The hunt for 360 almost over.

After four months since it's release, the Xbox 360 is finally becoming more available in stores. Today was the first time I'd actually saw premium 360's in any store. I wanted to buy it but I'm little short on cash, so I'll put it on lay-away. MS announced earlier this week that 360's will be stock in stores during the first week in April. The days of shortages are about over folks. MS is delivering more 360's so more folks (Me included) can finally get their hands on Elder Scrolls 4 or Call of Duty 2 (Of course, if you have a powerful PC then you don't need to worry about that.)

I didn't go 360 hunting last year. With console shortages, people getting mugged, and sky rocket eBay prices (And scams), I decided to play the waiting game. Sure, I really wanted to play Call of Duty 2, Condemned, and PGR3 but I didn't want fight against angry crowds or pay $2000.00+ for a 360. I knew the system would be more plentiful early this year so waiting seem like the best choice.

What I wonder now is are the defects finally fixed? I'd hope by now MS have fixed any bugs that plagued the console. A lot gamers say folks exaggerated about 360 issues, saying that it wasn't as big or widespread as some people made it out to be. Others though beg to differ, such as this site.

http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/Xbox-360-Game-Disc-Scratched.htm

I know the 360 haves problems. What console doesn't? But I'm certain to believe the problems have been fixed.

Lastly, I wonder has everyone pre-orders been taken care off? A lot gamers were upset that they didn't get their 360's, especially since they order in advance. I wonder will they take the chance to run to their nearest stores to get one and forgo their orders at GameStop or Ebgames?

Looks like the battle might still be on going. Time to fight for a 360. En guard!!

GamerC

New game releases cont.

Naruto: Clash of Ninja (GameCube) (All pics are courtesy from http://GamePro.com)

I have to admit that I've fallen into the Naruto crazed. The television show is really good (Although it reminds me of Dragon Ball Z. Come on! Naruto wears an orange jump suit and has funky hair just like Goku.) It's success in Japan is making a impact here in the states, with Comic books, action figures, clothing, and replicas such as Zabuza'a huge blade. With all that, it was natural for a game to come out. So here we are with Naruto: Clash of Ninja for the Nintendo GameCube. The game was made by the same people who done Bloody Roar (Another decent GC fighting game) and reeks with the anime show goodness. The graphics mimic that of the show and the characters have their own signature moves from the series (Such as Naruto's clone Jutsu above.) If you're a Naruto fan or like a easy to pick up fighting game, than this would be a good choice to invest.

Metroid Prime: Hunters (Nintendo DS)


Nintendo knows how to treat their hand held gamers. Metroid Prime: Hunters has received rave reviews from crtics and there is a good reason why. It's the excellent GC Metroid on small screen with the added online Wi-fi multiplayer. If you already like the GC version theres no reason why you won't like this. If you're a DS owner, do yourself a favor and check this game out.

Classic gaming forever!!

Nintendo's newest console has already made a great impression. The innovated controller and new wireless online plan has everyone thrilled, but its the ability to download classic Nintendo games that has everyone squealing like a school girl. Well get ready to squeal some more because Nintendo announced today that Sega Genesis and Turbo Grafx 16 (Hudson) games will also be downloadable for their virtual console series.

Wow!! Good job Nintendo for getting Sega and Hudson games part of your virtual console. News like this not only makes me excited but makes me think of the possiblity of other third party companies bringing their games to Nintendo's download service. Who here would love to see Final Fantasy 3 or Contra 3 playable on the Rev? Since Sega is allowing their Genesis games to be emulated I wonder will we see Saturn games or DreamCast games down the line too? Please Hudson, allow Turbo Duo CD games to be available so I can finally play Dracula X without paying $400 dollars for the console and game on eBay.

Nintendo, you just made classic gaming more popular. Keep up the good work.

GamerC

Enough Playstation 3's for everyone.

A lot of gamers see the PS3 delay as a bad thing but I bet they'll be happy to know they can get one during launch, without the fear of a shortage. Top Sony executive Phil Harrison stated that at least one million PS3s will be made per month and expects that rate to increase significantly in the months leading up to launch. This may be comfort for gamers who still feel the burn from the Xbox 360 launch shortage. The PS3, just like the 360, will have a simultaneous launch around the world. A shortage may occur but since the system isn't coming out till November, the chances seem quite slim.

But if the PS3 isn't on your want list, Nintendo's newest system will be out this November and there'll be plenty of Xbox 360's available. Santa better start his shopping early.

GamerC

No more Batarang?

Batman would be proud if Sony kept this Batarang/Metroid creature controller but it seems they may be doing a re-do. Phil Harrison, a top Sony executive, hinted that "the PlayStation 3 controller will be revealed at E3." What!? You mean this isn't the final design!? I like how the controller is shaped. It makes a good self defense item. Well it seems many gamers will be happy since the general reaction from most of them hated how it looked. Hmm, this might be one of those moments when change might be good.

GamerC

The Sony powerhouse.

The GDC (Game Developers Conference) has kicked off and Sony has shown some PS3 games in action. I must say I'm highly impress!! The games look down right beatiful!! Here is a screen shot of Warhawk running on the PS3 hardware.

If that doesn't make you crap in your pants than maybe this pic will.

Games for the PS3 seem to be on the right track graphically but I must admit, the Xbox 360 can put out the same visuals or close to it. Time will tell which console will be more powerful but if these are actual PS3 game footage (Which I think they are) then the PS3 will probably be a pretty penny just for high quality graphics.

Ehh, Who cares? I'm still getting one. Can't past up Devil May Cry or Metal Gear Solid4! Check out http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/news/52823.shtml for more PS3 info.

GamerC

New game releases.

If your rich and love gaming then this may be an excellent time for you. A lot of games have been released this month and most of them look very good. There are a few that have caught my intrest and may be worth spending quality time on so I'll talk about those. First up..

The Godfater (Playstation 2, Xbox, PC.)

I have a confession to make, I haven't seen any of the Godfather movies yet. My friends are huge fans of the movie and like discussing about it sometimes. I'm usually in the blank because I only know limited to nothing about the films. Thats why I'm anxious to get my hands EA's Godfather game. From what I've seen and read on the net, the game seems to be a mixture of Grand Theft Auto and Mafia all blended together with the Godfather's storyline. It looks impressive and EA has done well on some license games (OO7, Lord of the Rings) and awful on others (Catwomen, Marvel Imperfects.) Purist fans of the movie and GTA fantatics (The ones who love that game more than any other game.) may be turned off but I think most action/rpg gamers will give the game a shot.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Xbox 360, PC)

If your an Xbox 360 owner (Or have a powerful PC) and a fan of RPG's, then you're probably already playing this game right now. Heck, I'll be surprise if anyone is taking time off this game to post because the general reaction from everyone is: It's highly addictive!! One of the most anticipated games of this year (And last year too) The Elder Scrolls IV has finally hit the market and gamers couldn't be happier. Just looking at screen shots of this game can make anyone jump for joy. The lush graphics, the wide open ended world, and improved combat system makes this game a hot buy. Seriously, if your an RPG fan, You gotta give this game a play.

Metal Gear Acid 2 (Sony PSP)

When I first heard of a Metal Gear Solid game appearing for the PSP, I was exicted like a fat kid in a candy store. When I heard (And saw) that the game was going to be a card based RPG, I was intrigued but wasn't impress with the final product. The game played way to slow and was a bit confusing. Now the sequel is out and although it looks and plays like the same game (Except now it has cel shaded graphics) some improvements have been made. Combat is faster and less confusing, which is a major plus. Also, its a Metal Gear game and no matter how tongue twisting the story may be (Or weird) its at least worth a rental.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (Playstation 2)

You had to been on crack if you didn't check out Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Easly one of the best PS2 action games, MGS3 returns to the PS2 with subsistence, a expansion to an already fabulous game. This version has improved gameplay, an all new online mode, more snake vs the monkey (a cult classic) and the best of all features-Full playable versions of both 8-bit Metal Gear games. Those two alone are worth the $29.95 price tag and believe me, if Metal Gear Solid 2 ridiculous storyline and metro sexual characters turned you away then this is the spark to bring you back.

Ahh!! It doesn't play!!!

I was treated to a surprise this weekend after installing No One Lives Forever 2 on my PC. I was about to play the game until I get this message saying....

Error: "Error initializing the renderer. In order to play No One Lives Forever 2 you must have DirectX 8.1 installed and a video card that supports hardware TnL."

I knew what DirectX 8.1 was and downloaded the latest version but I had no idea what TnL meant? (Forgive me for I'm a PC gamer newbie.) My sister (A computer expert in my eyes) went to Intel's website and found out that....

"The game requires a graphics adapter with hardware T&L (Transform and Lighting) support to run. Intel® graphics controllers do not support hardware T&L"

After reading that I ask myself "whats my solution ?" Intel's response....

"This game requires features that are not currently implemented by the referenced graphics hardware. To determine which graphics features are implemented on a particular graphics platform, refer to the product datasheet on http://developer.intel.com/products/chipsets."

So in other words I'm SOL. Well, looks like I'm going to have to buy a new graphics card. I was going to do so eventually but not so darn soon. I really want to play this game but I don't feel like putting down $125+ plus for new graphics card, especially since I'm hunting for a Xbox 360.



Well, on a lighter note, according to the Intel site I can play Call of Duty and and Medal of Honor: Allied Assault without any troubles. Thats a plus in my book.

I'm going to keep the game because I'm going to buy a new graphics card one day. That and I only paid $4.00 bucks for the game so selling it back would be pointless in my book. Ahh, the joys of PC gaming. Let this be lesson learned.

Game movie+Horror movie=Stay Alive

I've been seeing a lot previews of this movie lately and everytime I see it I think-This movie looks bad but I wouldn't mind seeing it because I'm a gamer and well, it's a horror movie about gamers (A first for game movies.) The general rule for game movies is they usually suck. This movie seems to be following the same path but making a horror game flick sounds intriguing and might be worth seeing just for that. Also, Frankie Muniz (Malcom in the Middle) and comdian Adam Goldberg (Comedy Central Friday Night Stand-up) are in the movie and seeing one of them meet their demise might be worth it too. Stay Alive opens this Friday.

GamerC

Why locking doors is good for *privacy*

Some activities are best done alone or in locked doors late at night. You'll never know when your friends quietly sneak into your room while your busy "pleasuring" yourself to some WOW.



As seen on Break.com

Things that can make people ANGRY!!!

Actually, seeing that girl in that shirt makes me happy but I would be ticked if I got the blue screen. I can't believe that when writing a new post I get the "An error has occur, blah blah blah, Internet Explorer is shutting down" message. I got that stupid message twice when I was writing a blog and it made it flipping mad when the page had to close because I didn't save my post yet. Arghhh!! I had a really good topic I wanted to discuss about but now it's gone and I have to write the whole thing again!! I was really mad for a couple of minutes, saying a couple of swear words in my head, but I'm fine now because I don't mind typing all of it back again. Beats chucking my key board at the monitor.

Hmm, I just thought of a good discussion just now. Anger is an issue for a lot people, especially for some gamers. When I was younger, I used to get angry at some games, mainly fighting games. Now, I wasn't one of those people that threw his controller at the wall (Controllers are expensive!!) but I would throw a fit or would be in a bad mood for hours. Now that I'm older, games don't make me angry. Now dont' get me wrong, some games can still upset me but I don't let games cause me to unleash a fury of anger. I've played my fair share of tough games, from Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox, Devil May Cry 3 on the Playstation 2, and Mario Sunshine on the GameCube so I now those games can make anyone mad but anger won't make you play the game better. Actually, your anger will make you play the game worse because your to pissed off at Johnny Cage owning you in Mortal Kombat 2 that you don't see the pattern to beat him (Even if it is super cheesy.) Don't fret and try not chucking the controller out the window because you don't won't to lose control of temper and pay $29.95 for a new WaveBird. Stay calm and focus because that'll help you eventually meet your goal.

GamerC

GamerC collection part 1: Action figures for life.

Before I say anything, please check out this classic inside GamePro article http://www.gamepro.com/hub/insidegp/games/insidegp/15324.shtml where Dr. Zombie shows off his fantastic action figure collection. Once you see that, then check out http://www.bloggathehutt.com/gallery.cfm?gallery_id=1783 for another fantastic collection of toys.

Here are some pics of some of my action figures and toys. Yes, I know there not as grand or large like Dr Z but it's getting there. It's actually because of that article and seeing his collection that has rekindle my affection for toys.

But whoa now, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me explain how my liken for toys began. My mother use to buy toys for me to have something to play with. My mom is one of those people that believes that children (and adults.) should have something fun to do to keep their minds occupied and won't be bored (thank-you mother. You're always the best!!) She used to buy me Spider-Man, Batman, Super-Man, Power Rangers, Iron-Man and a bunch others that had my intrest. I used to play with my toys all the time, making up my own toy games and toy movies (some which I still have recorded :) I still have my old figures but some of them have been broken, worn, missing paint and other signs of play. There fine in my personal opinion but I kinda regret selling some of them off because at one point in my life, I stop collecting action figures.

I don't know what happen to compel me to stop collecting. I think I stop at one point because I started focusing on my game collection and a lot figures came out that didn't intrest me into buying them. Looking back on that moment there were a lot figures I wanted then that are not availble at the stores now. My collection wasn't growing anymore until I read the Dr.Zombie article about having a hobby an loving it. Seeing his collection of figures rekindle my toy affection. Seriously Dr.Z, if your're reading this, thanks for the extra spark I needed. What was I thinking, I LOVE TOYS AND I'M SO THRILLED TO KNOW MY COLLECTION IS BACK IN ACTION!! So many toys I want that'll I need more space. The figures in these pictures are not all the ones I have but all the ones I can fit. I making space for my new figures such as Sota's Street Fighter figures, Marvel Legends, DC superheroes, GI Joe Sigma Six, Halo and much more. Oh, now I rambling but in conclusion, it's never too late or too early for anything in life that you have a passion for. I like collecting toys and will continue doing so for a long time coming. Sure, at one point I got tired and put my collection on hold but my passion never died out, it was just being lessen for other things in my life. But my passion has return, so I'll continue to be an avid collector of the wonderful world of toys. So, whats your collection?

Check out http://cornerstorecomics.com for all the action figure galore you need. I love this site because you can buy wholesale figures for a good price.

GamerC

Don't mess with Joe.

It seems fear is not a factor for Mr. Rogan and nor is fighting back at hate mail. Earlier last week, Joe Rogan and a college student name Kevin got into an email argument that is truly something to be read. It all seem to started when Kevin emailed Joe Rogan saying " Joe Rogan, I hate you... you're not funny..." Rogan responded back with "I love the fact that you need attention so bad that you had to email me that. That makes me feel happy :) Enjoy your depression." and there on out the insults (and profanity) kept coming and coming. Seriously, go to http://blog.myspace.com/talkingmonkey to read the whole thing and what Joe and Kevin did afterwards.


GamerC

Conan in Finland.

To all Conan fans, remember tonight is the episode where Conan O' Brian shows off his Finland trip. To anyone that hasn't watch the show lately, Conan discovered that the president of Finland, Tarja Halonen, looked very similar to him.


People from Finland started appearing to Conan's show and it wasn't long until he found out why. Because of the similarity, Conan began making fake ads and commercials supporting Tarja to be relected for president. To much surprise, news media talked about what Conan was doing and the folks of Finland began sending him letters and videos asking him to come visit their land. With some credit going to Conan, Tarja won her relection to become Finland's president for the next six years. A couple days after the election, Conan announce he was going to Finaland.




Be sure to watch the footage tonight on NBC at 12:35am/11:35pm. Don't forget to check Conan's site for pictures and a sneak peek of Conan's trip.

Buying more games and not completing the other games.

GamerC thinks he might have a problem folks. It's not a drinking problem or drug problem but more like buying-more-games-before-completing-the-other-ones-I-have problem. I've been doing for awhile now (I say about a year or two.) where I buy new games but don't finish the other games I already have in my collection. I don't know why I do it!! I know need to complete my older games before embarking onto my newer ones but I just don't do it!! I need some help......I guess.

Now, I don't buy every $50 dollar game on the market. I instead buy new games at reduce price (i.e greatest hit or player choice.) In the last couple of days I bought Crimson Skies for the Xbox for $3.99 brand new (gotta love eBay.) No One Lives Forever 2, Final Fantasy 7 and X-2, and I'm currently bidding on Baten Katios and Maximo: Ghost to Glory on eBay (once again, gotta love eBay.) I don't think I have a shopping problem but I do like to take advantage of a good deal. I mean $3.99 for Crimson Skies and NOFL 2 is something I couln't pass up especially since I wanted both games. Is it wrong buying games at good prices?

No and as a matter of fact I think gamers should take advantage of good deals when they see them. Why wait and pay $29.99 for Half-Life 2 when you found the game for $9.99 somewhere else. Yeah, you may have 10 other FPS you want to complete before buying the next one but theres nothing wrong buying one you want at a price you don't mind paying.

Huh, I feel much better getting that off my chest. Its okay buying games if I have the cash but now I just have to beat all those games I own. This sucks especially for games I haven't played in months (or years) and forgot where or what I was doing. Ahhh man. :(

GamerC