Gaming – Page 9 – Adam's Blog

September 7, 2014September 7, 2014

Mortal Kombat X Preorder

In short, the game will be or should be available on April 14, 2015. Goro is the preorder bonus. I must say I am little disappointed that Goro, a not so powerful previous game boss is the preorder bonus although anything is better than extra colors. What would have been cool is Extra stage fatality that could be preformed online on a non preorder player but cant complain on free stuff I guess.

Preorder it now from Amazon.

Link includes all versions

The press release:

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today confirmed that Mortal Kombat™ X, in development by NetherRealm Studios, is scheduled for release worldwide beginning April 14, 2015. The game will be available for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

Legendary series character Goro has also been announced as a retail pre-order exclusive. Making his first appearance in more than eight years, Goro, the feral, four-armed Shokan warrior will be available day of launch as a playable combatant to those who pre-order Mortal Kombat X through an exclusive UK retailer.

Mortal Kombat X is NetherRealm Studios’ next highly anticipated installment in its legendary, critically acclaimed fighting game franchise that propels the iconic franchise into a new generation. The game combines cinematic presentation with all new gameplay to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever, offering a new fully-connected experience that launches players into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy. For the first time, Mortal Kombat X gives players the ability to choose from multiple variations of each character impacting both strategy and fighting style. Players step into an original story showcasing some of the game’s most prolific characters including Scorpion and Sub-Zero, while introducing new challengers that represent the forces of good and evil and tie the tale together.

For more information about Mortal Kombat X, please visit www.mortalkombat.com and www.facebook.com/MortalKombat.

Mortal Kombat X© 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by NeatherRealm. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Mortal Kombat, the dragon logo, NetherRealm Studios, NetherRealm logo and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

WB GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s15)

” ”, “PlayStation”, “PS3”, “ “ and “ “ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “ ” is a trademark of the same company. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

September 6, 2014September 6, 2014

Latest pickups: Sonic Adventure 2 GameCube NTSCJ version

My latest eBay hunt, Sonic Adventure 2 new Japanese version. Sonic Adventure 2 was the last Sonic game on the legendary Sega Dreamcast system. Apart from the exploring section, the game shined and provide that a respected 3D Sonic is possible. The game lets you control the good and the bad side meaning you can try to destroy the world or save it although the ending is one, different story approach is always welcomed.

I already own the 10th anniversary Dreamcast edition so I was original looking for an american version but came across this and since I like the Japanese packaging I figured, what the hell.

I am hopping that like the original Dreamcast version; this will have an option to switch to English voices and subtitles.

Pre-order The Evil Within $59.95 & FREE Shipping.

Link includes all versions

September 5, 2014September 5, 2014

The new 3DS will still be Region Locked

Not sure if anybody is surprised but it is now confirmed that the new, more powerful 3DS that is coming out in Japan next month will still be region locked. I have hated region lock all my life and used Region free carts on Saturn, Dreamcast and even GameCube for imported games so see where people are coming from. Now Nintendo on the other hand argues that specific region adjustments must be made in order to make the game region friendly. My take is very simple; Let the people decide. If a person wants to buy a Japanese Sonic Adventure 2 for his GameCube like I did, let him do it. It is up to me to decide if I want the Japanese version or wait for an american one.

The argument supporting Region locking is that companies spend allot of cash translating and localizing games and may end up losing money if people started importing then ignoring the local versions. The answer is very simple but requre the developers spend little extra; Make the game with both English and Japanese text as an option and before you start: You are asking too much, this game did it!

This is 2014, Sony and Microsoft did it so why cant Nintendo? Must they always lag behind? One of the reasons Nintendo is in the position it is, is because they refuse to acknowledge anything but themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I love Nintendo like the next guy but things must change before its too late. Crossing my fingers for a better, region free future in gaming.

September 3, 2014September 3, 2014

Adam plays Sonic 4 Episode II

I‘m on fire; after completing episode I, I started and completed Episode II in one go and boy, was I surprised. This game is what episode I should have been. Everything is improved, definitely a better episode.

Graphics

The graphics are improved with better textures and colors. The options now allow for higher resolution as well. Not to say this is running on another engine but things has improved.

More 3D objects in the backgrounds, jumping back and fourth inside the picture makes the game feel more 3D while keeping the 2D game play intact. Once again, not a game changer but a welcome addition to an already improved game.

Score 5/5

Gameplay

The picture above is something I wanted ever since Sonic the Hedgehog 2, finally introduced in Episode II. You can now tag along with Tails “controlled by the game or player 2” and preform combined moves like flaying and destroying enemies.

The stages look better and smother as well as the whole game. Each stage looks unique and well designed and unlikely episode I, interesting. Sonic now runs in a much believable way unlike the first episode. New type of enemies and stage obstacles were one of the welcomed additions as well. There is one annoying part however, just like episode I; some parts of the stage are very hard. Don’t get me wrong, I love challenging games but these parts feel over powered and annoying. Rest assure, they are in small number and rare.

Apart from that, the game looks good and plays good.

Score 5/5

Sound

The game sounds did not change, however the music is better and have Sega feel to it like the nights into dreams alike stage above. Nothing significant to report here.

Score 4/5

Conclusion

A much better Episode than the first. A must play for any Sega Sonic fan. Unlikely Episode I, this game looks and feels like a new chapter and not a mega drive Sonic remake. Get it dirt cheap on any platform including the IOS which I will review sometime in the feature.

September 2, 2014September 2, 2014

Preorder The Evil Within now on Steam

The preorder on Steam is live; secure your digital special edition for $59.99 as well as the season pass for $19.99 and get the Fighting Chance pack for free.

The game should be out on 14 Oct 2014. Personally, I will preorder mine but not sure about the season pack yet.

September 1, 2014September 1, 2014

Adam Plays Sonic 4 Episode I

I will not try to hide that I was and still am the biggest Sega fanboy although I slowed down by the time Xbox 360 and PS3 hit the market. Truth be told, Sega of today is no longer the Sega of Saturn/Dreamcast era. Never the less, great games do come out from time to time and Sonic 4 was a great attempt on bringing old school fans back home. I admit, I bought the game when it came out but never played it seriously until last night before going to bed. I will do my best to summarize everything in unbiased natural review.

Graphics

The graphics look beautiful although some aliasing is visible. I am running the game on mixed resolution and settings and everything looks great. The new cartoonish style is a nice addition to the series. Some of the objects in the background are done in 3D and will have nice effects. The stages look detailed and sonic alike. Apart from the little aliasing I have no complain.

4/5

Gameplay

Well, what can I say.. The gameplay is good but not on the same level as sonic and knuckles. Sonic starts moving in a wired way and feels slow to start. He kinda walks faster without moving his hands which results in a strange movement. The gameplay itself is not glitched or anything but feels slower due to this problem. Everything else including enemies attack looks ok. Sonic’s homing attack feels out of place at first but you will get used to it with time, not as smoth as I hoped it would be. The 3 act per zone returns much like the first Sonic game with a fourth being a boss fight.

The game works with Xbox 360 controller right out the box.

3/5

Sound

The game’s music is ok but not great. Personally, I’m not a fan although the game sounds are Sonic type. The music feels repetitive and uninteresting, at least to me.

3/5

Conclusion

Overall, the game is good. Could have been better but its a good start for episode I. There things to do like leader boards, completing the zones faster and emeralds. Some new eliminates and puzzles were added as well as old school not so great stuff like the Night Casino zone which is full of annoying paths. There are some puzzles which are easy once figure out what to do. Basically, its Sonic 1 remake. Most of the stages resamble the first Sonic game remade in 3D. Not necessary a good thing but cant really complain. The game is very cheap and die hard Sega/Sonic fans will definitely need to pick this up be it on PS3, Xbox 360 or Steam.

August 28, 2014August 28, 2014

Mario Maker will make me get the Wii U

Ever since Wii U came out I always wanted one but did not take any serious action toward it. The lack of games as well as the kinda expensive price for a no game system. All aside, I will be getting Wii U as soon as Mario Maker hits the stores. I always dreamed of creating mMarioand sonic levels and now I can, officially. It is now confirmed that players will be able to upload and downloaded levels over the internet and that only adds to “reasons to get”.

mario maker

I believe that by now you are convinced but just to be sure let me explain: You can switch between styles and Nintendo promised to bring more as DLCs after the game is out. Creating your own containt is always fun and I always loved making my own stuff since NES. Watching this game very closely.

August 26, 2014August 26, 2014

Resident Evil Revelations 2 makes no sense

I’m sure that by now, many of you heard that Resident Evil Revelations 2 may be coming out. I am all for a new Resident Evil with dark atmosphere and creepy surroundings but let me explain why I think Revelations 2 makes no sense at all. The game was good, a spin off set in between Resident Evil 4 and 5. The story was decent for a side game and the environment was creepy. The monsters were kinda cool but nothing special or old school Resident Evil alike. That is the main problem, it is a side story that ended. RER2 will bring nothing more but confusion and broken side story that ended in the first one.

I understand, Capcom can and will come up with a way to tie things up. The problem is, will quality control be imposed or will we all end up with a part 2 side story that no one cared about in the first place? Capcom is in a tight corner now with financial trouble and what not. The last thing they need is this. Save the budget and release something the fans want or use the money to produce or even remake some of the classics like Final Fight and Mega Man X. Soeaking of Megaman, I will tear eBay from inside out for the X collection as soon as I receive my next gaming budget and by receive I mean pay my bills and use part of whats left.

Any way, I hope I made it clear as of why I think that this is a bad idea. Let me know what you think.

August 26, 2014

Twitch acquired by Amazon

The rumors were ~~true~~ false, Google will not be buying Twitch after all. Instead, Amazon will finalize the deal soon to acquire the games streaming giant. I am happy that it is Amazon instead of Google and before you call me anti Google crusader let me tell you this:

I have never broadcasted anything on twitch although I am planing to. The likely scenarios if Google managed to buy it would have been:

Google shuts it down and merge it with YouTube. or
Ruin it to the point of no return much like the YouTube.
Google +

Amazon on the other hand has a vision, to become the best and with the ongoing company innovation and services I can easily trust Amazon over Google any day. Don’t get me wrong, I love Google but in this case; not so much. You can read the announcement bellow:

On August 25, 2014, it was reported that the rumored Google deal had fallen through, and that Amazon.com Inc. was in talks to acquire Twitch for at least $1 billion.[37][38] The acquisition was confirmed by Twitch executive Emmitt Shear shortly after. The deal, valued at $970 million, will be finalized within the remainder of 2014.

Twitch will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc, with Emmitt Shear remaining as CEO. Shear touted the Amazon Web Services platform as an “attractive” aspect of the deal, and that Amazon had “built relationships with the big players in media” which could be used to the service’s advantage—particularly in the realm of content licensing. The purchase of Twitch marks the third recent video gaming-oriented acquisition by Amazon, which had previously acquired the developers Reflexive Entertainment and Double Helix Games.

August 25, 2014

Sony online entertainment hit by DDos attack, again

Sony is under attack yet again. PlayStation network unstable with failed attempts to log in or do anything. Now this is not the first or even third time this has happened, so the big question is: What did Sony do to prevent this? Why is this happening? And most importantly, will this happen again?

I am not network expert and I do not claim to be a pro but clearly this has never happened to Xbox live or Steam. I was very close on placing an order for a PS4 but its things like this remind me why I am holding out.

Take a look at the history of Sony Online outage for yourself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Network_outage

The latest reports claim that things are getting back to normal although the full story is not out yet. Lets wait for Sony’s official story and prevention plan.