jachensnc's Blog - 2old2play

In My Defense!!!

First,Thanks for the comments. I sincerely mean that.

In my defense let me reiterate or try to say it in a different light.

MTK:

The example of Ho's that i used was part of the Saints Row demo. My bad i should have clarified that. As far as wanna be gangbangers I should have clarified that this mainly falls within the age bracket that shouldnt have a copy to begin with.

Now having said what i did. (that it just wasnt fun to me) doesnt mean i wont give GTA4 a try. I tend to be more forgiving with games and am always willing to try the next sequel or whatever. An example of that would be me not being a huge Halo fan. But, i bought 3 and loved it.

Another example would be Manhunt. when it first arrived i didnt touch it, but i recently found a copy for 5 bucks, gave it a try and although very violent its nowhere as real as i first thought.

King:

Yes you are doing things you normally can't i agree thats what makes games fun. But as far as Bioshock and Condemned the setting or characters within those games clearly shows a line between reality and fantasy. I am a huge fan of Condemned (cant wait for 2) maybe i am wrong but the whole excessive violence and psychopathic crack addicts around every turn clearly takes (for me anyways) the reality aspect away.

Cold:

Very funny comment. But i was looking for more of a serious discussion

See Ya,

Jon

[2 Comments]

My Man-card is in jeopardy again!!!!

Hey all,

Let me get right to the point. I don't see (or have ever saw) what the big friggin deal is about the GTA series.

Maybe its just me (evidently it is) but i dont want to run around and pick up hookers, deal drugs and all the other misdeeds that are involved. To me that just isnt fun.

Now before any of you decide what time my execution will be hear me out.

I know the GTA series was revolutionary in open world gameplay. I'll give it that much.

But when i play a game i want to enjoy it, ya know have fun.

Not live vicariously through my character.

Maybe its because i have grown older and have teenagers to think about and what kind of example that sets.

Call me a prude, call me what you will i just dont see the big deal. Saints Row was another ( Blatant GTA ripoff). Why is it fun to run around and pimp out your ho's. Don't see it.

So, if i lose my man card over this so be it. I'll stick to my survival horror and ultra violent FPS (at least there is a visible line between real and not) any day than a game that glorifies everything society is trying to fix.

I usually dont climb on my soapbox very often but with GTA just around the corner i had to get this off my chest.

See Ya,

Jon

[3 Comments]

24 inches of pure ecstasy!!!

Hey all,

First things first, thanks for the comments on me trying to quit dipping. Every little bit helps.

Okay so i have been debating for some time about moving up to a bigger monitor ( was at 19" widescreen) for my 360.

I looked at 26's, 32's and did the whole scouring of the internet to compare prices. So, i go to Best Buy on Sat. just to look (yea right) and i come across a 24" widescreen that just looked great. So, after going to and fro from the computer and television departments i decide this sucka is mine. Tell me if i am wrong but i thought 349.00 was a pretty good deal.

I get it home ( after driving like a teen who just stole a car) frantically set it up and BINGO. It looks even better at home playing DMC4 ( more on this follows). So yesterday i mounted it on the wall then kicked back and started playing (from across the room instead of two feet from it). Now i am with the next person who says bigger is better but i cant see how anything bigger than this really makes a difference unless its like a 47".

Here's the kicker, my wife (who has been trying to hold me off on this purchase) tells me that she was going to get me one for our anniversary and fix up the room where i play. So after a brief (very brief) moment of guilt i told her i could bring it back if she had a bigger size in mind. It was a great moment.

Gaming Front:

Yes, after somewhat ragging on DMC4 i decided to rent it. I still feel the same though. Graphics are great but gameplay is still pretty much the same. So to ensure that i didnt waste 9 bucks i will finish this game and then give my full impression later.

Saw a couple of reviews for Army of Two. So far an 8.7 and and 8.2.... suprised me.

RUMOUR: Halo Lego.......whatever

Fuel for the fire:

What's better- Halo 3- Gears of War- COD4

Saw an article on this thought it would be a cool fight!!! Sound off soldiers!!!!!

Personally, since i am not much of a multiplayer i prefer GOW.

See Ya

Jon

[1 Comments]

Class is in session!

Hey all,

Personal Tidbit:

I have used smokeless tobacco(dip) for the better part of 15 years. It's a disgusting habit that i cant seem to shake. I smoked for 10 years and quit that cold turkey. But this... its friggin hard.

Anyway i decided it was time to try again and went to a class at my VA hospital yesterday. All went well considering there were only 5 of us. My nerves were tense going in cause i was thinking that it was quit day but come to find out quit day is in two weeks (Sigh of relief).

So, in the meantime i have decided to begin my journey by cutting my cans of dip with an herbal substitute so i wont be getting as much nicotine. we will see how this goes. I really want to do this not just for myself but my wife and kids also.

It's nerve racking just beginning to think about ( insert very supportive comments here)

Gaming Front:

Got rid of Ace Combat (i am sure many of you saw that coming). It just didnt hold my attention.

In return i am getting Stranglehold. I loved the demo. Yes, i know it isnt long but that is okay because i can use it for trade credit when Condemned 2 arrives.

I also am getting Tony Hawk's Proving Ground. I know i have praised Skate in the past but i had to give this a try as well.

See Ya

Jon

[3 Comments]

Help me please!!!!

Hey all,

I guess the title was a little more desperate than things really are (it was a good way to get some attention though...product of my childhood i guess).

Anyway, most of you know i bought Ace Combat 6 the other day. And most of you know if a game doesn't grab me from the get go it's over.

So, i played it for over an hour(about 2 1/2 total) last night and i am still not getting what all the fuss was about (besides the graphics).

I mean it plays well, controls are tight and everything. But, it just doesnt excite me. I should mention that I revisited Bioshock just before playing Ace so i was really pumped.

Am i just not giving this game a chance??? Does it get exciting??? Am i holding my expectations too high???

What gives????

See Ya,

Jon

[0 Comments]

I WON!!! I WON!!!!

Hey All,

Here's the scenario:

laying in bed last night i turn to my wife and said "I've decided to get you that goat".

This is the part where i am supposed to be showered with kisses, parade down mainstreet, that sort of thing.

She says " I don't want it".

HUH?????

Somehow over the last two weeks they went from cute and cuddly to orphans.

I evidently missed part of this conversation somewhere. I am not upset by the fact that she no longer wants one i was just really looking forward to my ignorant dog meeting it.

Anyway, i had a bunch of games collecting dust that i couldn't trade off anywhere bu blockbuster (viva pinata, COD3 etc....)

After all was said and done i get 92.00 in credit

and walk out with Ace Combat 6 and Bioshock (I just had to play it again with the new DLC).

Played Ace for awhile. Verdict so far

Graphics- Stunning doesn't even begin to describe.

Gameplay- The closest i have ever come to a flight game was Crimson Skies so i started on easy.(stop taunting me)

It seemed pretty fun except for the timing the missions thing. I hate crap like that. Why do i have to shoot down 20 planes in 4 min????? I dont recall fighter pilots having a clock to deal with what the heck???

Good thing about this is if it turns out that i am not digging it there is a big demand for it on Goozex for about 45 dollars in points so i wont be losing much.

See Ya

Jon

[0 Comments]

Did you just say goat????

Hey all,

I usually don't get too personal when i write this stuff but somehow i thought this had to be shared.

"You are so not serious" was my reply to the seemingly random statement of my wife saying she wants a goat.

What? you actually mean a living breathing horn headed goat"

"Yes, i think they are cute"

So, lets keep in mind that we already have a horse and 2 dogs (one of which you may remember is very very screwed up).

"Besides the fact that YOU think they are cute is there any other reason why YOU want this friggin animal?"

" Uh, nope."

So, lets look at this from a husband's point of view

Option 1: Don't get the goat and hope i can survive the ramifications.

Option 2: Get a goat (probably have to be two of them since they are herd animals) and be the knight in shining armor.

Option 3: Get an older goat with really long, sharp horns and introduce it to the really screwed up dog (see where i am going with this).

Just thought i would share that because deep down inside i am sure everyone knows what the outcome is going to be,

Foiled again!!!!!!

Random gaming notes:

Digging Poker Smash!!! Addictive and very fun (still suck at it)

Watched a 24 minute interview with Peter Molyneux (Fable 2) yesterday and showed off some very cool gameplay.

One of them being instant multiplayer (show up at any time) and the option to set how many exp. points and such the other person will get (and take with them to their game).

This is gonna be huge!!!

See Ya,

Jon

[2 Comments]

NEVERMIND!!!

Just realized that Condemned 2 will be out in about 2 weeks. So that answers any questions about which game i should buy next. 8 person multiplayer with just melee weapons= awesome!!!!

[0 Comments]

Good news on Monday?

Hey All,

Looks like Microsoft has confirmed an HD-DVD price drop: (Is this really good news????)

Check out the article from dbtechno.com

Boston (dbTechno) - Microsoft has confirmed that they are dropping the price of the external HD DVD player for the Xbox 360 from $129.99 to $49.99. This comes just two days after Microsoft confirmed that they would no longer produce the HD DVD player.

Bloomberg is reporting that a Microsoft spokesman has told them that the price point of the external HD DVD player for the Xbox 360 will drop to $49.99.

The reports state that the price cut of the external HD DVD player for the Xbox 360 will go into effect as of tomorrow.

Amazon still has the player listed at $129.99, but this is likely going to be changed in the next 24 hours.

Microsoft is trying to get rid of whatever stock they have left with the Xbox 360 HD DVD players.

Rumors persist that Microsoft is getting an external Blu-ray player ready to release on the Xbox 360 this coming May, now that the Blu-ray format has won the high-def format war.

Went to a trade show over the weekend for the equine industry. It was okay got some much needed contacts and such.

Didn't realize so many cowboy hats existed. Holy mary, everybody had a friggin cowboy hat.Everybody but me of course. I must have missed this memo or something.

Games this week:

Lost:Via Domus

Frontlines Fuel of war

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty

My Dilemma:

I, just like most people only have limited funds that i can throw around. Now here are 3 games that, at least on the surface have promise. I am really torn as to which one to try. Just like any other person i am a fan of FPS (frontlines, Turning point) but i am also a fan of games in which i actually have to use my brain (lost).

Dilemma gets even bigger:

Frontlines- although not expected to change the FPS is getting better than average reviews. suprising most.

Turning Point- Demo was average at best. Haven't seen any reviews yet (which always says something).

Lost- Ubisoft's attempt at recreating the show that i stopped watching a 1 1/2 years ago. (missed two episodes and was consequently screwed from that point on). I have actually seen a 9/10 review on this.

For what it's worth:

I rely on reviews a lot. I can't help it. If i am going to shell out 60 bucks on a game i want someone to blame if it's crap.

Some help here would be great!!!!!!!!!!!!

See Ya

Jon

[1 Comments]

Holy Crackdown Batman!!!!

Hey all,

Looks like Realtime Worlds is stealing the show at GDC with it's presentation of APB. A MMO (don't yawn yet) that presents an open world city that pits good guys against thieves, robbers and such.

Check out this excerpt from an article on 1UP.com

But more important than any of this, there isn't going to be a level grind, you won't be fighting NPCs or looting a pair of pants to raise your intelligence or whatever -- so where's the hook? What other games do people willingly play for hundreds of hours with no carrot at the end?

Jones' answer: "Counter Strike is the best multiplayer online game ever." APB's gameplay, however, isn't a recreation of CS's. The running, gunning and driving looks much more like a less superpowered Crackdown, but it's incorporating the multiplayer mechanics of CS. Players work together, with match-ups made between cops and robbers whenever the bad guys commit a crime. Before that point, players are free to roam the city and horse around without being messed with, but when a gang does something wrong an APB gets sent through an automatic matching system to an enforcer squad of players of comparable size or skill -- either an even number of equally matched players, or fewer more experienced players against a larger number of newbies. It's a form of consensual violence that will hopefully solve the issue of how to have a bunch of people running around a city together without it instantly descending into total anarchy.

The most striking gameplay example featured involved a gang of four minimally armed t-shirt wearing newbs, who upon robbing a shop were faced with a Shaft-like character with six months of experience and the custom character options to go with them. It'd be an interesting match for both sides, with either winning side earning bragging rights for either overcoming superior numbers or an individual with superior firepower.

Shaft won, by the way. He had a rocket launcher. I need to find something to drink so I can stop shaking.

I don't know about you but i am very excited (yes, like a little girl).

I loved Crackdown so much so i just recently traded for it again to try and get a 100% completion.

If Realtime can even get close to the amount of fun in APB that was in Crackdown even the most skeptical have to say hmmmm.

Anybody heard of the next big announcement (sort of..well maybe) Goldeneye is a definite again. after all the hoopla that has been going on between Rare and Microsoft XBOX 360 World announced that it is definitely coming with screenshots to prove it.

Now i have played Goldeneye (I'd be whipped and beaten if i hadn't). But i never really appreciated it. I never really appreciated just how good the multiplayer was or the game for that matter. Needless to say i can't wait for my second chance at this one (if Rare doesn't blow it).

Take this however you want it but there is a rumour that the HD-DVD drive for the 360 dropped to 49.99 US price as of yesterday. I haven't found it yet...will let u know.

And here is my favorite news so far

A Fable 2 fact sheet:

Set 500 years after the original, "Fable 2" will provide gamers with an epic story and innovative real-time gameplay, including a massive amount of freedom and choice to explore a vast collection of dungeons, catacombs and caves in the world of Albion.

Features:
• Choices, consequences. The innovative gameplay pioneered in the original "Fable" provided gamers with a never-before-seen level of immersion in a truly interactive world. "Fable 2" expands upon the scope and depth of the Xbox classic by adding incredible new features and creating a wider, more complex kingdom of limitless choices and consequences. Players will have the option to play as a man or woman, get married, have children, and live a life of their own design.

• A land far, far away. Revisit the sprawling world of Albion more than 500 years after the events of the original "Fable," where you are free to explore the landscape and openly roam the countryside. For the right price every house, hut, dungeon and castle is for sale. Players can witness how the world grows and changes in response to their decisions in incredible and unique ways as they rediscover Albion as if for the first time.

• Fight with ease. "Fable 2" pioneers a new combat system designed to allow players to truly master hand weapons such as swords and maces, ranged combat weapons such as bows and guns, and an entirely new magic system. These three disciplines, while very accessible, are also amazingly deep, and allow players to mix combat styles and become everything from master swordsman to skilled ranger to evil magic welder, utilizing a single button on the Xbox 360 controller.

• A hero's best friend. This groundbreaking addition to the game is integral to the theme of unconditional love in "Fable 2." The canine companion will act as friend, compass and protector. Players must merely feed their pooch and he will love unconditionally, creating a bond that sets up emotion-filled journeys all throughout this magical world.

• Experience the world together. For the first time in the "Fable" series, gamers can experience the expansive and immersive world of "Fable 2" with friends, utilizing the new and exciting Dynamic Co-op Mode, bringing the long-awaited multiplayer function to the world of "Fable 2."

• Xbox LIVE Arcade mini-games earn major cash. Carbonated Games has partnered with Lionhead Studios Ltd. to bring an unparalleled experience to gamers through Xbox LIVE Arcade. Gamers can start earning in-game currency for the "Fable 2" world later this year, before the game's release to retail, by downloading and completing exclusive mini-games, which will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade and allow gamers to purchase weapons, armor and more for their hero.

Again take it for what it's worth we all know Lionhead has failed to produce in the past.

Finally, there has been a lot of hype around Spore. Myself..i can't wait for this game. It seems like it could be huge in terms of tranforming gameplay.

On that note though i hope Fable 2 buries it. (I always like a good fight).

See Ya

jon

[0 Comments]

GDC SO FAR!!! MY THOUGHTS

Hey All,

So the GDC is well upon us and of course the media hounds are all over it.(does that include me?)

Anyway here are some of my impressions thus far

GOW2:

Trailer sucked!!!! it was nothing more than an announcement. A peice of animated crap that did noit show any gameplay whatsoever. Whatever, everyone already knew this was coming what was the big friggin deal. Epic you are better than this. Step up to the plate with some new in game footage already.

Bionic Commando:

Knock, Knock...anybody in there ever heard of Spiderman. I watched 4 different peices of in game footage and was not impressed at all. Swinging around the jungle with the claw or whatever it is. TOOOOOOO MUCH LIKE SPIDERMAN.

Reinvent the game. Don't destroy a classic with outside influences. And stop the swinging ponytail.....it's gay.

Microsoft gets a handheld....sort of

Microsoft announced that the Zune player will now be getting games based on the XNA format. Hey, it's a start even if it is a day late.

ANOTHER DUH MOMENT!!!

A Ninja Gaiden 2 Demo is coming soon.

HOLY CRAP WHY WAS I IMPRESSESD WITH THIS?????????

Saw footage of Street Fighter IV and was blown away. I know fighting games are just about all the same. But this new version seems to have kept everything that made it great in the first place and also put a next gen mark on it.

Mario Kart Wii:

EH!! Same gameplay....now with steering wheels and motorbikes...what a revelation

Fable 2:

It's about family and money????? HUH!!!

Gameplay takes about 12 hours to complete. You can get pregnant and have kids (if you're a female) then you have to make money to support them by getting a real job (Blacksmith etc...)

VERY VERY VERY COOL MOMENT!!!

Before Fable 2's release a series of XBLA games will be released that will let you amass a small fortune that will transfer to your character once you buy the game.

Random Thought:

10,000 BC looks friggin awesome. Dinosaurs, spears and sabretooth's .....I'm There

See Ya

jon

[3 Comments]

What won't Ron Perlman DO?????

Hey all,

Ron Perlman...do you know the name? If not i am sure you have seen or heard this guy somewhere.

Remember Beauty and the Beast (the series). He was the beast ( although some would say otherwise)

Reason why i am bringing this up is i played the new Turok demo over the weekend and i would swear he is in it.

Side Note: Didnt play to the end of the demo so maybe i am overstating this. IT WAS AT BEST AN AVERAGE GAME.

Anyway it got me thinking about all the friggin stuff this guy has been associated with.

GAMES

Gun

Halo 2 and 3

True Crime

Lords of Everquest

Conan

The Outfit

MOVIES AND SERIES

Hellboy

Avatar: the last airbender

Kim Possible

Justice League

Scooby Doo

Danny Phantom

Teen Titans

Anyway i have no idea where i was going with that.....just a random thought i suppose.

Since it looks like HD-DVD is all but dead what happens when Microsoft jumps over to Blu-Ray?

Does that mean the next sku of the 360 will use Blu-Ray? and if so what happens to the 360's that are not Blu-Ray compatible?

Sounds like trouble brewing

See Ya

jon

[1 Comments]

I did it and it felt good!!!

Hey all,

Night before last i finally got up the nerve to get on xboxlive.

My experience(s) went something like this

Experience 1:

Joined a game of burnout paradise at random. Seemed like i was playing with 5 kids probably no more than 15. I say this mainly because of the things they were doing. 1 kid could not stop saying P***y. Over and over he just kept rambling. It was like it was the first time his parents werent home so he had to get it out of his system or something. I HATE IGNORANT TEENS.

As far as the races went we played two which i came in 3rd and 2nd respectively. Not bad for a first time but to think i was playing with kids makes it all the worse.

Then the Xbox God's graced me:

Experience 2:

After that game i went to the Burnout 2o2p gamertag and looked some people up sent a friend request and BINGO!!!

Next thing i know i am playing with guys my age, having normal (sort of) conversation and not feeling like a douche for playing with some kid who should be doing his science homework.

Needless to say it was a blast. Played for just over an hour, racked up some achievements, and got taken out (he said it was an accident...yea right...how is 3 times an accident) by mangus.

What really bothered me though was i had such a good time and i couldn't really play much yesterday (Valentine's Day).It was hard to stay focused on being romantic while i am thinking about getting revenge on magnus. Not that i didn't have a great time with my wife its just i wanted to taste that sweet sweet dish called payback.

Now i got this invite to play a little with 2old2pwn. Little nervous about this one. This feels too much like a job interview. Hmm....should i play my best (which really isnt saying much) or should i flub it so that everyone thinks i am an easy kill.

I shouldnt have to think this much about gaming (too stressful).

Needless to say i am gonna accept the invite from 2old2pwn on some Halo. Hope to make some friends and have a blast without feeling insecure and worthless as a gamer.(maybe an extra dose of Prozac will help)

See Ya,

Jon

Gamertag: Soul Ignited

[2 Comments]

Give Up Sex?????

Hey All,

Found this article and i started to wonder about it myself. Would i give up sex for 6 months for a 50 inch tv. Hmmmmm........NO!!

Can't say that the upgrade from my 19 inch widescreen monitor for a 50 inch would even tempt me.

Don't get me wrong i would at least think twice about it (maybe 3 times) but i really do think i would pass on the tv.

Any way here is the article:

LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly half of British men surveyed would give up sex for six months in return for a 50-inch plasma TV, a survey -- perhaps unsurprisingly carried out for a firm selling televisions -- said on Friday.

Electrical retailer Comet surveyed 2,000 Britons, asking them what they would give up for a large television, one of the latest consumer "must-haves."

The firm found 47 percent of men would give up sex for half a year, compared to just over a third of women.

"It seems that size really does matter more for men than women," the firm said.

A quarter of people said they would give up smoking, with roughly the same proportion willing to give up chocolate.

(Reporting by Peter Apps, editing by Paul Casciato)

Let me know what u think

See ya

Jon

[4 Comments]

Truth is better than Fiction!!!

Hey all,

Here are a couple of news headlines that caught my eye recently.

Wal mart is going to start putting sleeves on M rated games so younger kids won't be exposed to anything offensive.

Man in Sheffield gets arrested after he is caught loaning kids money and keeping their game consoles for collateral.

Family fears missing Marine may have left after getting flasbacks from playing COD.

Target is pulling Mass Effect after that whole Fox News thing.

See Ya

Jon

[0 Comments]