My Non-Stop Week
This past weekend started all innocently with wanting to get a haircut on Saturday morning, by myself. It then spiraled into taking my nephew to a game store for about 2 hours, followed with the haircut and a trip to the local superstore. Next thing we hit was the flea market, and then, when that ended, we went to the mall.
On Sunday, we got up early for Sunday School (my wife and I teach the 6-9 year-olds), followed by the morning worship service. After dismissal, we took all 4 kids (ages 8, 11, 12 & 16) to the local mom & pop ice cream shop, bought lunch and then dessert for everyone. We didn’t get home until late afternoon, and then, we just vegged. I hung out with my 16 year-old nephew (the same one that went shopping with me the day before) and just kicked back, as he played WarHawk for a good part of the night.
Monday I took a personal day, filled the cooler with food and drinks, and we then headed (with 6 kids and 5 adults total, mind you) to the local theme park, aka King’s Island. From riding some of the big ‘coasters, like FireHawk (awesome) and InVertigo (crazy), to hanging out on the kiddie rides, we had a good time. After 3 adults and 2 kids left (after eating around 5pm), we went to the water park side and got soaked. It’s easy to forget how much fun all this is, especially when you don’t go to these places often at all. We had a full day, full enough that although we arrived around 11am, we didn’t get home until around 11pm. Suffice it to say, we were tired.
On Tuesday, it seemed like my legs didn’t want to work. The day just started slowly, and work was necessary. After getting in to work late, my wife, her parents and 4 kids went out & about, and kept running until around 6pm – that’s when 2 of the kids got dropped off for the Back-2-School party (age restricted gathering for gaming, outside activities and bonfire fun), and the other 2 went fishing with their father. I, meanwhile, got stuck in traffic and didn’t get home until around 7pm. After chillin’ with the tired wife, I spent some time in prayer and then jumped on the PS3 (the kids weren’t due home until 11pm or so). MrBeatDown was on Burnout: Paradise, so I jumped in, and we played for a good 3 & 1/2 hours together. We had a lot of fun, and crashed a lot of cars 
This morning, I find my head heavier than it was yesterday, and I could just sleep. But I can’t. The kids are packing and cleaning up today, and we will be hanging out tonight, because tomorrow, they fly home to Arizona. That means a 5am or earlier morning for some worn-out kids. And then I’ll be without my gaming buddy / nephew, and any of his PS3 games he brought (the aforementioned Burnout: Paradise being one of them).
So Thursday looks to be an awkward day, but still, I’ll be working and likely doing something with the wife, or the entire family, that night. Friday, I think we’re going to get some alone time in, maybe at a movie (she’s wanting to see HellBoy 2) and possibly some dinner.
Saturday… that’s the day I plan to recuperate. Oh, and Sunday too
Finally, Some Game Time!
So last night, I got to spend time with Battlefield: Bad Company. As much as I get frustrated at the multi-player, it’s so interesting and really, without getting too geeky, it’s very dynamic. I like that aspect, that it’s rarely the same game twice, especially online (even if I do tend to stink for the first couple of rounds).
And if that wasn’t enough, I actually got the house to myself tonight for about 2 and half hours. So what did I do? Well, after some private time in prayer (yes, I’m one of those people), I then did what I like to do when nobody is around to tell me to turn the sound down – I put Guitar Hero 3 in the PS3 and proceeded to dim the lights and crank the volume.
Now, for those of you that haven’t played this game in a dimly lit room (the darker the better) and with the sound blaring loud, you need to take the time and do this. Trust me. It always helps me to focus on the game, and being alone, I get to rock out with all my smooth moves. It’s so much fun
After that, I just vegged on the sofa, and watched the latest episode of Burn Notice. It was actually nice getting some alone time, and I’m very thankful for it.
A Review Of My Week
It’s Friday night, and I’m ready for the weekend. I’ve been thinking about this past week, and what all has happened far.
First of, I’ve had my iPhone 3G for a full week now. It’s much better for me than my first gen was on signal reception alone (EDGE and 3Gg, both have been better than before). The new GPS and 3G features are great, and I’m using it with MobileMe. While I’ve had some issues, it’s been positive thus far. I plan on writing a more thorough review here over the next week or so.
It was also the first time I got to be part of E3. granted, everyone said this year stunk, but it was still nice to be part of it. I got to see each press conference and hear about where each console is headed, and I’m thankful to not be in the dark.
I also got to see some great games land on my radar. Games like Fat Princess, inFamous, Little Big Planet, Resistance 2, MAG, and Valkyria Chronicles. If I could just get through my current library, I’d feel less horrible for wanting new games already. At least it’s going to be a little while before they’re released.
I’ve also taken the plunge and bought into the IGN Insider subscription. It was nice to be able to watch HD footage of E3, as well as get a sweet icon. What are some other perks I should make sure I take advantage of? I’m still learning as I go.
All in all, a busy week when you add in work, as well as things to do around the house. How was your week?
Woops! I Missed A Blog & E3 – Can’t We Just Be Happy?
I can’t believe I totally spaced on posting a blog yesterday. At around 2 AM I realized I’d forgotten about it. I’ve been doing rather well posting once a weekday, with the optional weekend post thrown in there. I’m not giving up, I’m just a little disappointed in myself, that’s all.
As for E3 – can’t we just be happy? Does everyone really need to sound off on how it’s not what it once was? From blogs posts to forum posts to comments, it feels like 75% or more of everything I’ve seen regarding announcements are coming from what I would call whiny gamer brats (WGB for short).
I know some of us are depressed, upset, and potentially psychotic after the press conferences. Well, you’d think so, from the ranting gamers that declare E3 was a complete waste of their time. It sounds to me like people ought to have known it would only go downhill, since last year wasn’t so hot, either.
Personally, I’m thankful for what I’ve been able to be informed of in these past few days. There’s things that weren’t even announced in the press conferences that are starting to put people’s minds at ease. It’s not quite over yet, and the press conferences didn’t have time to reveal everything.
I’ll be going through the E3 section here at IGN over the next couple of days, and will be paying attention to the blogs, as I generally try to, and chatting with others. Conversing in a mature, non-”the sky is falling!” mentality. I just want people to realize that getting all WGB isn’t helpful to anyone. It gets people upset, and only other WGB’s like to join in.
My E3 experience was nice, as long as I avoided reading blogs about it, actively kept away from forums and just ignored chat rooms. In other words, it was great until I looked in the general meeting places. One step inside and it just made me look at how much people don’t even appreciate the landslide of information. It may not be the same event as a few years back, but it still provides updates for those curious as to what the goals of Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony are.
Dare I ask what your E3 experience was like?
E3 Key Notes: Sony Was My Favorite
Disclaimer: I’m not qualified to write about E3 in a professional, unbiased manner. I’ve never been a big Xbox fan, kinda wanted a Wii, was always a little “meh” about the Playstation 2, and owned an under-used GameCube. We bought a PS3 back in January, and since then I’ve been watching Sony more closely. Other than that, I’ve got little to no idea about everything prior our purchase, console regardless, except for the big names. Galaxy, Gears, Killzone, you name it, I’ve barely watched it, let alone been hyped about it.
So now that you know that you’re not going to get an unbiased, qualified, professional review, let’s start!
Not being an Xbox fan, I can say that I was rather bored throughout their keynote. Seriously. The speaker I felt wasn’t great, and the games they were showing off didn’t matter to me. Even the upgrades to Live, I couldn’t really care about. The bombshell about Final Fantasy 13? Yeah, didn’t see that one coming (I’m still playing through Final Fantasy 10, so it’s not like I’m the biggest fan, always liked the NES & SNES games though).
Overall, I feel that Microsoft delivered what people wanted. I find it funny that Nintendo re-iterated a famous Henry Ford quote, “If I’d asked my customers what they wanted, they’d have said a faster horse.” So instead of giving their customers just re-iterations of current franchises, they went a different route. Re-iterations aren’t necessarily bad, but okay.
Nintendo also seemed well aware that others were copying their innovations. Sony may be partially guilty, but the 360′s hands are very red at this point. The Xbox’s whole “me too” attitude was, when looking back, a little disconcerting. A Singstar-like game, an Eye-toy like game (You’re In The Movies) and Avatars (looked a lot like Mii’s). That’s fine, I’ll pass.
Now Nintendo’s keynote was good. It wasn’t great, unless you are a pure casual gamer, then it may have been wonderful. Reggie was great, as always, and being the former Nintendo fanboy, I can’t help but miss the lack of hardcore support on the system.
That being said, the new WiiMusic, WiiSports Resort, and the 1:1 motion sensing is going to sell quite well. I can’t help but feel a bit of remorse for those that bought into the Wii on the Metroid, Zelda and Mario games alone. While they are great franchises, nothing aside from “they are working on stuff” was announced. Brawl & Galaxy aside, there’s been nothing lately that I’m aware of (see disclaimer in the first paragraph) to satisfy the gamers that want to stay with the Wii but want games that aren’t being made for the system.
Sony, for me, was much more watchable. People have stated that the presenter wasn’t great, but I’ve got to say, I chuckled more as he presented than at either of the other 2 keynotes. It was also much more exciting, and you could tell that when the intro music started.
Resistance 2 looks like something I may have to get. Playing co-op with 8 of my PSN buddies is something that at least warrants a solid rental attempt. Little Big Planet, especially what was displayed for the customizations, was quite amazing. The note I wrote to myself read as follows, “Little Big Planet – wow. Customizable and awesomesauce all in one “.
Also announced was the PS3 greatest hits line. $29.99 for a copy of the following games: Resistance, MotorStorm, Warhawk, Call of Duty 3, Fight Night Round 3, Need for Speed: Carbon, Rainbow Six: Vegas, Assassin’s Creed, Elder Scrolls IV, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma. A little rich for my blood, but not much I can do at this point. At least it’s a start!
Then they started on the PSN stuff. I thought that the info for PS3 was rather short, but ah well, let’s see where they’re going. Then they announced Single Sign On for the PSN. Being able to log into your Playstation account from any computer and send messages to your friends, view stats and trophies (I would surmise), it all sounds great. Can’t wait for it.
Then the games for PSN were announced. The Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest For Booty looked pretty good. Then I found out it’s a $14.99 title. That’s sweet. Shorter than a retail game, but with focus on the goodness. I’ll check that out
They also announced Crash Commando, Fat Princess (I couldn’t help but chuckle – I’ll probably get that, although I have no idea what it’s about!), the PAIN update, Flower (no idea), and Ragdoll Kung Fu (interesting, but not my style). Definitely a bevy of options, and they look great.
Now, at this point, I will remind you again of the disclaimer in paragraph one. Why? Because this is the first real footage I’ve seen of Home, and it totally demolishes, in my opinion, Microsoft’s offering of avatars and a Live hub update. All I could think is, “This needs to be out now!“. I bet everyone has thought that before me, but it doesn’t make it any less wanted.
They also announced Movie & TV support over the PSN. Rentals as well as purchases. I know, it’s not NetFlix. Well, if you’ve seen the streamable content of Netflix, you’d know that it’s no biggie. The lack of NBC-Unversal content is upsetting (Heroes I like, PSYCH is my favorite), but with Fox Film, MGM, Lionsgate, Warner Bros, Disney, Paramount, Turner and Funimation, I think we’ll be okay. The fact that it’s coming out tonight is even cooler, and is available in HD if you prefer. You can also copy the content to your PSP – that’s pretty sweet.
Then they had SOE come out and show off DC Universe Online. While I like how it looks, I’ve got a spotty record of being pleased with SOE’s offerings. We’ll see how it progresses, but good grief, it looks like they’re covering their bases. Defintely would be interesting to fight alongside the Joker against Batman, or vice-versa.
Life With Playstation sounds great too. I believe it’s news, weather and a few other things. I had a short meeting at work at this point, so I missed some content here, but I know it’s coming out this month, for free, and I’m looking forward to it.
Content that I may have missed while in my meeting would go here.
Then they announced a PSP bundle with Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, National Treasure 2 and a few other goodies, due out this fall for $199.99. I don’t own a PSP, they look nice, and after seeing Valkyrie Chronicles, I wouldn’t mind looking into one. Especially with the connectivity support the PSP is receiving for the PS3.
The PS2 apparently is being bundled with the new Lego Batman this fall, as well as an animated DVD, for $149.99. 9 years old and still selling, that’s not a bad feat, now is it?
Then they went back to the PS3. They are upgrading the 40GB, non-backwards-compatible model to contain an 80GB hard drive, for the $399.99 price. They didn’t mention phasing out the current backwards-compatible model, but time will only tell. So we’ll have a 20GB, 60GB, 40GB, 80GB, and 80GB. No possible way to be confused now, is there?
Quick first paragraph disclaimer again, as the following are some more game overviews.
Next they showed off a few more games. First they played a montage, and I must say, the new Prince Of Persia looks SWEET!. Then they got into inFamous. Now that looks like my type of game. Seriously. That was never on my radar before (see disclaimer), and now it’s pretty much front and center. My thoughts were, “Infamous… wow… that looks like my type of game… wow. Simply… wow.” I’ll be buying that for sure (well, as long as the reviews are non-horrific). It’s due out in Spring 2009.
They had a trailer for God Of War 3. While I haven’t played any of them (apparently, you haven’t read the first paragraph disclaimer if this surprises you), I understand people’s enthusiasm. I hope it’s good, and I hope you like it. 
The final announcement was something new. Something unheard of, and apparently, “only achievable on the PS3″. That would be MAG. 256 players structured into 8 player squads, on 2 different sides. Character advancement (MMO? CoD4 style?) and automatic squad leader assignment. I know that what they showed was CG, but it doesn’t take away from how awesome it looks.
Overall, an interesting E3. My first one I really watched (was always a PC gamer before), and though I know lots of people are calling it a dud, I found that if I ignored the chat rooms, the experience was much more pleasurable (seriously, there’s some real idgets in this world that like to do nothing but complain.)
I also got to watch it in HD (today) as I signed up for the IGN Insider year subscription. The video was streaming great in HD, and I had few, if any, video hiccups. I also picked one of my favorite, long forgotten characters I always liked as my icon. Edge from Final Fantasy 2.
IGN Insider – Is It Worth It?
IGN has a special running for their Insider subscription. Right now, it’s 25% off ($14.95 instead of $19.95 for a year), and I’m tempted, but I’m not sold on it. Not yet, anyways.
So far, all I really use IGN for is to check out the latest reviews and system news, watch the video reviews, and blog. I don’t use the boards, and E3 streaming, while it’s nice, isn’t something I can’t live without.
For those that are Insiders, do you think it’s worth it? Why?
For those of you that aren’t, what’s holding you back?
And for those of you that were once, and are no more, what made you cancel it?
Weekend Edition: PS3 Greatest Hits
So, Kotaku got a hold of a K-Mart scan with 3 titles displayed in the Greatest Hits line for the PS3. PS3Fanboy.com even confirmed that Circuit City will have the same 3 games “on sale” for the week of the 27th at $29.99 a piece. To me, $29.99 is a little high, but we’ll see what E3 brings. For this post, we’ll use $29.99 as the tentative price.
Now, we know that Warhawk (Release Date: August 28, 2007), Resistance (Release Date: November 13, 2006), and MotorStorm (Release Date: March 6, 2007) will be budget titles. That’s great for the people just now getting into the PS3, and I think it will only help down the road, especially as more games are added to the list.
Personally, I’m hoping that the scan shown in the article is only a partial list. There are some games that really should be coming down in price, that haven’t. Even if perhaps a price-drop isn’t into the greatest hits category, some need price-drops regardless.
Games like:
1. Heavenly Sword – Release Date: September 12, 2007 – Released barely 2 weeks after Warhawk, so maybe too new, but still. Used is crazy at $40 or higher (not counting GameStop’s discount this week).
2. Ratchet & Clank Future – Release Date: October 23, 2007 – I think this will definitely be coming down soon. I’d be much more apt to pick it up for a lower price.
3. Folklore – Release Date: October 9, 2007 – Still maybe too early here, but at least drop the price abit? A lower price and for me, I’d definitely be much more tempted to buy into it, as it’s not so bad a game, just didn’t care for the demo.
4. Ninja Gaiden: Sigma – Release Date: July 3, 2007 – This should be a Greatest Hits. At $30, it’d only be a $10 price drop. I’m sure that wouldn’t hurt sales, being the amazing game that it is
5. Call Of Duty 4 – Release Date: November 5, 2007 – If this requires explanation, you seriously need to catch up on your gaming. 
Discount this and sales would definitely increase.
Other games just need a bit of notoriety (I haven’t played all of these games, just from scores and release dates and names I’ve had dropped in conversations):
1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Release Date: March 19, 2007 – Do I need to explain this one? From everyone that’s gotten into it, this should be a Greatest Hit.
2. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas – Release Date: June 26, 2007 – I hear this is a stellar game, why not use that to your advantage?
3. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune – Release Date: November 20, 2007 – Didn’t much care for this one personally, but I think it would be a prime example of a Greatest Hit. Everybody but myself seemed to enjoy it immeasurably.
I may have missed a few (I tried to be thorough), so if there are any you’d like to see, let me know. Not like I can do anything about it, but it makes good conversation
The Week Is Over: iPhone 3G and Wanted
So a couple things:
The new iPhone 3G is very nice. I’ve spent a decent amount of time with it (not as much as I waited in line though – 5 hours), but I’ll give a full run-down on Mon or Tues (or maybe this weekend).
Also, we finally went to see Wanted tonight.
Great movie, lots of good action. Lot’s of language though. That’s one of the few things I’ve come to dislike, and this is the second movie in a long time that I’ve enjoyed regardless (the other was Domino), but I probably won’t watch it again. A great thrill ride, though
Early Night Tonight – iPhone 3G Tomorrow
So tonight, I’m heading to bed early.
We went out to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings (we were too tired to go see Wanted tonight 
), and tomorrow, I’m going to try to snag an iPhone 3G before work. (yes, they already know I’ll be a little late)
I’ve been waiting for a long time for an iPhone with better reception, and 3G is a great feature, and for me, the selling point was: GPS.
I’ll have it tomorrow and I should be back to blogging about gaming next week
