Hello everyone! As you can all see I am back and swinging on the good ol gamespot.com. Our soapbox team is back up and I could not be anymore happy to hear such news. Expect me to post a lot more editorials, well mostly editorials, and some goofy updates to fill you in on my eventful life. For now I will fill you in a little bit of my life. I have literally just been going to concerts and playing video games, honestly that is it. BIG NEWS, in my life is that I am preparing myself for college! I have begun applying to schools and I hope to be attending Bowling Green University next fall as a Falcon! I am entering their Journalism program and I hope I can expand my literary knowledge and AP writing skills and write on the topic of Video Games as a free-lancer or a staff writer for Gamespot itself! That is honestly my only dream to be apart of the Gamespot.com staff.

But now back to my blog! This is on how I review games, seeing as I am now going to be reviewing more games as well, its time I set the foundation for how I review. I have realized how important scores are to people and it is quite sad. They believe any game that gets a 6.5/10 is atrocious when really that is above average? Here is my syllabus and my standards for how I review games because honestly it is nothing how many people do.

1-3 Scores: Abysmal/Terrible/Why would you make this?

Sometimes games just go wrong, either the developer messed up or the Publisher pushed to hard to have a game be created and that lead to a medicore title. But sometimes games are just so bad you wonder why they even made it, that is what my scored games 1-3 represent. Almost laughable, these games are the worst of the worst. I would not even wipe my backside with the discs they are on. Lackluster gameplay, no story, linear and all around half-assed.

3-5: Bad/Lackluster/Very Unpolished:

Now lets get this out of the way, games rated 3-5 are bad, but that does not mean they are not playable. These are games I would still play and possible enjoy slightly, but as a game, it is just not up to the average par. Games like Duke Nukem Forever, I gave it a 4.5/10. I actually enjoyed it, amazing huh? But lets be honest, that game was terrible as a whole. Its how the gameplay adds up, the story, its ambitions before its released and its hype. The aesthetics of the game need to be good and frankly, these games do not reach the bar.

6-7: Good/Worth a Look/Fun

A game to be in this category is good, these games are your Wow this looks good! I will get it off Gamefly! kind of games. They are worth the look and ultimately pretty good games. They display decent gameplay, sometimes a good to phenomenal story and have the core mechanics of a good game. These games are average to slightly above average and generally symbolize a good game. Any game in this rating zone (in my opinion) should be honored.

8-9: Great/Fantastic/Worth Every Penny/DO NOT MISS DEEZ FRAGGIN GAMES!
To some 8 ratings are really not that good and 9 is the best, for me that is not the case. I think any game that reaches this rating is amazing, it is not easy for a game to hit my 8-9 mark at all. These games have near perfect gameplay, fantastic stories and solid core mechanics that games need to be successful. Many games get put in this category for professional reviewers which in my opinion makes these magazines and sites unprofessional as they hand them out like plastic trophies at a Rec Center baseball league. I treat games in this rating category as Gold Medalists and ultimately give these games heavy praise. Most of my favorite games are in this Category.

10: Perfect...there is nothing else to say.

Tens are rare, they are the rarest of all ratings I give. To earn a 10 you do not simply have to be good or great and just breeze in for a ten, no, you need to be flawless. Games that earn tens from me have flawless gameplay and I mean very very very very little to no hiccups, decent to great graphics, a good story to a phenomenal one and it needs to be overall created with flair and imagination. I have only had two games fall in this category ever and even then that is a lot of games. I DO NOT GIVE THESE OUT OFTEN AT ALL.

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There you have it! Now remember these guidelines when reading my reviews

-Ryan

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Thanks to psu.com for the photo

Browsing Gamespot there has been one topic that I have consistently seen in comments, blog posts and even in webisode specials produced by Gamespot themselves. This topic is Downloadable Content and quite frankly I am amazed at how heated the discussions have gotten. Downloadable Content or DLC, as most gamers refer to it, is an add-on or extra meat added to any given game. Sounds awesome on paper, but then throw in the fact most DLC cost quite a lot of money for sometimes so little content. But what DLC breaks down too is this, do not buy it if you do not want it.

Many gamers argue that Hey! We want the full game! Why couldn't you just add all this DLC content on with the original release version of the game?. Of course I paraphrased that from a compilation of comments and blog posts I have seen, but still, this is a common and similar idea to the opinions I see. DLC is not supposed to be on the full game, thats the point. DLC is meant to enhance and lengthen your time with a game, not make you feel gypped. Many developers work hard trying to give you more, and sometimes many DLC take a lot of time to create, showing that some dedication is involved.

I spent multiple hours playing Fallout 3 when it first came out. I found myself mesmerized by the vast landscapes and hooked on the fantastic gameplay that included the famous V.A.T.S. system. When the game ended and I watched the credits roll, a sense of disappointment and thrill overcame me. I was finally done, I had done it. But deep down I was craving more, I wanted more story, more characters, more weapons, new environments and most importantly; more stuff to kill. My wishes were granted, via a genie nicknamed DLC. Bethesda released five of these DLCs, each with its own flare, challenges and extra goodies for me to enjoy. Of course some were better than the others, but still, I had the chance to download more and enjoy more of this game I already had 125 hours devoted too. I downloaded every single one and spent a hefty price on each. I was a satisfied customer and I got my fill. I was grateful that Bethesda took the time to create more content. I did not have to buy the DLC, but I did anyway.

Now, you reading this may assume I love DLC and think its a flawless system, but its not. Not all DLC are perfect and many are very sloppy and horribly produced. Sometimes a company wants to make a quick buck and milk the cow dry. Sometimes developers milk the cow so dry it dies all together. Luckily for some games, they have enough milk in them to stay afloat. DLC can also be released to save a horrible game. Seriously, whose idea was it too release DLC for Duke Nukem Forever? Also pricing of some of these DLCs are outrageous. In todays gaming world multiplayer is all the rage and is enjoyed by millions of new coming gamers across the world. With online multiplayer, many Devs release maps and map packs giving you more to enjoy online. I remember playing counter strike and Halo, we got free map-packs, a little gift from the devs for we gamers so we could stay hooked on their title. Nowadays games like Call of Duty and Battlefield are charging anywhere from $10-$20 american dollars for map packs. Its not to say that the maps aren't good, its just that its amazing that they would charge so much for such little things. I am a victim of this. I adored Call of Duty Black Ops it was the only COD game I truly enjoyed and I purchased every single map pack and even the solo Zombie pack. I felt happy, but my wallet did not.

DLC is here to stay, they are not leaving anytime soon. In a world now where technology and connectivity, companies can consistently pump out new updates, improvements and content, DLC will continue to thrive and be put out to the public. Do not get mad that they charge you, its a capitalistic society we live in, you need to make money to create things, they cannot be handed to you. If you want to expand your time with a game, buy the DLC they offer. If you do not want to spend the money, then don't, just be happy with what you played. How do you feel about DLC? Agree with me? Disagree with me? Kind of agree with me? Or just think I am an incompetent fool with no intelligence? Leave your comments below or talk to me on the Twitterzone @mattilasucks , I love feedback

-Ryan

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But to the work part of my life, its going pretty well. Nothing much I can say about that. I slice bagels which is tedious and sometimes annoying, but it is such a simple job that I really should not complain. I honestly feel like the main protaginist of Office Space, I would rather do labor like I did just last night actually. I tore up linoleoum floors, knocked out walls and used my hands and felt sweat. It felt great as a little side job, I went home satisified and tired like a real man. Do I want to do that for the rest of my life? No. But as a side job through high school and college yes.

To the soccer part of my life, I could care less. It is my senior year and not good enough to play in college. I am good, yes, but to the caliber of American colleges I just do not compete. But none the less I will still give my all for my team on the Varsity squad. I owe my school that.

Partying now, it has got out of hand for someone who is only 17 at the moment. By out of hand I mean that I am loving this summer partying haha. It is the highlight of my summer, not always drinking to get drunk, but to have fun with drinking games. Our group of friends is so different form the norm its comical. My group of friends and myself all maintain 3.8 or above school averages, play sports, hold jobs and do not have criminal records. For the school partyers we are quite the odd group. But I love my friends to death and we like to have fun, not a problem if you ask me.

But to that whole 17 thing, its amazing to know I have almost been here 5 years now, I will be 18 in a month and everything is feeling weird. I am almost to adulthood and it scares, but it is a good scare. I realize, kind of, what I want to do with my life. Government work or journalism. Also i want to backpack and hike in the national parks, I promised myself I would eventually and I will. Its my dream. Luckily I am close to the Appaclihian (I am aware I spelled that wrong, I am to lazy for spellcheck) Mountians which are 4 hours away. AND SPEAKING OF THE SOUTH!

I have begun planning my trip to Virginia next summer for a little "Congrats Grad!" kind of trip for me and my friends who will always have been through their first year of college. But the main reason I am going down there is to see my friend @tntkng. My very frist follower on gamespot and ultimately my best friend through a pen pal kind of system. I love the guy and enough so to drive all the way down to finally shake is damn hand. Prepare Mike, it will most likely be one of the best times of our younger lives. I look foward to it.

But to my gaming! I have been playing a lot of Sims 3, Skyrim and now this game I just picked up for $40:

Most annoying Box-art ever.

YES! One of the best Games of the Year last year and I got it for only $40. OF course if you any of you remember talking to me recently my Batman file was corrupted earlier this year so I threw in the towel and left the game for dead. But I said "NO!" my favorite super hero must be played. So I went hard and got the Supreme package deal with all the DLC's for free, well sort of. It was the best pick up I had in awhile and I cannot wait to play it when I get back from Florida, which I leave for Friday.

But there you go guys! A little update, take care and live on.

-Ryan

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Creepers creeping....lawlz

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LOOK WHO IS BACK! He is handsome, funny, a gamer nerd and a party animal who always loses his pants at parties. His name is Ryan and he quite happy to be back on his weekly gaming blog. Due to my exit from school for the summer I am now going to be blogging exceedingly more than I have been. With work, partying, out with my buds and romancing the women I have become pretty slacky when it comes to blogging. But with my new found freedom and 1000% increase in cash-flow I am now on my gaming "grind" as the kids say.

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You're Jealous

Thats all guys! hahahaha. Take care

-Ryan

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Sims 3 (PC....yes PC)

So many faces, so many hours of making sure they poop and shower.

The sims is my second favorite video games franchise of all time (if you can not guess the first then do not track my on here anymore) and needless to say, I NEEDED this game. Yes, needed, and why you may ask? Because I simply must have a fix of the Sims. There is just something about its simplicity and "real to life" (literally) gameplay that is so addictive and entertaining to me. Seldom do i ever purchase computer games, but there is no other way to fully appreciate a Sims game than when it is on a PC. Honestly the best $30 I will ever spend on one of my paychecks.

This other game is not exactly the greatest game in the world, but its action and relation to a story I really enjoy makes it worth the $10 I purchased it for.

Dantes Inferno (Xbox 360)

Kick-*** dudes do not wear shirts...duh?

Okay so you must be thinking, "why doesnt he just get god of war 3?" or "wow you really do not know good games when you see them". My response to those possibly questions you have is....I do not care. I wanted this game because of its hack and slash properties, interesting story and atmosphere and of course, it is made by Visceral! C'mon the creators of Dead space could not have done that bad .

Now to my music! You all know I am an odd future freak, I have been since 2008 with Tyler the Creator album "Bastard" I have been an OF listener since the begining and will till life. This album was pre-ordered 7 days in advance and for good reason...well because I am a freak.

OF Tape Vol. 2

EARLS LIPS! RUUUUUUUN

There are only two words to describe the OF tape vol. 2 and that is, "f***** good". It is easily Odd Futures best complilation and one that will not fade away from the music scene anytime soon. As surprising as it sounds, OF is growing up; punching women and rape to now ballads, money and still drugs, they are showing signs of aging and that is a good thing. From the still eerie but fantastic "Analog 2" to Hodgey and Tylers absolutely flawless "P" VOl 2. delivers and delivers in a way that is not even explainable.

Album Rating: A.

And now to my shoes, they are nice shoes...and I love them.

NO I AM NOT A HIPSTER

Okay...so maybe I am a hipster...who cares.

Well take care fellas (not a drake reference)! Hope you are all enjoying life. If you wish to contact me tweet me or message me!

-Ryan 8)

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10- Portal 2 (Best Puzzle Game of 2011)

Even though puzzle games have never really been my cup of tea, Portal has always been the exception. Stay Alive on my PC made me actaully think in a game and use my brain (which sadly I do not use a lot..I tease I tease) and with the announcement of Portal 2 I could not help but get it. When April rolled around, so did my car (roll up that is) to my local Gamestop and buy Portal 2 for a mere $40 on sale. Its new additions to the original formula, hilarious commentary and excellent level design instantly had me captivated in puzzle filled bliss. Portal 2 is easily the best puzzle game I have ever played and absolutely stands tall amongst the best games of the year.

9- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (Best Online Multiplayer)

As much negativity as Call of Duty receives, it is still a thriving and very much alive franchise. And why most ask? Simply because COD is an absolute joy to play. From extremely short and intense campaigns to addictive and always fun multiplayer matches Call of Duty delivers. MW3 is no exception, it came and it kicked ***, literally as (SPOILER) you kicked that bastard Makarov down a window and killed him. The conclusion to one of my favorite shooter story lines has come to an end, I am satisfied yet saddened by the fact it is all over. Along with a fantastic campaign, its mutliplayer is what really blew me away. Everything about the multiplayer is better and playing with buddies has not been any better. MW3 devilers, do not listen to all of us bickering video game critics who hate it for its mainstream "cash-cow" mystique, it is a fantastic game and one you must play.

8- LittleBigPlanet 2 (Best Platformer)

LBP2 does the unthinkable, it makes a visually attractive game actually play well and takes user created content and puts it to the extreme. Never before has a gamer had the power to actually create his own game within a game within a game within a game...(I think you get where I am going with this). Not only that but Media Molecule actually makes an amazing story mode along with the brilliant user content based online play. I have spent numerous hours playing user created games like basketball, an actual mario remake, shooters, COD like AC-130 missions, zelda knock offs, an actual RPG...yes an RPG and blitz football Sack Boy **** Your imagination is the limit with LBP2 and that is exactly what makes it so brilliant.

7- L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire is not simply a game, it is also a cinematic breakthrough. Never before have we seen such motion capturing (well Avatar defeinitly beats it) in anything. Real actors actually...well acting throughout the game gave you a real sense that you were apart of this world. Though it was slightly brought down with repetitive missions and silly chase sequences, LA Noire still delivered and did so with cinematic gusto. LA Noire entertains you and absorbs your whole imaginiation.

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Yes Friends I am indeed back! The blogging shall now begin as I have just purchased my own desktop for my bedroom! So lets get the ball rolling and I shall continue with this on Thursday

-Ryan

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Well nevermind my mother is booting me off...soooo yeah. *middle finger is in the air*

-Ryan

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John Shirley delivers in this perfect representation of the Bioshock world into novel form.

It is well known that I am the Bioshock freak, I am such an intense fan that next year a quote from the video game will be tattooed onto my stomach region. Both titles in the Bioshock series have affected my life in many ways; from an entertainment aspect and also from a moral aspect. The art of altruism was introduced to me and ever since my beliefs have been placed within myself, the man, and not so much religion. Two years back i was told there was going to be a Bioshock novel and instantly my anticipation was starting its foundation. I went onto the famous amazon.com to look to see if it was real, seeing as they have previews and pre-orders for all entertainment like products, and indeed Rapture: A Bioshock Novel was a product you could pre-order. I instantly gathered up some money, put it away in my safety box (which happens to be the Butterfly hand box that came with the special editon of Bioshock 2) and eageraly awaited its arrival. Later last year my waiting had ended as John Shirley released this masterpiece of video game storytelling.

The novel instantly hits you with how Rapture came to be, a slight backround of Andrew Ryan and constant references to characters you cross and hear of in the video game. Every person that I heard speak when I picked up audio-logs in Rapture on my TV screen were mentioned in the novel, which made me smile with nerdy excitement.

The third-person writing and structure of the novel, is awesome and is indeed a good write, so in essence youre not buying this novel just for the name. Shirley really did his research and Im guessing played the game as every detail and name was used perfectly. The backround of finding out how Frank Fontaine came to be Frank Fontaine had my jaw dropped with curiousity and learning the backround of how every I saw on the TV screen was created via this hardcover novel. Its a world of wonder and "Oh so thats whys that is like that" as you constantly are bringing up that statement and always wondering even more. Seeing how each character found their way to Rapture is also amazing. But the real intrigue comes from the middle to the end of the novel.

From the civil war to Jack Ryan landing and fighting his way to his pre-determind destiny, the story of big daddy's, little sisters, how splicers became, the economy and how much Rapture thrived, and the creation of Jack Ryan as well. This novel answers the questions you accumlated while playing that were never answered. As a fan I felt like I was in a whole nother world where I felt like I was apart of this underwater utopia.

If you love or even like Bioshock and wish to know more, this novel is reading perfection, I plan to pick this novel up again and read it soon. Its just that good of a book..

Rating: A+

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But on the note of what has happend with my life, I am now the asisstant editor of my school newspaper and very proud of such a feat! Ive been very busy editing papers and other things with the newspaper. Especially writing articles, which by the way speaking of video games, I created an article on MW3 v. Battlefield 3 which had huge reception. I was very excited and loved hearing how much people liked it. But other than that, school work itself has been absorbing my time, so I apologize for no posts.

My weeks have been a lot of:

• Chipotle and Sheetz
• Homework
• College Parties
• Friends
• Beer

And of course some good ol' Video games! But I am out, I have to go out with some friends right now actually! So take care fellas and keep up the gaming

-Ryan

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Fighting dragons in Skyrim is easily one of the biggest thrills in gaming ever.

On 11/11/11 I found myself scrolling around on Facebook seeing hokey love story type status' and a cheap ad for some movie called immortals. But that did not matter because I had the biggest grin on my face as I drove to my local Gamestop to snag my pre-ordered for 6 months copy of Elder Scrolls V Skyrim with one of my better friends Joshua. As we walked in I said hello to "D" my favorite employee at my local Gamestop and grabbed my copy. Sadly I could not go home and play as my Xbox 360 was at my fathers and I was currently at my mothers (divorced parents since 1 if you did not know)and would have to wait till Monday night to play.

When monday came I was instantly blow away by my most anticipated game of the year. Was Skyrim living up to everything I thought it could? YES, beyong yes. I was instantly drawn into this new world, from the amazing views, amazing dual casting, and completely re-invented Archery I found my Khajit wondering through Skyrim for 4 and a half hours, by then it was already bed time and I was sad. I was a level 5 already and a decent shot with my bow.

The next day I spent another 5 hours, leaving my bedroom to only urinate and grab an apple, sounds pathetic but it is oh so true. I had become already addicted to being an archer and my Khajit was on his way to awesomeness as I was joining my first clan and slaying my first dragon. This trend continued all week, I literally did not leave my bedroom. I have, according to my Raptr account, played an combined 15 hours of Skyrim just this week (4 days). This is a sad statistic, but I honestly do not care as I have become utterly addicted to this amazing game, and I really just dont care to this point. Heres my consensous on the game so far.

*STOP RIGHT HERE, SOME SPOILERS*

Gameplay

Skyrim plays brilliantly, honestly this is the best playing RPG i have ever owned. From melee, magic spells, to using a bow, everything is absolutly perfect. Melee is still in its awesome form, swing your mace, sword, greatsword, or axe and youll feel instantly gratified as the weapon clashes with your enemies skull. Also new slow-motion finishing pieces like in Fallout are now introduced and have been perfected, as they dont show up constantly to wear off its effect, but instead show up every once and a while giving it that fresh feeling every time it happens. Magic spells are back and better than ever with a different spell set for every kind; like hurting enemies, healing yourself, and other forms. Best of all you can dual wield these, just like dual wiedling in Bioshock 2. Just when you thought shooting flames out of your hands and slashing at the same time was awesome, its even more awesome that you can combine just both weapons and magic atthe same time making spells even more powerful and weapons almost impossible to stop.

The gameplay is perfection and runs as smooth as butter, I am yet to have a single hiccup in the frame ratewhen a lot of mayhem is on the screen. Also the new addition of being a Werewolf is amazing, as you can maul down enemies, feed on their bodies to stay this beast for longer, and sprint for extreme amounts of time without growing low in fatigue. I wont mention how or when you become this beast, but what I do know is its an amazing addition to the game.

Story

You will never forget the places and people you go and meet in Skyrim.

Skyrim's story is easily the best in the series, its shrouded with mystery and has layers and layers of back drop. Dragons have returned to Skyrim and you are the Dragonborn, a special being that can absorb the souls of dragons and use them in the form of shouts (i wont talk about shouts, I want you to experiance that yourself) Your job is to learn the ways of the Dragon and find out why they are returning. Also there is a politcal conflict againist the Imperial forces and the rebellious Nord Stormcloaks who are ignorant, but have good intentions of returning Skyrim to its former glory. The main quest, or so I have heard, can take from 12-15 hours, but the amount of side quests and beuty and mystery of the land itself will absorb you for easily 50+ hours in just one playthrough, this is the most absorbing game I have ever played.

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All in all I am lost in Skyrim and honestly I dont think im ever getting out, its absoultly perfect to every degree. From getting married, fighting dragons, running quests, buying house, to becoming a vampire or a werewolf there is so much to do and so much time to do. Not buying this game would be your biggest gaming mistake ever, put down your MW3's and WoW accounts and open up into my already Game of the Year, Bethesda...youve just made my new 4th favorite game of all time.

Game Rating: 10/10 (rarely given)

-Ryan

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Biggest video game release date in the history of gaming

Call of Duty, love it or hate it, it is the most succesful video game franchise in the world. Ive honestly been a huge fan since the begining with the original on the PC. From then on I have purchased every single Call of Duty game created except the PSP only ones. Honestly at first I had no anticipation for MW3, it was kind of like "Meh...another? Maybe ill get it" I was to pumped for Battlefield 3 and Skyrim to even care for the fact it was coming out. Not to mention MW3 was not shining at all during the years conferences. E3 it was barely even showed except for 5 minutes of the first mission at E3, and at gamescom they dissapointed all as the game was not available for demo and the only trailer they let the people view was a regular one, no gameplay what so ever. That was shady, but at the same time I dont blame them for doing this. MW3 is without a doubt will be the greatest selling game off all time and will probably break this record within 2 months, and teasing to much would kill its thrill to keep fans and others on the edge of their seat.

But after lots of thinking and they fact I have money to spend my interest sparked up. But then gameplay trailers for online and the campaign started flooding the Xbox 360 dashboard and the internet and then i started salivating, the gameplay was without a doubt looking fantastic. Then I learned the Frame Rate would be the highest of any FPS to date, even higher than Battlefield 3 (which supirsed the hell out of me) and the weapon choices and new weapon progression system got me very excited, so needless to say Ihave fully paid of MW3 for my PS3 as I have Battlefield 3 for my Xbox 360.

Hectic fun for all? YeahI am in.

There are many reasons for as to why I want MW3, I love Battlefield 3 yes, but thats regardless I can buy both if I want (thought Id get that out of the way). But these aspects made me more excited than I already was for MW3

1. Tons more trailers and gameplay videos being released
2. New weapon progression
3. Campaign conclusion
4. New equipment in multiplayer
5. The amount of people available to play with

Needless to say MW3 is going to be one epic adrenline filled game, and honestly....I can not wait.

-Ryan (Hate on me for loving it)

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BADABADA bumbumbum BADADA bumbumbum

From its begining intro to its veryfirst mission Battlefield 3 delivers you some on-screen testosterone and adreneline. Of course its the most hyped game of this year besides Modern Warfare 3, but that didnt stop it from becoming one of the coolest FPS's I have ever played in my time of gaming, and trust me I have played my fair share of FPS's. Tomost people in this world, everything needs to be perfection, Battlefield 3 is not perfect, of course nothing is, but it is as close to it as I can possibly think. From the absolutle god-like power of the Frostbite 2 engine to its great paced single player, Battlefield 3 is different from any game you will play this year.

Single-Player

So far ive only heard complaining about the campaign for Battlefield 3, my opinion on it? Well my opinion would be this is the better modern warfare type video game ive played in the past 5 years. Yes its plain, but thats the beuty of it, its so natural it seems like you really are in the marines and the air force. The mindless chatter of fellow soldiers adds to this "real" effect making you really feel like part of the experiance. Not just some extra-ordinary super hero who can shoot up a whole base and destroy a missile that was potentially going to destroy Greenland, and then go to bed at night after a nice bath like youve done that before. Ive also heard from others that it copies off of the Call of Duty series, well honestly they have to, how is DICE so supposed to keep up with the best selling video game of all time without stealing some aspects from it? Its a natural thing that has to happen for BF3 to cotend, and they easily have zapped the COD series to ashes rising above it as the king of the FPS genre.

The single player is thrilling, engaging, short (bad thing), and gorgeous to marvel at. Its not perfect, no, but its a great single player thats a great uppercut to the 3 punches Battlefield 3 flings at your little puny gaming face.

Multiplayer

Battlefield 3's shining star and hardest blow to your face is easily its multiplayer. It is nothing you have ever seen before, this is the BEST multiplayer i have ever played in my life on a console (note: I own BF3 for Xbox 360, I have not tried the PC version). Of course connection issues showed up when I first tried to go on, DICE did not handle that to well, but hey, what are you going to do? Other than that annoying first 2 days, this mutliplayer is beyond flawless. Its use of vehicles, large and balanced maps, great weapon and customazation choices, extensive leveling, and flawless frame rate make this multiplayer experiance beyond anything youll play thats out now. I adore this multiplayer and cannot wait to play more of my new favorite multiplayer game mode ever Rush (yes I like it more than domination in COD). BF3's multiplayer is a reason in itself to buy this game.

All in all BF3 is the best FPS experiance this year, MW3 may be comoing out, but its not even going to touch the greatness BF3 is already displaying. This game is technologically advanced and offers a great experiance that can not be missed by any shooter fan.

Game Score: 9.5/10

-Ryan

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Im also looking fora job, which will be a big transition into the real world, im 17 and I dont work. So naturally itll be awkward for me to switch from doing nothing and being goofy to being serious and working the grind for that paycheck. But a job is the best option a car, more video games, beer, and college money sounds fanastic right now.Id prety much spend my money on a Car, college, video games, chipotle, beer and socks (yes socks its winter in Ohio and my feet are freezing). So other than that, lets get to all my opinions on the Video game world, the game I have paid off , and the one I already have in my possession and enjoying

Battlefield 3 (Xbox 360)

That poor bus..

Battlefield 3, its expectations were higher than the clouds and luckily it delivered and then some. The campaign so far for me as been over excellent, its got a sense of similarity to other titles out there, but that the same time the intense magic of the Frostbite 2 engine really makes you feel like youre in Iran shooting up some bad dudes. The campaign is defintly intense and cool but lets get to the main reason everybody bought it, the multiplayer. Its absolutly fantastic beyond what I could even imagine. The amazing attention to detail, no glitches or lag, great weapon selection and customazation and good matchmaking make it better than Black Ops was and ive only played 3 hours of the game. My only complaint the matchmaking could be better, sometimes it takes 3 trys to get into a match, but its more than worth it once you get in because its absolutly fantastic. Battlefield 3 is defintly the best shooter of this year, hands down.

Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception

Thems is some Nice graphics

Well I strolled into my local Gamestop with Killzone 2, Borderlands, Army of 2 40th, Transformers Cybertron, NHL 10, Super Smash brothers melee, Viewtiful Joe, and Star Wards force unleashed and I walked out with $85 dollars of in-store credit that whent towards Skyrim and the rest of the $50?...well it when to a game I didnt even think I was going to get and that was Uncharted 3 and honestly im very excited to play it, the reviews, multiplayer, and single player look amazing and honestly trading in games for this was the best deal Ive had all year. Now my Uncharted 3 is paid off, Battlefield 3 is in my possession and now this game is fully paid off.....

Elder Scrolls V Skyrim

This screenshot gives me goosebumps and its nothing but a simple picture

Skyrim is my most anticpated game of this whole year, not only am I pumped but all of my friends are just as excited, all we do is talk about playing this game. From the extreme attention to detail, expanded world, DLC's announced, and just all the wise words of the creative director Todd Howard, my expectations have just been extremely raised and I cant be any more excited. I cant wait to lock myself in my room, close the curtains grab my ranch flavored pretzels, and a beer and play all day home alone. This goign to be my everyday throughout the month of November. Skyrim please take over my life.

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Now to a piece of news that absolutly blew my mind, I didnt think the day would come and now it truely is, I wasnt a big fan at all of III but two games called Vice City and IV made me fall back in love, yes you know the series...all gamers do the game is:

Buck Beaches Get Currency

GTAV is bound to be the best open world game ever, with Rockstar owning the genre with Red Dead Redemption then perfecting story telling with L.A. Noire, the combination of those two prestigious titles will add up to make GTA V absolutly amazing. Especially when its rumored to come back to L.A. and seeing as how the roman numeral is representing youll be making a lot of currency and thats the only green stuff on earth ill sniff lick and bathe in. I cant wait to kill everyone, gang bang and shot up the city up of L.A. GTAV....come to poppa

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Thats all fellas! Ill be seeing you around on BF3 and Uncharted 3 gametime is now!

-Ryan

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Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Finer detailing and great facial animations are going to make Skrim mezmorizing

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to date is still one of the best RPG's ever made in the current gen console era. Its massive attention to detail, mind blowing graphics that still to date look pretty dang good, and its amazing ability to suck you it made it one of the greatest games ever in general. Now with Skyrim those same aspects return but with even more to do, 5x better graphics and even better attention to detail. Of all games you should be hyped about, Skyrim seems like the only one that we know "100% for sure" will deliver. The countless hours I see myself playing this game astonishes me. From promised DLC's, to promises of constant updates that keep the game more flawless than it already will be makes me happy as a purchaser of this title.

Why You should be excited: Its going to be unlike any RPG we have ever seen with moral choices, great dual wielding magic and sword combat, and a story with so many side quests that youll feel like youre really apart of its world.

Battlefield 3

Mind blowing graphics is just half of the game

Usually when you look at a hot girl, and I mean HOT girl, you usually assume shes all looks no substance (personality). Some may feel thats what Battlefield 3 is going to be, a gorgeous game with no good content. But sadly youd be extremely judging a book by its cover as BF3 is shaping up through Beta's, videos, and developer promsises to be one of the greatest shooters we have ever seen. The amazing graphics are just a perk to what substance this game is promising. A long varied campaign offering FPS shooting, a tank fight sequence, and even a jet fighter segment. Also DICE is offering a Co-Op campaign that will probably be short, but still offering a whole new story just for Co-Op which for itself is awesome. Then you move into the multiplayer, a multiplayer that will make COD fans turn their heads and take a double look and walk drooling towards it. Great balancing, amazing maps, and 24 player matches on console and 64 on PC just make its multiplayer something you cannot miss.

The greatest part of BF3 in my opinion? Well that would DICE's promises of giving us over 20+ DLC's for multiplayer and SINGLE PLAYER! YES SINGLE! many for free and most for a price. But this bold promise shows DICE's confidence in their title, and I honestly dont care what others think, but I like a cocky developer over a self-conscious one.

Why you should be excited: BF3 offers the most varied and wild multiplayer we will ever see to date and its new engine FROSTBITE 2 will blow any gamers mind, casual or hardcore.

Dark Souls

A Butterfly doesnt soun dos bad does it? To bad its very hard to defeat.

Dieng to most gamers is not good, but imagine a game where the developer wants you to die. Its a very odd concept that has intrigued me massively, why do they want me to die so much? Look deeper into this genius RPG, you die to learn from your mistakes and this in return makes beating bosses and enemies even more satisfying. A truely genius method that makes Dark Souls one of the best RPGs, already, this 2011. Plus an amazing multiplayer, Dark souls truely cannot be missed.

Why you should be excited: Dark Souls is unlike any game you have ever seen before, punishing you yet making that punshishment satisfying, the perfect contradiction.

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I will continue my list later! Thanks for reading fellas

-Ryan

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So do not worry if you havent seen me posting or anything like that Ive been so busy you guys wouldnt even know. My bookbag got stolen, ipod broke, soccer, homecoming, and yadda yadda very long story short my life has been eventful. So all of you prepare for a sweet blog this friday. Its going to be a good "Fall Video Game Preview" blog Get at me! See you guys around, ill be back on thursday

-Ryan

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Almost 21 riiiiiight!?

I mean hell I am in highschool so lets get this party started my dudes! Join up with me in an Xbox Live part tuesday night for a little celebration! And thanks all you guys for making 3 years here great and making 3 birthdays on this site a warm welcome as well

-Ryan

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But on a higher note to my ramblings of my, right now and now only medicore, life I am getting my license soon! And I also invested in some games and got some coming in! Lets look at what i have pre-ordered/have on the way from the wonderfull gamefly:

Battlefield 3

Roger! I have found the MW3 fanboys and I am in pursuit of terminating their leader....Bobby Kotic

Battlefield 3's intense trailers, amazing graphics, and large promises are really making my hopes extremely high for this title. The fact anti-Call of Duty gamers have hacked websites, made thousands comments on it, and made blogspot sites just for this game show its hype. Luckily I know DICE is going to deliver, the game just looks to good to fail all of us. Since my birthday is soon, my mother got me my present early, she pre-ordered and fully paid off a copy of Battlefield 3 for the...............................XBOX 360! So yes Mike, Matt, and Jeremy its Battlefield time this fall Im excited to say the least, but im more excited for my next pre-order.....

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

"meow.....naaaaah im just messing with you bro"

Oblivion was one of the most perfect RPG's ever, the balance of autmoatic leveling up based on what you do, great graphics, GINORMOUS story, and great characters made it shine above all RPG's ever made. Its sequel Skyrim is being released this November and needless to say im shaking in my little skate shoes waiting for it to come out. I fully placed $60 bucks down on it this week with the last of my summer job money, so not only do I get a wonderful copy of the game I get a real velvet map with all the locations on it for me to take my adventuring even more hardcore as I delve myself in hundreds of hours into this game. Im also getting a $20 Marketplace card for the 360 so I can get all the DLC's for the title as well. Needless to say this is going to be a Skyrim winter for sure.

F.E.A.R. 3

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA DARK AND EVIL....nah not really im just messing

Gamefly is a great program, the amount of games I can get for a little price is fantastic. The new title I have coming in? Well that title would be FEAR 3, the final and third installment of the popular horror shooter series FEAR. Of course this new FEAR isnt that scary.. or like the others but the co-op ****and good campaign (or so i was told) im quite excited to play it and beat it in a week and a half. Hopefully a bud will join me for some Co-Op fun!

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Thats all fellas...gotta get ready for school and soccer for tommarow, hope to talk to you all sooon! Laters my good friends.

-Ryan 8)

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#44-Wolfenstein 3D

Floating chandeliers and dinosaurs...okay cool

Wolfenstein 3D is one of the first FPS's ever made, not THE first, but one of them and IM proud to say I got to enjoy this game on its original systems which a lot havent. Of course looking at it now, it doesnt look all to special, you shoot nazis, fight a gatling gunned decked out hitler and walk around extremly bland corridors as bodies somehow disappear when they die to keep frame rate up. Well its way more than that! Then it was the bomb and still to me to this day I find W3D to be a great shooter, you never get bored of seeing youre protaginst looking anxiously over at how many lives he has left, awwwwwh...nostalgia

#43-Doom II

Evil Monsters "Hey guys we gonna get him!?" The rest: "Oh yeah yeah lets go!"

The first Doom left my young eyes widely opened as I shot things up and saw blood, it to me back then was the most mature thing i had played. Not only was it fun I felt older just like my cousins shooting monsters and what not, then Doom II came to my attention and again I was glued to my TV while my homework was sitting on the table half down because I didnt have the attention or desire to finish it as I just stuck in Doom II into my system. Bigger, badder, and more evil than its predecessor, DOOM II to this day still excites me, yes I do own it on my PC. Maybe I have an idea for later...

#42-Medal of Honor European Assault

Almost dieng in the safety of my own living room

Medal of Honor is a series I love, I have owned almost every single one since the begining. One from the PS2 era definatly was a game I enjoyed and that was European Assault, I love anything WWII, every aspect of it interests me and shooters definatly are at the top of the list. Mainly because of the real places, weapons, and inspired people. MOH EA wasnt the best MOH, but it sure as heck gave me a great WWII feel while delivering solid gameplay.

#41- F.E.A.R.

BULLETS ARE CRACKING AROUND MEH ERRYWHERE!

I remeber when I first hear of FEAR, I was putting a scary movie into my DVD player and I lost the remote to skip the previews, Im glad I lost it because I saw an add for a game called FEAR, and honestly the preview scared me more than the actual movie I eventually watched. From terrifying moments, great graphics and a good story to slow-mo shoot outs that made my PC screen flourish with color and scary images. From the gun feel to the smart enemies FEAR was one great shooter, I need to relive that experiance soon.

#40- House of the Dead 2

If he is biting the screen why am I taking damage?...hmm

On both the arcade and Dreamcast House of the Dead 2 was a great shooter. The onrail shooter gave me a great zombie shooter as Id pump quarters into it as I kept trying to get to the last level at my local Sega/Namco sponsored Arcade at the mall. From countless boss fights to see constant "Add Credits to continue!?" and of course I continued...draining my 9 year old pockets...

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Thanks guys! Stay tuned for another post soon!

-Ryan 8)

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