Video Game Appreciation 101: Evolution of PlayStation: It’s Portable Time!

Posted on February 18, 2013 by geelw

Hmmm. There’s a day to go before the big PlayStation event but we’re already out of systems to cover. I guess that tomorrow’s video will be all about the PlayStation Network or something I’m not thinking of right now because I’m full of coffee and need to pee, but I can’t do that just yet because I’m typing this while sitting in a Starbucks and I have a few too many windows open and need to save stuff (or finish typing like mad), close all those windows, pack up the PC and do a fast trot to the loo. OR… I could type the previous sentence and hope it transfers the sudden urge to pee to you folks reading this, thus lightening my bladder’s brain considerably. Hey, it’s working! OK, now that YOUR eyeballs are floating, hopefully you’re closer to a working toilet than I am. Hmmm, now that I don’t have to go, I just HAVE to go so I don’t get caught off guard on the walk back home.

Back in a bit…

DESTINY: Bungie’s Big Ideas & Big World Need Big Gameplay To Get My Money…

Posted on February 18, 2013 by geelw

So, the big, big not so secret big game revealed today at Bungie HQ is an all-new IP for Activision and a purported innovative open world sort of multiplayer FPS (don’t call it a MMO!) called Destiny with a heavy social tilt and a ton of intriguing elements that look and sound grand on paper and in print (and in video – see above)… but I’m not all in just yet. One MASSIVE problem I have with these press events where ideas and concepts and big talk about the future come up and cycle about the room is until there’s ACTUAL gameplay to be seen. Sure, I know Bungie can most likely deliver the goods their fan base expects and then some. However, I’ve never seen a game that delivered as much as promised after a huge press event such as this one.

That said, I’m more than happy to be proven wrong, but the game has lost my interest already thanks to the online only play and heavy cream emphasis on “social” play. Ugh. I don’t own an iPhone, my internet connection blows and I like my games story-driven and immersive outside of flashy visuals and cast of thousands scope. I’ll only cover this again after I get to PLAY it, as it’s a case of so much promise that might not deliver everything at the same time plus a bunch of other things that annoy me to no end. Hey, at least I’m a positive skeptic willing to change my mind after finally tasting what’s on the menu that’s been waved under my nose all day…

Video Game Appreciation 101: Evolution of PlayStation (US/Japanese): Where We Are Today (Until Wednesday, At Least)…

Posted on February 17, 2013 by geelw

And so… here we are and you KNOW there’s going to be a fourth part to this series, right? It starts on Wednesday (Sshhh! Keep it a secret!), so hopefully Sony can do what they’ve done previously in getting those of us who like what they do (well, most of it) as thrilled as we were back in 1995. As always, we shall see…

Video Game Appreciation 101: PlayStation Evolution Part 2 (US/Japanese): The Plot Thickens!

Posted on February 16, 2013 by geelw

OK, I’m too busy to comment on this cool bit of educational game history, so you get a bad poem instead – er, enjoy?

Well, part two means a clue to the future, it’s clear.
A new Sony console – no news when or where.
I’m betting not ’til mid-next year at best
as it gives time to put PS3 to rest.

We’ll find out on Wednesday, I’d say that’s for sure,
but I’ll guess not all is revealed or pure.
Hopefully, games will be shown at the event
and any new system won’t cost two month’s rent.

A price cut for the PS3 might drop too,
but I doubt that, as there’s still titles new
first party, third party, all for this year
So much going on (there’s no time for beer!)

(Hey, I never said I was good at this poetry stuff!)

Need for Speed Most Wanted: Hands-On: Criterion Powers Up With The Wii U

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

It’s quite clear the moment you see Need For Speed Most Wanted running on the Wii U that Criterion Studios loves the new hardware and is making sure they get the most out of it in this very outstanding updated version of the game. I actually did a double take when I walked into the room the game was being demoed in at the W Hotel in Times Square on Wednesday because there were a group of kid bloggers hooting and hollering on the right side as they played some of the new PS3 DLC (coming out soon), while on the left side a Criterion rep was showing off the Wii U version to a fellow editor type who was glued to the screen with a huge smile on his mug. Talk about bizarre creations (ha ha) – it’s supposed to be the other way around (at least in the minds of the confused Nintendo haters out there), but the Wii U has plenty going on under the hood that more developers will need to start taking advantage of. Calling this game a mere “port” is doing the team a supreme disservice. From the use of PC textures to the amazing new features exclusive to the console, Wii U owners are clearly getting the best console version of the game to date… Continue reading →

Skylanders Swap Force Gameplay (Dramamine Version)…

Posted on February 6, 2013 by geelw

Yeah, I shot that! AND it’s my first YouTube video post. Whee. That said, dear readers… I do hope your chair or couch has a seat belt and you’re not prone to motion sickness, as this footage is shaky central. But the game on the other hand… is amazing. Vicarious Visions takes over from Toys for Bob and brings Skylanders into HD in fine form indeed. The character animation and voice talent are near Insomniac/Naughty Dog levels, the gameplay is enhanced with the new Swap Force characters (and now ALL your old Skylanders can jump in this game, a HUGE plus that opens up the gameplay even more). So far, this is turning into my new favorite future time-sink (Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is also on that list), so yes, I’ll be keeping an eye peeled and posting less shaky updates in the future.

Er, In case your eyeballs are rolling around inside your head from my camerawork, below is the non-shaky full press conference from the superb One of Swords blog:

Toy Fair 2013 Is Rolling Up With Too Many Treats…

Posted on February 6, 2013 by geelw

Yes indeed, it’s that time of the year again, folks? So, what are YOU doing this weekend? Me, I’ll be getting tired feet and big eyeballs checking out some of the newest toys and games for you guys and gals to drop that disposable income on this year and next. Of course, I may even let you in on some of the cooler stuff I see in a post or three, so stick around for that. Oh, the things I have to put myself through to keep you kids entertained…

EA’s Going To Surprise A Few Folks (Me Included)…

Posted on October 11, 2012 by geelw

Most of the games I saw and played yesterday are under embargo for a few days or up to next month, so I can’t spill all the beans yet, but let’s just say some of you naysayers are going to be eating a load of crow when it comes to certain titles in their lineup. I’ll start rolling out previews for each title as their embargoes lift, but while you’re waiting, I’ll keep you posted on stuff I can write about over the next few days on the mobile and console front. OK, I’m off to bed for two hours, as I have a LOT to do and need to hop up and get an earlier start than usual…

Gamescom 2012: EA Press Conference (Put Up Your Feet So Your Socks Can Fly Off Safely)

Posted on August 15, 2012 by geelw

OK, so I’m feeling lazy today, so you kids get to watch a movie instead of me telling you a story. Whee! Anyway, lots of fun stuff here to ogle, so I’ll shut up and let you get to the ogling. Got that popcorn and drink handy? Is the dog nearby to get your socks (or the cat to chase and play with them) when they fly off? All comfy now? If you’re wearing shoes, take them off NOW, or else you may hit your pet with them, which isn’t a good thing for either of you. OK…. NOW you’re ready! Enjoy!

E3 2012: Nintendo Press Conference: Forging Ahead Toward Greatness, Blinders On (Like Everyone Else)…

Posted on June 6, 2012 by geelw

While it’s easy for some writers to harshly criticize Nintendo for not showing certain core franchises to the press, the simple fact is, they were first and foremost, REALLY showing off the Wii U and new 3DS titles to what I call “pure” Nintendo fans, not jaded games journalists. As the company has been reaching outside standard media channels through their official site for a while now, it’s clear to me what’s happening. Quite simply, they want to show consumers who already (and only) have a Nintendo console in the household (or have interest in owning one) that they’re being looked out for in terms of getting them many of the most popular core third-party titles already on (or coming to) the competition. If you think about it, Sony and Microsoft do the same thing in catering solely to their fans in the exact same manner (as they do EVERY E3), touting their systems and services as the “best” for their respective target audiences.

If you know me (or read the title of this blog), you’ve probably figured out that I’m against this sort of system bias, so I’ve found this quite a dumb way to do things for ages. Still, business is business, so the “console wars” march onward…

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