Brutal Legend AfterThoughts

There are 3 things that I could consider regarding Brutal Legend after it has been released already. Tim Schaffer would know that his game would sell really well at the 360, but I'd want this on the PS3 also. So, do consider lad.

1. A jukebox option dang it.

Ok, so I invested USD 60 on this game, or lesser, depending on which region you bought it from. But if there's one thing a heavy metal game could use, is a frigging jukebox option. The menu start up is wonderful, even if you can see that occasional slight pause of transition from the vinyl cover. But I really wished there was a jukebox option where I could listen to all 100 songs from the game. I mean, why not? It did rock with the game flow, but why not with just itself? Future patch please... Would love to listen to all of them without having to play the game also. :P

2. An OST?

This is no brainer. If there's no jukebox, release every single song on an OST. This is one heck of a complilation, so EA, use your muscles. You can do this!

3. A jump button.

Ok, this one can't be changed anymore. But the opening scene actually gave an idea that Eddie could jump (Saving that idiot basisst I believe) and it would have made things a little more logical too. but, I guess the logic here is that this isn't really a game, but a fantastic story telling that tries to look as normal as possible (Guitars spouting lightning, Cars running without fuel). Its not a big thing, but it would be more fun.

And I must say, this as a biased opinion also, this is Game of the Month for me. I know, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves takes the cake. But put in 100 metal songs in a game, and I'm sold. :P Have a happy winter gaming season lads, we shall all be broke very very soon. :P

(500) Days of Summer: Movie Review

What a wonderful movie. That word seems to be coming out of my mouth often now. hehe. And its great. It really is a wonderful movie about love. Sadly, I wished I had the chance to also watch Paper Heart, but that's not possible. And this one is just great. :D

Tom Hasden (Joseph Gordon Levitt) is an architect major working in a greeting card company. He fell in love with Summer (hence the title of the movie, played by Zooey Deschanel), a secretary who does not understand what love means. He chased her, he got her, and then she dumps him out of the blue, and he's recuperating from the lost. What happens from there is for you to watch for I won't spoil the story.

The art style is terrific. The shots were simple and nothing was overblown in use. Script was also very simple, yet touches the reality that we are in. Everything except the art is portrayed so simple that everything clicks and works. Good job Marc Webb, you really did succeed here with your debut.

And to be frank, this is not a love movie. It is definitely a movie about love. And it is very wonderfully portrayed as one. The numbers were used to signify the day that Tom was in. The art and graphic used to represent the days also shows where Tom is and what is his current situation in the relationship. And the idea that uses multiple frames is also interesting.

I seriously recommend this to anyone. It is wonderful, fun, fine, and helps show the struggles of recuperating from a lost love. The ending should be shared, is also not a typical one. No, he does not get Summer, and you should watch why. The explanations about love may be hard to understand, but is very simply portrayed. This is definitely worth the money you can spend. The movie is also available at TGV Sunway Pyramid until 14 October only. So make it your top priority to watch it quick! :D

Up: Movie Review

When Ellie wrote to Carl thanking him for the greatest adventure in life that he has given her, I felt my heart telling me this subtle sentence: "Give your wife that same pleasure too." And so I learned something new today. And be happy, that this is such a wonderful movie for grown ups and children alike. More so for the adults, and I'll tell you why.

Carl Fredrickson is being evicted. He now lives alone and always have yearned for an adventure with his wife, until she was taken a little too early from him. With the eviction notice coming in, he pumped up so many ballons and set off on an adventure of his dreams to South America. However, Russell, a boy scout had mistakenly tagged along and now their on an adventure. Wonderful occurences go by and I'll let you catch the rest. :P

The shots were simple and the script was witty. The score used is also catchy, even in the various remixes of the same score. And the cast is just lovable.

But to be frank, that's not the main point here. The main is that spirit that the characters show to us. How a little boy learns about life and grows a little older to a teen, and an old man remembering what he was before. Has that happen to any of u? have you forgotten what you set out to do when you were small, but had bogged it out of your head because you were too busy working and trying to just live for the next day? Trust me, it happens a lot to a whole lot of people. And this movie, serves as that perfect reminder for you to remember back what you should do. Not when your old. But right now.

On my view, i still prefer Wall-E than Up, because I know what life has to offer to everyone and you should grasp it as much as you can. Wall-E became a great romantic movie and I am still mesmerized by the dance scene. This movie gave me the short moment that chronicled the life of Carl and Ellie where they were happy together. These 2 moments of the respectives movies are wonderful and is actually more than enough reason for you to be in the film, besides the already wonderful story itself. So go on, get it while you still can. I can assure you will have a wonderful time... :)

Brisbane's Public Transportation System: General Review

WOW. Yes. That's a big emphasis over there on a TERRIFIC public transport system. It is just so amazing. And I'll tell you why.

The minute I arrived in Brisbane I had to take a bus to West End. In the bus, there were 2 options, 1 was to use the Go Card, something like Touch n Go in Malaysia and 2 was the standard coin affair. 90% of the passengers used Go Cards most of the time. And my Goodness the frequency of the busses is just heavenly. And you can really get to anywhere anytime you want to.

The idea that the busses operate in zones are actually better than how RapidKL does their own service. While they have the Utama Line, Tempatan Line, the idea of the busses in Brisbane is that fares are charged by zone. When you're in 1 zone, the fare is less than 1 dollar. When you add another zone, you'll have to add a few more cents for that. The best part, in the 5 zones it covers, you can really get to anywhere easily by switching busses and making sure that if its the same zone, you're just travelling at cheap.

The trains at Brisbane are also splendid. You can get from Brisbane city center to Harbor town or even Movie World in an hour. And the rate? 5 dollars. Cheap. Really. Its like taking a trip from KL to Melaka, but faster and definitely cheaper. Heck, at the train stations, you can even top up your Go Card there. This is something that RapidKL should really consider.

The taxis are also great. While there are older type of car models used as taxis, some opt for more newer models like a Camry, and all at good fares. My trip back to Malaysia I was already in a Camry. And it was splendid. In case the guy is lost, he can actually navigate his way around the city with his GPS. Very nifty.

So busses are frequent, and did I mention the busses also follow a tight schedule? Well they do. Frequency can range from 10 minutes to even as less as 5. That's just short. And you can always refer to the busses arriving on time based on that schedule. The system really took its time to calculate even to the minor of bus stop distances. Cool!

Now, if you've got an Iphone, or some phone that can surf the web, don't hesitate to use to it to find your way around the city employing the best method possible. Go to their website and by simply searching from where to where you would like to go, and the web will give you a few suggestions on the best route possible in the shortest time. Now that's efficiency.

Bored of either trains or busses? Take a ferry. Yup, even ferry's are available, considering the river is quite wide and long. It was not only my first ferry trip, but my first boat ride too on water. And again, I didn't like when it became bumpy. haha.

There might be 1 slight problem. If you miss the bus, you missed it. If they've closed the door, that's it. but I understand the implementation. And its good too to be honest. So, this slight hinderment is nothing really.

The fact that busses have their own tunnels, routes, lanes, makes this public transport system super heavenly. And the busses available at that town keeps on increasing. I think there's more than 1000 operating every day in the city. Malaysia should really take a tour down under and learn from one of the best public transport system I've ever come acrossed. Seriously, its the best thing for me to see that I know there's no jams at all, in a frigging city. Malaysia, learn very very well. Smart Tunnel is a good concept and is implemented nicely, now make 1 for busses. Get to it!

King Of Fighters XII: Exclusive Arcade Review

One of the most loved fighting game franchises has been in the arcades for quite a while already, but if the rumors are correct, it has graced in Malaysia at Penang. KL however, are left out. However again, I had my exclusive chance to completely play the whole arcade game and experience what has been a wait for just too long since XI came out. Being apart of my Australian review, this is going to be a purely unbiased review (As I am a VERY HUGE fan of KOF ever since 95) that I hope would benefit the people who have also been waiting for this game in anticipation of the console version. Here goes!

As I've detailed many times in my previous posts, the system has been given a revamp. It's back to 4 buttons instead of 5, and the power gauge has shrunk back to just one. The character count has also gone very low compared to the usual roster, and there is no story mode this time, except that Iori is now seen flameless, Kensou sporting new gear, and Raiden being the new addition to the KOF Universe.

The flow of the game is now in time attack mode, similar to Tekken 5 and 6 and probably so on. And the game lasts only for 5 rounds. The way to win is still in 3 on 3 mode and its up to both players to beat the heck out of each other. To get a ranking, you need to be able to clear the round as soon as possible. And that's it. Don't worry, there's a whole lot of rankings to obtain (100 and below), just that you need to be speedy to beat your foe. Yes, no need to be flashy too.

So, is it good? In a way, yes. The Critical Counter system is a breath of fresh air and really gives some great creativity to show what you can do, its similar to Custom Combo scene in Street Fighter Alpha, Capcom Vs SNK 2 and even Snk Vs Capcom. The Deadlock system is also great, not just because its flashy, but its also a great way to strategize what happens after the Deadlock occurs. It's a little similar to the Parry system in Street Fighter 3, but there probably would be some damage occurs at a minimal. The one Max bar makes it good to simplify power usage and Max use among players.

The problem? There is no story anymore and it does no continue anything. Nor will it be the case in the console versions. This is a major problem considering the fact that every KOF ever released, had a story. This would mean, we would probably get a story at XIII instead of XII. And to be honest, many are waiting for the departure of Ash and the return of K' instead. The Guard Cancel system however is now cheap and a major problem. When the timing hits, then only you can get it done, but, it won't be like last time, as it consumes the Max gauge no more. This, is, very, cheap.

The speed of the game has also reverted to a more sluggish pace. Its not the true speedy style seen in normal KOF games, but, the speed is similar to Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The combo link timing is also, messed up. You can still link combos, but veterans would need to really get learning the new speed system being dished out here. Veterans, you have been warned.

Being baeten by a Leona. Where's my character btw?

Another concern is the low character count. At 18, there's very little to choose. Fans are upset that Mai is not in, and there's way too little women in the game too. In a way, its hard to be able to choose our variety of play when there's quite little to choose. This is after all a 3 on 3 game.

Overall, this game is a passing grade for me. The problem however, is the fact that with the change that was decided on, it feels like a demo instead of a full game. SNK should understand, that this is in no way, SF or Blazblue. Its not a one on one fight. 3 on 3 is the namestay. So, for the veterans, this may be very difficult to get the timing right for this game. Newbies however would love the 2D graphics and backgrounds in display. Here's also to hoping that the console versions get a little more extra, and not just 2 new characters. Until then, SNK has XIII to prove with to make sure, that they really get things right this time.

AirAsia trip to Gold Coast, Australia: Flight Review

What a flight to remember. I should say that this is the first time I flew on an airplane, and in fact, it is my first time flying overseas to another country. So, it was an honour and a pleasure to secure myself a free ticket last year in August, to make this trip to Gold Coast, Australia and to be graced by such beauty of a foreign country. This post will be about the flight, the aircraft, and those small minor details that I can divulge in.

My flight was supposed to have flown at 9.20 pm. However, there was a little bit of delay. I was thinking that the aircraft would be next to the gate, but this being LCCT, we had to walk a distance to the aircraft itself. When it rains, it would really be troublesome.

The aircraft boarded on was the Airbus A330. My aircraft however had an extra screen in front of us that provides various types of information available. Some however are locked and requires to be paid for RM30 to be unlocked. Locked content includes a bunch of movies, tv shows, music and the passengers disposable to watch on. However, the seat of the aircraft is a problem. ITS TOO SMALL. And the seat does not recline. It does, but so little that during my 8 hours of flight, I did not sleep. Instead, i was found sleeping in a library when my girlfriend was submitting her assignment.

The food, is so so. The Nasi Lemak is of OK standard, while the Big Bruce's BBQ Chicken was so devastatingly not similar to what is presented in the menu. It was a major dissapointment. The price however, was not worth it. It is common to have high prices for food and items in an aircraft, but the quality really does not match the value.

In other words, the flight itself is subpar. there's good value for money, but if my best friend can snag a RM 1600 return flight to UK, AirAsia X should at least do more and better to make sure its customers get an almost equal value for the flight. I was pleased with the entertainment system that lets us know where we currently are in the sky, but i think they can do better the next time. This wouldn't hamper my chances of flying again with AirAsia X, but i'd prefer having JetStar, minus their bad landings. Great job for making Malaysia proud AirAsia, I hope to see a better and improved service later on.

The Proposal: Exclusive Movie Review

Wow, the posters in Russian. But I like this once instead of using the common ones found. Either way, the tagline for the English posters would say "Here Comes the Bribe...", the movie itself is mildly sweet and good enough for a romantic comedy to watch.

Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is being deported back to Canada after she couldn't clear her visa in the past. As a result, she blackmailed her Assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) into marrying her. As a result, Andrew took it to get a job as editor, only to have them go to Sitka, Alaska to get married. Along the way, mishaps happen and perhaps somethings do change, for the better, for everyone.

Like I said, the movie is mildly sweet and just nice. And its a good movie too. However, it wasn't that great, as there were some missing strings that was left loosened, and some unnecessary things to just fill the minutes up. There was a particular scene however that used the same background actress again and again and again. Like 5 times? I was sure they did editing, but having that actress come out way too many times really does make it feel like a movie and not a love story.

Sandra did her job well, and so did Ryan (I'm not a biased fan that would say he's rocking everything he's got. He did a good job, but it wasn't that excellent however). And the pace is ok, maybe a little jumpy in terms of the realisation created. But still, its a nice job.

Summer seems to not have that much of romantic comedies, or maybe my eyes were just too focused on this one. Releasing 30th July in Malaysia, you can expect this to be a nice diversion out of the family fun Ice Age 3 and the action packed Transformers to make you have a good time laughing and say aww for a just a little bit. Have fun later!

Year One: Exclusive Movie Review

Sorry Malaysians, but it seems that we might not get to see this in our country. Just like how Superbad and Adventureland is not here, so would this movie be. FORTUNATELY, its good not to have this movie here also, since its just bad...

Year One chronicles the adventures of Zed (Jack Black) and Oh (Michael Cera of Superbad fame). After Zed eats the forbidden fruit, he was outcasted from his village and made his way over the mountains. Following him is Oh. Along the way, they meet interesting characters from a murdering and sly Cain (David Cross) until meeting with the circumcission hungry Abhraham (Hank Azaria, and yes, it is Abraham) until ending up at a city that sacrifices vigrins to summon for rain.

Now, let me ask you, what does the poster imply? The earlier ages right? Well, that was what I was expecting, until they warped 500 years into the future, literally. The plot of story is just messed up. I'm pretty sure that audiences were expecting to get a movie about the adventures of Zed and Oh in the first year of earth. But what the heck? We warped to Abraham sacrificng Isaac? That's just really off. And perhaps this is the only problem there is with the whole movie.

Jack Black didn't feel that strong this time compared to his other movies. Heck, his voice acting in Kung Fu Panda was much more better than this one. But, above all the problems the movie has, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse saved this movie and kept it as interesting as it can. Still charming after their major breakthrough in Superbad, Oh is just very interesting a clueless and young kid (that surprisingly with the costume makes him look like he's 24). Isaac also works through as a guy that makes himself be that accessible to everyone in the hall.

This is good for a laugh, especially at the first parts of the movie, that it looked the movie was in year one. But after that, you could do like what the couple next to me did, leave the hall. Its just not as good as many were hoping. Good thing Transformers is around. :D

G'Day mates!

Ah, back from my Aussie travels and there's honestly A TON of things to blog about and to even compare back and forth between our country and Brisbane itself. So, i'll be doing my best to shell out what I can for everyone to read on. :D

So, this would be a temporary special before I get back to blogging on games and movies once more. I'll be shelling out 2 exclusive movie reviews for all to see. Lets go!