One Of My Faves #4 Pokemon Blue

Growing up I played tons of video games, but I was never the kid on the bus playing on a handheld. I always envied those kids, playing their Tetris or Sonic the Hedgehog, but neither Gameboy or Game Gear appealed much to me. One was way too big, and the other was way too green. That all changed in 1997. There was a cool new cartoon to watch, and apparently it was based off of a game. This was the start of the phenom called Pokemon.

It was so unique, in that it appealed to everyone young and old, male or female. Whats makes it even more special is that it wasn't just a fad, and is still popular today. It is now 2014 and I still play it to this day, maybe not with the same enthusiasm as I once did, but I still find it extremely enjoyable.

There is nothing else that has had such lasting appeal. Not Digimon. Not Pogs. Not Tamagotchi. Not Yugioh. Nothing. The Pokemon craze is still alive and well, and that's awesome.

On line? What's on line?

I still remember that Christmas; my brother and I both got Gameboy Colors, and each got a Pokemon game with it. I thankfully got Blue. Its my favorite color after all. I was immediately hooked. They weren't kidding when they said "Gotta Catch'em All". Honestly, Pokemon Blue introduced me to grinding in video games, and without it I would have continued to suck at rpgs. I still remember searching Viridian Forest for what seemed like hours trying to catch a damn Pikachu. The first few times I encountered it I either killed it or scared it off, but it was all worth it when I finally caught that sucker.

Old School.

Pokemon was just super fun to play. The game is made to be addictive, and that is exactly what it is. Collecting every badge and every Pokemon became a tiny obsession of mine. Thankfully, it seemed as though everyone played a version of this game, and it made trading and collecting enjoyable. Yes, we had these dumb cables to lug around everywhere, but it really wasn't all that bad. Trading Pokemon at home, outside, and even at school. There wasn't a spot that was off limits for trading if it meant getting a rare Pokemon you needed. I'm still waiting for the day when Nintendo finally gives us a console Pokemon game, but in the meantime I keep playing on my 3DS. The Pokemon franchise opened up the world of handheld gaming to me, and I will always be grateful for that. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get back to earning my Feather badge in Pokemon Alpha Sapphire.

E3 Came Early...Zelda Wii U

Mind blown. Seriously. When was the last time Nintendo had a presence at any event in the industry besides E3 or one of their Nintendo Directs? It has been quite awhile, and its extremely refreshing to see them take an interest in something like the Game Awards. To be honest I was completely in shock when I saw Reggie and immediately began to wonder what they had up their sleeve. Nintendo, who has historically been very tight lipped about projects still in development, actually showed footage from their biggest games for 2015. Next year was was already going to be a great year for gamers in generally, but Nintendo coming out and saying both Zelda and Star Fox would be released next year was plain awesome.

Even without these two titles, the Wii U is going to have a ton of releases. Having games like Mario Maker, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Devil's Third, Splatoon, amongst many others AND having a brand new Zelda? This is almost dreamlike.

Supporting the Game Awards and showcasing upcoming games was a perfect way to end a great year for Nintendo, and will serve as a powerful way to maintain momentum until the Wii Us next big release and E3. They planted the seeds with what they showed of Zelda Wii U, and it was definitely impressive. To all those haters out there; the game is still a year away. and to critique graphics and other technical aspects of the video is beyond dumb. The purpose of the video was to show fans what they have been working on. A proof of concept to tease fans ,and a way to raise anticipation for the title. The game is still unfinished, but it is still beautiful. I for one cant wait for the finished product.

Zelda Wii U is coming, and the best part of it is it wont be arriving alone. Nintendo is finally making it about the games, and is putting their money where their mouth is. Sony and Microsoft....your turn.

If you haven't seen the footage yet for the game shown at the GA's, check it out below.

Wii U Finally Ready To Play: Part 2

One of the major concerns the Wii U has had since its launch has been third party support. This problem is even more apparent this year with the Wii U not getting ports of the some of the larger releases such as Call of Duty, Madden, NBA2K, and WWE2K). Its odd for these yearly releases to not have a port developed for Nintendo's console especially when there has been in year's past. Games such as Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and Assassin's Creed Rogue are two examples of games that are fully capable of being developed and run on the Wii U, but for one reason or another were not. This has been crippling for the Wii U. If Microsoft or Sony were ever  in this situation ( or anyone else for that matter) it would be time to count them out, but if there is one thing that separates the Big N from its other two competitors, its their ability to develop their own software. I think  the media as well as some consumer have forgotten about this, which has resulted in a very slow start for the Wii U this console generation.

Lets get ready to SMASH!

With the release of games like Mario Kart 8, which was the first true title to showcase the ability and appeal of the console, the Wii U is now being taken slightly more seriously as for as games are concerned. Thankfully it doesn't stop there. Nintendo is intending on ending this year with a bang, with Hyrule Warriors, Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros. Wii U, and later this year Captain Toad's Treasure Tracker Nintendo has the best line up of exclusives this holiday season.

In terms of hardware specifications Nintendo's Wii U my be behind the pack, but as far as console exclusives go they are light years ahead. Unfortunately that was not the case when the system debuted. Honestly, if  either Mario Kart or SSB would have been ready for launch, we might have a completely didnt console race right now. This was major miscalculation on the part of Nintendo, but hindsight is 20/20.

Another weapon Nintendo has in its arsenal is its Virtual Console. Both Microsoft and Sony have their own catalog of older games, but neither comes close to the library Nintendo has at its disposal:
92 NES games, 60 SNES, 21 N64, 15 Master System, 59 Turbografx-16, 54 Neo Geo,  and 21 virtual console arcade titles. Now that is backward compatible. I would love to see a stronger push on the VC, especailly on the 3ds, because there are just so many games out there needing the VC treatment. Its something unique to Nintendo, and definitely something they need to use to their advantage,

E3 2014 was a huge step in the right direction for repairing the damage the Wii U's slow start has done to Nintendo's brand. They have shown that they have not only the games but the variety of games on the horizon. Its key for them to keep up with a strategic release schedule from now until next year's E3 to keep consumers hungry and thinking about the Wii U.  You can be sure that Microsoft and Sony will focus their press conference largely on upcoming games, so its imperative for Nintendo to have more than brief teasers ready for the expo. This means in game footage ( if not playable) for Zelda Wii U. This can and should be the game to steal the show...unless they have a secret Metroid game in development.

I just really like Mass Effect.

 The Wii U isn't the first system to have a slow start, and it wont be the last. Nintendo's own 3ds took months, a price drop, and great software for the handheld to pick up steam( and pick up steam it did!). Let us not forget the PS3's launch was nothing to write home about , but it still picked up steam after awhile. Two years is much to soon to count a new system out, and its only a matter of time before the third party companies that have turned there backs on Nintendo to eat crow. This is Nintendo's time to do what hey should have done should have done before the Wii U's launch, and that is show us why we need the Wii U. They are doing a heck of a job recently, but it has to remain consistent to get the other developers to get back on board. The Wii U will be successful with just Nintendo titles on the shelves, but it can thrive with the help of third parties.

Wii U Finally Ready To Play: Part 1

The Wii U has been out for just under two years, and to say that its time on the market has been rocky would be a dramatic under statement. At its launch the system was plagued with ports of games that had been on the market for at least a year. Games such as Darksiders 2, Mass Effect 3, and Arkham City were all great games when initially released.  Porting these games for the Wii U launch did nothing for Nintendo in terms of generating buzz for their new system.

Nintendo didnt help matters with the line up they had ready for the launch. Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros Wii U did little to showcase the systems ability or appeal. Many consumers viewed NSMBWiiU as nothing more than just a port of its Wii counterpart, and Nintendo Land as a fancy Wii Sports Resort. These games, although good on their own, should have been complemented by a big name title from Nintendo. With Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze release being pushed back, and no other big titles expected until at least a year later hurt the Wii U significantly. With out a killer app there just wasn't enough there to justify the purchase of the system. The blame doesn't fall on only Nintendo's shoulders though.

Gaming giants EA and Ubisoft have had plenty to do with the Wii U's weak start. They claim their games wont sell on the console, but that can be attributed to them sabotaging their own titles. EA released Mass Effect 3 on the Wii U with no plans of porting all the dlc over. Then they follow this up by releasing the Mass Effect Trilogy on every console excluding Wii U and include all dlc up to that point in the box. Ubisoft loves to delay games to the point that gamers either forget the game exist or buy it on other consoles( looking at you Watch Dogs). Ubisoft released Watch Dogs back in May, while Wii U owners are still waiting for the game in November. Ubisoft even had the nerve to not include all the dlc in the  Wii U. Lets not forget the game wasn't well received by the public anyway. Its sad really, I remember when the game was first announced, I was more excited about this version than the Xbox/PS counterpart. This type of self sabotage is ONE of the reasons third party titles have not sold as well on the Wii U.

If Nintendo had to rely on third party games they would be in terrible trouble, Thankfully they have the in house studios to develop amazing games on their own. This is exactly what Nintendo has done this year. Mario Kart 8 proved the Wii U has potential for amazing games, both single player and online multi-player, and also helped give the system a tremendous sales boost. Since then the console has seen sales steadily increase as fans anticipate the arrival of Super Smash Bros Wii U. The game is going to be everything Nintendo has sorely missed these past two years. With games like Hyrule Warriors and Bayonneta 2 recently released, and Captain Toads Treasure Tracker on the horizon, the Wii U is making a name for itself based on the quantity and quality of its exclusives.

Nintendo is looking to have an amazing holiday season this year on the back Super Smash Bros Wii U/3DS, and based on the games we know are coming in 2015, the trend should continue into the future.

Many people were counting the 3DS out for its bad start and look at the handheld now. Its much to early to count Nintendo out this generation. The 3rd party companies will hopefully rethink their stance on the Wii U. Even if they don't, Nintendo will still be there to develop amazing software for their console. All three of the consoles are headed into the new year with great games on the way. It just makes the wait for next year's E3 that much harder.

Here is a list of some of the announced games expected sometime in 2015.

Legend of Zelda Wii U (working title)
X (working title)
Project Cars
Devil's Third
Mario Maker
Yoshi's Wooly World
Kirby and The Rainbow Curse
Nes Remix Pack
Splatoon
Mario Party 10

My Time With Destiny So Far

September 9th has come and gone and so has he release of the super anticipated Destiny. Looking at reviews as well as just player opinions of the game, the responses are surprisingly split. The gamers that enjoy the game truly love it , and those that don't really dislike it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions its just that for a game as universally hyped as Destiny, you wouldn't expect such a divide in the community. Thankfully, I wasn't one of the people that were excited for this game. To be honest, I really didn't care about the game until I played the beta. Then I fell in love.

The brief time I had with the beta introduced to me a an amazing world crafted by the brilliance of Bungie. I'll let it be known that I hate Halo, and until I played Destiny was not a a fan of the developer. This game has definitely changed my opinion. Technically, you wont find a more polished game released so far this year. The game is gorgeous to look at and plays just as good as it looks. I haven't finished the main story yet( I'm only level 16), but what I have experienced so has been solid if not great. Gamespot recently gave the game 6/10 in their review, and I just don't understand the score. Now let me be clear, this game is far from perfect. I think for many people, they were expecting the game to be flawless. The greatest game ever developed. This it is not, but what it is is a great game, better played with others. Destiny is not built for single player play. Of course you have the option to, but its obvious Bungie intended for this game to be enjoyed with others. Its a FPS on the outside, but a MMO at its core. The game requires lots of grinding and this is easier to accomplish with other players on your fireteam.

The criticisms the game is being hit with unfortunately are justified, however these flaws in no way break or ruin the game. My main concern with the game is it repetitiveness. Anyone who has played a MMO, knows that sometimes to get certain loot or levels, some areas require multiple play throughs. This should be expected. That being said, the story mission structure does get tiresome occasionally. You fight through hordes of enemies, your sidekick( called a ghost) then unlocks a door or hacks a terminal. This normally sets off alarms and you have to hold off another horde of bad guys and then proceed to a boss. Rinse and repeat. If that was all Destiny had to offer I wouldn't be enjoying the game. There is so much more to see and do in the game besides the main story to keep you AND your friends busy for hours. There are the strike playlists to go through, the crucible( which serves as the game's player vs player portion), as well as the massive world Bungie has created for you to explore.

The games presentation is amazing and its depth staggering. I often catch myself just staring off into the distance admiring my surroundings.  Like I said the game is technically sound. The amount of hard work and polish that went into the game is obvious just by looking at it. If there is on thing I wish the developer had focused more on was the lore. The story being told is extremely vague. Its almost as if the history of the world is on a need to know basis, and my character doesn't need to know. What is my characters motivation? I'm hoping these things are expanded on before I'm done, or at least touched on in some capacity in dlc.

Destiny is definitely going to get better with time. We waited weeks just to play GTA Online, we can enjoy the content that is there until Bungie releases some expansions. My time with Destiny has been great, not without its frustrations, but great nonetheless. I think I'll cut this short and get back to my level 16 warlock. Strike playlists here I come!

Let The Games Begin!

Its almost September 9th, and unless you have been under a rock the past year or so you know exactly what is going to happen that day. The launch of Bungie's Destiny! But not only is it the release of probably the most anticipated game of the 2014, its also marks the first major release of the second half of the year. The last 8 months hasn't been the busiest as far as blockbuster games, and that is why September 9th is so important. 

Starting with Destiny gamers are about to be suffocated with the amount of awesome games there are to play across multiple platforms. Yearly favorites such as Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed both have major releases later this year, and the next gen versions of Grand Theft Auto 5 is rumored to drop on November 18th. And lets not forget the much anticipated Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS. This Fall there will definitely be a little something for everyone.

Since I'm not made of cash I will have to suffer through playing only a handful of these titles, and for the last month or so I have been making a list of "must-have" games. Below is that list...don't judge.

1. Destiny
2. Super Smash Bros
3. Grand Theft Auto V
4. Assassins Creed Unity
5. Call Of Duty Advance Warfare

Those are the five games I'm for sure going to be burning cash for. The next ten games(in no particular order) are ones I would love to play but can wait for...maybe

1. WWE 2K15 (I said don't judge)
2. NBA 2K15
3. Dragon Ball Xenoverse
4. Dragon Age: Inquisition
5. Watch Dogs Wii U
6. Ultimate NES Remix
7. Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution
8. Hyrule Warriors
9. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
10. Pokemon Alpha/Omega

Who am I kidding? I WANT THEM ALL!!!! This list could be so much longer if it included games coming out early 2015 as well. One thing is for certain, next week marks the first in a long line of r amazing games going forward with no sign of slowing down. It might be time to make a list of anticipated games for next year. This generation started out slow but it has definitely picked up some steam.

What games are you looking forward to? Sound off in the comments below.

Gaming+ Facebook Page!

Didn't know we had a Facebook page??? Now you know!!!!!!! Check there for updates and other game related things!

Gaming+ On Facebook

The Dragon Ball Z Game We Deserve?

When I first saw screen shots of Dragon Ball Xenoverse I was extremely skeptical. And why shouldn't I be? Every game with DBZ in the title has been pretty average to terrible since the release of Burst Limit.

The most recent release, Battle of Z, was plagued by horrific team AI and mediocre gameplay. Needless to say it sucked, but for some reason when I read about Xenoverse it gives me hope and fills me with excitement. An excitement I haven't felt since the original Budokai games. Probably because this game is being developed by DIMPS, who were the masterminds behind some of the best DBZ games ever made. To anyone that has been following this franchise since the beginning this is awesome news. I have no problem putting faith in the development team to put together a DBZ game where the fighting lives up to its name. They've done it before. The big question for me is whats going to be new? As with all anime/manga based games they will attempt to cram as many characters in the game as possible for fan service, but what else will DIMPS do to make this feel like a new experience? I think the answer will come in the form of the new "what if" story mode being used in Xenoverse.

What we know so far is that Trunks send your created character back in time to intervene in different parts of the DBZ timeline. This is a creative way of keeping the story line fresh and new for gamers used to the normal story telling routine. The showstopper for me though is the character creation. This isnt Ultimate Tenaichi's shallow attempt at a create a character mode. From the available screen shots of the game the creation process is surprisingly deep.

It might be hard to see from the above picture, but just on this screen you can customize your character head, body size, eye shape, pupil shape, nose, mouth and ears.

Upper Costume, Bottom Costume, Hands, Feet, Z Accessories( sword, cape?)

This game is looking great so far, unfortunately there is not a release date set for it as of yet. We do know that it will be available for Xbox 360/One and PlayStation 3/4( no mention of Wii U...). As a huge DBZ fan I'm stoked for this game, and I'm hoping that the character creator is as deep as it seems from these screenshots. With DIMPS at the helm we should be getting a game that plays as good as it looks,and if the new twist on the story mode is as exciting as it sounds we might finally get the Dragon Ball Z game we deserve.

Credit goes to SaiyanIsland for posting and translating the screenshots.

The Death and/or Rebirth Of Capcom?

I love Capcom, but the company has become a shell of its former self. Lately the only thing we can count on from Capcom is a new variation of Street Fighter 4, and while that is one of the greatest fighting games ever it is also a six year old title with at least six iterations. No amount of of additional characters sprinkled on is going to make this a new game. Besides Dead Rising 3 I cant think of another notable release from Capcom that was not a re-release or a hd remastering of an older title. They've recently announced they are remastering the GameCube version of Resident Evil, which itself is a remake of the PS1 original RE. I wouldn't normally have an issue with this, but since there is zero original content coming from Capcom at the moment, the fact that they are doing a hd port of a port is kinda annoying.

 Why not remaster Resident Evil 2 then? Its the only one of the original titles that has yet to be redone, so why not go that route? Im hoping that this maybe their way of attempting to bring the franchise back into good graces with the fan base, and maybe somewhere down the line well get an announcement for a new RE with a new direction from the previous games. The series is in desperate need of returning to its roots(before RE5), as RE6 almost killed the franchise. And speaking of killing franchises, what the heck is up with Capcom's dislike for Mega Man? Yes, they have been releasing the classic Mega Man games on Nintendo's Virtual Console with regularity, and Mega Man is one of the combatants in the new Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS, but there hasn't been a new game in the franchise since Mega Man 10 in 2010!Lets not forget all of the scrapped Mega Man projects over the last 5 years like Legends 3, or Mega Man Universe. Thank goodness for Keiji Inafune or we would never see another "Mega Man" game again. Mighty Number 9 needs to be the swift kick in Capcom's ass we all want it to be, hopefully proving to Capcom that there is still a market for these types of games, and that the fans will support them. 

One of the more interesting stories to come out from Capcom's financial woes are the rumors and talk of potential buyouts from other companies. Like Nintendo. When I had first heard about the idea, I didn't know what to think, but after a quick Google search I saw that there are a ton of places talking about this. Nothing official of course, mainly just fan discussion of the idea, but what an idea it is! Why not? If the situation over at Capcom is as dire as the media has made it out to be, then it is only a matter of time before someone made a move, and this is an opportunity Nintendo definitely would not like to let slip through its fingers.

Hey bro, lets team up!

For a company historically known for having the least in 3rd party support, what better way to fix that than to have one of the largest 3rd party companies in the world working only for you? Capcom has been digging their own grave these last few years by doing their best to destroy the image of its most popular character, Mega Man, ruining the iconic Resident Evil franchise, and beating the hell out of the dead horse that is Street Fighter 4, but we've already touched on their poor use of those properties, lets take a look at how Capcom could possibly help Nintendo as it wages war against Microsoft and Sony. 

Lets start by resuscitating the Mega Man franchise with new games on both the Wii U and 3DS.  Capcom is already re-releasing a ton of the older Mega Man games on Nintendo’s virtual console, this is the perfect time buyout or not to release Mega Man 9 and 10 as downloadable titles on both Nintendo's systems. Street Fighter 4 was released as a launch title for the 3DS, how about you take one of those 100 different versions of the game and put one on Wii U? As far as fighting games go, there isn't much of anything to compete with ( Smash Bros. isn't out yet), so why not release one for Nintendo's home console? Same thing goes for Resident Evil. The last game in the franchise to hit a console for Nintendo was Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition, which by the way was one of the better received versions.

If a buyout does happen, no matter who ends up doing it Capcom will no doubt be much better off.  But, if it does, and Nintendo comes out on top, this could be great for Wii U owners everywhere. This is, however, a rumor, and one that I'm taking with a huge pile of salt. Its just fun to think about the possibilities the idea presents. One thing is certain, Capcom needs to go back to the basics, and start releasing great games again. Find a way to reignite the spark in the Resident Evil franchise the same way RE4 did ten years ago, and find a way to make your number one blue bomber relevant again. His appearance in the upcoming Smash Bros. is a good start to introducing Mega Man to a new generation, and reminding the rest of us why he is such an iconic character in the first place.

Check It Out! :The Wolf Among Us

I've just finished my first complete play through of Telltale's
A Wolf Among Us, and I can proudly say I have been hooked since the very first episode. As a matter of fact I'm ordering the graphic novels in which the game is loosely based as I type this. The story, the characters, everything about this game oozes cool. The game mixes the fables and their characters that we grew up hearing stories about with a noire element, and the results are spectacular. There haven't been many games released this year I would so strongly recommend(with the exception of Mario Kart 8, of course), but this is definitely a game you need to play. Especially if you are a fan of Telltale's popular The Walking Dead, or any of their games for that matter. This is not a review as much as it is an urging for anyone looking for something good to play this summer to pick this up.

There are five episodes total, and the best way to purchase them is through the season pass. Check out the launch trailer below. Enjoy.

New Guy Changes Timeline In Dragon Ball Xenoverse?

Well folks its that time of year again, and for those who don't know I'm talking about the arrival of a new Dragon Ball game. This year Namco Bandai is releasing Dragon Ball Xenoverse,  the first game in the series of popular anime fighters to release on PS4 and Xbox One as well as last gen consoles. Now, in my opinion the last few games in the series haven't been the greatest, but with the return of developer Dimps( the dudes behind the original Budokai games) I'm hoping for a better outing this time.  To be honest though, I'm more intrigued by this new character. The one that looks like Gohan stole Piccolo's cape along with Trunks' jacket and then decided to dye his hair red? On second thought, that would actually be cool.I'm not sure what they have up their sleeves, but that character being anyone other then Gohan or a descendant would make him seem extremely generic.

Bad ass alternate universe Gohan, or generic warrior dude?

 From whats going around the internet the games story mode may play out in what if scenarios, where the unnamed new character will be put into Dragon Ball canon changing its original outcome. Sounds pretty awesome if you ask me, and if done right could make for some really cool battles.

We'll just have to wait to find out who this mysterious warrior is, but whatever his connection to the story is Namco Bandai is calling this game an "unpredictable Dragon Ball experience". We can only hope. With a brand new spin on Dragon Ball lore, beautiful cel shaded graphics, and Dimps on the fighting, this could be the game we were looking for when Raging Blast came out. Ultimate Tenkaichi. Or Battle of Z. Pretty much anything released post Burst Limit. Stay tuned for more info as it comes. Credit goes to SaiyanIsland for the pictures.

One Of My Faves #3 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link to the Past

What is it that makes a game great to you? The answer to this should be different for everyone, but obviously there are the simple things you read in every review. We talk about graphics and sound quality, yet there is so much more to the games we play than this. I've played hundreds of games, not all of them great, but every so often you play one that sticks with you. A game that you refuse put down, or quit thinking about. A game that you use as a measuring stick for how good other games are   (or aren't). One that changes everything. For me, that game was the Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past...

 This game was everything for me. I liked the original Legend of Zelda, but A Link to the Past was the game in the franchise that made me a die hard fan. A fan for life. The same thing that Ocarina of Time did for gamer a generation later, that is what this game did for me. This was the first game to ever have me pull an all nighter. I cant remember exactly how old I was then, six or seven? Whatever age I was I was completely captivated by this game. It had it all. Drama? Check Action? Check. Suspense? Check. I still remember the sad moment when Link's uncle gives him the sword in the first dungeon of the game before passing away shortly after. Or how about the horrible scene of Agahnim the evil Wizard sacrificing Princess Zelda by sending her to the Dark World? For a game with very little dialogue, it was still able to convey tons of emotion and character. This is one of the prime examples of why the franchise does not need Link to have a voice. Much can be said by not saying anything.

Where should I go next?

Lets not forget this game was released back in 1991, but back then this game was massive. It felt like ages going from one side of the world to the other, and I loved it. The sheer scope was breathtaking and there was nothing like it back then. It was like nothing else I had ever seen or played before. With so much to see and do, it felt like I could spend countless hour just walking around hitting random walls looking for fairy fountains. Wait... that's something I actually did.
Not only was the games world huge for its time, there was also so much to explore and do. From secret passages to hidden items, the game rewarded you for your exploration.

One thing that remains constant throughout the franchise is the art style, and when I say constant I mean constantly beautiful. Even ALTTP, for how old it is, is still a very nice looking game, and is much easier to look at then say Final Fantasy 7(which although great, has not aged well graphically). Different art styles age much better than others, and this games colorful 2d world is a perfect example of such. Going back to the point of there being so much to see and do, much of this can be credited to the game aesthetic. The Legend of Zelda series has never been a slouch in design, and this game can be given credit for bringing to life some of the series most iconic creatures and locales.  It takes more than just a pretty game to make a great game though, and this brings me to the topic of music. There is arguably no other song as iconic in the world of video games as the Legend of Zelda Overworld theme. Just that song in itself would be enough, but the game(s) has so many different memorable tunes, its hard not to appreciate them. Some melodies are softer and slower, then other are faster and more menacing each conveying different emotion for different situations throughout the game.

We have already covered the looks and sound, now on to playability and replayability. This is one of the most important features that makes this such a timeless classic. The fact that every Zelda game plays so smooth and beautifully is a credit to the pedigree of Nintendo as a developer. Just like with any Mario game, you can rest assured anything in this series wont be less than spectacular. The game is extremely easy to pick up and play, but don't let that fool you into believing the game is not challenging. The streamline control scheme in my opinion allows the gamer to focus on whats important in the game, exploration. The game is full of dungeons and forest both packed puzzles and traps. Its up to us as gamers to utilize the weapons and items we find while exploring to get past each of them.

GOAT

The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past is my ruler for measuring the greatness of any game. I know that is setting the bar high, but if you don't reach for greatness why even try? There have only been a few games that have entertained me as much or for as long as this single game has. From the moment I picked up my sword and shield and set of to save the princess and the land Hyrule, I knew I was in for an awesome ride.This game is was amazing back then and has stood the test of time, and is seen by many as one of the greatest video games ever made.

 Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that this game would change my fondness of video games into the love it is today.

Tales of Xillia 2 E3 2014 Trailer

Dragon Ball Xenoverse Trailer

Assassin's Creed Unity E3 2014 World Premiere Cinematic Trailer [SCAN]

Super Ultra Dead Rising 3' Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX + α - Launch Tr...

Wii U - Mario Maker E3 2014 Announcement Trailer

Metal Gear Solid 5 Red Band Trailer (E3 2014)

I Have Faith In Nintendo

I have faith in Nintendo.  I always have, and I always will. Contrary to popular opinion, there will always be room for Nintendo. In my eyes, Nintendo adds balance to the video game industry that is desperately needed. In an industry full of sequels and safe bets, the big N has never shied away from marching to the beat of their own drum. While Sony is pumping out PS6s, You can bet your bottom dollar Nintendo will still be innovating(successfully or not is up to debate), and this is why I love them. From analogs to motion controls they have lead the way, and have been directly influencing the industry for decades. 

My hope is the Wii U is going through a 3DS type phase, where people still aren't sure about the system, but as soon as games start coming out the console will catch fire. And why shouldn't it? Anyone who has played Mario Kart 8 will tell you that the Wii U is capable of some extremely pretty games. Don't let the haters fool you, the system is definitely next gen. The tablet controller has the ability to offer unique gaming experiences. It took some time to get used to , but I have grown to love it. Its comfortable to hold, and the games that actually utilize it are extremely fun to play. Pikmin 3 is a prime example of a game that full uses the tablet controller. The game is easy and the control scheme just makes sense. Its these types of gaming experiences that other developers need to take note of. Nintendo's pedigree when it comes to making games is second to none. And for those games that don't need the tablet controller, the Wii U's  pro controller is a great alternative for cross platform titles. And the Wii U itself, although weaker in terms of raw power compared to the competition, is still able to make beautiful games. I dare anyone to play Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze and tell me that game isn't awesome to look at. Let's not forget the Xbox 360 was well under powered compared to the PlayStation 3, and was still able to compete. Specs aren't everything. 

Look at the handheld market, the 3DS has destroyed Sony's Vita in sales and it was able to do that because of software. With the right mix of software(first and third party), I feel Nintendo can turn things around and be competitive with the PS4 and Xbox One. Neither Sony or Microsoft's new system are sporting anything AMAZING as far as software. Both systems have seen a drastic decrease in sales since launch,and just like Nintendo are waiting for E3 to get consumers excited again. This is the big N's chance to shine and showcase what their underdog system can do. I've lost all faith in third party developers on Wii U for this year,but I'm hoping that after this year third parties will stop this trend of ignoring Nintendo's console. 

They want the Wii U to sell more before investing in it, but the main reason the console is not selling is because of their refusal to develop games. Nintendo is for the most part doing what they need to do, but they can only make so many games a year. I have  faith that when the Wii U's heavy hitters get released (Mario Kart 8 is already selling extremely well) and consoles start moving, they have no choice but to start taking the time to make games for the system. Its time for the other developers to nut up or shut up. Less time on twitter tweeting crap and retracting it later, and more developing unique and memorable gaming experiences.  

With a strong line up coming throughout the rest of 2014, and a focus on the virtual consoles, this is  the perfect time to strike.This E3 Nintendo's objective needs to be to sell themselves not only to the consumer, but to the industry as well. Build it and they will come. The games are coming, now its time for the sales to follow.

E3 Expectations! Let's Get Ready!!!

We're only weeks away from E3 and I couldn't be more excited for this years expo. With so much on the line for all three companies this year, its hard to imagine anything but their best when the presentations start. The next generation of systems are already out, so I'm expecting nothing less than a full on barrage of new game announcements from the big three.

 Nintendo cant afford to not impress, especially with the way the Wii U is selling in North America. Hopefully, starting with the release of Mario Kart 8 the Wii U will see a significant boost in the amount of consoles being moved. Lets not kid ourselves though, Mario Kart is going to sell crap loads, but they cant rest on the success of that. MK should give Nintendo the momentum needed to head into E3 strong, but in order to keep that going they have to announce( and release) some good heavy hitting titles. We all know Bayonetta 2 is on its way, same with Hyrule Warriors, Watch Dogs, and Super Smash Bros Wii U. After that though, what else is there? I highly doubt Zelda is dropping this year or even early next year(though I do believe they will announce one), and what about a new Metroid? Its been awfully quiet in regards to a new Metroid game Prime or otherwise, and even if there was one in development it wouldn't be out this year. So here's hoping that we get some release info and announcements from not only Nintendo but from 3rd parties as well. We all know Nintendo is going to make great games, buts its about time the 3rd parties put their money where their mouth is and start making some games for the Wii U.

Lets not forget about the always reliable 3DS. One thing the big N always does well is the handheld, and the 3DS is still selling great, destroying all competition. I'm sure we will see some great games announced for the system this year, but one game I'm praying will be announced is Symphony of The Night 2. I know that leaked E3 list was probably just a troll( which is why its isn't mentioned above), but come on? Wouldn't you just explode if this game was announced?

Now on to Sony and Microsoft. Both of their next gen consoles had strong release dates, although they have both slowed to a crawl. Microsoft suffered from bad press and a steep price tag, while both consoles are now suffering from what I call Wii U syndrome, or more specifically no games. Besides Titanfall and Infamous there aren't many reasons to invest in these new systems, not yet anyway. This is what needs to change after E3 this year, and why I feel all three companies need to focus mainly on announcing software. 

We have the hardware, we know what it can do, now wow us with games. If this was a battle of exclusives, Nintendo has them both beat by miles. I'm hoping to see some blockbuster exclusives announced by both Microsoft and Sony in the coming weeks. I've yet to purchase either system, because there aren't any games that appeal to me that I cant get on PS3 or 360. They have already announced the new Halo Guardians, and it seems likely that we get some info on the new Gears of War game, but these are both Xbox One exclusives. There are plenty of PS4 games coming out, don't get me wrong, I'm just not sure on what exclusives they'll announce. We have all heard the rumors of a PS4 The Last of Us, but no matter how excellent that game was its still a year old. Uncharted 4 an d God of War 4 seem likely, but where on earth is The Last Gaurdian?

As for everyone else? You already know the 3rd party developers are going to be bringing their A games, considering titles like Final Fantasy 15, Kingdoms Hearts 3, Metal Gear Solid 5, Mass Effect(4?),  and Dragon Age Inquisition(just to name a few) are going to be showcased at the event. With so much on the line this years E3 is poised to be one of the best we've had in some time. As long as the focus of the event stays on games. E3 2014 will be held June 10-12, with live streaming for the event on most video game media outlets.

One Of My Faves #2 Mass Effect

Mass Effect. I'm not sure if there is any other game that has consumed so much of my time as this one game has. I mean, i have replayed this trilogy several times, and have completed the original more than I care too count. Looking back, I can clearly remember the first time i played Mass Effect. I rushed through, playing the game as though it was a pure shooter. Just judging the game by the shooting mechanics it wouldn't be very good, and that's why I wasn't impressed by it. To be honest, I had never heard of the game, and so my expectations and interest weren't very high.

 One day, i decide sit down and give it another go and immediately I noticed how cool the game actually looks. The Mass Effect trilogy is gorgeous, and one thing developer BioWare does well is create worlds and characters that look amazing.

This is our generations Star Wars. Pretty high praise right? There is just so much to see and do within Mass Effect, and even more to learn about the games universe. So many stories are hidden away in BioWare's recreation of the Milky Way galaxy. Its not just the story though that keeps me coming back for more, Mass Effect is technically a third person shooter rpg hybrid, and its amazing. The games mechanics  and rpg elements keep you from just run and gunning the entire time, which makes the experience so rewarding. Customizing your characters attack style and leveling up is addictive, as it should be in a good rpg. Are you a soldier or a biotic? Whatever you choose the play styles are vastly different and adds to the games replayablity.

 Another aspect of the game and perhaps the most important is that you create the story. To clarify, many of the games decision are based on you the player. These decisions aren't just limited to turn left or right, but are integral to the story and effect the outcome of situations through all three games. It is one of the reason the game is so immersive, because the Mass Effect universe responds to the actions you choose. For example, you can save someones life in Mass Effect 1 only to be saved by the same character later down the road in Mass Effect 3. The game is all about you,and what you want to do. 

From my fully customized Shepard to my fully upgraded SR-2 Normandy, the attention to detail throughout all three games amazes me. Every world is unique, beautiful, thriving, or abandoned. Every npc given life by the games amazing dialogue. BioWare does such a great job of storytelling and making the player feel as though they are actually in the game. This gives the galaxy life in a way I don't believe any game before ever has.

Mass Effect gives me the same feeling as a great book. Great stories keep you invested, giving you no choice but to constantly think about what happens next, and most importantly makes you care about its characters. If I were to describe Mass Effect in three words it would be captivating, immersive, and epic. This is one of my favorite games ever, and I cant wait for the new one so I can return to the Mass Effect universe.

What Happened To Metroidvania?

I'm glad that Castlevania was able to evolve and continue to do well on consoles, the same way I'm glad Metroid Prime did as well as it did. Both of those games, although very different from their predecessors,  maintained a little of what made those past games amazing, while at the same time growing to appeal to new audiences. But where on Earth has metroidvania gone? 

Dave Cox, Lords of Shadow series producer had this to say, "We needed to make a change and so we did. The Castlevania series wasn't going anywhere, sales were dwindling and it was appealing to only a very small hardcore base of fans. That's how franchises die."

Cox went even further, comparing the state of the franchise before Lords of Shadow was released to that of Capcom's Mega Man. In Mega Man's defense, the state of that series can be blamed on mismanagement by Capcom, not on the series getting stale, but lets get back on track.

Alucard about to kick ass...

...Gabriel about to kick ass..

I can understand adapting with the times, but it almost feels as though developers sometimes turn their backs on the things that made their games so memorable in the first place. The last time there was a 'traditional' Catslevania game released was back in 2008, with Order of Ecclasia. You have to go even further back to find a Metroid game not named Prime or Other M, and that was 2004's Metroid Zero( a remake of the NES original). I'm all for developers trying to preserve franchises, but when it comes at the expense of the FANS, then it becomes a problem. 

Yes, you've broadened the audience for your game, but you've also alienated a portion of your actual fan base. Fans that buy your games solely on its name. And as for your new" FANS" you've acquired, they'll drop interest in your game as soon as something new or similar comes out. What I'd like to see is a medium, where both can live and be profitable. Take Mario for instance. No matter if Mario is racing, using a water gun, or running around in a cat suit, there will always be traditional Mario games for those that want them. It doesn't have to be one or the other. 

Classic platforming at its best.

The Wave Beam.

Looks familiar.

The Nintendo 3ds offers a way to do this, by using the handheld for the more traditional 2d styled games like Metroid or Castlevania, and the relying on the console for the more action oriented 3d releases. Konami was doing this until a few years back, but Nintendo has completely forgotten classic Metroid. I applaud what they tried to do with Other M, attempting to blend 2d and 3d action, but it still isnt the same. To be honest, they actually did a pretty good job gameplay-wise, the only problem with the game being the story and character portrayal. There isn't a reason for the long drought of these types of games. Metroid Fusion is regarded by many as one of the best games in the series, and that was a released on gameboy advance.

My only wish is that the developers realize and understand that there is still a market for these types of games before it is too late. It took Square Enix three sub par Final Fantasy games and the release of the well received Bravely Default, to see that people still wanted traditional rpgs.  That isn't to say the Lords of Shadow series is sub par, but that there is room at the table for both, and that one doesn't need to be sacrificed for the other to succeed. Who knows, maybe this E3 well see teaser trailers for a sequel to Dawn of Sorrow or Metroid Fusion. A guy can dream, right?