Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!! | 2019 A Year In Reflection ...

This year has been a roller coaster ride for me. I've had my ups, and my downs. Both in life, and in the review realm. I've struggled at times, and have triumphed on occasion. Out of all of it I found my most proud moments being the time I shared with my followers on social media. It is that time spent that pulled me through, that gave me purpose, and helped me soldier on when I wanted to give up and quit. The moral support was plentiful as were the thoughts and prayers. My friends, and my online family were definitely there for me when I needed it the most. I hope that with my shared wisdom, my advice, and the review posts I typed up I was, in some way, able to pay it all forward. I hope that at some point this year I was able to point my followers in the right direction. Whether it be in regards to video games, or life choices. I hope that I was as there for you as you were there for me.

2017 in Retrospect

It has been a very eventful year for you, and I. We've seen our ups, and downs. I've faced trial and tribulation with family issues. My parents lost their home in a hurricane this year. Some of you have lost loved ones, and homes as well. The weather, for a lack of a better description has been catastrophic, and natural disasters even more so. There's been war, and rumors of war. The global financial situation worsens, and politics is bleeding it's filth and corruption into every aspect of our lives. We can't seem to catch a break from it all. In all the chaos though I still refuse to give up. I sojourn on trying to make the most of what life has given me. I try to maintain a positive outlook, and work hard at keeping intact that which I hold dear. Something I feel we all need to do for the sake of sanity. I close the year thinking only of how good gaming looks in 2018, and hopeful that I'll get to enjoy said games with friends as well as share my findings with you. I aim to step up my game in 2018 with a quality focus on my Youtube channel, and the furthering of coverage on my gaming blog. They may be insignificant goals in comparison to some, but it's part of what keeps me going. The connection with a hobby I love and the community who has supported me over the years.

The True Meaning of Christmas (POEM)

The True Meaning of Christmas

Poem by ~ Brad "OtakuDante" Carver

This year's Christmas tree is gonna be the sh*t

A huge swirly turd with all the trimmings, and future presents 

tucked firmly underneath it

When old Saint Nick shimmies down the chimney with care

he'll catch a surprising whiff of the putrid smell that's been filling the air

So repulsed by the foul odor,

and disgusted with fright he'll heave & he'll ho till he's well out of sight 

No gifts will he leave, and no stockings will he fill,

but through captured surveillance footage we'll all have a laughable thrill

For the true meaning of Christmas is not commercialized goods

but is instead the friends & families who gather together in harmony 

within each neighborhood.

When All Hope is Gone Game On!

It is December 2016. It won't be too long until Christmas comes to pass. This holiday season, and the year in general has been a truly trying experience for me as well as for some of you. If you follow me on social media you'll know my family members have had several near death experiences this year, and are each steadily declining in the area of personal health. I won't bother you with details, but I will say that it's been hard trying to stay positive. In fact the only time I have had a good day in the middle of all this chaos is when I've been able to distract myself with my gaming hobby. It's no mere embellishment when people say gaming has gotten them through some tough times in their lives. I can definitely attest to that being fact. I realize not everyone has that luxury though. This of course abruptly brings me to the point of my article. If you, for whatever reason, are experiencing bad times this holiday season do yourself a favor, and find a distraction. It doesn't have to be video games. It can be anything that offers you a mental escape from the overbearing troubles of life. Engage in said activities for as long as it takes to get over your bout of depression, worry, or fear. I know doing so is not a solve all solution, but distractions are much better than dwelling on things that cannot be changed so easily. Compared to bad habits like smoking, or comfort eating I'd say hobbies like gaming, or even reading are to an extremely lesser extent less harmful for those partaking of them. Just be sure to eat, sleep, and move about from time to time as well.

Brad's Black Friday List 2016!!!

2016. What a !@#$%^ year. We've been met with natural disasters, abnormal weather fronts, terrorist activity, the 3 ring circus that was the US presidential election, and all sorts of freedom snuffing propaganda and agendas. On the gaming front, which didn't fair much better we've been duped time, and time again by broken promises, broken games, and a slim selection of noteworthy 'Triple A' titles. Normally I do a list regarding my year's picks while breaking down why I like this, or that as well as why I believe you'd benefit from owning the game in question, but not this year. This year I'm gonna lay things out simply in simplistic paragraph form. You won't be seeing many picks from me, as I honestly was met with a lot of disappointment like a lot of you were. I also do not feel inclined to recommend many of the games I reviewed, especially on the 'Triple A' front due to the fact that they were a one and done playthrough for me. I want to instead mention the games that are true industry blockbusters. The kind that offer immense replay value, lengthy campaigns, proper innovation, and overall more bang for your buck. More excitement for your Euro. More payout for your Pound ...