Tekken Revolution (PS3): "Follow-Up Review"

As promised I spent some quality time getting familiar with Tekken Revolution, it's unique offerings, and it's unusual departure from the core mechanics of previous Tekken games. The fact remains that the game still plays heavily on the punishing mechanics that most of you touch base with in any Tekken match, and in doing so feels nothing like the traditional Tekken fighters of old. The "Free-to-Play" aspect is another matter all in itself, one which I'm not entirely sure about just yet. Unfortunately for that topic I will not be able to give you a definitive opinion until Namco has finished with the trial phases of the game. I can, and will however explain the game in better detail for those looking to join the others who are interested in this particular Tekken spin-off.

Tekken Revolution (PS3): "First Impressions"

When I first watched the trailer of this latest installment of the Tekken series I was truly mesmerized. The game looked gorgeous, and the fact that it was going to be a Free-to-Play exclusive for the PS3 made it seem even more special. The fact of the matter is that not everything we see in the world of gaming is as it seems though, and Tekken Revoulution unfortunately serves as a reminder of this. When you hear the term Free-to-Play in association with a game release it usually means that there are strings attached. Just how many strings, and the extent of those strings all depend on the developer releasing the game to the public. Some Free-to-Play games can be quite enjoyable, offering enough to the gamer to be fine without any additional DLC purchases. In the case of Tekken Revolution however this is not the situation.

Xbox One: "Where I Stand"

Okay. Many of you will likely think after reading my latest Xbox One email breakdown that I'm sold on the offerings of the console, that I'm a "fanboy" of it. This couldn't be more wrong. In fact my opinions about the Xbox One are completely the opposite, and "Hell No!" I'm not just saying this to jump in with the bandwagon of haters out there. The fact is that my last Xbox One article was meant to spark an open-ended discussion about the offerings of the console, nothing more and nothing less. I DO NOT for one second think that "Always Online", or any of the game practices implemented by Microsoft for this Next-Gen console are good. One thing people forgot to mention is WTF happens if your power goes out, and you cannot access your internet!? Power outages are a commonplace occurrence here in the United States. The fact that Microsoft added such a feature is BULLSHIT! Why the fuck can't a gamer go back, and download an update, and be done with it!? It's an easy solution, that could easily be applied to the console. This along with the "Always On" Kinect is what makes me believe all the Microsoft spying comments floating around the interweb.

"Xbox One: How it Games"

I was doing my  routine email check this evening, and happened upon an interesting email titled "Xbox One: How it Games". Naturally this peaked my curiosity, and I had to click on it to see if Microsoft had finally let any significant details out of the bag. It turns out that the email, as brief as it was did bring to attention some details about the Xbox One that I did not know. Things concerning achievements, graphics, and matchmaking were explained in vague details. I'm going to use this article to discuss my thought on each of the topics explained in the email. You, of course can chime in, and comment on what I've said if you wish to do so. It will be an open discussion as long as there are no trolls that add there two cents worth in.

GRID 2 (PS3): "Offline Follow-up & Online Impressions"

Okay. Before I get started with my online first impressions I'd like to take back some of the things I said concerning GRID 2's visuals. Sure there are some imperfections, and certain things like random tools in the garage and the people in the crowd seem to be of poor quality, but the fact is the game doesn't look all that bad. You can actually get past the crowd of people looking like PS2 characters simply, because you hardly ever see them close-up. I must also take back my comment about the graphics in the garage. Upon closer observation I found it to be mostly current-gen quality. My apologies guys for the misinterpretation, and poor observations. Like I said in my last article what I said was merely "First Impressions" though.

GRID 2 (PS3): "First Impressions"

I'm desperate folks. I'm desperate to find a worthwhile game that has both a solid offline, and online experience. In fact I was so desperate today that I ventured out to the local Gamestop just to pick up the newly released "GRID 2" for the PS3. It has been years since I last played any racing games, and I figured that GRID 2 might just be the answer to my gaming prayers. I forked over the $60+ dollars to the Gamestop employee, and headed back home to try out my newly found hope. Upon inspecting the contents of the game case, and the game case itself I found that Codemasters (The devs behind GRID 2) had jumped on the the old single use VIP PASS bandwagon. I thought for sure since EA was abandoning that practice that no other game developer would be foolish enough to do the same thing. I guess I was mistaken.