Issue 2 - April 4, 2009

Letter from the Editor…
Wow, so this newsletter actually made it to a 2nd issue. It’s been two weeks since the first one, that seems like a good span of time between updates. Not a whole lot going on lately in videogame land. This time of year is the ‘quiet before the storm’ that is E3 and my gut is telling me that there will be big news out of E3 this year. Particularly from Sony and Nintendo. I should also note that GDC wrapped up last week. Nothing earth-shattering came from the conference, but I don’t think we should expect big announcements from that event anyway. Oh, the PS2 dropped to $99.99. Oh boy.

Latest Happenings:
So, I have a problem. I sometimes struggle with irrational urges when it comes to gaming. For the past 4 months, something in my cranium has convinced me that I need a PSP. It’s been out since 2005, but it’s only now that I need one. Realistically, I have no business getting one. I don’t game ‘on-the-go’ and I have more than enough to keep me busy on the 360 (plus the PS3 on the way!!). Rational won over and I ordered a 4 gb Sansa Fuze (Thanks for the recommendation, Simosaurus!), since I really needed an MP3 player. I’m pleased with my decision. Just for reference, here are the games on the PSP that I wanted to play. It’s a surprisingly long list:

- Final Fantasy VII – Crisis Core
- God of War – Chains of Olympus
- Gitaroo Man Lives!
- Parappa the Rappa
- SNK Anthology
- Dracula X Chronicles
- Wipeout Pulse
- Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops
- Metal Gear Solid Digital Comic
- Star Ocean – First Departure
- Star Ocean – Second Departure
- Capcom Classis Remixed
- Final Fantasy Dissidia – Coming Summer 2009
- Kingdom Hearts – Birth By Sleep – Coming Winter 09/10 (?)

Irresponsible Reviews:
Note: These are called “irresponsible reviews” because I’m basing my review on a very short time playing the game. A responsible reviewer would play a game in it’s entirety before making a blanket statement damning it to the ether of shovelware. I’m not that guy.

• Guitar Hero: Metallica (demo)
o Playtime: 15 Minutes
o Review: Demo had 4 songs, 2 of which were from Metallica. I haven’t played GH in about a year, I thought World Tour stunk and completely lost interest in the franchise, to be honest. This game doesn’t really change the formula, but if you’re a fan of the band or a fan of good hard rock, then this is a fun game. The visuals changed only slightly in that they went with a more concert vibe than lame grammy show wannabe video shoot style of the previous GH’s. I had fun with the demo. Not sure I’d pay $60 for this, but I did have fun.
o Verdict: 7.5 out of 10 if you’re a metal fan. 5.5 if you are not.

• Kung Fu Panda
o Playtime: 2 ½ hours
o Review: Fun game! It is geared to the younger set, but it’s still a solid action beat-em-up game. Levels aren’t difficult, but you do need to pay attention if you’re out for the achievements. Overall, this is about 6 hours of no-brain gaming and easy achievements, and I love me some ‘cheese mints! Visuals and voice work is in-line with the movie, which is a good thing.
o Verdict: I got this game bundled with Lego Indy on sale at Gamestop for $12 = Great deal! Definitely worth buying, even at the $30 regular price (for both KFP and Lego Indy, which is worth $30 alone).

• Bionic Commando: Rearmed (Xbox Live Arcade)
o Playtime: 30 Minutes
o Review: This was the first XBLA release that I was really looking forward to. I loved BC on the 8 bit NES and actually beat the game on a fluke run. The end boss was Mecha Hitler (cool concept). This one is a direct remake with super-enhanced visuals. It looks great! It plays pretty good. But, it’s just not as fun as I remember it. It’s one of those things where the memory surpasses the reality and this one didn’t age great. It’s not a horrible game, but I have no desire to go back and play more.
o Verdict: For $10 or $15 on XBLA, you can get more for your money. Try the demo, you may like it. I give it a 6 out of 10.

Status Report:
Currently Playing – Star Ocean: The Last Hope on Xbox 360

Only 12 hours in and on the 3rd 'planet'. The game is fun, but I feel like it's gonna drag on. I need to grind away and get into it some more.

On the Horizon:
June = Batman: Arkham Asylum, Ghostbusters,
August = Darksiders (look this one up, fingers are crossed that it plays as good as it looks!)