Happy Halloween!!! (Oct. 2013)

Trick-or-Treat all ye sexy beasts ... and little childrens (^.^)! Today I chose to spend some time with my good old Mum who lives in the hood (literally). We reminisced about old times, and watched a few scary movies as we usually do during this particular holiday season. We even shared some candy amongst ourselves. It was a good day to say the least. There's just nothing quite like Halloween. By the way, The movies of choice for my "Halloween 2013" included "Twilight Zone The Movie", "Rocky Horror Picture Show", Stephen King's "IT", and Rob Zombie's remake of "Halloween". Before I go to bed I might even watch another horror flick here at my own house ...

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate HD (XBLA)

Out of all the series that Konami has released none has captured my undivided attention as much as that of the "Castlevania" series. From it's humble beginnings as an 8-Bit NES game to it's more noteworthy recent releases such as that of "Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" the Belmont's struggle against Dracula, and his minions has gained a cult following like none other in the history of gaming. Perhaps it's the dark theme of it all, or the horror icon known as Dracula who continues to draw gamers into the fray that is "Belmont vs Dracula". Whatever the reason may be it is one series that we all hope will never end, and I'm fairly certain you'll all agree with me on that.

While the first few games in the 'Castlevania' series, and the numerous spin-offs that followed did little in the way of explaining the Belmont clan's origins it was no doubt the Metroidvania style gameplay applied to it that has kept the series afloat long enough for that tale to finally be told. Earlier this year, or perhaps a few years back 3DS owners were privileged to finally bare witness to the story behind the famous Belmont clan. It is this 3DS release of "Castlevania: LoS - Mirror of Fate" that brings the tale full circle just in time to make way for the final chapter of 'Lords of Shadow'. Thankfully we console gamers can now also enjoy the game in all it's glory via the PS3, or the Xbox 360. As you play through this newly enhanced HD version of "Mirror of Fate" you'll get to witness what 3DS owners experienced earlier on. Through your playthrough you will come to understand why the Belmont clan's struggle against Dracula is a personal one, and why they must at some point put an end to Dracula's Tyranny, even if it means sacrificing their own lives in the process.

The Guided Fate Paradox (PS3)

 

Those of you who have been faithful to the Disgaea series will no doubt recall the mention of the angelic realm of "Celestia" during your many playthroughs. While Celestia has never really been shown in all of it's glory it's angels have often times showed up in some form, or fashion within the netherworld of Disgaea. Thankfully the lads, and lasses at 'NIS America' have finally decided to bring to light the world of Celestia, it's many inhabitants, and the mythology that encompasses it with this latest follow-up release. Not only did they flesh out this angelic realm in "The Guided Fate Paradox" by including a deeply involved story, but they also gave the game an art style that is entirely different from that of the Disgaea series making the story more of a unique experience. It's this anime inspired theme that will have Disgaea players gawking in amazement at the display unfolding before their eyes. Everything from the anime inspired intro to the actual gameplay will most definitely prove to the gamers that NIS America has yet to run out of noteworthy ideas in their niche RPG lineage.

Valhalla Knights 3 (PS VITA)

XSEED has produced some damn good games in their time. I for one thoroughly enjoyed my playthrough of "Killer is Dead" earlier this year. Seeing as that game held my interest throughout it's entirety I expected great things from "Valhalla Knights 3". Jumping into a game series three games in often times does not help one to understand the plot well enough though, but after viewing the trailers I figured I'd give it a shot anyways. I remember finding the perverted touch screen mini-games shown in the trailers to be an interesting point, but what really held my attention was the fact that this was a JRPG with online modes of play. Whenever I see, or hear the word "online" in an RPG of any kind I get excited. After several rounds of email inquiries I finally got my hands on "Valhalla Knights 3", and after spending about a week's worth of time playing it I think I understand why the PR was reluctant to hand over a review code.

Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force (XBLA)

Out of all the "Good vs Evil" scenarios created in the world of entertainment none has ever come close to being as influential, or original as that of the ongoing battle of Jedi versus Sith. Long ago a film director named George Lucas brought to our attention a film series that would forever change the way we looked at outer space, and the possibilities therein. His vision of intergalactic battles, an all powerful force, and a universe filled with all sorts of wonders paved the way for further adaptations to be made. Things like Star Wars action figures, novels, and even video games became a significant part of the lore that die hard Star Wars fans continue to seek out to this very day. The fact that another film in the Star Wars legacy is on it's way further proves that as far fetched as the saga may be it's future is a bright, and shining force that will live on for ages to come, and will no doubt inspire new generations of Star Wars mythology to be born in it's wake.

MTG Theros: Intro Pack + Booster Pack Video Review

Magic the Gathering, gotta love it! Recently, being the lucky dude that I am I was chosen by the Wizard of the Coast's PR to do a review on some samples of the newly released "Theros" set. Before the samples ever reached me though I opted to go out, and get an Intro pack for myself to see what this latest set had to offer. After getting it home I decided to review it on my dime. I honestly had no idea I'd be getting another intro pack, and some boosters for review. After finding out that that was the case though I had to make the most of the situation by supplying you with a different sort of review this second time around. I do have to warn you that the video included in this particular article is rather long. In fact it's two minutes away from being an hour long. I went over each individual card, as well as the intro pack offerings after opening them up. It's the sort of video that will mostly appeal to MTG fans. When watching this video keep in mind that I may have said some things that were incorrect pertaining to the cards, but nothing that I said was significantly wrong. I'm fully aware of my mistakes in the commentary, and apologize for them beforehand. I hope MTG followers don't tar & feather me for the acts of treason (^.^). I'm just not a professional commentator, yet. Enjoy it for what it's worth, and feel free to leave a comment if you like. As always comments are moderated due to trolls, and have to go through me first before being posted.