Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360 and Kratos Edition) Guest review awwww snap.

As a lifelong Mortal Kombat fan, I may have some bias towards this review. But fear not, I can put away my fanboyish tendencies for 10 minutes. After many misfires, Netherrealm studios gives us a much needed return to form. Many fans, myself included, feel this was a necessary step in the franchise's life. In this resurgence of the fighting game genre, MK adds a boost to the lifeline.



Graphics: 8/10
Mortal Kombat boasts a 2D plane with 3D graphics. Every character is highly detailed. To the point of showing physical damage on the character models after a hard fought battle. No longer must we live in the days of palette swapped ninjas. The inclusion of X-Ray moves shows the detail I'm talking about. Organs, intestines, rib cages. If you've taken any anatomy class, all your old friends are going to be here whenever you hit your triggers.

Fatalities are back, after DC saved the world from them, and they are just as brutal as they ever were. If not, moreso. Skin is stretched to the breaking point. Unidentifiable organs hang from torsos. Fun for the whole family, really.

I do have a very specific complaint though. It seems to me that the graphics for the cut scenes in story mode are actually worse than the gameplay graphics. Which is weird to me, because every other game seems to have it the other way around. On the plus side, you know when you're about to fight in story mode, because the graphics are suddenly good. So you get a forewarning.

Story: 7/10
I don't really know what to say about the story. It feels like you're playing an over the top kung fu movie. For me, I loved that aspect. But if you're looking for a game with massive amounts of narrative, you're looking in the wrong place, I'm afraid. It does, however, explain a lot of character's backstories. Noob Saibot, Cyrax/Sektor, and Kabal come to mind. I'm trying to keep this spoiler free so I won't dive any further into it.

Music: 5/10
Nothing has really stood out to me, musically. MK comes with a catalog so you can order a CD of the soundtrack. I seen this before playing the game, so maybe I had high hopes. But as far as a review of it goes, I wouldn't buy the soundtrack. I think that pretty much sums it up.

Gameplay: 9/10
Now this is where MK really shines. Every element that made the first games so popular is here. And built upon. I had expected the nostalgia to wear off and leave me dissatisfied. Like pouring a fresh soda but the fizz wears off and you're left with much less of a beverage. But no, MK leaves your thirst quenched and your taste buds wanting more. To sum it up in a sentence, you've got a lot of shit to do. Story mode, classic ladder style, challenge tower, and of course, online fighting.

The return to the 2D plane adds what many MK fans have been wanting since MK4. An easy to maneuver field and easier projectile hits. The move list has many combos to learn, but the majority of what you use is most likely going to be made up on your own. If you had a favorite character from back in the day, there is a 95% chance they'll be here in all their former glory.

There's no sugar coating here, this game is straight up fighting. That's what you'll be doing. And if you're like me, you'll love doing it.

Etc(Exclusives Included): 6/10

The Krypt offers a graveyard full of creepily found extras. Concept art, alternate costumes, extra fatalities. Everything your heart desires. You'll have to earn it though. Koins earned through fighting, completing challenges and the story will get you everything. Proving again, nothing in life is free. Not even in a game you paid for. 360 exclusive is a king of the hill mode. I personally haven't played it but from what I understand, it's a lobby. I think that's a pretty terrible exclusive.

Kratos: 10/10
He's a beast and I hate every PS3 owner.

Overall: 9/10 Nearly Flawless Victory
Every hope and expectation I had for this game was met. The nostalgia I felt when I first put this game in and ran through the ladder as Scorpion made me feel 9 years old again. As an incredibly easy to pick up game, I highly recommend it to anyone who has the slightest interest in the MK franchise, the fighting game genre, or the letter K.

-Crazy T-Rav

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 - Fate Of Two Worlds (XBox 360)

Marvel vs. Capcom 3. I really have a thing for sequels that took 10+ years to come out, huh? Fans have long awaited the sequel to what many consider one of the best fighting games of all time. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was a hit, even 10 years later in this resurgence of fighting games. Arcades are a dying commodity, but the fighting game genre lives on. And man, am I glad for that. I grew up on the classics. Street Fighter I & II, Art Of Fighting, even the Double Dragon fighting game.

Graphics 9/10
I really like what they've done with the character models this time around. The sleek, glossy look every character model shares is a nice touch. For once, all the characters look like they belong in the same game. No more 1994 Morrigan Sprite.

The stages on this game are freakin' insane. The developers really put a lot, and I mean A LOT, of attention into detail. From the Daily Bugle's parade, to the Bifrost, the rainbow bridge in the background of Asgard. So much fan service went into this game it's great.

The moves, hyper moves, combos, etcetc all flow together so perfectly. The light shows of a heated battle never ceases to amaze me. A lot of time went into making this game and it shows.



Gameplay 8/10
I'll admit, when Capcom announced the control scheme was going to lean more towards Tatsunoko vs Capcom, I was a bit frustrated. Every Marvel vs. Capcom game since the first has "dumbed down" the control scheme a little more. There was the typical 6-button layout in Marvel vs. Capcom 1. Then they dropped it down to a 4-button scheme, and now 3-button [exluding the S button]. While each control scheme works for each game, I kinda wished it would've remained the same. I would've been completely alright with either the 4-button or 6-button button layouts. I prefer the 6. This game is still pretty tight on the controls front, though. Instead of having to figure out which button and direction is a characters launcher, everyone has the same button for it. S. I miss the old layouts, sure. But this one works just as well.

The computer seems to be completely random in what it wants to do. Trying to breeze through Arcade mode on Very Easy will sometimes surprise you with a 96-hit combo out of nowhere. Other than that, I have no complaints.

Story x/x
I hate to do it again but I really know nothing about the story. It's just their for filler, really. Galactus wants to eat planets, the Big Bads want to be bad. You get it.


Music 9/10
Most all of the music is flawless. The remixes of characters older music is great. The new themes fit the characters extremely well. I swear Dante's theme is directly out of one of the DMC games. They're great. I just downloaded the entire soundtrack for this game the other day, and I can NOT stop listening.

Extras 7/10
I really wish the endings would have been more than photo stills with text overlays. I feel they could've done so much better given the ending quality of SSFIV. Anime cutscenes with voice acting, you know. Instead we're treated to a simple picture and a few words. Even still, they're great. Each characters ending has tons of shout outs and crossovers. There's all kinds of titles, and icons to unlock. Call of Duty.style. Image galleries, music galleries, character bios. Enough to keep someone busy for hours.

Overall 8.25/10

After 11 long years, hundreds of misheard rumors, and hundreds of dollars in quarters spent in arcades, Capcom has really given their fans something to rejoice over. This game is solid. A must have for any fighting game fan.

Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)

Super Smash Bros. Brawl, where do I even begin? Well, let me start by saying I've never played Melee. Not once. I've barely even seen videos of it. So the last dose of Super Smash Bros. was way back on the N64. So you could say I've been kinda deprived. I'd read about Brawl, I'd watch the videos, I got so excited. Then it finally gets released, after delays among delays. I saw it in Wal-Mart and shit myself. "Dudde, Brawl. Look at it.." I'd touch the glass. "It's sexy." But lo, I had no Wii. So I went about my day, stole what I went to steal, and left. Fast forward almost two years later, and what do I get for Christmas? A mofucking Wii. So of course, Brawl is on the first to get list. And let me just say, I will never regret getting this game. Ever.

Graphics: 8/10
Now, I'm no expert on the quality of graphics in Wii games, as I've only played a few. But amongst the few I've seen, this game is pretty standout. The detail in the character models is exquisite. The stages are fucking amazing as well. I'll never get tired of playing on Hanenbow,  [from Electroplankton] it's simply gorgeous. The detail in some of the attacks and final smashes are pretty ripe, too. Use Ganondorf's Final Smash, press pause and enjoy. 

Gameplay: 7/10
So, like I said. I haven't played Smash Bros. since way back on N64. So I didn't really know what to expect. I somewhat expected Smash Bros., redefined, even more perfect that it already was. [Does that even make sense?]  I expected more moves, refined blocking and rolling, better looking throws, more characters, more stages, more of everything that made me love the first one. Well.. I was right, technically. I got everything I expected. But what I didn't expect is what I didn't like. Physics are insanely different, like to an extent that's almost ridiculous. Pikachu was my main in the original, he was ridiculous fast and powerful. A few good combos and a thunder attack used to equal a KO. Now it's nothing. From what I can tell, most of the other characters were ridiculously nerfed or ridiculously buffed. Can't really say for sure though, other than the original characters. The most glaringly obvious flaw in the gameplay however, I found out within the first five minutes of playing. I'm using Ike, playing against Fox on Final Destination. I double tap forward so as to run, and all of a sudden. Ike trips. W. T. F. This only becomes increasingly annoying the more you play. I don't understand who, how, why, or when anyone EVER would ever possibly think. "Ya know what, let's make the characters trip at complete fucking random. That'd would make this game supremely awesome." "FUCK YEAR YOU NEED A RAISE" Only it's all said in Moonspeak, because it's Nintendo. It's the worst. The AI is suprisingly cheap as well. My Lucario versus the CPU's Kirby. I grab a Dragoon part, one normal attack and I lose it. They pick it up. SIX FUCKING SMASH ATTACKS IN A ROW, and this bitch still holds onto it. It's whatever, only makes it harder, therefore more challenging, in the long run. The different modes are also pretty fun. Stage Building, Home Run challenge, All Star Mode, Boss Battle Mode. Online play could be a lot better, servers would've been nice instead of P2P. Button lag is pretty horrible and I'm on Verizon FiOs. Everything else is  pretty top notch. Everything else is pretty much spot on. It's still a Smash game and it's still amazing. Nuff said.


Story: x/x
I played through Subspace Emissary and didn't sit through any of the cutscenes. So nothing to say here.
My bad.


Music: 10/10
In all honesty, the soundtrack is flawless here. With shit tons of music to unlock, it never gets old. I particularly like being able to pick which track I want to play on the stages I create. Even though I almost always pick a Pokemon one. :3


Extras: 10/10
Unlockable characters, stages, trophies, videos, virtual console trials, music, stickers. There's so much content in this game it is ridiculous. I refuse to stop playing this game until I unlock absolutely everything I can. Even then I probably will keep on keeping on.




 
Overall: 8.75/10
I highly recommend this game to fans of Nintendo, Smash Brothers, The Wii.. hell, video games in general. If you like video games then go get this game. That is all.

Girl Gamers -- Why most of them suck.

Now, before you get all feminist lesbian on me, let me just say. I don't think females playing video games is a bad thing, nor do I think it's a good thing. It's just.. a thing.. I guess. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that more and more people are getting into video games, back in the day they weren't as big as they are now. With the advancements in technology that we've made, it's made gaming so much more enjoyable, and presentable.

But anyway, back to my point. Females and video games. Cool. What I do have a problem with, is the females who do play video games and brag about it. You know the girls, we've all played them on Xbox Live or PSN. The whores who are all "YEAH IM A GIRL I PLAY VIDEO GAMES SO WHAT". Cool story, bro. It's annoying. I don't understand why the gamer girls can't just play video games and that's it. I'd much rather play a game on xbox live and NOT have to listen to "IM A GIRL I PLAY VIDEO GAMES LOL" once every four matches.

You've seen the gamertags.

IMAGIRL
GAMERGIRL
ITSAGIRL

Those are all real gamertags. There's more, but I'm downloading something right now and don't feel like searching around. But you get the idea. What if every guy's gamertag announced to everyone that he has a penis.

IMAGUY
GAMERGUY
ITSAGUY

See the problem here?

I've played matches where a girl will flirt with someone else the ENTIRE FUCKING TIME. Take that shit to eHarmony. Guys aren't innocent here either. If dudes didn't ogle over these femmes every game then they wouldn't exist. HEY YOU SOUND CUTE LOL. stfu.

If you're female and play video games, fucking awesome. Just please for the love of God don't go around saying "I PLAY GAMES LOL" Or something to that extent.

My girlfriend plays video games, she's even beaten me at Soul Calibur and Street Fighter. But guess what, she doesn't go around saying it to the world. Take a lesson femmes. Be proud of who you are and what you do, but please keep it under control?

PS3 HAS VIRTUAL REALITY!??!??!!one!!

So I was browsing other video game news sites, and I came upon this post.

Tuesday, January 21, 2003

The Playstation 3 is due in the U.S. in 2006. Whoa! Its already here the Playstation 3. In only 3 years, the 325-bit system will be in homes all over the world. This system will feature the first ever virtual realty games. So parents be warned your kids can get hurt in the games. 

 

 ________

God, I love predictions. 2003 was such a simpler time. 

 

We had high hopes and dreams! A mere 3 years from then we were planning on virtual reality. At that time I was planning on whether or not to wear the same shirt to school the next day. Eh... either way.

The moral of that prediction is:

Playstation 3 hurts kids.

Disney Buys Marvel - Thoughts and Predictions

Disney buys Marvel for $4 Bilion

 http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/31/news/companies/disney_marvel/index.htm 

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Walt Disney Co. announced Monday that it has agreed to purchase comic book and action hero company Marvel Entertainment for about $4 billion.

The deal pairs a comic book publisher that just recently began to produce its own movies with one of the largest international media companies in the world.

"This is perfect from a strategic perspective," Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger told CNNMoney.com. "This treasure trove of over 5,000 characters offers Disney the ability to do what we do best."

On a conference call with investors, Iger said the deal will allow Disney to sell Marvel's vast array of characters and properties across different media platforms and in many more markets. For instance, Iger said that Disney's Pixar animation unit was excited about the opportunities that a Marvel acquisition could yield.

"Spider-Man will appear in 'A Bug's Life' sequel," joked Barclays Capital analyst Anthony DiClemente.

The deal would give Disney some content that appeals more to boys, a market it has been looking to develop, Iger said. Disney XD, a television station and video game unit, already had a deal with Marvel to use some of the comic book company's action heroes in its content.

"Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Marvel Chief Executive Ike Perlmutter. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney's tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world."

________________________________________________________________

My two cents:

Personally, I think this is pretty amazing. Just think about all the possibilities, the first that comes to mind for me is Kingdom Hearts. Go ahead, imagine it.

(You know you want it)


Sora, Captain America, Riku, and The Hulk vs. Dr. Doom, Axel and Red Skull. Tell me that doesn't sound like an awesome game. Only thing is, I'm somewhat afraid that my favorite characters won't get the respect they deserve, I hated listening to the Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 voiceovers, some of them were horrible and did not fit at all. Disney has a history of getting good voice actors. The voice work in the Kingdom Hearts games were amazing, I have faith that they'll do justice for Marvel in that respect. 


Or maybe more? Disney Cameos in Marvel Comics? That doesn't sound too groundbreaking, or interesting. I don't know, I'd probably geek out if I was reading The New Avengers and they introduced Goofy as a new member of the team. Or Thunderbolts with a Jack Skellington leader. 


Maybe we'll get a Marvel CGI movie with Disney quality. I'd actually watch that. Think about it. The Avengers movie we've all been waiting for, in CGI, done right. How many Disney CGI movies have let you down? I can't think of any that I didn't think were good movies.


This has potential, and a massive amount of it. I can't wait to see what Disney has in store for Marvel. I just hope that they don't botch it up. I've got faith in you Disney, don't let me down. All in all, I see great things in the future for Disney and Marvel.

Enter to win Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2: Prestige Edition.

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2: Prestige Edition.

This is probably the most random extra to come with a game I've seen yet. A pair of fully functional night vision goggles, MW2 branded and everything.

Haha, either way, go enter this contest for a chance to win the bundle.

http://www.playfire.com/win-codmw2/313739383437

Here are the answers for those too lazy to look it up.

1. Infinity Ward
2. PS3, Xbox 360 and PC
3. November 10th 2009
4. fourzerotwo
5. Dual-wield handguns