Well, I was originally going to do a blog about games that I wanted at the start of 2010 (not for Christmas because that's been done to death) but I need to get this out of the way before I start to forget about them

So let's get onto it, I'm talking about two hyped FPS, one that is resonably hyped while the other is overhyped. But let's start with the reasonably hyped one first and the one that I was looking out for.

Borderlands. When I first heard about the game, I didn't really care about at first but then when they announced the change in the art-$tyle, I got curious. After seeing a couple of videos about the game, I got into it even more as on how it'll play out, how it looks, etc.When I finally got my hands on it, I was really into it, although one or two games were distracting me from finishing the game though

But now that I have finally finished it, all I've gotta say that this is my choice for the BEST FPS of 2009, period.

Almost everything about this game was solid. Solid graphics (despite some texture loading), sound, gameplay and length is indeed the original IP that Gearbox has given to us and has done it well. The whole bada$$ yet rough feel of the world was great, picking up loot, different characters with different abilities to choose from (I chose the Hunter ) and new weapons is addicting and plenty of missions to do (both main and side quest) gave the game a whole lot of depth as well as the game is very balanced on being a First-Person Shooter crossed with an RPG, especially when it comes to leveling up.

But does it mean the game is perfect? No. There are some flaws I have with the game that I will mention. First of all, as of being an FPS/RPG, I could have expected a good story since it follows in the RPG and while it does have a basic premise on what the game is, which is about a bunch of vault hunters on a planet trying to find the big vault to seek it's vast riches but no one believes them, The disappointing part about the story is that it's not very deep at all and the craptastic ending doesn't help either. It's not a total game killer at all but they could have put some effort into this game with a more in-depth story as of being a part-RPG that is.

Another problem I had is one that I knew it was coming, as Gearbox stated that there will be over "a million type of guns". I knew from the start that it was going to be a joke and I was right, they're basically the same kind of guns you get, a Pistol, Revolver, SMG, Assualt Rifle, Sniper Rifle, Rocket Launchers, etc. So it's no surprise in the end but what makes them different is what components that the guns have, like an SMG has a corrossive toxic component with a 267 Damage rate and 78% Accuracy rate, so at least that's something good so you can change around different weapons and sell or drop the ones you don't want and go with that, although it would have been nice if there was a customisable gun-maker, so you can collect all the parts and build something entirely from scratch but there's nothing like that in the game which isn't a big problem but it would have been nice for the creative types.

Another problem I had was the wonky enemy AI, sometimes they notice you and sometimes they don't, it's kinda random but at least it's tolerable though. But my biggest complaint about the game is the end boss, the hit detection and glitches from the end boss is so weird especially when you're hiding in the smallest cover as possible, you'll still get hit from the wind waves or laser, it's so stupid. The gitches on the other hand are even as dumb but not as problematic as the end bosses laser can go through the biggest cover you can find yet you won't get it. I think they kinda rushed this part a bit which is kinda annoying but still playable.

So all in all, despite the (somewhat nit-picky) problems I've stated, Borderlands is an amazing game that every FPS or Action-RPG fan should play. If you have a 360, PS3 or PC, get it. I know I should have mentioned the Co-Op feature but I never got to try that out though, so sorry about that. I'll give my final score at the end of the blog as we go to the next game which is the overhyped one that I've rented.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. I've stated many times that I wasn't gonna buy this game for certain reasons and not just the whole "I'm not buying it because Activision is Evil" thing but I believed the first one was overrated, not that I'm saying it's bad but it's go so much high scores that when I played and finished the game, I had no idea why. But I think the whole reason why people praised it is because of it's multiplayer component, which I think it's rather biased because if think if a game (especially if it's an FPS) is focused more on the multiplayer rather than the single-player campaign (which while it had epic moments, it was rather short), then I would clarify that game as 'unbalanced'. Why? If you put more effort into Multiplayer than Single-player, then the game should have been a multiplayer exclusive from the start (like Warhawk on the PS3) especially for a hyped game like COD4.

Now the sequel is out and I've rented it on the PS3 (why not the 360 version? They were out), What do I think of it? Is it just as overhyped as the first one? Absolutely. Infinity Ward and Activision didn't do much to improve the first one and just gave us the same game with little new content which really goes to show that when you overhype a game like this, you should fulfill it because if you don't, I'm not gonna take the game seriously.

But that doesn't mean that I hate the game though, I actually did enjoy it, but I'll mention that later as I'll get onto the bad points first...

To start off, the story is a continuation of the first one so for those who have paid attention and enjoyed the story in COD4 will be pleased to know that it continues with some great action and epic moments, however... I do have a few problems with it. For starters, the story has way too many twists that it becomes a little ridiculous and a bit confusing, how many people in this game can betray others? It's so silly.

Another problem is the occasional enemy placement, sometimes they'll come from behind you in certain maps of the main game and it's really annoying as you can die often when you're not careful. Some of the items are a little underused like the Night Vision Goggles, no matter how dark it is, it's still a little hard to see where your enemies are, while it's not a big problem but I would have expected something better like a thermal component in the NVG. Also the Riot Shield is useful in certain parts of the game, however you can't shoot while holding them which makes no sense to me, as it could have been better to shoot while holding the shield.

And finally, the biggest problem I had with the game is the same I had with the first one, It's TOO DAMN SHORT! I beaten this game around about 5-6 and a 1/2 hours and this is a reason why I'm starting to have a little grudge with modern FPSs as I've said, they tend to focus too much on the multiplayer than a long and decent single-player campaign. (I can't believe I'm gonna say this) but even the single-player campaign in The Conduit on the Wii was longer than this game, Killzone 2 was longer than this game and as overhyped as that game was, at least it was balanced with a lengthy campaign mode and superb online multiplayer. I'm sorry but that's how I feel about MW2 and most FPS in general.

But despite all the problems I've mentioned, it's still a really solid game with great epic moments in the campaign, the smoothest graphics I've ever seen, solid controls and fun online multiplayer (I only got to try one Free-for-all match and I came in 3rd ), so I may consider a buy for the multiplayer but who knows? I'm more likely gonna buy it used for certain reasons.

So final thoughts on both of these games...

Borderlands: An Amazing Solo experience that defies the odds with a hitch here and there but still a must buy as it is my choice for Best FPS this year. (9/10)

Modern Warfare 2: Buy it if you're gonna play the multiplayer but rent it if you're strictly gonna play for the single-player campaign. (8.5/10)

(I'd also like to add that $120 for MW2, it seems severly overpriced as well as COD4 Wii for $100. They should have been $20 off ($100 for MW2 and $80 for COD4 Wii) without question, imo.)

When I rented Modern Warfare 2, I also got the chance to rent COD 4: MW - Reflex Edition on the Wii and Mobilized on the DS. As for Reflex Edition, it's pretty much what you'd expect for a port, it's a little downsized with the graphics to fit the system, so they are crap compared to the original versions but good for a Wii title but could have done a little better. As for controls, there are various pre-created button placements for the Wiimote + Nunchuck or you can customise it yourself (but don't expect too much customisation like in The Conduit) and you can also utilise the Wii Zapper if you wish. The gameplay is pretty much what you'd expect from COD 4 but just with Motion controls which I think it works very well. The most surprising thing about the game is it's online multiplayer, it works perfectly. No lag or anything, you just connect via Wi-Fi, you select a match, wait for others and you're in. However, there are only 10 players maximum and no Killcam like in the original, so it's a bit of a disappointment but not a total game killer though.

(That also reminds me about MW2, if COD4 on the Wii can handle 10 players, why MW2 on the PS3 can only handle up to 8?!)

So, if you're an exclusive Wii-owner that never played COD 4 and want a good FPS to play online, Get this game. It's well worth it despite it's setbacks and there's plenty of people online playing (seriously, I couldn't believe it).

I'm not gonna say too much about Mobilized but I will say that it's pretty good for a FPS on the DS, amazing graphics and excellent sound quality, however if you didn't like FPS on the DS (like Metroid Prime: Hunters or the previous COD games), don't even bother.

So, that's it for this blog (finally). Take Care everybody!

Well, I'm back again with another Random Rambles, I know I've already done one a few weeks ago but I don't have anything planned right now, so I'm just gonna talk about a few things that I've been wanting to clear off my chest.

Let's get into this.

I just recently got Windows 7 installed in my computer last night, thanks to my brother. I was gonna try it out before I went to sleep but as I was waiting (in bed) with my brother (who was on my chair), but sadly, I fell asleep (forgot to brush my teeth!) because I was so tired. Now that I'm using it (as of this blog), I don't have much to say but it's a lot smoother but a little tricky because I had to configure some of the taskbar settings since all applications like files, web browsers, etc. can be compiled into one seperate block and I had to change that, It may seem convinient for some but for me, it was rather annoying. But all in all, it's all pretty simple and very nice, that's all I have to say about Windows 7.



I'm still on my anime binge at the moment as I've finished two shows recently. I finished FullMetal Alchemist and I've already did a review on that, feel free to check it out. I've also recently finished Baccano (as pictured above), I've picked up the complete collection (all seperate volumes in one box) at the eGames expo for $80 which was a pretty solid deal, after seeing the first ep and hearing so many good things about this show that I was compelled to buy it and I'm glad I did. Baccano is definitely something truly different compared to other animes today, with a complex, well-structured and branching storyline (which there are 3 stories linked together), great characters and a solid presentation, it's a wonderful mix between Pulp Fiction, The Godfather and FullMetal Alchemist. If you have the chance and if you are interested in some anime with a flavour of 1930's America, check it out. I also plan to rewatch it in the english dub (I've watched it in Japanese but I think it would be better to watch it in english due to it's setting).



I was originally going to do a seperate blog about the upcoming movies that I wanted to see and one of them is "Where the Wild Things Are" (here's the trailer, it's great ), at first I was a bit stunned to hear about this movie as it is based off the picture storybook by Maurice Sendak and I was thinking myself "How can a picture storybook without any depth whatsoever can turn into a film?", I remember the book myself but not entirely as I was in primary school at the time but I'm hoping that this movie that it's going to be fantastic but I'm not expecting too much (of course) but hoping the best since I know that the director is very compentent. I've seen both films directed by Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich and Adaptation) and I enjoyed them both greatly, even that I've placed them as some of my favourite films of all time, so I'm excited about it. The other film I was gonna talk about was titled "9" but I don't know too much about the film besides that it's an expansion of a short film which was nominated for an oscar and it's produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (who did Night Watch and Wanted).



I've recently gotten back into Facebook and as mad as ever (well, not THAT mad ), Got some great things out of it but the most important was that I was able to talk to a friend who I haven't seen in a long time (who is now friends with my brother at Uni). If you wish to add me on Facebook, go right ahead.

I was planning to talk more but I'm not gonna talk about it but I do want to ask if anyone wants me to post my Top Ten Most Overrated Games (Re-Deux) blog which I've been working on Wordpress for quite sometime. I'm just a little nervous if I should or not, but I'd like to ask you guys, if you think I should or shouldn't, please let me know.

Well, that's it for this blog, Take Care

Hey everyone, time for another Random Ramble, I hope you all are having a good long weekend (because I know I haven't had one because I had to work on monday) and I also giving a small shout out to my sister who turned 27 yesterday, we didn't have a big party but we had an interesting ice-cream cake, I just gave her a JB voucher and my very own B-day card

Anyway, now that I've got that out of the way. Let's move on...

A Very Special Rant in the works

Yes, I am going to rant about Sega, it was something that I had promised back on my Wordpress account. I just never had the feeling to do the rant but due to being inspired by a certain video on YouTube, I have to say my two cents about one of my favourite developer/publishers of all time (even they done really dumb desicions).

Random Facts about Me

No, I did not get tagged, I'm just doing it for a bit of fun and to express on who I am. I'm not tagging anyone else but if you want to talk facts about yourself, be my guest.

• I used to be in a bowling league during school
• I first tried alcohol when I was 16 at a graduation party
• My favourite console of all time is the Sega Dreamcast (but many of you know that by now)
• I'm a "Pepsi-holic"
• I used to hate grapes when I was younger but as I grew older, I now love them
• Power Stone, Tech Romancer and Viewtiful Joe are my favourite games made by Capcom
• My favourite anime of all time is Trigun
• My favourite slice of life comedy anime is K-On!
  
• Back when Pokemon was big, I loved playing the Trading Card Game... On Game Boy Colour
• I used to be in a public school from time to time but didn't end long as I stuck to my current school, back then
• The Super Nintendo was the first game console that started me on gaming
• I'm probably the only person in the world who doesn't find Yahtzee funny
• Despite shoving out Sonic games every year, Sega is my favourite developer/publisher
• I'm addicted to YouTube
• I prefer my plain chips thinly sliced while salt 'n' vinegar crinkle cut
• The Amazing Race is the only Reality show I ever cared for
• I used to watch a lot of Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry Cartoons on Laser Disc
• I had a soft spot for the Powerpuff Girls when I used to watch Cartoon Network
  
• I used to Gymnastics when I was little
• I'm a Madman fanboy
• I can't stand chart-topping music today (most of the artists suck imo)
• Research, Patience (sometimes) and Elaborate are my words of wisdom
• I've met Cathy Freeman, Dave Hughes, Andy Griffiths, James Hird and a few other little to well-known Aussie celebrities
• I used to really hate being called a "grub" by my mother when I was younger
  
• I can't be **** reading these days unless it's something that interests me
• The Sega Dreamcast is my favourite console of all time
• My favourite movie of all time is Pan's Labyrinth (so good, I haven't opened the DVD )
• Spike Jonze and Takeshi Kitano are two of my favourite filmmakers
• I was a big fan of Gameshows when I was a kid (especially the ones you watch after school)
• I get a little fearful on the train (for obvious reasons)
• Salior Moon was the first anime I ever saw
• Even though I don't pay full attention in school, I still managed to pass my work
• I never went into detention once at school
• While I'm into heavy metal, I also like to listen to some pop (but mostly Bjork), alternative, punk, hardcore, techno and a bit of Jrock/pop.

That's all I can think of. Feel free to respond if you wish, whenever it's comments or in your own blog Moving on...

Final Purchases for the Year

As Christmas season is coming soon, I'd thought I'd save the best games that I'm wanting to get at Christmas, so to save on that, I decided to try and get at least two games before then and they'll be the last purchases I'll get.

For starters, I'll be planning to get Tekken 6, whilist hearing good scores on the game (even though like most reviews, I ignore them ) I'm hoping it'll be just as fun as the past Tekken games I've played like Tekken 2 on the PS1 and Dark Ressurection on the PSP. I did hear that there are long load times in the game but that shouldn't be a problem when you install it and laggy online but since I'm not that kind of gamer, it doesn't bother me. I'm getting the Collector's Edition which has a free hoodie in it as well as some other goodies that a die-hard Tekken fan would want and there's also a Arcade Stick edition but I have no interest in that since it's too expensive and I don't like playing arcade sticks (sorry, they're just not how I play) but other than that, I can't wait to play King in High definition

Another on my list is a game titled A Boy and His Blob which I did mention in my previous blog. The remake of the 1989 Cult clas$ic of the NES (created by David Crane of Pitfall! fame and Founder of Activision) and while I didn't get a good run when I tried the game at the expo, I was still impressed on how it controlled, the art and nature of the game. While I may prefer a more faster pace 2D platformer but this seems like something that I can relax and play through all the levels without any regret and with a price point of $50AU, what can go wrong? (Especially with all the great reviews I'm seeing.)

I am considering of getting New Super Mario Bros. Wii when it comes out but I decided not to since I plan to get it as a Christmas present instead, I hear it's going to be harder than Super Mario World (crazy, ain't it? If you don't use the Super Guide feature that is).

Prince of Persia Trailer Impressions

I've recently seen the trailer for the upcoming Prince of Persia movie based on the games by Ubisoft, Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (of the Priates of the Carribean) and starring Jake Gyllenhaal (of Donnie Darko and Brokeback Mountain).

I'm not a huge fan of the franchise but I do like the games but when I heard about this movie, I wasn't sure what to think about, it may or may not turn out to be another crappy video game based movie, I just wasn't sure. When I saw the trailer, I was intriguided on the setting and the special effects that seem to capture the major essence of the game but what I'm more worried about is the story and acting, while it doesn't explain the plot (obviously), it was an odd choice to have Gyllenhaal as the main character but his accent was something interesting but a little mixed for the most part. So, I don't know what to say other than it looks pretty good, it has an interesting cast (they also have Ben Kingsley in the film as the main villan I'be noticed) and the setting feels reminiscent to the 2000 PoP games rather than the 2008 "re-birth" title which to me is a good thing, but I'll wait and see, I'm not expecting too much from this.

A 3G Nintendo Handheld? Sweet! Cartridge-Free? WTF?!

As Nintendo are planning for their new handheld system using the Nvidia Tegra Chipset, they are also planning to think of having the system functional with online capabilities with 3G meaning you can go online anywhere, which I think is an awesome idea which is what Sony could have done with the PSP but didn't but the thing that bothers me about the inclusion of 3G is that they're also considering of the system being cartridge-less which kinda null and voids their thoughts on distribution they stated a few weeks ago (I cbf finding the original link sadly) especially since I prefer to have my hard copies but I don't mind it much if it was one of those downloadable games (like the ones from the DSiware shop) but still with that said, I'd like to play my DS games on this new one if they ever do add a cartridge slot in it but if they don't, they'll probably have the same experience as the PSP Go has now.

Well, that's all for Random Rambles, Take care everybody and I'll see you all from the Dark side

(My next blog may be about two upcoming movies that I really want to see)