The Nerd isn't Dead, Only Dreaming

I suspect I've used that title before. Oh well.

I'm not dead. Just super busy at work and pretty exhausted afterwards. And there's this little monster at home that is against things like sleep or sanity (I knew we should have named her Cthulhu).

I want to write review on the most recent issue of Saga and how the Spiderverse event is going. So keep an eye out for that.

I picked up the new Call of Duty. It's enjoyable, but I find the novelty fades fairly quickly, and the weapons aren't balanced enough to promote switching things up.

Dragon Age: Inquisition comes out tonight. Assuming I don't fall sleep beforehand, I'm planning on picking it up at midnight and playing for a bit. I'll be surprised if I make it past the character creation...

This weekend I'll be attending a gathering of friends celebrating the release of the new Smash Bros... but playing the crap out of it all day. I might write a few thoughts afterwards.

TableTop Season 3 started. Check that out, the first episode is a solid one and they made me really want to get Tokaido :/

And I hate the announced title for the Star Wars film. But whatever, I'll avoid the rant on that one.e

Back to work. Or sleep. See which one wins...

Pokemon XY and Call of Duty: Ghosts... Because that totally goes together.

To catch up on what I've been playing recently, I'm going to do mini-reviews of Pokemon X(Y) and Call of Duty: Ghosts, both of which I was able to pick up on their launch days.

POKEMON Y

I liked the bird better so got Y...

Pokemon XY is the best Pokemon game I've played since the originals. The pacing is similar, the new amount of Pokemon is limited and actually feels interesting to find them (only a touch over 60 added, as opposed to hundreds), and the game has added a few things since the last gen.

Kirlia vs newcomer Fennekin

The new graphics are solid. I'm happy getting away from the 8-bit feel and adding some 3D. Every Pokemon and every move have personal animations, which I think is something we've been missing for ages and it is a HUGE addition for me, even if the overall battle system remains the same. I'd love for some other new RPGs using old school battle formats to follow suit (I'm looking at you, Shin Megami Tensei!).

The one change they did include for battling is Mega Evolutions. Instead of a permanent change, these are boosts you can use in battle that evolve your monster temporarily. As of now, it's a bit of a shallow system, but there is a lot of potential here. Charizard and Mewtwo in particular got two different options with the Mega Evolutions based on which version you got. The Y stones act mostly as stat increases, while the X stones actually add new types to the Pokemon (Charizard gains Dragon and Mewtwo gains Figthing). The more stones for a given 'mon, the more options. Instead of everyone rocking the final evolutions in battle, we could potentially see the same Pokemon with a VERY different setup. I'm not sure if that's how far they'll go, but for now I'm just happy to see some of my favorite Pokemon getting some new (mostly awesome) looks.

Mega Charizard Y and X.

Mega Mewtwo Y. X looks... stupid.

I honestly felt like I was playing Red again with the pacing of the game and the light touches of an antagonist group (even lighter than the originals, to be honest). There are enough minor changes (Friend Safari, continuous fishing, etc...) to make even the most veteran players happy, especially since the core game doesn't change at all (critics can be hit or miss on this one, I suppose).

The ONE area the game falls short is the post game. It has one series of side missions, access to two more legendary pokemon, and then... well... that's it. Other games allowed you to visit other continents and challenge more gyms. XY just kind of ends. I'm not really one for competitive multiplayer, so my game is kind of languishing. I have several friends who picked up the game, so I'll still get some mileage, but I'm really hoping they change their minds and throw some DLC our way...

Either way, fantastic game. 9/10.

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CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS (Multiplayer)

Similar to Pokemon, CoD is known for using slight tweaks to their games to push a new edition regularly. While I'm enjoying Ghosts enough, this is the first time it feels especially forced. There are new maps, weapons, and kill streaks, but none of them FEEL new. I don't normally play campaigns for these games, so I can't say if they knocked it out of the park there, but the multiplayer is already beginning to feel stale.

I've read plenty of complaints about quicker deaths and disguised lag, but none of that has been a particular issue for me. The game is fun enough, better when playing with friends, but the game's aesthetic doesn't feel new (they went with a half-assed post-apocalyptic-ish thing that... well, doesn't seem different at all) and there is not a single reason I would suggest someone pick up Ghosts vs the last CoD (which at least had futuristic elements added -- there are none in Ghosts).

They DID add a partner-dog, I guess.

I don't know if next Gen holds any surprises for the title... I doubt it. I kind of wish the Battlefield 4 Beta hadn't turned me off so much from that game, I feel as if I'd have gotten more enjoyment out of it than I have with Ghosts.

If I'm able to get a PS4 around launch (unlikely), I'll update this mini-review. Until then, this gets a 6/10.

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NEXT GEN

On a minor side not, my local GameStop had a PS4 set up. The console looks nice enough, but I was mostly worried about the controller -- I'm NOT a fan of the Playstation family controllers and honestly feel like the 360 is probably the most ergonomic design we've seen (argue with me if you must). That being said, I REALLY enjoyed the feel of the PS4 controller. The touch pad... well, it's in a bit of an awkward spot due to the fact that I'd have to remove one of my hands from their primary positions to get any use of it, so I'm hoping it's not a big game changer. The share and options buttons were also placed in a spot I didn't enjoy, but the primary play buttons worked well enough. I went through some of the demo for Knack -- not my style of game, but I got comfortable with the controller very quickly. I didn't feel Knack looked any different from a current Gen game, but maybe that's just me.

I'm talking to my local GameStop about letting an extra PS4 fall off the truck, but I don't think they're going to support my poor planning. Also, I kind of need to find a way to PAY for it...

More on that and Thor: The Dark World as we get through the week.

Now Playing

I know this is a bit off the normal schedule, but it's been a busy week so deal with it.

When I have some free time, I've been playing the following lately:

PC: Star Wars: The Old Republic. I've started playing it a bit more again and still enjoy it, though wish I knew folks who still played -- I don't care for randoms and don't see a benefit of joining a random guild. Even so, my Sith Marauder just got Revan's Chest Plate and Robes, so I'm pretty excited there.

Also, I finally started The Witcher. Seems interesting, I'll keep up on it.

If you're looking for good PC game deals, be sure to check out GOG.com for the Holiday Sale and GreenManGaming.com always has good daily deals.

X-Box 360: I've stayed with Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, though haven't had much time to invest. A double XP weekend started today, so I'll finally prestige. Thinking about trying Tranzit mode, but I've never enjoyed CoD Zombies.

I want to start a new character in Skyrim, but I don't want to pay for the two DLC I've missed. Oh well.

PS3: Nothing! Sorry! Pretty soon I'll be watching Star Wars in Blu Ray, though, so expect some follow up there (I'll be doing a recap of my posts about the different viewing order after the holidays, since I'll be encouraged to watch all the films again in the new format).

3DS: A bit of Pokemon Black 2 here and there, though I've been itching to play Devil Survior: Overclocked again (the New Game+ feature is done right and makes replaying the game that much more enjoyable, not to mention I haven't played every character's ending yet).

Vita: I've finally beaten Persona 4: Golden and have started a NG+. I'll probably play this a bit less now that I'm not sucked into figuring the story out, though I am mildly interested in trying for the Platinum trophy (it would be my first ever game to get all achievements for). I don't see anything else on the Vita horizon for a bit, though it's be perfect if Persona 3: Portable (a PSP title) went on sale this holiday...

iPhone: Yep, I've been playing Angry Birds: Star Wars. I couldn't help it. If you enjoyed Angry Birds and like Star Wars even a little, it's good.

Other: My youngest brother gave me a GameCube he found. I don't have a controller yet (and have made no effort to find one), but I eventually look forward to playing some GC titles (he also gave me one of the Pokemon Colosseum titles, and I've never played one before).

That's it for now. The only game that I know is coming out and has me somewhat interested is Injustice: Gods Among Us (the DC fighter done by the guys who made Mortal Kombat 9), but even that's only a tentative interest.

Anything you guys would like to see reviewed for next week?

Halo 4 vs. Black Ops 2: First Impressions

Alrighty, if this title doesn't cause some waves, I don't know what will!

First, my favorite genre of game is Strategy RPG. Not FPS. In recent years, however, I have come to enjoy the FPS genre due to being able to play with and against friends.

My first Halo was 3 and my first CoD was Modern Warfare 2. I've since played every Halo (multiplayer) and every CoD since 4 (again, multiplayer).

I prefer CoD. In Halo, there are several things I don't like, though the biggest issue I have is that there are a specific set of skills you need to have to be good at the game. There IS a wrong way to eat a Reese's, if you're a Spartan super soldier. I'm not particularly good at it, and so dislike Halo in general.

CoD, I can always run and gun and do ok. I can also play smarter and do better, or play wildly differently just because. I believe this is because of the class customization that Halo, as a rule, lacks. I don't WANT to have to hunt down power weapons on a map. I want to find a weapon I like, start with it, and use it as much as a want.

Also, I want to be able to get a lucky twitch/panic kill.

Ok, so you know my standpoint and I'm NOT entering this first impression as an impartial mediator.

Here goes!

Halo 4, so far, has been my favorite Halo yet. It still plays VERY much like Halo, though there are key differences that make it appealing to me:

-Everyone has a sprint ability, meaning matches are faster (or at least action happens faster).

Red vs Blue

-They've introduced a minor loadout feature. I can't start with any weapon I want, but I can at least choose from a small selection.
-The armor abilities seem to be done right in this version.
-Power weapon spawns are randomized, which means no more issues of getting ruins by the guy who knows where everything is and when it will respawn.
-Players can now call in Ordinance after getting enough points, allowing them to gain access to better weapons on their own terms.

There are only two cons for me:

-They brought back my least favorite map, Valhalla (now known as Ragnarok), AND it is the map voted for most, as far as I can tell.
-It still plays like Halo, which I've never spent enough time with to get better.

That being said, my first impression has been very positive. The new weapons are nice enough, the new walker units are awesome, and it's a damn pretty game, I just need to get better with the franchise before I sign up as a part of the fan base.



Black Ops 2 changes up things just enough that I'm not bitter about another CoD release. I'm not sure yet if it's my favorite CoD, but I do enjoy the changes:

-The "Pick 10" system allows MUCH more versatility when creating a class, which is awesome.
-The guns, so far, feel pretty good. There are definitely some guns that seem a bit overpowered, but all in all it hasn't been awful.

One second later, everyone is dead. Everyone.

-I enjoy the maps. I don't have a favorite, but I don't HATE any yet, which was usually the case with past games.
-Matches seem faster than ever, though not in a way to be distressing.
-Leveling is done right - guns gain attachments the more kills you get them and you gain options to unlock as you level up, weather it is a new perk or weapon you decide to choose.
-The emblem editor is back, and more versatile than ever.
-Scoresteaks replace killstreaks, they're a touch harder to get, AND the rewards are pretty diverse.

There are a few things I have issues with, however:

-It feels as if you die MUCH faster (less bullets to kill) in this game than past renditions.
-Lag is still an issue.
-Knifing has been nerfed to the point of being almost useless, which was my favorite thing from MW2 and, to an extent, Black Ops.
-Level progression is a touch slow in regards to netting the perks and weapons I actually WANT.
-There is no infinite sprint, which I personally find to be a weakness, especially since there is no knife lunge.

That being said, I have REALLY enjoyed playing Black Ops 2. Some of my issues with potentially be patched, so the future is promising as well. Online, I've seen a lot of hate for Black Ops 2, especially when compared to earlier games, but I think I'm enjoying it at least as much as any other CoD during launch, if not a little bit more due to my anticipating unlocking more weapons and perks.

Overall, I'm enjoying Black Ops 2 MORE than Halo 4, but that is to be expected. I've always liked the faster gameplay and greater access to weapons. That being said, Halo 4 easily outpaces Black Ops 2 when it comes to improvements over past titles, as well as having a more favorable first impression overall.

Halo, while faster than past games, is still a slower, slightly more tactical game. The tactics generally come down to the best position, the best weapons, and the best aim. It takes practice and can put off new players playing against veterans -- it's painfully obvious when I run up against someone who knows what they're doing.

CoD is also a bit faster this time around, though this is due to all the maps being on the smaller side and having nooks and crannies and detours every four feet. If you don't keep moving, someone WILL be behind you in just a moment. Whoever shoots first usually wins, it's up to you to make sure you've got the jump on your opponent.

If I ever bother to play the campaigns, I may do a further comparison. For now, I'm happy with both titles and look forward to playing with folks soon.

Anyone else have any thoughts on great things for either title that I missed?

Shooting Games

I think I've finally tapped out on shooting games. I enjoy them in a certain time and place; they make great party games with my brothers or friends, but other than that, I'm just not drawn to them anymore.

Really, I didn't start until I picked up MW2 a day after release at the request of friends. From then on, I've gotten most of the shooters that came out and found some enjoyment in them, but never more so than with friends.

Now... Now I just don't care. No big titles have come out that my friends play. I've made some friends on games like Starhawk and Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, but the games quickly lose appeal. Don't get me wrong -- they are good games and enjoyable enough, it's just not my genre of choice and as soon as a game starts to feel like a chore, I drop it.

I mentioned Bulletstorm last post. I played it for a bit and I like it enough, for a single player shooter. It focuses on being a silly, dick joke making, action movie in game format. So, when I want to watch an action movie but be more involved, this does it well. The game play is spurred on by having a list of interesting/absurd skill shots that have you killing wave after wave of enemies in more and more inventive ways. This, at least, will make the absurd story/setting something to pursue, and I'll probably continue to play it for a bit longer. Still trying to get the one where you shoot an enemy in the balls then kick their head off...

For the rest of the genre... Well, I'm hoping someone does something really fresh and new. I like the competitive aspect and the obvious differences in skills/tactics some games employ. I just don't like the cookie-cutter genre most shooters fall into, and I really dislike that most people tend to stay with the formula instead of branching out.

That being said, I have the next CoD pre-ordered (the worst of the cookie cutter bunch), assuming that's what my friends will pick up as well and I can spend some time connecting with folks I've moved away from. Until then, though, I'll stick to my RPGs and other titles, officially ending the spree of buying ever shooter released.

Kind of refreshing, really.