Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2015 (Xbox One)

Having had played the actual MTG trading card game in the past, and having followed up said experiences with playthroughs of the console video game series my love for what Wizard's of the Coast and Stainless Games has offered has continued to grow over the years. Up to this point I've really loved being able to get back into the game with the Planeswalkers game series. It has afforded me a long lost opportunity since my old MTG gaming pals have all parted ways, and have gone about their own life paths. I cannot tell you how invaluable a game such as MTG 2015 is, especially when you have no one else to teach you the ropes, or to play with. With all that being said though I do have to be honest about some things pertaining to this latest release. This playthrough was not without incident. There were a handful of bugs, and things that hindered my progress in the game's single player campaign, but in the end it could all more than likely be tied to the Xbox One's operating system. Thankfully though I did find solutions to each of the issues, and ended up enjoying the game as much as any version before it.

Blog Update - Feb. 6, 2015

I know it's been a while since my last post, but I assure you I'm still working on getting some fresh content posted on this blog. While I've not really tried to reach out to developers, or PR recently I did manage to get MTG 2015, and it's DLC expansion for review. I'm actually glad I did as well, because I love Magic the Gathering with a deeply burning passion. Despite my positively biased opinions towards MTG, and it's offerings though most of you have likely seen my ranting on twitter pertaining to MTG 2015, regarding my series of setbacks I experienced during my playthrough. At this point I've not come to a solid verdict regardless of the before mentioned setbacks, and plan on giving the game a proper chance before delivering my final critique. I hope you guys, and gals stay tuned for that review.

Undead Nightmare Storm (3DS)

If you like your zombie horror survival game with a serving of gritty hard rock music, and a side order of shmup style combat then G-Style's "Undead Nightmare Storm" might just be the indie for you. It's game design, which is simple yet complex in it's own right harkens back to a retro era of gaming goodness similar to that of the original Playstation days. You'll find it's many objectives, boss fights, and escape from the undead to be a formidable challenge for any shmup enthusiast out there, even when packing enough heat to take down an army. For those of looking for value in your purchase this time around you'll be pleasantly surprised that the game has in place a full-blown single player campaign as well as a local co-op multi-player experience that will keep you, and up to two other friends busy for quite some time. Which ever way you choose to play it you will definitely have to invest a good amount of time into your playthrough in order to fully complete it as there are a lot of things to unlock.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation (PS VITA)

Over the years, and through several different releases the game development staff at 'Compile Heart' have taken us on a lighthearted journey with some of Game Industri's most quirky, foul-mouthed, and sometimes pervy gals. These goddesses known as CPUs fought against each other many times over for company shares while making friends with the odd few individuals. They fought for their right to be number one in the console wars while fighting off the minions of Arfoire who were also out to make themselves known. In this latest follow-up release of the newly introduced "Re;Birth" series things take an unexpected darker turn that even I did not see coming. From the opening cinematic to the events that follow it becomes apparent that Idea Factory has a message for the gamers in real life. Instead of the usual plot about console wars within the Game Industri we find the older CPU goddesses defeated outright at the hands of a threat greater than themselves. This threat which mirrors the current goings on of the real world gaming industry reveals itself in the form of global entity known as ASIC. ASIC, as it were is all that is bad with gaming. Whether it be hacking, modding, or piracy ASIC deals in it all. Their goal, like the real threats in the real world is the destruction of the Game Industri, and the introduction of gaming anarchy.

Comic Book Pick-ups Late January 2015

I love comic books, I really do ... Recently during a return visit to the local "Area 52" comic & gaming shop I entered in the midst of a Star Wars RPG tabletop tournament. It was a sight to behold. I felt as if I were in the middle of some sort of comic-con gaming event with a bunch of RPG enthusisasts (was gonna say geeks, but refrained from doing so) standing around observing things. I stopped to take in the sight of people gathering, and enjoying their hobby before doing some shopping. It was a festive sight indeed. The atmosphere was intense with anticipation, and the rolling of multi-sided die. There was even a girl who looked like she was snapping photos of everyone with her smartphone. I think she even snuck one of me (OMG!!!). Anyways I was a man on a mission with limited time to linger, so I went about my shopping biz as usual.