GameHaven

Apologies,

2009-11-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

Whoops!

Apparently I accidentally mixed up the names in the credits sections on my last two posts- credit goes to Dan Zlotoff, not Romeo Corsi, for both of those!

Sorry!

Need for...Soundtrack?!

2009-11-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I'm pleased to announce that the entire Need for Speed: Shift soundtrack has been posted online for your listening pleasure!

Link to MySpace Page – http://bit.ly/10neAP
Full Soundtrack List - http://bit.ly/nQ4kO
Official Site - www.needforspeed.com

Hope you enjoy it, drop me a comment with your thoughts!

-Phampok/lol_its_raph

PS. Big thanks to Dan Zlotoff and RocketXL for sending the links over!

Need for Speed Shift - Review

2009-10-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Graphics-4/5
Need for Speed has always been a industry-leading franchise in terms of visuals. However, the past few entries in recent years haven't really lived up to that status, with other games such as PGR, Test Drive Unlimited, and Gran Turismo jumping ahead. However, Shift is a nice reform in status- it's beautiful. While it's certainly still not the prettiest game on the market, Shift really has a fine level of polish, from car detail and damage to the environments and weather. The presentation, in menus and in-game, is ultra-clean, although the white text can be hard to see at times.

Sound-2/5
The sound effects are awesome. All the usual car sounds, from the revving of engines to the screech of tires, are present. However, one big thing is missing- music. No music plays during races, only post-race, and what does play isn't very enticing. Voice acting by the narrator is pretty good at best; it's not too compelling and usually ends up getting skipped.

Gameplay-5/5
Need for Speed: Shift takes the track-focused racing of ProStreet and adds in many RPG-lite elements, resulting in an addictive take on the racing genre. Winning races builds up your Driver level and adds badges to your Driver Profile, earning you a reputation and more money to buy vehicular upgrades with. It's this "one more level" mentality that keeps the game fresh and helps players to keep progressing through the tiers in order to finish the game.

Online-4/5
Nothing too outstanding here, all the same basic matchmaking options. What's here works, and it's all that's expected from a racing game. Runs silky smooth and easy to figure out.

Closing Comments
Need for Speed Shift is a nice comeback after some less-than-impressive entries in the series and the challenge to constantly improve one's Driver Profile and level ends up becoming an addictive battle. Pop in your iPod while playing and you're good to go.

Overall: 4/5
Good: Looks good, easy to grasp a hold of, addictive, large variety of tasks
Bad: Weak sound

-lol_its_raph

NOTE: Thanks to Dan Zlotoff and RocketXL for sending me the review copy as well as supplying assets.

King of Fighters XII Review

2009-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Graphics-5/5
The first thing that pops out at the player when they boot up KOFXII are the absolutely stunning graphics. All the characters are beautifully drawn and the animations are top-notch. The backgrounds are very detailed and full of motion and nice effects. Everything from special effects to simple counters cause beautiful effects to appear, both from the characters and in the background. There really isn't much negative to say about the graphics- they're full of old-school 2-D appeal but sharper and crisper than ever.

Sound-3/5
While the graphics are great, the same can't be said for the sound. Yes, the music is great and fits the atmosphere marvelously. The effects, however, begin to grate on the player's nerves after just a few matches. There's only so many Japanese yelps and cries that a man can take before he begins to lose his mind.

Gameplay-3/5
KOFXII is a hardcore game. Button mashers need not apply- I tried and failed miserably. It's all about knowing a character's strengths and weaknesses and mastering all their combos. There's Arcade mode, Versus, Practice, and Online mode. Arcade is standard 3-on-3 KOF, trying to win as quick as possible. Versus is Player vs Player action, while Online just takes that action online. Practice is just that- a place to hone your abilities. The game is nice and plays nice enough, but it feels behind it's time. People want games that are easy to pick up and play, and KOF definitely isn't enjoyed best this way.

Online-3/5
Online's simple and fluid enough, with the standard quick matches, custom matches, and friend matches. I jumped into quick match for a bit and found the competition tough but it was fun enough. Players can also spectate other matches while they wait for theirs to begin, which is nice. However, there's just too much wait time between matches to stay hooked for too long.

Extras-3/5
The game comes with a custom KOF theme on the same disc and there's an in-game gallery mode, so those are both nice. But beyond that, there really isn't much extra to see or do here. It's nice addictions for big fans but otherwise nothing too special.

Closing Comments
KOFXII is a nice game for hardcore-fighting game fans and KOF die-hards. However, to the average fighting fan or casual gamer, it really can't be recommended when there are such better alternatives such as Street Fighter IV, Soul Calibur IV, or even Blazblue. Rent it for the trophies if you must, and if it happens to keep you hooked, then congratulations.

Overall: 3/5
Good: Beautiful graphics, nice sound, challenging
Bad: Hard for casual players, a bit too "old school"

-lol_its_raph

NOTE: Thanks to Romeo Corsi and RocketXL for sending me the review copy as well as supplying assets.

new again;

2009-07-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

It's been a while. A really long time since I've posted, sorry about that.
I've been working on my personal blog, raphabas.wordpress.com, and other things in my life.

Anyway, now that I'm returning, more or less, I'll be sure to update periodcally with some reviews.

Until then,
phampok (Actually, my new PSN ID is lol_its_raph)

bmth

2008-11-27T09:39:00.001-08:00

bring me the horizon is awesome.
check them out.

I Set My Friends on Fire

2008-11-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

Check them out.

Update- Hiatus

2008-09-13T15:09:00.001-07:00

Hey,

I realized I haven't posted in a while, and for good reason- I've been busy. Video game wise and otherwise, I haven't been able to squeeze in extra blogging time.
Video games? I just got Burnout Paradise, Rainbow Six Vegas, Need For Speed Carbon, and Mario Super Sluggers (Wii). Not to mention that the Warhawk trophy patch has hit and the SOCOM: Confrontation Public Beta has started, I've been super busy.
Otherwise? School, life, etc. Nothing too big, but you know how it is.
So, with a heavy heart, I'm hear to say that I'm going to be taking a bit of a hiatus.
Sorry.

Be back someday,
phampok

Update- Help Insomniac Games Choose R2's Cover

2008-08-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Apparently the folks at Insomniac Games need our help choosing Resistance 2's Collector's Edition cover.

Link to article here.

I say pick 3. Definitely.

Cheers,
phampok

Update- Burnout Paradise to hit PSN

2008-08-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Say whaaat?

That's right, the smash hit Burnout Paradise is going to be released on the PSN as a downloadable title for $20.

Just click on the picture for a link to the Official Playstation Blog post by Jeremy Chubb.

Sure, it's going to take a ton of HD space and I still prefer having it on disc...but this is still great news. Also, it won't be the same as a store-bough original copy- the downloaded version will already come with all the latest updates and patches installed.

That's entertainment,
phampok

Preview- Mafia 2 vs. Godfather 2

2008-08-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

With two big Mafia games coming out, Mafia II and Godfather 2, which one will you be the don of?

Godfather 2 (link to IGN article)

GF2 seems to be focusing on controlling the entire mob, as you can coordinate different minions and each action affects the mob's progress. Boasting a new visual style (which I hate), GF2 looks to be...interesting.

Mafia II (Link to IGN article)
Not much is known about this one other than a trailer (pre-rendered, by the looks of it)

So which one are you excited for, if at all?
Personally...Mafia II is looking to be a must-have.

Respect,
phampok

Update- Hurray!

2008-08-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Just another quick post to fill my daily quota! PSN update today, highlights being Bionic Commando: Rearmed ($10) and a demo, along with a demo of 1942: Joint Strike!
I played both demos and both are fantastic additions to the PSN library, I highly plan on buying BC:R at some point.
Then again, in a week, RaC:QFB is hitting the PSN.
Oh snap.

Peace,
phampok

Update- Cries for Far Cry 2

2008-08-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

As you can tell by the Far Cry 2 widget and the fact that I listed it as my number one anticipated game of '08, I'm all about Far Cry 2 here.

So, with that in mind, I've added a Far Cry 2 Flickr photo slideshow, right under the Chatbox.

So go check some of them out, it's some nifty stuff. Also, please feel free to say something in either the Chatbox or in a post comment. Thanks!

Wagh!
phampok

Personal- Lifestyle

2008-08-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Some of you may care, others may want me to shut up and get back to the games. Regardless, I figured I'd just put in an occasional personal post regarding my non-gaming life.

I recently had to put up with the misadventures of camping for nearly a week. Sure, I have a camper, but I still hated it. I could barely go outside because of the torrential downpours that occurred daily, and I got a raging case of poison ivy- still unhealed. My legs are monstrous.

I've also recently had the pleasure to go experience a local Ska show. Truly amazing. Bands playing were This is a Stick Up, Forty Lashes, and Silent Distortion (pictured). All three were fantastic and I bought a shirt from TiaSU.

Lately I've been also getting back on top of my running schedule, running a meager two miles a day. Yeah, it's not much, but it's something. I'll work my way up before track season starts.

Speaking of sports, that reminds me of school...sophomore year begins August 27th. I can't wait.

In other news, I've been in a Disney mood, watching Toy Story and the Hunchback of Notre Dame again. Toy Story is still brilliant and Hunchback is easily my favorite musical of all time, portraying a surprisingly dark side of Disney. I've also gone and seen The Dark Knight for the third time. Hurray? I like the movie, what can I say.

Besides my days being filled with music such as Bubba Sparxxx (Mainly his album Deliverance), Blink-182 (As always), Eve 6, Mindless Self Indulgence (Recently turned on to their older album Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy) and more, life's been pretty awesome.
Sure, thanks to my unruly personality my social life may have taken a hit, but I always find my way back up to my feet. Hopefully.

Two things to look forward to, really- Far Cry 2 on October 1st and a concert on October 10th (Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Thrice, Gaslight Anthem). Awesome.

Until then, that's this month's Lifestyle.

Peace,
phampok

Update- Warhawk update coming soon, v1.5

2008-08-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hey!

Get ready to soar to the skies again- Warhawk is getting patch 1.5 on August 27th.
Link to the awesomeness.
What's including?
Everything that matters.

-Custom in-game music (Hell yes)
-XMB Trophies (All 57 of 'em)
-Training Tutorials (About time)
-Retract Clan Invites
-New paint schemes/insignias (Hurrah)
-Ceremonial Blades (for Tourney contestants)
-"Rookie" Server Color-Coding

So, pretty much everything we asked for and more.
Screw the upcoming holiday season, I'm back to Warhawk.

Love,
phampok

Update- More Trophy Patches/Lists

2008-08-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Look at that- more games offering trophy support. Thanks to the always fantastic ps3trophies.org (Sign up today! You'll find me on there), we now have trophy lists for the following:

Retail
-Buzz! Quiz TV [25 Trophies]
-Uncharted: Drake's Fortune [48 Trophies]
-Warhawk (Patch is currently unreleased) [57 Trophies]

PSN
-PixelJunk Eden [20 Trophies]
-Super Startdust HD [17 Trophies]

For anyone that's counting, that's a total of 167 trophies. Ooh baby.

Get hunting,
phampok

Update- Layout Fixed

2008-08-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hey you,

Checkitout, my first day back and I already got on top of the layout issue- all fixed!

You love me,
phampok

Update- Back! Layout...messed up?

2008-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Back from camping, did you all miss me?
I bet you did.
But for some reason, my new Blogger layout isn't displaying properly.
Hmph.
Please be patient as I work to fix it.

Kthxbai,
phampok

Personal- Away

2008-08-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

I'm going away camping from Wednesday-Sunday...I know you'll miss me.
So, until then, behave.

Peace,
phampok

Update- The Last Guy

2008-08-05T06:55:00.001-07:00

Hey there,

Some of you may have already heard about the PSN's upcoming game called 'The Last Guy'. For those of you who haven't heard of this quirkly little title, the premise is simple- playing on Google Maps-esque areas, you guide a hero and must collect people into a parade to lead them back to safe zones without being killed by spiders/monsters.
Awesome? I think so.

However, a Japanese promotional website is allowing you to play a watered down version of TLG on any website- even this one! Click this link to play. (Move the mouse pointer to move, collect civilians, bring them to the green safe zone.)

Enjoy,
phampok

Preview- Bioshock

2008-08-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

As most of you know, the hit x360 game Bioshock is making its way to the PS3 later this year.
With added features and trophy support, many users are adding Bioshock to the top of their wish lists, but one question has remained- will the game have exactly the same trophies as the x360's achievements?
In a recent blog post on the Official Playstation Blog, Tynan Wales addressed this question.
While most of the trophies will be the same, the PS3 will be getting new trophies of its own. The only two confirmed, however, are both incredibly hard to get- 'A Man Chooses', a gold trophy awarded for beating the game on Survivor, and 'I Choose the Impossible', another gold trophy for beating the game on Survivor...without Vita Chambers.
So yes, PS3 gets its own unique trophies, but they're impossible to get.

Hurray!
phampok

Update- Epic New Layout

2008-08-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Notice anything different?
Yeah, I'm mainly pointing out the rather awesome looking new site layout.
Do you like it?
Yes? No? Oh, yes? A lot?

Thank you,
phampok

Update- Chatbox

2008-08-04T15:33:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Lookee lookee, chatbox added to the bar on the side of the site, right under my Twitterz.
Oh, speaking of that, y'like it? I can now keep you all updated on-the-go through Twitter being linked with my phone.
Cool.
Also, a nice Top 10! feature and a review of Condemned 2 have been posted.
Hurray?
I think so.

Peace,
phampok

Review- Condemned 2: Bloodshot

2008-08-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

Using a much more unforgiving and cynical review tone in mind, here's my review for Condemned 2: Bloodshot (PS3).

Condemned 2: Bloodshot
Genre: First Person Horror (2-8 Online) Developer: Monolith Publisher: SEGA Release: 3/18/2008

The Fake Sound of Progress

Why so serious? Oh wait, wrong article. Maybe I was confused because like the Joker in The Dark Knight, Condemend 2 is a sick and twisted romp through a dark world, filled with quick frights and fast action.

In Condemned 2, you play as Ethan Thomas- an ex-SCU-agent-turned-violent-alcoholic. The game's story is refreshing from other games on the market, and the sense of character is completely different. However, while the game starts off creepy , with a great story, by the game's end it spirals down into a mess of events dealing with everything from super powers to cult activity to inner demons. Nevertheless, if you can make sense of the story, it's a phenomenal one that I enjoyed thoroughly.

The game is brutal.

Sound wise, the game doesn't miss a beat and fares marvelously.The game's dialogue is excellently written, carrying emotional impact whenever the characters speak, and the game's musical score is exceptional, making your heart pound with tension.

Accenting the game's grim story is a beautiful graphics engine. Like the original, Condemned 2 is hardly a first-person shooter, but rather a first-person horror/action game. Seeing the game through first-person just shows how dark, grim, and simply beautiful the environments are. Character models look and move excellently, and the level design ranges from a hotel to a doll factory to a lodge in the deep country- constantly frightening. There are also plenty of visual effects, from black and white filters to hallucinations, the game is sure to make you mad if you play in the dark. However, it is at times overdone, detracting from the game's otherwise immersive experience and making you ponder how something even makes sense. Also, the game's liquid effects, particularly water, and its cut scene graphics are nothing to marvel at, at times even laughable.

However, a game's presentation can all be for naught if the gameplay isn't there to back it up. Thankfully, Condemned 2 covers the gameplay department fairly well. The game cuts back on the forensic part of the previous game and focusing more on combat, for better and for worse. The combat engine is marvelous, intuitive , and visceral, focusing on melee. However, the game does have a larger amount of gunplay this time around, which I didn't like. Also, there are still investigations to take part in, but are hard to complete if you're playing on a SD TV, as the investigation text isn't clear and you're forced to guess. Also, the games online play is very minimal, with few players and fewer modes. I can't help but wish that they had eschewed an online mode altogether and focused a tad more on the single-player.

Overall, the game does all a sequel should do- improve the graphics, add upon the story, and introduce new gameplay concepts. However, is it truly better? The brutal finishers from the first game have been cut back upon, there just seems to be an overload of unnecessary blood, the story spirals into madness, and the online play is useless. Does Condemned 2 take the series to new heights? No. Is it still an amazing, fright-filled adventure? Hell yes.

Overall: 8.5
Good: Beautiful, Immersive, Great Combat
Bad: Effects Overdone, Online Sucks, Gameplay hasn't truly evolved

Editor's Note: If this review could be based solely on personal preference, I'd score it as a 9 or so. Sure, there are more guns, Sure, the visual effects are overdone. Sure, the online may womp. Who cares? I still found this to be an amazing game and I love it, through and through. It may not be perfect, but it sure is awesome.

Thanks to IGN.com for Screenshots, and thanks to Gamespot.com for release info.

Preview- Skate 2

2008-08-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm excited.
What, you're not?
Watch that video again.
Looks incredibly promising, much more versatile than the first.
Here's hoping there's no game-breaking lag this time around.

Hurray,
phampok