tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21015815798963312922024-02-06T22:48:39.284-05:00Ctrl Alt PetiteAll your game are belong to us.Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-54335531798591363152013-08-06T01:40:00.002-04:002013-08-06T01:40:45.443-04:00Tomb Raider: A Survivor is Born<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First
off, I know this review is coming extremely late—but I have been working,
moving into a new house, and a whole bunch of other things that have nothing to
do with Tomb Raider. So let’s get past that.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
have always been a fan of the Tomb Raider franchise. My first experience was
when a friend and I had burned through all of our Playstation games. We decided
to borrow Tomb Raider 2 from her older brother, and my love for Lara Croft
began by locking her butler in the freezer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lara
has always been one of my favorite video game characters. I have always seen her
as one of the strongest, defiant women in the video game industry—however, I
couldn’t and still can’t argue that she is a sex symbol. What started out as a
programming error easily became an iconic feature of one of the most
recognizable game characters in the world. Lara Croft’s “assets” became a focus
when it came to the franchise. When I heard they were rebooting Tomb Raider, I
didn’t really think anything of it. I figured they would begin spinning out
more games like Tomb Raider: Underworld. Once I heard Square Enix and Crystal
Dynamics would be working together, however, I knew I was in for something
good. And that’s what I got. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The
Tomb Raider reboot took what I saw in Lara Croft and projected it onto fans
everywhere. Playing as such a resilient, popular character makes you wonder.
How did Lara get this way? How did she develop? It was always apparent that
archaeology, history, and the search for ancient wonders was a part of Lara’s
family and upbringing, but we never truly got to see the moments she became who
she was, and the new Tomb Raider gave us that opportunity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomb
Raider opens with Lara Croft and company on a ship voyage to find the lost
kingdom of Yamatai. A violent storm rips the ship apart, leaving Lara and the crew
stranded on an island. Before Lara can reunite with the crew on shore, she is
taken by a savage man of the island, and that is where the adventure begins. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The
gameplay was extremely smooth. With active cutscenes to move you through the
action, everything flowed very well. In fact, it almost went too smooth. I would
find myself saying, “Oh I’ll quit after I do this next tomb,” or “I’ll shut it
down when I clear this area,” but it never happened. One problem with the older
games of the Tomb Raider franchise was players not knowing how to move forward.
Lara may have aided you with a hint, but sometimes it was silly how the game
expected you to figure certain parts of a puzzle out for yourself. The Tomb
Raider reboot fixed this with “Survival Instinct”. Think of it almost like
Fallout 3’s VATS (without the pause). Lara will analyze her surroundings,
revealing enemies, points of interest, collectibles, and items that can be
utilized for XP or in puzzles. Survival Instinct didn’t necessarily hold your
hand in a tomb, but it definitely helped. Eventually you can also level Lara up
to the point where Survival Instinct will include revealing hidden items. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A unique aspect of this
installment was the fear it instilled in me. In other games, I was never really
intimidated by enemies (animal, human, T-Rex), but in the reboot I was pretty
afraid, because they took regular human beings and made them the monsters. The
enemies in Tomb Raider scared me because I knew what they were capable of, and how
far they would go to protect their way of life on the island. At one point I
had stayed up extremely late in the night playing, with Turtle Beach
headphones, and was exploring some caves inhabited by feral, savage human
beings. Needless to say I called it a night after having raspy whispers blared
in my ears. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As far as gameplay goes I
did not run into anything that hindered my experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dialogue
and character development was amazing. The player is introduced to various
friends/coworkers of Lara, through cutscenes and memories. Lara’s memories provide
insight to each character and what they mean in Lara’s life. I found myself
growing as attached to these characters as Lara was. But the star of the game
is obviously Lara’s character development. In the beginning, we still see Lara
as a young explorer—but something is missing. She begins as a weak character,
depending on the others to find her, save her, etc. </div>
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One of my favorite moments
is during a cutscene when Lara grimaces and proclaims, “I hate tombs.” After
enduring challenges throughout the game, Lara slowly holds her own and gains
what was missing from before: fire. A burning passion for revealing the truth, solidifying
myths, and raiding tombs ;) Watching Lara grow is truly a unique experience,
especially for fans. For me, it was watching one of the women I looked up to in
video games start out as a cornered animal. It was seeing Lara Croft in a light
that I had never imagined, because she was too <i>strong </i>for that. But Lara wasn’t always strong—she wasn’t always a
hero.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Multiplayer
was unfortunately, needless. I understand the vision that stemmed it, but it
just didn’t draw players in. I can definitely say Tomb Raider would have been
just as successful without it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All
in all, Tomb Raider is a great play for fans and non-fans alike. Overall
gameplay aside, fans will enjoy seeing the Lara they knew revitalized, and
non-fans will enjoy discovering Lara in her first true adventure. Crystal
Dynamics and Square Enix did an amazing job taking the strong, resilient, the
one and only Lara Croft and breaking her down to build her back up again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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HylianxPrincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02996704921215171261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-87225490435291118732012-04-04T00:08:00.006-04:002012-04-04T00:18:51.718-04:00I'm Commander Shepard and this is my favorite blog on the Citadel.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5voUrwpKRxxdaaHgF6x-yr3ci1e3aO7nUaazKcQ69mQetmIefnrKSVAVa-2tvZfbDKzZXYQeV65BCrfks2U1vqNp0x-F07bvNgxVfMZVNijEm_R-WA_0DH9Kw92Vwpuid-8sP73MGFY/s1600/meuse.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5voUrwpKRxxdaaHgF6x-yr3ci1e3aO7nUaazKcQ69mQetmIefnrKSVAVa-2tvZfbDKzZXYQeV65BCrfks2U1vqNp0x-F07bvNgxVfMZVNijEm_R-WA_0DH9Kw92Vwpuid-8sP73MGFY/s320/meuse.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727394754385909666" border="0" /></a><br /> At the end of the first and second Mass Effect games, I felt a mix of success and apprehension. I was happy because I was close to the end and about to see what conclusion my choices would bring upon the galaxy and its inhabitants. I was also scared, because with another Mass Effect game coming to its end I knew the black hole that had continued to reside in my heart would do so once more.<br /> Describing Mass Effect’s absence as a black hole does seem a little extreme. However, I have never in my life become so attached to a game and been so upset when it was over. Sure, I get a little sad when I finish a Legend of Zelda or Nancy Drew installment, but they are both franchises that will continue to spin out game after game.<br /> With Mass Effect, there was always a looming gloom that hung over the games because I knew, along with other fans, that eventually it had to end. The game’s protagonist, Commander Shepard, was one of the most human and realistic characters I have ever played. Since Shepard was so human, Shepard was also mortal to me. One day Shepard’s story would be over and I would have to let a character that I had put hours upon hours of my life into go.<br /> As with every game before it, the third was no different when it came to its overall quality. The dialogue was satisfying, cut scenes breathtaking and the storyline compelled you to keep playing until 3 a.m. even though you knew you had to be up for work at 7.<br /> This game hit home for a lot of fans (including myself) not only because it was the end, but also because you were fighting to save your own planet—and there was a very good chance you would not be able to.<br /> To be honest, the game itself was kind of like eating your absolute favorite meal and then being left with a sour taste in your mouth. Bioware has been the pioneer for file-transfer-gaming. The choices you made in the first and second games completely affected the third and everything in it.<br /> However, with no spoilers, the end of the game just seemed disappointing. I had worked for over 140 hours of my life to get to the final chapter and—nothing I chose seemed to have an effect. For two and three-quarters of a series everything I did had some kind of consequence that was unique to the choice I made. Yet, no matter which path you took in all the games, somehow every player would end up in the same place.<br /> I might just be an unhappy gamer, upset that the game is over and realizing that there is no Mass Effect 4; only, I was not the only fan left dissatisfied with the ending to the series. There are actually so many that have complained to Bioware that the company is actually going to change the ending. That is almost like everyone being upset that Bruce Willis was really a ghost the whole time in “The Sixth Sense” and M. Night Shyamalan rewriting and redirecting the movie.<br /> I will be replaying the Mass Effect series and the third game by itself. I want to replay the third game with my original fem-Shep and not only change my final decision but also change my relationship with Kaidan. Yes, I chose the whiney guy every straight man who plays the game loves to hate. And I really have liked Kaidan, all along—until Bioware ruined his appeal for me by making him bisexual out of the gosh-darn blue (but that rant is a whole other story).<br /> Honestly, I’m going to go back and get with James, mainly because he is voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr. Even though I’m a girl who loves games and all that is nerdy (which usually puts me with the boys) I’m still a girl…and he’s Freddie Prinze Jr.<br /> As a fan, the most I hope for is that Bioware will continue on with the Mass Effect universe. They have created such an amazing galaxy full of unique worlds, species and characters that it would be a waste not to create a new story (or prequel) of some kind.<br /> Although I will miss sleepless nights and tired mornings after playing the last game, I am glad to have had the experience. The gameplay, dialogue, character development and story were as always, amazing. I smiled at the screen like a goof the first two hours I played, cried when I lost friends and laughed my ass off when Garrus and James talked shit. The unloved conclusion was my only real issue with the game and if Bioware wants to replace it with DLC gamers everywhere will probably complain about having to pay. But, as always, we’ll buy it.HylianxPrincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02996704921215171261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-91746409085163033612011-09-18T12:33:00.002-04:002011-09-18T12:34:59.553-04:00Catherine the Great<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp8NPxs9xW_P88Z2wERRfd0NIx6qi9ugy0y0rNFG5pTDNwtG470qC9iEhYY0txgWQcMhKA0ztyx9-fs_25LpIAg5vAPmY7PYKTavdR879Hm-nttXJN3TdSyKINxbDwJszZqz5mIKT9tI/s1600/1471538-2132423298_view_super.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp8NPxs9xW_P88Z2wERRfd0NIx6qi9ugy0y0rNFG5pTDNwtG470qC9iEhYY0txgWQcMhKA0ztyx9-fs_25LpIAg5vAPmY7PYKTavdR879Hm-nttXJN3TdSyKINxbDwJszZqz5mIKT9tI/s320/1471538-2132423298_view_super.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653738874209086930" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:115%">Atlus’s newest puzzle-platformer adventure game had gamers pining just to play the demo. Players take control of the protagonist Vincent, a regular-Joe kind of guy who reminds one of Wesley from Wanted or “The Narrator” from Fight Club. He is a man who is coming to the part of his life where he must choose what he really wants and settle down with those ideas. Vincent has been steadily seeing the seductive and smart <i>Katherine</i> for years since reconnecting at a high school reunion. The plot develops when Vincent, unnerved by Katherine’s advances toward marriage and children, visits his favorite local bar and gets drunk with his friends. A chance meeting with the alluring, yet adorable <i>Catherine </i>leads to a black-out night that opens up to a white-out morning with Vincent waking up next to the beautiful blonde. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:115%">The drunken affair sends Vincent spiraling into a nightmare of chaos in which he must choose how to resolve the situation and how he ultimately will decide what course his life will take simply by choosing which letter to begin “atherine” with. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:115%">Catherine features an interesting combination of gameplay that includes platform action-puzzles in which Vincent must make his way up a tower of blocks before time runs out or the “boss” of the night has caught up to him. The other ingredient is the dialogue which takes place during the day while Vincent’s nightmares take place during the night when the player sends him home. Although the dialogue is diverse in the fact that players can choose certain options, gamers should not go down the same path I did and expect Mass Effect type consequences. As amazing as Catherine was, I was completely let down by the fact that the dialogue options that players chose did not truly influence the end of the game. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:115%">Throughout Vincent’s ordeal, a morality bar appears that is left blank and up to the player to decide what it actually stands for (right or wrong, stability or chaos, etc.). There are two main parts to controlling the bar—the major component is how players answer a series of questions that are asked at the end of each nightmare level and the minor factor is the dialogue. In fact, a lot of the time I could not tell just by reading the answer choices which way I would set the bar during conversation based on what I chose. This can be perceived as unique in its own way because of the mystery aspect, but a pain in the ass for anyone who is trying just to play through the game again to get a different ending. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:115%">Many reviewers have raged over the nightmare puzzles in their entirety, either unsure of their point in general or frustrated with their difficulty level. Personally I dreaded every night that I would send Vincent home after the first few levels. However, I would also begin each night with the determination to get through to the next day. Vincent was my bro and by God I was going to get him through this. I learned to appreciate the difficulty of the puzzles because they kept me completely enthralled in the dialogue and story. I also believe that puzzles were a good choice on Atlus’s part as a metaphor for the confusion that Vincent experiences during the day. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:115%">After being trained to expect masterfully optional storylines thanks to companies like Bioware and the new player-chooses trend, Catherine was a let-down in the fact that players are funneled along very set paths that lead to the alternate endings. While I knew the dialogue did not play too majorly into my ending, I still embraced it happily and fell in love with each individual character. Catherine is truly a breath of fresh air and deserves (and will receive) more than one play through on my part. <o:p></o:p></span></p>HylianxPrincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02996704921215171261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-32698517156622435682011-07-12T10:10:00.001-04:002011-07-12T10:12:30.494-04:00BollocksSarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-8023129950106254202011-04-11T09:18:00.002-04:002011-04-11T09:20:14.329-04:00Veridian Dynamics and Blue SunSo I'm re-watching <i>Better off Ted</i> currently (if you haven't seen it yet Netflix it, trust me), and this morning, while watching Season 1, episode 6 "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" I noticed two things:<br />
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First, during a monologue, the following exchange occurred:<br />
<div><div><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Linda: Listen to my tone and not my words. We can't just stand here and let them take Ted away from us. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He is the shiniest employee we have.</b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lem: Did you just say "shiniest"?</b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Linda: Again, listen to my tone and not my words. We have to do something.</b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Phil: Linda's tone is right. We can't function without Ted</b></div></div><div><br />
</div><div>It is completely brushed over that Linda referred to Ted as "shiney", using it as a word of praise in a way that is not traditionally done outside of the <i>Firefly </i>universe. Then, as Ted is going through the drawers of the security guard's station looking for a badge, he opens and closes a couple of drawers, pausing only on one drawer, which contained just a single pair of blue latex gloves, a la Blue Sun. In fact, he opens the drawer, goes to close it, and re-opens it once more, creating a deliberate focus on them.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPKJbO6lwNQHvZUo39gG6UTreaWPwbIXsQWiBoUDjacSunTw8gADfnGCdqQw8C_S1VNGohhrAR9WR0b0eItS3_ClbWOo-f_e5mdufzXx7Dr29IGzGHIbSa0EcZtAne0oQDH6a06oU_fM/s1600/handsofblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPKJbO6lwNQHvZUo39gG6UTreaWPwbIXsQWiBoUDjacSunTw8gADfnGCdqQw8C_S1VNGohhrAR9WR0b0eItS3_ClbWOo-f_e5mdufzXx7Dr29IGzGHIbSa0EcZtAne0oQDH6a06oU_fM/s320/handsofblue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're not familiar with the series, there are two mysterious men in <i>Firefly</i>/<i>Serenity</i>, who wear blue latex gloves like those shown. From <a href="http://www.fireflywiki.org/Firefly/HandsOfBlue">FireflyWiki.org</a> :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Hands Of Blue- These two blue-gloved men (agents of the Blue Sun Corporation? The Academy? the Alliance?) are pursuing River after her escape from The Academy. They always appear as a pair ("Two by Two"), have a generally creepifying demeanor, and wear blue gloves at all times."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this was something new to me, I tried Googling variations of "<i>Better off Ted</i>, <i>Firefly</i>", but didn't come up with anything. Has anyone else seen or heard of any connections between the two shows? Perhaps a shared writer? I'm very curious.</div><br />
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</div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-29096896382139941502011-02-24T17:34:00.002-05:002011-02-24T17:43:34.054-05:00Firefly Fans, I Gotta Bone to Pick with You"Oh but Sarah, you're so super busy right now, what are you even doing blogging?"<br />
<div>"YOU MADE THIS HAPPEN"</div><div><br />
</div><div>Okay, first off, not ALL Firefly fans, hokay? I'm pretty fond of the series myself and fancy my "well-loved" little car in a Serenity-esque light. HOWEVER, this is a bit much.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/Galleries/Imported/Editorial/R-S/sexy_sci_fi_0808/sexy-nathan-fillion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/Galleries/Imported/Editorial/R-S/sexy_sci_fi_0808/sexy-nathan-fillion.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>In a recent interview with <a href="http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/02/17/firefly-returns/">Entertainment Weekly</a> regarding the series' recent jump back onto cable (thank you again, Science Channel), Nathan Fillion made the following, now extremely famous comment: "If I got $300 million from the California Lottery, the first thing I would do is buy the rights to Firefly, make it on my own, and distribute it on the Internet." Shortly after this seemingly innocent, passing comment hit the internet, a campaign was launched to try and collect said $300 million dollars for Nathan Fillion, so that he might buy up the rights to the show, and revive the series. There is even a website and facebook page, but I'm not linking them here purely because I find the whole thing completely absurd and refuse to give them the additional traffic. If you're really curious, hit our buddy Google.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now, I'm going to try very, <i>very</i> hard not to type up this whole rant with caps lock on, but no promises. My frustration with this matter is deep, and complex, and cannot be held within the confines of lower-case letters. First of all, it was a quick, five question interview, and while I was not there to speak of the tones Mr. Fillion used in making said remark, I can almost assure you it was said in passing, and not intended to imply that everyone should send him their money so he can revive Firefly (he'd probably prefer you send it to his charity of choice, <a href="http://www.kidsneedtoread.org/">Kids Need to Read</a>). Not that he would need to buy up the rights anyway, as Joss Wheadon (creator of the show, along with Angel, Buffy, Dollhouse, and others) has said on many occasions, Firefly was his most beloved work, and he'd be first to bring it back, if doing so were possible at this point. Besides, he didn't say "I'll start the series back up", he said "distribute it on the Internet." In addition, the show was fantastic, but nowhere near a $300 million dollar franchise. And my biggest beef with this whole thing... Why is that one passing comment the thing to spark such an outcry? WHERE WERE YOU GUYS IN 2003 WHEN THE ENTIRE CAST WASN'T ON OTHER PROJECTS?</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, in conclusion, don't pledge to send Nathan Fillion money to bring back Firefly, you asscats. If you have so much dough burning a hole in your pocket that you just can't stand it, how about helping out <a href="http://www.kidsneedtoread.org/">Kids Need to Read</a>? Cause, yanno, they DO. Otherwise, how else could you wind up with something like the mangled literary mess you've just finished reading? Yeah, spooky.</div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-73295417443059388932010-11-29T14:03:00.002-05:002010-11-29T14:03:50.809-05:00Back, Bitches!I'm back on Xbox Live, so be sure and add me, if you haven't already.<br />
<br />
XTankyTankX<br />
<br />
Possibly changing that shortly. I'll keep you posted :3Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-32927362097421347182010-11-24T09:58:00.001-05:002010-11-24T09:59:31.005-05:00The Yo-Yo DanceUp, down. Up, down... I have good days, and not-so-great days. Sometimes I feel, as I put it "a bit blue". I've wondered whether or not what I have constitutes actual depression sometimes, but I don't imagine so, at least not at this point. This time last year? Probably. But they say that's caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain, would that mean that situational unrest doesn't count? No idea.<br />
<br />
I'm beginning to suspect that everyone has some secret, silly sort of dream or desire. Something they know is completely absurd but can't help but want in their heart of hearts. For me, it's music. I have tried countless different instruments, but I've got the stupid fingers, no way around it. I can't carry a note, my voice cracks and is completely unstable. But when I'm on my own, at home cleaning or driving someplace, I BELT it out. I'm not musically inclined, and it's not realistic AT ALL to try and pursue it, but it's silly and fun and makes me feel good.<br />
<br />
<br />
Overall, and despite myself, I'm really, really happy right now.<br />
<br />
Here's something rad: <a href="http://thedailywh.at/post/1662192100/kickass-kicks-of-the-day-nike-is-marking-the-25th">Kick Ass Kicks</a>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-65391793143242720932010-10-26T08:46:00.001-04:002010-10-26T08:46:50.552-04:00Optimistic Pessimist As I get older (yeah, I'm 23, don't roll your eyes at me), I feel that traits I had as a child, and growing up, become stronger and more defined. Like skills being honed as I sleep. I've always been an introverted personality, but profoundly loyal to those closest to me, albeit not very openly. Nowadays, I generally have no problem letting someone know how important they are to me, and the circle of people I hold dear is larger than it has been in the past (although still fairly modest). On the other side of the coin, I find nearly everyone else around me completely insufferable and obnoxious. They seem to yammer on and on about the most asinine of topics, creating a cacophony of just... pointless noise. They make some comment, not a joke mind you, but a simple remark, and chuckle to themselves, then other people put on these fake smirks, and I just blink at them. Get to the point. I don't care.<br />
<br />
Maybe it's the lack of spare time I have allotted to me these days. I've always been easily irked by senseless time squandering in a work and/or school environment. I guess that comes down to an "I don't know about you guys but I have other shit to do let's wrap this up please" type attitude. Anyway, I'm out for now. Werk times is go.<br />
<br />
Here's something rad:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY4gtoyLpqE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY4gtoyLpqE</a>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-39422486745062091322010-10-15T16:12:00.002-04:002010-10-15T16:12:36.222-04:00Can't Win? Change the Game.So I've been wanting to meld my personal blog/webcomic site into this one, for simplicity's sake. I really thought a WordPress format would work well, but I've been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to learn to use it. So, for now, this blog with be functioning as a combination personal blog, game review/general geekery blog. Just an FYI.<br />
<br />
Also, this is rad:<br />
<a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2010/10/14/michael-j-fox-recrea.html">http://www.boingboing.net/2010/10/14/michael-j-fox-recrea.html</a><br />
<br />
Cheers.Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-6825633123264635362010-09-07T09:27:00.001-04:002010-09-07T09:27:29.228-04:00D'oh!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=19702" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_32212.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The good news? There will be a US release of two new Doctor Who titles, <i>Doctor Who: Return To Earth</i> for the Nintendo Wii, and <i>Doctor Who: Evacuation Earth</i> for DS, both coming this winter. In addition to the titles, there is also a whole slew of peripherals coming out for both systems, including a Wii Remote designed to look like the 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver, and a DS stylus modelled on the screwdriver which will be bundled in accessory packs featuring official artwork of the Doctor and companion Amy Pond.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_32214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://cdn.medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_32214.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://cdn.medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_32213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_32213.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bad news? Most fans of the series are, shall we say, less than stoked about the new Doctor, played by Matt Smith. In addition, the fact that the games are only being released on the DS and Wii does not bode well at all. Since the console's release, Wii's track record for developing playable, let alone good, quality games has been poor at best. Not that Doctor Who games in general tend to be spectacular. All in all, I'd love to see these games come out and be amazing (Hell I'll settle for decent), but I'm not holding my breath. I'd call it a bittersweet victory for long-time fans of the series. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=19702"><b>Official Story via Nintendo</b></a></div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-552591457051228732010-09-03T08:57:00.001-04:002010-09-03T09:02:17.932-04:00The Cake is Not a Lie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/portal-cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/portal-cake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And by "cake" I of course mean "Xbox Live price increase". Of course. Look for the following changes November 1, 2010:<br />
<br />
- 1 month: $9.99<br />
- 3 month $24.99<br />
- 1 year $59.99<br />
<br />
Microsoft is defending the decision by claiming that inflation (Live was originally launched in 2002) and added features make the increase worthwhile. No word on whether or not Sony plans the same for the Playstation Network, but odds are good, given the trend of the two companies for running even on price points. According to Jesse Divnich, VP of Analyst Services for Electronic Entertainment and Design Research (EEDAR):<br />
<br />
"When originally launched in 2002, a Gold subscription cost the same as an AAA video game, $49.99. When taking into account for inflation ($50 in 2002 is roughly $60 in 2010) and the additional services available to Gold subscribers in 2010, such as ESPN, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm and Video Kinect, a $10 price increase still represents an incredible value to consumers"<br />
<br />
So, will gamers fork out an extra $10 a year to keep playing their <i>Halo</i> and their <i>Call of Duty</i> and <i>Madden</i>? Is that really even a question? I'll let the good folks at <a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com/">PA</a> sum this one up:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2010/9/1/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/990913330_CZbtN-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-10963232176896128382010-09-01T14:55:00.000-04:002010-09-01T14:55:53.776-04:00Geeking Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/game-hunters/2010/08/31/BTTFgame0831x-wide-community.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/game-hunters/2010/08/31/BTTFgame0831x-wide-community.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So Telltale games, publisher's of the successful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_%26_Max">Sam & Max</a> game series, just announced a new <i>Back to the Future</i> project. I very nearly jumped out of my seat to yell the news at everyone on my floor, but somehow I don't think it would've been appreciated. This is the more recent BttF game since <i>Back to the Future: Part III</i> for the Sega Genesis was released in 1991. Not alot in the way of details at the moment, although it seems there will be an entirely new plot to be explored. It is confirmed that Christopher Lloyd has been signed on for voicework, and Bob Gale, screenwriter for all three films, will be working with game developers on the plot of the "5 Episode" series. No news on whether or not Michael J. Fox will be lending his talents to the game. Let us pray.<br />
<br />
The only other information being confirmed by Telltale Games as of yet is that:<br />
1.) The DeLorean time machine will be making an appearance (I should certainly hope so).<br />
2.) The game will feature characters from the movies, and the likeness' of the actors.<br />
3.) At least a portion of the game will take place in Hill Valley.<br />
<br />
So... yeah, super vague on the details for the TIME being (lololololol- sorry).Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-77828429581230247292010-08-19T15:56:00.001-04:002010-08-19T15:57:01.975-04:00'Kay, Imma Liar.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, I decided that since there have been so many effective re-listings of E3's "Best o' Wii" I'm going to go ahead and skip the "Part 2" to my previous post. Like you even noticed. I did, however, recently come into a very interesting bit of information on a new bit of Wii software, along with a new peripheral for the system (see, it's still Wii related). This holiday, THQ will be releasing the uDraw Game Tablet, which will come bundled with uDraw Studio game software.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/08/udraw530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/08/udraw530.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There have been a couple of additional titles announced to be released with the uDraw tablet, including </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pictiona</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ry</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dood's Big Adventure</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> (yeah idk either). The uDraw bundle is priced at $69.99, and the additional games at a respectable $29.99 each.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span> </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/08/udraw005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/08/udraw005.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></span></div></span></span>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-67591841259812317512010-07-28T16:30:00.005-04:002010-07-29T10:14:14.713-04:00No, I Will Not Title This with a "Wii Pun"A while back I was perusing ign.com, and came across a list of the "Top 50 NES Titles". Ah, actually it may have been SNES. Either way, I was stunned to think that there were so many good titles for such an old console, coming into it's own just after video games so nearly went the way of the dinosaurs. Yet now, when you'd be hard-pressed to find a home without at least two different consoles, there are barely 50 PLAYABLE Wii games, let alone really amazing, noteworthy ones. So what with the stunning lack of worthwhile Wii titles, I've decided to compile a two-part list. The first part will be currently available Wii games that are worth playing, and whether or not you should rent or buy. The second will be upcoming titles you should check out. Please, if you think I've missed something, comment on this post and let me know.<br />
<br />
Games to Check Out Now:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><b>Super Mario Galaxy 1 and/or 2 (Buy)</b> - It's essentially the same game whether you pick up the first or second, which is basically Super Mario 64. It's a 3D Mario platformer. You know the genre well, and Mario kicks ass at it. It's a good system. You'll want to buy one (or both) of these, since there's such a vast amount of gameplay to be had.</li>
<li><b>Ookami (Buy)</b> - You may have played the original on PS2, and while it is the same game, with little to no additions, I'd still recommend picking this one up. It's a beautiful game, easy to pick up and play, and highly addictive. You'll want to play this one through to the end, and be thorough in collecting all of the extras, so it's much more worth it to buy a copy.</li>
<li><b>The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Rent or Buy)</b> - So, everyone really liked this game... According to the internet. Although everyone I've ever spoken to directly has had more or less the same reaction: "Meh." It's not bad, mind you. But as a Zelda fan myself, I just wasn't crazy about it, which is why I'm giving it the "Rent or Buy". Maybe you don't give two wits about LoZ games, pick it up, and love it. As I said, it's not bad for what it is. Or, maybe you're a game snob and can't see past that fact that it IS a LoZ game and decide you hate it. I'll let you judge for yourselves.</li>
<li><b>No More Heroes 1 and/or 2 (Rent)</b> - A solid game, which utilizes the Wii's motion control surprisingly well, outfitted with quirky Japanese writing, makes either of these a solid play. I only recommend renting them because they're both relatively short, and you could get through each in about a week. Less if you are unemployed.</li>
<li><b>Super Smash Brothers Melee (Rent or Buy)</b> - If you played SSB on either N64 or GameCube, you already have a good idea of what to expect on this one. A four-player beat 'em up with a whole slew of classic Nintendo characters (plus Sonic), and a variety of stages from various titles. It's basically the first two games, with improved graphics, and a crap ton of additional stages and characters. Not as fun on your own though, so if your an anti-social hermit this may be one to rent, rather than buy.</li>
<li><b>Mario Kart (Rent or Buy)</b> - "See: Notes on Super Smash Bros. Melee" ... Okay, I'll not be <i>quite </i>that lazy. But honestly, with the exception of our good buddy over at <a href="http://www.thesunshineempire.com/"><b>The Sunshine Empire</b></a>, I don't really know anyone who loved playing Mario Kart solo enough to warrant purchasing it.</li>
<li><b>Mad World (Rent)</b> - A fun, violent, hack-and-slashy game, not too strong a storyline, but defiantly a very interesting game aesthetically. Again, not a long enough game to be worth more than a single weekend gaming binge.</li>
<li><b>Animal Crossing (Rent)</b> - Every time an Animal Crossing (or Harvest Moon) game comes out, I do the same thing: I get super stoked, fawn over every image and preview that comes out, reserve it, pick it up same-day, play it NON-STOP for about 3-4 weeks, then never touch it again. This short-term satisfaction is not untypical of the series, as it is a lot of fun, but gets repetitive rather quickly.</li>
</ul><div>Part 2 to follow...</div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-82964084486531550272010-07-28T15:46:00.000-04:002010-07-28T15:46:41.185-04:00Awesome Geek Cakes are AwesomeI went on a cakewrecks.com binge. Here are the results for you to enjoy, without wading through all the muck of hilariously dreadful cakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWdJ4Sau4Xt78XmL4LVGB7nOmJRN1fBQlEzzQqGRaO-3khZizgHhTqKh_KzO5WIzxhmAnReT88E_6K_qms4KCwAl0S_viPJjtWtiaz6oBA6nIt9Bqbc7RrVw5nU0KETfog3ygVkUJSQ8/s1600/lyndsay.ow.ghostbusters+proton+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWdJ4Sau4Xt78XmL4LVGB7nOmJRN1fBQlEzzQqGRaO-3khZizgHhTqKh_KzO5WIzxhmAnReT88E_6K_qms4KCwAl0S_viPJjtWtiaz6oBA6nIt9Bqbc7RrVw5nU0KETfog3ygVkUJSQ8/s320/lyndsay.ow.ghostbusters+proton+pack.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Don't forget to show some love to </b><b><a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">Cake Wrecks</a>!</b></div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-64230997956797889122010-07-14T09:05:00.000-04:002010-07-14T09:05:59.896-04:00New Xbox 360 Arcade Unit Revealed?Amazon's German site has listed an "Xbox 360 4 GB Arcade System Bundle", available for pre-order, with a release date of August 20, 2010. It's not specified what form the 4 GB of storage will take, although it is likely to be either a USB stick or internal flash memory, rather than a hard drive as some had hoped (but let's be honest wasn't too likely). For the moment, the price is set at €149 ($190 USD), though Microsoft stated l<b></b>ast month the new Arcade unit will be $199 when it hits the US. <br />
Currently, the slimmer version of the 360 is flying off of store shelves; our store is selling out as the shipments come in the door, reminiscent of Wii sales a couple Christmases ago. Check out the link to the listing below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B003UOSMDU?tag=gamersglobal-21">Amazon Germany's 360 Arcade</a></div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-2157481224022651332010-07-13T10:24:00.005-04:002010-07-21T22:18:50.092-04:00Tragedy Strikes!So... I was pulling clothes out of my washing machine, when I heard something tumble out of a pair of pants and fall with a loud "clank" to the bottom of the machine. I peered into the basin and to my dismay found that I had washed my recently missing PokéWalker. It still looks alright, save for some trapped moisture behind the screen, and for one brief, fleeting moment, I toyed with the idea it might still work, after all, Nintendo makes notoriously durable systems. But alas, even after leaving it out overnight, it was dead. I was concerned I might have to restart my game completely, or do without a PokéWalker. I knew I could acquire a new one on eBay, but dratini was still locked inside the broken Walker, and I knew the game only allows one PokéMon out in the device at a time. After some research, I came up with a much more satisfactory solution, which I thought I'd share here, to save you the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fakecard.com/pokedex/pokemon/images/big/dratini.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.fakecard.com/pokedex/pokemon/images/big/dratini.gif" width="183" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Dratini nooooooo!- Image © Nintendo)</div><br />
First of all, skip eBay when purchasing your new PokéWalker, as they run anywhere from $25-$30, often without shipping. You can actually buy a brand new one from the Nintendo website for under $15 with standard shipping.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=166708&currency=USD&catalogId=10001&tranId=0&lastAction=setCurr&storeId=10001&languageId=-1&categoryId=&ddkey=http:SetCurrencyPreference">Nintendo Store</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Additionally, you don't need to restart your game if you should wind up with a PokéMon "stuck" in your Walker. Via Bulbapedia:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"A Pokémon that has been transferred onto a Pokéwalker isn't actually sent to the device, but rather copied and the data for the Pokémon is sent. The targeted Pokémon is instead put aside, and can't be used in the game, until the data has been returned to the game. Therefore, if a Pokéwalker is lost or damaged, the Pokémon is not lost. Pokémon can be restored to the game it was taken from if a Pokéwalker is lost or broken by pressing and holding <i>Up, Select, and R</i> at the Pokéwalker connection screen. The Pokémon will be returned to the PC box with its level or happiness unaffected."</b></div><br />
So all is not lost if you lose/damage your PokéWalker, although ultimately, I'd still advise you just keep an eye on it, rather than having to purchase a new one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lastgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/pokewalker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://lastgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/pokewalker.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Image © Nintendo)<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b>NOTE:</b> I got my new PokéWalker, and had to look up how to reset it. I found my solution, and the new Walker is working wonderfully, but so you know, while you will be able to keep all the paths you've unlocked, you will also lose all of your watts. Bollocks.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"></span></span></span><br />
<h2 style="clear: both; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: -22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"How to reset your </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PokéWalker</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: From the main menu, select 'Connect to </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PokéWalker'</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Hold down on the directional pad (+) and X, then L. After you see caution click 'Yes' and it will reset."</span></span></span></h2><div class="clear clearfix" style="clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div></div></div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-29249309001646226872010-06-29T18:53:00.000-04:002010-06-29T18:53:21.195-04:00Hulu Coming to PlayStation 3 in July, Xbox 360 in 2011Don't cancel your Netflix account just yet kids, this won't be a free alternative. Hulu Plus, a new ad-supported, subscription based service currently available for the iPhone and iPad (invite only for the time being), looks to essentially be a slightly more expensive version of Netflix, minus the physical DVD. The new service, hitting the PS3 in July of this year, and 360 sometime after the holiday, will run $9.99 per month. I suppose if you've got an iPad and/or iPhone and one of the two more loved next-gen consoles (sorry Nintendo), it may be worth it to switch from Netflix to Hulu Plus. Maybe they'll have a much better selection of shows. Can't say as of yet but I'll try and get access to someone's Hulu Plus account and get back to you. For now, me and my Wii are sticking with Netflix.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.boingboing.net/oimages/plus-devices-tv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://www.boingboing.net/oimages/plus-devices-tv.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(image via boingboing.net)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">For more info, check out the <a href="http://blog.hulu.com/2010/06/29/introducing-hulu-plus-more-wherever-more-whenever-than-ever/">Hulu Blog</a>.</div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-24708260707096258842010-06-14T20:00:00.008-04:002010-06-15T15:03:13.507-04:00Controllers? Where We're Going We Don't NEED ControllersMicrosoft had their Xbox 360 Media Briefing earlier today, the highlight of which is, of coarse, Microsoft's newborn brain baby Kinect (formerly Project Natal, hitting North America November 4, 2010), a controller-free, motion-activated system for the Xbox 360. But before getting into that, let's pull back and go over some of the other highlights.<br />
<div><br />
</div><i>- Alan Wake</i>, which was released just last month, is already a hit game, with stellar reviews. Well, July 27, the first piece of downloadable content, Episode 7 "The Signal" will be available for free if you bought the game new (look for a coupon in your case).<br />
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<i>- Gears of War 3</i>, set for release in April of 2011, will offer up 4-player multiplayer. The gameplay footage looked to follow in the tradition of it's predecessors, with a couple sweet looking new foes and of coarse, the female Cogs as playable characters.<br />
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- The much anticipated new <i>Halo</i> title, <i>Halo Reach</i>, whose mutliplayer beta was the largest in console history, will feature for the first time in the franchises history, space combat.<br />
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- Personally excited about this one, <i>Fable III</i>, set five decades after the conclusion of <i>Fable II</i>, looks to bear your typical RPG plotline, two brothers, one grows into a corrupt king, the other (our protagonist, of coarse) grows up secluded in the country, and must rise up to overthrow his evil sibling... Also, the collector's edition comes with a Boxer!<br />
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- For all you FPS fans, there was a tantalizing first look at gameplay for <i>Call of Duty Black Ops</i> (which hits 11.09.10), including what is presumably an opening scene, where you crawl through a tunnel, and a helicopter flight level. Per a recent three-year licensing agreement between Microsoft and Activision, as of the November release of <i>Black Ops</i>, all <i>CoD</i> add-ons and map packs will be launching first on the Xbox 360. <br />
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<i>- Metal Gear Solid Rising</i>, the latest from Kojima Studios, looked pretty hack-and-slashy on the surface, but you DO get to cut a van in half, which is always a plus. There even appears to be a sort of "slow-mo targeting mode" so you can lay your beat down with precision.<br />
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Annnnnnddd.... KINECT! With sensors that pick up sound and motion, and featuring 3D depth sensors, an RGB camera, motorized tilt, and a multi-array mic, this device looks to be vying for some of Nintendo's Wii fanbase (so, nintendwhores and middle-aged yuppies). In the initial demo, we see that one can sign in with a simple wave, Kinect recognizes you and signs you into your Xbox Live account. You can also navigate (on a basic level) through the Live menu using voice commands. In addition, using Windows Phone 7 (because people have that, right?) you can connect your cell phone to your Live account. VideoKinect looks pretty promising, you can live chat with friends and family using Live or Windows Messenger, and even watch videos together. It also tracks your movement and automatically follows you if you move around the room- no adjustments required on your part!<br />
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ESPN has signed an exclusive agreement with Microsoft to offer Live members thousands of live and on-demand games in HD. They will also offer trivia you can play with your Live friends as you watch the game. Best of all, if you're a Gold member, ESPN on Xbox 360 is completely FREE. I love that word.<br />
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Finally... called it! Microsoft has announced a new, Xbox 360 "Slim" (no official name given the system, other than "The New Xbox 360"). It's a smaller, more streamlined console, sporting a deep glossed black finish, built-in WIFI, a massive 250 GB hard drive, Kinect-ready (naturally), and with a very friendly $299 price tag. This baby shipped to retailers on June 14, 2010 and should be available for purchase later in the week.<br />
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Watch the whole thing online, at <a href="http://www.gametrailers.com/e3/livefeed/microsoft">gametrailers.com</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-59294685790837750192010-06-11T20:00:00.000-04:002010-06-11T20:00:01.471-04:00I came.So if you've been living under a rock, which was in the woods, buried far underground, and held captive by the mole people, you may not have seen the Mortal Kombat Rebirth promos floating around. Maybe. So far very little official info on it, except that it looks AMAZING and Warner Bros is involved. And yeah, that's Michael Jai you see cast as Jax, and Jeri Ryan as Sonya Blade. YEAH.<br />
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<object height="230" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VADCrmCFd48&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VADCrmCFd48&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="230"></embed></object>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-10044472419035658842010-05-11T12:43:00.000-04:002010-05-11T12:43:19.300-04:00October Launch Date for Project NatalAnticipation mounts as we approach June, and this year's E3. There are several large announcements in the works, not the least of which being Microsoft's Project Natal, a motion control system for the Xbox 360. According to Syed Bilal Tari, marketing manager of the entertainment & devices division at Microsoft Saudi, specific dates are as of yet unavailable, but will be finalized and announced at E3, along with the customary lineup of launch titles for the new system.<br />
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Further details will be posted as they become available.Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-36232535382006057612010-05-10T14:26:00.000-04:002010-05-10T14:26:22.275-04:00MegaMan Fan FilmNice little slice of fandom, complete with obligatory bad acting and cheesy graphics.<br />
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<object height="225" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11554824&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11554824&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/11554824">"MegaMan"-Fan Film</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3094285">Eddie Lebron</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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More info: <a href="http://megamanfilm.com/">http://megamanfilm.com</a>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-33601068457988129372010-05-05T12:33:00.000-04:002010-05-05T12:33:35.763-04:00Nintendo Announces US Release for Black Wii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj372S9sQwe63hY-E_v8A776yxn3L0wTdAqtBc77kJiljK8NCAwO3-VHOJi_urcfDnU4iJAgtWmq4cmYdQaMBiuMULUWYU1PbyogcnGPs53FMJjsCrr6LkLxIihgWPiSKeUUFRM80N6E/s1600/500x_wiibox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj372S9sQwe63hY-E_v8A776yxn3L0wTdAqtBc77kJiljK8NCAwO3-VHOJi_urcfDnU4iJAgtWmq4cmYdQaMBiuMULUWYU1PbyogcnGPs53FMJjsCrr6LkLxIihgWPiSKeUUFRM80N6E/s320/500x_wiibox.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The black Nintendo Wii console, already available in the Asia and Europe, has been announced for official US release. The new console will include the Wii Sports game (included in the originally released white counterpart), along with last year's sequel, Wii Sports Resort. Also included are the Wii Remote (or as some affectionately refer to it, "Wiimote") and Nunchuck, as well as Wii Motion Plus attachment, which improves the controller's accuracy. The new bundle will maintain the $199.99 price, and the new "goodies" included therein will extend to the white consoles as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn81RRMxtiLHgbNBRecxjPl879NdDRxjQVH0QyPUggWfdF9u14epn9g83H1FByqRjY6hvj55U87nevTaUztUGBD8GWwnppKud0XFBLAVfPy71Lx6o6rHEzr_wOAYe2PQz-aVaKkoV78xo/s1600/500x_wiideal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn81RRMxtiLHgbNBRecxjPl879NdDRxjQVH0QyPUggWfdF9u14epn9g83H1FByqRjY6hvj55U87nevTaUztUGBD8GWwnppKud0XFBLAVfPy71Lx6o6rHEzr_wOAYe2PQz-aVaKkoV78xo/s400/500x_wiideal.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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According to Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime: “By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we’re extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price.” <br />
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Or in other words "parents will keep buying the Wii instead of PS3 and 360 because it's cheaper and comes with more stuff". Looks like Nintendo's aiming to maintain that spot as #1 selling next gen console. I'd also like to note that the black console will unfortunately not have HD capabilities, as some had hoped...<br />
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The new console goes on sale this Sunday, May 9 (pick one up for mom, or you don't really love her).Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2101581579896331292.post-73885124838151626542010-03-26T13:49:00.000-04:002010-03-26T13:49:20.528-04:00More on the Nintendo 3DSAs a brief follow-up, this v<span class="description">ideo of an upcoming DSiWare game shows what the gameplay on the 3DS may look like.</span><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v_P4gyjf5tQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v_P4gyjf5tQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Sarah Ruthlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500883866790674179noreply@blogger.com0