Craptastic Gaming

Patapon 2...They're baaaaaaaaaccccccckkkkk!!

2009-05-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

The reason I'm writing this post is to vent some frustration about the bosses in this game. I'm nowhere near beating this game. I think I might be almost a third of the way through. I'm to the second round with the woolly mammoth boss. The one where you get the ponchaka song. See, you need this song in the very next stage against the gate boss Bababan. My complaint with the mammoth boss is that you could be like 5 minutes into the battle and he'll cheepshot you and kill all your guys in one move. This happened to me the last round I played against him. I had him almost beat, and he cought me right after I did the rain juju and stomped on all my guys. Thus ending the round. I had been at him for almost 10 minutes. I thought that the idea of the bosses in this game was to figure out their pattern of attack. Once you figure out this pattern you would think you would be rewarded with a victory. Alas, it is not so. guess I'll just have to keep grinding away till I get past these two bosses. Pata Pata Pata On!!

Update: I finally got past the Woolly Mammoth boss and Bababan the demon gate. Pata Pata Pata Pon!

Resist This!!

2009-04-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

So I have recently gotten my hands on Resistance Retribution. Finally PSP has gotten a shooter that isn't "halfed" by some creator that is forced to make a game for the PSP. Insomniac is one of the top 2 devs for PSP. We all know Naught Dog are the gods, but insomniac isn't far behind. Okay so onto the game... So at first the shooting mechanic is a bit tricky. After going through the options and adjusting the controls the game was much more enjoyable. I played the demo, and must say that the full release is much different from the demo, and for the good. The story is much more engaging, and you see how much the weapons very. The use of the shooting mechanic is much more fleshed out as well. You also run into one of the nastiest enemies in the full release the Boilers. These buggers are relentless unless you shoot them in the head. The enemy AI can be weak and cheap at times, but for the most part I found it a good challenge.

Now, I haven't finished the game yet (kind of avoiding it cause I like this game so much), but one of my favorite things about this game is the "puzzle" element to it. Whether it's figuring out the best point of attack or the best weapon the puzzle element keeps you on your toes. This is the kind of game we've been begging for on the PSP since it came out. Go pick up this game and let Sony know what we really want on our PSP's.

Ziggy's Supper Stardust Portable...

2009-01-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

From the first clips of this game I was ready to get my hands on it and play. So after downloading SSP it was time to immerse myself in the sound and visuals of this masterpiece. The way you are going to attack this game takes a bit of time to figure out. But, once you do you might as well say goodbye to hours of your life. I believe it was 1UpYours' John Davidson that said this game was like crack. I miss the feel of arcade games. There is just an X-factor in them that brings out this nostalgic feel. The game play balance that makes it just hard enough that it makes you want to throw something, but forgiving enough that you can't help but come back for more. Housemarque could have just tried to do a straight port of this game. Instead they took the time and care to take the nature of the handheld into the equation. The controls are easy to pick up. The rounds can be quick bite size chunks, perfect for pick up and play. The graphics and music are audio visual ecstasy.

Now, I'm not all sunshine and rainbows about this game. The one big nag I have against SSP is the shooting mechanic. My hand quickly cramped up when using the Gold Melter. Maybe I just need to get more aquainted with the other weapons? The Ice Crusher is fast becoming one of my favorite weapons with trial and error.

This might be the best game created for PSP to date. The only other game that might be on this level is God of War. and the replay ability is through the roof. Sony is finally understanding how important online player rankings are. If they want to bring the arcade feel to people this is KEY. Beating your best friends high score is the best excuse for replay. And short of slapping down your quarter on a machine to play next, nothing is more at the heart of being in an arcade. With the online leader board for this game the arcade is finally in your pocket.

A new year begins...

2009-01-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

And there is much on the gaming horizon to play. I have gotten my hands on some gems already. I have played through LocoRoco2 already. Fantastic sequel, and way more difficult. I'll take a look at that in future posts. One of my ongoing addictions is Super Stardust Portable. A brilliant port to a great PSN title. That will be talked about later as well. I am currently playing Patapon 2 Don Chacka and the Resistance Retribution Demo. Patapon is as addictive as ever. I'm in the grinding phase though, so just taking my time with it. I have mixed feelings about Resistance. Not so sure I'm a fan of the controls. It's such a hard play mechanic to port to a single stick handheld. I will expound on both these games as well. All I know is that 2009 has shaped up to be an amazing year for the psp so far.

The Day the Earth Stood Still...

2008-08-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

So, I was searching for new PSOne games to play, and I came across MegaMan 8. This is one of the best things about being out of gaming for a while. I find little jewels like this game. I think the thing that struck me the most was the beautiful artwork in this game. I was astounded that it was a PSOne game to be honest. And one of the hardest elements ever introduced into a MegaMan game, the jet board. I think this is up there with MegaMan Powered Up's iceman floating platform section. Only the designers of 8 thought it would be SO FUNNY to bring back the jet board for the beginning of Wily's tower. Not only that, but make it twice as long as the first one. I will say this though, I thuroughly enjoyed this game, even though it was relentless. If you haven't picked it up, it's a must have!!

Entry #18: Rock Band Edition

2008-06-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

So I'm a bad little blogger. It's yet again been a while since I have written. Mainly because my life has been swallowed up by my job. I have found time to game some though, so I thought I would fill you in.

First off, I have recently re-acquired my NES from the parents along with my Game Boy. That's right kids a first edition Game Boy!! Both are in fine working order, and have been added to my gaming collection. I have also recently purchased a PS2. I know I know, They have been around for years. And maybe someday I will be cool and have the latest and the greatest.

The reason I am excited about the PS2, is that it allows me to play some of the current games that are out. Hence my latest purchase, and ultimate time waster ROCK BAND!!! I think every office should have Rock Band and a drum kit in the office for stress relief.

I've also picked up a few games in the past couple months. Here is my list...

1. God Of War 2
2. Lego Indiana Jones (PSP)
3. Space Invaders Extreme
4. Rock Band
5. Bleach Heat the Soul 5
6. Echocrome
7. MegaMan Powered Up
8. Puzzle Quest

Think that's it. Yeah, it might as well be the pile of shame,cause it will take me forever to get through these. So, I have been busy buying games, but playing them...., not so much. I will say that right now it looks like Rock Band isn't going to leave the PS2 anytime soon. Happy gaming!!!

Crisis Core

2008-03-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Now I am new to the Final Fantasy series as far as playing is concerned. I have read up on the history of Final Fantasy. A well crafted, elaborate, tail of pain, sorrow, triumph, victory. The latest installment of this series is Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII. I have gotten my hands on a copy of this newest game in the series. I know that VII is beloved by millions as one of the greatest RPG's ever. Now know that I am not an RPG fan by any means. to be honest they bore the tears out of me. I am an action game type of girl. And I love puzzle games with a passion. You would think that RPG would be right up my alley. They just moved terribly slow for me. This is a new take on RPG's though. An intoxicating coctail of RPG mixed with a cathartic dose of action. It's the best of both worlds. The strategy puzzle that is the RPG, moved at a tension filled pace by the action element.

Now I'm not very far into this title. What I will say is that for a handheld game it is on par with God Of War. This is a Final Fantasy title thru and thru. And not just any FF title, one with the coveted VII after it's name. The musical score is brilliant, as well as cut scenes and in game graphics. This game not only deserves the title of VII, it is the apitomy of what everyone loves about VII. Remixed brillianty, it takes itself seriously as a barer of the VII story. This a full fledged VII title. No corner cutting here.

Well that is all I have so far on this game. I'm going to go back to playing. On Wednesday when this game comes out snatch it up, cause it won't be sitting on the shelf long.

Lego Star Wars 2

2008-03-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH, what a great game. So much unlockable stuff that it's the perfect time waster. Besides the tongue in cheek humor, the gameplay was just amazingly engaging. Of course there is the ability to use the force and a lightsaber. Then there are the worlds. The fact that you can run around freely in all the worlds you saw in the movies makes this all the better. Well I could blab on about this game, but I won't. If you haven't picked it up, you need too.

Far Too Long

2008-03-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

So as you can see it has been over a month since my last post. I had not intended that to happen. Long story short life and emergencies happen. So here I am writing this on the other side of the biggest games release for the PSP since it's launch. I have plenty to comment on. I also have a few past releases that I finally got my hands on that I would like to talk about also. Until next post... Happy Gaming!

The eyes are watching me!!

2008-02-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well I finally got a hold of my Patapon demo. And it couldn't have come at a better time. I seem to have come down with a nasty little cold bug, so this has given me something to do while feeling miserable. I will say at the outset of the game you get the sense that this is a rhythm game. That quickly changes once you get to the point where you fight the first monster. Equipping and arrangement of your troops is key. It makes the difference between winning a battle and loosing it. This game is pure pixel crack. The music will sit with you for days like LocoRoco's did. And the characters are amazingly well done. And the humor in this game is by far the best I've seen in a while. Well the 27th can't come soon enough. When I can finally sink my teeth into the retail version of this game. All I can say is GO BUY IT!! It's a no-brainer.

Pata Pata Pata Pon!!!

2008-02-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

You know I couldn't go without talking about this game. One of the most hotly anticipated games by PSPers Patapon is shaping up to be a sleeper hit. I'm still waiting to get my hands on my pre-order demo so that I can get my fix. The clips I have seen of in game footage make this a no brainer buy. Touted as a rhythm game, there have been statements to the opposite. This is a highly advanced RTS per Shane Bentenhousen of 1Up.

You don't know how it feels... to be me

2008-02-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been a while. That was very unintentional. With the holidays and an impromptu move, I've just been trying to get caught back up with life. I have plenty to discuss. I will break it up over the next few posts, because they are not related to each other. Lots and lots of gaming goodness in 2008!!!

Everyday Shooter coming to PSP?

2007-12-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

So I'm a bit late in posting this, but it got me excited.

Many of you know that I would love to have everyday shooter on the PSP. Well, last week MTV's Multiplayer did an interview with Eric Lempel of Sony. And guess what was asked?

Multiplayer: The PS3 PSN titles — titles you mentioned like “flow” or “Everyday Shooter,” a game I really like — will the PSP store at all support those games being played on PSP? Or is that a whole other ball of wax.

Lempel: It’s usually a whole other ball of wax. But what a lot of those developers are asking about are ways to modify the titles, go back and do some work to get them available on the PSP. Like you said, I think “Everyday Shooter” and “Flow” would be great on the PSP. That’s something we’re looking at.

I think they're reading my blog ;-)

My PSPeed on your DS Lite! A.K.A.-Why I think flame wars are stupid.

2007-12-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

So the other day I was reading this article in Gizmodo 8 reasons the psp will never ever overtake the ds. This is a reply to an article last week on why the PSP has a good chance of being up there with the DS. As I was reading the second article I thought to myself "why do we as gamers care so much about what console is better?" Does it mean we're cool if we have the right console? It just puzzled me. Personally I like any game system that is sitting in front of me at that point in time. I think that next-gen gaming is amazing in all it's formats, and will play a game on any format it might come on. My thought is that people are using this question of which is better to answer where they should put their hard earned money. To me the better question is "what do you want to play?" Buy the system that has the games you love.

So as I said above, it's not about "My PSPeed on your DS Lite!" I don't have the time for that argument. I'm too busy playing the new Castlevania ;-)

Moral of the story: Love the one you're with!

All I want for Christmas......

2007-11-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

...Is Everyday Shooter on my PSP!!
I have been marinating on this idea since I saw Everyday Shooter on the 1UP Show. They were so addicted to this game, and not ashamed to let people know. Now, I have seen that Geometry Wars is coming out for DS also. This makes me mad. I want something other than ridiculously hard puzzle games to have that trance effect on me. Something I can just sit back and get immersed in. No platforms, no FPS, no RPG. Just good old Astroids type shooting, amazing visuals, and engulfing music.

So Sony, I'm not asking for much... Please port Everyday Shooter to my PSP!!!

The Death of a Joystick

2007-11-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

RIP

2006-2007

Sadly a few weeks back I had to put my old joystick on my PSP to rest. I had bought that nice big chunky nub so that it didn't kill my thumb on long gaming runs. Well, Said nub ended up putting too much pressure on the mechanics of the stick and it broke. It clicked something awful, and it would just stop working. I spent more time trying to get it to fall back into place, so I could use it, then actually using it.

Moral of the story: No more big nub.

Crawling my way into the future

2007-11-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend some friends came in from out of town. We decided to go bargin shopping at some obscure hole in the wall places. In the last place we ended up I had an amazing find. They had a PSone for $20. So, I am now slowly working my way up to next-gen. Now to try to find games for said PSone.

What are you playing VECTAN!!!

2007-11-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

So, as you can tell from the image above, I will be playing some Killzone this weekend, among other games. The list consists of some SOTN, of course Castlevania DXC, and maybe some Dig Dug and Contra 3. I figure I should probably get these in while there is still a bit of time left too. Well, let us know what's going to occupy your time this weekend.

Castlevainia...more like Castle-insainia!!!

2007-10-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry this review has been so long in coming. I've been able to spend some serious "review" time with Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles. I'm almost done with it, but really just want to hold off and savor it. I know I heard the crew of Retronauts talking this past week about the discussion they had with Koji Igarashi about Rondo Of Blood finally coming to North America. Iga talked about how he was pretty much
tired of hearing people begging for Rondo, so he gave it to them. Unfortunately for Iga He did too good of a job. I have a feeling they are going to want many more 3D remakes in the future.

Visually this game is beautiful. I think we all knew that when we saw footage a while back. But, Youtube clips can't do it justice. The opening scene alone was breathtaking. I couldn't believe they could do this with the PSP. Syphonfilter is known for it's cutscenes. Dracula X's opening scene makes the best of Syphonfilter look like Saturday morning cartoons.

On top of all the amazing visuals, The music is unbelievably engaging. Updated Scores that create a sonic masterpiece to go along with the visuals. I started off with just the PSP speakers, but once I plugged in my Bose headphones, there was no other way to play. I see now why people love, and claim this game as the best. I've played a few versions of Castlevania, but none is as polished as this one.

I quickly learned about the characters of this game. I started off as a loyal "Richter Only" Castlevania player. Once I got Maria, I was astounded. She makes Richter feel slow and weak. Everything about her character is tuned to shred up stages.

Now, not everything about this game is great. I worked hard to unlock Symphony of The Night. I quickly went back to the title screen so I could fire up SOTN. I was thinking that it would fill the screen when I fired it up. Sadly it did not. I hunted through some game forums to see if there was a fix. Apparently they said the unlockable games were Full screen. Meaning not Wide screen. you can adjust it to full screen though, and it is very much playable. I haven't gotten into SOTN or the Original Rondo yet. I will say though, The new Rondo is very true to level layout. And SOTN is a perfect PS1 port.

This game can not be passed up if you have a PSP. They took one of the most revered games in Castlevania lore, and gave it legendary treatment. The only thing that could have made this better, make it fit your pocket, was thrown on for good measure. Last, they said "let's make this stupid ridiculous!" and made both the original and SOTN, arguably the most beloved game in North America, portable. Koji Igarash, I don't know about anyone else, but you have left me speechless.

Moral Of The Story: Kids don't fear about putting your money down on this title. Best $30 you'll spend in October.

....And with that I'm pulling the plunger on this review.

I think things are about to change!!!

2007-10-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

+

=

So today I went to pick up my copy of Castlevania!! I can't wait to get into it, and do a review for you guys. But, back to the topic I am meaning to write about. When I went to pick up my game the salesman said that they had 10 copies preordered. And then said that they had sold 8 PSP's along with those preorders. Is this the game this system has been waiting for since launch? This game might do for North America what FFVII has done for Japan. If Sony keeps stringing games like this together the DS just might have a legit competitor for the handheld market. Sometimes I'm still puzzled how people can say there are no good games on PSP.

MGS PO
KILLZONE:LIBERATION-Up for golden joystick game of the year!!
LOCOROCO
TEKKEN
CASTLEVANIA-Possibly one of the biggest game collections to hit any console in America in ages!!
FINAL FANATASY 7 CRISIS CORE
SYPHONFILTER DARK MIRROR
SYPHONFILTER LOGANS SHADOW
DAXTER
RATCHET AND CLANK:SIZE MATTERS
LUMINES
GUNPEY

Not to mention all the different company compilations. So in parting, you might laugh at the commercials now, but I believe that the phrase "Get Your Own!" will become a stinging reminder to many in the near future.

$=Online Multiplayer

2007-10-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here is my rant for the morning. I was reading on another blog toady about the new Bomberman Land game that is coming out for the Wii and the PSP. Reading through the info about some of what each platform will offer, I see that Konami has, to their detriment, left online multiplayer out of the PSP offering.

This is from a tried and true gamer to the company that makes the games I love:

"YOU WILL MAKE OODLES OF MONEY IF YOU MAKE BOMBERMAN LAND ONLINE MULTIPLAYER ON PSP!!!"

When I heard that XLBA had bomberman online multiplayer the first thing I thought was "that would be sick on a portable!!" I have been looking at the gaming industry over the past few years and one thing that I see personally as a fairly untapped area of gaming is the arcade feel. Now XLBA hit it out of the park on their offering. THEY GET IT!!! People want that random competition between each other. It's that sense of community that is built in an arcade that people love. I think that SF2T and Bomberman on XLBA proved this beyond a shadow of a doubt. And LAN parties are a common occurrence these days. What better way to LAN than on a portable. You don't have to lug your huge box around.

SONY YOU NEED AN ONLINE ARCADE NOW!!!! You have a huge market that you could be making a killing off of with the PSP and online play.

I hate to say this, but Microsoft executed this to a T. They understood that the online arcade had never been done before. That it was all experimental at best. So they figured "something is better than nothing", and that they could always improve on it as time went on. But they just needed to get it up and running. That people are more forgiving of cutting edge tech, because they are able to do something that wasn't possible before. Once you have the customer that is used to a certain arcade interface, they are going to think long and hard before they switch to another system. So getting there first is key.

Sony you have an amazing portable. You need to leverage that. You can do things online that the DS only dreams of. I think that MGS PO+ will prove that in time.

So, the moral of the story is: ONLINE MULTIPLAYER... GOTTA HAVE IT NOW!!

In the begining.....

2007-10-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I hope by now that you have figured out by the header on this blog that it is about short game reviews. When I go to the... well you figured it out from the statement above...I will review another game. Many of the games that will currently be reviewed will be retro games. This is because I am going back through the catalog of games I saw and played as a kid. I will mix it up though, because sometimes 8 or 16 bits just doesn't cut it. Mainly I just want to share my passion of games with you. To meet people that just enjoy all the little things that make gaming so great. So please come back often.