Let's Talk - DLC, Micro-Transactions & Pay-Per-Play

My stance on corporate greed is probably well known amongst the online gaming community by now. The money gouging, and money grubbing practices that have become commonplace have all but sapped out the fun that the gaming industry was once known for, and I've said so myself several times over. While a majority of these money making schemes are inexcusable forms of bullshittery there are some things that I wouldn't mind forking over my hard earned cash for. The DLC that actually rewards the gamer for their gamble on digital only items would be a prime example of such a noteworthy DLC practice. I for one bought every single piece of costume DLC made available for "Soul Calibur V", and ended up investing more money in the game than I initially sunk into it. The DLC for that game was too good to pass up.

Conception 2: Children of the Seven Stars - "Teaser Trailer & More" (3DS/PS VITA)

At this point in time I've not really done much personal research on Conception 2, but I do know that in some haphazard, and mature way it is about baby making. The title of the game itself should be a dead giveaway in regards such mature themes. While this concept (pun intended) might not thrill all gamers, or parents out there I think it might just be ATLUS's next handheld console hit. As for me personally, I'm totally excited to see what sorts of new JRPG gameplay mechanics are going to be added, and used within the game. I always like developers who think outside the box, and the developers of "Conception 2" seem to have done exactly that in this anime inspired JRPG sequel. I hope that you too will greet this new gaming experience with open arms when it hits the streets of the US on April 15th of this year.

TEKKEN Revolution: "The Fighting Game Fiasco Continues ..."

If you've been following me this year you'll know I'm very outspoken about Namco's money gouging in regards to the "Unlock Eliza" event in "Tekken Revolution". From the beginning of the event forward it has been made apparent that Namco's intentions were anything, but gamer friendly. I do realize that Namco has to make a profit somehow, but the way they've gone about it from the game's release onward is nothing less than highway robbery. Having to pay significant amounts of money for unrewarding, and less than noteworthy DLC content has paved the way for even more greedy schemes on Namco's behalf. Instead of implementing DLC as grand in scale as Tekken's character costume creation mode, or Soul Calibur V's costume based DLC they've practically turned the DLC offerings into a purely profit making business.

OlliOlli (PS VITA)

If you've ever wondered what a Tony Hawk's 2D side-scrolling skateboarding game would be like the developers at Roll7 have the perfect answer for you. OlliOlli which happens to be the name of their creation is in essence what Tony Hawk's Pro Skater would have been if it were made back in the retro gaming era. It features highly interactive, and layered 2D landscapes filled with plenty of skateboarding obstacles. At the helm of this radical action game is a generic pixel constructed skateboarding protagonist whom the gamer guides throughout the various courses. There's plenty of variety in the way of level layouts, and a wide variety of challenges that are setup in a mobile gaming format (i.e., Angry Birds) for this manly master of skateboarding stardom to trick, and grind through. At the core of it the protagonist (you) will be grinding, flipping, and performing advanced tricks via your applied left thumbstick, and "X" button inputs. The real trick though lies with your timing, and landing of each maneuver. As with Activision's Tony Hawk's skating franchise you'll find that your score comes from completing level specific tasks, and the combination of tricks/grinds that you land. Thrown in for good measure you'll also find that collecting certain in-game icons as well as doing certain tasks during a skate through will help you to unlock the more challenging level difficulties for later playthroughs.

Zen Pinball 2 - "A Three Console Comparison"

I've not said this before, but Zen Studios' Zen Pinball tables were one of the first arcade game experiences that I spent money on. Back in the day, before Sony's unfortunate hacking incident, and before "OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno" was a thing I spent massive amounts of time playing the first set of MARVEL tables. I loved the Wolverine tribute table as well as the other Marvel superhero themed tables that Zen Studios had created. I even took advantage of the core set offerings as well as the occasional free table that was gifted to the public. To say Zen Pinball was merely a fun experience would be a complete understatement on anyone's behalf. Even in my early days on the PS3 I could tell that Zen Studios had something special going on. Later on when I finally became the gaming journalist you know me as I gained the privilege to play tables before their release, and even shared my findings with you. It was definitely a dream come true.