Street Fighter's Impact On My Interest In Fighting Games Plus USF4 Code Contest!!!

I've told this story a few times on this blog. A story about how I grew up in an extremely religious home with parents who frowned upon violent entertainment, and who strictly adhered to the various ratings systems implemented across the entirety of the entertainment industry. I mentioned that it wasn't until my 13th birthday (through some begging & desperate pleading) that I was able to convince my mother to buy me "Street Fighter II: Championship Edition" for the Sega Genesis as a birthday present. Of course after that big feat my world opened up in huge ways allowing me to enjoy various other fighting games, and violent video games while not being strictly monitored or chastised for doing so. Street Fighter, more or less, was my gateway into fighting games and so much more. Some things to my moral detriment ... certain adult things. That aside I have invested years of my life in playing, enjoying, and learning fighting games. None more so than Street Fighter though. It is for that very reason I decided to pre-order Capcom's "Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection". I wanted to relive the moments I experienced as I played through the various series entries in the Street Fighter game library, and after having picked up my copy today I aim to do just that. I don't expect the games to be as impressive as they were the first time around, but the trip down memory lane will be more than worth the $40 asking price. At least to me.

Blog Update Nov. 15, 2014

It's been a few days since my last post as you can probably tell. The games for review are becoming scarcer as the year comes to a close. Most of the retail games are already spoken for, and only a handful of indie arcade style games remain for bloggers such as myself. Not that that's a problem though. I do love a good indie, and have found out through my four years of work that some indies are far greater than any "Triple A" title will ever be. As we've all likely learned this year retail developers really seem to be caught up in a pattern of dropping the ball when it comes to a proper release. The latest 'Call of Duty' was a mess as was the equally anticipated release of Ubisoft's 'Assassin's Creed Unity'. I think a lot of us, including myself figured that out a wee bit too late. The sad, and unfortunate thing about this is that it hurts the consumers' confidence in the industry's offerings, and in turn hurts the industry as a whole. It makes loyal gamers begin to second guess everything from journalistic opinions to the biased advertisements that are released by developers, and PR. You've all likely seen cases of each if you frequent Twitter as I often do.

"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.

OtakuDante's Spooktacular Halloween Giveaway!!! (Oct. 1 - 31)

Welcome all ye witches & warlocks! I know it's been a long time since my last giveaway, but as promised here's another giveaway to whet your appetite before year's end. In this particular giveaway there are some rules for the two "M/R" rated prizes that I will be giving away. First, and foremost you must be at least 18 years of age, and must include a statement in your entry submission that you are of such an age. Trust me when I say that these two prizes are meant for a mature audience. As far as the theme of the giveaway goes it is going to be Halloween oriented. Seeing that Halloween is only 30 days away I could not help but incorporate the holiday spirit in the event.

Eclipse Magazine's "JAM Live Music Arcade" Contest!!!

Earlier this year I agreed to review an interesting XBLA music title called "JAM Live Music Arcade". The game basically gave the player control over all the various instruments that make up a band, and allowed them to control the mixes via a DJ style setup. Well, I'm back again telling you about this game, because there's a pretty awesome contest going on in relation to it. Those who enter could possibly win $1,000 worth of actual band equipment!!! If you have the XBLA title, and aren't scared to get in front of the camera and record some footage of yourself performing a mix then you have a chance at winning. I will say that the game is best played with a guitar peripheral, and that it does require some skill. I'm sure the contest holders want to hear a good mix, so if you are interested in the prizes then get practicing. I'll provide all the details below for you in case you're up to the challenge.

Ninja Exorcist Ep.1 (XBLIG): Art Contest (CLOSED)

Awesome news readers!!! I have another great contest for you. This time around the indie game that I gave so much praise to is up for grabs. All you have to do is send in your best work of art/drawing that relates to "Ninja Exorcist Episode 1". You can draw your own rendition of Daigo (the lead ninja), his unearthly wife Miya, any of the enemies/bosses, or even epic battles between Daigo and his demonic adversaries. The interpretation is up to you, but in the end there will only be 3 winners. Submit your best artistic representation, and your art may become part of the official website fan art gallery. The developer also mentioned to me that special edition of the game may be released with an in-game gallery, so it's definitely something to look forward to.

Pig & Bullet (XBLIG) Poetry Contest Winner!!!

I have to say that I'm disappointed with the result of this contest. I try my best to do contests that are both fun, and easy. The sad thing is I had three codes to giveaway, and only got one entry within a one week span of time. I tried my best to get people to join in, but in the end was unable to do so. As a result I will not be holding another contest/giveaway for a while. This is not the first time I've had a contest with little to no entries. Moving on though ...

I'm glad to say that at least one person was willing to submit a poem. This person was none other than DJ SBZ from (http://allkore.com). I actually checked out their site this morning, and I have to say their music looks pretty interesting. You may want to take a look for yourself. DJ SBZ submitted a Haiku which was one of the methods you could have chosen to use to enter this contest. Since he was the only one to enter he wins a code. As for the other codes I may give one to my nieces & nephews, and giveaway the other code to a person of my choosing.

WINNING HAIKU

If you meet a pig

Don't try to feed him bacon

That is just plain rude

by SBZ

Pig & Bullet Contest FTW!!! - Compliments of Spiceworx & GHXYK2 [CLOSED!!!]

I have some very awesome news readers!!! After doing my review on 'Pig & Bullet' I was able to get some extra codes for giveaway purposes from the developer (Spiceworx). In fact the developer was so generous that they ended up giving me a total of three codes! This means there will be three winners for my contest!!!

Now it's time to get down to business. I'm sure you guys, and gals have been wondering what type of contest I dreamed up with this time, well the answer is that it's a fun one! In the past I have done some first come first serve giveaways, and even a highscore giveaway. This time around I thought I'd do something a little more interesting though. After thinking about it during the night last night I thought to myself "Why don't I have a poetry contest?". I'm a published poet myself, and enjoy writing my own poetry so I figured it would be nice to see some other peoples' poetic talents for a change. With that being said there are some rules that must be followed. Those rules are as follows:

Sine Mora (XBLA) Contest Winner!!!

I won't lie. I was a bit disappointed by how many of my readers chose to enter this contest. I thought the contest was a brilliant idea. With that being said I'm still thankful for those who chose to enter. The prize was pretty awesome this time around. As I mentioned in the original contest article the winner of the contest would get a code for the truly amazing shmup titled 'Sine Mora' (9.0 ign). The developer (Digital Reality) sponsored this very cool contest, and gave me the code to giveaway. My thanks goes to 'Digital Reality' for allowing me to do this contest. Not every developer out there is kind enough to do so. Now it's time to get down to business. I had only 6 official entries in the contest, and only one won the code ...

Sine Mora (XBLA): "Code Contest FTW!!! (CLOSED)"

I have to honestly say that there has been in an increase in the amount of good game releases this year. I have got to review some pretty cool games so far, and there are definitely more on the way ...  Recently I was allowed (by Digital Reality & Grasshopper Manufacture) to review an extremely impressive shmup (shoot 'em up) called 'Sine Mora'. It offered the gamer a detailed story like I have never seen in an XBLA game. It also featured some breathtaking visuals, a soundtrack from Akira Yamaoka, and even boss designs by Mahira Maeda. It included all the things that make a game memorable, and all the things that make a game fun/challenging to play. After talking it over with Digital Reality's PR representative I was able to secure an extra code to this amazing game, and the first thing I thought of was how can I make this into a contest for my readers? In the past my contests/giveaways have been very easy. I didn't want that to be the case with this contest though. I wanted to be able to give it to someone who would truly appreciate it, someone who was willing to go the extra mile just to get the code. I'm glad to say I've found a way to do just that, and the following paragraph/s will give you details on how you can enter this extremely cool contest.

The Fall Of Gods (XBLIG): "Code Giveaway!!!" (CLOSED)

It was recently brought to my attention from Stephane Royer of 'Geex Games' that there were some significant changes to "The Fall Of Gods (XBLIG)" game. The most significant of those changes would likely be the price drop. Originally the game was selling for 240 msp, but that has been lowered to 80 msp! There were also some in-game changes that involved movement speed control, a sneak mode, new spells, new items and new animations. Along with this good news Stephane Royer (Geex Games) has also given me one code for the game to be given away to one of my readers. This of course means a contest!!! Stephane actually set the rules for the contest, and as such I will abide by them. The first rule of the contest is you must have downloaded the trial of "The Fall Of Gods (XBLIG)", and have played it. Secondly you must answer a question about the trial version of the game. The first person to reply to this post with the correct answer wins the code. Please be sure to leave your twitter username, or email in the comment so that I can give you your prize. On that mercenary note, let the games begin!!!

Moe Mekuri 2 CONTEST!!! (CLOSED)

It's time for another contest! This time around the prize is a bit more expensive (240 msp)! The code I'll be giving away is of 'Moe Mekuri 2' a Japanese puzzle game by KoheiGallery. If you haven't checked out my review of the game already you might want to do so now. I actually had fun trying to solve the rather difficult puzzles of 'Moe Mekuri 2', and if you like a good challenge (and cute anime girls) then this contest might just be what you've been looking for. I had purchased the game with my own money before KoheiGallery gave me the code, so my loss is your gain (if you win).

Astro Cluster + invAIders XBLIG Code Contest (CLOSED)

Skoddle the developer of 'Astro Cluster', and Martian Face Games the developer of 'invAIders' recently gave me some codes to giveaway to my readers/followers. I have already given away two of the 'Astro Cluster' codes here on the site, but I have one left. I also have 4 'invAIders' codes to giveaway. I decided to do the contest through my youtube channel this time around, but since some of my readers/followers don't have a youtube channel I decided to allow comments on this blog post as well.

The rules of the contest are simple. All I want you to do is tell me about something impressive you have done in a video game. The more impressive the better your odds of winning will be. The contest will end this friday (Sept. 2). On Saturday I will read through all of the entries/comments, and decide on my 5 winners. The most impressive comment/entry will get their choice of either the Astro Cluster code, or one of the invAIders codes. The remaining winners will get what's left over. Remember to leave your Twitter Username if you enter here on my blog ;)

*NOTE* You Can Enter Here On The Blog/Under This Post, or On My Youtube Video That's On MY Youtube Channel: Youtube Astro Cluster + invAIders Contest

I wish all of my followers/readers the best of luck!

Astro Cluster XBLIG Game Code Contest 1!!!

Skoddle, the developer of 'Astro Cluster' has given me 3 codes for the full game to giveaway to 3 of my readers. Those of you who have followed my blog probably know that I love to do trivia based contests. This time around only one of the game codes will be given away through trivia though. The remaing two codes will require different methods for entry. I will begin with the trivia based contest first ...