What do you all think?

Why you ask?

Guild Wars


Enough said.

In the mean time, you won't see me posting in the forums or in my journal too much, if at all (like anyone cares though). I'm going to try and limit myself to how much time I spend here this day forth.

You have to pedal to power your PS2!

Pros: self powered
Cons: if you quit for a second, your console shuts off!

For real this time, a game with lots of potential sheduled for the release of the Nintendo DS:



Electronic Arts/Maxis has revealed that it is currently heavy in development with The Sims 2 for consoles and handhelds. The sequel for the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance, are currently in development at Griptonite, and is scheduled for release this fall.

"Fans have been asking for The Sims 2 on console since it launched on the PC in September last year. We are thrilled to finally be able to bring it to them," said Sinjin Bain, Executive Producer EA/Maxis. "The Sims 2 will be everywhere this fall, giving players on consoles and handhelds all new ways to take control of their Sims and tell all new stories."

With the announcement regarding the new Nintendo DS version, we had the opportunity to throw a few questions to the development team all about the upcoming sequel.
IGN: Last year's The Urbz was essentially what we call a "GBA Plus" game: a GBA game ported and updated with touch screen function. Is this going to be the case with the sequel?

EA Maxis: Not in the slightest! The Sims 2 for the NDS is a totally unique experience incorporating Real-time 3D, the Real Time Clock, true Touch screen activities, and even use of the microphone!

IGN: What are some of the gameplay differences we can expect between last year's and this year's game?

EA Maxis: The Sims 2 for the NDS has returned closer to the roots of the popular PC title. For starters, the world is fully rendered 3D. In addition, the game is a truly open-ended Sims experience which focuses on customizable gameplay rather than a linear, story-based mission structure. The Sims 2 for NDS also features a bevy of touch-screen based activities scattered throughout the game that enable users to completely customize their world and gameplay experience.

IGN: Any potential of having online support in the Nintendo DS version?

EA Maxis: We are in discussions for this.
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Psychonauts gets a 8.8 on Xbox, and 8.4 on the PC.
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Some pictures of next-gen games (I'm in a rush, so I don't feel like re-sizing these right now):

As a child I can remember my grandpa being quite sick, and seeing as his house was a good 4 hour drive, me and my dad used to drive up there every weekend or so. While being at my grandpa's house so often (I was a little kid and didn't know better than to play his computer games) I became farmilliar with a game I like to call the true essence of gaming. When you're a child, no games are bad, they are all amazing, and have something magical about them. Well, thanks to the help of a very friendly forumite who goes by the name of Wenolas, I've found this game again. The game is called Kings Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow. This game can be tied to some of my strongest and personal memories of not only my grandpa, but my true introduction to gaming.

If you don't mind, I truly believe this following screenshots capture the true essence of gaming and life in general:



Opening scene, you need to find the gem on the ground, you've just been shipwrecked. In life, sometimes we can feel just as helpless.



A fork in the road, what do we choose? Another something that relates directly to our everyday lives.



What next?
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When you are a child, graphics don't matter, hype doesn't matter, getting a girlfriend...what? Don't girls still have cooties? For some reason, this game has such a strong tie to life in general for me. When you're a kid, you're open to everything, and keeping the little kid inside of you can be more important than you'd think.

As a child I can remember travelling up to my grandpa's house. I began to visit his house frequently with my dad. One of the things I remember doing was playing this game he had for the computer and boy, I loved this game. And now, I'm hoping that someone will recognize which game I'm talking about so I can come back to the game years later and play it once again. Anyway, here are some of the brief things I remember while playing this game (keep in mind I haven't played it in over 10 years)

At the beginning of the game you are shipwrecked on an island, and on this island something is sparkling, if you click on it, you pick up some shiney object. Later on in the game you come across some type of market place which seems Arabic. To get to the next part of the game you need to do something with a pot? Also, you go on a sailors old ship that apparently cannot sail any more because it's too old. The sailor gives you a rabbits tail or something. After that you eventually get to a poisonous pond with purple bubbling stuff, and you need to get across somehow. I also remember that later in the game you find a rose of some sort, and you can teleport to another island. Do any of these things ring a bell to anyone? I'd love to know the name of this game.

By the way, the game isn't fluent, it's kind of like, click an arrow, go to the next area sort of thing. Many of you might say that the game I'm talking about is Myst but I don't think so, I've seen screenshots of Myst and the graphics aren't that good. Of course, I could be wrong.

Of course, you must know that I'm kidding right? Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (for the DS) screenshots below:





Wow, I'm really excited about this game! It looks absolutely stunning! In fact, it almost compares to GBA's Flight of the Falcon (2003) graphics.





But seriously now folks, why are games with these SNES esque graphics being made when the DS is fully capable of N64 quality graphics? I'll tell you, just pure laziness. Game developers are looking for a quick buck, and don't take the time and effort to create a worthwhile game. So much for the DS revolutionary to the handheld industry, it's more as if they took a step backwards.

Here's a screen of Star Wars: Rogue Squadron for the N64:



Meanwhile, we have Nanostray:

Nothing really interesting went on today with me. I came home at lunch and beat God of War, which is a really nice game despite it's lackluster ending. After getting that out of the way, I attempted to finish up on Final Fantasy X, which I am maybe 2 hours from beating, but unfortunately, I came to the realization that I'll just never beat it. I give up on that game, and after logging in 60 hours on it, it's a huge dissapointment. I would have felt so great with myself for finally completing a game legitamately that takes so much effort and long hard hours of leveling up.

In fact, I have basically given up on completing the rest of my backlog which is around 6 games. I didn't beat MGS2, I didn't beat San Andreas, I didn't beat FFX, and I didn't beat GTA III. I feel like a lame arse for not completing any of these games. I might however get my spirit's back up and attempt some of them, but not now.

Anyway, one of my friends told me today, that RPG's suck (he thinks that's all I play, n00b) and that shooters have way more substance than them. Basically this whole arguement started over him getting GoldenEye: Rogue Agent which he thinks is such an amazing game, where as I bought God of War, and foolishly told him there is nudity in it. Now he goes on about how I only buy games with nudity, and that RPG's suck and any type of a shooting game owns it. Man, that really ticked me off. If only I had someone more knowledgable about video games to argue with. Which is part of the reason I come to GameSpot. To express my opinions (as often as I do) and talk with others about certain video game related stuff.

Another boring and uninspiring journal entry courtesy of Wood_Spirit.

After spending a peaceful, relaxing, quiet weekend alone by myself, I return to school. I see people flirting with each other constantly, and the same guys hugging the different "hot" girls, it's when I realized that guy's really only go for the cute girls. Half of them don't really give a crap about personality, or anything like that, they just want to get laid, or be able to say they're cooler than someone else for going out with someone cool. Social status seems to be all most kids are concerned with. It seems not many kids care about their future. I am considered good looking at my school, but haven't ever gone out with anyone, and I'm 13. I don't see the need for it. I mean, girls in my school cut over relationship problems. I don't need any of that crap, so I'll just stay away from it. I've gotten through life thus far without a problem!

So after school is over today, I decide to hang out with one of my buddies, and a whole bunch of other people in my class were all playing basketball, so we all hung out. As we were hanging out, we moved from spot to spot just chatting until we ran into this one "gangster" kid riding his skateboard down one of the huge ramps at our school. He was going down so fast, he fell off of his skateboard and smashed his head into the school's wall. Wow, real gangster. So then we see his gangster friends, and as usual they're yapping off, talking crap, and eventually one of them pulled out a knife. It just so happened that my friends brother was hanging out with us, and I knew that he was an experienced martial artist, and not to mention he's three full grades higher than any of these punks. Along with the fact that I know Kung Fu, I wasn't really scared of them at all. In fact, I've ran into them before, and I took down one of there little jerk grunts with ease, then they backed off. They haven't really bothered me since, but it just sickens me to see the way the treat girls and treat themselves. They smoke, do drugs, screw around with girls not even in high school yet ect ect. In fact, one of the kids threatened to shoot up our school bus and kill everyone for messing with them. Yeaaaahhh buddy

With today's journal entry comes the question, why do people argue and hate each other so much over the internet?

I'm guessing people feel the anonymity is enough to let them take a cheap blow towards someone. When it comes down to it, no one really knows who you are. Is that why people feel they can stand up against each other and verbally attack one another? Do they really feel more important by putting someone down and bashing their opinions just because they know there won't be a severe consequence? There is undoubtably a lot more jerks on the internet and on various online interactive programs than there is in real life. I've been on GameSpot for a good year or two now, and I've noticed that people get some sort of self-worth by butchering each others perspectives on any number of topics. When I first began getting active on the forums, I enjoyed getting into verbal battles with others to test my wits and how I could come up with the right words to win an arguement. Well, the only one who ever won were the people who kept quiet and respected others opinions. I didn't do that. I tried to tackle everyone for having a different view than myself.

Now I hardly post on the forums, it seems like the GGD has been overrun by spammers and jerks, and I don't want to be involved in it. Although, I don't mind chatting about stuff now and then, but it's basically like no one really cares or respects others.I just post to chat with friends and share some of my gaming experiences, I do generally keep to myself though.

I would write a bit more on this topic, but I have to get back to homework, I'll most likely expand on this thought later.

Fire and Ice by Gaia Epicus, one of my favorite songs ~_~

It's early in the morning
And the birds are singing high in the sky
I'm watching the sun arise
For the first time I am feeling alive

I never saw the sign, that the world would come to an end
I could never understand, why we all couldn't live in peace

We don't have much time
We all have to leave the world behind

When fire melts the ice
The only hope is here in paradise
When fire melts the ice
Nothing lasts forever
When fire melts the ice

A thunder storm is coming
The water is rising, there's no way out
A fire is still burning
But very soon it all will be lost

I can never forget, all the times that we spent together
I will never regret, that I took a chance and met a stranger

We still have each other
Cause we made it through the storm

That would be ownage! Agreed?

Nintendo is so damn lazy when it comes to the DS. They rehash a few games, add a screen that does absolutely nothing when it comes to innovation, and say that it will crush the PSP. WAKE UP CALL NINTENDO. The PSP has already crushed the DS. The games that launched with it are fantastic, where as the games released all together so far for the DS are flop, flop, and FLOP! I'm sick of you guys being so damn lazy, I mean come on! You didn't even change the look of "Advance" Wars. Maybe thats why the left the title as "Advance" Wars, because it looks like it should be on the Gameboy. Congratulations Nintendo, you've just lost my respect. Quit trying to be so different and get your **** together. Pull out some amazing games out of your butt, and get back in the game, or else you'll be out of it.

And while you're reading this Nintendo, quit rehashing everything for the GameCube. Mario has been dead for a few years now. It's time to let his spirit pass on to video game heaven. He was cool while he lasted. And what the hell is with Luigi? No one likes that skinny arse plumber, and no one ever did! This goes for most of Nintendo's trademark characters (excluding Link). And Samus, Samus will be around a lot more next-gen. It seems that Metroid is one of they're more popular games now due to 2 consecutive hits. Now I'm not trying to hate on one of Nintendo's better games, but I doubt anything will change about it for the Rev. I mean look at Mario, he's been around since the NES and nothing's changed 15 years later. The one game I can say actually impressed me on the GC is Resident Evil 4. Wow Nintendo, congratulations on one amazing game. However, it doesn't make up for all the crap you pull. Maybe Mario should quit being in video games and plunge your damn heads until you get the idea. If this whole "Revolution" thing goes as well you said the DS would go, then goodbye Nintendo.

With all that being said Nintendo, I'd like to see you do well on the Revolution. If you can put out some brand new titles with brand new characters, and brand new stories, then I'll be excited and very suprised. This could be your last generation in the gaming industry here. I mean, the GC didn't go over that well, and unless you come out kicking and punching, the non-hardcore, or casual gaming community won't even give you a glance. The casuals are with Sony and Microsoft now. To win the console battle next gen, you'll need to win them over with something that appeals to them. Make something that appeals to all of us. Not just toddlers.

*prepares for 0 replies*

I've only played the game for around an hour so far, but I can tell you that it's the best game I've played on the PS2. David Jaffe said the fighting system wasn't all that intricate, I sure ass hell think it is. Being able to pull off mad combo's as well as being able to power up your weapon and magic attacks to higher levels is awesome. You're magic and attacks will get stronger and more powerfull, and in some cases they gain duration. If you're powering up your sword by using the red orbs you collect through the game, you'll unlock even deadlier combos to pull off. It's your choice to master them or not, or which to use. And while you're fighting a boss or a difficult monster, it's not straight up attacking, you have to mash certain buttons in an order (much like FFX's overdrive attacks) or do something with the joysticks to finish off the enemy.

I actually can't believe I got the game though. I told my dad that he should tell the clerk he was buying it, so he did, and I didn't get the hastle I should have. This game really isn't for my age level. In the first 30 minutes I was already ****ing chicks and slaughtering innocents. But I think I can handle it, each game and how you play it depends on the maturity of the gamer.

I'll eventually post a review on this site, but for now I'm gonna get back to playing God of War now, so l8ter.

Yeah, that's right fools, it's Easter. Another one of those holidays that is absolutely WASTED on me. I don't really see why the death or whatever of Christ should be so widely spread across a continent that is not 100% Christian. It's like forcing someone to have intercourse with you almost. Oh man, it seems like I've been having a lot of intercourse lately too! The Sims 2 is just so delightful that way. The graphics are crisp, clean, and run so smoothly, it's almost like spreading penut butter on a hot slice of toast. Mmm, that's the **** right there.

Hmm, I don't know what to write. Oooh, I traded my uncle Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for Final Fantasy 7 (never played it, sadly enough) and Warcraft III which I've never played either. Damn, I'm so behind on all the good games. I haven't played Tekken 5, WoW, God of War, Everquest, or Half-Life. Someone hook a poor soul like me up with some sick arse games. Speaking of sick arse games, God of War looks pretty sick. Anyone played it? It looks freaking AWESOME!

In more important news, I told one of my Guild Wars clanmates I had deployed two assasins to his house, and then I told him his first and last name. He was like "WTF" (I got his name from his Xfire account). He was freaking out, until I told him it was just a big joke. Man was I laughing

Jesus's mother *bleeping* birthday, my computer is so freaking crappy, hopefully my dad will get off his lazy arse and actually buy the 512 MB I need, I better have it before GW releases or I'm screwed. Oh, and unfortunately my mic has stopped working, looks like I'll have to get a third one. Theres 50 bucks in the can.

The PSP looks, and sounds amazing, of course, I don't have one but from what I've heard they are a true piece of work. I was true to the whole "DS will own, PSP will fl0pz0r" thing until it actually released. I came down at 2 o'clock on a school night just to watch the live debut of this little handheld we know and love. Although the PSP has, and will in the future own the DS, I'm still going to enjoy MP: Hunters, Katamari Damacy DS, Animal Crossing, and such. There's no comparison to Twisted Metal: Head On though. I'm seriously in love with the Twisted Metal franchise (other than black which lost the whole cool feel of TM). As a youngin' I can remember playing this game every day of mah life on the original PlayStation. I never did buy Black though, after playing it at my friends I pretty much dispised it. I didn't like the controls or anything, and I'm pretty sure that Head On stays true to the PS style of TM from watching the vids. on GameSpot. I don't know though, why don't you guys tell me?

Well guys, this is the last true holiday before school starts upa again for me (or work for most of you guys). I think I'm going to play Warcraft III. Then I'll hit the sack and dream about playing a PSP and flying a griffin in WoW.

For those of you who use Crossfire, add my account (saedozeff). And for those of you who have recieved a request already, please don't deny it. Hopefully we can get a few good games of CS going