Sony Nails it at E3

   Wow. Just wow-that's all I can say coming away from Sony's stunning presentation at E3 tonight. Leaving Microsoft fans grinding their teeth in frustration, Sony managed to completely blow the Xbox One out of the water with their PS4.

   Representatives of the company assured us that Sony believes in used games, and a consumers right to trade or give away their games to whomever they want and will continue to support this in the future. In addition, they will not require any sort of internet connection AT ALL to access single player content. That right there blew Microsoft to pieces, but Sony wasn't done. While Xbox One carries a hefty price tag of $499, Sony squats over Microsoft's obliterated body and proceed to teabag the remains with a sexy price of $399.
   I could end the column right here, we could all go home, and preorder our PS4's right now, but no. This wasn't enough for Sony. In addition to all of this, they managed to make this presentation almost entirely about the games and what gamers want.
   Let's begin with my biggest nerdgasm: Kingdom Hearts III. That's right, people. It's here, and it's due out in spring of 2014.

   Although only mere seconds of game footage were shown by Square Enix at the conference, I think it is entirely safe to say that this is a fair reason to purchase the Playstation 4.
   The PS4 will also be introducing around 140 titles in it's first year, many featuring brand new indie developers that will just blow you away.
   Along with Kingdom Hearts III, Square Enix also introduced the brand-spanking new Final Fantasy XV. An absolutely gorgeous cinematic was shown, and I just can't wait.
   Many other extremely exciting titles are also coming out including Infamous: Second Son, Destiny, Elder Scrolls Online (yes yes yes!), and Diablo III.
   This is just a quick gloss-over, of course. I will be on over the course of the next few days due to my crazy schedule posting the rest of the details from the presentation.

Xbox One: What We Know

   So, as you are all probably aware (unless you're living under some sort of Internet-less rock. Seriously, install a router, geez.), E3 has been going on this past week and with it has come the official announcement of the brand new, shiny Xbox One.

Tell me that's not what it looks like. Come on, try.

   Looking a bit like someone took a 360 and fused it with a black Wii, the Xbox One sports an 8-core x86 processor, HDMI pass-thru, Blu-Ray Player, and comes with 8gb of RAM and a 500gb hard drive.

   In layman's terms, it's a pretty hefty piece of gaming equipment.
   The new Xbox will also give us all the usual crap: web browser, Facebook, Twitter, and a bunch of other stuff that no gamer really wants (it also comes with Skype now so we can talk to all the friends we don't have!).
   Now, on to the important topic: the games.
   HAH. You think they would actually announce GAMES to go with an XBOX? Preposterous!-no, throughout the entire presentation (about an hour) the final few minutes were the only part that talked about the games at all.
   They are as follows: 4 crappy EA sports games, and CoD: Ghosts.

Just sayin'

   Yay.
   Now, you might say I'm being a bit critical of the new Xbox, and you would probably be right, so let's change the focus to the good things about the Xbox One.
   Firstly, it seems that Microsoft has begun a revolution in the way we play against our friends. A CPU will now monitor the way you play games, and be capable of emulating so that even if you're not online, your friends can still play multiplayer with 'you!'.
   In addition, games will now be installed directly to your Xbox (hence the large memory) meaning no more fiddling with the disks every time you want to play a game, although said disks will still be used the first time you play.
   All in all, I'd say it's not a bad machine and give it a 6/10. I would say more, but at the moment, none of this means a thing because we don't have any really good games planned yet. If said games were announced, we would be looking closer to 8 or 9/10. Not perfect, but pretty damn good.

Life interferes.

   Hi everybody!
   Sorry I haven't been updating-life is interfering with my beautiful blog with it's wonderful readers. Between school, work, and everything in between I have fallen a bit behind. I'm starting to balance it though.
   Hang in there!

Plants vs Zombies 2 It's About Time

   That's right people, the long awaited sequel to the iTunes and console sensation has finally been announced.

   Set to be released in 2013, the trailer can be found on IGN right here. It starts off and plays out as fans complaining about the lack of a sequel (funnily enough), and eventually displays the logo followed by July 2013.
   Unfortunately, no actual game footage has been released as of yet, just footage of rabid fans screaming for a sequel to their beloved app.
   Other than that, the only other rumour released is that the game will be called Garden Warfare (an obvious nod to Call of Duty's immensely successful Modern Warfare).

   Speaking of which, on the Xbox front, we have received new (and very relieving) news regarding the Xbox 720.

   Previously, it was stated by Microsoft that the Xbox 720 would work around a constant internet connection rather in the way Diablo III or the new Sim City does. Thankfully, in an email allegedly sent to Microsoft employees obtained by Ars Technica it is stated that

   PRAISE THE LORD FOR HE HATH DELIVERED.
   It appears that Xbox fans will not have to deal with the frustration of maintaining a constant internet connection for their console to be more than an $800 hunk of plastic.

No problem, bro.

   It is also supposedly stated that the new Xbox will work as a cable box and have the capability to playback live TV shows-things are really starting to look good for this new console by Microsoft.

   However, as every gamer knows, it isn't about the fancy gadgets and whatnot that the console comes with, but rather the quality of the games that it plays. With any luck they'll open with a strong lineup of games.

   Hopefully all of these rumours will be put to rest when the official reveal is finally made on the 23rd of this month.

   Until then!

Legend of Zelda Bringing a New, Old Title to the 3DS

   Everyone remembers Legend Of Zelda. Particularly Ocarina of Time, which is still one of the top-selling games of all-time and hailed as a deity by Nintendo fanboys across the globe.

I think I've made my point

   The fandom exploded at the announcement that Ocarina of Time would be brought back for 3DS in stunning, new graphics (aka, you can no longer count the polygons.) along with, of course 3D.

   The game delivered all it had promised and more, and is still a huge success. Due to this, Nintendo has decided they will launch another Legend of Zelda remake for the 3DS. This time, it is Link to the Past.

I...I don't know...

   As many of you remembered, the original Link to the Past featured the Dark World, a twisted version of the Sacred Realm. What you probably remember better, is the fact that our beloved hero was transformed into a pink bunny if he entered it without the Moon Pearl item.
   This updated 3D version will feature the beloved Toon Link-now with ability to turn himself into a drawing on a wall and walk on said walls, certainly an interesting feature at least. Supposedly, this feature was inspired by Ocarina of Time's Forest Temple boss in which Ganon rode in and out of paintings.
   Set to be released by the end of the year, this game is shaping up to be quite exciting, especially looking at the teaser trailer footage released not long ago, which you can watch here.

Latest in Call of Duty Franchise Confirmed

Picture accompanying tweet

   Call of Duty: Ghosts was confirmed today when the picture to the side was tweeted online by means of the official Call Of Duty Twitter account.
   Also released today was a game poster featuring Simon 'Ghost' Riley, who last appeared in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

   The game is said to run on a 'next-generation engine' and is supposedly the 'next generation of call of duty.' Does this mean we can expect big changes in game mechanics? Possibly, although more likely are new weapons, along with updated weapons. Relatively disappointing, but still change.
   The game, to be launched on November 5th, can currently be preordered at Gamestop, and is going to be launched on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC in addition to the Playstation 4, and Xbox 720 (giving us better ideas of their release dates). Also likely is another terrible handheld version for the Nintendo 3DS, but no one cares about that.

Shh...you know I love you, but facts are facts.

   Also released along with minimal information was a teaser trailer of the game here.
   Now for my own personal opinions. I own only Modern Warfare 3, and I am not a fan. I've played Black Ops 1, and thought it to be slow and rather dull (in addition to mind-numbingly easy). Black Ops 2 I never even watched the trailer. Zombies? Really? Well, now we are moving from zombies to ghosts. Wonderful.
   So much for experiencing something moderately close to what it's like serving in a country's armed forces. Now we are playing Ghost Hunters: The Video Game.
   No offense if you enjoy the CoD titles, but they're not for me. Particularly the online play. In that, Playstation has it all over Xbox, despite their network crashing on occasion. At least it isn't overrun by 10 year-olds telling me they shagged my mother.
   Oh well.What are you gonna do? It's possible this game may just be named Ghost, in which case I'll give it a shot. But chances are if it is another supernatural shooter, it will go unpurchased by yours truly.

Elder Scrolls Online, Xbox 720, and More

30/4/13

   Welcome back friends, gather 'round me now as I spin the tale of the mythical Elder Scrolls Online MMORPG.
   Long, have gamers prayed for such, and lo', beta has begun! The cinematic trailer for the game is positively fabulous, and even if you don't enjoy MMO's in general, it's a must see as the visual artwork is stunning. You can find it right here.
   The game is centred around a set of alliances, at war with each other, taking up arms against the Empire. The first of these is the Daggerfall Covenant, led by High King Emeric. The Daggerfall Covenant is made up of the Bretons, Redguards, and Orcs-an interesting choice. This particular alliance is very varied in skills, but have particular skill in magic and diplomacy.
   Something tells me diplomacy isn't going to be a huge game mechanic. Just a guess.
   The second of these is the Ebonheart Pact, ruled by Jorunn the Skald-King. This alliance consists of the Nord, Dark Elves, and Argonians
   Finally is the Aldmeri Dominion under the control of Queen Ayrenn including the High Elves, Wood Elves, and the Khajit.
   If you played Skyrim, chances are that you are extremely excited for this game. I know that I am. I've already signed up for the beta, and hopefully I'll be getting the email soon!
   On to the Xbox 720. You Playstation fans are excused now, adults are talking.

   Not much is known about it yet, but the date everyone is saying for information is May 29th. What we do know, however, is what I'm reporting.
   First of all, there is a leaked price floating around the internet that puts it around $200.00. Now, let's sit here for a second and think. Bit ambitious? Yes. Yes it is.


   Now, it's entirely possible this is for what they're calling the Xbox Mini-a cheaper and more lightweight version of the full 720 console. The Xbox Mini is most likely what I'll purchase, as I don't have a lot of money to throw at Microsoft, sadly.
   Now for the bad news. We could be looking at the end of used games, ladies and gentleman. It is rumoured that this system is aimed at preventing its' owners from playing used games. I don't know about you, but I buy almost all of my games used. This would be a big blow to my wallet, and I'm hoping that it's just a rumour.
   And even worse, is that it supposedly centres around a constant internet connection.
   No. Bad Microsoft. Go to the timeout corner and think about what you've done.

Talking About Patch 5.3

   The WoW Patch 5.3 preview has been out for a little while now, so I felt the need to talk about it a little bit. You can read the full article here.
   First of all, we're seeing some new lore, which is always fun. Tensions are extremely high Horde-side, and the poor Alliance is left pretty much high and dry as far as lore development goes. Sorry guys, you're just not that interesting. Hate to break it to you.
   We're looking at new quests in the Barrens, which as an alt man, is extremely exciting for me. I can't wait to go back to those older places and get to experience the new quest lines and mechanics. A lot of this is focused on weakening Garrosh, and it's about time. A lot of people call him a dick without knowing his history. I know his history-he's still a dick. It's about time a good ol' revolution took place.

Deepwind Gorge

   For you scenario-lovers, there are two new scenarios for both factions as well as a faction specific scenario for each. The ones open to both are Battle on the High Seas, and The Secrets of Ragefire. The Horde specific scenario is Dark Heart of Pandaria while the Alliance scenario is Blood in the Snow. These two faction-specific scenarios both sound particularly tantalizing and I can't wait to try them out.
   Finally, we are receiving a new Battleground, and a new Arena: Deepwind Gorge (Battleground) and The Tiger's Peak (Arena). I'm not much for PvP, but I will be sure to check them out and issue a full report.
   That's all for our Patch 5.3 preview. For more information, read the blue post linked above. If you want to meet me in game, you can find me on the Alliance on Dragonblight as Pithpifth the frost dk, or Horde-side on Earthen Ring as Gladdstone the mage or Mycrofte the hunter.
   Remember you can always email me at itsacriticalhit@hotmail.com and be sure to follow me on Twitter and Tumblr!
   Until next time!

Dragonvale and Work

29/4/13

   Whew! What a long day. I haven't eaten since 5th period about 11:30 this morning. Right now I'm waiting for some chicken to cook in the toaster oven.
   I just got back from orientation for my cashier job at the grocery store near my house. Three hours of sitting in the dreary back room of that place, filling out paperwork, and watching those God-awful orientation videos.
   As far as video gaming goes today, I've gotten absolutely nothing done. The only thing is I did play the iPhone app Dragonvale throughout the day. If you don't already have it, I highly recommend it. It's a bit like Farmville or Farm Story or whatever that was called, but, of course, with dragons.
   For those of you familiar with the game, I started it a couple weeks ago. I'm level 18, about halfway to 19 and on my last few pieces of the statue of Kairos. Sadly, I failed to breed a lunar eclipse dragon, and that is ending tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to get it next time there's a lunar eclipse, whenever that is.
   I would love to hear suggestions for other apps. I've got a lot of short breaks throughout the day that I would love to fill with a fun app or short game. Leave it in the comments below!
   Byyyee!

Just a short little Hate-Post about the Amazing Race

28/4/13

   Let me tell you, I loathe this show. These idiots run around the world screaming and shouting at locals trying to win this stupid game.
   Let me start by telling how the rest of the world views Americans: the rest of the world sees us as materialistic, racist, uneducated, stupid (Hahaha), arrogant, and environmentally unconscious.
   That is exactly what these people are.
   They show up in some poor town in an 'exotic' country, and run around screaming their damn heads off aggravating the locals and pounding the stereotypes eve more firmly into their heads.
   And then they're culturally ignorant. In my mind, this is the worst part, because they must have purposely chosen the least cultured people in the world when they were casting for this show.
   Then, normal people show up, like myself (Well, I'm not normal, but at least I"m not a stereotype) and try to experience foreign cultures and we're treated like snot because of the people who go to these countries and think they have run of the place!
   Sorry for my rant. Have a nice evening!

Busy Sundays

28/4/13

   Sundays are always busy days for me, but oddly enough, I had a fair amount of free time today. I got up early to make a call to my employer. I've got to go in tomorrow at four and fill out the paperwork to be officially hired and then I have three hours of orientation.
   That call took a while, but once it was out of the way I sat down and played some Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance.
   Here's a good story.
   I ordered a Legend of Zelda 3DS gamecard case off of Club Nintendo (it was FABULOUS, just for the record). I had just gotten a 3DS, so the only games I had were Ocarina of Time, Starfox, and KH. I also threw all my Pokemon games in except White 2 as I was working with it at the time (thank God). I'd like to point out I had every Pokemon DS game on the market in there (except Trozei. Never.).
   I lost the damn thing.
   So a few weeks ago, which was about a month and a half after the fact, I finally came to terms with the fact that I'm never seeing it again. So I'm rebuilding my collection after the catastrophe, and now I'm working KH Dream Drop again.
   I got both Sora and Riku about halfway through the Grid. That is such a cool world. I wasn't sure when I first saw it, and I was in fact a little irritated by its' existence, but it is really cool.
   Blah blah blah lunch, one of my orchestras had rehearsel, dinner, SSMB, and my WoW grinds. Finally got my Order of the Cloud Serpent Exalted Status. Yay! Azure Cloud Serpent. Her name is TARDIS (when we're alone, it's Sexy).
   Looking forward to NYCC this year-bringing some friends, can't wait.
   We were thinking of doing a group cosplay for New York Comic Con this year. We are both into Doctor Who, video games, and anime so we've got a pretty good range of choices. One of the ideas was the Ouran Host Club (I totally would go as Kyoya Utori)-which wouldn't be a terribly expensive cosplay, honestly.
   Last year I did the tenth Doctor, and Churgo did Finn from Adventure Time, both of which got pretty good reception-people even asked for pictures with us! That was the coolest thing ever. I will post a few pictures later; I would love some suggestions for this year!
  Comment, comment, comment!
   Au revoir!