HHA BLOG

New!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:58:00 +0000

Hey guys for all those who are wondering what happen to this blog it has been moved and given a new name. It's called The Casual Geek, so go check it out as this will be the last post on this blog.

YOU JUST GOT SERVED!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:37:00 +0000

First Episode EVER

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:39:00 +0000

Kay guys this is HHA's first podcast episode ever. In this episode I will be talking about everything from anime to video games. Since this is my first try at this podcast thing I didn't do a lot of editing, but the editing I did do you guys will thank me for. But anyway I hope you guys enjoy.

Sit back and relax and enjoy Episode 1: Silence is not Golden

Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:55:00 +0000

Hi guys sorry that no one has been posting lately, but we are currently going through some staff changes. But I promise you that we will get back to normal soon.

Zune, Did You Do Something to To Your Hair?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Hi everybody it's your friendly neighborhood blogger NightRoad! Now I know I haven't posted anything lately, but don't blame me blame school.

Now lets get down to what this post is really about, lets talk Zunes. If you own a Zune you might have noticed some changes. Like the fact that you can use it to summon a DRAGON!!!! Sadly this is not true, but there are some pretty awesome changes. For example you can now tag songs on your FM radio so you can later buy it in the Zune Market Place. You can also use wireless hotspots to access the Market Place. You can buy songs, share changes with friends, and update channels. Speaking of channels they are customized playlists that are made by people like DJs, celebrities, and music experts. But the best new feature of them all is the ability for the Zune to play games. Yes you read right, you can now play games on your Zune. Now so far I haven't found anything on the Market Place where I can buy games, but the upgrade to your comes with the two games, Hexic and Texas Hold'em. I haven't really played Texas Hold'em, but I have played Hexic and it's a good little time waster.

And that folks is the Zune 3.0 upgrade, I hope that kinda persuades some people to at least try the Zune.

Stuff, Stuff, and more Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:35:00 +0000

Hi guys just wanted to say how grateful me, and the rest of the team are for all the readers we do have. Also please continue to come to the blog and spread the word about our awesomeness. Again thank you.

Live Action Blood

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:54:00 +0000

Reportedly Universal Studios will be releasing Chris Nahon's live-action film adaption of the Blood: The Last Vampire anime film in North America. They plan on releasing it on 2,000 screens in North America next March.

The Ultimate ULITIMATE Gaming Rig

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:06:00 +0000

While searching the interwebs I came across the ultimate gaming rig. So this guy who wants to remain nameless, is a PC installer, and helped build it for a goverment office. But after building it he did what any gamer would do, he played some Bioshock and World of Warcraft. All I gotta say is, 'Can you build me one?'

FUNimation Talks Finances

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:49:00 +0000

During an August 4th conference call with investors, Navarre CEO Cary L. Deacon revealed that Afro Samurai generated $4.5 million at wholesale, about $9 million retail, for FUNimation. FUNimation also expects its distribution of former Geneon & AD Vision titles to earn $15 to $20 million in sales, or $7 to $10 million at wholesale cost. Navarre expects FUNimation’s sales to increase by a double digit percentage in the forthcoming financial year.

Rock Band The Tour?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:55:00 +0000

Yes you heard me right there will be an official Rock Band Tour. Now when I first heard about this I was a little bit against it. But once I found out you will actually be able to get up on stage and rock out on Rock Band I had a change of heart. And the line up isn't that bad either, you got Panic at the Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White Ts, and The Cab. But before you start saying, 'I'm going to be able to rock out with Panic!' You will have to compete for it. The competitions will be local held by the radio stations, so be ready to bring your A game.

Tour Dates:

» 10/5 - San Diego, CA @ San Diego Sports Arena
» 10/8 - Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
» 10/9 - Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Outdoors
» 10/10 - Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center
» 10/11 - San Jose, CA @ San Jose State Event Center Arena
» 10/12 - Sacramento, CA @ Arco Arena
» 10/14 - Everett, WA @ Everett Events Center
» 10/16 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The E Center
» 10/17 - Denver, CO @ Broomfield Events Center
» 10/18 - Lincoln, NE @ Pershing Auditorium
» 10/19 - St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
» 10/21 - Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
» 10/22 - Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
» 10/23 - Ypsilanti, MI @ EMU Convocation Center
» 10/24 - Toronto, ON @ Arrow Hall
» 10/28 - Bridgeport, CT @ Arena at Harbor Yard
» 10/29 - Lowell, MA @ Tsongas Arena
» 10/31 - Washington, DC @ Patriot Center
» 11/1 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Spectrum
» 11/2 - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
» 11/4 - Atlanta, GA @ Gwinnett Center
» 11/6 - Tampa, FL @ USF Sun Dome
» 11/7 - Miami, FL @ Bank United Center
» 11/8 - Gainesville, FL @ University of Florida O'Connell Center
» 11/9 - Orlando, FL @ UCF Arena
» 11/11 - Bossier City, LA @ CenturyTel Center
» 11/12 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theatre
» 11/13 - Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
» 11/14 - Houston, TX @ Reliant Arena

Bonen no Xamdou: First Look!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:35:00 +0000

Let me begin by saying I am a mega-huge fan of the BONES animation studio. In my mind, they have been constantly been delivering some of the best anime to date, and they are breaking ground in amazing and engaging sci-fi series. So, imagine my enthusiasm when I heard they were putting out a new series! With character designs like those in Eureka Seven (which is one of my favourite shows), robots, mysterious girls, possible explosions... Well. I nearly wet my pants. As of now, I can't wait for episode two!!

Bonen no Xamdou (or Xam'd: Lost Memories) is a feast of heavenly proportions for me. Everything about it is stunning, interesting. The animation is slick, in my preferred style and design. The story struck a chord with me right off of the bat. It left me desiring more. Desperately desiring.

The story goes like this. (And, because I feel lazy and my stomach is full of Subway, big thanks to MAL for the synopsis.) "Sentan Island is a small island surrounded by the Yuden Sea. It exists in a state of dreamlike tranquility, cut off from the war between the Northern Government and the Southern Continent Free Zone. Our hero, Akiyuki Takehara, lives on Sentain Island along with his mother Fusa. He is currently separated from his father, the town doctor Ryuzo, but the bond between father and son remains. One day, after taking Ryuzo the lunch that Fusa has made for him as usual, Akiyuki arrives at school, where he is caught up in an explosion along with his friends, Haru and Furuichi. The explosion produces a mysterious light, which enters Akiyuki's arm, causing him excruciating pain. He's given no time to understand it, however, as the white-haired girl who rode on the bus with him guides him to a power unlike anything he's ever known." It will apparently be twenty-six episodes long, which is a little bit of a shame. And yet... I'm in love!

The opening and ending animation has English themes playing along with it, which I find an interesting touch. Basic rock with guitar melody, a techno grove, echoing singing that makes your foot tap and makes you want to wave you r hands in the air, wave a cigarette lighter, or break out your rave gear. It's already making my head bob. The music playing during scenes instantly stole my heart away. Time to start hoarding money again for another soundtrack...

I am so ecstatic and excited for Xam'd. It has great potential to be one of the best shows of the season, or maybe the year, and I will be along with it every step of the way. I have the feeling Bandai Entertainment will want to pick it up... And I will buy it if things keep going this strongly. Totally.

So, if you are interested, well... America is getting this series two months before Japan. Go download it on your Sony PlayStation in high definition for $3.75, or standard quality for $2.82. It is reportedly the most-downloaded item on the American Sony store so far! It has Japanese audio and English subs.

I highly recommend this. Very highly. Uber-high. Go buy it now. Please.

Miss M ;D

Welcome 2 Da Family

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:50:00 +0000

We now have a new member of the HHA her name is Miss M. Be sure to look out for her work.

E3: Activision and Konami

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:34:00 +0000

Here's the last two events

P.S.
Activision isn't technically apart of E3.

The IPhone is hood

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:50:00 +0000

E3: Ubisoft and Capcom

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:32:00 +0000

Here's all two events

E3: Sony

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Sony's Press Conference wasn't everything I hoped for, but it was better than Nintendo's bore fest. But anyway lets jump right into it.

First off lets start with the big announcement that the earlier games for the PS3 will get a price drop to 29.99. And there will be a Batman Lego PS2 bundle pack for $149, and there will be a Ratchet and Clank Size Matters PSP entertainment pack.

Speaking of Ratchet and Clank, there will be a PSN RC game called Quest for Booty. It follows what happens after the disappearance of Clank. And it will be available for $14.

There will also be a Resistance game on the PSP called Retribution. There was also gameplay footage of Resistance 2.

Also there were trailers for Infamous and God of War 3 that seem to be awesome games.

But on the online side of things there were trailers for to new online games for the PS3. DC Universe Online and MAG(Massive Action Game), both two excellent game.

And that was pretty much it.

E3: Nintendo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:12:00 +0000

Today they had the Nintendo Press Conference, and to tell you the truth it was disappointing. I actually got a headache just watching. But lets forget about that and focus on the announcements.

There aren't really that many note worthy announcements. They really just focused on sales and casual gaming. First off they showed how they used the balance board for Shaun White Snowboarding. The board seemed very intuitive to your movements, in fact there are a couple more games that use the balance board. Like the new Rayman Raving Rabbits game where, from what they showed, you hold the Wiimote and Nunchuck as handlebars and you sit on the board to direct the rabbit. You also use the board in Nintendo's big game Wii Music. In this game use over 50 instruments to play music all with the Wiimote and balance board. Now unlike normal music games you don't have to cue up your button presses with the notes. Actually there are no notes at all. There's also a new Wii Sports game called Wii Sports Resort. In this game you play a lot of summer activities with the Wii. But the big thing about this game is the fact that it comes with Wiimotion Plus. Now Wiimotion is an add on to your Wiimote that enhances the response of your movements. Another game that uses a new feature is Animal Crossing: City Folk. What really makes this game special is the fact that it uses a mic called Wii Speak. It's not a headset, it's an open room mic. I really hope they use this one with Super Smash Bros Brawl, so that I can trash talk some seven year old kid in front of his mom. Also another game I'm sorta excited for is Star Wars Clone Wars. This game doesn't have a light saber controller, but it seems that you really use the controllers as if were a real saber.

Now for the DS. The only game note worthy on the DS is Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. A GTA game for the DS not much is known about it yet.

So that's pretty much it not much else.

EA Press Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:10:00 +0000

Here's the full version of EA's Press Conference.

E3: Microsoft Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:24:00 +0000

Now it's time for part 2. In this post I'll be talking about the upgrades to the 360, and the new partners of Xbox live.

First lets start out with the upgrades. When I first saw these I almost screamed in joy. The upgrades includes a sleeker version of the dashboard, a new gamers card, and new avatars. Now the avatars are basically upgraded versions of the Miis. You will have more options available to you. The upgraded system is very smooth you can go from chat to stream photos to playing a game.

Now lets get to the new partnerships. The first big partnership is NBC and Universal. But the one I'm most excited for is the partnership with Netflix. This new partnership will allow you to watch Netflix movies directly on your 360 at no extra charge.

These announcements make me happy that I own a 360.

E3: Microsoft Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Since the Microsoft Spotlight was filled with so much goodness this post is a two parter. This post will be all about the game, and the second will be about the upgrades.

Okay lets start off with the Fallout 3 demo. It was awesome it met all of my expectations and more. It was so amazing to watch body parts flying in the air. I have no complaints for this game so far.

Now lets sink our teeth into the Resident Evil 5 demo. The demo really showed off the the co-op element of the game. Since I've never played a Resident Evil game, I can't say much else that would give it the credit it deserves so here's the demo.

Next up the infamous Fable 2. The demo looked great, I loved the the fact that you can walk up to one of your friends and invite them into your world. But I don't plan on playing this game. It's just not my type of game.

Now it's time for a heavy hitter Gears of War 2. This demo was simply wonderful, the graphics were amazing. The combat was mind blowing, and the sheer chaos of it was tempting. I'm definitely pre-ordering this one.

Now with new upgrades comes new features, and one of those features is a new game. This game is called Primetime it's a game where your avatar can star in a game show such as 1 vs. 100.

Now lets move on to the new games in the Arcade.

First off we got Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2. This Geometry Wars still has all the fast paced action and seizure inducing graphics we've come to know and love.

Next we got a 'true' sequel of Galaga which basically looks like a rip off of Geometry Wars.

They've also announced a South Park game on the Arcade.

But the game that made me giggle with glee is Portal: Still Alive. At E3 the game was announced by everybodys favorite homicidal AI GLaDOS. This game is said to have new levels and achievements.

Also there will be an exclusive Grand Theft Auto 4 episode on Xbox Live. And on the new Viva Pinata game you will be able too use your Pinata trading cards to put Pinatas in the game. Guitar Hero World Tour will ship with more than 85 games, and Metallica put have there whole album up for download on the game. But on the other side of the coin Rock Band will exclusively premiere on the Xbox 360.

Speaking of music games Microsoft answer to Sony's Singster is Lips. Lips is a singing game where you can use your own music collection to sing to. I'm looking forward to this one.

Another party game is You're in the Movies. In this game you use the camera they provide you with to do little mini games like dancing. Then the game compiles these games to create a little movie. But if you don't want to just sit back let the game make the movie you can take over, and make it yourself.

Since we got that stuff over with lets get to Microsoft's big announcement. Final Fantasy 13 will be released on the 360. Now I know how major this is, but let me dip into why I think Microsoft made this there big announcement. I think they did it to say 'Look Sony we're taking all your big titles.' I mean they have Guitar Hero, Madden, and now Final Fantasy. Microsoft is not to be fucked with.

E3.....What else do you want me to say?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:31:00 +0000

Since E3 is Monday I felt it was my obligation as a gamer to write something about it. But what can I say that hasn't already been said by everybody else. But for those of you that don't know what E3 is let me explain, E3 is a trade show for the computer and video games industry. It's where the 'Big Three'(Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo) gather to show off the fruits the developers labor. It's a place where developers can hype up a game through the roof. So by now your probably thinking I might want to go to this E3. And there lies the problem you can't, cause as of 2007 E3 is invitation only. And if my information is correct it's so hard to get one you'd be better off not going. In my opinion they shouldn't make it so hard to get in cause there getting free publicity out of it.

Anyway I'll be giving a play by play of everything of interest at E3, so stay tuned.

P.S.
No I'm not going I'm going to watch it on G4.

Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:44:00 +0000

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

“Y’all know slaughter can’t be spelled without laughter!”

Summary:
Cute girls wielding bloody hatchets? Insanity, paranoia, and intrigue to boot? Sign me up! I honestly knew little of what I was getting into when I started Higurashi. The first episode is rather normal stereotypical moe: New guy, Keiichi Maebara, moves to Hinamizawa, joins the after school club, goes insane, kills his friends, and claws his own throat out.

Wait, that’s not right…

Well that didn’t work. Hit the cosmic reset button Oyashiro-sama, and let’s see if it works out the 2nd time around…

Plot:
Out of all the different crime shows, anime, and literature, Higurashi really stands out. Nothing in this show is spoon-fed to the viewers or makes use of cheap CSI like clichés (e.i. We need to find a bullet casing! You mean just like the one over there?). Based off a series of amateur doujin games (visual novels) Higurashi makes good use of the so called “cosmic reset button”.

In other words, the show is split into separate arcs, each telling a self contained story with the familiar backdrop of Hinamizawa, while playing a bigger part in the entire story. Keiichi Maebara is new to the area and attends the local school with the other kids of the town. Many of these characters will help shape and weave together the story that is Higurashi.

Before Keiichi moved to Hinamizawa, a few years prior, the government had decided to create a dam near Hinamizawa, though it would require it’s residence to relocate, so the area could become flooded. The Three Head Families of Hinamizawa fought against the government trying to convince them not to go through with the dam project. Apparently there was a murder that took place where someone (a dam worker?) was dismembered. Five of the murderers were caught, while it is said the sixth underwent Onikakushi, other wise know as being spirited away by Oyashiro-sama never to be seen again. The dam project was apparently forgotten about for the time being.

According to the locals, every year, for the past four years ever since the dam incident, on the night of the Watanagashi Festival, one person dies, while one person undergoes Onikakushi. This has been regarded to as “Oyashiro-sama’s Curse”.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni is only the first season, and explains much of what is going on within Hinamizawa, but by the end of it, not everything is completely clear. Is it a parasite, a curse, a person’s contagious insanity, or aliens (I shit you not, this is an actual theory)? To truly understand this bizarre series, look for the next season, Higurashi Naku Koro ni Kai.

Okay, another content warning… Higurashi is EXTREMELY VIOLENT! Even though things are not always explicitly shown, they are still highly disturbing. I am not kidding when I say this either. In one scene, a girl takes a knife, places it against a wall, and beats her head against it until she dies. Stuff like that. Defiantly not for those with a weak stomach.

Animation:
I was actually fairly surprised to find out that Studio DEEN was the company that adapted the game in anime form. I saw their rendition of Vampire Knight (the animation in that was terrible) and there is no real comparison. During the normal first episode, animation was okay nothing really special, but during violent scenes (there are many of these) or points when the face is the focal point, usually used to show a character isn’t exactly sane, animation is very well done. Frankly, they did their job when it came down to scaring the crap out of me. Those expressions will haunt me in my dreams… Just take a look:

But it does go without saying that a few of the “insane” faces to tend to look less than terrifying. But I’m willing to forgive. Backgrounds and settings were fleshed out and very detailed. With such a strong story driving it and better than average animation, Higurashi is Studio DEEN’s masterpiece.

Music:
The opening music is one of my favorite anime openings of all time. “メイン・テーマ” (the name of the song is the same as the series, I’ll use Japanese characters to differentiate) uses a lot of techno sounding effects, while retaining a creepy overtone. Vocals and lyrics both add a beautiful, haunting melody that reflects the style of Higurashi very well. The ending on the other hand, fell flat on its face. Maybe I just don’t enjoy a song sung be a Japanese singer in Engrish (if the previous statement made any sense go give yourself a cookie). It just didn’t sound natural. I guess if you don’t mind Engrish, you may like it.

Voice Acting (Japanese):
Being able to laugh manically, scream in rage and insanity, and still pull off a cute voice when the character is acting normal is no easy feat, and I applaud the voice actors and actresses for a job well done. They pulled off their roles flawlessly. I still get shivers every time I hear one of the Sonozaki sisters laugh in insanity. The only thing I have an issue with, and this is my nitpicky self coming through, but when Keiichi cries it sounds like he’s being strangled. That only happens once or twice though throught the entire series, so it probably won’t bother anyone else that much.

Overall:
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni is one of my favorite series. I like shows such as CSI or Without a Trace, but those tend to get very formulaic after a while and Higurashi is a wonderful change of pace that will keep you guessing until the very end. The arc form of story telling may be confusing at first, but after a while, you learn to expect it. If you have a strong stomach and are looking for a good mystery series that doesn’t treat the viewer like a baby and spoon feed everything to them, give Higurashi a whirl.

Final Score: 5/5
-Midori

Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:50:00 +0000

By now all of you have noticed the change in scenery on the page. I've changed a lot, and I hope you like it.

Kingdom Hearts The Stupid Files

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:42:00 +0000

Hello again folks this is your pal Jiraiya. And i am reviewing Kingdom Hearts The Stupid Files.
Well I'll tell you this it is the most random stuff ever you can search all over. But you will not ever find a video i mean video's like these. I believe you will be like Wtf and Lmao and much more.
I love it it's just because of ech and every random scene . The video is of stupid file no.5 and it is pretty hilarious.

So we have a 5 star rating system and well you can guess what I'm gonna give this.

5 out 5 Must watch it on youtube.

Welcome 2 Da Family

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:07:00 +0000

We now have another new member to the HHA family please welcome Midori. Please make her feel welcome.

Posted By: NightRoad