The one and only Grand Master Crash!

- Avid gamer - Major petrolhead/gearhead - Sonic fan for life - Enjoys roleplay (primarily Sonic RP) - Currently OPEN to Sonic RP (send an ask if you're interested)

[carcrasher88]

Alright. Update on my Xbox 360 problems.

The console is fine, my Xbox Live profile data was corrupted.

My game saves came up as 'Owner: Corrupted Profile'.

Deleted my profile data, and the files come up as 'Owner: Unknown Profile', which I assume means the save files aren't corrupted.

Now, I need to download a system update so I can recover my profile, but the system update keeps failing.

Not sure what to do now.

[carcrasher88]

Ugh...

My Xbox 360 won't go past the start up screen.

I've tried everything I could do that I found on the internet, and I've figured out it might have to do with my hard drive.

Problem is, I don't have enough money to buy a replacement, and my console isn't under warranty.

Last time I couldn't use my Xbox 360, the time without it nearly made me lose it, so I may be in bad shape here.

The console and hard drive are a bit warm, too. I'm gonna leave it off overnight unplugged and with the hard drive removed from the console.

I'll see if I can get it to work again in the morning. Might need to get a fan in my room to help cool it down.

The temperature is holding steady at 80.1, and we have no air conditioning.

It looks rather bleak, though, because I may possibly lose all my save files.

I don't wanna have to play all my games again because of this.

[carcrasher88]

E3 2014 Top 5s and Overall top pick

So, it's come down to this. Time to choose my top 5 from each presentation, then choose my overall favorite from them.

Here we go.

Microsoft:

#5 - Forza Motorsport 5 Nurburgring track add-on and booster pack

Yes, a DLC pack for a racing simulator is at #5. But it's not just because of the overdue arrival of the famous German race track, but the cars that Car Pass players get with it.

The 1967 Formula 1 championship winning Brabham BT24.

The 1939 Indianapolis 500 winning Maserati 8CTF.

The IMSA Audi 90 that challenged the Mercury Cougar for the GTO class championship in 1989.

The revolutionary EcoBoost powered Formula Ford race car.

And the legendary Lotus Eleven, with class victories at Sebring and Le Mans.

It's an overall look into motorsports history, and a peek into the future, and it's all free.

#4 - Fable Legends

The latest Fable game sees you being able to play as four characters working together, and even being able to play the villain, trying to stop said characters.

It's a pretty cool new take on both the Fable series and on cooperative gameplay.

#3 - Forza Horizon 2

Yes, more Forza. This time, the newly announced Horizon 2.

The original Horizon was a fresh new take on the Forza name, bringing the series to open world with many types of vehicles, events, online games, and a beautiful, scenic, and diverse landscape.

The sequel sees the title Horizon festival move to Southern Europe, in France and Italy.

Over 200 cars, the return of Barn Finds, where about half of the Barn Finds will be new to the Forza franchise, and double the music and stations, with BBC Radio One DJ Rob da Bank returning to curate the threeHorizon stations, with independent labels building the other three.

The Xbox One version will feature Forza Motorsport 5's Drivatar AI system and dynamic weather.

#2 - Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo CE, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, the digital Halo: Nightfall series, and Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta access, along with many additional features...all on one disc, for $60.

Possibly the gaming bargain of the generation, and of the decade.

...and the winner for this briefing...

#1 - Sunset Overdrive

That's right, Insomniac's new Xbox One exclusive beats Master Chief.

Sunset Overdrive is a zany, spontaneous game that hits you where the sun DOES shine.

Crazy energy drink fueled monsters. Crazy, Saints Row-esque weapons and character customization.

Open world action and the game's 8-player Co-op, called 'Chaos Squad'.

Also, there's a little bit more SR here, too. The main character is voiced by Yuri Lowenthal, who voiced Shogo Akuji in SR2, Professor Genki (my Tumblr icon) in SR:TT, and Matt Miller in SR:TT and SRIV, among many other roles in cartoons, anime, games, and films.

I'm expecting this title to be off the hook, and be a major hit as soon as it comes out. Wouldn't expect any less from Insomniac.

Electronic Arts:

#5 - The Sims 4

This looks to be the best Sims game yet. The trailer and demonstration turning the briefing was awesome, and showed what the series can truly be capable of.

#4 - EA Sports MMA/PGA Tour 15 (tie)

Why are two sports titles on this list?

Because Bruce Lee in the octagon and Ian Poulter hitting a golf ball over a battleship crashing ashore, that's why. 'Nuff said.

#3 - Untitled Criterion Games project

That's right. The studio (but only a small remaining part of the team) that brought you the Burnout series is back with a new project that will involve ATVs, boats, helicopters, RVs, wingsuits, etc...and lots of destruction. Like only Criterion can.

#2 - Mirror's Edge 2

There wasn't much shown about the game itself, but the fact that they're going as much as they are with parkour and how it's done is a testament to how dedicated they are to making this a truly great game.

...and the winner of this briefing...

#1 - Battlefield Hardline

It's not too often you see a FPS game try something different, and that's exactly what Visceral Games and DICE are going for in this collaboration between the two studios.

A bit of GTA V heists here, some Crackdown there, throw in a tiny bit of Cops and Robbers from Burnout Paradise and mix it in with a heaping of Battlefield, and that's what you get with Hardline.

This isn't gonna be your average FPS, or even your average Battlefield game. Chances are, it'll blow you away. Or at least they hope it does.

Ubisoft:

#5 - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege

One of two TC games, the first one unveiled since Tom's passing, a revival of the Rainbow Six name, and a replacement for the apparently canceled Rainbow Six: Patriots.

Siege seems to focus around hostage rescue and (at least in multiplayer) hostage capture.

Things like drones and pressure activated explosives will be featured, where strategy is a key part of this game.

#4 - The Crew/Valiant Hearts: The Great War (tie)

Two games get the fourth position out of the Ubisoft presentation.

The highly anticipated open world 'CarPG', The Crew, which will take place in a wide open, condensed version of the US.

By racing and completing missions, you will evolve your car and make it your own, instead of simply adding parts here and there to shave seconds off a lap, like a racing sim.

The main reason this game, unveiled at last year's E3 is here on this year's list, is because of an announced 2 hour coast to coast mission that will see you and your crew cross the country in quite possibly the longest racing game mission in video game history.

Meanwhile, Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a totally different game.

Inspired by letters written during the first World War, Valiant Hearts is a stylized puzzle adventure based on the UbiArt Framework engine, which powered Rayman Origins and Legends, along with Child of Light.

The trailer for the game was a real tear jerker, and I expect the game itself to be the same way.

#3 - Tom Clancy's The Division

The most depressing and second most dramatic trailer at this year's E3 comes from this game: The Division.

The game takes place in New York City, where a disease has essentially caused the US to collapse, and a special team: the Strategic Homeland Division, or 'The Division', for short, is dispatched to combat the threat and save what remains.

The game will see players taking on AI and other players, in this MMOTPS (Massive Multiplayer Online Third-Person Shooter).

#2 - Far Cry 4

The latest Far Cry game puts the player in the Himalayas, dealing with a despotic self-appointed king, Pagan Min (voiced by none other than Troy Baker).

Action, destruction, and strategy will play key roles in this game that seems like Far Cry's take on Just Cause for some reason.

That sounds like a good thing, personally.

...and the winner from this briefing...

#1 - Assassin's Creed: Unity

Of course #1 is an Assassin's Creed game. Not a big shocker here.

Unity is different from previous AC games, as the story can be played with 3 friends in 4-player co-op, making this the most strategic AC game to date.

The lead Assassin here is Arno Dorian, leading a group of Assassins to uncover the true powers behind the French Revolution in 18th Century Paris.

Sony:

#5 - Grim Fandango

The Tim Schafer classic, Grim Fandango, will be getting a PS4 and PS Vita remake, done by Schafer's studio, Double Fine.

#4 - Ratchet & Clank (movie)

This is the only one on the list that's not a game. In 2015, Rainmaker and Blockade, with assistance from Insomniac Games, will release a movie that will be an origin story of the duo, with elements of events of later games added in.

I, for one, can't wait for this to come out.

#3 - Dead Island 2

The trailer for this game looks like a total departure from the first game, and the sequel, RIptide.

Set in San Francisco (apparently), this game looks like it will feature a bit more comedy, possibly being Dead Rising 1/2 meets Saints Row.

This should be interesting.

#2 - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

This is the game with the most dramatic trailer at E3 this year.

All in true Kojima fashion.

The next part of Next-Gen MGS is looking very spectacular indeed.

#1 - LittleBigPlanet 3

Yes, that's right. No Uncharted 4 on this list. But that's only because what they showed was a teaser trailer with relatively little to go by, where Dead Island 2 was more detailed and showed what could be in the game.

Anyway, my winner from the Sony briefing is LBP3.

Sackboy is back, and with new friends.

Oddsock, the wall jumper. Toggle, who can change from the biggest and heaviest of the bunch to the smallest of the bunch on the fly. And Swoop, who can lift and fly other players to greater heights.

All user created levels from the first 2 LBP games will be accessible in LBP3 with enhanced graphics.

Nintendo:

#5 - Open world Zelda

The reason this is only at #5 is because they pretty much demonstrated the game engine with a bit of gameplay.

Otherwise, this is looking to be a spectacular game that I'm very much looking forward to hearing more about.

#4 - Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Finally, Toad gets his own game. It's about darn time. And, it's based off the minigame in Super Mario 3D World, which makes it even cooler.

#3 - Kirby and the Rainbow Curse/Yoshi's Woolly World (Tie)

A sequel to the awesome Crystal Curse, this game uses the Gamepad to help Kirby through levels, including making shields and protective shelter, among other things.

Claymation style, and likely the best use of the Gamepad yet.

Meanwhile, Yoshi gets his own game based on the yarn styling of Kirby's Epic Yarn.

There will be a lot of things you can use and do to explore each level, and even a second player can get in on the action.

#2 - Hyrule Warriors

Honestly, I think the world needs a Dynasty Warriors/Zelda crossover. Especially when it lets you play as Zelda, Midna, and more.

The gameplay can also be co-op, with one player using a controller and TV, while the other uses the Gamepad.

I think this is gonna be a real hit.

...and the winner for this briefing...

#1 - Splatoon

That's right, a new Nintendo IP is my choice for the winner of the Nintendo briefing.

It's always good to see a new IP from Nintendo, and Splatoon looks to be the most unique one yet.

Characters that can change from human to squid, using the ink they shoot to increase their speed and get across the map.

It's got a bit of various games in it. A bit of Team Fortress 2 here, some Jet Set Radio there, a bit of Sunset Overdrive bright colors, a hint of Sonic Colors Wisps, and a lot of Nintendo creativity.

So, that brings it down to the overall top 5. Who will win? Let's see the results...

#5 - Battlefield Hardline

#4 - LittleBigPlanet 3

#3 - Splatoon

#2 - Assassin's Creed: Unity

And #1 is...Sunset Overdrive!

That's right, even if Sony and (especially) Nintendo virtually wiped the floor with Microsoft overall (they were still great overall, Sony and Nintendo were just that much better), Insomniac's Xbox One exclusive came out on top in my opinion.

Can't wait for the game to drop on October 28th.

So, that's it for E3 2014 from me. Can't wait to see how developers, publishers, and the game console manufacturers stack up next year.

E3 2014 is gonna be a tough act to follow.

[carcrasher88]

E3 Verdict: Nintendo (Edited)

What does E3 2014 and Top Gear have in common? They both went out on a bombshell.

Nintendo went pretty much all out this year, as they usually do.

Here's what I thought of what they had to show...

First off, did Nintendo seriously hire the Robot Chicken crew for the claymation scenes? That was awesome.

The Mii Fighters in Smash Bros. U look great. Nice to see that there's many ways to play as yourself, or someone famous.

The 3DS version of the game is delayed, but at least it's in the name of quality, and we've got a release date, October 3.

Originally wasn't expecting them to include the original Bayonetta with the sequel, but after seeing the bargain that is Halo: The Master Chief Collection, I wasn't as surprised, but it was pleasant.

Yoshi's Woolly World, that looks spectacular. Combining the best of a Yoshi game and the best of Kirby's Epic Yarn. Can't wait.

Speaking of Kirby, it's great to see Canvas Curse get a sequel, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.

The Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire remakes have a release date, November 21.

Hyrule Warriors looks spectacular, especially since they revealed 3 playable characters.

I'm still amazed that Captain Toad is getting his own game! That's pretty big news.

The Amiibos look neat, especially with their functions with Smash Bros. U.

There's gonna be an open world Zelda game on Wii U. They've already proven that Wii U is capable of a good open world game (Lego City: Undercover and Need For Speed: Most Wanted, just to name a couple), but this is looking to possibly be the best yet.

Xenoblade Chronicles X looks like a spectacular JRPG for Wii U.

Then, there's Mario Maker, the first game that lets you make your own Mario levels!

...and now for the two big bombshells...

Splatoon looks amazing. I'm seeing a bit of Super Mario Sunshine meets Team Fortress 2 meets a tiny bit of Jet Set Radio/Future and maybe a tiny bit of the upcoming Sunset Overdrive, with the bright, vibrant colors.

Lastly, Lady Palutena in the new Smash Bros. games was completely out of left field. Talk about a real bombshell.

They did say there's a little more to show, so maybe we'll see something later today.

Edit: Well, here's some after event stuff.

There will be a new StarFox next year. That should be awesome. Personally, I think it's about time.

I'm surprised they held off on showing Mario Party 10.

Fantasy Life is coming to the US.

Project: Guard sounds fascinating, to say the least.

The Wii U Gamecube adapter will be cheap...in price. $20.

They showed a new villain for Sonic Boom on Wii U.

Lastly, in non-Nintendo but in the 'this just in' department, a new Doom game is coming out.

Well, that's just about it for E3 2014. Stick around later, when I compile my top 5 from each briefing (Xbox, EA, Ubisoft, Sony, and Nintendo) and choose my overall winner from this year's crowd.

Trust me, it's gonna be tough.

[carcrasher88]

E3 Verdict: Sony

Tumblr wouldn't work by the time the Sony presentation was over, so now I'm finally getting around to posting my verdict on what went down.

Let's begin...

Just like Xbox, lots of Indie games, and that's a very good thing.

That white PS4/Destiny bundle looks spectacular, might end up getting that when I can get a PS4.

Far Cry 4 gameplay, looks awesome. Great gameplay mechanics, spectacular visuals. Looks like this is gonna be a truly amazing game.

Awesome to know you won't have to own the game to play it with friends.

That trailer for Dead Island 2 was hilarious, looks like the game might be going in a different direction than the first two, along with taking place in San Fransisco, apparently.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End: All I can say is...it was very ominous.

Big bombshell: Grand Theft Auto V on PS4, Xbox One AND PC! Can't wait to see the mods people make on the PC version.

The new Batmobile looks awesome, and it's great to see Scarecrow in the new Batman game.

MGS5 trailer was only slightly less depressing than the trailer for The Division, but much more dramatic, in true Kojima fashion.

Awesome trailer for the Ratchet & Clank film, can't wait for that.

I still can't believe they're remastering Grim Fandango. That game is a true classic!

No Man's Sky finally making a console debut, looking forward to that. Heard that game is amazing.

Sadly, no new footage, information, or release date for Driveclub, even with release dates for The Crew and the newly announced Forza Horizon 2 announced earlier in the day.

I've got the feeling this game might flop, now. Those other two games have a massive head start on it.

Lastly...LittleBigPlanet 3!!! Those new characters look amazing! The game looks amazing!

And, you can transfer your created levels from the first two LBP games to LBP3! I know some people who are gonna love that!

Now, to wait for Nintendo's online presentation in just over 2 hours.

[carcrasher88]

E3 2014 Verdict 2: Ubisoft

Read more again because long post.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War, the trailer was a real tear jerker. Excellent use of real history and art direction. Definitely looking forward, especially since it will be on Xbox 360, apparently.

The Crew just keeps looking better and better. Happy to see LaFerrari and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG are in, can't wait to see more of the cars that will be in the game.

Also, November 11th seems like a pretty good release date, honestly. Good period of time between Forza Horizon and this. Now to see where Driveclub slots in later tonight.

Wasn't expecting Rainbow Six: Siege. Looks like a nice change from typical FPS gameplay. Should be pretty good.

That new trailer for The Division...was extremely depressing. Still looks like a great game, though. Loads of teamwork, just like RS:Siege.

Shape Up looks interesting. Looks like a typical fitness game meets WarioWare. Might turn out to be a great game.

Far Cry 4...that dude is a total d**k, even bigger of one than I've seen in pretty much any other game ever made. This will be interesting to say the least.

What can I say about Assassin's Creed: Unity? That game looks awesome. Could be the best AC game to date.

One more conference tonight, and that's Sony at 9pm EST. Look for my thoughts on what they show soon after.

[carcrasher88]

Dang, I haven't been here in a LONG time.

Thought I'd share my thoughts of E3 so far.

Let's begin...

Microsoft did a pretty awesome job this year.

Forza Horizon looks very promising. Can't wait to see the new Barn Find cars that are new to the Forza franchise, as they said half of the Barn Finds would be.

Great to see the Nurburgring finally in Forza 5, and for free, along with throwing in 5 more cars for the folks with the Car Pass.

So, Criterion is making a game that's essentially 'Burnout: Everything (in breathtaking first-person only)'. Looks awesome, I've played games in first person before.

Actually played most of Burnout Paradise in bumper view, so the first person isn't a deal breaker for me as it seems to be for some.

Project Spark is bringing Conker back. I missed the little guy, this makes me happy. Thank you, Microsoft.

I'm actually quite interested in Battlefield: Hardline, and I'm not that big a First-Person Shooter kinda guy. Should be exciting.

Mirror's Edge 2...nothing else needs to be said.

New Crackdown, and the series' original creator is leading the development. That's great news. We don't want another Crackdown 2 to happen, we want something that's even better than the original.

Sunset Overdrive just keeps looking better and better, and what they showed today is no exception. Whenever I get an XB1, this game will be at the top of my 'must have' list.

Whether you like Halo games, you'd have to admit...4 remastered games, an exclusive television series and multiplayer beta access for Halo 5, all for $60, is a massive bargain.

Oh, and playing golf on a course that involves shooting the ball over a crashing battleship? I'm actually interested in that.

Now, to wait another hour for the Ubisoft event (can't wait to see more of The Crew), then Sony 3 hours later (maybe at least a preview of Nissan's new Gran Turismo car?).

Expect another recap post after the Ubisoft event, with another after Sony, and of course, one after Nintendo's online event tomorrow afternoon.

[carcrasher88]

So, I bought a bunch of new Hot Wheels cars today.

Found 2 versions of Mad Manga, the 2012 First Editions model in red and the 2014 HW City - Night Burnerz model in white.

Also got some 200+ mph cars: SRT Viper, Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Pagani Huayra (I'm probably one of the only people in the world who can spell that without having to backspace and re-type).

Some classic Japanese metal: Toyota 2000GT, Mazda RX-7, 1970 Toyota Celica, Nissan Skyline GT-R [R34]

American Muscle: '68 Mercury Cougar, '69 Dodge Coronet Super Bee

A few European classics: Aston Martin DB5, '92 BMW M3, Volkswagen Beetle

Also got a Porsche Panamera Turbo S, a Chevrolet Tahoe police truck, a DeLorean (not a BTTF one, unfortunately)...and an Angry Birds Minion Pig.

All in all, 19 cars to go along with my 9 older models and my 3 NASCAR ones.

Do the math, and you get...31 cars. That's a pretty good start to my 'Old meets New' collection, which will consist of cars I had when I was a kid, older models I never had as a kid, and new models from the store rack.

If anyone wants to see what I got, check out here and here.

[carcrasher88]

Bought a bunch of Hot Wheels (and one Matchbox) cars today, and got this 2002 GM Autonomy Concept with what appears to be a wheel error.

Note the front wheel's lack of chrome finish compared to the rear wheel.

It was marked for $4, the sale total was 50% off, so I essentially payed $2 for this one.

I wonder how much this could truly be worth.

[overdrive003]

I'm in. Is anyone else?

[carcrasher88]

Not sure...

[carcrasher88]

It was 6 years ago today when Burnout Paradise was officially released.

Sure, the game wouldn't hit stores in Europe until 3 days later, and Japan and Australia had to wait until February (the 7th in Australia and the 21st in Japan), but since the game was first released on this day 6 years ago, it makes today it's 6th anniversary.

Over the next year and a half, Burnout Paradise would see expansion after expansion.

Each one, bigger than the last. Party Pack, Legendary Cars, Toy Cars, Boost Specials, Cops & Robbers. All leading up to the biggest one of all: Big Surf Island.

Today, on the 6th anniversary of the game's release, I'll be holding an anniversary session online. There, I'll be holding a multitude of events spanning the game's various online modes.

Races, Stunt Runs, Challenges, Marked Man, Road Rage, Cops & Robbers, Big Surf Island challenges. All with the opportunity for players to discuss their favorite Burnout Paradise memories.

It's all for fun and celebrating this game's 6th anniversary of release.

The anniversary may only refer to the North American release, but players from all over the world are welcome to join in the fun.

The event will take place on Xbox 360, look out for the gamertag carcrasher88 when searching for events.

If you see one with that gamertag hosting, that means you've found the event I'm hosting.

Here's to the 6th anniversary and to an exciting celebration!

[carcrasher88]

Just did some custom work on my Elegy RH8 in GTA Online.

60% armor (the most I have unlocked), bodywork and mechanical work.

Leaner, faster, and looking straight up awesome.

Gonna go do some online missions with my mission vehicle, a Gallivanter Baller.

If anyone wants to help out, gamertag is carcrasher88 on Xbox 360.

[carcrasher88]

[carcrasher88]

Merry Christmas!

[carcrasher88]

Merry Christmas!

[carcrasher88]

Merry Christmas!

[carcrasher88]

Merry Christmas!