Ian and I haven't been watching nearly as many scary movies as we had planned, but we did manage to watch "The Thing," "Return of the Living Dead," and "30 Days of Night." We also watched the first episode of "The Walking Dead," and goodness, what a great show! Before the beginning credits started, we were already talking about buying the series. We'll probably finish up the month with "The Shining," but since there were a handful of movies we didn't get the change to watch, we might be keeping those in the Netflix queue for a while.
I also beat Shadows of the Damned. Not really a scary game, but still, you're a demon hunter hunting demons in Hell. I had so much fun with that game. Sure, it had it's flaws, but they were few and easy to deal with. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys overtly Japanese games with a vulgar and humourous twist.
I'm currently about halfway through Alan Wake. Now there's a game that's good for the season. A writer on vacation keeps finding pages of a book he doesn't remember writing...and all of the pages seem to predict the future. His wife's kidnapped, the FBI are after him, the darkness is corrupting the people around him, and he's armed to the teeth with batteries and a flashlight. It's well written and clever with good controls, too.
In artistic news, my sister and I have started giving each other monthly assignments so's we can force ourselves to try new things, draw what we normally wouldn't, etc. She's assigned me to draw a kirin, so I'm finishing that up today.
Still working on that Miqo'te commission (almost done!), got picked up by my manager's wife to do some concept art for her (she's getting a book published!), and got asked to do a commission from a guy who works at one of the other stores in town (Juggernaut!).
No word from my uncle who asked me to do some animations for a project of his. At this point, I'm assuming he's dropping me, but doesn't know how to tell me. It would have been nice to work on it, but I understand if I'm not at the professional level he wants (that and I feel like I got dropped into the middle of something I didn't understand).
Overall, I'm perking up. I miss school something fierce, and I'm still wanting to go back, but in the meantime, I'm going to do what I can to better my art.
2011-10-31
2011-10-10
October '11.1
I'll be honest. Aside from working on some art, I've been busy playing Gears of War 3. Sure, I beat the campaign the day after it came out, but I'm going through it again, and eating up the multiplayer like it's a never-ending low-fat cake!
And since it's October, I've been on a scary movie, scary game kick. I've been trying to get further/beat Shadows of the Damned so I can get back to Alan Wake. As far as movies go, so far under the belt we have Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, Evil Dead, Let the Right One In, Poltergeist, and a few episodes of High School of the Dead.
When it comes to my art, I've been a little depressed. I hit a rough patch in a commission I've been doing for months since I haven't a lot of experience drawing backgrounds. It's got me down, but I've also realized that my progress as an artist hasn't been very forward. I haven't been getting any better this past year and I've been letting school (or lack thereof) really get to me. I have ideas, but don't draw them, and essentially I'm letting my talents waste away because I'm not motivated. My recent submission in a Deviant Art contest has me a little more encouraged, but has me realizing that I'm not getting any better at what I do.
So, I bought a new Photoshop magazine! I'm going to start drawing more, doing observational sketches nearly every day, and trying out new techniques. I tend to work in other people's styles, so I'm going to try and focus on finding a style of my own, as well.
Come on, motivation!
And since it's October, I've been on a scary movie, scary game kick. I've been trying to get further/beat Shadows of the Damned so I can get back to Alan Wake. As far as movies go, so far under the belt we have Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, Evil Dead, Let the Right One In, Poltergeist, and a few episodes of High School of the Dead.
When it comes to my art, I've been a little depressed. I hit a rough patch in a commission I've been doing for months since I haven't a lot of experience drawing backgrounds. It's got me down, but I've also realized that my progress as an artist hasn't been very forward. I haven't been getting any better this past year and I've been letting school (or lack thereof) really get to me. I have ideas, but don't draw them, and essentially I'm letting my talents waste away because I'm not motivated. My recent submission in a Deviant Art contest has me a little more encouraged, but has me realizing that I'm not getting any better at what I do.
So, I bought a new Photoshop magazine! I'm going to start drawing more, doing observational sketches nearly every day, and trying out new techniques. I tend to work in other people's styles, so I'm going to try and focus on finding a style of my own, as well.
Come on, motivation!
2011-08-30
August '11.1
Well, I've been married for just over a month, it seems. People ask me how married life is and I've been telling them that it's the same. We've lived together for 8 years, had been together for 9 years on our wedding day, so honestly, I'd be upset if things had changed just because I have a piece of paper telling me our love is official.
In other news, I've been sampling a myriad of games.
I've played some of the puzzle/action/romance game Catherine, and have enjoyed it immensely. It's unlike any other game and really does need a new genre (or a smashing of genres) to define it properly. There are large portions of the time where you can sit and just watch the story unfold, which is broken by the nightmares of the main character where you push, pull, and hang off of blocks to climb them. It can be a frustrating game, but if you like a challenge, I'd say give it a shot.
I was also gifted the game Shadows of the Damned, where you play as a demon hunter whose girlfriend had been abducted by vengeful minions of hell. It's an over-the-top third-person shooter that doesn't seem to take itself very seriously at all. It's been a blast to play, and I've found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. Overall, it's vulgar, and if you can get over all of the guns you equip having names like "Hot Boner" (what? it shoots bones...what do you want it to be named?) and hearing your character cry out "Taste my Big Boner!" then this game can be a lot of fun.
And with Mass Effect 3 on the way, I decided to finally get around to playing Mass Effect 2. Not sure what to say about this other than it's a sequel to the first and I'm loving seeing how my Shepard's story continues. Because I had romanced Kaiden in the original game, I've decided to remain faithful to him by not sleeping with anyone in the second in the hopes of him forgiving me for dying and not telling him that I've been brought back to life in a timely manner. Play the games, you'll understand, and you'll not be disappointed.
Randomly, I'll play Techno Kitten Adventure, as well, which is easily the most seizure-inducing game I've ever had the chance to pick up. It's an indie game and can be downloaded onto various phones from what I understand, but I have it downloaded onto my 360. It's addictive, catchy, and full of dance music, rainbows, and cats. My kind of time-waster.
I've become re-addicted to Final Fantasy 14. Their latest patches have given me a better sense of purpose in the game world, and I've found myself playing it more and more these past weeks.
I'm trying to give myself more goals nowadays. Small goals, since I can't seem to stay on track. I'd like to draw more, so I'm trying to do practice sketches at least once a week to get into the habit of drawing all the time. I tend to be very VERY slow when it comes to finishing anything, so I'm hoping that if I stay in practice, I'll wind up getting faster as well as better.
I'd pretty much realized that I haven't actually finished much in the last year, and the local Arts Walk is coming up soon, and I'd like to have some new stuff to show off for that, so who knows.
In other news, I've been sampling a myriad of games.
I've played some of the puzzle/action/romance game Catherine, and have enjoyed it immensely. It's unlike any other game and really does need a new genre (or a smashing of genres) to define it properly. There are large portions of the time where you can sit and just watch the story unfold, which is broken by the nightmares of the main character where you push, pull, and hang off of blocks to climb them. It can be a frustrating game, but if you like a challenge, I'd say give it a shot.
I was also gifted the game Shadows of the Damned, where you play as a demon hunter whose girlfriend had been abducted by vengeful minions of hell. It's an over-the-top third-person shooter that doesn't seem to take itself very seriously at all. It's been a blast to play, and I've found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. Overall, it's vulgar, and if you can get over all of the guns you equip having names like "Hot Boner" (what? it shoots bones...what do you want it to be named?) and hearing your character cry out "Taste my Big Boner!" then this game can be a lot of fun.
And with Mass Effect 3 on the way, I decided to finally get around to playing Mass Effect 2. Not sure what to say about this other than it's a sequel to the first and I'm loving seeing how my Shepard's story continues. Because I had romanced Kaiden in the original game, I've decided to remain faithful to him by not sleeping with anyone in the second in the hopes of him forgiving me for dying and not telling him that I've been brought back to life in a timely manner. Play the games, you'll understand, and you'll not be disappointed.
Randomly, I'll play Techno Kitten Adventure, as well, which is easily the most seizure-inducing game I've ever had the chance to pick up. It's an indie game and can be downloaded onto various phones from what I understand, but I have it downloaded onto my 360. It's addictive, catchy, and full of dance music, rainbows, and cats. My kind of time-waster.
I've become re-addicted to Final Fantasy 14. Their latest patches have given me a better sense of purpose in the game world, and I've found myself playing it more and more these past weeks.
I'm trying to give myself more goals nowadays. Small goals, since I can't seem to stay on track. I'd like to draw more, so I'm trying to do practice sketches at least once a week to get into the habit of drawing all the time. I tend to be very VERY slow when it comes to finishing anything, so I'm hoping that if I stay in practice, I'll wind up getting faster as well as better.
I'd pretty much realized that I haven't actually finished much in the last year, and the local Arts Walk is coming up soon, and I'd like to have some new stuff to show off for that, so who knows.
2011-06-25
June '11.1
Well, I quickly plowed through Dragon Age 2. I'll be honest, I hated the game at first. But, I remember hating Mass Effect when I first started it, so I pushed on. As I met more characters, did more quests, I became addicted. Personally, I felt like the game is more like the first one than people give it credit for being. It is less of an RPG and more like a hack 'n slash RPG, but once I got used to mashing buttons to do attacks, I didn't mind it. I know that people were disappointed with the lack of multiple endings like the first one had (I only ever beat each game once, but I know the first had several, while the second had maybe two), but overall I enjoyed the story, the fact that each of your characters had set clothing choices, and that they would leave you if you failed to do certain things. I lost two (or three, technically) characters during my play-through.
I've also been playing LA Noire, off and on. Not a game for everyone, to be sure. I'm getting annoyed with people comparing it to the Grand Theft Auto games because it's nothing like that; you're not a thug, you're part of the LAPD, for crying out loud! You're supposed to solve crimes, not commit them! It is slower-paced and there's a lot of puzzle-solving elements to it. I'm liking the story and goodness! The animation! The faces in this game are simply amazing!
With Sony's "Welcome Back" program, between Ian and I we downloaded Dead Nation, Wipeout HD, Little Big Planet, and Infamous. Wipeout is like other Wipeouts; a space-age racing game with missiles. Dead Nation is similar what I would imagine being born if Gauntlet and Left 4 Dead were to procreate. It's an isometric top-down-ish shooter where you're fending off swarms of zombies. Enough said. Little Big Planet is Little Big Planet. I own the second one and was planning on purchasing the first, but then Sony went and offered it for free. Infamous I never played, but was always curious about, so I'm sure I'll get around to trying it out soon.
I did play a bit of Hunted: The Demon's Forge recently. Aside from being a bit difficult, it was a lot of fun and I found it to be very well-written. I liked both the characters and their relationship, but I didn't get too far into the story, so I'll have to come back to this later.
I've also gotten to play the new Mortal Kombat. Now, being a fan of Japanese fighting games leaves me biased, and even though I tried not comparing it to Street Fighter or Soul Calibur and games like that, it was hard. First off, I liked the fact that the characters show damage. The X-Ray attacks are pretty cool, too. But really, I don't like the gameplay. I'd rather be throwing dragon-punches and fireballs than pushing left right down down to execute an attack. I didn't like any of the characters, but it is nostalgic since it plays and acts like the original Mortal Kombats. They shouldn't have strayed from that formula with their previous games, in my opinion (I'm lookin' at you, VS. DC!). Overall, it is fun, but it made me want to play Marvel vs Capcom.
Since my brother's been visiting me, I've been watching him play Mirror's Edge a bit. I can see how a game can give people vertigo. It's a very fast-paced first-person running game, essentially. You're constantly moving, dodging, jumping, sliding, climbing to get away. It's a very artistic game, though; colours are simple and important, and the cut scenes have all been animated in Flash. I've enjoyed watching what I have, but I'm missing out on the story, and I'd like to play it myself.
My brother has also started a game on Bioshock 2. For me, it's more of an expansion to the first game. It gives you a different look at Rapture while having the same controls and similar powers. It's cool that you're a Big Daddy and all, but the story doesn't have me hooked like the first one. A good game, overall, but a little unnecessary, in my opinion.
I just started a game in the PSP remake of Persona, as well. I had never played the original Play Station version, but Ian has, and was excited that I picked up the PSP game. I think for him it's different since it's not 100% faithful to the original, but it's all new to me, so I never knew Maki as Mary, etc. I am having fun with it. It's interesting running around a city as a student, getting attacked by demons, summoning a monster that is a reflection of myself.
I also have been playing Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box for the DS. These games make me feel smart, sometimes...other times I feel like an idiot because I can't figure out how to pack a box so no items overlap! I like taking this with me when I ride the bus to work since there's no pressure for the commitment of heavier games; it's just good puzzle-solving fun!
In non-game-related news, my friend who commissioned me to draw his Miqo'te from FFXIV has been very patient with me, and I truly appreciate that. I've been trying to take my time with it to make it the best I can.
I've been playing around with designing a Monster High-esque character to use in a Flash dress-up game. I'm not very good when it comes to Flash, and I figured a dress-up game would be an easy way to get familiar with creating buttons and simple animations. I think I'll post the final version to my DA page, as well as a step-by-step walkthrough so I can remember everything I did. But, I'll post more on that when I have the time.
On top of everything, I'm getting married in less than a month, so I've been busying myself with last-minute details and projects like making bouquets and boutonnieres. A year ago I felt like I had all the time in the world! Now I feel like I'm rushing around to get everything done. I guess that's how weddings are, but I'm trying to have fun with everything I do. ^_^
I've also been playing LA Noire, off and on. Not a game for everyone, to be sure. I'm getting annoyed with people comparing it to the Grand Theft Auto games because it's nothing like that; you're not a thug, you're part of the LAPD, for crying out loud! You're supposed to solve crimes, not commit them! It is slower-paced and there's a lot of puzzle-solving elements to it. I'm liking the story and goodness! The animation! The faces in this game are simply amazing!
With Sony's "Welcome Back" program, between Ian and I we downloaded Dead Nation, Wipeout HD, Little Big Planet, and Infamous. Wipeout is like other Wipeouts; a space-age racing game with missiles. Dead Nation is similar what I would imagine being born if Gauntlet and Left 4 Dead were to procreate. It's an isometric top-down-ish shooter where you're fending off swarms of zombies. Enough said. Little Big Planet is Little Big Planet. I own the second one and was planning on purchasing the first, but then Sony went and offered it for free. Infamous I never played, but was always curious about, so I'm sure I'll get around to trying it out soon.
I did play a bit of Hunted: The Demon's Forge recently. Aside from being a bit difficult, it was a lot of fun and I found it to be very well-written. I liked both the characters and their relationship, but I didn't get too far into the story, so I'll have to come back to this later.
I've also gotten to play the new Mortal Kombat. Now, being a fan of Japanese fighting games leaves me biased, and even though I tried not comparing it to Street Fighter or Soul Calibur and games like that, it was hard. First off, I liked the fact that the characters show damage. The X-Ray attacks are pretty cool, too. But really, I don't like the gameplay. I'd rather be throwing dragon-punches and fireballs than pushing left right down down to execute an attack. I didn't like any of the characters, but it is nostalgic since it plays and acts like the original Mortal Kombats. They shouldn't have strayed from that formula with their previous games, in my opinion (I'm lookin' at you, VS. DC!). Overall, it is fun, but it made me want to play Marvel vs Capcom.
Since my brother's been visiting me, I've been watching him play Mirror's Edge a bit. I can see how a game can give people vertigo. It's a very fast-paced first-person running game, essentially. You're constantly moving, dodging, jumping, sliding, climbing to get away. It's a very artistic game, though; colours are simple and important, and the cut scenes have all been animated in Flash. I've enjoyed watching what I have, but I'm missing out on the story, and I'd like to play it myself.
My brother has also started a game on Bioshock 2. For me, it's more of an expansion to the first game. It gives you a different look at Rapture while having the same controls and similar powers. It's cool that you're a Big Daddy and all, but the story doesn't have me hooked like the first one. A good game, overall, but a little unnecessary, in my opinion.
I just started a game in the PSP remake of Persona, as well. I had never played the original Play Station version, but Ian has, and was excited that I picked up the PSP game. I think for him it's different since it's not 100% faithful to the original, but it's all new to me, so I never knew Maki as Mary, etc. I am having fun with it. It's interesting running around a city as a student, getting attacked by demons, summoning a monster that is a reflection of myself.
I also have been playing Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box for the DS. These games make me feel smart, sometimes...other times I feel like an idiot because I can't figure out how to pack a box so no items overlap! I like taking this with me when I ride the bus to work since there's no pressure for the commitment of heavier games; it's just good puzzle-solving fun!
In non-game-related news, my friend who commissioned me to draw his Miqo'te from FFXIV has been very patient with me, and I truly appreciate that. I've been trying to take my time with it to make it the best I can.
I've been playing around with designing a Monster High-esque character to use in a Flash dress-up game. I'm not very good when it comes to Flash, and I figured a dress-up game would be an easy way to get familiar with creating buttons and simple animations. I think I'll post the final version to my DA page, as well as a step-by-step walkthrough so I can remember everything I did. But, I'll post more on that when I have the time.
On top of everything, I'm getting married in less than a month, so I've been busying myself with last-minute details and projects like making bouquets and boutonnieres. A year ago I felt like I had all the time in the world! Now I feel like I'm rushing around to get everything done. I guess that's how weddings are, but I'm trying to have fun with everything I do. ^_^
2011-05-06
May '11.1
On the first of April, I lost my cat Klaus.
As odd as it may be, I'm still having a tough time accepting this. He wasn't old, he wasn't sick...he died from some freak accident of eating a sharp enough object to pierce some vital organ. He woke us up early, crying and spitting up blood, and on the way to the emergency vet, he died.
My former Japanese teacher had some of the most touching words for me, and I'd like to share them.
"He is in your mind now. So, please show your smile to him not your tears. I believe he likes your smile, too."
When speaking about losing a friend, a co-worker of mine posted this, and it made me think.
"...I do know that in life there is a need for sorrow, grief...even loss. It helps remind us what we have and to enjoy waking up in the morning...you (hopefully) gave everyone one last gift: a reminder that you never know what can happen tomorrow. Thank you for that, it's more than a lot of us deserved."
If this year of loss has taught me anything, it's to savour life and enjoy every minute you can. Life itself is too short for all the stress we put ourselves through, all the work we do. Life should be about living, and it makes me sad that death had to teach me that.
Be on the lookout for Klaus art, though. In honour of him, I'm planning a charcoal and coloured pencil piece on gray paper.
And if the Rainbow Bridge is real, maybe I'll see him again, someday.
As odd as it may be, I'm still having a tough time accepting this. He wasn't old, he wasn't sick...he died from some freak accident of eating a sharp enough object to pierce some vital organ. He woke us up early, crying and spitting up blood, and on the way to the emergency vet, he died.
My former Japanese teacher had some of the most touching words for me, and I'd like to share them.
"He is in your mind now. So, please show your smile to him not your tears. I believe he likes your smile, too."
When speaking about losing a friend, a co-worker of mine posted this, and it made me think.
"...I do know that in life there is a need for sorrow, grief...even loss. It helps remind us what we have and to enjoy waking up in the morning...you (hopefully) gave everyone one last gift: a reminder that you never know what can happen tomorrow. Thank you for that, it's more than a lot of us deserved."
If this year of loss has taught me anything, it's to savour life and enjoy every minute you can. Life itself is too short for all the stress we put ourselves through, all the work we do. Life should be about living, and it makes me sad that death had to teach me that.
Be on the lookout for Klaus art, though. In honour of him, I'm planning a charcoal and coloured pencil piece on gray paper.
And if the Rainbow Bridge is real, maybe I'll see him again, someday.
2011-03-20
March '11.1
It's the Vernal Equinox! I'm a fan of both spring and summer, thus the first days of each always put me in a good mood.
Let's talk about games.
First off, not sure why some people aren't enjoying Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as much as its predecessors. I've been told that it's "not a Marvel vs. Capcom game" which makes no sense to me. It plays similarly to the first, you can tag in members on your team or have them jump in for a single attack, you can play as Chun Li, Spiderman, Morrigan, and Wolverine...it's a Marvel vs. Capcom game. Essentially it's a fighting game, which is has a narrow fan base, I'm sure, so I don't know what people were expecting; you fight using Marvel comic characters and Capcom game characters who are trying to save the earth from Galactus, the Destroyer of Worlds...not much to it, but it is a lot of fun for people who enjoy the genre.
Also, I've been having a blast playing what a few of us at work had dubbed "Super Boobie Taisen." Super Robot Taisen OG Saga Endless Frontier (there's a mouthful) is one of those very Japanese Atlus games that can be difficult to find, but if you're into fun turn-based gameplay, beautiful sprite animation, and ridiculous attacks that blow off the character's clothes, this is worth hunting down.
Speaking of very Japanese games, Hyperdimension Neptunia is a fun game that takes a look at the console wars from a very unique angle. Nippon Ichi (or NIS, now) has been a favourite developer of mine since Disgaea and La Pucell Tactics, and now that they're partnering with other companies like Idea Factory, Gust, and Compile Heart, their games are getting pushed out fast. Hyperdimension Neptuinia plays very much like their last game, Trinity Universe, where the player is given a dungeon where they encounter random enemies throughout and a boss at the end. The 3D graphics aren't nearly as detailed as something like Gears of War, but this is a great example of how graphics don't really matter, and what makes a game entertaining is the gameplay. The 2D graphics are set up like a traditional RPG, with one character on each side of the screen as they talk, but, like Trinity Universe, they move beautifully as if they're breathing, their hair sways, mouths open and close...it's clever. The story is enjoyable because you're essentially playing a personified Sega console who's been kicked out of the game industry by the personified Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony consoles. Again, if it sounds like your thing, I'd say hunt it down.
I'm a little behind in my Bioware games. I haven't even touched Mass Effect 2 even though the third is on it's way out later this year, and I bought Dragon Age 2 when it launched, but I vowed to finish the story of Origins before beginning the sequel. For me, that means beating the expansion Awakening. I haven't downloaded all of the extra missions like the Witch Hunt or Leliana's Song, but I have gotten about halfway through Awakening, and am liking just as much as the original game, in spite of it's lack of characters from the main game. Since my character survived slaying the Archdemon, she's gone north to recruit more Gray Wardens, and I was a little surprised that Zeveran and Alistair didn't follow suit. Oghren is in my party, though, and seems to be the only one that I can have run around with me and kill some darkspawn, and I've come across Wynn, but she has her hands full.
Never in my life have I ever wanted to be a doctor in any respects, but I did enjoy the Trauma Center game on the DS. I knew they made more and even created some for the Wii, but I never got into them much. The first one was enough for me...until I gave Trauma Team a try. I'm hooked! The multiplayer idea from the previous Trauma game came back into this one, and it's incredibly fun. I especially like the fact that there are six different characters you can choose, each in a different field of medicine, each with a different (soap-opera-ish) story. I'm amazed at how much fun I've had patching up an ulcer-infected stomach with my fiance!
Since Homefront just launched, I've decided to give it a try in the next couple of days. I'm not expecting magic as I'm not a huge FPS fan, but I'm anticipating the story to see how it's going to pan out. I also have Enslaved on my plate, along with the new Castlevania, and some older games like Heavenly Sword and Mirror's Edge. I should probably go and beat the first Assassin's Creed, too.
Anyway, in regards to me not being in school, my sister told me that I should work on my Aislin story/comics, so I've decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and make the most of a bad situation. As of now, the first four books are written out, with the fifth being nearly done. Originally, I wanted it to be seven books long, but I think I have enough material to make it to ten (without any overkill). I think I'm going to go for it. I'm sure Deviant Art will be loaded with character designs, soon.
Let's talk about games.
First off, not sure why some people aren't enjoying Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as much as its predecessors. I've been told that it's "not a Marvel vs. Capcom game" which makes no sense to me. It plays similarly to the first, you can tag in members on your team or have them jump in for a single attack, you can play as Chun Li, Spiderman, Morrigan, and Wolverine...it's a Marvel vs. Capcom game. Essentially it's a fighting game, which is has a narrow fan base, I'm sure, so I don't know what people were expecting; you fight using Marvel comic characters and Capcom game characters who are trying to save the earth from Galactus, the Destroyer of Worlds...not much to it, but it is a lot of fun for people who enjoy the genre.
Also, I've been having a blast playing what a few of us at work had dubbed "Super Boobie Taisen." Super Robot Taisen OG Saga Endless Frontier (there's a mouthful) is one of those very Japanese Atlus games that can be difficult to find, but if you're into fun turn-based gameplay, beautiful sprite animation, and ridiculous attacks that blow off the character's clothes, this is worth hunting down.
Speaking of very Japanese games, Hyperdimension Neptunia is a fun game that takes a look at the console wars from a very unique angle. Nippon Ichi (or NIS, now) has been a favourite developer of mine since Disgaea and La Pucell Tactics, and now that they're partnering with other companies like Idea Factory, Gust, and Compile Heart, their games are getting pushed out fast. Hyperdimension Neptuinia plays very much like their last game, Trinity Universe, where the player is given a dungeon where they encounter random enemies throughout and a boss at the end. The 3D graphics aren't nearly as detailed as something like Gears of War, but this is a great example of how graphics don't really matter, and what makes a game entertaining is the gameplay. The 2D graphics are set up like a traditional RPG, with one character on each side of the screen as they talk, but, like Trinity Universe, they move beautifully as if they're breathing, their hair sways, mouths open and close...it's clever. The story is enjoyable because you're essentially playing a personified Sega console who's been kicked out of the game industry by the personified Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony consoles. Again, if it sounds like your thing, I'd say hunt it down.
I'm a little behind in my Bioware games. I haven't even touched Mass Effect 2 even though the third is on it's way out later this year, and I bought Dragon Age 2 when it launched, but I vowed to finish the story of Origins before beginning the sequel. For me, that means beating the expansion Awakening. I haven't downloaded all of the extra missions like the Witch Hunt or Leliana's Song, but I have gotten about halfway through Awakening, and am liking just as much as the original game, in spite of it's lack of characters from the main game. Since my character survived slaying the Archdemon, she's gone north to recruit more Gray Wardens, and I was a little surprised that Zeveran and Alistair didn't follow suit. Oghren is in my party, though, and seems to be the only one that I can have run around with me and kill some darkspawn, and I've come across Wynn, but she has her hands full.
Never in my life have I ever wanted to be a doctor in any respects, but I did enjoy the Trauma Center game on the DS. I knew they made more and even created some for the Wii, but I never got into them much. The first one was enough for me...until I gave Trauma Team a try. I'm hooked! The multiplayer idea from the previous Trauma game came back into this one, and it's incredibly fun. I especially like the fact that there are six different characters you can choose, each in a different field of medicine, each with a different (soap-opera-ish) story. I'm amazed at how much fun I've had patching up an ulcer-infected stomach with my fiance!
Since Homefront just launched, I've decided to give it a try in the next couple of days. I'm not expecting magic as I'm not a huge FPS fan, but I'm anticipating the story to see how it's going to pan out. I also have Enslaved on my plate, along with the new Castlevania, and some older games like Heavenly Sword and Mirror's Edge. I should probably go and beat the first Assassin's Creed, too.
Anyway, in regards to me not being in school, my sister told me that I should work on my Aislin story/comics, so I've decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and make the most of a bad situation. As of now, the first four books are written out, with the fifth being nearly done. Originally, I wanted it to be seven books long, but I think I have enough material to make it to ten (without any overkill). I think I'm going to go for it. I'm sure Deviant Art will be loaded with character designs, soon.
2011-02-19
February '11.1
So much has happened since my last post.
Our pet frog, Glen, passed away last month, and I still feel odd about seeing a stack of games where his tank used to be.
Also, I have been withdrawn from my classes due to my lack of financial aid. I have been doing some freelance art work while picking up a few more hours at my store to pass the time away, but I truly miss school. I am hoping that I can find a loan (or stumble across a large sum of money) so I can go back, but it doesn't seem likely.
I've been playing more games, obviously, now that I have more free time. I finally beat Luminous Arc and began Super Robot Taisen OSG Final Frontier.
I'll go into depth at a later date, but I'm currently enjoying Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Hyperdemension Neptunia, Dragon Age Origins: Awakening, Little Big Planet 2, and Trauma Team.
Since I've been sick for over a week, I've been spending a lot of time watching anime on Netflix while knitting a baby blanket for my unborn nephew. Darker Than Black has become a favourite of mine, and I'm in the middle of Moribito, which has been addictive. Queen's Blade is...interesting, to say the least.
Either or, I've got a lot to write about, but for now, I'm off to draw. These commissions aren't going to create themselves.
Our pet frog, Glen, passed away last month, and I still feel odd about seeing a stack of games where his tank used to be.
Also, I have been withdrawn from my classes due to my lack of financial aid. I have been doing some freelance art work while picking up a few more hours at my store to pass the time away, but I truly miss school. I am hoping that I can find a loan (or stumble across a large sum of money) so I can go back, but it doesn't seem likely.
I've been playing more games, obviously, now that I have more free time. I finally beat Luminous Arc and began Super Robot Taisen OSG Final Frontier.
I'll go into depth at a later date, but I'm currently enjoying Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Hyperdemension Neptunia, Dragon Age Origins: Awakening, Little Big Planet 2, and Trauma Team.
Since I've been sick for over a week, I've been spending a lot of time watching anime on Netflix while knitting a baby blanket for my unborn nephew. Darker Than Black has become a favourite of mine, and I'm in the middle of Moribito, which has been addictive. Queen's Blade is...interesting, to say the least.
Either or, I've got a lot to write about, but for now, I'm off to draw. These commissions aren't going to create themselves.
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