Oh yeah,I wanna say Xbox One sucks,yeah I know it's not out yet but I'm talking about the system itself,not necessarily it's game library(yet).

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When I played the Halo 4 campaign I had that feeling. Halo 4 has changed drastically from the Halo I grew up with. The campaign is eerily reminiscent of Call of Duty. The first in game breaks in which Master Chief pushes a button seem out of place. In a way its glorifying a lackluster action that can be overlooked. The sole purpose of the first person actions is to make it more cinematic and Call of Duty-like.

The Call of Duty theme comes up time and time again. Halo 4 sports the same interactive gameplay elements that Call of Duty made popular. Remember climbing the glacier in Modern Warfare 2? Youll see those elements here. While its not bad, it just doesnt feel like Halo. I feel like Im playing a Call of Duty spinoff. This feeling is worsened by a change in the Needler inflicts damage. Every time a needle hits you, there is virtually no damage inflicted. The damage is only inflicted after the needles explode. While this seems trivial, it drastically impacts gameplay. I dont always realize when Im getting shot with a Needler and die seemingly randomly.

The story behind Halo 4 would have had me in tears had my roommate not been breaking my immersion every three seconds. I think it might very well be the most emotional game Ive ever played, at least the most emotional Halo game. Cortana has gone rampant, and the interaction between Master Chief and Cortana is incredibly well done. My only gripe is that it was too short. I miss Halo 2s long campaign. I completed Halo 4 in only about six hours. There was so much missed potential between Chief and Cortana due to the campaigns brevity. I would have loved to see their interactions play out for a longer period of time before the credits role. 

The story also ties in perfectly to the Forward Unto Dawn short films. The new characters have unique personalities, although Master Chief doesnt have long lasting relationships akin to his relationship with the Arbiter or Johnson. The new faces fade as soon as they come. One of the most interesting characters is a female O.D.S.T. although she only appears in two or three scenes. Shes the perfect candidate for a series long partner. The story however is a solemn tale of the struggles between two close friends, so I can understand why they didnt introduce that many new characters. The narrative focuses beautifully on Cortana and Chief.

While it feels a lot more like Call of Duty than Halo, Halo 4 is still not to be missed for its narrative alone.

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When Microsoft revealed the 21^st of May as their showcase for the future of the entertainment medium I was excited by the prospect. Having been disappointed by Sony's offerings of sequels and pseudo Frankenstein controllers, I was hoping MS would offer something more...much more. Well we all saw the console which is more than what Sony did, however upon feasting it's rather bland 1980's vhs player styled design should they have showed it at all? A small part of me thought it was deliberate in an attempt to make the console look similar to those of old, those from my generation. Maybe they wanted to grab the attention of the Space Invaders elite?

If that was the intention then they failed as the new Xbox One (it's now official name) looked more akin to a set top box than a console with the same features enjoyed by that said medium. As I sit here a cool breeze gusting through the balcony doors and a refreshing Orange juice greets my lips I wonder if this is the future of gaming? The Xbox One reveal seemed nothing more than MS wanting to get into a territory already frequented by other companies who quite frankly have much more experience with the subject matter. Has MS decided to put the other entertainment mediums first and games second? Such a prospect is so bizzarre and non coherent I dread to think it.

Then there is the rather more alarming concern of used game fee's and one user per console mentality. Do MS honestly expect a married couple to both buy the same version of the same game so both can enjoy it on the same console? In another world it would be comedy gold the kind of content that Laurel and Hardy would use to captivate audiences worldwide. The worrying feeling however is that this situation is no joke and it's a nightmare that we will never awake from. No matter how one looks at it the reveal raised more questions than eyebrows and alerted the gaming world to some very serious questions.

Please leave your thoughts on comments on the issue here and at my youtube channel found here: www.youtube.com/dragonps

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But a strange thing occured in my house. My eldest lad, who turned 16 last week, has never watched anything remotely Star Trek related and obviously just not been interested. So when the game turned up on rental ( is that soon to be a thing of the past? - sorry couldn't help it ) he had no expectations about it.

So what happened? He put the game in and actually quite enjoyed it - to the point that he borrowed the first movie from me and now wants to go and see the second one! He is also talking about watching so NG/DS9 etc. So the game converted him.

Maybe the game isn't so bad after all and it's pre-conception that killed it?

Anyway now I have shared that nugget I will go back to cooking dinner

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Further to my previous blog with the promo marketing stuff (i.e. crap I give away to help promote the name but didn't really expect people to buy) I've now started selling shirts/clothes.

I've just release 4 so far to gauge interested. I only make a couple of bucks per shirt but it's money for nothing and every bit helps so I thought I'd see how they go. 

Here's what I've done so far:

Shirt 1 - The C117 Games Logo

http://www.redbubble.com/people/c117games/works/10342891-c117-games-loco-pollo-logo-tee

Nothing too exciting here. This is just for me and the other staff to wear around PAX. Doubt anyone'll know who we are but hopefully the loco-pollo (chickan) catches peope's eye and makes them wonder. Better get myself to the top of the Google search engine by PAX eh?!

Shirt 2 - HIVE Playable Characters

http://www.redbubble.com/people/c117games/works/10351289-hive-4-square-characters

As the title suggests this is a shirt showing the four playable characters in HIVE. I chose to eliminate smoothing in the hope that it might appeal to the retro hipster crowd. This shirt is a sure indicator that I've done NO proper marketing research in my life... if I had there'd probably be something to indicate what the shirt related to! Oops, not even a reference to C117 or HIVE.

Shirt 3 - King Nick

http://www.redbubble.com/people/c117games/works/10351359-hive-hail-to-the-king-maybe

If any of you ever played Nick's Quest (my first "proof of concept" game) you'd be familiar with King Nick. Based on Nickosaurus-Rex from this very sight he's a perverted sort of chap who has a tinge of the stupid. He's has a cameo in HIVE too however he's been bumped back to Duke because of what happened in Nick's Quest. Anyway this is a shirt about him. 

Again... no reference to C117 Games or Nick's Quest. :S

Baby Growsuit - Future Chickan Slayer

http://www.redbubble.com/people/c117games/works/10342925-c117-games-future-chickan-slayer

Last but not least is this idea I had at 1am. Put it up for a laugh and, so far, it's been the only thing to sell. Lol. Bet these people don't even know what a chickan is! 

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Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

I've been grappling for a while with what it's like to be a woman in the public eye because it's not as simple as being a video journalist or being a GameSpot employee. It's not as easy as it is for guys. I can't just focus on content creation and being good at my job because I have to consider a whole bunch of other things. Up until twenty minutes ago I thought these things were important, I thought they were proper considerations that I needed to be aware of ALL the time if I want to do this job. Now I think that's bullshit and I'm going to tell you why.

This morning SourceFed host Meg Turney posted up a picture of herself in a push-up bra (I KNOW you want to see this so here you go) and I reacted with disdain. I had such admiration for her as a bisexual, cool, gamer who hosted a fantastic show. She's laid-back and intelligent and a lot of the things I aspire to be in a video journalist. She's also drop dead gorgeous. When I saw that picture I jumped to the same conclusion that a lot of people who aren't men probably did - she's selling out, she's using her boobs to get attention and to garner Twitter followers etc. I went on a Twitter tirade saying she was removing all integrity from her career and proving that she's just another girl who will exploit herself to get male attention - what I said was stupid. Basically.

She reacted against these types of responses in two different videos and I received a well deserved smack in the face. The things I have come to understand from this industry are mostly things I have gathered as a result of males trying to objectify me or males trying to protect me. Perhaps neither is useful to me deciding who I want to be and how I want to represent that person publicly. I've been told not to tweet about my body in a way that might be misconstrued as sexual, I've been objectified for wearing a low-cut top and many, many more from both sides of the scale but you know what, I'm saying, "No". I'm calling bullshit.

Just because I'm a woman talking about video games to a large sect of grown-up, sensible people and a small sect of vocal sexist pigs does not change how I'm going to act. I'm going to be me. I now believe that as long as I'm not showing up to a bikini to work or tweeting propositions to my followers there's no reason I shouldn't be exactly who I am. I'll dress in high-cut t-shirts some days and others I'll wear the tank tops I'm usually more comfortable in.

I'm not buying into this "women need to act differently to men in gaming JUST because they're women" anymore. It's total bullshit and it's not fair. And, honestly, it's sexist. Whether it's people giving me advice for my own good or just a bunch of assholes objectifying there's no good reason to change myself.

Now I'm not saying I'm going to follow in Meg's footsteps but I don't think women who do should be crucified or be accused of selling out their integrity. Everyone has their own attitudes and personality. If she wants to show off her boobs which she's clearly fond of then who the hell am I to tell her otherwise? Just because she's a woman, she should be more demure lest she be objectified? How is saying that any better than telling women to take off more clothes in a video? I honestly believe it's not.

Women should be okay with talking about their bodies and showing them off if they so choose. Yes, there will ALWAYS be gawkers and weirdos but she isn't dressing that way for them. I never dress that way for them. I want to be able to tweet about my body in a non-promiscuous way without going "Oh but what will the men who follow me think? What if they think it's racy?", I want to dress in a way that makes me happy without a thought to what it might make some assholes on the internet think.

If men don't have to censor themselves I think it's complete shit that women are asked to, or expected to. As I've said, if it's in line with the company with which they are associated (should they be, and I say this regarding my role at GameSpot too) then there shouldn't be separate rules for how men and women conduct themselves.

So, screw it, basically. I'm done reviewing myself as a woman in this industry and I'm going to start just seeing myself as a person in this industry. Besides, that's always how I've seen myself outside of it so why should it be any different? I'm not a girl gamer, I'm a gamer. I'm not a female journalist, I'm a journalist. My views are my own and that is plastered on every social media outlet I find myself on so why am I putting myself and my personality in a box that's seen to be more 'sensible and polite' just because I'm a woman?

I'm really interested in what you guys think. Do you think women in the public eye need to be careful? Should we have different rules? Why or why not? Let me know.

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A remarkable bounceback season for the Habs came to an end as they were eliminated by the Ottawa Senators in game 5. After coming in last place in the Eastern Conference last season the team made a lot of changes especially in management and ended up hiring a new GM Marc Bergevin along with a new coach Michel Therrien who together formed a winning team. New players included Brandon Prust, Colby Armstrong and Francis Boullion along with three rookies Jarred Tinordi, Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher who stepped into there new role and gave the Habs some fresh faces to look forward to in the future. As trophies go, Montreal has been nominated for three: Michel Therrien nominated for the Jack Adams Trophy (best coach) P.K Subban nominated for the Norris Trophy (best defensive) and Brendan Gallagher nominated for the Calder Trophy (best rookie). Along with that Montreal came in second in the Eastern Conference and first in the North-East Division. But such a great season meens nothing if you cannot produce wins in the playoffs which is exactly what happened for the Habs in the first round of the playoffs facing the Ottawa Senators. There first few games of the series the Habs outplayed the Sens, but still managed to lose games and ended up being eliminated by the Sens 6-1 in a heartbreaking game 5. The reason for the failing team was simply there size and the amount of injuries. The Habs are a very small team and were easily intimidated by the bigger Sens from game 2 were they started to play there physical game. A hit from Eric Gryba in game 2 which sent Lars Eller to hospital angered the Habs team to a great deal and set the tone for the series. Game 3 being an absolute mess were at one point only five players remained on either teams bench after countless fights which led to some injuries for the Habs. Jump to game 5 and the Habs in a desperate attempt for a win played many rookie players seeing that half there team have been injured including the already injured Alexei Emelin, the captain Brian Gionta, Brandon Prust, Max Pacioretty, Ryan White and most importantly there goaltender Carey Price. But the Sens took advantage of this and beat them Habs 6-1 breaking many fans hearts. At the end of the game the whole Habs team skated onto the ice and let the remaining fans cheer for them, knowing that theres always next year.

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Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

I have been extremely inactive on this site, and I really want to return but I can never quite find the time. I even missed my long-anticipated Metal Gear Rising review...But it's all for the best.

Over the last two years I have turned my life into garbage. I completley lost sight of my morals and did alot of things I regret. I lost myself. I never really mentioned it until now, but I am everyday now filled with regret and a obsessive strive to make my life right. That is what I promised myself July 2012, that I would change the person I was, into someone I'm proud to be.

I'm happy to say that on May 22, 2013, that dream may finally come true.

I don't want to get into detail on what exactly I have done to make me regret so much...But I am more than glad to tell you all how far I've risen above my old ways. Okay well, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but hey, this is just how I feel about actually doing something I'm proud of.

I used to have disregard for the law, telling myself the things I was doing "were not that bad". But then I finally came to relize what a corrupt person it had made me, and I swore myself to change. And for the most part, I've stuck to it.

However, I have one final challange to overcome before I can be fully redeemed and proud of myself- The 9th grade finals. As it stands right now, I'm making all B's. I'm just very nervous that these tests will make-or-break me in terms of my grades. So perhaps I can be all self-centered and sit around and tell you guys to cheer me on? Well actually that sounds quite nice xD. But in all seriousness guys, wish me luck. Passing this year means the world to me..

I've also said this atleast 37 billion times but...I do intend on being much more active on Gamespot in the near future, but right now I have much more important tasks to acomplish. Also I really should do my Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance review soon since I'm like two months late 0_0

But more importantly, I should really really get back to studying for my permit test tommorow!

Anyway guys, wish me luck!

And Stay Healthy!

Sackboy_man

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LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T0vs9gYydo

Well that escalated quickly....

Bee Out.

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I remeber winning DLC and EXPO tickets which was amazing seeing as I did so little. I wont be getting back into Gamespot Fuse though. Personally, I think it's a lame feature and encourages a lot of uninspired conversations. "Ahhh, so and so likes this game? Better go comment on it and say good choice!" Ultimatley, discussions are at their best on the forums.

Lastly, here's an awesome .gif

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I have all of the other consoles too, but for some reason I see more value in Nintendo consoles and games, I can't tell you why.

I love Uncharted 2, Bioshock, Gears of War, Infamous and all of those other games on the other systems, but Nitnendo just feels right, I don't know.

However if you ever see me post on System Wars Recently you would think that I'm acting a bit sour on the WiiU or I'm being too harsh. Maybe I am, but I'm more concerned on the WiiU's stance on 3rd Party games.

and here's the topic title that EVERYONE uses to refute my concern.

"I only buy Nintendo for the 1st Party."

This is the sold statement that everyone uses for Nintendo products in general.

However the Truth will shock you.

IF I ONLY BOUGHT FIRST PARTY GAMES FOR MY NINTENDO GAME SYSTEMS FOR GAMECUBE, WII, WIIU, DS, AND 3DS, THIS IS WHAT I WOULD HAVE.

there's about 46 games in total there.

• 17 Wii
• 2 WiiU
• 9 Gamecube
• 6 3DS
• 12 DS

an okay Library I guess, but if you compare that to the 3rd Party games for these systems.

boom.

My Computer Screen is barely in this picture from the wall of 3rd party games.

a whopping 75 Games in total there for 3rd Party.

• 25 Wii
• 4 WiiU
• 18 Gamecube
• 13 3DS
• 15 DS

75 > 46

This is why I'm so concerned about the WiiU's 3rd Party situation. If 3rd Parties don't give up the same support like they've done in the past It won't look so good for WiiU (even though 3rd Parties outshine 1st Party right now on WiiU).

Also I just wanted to show off my collection of Gamecube, DS, 3DS, Wii, WiiU games and to Show you how Bull Crap it is to say you only buy Nintendo for 1st Party and Only.

side notes: combined 1st party and 3rd party

• Wii: 42
• WiiU: 6
• Gamecube: 27
• 3DS: 19
• DS: 27
• total: 121

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Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

Now I just have to get it edited asnd published. And for those of you who don't know: getting your book published is a hundred times harder than writing one. There's submissions, agents, query letters, synopsises, summaries, contacts, posting, printing, and the best part: waiting for a reply. One publishing group said they take around 12 months to reply. Yeah, fvck that.

So if you guys know any publishers or agents I'd appreciate it. So far all I've gotten is "no" or "Thanks, it's interesting, but no" or some other crap like that.

So yeah, if anyone wants any additional information about it or even the first chapter let me know.

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Since Sony is going to possibly announce the PS4 this Wednesday and I hear about 720 rumors I might as well talk about them.

PS4 to have streaming for PS3 games

Looks like PS4 will allow you to play PS3 games after all...through streaming. You need to be online at all times to play PS3 games on it. Might as well own a PS3 in that case for full control and avoid connection issues though it's more convenient to play them on PS4.

PS4 might have a screen on controller

There have been prototypes of the PS4 controller to have a screen on it. I wouldn't mind it as long as it's done well.

PS4 to be 400 bucks

I'm fine with that, though I don't buy consoles at launch, only later.

PS4 to make you pay an online pass when buying used games

Eh, as long as I can play the game used...

720 to have 500GB hard drive, Blu Ray and Kinect

I'm fine with the 1st 2 but they need to improve Kinect for games, Kinect is mainly a success in sales, not in high quality games though.

720 to block used games

Probably the most insane rumor of them all. I don't see it happening and if they go for it I would be shocked. There's so many things wrong with it, like:

Can't find that rare game new since used copies don't exist

Makes renting games impossible with not enough copies

This will make it so games won't drop as fast, longer to wait to get that game you want for a reasonable price

Allows devs to exploit their practices

Killing the used game market

Yeah I don't see this happening. Can't wait until Wednesday though!

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Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot