Hey everyone. It's everyone's favorite lunatic, Death Seraph!

While being bored out of my mind at work, I decided to myself that I would make a blog! Yay!

This blog is meant to give a bit of perspective on the gaming world, by offering a weekly article of news of my choice. This article will be complete with: In-depth analysis, differentials, personal opinions and I'll even let you readers comment.

Also, included will be a Weekly Rant on a completely unrelated topic of my choice (that still has something to do with video games)

This blog will be updated Mondays, after work (Around 10:30)

This week, I though I'd start out with some news from the world of Wii.

February 27, 2008

Resident Evil Zero Port Announced?

That's right, Capcom is delivering yet another port of a Resident Evil game to Nintendo's flagship console (only this time, it's from one flagship to another). This time, it's the prequel to the original, Resident Evil 0. Apparently, this port will be incredibly true to the original, with very little content to be added (much like the RE2 and RE3 ports on the Gamecube).

Sounds pretty awesome to me, but I'm a little confused. Lets take a look back. Resident Evil 4? It's dynamic aiming system and third-person gameplay made it the perfect candidate for the Wii. Umbrella Chronicles? Well, that game was MADE for the Wii. Resident Evil 0? Well, I'm not so sure. The game in question is a lot more true to the original survival horror style. Capcom wasn't willing to release much information on the controls, there is much speculation. The most interesting of which being that, like in RE4, you'll be able to make use of the Classic Controller, making for more of a traditional feel.

All I can say is, despite the many puzzling faces I made while reading about the port, I would still buy it. Why? Because my copy's second disk is messed up (I'm looking at you, Scizzo...) Also, it figures that as soon as I start playing the game, they announce a Wii port -_-

Anyway, this may open the door to more RE ports in the Wii's future, and possibly other series (Devil May Cry, anyone?)

This port is slated for a fall launch in Japan.

Weekly Rant: Preset Messages: They're here, they're queer, and they're forcibly penetrating your online console gaming experience

That's right, preset messages are invading your home. You may not have seen them yet, but they exist in some major third party online games, and apparently, they're moving to First Party games.

For those who don't know, preset messages are a form of online chat where the only way you can communicate is with messages that are created for you. Phrases like "Hello!" and "How Are You?" and even "Gold pl0x"

ESRB is calling this method of chatting a "safe way for families to have fun online"

All I can say is, WUT DUH FUK! Hell, I'll risk getting raped by a 62 year old Bald guy with one leg for the chance to say "Y'all have been PWN3D by DEATH SERAPH! N00B5!"

Long story short, I'm pretty pissed.


Anyway, that's it for the first week, please post any comments/suggestions. I SWEAR that I will take an ounce of interest in your opinions.

Anyway,
Hobey-Ho, my dogs are killing me

Death Seraph

March 5, 2008

Well, this week I decided to, instead of give one piece of news, to instead create small pieces of news keyed towards our official magazine (it has a lot to do with the cover story)

Also, I'm sorry PS3 owners, but I don't have news for you, seeing as how I DON'T OWN ONE YET!

So, here we go.

Mario Kart Wii: a Few Pieces of Info

There hasn't been too much news about Mario Kart Wii lately, so it's a good thing that we now have a cover story for United Gamers (two days before it's release, yay!)

Steering Wheel Performance

To answer your question, YES the steering wheel performs well, YES it does take some getting used to and NO it does not take away from the experience... apparently.

You may need a lap or two to get the feel, but all-in-all it's very similar to Mario Kart GT (for those who've played) minus the pull back that causes head injuries.

However, hardcore gamerz will probably keep to the GameCube controller, and so will competitions. Personally, I'll be using tilt-control.

Starting the Game

Starting the game, you attach a Mii to your file, and make your way through the un-complicated menu interface and select either single player mode, multiplayer, single or two player Wi-Fi Connection online play, or the Mario Kart Channel (which places the channel on your Wii home)

Unfortunately, anyone with the early version couldn't play any online or utilize the Mario Kart Channel.

Content

Similar to previous installments, this version of Mario Kart boasts quite a few courses and characters, both old and new. (Baby Peach IS a character. Go figure)

Each character has three carts and three bikes (Yup, there are motorcycles in this version). There aren't many cups as of yet, but we do see the return of the all-mighty Mushroom and Flower Cups, which have brand-new courses, including Moo Moo Meadows (a new take on Moo Moo farm), Mushroom Gorge, and Toad's Factory, Mario Circuit, Coconut Mall, DK Summit, and Wario's Gold Mine.

The other 2 cups available in the pre-release version are composed of all retro courses, taking the best of the best from all the Mario Karts so far.

Playing the Game

This installment in the Mario Kart series plays more like the DS and N64 versions than the GC version, in the sense that it is a bit slower, with more open tracks (cause there're 12 racers at a time, now)

Also, there is no more snaking. I have sadness...

Although the game plays a bit slower then normal, when you play of a motorbike you can feel a bit more speed, with sharper turning and a lot of drifting needed.

And finally, there is the trick system, new to the Mario Kar series. With no more snaking (due to everyone, like me, abusing it) pros are going to use this system as a means of getting that extra boost. With tricks, you can make a small Wii-mote motion while in the air and you'll get a speed boost equivellent to a level 1 power slide. Better learn how to make good use of this if you wanna be pro.

On another note, you shoud know that Multplayer plays exactly like the previous games (besides the DS one). You get GP, Battle, Vs. and you can play against the UI or by yourselves.

My thoughts

From personal experience, I can safely say that I will definately pick up this title, as Mario Kart games have never failed to amuse. Although not as graphically powerful as Mario Galaxy, the new/classic gameplay should be enough to allure anyone into playing this game.

By the way, my rant will be coming tomorrow. I'm tired.

March 12, 2008

Well, so far March has thrown some pretty amazing games my way, and it's only gonna get harder to handle. It's been hard to keep up with the news. Luckily, I'm still here for you...

I think...

Well, this week (because I skimped last week ) I'm going to post two seperate blog entries, because I can.

First up is some news that probably only concerns me.

BioShock 2 Announced

Yup, they've announced a second BioShock for the PC and 360 (again). There isn't too much information right now, seeing as how it was just announced (I'm too lazy to post any huge news right now), but I'll post what I know.

First off, to no one's surprise, Irrational Games (2K Boston now) will not be developing this sequel. Development will instead be taken over by 2K Marin. However, it's not like the game will be completely different, because the original creator of the game's general idea, Ken Levine, is leading the sequel's team.

Personally, this is great news. I own the original BioShock for the PC (not sure who else here owns it) and I love the fact that it's different from the other shooters that blend together into a vegetable smoothie with big ol' chunks that are hard to keep down...

However, in the "not-so-great news" category, the game won't be eleased until Q4 2009. Hooray for waiting.

And now another piece of news aimed directly at you, Scizzo.

Level-5 Interested in the Wii

Well, it looks like after Level-5 is done some of it's current projects (White White Knight Chronicles, Dragon Quest IX) they're setting their sights for the Wii, creating some self-published titles for the system. This is definately good news for fans of the company, like myself and Scizzo. However, it is not known when they'll start developing their first Wii game.

Weekly Rant: I get it, Microsoft! You have a lot of money!

You ever notice how in a commercial for a multi-platform game that is for the 360, the only logo that appears at the end of the commercial is the 360 logo? I mean, come on. It's not a big deal. In fact, it's a very small deal. That's why it bugs me. Microsoft must have had to pay a lot in sponserships just so only THEIR logo shows at the end of the commercial... >_>

Kinda messed up, no?

It's not that I think Bill Gates is the "freakin' devil" or anything. It just really bugs me.

Well, that's it for today people. I'll be posting another blog entry on this coming Friday, to commemorate the beginning of Spring Break.

Hobey-Ho, my dogs are killing me.

~Death Seraph.

March 14, 2008

Well, as promised, here I am. After having my eyes glued to the computer screen all day (except when I nodded in and out of sleep) playing the Sims, I finally worked up the willpower to avert my eyes. Now my head hurts. However, I did find a juicy piece of GTA gossip that fans will want to hear.

Don't get your hopes up, though. Gossip cant be trusted, even when it's relayed through me

Rumour: GTA Multiplayer

No, the rumour isn't that it'll have multiplayer. That'd be stupid. Rather, the rumour is about the various online/multiplayer modes that will be available in the upcoming GTA IV.

First, of course, comes the online mode. Although all multiplayer modes will allegedly be available online and offline, there are supposed to be certain aspects to the online mode that differ from offline. Such as: 16 players on a map with player customized characters, with options like race, sex, hair and clohing.

There are also apparently going to be 15 seperate modes, all of which I will list here. For more info, head to http://www.gta4.net/news/index.php

Hangmans NOOSE
Car Jack City
Bomb da Base
Bomb da Base II
Mafia Work
Team Mafia Work
Deathmatch
Team Deathmatch
Turf War
Cops N Crooks
Race
GTA Race
Deal Breaker
Free Mode
Car Jack City

Valkyrie Profile Coming to the DS

Good news for DS owners who want to play a good RPG, the next entry in the Squeenix RPG series Valkyrie Profile will be coming to the DS. Whether it is exclusive or not is unknown.

Like the past games in the series, this game will be Developed by tri-ace (not well-known, except by people who have played their games. Namely, me) and published by Squeenix.

The past two games were released on PS2 and PSP, during a time in which I had neither, so this is definately good news for me. Whether anyone else cares... well... I don't care...

Anyway, I'd like to close by saying that I'm a man who stands by what he's done. Which means that, because it's called the WEEKLY rant, I won't be doing one tonight.

If you need a shoulder to cry on, I hear Binky Boy is free tomorrow.

Anyway, Hobey-Ho.

Has it really almost been a month?

What... it's almost been TWO months? Oh... oh crap...

May 7, 2008: The re-imagining of the re-master of the rejuvination of the original blog by Death Seraph!

Iiiiii'm baaack!

And with 2months x more ferocity.

And a new game plan.

See, I'm taking a new approach to this thing. Seeing as how I'm not the fountain of information I once was, and am much more opinionated then I once was, I've decided that this blog will no longer be used to convey news, but rather news, reviews, previews, thoughts, ideas and much more, mostly related to video games and (hopefully) mostly sane.

But really, who counting on that?

I'll still (once again?) update wednesdays. Only, I'll update next Saturday with an actual tidbit of my experiences with the Wii's new Channel and service. Why? Because I'm still lazy.

Now you have something to look forward to!

May 18, 2008: After a hard days' work...

Yeah, I was working most of this weekend, and also before it... and after it...

But I'm back now, and I've returned home to an uncontrollable desire. A desire to play a game that cost me $15. If you haven't guessed (and who would?) I'm talking about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King.

WiiWare is a new(ish) service that nobody was surprised to see on Monday. It's also a service that has surpassed my expectations. And yet, I can't help but feel disappointed with the service.

Well, who can blame me? Everything has it's pros and cons, 'cause, as we all know, nothing is perfect.

Pros

The games are actually pretty good.
Some big names are lending themselves to the dumbed-down list
It will allow third party developers to test Wii Hardware

There are more. but alas, I am lazy

Cons

The service will likely attract some crappy flash game ports
The service may distract some well-known developers from their games
I'm forced to use Wii Points...

Although other people's opinions may vary, my experience with FFCC has been mostly pleasant. It has many of the appeal that most mainstream games carry, and then some.

Pour example, the gameplay is simple, yet refined. It's very pick-up-and-play, yet with this games addictive nature, it isn't likely that you'll be able to play the game for less than an hour. Plus, the game is endless. You could go on forever if you wanted, what with DLC and a day-by-day system.

Don't get upset, people. I recognize that I only examined one of the higher-grade WiiWare games, it doesn't mean that it's the only good game on the service. Yesterday, I picked up another Points Card and bought a few more games (along with N64 Smash Bros.). With Okami and MKWii keeping me busy, I haven't been able to try them all, but LostWinds is a good game.

With games like SBCG4AP coming out for WiiWare, it looks like this service will run strong for quite some time.

Faram,
Death Seraph.
Bringer of Order