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.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
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.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Holiday!
Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and hope we all have a great New Year!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Not much time to game.
As some may have noticed my posting has been a bit slim this month and that is intentional. Gaming has had to take a back seat to work, Christmas shopping, finals and grad school preparation, I take the GRE today. A test on Christmas Eve!!!! Yup, it sucks.
Anyway with all of that on my plate, I haven't done a whole lot of gaming this month. I have a stack of RPG books, adventures, magazines, comics and video games I haven't even looked at over the past few weeks. I've hardly had time to catch a hockey game, thank goodness for radio webcasts. (I'm listening to the Blues, my team, get stomped by the Red Wings as I type this.)
Anyway I will be posting more after the holidays are over. I still have plenty of new product reviews to get to, as well as some retro-reviews I've been wanting to do. There is just so much going on that I haven't been able to keep up, thankfully most of the gang on the RPGBloggers network have been doing a fantastic job of staying on top of things.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
For the Hockey Fans
As a hockey fan I have to admit that this is one of my favorite videos. I believe that it took place in 2004 and has to set some kind of record for the most fights and penalty minutes of any game in recent history. A friend and I were talking about this at work and I thought I would share it.
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