Since comic based movies have become bigger than anyone in Hollywood could have ever predicted. I wanted to talk about a rumor floating around regarding Iron Man 2
Emily Blunt (Devil Wears Prada) is rumored to be playing Black Widow
Mickey Rourke would play a tattooed Russian heavy named Ivan who becomes Whiplash, a man with deadly, technologically enhanced coils.
Rockwell would play Justin Hammer, a multibillionaire businessman and a rival of industrialist Anthony Stark.
It is also rumored that negotiations with Samel L. Jackson have fallen through for him to play Nick Fury.
I don't envy the directors, writers, and actors of Iron Man 2. They may have the toughest gig in Hollywood. They now have to somehow create a movie better than the one they already created which is going to be no easy task. They set the bar pretty high for themselves. One word of caution for them. Adding tons of villians is not the answer, look at how much it ruined the latest Spiderman movie.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Guest Poster
I wanted to thank The Geek Gazette for allowing me to guest post once in a while on his blog. We have been friends now for several years are hope to in the near future collaborate on a couple of projects.
I am big into movies having just watched Gran Tarino over the weekend. All I can say is Clint Eastwood is the man, even if he is almost 80. He pulls no punches in this film and is the heroic character that we have come to expect from him. If you want to see more of my thoughts on movies check out my website www.thenutgallery.com
My other loves are rpgs, video games, comics, and wow. Rpg's right now I am in a Deadlands campaign using the Savage World rules. I am playing a straight up shooter that has roots with the Texas Rangers. The DM is a first time DM but he is very good. He has studied the rules and is very good at running things on the fly. Anyone who has ever DM'd knows that very little goes the way you think it will and thinking on your feet is very important.
Video games from last year that I played the most were NCAA Football and Lego Indiana Jones. Yes the Lego game is awesome and I don't care what anyone says. Did I mention I almost killed my brother over it. The (insert nasty word here) deleted my saved game and I only had one board left.
Finally I do play World of Warcraft. I have a lvl 66 Death Knight as my highest character. I can't wait to get him to 70 so I can enjoy the new areas of the game that came out with the expansion.
There you have my introduction in a nutshell.
I am big into movies having just watched Gran Tarino over the weekend. All I can say is Clint Eastwood is the man, even if he is almost 80. He pulls no punches in this film and is the heroic character that we have come to expect from him. If you want to see more of my thoughts on movies check out my website www.thenutgallery.com
My other loves are rpgs, video games, comics, and wow. Rpg's right now I am in a Deadlands campaign using the Savage World rules. I am playing a straight up shooter that has roots with the Texas Rangers. The DM is a first time DM but he is very good. He has studied the rules and is very good at running things on the fly. Anyone who has ever DM'd knows that very little goes the way you think it will and thinking on your feet is very important.
Video games from last year that I played the most were NCAA Football and Lego Indiana Jones. Yes the Lego game is awesome and I don't care what anyone says. Did I mention I almost killed my brother over it. The (insert nasty word here) deleted my saved game and I only had one board left.
Finally I do play World of Warcraft. I have a lvl 66 Death Knight as my highest character. I can't wait to get him to 70 so I can enjoy the new areas of the game that came out with the expansion.
There you have my introduction in a nutshell.
Monday, January 12, 2009
You play too much D&D if…
Over the years I've seen this around the net several times, but a friend recently emailed it to me so I thought I would share. I have to admit to actually doing or knowing people who do/have done some of the things on the list. I'm particularly guilty of #'s 6(I don't do it every time, but have done it), 10, 16, 21(have done, but not regularly), 22 (though they call them my geek shirts because they aren't all about D&D), the rest of the list fits for the most part but some are common to most D&D players... or so I tell myself.
You play too much D&D if…
1. You see the following headline: “Abberration Splits Dog's Left Leg in Two” and wonder who let the illithids out to play.
2. You automatically attack someone when they pass through your threatened space
3. There is no such thing as too much D&D.
4. Most of the arguments you have with your S.O. involve things between your characters.
"You know I wanted that sword, but you took it. I can't believe you! You're sleeping under the stars tonight, get out of the tent!"
5. You wonder out loud during the movie whether Conan has more fighter or barbarian levels or what kind of enchantments Li Mu-bai's Green Destiny has.
6. You say +1 every time someone says something you really like.
7. Every time you pass by a gas station sign stating the price of gas you "attempt to disbelieve"...I always fail my will save
8. Every time someone mentions 'Santa's Elves' you correct them: 'technically, those are dwarves, or maybe even gnomes.'
9. You think that during the creation of the European Union and the Euro, Europe screwed up the chance to change their currency to the GP standard.
10. You love hobbits and hate kender - and know the difference.
11. You are driving on a State Road and think, "Wow, that's a high SR"
12. When you dream of hiring a Drow Raiding party to "deal" with every person who has ever wronged you in your life.
13. When you are watching Kung Fu the TV series and you say out loud, "Kane is definitely Lawful Good." and nobody knows what you are talking about.
14. When you watch Lord of the Rings and try to list each feat and skill levels of the members of the Fellowship.
15. When your ultimate fantasy is to have your wife/girlfriend dress up like Red Sonja.
16. You get offended when people make fun of the game and/or its players.
17. You set your monitor on fire to kill a forum troll.
18. You think Boeing should name their planes Astral, Celestial, Ethereal, etc instead of using numerical designation.
19. After you get a girl's phone number she immediately takes it back once you mention her failed Sense Motive check.
20. You have an irrational fear of rainbows.
21. When you see someone succeed, you bust out with a "they must have rolled a natural 20,eh?".
22. When you dress up for a meeting at work, your coworkers ask “What happened to your D&D shirts?”
23. When your ultimate fantasy is to have your husband/boyfriend dress up like Red Sonja.
24. You once hurt your back moving your D&D supplies to a different shelf. (done this)
25. You reorganize the D&D section at the book store because you think Complete Champion shouldn’t go next to Book of Vile Darkness. (done this)
26. You get into an argument and you take out your dice to make an intimidation check.
27. You call 5 ft 1 square
28. When you get confused while watching The Lord of the Rings and you see Gandalf wielding a sword.
29. "I am a level 20 Sorceror/Rogue" is actually not am empty threat to you
30. i'm not a nerd, i'm a level 8 dragon disciple
31. You don't get more dates even with an "18" charisma
32. When meeting new people, you ask what their THAC0 is.
33. When you hit another car you roll to determine the damage
34. You don't believe that you *can* play too much Dungeons and Dragons.
35. At work you wield a +4 "mop of scrubitude"
36. You can accurately describe all 7 effects of Prismatic Spray
37. You roll a d20 to see if you can eat breakfast
38. you've ever been attracted to your own character
39. you carry 20-side dice in your pocket
40. You watch an action movie and think "I wonder what was the d20 roll for that".
41. You *think* in Elvish
42. You argue with your friends and say "I cast Lv 15 STFU on you paladin!"
43. You know WHY Legolas can walk on snow.
44. Any exposure to sunlight gives sunburn
45. You automatically speak in third person
46. You have something made of 'mirthral' in your wardrobe
47. a 20-side dice is among your arsenal of weapons
48. All hail the almighty DM
49. you know what the 'draconomicon' is
50. You only move as far as the dice tell you
51. You have a D&D tattoo
52. You get really pissed because you can't have an illithid character
53. You go on blind dates acting uppity because you KNOW she's not even a level 1
54. You call it Dungeons and Dragons instead of D+D.
55. You hang out with the Keepers
56. Your secret pouch of spells is filled with urine.
57. You make a list of signs that you play too much Dungeons and Dragons.
You play too much D&D if…
1. You see the following headline: “Abberration Splits Dog's Left Leg in Two” and wonder who let the illithids out to play.
2. You automatically attack someone when they pass through your threatened space
3. There is no such thing as too much D&D.
4. Most of the arguments you have with your S.O. involve things between your characters.
"You know I wanted that sword, but you took it. I can't believe you! You're sleeping under the stars tonight, get out of the tent!"
5. You wonder out loud during the movie whether Conan has more fighter or barbarian levels or what kind of enchantments Li Mu-bai's Green Destiny has.
6. You say +1 every time someone says something you really like.
7. Every time you pass by a gas station sign stating the price of gas you "attempt to disbelieve"...I always fail my will save
8. Every time someone mentions 'Santa's Elves' you correct them: 'technically, those are dwarves, or maybe even gnomes.'
9. You think that during the creation of the European Union and the Euro, Europe screwed up the chance to change their currency to the GP standard.
10. You love hobbits and hate kender - and know the difference.
11. You are driving on a State Road and think, "Wow, that's a high SR"
12. When you dream of hiring a Drow Raiding party to "deal" with every person who has ever wronged you in your life.
13. When you are watching Kung Fu the TV series and you say out loud, "Kane is definitely Lawful Good." and nobody knows what you are talking about.
14. When you watch Lord of the Rings and try to list each feat and skill levels of the members of the Fellowship.
15. When your ultimate fantasy is to have your wife/girlfriend dress up like Red Sonja.
16. You get offended when people make fun of the game and/or its players.
17. You set your monitor on fire to kill a forum troll.
18. You think Boeing should name their planes Astral, Celestial, Ethereal, etc instead of using numerical designation.
19. After you get a girl's phone number she immediately takes it back once you mention her failed Sense Motive check.
20. You have an irrational fear of rainbows.
21. When you see someone succeed, you bust out with a "they must have rolled a natural 20,eh?".
22. When you dress up for a meeting at work, your coworkers ask “What happened to your D&D shirts?”
23. When your ultimate fantasy is to have your husband/boyfriend dress up like Red Sonja.
24. You once hurt your back moving your D&D supplies to a different shelf. (done this)
25. You reorganize the D&D section at the book store because you think Complete Champion shouldn’t go next to Book of Vile Darkness. (done this)
26. You get into an argument and you take out your dice to make an intimidation check.
27. You call 5 ft 1 square
28. When you get confused while watching The Lord of the Rings and you see Gandalf wielding a sword.
29. "I am a level 20 Sorceror/Rogue" is actually not am empty threat to you
30. i'm not a nerd, i'm a level 8 dragon disciple
31. You don't get more dates even with an "18" charisma
32. When meeting new people, you ask what their THAC0 is.
33. When you hit another car you roll to determine the damage
34. You don't believe that you *can* play too much Dungeons and Dragons.
35. At work you wield a +4 "mop of scrubitude"
36. You can accurately describe all 7 effects of Prismatic Spray
37. You roll a d20 to see if you can eat breakfast
38. you've ever been attracted to your own character
39. you carry 20-side dice in your pocket
40. You watch an action movie and think "I wonder what was the d20 roll for that".
41. You *think* in Elvish
42. You argue with your friends and say "I cast Lv 15 STFU on you paladin!"
43. You know WHY Legolas can walk on snow.
44. Any exposure to sunlight gives sunburn
45. You automatically speak in third person
46. You have something made of 'mirthral' in your wardrobe
47. a 20-side dice is among your arsenal of weapons
48. All hail the almighty DM
49. you know what the 'draconomicon' is
50. You only move as far as the dice tell you
51. You have a D&D tattoo
52. You get really pissed because you can't have an illithid character
53. You go on blind dates acting uppity because you KNOW she's not even a level 1
54. You call it Dungeons and Dragons instead of D+D.
55. You hang out with the Keepers
56. Your secret pouch of spells is filled with urine.
57. You make a list of signs that you play too much Dungeons and Dragons.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I did it! No D&D for me...
With the exception mentioned in my last post, I managed to go through the holidays D&D free and my plan worked. I have found that my little bout of RPG abstinence has left me with a renewed interest in not only D&D, 4e in particular, but gaming in general.
I have campaign ideas seeping out my ears, I can't write them down fast enough. I also have been energized and can't wait to set up a D&D, Hollow Earth Expedition, Dead Reign or Serenity/BSG game. I don't think that it was just the lack of gaming that recharged my batteries, but what I did during my time off. What did I do? Well with the exception of spending a lot of time on my PSP (see previous post) I read some books, surfed the net and watched some movies, all of which I think were contributing factors.
First let's start with the books.
"Hollow Earth: The long and curious history of imagining strand lands, fantstical creatures, advanced civilizations and marvelous machins below the earth's surface" by David Standish and while the title may be long the book itself is just about 300 pages and a pretty quick read. It tells the story of where the idea of hollow earth came from, the real life people who believed in it and tried to find it, what people believed they would find there, as well as the stories written about it. It is a very interesting book which inspired me to do some googling to learn more. The hollow earth is a topic overflowing with gaming potential and I can't wait to get into it.
"World War Z" by Max Brooks is another book I managed to finally finish during this time which has me itching to run Dead Reign or throw a bunch of zombies in my next D&D game. If only they had the Necromancer class up and running.
"Indiana Jones and the Hollow Earth" by Max McCoy is the book I'm reading now which is only feeding my desire to run a hollow earth/pulp game. I can't wait to put some PCs up against Nazis in the center of the earth.
Dreseden Files by Jim Butcher, I actually read two more Dresden novels during this time and am eagerly awaiting the release of the the RPG.
I also managed to fit in a Forgotten Realms novel, Mistshore, and have recently gone back to reread the Campaing Setting so guess where my next D&D game is going to take place.
Next are the movies, most of which were directly linked to the books I was reading in some manner. I watched several Zombie movies, Dagon, Call of Cthulhu, all the Mummy movies (#3 was not my favorite BTW), all of the Indiana Jones movies, Serenity, past seasons of BSG, Tombstone (I'm your Huckleberry), and all six Star Wars during this time.
Between the books, the great blogs on RPGBN, and movies I actually had time to enjoy gaming. I know that sounds weird given that I didn't do any, but it did help. I think it was the fact I was able to step back and just be a geek, a fan and not have to worry about coming up with any content. I didn't do many posts on the Gazette so I was able to just be a fanboy for a while. I didn't even do more than an handful of posts on the various RPG forums. I just blocked out all the bad and concentrated on the fun parts of being a gaming geek. The things that attracted me to gaming in the first place.
This may not work for everyone, but I have to say that taking a break worked wonders for me. I'm more jazzed about everything, including 4e, than I have been in a long time. I've also managed to decide on which systems I want to run regularly, a dilema that has plagued me for a while now. For the forseeable future the primary game systems will be D&D 4e, Serenity/BSG, Mutants & Masterminds, Dead Reign and Hollow Earth Expedition. I realized that I spend so much time trying to find systems that had the things I wanted I was overwhelming myself with games. Granted many were very good, but these are the ones I think that offer everything I want to do. I plan to cut back all my gaming purchases to just these systems/games, which I realized cover nearly everything I could want to run. Well maybe with the exception of Dresden Files when it comes out, but that's it.
It's good to be back.
Also I would like to mention the great reviews done by Kurt Wiegel, nearly all of which I have watched over the past month. If you haven't checked out his vidoes on YouTube you definitely should. The reviews are great and give you just about everything you need to know about the games he covers before buying.
I have campaign ideas seeping out my ears, I can't write them down fast enough. I also have been energized and can't wait to set up a D&D, Hollow Earth Expedition, Dead Reign or Serenity/BSG game. I don't think that it was just the lack of gaming that recharged my batteries, but what I did during my time off. What did I do? Well with the exception of spending a lot of time on my PSP (see previous post) I read some books, surfed the net and watched some movies, all of which I think were contributing factors.
First let's start with the books.
"Hollow Earth: The long and curious history of imagining strand lands, fantstical creatures, advanced civilizations and marvelous machins below the earth's surface" by David Standish and while the title may be long the book itself is just about 300 pages and a pretty quick read. It tells the story of where the idea of hollow earth came from, the real life people who believed in it and tried to find it, what people believed they would find there, as well as the stories written about it. It is a very interesting book which inspired me to do some googling to learn more. The hollow earth is a topic overflowing with gaming potential and I can't wait to get into it.
"World War Z" by Max Brooks is another book I managed to finally finish during this time which has me itching to run Dead Reign or throw a bunch of zombies in my next D&D game. If only they had the Necromancer class up and running.
"Indiana Jones and the Hollow Earth" by Max McCoy is the book I'm reading now which is only feeding my desire to run a hollow earth/pulp game. I can't wait to put some PCs up against Nazis in the center of the earth.
Dreseden Files by Jim Butcher, I actually read two more Dresden novels during this time and am eagerly awaiting the release of the the RPG.
I also managed to fit in a Forgotten Realms novel, Mistshore, and have recently gone back to reread the Campaing Setting so guess where my next D&D game is going to take place.
Next are the movies, most of which were directly linked to the books I was reading in some manner. I watched several Zombie movies, Dagon, Call of Cthulhu, all the Mummy movies (#3 was not my favorite BTW), all of the Indiana Jones movies, Serenity, past seasons of BSG, Tombstone (I'm your Huckleberry), and all six Star Wars during this time.
Between the books, the great blogs on RPGBN, and movies I actually had time to enjoy gaming. I know that sounds weird given that I didn't do any, but it did help. I think it was the fact I was able to step back and just be a geek, a fan and not have to worry about coming up with any content. I didn't do many posts on the Gazette so I was able to just be a fanboy for a while. I didn't even do more than an handful of posts on the various RPG forums. I just blocked out all the bad and concentrated on the fun parts of being a gaming geek. The things that attracted me to gaming in the first place.
This may not work for everyone, but I have to say that taking a break worked wonders for me. I'm more jazzed about everything, including 4e, than I have been in a long time. I've also managed to decide on which systems I want to run regularly, a dilema that has plagued me for a while now. For the forseeable future the primary game systems will be D&D 4e, Serenity/BSG, Mutants & Masterminds, Dead Reign and Hollow Earth Expedition. I realized that I spend so much time trying to find systems that had the things I wanted I was overwhelming myself with games. Granted many were very good, but these are the ones I think that offer everything I want to do. I plan to cut back all my gaming purchases to just these systems/games, which I realized cover nearly everything I could want to run. Well maybe with the exception of Dresden Files when it comes out, but that's it.
It's good to be back.
Also I would like to mention the great reviews done by Kurt Wiegel, nearly all of which I have watched over the past month. If you haven't checked out his vidoes on YouTube you definitely should. The reviews are great and give you just about everything you need to know about the games he covers before buying.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Inescapable D&D
I know that I was going D&D free for the past month or so and I guess I can say that is true, kind of. I did not roll any dice or break out my D&D books for any reason over the holidays so in that I was truthful. However, I did receive a copy of Dungeons & Dragons Tactics to play on my PSP for Christmas and believe me I have been wearing it out.
The game is based on the 3.5 rules so it is familiar. The game stays pretty true in feel to the pen and paper version in almost every way. Everything from character creation to the use of spells feels like a real D&D game. Granted there were some liberties taken, but over all I didn't notice or care.
Characters kind of look like minis that are moving around a table map which was a nice addition. The story is one big campaign broken down into smaller adventures. Which is nice since I often don't have time to play a full 4-6 hour adventure. Overall the game takes about 30 hours to complete which isn't bad for a PSP game.
Character creation is pretty basic for someone familiar with the RPG and has just about all the options you have available in the PHB, including those damn Gnomes. You can pick a pre-generated party or build your own, but you really do need to keep party balance in mind. I tried making a magic heavy party with no rogue and no figher and got my butt kicked when we ran out of spells. Since it was still the first adventure I took it as a lesson learned and rebuilt my part. As the game goes on and your characters die, you can hire premade characters at various points. I've had to hire 3 wizards so far and have yet to find a place to ressurect the old ones.
Pros:
The game is based on the 3.5 rules so it is familiar. The game stays pretty true in feel to the pen and paper version in almost every way. Everything from character creation to the use of spells feels like a real D&D game. Granted there were some liberties taken, but over all I didn't notice or care.
Characters kind of look like minis that are moving around a table map which was a nice addition. The story is one big campaign broken down into smaller adventures. Which is nice since I often don't have time to play a full 4-6 hour adventure. Overall the game takes about 30 hours to complete which isn't bad for a PSP game.
Character creation is pretty basic for someone familiar with the RPG and has just about all the options you have available in the PHB, including those damn Gnomes. You can pick a pre-generated party or build your own, but you really do need to keep party balance in mind. I tried making a magic heavy party with no rogue and no figher and got my butt kicked when we ran out of spells. Since it was still the first adventure I took it as a lesson learned and rebuilt my part. As the game goes on and your characters die, you can hire premade characters at various points. I've had to hire 3 wizards so far and have yet to find a place to ressurect the old ones.
Pros:
- The game is D&D 3.5 and a lot of fun. Granted it isn't the same as sitting down with friends but it is a nice substitute when you don't have a game going on.
- The storyline isn't bad, I've played with DMs that have come up with worse (myself included), and overall it is somewhat interesting. I've actually decided to set up a campaign based on the one in the game. Granted I will embelish and change a lot of the details and add more depth. I will also allow the characters to interact with the NPC villagers and kill them if they feel the need.
- You can actually tell the difference in your characters as they progress in levels, this helps give the illusion that you are accomplishing something.
- You get to play with a full party of 6 for most of the game, your primary character and 5 party members, which enables you to keep party balance and include a variety of characters. Unless you do something stupid like I did and make a one sided party.
- Cross class training is also an option, so you can min/max your character with almost the same customization as in the actual pen and paper game.
- The camera angles during certain missions suck. They jump around and at times you can't see what is going on so you have to constantly reorient the view.
- My main complaint with the game is the fact that there aren't enough side quests. Granted you can, at certain points, pick your path, but for the most part you only have limited choices and kind of need to follow the story. Of course it is a video game and you can't just do what you want, but it would be nice if there was a little more Knights of the Old Republic or GTA feel to the game. It would be nice if I could just run through the village picking fights with random NPCs but that isn't an option. Some times you just wanna kill stuff.
- There is actually no real NPC interaction, this is just a straight duneon delve. Here is the mission, go kill the goblins/zombies. But what the game lacks in actual roleplaying, it more than makes up for in action, which is pretty much constant.
- Controlling a party of 6 can be cumbersome. While it gives you the ability to make sure every necessary skill is covered, it does make it difficult to keep track of all the characters when eveyrone is in different areas.
- Encumberance is also a pain. If you have one character that isn't carrying much they get can get waaaay ahead of others and get pinned down by six monsters while you spend the next 2-3 turns trying to get eveyrone else there to help. So you have to try and keep everyone together, which can be tiresome and boring.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Big Dog Falls to the Back of the Pack.
According to numerous sources Sony has fallen to the number 3 spot in the console wars. The Wii came in at #1, X-box 360 at #2 and the PS3 is trudging along in third place. The do it all PSP is falling behind the DS and even the iPhone in sales. I never really considered the iPhone a handheld gaming machine, but I guess I was wrong.
Despite having the superior hardware in both the console and handheld markets (at least when comparing the PSP to the DS), Sony just can't over take the competition. Some claim that the lack of exclusive games, as most such as GTA IV and FF XIII are/will be available on both Microsoft's and Sony's machines. Plus both franchises have games that are or will soon be released on both the DS and PSP. No one seems willing to make exclusive games anymore, which makes sense to me. Why put all your eggs in one basket when you can double or triple sales by having your game on multiple consoles?
Many claim that lack of innovation is hurting Sony. Sure the PS3 packs more punch but no developers are really pushing the envelope and exploiting the potential of the machine. The video format wars seems to have cooled off and it looks like Blu-ray isn't as in demand as people thought it would be. Honestly I only know a few people that even have a HD TV so an HD gaming system or movie player just doesn't make sense to them. They simply don't care. After all a Blu-ray pretty much looks like any other DVD on a non-HD TV, so why bother shelling out for something that makes little to no difference in your life. The X-box and Wii are both cheaper and for hard core gamers the X-box has most of the same games. The Wii has innovative, though gimmicky, game play that kids, casual gamers and even grandma can enjoy. To make matters worse if you look around you can buy Blu-ray players and either an X-box 360 arcade (I wouldn't have one, but that's just me) or a Wii for the same or less than you can get a PS3. Besides if the rumors are true Blu-ray may be going the way of the Laser Disc from back in the 80's... remember those? Unless your as old as me, probably not.
Even though the DS can't touch the PSP in terms of power, it has a touch screen, which in turn make the device seem more advanced. The iPhone has a touch screen and it is "The Phone" to own, ergo the DS must be more advanced as well. Sure the PSP can render 3d graphics, play mp3s, movies, games, browse the internet, offer free internet radio, and act as a phone, but it doesn't have a touch screen... so it must be outdated. Plus it uses those loud and slow disc while the other one has those cute, silent little cards. At least that is how people not in the know look at it (i.e. grandparents and parents shopping for the kiddies).
So let us compare:
Wii- innovative game play, family friendly, affordable and it is from Nintendo... everyone loves Nintendo, internet browsing, some free online apps, Mii's, DS connectivity, backwards compatible with Game Cube (big plus especially in my household) and has a library of older games (nostalgia is a big selling point) that can be downloaded and played. From classic Mario to Animal Crossing, this system really does have something to offer every generation of gamer. Sure it isn't that powerful and the games are generally cartoonish, but damn some of them are fun.
X-box 360- 3 different versions to fit any budget, most of the same games as PS3( Final Fantasy on X-box!!!!), Halo, network gaming (though you do have to pay for the good stuff... yuck), it can connect to netflix (that's awesome), movies and shows available on the Microsoft Network, wireless controllers, internet connectivity (though you need a hard drive, and the wireless adapter is sold seperatedly, but you can use a LAN line), more powerful than the Wii, backwards compatibility with X-box ( big plus), connectivity with the Zune is coming soon (someone actually owns a Zune? Wow...).
PS3- most powerful system, even though they aren't exclusive anymore the big games are still on this system, free network play (though not as developed as on the X-box), can run Linux (that's cool), has wireless internet connectivity built in, Movies, games and shows available on the Playstation Network(most of which can then be transferred to your PSP), connectivity to the PSP (you can actually use your PSP to contact your PS3 from anywhere in the world if you have a wireless internet connection), no more backwards compatibility (that sucks!), wireless controllers, Blu-ray player, 2 different models (total of 5 if you count models that are no longer manufactured, but could be available on ebay) though the cheapest model is still as much as the most expensive X-box.
In our house we love our video games. We have several systems from previous generations, a Super NES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, PS1, PS2, X-box, and a Game Cube. In the hand held department we each have a Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy SP, and Nintendo DS, while I alone have a PSP(that's because I'm the most awesomest!). BTW I love my PSP... it is my hand held system of choice and I take it nearly everywhere. At the behest of my significant other and our youngin', Santa brought a Wii into our happy gaming family. While I personally have only a mild interest in the system (I do like customizing Miis, bowling is kinda fun too), I can't decide which system to get next. In the past I made my decision based solely on Final Fantasy, Sony had it Microsoft didn't, easy choice. I can't do that now.
So now I am left with making my choice based on other criteria.
1. I love my PSP and the PS3 works with it...
2. X-box 360 will allow me to watch my netflix without my computer... man that rocks!
3. Both are capable of wireless internet, but I'd have to pay more to get the X-box up to par... which would make the 2 systems comparable in price in the end...(the Microsoft wireless adapter cost about $100, though I'm sure I can find someplace to save a few bucks), but I can always just run a LAN line under the floor to the TV room....additional cost ($0) because I already have the cable and router.
4. I want to play DC Universe online and Sony has free online play... YEAH!
5. I want to play Champions Online, but Microsoft charges for online play... that sux (additional costs).
6. PS3 plays Blu-ray... but I own too many DVD's to start replacing my entire collection... again! I've still got some VHS I haven't replace yet! Though it does play DVDs as well...
7. X-box also plays DVDs, at least I think it still does.
8. I can still play most of my old X-box games on the 360.
9. I can't play any of my PS2 games on the PS3... unless I track down an out of date model.
10. The red ring of death... is that problem taken care of yet?
11. All the negative press regarding the PS3 is troublesome.
12. Who really cares if either system plays DVDs... I have 3 DVD players, not to mention several computers that play DVDs in my house already. I want a kick ass gaming system!
As it stands right now I am heavily leaning towards an X-box 360, but man do I really want a PS3.... It just looks as if the 360 is the system to get at the moment. If some of the rumors I've heard are true, the PS3 and the PSP are in for a major overhaul in 09. So maybe it isn't the time to invest in Sony again, at least not yet.
Despite having the superior hardware in both the console and handheld markets (at least when comparing the PSP to the DS), Sony just can't over take the competition. Some claim that the lack of exclusive games, as most such as GTA IV and FF XIII are/will be available on both Microsoft's and Sony's machines. Plus both franchises have games that are or will soon be released on both the DS and PSP. No one seems willing to make exclusive games anymore, which makes sense to me. Why put all your eggs in one basket when you can double or triple sales by having your game on multiple consoles?
Many claim that lack of innovation is hurting Sony. Sure the PS3 packs more punch but no developers are really pushing the envelope and exploiting the potential of the machine. The video format wars seems to have cooled off and it looks like Blu-ray isn't as in demand as people thought it would be. Honestly I only know a few people that even have a HD TV so an HD gaming system or movie player just doesn't make sense to them. They simply don't care. After all a Blu-ray pretty much looks like any other DVD on a non-HD TV, so why bother shelling out for something that makes little to no difference in your life. The X-box and Wii are both cheaper and for hard core gamers the X-box has most of the same games. The Wii has innovative, though gimmicky, game play that kids, casual gamers and even grandma can enjoy. To make matters worse if you look around you can buy Blu-ray players and either an X-box 360 arcade (I wouldn't have one, but that's just me) or a Wii for the same or less than you can get a PS3. Besides if the rumors are true Blu-ray may be going the way of the Laser Disc from back in the 80's... remember those? Unless your as old as me, probably not.
Even though the DS can't touch the PSP in terms of power, it has a touch screen, which in turn make the device seem more advanced. The iPhone has a touch screen and it is "The Phone" to own, ergo the DS must be more advanced as well. Sure the PSP can render 3d graphics, play mp3s, movies, games, browse the internet, offer free internet radio, and act as a phone, but it doesn't have a touch screen... so it must be outdated. Plus it uses those loud and slow disc while the other one has those cute, silent little cards. At least that is how people not in the know look at it (i.e. grandparents and parents shopping for the kiddies).
So let us compare:
Wii- innovative game play, family friendly, affordable and it is from Nintendo... everyone loves Nintendo, internet browsing, some free online apps, Mii's, DS connectivity, backwards compatible with Game Cube (big plus especially in my household) and has a library of older games (nostalgia is a big selling point) that can be downloaded and played. From classic Mario to Animal Crossing, this system really does have something to offer every generation of gamer. Sure it isn't that powerful and the games are generally cartoonish, but damn some of them are fun.
X-box 360- 3 different versions to fit any budget, most of the same games as PS3( Final Fantasy on X-box!!!!), Halo, network gaming (though you do have to pay for the good stuff... yuck), it can connect to netflix (that's awesome), movies and shows available on the Microsoft Network, wireless controllers, internet connectivity (though you need a hard drive, and the wireless adapter is sold seperatedly, but you can use a LAN line), more powerful than the Wii, backwards compatibility with X-box ( big plus), connectivity with the Zune is coming soon (someone actually owns a Zune? Wow...).
PS3- most powerful system, even though they aren't exclusive anymore the big games are still on this system, free network play (though not as developed as on the X-box), can run Linux (that's cool), has wireless internet connectivity built in, Movies, games and shows available on the Playstation Network(most of which can then be transferred to your PSP), connectivity to the PSP (you can actually use your PSP to contact your PS3 from anywhere in the world if you have a wireless internet connection), no more backwards compatibility (that sucks!), wireless controllers, Blu-ray player, 2 different models (total of 5 if you count models that are no longer manufactured, but could be available on ebay) though the cheapest model is still as much as the most expensive X-box.
In our house we love our video games. We have several systems from previous generations, a Super NES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, PS1, PS2, X-box, and a Game Cube. In the hand held department we each have a Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy SP, and Nintendo DS, while I alone have a PSP(that's because I'm the most awesomest!). BTW I love my PSP... it is my hand held system of choice and I take it nearly everywhere. At the behest of my significant other and our youngin', Santa brought a Wii into our happy gaming family. While I personally have only a mild interest in the system (I do like customizing Miis, bowling is kinda fun too), I can't decide which system to get next. In the past I made my decision based solely on Final Fantasy, Sony had it Microsoft didn't, easy choice. I can't do that now.
So now I am left with making my choice based on other criteria.
1. I love my PSP and the PS3 works with it...
2. X-box 360 will allow me to watch my netflix without my computer... man that rocks!
3. Both are capable of wireless internet, but I'd have to pay more to get the X-box up to par... which would make the 2 systems comparable in price in the end...(the Microsoft wireless adapter cost about $100, though I'm sure I can find someplace to save a few bucks), but I can always just run a LAN line under the floor to the TV room....additional cost ($0) because I already have the cable and router.
4. I want to play DC Universe online and Sony has free online play... YEAH!
5. I want to play Champions Online, but Microsoft charges for online play... that sux (additional costs).
6. PS3 plays Blu-ray... but I own too many DVD's to start replacing my entire collection... again! I've still got some VHS I haven't replace yet! Though it does play DVDs as well...
7. X-box also plays DVDs, at least I think it still does.
8. I can still play most of my old X-box games on the 360.
9. I can't play any of my PS2 games on the PS3... unless I track down an out of date model.
10. The red ring of death... is that problem taken care of yet?
11. All the negative press regarding the PS3 is troublesome.
12. Who really cares if either system plays DVDs... I have 3 DVD players, not to mention several computers that play DVDs in my house already. I want a kick ass gaming system!
As it stands right now I am heavily leaning towards an X-box 360, but man do I really want a PS3.... It just looks as if the 360 is the system to get at the moment. If some of the rumors I've heard are true, the PS3 and the PSP are in for a major overhaul in 09. So maybe it isn't the time to invest in Sony again, at least not yet.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year
Just want to wish everyone a prosperous New Year full of geeky fun.
May your comics be mint and your dice roll true.
May your comics be mint and your dice roll true.
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