W♥M (Archive)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Overview Forget everything you know about The Legend of Zelda games. Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-breaking new game in the acclaimed series. Travel across vast fields, through forests, and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the kingdom of Hyrule in this stunning Open-Air Adventure. Now on Nintendo Switch, your journey is freer and more open than ever. Take your system anywhere, and adventure as Link any way you like. Read More Nintendo Switch I’ve wanted the Nintendo Switch since I first heard about it last October 2016. The system launched in March 2017, but it immediately sold out everywhere. …

Whenever I’m over at someone’s house, and we tried different games on the Nintendo Switch, the easiest game universally that everyone can play and have fun is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s just a fun little kart game. The more I use it, I’m convince the Switch (especially with the Joy Cons) is just a really nice system that you and a friend can play locally.

As for accomplishments, I finally got around to beating The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I clocked in about 80 hours when I beat it, and now I’m just casually going back in the game to look for all 120 shrines or finishing all the side quests. The game is big, that’s for sure, but I have a feeling that it’s time to move on to another game. There is an upcoming expansion for Zelda, but I’m not sure I’m ready to pay another $20 to go back grinding in that world.

As far as I’m concern, Zelda: Breath of the Wild this is a perfect ten game. I’m saddened to see that it barely cracked the top 50 on Game Informer Magazine’s Top 100 RPG.... but I suppose it’s not a traditional, classic Role Playing Gaming.

What is lovely about the game is the sense of discovery. The game doesn’t explain anything to you - and it’s intentional - you just have to figure out some things on your own.

If you’re new to the game, here are some tips:

You need 13 hearts to receive the Master Sword.

To get through the lost woods, just follow the wind (watch your torch!)

All weapons break... This was a design choice, as it made sure you try and use different weapons.

In a thunderstorm, don’t equip metal weapons as you’ll get struck by lightning.

The best recipe is cooking a truffle with rice, two easily accessible ingredients.

Always carry a sledgehammer to fight against rock creatures or break rocks.

Use swords or axes to cut down trees and harvest bundle of woods.

To create fire, you’ll need a flint and wood. Strike it with your arrow or sword to create fire.

Want to get across rivers but don’t have a boat or a giant leaf (or you don’t have the stamina)? You can use your ice power to create blocks of ice to jump on. It’s a slow process, but you’ll eventually get across.

Buy as much arrows as you can afford.

To fight against giant rock foes, the only way to damage them is hitting their weak point (usually on the back of the rock). In order to reach its back, the best strategy I’ve found is to temporary freeze them with your timer and run behind them to shoot an arrow at their weak spot. Use explosive arrows, it causes more damage to rocks.

Guardians are weak against Ancient armor and weapons. If you don’t have the tech, the best way to defeat them is to time your shield right or hit them directly in the eye with your bow. You can also cut off their legs to keep them stationary.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Xbox One X

Read More Playstation 4 Last week my PlayStation Network account got hacked/compromised. The person removed my email and added his or her email and took $50 from my bank account (that is tied to my account … Nintendo Switch I’ve wanted the Nintendo Switch since I first heard about it last October 2016. The system launched in March 2017, but it immediately sold out everywhere. …

As a weekend gamer, I’ve been following the Xbox One X (formerly known as Xbox Scorpio) for a while. Over the E3 gaming expo weekend, Microsoft finally unveil details and pricing of their upcoming console. I’ve been holding out on buying any Xbox until we hear more about Scorpio.

The biggest disappointment for me is the pricing. It’s $499, which is more than I want to pay. Suddenly the $249 price of the regular Xbox One Slim (comes with a 4k Optical Drive and backward compatible games) is more attractive to me.

If you don’t care for 4k gaming, I think either the regular PS4 or XBS could be the right choice for you.

When it’ll be release, the XBX will be the most powerful console. This is necessary when you consider that it will have true native 4k gaming support. From what I’ve read of the PS4 Pro, not all games are 4k compatible. This may be the same case for XBX, unless the Xbox’s software automatically upscale to 4k.

Despite the Ars Technica article saying that 1.5% users use the backward compatible feature (Xbox has already responded that this is incorrect), I truly believe this is the main selling point for me. I still own some old Xbox 360 games and would just like the option to play them. Sony won’t support PS3 compatibility because, I believe, they want to sell you their gaming streaming service PlayStation Now.

Come November, will the XBX put Microsoft over the top? Probably no. Even though I knew the price would probably land around $500, to finally see it ... I think the price is too much. Its other uphill battle is that Sony will apply pressure by lowering the price of their PS4 this November. Think about it, if the PS4 Pro lists at $350 vs XBX’s $500, there’s no contest.

The other flaw in the Xbox family is that it doesn’t have a lot of gaming exclusives. Currently, Xbox’s main exclusive game is the Halo series... but PS4 has some great exclusives: The Last of Us, Nathan Drake, Final Fantasy, God of War, etc.

Also, let’s not count out Nintendo. Sure, the Nintendo Switch doesn’t even compare to power and graphics (it will upgrade to 900p when docked, not even 1080p!), but what it does offer is the ability to take games with you on the go. Plus, only Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Pokemon, etc., are playable on their consoles.

Compare	Xbox One X	PS4 Pro	Nintendo Switch
Price:	$499	$399	$299
Date:	07 Nov 2017	10 Nov 2016	03 Mar 2017
CPU:	2.3GHz 8-core AMD custom “Jaguar” CPU	2.1GHz 8-core AMD custom “Jaguar” CPU	1020MHz Nvidia custom Tegra SOC
Drive:	4K/HDR Blu-ray drive	Blu-ray drive	None
Resolution:	4k (Bluray/Gaming)	4k (Gaming only)	720p
Storage:	1TB	1TB	32GB
Size:	11.8x9.5x2.4 inches	12.8x11.6x2.1 inches	4x9.4x.54 inches
Backward Compatible:	YES	NO	NO

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Steam vs GOG

Read More Steam Speaking of Steam, it took some convincing, but I've decided to go all-in on the gaming distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. Sure, I'm still a fan of GOG (and still buy their games) … Nintendo Switch I’ve wanted the Nintendo Switch since I first heard about it last October 2016. The system launched in March 2017, but it immediately sold out everywhere. … Playstation 4 Last week my PlayStation Network account got hacked/compromised. The person removed my email and added his or her email and took $50 from my bank account (that is tied to my account … Games Well if you're in the same boat and want a game that is meatier, you need to check out Dragon Age: Inquisition. …

If you play video games on your computer, chances are you’re using Steam. As much as I like Steam, I’m not a huge fan of their DRM... which requires regular online check-in. While I understand why it has to check to make sure you own the game, I just don’t like the idea that I can’t play my games when I don’t have the internet.

Nuclear Throne

I recently purchased a retail game of Nuclear Throne, which came with a Steam code (see photo). I tried to redeem it, but Steam said someone else already used the code. You would think this simple error could be easily resolved by the Steam team. No, it’s not. There’s no way to contact Steam directly (GOG has a “contact us” page with a working email address.)

When I finally found the Steam’s help page, via a fan linking in their forums, it just tells me to return the game to the retailer. I don’t want to drive back to the store. I still couldn’t find a way to just write them a message.

When I had problems in the past with other companies, like Apple, Target, or Comixology, it was pretty easy to find the contact page. After I show them the proof (receipt or photo of the digital code), they just gave me the credit for it.

With the DRM issues, the fact that I absolutely loath the Steam Controller, and my terrible customer service experience, I think I will stop buying Steam games going forward. I can’t believe it came down to a $10 game... which I’m almost certain would cost Steam next to nothing to just give me the game (that I purchased!)

At least there’s still GOG (Good Old Games)... which will likely be my #1 PC gaming solution now. This company doesn’t require you to be online to play games you own. I have about 140 games on GOG and I’ll continue to support them.

One fan wrote this, which sums up how I feel about Gog: “Thank you GOG for never treating paying customers like criminals by forcing them to be online to play a single player game.”

A few years ago, GOG Galaxy was introduced and it’s probably the best thing that CD Projekt RED created. Just recently (maybe a few months ago), they started offering free cloud saves. That is just perfect, because I actually play games on two different computers (my work computer and my dedicated gaming computer that is hooked up to my 4k TV). It’s worked flawlessly for me, although it took forever to upload all my saves for the first time.

If you were wondering, my dedicated gaming computer is an ASUS M32CD Desktop Computer. Sure, it’s not the fastest computer around, but it’s also only $500.

ASUS M32CD Desktop Computer Factory Recertified; Intel Core i5-6400 Processor 2.7GHz; AMD Radeon R9 370 2GB VR Ready; 8GB DDR4-2133 RAM; 1TB 7,200RPM Hard Drive

1. Intel Core i5-6400 Processor 2.7GHz
2. AMD Radeon R9 370 2GB VR Ready
3. 8GB DDR4-2133 RAM
4. 1TB 7,200RPM Hard Drive
5. Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit
6. SuperMulti DVDRW Drive
7. 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
8. 10/100/1000 Network
9. 802.11ac Wireless

The factory recertified M32CD is powered by a 6th generation Intel processor to give you significantly faster and more efficient multitasking performance over previous iterations. DDR4 memory provides speeds twice faster than DDR3. The factory recertified M32CD enhances your daily computing experience, making online shopping, writing blogs, conducting presentations, or watching movies all the more enjoyable.

Eventually, I’ll get around to upgrading the graphics card to something speedy (the computer’s built-in 500 Watt is enough for any modern video card).

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Weekend Gamer: Tropico 4 is free on Humble Bundle (ends on Saturday, September 10th)

Read More Games Currently not enjoying The Elder Scrolls Online on the PS4. This game is just ugly, and not as good as their previous offline game Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. Personally, I think the ESO should be played offline …

Humble Bundle is giving away Tropico 4 for free right now. The offer ends tomorrow (September 10th) at 10am.

Sounds great, right? There are a few hurdles, but it’s not so bad. First of all, if you don’t have a Humble Bundle or Steam account, you have to create two accounts. After you link the account and convince the computer that you are “not a robot”, they will give you a steam key.

I got the free game in my library... but personally speaking, I have no intention of actually installing and playing the game... but for the price of FREE, I might as well add them to my growing library. I do this with Comixology, I will automatically “buy” all the free promotional comics and never read them. I actually may already own the comics when they were originally printed on paper.

This weekend, I’ll be catching up on my semi-recent Doom purchase for the PlayStation 4. For some odd reason, I was at a Game Stop and they were selling the Doom game brand new for $19.99 (it was a flash sale in late August 2016). I just check retail stores, the price is regularly $59.99. I actually own it on Steam when it was on sale for $35, but for $20, I couldn't pass it up getting it again for the PS4.

The only benefit on getting this on the PS4 is that my computer is not always available for gaming. Plus, if I choose to, I can sell back my PS4 game to Game Stop or Best Buy, which is something that you cannot do with PC or digital games.

I think for my next couple of semi-big purchases, I may look into getting the XBox One S or a budget 4k television. I already own two televisions, so the latter might be a tough argument.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Site Update: September 2015

Read More Freddy Krueger The song is obviously about Freddy Krueger of A Nightmare on Elm Street. It tells about how Will Smith saw this "def" movie and before he knew it, he was having a nightmare about Fred. … Sony I have a new camera. After rave reviews from Engadget (and other places), I have purchased the Sony NEX-3N. This is the perfect camera that I've been looking for: a small/compact camera … Terakaft The Sahara desert looks endless: Shifting plains of sand with a huge sea of burning blue skies above. ... Their crisis is at the heart of Terakaft’s fifth album, Alone (release: September 11, 2015 on OutHere Records). …

It's been really slow here, thanks to the holiday (Labor Day). With the extra-long weekend, I'm just catching up on some video games that I bought last month, but have not had a chance to play. Currently not enjoying The Elder Scrolls Online on the PS4. This game is just ugly, and not as good as their previous offline game Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. Personally, I think the ESO should be played offline, I don't see the benefit of it being online at all.

In the meantime, I've officially put Witcher 3 on break while I start up Pillars of Eternity again (since the expansion The White March Part 1 recently came out).

Also, I was sad to learn that horror legend Wes Craven passed away last Sunday (August 30th). As you know, I actually own a lot of his films, including Last House on the Left (not shown, but I own it on DVD), Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream. Craven made Freddy Krueger into a horror icon, rivalling Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Pinhead. I wish Pluto ("the Hills Have Eyes guy") was more iconic... but there's only so much you can do to that character when you killed him (twice!)

Michael Berryman

I've never met Craven, but have seen/met two of the actors: Robert Englund (Freddy) at Wizard World 2014 and Michael Berryman (Pluto) at Crypticon 2008.

Also, as you know, my kit lens for my Sony NEX-3N stopped working (which was why, for a brief time, I was drawing the bands)... I had to order a replacement lens the day it stopped working and was expecting the SEL55210 Sony Lens to arrive after September 9th. However, thanks to Circuit Street, via Amazon, they sent it to me yesterday. That was really fast, and I'm somewhat relieved I did not pay for the expedited shipping and handling (an extra $30).

Some things to know before you spend the $200 to get the 55 to 210mm lens: this lens originally came with a camera kit, so there is no retail box for it. This also means that there is no manufacturer warranty. I think for the reduced price, it's worth it.

Also, there is no power zoom, which means that you will have to manually turn the lens to zoom. This is perfectly fine, unless you are using this one-handed.

Finally, the lens is bigger than the camera itself (especially with the lens hood), so it is heavier and looks pretty ridiculously on a tiny body.

The best part about this lens is that there is auto focus (which I've read some lens do not have the AF motors), but you can also manually focus as well (this is something that was not possible on the original kit lens).

I have not tested this out on the field yet, my next scheduled show is Terakaft at the Cedar Cultural Center on September 8th .

New Lens (05 September 2015)

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ itunes.apple.com

Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Read More The Witcher I also picked up The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, at Walmart, which came with a lot of bonus items like a DVD and Soundtrack (all at the normal cost of a game product). They are on the right track, I definitely …

I'm a big fan of CD Projekt, the maker of the Witcher series. One of the main reason is that they allow their games to be played offline on a PC, which is how I prefer to play my games. In return, I'll always support the software company. CD Projekt's latest game is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the game came out internationally last Tuesday. I finally got a chance to play the game over the long weekend, starting on Friday evening and running the game all weekend long.

As with the previous Witcher game, the PC version comes with a bonus CD soundtrack of the game. I'm not sure if the soundtrack is free for the PS4 or Xbox One version.

Just initial thoughts, but the game is very good. It feels like a cross between Skyrim, Dragon Age: Inquisition, and a little bit of Red Dead Redemption (particularly for the horse riding).

Although I own the two previous Witcher games (both on discs and digital -- couldn't pass up the sale leading up to Witcher 3), they were just so long that I actually never finish either games... and I suspect that I probably won't have the time to see The Witcher 3 to its end. That's fine, I have always felt I got my money's worth when it comes to these games.

I couldn't get my PC to run the game at Ultra Setting (I've read actually that even the latest Nvidia cards have trouble with the highest setting), but even at 1080p/60fps was good enough for me. Gameplay was pretty smooth and enjoyable, even on my budget Nvidia 750ti and my midrange Intel i5 chip. Your mileage may vary, depending on your rig.

Anyway, right now I'm in a middle of a boss fight that is really tough. I might restart the game and do all the side quests to bring up my levels. I think my character is too weak right now to take on this long quest (which I think I jumped in way too early in the game).

As for complaints about the game, my one small gripe is the way the character moves. It's very slow to start, as if the controls aren't very responsive.

If there are no other games coming out... I think Witcher 3: Wild Hunt may be my game of the year.

PS I have been giving a lot of thoughts into upgrading to a 960 video card (on sale for $200). I figure if games are pretty good on my current computer, wouldn't they will be amazing on something faster?

Witcher, Witcher 2, and Witcher 3

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Game On: Humble Bundle, Special Olympics, and OlliOlli2

Read More Video Game I am loving the RPG game Pillars of Eternity, which just came out yesterday. Since I'm a big fan of Black Isle's Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate, I felt right at home with Pillars. …

HUMBLE BUNDLE
humblebundle.com

I already own at least five of these games (on discs and digital), but I couldn't resist paying the average price to get these games again. When I donated, they gave me a breakdown of how much money was made for charity (over $2 million dollars as of this writing) and who the top donators were - someone donated $500.

Dragon Age™: Origins

Peggle™

Dead Space™ 2

Medal Of Honor Allied Assault™ War Chest

Command & Conquer™ Generals + Zero Hour

Plants Vs. Zombies™ Garden Warfare

Dragon Age™ II

Bejeweled™ 3

Mass Effect™ 2

SimCity 2000™ Special Edition

Wing Commander 3™: Heart Of The Tiger

Wing Commander™ IV: The Price Of Freedom

Ultima VII The Complete Edition

Even if you're not into PC gaming, you can't ignore what a good deal this is. The Humble Bundle Origin #2 Bundle ends in five days.

Read More Avril Lavigne I've previously mentioned Avril Lavigne a few times on W♥M, and really, she doesn't need any introduction. The first thing about Avril's version is her opening line …

AVRIL LAVIGNE
avrillavigne.com

The 'complicated' Avril Lavigne's latest single "Fly" will benefit Special Olympics. The song was made available on iTunes 100 days (99 as of this writing) before the start of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and will feature Avril Lavigne and Special Olympics athletes from around the world. You can download it now via itunes.com.

"This song means a lot to me personally," says Lavigne. "It is inspired by the many young people I’ve met throughout my work with my Foundation. They pursue their dreams no matter what obstacles they face."

Additional details about "Fly":

Lavigne co-wrote “Fly” with her husband Chad Kroeger and David Hodges. The track was produced by Avril Lavigne and Chris Baseford, mixed by Chris Lord-Alge at Mix LA with assistance from Keith Armstrong and Nik Karpen, with additional engineering from Andrew Schubert and Adam Chagnon, engineered by Chris Baseford, and mastered by Ted Jensen. Special thanks to Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The track also features violin by Slovakian sensation Filip Jančík, who is known for melding rock and pop with classical violin.

Read More Soundtrack Not to be outdone by the free Dragon Age Inquisition Tavern Songs, League of Legends is also offering a free full album download at on their official website for a limited time. …

OLLIOLLI2
roll7.co.uk

I actually own OlliOlli2 on the PlayStation 4, thanks to my membership to their PlayStation Plus subscription. To be honest, I have not actually launched the game, but I did download it because it was free for me.

Anyway, South London's Roll7 recently announced their official release of OlliOlli2 Original Soundtrack on digital stores worldwide. The OlliOlli2 OST is now available on over 200 digital stores including popular outlets iTunes and Amazon.

“With OlliOlli2 we wanted to focus on the music that we all share an interest in,” notes Simon Bennett, OlliOlli2’s producer “Independent Dance Music, glitchy, jazzy, chilled out... the sort of music that DJ Lefto in Belgium, Giles Peterson or Benji B, or more recently people like Soulection Radio in the States would play.”

Tracklisting:

1. Louis Futon - Shoulda Known (Ganz Remix)
2. Bobby Tank - Undone Submerse - Truth
3. Kelpe – Puds (Morgan Hislop Remix)
4. Monk' – “L”
5. Headlights - Troy Gunner
6. Kyle Cook / Parkinson White - Sapphire
7. StarRo - Lust
8. Ital Tek - Universal Decay
9. Ital Tek - Shinra
10. Falty DL - Korben Dallas
11. Sweatson Klank - Always You
12. Tobacco - Tape Eater

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Game On: Pillars of Eternity and Guild Wars 2

Read More Dragon Age The soundtrack is composed by Inon Zur, who also previously did soundtrack work for Bioware's Baldur's Gate II and Icewind Dale II. Dragon Age soundtrack has the typical epic orchestral instrumentals …

PILLARS OF ETERNITY
eternity.obsidian.net

This is the game I've been waiting for since I beat Dragon Age: Inquistion.

I am loving the RPG game Pillars of Eternity, which just came out yesterday. Since I'm a big fan of Black Isle's Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate, I felt right at home with Pillars. This game plays like those old games, only with amazing new beautiful graphics. Compare Pillars' graphics to "Enhanced" edition of Icewind Dale or Baldur's Gate, and there's no comparison: Pillars is by far superior in every way. That is because Pillars is 3-D rendered, so you can zoom in and out for further details... unlike the old Bioware engine, which is 2-D lower-resolution.

Play style is also the same, you can always pause the game mid-combat via the spacebar and assign instructions to your party. In addition to gaining pre-generated NPC (Non Player Characters), you can also create or "hire" your own creations if you have the cash. I like creating my own characters because I can spec out and personalized their appearance...

Anyway, I'm only a few hours in the game and had to quit because I encountered an area that killed me. Sometime the game is unforgiving, even if I'm only playing it on "Normal".

I also have a ton of equipment and I haven't seen a merchant to sell them off. Obviously I'm still very early in the game, I haven't even travel to the main city yet... I'm just exploring every inch of the area I'm in right now.

Like the Bioware Engine that inspired Pillars of Eternity, the new game suffer from the same problems the original games had: mainly the inability to change camera view and limited character portraits. I'm sure you can import your own artwork, but what you start off with is very limited.

If you love Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate, you have to check out Pillars of Eternity.

Read More Games Well if you're in the same boat and want a game that is meatier, you need to check out Dragon Age: Inquisition. …

GUILD WARS 2
guildwars2.com

A few weeks ago, Guild Wars 2 was on sale for $10 (normally $39), so I couldn't resist and got in on the sale.

The download for the game was so large that I left my computer on overnight to download the game. Then when I launched it for the first time, after spending a lot of time creating my first character, I got disconnected from their server. Not a good sign.

I figure a lot of people also bought the game on sale as I did, so they may have had a spike in the number of users logging in for the first time. My second time logging in was fine, I was able to do my first set of new quests. I'm only level four eight, and so far, I'm not really loving it.

I actually own the first Guild Wars and Guild Wars: Nightfall expansion, and like those first two games, Guild Wars 2 is pretty much the same game. There are two types of game you can play with Guild Wars, either co-operative campaign or competitive against other human players. I've never played the latter, choosing instead to play solo for all my sessions.

Some things you should know about the game:

1. No game controller support.
2. This should be a free-to-play game
3. Graphics are stunning
4. Teleportation costs money, so you can save a few bucks if you just walk it

I've only played the game for a few weeks, but I think I'm going to have to put it on the back burner. I own a lot of games and there's just too much going on right now for me to really focus on Guild Wars 2.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Game On: Music Of League, Dungeon of the Endless, and War Games

Read More Dragon Age Remember our Game of the Year 2014 Dragon Age: Inquisition? Fans of the game may recall various tavern songs in the game - well now is your chance to enjoy them for free! …

MUSIC OF LEAGUE VOL 1
leagueoflegends.com

Not to be outdone by the free Dragon Age Inquisition Tavern Songs, League of Legends is also offering a free full album download at on their official website for a limited time. Unlike my complaint about the Tavern Songs, this Music of League Vol 1 comes with album artwork.

If you're not familiar with this game, it is one of the most popular free-to-play game. I've only briefly tested out the game and didn't exactly like it (I'm not an online gamer)... but I'm alone in my opinion, as it is a very popular online game. Especially when teams can win millions of dollars in competitive game play.

The album is released today (01/28/2015) and retails for $8.99 on Amazon. So grab the FREE download now before it expires:

• Download: leagueoflegends.com

Tracklisting:

1. Demacia Rising
2. Tidecaller
3. Tiny Masterpiece Of Evil
4. The Curse Of The Sad Mummy
5. Quinn And Valor
6. Braum
7. Tales Of The Rift
8. Lulu And Shaco's Quirky Encounter
9. Freljord
10. Rise Of The Ascended
11. Daylight's End
12. Challengers
13. Get Jinxed
14. Super Galaxy Rumble
15. Reborn

Read More Games Well if you're in the same boat and want a game that is meatier, you need to check out Dragon Age: Inquisition. …

DUNGEON OF THE ENDLESS
amplitude-studios.com

There's two settings to the single player mode on this game: easy and really easy. It's probably just me, but I feel the game's setting is really hard and impossible.

You start off with two survivors from a space ship. Your mission is to bring a crystal to an elevator that you must discover. Once you pick up the crystal, there will be an endless wave of monsters attacking you - so it's really important you get to the elevator as soon as you can.

There are twelve floors, and obviously the area are larger and more difficult the further you go up. I had to play it on really easy just so I can make it to level 12 and unlock different game modes. If you don't find the game challenging enough, there are even unwinnable modules you can play against. Personally, I like to win, so I'll be avoiding that version of the game....

My strategy for the game is explore all the rooms (so I can maximize my resources) and then putting turrets on the path to the exit point. If you can afford it, try and upgrade your turrets and level up your characters. I almost never buy any armor or weapons from vendors, and usually travel together in my group of four.

What I like about the game is the randomness and exploration aspect of it. However, as you progresses to the later levels (with monsters being increasingly tougher), it feels like the game discourages you from exploring.

The game also has one progressive save slot, which means you can't save and restart to try different strategies if you fail.

What I would like to see is increasing the number of characters in your group. Maybe you can be fair about it, with every two floors allowing for +1 extra character. I don't mind the permadeath, just allow me access to more characters in my group.

The game encourages you to keep replaying the game to unlock different characters, but since it's random, it's actually much harder to do. I don't want a cakewalk, but at the same time, I don't like punishing difficult/frustrating game. I can't really recommend this game to casual players, however if this sounds like your kind of bag, the game was released Oct 27, 2014 on Steam for $12.99.

WAR GAMES
wargamesmusic.com

Massachusetts' War Games will be releasing Holding Patterns, due this March 10th, 2015. Their CD album release party will be taking place March 6th at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island... before they set sail to the UK:

03/10 Yardbirds - Grimsby
03/11 The Leopard - Doncaster
03/12 Labour Club - Northampton
03/14 Good Ship - Kilburn
03/15The New Cross Inn - London
03/16 Sticky Mikes - Brighton
03/19 Milo's Bar - Leeds
03/21The Fiddler's Elbow - Camden
03/22 Brighton - Venue TBA
03/23 Underground - Stoke on Trent
03/24 South Sea Live - Sheffield

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Gaming Report: Ouya, Beyond: Two Souls, and The Last of Us

Read More Games My friends know that I am interested in the gaming consoles, so with the new PS4 and Xbox One coming out this holiday, I'm looking to buy one or the other. I've made up my mind.…

OUYA
ouya.tv

With the recent release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, there is a cheaper alternative: Ouya.

I've had my Ouya for a few months now, I bought it on impulse Target. I just couldn't believe the department store was selling it. For $99, it was affordable, so I bought it, thinking that I will not see this sold anywhere else (I'm, of course, wrong, I see it everywhere now).

Before I tear it down, I'll be kind and tell you the one saving grace Ouya has: it plays Nintendo ROMs. Sure, you might already play ROMs using your keyboard, but playing it with a Bluetooth d-pad controller is where it is at!

Now for all the complaints about the Ouya:

1. You need a credit card to start the machine
   This is a legitimate complaint. If you're a child, you can't just turn this on and play. Imagine buying a microwave and it asks you to put in a credit card... To me, this is a consumer device, like a PlayStation, it shouldn't ask you to input a credit card.
2. You need to be online
   I know it's the modern age, but I sure wasn't happy that you had to connect to their server when you start up the Ouya. The online part leads to the next issue I had with the Ouya.
3. Crappy WiFi radio
   The Ouya could not see or connect to my home wireless network. On similar PS3 and iPad can see the network, but the Ouya just could not see the SSID! I had to eventually use an Ethernet cable to connect it to the network.
4. Paying for Android Games twice
   The Ouya android games are not the same as the regular android games. Even if you already own a copy of MiniGore, you'll still have to pay for it again with Ouya's version.
5. Crappy games
   On another note, Ouya games sucks. Believe me, since they are free to try, I've tried most of them. They all suck. I paid for two games, both have similar control (duo stick) and I believe those are the only games that are really fun to play.
6. Bluetooth Controllers
   Ouya disallow the PS3 controllers to work, so I am also assume it blocks other Bluetooth devices? If you want another controller, you'll have to spend $50 for an official Ouya controller.

There's hope, maybe developers will port some decent games to Ouya. Since this is only the first version, perhaps they will improve the device in future iterations. Perhaps actually letting you try the device without having to input in a credit card information. Perhaps one day they'll let you run regular Android games (I doubt this will happen since Ouya wants their 30% cut of the games sold).

Despite all my complaints, the Ouya may be right for you if you are in the market for a DNLA or media player. Their VLC player works great, although I do not believe it supports subtitles (or multiple audio?).

Ouya is not an upgrade

If you already own a Roku or an Apple TV or any media player, Ouya is not an upgrade. Bottom line is that the Ouya wants to be the fun revolutionary casual gaming console, but instead it pretty much fail at everything.

I suggest saving up and buying a PlayStation 3 for about $200, it plays Triple-A games and it is possibly the best media streamer/video playback device I've ever used.

BEYOND: TWO SOULS
beyondps3.com

If you're a casual video game player, you were probably confused at these two games: The Last of Us and Beyond: Two Souls. At one point, I thought they were the same game, starring Ellen Page. The confusion is that both games feature young girls as the lead, and the title character from The Last of Us is called Ellie, which automatically made you think that the character (played by Ashley Johnson) is Ellen Page.

Anyway, with that out of the way, I bought these two games for $22 each on Black Friday at a crazy Walmart sale. I actually spent more time standing in the checkout lane than actual shopping. But it was worth it.

I beat Beyond: Two Souls, so I'll talk about that first. Beyond is basically a five hour movie. There are few choices you can make, and any mistakes you do, the game tries and correct your path. I wasn't too keen on the play, and you'll need a sixaxis controller to play the game. I honest don't know how you can get around the sixaxis controls, I had to change my default controller to actually proceed in the game.

Like I said, this was just a long interactive movie. You play different timeline in Ellen Page's character throughout her lifespan: from a child to adult. Once I got to the end, there were about five choices you had to make to see the different endings. I went with the hobo ending... which was unexpected!

As for the graphics, it's amazing. Willem Dafoe looks amazing. Everything is realistic, and while I was playing the game, someone thought I was watching a movie! That's how realistic it was.

THE LAST OF US
thelastofus.com

As for The Last of Us, I'm in the middle of the game right now. It's hard. The clickers are impossible to kill, basically one attack will kill you right away. Having said that, the play style is a lot more fun than Beyond: Two Souls (which was a lot more passive). If you've ever played any of the Naughty Dog's Uncharted games, then you'll find a lot to like with The Last of Us.

Although the graphics to The Last of Us is just as impressive, it does not have the realistic look of Beyond: Two Souls. Instead, where The Last of Us excel is when they showcase the beautiful destructive city and plants (especially the color palette).

Anyway, so far between the two games, I am enjoying The Last of Us a little more. Sure the game is really hard right now, but I've a feeling I'm just playing it wrong. I guess I just have to do more sneaking around instead of gun blazing.

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