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.

Ultra Street Fighter IV reaction

USF4Capcom is one of my all time favorite developer with amazing games over the years, the problem is; they don’t know when to stop. This is like the 4th street fighter 4 and with the latest rumors it wont be the last. I am all up for updating games and good DLC but this is stupid. Releasing boxed version for the 4th time with only a minor change will make you look desperate and just want to milk the game to death.

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Now this edition actually has a few extra characters instead of skins so its worth mentioning all the changes:

  • Ultra Combo Double allows players to choose both of their character’s Ultra Combos at the cost of doing less damage. This gives players more options in their tactics and play styles.

  • Red Focus Attack is a Focus Attack that absorbs multiple hits. By holding the usual Medium Punch and Medium Kick buttons, plus the Light Punch button, the player’s character will flash red as they charge their Focus Attack. It is still subject to the same weaknesses as the former with Armor Breaking moves and throws.

  • Delayed Standing (similar to “Tactical Recovery” from Capcom vs. SNK 2) allows players to alter the timing of their character’s wake-up, when they are getting back on their feet. By pressing any two buttons when the character is slammed down in a hard knockdown (similar in the fashion of performing a Quick Stand), the character will take a few extra frames to get back on their feet, disrupting the wake-up game of the attacking opponent.

  • five new characters: Rolento, Elena, Hugo and Poison.

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My take on the whole thing is, this should have been the first upgrade/DLC for street fighter 4. Like I said, releasing that many with more to come make you look desperate and I’m not even sure if the upgrades can sell that much considering you know that the next upgrade will be released in the near future.

Let me know what you thing, thanks for reading.

 

Sega is updating Dreamcast ports on Steam

dcGreat to see a company support and update post sale games for free. Sega announced that it will start updating Steam ports soon with enhancements such as achievements and more. Great news as most of the old school Dreamcast ports can use HD update to bring them up to date. Now I am hoping for more re releases as Sega Dreamcast old school fan. Ports of Saturn would be nice as well but Im not crossing my fingers as Saturn ports tend to be hard to reprogram as far as Sega claims.

Podcast:


 

Lets see how things develops.

Dreamfall Chapters: The Longest Journey is PS4 timed exclusive

df3Dreamfall Chapters: The Longest Journey is now coming to PS4 alongside the PC as a timed exclusive which does not bother me much but the hypocrisy of some does. When Microsoft does it; everyone loss their minds. When Sony does it; Genius.

Let me clarify something: I have every console made from 3rd generation going onward so its not that I hate someone but the hypocrisy is killing me. My take: Good for Sony to secure another exclusive although I fail to see a big impact but good job never the less.

The game will be coming alongside its PC plan in late 2014. Dreamfall is one of the greatest point and click ever made although I still think the first chapter will still be the greatest but good game.

The Podcast can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryNc8NHqopM&feature=youtu.be


Dreamfall_Chapters_Europolis_Concept_Art_1 Dreamfall_Chapters_Journeyman_Inn_in_Autumn

Windows 9 impression

w9
Credit: http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-New-Windows-Start-Menu-Will-Debut-in-Windows-9-435552.shtml

When Windows 8 was first announced I had mixed emotions as I was perfectly happy with Windows 7’s performance. But with increase urge to try the next big thing and with the help of my brother who kept on praising W8 I finally made the switch and boy, was I impressed.

Before going forward, I would like to make it clear that the looks play big part in me deciding to try something out. I know it is stupid but that’s how I am. What made me love Windows 8 is the beautiful design along with a noticeable boost in performance in gaming. As a PC gamer every fops counts and I must say I had about 10 or more FPS increase. I am yet to update to 8.1 as I read horror stories about games not working and what not so that’s for the future.

Now what bothered me about Windows 8 is the tablet interface. I know I can easily get out but with the lack of the Start button which I tend to use allot the experience got downgraded for me. Apart from that everything was good although I still think Microsoft Store looks and feels strange.

Now Windows 9 is announced with the possible return of the Start button and I am excited again. What I expect is another increase performance with more beautiful designs and from the rumors and little news I think I will be getting just that. I know I can add the start button to Windows 8 but the original ingratiated Windows 9 design looks amazing. Mark my words; I will be switching, just not right away as I first need to confirm the gaming performance hit or increase.

w9 2
Credit: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-9-Desktop-Concept-Looks-Suspiciously-Like-a-Linux-One-398582.shtml

Another beautiful concept floating around the web. Just look at this beauty. Years ago when I was using Windows 95 I always thought why cant PC operating system look beautiful. Now I can smile as my wish came true. Nothing comes close to this design and certainly not OSX which I am using for over a year and hatting every part of.

Let us all hope that my predictions about Windows 9 turns out true ;J

Just give us PSO2 already SEGA!

pso2Sega, it’s been two long years since you released this in japan with no word on the English Phantasy Star Online 2 as of yet. I remember seeing PSO on Game Network years ago and was immediately amazed that a console can do MMORPG, well sort of. I picked episode II on both GameCube “English + Japanese version) and the original Xbox. I even picked up the horrible Phantasy Star Universe on both the PS2 and PC as well as both the PSP versions all just to show love toward Sega and the franchise.

In return, we non Japanese gamers are yet to receive even a simple news. I do not understand the reason for such delay as the game can easily become big in no time due to the fact that it is free to play with micro transactions.

screenshot_human_2I remember the good old days where I used to wake up early and stay late to level up my character although I did not make it past the final stage in episode I. I also got the chance to try online play after buying the not so cheap GameCube internet adapter just to can join the online community.

gca

I really that SEGA sort this out and open the game to all with English menus and subtitles.

As mentioned on the official website:

AN EPIC ONLINE ACTION RPG!
Play Phantasy Star Online 2 and experience revolutionary combat in an action-driven, free-to-play multiplayer online RPG from SEGA. Take a journey into an immersive sci-fi fantasy narrative and explore mysterious worlds to unravel their secrets. Join fellow adventurers and fight against the legions of darkness to banish them from the galaxy.

KEY FEATURES:

REVOLUTIONARY ACTION COMBAT
Engage in intense real-time combat and third-person shooting action
Master devastating combos and counter attacks
Assault your enemies with fast-paced aerial attacks
Utilize weapon-based skills to optimize your battle experience
THE HERO YOU WANT TO BE
Create a unique character with comprehensive character customization tools
Choose your destiny as one of three races: the intrepid Humans, the biologically engineered Newmans, or the robotic CAST
Develop yourself with a flexible class-based leveling system and your choice of specialized companions
Define your own play-style with distinctive weapon types for melee, ranged, and magic combat
DEEP SCI-FI FANTASY UNIVERSE
Discover lush worlds filled with beautiful landscapes, extraordinary creatures, and epic adventure
Group up with friends to explore the farthest reaches of the galaxy
Complete randomized encounters during your journeys
Experience challenging boss encounters

 

Resident Evil Remastered and why does it matter

rem5Resident Evil was and still is big, no one can deny it. However, things have changed since the the fourth installment was introduced and kept going in the new direction all while facing decline. What ever true Resident Evil fan was asking for is simple; A survive horror game with zombies.

Capcom however had something else in mind ignoring the fan base and kept on pushing the copo action game. All was lost until Resident Evil Remastered was announced. Not only did this news brought joy to my heart along with most if not all Resident Evil fans, it sparked hope that the game will finally be heading back to its roots.

After the polished version of Resident Evil 4 hit Steam as Resident Evil 4 Ultimate HD edition, I must say I’m looking forward to the PC version as it will most likely be the ultimate version due to the obvious reasons. Strangely enough Wii U is not included in the list but I am sure that it will make the list sometime soon. The Xbox 360 and PS4 will be 720p while the rest is 1080p but that’s hardly a deal breaker for anyone.

Resident Evil RemasteredSeen Resident Evil Remake Remastered in HD in its full glory is the biggest eye candy I have ever seen. I’m not saying the game has the best graphics or engine, what I am saying is that as an old school Resident Evil fan; it is the best HD remake that I can ever ask for.

From http://cramgaming.com/
From http://cramgaming.com/

The benefits that will make this a must own and better than the original GameCube Remake:

  • Better Controller
  • Best possible Graphics and resolution
  • Accessible to everyone on all platforms
  • New Camera
  • Better Sound
  • Achievements

and hopefully few other things like online Rankings.

The other thing I want to stress on is that should this game sell which I am sure it will; Capcom will hopefully seriously consider remaking Resident Evil 2,3 and Code Veronica as a proper Resident Evil 1 remake and make them available to all considering they will not spend on packing as it will be digital release only.

Lets hope and wait for more news on this important and great announcement.

Resident Evil remastered on IGN

 

Resident Evil one Remastered confirmed

My dream has finally come true; Resident Evil remake is coming in 2015 to the PC along with everything else as a Remastered version.

rem

Imagine the possibilities with mods and graphics upgrade on the best Resident Evil ever? Yes I do believe Resident Evil one is the best Resident Evil ever and getting a true remake is a dream come true. Awaiting this with patience.

rem2