Wasdstomp Gaming

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning Finished

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:50:00 +0000

Yes, I killed the final boss tonight, and received my Steam achievement Defiant Destiny. I really enjoyed Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. I thought the story was pretty good, and the ending. I just wish it wasn't over already. I finished it within 24 hours of play time.

Tirnoch Final Boss in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

I am not sure what to do in the game now. I have this killer weapon, but nothing really to do. I could be a completionist, and go back to finish all quests, actually do some crafting, or play through it with a different character. I am just not sure if the story would be that much different to merit doing it again.

I guess I am on a roll. This is the second game recently that I actually finished. I guess it is time to move on to either Skyrim, or Fallout 3.

Could Ten Bloggers Make The Perfect Game?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:08:00 +0000

The last few days I have been asking myself this question. It seems most bloggers have great ideas on how to fix games, or make games better. Could they create a company, and hire some developers to make the game. Would each blogger bring creative ideas to the table, and think everything through before releasing their game?

After recently seeing Tim Schafer raise a million dollars in twenty four hours I was thinking that Kickstarter would be a great way for a bunch of gaming bloggers to get together to raise funds, and create the perfect game. I think the bloggers could be in charge of game design, lore, mechanics, gameplay, and etc.

Basically they would be in charge of everything about the game except for the programming. Would it work? I think it is a great idea. Every blogger would keep each other in check, and eventually build the perfect game that every gamer has been waiting for.

The Things I Hate About Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:29:00 +0000

I am loving Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. I just have a few things I hate about the game which is annoying me. I am not a pro single player RPG player so maybe all of them are this way. What are some of the things I hate?

There have been already discussions on G+ about it so I won't go, and repeat all the details. The auto targeting is downright annoying. It turns you around just about when you have one mob dead, and it targets a full health mob behind you so you now have two mobs hitting on you even though one mob is a sliver away from death. You are constantly being twisted around, and lose your sense of direction. At least for me it seems that way.

Whoever thought that breaking boxes was a great added feature to the game needs to be shot. It is the dumbest thing ever. It isn't even worth the 5-10 gold when everything else gives hundreds. Seriously, what is really the point? I know every once in a while a chest will be behind some, but I don't even bother breaking them unless in a fight it does the auto targeting on them.

I think the world is actually pretty empty. I just don't think there are enough mobs. You spend more time walking than you do fighting. I know when I played Darksiders it seemed like I was always killing, and solving puzzles which I also think this game lacks. You need more than just killing, and walking around. The pathing from one area to another is never just follow the path. It is like the intentionally made it so you have to walk completely around some area to get to the next just to kill time.

The graphics of the cities, and stuff are pretty amazing. The problem is 99% of it is like dead air. You have no real reason to stop, and smell the flowers. You could talk to the villagers, or workers, but it adds nothing. I have been in these big elaborate castles, keeps, or whatever they are, and the sole purpose of being there is to talk to one person, and leave. It just seems like so much wasted space.

The fast travel is nice, but once you have been everywhere you are just teleporting everywhere. It loses the feel of the game. In one hand though I am glad it is there because walking anywhere is never going from point A to point B.

It could just be me, but the boss fights are nothing more than tank, and spank. You don't have to make any special tactics, or strategies to beat any of the bosses. The only thing required is lots of potions. It was never that way in Darksiders. Every boss had a unique system in beating it. You didn't just run up, and start spamming your left mouse button.

The use of potions in boss fights is way too much. I keep trying to dodge, but using 20+ pots for one fight is just stupid. I am playing on Casual which is the easiest, and I still almost die fifty times. I could just be a noob, but it would be interesting to hear if other players are experiencing the same things.

One other part of boss fights I hate is the actual fights last so long that by the end every piece of my armor, and weapon are broken. I know it should take some damage, but having to buy twenty repair kits after each boss fight is dumb.

I sometimes feel like this game plays like a F2P game. They want you to use lots of potions, repairs, and etc so you buy from the cash shop. Of course this game isn't F2P, but with its current setup it could be transformed into one almost overnight.

I know after reading this you would think I still wouldn't be playing the game, but I am. I still love the other parts of the game to keep progressing in the story. I just want to see what happens in the end.

The Next Generation Of Gaming

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:49:00 +0000

Where is gaming going? The last few weeks we are getting a glimpse of what the future holds. It was last year we saw the tablet sized controller for the Wii:U, and now Xbox 720 is rumored to have a PS Vita like controller with a touchscreen. I have also seen new toys coming out that let you slide your smartphone into it, and run their app to add like sniper scopes to toy guns.

It really seems like technology is moving fast. I know sometimes it feels like it isn't moving fast enough, but I think in the next few years we are going to see some amazing breakthroughs. This is why I love gaming so much. It is constantly changing, and evolving into something you never even dreamed about.

The biggest disappointment with all this technology is how it is pricing consoles out of the market. The rumored cost of the new Xbox 720 will be around $600. This is a pretty steep pricepoint, and it includes using older video cards to keep the price at this level. The price could probably reach close to $1000 if everything was in the top tier. Who would buy a console at that price when a PC has so much more versatility?

I like this new idea of using your smartphone, or tablet for a better gaming experience. I would like to see Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony somehow make a plug and play controller using that technology. It would help keep their costs down, and allow players to have their own Wii:U type of controller using their Ipad, or Android phones, or tablets.

The companies could just sell the component for the phone, or tablet to slide into to use as the controller. The thing is so many people have smartphones, and tablets so it seems like it would be a win-win. It would also allow developers to make special apps for games, and a way for them to add apps to older titles to make the games more fun, and put additional money in the companies bank account.

What do you think about using your smartphone, or tablet to enhance your console gaming experience?

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:32:00 +0000

I figured since I have about ten hours into Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning now it would be a good time for a break, and let you know what I think about the game. First of all since I have already played it ten hours it is a pretty safe bet that I am loving the game.

The story so far is very intriguing. I look forward to hearing more of the story with every quest I complete. I never thought I was a lore, or story guy but it really adds to this game.

I just finished killing Balor. He seemed much easier than some of the other mini bosses leading up to him. It looks like I still have quite a bit of story left in the game. I have no idea how many hours you are supposed to enjoy the game, but I reckon I am probably halfway done.

I am kind of a noob when it comes to this game though. I still don't really know what I am doing sometimes. I finally figured out how to craft some potions, but of course it was after I have been selling all the stuff I have been harvesting.

I still haven't figured out lockpicking. I have put several points into it, and move the pick around, but nothing ever happens. I have to be missing some command or something. I will have to see if I can Google it.

It was almost to the seven hour mark before I figured out you could map slot your healing potions, and hit tab to bring up the radial bar. I was doing it the hard way by going in my inventory, and selecting one when I needed one. It was slow, and cumbersome.

I am playing the game on the easiest level, and I still die alot on boss fights. I am probably not doing it right, and will eventually figure it out. The Chase Otrienne quest almost made me ragequit I died so much until I finally figured out how to use my self heal ability.

Right before I logged off for the night I looted this great sword, and it made my night.

Paying 1% More For Violent Games

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:07:00 +0000

Today I saw this article about legislation trying to be passed in Oklahoma to pay an additional 1% sales tax on violent games. This is the craziest thing I have heard of in a long time. Why are we voting in legislators who are submitting such absurd law changes?

I hate when people assume that violent games, rap music, or whatever causes people to become violent. It is the biggest cop out. I really doubt any game causes someone to go out, and commit crime. Why not find out the real root cause of it?

How are they going to define violent? Every MMO is violent, FPS, RPG, and so on. Are there really any games that aren't violent? Why are they singling out gamers?

I am sure alcohol, drugs, and other stuff causes more violence than games do. Are you willing to pay an additional 1% for your games even when the money goes to victims of violence?

Bridge It: Medium Solutions 1-8

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Are you struggling with a certain medium level in Bridge It? I personally know the feeling, and is why I have posted screenshots of my solutions to all the bridges in this level.

Bridge It Medium Level 1

Bridge It Medium Level 2

Bridge It Medium Level 3

Bridge It Medium Level 4

Bridge It Medium Level 5

Bridge It Medium Level 6

Bridge It Medium Level 7

Bridge It Medium Level 8

Finally

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:35:00 +0000

I finally figured out a solution to making my latest bridge in Bridge It. I was almost to the point of giving up. I studied so many bridge structure images, and none of them actually worked for the game. I was really starting to get a little pissed off.

I got this crazy idea to make my road slope up, and than down. I added a little support, and it stood. I was so happy. It was time to hit the play button, and see if it held up to the train crossing it. The train gets to the bridge, and goes straight into the river. I guess it didn't like my idea.

Luckily my support bar ran right across where the road would be straight. I replaced the iron bars with road decking, and crossed my fingers. It still stood, and once again it was time to hit play to see if the bridge could withstand the weight of the train.

The train successfully crosses the bridge, and crosses back over with no problems. It was time to celebrate. I am now moving on to level 8 in the medium level.

The crazy thing is the whole time I was way over thinking how complex my bridge needed to be. I kept running out of money, and was getting frustrated. I ended up solving the solution to the bridge by barely even using half my budget.

Bridge It Medium 7 Has Me Stumped

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:33:00 +0000

I am still enjoying making bridges in Bridge It. I am just a little frustrated with the current bridge I am trying to build. It doesn't matter what I do it just collapses. Every time I think I have it figured out my budget is one, or two pieces short to make it work.

I have probably put in 8-10 hours just on this one bridge. I breezed through the first six bridges in the medium level, and now I am stuck. I keep trying to rebuild it from scratch with new ideas, and it still falls.

I have even looked at images of real bridges on Google to see if I can get some ideas. I still can't manage to build a stable train bridge.

I am going to keep plugging away, and eventually it will pass the test. It will feel really rewarding when I finally accomplish it.

My First Drawbridge I Created On Bridge It

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:33:00 +0000

I am pretty excited about finally getting my drawbridge to work. I spent several hours on getting this bridge to work. I felt pretty good after watching the cars go across, and than it lift for the boat, and back down. It is sometimes the little things about games I love so much.

It wasn't all happiness though. It was pretty frustrating at first trying to figure out how the hydraulics work, and what kind of infrastructure I needed to build to support the bridge. I saw the bridge collapse so many times, but I learned from every one that did that eventually made it so I built a successful one.

Bridge It Easy Solutions 1-6

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:43:00 +0000

I started playing Bridge It last night. It took a few hours to figure out how to make a stable bridge. I finally have the hang of it. I completed the first six easy levels, and will now be moving on to the medium level. I am posting my solutions for all six easy level bridges so be warned the pictures contain spoilers.

The easy level bridges are easy once you figure out what to do. The problem is until you figure it out you will be cussing, and drinking lots of beer. I recommend having plenty on hand before firing it up on your PC.

Bridge It Easy Level 1

Bridge It Easy Level 2

Bridge It Easy Level 3

Bridge It Easy Level 4

Bridge It Easy Level 5

Bridge It Easy Level 6

A Cool Game I Found On Accident

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:59:00 +0000

I was browsing through my Google Plus, and saw the announcement of this game from Onlive called Bridge It. I was happy to find out that I was able to buy it without using Onlive. It is a mix between a simulation, and building game.

The game concept is really simple. You are building bridges, and than you can see if it holds up by itself with traffic, earthquakes, and more. You also have a budget of money so you have to strategically build the bridge with a limited budget. I am just getting started, but eventually you are able to build some pretty amazing bridges as you complete levels, and progress in the game.

I love the game because once again it is a game that makes you use your brain, and put some strategy into how you are going to build a bridge that doesn't crumble. It does get frustrating sometimes though as you keep trying different ways, and it keeps falling down.

Here is a video I watched that got me hooked on Bridge It. The guy demonstrating the game really cracks me up when his bridges collapse, and he starts laughing.

I feel the game is very reasonably priced for the amount of hours of enjoyment I will be getting out of it. Right now you can buy it for $20, and they also have a pretty good demo you can try for free. If you like games that make you think than I highly recommend Bridge It.

Xbox 720 GPU Benchmarks

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:05:00 +0000

Today there was quite a bit of talk on Google Plus about the new GPU for the next gen Xbox 360 after seeing the IGN report. They are praising that the performance will be six to eight times better than the current generation. Isn't that a bit unrealistic?

I decided to do a little homework, and check out some benchmarks. I am not so impressed. Here is an Aliens vs. Predator on max 1080p settings. The Xbox 720 GPU gets a poor 20 FPS in this benchmark. How is this better?

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2011-gaming-graphics-charts/Aliens-vs.-Predator-Enthusiast,2668.html

I tried to find it on Anandtech, and it probably performed so bad it isn't even listed in their benchmarks. You can look at some similar type GPU's, and see a 15-20 FPS.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU11/210

Another interesting claim is it will be twice as powerful as the Wii:U. I couldn't do a full 1080p benchmark for it, but pretty close, and amazingly the Wii:U is actually three times as good as the Xbox 720 with a 60 FPS.

You can look at what the current Xbox 360 has right here.

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/other/Pages/x1900-specifications.aspx

Here is some benchmarks for the Xbox 360 GPU.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/rig-run-oblivion,1279-9.html

Counterfeit Cove Final Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:46:00 +0000

I completed the hidden object game Counterfeit Cove tonight. It went much faster than I thought it was going to. Do I think it was worth the twenty bucks? Not really. If you look at this screenshot I completed this game much faster than the top ten.

The game really lost its fun factor rather quickly. Every map had about eighty hidden items total, but you only had to usually find about ten each time. The problem is you eventually saw the same map over, and over throughout the game. It made it become very boring even though each time you were finding different items.

You also have multiple duplicate type hidden objects in the different maps so you started knowing what to look for. Also doing the same maps over, and over you eventually knew where most of the items were so the challenge was gone.

The clues from solving each mini puzzle had no meaning while progressing in the game. Once you complete everything you get the final puzzle to solve from all the clues you recovered. It was a huge disappointment to see the ending, and the whole game overall.

I don't recommend buying this game. There are much better hidden object games that have better stories, and puzzles.

The Curious Case Of Counterfeit Cove

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:59:00 +0000

My addiction to the hidden object gaming genre is still going strong. Today I took the leap, and spent twenty bucks on The Mysterious P.I.: The Curious Case of Counterfeit Cove, and a few hours later I found myself still playing, and forcing myself to take a break.

I really think this hidden object game is very well made. It takes a little more time to find the objects. The game has a ton of content. Initially I wasn't sure what to expect until I started playing the game. The timer shows approximately twenty hours to complete the game, and solve the case. It has over 100 levels, and I think I just finished level ten.

The game really lacks a storyline though compared to the Temple Of Life I completed the other day. I guess it is good to mix it up a little. I am currently into the game about three hours. It seems I was playing longer than that, but maybe it only tracks the time when actually solving puzzles.

The one downfall I have already noticed is eventually you go back to the same scenarios, but have to find different hidden objects. It is a little easier the second time around because you can remember from the previous time where some of the items are even though it wasn't on your list the first time.

I am really loving the games. They are so relaxing to play, and also fun. I see myself playing hidden object games for a while until I burn myself out on them. I probably need to slow down a little, but it is just so addicting to just solve one more puzzle. It could get a little expensive buying a new game every couple of days.

Temple Of Life: The Legend Of Four Elements

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:27:00 +0000

My new favorite gaming genre is hidden object games. I can't seem to get enough of it. I just love solving puzzles, and using my brain to figure them out. I rarely have to use the hints unless I am really stumped, and can't find it. My newest one I just completed was Temple of Life: The Legend of Four Elements which I found on Big Fish Games.

I love these games because it goes beyond just solving puzzles. It is almost like a single player RPG storyline that draws me in, and keeps me saying just one more puzzle, and I am logging off. Every solved puzzle leads me more into the story, and keeps me glued to my computer.

I thought the game was a really good value for three bucks. They normally run ten bucks, but if you join their game club you can get any game for seven bucks. I think after playing Temple of Life I will be buying some more hidden object games because they are well worth the money, and I am enjoying them a ton.

It took me about eight hours to complete Temple of Life. What else could I do these days for fifty cents an hour to entertain myself?

Hidden Object Games

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:26:00 +0000

Thanks to The Tiny Bang Story I have found a new genre of gaming I love. Last night I decided to Google it, and found that PopCap makes a ton of them. I tried out the free 60 minute trial, and enjoyed it a ton.

The games are simple. You look for objects hidden in pictures. PopCap adds their own little twist to them by not directly saying what the object is. They may say something like holds pants up instead of saying belt, and so on.

You also receive a score based on how fast you find the objects, and get penalized for randomly clicking. You can also get hints where it highlights the object, but you also receive a scoring penalty each time you do it. After completing each scenario you than get a mini-puzzle to solve.

I am really loving these games, but there is one huge drawback. I think the pricing is a bit steep. I find it a bit hard to pull the trigger on a short casual game that costs $20. I know the puzzles include many different scenarios, and over 2k hidden objects in each game.

I know many hours go into making these, but I feel a $5-$10 price is more appealing. I do plan on purchasing the Vacation Quest at the $20 price just to try it out, and see if it lives up to the price tag.

First Time Ever Achievement Unlocked

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:21:00 +0000

I finally unlocked an achievement for the first time today. I am not talking about killing ten wolves, or winning a battleground. This achievement is much bigger than that. What is it?

The achievement is quite an amazing accomplishment for me. It is the very first time I have successfully completed a game. Yes, I finally finished a game from start to finish. Luckily it wasn't a long game, and I unlocked it in a mere eight hours of play time.

Yes, I just purchased The Tiny Bang Story last night, and after eight hours of searching for hidden items, solving puzzles, playing mini-games I managed to complete it. I struggled in some areas of the game, but eventually I would figure it out.

It feels good to know that I solved all of the puzzles. The game was definitely worth the $2.50 I spent on it.

The Tiny Bang Story First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:17:00 +0000

The Tiny Bang Story is a great Indie Adventure game. I just bought this off of Steam, and immediately played it for over 3 hours. It is a hidden object, and puzzle solving adventure game. If you enjoy challenging your brain than you will really love this game.

There seems to be a never ending amount of puzzles to solve. Every time you solve one puzzle it unlocks another puzzle you have to solve. It is pretty addicting as you collect hidden items, and solve puzzles. You keep just wanting to finish one more puzzle.

I did finally get to a point in the game that it is frustrating. I am at a mini puzzle part where I have to guide this ship through very tight waterways. I keep dying, and no matter how far you make it you start from the beginning. It isn't like I can't figure out how to solve a puzzle. I just can't manage to maneuver the ship through these obstacles.

I would highly recommend this game. The price makes it worth every penny as you will get many hours of enjoyment out of the game.

Tera Is Most Likely My Next Game

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:04:00 +0000

I saw Tera two years ago at PAX, and it caught my eye back than. Will it be my next game? I think after watching the most recent trailer it will be. I think graphically it reminds me of Aion, and Guild Wars 2. There is something about the game that just draws me in which most games lately haven't been able to accomplish.

I like the idea that combat will be more than 1,2,3,4 and 5. It sounds great that you will be able to dodge attacks, and you actually have to aim to hit someone with your weapon, or spell instead of it being pretty much automatic. I could learn to hate it too. I won't really know what I think of it for sure until I am able to have some hands on.

I signed up for the beta today, and can't wait for a chance to try some of the classes out. The Sorcerer of course will be my first class to try while an Archer, and Priest also sound pretty fun. It has been a while since I have really been into an MMORPG, but this seems right down my alley.

Hopefully it isn't a Korean grindfest, or it will fall off my to buy list really fast. I am so done with grinding my life away to get to parts of the game I enjoy which is mostly end game pvp. I know when I talked with a dev about it two years ago that they were going to make it different, and so I look forward to see how they ended up implementing it.

Wasting Money On F2P MMORPG's

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Why does it always end up that I end up wasting money on F2P games? Once again I invested quite a bit of money into a MMO to instantly lose interest. Why is it that once I spend money I stop playing it?

I could understand if I did it once, but it is becoming a pattern. I did it in Archlord, Allods Online, and most recently Realms Online. I find myself enjoying the game, and feel I have enough time invested that spending some in the cash shop is a worthwhile investment.

I think I still have money on the books in all three games. It isn't like I can get a refund, but the money is just sitting there. I added over a hundred bucks to Realms Online after already spending a hundred bucks. I spent around $15 of it in the cash shop, and $85 is still sitting there. I have no desire to play the game again.

What made me play the game 24/7 for a month straight, and than suddenly lose all interest? Is it like using cheat codes in console games? I know when I would use cheat codes the game would become boring, and I would stop playing. Is it the same for F2P games?

I did a similar thing in Allods Online a few years ago. I decided I wanted some perfumes, and a bigger inventory bag. Two days later I stopped playing just out of the blue. Why am I buying stuff, and than I suddenly don't care about the game?

I think maybe subconsciously I am thinking about how the game is costing me more than a normal sub. My brain may be telling me to cut off the relationship now before it becomes a huge money pit.

I just need to now figure out the trigger, and stop that initial spending in a F2P game, and just quit before spending anything. I don't know maybe in the back of my mind I am not really enjoying the game, but I am trying to convince myself by buying stuff off the cash shop.

Nation Red First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:48:00 +0000

Over the weekend Steam is offering a free play weekend for Nation Red. I was looking for a little diversion, and free is a very good price. The game is a single player, or co-op close combat zombie killing frenzy.

The problem is you can kill only so many zombies before you get bored to death. It is fun blowing zombies up, but Nation Red reminds me of a smartphone game where after playing a game for 10-15 minutes you are ready to play something else.

I think the game could be a little more exciting playing co-op with friends, and just having a blast killing zombies together while having fun. I don't see the game ever being played competitively among gamers.

Currently the game is dirt cheap on Steam. You can buy it for $2.50, or a 4 pack for $7.50. The price alone makes it worth buying when you just want to have some blood splattering zombie killing fun with friends.

Why Do Gamers Like Dungeon Defenders?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:06:00 +0000

I was gifted Dungeon Defenders recently, and I finally decided to play it. I never bought it myself because it seems too cartoonish to me. I figured I would give it a chance since it is a tower defense type strategy game.

I should have went with my hunch. I couldn't even get into the tutorial. I am glad I didn't waste my own money on it. It is nothing compared to the fun I have playing Orcs Must Die. It seemed way too complicated than it needed to be. Orcs Must Die is very easy, and straightforward.

It is weird sometimes to see games that players seem to like. Do players really praise Dungeon Defenders because it is four player co-op? I know many players bad mouth Orcs Must Die because it is single player. I don't see why there is the hype so much for co-op in games. I would rather play Orcs Must Die alone for 100 hours than spend one hour playing a co-op with so called internet friends.

It could be that I just like playing games alone these days.

My First Loss In MLB2K11

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:33:00 +0000

Last night I suffered my first loss in my franchise season in MLB2K11. I am now 3-1 overall. All it took was one silly pitching mistake. My Phillies team seems to have a pretty strong pitching staff, and enough consistent batting to be pretty competitive.

I ventured to the store last night, and bought a Xbox 360 controller. What a huge difference in gameplay. Everything is so much simpler to do now instead of trying to do stuff on a keyboard, and mouse. You can definitely tell the game was made for use on the controller.

One frustrating thing about the game is the menu navigation is horrid along with basically a useless manual. I have had to figure out most controls on my own. I still haven't figured out how to pinch hit for my pitcher. I have looked at every button mapping setting, and see nothing. It seems the internet is lacking in any help figuring stuff out too.

I need to just focus on playing the game though. I suffered my first loss because my first three games I only used one pitcher the whole game. I felt with having a bullpen of middle relievers, and closers that I starting feeling guilty not using them. The one time I decide to bring in a closer to finish off the game he gets rocked, and I end up losing the game by one run. I am sure if I would have just stuck with my starting pitcher for a complete game I probably would be 4-0 right now.

I am really enjoying the game so far. I love the strategy involved. I am really digging the pinpoint accuracy for pitching. It makes it feel like you are really on the mound. It definitely beats the old days of pitching a fastball straight down the middle, or a curve ball.

Mixing It Up A Little

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Inman) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:07:00 +0000

The last week, or two I have been eyeing a new game to buy. I decided to go back to my childhood days where I played only sports games with my brothers on Intellivision. The games have come a long way since those days, and the gameplay seems so realistic.

I had a hard time deciding on which game to buy. Was it going to be basketball, football, or baseball? I love watching basketball, and football on TV, but I seem to be pretty bad at playing those sports on video games. I decided on baseball which is odd because it is the only game I play where I hate actually watching the sport on TV.

I just understand baseball more than trying to figure out one hundred different plays which I still don't understand in the football, and basketball games. I purchased MLB2K11. The games have changed so much since the last time I played a baseball video game.

I was a little confused initially. I had a hard time trying to figure out the controls. Did I tell you how much console ported games drive me crazy? Eventually I figured out how to pitch, and bat. The first game I didn't even realize that I wasn't actually choosing, or controlling my pitches. It drove me crazy to see four, or five pitches with numbers next to them. Unfortunately in the PC version those numbers don't mean squat. The key mapping is just strange.

I have played two games into my franchise season now, and I am 2-0. The pitching on the Phillies is pretty strong. I have only allowed a few hits so far, but the control is so crazy with trying to aim the pitches with WASD. I am definitely going to buy an Xbox controller for my PC tonight.

I like the challenge of trying to throw a perfect game, no hitter, or just winning the game. I have always liked playing the season instead of just random one time games. It gives me something to work for by trying to have a great record, and making the playoffs.

MLB2K11 is a great game. I have already invested over five hours into the game today, and plan on trying to play at least two more games in my season tonight. The only thing I find annoying is all the announcer talk in the game. I have to play with my headphones laying on my desk otherwise I may want to punch Phillips, and Kruk in the mouth.