Thursday, November 28, 2013

Ys: Memories of Celceta (PS Vita)

Very rarely are us westerners gifted the opportunity to play an up-scaled re-imagining of a Japan only title. Through Nihon Falcom, and XSEED though this rare chance was made a reality with the release of Ys IV's reinvented successor "Ys: Memories of Celceta". The game itself was recreated from the bottom up in order to bring a wholly unique action RPG experience to those who have followed the series since it's early days. Along with the 'Ys IV' back story comes Ys 7's menu system, and combat mechanics. Fans of both previously released Ys installments will no doubt feel right at home with the unique mixture of gameplay features regardless of the altered graphics, and applications. Locales from the past installments will make their way back into the picture as you follow a man of legend named Adol Christin on a journey of discovery. Adol himself stumbles onto the scene, and out of the fabled forest of Celceta with no recollection whatsoever as to how he got there, or who exactly he is. Through an epic quest, and formidable peril you will take on the role of Adol as he, and his companions try to sort things out, and unravel the mysteries at hand.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

TuneIn Radio App (PS VITA)

I'm a long time fan of music. Growing up I listened to everything from classical symphonies to heavy metal on my radios, cassette players, and even CD players. Music often times has been my peaceful escape when I needed some R&R, and has even inspired me to draw some of my greatest artistic masterpieces from time to time. Without music I think we can all agree that the world would be a much duller place. It is the music that breathes life into onscreen action whether it be in video games, or the latest movie releases. It is music that lulls us to sleep as children, and that inspires us to do our best. Throughout the years, and through many innovative creations music has been brought to us in the convenience of our own homes as well as in our daily outdoor activities. While the record players of yesteryear are a whisper of the distant past things like mobile apps continue to give us the opportunity to listen to the music we want to hear whenever, and wherever we want to hear it. One such app has been recently introduced on the PS VITA. While the PS VITA is more of a gaming device than a proper music source it still acts as a proper platform for the music that is made available through the traditional radio stations.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

PS4 & The PornHUB APP

People who know me know that my side job involves interactions with the adult film industry. Just as I'm a journalist for all things gaming I'm also a journalist for all things "Adult". I honestly enjoy both sides of the entertainment spectrum, and love to bring my readers news, and reviews on the latest offerings of each. With that being said though I myself like to keep both topics of discussion separate. As such both my blogs are separate as are my associated Twitter accounts. The dangers of mixing the two could be costly not only for me, but also for the underage gamers who come to me for gaming advice. As such I'm treading a thin line on even bringing this discussion to the forefront, but I think that even as taboo as it may seem it is a relevant part of the gaming industry as of now. This of course brings me to the topic of discussion for today. Recently it was revealed that the adult streaming site "PornHUB" has signed on with Sony to bring to it's customers some "Adult" entertainment. There's part of me that thinks this might be an awesome opportunity, and part of me that is concerned about the whole thing being a witch hunt of sorts.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Contrast (PSN)

Compulsion Games, and Focus Home interactive take us on a video game journey so deeply involved that it's many layers reflect the Einstein theory that the gameplay is based upon. Like Einstein's theory of the multiverse the heart of the story at hand which involves a little girl, and her parents' dwindling relationship is explored in many different yet similar ways. Didi, the game's main protagonist, and her shadow traveling circus friend named Dawn traverse the worlds between light, and shadow in order to make sense of their broken reality, and ultimately make peace within Didi's broken psyche. In a way Didi's story borders both on psychological interpretation similar to the offerings in American McGee's "Alice: Madness Returns" as well as the metaphyiscal theories of other dimensions past our own, like an eerie episode of "The Twilight Zone". As you travel with Didi, and Dawn you'll unlock the secrets behind Didi, and her family as well as gain a peek into their world behind this fantasy of sorts. Through Didi's shared dialogue, and her interactions with the shadowy figures found within her fractured fairytale will ultimately become fully merged in a way that all can understand, if they only take the time to look beyond it's facade.

An Open Letter to Katsuhiro Harada

Mr. Harada,

My name is Brad (OtakuDante). I'm what you'd call a serious fighting game enthusiast, and fan. I've played many fighters in my time including that of the TEKKEN series. As a long time fan of the "TEKKEN" series I have followed your work rather closely, and have bought each release. For the most part the experience of playing TEKKEN has been fun, and has been something I've been glad to return to on a regular basis. From 'Tekken 3' onward I often times got lost in the local competitive aspects of the game, and even got into some of it's latter online offerings for the PS3 & Xbox 360. There's no doubt that you, and your development staff are gifted in the areas of fighting game creation, and that you know how to make a proper fighting game. With that being said though this latest free-to-play release on the PS3 has become an experience not worth revisiting, in my personal opinion. The online is overrun with the worst sorts of gamers who are all intent on winning in the cheapest way possible. This cheating opportunity which I speak of is available to them for several reasons. One reason in particular is that the "free-to-play" format often times attracts gamers other than your tried & true fans. Online gaming is severely competitive now, and younger, more annoying gamers often times get into competitive online games just cheat their way to the top of the leaderboards.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

AquaPazza (PS3)



In the world of fighting games rarely ever will you find a plot that is 90% lighthearted, and only 10% violent in nature. Usually there's some sort of ominous evil corporation, or evil being/character lurking behind the scenes who is intent on ending, or ruling the world by some sort of ultra horrific means making the gameplay at hand more mature. As such it was a delightful treat to be able to play what I consider to be one of the few male, and female friendly fighting games available for the PS3. With AquaPazza's diverse cast of cutesy anime inspired characters gamers will likely warm up to their favorites, and enjoy using them throughout the various modes of play. You'll find everything from the cliche anime schoolgirls to mask wearing emperors, and even some feral sword toting characters who each add a bit of that anime spark that all of us Otaku long for. Through artistically crafted menus, beautifully animated cutscenes, and catchy Japanese theme songs gamers who are willing to give this game a chance will find themselves lost in one of this year's more positive experiences.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

The Bridge (XBLA)

Puzzles exist in all kinds of forms in the gaming world. You'll find puzzle oriented games like Tetris, and even games such as RPGs that incorporate puzzle solving as a means to further move along a story. Things like 'Resident Evil', and 'The Legend of Zelda' come to mind. While those are all good examples of what puzzle solving can do to benefit a game I think Ty Taylor's vision takes that genre one step beyond. In "The Bridge" you'll find a protagonist that is a lot like Sir Isaac Newton. His mind is constantly busy solving riddles, and puzzles even in his dreams. Like Sir Isaac's classic tale about discovering gravity this particular game opens up with the main man resting under a tree as an apple abruptly knocks him on top of the head. Upon awaking (or not) this man of vision is plummeted head first into a surreal world filled with labyrinthine puzzles that would rack even the most intelligent mind to the point of breaking. Not only is he trapped in this M.C. Escher-inspired nightmare, but there's also a menace pursuing him as well as locked doors preventing his escape.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Blog Update 11/14/2013

It is well into the week, and you've likely noticed the absence of any new reviews, or articles. You can rest assured that there is more blog oriented content on it's way though. Currently I'm enjoying my playthrough of a yet to be released retail game, and will be spending part of the day today testing out the online with the development staff and some journalist friends. The review of the game will be posted soon enough (once the embargo is lifted). That will definitely be something worthy of your attention, I think. On a side note I've also been reaching out to various sources for new things to feature on this blog. One of those hopeful prospects includes toy reviews compliments of "Diamond Select". If you don't know of 'Diamond Select' they are one of the more well known toy makers when it comes to comic book, video game, and film related toys. As of now it looks like the Diamond Select PR is willing to give me a chance, and assuming he does you can bet your bottom dollar I'll go out of my way to impress him with my journalism skills, and knowledge of the toy industry.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Call of Duty: Ghosts (PS3)

If you know me then you'll know that each year I swear up, and down I will not be getting another CoD (Call of Duty) game. You'll also know that I usually don't make good on my word, and that I end up getting the game anyways. In all honesty part of me loves the arcade style FPS experience that CoD has to offer, and the other part of me loathes it's repetitive bad points. Playing a game that requires one to camp instead of "run & gun" in order to stay on top of things doesn't exactly make for a fun experience. Unfortunately over the years, and through several releases this is what CoD has evolved into, a camping, and sniping competitive multiplayer battle that caters to the worst of online participants.

I could complain all day about CoD's long list of faults, but we all know about Infinity Ward's, and Treyarch's stance on the whole thing as well as the poor efforts they apply to making each release an enjoyable one. I also know that you've probably heard everyone share their concerns about the game via the social sites. Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one. Even so I'm here today to let you know what I think about the whole thing, my two cents worth as it were. I'm going in unbiased, and will try to explain everything in a thorough, and professional manner, so that you can better understand what you're getting into if you have not already bought the game. Without further ado let us get into this ghastly review of the arcade shooter known as "GHOSTS"!!! ...

Friday, November 8, 2013

"Be Wary of Taco Bell's Video Game/Console Oriented Giveaways!!!"

Today while I was out on the road I decided to stop by the local Taco Bell to pick up my usual special order of two beef burritos with no onions (can't stand onions with the meat O_o). While waiting in line at the drive-thru a large multi-sectioned sign captured my attention. It stated that if I were to buy a large soda (which I was going to do anyways), or a certain type of combo meal I'd get a chance at winning a $500 Gamestop giftcard. I thought to myself that it wasn't a bad deal since I was going to order a large soda anyways. I might even get lucky, and win one of those gift cards. Upon inspection of the cup containing the text code I noticed that it said there were 12 winners a day until sometime in mid-December, and that the giveaway/contest had begun yesterday. It also said in plain text that there were two ways to enter. One way was to text the code to a certain number, and the second method of entry was to enter the code via a specific website which was also listed in the legal lingo.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

"Crapcom or Capcom? That is the Question"

This morning while doing my usual routine Youtube browsing I happened upon a video from "ReviewTechUSA" detailing the current crisis that is plaguing Capcom. It seems that Capcom is about to lose their ass financially. They don't even have enough money in the bank to bring a Street Fighter port to the next-gen consoles! This is definitely bad news. While most of us, including myself have spent this year, and past years hating on Capcom I can't help but feel sorry for them. Sure, they pulled some serious crap in the way of DLC BS, and even produced some crappy titles along the way, but does that really warrant the all out hate bashing they received?

It seems to me that many gaming companies these days are failing in some way or another just as Capcom did. You have to keep in mind that it's not just Capcom making these mistakes. I remember, back in the day when Capcom was the go to company that every kid sought out when it came to their next gaming adventure/experience. They produced some of the best games the industry has ever seen. Things like "Resident Evil", 'Mega Man", and even the many fighting games they released throughout the years would not have been realized if it weren't for their creative genius. The fact is that we all make mistakes at some point in our lives. Does that mean we'll be screwed forever? HELL NO! The same thing applies to gaming companies such as Capcom. Given the proper chance they to could make things right, and regain their loyal fans' trust, tenfold.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

"Dante's Top Rules For Enjoying Online Gaming"

Everyone in their right mind knows that the current state of online gaming is a continuously growing cesspool filled with hackers, and cheaters. Kids these days think it's cool to troll the online population with their shenanigans, and cheat their way to the top of the online leaderboards. Since companies like MS, and Sony could give two shits about our enjoyment online the situation continues to worsen, and will likely worsen for the next generation of consoles as well. What is a guy, or gal to do about this BS? Well, I'm here to answer that question for you with a list of top rules to abide by when taking your gaming online. I hope that these helpful hints will steer you in the right direction, and help you to avoid the delinquent little assholes that aim to ruin your fun time.