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An Apple video game console: the i...Box?

Ever since Apple released the very first iPod Touch the company has been a surprisingly huge contender in the video games industry. Previous iPods have been able to play games, but they have been very simple ones like the card game Uno or the classic game Bricks. The ipod touch just offers so much more that its predecessors with its increased power and capabilities and its touch screen, and developers are taking full advantage of this. Big name companies like EA are even developing games or iOS devices, not just smaller, independent ones. Throw in the development of the iPad, and you're looking at even more enhancements in portable gaming.

Not only are new games being released just about everyday, but they're fun, and most importantly, cheap. Many casual gamers would rather pay five bucks for five smaller but addictive games than fork over sixty for a console game that will soon be outdated, making the purchase not only costly but potentially a waste (depending the quality of the game). Paying less than a dollar for a game is hardly an investment, and if you don't end up liking the game, it's not a huge waste of money.

Relatively speaking, Apple is new to the whole gaming business, especially when you look at how long Nintendo and Sony have been making games, but the company has been so successful at what they're doing so fast. When taking all of this into account, one can't help but ask if Apple make an actual video game console. If you do think that, you're not alone. The Internet has been swarmed with rumors about this new device, especially after their visit with gaming developer Valve. When you look at their success and the quality of many games that come to the App Store, it sure sounds like a great idea. It would be the company's most drastic departure from their other products, but making something new has never stopped them before.

Personally, I think an Apple video game console would be a success...if done correctly.

The console would have to have compatibility with iTouches, iPhones, and iPads; this feature is key. Whether they would act as touch controllers, stream iOS games directly to the console so you could play App store games on a big screen, or act as a secondary component to controlling regular console games, I don't know. But it would be silly to not incorporate these devices that are already used as gaming devices.

On the topic of games, the console would have to be able to play regular console games along with the iOS titles. No one would buy an expensive Apple product if it only played simple iOS games.

While these are just ideas i have no doubt that an Apple video game console would be extremely popular, especially with loyal consumers. The company would certainly need to figure out how to make it different from the Xbox and Playstation, but knowing Apple I'm sure they'll have no problem doing this.

#Apple #Video Games

Super Mario 3D Land review

There are two things that make good platformers: levels that provide new and challenging obstacles, and responsive controls. Every major Mario game has had both of these things, and 3D Land is no different. Every level is unique. They are short, fast paced, and never boring. From things like rotating platforms to platforms that move when you jump, you are always presented with new elements. While the game may seem easy at first it quickly rises in difficulty, requiring both timing and skill. However this is not due to poor game mechanics; the levels simply became more challenging and I never once blamed the game for my deaths.

The 3D looks fantastic in this game. I know a lot of people choose to play their 3DS game with the 3D mode off, but it is definitely worth it to play the game in 3D. There are some segments when you have an aerial view of the map, and having the 3D on during these times really adds to the experience.

Just like any other Mario game, 3D Land comes complete with various power-ups to help complete levels. The most notable ones are the new boomerang suit, which allows Mario to throw boomerangs at his enemies, and the old tanooki suit from Super Mario Bros. 3 (classic fire Mario makes a return too). All three power-ups are great assets to the player, but the tanooki suit is by far the most useful. Each level is clearly designed around using it, so I'd recommend finding one before each level.

Outside of the main story there are tons of features to keep you busy. Similarly to the original Mario game, there is the challenge of jumping to the top of the flag pole at the end of the level. My favorite feature is the special world levels after you beat the game. When you start your save file after the end credits you get access to another eight worlds to complete and conquer. And I won't give it away, but you can unlock another character through these levels too.

Over all Super Mario 3D Land is one of the best Mario and 3DS games available. If anyone is thinking about buying a 3DS this is the first game you should get, because it really shows what Mario games should be and how Nintendo hasn't lost their touch.

#Mario #3D Land #Nintendo

The Hunger Games movie review (my first review of a film!)

The Hunger Games takes place in the 12 districts of post-apocalyptic country of Panem, where North America used to exist. Panem is controlled by The Capitol, a corrupt government with a "Big Brother" mentality. After a failed rebellion led by the districts, The Capitol forces each one to volunteer one male and one female tribute to take part in the Hunger Games, where they are forced to kill each other until one is left standing. This is where Katniss Everdeen, the main character of the series, comes in to play. She, along with fellow District 12 resident Peeta Malark, is one this year's tributes, and must kill in order to come back to her already broken family.

This setting and story line has been seen many times before, and whether it be the book or the film, The Hunger Games shares many similarities with stories like Battle Royale and 1984. However this isn't a bad thing. By creating interesting and believable characters and settings with deep back stories, The Hunger Games takes something old and makes it feel new.

Following suit with series like Twilight, The Hunger Games does tell a tale of romance and, of course, a love triangle. While this theme is very prominent in the novel the story is not about teenagers falling in love; it's about 24 young adults killing each other to survive. The film captures this perfectly. The tone of the story is captured right from the beginning with shots of the impoverished district 12, and the fight scenes are especially brutal, sometimes even disturbing considering these are only kids.

The movie also does a great job showing the insanity of the Hunger Games event itself. Members of the Capitol, dressed in over extravagant clothing and makeup and cheering as the events of the battle rage on, shows just how twisted the citizens of Panem really are.

Going into the movie I was very skeptical of the acting since I have never heard of many the actors, but I came away very impressed. Katniss and Peeta's mentor, Haymitch, is played perfectly by Woody Harrelson. In fact when I read the book he is the person I pictured. I also have to give props to Donald Sutherland, who played the head of Panem, President Snow. This guy is corrupt in every sense of the word, and Sutherland really hits the nail on the head. Jennifer Lawrence, who was cast as Katniss, did a very good job portraying her character. However, the way she interacted with her sister Primrose was sometimes a little awkward.

Like I said earlier, The Hunger Games has its flaws. The biggest problem is the shaking camera; during almost every fight scene the camera was shaking all over place. This affect sometimes did help the scene by showing how hectic everything was, but most of the time it was distracting and even dizzying. There were times where I didn't even know what was taking place. It's a shame some of the fight scenes were broken by something so small, but it really shows that camera work can make or break a scene.

The film also falls a little short in explaining the lore of The Hunger Games universe. Since I read the book I already knew the backstory of the movie, but I often questioned whether or not viewers who had not read the book understood what was happening and why. This wasn't a huge problem, but other people I talked to felt the same way.

Negative points aside, The Hunger Games film is definitely one of the must-see movies of 2012. I don't know if there are plans to make the two sequels, but if there are, I am very excited to see how they turn out.

#The Hunger Games #Katniss #Peeta #Gale #Suzanne Collins

Bioware released the launch trailer for Mass Effect 3 today, and man is it awesome. The trailer really doesn't give a lot way but it's very intense and will definitely want to make buy the game as soon as you can. Mass Effect 3 comes out later this month.

#Mass effect #Bioware

Why I did NOT buy the PSVita (and why Sony sucks)

Last week Sony finally release its much anticipated hand-console, the PSVita. Before it was even released the system already looked like it was going to be better than Sony's previous handheld, the PSP. For starters, it has a touch screen, a back touch screen, two cameras, apps, downloadable games, amazing graphics, and a killer launch line-up. Probably the most notable feature is the two joysticks, something that the PSP lacked.

With all of this packed into one portable gaming system many people, myself included, thought that the Vita actually had a chance to beat out Nintendo's 3DS. Sure, i felt like I got screwed over by purchasing a PSP just like everyone else, but this new console just has success written all over it. Two weeks ago I had my mind set on actually buying this thing, but then I found out one crucial piece of information that I had no idea about; the system does not include a memory card.

Doesn't sound like a big deal, right? Wrong. It's not like you can pop in any memory storage unit. The PSVita requires it's own special memory unit, and it doesn't even come included with the system. These memory cards aren't cheap either. The smallest one is 4 GB and costs $20, and to get cards with more memory it costs even more money. The largest one is 34 GB, which costs a whopping $100. The system itself already costs $250, which isn't a bad price for such an impressive system. But that, combined with a $40 game and a $20 memory card (for the cheapest option), is at least $310.

This whole marketing ploy is just wrong. You shouldn't have to pay an extra lump of cash just to play and save your games. I know it's only $20 for a memory card, but that's the smallest option, and once more games come out I would have to buy a new one. Not to mention the amount of space downloadable games take up. If I were to buy the 4GB card, I would have to buy a new one in less than a year. I refuse to pay extra for a crucial component of a gaming system that should come included. The worst part is that Sony isn't going to do anything about it, and they don't feel like they are ripping off gamers in any way. I will probably end up buying the system once the price goes down, but who knows how long that will take. In the mean time I really hope Sony starts caring about it's fans and consumers more and thinking about its already full wallet less.

#Sony #PSVita #3DS

My favorite games of this generation and of all time (so far)

I recently read an article on IGN.com about some of the staff members favorite games of this generation and of all time. Now that I look around, a lot of people are starting to do this. The video game world is on the verge of a whole new generation, in terms of hardware and in terms of what people think of video games; it makes sense that everyone is starting to take a look back at their all time favorites. Anyways, I've always had a group of my favorite games, but I've never actually sat down and thought about two particular games that have stuck out for me. It took some time, but I've made my decisions. My favorite game of this generation is Dead Space 2, and my favorite game of all time Pokemon Silver version.

Let's start with Dead Space 2. This game has to be one of the scariest games I've ever played. Sure, it pulls the same tricks that the original game did, but they still work. This almost never happens in gaming. Gamers get tired of sequels doing the same thing over and over again (take Call of Duty for example), but for many reasons Dead Space 2 takes the old and makes it feel like new again. You have to admire that. The action and combat in it is also amazing. I know it's technically not a third-person shooter, but sometimes it feels that way. Add that with some of the action set pieces like the train scene, and you have yourself a game that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Dead Space 2 is in no way a perfect game, but I always find myself going back to play it some more, which is something I don't get too often with the current generation (besides Skyrim, obviously).

I chose Pokemon Silver as my favorite game of all time because I don't think there is any other game out there that I have logged more hours into. When I was a kid I played it all the time. Even to this day I play when I'm bored or when I'm on the road. I beat it, and then next time I pick it up I start a new game. Pokemon Silver was also the only true sequel to Pokemon Red and Blue. After you beat the main story, you could go back to the old region where Red and Blue took place. You can't do that in any other Pokemon game. Silver was the last Pokemon game to keep things simple. Don't get me wrong, I really like the new White version, but the old games used to be so straightforward! There were no abilities or complicated items to give your Pokemon. I like the new games, but I really miss the old Pokemon days. I never get bored with Silver, and the amount of nostalgia I get from playing it never ceases to disappoint me.

#Dead Space 2 #Pokemon

This is kind of old news, but I mind as well post it anyways. Capcom revealed a couple weeks ago the sixth numbered entry in the Resident Evil franchise. The story seems to focus on familiar characters such as Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy, as well as many new ones. Based on footage from the trailer it looks like there will be plenty of action and plenty of thrills, but whether or not it will be actually scary is still unknown. I really liked Resident Evil 5, but it wasn't scary at all; lets hope that RE6 changes that!

#Resident Evil #Capcom #Video Games

Here's a hands on demo of Project Fiona from CES.

#Project Fiona #CES

Everyone's always asking where gaming and consoles could go next. I mean now we have handheld gaming systems that can surf the web, produce 3D images, take pictures, and download apps. Even smart phones are now starting to take the place as the gamer's favorite way to game on the go.

But it looks like mobile gaming just got a bit crazier. A new concept for a gaming tablet, named Project Fiona, was shown at this year's CES. As you can see it's unlike any tablet that's out there, and it's capable of playing games like Assassin's Creed and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. It's essentially a gaming PC crammed into a tablet with controllers on the side. Yeah, it looks goofy, but all of the hands on demos look amazing. They say that if it does hit store shelves, it will be near the end of 2012 and will be "under $1000".

As much as I like the concept of this thing, I think it's a little ahead of its time. I say this not because of the technology aspect, but because of the economy. Just under $1000 could mean anything, but my guess is somewhere in the $900 range. I doubt anyone would want to put down that much money on something like this, especially with the next-generation consoles seemingly just around the corner.

I really do hope that Project Fiona eventually sees the light of day, but with the economy as it is right now, i feel like we are all just going to have to wait.

#Project Fiona #CES

First Impressions of Dark Souls

From Software's RPG Demon Souls was a game unlike any other; it was specifically designed to beat the crap out of players. However with excellent role-playing elements and fun combat, it instantly became one of the most talked about titles of 2009. It's sequel, Dark Souls, is no different. Despite being "easier" than its predecessor, Dark Souls gained the same notoriety as being one of the most difficult games ever created. After much research, thought, and consideration, I decided to take on the challenges of Dark Souls and see what all the hype was really about.

What surprised me the most about this game was the deep RPG elements. Looking at pictures or videos of the game, one would not be able to tell that Dark Souls has role-playing components similar to Skyrim or any other A+ game. Despite the fact that you choose a class for your character at the beginning, you are given the chose as to which stats to level up. For example if you started as a magic wielding pyromancer but wanted to switch to a melee oriented character, you can do that by simply leveling up different stats. This option gives the player direct control over their character, truly delivering the perfect "role-playing" experience.

I'm only about two hours into the game, and from what I can tell it seems like Dark Souls puts a very minimal focus on story. You are given a short cinematic describing the world and your part in it, but other than that it looks like it focuses more on gameplay.

The combat in Dark Souls is surprisingly complex. Something I learned very quickly is that button mashing will get killed...a lot. In order to survive you have to read your enemy's movements and time your strikes; patience is the ultimate skill in this game.

Despite being incredibly difficult, Dark Souls is definitely one of my favorite games of 2011. I don't think I've ever seen a game with the same amount of immersive combat and RPG elements as this one, and that's what keeps pulling me back in to play it again. I would honestly recommend this game to anyone, but with a warning: this isn't the type of game that you can rent and power through in a week. It takes a lot of time. I'm only two hours in, and I'm painfully aware of this.

I honestly don't know if I'll ever be able to get a full review up, since I don't even know if I'll be able to beat this game (yeah, it's that hard). So just in case I don't, I want to let you all know that Dark Souls is a fantastic game, and it's worth every penny.

#Dark Souls

Sony's Playstation Vita: Good or Bad?

As the year quickly comes to a close, a lot of gamers already have their eyes on the new games and consoles that are coming in 2012. One of the biggest topics in the gaming world right now is Sony's successor to the PSP, the PSVita. While it's shaping up to be a million times better than the PSP, I read a couple of articles on the Gameinformer website that made me worry about it's success.

The First article discussed all the aesthetics and technicalities of the device and how they worked. Despite some praise, there seemed to be a lot of troubling features, such as the joysticks and the buttons being too close together and the touch screen getting in the way. If the Vita actually has issues like this, I'm going to be really disappointed in Sony. The PSP's main problem weren't the games, it was the device's over-all layout and lack of a second joystick. You'd think that Sony would fix these small issues the second time around. I obviously don't have it yet, so while I'm not going to assume anything yet, I'm definitely going to keep a wary eye on it. The second article talked about it's slow sales in the second week. While I'm not expecting to be on top of the charts forever, it was even beat by the Wii and 3DS.

Here is the link for the article on the system itself, and here is the one about its sales. You can read for yourself and see what you think, but personally I'm worried about its success.

#Playstation #Vita #Sony

A lot of Pokemon fans were expected a new game announcement soon, but not like this. Pokemon + Nobunaga's Ambition was just announced for the Nintendo DS in Japan, and it looks like a turn based strategy game. Nothing like this has ever been in the Pokemon franchise before, so there's no telling how this will turn out. It looks awesome, but we'll just have to wait and see. No word on a US release date yet. Not much is known about the game at all, but in the mean time check out the trailer!

#Pokemon #Nintendo

Last night on Spike's Video Game Awards, Highmoon studios showed a brand new trailer for their latest game, Transformers Fall of Cybertron. While it doesn't give any plot points, it shows us the tone that the developer is trying to make for the game. It also shows us that they are dedicated to making this game a must play title for both fans of the Transformers franchise and hardcore gamers alike. I don't think anyone expected a Transformers game to have a trailer so dramatic, and if the game is anything like the trailer, fall of 2012 is going to be pretty exciting. I can honestly say that this is one of the best trailers I've ever seen. Check it out for yourself.

#Transformers

Most anticipated games of 2012

Well, it's finally December, and most of this year's major releases are already on store shelves. The only really big game we have to look forward to is Star Wars The Old Republic. Since it's almost the end of the year, I'm sure many people are already looking forward to 2012's big releases, since it already seems like it will be as successful as 2011. In preparation for next year, here are some of what I think are the most anticipated games of 2012.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

If you read my blog then you know that I am one of the biggest Transformers fans out there. I loved War for Cybertron, and the sequel looks like it's going to be even better. Fall of Cybertron isn't coming out until next holiday season, but it's definitely going to be worth the wait.

South Park RPG

This game was literally just announced a few days ago, but I already can't wait to see what it's going to be like. There have been other South Park games, like last year's tower defense, but a full-fledged South Park RPG? That's different.

Bioshock Infinite

This has been on every gamer's mind since its announcement. Infinite takes the Bioshock universe to a whole new location: the skies. Just by looking at the previews you can tell that this is going to be a 2012 game of the year contender.

Mass Effect 3

This is the game Mass Effect fans have been waiting for since the first one came out. Mass Effect 3 finishes the epic trilogy of Commander Shepard and his crew, and the story looks even more explosive than the last. That, along with the new co-op multiplayer mode, ME3 is looking like it's going to be game of the year material.

Kingdom Hearts 3D

This is first entry since Kingdom Hearts 2 that actually progresses the story of Sora and his pals. This game is supposed to contain worlds never seen in the Kingdom Hearts series, so it's going to be a well deserved fresh start from the beginning of the game.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Reckoning is pretty much like Skyrim, but in third person. 'Nuff said.

Borderlands 2

The first Borderlands was a surprise hit among shooter fans and RPG fans alike. The sequel promises to deliver a better story, more weapons and loot, and the same frantic shooting. Who cares if it will probably play like the last one? It's going to be fun either way.

Prototype 2

This is a personal choice for me. I was really excited for the first Prototype, but in all honesty it was a let down. The second already looks like it's going to be a million times better, so mark you calendars for April everyone; more unnecessary violence is coming your way!

#Transformers #South Park #Bioshock #Mass Effect #Kingdom Hearts #Kingdoms of Amalur #Borderlands #Prototype

South Park RPG

That's right. A South Park role playing game. Gameinformer's next issue covers this absurd yet brilliant idea that's being developed by Obsidian. Obsidian developed the recent Dungeon Siege III, and helped make Fallout: New Vegas. These guys know how to make RPGs, so it may sound ridiculous, but this game might actually be pretty good.

#South Park #Obsidian

Characters I would love to see in the PS3's "Super Smash Bros."

Ever since the rumors about Sony's "Super Smash Bros" have starting going around, I've been dying to see what characters could be duking it out if this actually came true. Here are some of the characters I would want to see in the game.

Sora (Kingdom Hearts series)

Even though Kingdom Hearts isn't a PS3 exclusive series, the main titles of the series are on the PS3, and almost all of Square Enix's titles are Playstation exclusives. Plus, Kingdom Hearts has one of the biggest fan following ever, and Sora's flashy moves and fighting styles would fight perfectly into a multiplayer brawler.

Kratos (God of War Series)

Kratos is a given. This series is strictly a Playstation exclusive, and who wouldn't want to see Kratos beat the tar out of some of Sony's cutest characters?

Nathan Drake (Uncharted Series)

Who cares if Kratos could kill this guy in real life? Nathan Drake is pretty much Han Solo's and Indiana Jone's offspring. In other words, he's a badass.

Ratchet and Clank (Ratchet and Clank Series)

With all the gadgets these two guys have at their disposal, it's almost like Ratchet and Clank were meant to be a tag-team character for a fighting game.

Jak (Jak and Daxter series)

I'm not too familiar with the Jak games, but I'm pretty sure they are pretty similar to the Ratchet and Clank games. He's also wildly popular among PS2 fans, so to him not in the game would be wrong.

Sly Cooper (Sly Cooper series)

If you're going to have Ratchet, Clank, and Jak in this kind of game, Sly definitely has to be included. Not to mention they were all featured in a game together, so it wouldn't be the first time they all met.

#Kingdom Hearts #God of War #Uncharted #Ratchet and Clank #Jak and Daxter #Sly Cooper

Flash Games You Should Play

Hey everyone! So I realize it's been months since I've posted about a good flash game, and I apologize for that! But to make up for it, I've got an awesome game that everyone (especially english majors) will get a good kick out of. The game is The Great Gatsby for the NES. That's right, The Great Gatsby. A few people decided that it would be awesome to make a NES style game off of one of America's greatest novels, and turns out it's actually pretty fun!

You play as Nick Carraway who is trying to find Gatsby while getting rid of bad guys with your fedora. It sounds ridiculous, and the first boss fight is even more so, but this game is platforming at it's finest. Too bad this game was't actually made for the NES way back when! You can play The Great Gatsby here.

#NES #The Great Gatsby #Flash Games

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