Goodbye 2013! Hello 2014!

It's been a long, long time since I've posted.

Life just throws you a curve ball and has you so busy that you have to put a few things to the side in order to carry on. Well, I hope that was the end of my blogging slump. In less than a 24 hours, it is a New Year. So let's get a blog crackin'! ;)

My last post was about Beyond: Two Souls. Oh, snap! That was a long time ago! Especially in the tech/gaming/entertainment/Sports/Nerd/Jock arena.

So what's happened since the last time I blogged?

The PlayStation 4 and X-Box One have launched, both too stellar success. Looks like console gaming is far, far from dead. The Saskatchewan Roughriders won a Grey Cup, which was pretty sweet. The Green Bay Packers battled the Chicago Bears to get into the play offs. What a war it was! Killzone: Shadow Fall came out and rocked my world, both on and offline. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was released. Sadly I wasn't able to see it in 48fps, I really wanted to. Pokemon X/Y and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds where released. I had to dust off my 3DS for those masterpieces! On the Vita, Tearaway, Runner 2, Terraria and Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate have kept me busy, busy and more busy.

So 2013... Hmm... Elysium was cool. Summer 2013 movies felt lacking though. Gravity was probably the best thing I've seen all year. The Last of Us is easily "The Game of The Year". Killzone: Mercenary is my favourite "Shooter and Portable Game of The Year". Tearaway was my favourite "Platformer of The Year".

A whole bunch of Google, Apple and Microsoft stuff happened. I did get the new Nexus 7, which was a huge improvement since the first gen. I picked up the 32gb edition on a flash sale, it was discounted by 50 dollars. Nice! We got a Retina-Display iPad Mini for Christmas. Damn, it's good stuff! Microsoft's Surface Pro 2 came out, which I really want but I don't have deep pockets. :(

The best parts of 2013, are family.

My little girl will be turning 3 soon and she's the coolest! She loves Batman, Barbie, Astroboy, My Little Pony, Sonic The Hedgehog and she really just got into Teen Titans big time now. It's busy, tiring but its a heck of a lot of fun being a daddy! I made sure the first video game she ever played was Pac-Man. There. Good for me. ;) BTW, she loves the new Pac-Man cartoon The Ghostly Adventures. It's being made by people of my generation, so there are plenty of in-jokes and references to 80's pop culture which brings a smile to my face. Plus, it's pretty cool stuff. :)

Plus, I'm an Uncle finally! I can't wait to see my baby nephew and spoil him! He was literally just born a few days ago. I've seen pictures and he is beautiful, looks just like his mommy!

So long 2013! Here's to 2014!

Beyond: Two Souls - The Experience

If you're expecting Beyond to be like Heavy Rain, you're not getting it. If you're expecting a more traditional story/adventure driven game like The Walking Dead. Nope, you're not getting that either. I think we all can agree, we weren't expecting anything remote like an Uncharted or Killzone either.

Beyond: Two Souls feels more like Flower or Journey, except with a billion dollar budget. It's an experience, one very much worth taking.

Review scores have bounced from displeasure to pure joy. I don't know if there is a middle ground here. If anything, it has gamers and non-gamers, talking. They want to take the adventure and see what all the fuss is about. Plus, it dosen't hurt that Ellen Page is featured on the box art, advertising and promotion. She should be. It's her adventure and experience you're asked to partake on.

Much like Sandra Bullock in Gravity, Ellen Page delivers an amazing performance, featuring a narrative completely focused on her. She is awesome from youth to teenage years to adulthood, she is mesmerizing. Another Canadian actor joins the production, William Dafoe brings his seasoned acting chops with excellent results. I wasn't sure how much he would be in here, but I'm happy to say a lot and that's a good thing. Anything that William Dafoe is in, is guaranteed awesome.

Game creator David Cage, brings a seasoned director's vision with a narrative jumping from different points in Jodie's (Ellen Page) life. I found it a unique way to unfold the mystery of the young woman and her ghostly companion named Aiden. There is big action, oh yes. Action set pieces that you would expect on the cinematic big screen. However, it's those quiet, personal moments from playing with friends in a snow ball fight to her first kiss that pluck your heart strings and bring a fully realized character to life.

Yeah, it's worth checking out. I can't guarantee that you'll love it or hate it. However, I won't lie to you, it's one hell of a sweet ride.

Gravity Is A Triumph of Filmmaking

Have no fear. I won't spoil anything for you in this straight to the point post.

All I will mention about this film, is that it's the most successful mix of science fiction and genuine human storytelling. The awesome thrill a minute rollercoaster ride of space is only heightened by a very human story of fear, love, laughter and loss.

Sandra Bullock has to get her second Oscar for this performance. She is just as beautiful as the captured images of our heavenly blue planet.

You deserve a treat. So go treat yourself to Gravity.

Grand Theft Auto V Chit Chat

Well, this is more like it.

For all it's innovations, HD splendor, excellent writting and characters, GTA IV didn't feel complete. Plagued with pacing problems from gameplay to the narrative, it felt at times, like a drag. It's direct, awesome sequels The Lost and The Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony where implemented much more smoothly. I loved playing The Ballad, it was a blast to play and was the only title in that series I completed. Now GTA V is out and it's a hell of a lot better.

GTA V is about polish. Driving, fighting and shooting mechanics has been perfected. It feels so good. Oh yeah, there are planes to fly and real estate to purchase and stock markets to invest in and golf courses to conquer. Oh my!

Featuring 3 direct narrative protagonists, you switch between them in real time advancing the game and plot. It's done so fast, so smoothly. I'm far from completing the narrative. However, I don't want to end it. Its oh so good. I love these characters. I love this plot. I love this world.

Heck, I haven't even tried the online mode which I here, is just as compelling.

KILLZONE: MERCENARY REVIEW

Where to begin? Hmm...

Honestly, this is a game that I've been waiting for, for a long time. Was it worth it? Oh, hell yes.
Who would have thought that my favourite FPS currently is on the PS VITA? I want more. I hope it sells big. I hope Sony has big plans for this game. More content? Bots for multiplayer? A sequel? All the above, please.

This game hooks you in and never lets go. The level design is awesome. Mission structure remains fresh and interesting as you progress through objectives. Just as you thought the game couldn't get any better, it shifts into another gear. Oh, yes! I like!

The plot is great stuff, the best the series has ever offered. It's tied directly into the mission structure, so its tough to not talk about either without spoiling. So all I'll say is that its good, really good stuff.

Gameplay is smooth as butter. Fire fights are intense. People will bitch about the touch controls, but I liked them. It added more to the experience and tests your skill more. Those who complained, probably aren't manly enough to play this game. Oh, snap! I just went there. ;)
Multiplayer is killer. Those who played the open beta got a bit of a taste. The full meal deal is much more. I'm the kinda gamer who generally doesn't give two poops about online multiplayer, but damn it's good. All of your actions from online to offline single player contribute to bucks or monies. Which of course, you use to buy awesome new weapons and equipment. Any mode you play gives back to you. Now that's sweet stuff.

Let's wrap this up. I muscled through the single player campaign in two days. I couldn't stop playing it until work, sleep or daddy duties got in my way. I was hooked thanks to triple-A presentation, graphics, voice acting, game design and play. This portable game kicks the crap out of a lot of big console experiences. If you have a Vita, go get this game. If you don't have a Vita, this is another killer app for it. Do yourself a favour and go get one now.

Killzone: Mercenary retails for $39.99 in stores. A digital download is available on the PSN for $35.99. Make sure you have at least an 8GB memory card for the digital version since it clocks in under 5GB.

SONY TGS 2013: What's Coming West?

I'm sure many gamers out there where excited about Sony's Japanese TGS announcements. Let's keep them at that, Japanese retail revelations. However, what's gonna hit the west? Let's take a peek.

PS VITA TV

Is it coming to North America? Not a chance.

A very tiny, sexy console dedicated strictly to playing PS VITA games on your big HD tv. Oh and it can also stream PS4 games as well. BAM! Clearly this is a console strictly for the Japanese market. When you consider that the PS4 isn't launching there until February. We're getting the next gen platform in a matter months. PS VITA TV is clearly aimed to tied the consumers over until it's arrival. Plus, Japan loves the Vita. They'll buy this device just to expand their Vita delights.

NEW PS VITA

Available in multiple colors. LCD replaces the OLED screen.  Thinner, lighter and more battery life. Is it coming to the west? Yes, just don't it expect it right away. What about all those colors? You'll see black, white and blue make it here but that's probably about it.

NEW PHANTASY STAR GAME

I love Phantasy Star. My first experience was the glorious Dreamcast epic Phantasy Star Online. Oh the memories. *sniff* What was announced was Phantasy Star Nova which appears to be much like the awesome PSP games in the series. I want.

Chances of it arriving in the west? 50% chance.

Phantasy Star Online 2 has been in Japan for over a year. It has also appeared in other Asian markets, but that game's chances of coming here are nill. It launched with server issues and I don't think Sega wants to deal with a worldwide server crash issue, much like Square Enix is experiencing with its latest Final Fantasy game.

However, this stand alone title in the series isn't online dedicated but back to it's single player roots. Yeah, it might actually make it here.

Pretty please.

NEW SOUL SACRIFICE GAME

Sony's latest blockbuster game for the Vita is becoming a franchise. Soul Sacrifice Delta appears to be an enhanced edition of the original game with more content added to the already jam packed epic.

Chances of it coming west? 90% chance.

It's coming. I guess as an exclusive PSN title. I loved Soul Sacrifice and I would enjoy more.

64GB VITA MEMORY CARD

Chances of it landing across the pond? 100% chance.

Yeah, it's coming. The more storage, the better. Hell I purchased a 32gb memory card on the Vita's launch and that wasn't cheap! That was before the current price drop on them. Still, I can attest that even with a 32gb memory card, it's still not enough. Especially since the majority of my purchases have been digital PSN content and with the upcoming Killzone: Mercenary is weighing in nearly 5gb after an update. Crap, I could use a bigger card.

So there you have it. Lots of exciting PlayStation content is coming, hopefully to North America. Crossing my fingers for all that Vita goodness to arrive in The Great White North.

Rayman Legends is Phenomenal

There are some games that just put a big ole' smile on your face. Rayman Legends is one of them.

Please go get this game now. I'm loving it on my PS VITA in all its HD glory. Download it off the PSN right now for $36 bucks. It's only 1gig big. You can squeeze it on your card or go buy it at retail. Point is, go... Get... It... Now!!!

Currently I have around half a dozen games going on my VITA and PS3. I thought I couldn't throw Rayman into the mix but I was wrong. This is such a joy to play. It's fun, colourful and just challenging in the right spots. The graphics are beautiful. I can't see a pixel or a polygon anywhere. It's just this gorgeous animated delight. It's the perfect VITA game with it's bite sized level design. Presentation has spared no expence, you are getting the full HD console experience here. Word on the street has it that there are a few missing levels. Ubisoft officially responded that this content will be patched in alongside 5 additional exclusive VITA levels for free. Definitely more bang for your buck.

Do you sence a pattern here? Yes, my praise could go on forever.

Hungry for some damn good platforming? Hungry for one of the best game's in recent years? Then go help Rayman out and become a legend.

Killzone: Liberation Conquered on PSP

I have a confession to make.

I've only completed 2 out of the 4 currently available Killzone games. Shocking! Especially since it is one of my favourite Sony franchises. It may also be my favourite "shooter" franchise. Period. Yep, you heard that right.

Killzone 2 and 3 have had multiple play throughs and completions. However, the classics, Killzone for the PlayStation 2 and Killzone: Liberation for the PlayStation Portable have sat in my collection for some time. Neglected? Yes, but still loved. Time to complete the neglected! The original Killzone, I'm currently completing via the PlayStation 3 HD collection. The oldie looks pretty slick in HD from it's original SD presentation. I should be done it soon, but for now, the first portable entry has been tackled, focused and completed.

I finished the game via a PlayStation Vita and PSP GO, completing numerous challenges and the main campaign to its original 4 chapter release. I copied my save file to a PS3 and copied it to a PSP GO to fully complete the camapign with the downloadable chapter 5. Check it out online on how to aquire this additional chapter. Sadly it's unplayable on a Vita due to it's whacky file structure, which is alien to the PSP's. However if you have a PSP or a GO kicking around, it's no problem to install.

Liberation trades in the traditional FPS look of the franchise to a Diablo/Baldur's Gate 3rd person view. It looks beautiful. A fresh take on the series, still packed with plenty of challenge and things to shoot at. Presentation is top notch. Featuring a fully orchestrated score, decent voice acting and a sweet narrative. I wouldn't expect any less from a Sony 1st party game.

It's tough as nails. Yeah, surprise! It's a Killzone game. I wouldn't expect any less from a Killzone game. Word of advice, complete as many Challenge Games as you can before further pursuing the single player campaign. You'll increase your character's skills and weapon slots.

So after a week of focus, the game comes to an end. Another notch in my Killzone belt. Level design is pretty darn good. Especially chapters 4 and 5. Things blow up really good and the game addictivly keeps you hooked. It's definitely worth playing and cheap to aquire as a digital PSN purchase or new/used UMD.

I'm writing this 6 days before the release of the Vita exclusive Killzone: Mercenary which I'm excited to play. Europe just got it. I have to wait an extra week to own it. However it's getting fantastic reviews across the pond and good things come to those who wait.

All That Sony, PlayStation and Vita Stuff Just Happened

I can't even remember the last time I blogged. Well pooh, It was on July 5th, 2013... which was some time ago.

What have I done since then? Oh boy, lots of stuff.

I'm going to focus on Sony goodies since that is what I like. I also assume that is why you are here. 

Saw Elysium in theatres opening day. I loved it. It's a different beast than District 9. The fan community have a love/hate relationship with Elysium but I think general audiences will enjoy it more. Of course, I can never complain about the way Blomkamp integrates real and CGI imagery, it truly is visually mesmerizing.

Sony's IFA 2013 just happened and I'm in love with their external QX Smart Lens. I want one now. This is the one cell phone accessory I believe, most people want. Awesome stuff.

Sony was at Gamescom 2013 as well with the big announcement of the PlayStation 4 launch. November 15th in North America and November 29th for the rest of the world. More important to me however, where the PlayStation Vita announcements  A price drop for the handheld resulting in a $199.99 price for all current and future bundles. Plus, the announcement of a portable Borderlands 2 made me giggle in delight.

I'll wrap this quick post up. What's for the future of the blog. A podcast will be here shortly, lining a few guests and topics. It will be fun stuff. Plus, more posts. I love me some Sony. I love me some movies. I also love me some games and stuff so there is always enjoyable stuff to ramble on about.

Until next time...

Pac-Man and The Ghostly Adventures Review

Here's the thing.

Look at the character. Look at the toys. Look at the upcoming platform game this fall.

Now, look at the animated series.

It's designed for a 4 year old or an adult, still a kid at heart. Simply put, it's charming, cute, funny and adorable. Kinda like a 4 year old. It's mountains better than the "classic" (notice I put classic in quotes, cause it really isn't), Hanna-Barbera 80's cartoon which has always been painful. I know it's not saying much, but believe me, new Pac-Man cartoon is much better than old Pac-Man cartoon. It's heck of a lot better than  other animated TV shows out there.

I've been watching the series with my kid and we get a huge kick out of it. Yeah, I'm a Pac-Man fan but I was questionable about this cartoon when the first promos hit the internet. I'm happy to report, it works. It's goofy fun stuff, with some decent writing. Check it out for yourself via YouTube, thanks to an awesome user who's devoted time for your pleasure. Watch it while you can until it's yanked by the Mouse House. Personally, I find it to be easy publicity for Disney and hopefully they're chill about it. ;)

Enjoy!

Yes, The Last of Us Is That Darn Good

This game has been out for two weeks and it's continues to be sold out at retailers, expected to be on many game of the year lists and is being called a modern day classic.

Yes, The Last of Us is that darn good.

A masterpiece of modern game design with a narrative sharply focused. An ending that will challenge and make you think a little bit. Oh, the human condition is shown in all it's honesty.

Damn, this is the game the industry has been waiting for. The one that shows the world, that this medium can be home to thought provoking experiences.

When you boil it down though, it plays so damn well. It runs smooth and controls like a dream. The Last of Us is a well oiled machine, never breaking down and is that premium product you brag to your friends about.

Go get this game now. If you can find one. It deserves to be sold out.

Man of Steel Thoughts

I'm not going to spoil anything here, so have no fear.

I love the structure of this flick, as we jump from origin to the present day and back and forth. Chris Nolan's sensibilities are all over the narrative. Much like Batman Begin's telling, we are focused on Superman's birth to his present day objective.

The action is top notch. While totally bad ass, exciting and thrilling these sequences are, their purpose is to explore Superman's sensibilities and his willingness to over come all obstacles. This added to the fact of the final battle and end conclusion defines the character further adding complexity.

Performances are solid. The cast is strong. Like Nolan's other productions, he tends to cast strong actor's in all aspects from main to supporting.

This all boils down to director Zach Snyder. I've loved this guy's work since his Dawn of The Dead remake. He has a strong sensibility to reward the audience with both strong character, narrative, production and action.

Man of Steel is a huge success. Much like Batman Begin's, it's a superhero's triumphant return to the buig screen, ready to successfully reappear again in future instalments.

Sony's Xperia Tablet Z Launches UPDATED

It was only six months ago when Sony of Japan announced their intention to release their next tablet. After two previous attempts, the Sony Tablet S and Xperia S, this third generation tablet was finally going to combine all of Sony's tech and innovations into one product.

The tablet itself was reflective of Sony's own flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z. This phone is the company's first attempt at a real premium product. Reviews for it have been fantastic, with it's power, speed, durability, water proof ability and top it off, that sleek sexy Sony design. Who better to design this new tablet, than the makers of the Xperia Z themselves?

Today, the tablet is finally out.

Reviews have been fantastic. Pointing out an elegant, durable, powerful device that screams the best Sony has to offer. I honestly can't wait to get mine, direct from Sony themselves.

It's been an interesting ride for Sony during these tablet wars. The Tablet S was a great product, appearing on the market a little too late. However, it's unique wedge design and host of exclusive, slick apps made it an award winning piece of hardware.

Their next attempt, the Xperia S, again arrived late to the market. It took a beating, sold strictly in Sony Stores in Canada and had been recalled for hardware issues with it's waterproofing.

It's nice to see that the third time's the charm. Have I mentioned I really, really, really want mine now! ;)

Super Happy Sony Smile Time Update:

Here is a sampling of quotes and links to reviews for the must have tablet of 2013. Enjoy!

"Dare we say it? Yes, we dare: this is probably our favourite of the bigger tablets on the market right now." - Wired.co.uk

"This 10-inch slate boasts an incredibly slim design, with the sort of stark, minimalist aesthetic that wil earn you some jealous looks in the buisness class lounge at the airport." - CNET UK

"Sony's SideView TV app and remote control mini-app offer up one of the easiest second-screen combinations we've ever used." - Engadget

"The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is one of the most beautiful tablets we have ever seen, and the fact that it's so light is even better." - techradar

Pac-Man on Android for Free!

Pac-Man is going to have a huge year.

A new animated TV series, toy line and game will be launching in the Fall. To help get everyone a little more excited, Namco-Bandai Games has just released a FREE (see that in BOLD) Android app entitled PAC-MAN +TOURNAMENTS.

Included is the original Pac-Man arcade game, in all it's glory. Plus, a brand new tournament mode, allowing gamers to compete for prizes. This new mode features new mazes as gamers rack up points to be in the top 10 of worldwide leader boards. Sweet!

It's Pac-Man! It's FREE! You better start downloading it now.

Pac-Man Returns!

Pac-Man is a big part of my childhood. The early 1980's was a hugely exciting time as the "new" entertainment medium of the "arcade/video game" was entering a golden era of classics from Donkey Kong to Galaga to Mario Bros. to Dragon's Lair. My favourite? Pac-Man. Pac-Man was the first multimedia video game superstar. He broke the barriers of arcade games, pieces of digital entertainment only located in bars and pool halls. Everybody wanted to play Pac-Man and he was everywhere from arcades to grocery stores to shopping malls.

When I was a little kid back in the day, I'd watch the Hanna-Barbera cartoon show with a big bowl of Pac-Man cereal. Then I'd play my Coleco Tabletop and dream of all of those Pac-Man pixels, characters and worlds. Oh, nostalgia... *sniff* ;_;
I guess I'm most excited about is that a new Pac-Man cartoon series is coming out this fall. Pac-Man and The Ghostly Adventures is being produced my Namco-Bandai and Avi Arad of Spider-Man movie fame. 26 episodes will be rolling out on the Disney XD followed by a huge toy line and a new video game based on the tv show for every platform imaginable.

The icing on the cake?

I'll be watching this series with my little daughter. Together we can dream of all of those Pac-Man pixels, characters and worlds. Oh, new nostalgia... *happy sniff* ^_^

Featured bellow are a couple of wonderful videos showing off a chunk of the new adorable cartoon series, as well as a look at the new toys coming out very soon. I can't wait! :)

Sony Xperia Z is Baby Proof

This is just to cute to not share.

Enjoy!

Sony Xperia Tablet Z Launches Q2

It's almost here!

Launching within the next couple of months, worldwide mind you, the beautiful premium Sony Xperia Tablet Z will be on store shelves.

I can't wait for it! My Sony Tablet S can finally take a well deserved rest, once I get the Z.

It just looks so damn sexy, doesn't it?

Full specs and awesome details provided in the video below.