Make it Rain (XBLIG)

There are a handful of things I look for in a video game. Originality is likely the most important to me, but subject matter also plays a huge role in the games I'm seeking out. During one of my daily XBL marketplace browsings I happened upon a an XBLIG title that caught my undivided attention. It featured an original subject matter (pole dancing), and seemed to be interesting enough to inquire about. This indie which is appropriately titled, "Make it Rain" had some sexy elements to it that obviously would appeal to an adult film journalist as myself. I sought out the developer (24kt Studios) via the world wide web, and humbly asked for a review code. They replied shortly afterwards giving me two codes for review. I quickly downloaded the game, grateful for the opportunity to once again supply my readers with something new to read about. In the end I played the game only for a short while realizing that the review would not be as lengthy as the ones I usually provide. Even so I bring you this review on a positive note, thankful to the developer for the chance to get back in the game (so to speak).

A Note to Developers

I wanted to take the time to set the record straight about my dealings with certain game developers/PRs. My reputation has obviously been sabotaged, and I feel that the developers/PRs I've worked with in the past think less of me now because of certain comments I've made on Twitter. Recently I did get into a heated conversation with a friend, and a developer over a set of requests that I had made. The fact is that @IndiePub, the developers/PRs behind the recently released "Storm", and "FireBurst" XBLA games had totally ignored my requests prior to the games' release as well as the day of the release. After dealing with similar PR reactions in the past I became a little upset about the matter, and voiced my thoughts on the situation through twitter. As expected @IndiePub finally replied via email on the day of the release (after my tweets) letting me know why they had not contacted me. They claimed to have been out of codes, and that I was, in essence an "unprofessional critic".

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.