“My Favorite Console of This Generation is…”

I have a lot of people asking me now that this generation of consoles is coming to an end, which one was my personal favorite…well okay no one really asked me that…I just figured I would tell you anyway.

I’ve been a Nintendo fan from day one…even held out on buying a Playstation one and two (when they were the cool things to have) just to support the big N and their N64 and Gamecube. Link, Mario, Samus…I loved them all…I even used to dream about being Mr. Aran (of course I would take her last name because she can kick my ass) when I grew up.

Then along came the Wii…a lot of fun at first…but shortly after my hundredth game of bowling it kind of got old and stale…like what happens to a fruitcake after Christmas. I don’t know…it may be because I’m lazy…but the whole motion control gaming thing was a novelty that way over stayed its welcome…and even in some case made a game that should be fun and relaxing a whole lot more work than necessary.

Now I’m not hating on the Wii or anything like that…it had its moments and its fair share of good games…but needless to say it wasn’t my favorite console from this generation.

Next console to be voted off of cyber island would have to be the Xbox 360. Just like with the Wii…I didn’t hate the 360 but it did leave little to be desired…at least for me anyway. Its exclusive didn’t really do anything for me…at least not their “AAA” exclusives like Halo, Fable and Gears of War…they were fun and all but just not my cup of tea.

Gears of War felt as if I was playing as the jocks that used to beat me…or um I mean the nerds up back in school. I spent more time letting the enemies kill me just so I could watch those ‘roid heads die. I know that sounds sadistic and even borderline nuts…but what can I say, I just looked at it like reverse cyber bullying with me on the giving end of a serious butt kicking.

Halo…not a bad game per se…I mean the single player campaign was decent…but the multiplayer component made me want to smash my face with a hot iron then soak it in alcohol. I know some would say just don’t play online…but then you’re missing out on all the fun…or so I thought.

When playing online I get smoked like a cigar all the time…and not because I suck…well okay it is partly because I suck but the other part is because people are bouncing around all over the place like as if they were in one of those bouncy houses at a kids birthday party.

I didn’t like those stupid things when I was a kid (because I was never invited to anyone’s party who had one…or anyone’s party who didn’t have one for that matter)…so why would I want to play in one now…especially with weapons blasting and people who are trying to kill me dead.

Then of course when I “make my team lose” I get cussed out by people who sound like they just sucked the helium out of a balloon…oh so much fun. What kind of sadist am I, to pay for people to freak out on me and tell me that I am a loser…I can get that for free just by going over to my parents’ house.

Now for Fable…well my momma used to tell me if I can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all…so onto my number one…

Which of course, due to the process of elimination is obviously OnLive…what a true diamond in the rough…what a real hidden treasure…what an honest to goodness piece of poop.  What a joke of a system that was…now I don’t know whose bright idea that was, but they should be beaten with a wiffleball bat.

My number one is the PS3 of course…my only real friend…it’s such a head ripping off shocking trash people alien shooting good time. I had a blast with the PS3…so many great memories, fun times and off the chain nerd rages. Honestly if it was possible to marry an inanimate object I would so become one with the PS3…I think she has a hot disk slot huh huh.

I loved Sony’s exclusives this generation…they were lots of fun and very entertaining…even if some of them were ideas taken from Nintendo games. They made sure to have all their bases covered; there was a little bit of everything for everyone, from action adventures to RPGs...they did their best to not leave anyone feeling neglected.

I also enjoyed the cast of characters that showed up in these games…I thought they were interesting and a blast to play…very memorable and unique in their own way. Sony’s character lineup is second only to Nintendo’s in my book…and with each passing generation they’re getting closer and closer to being my new number one.

I am also a fan of their hardware; the operating system is very easy to use and straightforward, I don’t know maybe it’s because I’m old and my senses aren’t what they used to be, but I enjoyed it. The controller is my favorite of this generation mainly because it hasn’t really changed all that much since it first came into the game…which again, is great for old timers such as myself.

Well there you go people…my number one…so what do you think?

MJM

“I’m a Cyber-Hoarder”

When it comes to games like Skyrim and Fallout, I have a problem…I’m a cyber-hoarder. Now this may not seem like a big deal to some…but I know it’s not a good thing…and to a certain extend it hinders my gameplay experience.

I find myself looting everyone and anything I can get my grubby little hands on…taking things I don’t need and most likely will never use. I take so much crap that my guy can’t even run…he’s walking along like a snail…and very well equipped snail…but nevertheless still a snail.

I’m killing everyone I come across…friend or foe it doesn’t matter…because when they’re lying on the ground dead I can loot them and that’s all that matters. Am I sick…maybe…am I crazy…most likely…but do I have a lot of fun while doing it…heck yeah I do.

I also make sure to have a dwelling in these games…and not so that I am protected from the elements and the dangerous that lurk…but so I have a place to store my stuff. I find that I spend just as much time sorting through my stuff…as I do playing the game…and that is not good.

I got chests, dressers and closets full of useless crap…some of which is really cool and probably would have been a lot of fun to use while playing…but oh well at least I had it all stored away nice and safe…all thanks to my stupid obsession.

You want to know how bad I have it…I’m even carrying and storing things I know have absolutely no use and/or value whatsoever…things like eating utensils, random clothes and even empty bottles. I even have a special place for this stuff in my dwelling...it’s like the junk drawer in the kitchen…and I’m ashamed to admit it’s full.

What am I to do…I know they have TV shows for real life hoarders…but what about us cyber-hoarders…where can we go for help!? Is there a YouTube channel, Facebook or even a MySpace that can help people like me…or am I just out of luck?

How can someone overcome this obsession…there are so many cool gadgets, gear and weapons to collect in these games and I want it all…even if I don’t use any of it. I know some would say just stop…but that is a lot easier said than done. Some may also say to not play games like Skyrim and Fallout…and my response to them would be, “yeah right”…these games freaking rock.

I guess I will just continue down the path I’m on…regardless of how destructive it is. I know I’m wasting a lot of time by playing this way…but I’m okay with that…because when all is said and done it is actually a lot of fun. Don’t ask me why…because I don’t know…it just feels right.

MJM

"Buried Treasures"

Now that the next generation of consoles is right around the corner…it’s time to make sure you played every game worth playing from this generation before moving on to the latest and greatest. There are a lot of hidden gems out there…across every platform…from arcade racers to first-person shooters (FPS) and everything in-between...and if you haven't played them shame on you.  

These games are worth playing…and at the cost…totally worth picking up. Some of these games you can get for next to nothing…which if you ask me, is a good thing…especially considering all the value you’ll receive by playing them.

Now I’m not saying these will all be “AAA” titles…with beautiful graphics and Hollywood caliber stories…but I am saying for the current price they would be an awesome gaming experience worth having and a great addition to any collection. Believe it or not...amongst all those "AAA" games out there...there are so really good games that didn't get the recognition they deserved...buried treasures if you will.

Here are some first-person shooters that are really good…and just remember that a game doesn’t have to have “Call of Duty” in the title for it to be worth playing…not hating on Call of Duty…just saying.

Singularity

Duke Nukem Forever

Syndicate

Bulletstorm

The Darkness 2

Like action-adventure games…with lots of bullets flying and sword slashing fun that delivers an adrenaline pumping good time…well then check out these titles.

Vanquish

Binary Domain

MadWorld

No More Heroes

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

Sin and Punishment: Star Successor

Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad

Looking for a little more story with your hack and slash and/or bullet popping fun…then check out these titles.

Muramasa: Demon Blade

The Saboteur

Asuras Wrath

Deadly Creatures

WET

Dark Sector

Shadows of the Damned

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Dishonored

What about arcade racers…you like them…you know the ones that aren’t trying to be all about the graphics and the cars and less about the gameplay.

Split/Second

There are even some really good superhero movie tie-in games...I know crazy right.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Captain America: Super Soldier

Now I’m sure there are more hidden gems out there…but these are only the titles I’ve played and that I feel didn’t get the love (or the sales) they deserved.

MJM

“Unfinished Business…What's Going on Here?”

I have played a lot of video games throughout the course of my life and honestly I can't recall that many games with such noticeable glitches and/or bugs as I can today…now I'm not saying there wasn't any (so put away your can of whoopass and holster those light guns)…just that they were few and far between and for the most part they didn’t hinder the overall experience.

Before the idea of having a constant internet connection came along, which allowed developers a direct link to your system; it seemed as if they kept the games on the burner until they were completely done or at least as close as possible.

Now though, it seems as if they release games before they should…with the thought they'll just patch up any issues later. This philosophy may work well for the publishers but unfortunately it leaves the games with a bad taste in their mouth.

Obviously not all games with glitches/bugs fall into this category, there are some that just slip by the quality testing peeps and unintentionally make it to the sales floor. However, there are some that seem as if they just get thrown out with the idea that they will just be fixed later at the gamers expense.

Bethesda’s games are a great example of this…I would recommend to anyone playing one of their games to save…and to save a lot…because there is nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of a game and running into one of those said glitches/bugs and having to restart everything you just did…talk about nerd rage.

There also doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency on the developers part to release the patches to fix the said issues at hand either…sometimes it takes weeks, months or even in some extreme cases years.

I don't know if they're not aware of these issues until it's pointed out…or if for our $60 we're buying a beta which we are the testers for…to make the games more enjoyable for those people who’ve decided to wait on picking it up when it’s first released and just buy it later on down the road…who knows…I guess like Guns N' Roses said, “All we need is just a little patience”.

I know with the advancement of technology and of course the margin of error for the human involvement, it's not an easy task to make a perfectly polished game. However, I don't think it's asking too much that a $60 game be playable from the moment you take the shrink wrap off either.

MJM

"Confessions of a Geek"

Ladies and gentleman…geeks and nerds of all ages…I bring you one of the hottest geek chicks on the web! So without further ado I bring you Sarah Almond from "The Sadder But Wiser Girl"!

MJM

 

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This could very well be me:  A redhead who played the flute in band from elementary school through college and beyond.  But I never went to band camp.  So I can’t have the cool catch phrase.

My band days may be long gone, but that doesn’t make things much different for me. Throw me in any social situation these days and I’m like a fish out of water, a hobbit out of the shire, or dare I say a taun taun in the desert.  I know, AWKWARD.  I live amongst the disturbingly thin and beautiful Scandinavian population in Central Iowa where I fit in sooooo well.  Good times. 

Part of my problem is my inherent inability to make this thing known as small talk.  While I can talk about the weather for a few minutes, and maybe a thing or two about my kids, the vast majority of things that fascinate other people don’t even really register on my radar. 

That’s because I speak GEEK.  Yeah, I’m one of those.  Not only am I a geek, I’m also married to one.  In addition to this, I’m raising my very own geeklings.  I’ve seen and I can totally kick your butt at Star Wars trivia.

One of my geeklings.  I think the purple nightie sets off the Iron Man mask quite well, don’t you?

Don’t get me wrong, I like some of the things that decidedly normal people like.  I like clothes.  I work out.  I love movies and music.  I like a big glass of wine on the weekends.  I like to look at Pinterest.  But despite all of these things I seriously belong to a whole other  world. 

Years ago I tried to hide my geekiness and act like normal people, but as I have gotten older and have been referred to more than once as kind of weird, I realize that it really doesn’t matter any more.

So I’m going to make it a little easier on you people.  I present to you the vastly contrasting things between what would be considered a “normal” female’s world and mine:

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I like to talk about movies.  But don’t talk to me about The Notebook or Silver Linings Playbook.   I’d rather talk about Iron Man 3.

Oh, you know a little French?  I know a little Klingon.

Golf is a four letter word in your house?   Hmmmm, Skyrim is the same thing in my house.

Do you own pets named Fluffy and Spike?  Mine are named Rogue and Neo.

What do your kids like to spend money on?  My 5 and 8 year old children pooled their Christmas money so that they could buy Skylanders for our Xbox.

So you say you can name all of the people on Real Housewives of Orange County?  I can name every major character on all five Star Trek series.  

You said you’ve read the whole 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy?  I’ve read the whole Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

You named your kids names like Emma and Brayden.  We considered names like Jadzia and Zephram.

You spent your Saturday morning getting a pedicure?  I spent mine at the comic book store.

 

 

My son loves the comic book store, and for good reason…

Your say your kids got an Xbox? I’ll see your Xbox and raise you an Atari, a 3DO, a Nintendo, a SuperNintendo, a GameCube, a Playstation 2, and a TANDY.  Yes, a Tandy.

Your favorite show is Gossip Girl?  Mine is The Big Bang Theory.

You went to see Sex and the City on opening night?  I saw Star Trek: Insurrection on opening night.  I was one of the only girls there, unless you counted the ones in the ISU Marching Band.  By the way that had to be the coolest night of my life.

How many times have you watched Bridgette Jones Diary?  I’m pretty sure I’ve seen The Empire Strikes Back at least 100 times.

You play the Sims a little?  I bet my husband’s Sims could kick your Sims asses.

What did you ask for when it was your birthday?  I asked to go see Iron Man 3 and Star Trek Into Darkness!

Sarah Almond is the mother of two geeklings and is married to a certified Evil Genius.  When she’s not losing her keys, avoiding the dishes,  or watching her husband build an Iron Man suit, she writes the blog The Sadder But Wiser Girl.  You can read all about the insanity that is her life at http://sadderbutwiser.wordpress.com

 

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So there you have it.  I’m totally okay with being a big geek.  If that scares you away, so be it.  I wouldn’t be trying too hard to talk to you anyway.

“PS Vita and a toilet”

No…this isn't a thread about how the PS Vita sucks…and how the only thing it's good for is toilet paper. I actually like the little guy, sure it's not the best thing since sliced bread, but it has its moments.

My Vita has become like my Wii…kind of just sitting around waiting for that special game to play. It's like a CoD camper, it just waits there, not moving a muscle until I walk by…then it's plow...how do you like me now.

Well this past weekend I was given Resistance: Burning Skies just because people knew how much I enjoyed the series on the PS3. At first I just put it aside not really giving it a second thought, but then for some strange reason as I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling I figured I would give it a try.

While playing the game my stomach felt as if it was bubbling over...kind of like a witches cauldron...so I had to make a mad dash to the crapper…of course with the Vita still in my hands.

As I sat there dropping off the goods…I was playing the Vita the whole time…not being aware of how much time had passed because I was so deep into my game. Once I snapped back into reality and realized I was sitting in my own funk for what must have been twenty minutes or so I was ready to move on.

I placed my Vita on the shelf and started taking care of business…all the time being careful not to hurt my Vita…like any good parent would do. I couldn’t very well try to handle business with my Vita in my hands…unless of course I was like an octopus…then I could wipe and play at the same time…now that would be freaking cool.
 
When everything was all cleaned out I attempted to stand up...but with my legs not having any feeling in them since sat so long it didn't work out as planned. I almost crashed into the shower but luckily was able to grab onto the sink and hold myself up until I regained feeling back into my legs.

So the moral of this story is, don't game on the toilet unless you have a spotter...and don't touch my Vita when you come over, unless you're wearing gloves or have some hand sanitizer available.

MJM

“The Tough Life of a Gamer”

How can someone who knows absolutely nothing about video games work in the video game section of a store?! I was at Target the other day...I saw "Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning" on sale for $20...I've always wanted to play it so I figured now would be a good time to pick it up…especially after having to format my PS3 and losing all my saved data.

Now I know these departments aren’t called the video game department, they are not exclusive to video games…they are called the electronics department…but in that case , like my mom used to say…if you don’t know what you’re talking about then shut your piehole and open your ears because you may just learn something.

I also always like to hear people’s opinions of these games…just to hear what they have to say…and who knows maybe make a new friend…oh who am I kidding, what I meant to say was make “a” friend. Yes I’m lonely…my Miis just aren’t cutting it any more…I need some real friends…I’m craving that human contact.

So I asked the clerk who was assisting me…because you know how these stores are they lock their games away behind those super impenetrable force fields…which can only be opened with the master key…and sometimes when trying to find a clerk and/or fight through the other nitwits in the store it can actually play out like a quest right out of Zelda.

I asked this guy…who was about my age and looked like one of the guys from ZZ Top if he has heard anything about the game and/or if he’s played it. At first he looked kind of puzzled…as if I just asked him the final Jeopardy question…he hesitated for a moment then finally spoke…he said, “I have not played it, but I heard it’s a lot like Mortal Kombat” which just so happened to be the next game over.

Now I never played the game myself either…but I sure as hell knew it was nothing like Mortal Kombat…I felt like slapping him upside the head like as if I was Gibbs and he was DiNozzo. I restrained myself though…mainly because I knew he would most likely kick my ass…and just shook my head and walked away. This nincompoop must have thought just because they were next to each other on the shelf that they were within the same genre…of stupid little man…he just has no freaking idea.

I went and found my girlfriend in the clothes section…and asked her to go back and pick up the game for me…because I couldn’t look at that guy again…at least not without crying. She was pissed…called me an idiot…then stormed off to get the game for me.

The moral of the story…don’t talk to strangers…especially about video games…unless you can kick some serious ass and run really fast.

MJM