earth! (save the Earth)
Save the Earth! (save the Earth)
And the Solution: stop pollution
Save the Earth! (save the Earth)
Save the Earth! (save the Earth)
Save the Earth!
And the Solution: to stop pollution
Save the Earth!
Save the Earth!
Save the Earth!
Hangselm Papercraft
Hangselm is a cool papertoy that you can hang just about anywhere you like. Cool, huh? Go download yourself one here and hang it somewhere.
Colon Cleansing Reviews
More and more people are turning to colon cleansers to provide both short and long time health benefits. But not all the colon cleansers advertised actually work. Make sure that you do a little research before buying yourself one. Better yet, check out and read the colon cleansing reviews. You can read the reviews of the top 5 colon cleansers in the market today.
Naoki Urasawa's Monster DVD Set 1 Impression
Could you save a monster, a beast that will torture and kill others without a second glance? The answer seems straightforward but what if you had no idea the person you were saving would become such a monster. This is something that Dr. Kenzo Tenma must deal with in Naoki Urasawa’s Monster on DVD from Viz. Based on the thrilling manga the anime loses none of its suspense or intrigue.
Dr. Kenzo Tenma is a brilliant surgeon, a man capable of saving almost any life but being a doctor is not always about saving lives. Tenma quickly learns that politics carry a heavy weight. As he saves the life of a famous singer another man dies, one who arrived earlier. Haunted by this fact, reminded by those who lost their husband, their father, Tenma makes a choice later to save a young boy as another prominent figure passes away. This choice ends his immediate medical career and years later begins a horrific journey where he is hunted and on the hunt. The young boy he saves, Johan, grows to be just that, a monster and as he murders it’s Tenma who becomes the target of a fanatical ex-fiancé and a determined detective. There is more to Johan than just a deranged boy. As Tenma seeks to end the life he saved he learns there is much more to Johan and his twin sister than anyone could imagine.
For those fans of the manga you know exactly what type of story and suspense you are getting. This tale is part CSI, Incredible Hulk and The Fugitive. CSI for its crime solving pieces, Hulk (TV series) for its wandering hero helping others and The Fugitive for just that, he’s a fugitive. This last example really shows what fans can expect but the addition of government conspiracies and cover-ups against a German backdrop and hints of a new Reich really make Monster unique. The story is suspenseful and haunting a pure pleasure to watch.
The animation is ordinary, not great, not bad, but this is everyday life in Europe so no super bouncy women, tight wearing men or super powers needed. Monster is an excellent entryway into the world of anime for fans of mystery, suspense and crime stories. If the DVD set is too much to take on right now then take a look at the manga at a lower price then decide if the money is worth bringing the story to animated life.
Lunar Silver Star Harmony on PSP Impression
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony on the PSP is plain and simple a gaming classic polished and brought back to life for a new generation of gamer to experience. From Sega CD to PlayStation and now PSP this gaming gem is classic RPG with a long boy-to-hero story, lots of leveling up and plenty of turn based battles to take on. The characters and settings retain all their charm into its third decade of life. Yup, this puppy has been refined from its original 90’s release, 00’s re-release and now a new decade. So what makes Lunar so special? Let’s take a look.
Gameplay – Assume the role of a young boy, Alex, as he joins childhood friends Luna and Ramus on a local adventure that quickly blows into a world spanning adventure that will see the rise of a new Dragonmaster, a champion not seen since the disappearance of Dragonmaster Dyne 18 years prior. The adventure is very linear with quest and objects, tons of leveling up through turn-based battles. Random encounters are still missing, replaced by enemies that are viewable on screen. This is an RPG in its most basic elements where plenty of hours and leveling up are needed to experience once excellent story and adventure.
Graphics – Updated from the originals and remakes with bright settings and character designs. The graphics scream RPG and will never be confused with recent, more modern RPG’s but it looks really good and will spark major nostalgia in gamers of the original. The animated cut scenes are excellent, not to be missed.
Sound – The music is RPG gold for those longing for the 16-bit era of sound. While updated the tunes a classic from the moving around town tracks to the battle sequences. The voice work is top notch and bring the anime sequences to life. Humor comes across really well with some subtle jokes thrown in along the way, all delivered on cue. Gotta say the lyrics for the PlayStation opening are missed.
Design – Linear, point A to B, fetch quest and the like. Lunar is a reminder of a more direct time in RPG history and is a top notch J-RPG that requires stat building, level grinding even with the enemies that can now be seen on the field. This is a true old-school RPG done well, done right.
Miscellaneous – Nostalgia is the name of the game. Remakes usually happen with major facelifts but Lunar has received two major remakes, PlayStation and now PSP, and both times all the core elements were retained and updated. This is a testament to the excellence of the Sega CD original. The expanded story elements alone warrant yet another play through for veteran gamers also.
Overall, gamers looking for a good, a really good, role-playing game in the traditional Japanese mold of turn-based battles and level grinding minus the random encounters will do themselves will to get Lunar: Silver Star Harmony. This remake is excellent; a great service to fans of the franchise and PSP owners looking for a great app to spends hours on. Lunar does not deliver anything new but refines everything it does to a tee.
What a Wonderful World! vol. 1 Impression
What a Wonderful World! volume 1 from Viz is not the usual manga. This collection of stories, stories of average people in sometimes not so ordinary situations feels like a breath of fresh air in what is a world of manga filled with fantastical stories.
Stories of regret, not following through on a band with promise, pursuing that good corporate life that society dictates we must have. Living from day to day getting by on odd jobs. A school kid listening to the voices they hear, taking a chance. A man on the run becoming friends with a child who wishes for … nothing. A boy hooked on syrup who wants to fly, stories of ordinary life no matter how extraordinary the circumstances, these are the stories of a wonderful world.
A short description for a set of short stories from Inio Asano. No matter how tough life may feel or seem there are those with worse circumstances, with odd circumstances that must cross a path many have followed at one time in their lives. Giving up on a dream to become a normal part of society. Doing what is needed to fit into society as a child, walking the normal path. These stories remind the reader of choices made or foretells choices to be made. I’m not saying readers are going to have these set of choices but the fact is everyone has dreams at some point in their lives and as we mature these dreams are turned away for what society dictates. Few follow their dreams, few let the voices in their head guide them for ill or good.
Point is that for this reader What a Wonderful World! does is make me think. The stories are well told and enjoyable and mixed with art that guides the story but won’t wow readers but it’s the thinking that made these tales so thought provoking. What if the reader decided to drop everything, pursue their dreams? What if the reader has their own issues but seeing those of others helps them resolve themselves. For me it was gaining insight into myself, not for any life changing event but rather for the good fortune I have in my life. What a Wonderful World! indeed.
Portrait of M&N vol. 1 Impression
Fetish can be a very odd, a very personal luxury few can afford to indulge in no matter how sane the user makes the practice in their head. Many of these acts are socially unacceptable or just plain embarrassing and with Tokyopop’s Portrait of M&N volume 1 readers get a taste of both worlds.
Both are beautiful, both have much to hide. Mitsuru and Natsuhiko have secrets to hide; ones which eat them up inside and force them to hide from society. All they want is to fade into the shadows but it’s this very fading which draws attention to them at school and a chance encounter, a few encounters reveal to each the secrets they hide. Mitsuru is from a high society family which frowns upon her extreme masochist ways. An accident reveals this secret at school where Natsuhiko steps in to ‘save’ her but he also has an issue. He is an extreme narcissist who delights in his looks and only his looks. Through a series of interesting events the two grow closer and must overcome the potential issues their secrets carry.
A unique manga; oh yes. Creator Tachibana Higuchi has created a very interesting story where the focus on two such fetishes is brought to light in both a serious and humorous manner. These are two characters that, from external appearances, have everything going for them but are tormented by their own inner demons. Their coming together is not smooth and creates a butterfly-in-stomach series of encounters that will delight readers and is done so subtly. For a story built on the M&N the focus moves to a relationship manga quite nicely. The art, well it reminds of a rougher Wall Flowers with tall, thin, shojo’ish characters that don’t scream original but suit the mood.
Overall the art and story is very shojo and at its heart this is a unique take on the romance genre of manga. The inclusion of two such unique fetishes is what will determine how Portrait of M&N fairs as this is the one point, the one and only story point that separates this from so many similar manga.
Dragon Age comic issue 1 Impression
Dragon Age is more than just a video game. It’s a world full of vivid characters and unique races living in an historic, deep landscape full of good, bad and the in-between. The game world is only a portion of the many layers built by EA and BioWare. There are novels that take place generations before the age of dragons in Dragon Age and the game offers up expansion packs that are just the beginning of the story. Now IDW has teamed up with EA to produce a Dragon Age comic. The question for gamers and fans of Dragon Age should not be if they buy but rather when. Buy now as individual comics or wait for the collected volume? Let’s take a look at the pieces involved.
The Story – Mages are powerful, so much so that in the past they unleashed the plague, the Darkspawn on the land and only through a united front were these creatures beaten back into submission. Now in order to contain, control the magic wielded by magus an organization has been created. The Circle of Magi oversees all magic activities and utilizes the well trained Templar’s to control these magi. The brutal and unjust treatment of magi by Templar grows a hate between the two that will see the rise of powerful magi but not before one of each group fall in love leading to a child. How will this fugitive child of mixed lineage impact the world and who is the demonic Man of Light? Questions to be answered but time is needed to fulfill this tale.
Dragon Age is unique in that it’s not above subjugating its residents from magus to elves. This story shows such hate for the magi and just how dark the world of Dragon Age can be. The story is set quite quickly and from the ending tone a fast forward, child grown will be needed but that’s not an issue. The issue is establishing where this story sits in the overall timeline of Dragon Age. The story works for casual comic fans but for die-hard Dragon Age buffs a bit more detail is needed, hopefully to be provided later.
The Art – Never judge a book by its cover. Reason; Humberto Ramos did the cover while Mark Robinson did the internal art. The overall impact is not too different in style as the cover depicts a dark world of swords and magic while the internal art does the same. The biggest difference is the Joe Maduro feeling work produced by Robinson. It’s an earlier Maduro that this art feels like, not the refined Battles Chasers many are familiar with. The action is fluid and fast, a well paced style of art mixed with excellent coloring.
Buy Now? – Yes but only for fantasy comic fans and collectors. The main reason being the lack of back-story, location in the Dragon Age timeline. Casual fans can dig an action packed story but fans may be a bit perturbed.
Buy Later? – Yes for Dragon Age fans. Looking ahead this journey will be much more memorable in a collected volume with all the Dragon Age novels read. There is also the chance that a history, timeline, of characters, events and settings will be included thus fixing that annoying feeling for hardcore fans.
Overall the first issue of the Dragon Age comic is solid, a bit too short (which happens when a story just gets going) but is an overall solid purchase for fantasy comic fans. Dragon Age fans will enjoy seeing characters brought to life in yet another light but the lack of timeline will annoy. Buy now or later, there is a difference but as a comic and gamer that is for the reader to decide.
Captain Harlock (German theme song)
1982 Eurovision Song Contest winner Nicole sings about our favorite weltraumpiraten!
Q1 2010 gaming report – Nintendo Wii and DS
While the PS3 and Xbox 360 delivered in droves in Q1 the Nintendo DS and Wii both continued their steady release of solid titles, not a ton mind you, but enough solid titles to please both casual and hardcore gamers alike. The Wii will soon get some completion in the PS3 new controller and the DS has increased its size so Nintendo keeps on rolling and adjusting to a competitive market. How did the games fare in Q1 2010, let’s take a look …
Nintendo Wii – Love the anime feel, just love it and so should Wii owners for the variety.
- Red Steel 2 – The new setting and art style works much better than the original and takes on a cowboy genre lacking in … well really any titles.
- Endless Ocean: Blue World – It’s swimming around an ocean … ok it’s more than just that but what a fun, relaxing way to spend time. Explore sunken ships, marine life all across the globe.
- Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love – Mechs, monsters and dating, oh my! Starved Sakura Taisen fans finally get one of the long running games (fifth actually) in this unique title. The sim based dating story moves the game along with a fairly deep strategy role-playing game wrapped around.
- Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon – Not quite a creep fest but it has it antsy moments and a unique way of using the Wii-mote. Also a very pretty game with that anime look.
- Shiren the Wanderer – A wandering samurai in an ancient Japanese setting with tons of J-mythology thrown in everywhere. Sounds like a standard Atlus title.
- Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars – Brining over such an excellent fighter is a no brainer by Capcom but one that does not have Marvel but instead Tatsunoko was bold and welcome. Great cast of fighters with a deep anime heritage. One of the best titles on Wii, easily a top 3 fighter on the Wii.
- No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle – Story is still a bit out there but all the third-person style and action is back and a bit more polished. Great gameplay, a true gamer’s game.
- The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces – A flight combat title perfect for the Wii build on top of a deep anime based story. Story aside the gameplay stands very well on its own and is a welcome addition to the Wii library of games.
- Pokémon HeartGold Version & Pokémon SoulSilver Version – Not even going to comment. It’s more Pokémon with a take-with-you pet and hours of refined gameplay. Guess I did comment.
- WarioWare D.I.Y. – Mini-games with the classic Wario twist. It’s odd but fun.
- Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey – Not the traditional Shin Megami Tensei game and that’s saying something. It’s a RPG, quirky and not for everyone but fans of the SMT franchise should rent first as it’s not the norm.
- Infinite Space – A deep and engaging space combat simulation where gamers build their fleet and take on incredible space forces in an operatic story. Niche but worth the try for anyone interested in the genre as a whole.
- Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing – Like cart racers? Starving for more Mario Kart? Take Sonic and his Sega buddies for a spin. Same formula, same great gameplay.
- Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth – The Ace Attorney series is established and well done. This is the next step in the series, one that is not too original but delivers what’s expected.
- Glory of Heracles – Taking advantage of all the mythology based stories and movies? Recommended for gamers who can’t get enough mythology.
- Sands of Destruction – A fun and original RPG from Sega that has a 12-episode anime series from FUNimation. The story is decent as is the gameplay and overall it’s just a solid title.
The first quarter of 2010 delivered great titles on every system and while things may slow in Q2 there is more than enough great gaming on the market to consume gamers hours, days, weeks and dollars well into the fall. What a great beginning to a new year.
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