W♥M (Archive)

Weekend Gamer: Free Games (Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Grim Fandango Remastered, and Company of Heroes 2)

About This Game The year is 1715. Pirates rule the Caribbean and have established their own lawless Republic where corruption, greediness and cruelty are commonplace. Among these outlaws is a brash young captain named Edward Kenway. His fight for glory has earned him the respect of legends like Blackbeard, but also drawn him into the ancient war between Assassins and Templars, a war that may destroy everything the pirates have built. Welcome to the Golden Age of Piracy. Read More Games If you like games like early Final Fantasy, the semi-recent I Am Setsuna, Costume Quest, or Earthlock games, you'll love Battle Chasers. …

Read more Weekend Gamer.

ASSASSIN'S CREED BLACK FLAG
ubisoft.com

For the 10th anniversary of the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise, its publisher Ubisoft is offering the fourth installment, Assassin's Creed Black Flag, as a free download. The unfortunately thing is that you have to download U-Play, Ubisoft’s game launcher (similar to other game launchers like Steam, GOG, Blizzard, etc.) Still, free’s free, right?

I bought the first two games and can tell you that it looks gorgeous, but it feels very slow. The other problem I had with the original game, is that many of the mission requires a little stealth to pull off the assassination… which isn’t how I like to play my game.

Still, it’s a very popular franchise, even releasing a film (starring Michael Fassbender), a boardgame, and limited comic book series.

If you already own and played Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Ubisoft also released a standalone story expansion called Freedom Cry. The DLC explores Black Flag’s side character, Adewale. The expansion was free if a PlayStation Plus subscriber (which I’m no longer), but will cost you an additional $15 … which may be worth it if you’re getting the original game for free.

Anyway, I haven’t kept up with the game, but am fairly excited to get Assassin's Creed Black Flag for free.

Free offer ends December 18.

GRIM FANDANGO REMASTERED
grimremastered.com

As you know, I am a huge GOG fan (current game count: 176) and have been buying many of their games on sale. I still call them “Good Old Games” out of habit, but I know the company wants to distance themselves from that name, as they want people to know they also offer new games. Anyway, this 2017 Winter sale features over 900 games on sale, and I’m sure I’ll be buying some more random games this house-bound weekend.

As part of the sale, GOG is offering Grim Fandango Remastered for free. Originally the game launched in 1998 by LucasArt, but in 2015 got the Remastered treatment. While I have played some adventures games, it’s really not my thing. I did grab it for free, but I probably won’t be playing it anytime soon (I actually have too many games…)

Oh well, the giveaway expired as of today (December 14 at 6am PT/2pm GMT), snooze you lose.

BONUS: You can get Company of Heroes 2 for FREE via Humble Bundle.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Read More GOG 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. . …

If you enjoyed Joe Madureira’s Battle Chasers comics and turn-based role-playing game, you’ll want to check out Battle Chasers: Nightwar.

I recently picked the game up as part of the Black Friday sales on GOG, but the game is available on most, if not all, platforms (including PS4, Xbox, Steam… the Nintendo Switch version is coming in 2018), and have been playing it. I’m very early in the game, only beating the first boss on easy difficulty, but so far, I’m loving the game.

If you like games like early Final Fantasy, the semi-recent I Am Setsuna, Costume Quest, or Earthlock games, you'll love Battle Chasers. Not recommended if you don’t like grinding to level up, linear gameplay, or character / equipment management.

I never collected Battle Chasers, but I have some random back issues, and have always loved the character designs and artwork. Eventually, Madureira quit the comic book industry in 2001, and he concentrated his efforts in designing this Battle Chasers game. On retrospect, his characters always had a RPG element to it, from the master fighter to the barbarian (tank) to mage. Putting these characters to an RPG game works wonderfully.

The graphics are gorgeous, it combines Madureira’s 2D drawings with 3D rendering. The animation is good too, but sometime when you see the same animation loop over and over again, you do wish for a variety of victory animations.

Like all grinding games, the main problem is just the repetitive nature of fighting to level up your character. You’ll see the same enemies over and over, until you graduate to the next area in the map. I’m not far enough in the game to receive more than three playable characters, but I’m assuming any characters you bench (do not use in battles) are not going to level up.

I didn’t buy it, but am contemplating on purchasing the GOG option $6.99 extra package, which includes a PDF artwork and companion soundtrack compilation (in FLAC and mp3 formats) by Clark Powell and Jesper Kyd.

Characters	Class	Description
Garrison	Warrior / Fighter	Garrison is a legendary swordsman and owns a powerful magical sword. Trained in swordplay by Red Monika and mentored by Aramus.
Gully	Monk	Gully is a nine-year-old girl whose father, Aramus, mysteriously vanishes leaving a powerful set of magical gloves behind.
Calibretto	Barbarian / Berzerker	The last war golem of his kind after all previous war golems were ordered to be destroyed. His arms can fire projectiles.
Knolan	Mage / Wizard	A powerful wizard, approximately five hundred years old, who takes Gully under his wing. His companion is Calibretto, a war golem.
Red Monika	Thief / Rogue / Assassin	A voluptuous bounty hunter who originally trained Garrison, and has an apparent history with him.
Alumon	Demon Hunter	A new character exclusive to the game, added after a stretch goal was reached during the Kickstarter campaign. The drafts designate him as a demon hunter.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Weekend Gamer: Gamer Unlock and StarCraft II

Best Buy’s Gamer Unlock 20% OFF New video game software (includes PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch games) 10% BONUS TRADE-IN CREDIT 10% OFF pre-owned video games 20% OFF video game e-guides 2X POINTS on new video game software, digital content, and game accessories SPECIAL WELCOME COUPONS 2X POINTS on video game trade-ins EXCLUSIVE GAMING OFFERS REDEEM REWARD CERTIFICATES POINTS on gaming consoles Read More Best Buy Check out the exclusive Best Buy Edition, which is a double-disc digipak with six extra tracks. The new tracks are: Scandinavia One of Our Own … Starcraft II I was one of the 1.5 million players out there that bought Blizzard's Starcraft II. As much as I like playing strategy games, I have a few problems about this much anticipated game …

Read more Weekend Gamer.

GAMER UNLOCK
bestbuy.com

If you’re a full time or weekend gamer like myself, you know that video games are expensive. New games have a retail price of $59.99. I usually wait six months to a year, when the prices drop, or when they bundle in additional content.

I recently signed up for Best Buy’s Gamer Unlock membership, which costs $30 for two years. This is a similar program to GameStop’s Elite Pro Membership ($30 a year), only Best Buy’s program is more appealing thanks to its 20% off all new games (GameStop’s discount only applies to used games) and cheaper membership pricing.

If you think about it, it’s $15 a year, so buying a brand new $60 game with the 20% discount, you save $12. If you buy another new game, you’ve essentially made back your money. I figure I buy about three or four (new) games a year, mostly for limited edition or collectible SteelBook reasons.

I think it’s worth it, especially if you buy new games and especially if you shop at Best Buy. I’m sure this also applies to online purchases, but please note that the 20% discount only applies to physical games, not digital downloads.

STARCRAFT II
battle.net

I bought StarCraft II in 2010 and was pretty disappointed in its always online requirement. I argued that pirates were playing the game with no online requirement, and for people who actually paid good money for the game, it sort of sucks. You also have to understand that not everybody is online all the time, so at the time, I was pretty upset about the whole thing.

Update: As I write this, I’m having internet problems (connecting to Blizzard), so my argument is still very valid - don’t buy games that requires you to be online to play. I’m still on my Blizzard ban, although I have bought Diablo III on PS4 and Xbox One, which doesn’t require Blizzard’s online check - so take that PC gamers.

Anyway, seven years later, Blizzard is offering StarCraft II’s original Wings of Liberty campaign for free. For those who bought the original game (like me), you’re given the zerg-focused Heart of the Swarm for free.

I’ve been meaning to go back to StarCraft II and play Heart of the Swarm, but it’s been so long, I probably have to re-learn to play - so I might have to start all over from scratch… and unfortunately, I don’t really have the time.

That’s great, I love free stuff, so no complaints here, even though you’re required to be online to play their games. Hey, it’s free.

To get the free game, you have to log into your Blizzard account via the Battle.Net launcher and click on the “Gift” icon.

Update: Since Blizzard is down for the past two days (according to the internet outrage), you may want to wait a few days to get your free StarCraft II game.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

I Am Setsuna

Overview I Am Setsuna introduces the authentic JRPG style of yesteryear to Nintendo Switch™! Journey with Setsuna as she prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice and save the people of her land. A powerfully nostalgic experience, blending a classic style of story-telling, battle system and gameplay. 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. …

I’m very close to beating I Am Setsuna on the Nintendo Switch. The Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) was developed by Tokyo RPG Factory and published by Square Enix and came out on PS4, PS Vita, and PC in 2016, but I bought it on the Switch because there’s a lack of RPG games on this very young handheld / console hybrid.

After 12 hours playing Setsuna, I have to say that the developer was clearly inspired by the classic Final Fantasy 3 (6 for Japan) and Chrono Trigger. While I do love those type of games, I forgot how tiresome grinding (leveling up your characters) can be. I don’t really want to spend hours and hours beating the same enemies so I can grow stronger for the next area.... but it’s something you have to do in these type of games.

The other thing that I got really tired of is having to read and read tons of text. I just kept spamming the ‘A’ button until it stops, often skipping over key clues and directions. Maybe it’s great storytelling back in the ‘90s, but games have progressed so much in the modern age. I wish they’d just hire someone to read the dialog or just let players skip over the sequence (or maybe just have it autoplay).

Graphically, it’s a huge upgrade over the old JRPG games, and looks beautiful. Unfortunately, the entire story takes place on a frozen, snowy island, so it’s white snow everywhere. It got tiresome after a while.

The game, maybe just in the Switch version, but it also sometime had bad bugs. Sometime the right sequences wouldn’t trigger, forcing you to replay certain scenes again. Sometime it’s not always clear what the game wants you to do, so I had to sometime look up walkthroughs to understand what the developers had intended.

There’s a lot of problems with this game, so I can’t really recommend it unless you’re a big JRPG fan, or if you can get it on a discount (it’s currently on sale on Steam).

Pros: Beautiful character designs Classic JRPG mechanics Great soundtrack by Tomoki Miyoshi Single Player

Cons: Repetitive battles Infrequent save locations in dungeons Unskippable long dialogue

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

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 ([email protected]) ♥ 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 ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Weekend Gamer: Omikron and Steam

Read More David Bowie I woke up to the sad news that legendary singer, songwriter, actor, space travelling alien from another planet, David Bowie, has died. …

OMIKRON: THE NOMAD SOUL
square-enix.com

With the unexpected passing of David Bowie, video game publisher Square Enix is giving way copies of Omikron: The Nomad Soul for free until January 22nd. The game featured David Bowie in the role of Boz and also as a role of a nameless lead singer of a fictional musical group called "The Dreamers". The game featured some tracks from his Hours... album.

Head over to square-enix.com and check out Omikron using the promo code "omikron" at checkout to get your free copy.

After you completed the transaction, Square Enix will issue you a Steam Key... so you'll have to also have Steam in order to activate the game.

As it is free, it is totally worth just adding it to your library (even if you have no intention of running the game).

Synopsis:

"I have many things to tell you and very little time I come from a universe parallel to yours. My world is desperately in need of your help. Only YOU can save us."

Responding to the desperate pleas of a mysterious character from another dimension, your soul must enter the dark and futuristic city of Omikron. This heralds the beginning of an epic adventure through an increasingly strange and dazzling parallel world, trying to solve the many puzzles that prevent you escaping alive. Think, fight and interact with the immense gaming environment to defeat the menacing demons that have tried to trap you.

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 …

STEAM CONTROLLER
steampowered.com

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), but since GOG can't match Steam's library, I really have to go where the games are.

My idea is to eventually get a semi-decent Steam Machine and/or a gaming laptop to play games on a big screen television set... but that's for another time.

Currently, my Steam setup is on my PC with a regular-sized wired Xbox 360 controller or a wired PS3 controller. These game controllers are just great, they feel great in the hand.

With the idea of getting the Steam Machine, I decided to get the new Steam Controller at my local Game Stop. At first, I didn't quite "get" the Steam Controller. After all, it pretty much sucked at being a controller... at least compared to either the Xbox or PS controller. It only has one thumbstick, so using the Steam Controller as a first person shooter is just terrible.

I hated the haptic feedback. I hated the XABY buttons to be so close to the center (it's awkward to hit using your thumb). I hate that you must have Steam running to use the controller. Plus, it's just not a very comfortable controller. It's like whoever designed this thing had never used a regular gaming controller before.

It's a definitely a different controller. It's basically a controller for games that does not have controller support. The unfortunate thing is that you absolutely have to use Steam, and for its setting, Steam's Big Picture Mode.

Every game has a different controller setting (usually set by players). You can fine-tuned it, but it just takes so much time to configure it exactly to your liking.

Right now, the Steam Controller is my go-to for Mass Effect 3 since that game did not have controller support and using the Steam Controller felt pretty good. For all other shooters, just use the standard Xbox controller and you should be fine.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

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 ([email protected]) ♥ 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 ([email protected]) ♥ 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 ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic