Best Gaming Shop in Chiang Mai!

Stumbled by mistake on this hidden gem in Chiang Mai. Did not expect much but was totally proven wrong.

First of all, it’s not a retro shop and they don’t sell xbox games but have a large switch and ps4/5 collection. Maybe some 3DS games. Look gamerish as well.

Bought 4 switch games for reasonable price of around 11BHT a game with cover and half for cartridge only. Sadly don’t ship abroad or even accept credit card which was the reason for me not buying more stuff.

The guy who runs this place is a gamer and a cool dude. Will make a video on this soon.

Rediscovering Resident Evil 6 on PS3: Online Gameplay in 2024

I must admit, the PS3 version still looks great. Much better than I remembered. Not a lot noticeable slow downs as well. Mostly 30 fps or at least it feels like it. The chapters however, feel shorter than I recall. Maybe because I rushed through it to get the trophies as I already completed it on 360 with my brother.

Surprisingly, there are people still playing online in 2024. I played a few games as creature (agent hunt) and even a game of coop mercenaries. I may even go back and play online story to help new players. Enjoyed the game.

I still need to go back and finish the remaining achievements in 360 version as well as complete the Xbox One and PS4 versions but I think I will do so in the future to enjoy the game again. I may even get the switch version as its the only version with different cloths in story mode. Dont know why Capcom did not add extra cloths to Xbox One and PS4 versions in the main mode.

All in all, totally worth picking up for dirt cheap for PS3 or 360 as well as 5. Keep in mind that the DLCs are paid in these versions but they are just online modes with unknown player base at this point.

On into RE4 Remake on PS4.

Almost Done with PS3 Resident Evil 5 Trophies

Almost done with the main story trophies of Resident Evil 3 Gold PS3 version. Did the save someone special trophy solo by removing sheva’s weapons and taunting Jill and letting Sheva grab her. Shot it one time and the device came off after the 4th try. It is easier if you are playing with an actual human controlling Sheva though.

Also replayed the first two rooms in chapter 5-2 until I got the rotten egg. Only 3 main story trophies left.

Will give it a few more games until al unlocked. Thinking of Restarting Resident Evil 4 Remake tonight on PS4.

Replaying Resident Evil 5 PS3 in 2024

I still remember driving into my old video game shop in town excited to finally play Resident Evil 5 after playing the demo on Xbox 360 and being horrible at using the new controls. Originally I wanted the Xbox edition but it was out of stock and I wasn’t going to drive back home empty handed so I got the limited edition PS3 version.

Fast forward many years and I am once again playing the Xbox One remastered version coop mode with my brother. The game looked and ran great. We completed it 100% except some online challenges.

It is 2024 and I am doing a solo Resident Evil 5 run. I managed to finish the game easily on normal alone on only upgrading the shotgun. The game seemed too short this time around just like rereading the first harry potter months ago. The game still looks great and plays great. Even better than RE4 remake! While some areas aren’t that great, the game play itself is solid, even on PS3.

Playing it this way felt nostalgic and fun. It felt like we are back in 2010s. Something every gamer remembers. The gold edition includes all the DLCs and is dirt cheap on eBay. Get the 360 edition or the remaster one but do buy it and play. Doing the 100% trophies challenge as I did on the PC, 360 and Xbox One versions. Next will be the PS4. That’s how much I love and respect the old Resident Evil games.

I’m interested in what the remake will look like although I don’t like the clunky control of the 4 remake. I just unlocked the infinity Magnum so replaying it on hard mode should be easier. I like the buying systems and how buying stuff transfer to higher difficulties. All in all, an amazing game that is worth replaying in an era of meh games.

PS: Its crazy how Resident Evil 5 is now considered retro.

Switched To Waterfox!

My browser journey started with internet explorer like most people back in windows 95 days. I continued to use it on my laptop until a teacher introduced us to Firefox and Opera. For some reason I thought that Opera was the better browser and used it for a short while. The problem was, it frequently displayed a lot for websites incorrectly mainly my favorite GameFAQs due to its using its own rendering engine. Getting fed up with this, I switched to Firefox and fell in love.

Firefox was light years ahead of both internet explorer and opera which was also had a paid pro version lol. Not only Firefox was open source, it had a lot of features like tabs and best of all extensions and themes. Years later and after a lot of updates, Firefox kinda fell down in terms of quality. Became slower with bad design choices and here is when Google stepped in. It was a new fresh minimalist browser and everyone including me loved it. Little did we know that this would result in Google taking over the browser wars and in terms destroy most of browser engines.

Many years later and everyone hate Chrome so I switched to Brave, the new privacy browser. I still use it as a second browser for websites not working in Firefox engine but the reason I switched back to Firefox was that Brave switched to Chromium engine (Goggle Chrome) after discontinuing their own. Only option was going back to Firefox which got a lot better over all those years but still had some issues like collecting little data and here is where Waterfox comes in.

Waterfox strips the data collection, has cool features such as using Chrome extensions, turning any tab into a private one without opening new window and support for old Firefox add-ons to name a few. Another big factor is that the browser is lighter than Firefox and Chrome which in turn gives me way more battery on my Macbook Pro. You need to change some settings to make it better in my option such as bigger status bar and removing the always show X on highlighting tabs which resulted in me closing a lot of tabs accidentally. I know am using Waterfox mainly on my computers (laptop and desktops) across all OSes even my Android s23.

Note that Waterfox is using the Firefox engine and gets updated frequently but not the same day as Firefox. Give Waterfox a try. Its free and open source, you cant go wrong.

Mortal Engines, Book 1 Thoughts

My journey with Mortal Engines started with me watching the movie. Knowing from experience that books are almost always better than their movies and this is no exception.

Not only does the book contain more adventures, the later parts and ending are totally different which opens the gate for another part. Something the move did not get.

The story is told in a much better way and pace.

If you are into post apocalypse then this book is for you. An adventure of a Clark that turns into much more with twists and and anticipation that gets you into the story. Not many books or movies do.

The are hardly any filler moments or parts that feels out of place.

I recommend listening to the audio book version which also sounds great. I listened to the whole book and other 3 this way.

Highly recommend. I call this the Harry Potter of post apocalypse. You won’t regret reading it.

Why I don’t play Mobile Games

Ironically plants vs zombies 2 is one of my favourite indi games. And I know that EA bought the company and ip but I still consider it indi.

Now why don’t I like mobile games? Few reasons. Most of the games are shovelware using old school as an excuse for poor gameplay mechanics. Yes there are great games and even ports of console games but those are the minority.

Another reason is controls. Yes you can now use Xbox and PlayStation controllers but realistically speaking what’s the point?

Availability. I remember buying alot of SEGA mobile games on my iPhone 4s. Most of them are no longer available to redownload for over reason or another. I already talked abut why I hate digital and subscription models so I don’t need more of this.

And finally business model. Most of these games are pay to win with endless micro transactions which end up costing more than a new console.

With that being said I still keep my eye on possible hidden gem like Sonic Jump which I also play and bought the extra characters with real money.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Review

The Fantastic Beasts series, while an ambitious attempt to extend the enchanting world of Harry Potter, has not resonated with everyone as profoundly as the original set of books and movies. The magic of Harry Potter, with its rich narrative fabric interwoven with the trials and growth of its beloved characters, is something that the Fantastic Beasts films have struggled to replicate for me.

While the newer movies do expand on the wizarding world, delving deeper into the lore and bringing to light new facets of the magical society, it’s this deviation from the familiar Hogwarts setting and the absence of the original characters that might contribute to the feeling that something is missing. Moreover, the emotional connection that grew over years with Harry, Hermione, and Ron is hard to replicate with a brand-new cast in a relatively short span of time.

There is also the difference in the way stories are told. The original Harry Potter books allowed readers to grow with the characters, inviting them to imagine the vastness of the wizarding world. The movies then brought those imaginings to life with a shared vision. In contrast, Fantastic Beasts started as a film series without the literary backstory that often adds a layer of depth and attachment for the audience.

It’s worth noting that tastes and preferences in storytelling are subjective, and what doesn’t resonate with one might deeply affect another. Some fans may enjoy the new adventures and the additional knowledge about the wizarding world’s history and societal complexities that Fantastic Beasts offers. For me, the films might lack the heart or the connection they cherished in the original story. Whether you choose to read the Fantastic Beasts novels in the future or not, your experience is shaped by your personal journey with the Harry Potter universe.

Now, what do I dislike about the series, particularly the last film? Two key points:

Reflecting on the story at hand, it becomes evident that the narrative circulates around a magical animal caretaker whose destiny intertwines with the looming threat of Grindelwald. However, the tale seems to lack the verve and vigor one might hope for in such a fascinating premise. The characters introduced to replace the beloved trio unfortunately do not resonate with me; they appear to be mere shadows when placed beside their predecessors, whose charm and complexity were instrumental in capturing the hearts in the original story.

Moreover, the prequel setup inherently brings with it a certain predictability – after all, it delves into a history with an outcome already etched into the audience. This knowledge often undermines the suspense and diminishes the emotional stakes, as the viewers are not journeying through uncharted territory but rather navigating a path that leads to a recognized destination.

To imbue this prequel narrative with the necessary depth and engagement, it might have been beneficial to focus more keenly on adding layers to these new characters, crafting backstories and presenting them in a way that makes the audience invest in their fates.

In essence, the story, as it stands, falls short due to its inability to detach from the inevitabilities of its prequel nature and to create new legacies that are captivating in their own right, independent of the original ensemble that has long since captured the imaginations of readers and viewers.

The primary Villain: Grindelwald, unlike Voldemort, is a watered-down version of the book’s primary villain. Voldemort is determined to destroy everything and poses a threat to everyone, an evil wizard who cannot die. Grindelwald is planning to rig the election? LOL.

The SGI Matrix-like Battels that appear to be phoney. The original Books included a terrific cast of characters, an amazing story, and magical scenery. Fantastic Beasts appears to be a low-cost attempt to capitalise on the Wizarding World. Even The Cursed Child is light years ahead, which I will discuss later.

Let me know your thoughts.

Why Buy DVDs Over Blu-rays in 2024

When it comes to buying movies, many people wonder whether DVDs or Blu-rays are the better option. While Blu-rays are a newer technology and offer higher quality video and audio, there are still several reasons why someone might choose to buy DVDs instead.

Firstly, DVDs are generally cheaper than Blu-rays. If you’re on a tight budget, DVDs are a more affordable option for building up your movie collection.

Secondly, not all movies are available on Blu-ray. While most new releases are available in both formats, there are still some older or more obscure movies that are only available on DVD.

Thirdly, not everyone has a Blu-ray player. While this is becoming less of an issue as more people upgrade their home theater systems, there are still plenty of households that only have DVD players. If you’re buying a movie as a gift, it might be safer to stick with the DVD format to ensure that the recipient can actually watch it.

Fourth, Quality. So, Blu rays are high-def at 1080p, but don’t sweat it if you’re still watching stuff on a regular old 480p DVD. Honestly, most people won’t even notice the difference. Plus, some movies, like Back to the Future, actually look cooler with that slightly lower res, giving them that classic retro vibe. And don’t even get me started on the Batman Animated Series. The Blu-ray version is just too clean and polished, totally taking away from that gritty, dark Batman feel.

Okay, next up is the Box Art. Gotta say, DVDs usually have the coolest artwork and packaging. I mean, sure, the Game of Thrones set on Blu-Ray is pretty sweet, but most of the time it’s the DVD that takes the cake.

Welcometoracoon.jpg
welcomebr.jpg

In conclusion, while Blu-rays are undeniably the superior format in terms of video and audio quality, DVDs still have their place in the movie world. Their lower cost, wider availability, and compatibility with more devices make them a viable option for anyone looking to expand their movie collection.

Why I bought The Walking Dead Season 10/11 on DVD and NOT Blu-ray!

It’s true that DVDs typically have a lower resolution compared to Blu-ray or streaming options. However, the visual quality of The Walking Dead Season 10 on DVD is surprisingly good. While it may not reach the same level of detail as a Blu-ray, the DVD format still offers a watchable experience that allows you to fully enjoy the thrilling narrative and captivating performances.

Believe it or not, the lower resolution of The Walking Dead Season 10 on DVD can actually enhance the viewing experience. The gritty nature of the show, with its post-apocalyptic setting and intense moments, is perfectly complemented by the grainy texture and slightly lower resolution of the DVD format. This unique visual style adds an extra layer of authenticity, heightening the suspense and immersing you more deeply into the world of The Walking Dead.

It may take some getting accustomed to if you’re used to higher resolutions, but the experience is fantastic once you do.

Apart from the viewing experience itself, The Walking Dead Season 10 DVD also boasts an appealing DVD case design. The DVD case becomes a collectible item that proudly displays your love for the series. Additionally, the DVD edition comes packed with exciting bonus features. Dive into behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and exclusive content that provides a deeper understanding of the show’s production sometimes not found on Blu-rays.

The Walking Dead Season 10 on DVD is a must-have for devoted fans. Despite the lower resolution, the grainy visuals and captivating DVD case design add a unique charm to the overall package.

In a future post, I’ll share my thoughts on the season as a whole.