Monday, March 30, 2009

12 Rounds: Movie Review


Wow, this was surprising. I never expected anything out of it, but this was a fun ride. I guess the promotion works when they say its from the director of Die Hard 2 and the producer of Speed. This got me shocked as it is a great movie to watch. Sadly, there's no value for a 2nd watch. That's the gripping part.

After Fisher (John Cena) caught Miles Jackson, one of the most wanted felonies in the world, life became hell for him after Miles caught up with him 1 year later. After kidnapping his girlfriend and bombing up their house, Fisher is forced to play a game called "12 Rounds" where he has to endure every single challenge if he wants to see Molly alive.

The plot pacing is intense. It does get you on your feet. The characters are also very likable and strong. Miles presents something similar to the Joker from the Dark Knight, but without the makeup. The supporting cast were also strong and the soundtrack moved things nicely. But there were scenes that were totally laugh out loud funny, and some that you would've expect from an old 90's flick. And like I said, once you've finished the movie, you've known everything and probably would just enjoy it for a one time deal. It is fun from start to finish, but once everything is shown, you'd probably wait for the next action movie to swing by. Good job Cena and crew!

The International: Movie Review


Wow. If only. If only Hollywood wouldn't come and mess things up, I'm pretty this is a great truth to be told. But sadly, I'm also pretty sure people would be bored out. this movie really relates a whole lot to me and what I stand for, and if you totally understand the whole context, you're left with something so grandeur that you'd try your best to get away from it.

The International Bank of Business and Credit is in charge of so many shady deals that its the biggest bank in the whole world to help with arms and munitions. Enter Louis Salinger, a man hell bent on taking the IBBC down. Along the way, twists continue to intertwine and make things a hell lot more worst.

The shots are subpar but the soundtrack is catchy. The plot however would bore people and the censorship can really just shove a foot up their arses. The action is ok though. But like I said, what really mesmerized me is how a reality is presented here. Yes, banks are evil. They don't deal with just arms and munitions. They do a whole lot more. The rest, is up to you to find out.

This movie is great if it got straight to the point on what this reality is about. Otherwise, it really is a miss.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Guitar Hero: Metallica: Xbox 360 Impressions


When it was first revealed as a teaser once you've finished Guitar Hero World Tour, fans were screaming. When the official trailer kicked in, it felt amazing looking at the band perform. And then the 360 demo is available, and gamers got the first little bits of pleasure they've been waiting for so long. This, is Guitar Hero: Metallica!

With that said, it's still Guitar Hero, but with 28 songs from Metallica, and 20 more from guest acts, this one feels meatier than the Aerosmith version. The HUD is tweaked a little bit, and looks nicer IMO. The font is also given a trashy feeling to it, perhaps a tribute to Metallica of some sort. Nothing changed from the World Tour formula, meaning the full band can still be played together with the full kit.

King diamond!!!!

What Activision wants to seperate with this experience is how they want to include Metallifacts. basically, its tidbits from Metallica previous outings like gigs, photos that would pop up during the song being played, although you won't be playing the note charts since you'd be too busy looking at the facts. Don't forget videos and probably music clips would be included and waiting to be unlocked.

Give it everything you've got!

Guest acts should keep you satisfied such as System of a Down (TOXICITY!!!), Alice in Chains, Diamond Head and so on. But what might be of concern to me is that the when playing the guitar, some notes that are missed can still be hit and goes on with a perfect note to it. Apparently, that is not addressed here. Either way, this game will be released on 29th March 2009. And I'm receiving mine next week. So hopefully this will make you all love the fact that with Metallica, Nothing Else Matters. :D

Want the Malay version out of this article, head over here!

Opting for Play-Asia instead? Head on over now!

Guitar Hero Metallica at Play-Asia!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

KOF XII Release Date and JOY!: KOF XII News

I woke up to a huge surprise. My wishing of walking around my usual forum and reading posts got me into a very likely and almost certain surprise. Heading to Shoryuken.com, that site gave me a shock when Gamestop has actually given a release date for KOF XII on PS3 and 360. And it's 7th fricking, July, fricking, 2009. :P I am pumped, and it's a day one purchase even if there's no PS3 at my house yet, but I'll need to fork out cash. :P

Even more details came into 360 screens from some korean website. The screens show up close how smooth and almost just not pixelated. heck, I can't even see any jaggies on those character models, and those screens are also going to be final shots of the arcade release. Game Informer was also giving more tidbits and extras for the console version. I guess after picking up what Capcom did with it's SF4 release on the PS3 and 360, new characters will be available exclusive to the consoles. And both English and Japanese audio tracks will be available. So, it's no more strictly Japanese, but please don't release a J Pop tune that is English. I screamed in agony when I heard that from SF4. This will also be a first for KOF in 2D series to have English voiceover. The previous one was visible in KOF Maximum Impact 2 or 2006 for the PS2 and Xbox.

But the coolest to me so far is that Game Informer is also reporting that besides having the casual online matches, spectators can also hop in to watch a match (making tournament videos more accessible around the world) or even record it and post it online for others to see. Neat! Also cool is the addition of Online Team Battle. This would mean that 6 different players may control the fate of each time either winning or losing a match! What might be a problem is how the players from around the world would get to play. Hoping that latency and lag does not affect players and the match or a potential disconnect might just be a big problem. Online battles would also enable voice chat and a lobby for matchmaking purposes. Here's to hoping they do it better than SF4 and HD Remix.

So there, a mega update for me that is just great and juicy. I am just hyped learning new systems such as the Deadlock (where a punch meets a punch), Critical Counter (Counter your foe and string a new combo!) and Guard Attack (that same old attack that prevents cheap wins. :D). So, 7TH JULY 2009. Book that KOF XII FANS! :D

Sunday, March 15, 2009

James Brown gets Rock Banded!: Game News

Get up!

So, the Godfather of Soul is getting Rock Banded! Yay! That's great really. His music is awesome no doubt, but, Rock Band, you'd ask why eyh?

Well, they had Snoop Dogg in it long ago, so, why wouldn't this be in this game? He's getting his own 3 song pack for 6 bucks and if you love his Soul style, you'd get it, and be that sex machine! :P

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Street Fighter History

IGN made an article about the history of Street Fighter about a month ago from now. I can't believe I missed it. So, to make sure no one else does, here goes that 8 page history that detailed from the beginning of the games roots, to its sequels, and to the latest Street Fighter 4. If you love fighting games, don't give this a miss.

I'm tempted to write about KOF's history, but that'll wait. :)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

2009 to be Year of Fighting?: Game News

Many of us probably have sampled Street Fighter 4 on either the PS3, 360, or even at the Arcades. The upcoming would be in the PC versions. But is that the end of the games in the fighting genre that will be coming out? hell no. Lots more are coming on the way.

As I've hyped before, King Of Fighters XII is also on it's way, releasing on the 10th of April 2009. The console versions will also be coming soon in July for both 360 and PS3. If I remember correctly, it would be a US release, so make sure to book July for KOF XII if you're a fan. You'll be given a huge treat with the revamp system and gorgeous 2D graphics.

Another peculiar title coming after the launch of KOF XII is Blazblue. Many may not know what the game is about, but it's developed by those responsible for the fun Guilty Gear series. This game also brings in 2D graphics to the foray and since it's a new title, perhaps a different way of playing the game. We can only hope for the best.

And at the end of the year, you'd be pleased to know that Tekken 6 will be making its way to both PS3 and 360 consoles. The game will be based on the Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion from the arcades meaning more subtle graphical touches and the inclusion of 2 new characters (Lars Anderson and Alexis Bosconovitch, if I got them both correct).

You just can't help but realize that the fighting genre is making a comeback after all those years of absence. Well ladies and gentlemen, polish your sticks. I can't wait to challenge you guys when the opportunity comes in. :)

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Nintendo DSi: First Impressions



The Nintendo DSi is the 2nd revision of the popular Nintendo DS console (The First being Nintendo DS Lite.). So, with the DSi, some new perks were added. You get 2 new cameras on the front and inside the the DSi. I think the outside is 1.3 MP, and the inside is, well, much smaller. You also get an SD card slot for you to view pictures and listen to music. So yeah, there's that added support and then the DSiWare, small things that are downloadable to the DSi for you to poke fun with.

With the photo feature, snapping shots can be fun, and also mesmerizing. you can see yourself manipulate pictures you've taken in so many ways, but the best part would be that you could use the DSi also as a Digital Photo Frame, with slideshow features. The screen might be small, but it still does the job.

Then you got the music feature. You can record your voice and poke fun with it. Or, you could listen to music and tweak with that instead. So, it's a little DJ in your pocket if you like to think of that.

The DSiWare is like WiiWare, software made for the console and you can go and buy what game you desire if its available with Nintendo Points (Wii Points will be changed to that now). The better part of the DSi is that you could also finally surf online, without any Ram cart. Well, that is considering that the GBA slot, is now gone.

The DSi is coming to the states in Spring this year. But those eager to pick it up might find a piece at Play-Asia. But bear in mind it's in Japanese, so the language might give a problem. Have fun!

Helghast Invades Earth, with cupcakes?: PS3 Ads



I guess I'm late in this advertisement, but thanks to Kotaku, I got my shot and I was laughing.

It was funny without a doubt, since the Helghast did come to invade, by giving us sugary goodness. I mean, cupcakes. Who doesn't love cupcakes? Ok some don't but still, it's cupcakes. With cute Helghast cream on it. It's so cute you could go for seconds. :P

The Helghast decided to scare some guys away, and the 0.32 minute was pure gold. It was also funny looking at the Helghast proposing to a Brotherhood of Steel and shoving Snake away. So yeah, this ad worked great to the press alrite and it certainly should charm others. So, watcha waiting for? A cupcake awaits with your Killzone 2 copy! I think... :P

PS: The guys at Guerilla could really add that cupcake in Multiplayer for some fun perks. :P

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

KOF XII Confirmed for PS3& 360 July 2009!: PS3 & 360 News



Kotaku just reported of the trailer blazing in. So again, this is a definite answer to Kick Some Ass and on the PS3 too. I don't see any 360 logo around. So, we'll see what happens regarding the time exclusive. I'd be more interested to see the price point and the features of the game too. SNK Playmore had better go crazy considering Ignition Entertainment sweetened the deal of the KOF 98 Ultimate Match for the PS2 US version. owh, and that one has been released too.

A little update shows that Ignition just confirmed the arrival of KOF XII to PS3 and 360. Best part, its on July 2009. Not good for me as I intend to get my PS3 on August. :P

Play-Asia just got KOF 98 UM US Version in stock. Go crazy!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Great Gamers Hideout Debate

I've been looking and reading at how much people have lamented, talked, bashed, raved, criticized various game shops for their con tactics and high price points. Of course, one of the shops mentioned would be Gamers Hideout, which besides getting great feedback from Xbox 360 gamers, are also getting kicked out by a bunch of gamers. Main reason, price point. I think it's time I clarify certain things about businesses that people should understand about.

Why GH has to sell higher than the other local game shops? Lets see. First, people believed that it is in Damansara. So, in other words, Damansara is a great place for high rental payments. The truth, not exactly. KLCC is much worst. Heck, Sg Wang is also a bad place to begin with in terms of rental. So, how is that them shops in Sg Wang can go cheaper, while GH is still darn expensive? a good way to answer this is to check the shopping malls itself on the rental, and we'll get to other factors later.

So, rental is taken cared off. Let me present the next reason, the layout. Honestly, if any of you have been to GH, you will know that they now have 2 shops, and the layout is nowhere near functional. It's classy. It's like going to Chilli's and having your meal there. Or maybe Chicken Rice Shop compared to a normal Nasi Ayam store. If you look at other game shops, it's so functional that every single placement of the items are made to advertise every single peripheral you could think off. For GH, it feels that you're tempted to ask if they have a demo at the moment that you can try out (Which they actually have til next month on Street Fighter 4).

My last point would actually be a bit surprising, but it is my main point. It is GH's direction of choice. If you know, it means that you've been supporting their call for Original Gaming only. No modified consoles, no piracy crap. It's all legit. heck, buying a 360 from them nets you the awesome 3 year Microsoft support from RROD. That's great rite? Well, not for some gamers. You see, when comparing back to local game shops, ask yourselves are those shops going for Original Gaming only? Or you actually see them selling pirated DVDs that are so easily obtainable once more in the country? Sure, they sell PS3 originals, so, what about 360s? What about Wiis? owh I see, only hot titles. So, could you find me Ninja Blade then? (Bernard Moh got it though). It's hard and especially when those shops can easily profit 3 fold from the original suppliers price that they incur. By not selling an item, or jacking its price up, the problem comes with how tough a battle is being fought between GH and the local game shops.

My lecturer once told me that he was willing to pay extra price on a place that serves great service to its customers compared to some hypermarket Hi and Goodbye service. I believe in that. Some gamers think that GH's service is bad upon first impressions and so on. This is one aspect they can improve actually. Consumers have grown up and becoming more price sensitive. The only option left is to make sure that you give great service and great support. So, wherever you go, consider things carefully before you simply judge and point. Besides, the best answer always comes from the man himself. So, why not just open that mouth and ask them instead?

PS: I used to travel to GH once and wanted to sample Rock Band. The long haired guy (Sorry dude, not sure which one are ya. :D) smiled and had to decline. I understood it but still I found it great to just visit there and ask away. Also, don't forget I'm selling too. :P

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Rock Band Unplugged for the PSP: A shocking reveal

How do you play a guitar without actually holding a guitar? Simple. By buying a PSP and then purchasing Rock Band Unplugged. What started as a joke by Gamespot last year turned into reality just recently and is beginning to creep me out. Its announcement was the only thing to be had at the moment.

But some sources have said that the game would be played using the face buttons and you could change the instruments on the fly during a song. Perhaps a DDR approach of the face buttons would work. I guess the only instrument that seems in tact would be the Mic on the PSP 3000.

On a smaller fry note, Assassin's Creed and Little Big Planet are also making their way to the PSP exclusively. Well well, PSP ain't that dead after all eh?

The ketchup:
Gamespot
IGN

Never heard of the predecessor games? Go to Play-Asia for more!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

What I could wish for in KOF XII: KOF XII Impression





AOU 2009 had just taken place. With it, KOF XII has been given a demo test of it (Although location tests have begun long ago). So, I am pumped no doubt. It is basically the only game successful on keeping my passion alive for games. So based on the videos on Youtube, I'll be explaining why and what is going on this time.

The story begins after the events of KOF XI. For those who have played the previous game, they will understand that endings had taken place (Aside from the very beautiful anime screens that were shown in each ending) as how Ash Crimson wanted them. He has successfully stolen the Kagura Mirror (used to trap Orochi) and then Iori's purple flame. And as you would expect, Iori in this game would be flameless. 20 fighters are stepping into the ring to fight once again 3 on 3 style, but what events will really unfold? And will Orochi be reborn, again?

The graphics is drop dead gorgeous. Of course, in the case of 2D fighters, some people prefer to stick to traditional things (CoughsSF4Cough). KOF XII was designed beginning with creating character models in 2D. They were then transported into 3D images. Once that was done, it was redrawn again in 2D using the 3D images that was captured. The result feels like an anime that you control. And however it goes, this anime is yours to show.

The gameplay system is also given a revamp. The Max gauge is now only a long gauge that is charged by executing attacks (bummer on not being able to charge). The system also introduces a critical counter gauge. Whether you get attacked or attacking, the gauge will fill up until its full. When it is full, it will begin to deplete, and you have some shots at executing the critical counter. When you do a counter, you can begin a sequence of combo attacks that will be very punishing when mastered. The system gives a nod to the old, and still brings something new to the foray.

You've got 20 fighters and they are ready to duke it out. This is by far the lowest character count in a KOF game. The original 94 also had 24 if I'm not mistaken. But still, looking at the amount of time used to create and revamp the game, it makes sense that it would take a long time and looks to be a fresh beginning to a great game.

I'm praying down that this games comes to the PS3 and Xbox 360 this year. I know that the arcade version is launching in April 10th, 2009 in Japan, and I'm also praying that TKAWorld has decency to bring it to Singapore and Malaysia. I need it bad!

On another note, here's what I think I would like to see in KOF XII for the console version.

1. Online Play. Duh, I've already talked about this before.
2. Custom costumes. I'd be happy to see Iori in his old threads again. Or even Athena in all her previous costumes (She has more than 10.)
3. Character challenge mode. Street Fighter EX pioneered this one. It was really fun and enjoyable watching yourself practice the move over and over again that it was just fun executing the combo. Although I liked KOF's Mission mode, this mode would give each character a lesson for us to master them.
4. Backstory on missing characters. We need to know what happened to them other 30 so characters that were not present. We need an official story SNK Playmore. And we need it stat.
5. A new way of Online ranking. You know, something that may have adoption towards what Killzone 2 has delivered (ie new perks and so on).
6. Game customization. This was gone after 98. I had fun actually messing around with hidden life and power bars, messing with the defense level, so on and so forth. It shouldn't hurt by giving us that sort of power right?

So SNK Playmore and Ignition Entertainment, please listen to my small requests and make this game worth it. I know there are English VAs assigned for the characters in this game, signalling a very very very soon coming of this game to the consoles. I'll be waiting to pounce on people for sure.

Ong Bak 2: Movie Review


What a disappointment. And here I was thinking that the trailer was great, and yet I've been given a story that was so weak that in the end the audience was still sitting on their seats, probably asking themselves what the hell happened. Suffice to say, a huge letdown.

I went for this movie with my gf before she flew back to Aussie. The movie stories about Tian, a descendant from loyalty that was outcast by some rebels and decided to take revenge back after he grew in a group of bandits. To spoil the story, in the end he found out who actually killed his father and was tortured to death.

Action, great. But I still had gripes to it, but I need to get to somewhere else. The acting, ok and not bad. But the plot and story is so horrible that I was just left gazed out. The only thing in my head was regret and I want a refund. And this is coming from how nice Ong Bak actually was and the 2nd was a letdown. Ok, enough with that.

On the action side, I was actually hoping Tian to be a strictly Muay Thai fighter. Apparently, the people who raised him also had a Japanese Samurai and some Chinese Kung Fu Masters that helped him develop more arts. Sounds good? It is, but it breaks his identity, especially since the setting is when we can still call it as Siam. The sound is ok, but the props were amazing. My gf liked the settings and so did I. I liked how the props was done and how everything looked great.

A minor setback is on the heroin. There was no significant of why she even needed to be in this film. And she needs to be more stable. Couldn't the director have used wires to help her instead?

Overall, watch the movie if you want to see some Muay Thai fighter going all out in various other martial arts. But you can sleep when they narrate the whole story. Trust me, it's better that way.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

To Hadoken, or not to hadoken?: Street Fighter 4 Ads and Tips

With the hype of Street Fighter 4 blooming into the sense of multiple orgasm for males, it was a bit surprising to see how late the promotional advertisements were coming along. Perhaps in the US, the ads should be released 1 week before it's official release. In Asia however, I don't see any promotional marketing going on except for an upcoming tournament that will be held in Cineleisure on 28th February. But, going back to the advertisement, would it be great to ask yourself this question.

To hadoken, or not to hadoken?

I'm not saying that it's lame. But, it somehow wants to bring back the older days of the times where people never stopped dunking in coins into machines in arcades or even colleges. Besides, our younger parts have all been doing that (And I still am doing so playing SF2 CE) yet it does mark as something new too.

This is definitely the return of the beatdown.

So, as far as lame (read: Yes it is.) and late marketing comes by, you can spot these commercial at your gamespot.com or even 1up.com sometimes. IGN's review is a great show of how this one might be possible to takeover Street Fighter 2 and Turbo's place in the greatest games of all time ranking.

And I might be able to help with some tips in the game (Note: I do not have the original on either consoles or played the arcade version. it is all gathered from reading too much.)

1. Combo is all about timing. Button mashing is not a combo. Though it may seem tough, you'd need a very big mental image in your head to understand which milisecond should you hit that button and continue that combo. Practice here makes perfect execution and glorious beatdowns.

2. Fighters can get tired in long streaks. This means that if you start a combo with chipping damage (like 3 times LP) chances are that you're next hit is weaker than what it should be. Start strong when the opportunity presents itself. The opportunity can only come by how aware you are. A slow but strong start can be better than chipping someone's life 20 times.

3. Charging is not difficult. If you've played Street Fighter 3 before, you can do charge partitioning/stocking. It means that before you do a combo you can charge (example, Guile's Sonic Boom) back in 2 seconds and then execute a combo. (Combo example, charge db, release, 3XLP then Front MP). The same is possibly done here, but you can also charge while hitting those 3 small punches and then straight for a Sonic Boom. Keep in mind that 2 seconds is enough.

4. Don't be afraid to get hit in Focus Attack. Focus Attack is extremely useful if you release it right on time when your opponent is coming. If they jump, you'd get damaged. But if you charge it in 3 seconds you can release an unblockable attack that gives you a very huge advantage to perform more combos. On the plus side, it heals back when the focus attack hits your opponent.

5. Try not to turtle. Turtling is basically waiting for the opponent to hit you while you block or practically spam the same thing (like a Hadoken) on and on again. When the advantage presents itself, you beat him up. Go aggressive when possible. Since I did say try not to turtle, mixing offense and defense can be very useful in any situation.

6. Be wary of throws. Throws are good mixes to drop someone off their feet and perhaps continue with a combo or just make him stay scared. When someone fights, balance is important. Not just physically, but mentally too. Thought your opponent is expecting an attack? Try giving him a little poke and come closer. Pressing LP+LK would throw him away and you can try and see how he would feel after that. On a defense note, be aware of any light moves being thrown out when you guard. Be quicker.

7. I revenge you my damage. The Revenge meter pulls off Ultra moves. The moves for each character is different and can be seen in their movelist. But there is a trick. When revenge is already half, you can start going for an Ultra move. The more the meter fills, the more damaging that move will be. the trade off is that you need to get hurt then only you will fill the meter. So, if pulling off an Ultra means so much, think again.

There are more tips and tricks you can find in the internet in the upcoming weeks, but these are mine so far. Credits to IGN and Sean Gilley for the tips and tricks.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Heavy Rain: PS3 Impressions

A stupid subtitle, or a mega conspiracy? We'll wait and see.

In 2006, Quantic Dream presented PS3 fans with a technical demo of the game. The purpose? To show off what the heck the PS3 can do. Apparently, it was not enough. Gamers wanted a hands on with the game, so it's pretty much not possible, since it was still in the stages, but Heavy Rain should really whet up some appetites with it's gorgeous visuals considering after how great Indigo Prophecy did before.

So, how far would you go to save someone that you love? In reality, parents would die for their children, lovers can do almost everything to save their loved ones. In this game, it's made to tell you how and what should you do, in a situation like that. Quantic Dream apparently is going to give that experience where every single decision made, can lead to a fatal outcome.

In this game, based on the previews, you're a journalist. Apparently, the game would start out with you at a home trying to investigate what happened. This is the fun part. Investigate how you see fit and everything would happen in real time. In the demo, it's raining (giving some sense to the title), and the protagonist is trying to investigate. So, if it were you, how would you do it? Well, you can picklock the back door, try the window, or enter the garage first, anything makes a big thing. Quantic Dream wanted this game to feel like it was like stretching a rubberband. The more you stretch it, the more you get out of it. Or maybe, like reading a Goosebumps story, where careful picking leads you to the end of the real thing. Make some wrong moves, and walah, you're ended with something shorter or lesser info is being revelead.

Owh my Lord is this water realistic?

The demo ended with the protaganist escaping from a certain man who lived in the house she was investigating, and so far, it's been dry ever since. The visuals may be very beautiful, but we really need more stuff to help us out here. I'm very much anticipating this, considering how Indigo Prophecy was a major influence to my liking of game oriented movie. Only you control the ending, so end it with style.

PS: Play-Asia doesn't have this yet obviously, but to Nick Leong, I hope you're happy! :p

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The King of Fighters 98: Ultimate Match: PS2 Bring The PAIN!

64 guys in 1 game. BRING THE PAIN!

Remember my previous review on the Japanese version of KOF 98 UM? Well, in case if you forgot, it's right here. So what is this post about? Well, it's the US version now!

But is there a review for it? Course not. Apparently, I don't have the copy yet since it's not even released yet. But, there's something very interesting in this trailer that I wanted to show you all at the 50th Second.



So, exclusive footage of KOF XII eh? So, here's what I'm gonna start thinking.

1. KOF XII might come to the PS3 as an exclusive or time exclusive. The time exclusive is because the Xbox 360 also has KOF 98 UM in their arcade list (which is releasing on March in Japan, not sure about Asian or US versions). It'd be great to know if the exclusive footage, is new gameplay footage, system explanation, move list video which would be great if you asked me.

Yes! Your shoe laces are untied!

2. KOF XII is continuing tradition with Online Play. But if it's possible, can they upgrade the system that Virtua Fighter 4 gave light to? I mean, Tekken and SF has copied the same techniques by giving rankings to people based on experience points and how many matches have been played, but I want to see something improve further since SF4 has unlockable costume which each grade. Make KOF XII much more deeper SNK PLAYMORE!

I am honestly a happy guy, serious. And I just I had the extra cash to fork out for this game. So, we'll see whether Guitar Hero: Metallica wins my attention, or this one first. :P

Also can't wait like me? Pre-Order from Play-Asia now! Releases March 9th 2009!



Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Mother 3, in Bahasa MALAYSIA???

So Mother 3 was basically translated way too many times with fan translations. But seriously, in Malay? Don't trust me? Well, a recent visit that ignited my interest (Courtesy of Mr. NineOverTen. :P) had left me searching for some fan translated works.

Turns out, a high school student in Kota Tinggi is currently working on such a translation. You can find his blog, and some screenies of his work right here. And honestly, I am very impressed! :D

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Ryu Ga Gotoku 3: PS3 My Thoughts

The Yakuza series is actually a game that is similar to the Dragon Quest series. It's such a huge hit in Japan but in the US, less than mild. Well, low strength of marketing is a very big thing, and the game was really booming from the land of the rising sun. So, it wasn't surprising to see that a 3rd sequel is to come in, considering how the game gives you so much to do (which on other words, translates into a spiritual sequel to Shenmue) and also presents such a great story as it unfolds. I've taken my sweet time to watch the 20 minute Tokyo Game Show footage that was presented and showcased a whole lot of good stuff.

IGN did a coverage on the game recently and they were really positive about the game. The next move is to have it ported and translated into English so that even I may understand. Either way, the story this time still revolves on Kazuma Kiryu, but he would now be in Okinawa opening a orphanage with Haruka, a little girl who is close to uncle Kazzy during the first 2 games. But after a political and yakuza joint forced Kazuma to react, he must now return to Kamimurocho to settle things once and for all for his orphanage.

So the story has always been top notch. I'd say, on par with the Infernal Affairs series in terms of excitement and unfolding the mystery. It's not GTA, since you're more as a detective in this game. The game throws you with so many to do, so interact with girls, eat, drink, and this time, sing karaoke, play new minigames, so on and so forth. And the fight system is also given a makeover. Some thugs coming at you? Perform a quick action prompt and you might just dish some damage and start the battle with you having an advantage. Miss and suffer. There is no loading between transitions. Yes, no loading. And that is definitely spectacular.

One of the nifty things I realized was how Kazuma can learn certain moves through observations. Observe someone getting harassed? learn how he or she counters it and you just got yourself a new move. The graphic is of course upgraded, and I must say, it is a wow.

Fans have been waiting for the game for quite a while after Kenzan was released. Now it's the 3rd chapter in the modern times and I'm seriously hoping this comes out in English. Even an European release is great. :D

Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 released on 27th February 2008. Wow, so close to Killzone 2 eh? But that's because Killzone 2 is coming out on March in Japan. So, get yours from Play-Asia now!

Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 PS3 R3 Japan

Street Fighter 4: PS3 and 360 Impressions

Hiyah! I'm ready for my big debut again!

I love fighting games. In my name also you can see how I love referring to 2 characters from the King Of Fighters series. So, how should I feel about Street Fighter 4 (SF4) coming in the way? At first, excited. And then, skeptical. But now, I've brushed off my feelings and understood that this is something that I can be really excited about, and the past generation of the SF2 crowd would also be too.

Though the title says Street Fighter 4, the game's events actually took place after SF2 and before SF3. So, would it be a prequel to SF3? I don't think so, because I've never seen the endings yet. But the idea is no doubt an exciting one, and we hope that some questions raised in SF3 like who is Remy's father and so on will be answered in SF4.

Presenting! Brokeback Fighters!

The graphics is actually homage. When people saw it for the first time, they were screaming their lungs because it is 3D. In actuality, it's still 2D. From here, I started calling this SF2 for the next gen. And I'll support that with the system too. The gameplay itself is actually a charm. And it is very much based on the classic SF2 style. Put someone in the corner and blast at them away. Cancel and stun them and make sure the combo strings never end. The depth of SF2 combo system is back and this time it marks a huge step for presenting an old system in a new generation. I'd also say it's a big gamble.

You've got new characters and a new boss to boot besides the original world champion cast. The console versions will have more fighters in them from the Alpha/Zero series. The new cast includes Crimson Viper, a super hot sexy spy that fights with weapons (Something like Malin from KOF), Abel is a mixed martial artist who might have a grudge against Guile, is from France and loves swinging people around, El Fuerte is homage to a Luchador, a mexican wrestler and we've got Rufus, where it seems that the trend is to bring in fat fighters who are agile. (I also love Sammo Hung. :P) The boss this time is Seth, a weapons director from Shadowloo who seems to be more powerful than M. Bison in which he can even copy other fighters moves.

I know I've used Ryu many times already but I love the guy!

The soundtrack is lovely. It's another remix along with new tracks to suit this gen and it really sounds cool. The costumes are well done, but the alternate costumes can give you some headaches too. The only thing left is to see how well the online play is, the tutorial, the depth of gameplay and how everything ties up.

I truly believe this is SF2 remade for the next gen. It's already a fighting game that is well made and feels really charming when you can have that experience on your hands. I end my post with this video by a Sean Gilley, who's way too pro with Guile in Street Fighter 4. I'd love to fight him someday when I get the chance. :D



Street Fighter 4 is definitely mouth watering to me. So how about you? Pre-Orders from me are at RM240, still tentative for both consoles or get them also from Play-Asia!

Street Fighter 4 PS3 R3 Normal Edition with Bonus DVD!
Street Fighter 4 XBOX 360 NTSC-J Normal Edition with Bonus DVD and Calendar! (No fair! :P)
Street Fighter 4 PS3 R1 Collectors Edition!