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Pac-Man And The Ghostly Adventures

Pac-Man And The Ghostly Adventures

It has been a while since we have seen the rotund yellow chomper in his own game.  However, the fine folks over at Namco Bandai are bringing him back in PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventure! You can also see PAC-MAN return to television when he debuts his new animated adventures over at Disney on June 17th!

You can expect to see PAC-MAN hit the PS3, Xbox 360, and the Wii U this fall.  A special side-scrolling edition will release for the 3DS (I love side-scrollers, but why put one on the 3DS?)

Essel Pratt 15.05.2013 On May 15th 2013 with with 0 Comments
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New Pokemon X and Pokemon Y Game Trailer!

New Pokemon X and Pokemon Y Game Trailer!

Photo Courtesy of Whitestar1802.deviantart.com

Ready for another Pokemon X and Pokemon  game trailer? I know, stupid question!  Check out the video below, and share your awe with us!  Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, the game will be split into three different areas within the Karos region (which is based on France).  The regions will be split into coastal, central, and mountainous, and the gamer will need to complete an area before moving on to the next.  Does this news raise more questions, or foster more excitement?

Essel Pratt 14.05.2013 On May 14th 2013 with with 0 Comments
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Instant Gratification Gaming: A Hindrance To Our Culture

Instant Gratification Gaming: A Hindrance To Our Culture

In today’s society, too often we want things yesterday.  If we are hungry, we have no problem speeding through a drive through to grab a hamburger, yet complain if it takes three minutes to receive it instead of one minute.  The same impatience applies to the gaming world.  We want sequels, remakes, remasters, and anticipated new IPs as soon as they are announced, instead of waiting for them to be complete.

Three of the more notable games that I am seeing this with are Kingdom Hearts 3, Final Fantasy Versus XIII, and Final Fantasy VII.  Although there is a huge demand for all three, do we really want them now?

As far as Final Fantasy VII is concerned, I am not so sure we are ready for a remake if the game.  Due to the graphical limitations on the PSone, a remaster is not possible.  Therefore, we are looking at basically a brand new game developed from the bottom up.  That wouldn’t be so bad except that new things are almost always added in this scenario, and other things are left out.  Although the changes might reflect the original vision of the developers, and may actually be possible now due to the advancements made since the original release, I can see a lot of upset gamers that will be in an uproar over any variations from the original.  Just look at the newest remaster of the Original Star Wars movies.  In my opinion, they should wait until the sales of the title slow to a halt.  It can currently be downloaded and the sales are still good, so why hurt the sales, when they can profit at a later time?

Final Fantasy Versus XIII is a different scenario.  Since 2006 we have been mesmerized by the same game trailer over and over again.  Every time I see it, I salivate uncontrollably.  However, we have to remember that what we saw was really just a tech demo.  All of us wanted it then and now, no ifs, ands, or buts.  However, there were many projects ahead of Versus XIII, and it was put on the back burner.  As of April 17th, we have been told by Mr. Nomura that we will hear more about the game soon.  Sure, we have heard this before, but I have a feeling it is getting closer.  At this point, I think that Square feels rushed to release the game.  I know that the fans are getting impatient, but I really hope Square takes their time.  If they release the game and it is not absolutely perfect, fans will riot in the streets.  I think we need to be more patient with this one.  We might already have unrealisitc/inflated expectations and it will only be catastrophic if the game fails to impress.

Kingdom Hearts III is another story all together.  It has already been said that the game will not even be started until Versus XIII is complete.  Many fans are upset that we have waited so long for an update or release.  To keep the fans interested, Square has announced a release date for Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5, they have released Dream Drop Distance, and many other games since the first installment in the series has come out.  Yet, all we hear is complaining that III is not out yet.  It is speculated that Kingdom Hearts III will be the last installment in the current story line.  With that said, Square Enix really needs to take their time with the game.  At the end, all holes in the story will need to be filled (unless they play a crucial part in the next storyline), and it needs to be flawless.  Like Versus XIII, the fans have waited a long time for this one and Square cannot disappoint.  There are many things that we want to see in the game, but also have to remember that we are not the creators, but the players.  Our “wants” should not persuade the developers and writers how the game should play out.  However, the developers and writers should be aware of how the fanbase can be and ensure that they craft something that will blow our minds.

In a time that we want something the instant it is brought to our attention, we are also just as impatient to complain when we don’t get exactly what we want.  Patience is a virtue, and our impatience will only lead to disappointment.  So, when you hear someone complain about the length of time it takes a game to come to market, the lack of titles for a new console, or even the horrible quality of a rushed game (Aliens: Colonial Marines), tell them to be patient, replay their favorite game, experience another IP until their anticipated title launches, dabble in a hobby.  As a gamer, I don’t want to see a rushed title geared towards fan service.  Instead, we need well thought out and intricate stories that will keep us coming back for more.

Essel Pratt 10.05.2013 On May 10th 2013 with with 0 Comments
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Rare Candy: The Pokemon Gallery Charity Auction

Rare Candy: The Pokemon Gallery Charity Auction

Pokemon is loved by gamers, cartoon enthusiasts, and big kids worldwide.  So, it is only fitting that Peter Le and Amy Kim rallied their friends at the San Jose State University Animation/Illustration program to recreate the original 151 Pokemon in their vision and donate the funds to a good cause!

Each of the original Pokemon was created by a different artist to make each interpretation unique.  I scrolled through the gallery of the art and was blown away!  Currently, the highest priced item (according to bids) is around $350.00, and some are as low as $12.00.  Meowth over to the left is currently $60.00.

The Rare Candy Pokemon Art Auction for Charity will give 100% of the profits raised to Canines for Kids, a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of deaf and physically disabled children by providing trained service dogs for them.

You can find out more about the organization at their website: www.caninesforkids.org

If you are in the San Jose, CA area, you can visit the gallery at:

Umpqua Bank
225 West Santa Clara
Suite 150
San Jose, CA 95113
http://www.umpquabank.com/sanjose/

Gallery hours of operation:
Monday thru Thursday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Friday, 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Rare Candy will be showing from April 29th to May 17th, 2013.  The gallery’s opening reception is on Friday, May 3rd from 7:00 to 11:00PM.

There will be a live performance from Bay Area based band, Super Soul Bros , and dogs are welcome to the event.

If you cannot make it to the gallery, you can also bid online at:

https://www.doodlebender.com/auctions/rare-candy-a-pokemon-gallery-charity-auction

Essel Pratt 09.05.2013 On May 09th 2013 with with 0 Comments
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Frostbite 2 Tests Poorly On Wii U, According to Johan Andersson

Frostbite 2 Tests Poorly On Wii U, According to Johan Andersson

According to Johan Andersson, Technical Director on Frostbite at DICE, the Frostbite 3 engine will not support the Wii U console.  According to him, the engine was tested on the Wii U but returned poor results.  This announcement comes as the relationship between Electronic Arts and Nintendo is less than perfect.  Sadly, it is also at the same time that Disney and EA have announced a partnership for the Star Wars Gaming Franchise.

A similar claim was made when Epic Games announced that the Unreal Engine 4 will not run on the Wii U.  Later, Mark rein clarified that although the Unreal Engine 4 would not work, the games could be ported to the Wii U without issue.

There has been a lot of speculation that the Frostbite 2, or even 3, engine has not had enough testing to completely rule it out for the Wii U.  This speculation is due to the rocky relationship between EA and Nintendo.

What are your thoughts about EA and Nintendo’s relationship, is it a petty argument or is it something bigger?

**Before this becomes a Nintendo Bashing fest in the comments, let’s remember that EA and Nintendo have never really played nice together.  So, it is no surprise that  EA is acting this way.  The Wii U could be the most powerful machine on the market and we would undoubtedly see some hesitation by EA.

Essel Pratt 08.05.2013 On May 08th 2013 with with 1 Comments
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