Blog Update (9/30)

What's up all ye lads & lasses? I'm here once again bringing to you an update on the behind-the-scenes happenings here at "OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno". Currently I'm in the middle of my playthrough of "Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness". The game's amazing as expected, and is quite the fun, and relaxing RPG experience. It's filled to the brim with features including NISA's (NIS America) own brand of humor. For those of you who have been following, and playing the series throughout the years I strongly suggest that you get out there, and pre-order the game for the additional pre-order bonuses. I think the bonus includes a CD soundtrack as well as some art promo items. It doesn't hurt to get something extra for free as I always say. I should have my review of "Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness" posted by Friday of this week, so be sure to stay tuned here for that. I will of course be tweeting links as usual for those who follow me via Twitter (@OtakuDante).

Magic: The Gathering - Theros set released today!!!

I know I don't talk about it much, but growing up as a kid I used to love to play MTG any chance that I got. Often times me, and some other friends would take our MTG card decks to the school library during break time, so we could play. Back then schools weren't such a !@#$% about rules, and regulations though. There also weren't as many thieves around stealing your cherished collectibles. The world has become a harsh place, but I digress. The reason I brought all that background info to your attention is that I've been following the release of the "Theros" MTG set since it was first announced. Naturally I'm always excited to learn about new card types, and this new 240+ card set aims to bring new things to the forefront. Mark of 360pr has kept me in the loop about the new cards as well as an event that is to take place starting today through this coming Sunday. It's basically an MTG release celebration that will be held at any 'Wizards of the Coast' supported hobby store. While I won't be able to attend I thought that you might be interested in checking it out in my stead. I'll leave with you the memo from Mark as well as a link to the official site with all the details. MTG is an awesome game, and is definitely one worth getting into. I hope that you will give it a chance as I did so many years ago. You won't regret it.

MTG 2014 - Expansion DLC (XBLA)

Wizards of the Coast, and Stainless Games up the ante with their latest MTG 2014 expansion DLC. Along with five new decks, and five new challenges you'll find a completely new story arch with an entirely different protagonist. This latest female planeswalker known as "Elspeth Tirel" is basically on a quest for immortality. In her quest to find the items she needs to complete the spell she first seeks out the gods' council, and ends up challenging some of the most formidable adversaries seen thus far in the planeswalkers storyline. You will follow her through five of the most difficult challenges you have ever encountered within the console series of the game, as well as ten campaign encounters, three planeswalkers duels, and five revenge duels all of which will put your MTG knowledge to the ultimate test. Whether, or not you, and this planeswalker prevail will lie heavily on your understanding of the game thus far.

Gaming Glance - "Pac-man Championship Ed. DX+" (PSN)

For those of you who are unaware of it Namco Bandai released a significantly different version of "Pac-man Championship Edition DX" recently in the form of a free update (assuming you have the game already). This update is of course "version 1.10" as you'll find out when you load up the game. While this new update, and version of the game contains many noticeable visual, and functional changes it is still a trial until you purchase the accompanying DLC that was also released in it's wake. For those of you worried about losing the core experience you payed for before fret not, because all of the former in-game content from the previous version is still very much intact. It merely had a visual overhaul. The more prominent features that you'll find this time around are things like highly detailed friend comparison charts, in-game stats, and even Facebook sharing options which were added to make playing the game a more "social" event. As far as visuals go you'll be quite surprised that everything in the game looks worlds better than it did before.

GTAV (PS3): "First Impressions"

For some reason, or another I went with the "In Crowd" on my purchase of GTAV. I guess curiosity finally got the best of me. In all honesty though it was online that really caught my attention in this instance. While many gamers have no doubt spent hours upon hours playing through the previous GTA games I'm one of those rare exceptions who has never (and I mean "NEVER") played a GTA game in my life, so my purchase was more of an impulse buy in that respect. I did watch my brother play through Vice City once, but that's about it when it comes down to my prior knowledge of the series. Luckily for you guys & gals that means I went in with a totally unbiased opinion. I didn't really know what to expect from the game. Of course I've heard plenty of tales about banging strippers, boobs, and all the criminal activities that a modern day gangster wannabe could hope for though. Regardless of my knowledge, or lack thereof I feel I should I should give to you my first impressions of the game. Aren't you lucky? xD

Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland (PS VITA)

The "Atelier" (meaning: "an artist's workshop") series of RPGs has been around for quite some time now. You'll find that there has been an impressive amount of releases on both consoles (PS1, PS2, PS3, Dreamcast), and handhelds (WonderSwan Color, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP, PS Vita) throughout the years (1997 - 2013). These games range from Japan only releases to limited stateside releases, and even remakes. Gust Corporation who were the developers behind this unique series of alchemy based RPGs have always stuck to their tried, and true formula of introducing a new alchemist with each game release along with a unique story to accompany that individual. The gameplay of each title as one might expect is centered mostly around alchemy, and the crafting of various items. Throw in an alchemist against an ominous threat/situation, and you'll have the experience in a nutshell.