Closeups of the art cards

I bring these to you backed by popular demand for closeups and more detailed pictures. My apologies that there is glare as I do not have a proper studio or lighting equipment.

Splinter Cell Blacklist Review

I promised a review of this game! Do not fret if things are late... I really love my games as I'm sure all of you do as well. Anyways... Splinter Cell is easily one of the best TPS (Third Person Shooters) to enter the market in recent memory. It's face paced action, smart combat, and insurmountable challenge make you feel like a special ops operator.

Pros:

• Engrossing and fun combat, going full ghost on any single stage can be a challenge to the average gamer.
• Integration of all its elements are well put together, topped off with the paladin flying HQ
• The story is really well done, Tom Clancy rarely disappoints with these stories though.
• There is no "correct" way to play you determine how you wanna do every scenario, giving you free reign to silently slice throats or blow your enemies into dust.
• Plenty of re-playability, perfectionist mode will make you want to cry.
• Enemies actually feel intelligent, this is most apparent when you set off an alarm.
• Supports a 2 person co-op something sorely lacking from a lot of games.

Cons:

• For the PS3 the graphics did leave something to be desired especially regarding the textures on Sam's Echelon suits
• At times the game can be really challenging almost deterring you from continuing
• Combat can feel repetitive if played for too long, this is because if you want all your achievements you'll be forced to play a specific way for the duration of that level.
• Enemies can get tiring, there really isn't a lot of variety with enemies. But, its a shooter so this is only a small con. 

All in all the game is an absolute must have IMO. This game really caters to the really hardcore though, I give it an 8.8/10 It lost points in graphics and a few small problems I found while playing the game.

PS: This review only covers the single player/co-op campaign.I have yet to play Mercs VS Spies. (this mode review will be carried out on a much later date)

FFXIV: ARR How to log in!

Currently Square is working tirelessly on bringing up more data centers and servers to acommodate the massive amount of people who purchased and are intending to play the game, as a result a lot of the servers are closed to both character creation and log ins. The nice thing is that most of you should be able to get on JP servers if you can't get on NA servers (It plays just as smooth, if not better). However, if you've already created a new character on one of the NA/EU servers then here's a tip for you all to logging in. Congestion hours are highest between 1:00PM( EST) -12:00AM (EST) After this period I advise you to log in either around 3:00AM or early morning 8:30~9:30 AM (EST) and just keep your character logged in. There is currently no system in place that boots players for inactivity [other than an unstable internet connection xD].

Bear with them as they work on this problem I know it can be frustrating but 150,000 people logged in at once during beta 4 [World Record]. We should acknowledge that they didn't expect this many people. I'm even quite surprised to hear of this myself. Most MMOs don't accommodate this many people at once its no wonder there's been a slew of login and server related issues.

For those of you who were able to play

Server: Diabolos
IGN: Nodoka Miyazaki.

See you in Eorzea fellow gamers ! more coverage on other games to come soon. I think however, FFXIV will absorb me and all aspect of my life xD

PS: If you are afraid you wont be able to play with friends, just be aware that Square has already slated that world transfers will be available mid September.

FFXIV: ARR CE Edition Unboxing (PC)

Well its here its the launch date of FFXIV: ARR having played almsot all throughout Early Access I am happy to say I have changed my opinion of the game and all skepticisms have been cleared and wiped from my mind. THIS IS THE GAME to get if you're into MMORPGS. Combat is fun and exciting, story is fulfilling and well written, and there is plenty to do. The greatest enemy of new mmos is the lack of content. Experienced MMOers can blow through the entirety of the content in weeks. I'm happy to see that even the most seasoned veterans wont be getting bored anytime soon with FFXIV: ARR.

 Here comes the un-boxing ceremony drum roll please!

I'm sorry this is sideways Photobucket hates me.

Next we have some a stunning view of the slip cover and box cover side by side.

An inside view of the collector's edition mmm the artbook is sexy ;).

Dam you photobucket!!!!

 

Mmmm look at all those nice goodies Square Enix never does disappoint when it comes to physical goodies. There's also a bunch of other digital stuff but I can't show that to you yet :P. Those codes are mine :D. If you haven't yet picked up your copy of the game it is most likely to  late for a physical CE edition but you can pony up for the next best thing.

FFXIV: Early Access!

Yes folks it began yesterday and yes my good friends it is plagued with problems. Those of you who joined me yesterday for fun in Diabolos have realized now that the server is plagued with downtime. However, I would not ask you to get mad at Square Enix because of this. Anyone who has played a fresh launch mmo should realize this now the first few days or weeks are always the rockiest . Why? It hasn't been tested under nearly the same strain during beta, as a full release would have. I'm actually kinda glad they had this early access period. I know it sucks that because of all these bugs and down times we're kinda wasting early access time but, let me offer you a rebuttle.

Would you rather have had an August 27th launch where everything was broken and even more people were in playing causing more issues? Yeah... didn't think so. Bugs aside I think those of us who are able to talk this process with a grain of salt are really enjoying the game. I usually hate tab-target mmos because they get boring fast. However, I'm actually have a lot of fun with FFXIV.

Here's my initial review.

Graphics: Nothing special outside of the environment. Outside the environment the graphics look really bad... I mean really bad... The armor looks poorly textured, texturization and animation feel stiff for npcs, etc... That being said The world itself looks fantastic, the monsters are varied, the environment looks spectacular, etc... The graphics problem may be solved when the implementation of the DX11 support goes live, or if it has gone live maybe some kind soul will release a HD texture pack. Naoki Yoshida and team support mods for the game.

Combat: Combat is a little stiff especially compared to TERA's combat but all in all its a deep immersive combat. I'm playing the monk and in no part do I feel like I'm just clicking and waiting for shit to happen. I'm actually having to position myself to get the best dps, which is a refreshing in between for tab-target mmos.

Story, Lore and Everything else: I'm not far enough into the story to judge how good it is but from what I've played so far I'm pretty happy. Finally an mmo with an enriching story is it as good as say FFX, FFVII and its main line counterparts debatabely no. But, from an mmo standpoint this is a real step forward. Soundtracks are varied and beautiful, as with all FF games the soundtrack is one of the best parts of the game and FFXIV: ARR does not dissapoint.

Well that's all for the preview. More to come soon for FFXIV: ARR.
If you're playing currently
IGN: Nodoka Miyazaki
Server: Diabolos
Class/Lvl: Pugilist/ 15

Come join me and my linkshell for some fun if you're looking for someone to play with !!

In my excitement

In my strange excitement for FFXIV: ARR I completely forgot I had reserved XCOM: The Bureau Declassified. Look out for a review of that following Splinter Cell: Blacklist and FFXIV: ARR. If I could review all three games at once I would but sadly there are not enough hours in the day and not enough copies of me to do so xD.

Here's the Teaser trailer for XCOM: The Bureau Declassified. I was really excited to see the gameplay also but I'll save that clip for another time. Or you can go and look it up and youtube if you have the chance.

Note: I do not own this clip or its intellectual property I am merely borrowing it to promote a product.






Also if you're interested in purchasing the game I've included a link below. Any thing you guys and gals purchase from Amazon helps me out

.

FFXIV: ARR

While my initial experience in FFXIV: ARR Beta 2 felt really lackluster. I've decided to give it a second chance this time with some friends. I'm hoping that with this addition the game will seem a lot more pleasant. I remember wandering around the noob area completely confused last time. I will say that my greatest disappointment is that its not an Action MMO like TERA. But, we will see ! I've liked tab target games before if only a few.

Come check out the game with me during early access on the 24th or you can wait until the 27th or even later if you're still skeptical and want a comprehensive review. This is a pay2play subscription style game so I can understand if some of you are hesitant in diving in after all with money being scarce all over it's really tough to splurge on a monthly fee. I'll let you know how I feel about the game once I go live tomorrow. Look for a comprehensive review in about one week after, which its a free for all in reviews.

On another note with the content in TERA slowing down, and new games abound I've decided to retire from the game for now meaning I will more than likely still log on but I won't be doing anything major than just saying hi and chatting with a few friends

FFXIV IGN: N/A yet (will update when it goes live)
FFXIV Server: Diabolos ( most likely will confirm when its live)

TERA IGN: Fujino
TERA Server: Ascension Valley

If you haven't yet purchased the FFXIV you can use the amazon link below I highly recommend the collector's edition you get a lot of nice perks that go along with the game Its well worth the extra 10$. I would really appreciate people supporting me by clicking on my links or just buying 1 or 2 recommended games. It goes a long way to keeping the blog running as well as paying for expenses ^^ thanks again readers. Cya on the battlefield!

While we wait

While you guys wait for the review of Splinter Cell Blacklist I should notify you that more reviews are heading to you soon. Namely Final Fantasy XIV which is releasing next Tuesday but this weekend will be the early access for those who pre-ordered the collector's editions.

From the few hours of gameplay I had with Splinter Cell Blacklist it would be a shame if none of you got it. The game play is smooth and amazing the combat is intuitive and exciting. The executions of each stage are endless. The Paladin edition is superior to all other editions in my opinion, including the most complete package of add-on content as well as physical content that any other game, that's released recently has provided

If you don't have the money to splurge on the Paladin then you should definitely get the regular edition. Missing this game would be a crime as a gamer.

SplinterCell Blacklist Unboxing

Well Here's the un-boxing of the Paladin Edition of Splinter Cell Blacklist. In my opinion its the most worthwhile edition aside from the regular edition

It contains a plane, the game, as well as bonus codes, and a comic.

Here is the plane fully assembled I'll let you all know when I demo it.

Look out for a review of the game within this week.

Games tend to do this a lot

I got sucked in mad hard by the new alliance patch. It has consumed my life and all my being. I've become a hermit. OK but seriously it really has been addicting. The new alliance offers a new sense of enjoyment to the world of TERA. Alliance is a patch about camaraderie, I'm talking brothers in the same trench kinda camaraderie. We've been dug into BAMs, enemy bases, the sand just about every place there is to hide within the last 4 days. AND IT HAS BEEN AMAZING!

The PvP element which has always taken a backseat on PvE servers really comes out and makes it something amazing. The mechanics of the alliance, extractor runs, key hunting, the stuff that truly sets apart this patch from the rest of the content is it brings something different. PvE servers have generally been all about doing dungeons, doing raids, and well all the scripted mechanical stuff. But when you offer hourly open PvP it brings in a whole new light. You don't have to worry about getting manhunted 24/7 but during those few hours that PvP is allowed its all hell broken loose. I'll be out in the field killing masses of people. The unique combat system really lends itself to a fun PvP too, its not tab and target this free form action combat really helps bring alive what this genre should have been from the beginning which is swords clashing, butt kicking, low down brutality. You'll see heads roll and it'll will be a glorious bloodbath.

The Alliance patch does come with its issues. Currently there are a number of bugs revolving around vault timing which completely confuses the player. There is still the issue of optimization in large quantities of people that the game has always had. Generally the whole patch turned out very well and has brought a fun new side to the PvE servers of TERA and greatly enhanced the PvP camaraderie in the PvP servers. It's no longer about the lone wolf or the Zerg Guilds its about the focus of an entire entity of living breathing fighters.

Check out the new Alliance patch HERE

You can also Join me and my Alliance in Ascension Valley server. IGN Fujino

A trip to the past

A little while back Square Enix announced that it would be digitall remastering FFX/FFX-2. These games hold a special place in my heart as they're part of the first batch of games I really played, other than Super Smash Bros. and Mario Tennis on the N64. I have fond memories of these games, I even recall crying at the lake scene and becoming intertwined in the story's drama.

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of FFX/FFX-2 HD Remix. I'm curious to see how many of you are also awaiting this. If there are any other remakes besides FFVII you're all waiting for then post below :). I suppose if you're waiting for FFVII its also ok to post below... I love the game but people are blow the remake debate out of proportion. Also if you haven't pre-ordered this amazing remake yet click the link right below.

Well Then...

I promised the Dragon's Crown review, but, well the game kinda got me and it got me good. It sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. The combat is challenging, fun, yet simple. The graphics are stylized and very unique, separating Dragon's Crown from its brothers and sisters. The storytelling is reminiscent of childhood story time, but its beyond the childhood humdrum of nursery rhymes and fables. It's told in a intelligent and sophisticated manner lending itself to be easily one of the simplest, yet richest story experiences. This is complimented by the pop-up book type cut-scenes that help illustrate the story. However, this is a review so its time to stop gushing and start critiquing.

Title: Dragon's Crown
Publisher/Developers: Vanillaware/ATLUS

Pros:

• Combat is fun and engrossing, RPG elements really lend itself to furthering this system and enhancing replay value
• Storytelling is both complicated and rewarding
• Has good challenges and rewarding boss fights
• Particle effects are vivid and captivating
• Each class is rewarding to play and master, my current favorite is the archer/elf.

Cons:

• The biggest problem is the Friendly AI are dumb as rocks, if you're playing solo (which you shouldn't be) you're going to be in for a tough run; especially if you intend on playing the classes that have the lowest constitutions. ie. Sorc/Wiz
• Animations could be better for cut-scenes/story scenes.
• Classes are a bit unbalanced. High constitution characters have better defense making them easier than everyone else yet they put out equally impressive damage.
• The stages can get repetitive even if the challenge does not. 

Overall this is an incredible game an easy diamond in the rough. I recommend this game for the hardcore as it does take some incredible skill to master, button mashers are not recommended. I give the game an overall score of 8/10. Easily one of the best new games on the current market.

Note: This is based on roughly 24 hours of gameplay and does not reflect a full finished game. Will edit upon completion of the game.

Dragon's Crown

In anticipation of all things old and retro I wanted to examine a throw back to the good times before gaming went graphic heavy. Dragon's Crown is one such game. It really takes me back to my childhood and playing those side scrolling beat em ups. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up the game and write a review based on 3 hrs of initial game play. Look forward to a review, It really does look like a great game. Here's some game play footage, it reminds me of all those really skill heavy games of old. I'm trying to remember what NES game this reminds me of, but the title name eludes me...
Anyways enough of my banter xD here's that video I promised earlier.

Catching up with the PS3

Honestly since my introduction to TERA I've barely touched my PS3 which is sad since the games aren't bad. Well I'm getting back to the grind... The Last of Us has been sitting on my shelf just waiting to be played and I figured what better way to spend a boring day than getting the blood pumping with a survival horror.

To get the reader involved share below any games you've put on the sidelines for any reason. Who knows maybe you'll convince me to grab something that has been sitting on my back shelf for a while :D.

Look out for a review of the Last of Us later this week ^.^

Looking in to the future...

Some days you just wish you could laze around, everything you saw was nothing but your fantasy world your, your reality. We've all had these days and perhaps its wrong of me to presume but I think it's coming some day real soon. While we wait for that magical wish to be granted lets take a delve into some tech that can help us get closer to that goal. Its one of my favorite new up and coming devices and it certainly has a lot of promise. The Oculus Rift a headset designed to transport gaming to another level is one of my fervent new obsessions. Its a device that allows you to step into the world of the games you love. Although it is still a prototype and has not reached full production, those that have tested the product have attested to its uniquenes. Come check out the Oculus Rift headset here.

Oculus Rift

I claim no ownership over the following clip. This is an amazing clip done by those at Machinima.

Oculus Rift Demo/Explanation

Stay tuned for more about new Technologies ^^

Tera Contact

If you read my last post I'm here to put out my name I'm always open to meeting new people
IGN: Araishu/Fayete/Fujino/Lakshata/Mr.Miou
Server: Ascension Valley

Come play ^^~

ah my guild :
www.Tera-infamous.enjin.com

Lets get back to it!

Like I discussed yesterday this is a comeback and I don't intend to slack. Well maybe a little. OK, you got me, perhaps a lot. But in a good way expect to see new articles regarding your favorite games. But lets start with one of my recent favorites.
TERA:Rising/TERA Online by BHS published by EME
Overall Score 8/10
Rated: M

The game is an overall thrill to play, combat is exciting and dynamic and the pace of the game moves along well. The things that drag this game down really are negligible but as this is a review We should get more into detail.

Pros:

• Engrossing combat that very few if any mmorpgs have
• A fair enchantment system allowing players to upgrade equipment without having to spend a single dime
• Plenty of content aside from the level grind
• A burgeoning and respectable cash shop
• Plenty of events be it guild run or GM run
• Beautiful scenery and a wonderfully designed world

Cons:

• Armors between lvl 1~lvl 58 are questionably designed they're not only poor in taste, but the lack of creativity in the very early levels leaves a lot to be desired.
• Lack of a varied monster system, unfortunately I think this is one of my biggest complaints; the re-usage of existing monster models/attacks patterns is really frustrating, you get really tired looking at the same enemies over and over again.
• Slow content updates, we're talking ages here. Necessary balance tweaks are not made regularly resulting in heavily unbalanced content for months.
•  Lack of an engrossing story really tears apart the lore and any semblance of role play
• The leveling system discourages party play except when you hit the level cap or are doing dungeons.

Is this game for everyone? No, unfortunately its not a casual pick up MMO it requires time and dedication to master combos for classes, creating the best armor (Visionmaker), making friends (although despite that the friends you do make tend to be really fantastic friends :D). I'd recommend this game for the hardcore only.

Cello Wars (Star Wars Parody) Lightsaber Duel - ThePianoGuys

To show that I am very much back and serious, please enjoy this old but epic cover :D
And in your mind if you're thinking about the Return of the Jedi then my message got through :p.
This is a comeback ladies and gentleman, a come back indeed

A Desire to Revive

I created this blog really far back. I can't quite remember the reason either .-. Any who. It's time to begin again this time with a real purpose at hand. If you're looking for a blog with grammatical excellence then please just get out NOW. I'm warning you this is not gonna be a place where grammar is the king.

Next on hand is the topic at hand why its starting again :O. Well after much the to chagrin of my peers I've delayed a lot of things and this being one of them. Dream Gaming is to become a company and its roots begin here. It's a dream of gaming for gamers. Actually that doesn't quite make sense, it's just about gaming ok? We're here to enjoy the fruits of other people's labor xD. I'm not a game designer or storyboard writer (although some say maybe I should be), I'm a guy who loves games and wants to see the treatment of them become something magical again. Gaming is a business, I can't deny that, those dreamers get up in the morning because they want to make some money with the talent they possess; this I can not deny. At the same time being a customer of this business well you guys know the rest.

P.S.-This blog is a prologue to an up and coming business venture. As the blog grows it will slowly blossom into what I hope is to be a very successful gamble.