"DESTROY ALL FANBOYS!"

Toy Fair 2012: He Who Has The Most Stuff, Wins.

2012-02-11T18:05:00.000-05:00

So, I'll be doing the Toy Fair thing for the next day or two (maybe three or all four if I'm not wiped out). Finally, a trade show I can safely attend without being trampled by someone with a cardboard sword rushing to grab some freebies or an autograph from a second-rate celebrity! OK, that's a bit of an in-joke on my part (and I bet I'll still be run over by someone rushing to get some freebies), but whatever. Anything interesting I run across will end up on the NEW blog, so keep that in mind. That is all. Off to get prepared for a very long day!

Game of Thrones: Season 2 "Shadow" Teaser - Winter in April? No Fooling...

2012-01-30T14:51:00.000-05:00

Confession time: Although I've seen bits and pieces of some episodes, I actually JUST started watching Season One from the beginning a few days ago (thank you HBO On Demand!). I haven't read any of the books either (too busy doing the gaming and blogging and poking about for work thing), but going in cold was actually a great thing for me as it's making me want to take a look at the books at some point. Anyway, it's a great show (as you know, blah, blah, blah) and Season 2 (starting April 1, no joke) is looking even better. Of course, given the penchant for anyone to get killed off at any time, I wouldn't be surprised to see nothing but the crew left sometime around episode 8 or 9 of the new season (ha ha)... Anyway, this same post is going up on the NEW DAF - I just wanted to run it here as well just so you folks still hanging out here would have a little more to read... ;^P

A More January-y Header...

2012-01-14T20:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, i changed the header, as Silent Hill HD Collection has slipped into March (boo!). EA's upcoming SSX is a lot more fitting, so there you go. Also, as I'm about 50% into moving the old DAF (this blog!) to the NEW DAF (that blog), it would be AWESOME if some of you guys on my followers list would boogie on over to check out the new digs, as I could use the traffic and you're missing out on some keen stuff. Plus I have a few fun surprises on the way...

It's 2012! Yay! Now Get Back to Work!

2012-01-01T00:05:00.001-05:00

You'd think we'd be used to a New Year rolling in every year, but nooooo. All those people packed into Times Square don't realize that for 12 hours or so, inmates in prisons have MORE freedom than they do. Bathroom breaks, less security (in some cases), no standing 'til their legs go numb, and so forth and so on. Of course, at least those tourist get to go back to their hotels and most of them know who they're smooching when that ball drops... eek.

Anyway, Guys and Dolls... Happy New Year! Now, let's keep the damn planet around for 2013 and beyond!

Happy New Year! Unless You're a Firm Believer In Old Stone Calendars And Such...

2011-12-31T01:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, listen up. The world won't end in 2012 unless enough dumb people in power around the globe (including some running for office here in the U.S. of A.) decide it's supposed to based on some idiotic prophecy and they start going all Beneath The Planet of the Apes on us normal Joes and Janes who want to live a bit longer than their Mayan calendars say we;re supposed to. Bad decisions that involve nuclear weapons and a bit too much paranoia are a poor substitute for letting nature do its stuff as it should, so make sure you're willing to protest against any nut-job who's claiming Armageddon is for YOUR own good.

Other than that, play a LOT of games in 2012 (hell, there's going to be MORE than enough to go around) and poke around on the NEW DAF for my takes on some of the stuff coming this way in an incredibly busy year PACKED with all sorts of good stuff....

It's December Already?

2011-11-30T23:16:00.001-05:00

Yikes, time DOES fly, doesn't it? Just a quick note here to say my Skyrim review is incoming on the NEW blog, so boogie on over there around Saturday. There's an in-joke somewhere on this old page you'll see referenced in the review. For those of you that noticed what looks like an obvious error, it's not...

Update: Now With Hedgehogs!

2011-11-14T05:09:00.001-05:00

Just a quickie BUMP of a post to keep things current here. My Sonic Generations review is up on the new DAF, so check it out if you're a Sonic Team fan. I'm working on Skyrim, but Dark Souls is going to go up before that, as I'm still working on the game (expect a stellar score, of course)...

FREE STUFF TIME: Win a copy of Fusion: Genesis!

2011-11-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

Have you got an Xbox 360 in the house, an Xbox LIVE account and live in the U.S. of A.? Want a FREE copy of Fusion: Genesis, the awesome new multiplayer space combat/RPG from Starfire Studios (made up of four ex-Rare staffers)? Well, OK, but you need to do a little bit of work to get it... Click on over HERE to the new blog and see what's what. HURRY, as I only have TWO codes to give away!

Happy Halloween From DAF!

2011-10-31T05:46:00.000-04:00

Boo! Here's another piece of random horror-themed art. Remember, folks - don't eat too much candy unless you feel like it, check your razor blades for apples in them and if you're really paranoid about opening your door to strangely dressed children and adults yet STILL feel the need to give stuff away, remember that dollar bills and sticks of gum will fit UNDER most doors. By the way, if you're handing out free cash, let me know - you can keep the gum. Also, remember: the NEW and improved (kind of, we're workin' on it) DAF blog is HERE! Drop by, sign up and maybe win something interesting. Details to come...

Yes, We're STILL Moving... So Move Along, Too!

2011-10-17T23:50:00.001-04:00

Yup, I'm still in the process of relocating DAF to WordPress, but the new blog is UP and LIVE, folks! Definitely drop by and sign up if you haven't. Don't make me do something crazy like break out some free stuff to give away for joining the new DAF (located HERE)...

UPDATE: Moving... I HATE Moving (But So Far, So Good... Almost)

2011-10-01T09:58:00.000-04:00

OK, so far most of the older DAF content made it over to the new blog, but formatting is way off, so that requires manual adjustments for EVERY post (Eek!) that includes resizing images (Argh), fixing video links (Bleh!) and cutting/pasting a ton of stuff that got chopped off somehow from the XML file. Hey, look at the bright side - I only have about 1100 posts to fix (to quote a certain dark Jedi: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"). Of course, I ALSO need to make time to review stuff, as a few key titles are coming in shortly or are already here. Fear not, dear readers - it'll get done. Watch this space for updates. Man, I need an assistant or a clone right about now...

Er, here's a pic of some of my 3DO collection. I just grabbed the first image I could find on my PC, as I'm SWAMPED with all this moving stuff. Enjoy!

Psychonauts Arrives On The Mac (Finally!) And Double Fine Rolls With It

2011-09-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

Hey, Tim! Next time, send these releases out to everyone! Or actually, maybe I need to update my contact info with Double Fine, huh? Anyway, I missed this Psychonauts press release, but thanks to a few "Did you see this?" emails pointing to Bitmob, you can check out the pretty funny press release about the Mac version of Double Fine's rather awesome and funny (and classic) platformer. Yes, the PC version over Steam has gotten some cool enhancements as well. I actually haven't played the PC version (it's on my to-do list), but I do have both console versions here (the Xbox version is the better of the two). I'd gather the chances of seeing the game get an HD upgrade for PS3 and Xbox 360 are slim to none, but hey - if I had a few million bucks laying around, I'd wave some of it under the noses of a few games companies to tempt them into committing to doing at least ONE run of discs and selling them directly to gamers rather than going through the retail chain hell...

New Look (Part One!)

2011-09-28T22:39:00.000-04:00

As you can see, I'm playing around with a few tweaks to the layout. I'm not quite done, so bear with me while I tinker with Blogger's updated design tools. I prefer a simpler look, so some of the fancy page designs I'm seeing won't be added here. On the other hand, I'm liking some of the other layout options and new text choices, so perhaps we'll see about adding some of those in the coming weeks. Back in a bit - feedback is welcomed and feel free to click on an ad or two so I can make some money!

Update - Feh. Apparently, Google of all people (er, corporations, which are people, according to some dopes running for office), hates it when users ask readers to maybe support their sites by clicking on ads. So they've cut me off AdSense. Wonderful. You suck, Google, considering all the shameless shilling click-fest contests allowed on other blogs here. OK, off to move some stuff around. back in a bit, possibly at a new location.

Dark Souls "All Saints' Day" Trailer + Serious Statues To Do Battle For

2011-09-28T20:01:00.003-04:00

With its October 4 US release date right around the corner, here's a last at the latest Dark Souls trailer plus some awesome one of a kind statues created by one of the game's biggest fans, sculptor Peter Nordstrom. These five absolutely beautiful artworks are actually being given away over on the Dark Souls community page, so there will be a few lucky gamers who are going to walk away with some incredible showpieces you won't find anywhere else. If you want to give it a shot, it;'s actually not too late. Just head on over to the PREPARE TO DIE Forums and have at their interesting puzzle contest. Good Luck!

The House of the Dead Overkill EC Gets Eye-Popping (and Retro) 3D Modes

2011-09-27T23:10:00.000-04:00

Nice. Now Sega can add "Retro-ier" to that "Longer, Harder, Gorier!" tagline for its upcoming M-rated arcade shooter. The company is really going all out with this super-enhanced HD remix of the Wii sleeper hit. In addition to PS Move support, both Anaglyph as well as Stereoscopic 3D support have been added so you can play the game on any TV and have zombies even more in your face. Of course, if you don't have a 3DTV or hate those cardboard red/blue or red/green glasses, you can still get your shooting on without the added effects. Me, I plan to blaze through the game many times in at least two of the three modes, as I don't yet own a 3DTV. No matter, I'm still expecting a total blast for as long as I can stand wearing those goofy 3D glasses I've kept since the 80's. Check out the new screens below (you DO have a pair of 3D specs around the house, right?). The House of the Dead OVERKILL Extended Cut is set to hit retail on October 25 (just in time for a little scary Halloween fun).

Sony Teases Gamers With A Little Mystery Project...

2011-09-27T21:35:00.000-04:00

Hmmmm... My head is too full of other stuff to even venture a guess, so it looks as if I'll be holding out until October 5 to get the answer. Of course, it'll probably leak before then, but that's how it goes. It's probably something Home-related, but I'm just throwing out the first thing off the top of my head. Which means I'm probably wrong. Still, it WOULD be nice if we all found out The Agenct was being revived from the dead, right?

Rayman Origins "Around The World" Trailer

2011-09-27T02:07:00.004-04:00

Awesome and funny new trailer from the upcoming retro-flavored (but decidedly modern) platformer set to hit PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii soon enough. Poke around on the official site for more on this fresh take on classic gameplay. If this game doesn't make you smile, you're a hopeless dope who needs an anvil dropped gently on your head. Or some rat named Ignatz aiming a brick at you from throwing distance (POW!!!). Tough love always wins over the hard-headed, I say...

Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Launch Trailer

2011-09-27T00:48:00.007-04:00

Yes, it's here. And Yes, it's a absolute must buy at a measly $39.99. Hell, if you happen to know someone with a 3DTV and no PS3, do them a favor and lug yours over to their house with a copy of this game and they'll probably BUY their own PS3 afterward. Seriously, it's THAT good.

Review: Resistance 3

2011-09-26T14:41:00.001-04:00

Platform: PlayStation 3

Developer: Insomniac Games

Publisher: SCEA

# of Players: 1 - 2 (Online: 1 - 16)

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Official Site

Score: A-

It's absolutely been the best year to be a PS3 owner and Resistance 3 continues Sony's streak of solid first-party titles with an exhilarating, action-packed shooter that's an absolute must-buy. Packing in a lengthy single-player campaign (with solid offline or online co-op), satisfying multiplayer and a ridiculous amount of over the top battles, this is one of those games FPS fans will get a ton of mileage out of. Key to the gameplay experience are the incredibly fluid controls whether you're using a Dual Shock 3, PS Move/Navigation controller combo or Sharpshooter peripheral and yes, the game looks fantastic. There area few quirks here and there with the AI on the easier settings and if you want to get the most out of the co-op and multiplayer, the game requires some mandatory patching that fixes a few release bugs. Nevertheless, once that's taken care of, you're in for quite a wild ride.
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Xseed Bringing Grand Knights History To North America (Go Vanillaware!)

2011-09-25T23:57:00.003-04:00

Even if you're not into gaming, it's hard not to look at a Vanillaware game and see the love and care that goes into them. While the company has only a handful of titles under their belts, each has been a truly memorable experience well worth playing. From the absolutely beautiful 2D character art and richly colored backgrounds to the gameplay that's simple, yet intensely challenging and rewarding, George Kamitani and his dedicated team of artists and programmers always bring their best work to whatever platform they touch. Based on these screenshots, it looks as if Grand Knights History is no exception. Xseed has grabbed the publishing rights to Marvelous Entertainment's PSP game and is targeting a Winter release for this fantastic-looking RPG. Expect a deep character customization system, lengthy quest set in a colorful medieval fantasy setting, online play and more. By the way, "Winter" could mean anywhere from Holiday 2011 to early 2012, but that's what updates are for, right? We'll keep you posted once an actual date surfaces...

GoldenEye Reloaded Stealth Walkthrough

2011-09-25T23:28:00.000-04:00

Mr, Bond, I presume? As far as replay value goes, it certainly looks as if GR will give players a few ways to go through the game (just like the Wii version). Here's a bit of fun with vents galore in this walkthrough for the upcoming FPS set to shoot into stores on November 4. I'm leaning towards the PS3 version just for the Move controls (it's just grand that shooters play so well with the peripheral).

Back In A Bit... Laundry Version

2011-09-22T21:31:00.002-04:00

LOTS of news rolling in these past few days, from Xseed nabbing Vanillaware's Grand Knights History for the PSP (yes!), gog,com having a BIG sale on classic D & D PC titles (BUY!), a lot of other fun game-related stuff that I need to decide what to do with and yes, MORE Facebook changes that may squeeze a poem out of me again. But, the last of my huge pile o'laundry needs to get done along with a review or two, so those will take priority. It'll be raining all weekend, so expect a few too many updates then (well, for ME, anyway)...

Facebook Is Inspiring, After All...

2011-09-21T13:13:00.001-04:00

So, Facebook made a few changes some people seem really, really upset about, as poking around on the site today has revealed. I find the new stuff annoying (the right side feed and blue corner "news" notations), but not to the point of venting angrily about them. I guess some of the really pissed off folks are also Netflix users who are feeling extra burned at having more stuff changed without being asked first. Still, I did wake up and write a little poem about this new look for the site,

Yes, it's musical in a sort of Gilbert & Sullivan manner...
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Drakensang: Complete Saga In Stores Now (Well, GameStop Stores, That Is)...

2011-09-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

Yeah, yeah, Gears of War 3 is out and fantastic all that, but I'm actually a tad more excited about (The Dark Eye) Drakensang: Complete Saga arriving this week as part of THQ's ValuSoft games lineup (albeit as a GameStop exclusive). "What's a Drakensang?" you ask? Why, a pretty cool third-person PC fantasy role playing game that's got a nicely loyal fan-base, solid visuals, fun classes to choose from and a great, challenging combat system among other things. I'm absolutely recommending this collection to fans of open-world fantasy games, deep RPG experiences and anyone who likes games with at least a hundred hours of gameplay. Even better... it's on a retail DISC, not a download, so even if you have a crappy Internet connection, you can STILL buy and play a quality RPG while getting a great deal in the process.

Press release below the jump.
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ICO/Shadow of the Colossus Classics Trailer Update

2011-09-20T12:22:00.000-04:00

Sony keeps rolling out the gems with this set of two of the best PS2 games ever made. Even if you still own both of them, the updated HD graphics, superb use of 3D and bonus features should make this a must-buy disc. I'm probably the only person NOT whining about The Last Guardian as I KNOW it's going to be completed and released at some point in 2012. I'm more than willing to wait as well as cut Sony (and Team ICO) some slack for not bombarding us with non-stop info and updates on a weekly basis. The game WILL be worth the long wait whether or not we see any sort of bonus content about it on the collection disc.