I've always been a console gamer. I'm always been a Nintendo fangirl, even back when it was just Nintendo and Sega. Of course, that doesn't mean that I hate my PS3 and Xbox 360. I play them more than my Wii. But, I also play the hell out of my 3DS. Out of all of the consoles available now, I'm only missing the Vita.
Now that we are nearing the end of the 7th generation of consoles, speculations and rumors about the next PlayStation and Xbox are increasing. So here's a handy little list of what I think about all this:
I think we will able to play used games on the new consoles. If Microsoft and Sony ban used games, it would kill business. Yes, I know game publishers don't get more money from sales of used games, but for a gaming family like mine (with two 360s and two PS3s) this would be terrible. I'm not buying two copies of the same game.
Besides the Wii U, which is releasing later this year, I don't think we'll see a new Xbox or PlayStation until late 2013 or even 2014.
I don't think Sony or Microsoft will say anything about new consoles at E3.
I think the new Xbox and PlayStation will have disc drives. (But Microsoft, please get rid of the tray)
I like backwards capability, so does every other gamer on the planet.
These are just a few of the concerns and rumors that are floating around out there. As we get closer to the next generation, I'm sure they will get even wilder.
More on next gen consoles.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
B is for BioShock Infinite
So last year, I used B for BioShock. But, that post was really just a gushy ode to my second favorite gaming series after the Legend of Zelda. This year, BioShock Infinite will come out on October 16. I have already told my husband to keep a continuous supply of bottled water and pizza handy for me. What's so special about Inifinite? Well, I'm glad you asked....
It's number three in the BioShock series, but it takes place in 1912, a good 50 or so years before the first one.
It takes place in Colombia, which is the exact opposite of my beloved, almost scary obsession with the underwater city of Rapture. Seriously, I would live in Rapture if I could. The best/worst thing about Columbia floating in the clouds is you can totally just jump off and fall to your death, so sayth Ken Levine.
I do have some reservations about the bright, sunny new city. But the more I see, especially of the "Heavy Hitters" enemies, the more creepy and awesome it gets. Check out G4's coverage of the new enemies. My favorite one is the robotic statue of George Washington who has mini-guns. Or the Sirens or maybe the Boys of Silence....
Besides the time and place, there will be a new mode for Infinite called 1999 mode. It sounds like a love letter to us BioShock veterans who have beaten the first two on every difficulty offered. Hooray!
So yes, while I do love my Rapture, I'm super excited for Columbia. I trust Irrational to make an experience like no other. What I want is a warm, fuzzy mix of what makes BioShock great, but with new surprises and twists. I don't think I'll be disappointed. (but it would be cool if there was an old fashioned Circus of Values in an alley, just something to consider... lol)
It's number three in the BioShock series, but it takes place in 1912, a good 50 or so years before the first one.
It takes place in Colombia, which is the exact opposite of my beloved, almost scary obsession with the underwater city of Rapture. Seriously, I would live in Rapture if I could. The best/worst thing about Columbia floating in the clouds is you can totally just jump off and fall to your death, so sayth Ken Levine.
I do have some reservations about the bright, sunny new city. But the more I see, especially of the "Heavy Hitters" enemies, the more creepy and awesome it gets. Check out G4's coverage of the new enemies. My favorite one is the robotic statue of George Washington who has mini-guns. Or the Sirens or maybe the Boys of Silence....
Besides the time and place, there will be a new mode for Infinite called 1999 mode. It sounds like a love letter to us BioShock veterans who have beaten the first two on every difficulty offered. Hooray!
So yes, while I do love my Rapture, I'm super excited for Columbia. I trust Irrational to make an experience like no other. What I want is a warm, fuzzy mix of what makes BioShock great, but with new surprises and twists. I don't think I'll be disappointed. (but it would be cool if there was an old fashioned Circus of Values in an alley, just something to consider... lol)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A is for Art and Video Games
Whether or not video games are Art is a subject that's been debated to death. But, this year the "Games are Art" camp (which I am a member of) won a "victory" with the opening of the the Art of Video Games exhibit at the Smithsonian. It runs from March to the end of September. Even though I live in Florida, I am going to try my damnest to make it there.
Why do I believe games are Art? It's simple really, and a part of me doesn't understand why there's a debate at all. Art makes you think and feel. It's more than just the technical aspect of how well someone draws or paints. (or how good the graphics are for games.)
So yes, even the 8-bit games of the NES make me feel something, whether it be excitement, frustration, or joy. These days the graphics are way better, but I still get those same feelings when a game moves me. The stories are deeper now, as well. Granted, there's always room for storytelling improvement (mostly in the plot-holes category), but there are many times while playing that I have felt a connection with a character or situation. (More on this in the coming days)
This exhibit isn't without controversy, of course, with most of it surrounding the fact that gamers picked which games would be included. Hopefully, I'll make it to DC so I can bask in all the gaming goodness for myself and see what all the fuss is about.
Why do I believe games are Art? It's simple really, and a part of me doesn't understand why there's a debate at all. Art makes you think and feel. It's more than just the technical aspect of how well someone draws or paints. (or how good the graphics are for games.)
So yes, even the 8-bit games of the NES make me feel something, whether it be excitement, frustration, or joy. These days the graphics are way better, but I still get those same feelings when a game moves me. The stories are deeper now, as well. Granted, there's always room for storytelling improvement (mostly in the plot-holes category), but there are many times while playing that I have felt a connection with a character or situation. (More on this in the coming days)
This exhibit isn't without controversy, of course, with most of it surrounding the fact that gamers picked which games would be included. Hopefully, I'll make it to DC so I can bask in all the gaming goodness for myself and see what all the fuss is about.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Yikes! the A to Z Challenge Starts in Two Days
I've been spending way more time playing video games than actually writing about them lately. (last time I blamed Skyrim, now I'm blaming Mass Effect) Not that's it's a bad thing. But all through March, I've been thinking about the A to Z challenge and how unprepared I feel.
But I know I'll finish it. I did last year. I think my biggest hurdle is going to be not repeating words from last year. Let's face it, the letter X screams "Xbox" and I will surely use every letter I can to babble happily about the Legend of Zelda. But, I also have some cool ideas. Luckily, the world of gaming is rapidly changing and many awesome (and not so awesome) things have happened in the last year.
I look forward to reading many posts during the month. It's going to be fun!
But I know I'll finish it. I did last year. I think my biggest hurdle is going to be not repeating words from last year. Let's face it, the letter X screams "Xbox" and I will surely use every letter I can to babble happily about the Legend of Zelda. But, I also have some cool ideas. Luckily, the world of gaming is rapidly changing and many awesome (and not so awesome) things have happened in the last year.
I look forward to reading many posts during the month. It's going to be fun!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Why 2012 Will Be The Year of the 3DS
When the 3DS first came out, I wanted one really, really badly. But its lack of must have games and its super high price tag forced me to wait. Sure, there's the 3D Ocarina of Time in June, but since I have OoT on my Wii, I figured I would be okay waiting. And I was.
Until I received an awesome special edition Legend of Zelda 3DS for Christmas that came with OoT. It was only then that I realized how absolutely cool this handheld is. Ocarina looks fantastic with or without 3D. Plus, it comes with the Master Quest. So now I have one and I'm so excited for what the future holds for the 3DS.
This year, we should see a windfall of games for it. I'm not just talking abut Resident Evil or Kid Icarus. RE is all ready out and Kid Icarus will be here. I mean games like a 3D Paper Mario, Animal Crossing, and Luigi's Mansion. Games that have been talked about even before the 3DS' debut. A solid line-up of great titles will help put the 3DS on the map. And that's not even mentioning the price drop and all the great game available at the eshop.
Until I received an awesome special edition Legend of Zelda 3DS for Christmas that came with OoT. It was only then that I realized how absolutely cool this handheld is. Ocarina looks fantastic with or without 3D. Plus, it comes with the Master Quest. So now I have one and I'm so excited for what the future holds for the 3DS.
This year, we should see a windfall of games for it. I'm not just talking abut Resident Evil or Kid Icarus. RE is all ready out and Kid Icarus will be here. I mean games like a 3D Paper Mario, Animal Crossing, and Luigi's Mansion. Games that have been talked about even before the 3DS' debut. A solid line-up of great titles will help put the 3DS on the map. And that's not even mentioning the price drop and all the great game available at the eshop.
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