Jonny's Blog

Star Wars: The Old Republic vs World of Warcraft

2012-01-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

After hours of playing Star Wars: The Old Republic both in beta and post-release, I've decided to compare it to World of Warcraft. Both games are great, but only can be better. Hear my thoughts and decide for yourself which you should play in the video below.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Early Review

2011-12-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

After waiting for years, BioWare has finally released Star Wars: The Old Republic. Needless to say I'm excited. Check out my impressions and see what the game is all about in the video below.

Battlefield 3 Beta Footage

2011-10-01T01:17:00.000-07:00

The Battlefield 3 beta kicked off last week, and I've been practically addicted to it. The game has some noticeable glitches, but it's an extremely fun game to play. I decided to record some footage, and threw up a video which you can see below:

Rift vs World of Warcraft

2011-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

The results are in! I've had a chance to play both big titles, and now I share my thoughts. Check out the video below, and if you're interested in more detail, ask away!

Call of Duty: Black Ops

2010-11-17T00:39:00.000-08:00

I picked up Call of Duty: Black Ops on launch day and have managed to complete the single-player campaign and reach level 35 on the online portion since then. The multiplayer is full of some fantastic content, from personalization features to gameplay modes. So far I highly recommend the game despite the few bugs I've run into.

While playing today I had a memorable moment that I decided to make a clip out of. Check it out below:

Final Fantasy XIV Sales Sink; Square-Enix Forced to Give Free Playtime

2010-10-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

After roughly five years in development, Final Fantasy XIV released for the PC only weeks ago. While a select few have been enjoying the game, the general consensus is that the game feels archaic in both design and presentation. Many have recalled the release of Square-Enix's last attempt at the MMORPG genre with Final Fantasy XI which also had an agonizing start, but the game has managed to entertain hundreds of thousands of players for over nine years. Can Final Fantasy XIV follow suit?

Following three weeks of bad reception including the lowest scores ever given to a Final Fantasy game along with forum chaos, Square-Enix announced some upcoming changes along with a particularly alarming move - an extra month of free playtime. While the free playtime is a kind gesture to players, any subscription-based online game in good faith would squawk at the thought of a free month despite the servers being stable. Just a day after those announcements came, VGChartz posted an accurate assessment of the three weeks of sales which the game has accumulated, which are also alarming. Listed below are the estimates:

Week 1 Sales: 247,112

Week 2 Sales: 61,316

Week 3 Sales: 25,483

Given the fact that Square-Enix had five years to prepare for the release of Final Fantasy XIV, it is hard to tell what stunted the title. Some users are saying that the game is currently in "pay to play beta" and that the PlayStation 3 release next year will mark the "real launch" for the title. Whatever the case, if the last month of Final Fantasy XIV is any indication of its future, the game might not be around long enough to see the end of its predecessors lifespan.

Final Fantasy XIV Brief Video Review

2010-10-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Below is my review for Final Fantasy XIV. I tried to make the video as brief as possible so there is plenty more to talk about. If you are interested in hearing more, please post a comment and I'll consider doing some follow-up videos about future patches as well as additional content I didn't have time to talk about.

Got Into the Final Fantasy XIV PC Beta

2010-08-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get into the Final Fantasy XIV PC beta today. Hundreds of codes were given out over at FFXIVCore and I didn't win one, but apparently a certain user got three. He decided to give me one of his extras after seeing one of my posts on the forum.

I'm now downloading the client and can't wait to play. I currently have the Collector's Edition pre-ordered and while I know there will be shortcomings, anything is better than going back to WoW.

As far as what I've been doing goes, I've been playing a lot of StarCraft II and some PlayStation Plus content including Critter Crunch. I have MAG coming in the mail and I'll also be getting the review copy of Gran Turismo 5 in less than a couple months from now.

Just Cause 2 Gameplay Videos

2010-07-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

I've been renting Just Cause 2 for about a week now and since Sony released the new firmware for PlayStation 3, I felt motivated to record some gameplay. In case you don't already know, the latest PS3 firmware, v3.40, added several new features to the PlayStation 3 included a moderately robust video editor and uploading tool. I decided to try it out and was surprised at the amount of options and simplicity of the software.

Below are two gameplay videos from Just Cause 2 recorded, edited and uploaded using the PS3:

Square Enix Announces FFXIV Collector's Edition; September Release Date

2010-06-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Square Enix officially announced earlier today that the they will be releasing a Final Fantasy XIV Collector's Edition for the PC version of the title. It is unknown if the PS3 version will receive a special edition at this point, but the PC Collector's Edition will contain a handful of great material including the following:

IN-GAME ITEM – Collector’s Edition preorders will include a reward code to receive an exclusive in-game item, the Onion Helm (an exclusive in-game item which accelerates character recovery after falling in battle).
EARLY ACCESS – Play 8 days prior to the release of the Windows PC Standard Edition (timing of access subject to initial server capacity).
BEHIND-THE-SCENES DVD – Get an insider look at the making of FINAL FANTASY XIV, with exclusive video content, interviews and more in this special documentary DVD.
SECURITY TOKEN – A FINAL FANTASY XIV–branded Security Token for use with your regular password.
TRAVEL JOURNAL – Record your travels in this beautifully bound journal filled with pages of never-before-seen concept art.
RIGHT OF PASSAGE – Redeem a voucher to receive your fully-personalized Right of Passage Certificate, each stamped with a unique serial number.
AMANO COVER – Special PC Collector’s Edition illustration by renowned artist Yoshitaka Amano.

A release date was also announced and the release notes show that the Standard Edition will debut on September 30th while the Collector's Edition will be available on September 22nd, 2010 due to the 8-day headstart. Purchase will include 30 days of game-time but the monthly subscription will be $12.99, the same price as Final Fantasy XI. According to some details around the web it looks like the PlayStation 3 version may be releasing a few months after the PC release, so that might be the deciding factor for many interested in the title.

More details should surface, but this package is already available for pre-order with release date shipping via Amazon for $74.99.

PlayStation Plus Available Now!

2010-06-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

The latest update for the PlayStation 3, version 3.40, is official out. Among the additions is the controversial subscription feature PlayStation Plus. However, many have wondered if it's possible to sign-up prior to the routine PlayStation Store update tomorrow.

PlayStation Plus is available now, but not directly through the PS Store. You can sign up for PS+ either for 12 months or 3 months (with 3 free months added) by doing the following:

Settings -> System Settings -> Automatic Download

When you attempt to turn Automatic Downloads on, which are a feature that subscribers of PlayStation Plus benefit from, you'll be thrown into the PlayStation Store. From there, you can purchase PlayStation Plus and gain all of the neat features that the service provides.

[UPDATE] PlayStation Plus is now available for purchase directly through the PlayStation Store.

ModNation Racers & More June Video Review

2010-06-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

This month I review Bayonetta, ModNation Racers and Red Dead Redemption. Here are the scores I gave for each:

Bayonetta - 8.8/10
ModNation Racers - 9.0/10
Red Dead Redemption - 9.5/10

ModNation Racers Unboxing

2010-05-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

I just received my ModNation Racers review copy from SCEA earlier today and figured I'd make my first unboxing video ever. I'll have a video review for Bayonetta, Skate 3, Red Dead Redemption and ModNation Racers soon, so stay tuned. My full written review for ModNation Racers will be up on PlayStationLifeStyle.net next monday, May the 24th.

Portal (PC) for Free on Steam!

2010-05-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

Portal, when it released in 2008, quickly became one of the more unique titles of the generation. Utilizing portals to create puzzle gameplay within the Steam engine has made an experience unlike anything seen before.

For those who haven't had a chance to play the game, or at least don't own it. Steam has Portal for FREE until May 24th! That's almost 2-weeks away, so there's plenty of time to head onto Steam and claim your free copy of Portal.

Head over to http://store.steampowered.com/freeportal/ or look for the free download on the main Store page of Steam and claim your free copy now!

My Heavy Rain & More April Video Review

2010-04-28T23:14:00.002-07:00

My God of War III & Final Fantasy XIII Video Review

2010-03-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

I finished both God of War III and Final Fantasy XIII recently and decided I'd make a dual review. Check it out below. I am also amidst playing through Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Skate 2 and Assassin's Creed 2. Expect reviews for those 2 games soon.

God of War III - 9.7/10
Final Fantasy XIII - 8.0/10

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 for Only $19.95

2010-03-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

The official EA Store currently has the PC version of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 available for only $39.95. To top that off, coupon code PAXEAST842 knocks an additional $20 off of that already low price. With the current discount plus the PAXEAST842 coupon code, the total rings up at $19.95 and includes free shipping.

The PAXEAST842 coupon code also works on any other videogames available for purchase on the EA Store, so this offer isn't only limited to Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Games such as Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age: Origins are also available for incredibly low prices after using the coupon code. The only requirement for the coupon is that the game is priced at $40 or more.

God of War III Written Review

2010-03-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

I enjoy writing game reviews for Amazon, so from now on if I'm not writing a review for PlayStation LifeStyle, I will be bringing my Amazon reviews to this blog. Here is the first of many I will write. There will be a webcam video posted on my YouTube account soon where I discuss God of War III and the other games I have been playing.

- Story: This is the ending to a very intense and engaging story based around Greek mythology. There isn't a lot of development that happens in this game, but rather tying up the story. For the bulk of God of War III, Kratos is busy killing everyone who gets in-between him and Zeus. However, the last hour or so of the story is truly amazing, and the ending is in my opinion one of the best in gaming ever.

- Gameplay: It's a God of War game. There's nothing directly new to the gameplay but it has been refined -- somehow -- even more. The unbelievable precision of past titles is once again here in the third installment, and this time around it's even better. Puzzles are still here as well as simple and challenging platforming. The game really does pack in a lot of variety while maintaining a consistent level of quality.

- Graphics: One of the top 5 best looking games ever. In terms of scale, nothing comes even close, and no, I'm not exaggerating. Kratos is easily one of the most detailed characters in any game. Animations during cutscenes aren't great at times, but gameplay animations are solid. This is a stunning game.

- Audio: Voice acting can be up and down at times. Kratos is great as usual as well as several returning characters. However, some of the dialogue is a bit out of place and can detract from the experience for a moment. On the other hand, sound effects and music are outstanding. The score in God of War III has delivered on all fronts, and the main theme is one of the best in any action game.

- Replay Value: God of War III is 11 hours of greatness. Every moment is engrossing and enjoyable. While it is short, there are videos, unlockables, trophies and move to achieve. While there is no multiplayer or co-operative experience, this game has about as great of play value as you will see in any other AAA single-player title.

Rating:
Story: 9.0
Gameplay: 10.0
Graphics: 10.0
Controls: 9.5
Sound: 9.5
Replay Value: 9.0
Overall: 9.7

Last Thoughts:
Own it - God of War III is in my opinion the single greatest hack-and-slash game ever made. From the compelling drive for vengeance to the epic scale of climbing Mount Olympus to face Zeus, this game offers an unparalleled experience.

Bad Company 2 Trophy Guide

2010-03-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Just finished a trophy guide for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Feel free to check it out over at PlayStationLifeStyle.net. I provide some details for every trophy available for the title.

My Batman: Arkham Asylum Video Review

2010-03-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Just finished my Batman: Arkham Asylum Video Review. I'll have reviews for Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Final Fantasy XIII and God of War III soon. Check out the video below:

My God of War: Collection Video Review

2010-03-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Rating:
Story: 9.0
Gameplay: 10.0
Graphics: 9.5
Controls: 9.5
Sound: 10.0
Replay Value: 9.0
Overall: 9.4

Batman: Arkham Asylum Glitch

2010-02-28T23:49:00.000-08:00

I ran into a crazy glitch when playing Batman: Arkham Asylum today. Check it out in the video below. I'll be doing a video review for the title in the next week or so.

Got Batman: Arkham Asylum and Update

2010-02-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I just picked up Batman: Arkham Asylum last night and have begun playing it. So far so good. I also finished the God of War Collection yesterday as well. I'll be rolling out a God of War Collection review during this week and then try to pump out a Batman review later in the week before Final Fantasy XIII hits. I'll probably be doing the God of War Collection Video Review in vlog format since I don't have a capture card, but since I have Batman: Arkham Asylum for the PC, I'll be doing a video review with gameplay footage. I've already begun recording footage and it should turn out good.

Looking forward to pumping these 2 reviews out for you guys.

Love It or Hate It, Most People Love Heavy Rain

2010-02-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

When Heavy Rain was announced by Quantic Dream back in 2007, it was immediately apparent that the game would be considered niche by many. With little gameplay and a huge devotion to storytelling, this unique melding of both videogame and movie entertainment has been noted as highly ambitious. However, now that the game has released, it is impossible to deny the fact that Heavy Rain has managed to meet and exceed all expectations.

Now that just about every major magazine and site has reviewed Heavy Rain, the title sits at right around 88 - 90%. While a couple sites such as BigPond and TeleText smashed the game for having little interaction and bad storytelling, professional sites such as IGN and PlayStation LifeStyle have praised the game for its unique and deeply emotional experience. The official PlayStation LifeStyle review stated the following:

"As a father I was deeply compelled to identify with Ethan Mars and his quest to save his son. As someone with over 2 decades of gaming under my belt, I am proud to see video games become a higher form of entertainment. Heavy Rain is truly a work of art that demands to be appreciated."

Now it's not only major sites that have given the game lots of credit. Gamers around the world have also praised the game for being spectacular. For example, Joel Gardiner, also known as FPS Doug from PurePwnage.com, posted the following on his Twitter:

And now I know why - Heavy Rain is one of the most gorgeous and unique gaming experiences I've had in a long time. Absolutely brilliant!

DLB from the popular DLB-Network posted the following on his Twitter:

Heavy Rain is the sh*t

A popular PS3 vlogger on YouTube named WCIPchampl00 called the game arguably the best title this generation next to Metal Gear Solid 4 and Uncharted 2 in a recent video he made after beating the game.

While some if not many have doubted that Heavy Rain would bring the experience that it promised, the game has delivered on all fronts. The game's commercial success has been seen on Amazon and other online retailers, while the critical acclaim keeps rolling in. Heavy Rain is quite simply one of the first ambitious titles in a long-time where while many consider it a "love it or hate it" kind of game, nearly everyone loves it.

Got the God of War Collection

2010-02-20T16:16:00.001-08:00

Just got the God of War Collection in the mail a few minutes ago. In case you haven't heard of it, God of War Collection is a compilation of both PlayStation 2 award-winning titles God of War 1 and God of War 2, both on one blu-ray for the PlayStation 3. The visuals have been remastered and apparently are a huge improvement over the original games. I'll be sure to review the collection once I finish both games, and until then I'll be sure to upload some more StarCraft 2 footage.