Blog Update 8/30/2012

Hello Everyone!!!,

I'm glad to see that people are still visiting the blog even with the lack of reviews. As you probably noticed by now I've hit a sort of dry spell. The XBLIG marketplace isn't producing anything noteworthy, and my contacts for the latest XBLA releases are busy at PAX. I should be getting "The Walking Dead ep.3" when that contact returns, so at least you'll have something to look forward too. In the meantime I've contacted a couple of websites who offer skins, and products for controllers and consoles. One of the companies is called "WraptorSkinz". They offer some really cool stick-on graphics for your Xbox 360 controllers as well as other products. I will be receiving a couple of samples from them, and will give you my reviews on the products. As usual I'll be posting photos along with the reviews.

SquidGrips (Xbox 360)

When it comes to products in general I'm always glad to see things that are actually made here in the USA. Sadly it's becoming more, and more evident that our jobs are being outsourced to other countries. Before you get all riled up about what I just said, I'm glad that we are getting some products from other countries. I'd just like the United States to be more self sustaining if you know what I mean? Without rambling on too much further ... SquidGrips are a high quality product that are made here in the USA which is totally awesome in my book. Aside from that fact the packaging of the product is environmentally friendly. It even has a label stating that the product was made using environmentally friendly methods (100% wind power). It's a "win-win" situation if you ask me.

RocketGrips: "Xbox 360 Controller Skins With Griptile"

Most of you know of my inquiries about modded game controllers, and even controller skins due to my tweets on Twitter. I'm not one to shy from requests simply, because they are out in public view. I've always been one to get results using any means necessary, and Twitter has been an awesome gateway for me to be able to do such things. As a reviewer it definitely helps to be bold sometimes. If you don't ask, you'll never know. I live by that motto, and as such I'm able bring to the table reviews that most reviewers avoid or don't think are possible. It all boils down to whether or not you want to advance as a reviewer, or to stay stuck in a rut. I think my request for the RocketGrips was the only logical next step in the evolution of my blog. In that sense I have decided to advance with what I do.

I'm thankful that the creator behind "RocketGrips" was more than willing to give me a chance to review his product. It might not be the custom controller I'd initially hoped for, but it's a small step in the right direction. If all goes well with the following review then I might just be able to bring you guys & gals reviews on even more Xbox 360 related products. I hope you enjoy the following review, and that you gain the necessary knowledge about the product after reading it. I will do my best to be thorough. Enjoy the read!

Music Spotlight: "e-dubble"

Recently I stumbled upon a hiphop song, and artist/musician that I just could not forget. The lyrics, and the chorus are stuck in my head even to this day. The song of course is none other than "Robot's Can't Drink". The song in question originally debuted as a "Freestyle  Friday #53" tribute song on e-dubble's (the artist) youtube channel as well as a free downloadable song on his own website. I initially found out about "Robots Can't Dance" after watching a "Straight Up Knives" MW3 montage as most of you have probably also done. After doing some research I found that e-dubble has an impressive amount of tracks available, and that each song has lyrics that would put a lot of rappers out there to shame. Aside from offering free mp3 downloads on his site, e-dubble also is trying to keep his hard work afloat by offering songs on familiar mobile media platforms such as Napster, and itunes.

Spyleaks (XBLIG): "A Retro Espionage Story Featuring Two Classic Game Genres"

This is one of those indie games that I would have likely passed up if it weren't for the developer (HeartBit Interactive/The Benjamin Ficus) requesting a review. After receiving the developer's request I watched the youtube trailer that was attached in hopes of better understanding what I'd be getting myself into. I was surprised to see that the game had an oddly familiar style of puzzle solving gameplay to it. It was a style of puzzle gameplay that I haven't seen in what seems like ages. If you've ever played the Nintendo game "The Adventures of Lolo" then you'll know what I'm talking about (Be sure to check out the video attached to this review for reference to that). After noticing this similarity along with the fact that there was actual shmup (shoot'em up) levels in the game I was totally hyped! Needless to say I agreed to the request, and did my playthrough so I could give you guys the inside scoop on this Espionage driven puzzle/shmup hybrid.

Evil Controllers: "Custom Controllers"

As a reviewer I'm always looking to expand on what I feature here on this blog. In my search for new review subject matter I contacted 'Evil Controllers', who are known for their amazing custom console controllers. I put in my request to review an actual controller from them, and they told me it might be a possibility in the near future. This is definitely good news even though it isn't certain. Anyways I'm here to bring you the latest scoop on something new that 'Evil Controllers' is offering their customers. In the details of the press release you'll find info on the special custom design process as well as info on a sale, and even details about a contest. Enjoy!