WiiU, dumbest name, but pure brilliance as I can’t get it out of my head. Yet another reason why I am going to be poorer then dirt in my coming future. All this and more in Part 3.
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By Michael Jordan
Capcom, 1-2 players, online multiplayer, $40.00, 3DS
The primordial need to punch each other in the face, and be victorious in doing so, best described in our love of fighting games. When you say fighting game, the first name in most minds is StreetFighter, but what does not come to mind is handheld, and to a further extent, 3D. How does Capcom’s new affair of the series hold up? Well let’s just say it doesn’t pull any punches, even in this deceivingly small package.
Super Streetfighter 4: 3D Edition or SSF43D, for the salvation of my fingers, is a title that can be judged agents its console counterparts with pride. Capcom really out did themselves, developing for a launch system, especially one that utilizes 3D while maintaining the precise contact need for this very technical fighter. The game looks great and really shows off what the next line of handhelds has in store for us.
With the stunning amount of 35 fighters with unique moves, combos and ultra moves, there is plenty of fighting to be had. In addition to having just its standard Arcade mode and Versus mode there is a 3D Versus that utilizes the dynamic fighting style, Internet Match which allows you to go online and beat up on your fellow fighters across the globe, Challenge mode where you will be given combos to complete, Training mode, and my personal favorite Figure Collection which I will get to in a minute.
Internet matches are outstanding, and can be judged not only on its merits for being on a handheld, but is one of the better experiences I have had with fighters online, in general. Lag is virtually non-existent, and fighting feels balances, with almost every match I have come across being vastly different and enjoyable. With a simple ranking system that is divided in your character battle points, which shows how much you use that character, and Player points, which goes up and down depending on your wins and losses. You will also be gaining customizable titles and icons for your online matches, throughout the game giving a little bit of a customizable feel. Some people might complain that there is no tournament mode, but I feel that mode is ridicules as is, and to me is neither missed nor wanted in my portable gaming experience.
Challenge mode and Figure Collection modes are well thought out and beautiful extras. Challenge mode is quite simple but gives a break from the total competitiveness of the game, giving a more thought provoking challenge to users seeking that. Figure Collection mode is a unique feature that utilizes the 3DS Streetpass, and feels exiting to see if you have found and beaten anyone while you walk around doing your daily routine, and is totally optional if you’re in an area that is not exactly swarmed with people with the latest tech.
The control layout feels comfortable, but almost makes you wish you could hook up a control stick to the system, as it is such a full experience. The touch screen feels natural to use when you’re in a pinch, and can make the fights more intense, leaving all players able to perform ultra-combos and moves, making players focus on blocks, throws, and ex hits. I find this to be a good mix, leaving my battles feeling more epic then the majority of console fighters.
So what’s the verdict?
9.5/10
This is not only a must have launch title, but shows its console counterparts a run for there money. It looks great and is packet to the gills with content for the everyday to off and on player to enjoy. If you have not bought it yet, get your ass to the store and BUY IT now!
By Michael Jordan
Well, well. What do we have here? Looks like CNN has decided to enter the ring of console cometary. While I do not know who thought CNN needed a review unit, considering they are so out of touch and would most likely provide less then favorable press, and lack of knowledge, it seems that they have hired a “Hardcore Gamer” to give his feedback on the matter. How do we know hes hardcore? Well he says he is hard core, and he grew up on “Halo”! I sure he is so hardcore that he does not know the massive hand cramps you get for using an virtual analog stick of gaming on the iOS. I must has sissy hands. Anyway, there is allot more I could say but I will let you formulate your own impressions.
Click the link to watch the video yourself.
Also love the quip about the graphics not being as good as the Playstation 3. Purely amazing.
By Michael Jordan
While many of us will be spending too much money on Valentine’s Day for something that should be expressed throughout the year to our significant others or the sly Casanova doing a quick pick of the night, many of us still wonder what it would be like in video game land. Thus this list was born. Here is the Top 5 guys and gals of video gam Valentine’s Day.
The Guys:
Number 5
Kratos might be one hell of a violent SOB, but many of you forget why he is so violent to begin with. This guy had his family killed and fused in to his skin. This man screams family, literally. What better suiter to be in a relationship with then a guy who is not only strong, fast and quick to protect, but a family man that is willing to give his life to destroy the people that might take you from him. Nothing says love like a knife in the face of your enemies, right?
Number 4
For the girls that are looking for the older man in their life, Solid Snake is the man for you. Knowledgeable and patriotic, he aims to please. It is a double bonus for those ladies that are looking for a short relationship, by no fault of his own; he won’t exactly be around too long. Great for those ladies that are looking to get revenge on their boyfriends for not caring enough, and want a quick makeup, without feeling bad.
Number 3
With the growing age of sexual ambiguity, some ladies will find solace in Squall. Being a pretty boy romantic, Squall will fit the part whatever your Japanese BL fantasy entitles. Quick, flexible and good with his hands after swinging around a giant gun sword, this lady killer will be quick to swoon with his long lashes and feminine know how. Combine this with his listening to all your problems and engaging in ideas of eternal love and this just might be a pick for you.
Number 2
While many of you might be looking for a man that is not as serious as most and knows how to crack a joke, while under extreme tension, Nathen Drak is there. Being a rugged quick shot with the heart of gold, Nathen has a quip for every serious situation, breaking the ice and releasing the tension no matter how thick it is. The added bonus of traveling to destination, some only dream of wasn’t good enough to pull you in, the promise of world renown treasures will be more then worth it for a first date.
Number 1
Rounding out the Number one spot is Mario Mario. While he might not look like much, this Italian plumber knows what it takes to “lay pipe.” If the promise of cleaning your warp pipe like no other does not suit you, the fact that he is one of the richest men in the world might, boasting his extensive collections of sporting events, “games” and shows throughout the Mushroom Kingdom might. Plus he will go and save you, no matter how many times you get yourself in a sticky situation with a crazy, possibly Ex-boyfriend situation.
Number 5
Every guy likes an honest girl who stands up for what she believes in. Faith is a perfect example of that. Pure and just, you will not have to wary about what is in store for you with this relationship. For the meeker type of guys, this might be the perfect women for you, quick with a punch and skilled at disarming her opponent, you won’t see any fights that don’t end in your favor. For the others of you with more shallow intentions, she will be sporting a more athletic body then anyone in the top 5.
Number 4
Aya might be a shocking pick for most of you, especially in the age Zoey from Left 4 Dead, but trust me, there is no one you would rather have then Aya by your side, especially if the Zombie Apocalypse happens on my predicted day of Valentine’s Day. Sword skills like no other, and a blood line that will possibly have the cure for the living dead, you will be safe knowing that a beautiful lady with huge double dssssssss…..swords, ya swords, will be there to save your underperforming ass. And she will be nice about.
Number 3
Now before you dispense with the nerd rage because I did not use Angelina Jolie, Let me just state that that Lara is a much more natural person then the Hollywood counterpart. This vixen knows her way around a trigger and is good with her hand. If her smoking body did not seal the deal, maybe the fact that she is a millionaire might. While being a bad ass, she also has sophistication and knows allot about world of antique items and with brass like hers, you can bet that your bed life will never get old.
Number 2
Everyone wants that wholesome girl that will be with us through thick and thin, here enters Tifa. Not only will she stay with you as you pine over you ex-girlfriend, she will be with you to the end with no regrets, even if that means going against a psychotic being created from an alien. Not to mention her need to show how good she looks in the fewest pieces of fabric possible, and you have a great Valentine just waiting to “burst out” and “love you.”
Number 1
Being in her armor 80% of the time not withstanding Samas Aran, is one of the most beautiful and talented women in the galaxy. Proving to be a valuable asset as a partner; quick wit, knowledge and patience to deal with most everyone that does not aim to attack her, Samus is the girl of gaming dreams. Sporting a ride that will put anyone to shame, you will never have to wary about being late for a date as she will come to pick you up. With here far superior flexibility and love for latex she covers all bases from sexy to kinky, in a bat of an eye. All these things make Samus the number 1 pick for Valentine’s Day.
By Michael Jordan
Hey all I thought I would introduce a new section every Friday on the weeks events and thoughts, If you have not heard of what happened that week then Google it!
Activition:
BlizzCon 2011 announced – Don’t have the money but if you do get on that!
Guitar Hero finally being killed off? – God I hope so.
December Quarter Financial Results – Huge sums of money that were made, I suspect pact with the devil.
THQ:
UFC Undisputed Firght Nation getting a Facebook Game – My mom now likes UFC
You don’t know Jack: The Quintessentail Interactive Trivia Game hits Consoles and PC – I don’t know Jack about Jack soooooo….good? Maybe? Hmmm
Stacking reveal for XBLA and PSN – The more games that Double Fine makes, the happier I am.
Third Quarter Fiscals – “shipped approximately 2.7 million units of WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011” – really? This is a thing? Not knocking it but kind of surprising.
Nintendo:
Get a Victini Distributed to Early Purchasers of Pokemon Black and White – If I had the cash I would pick it up.
Download :
WiiWare: Spot the Differences! LIT (demo version) Urbanix (demo version)
Virtual Console:S.C.A.T.
DSi:G.G Series Dark Spirits, Boom Boom Squaries, 505 Tangram, Shawn Johnson Gymnastic
- Demos are always a good thing. Good on them for a lot of releases this week.
Mario Sports Mix is now out – Uggggggghhhh I love you Mario, but I can’t take any more of these “Mix” games.
New Nintendo Club rewards – Old School Game and Watch, total AWSUME!
Microsoft:
Whole lot of nothing.
Sega:
Sonic colors guide for Planet Wisp, Act 1 – I can’t trust Sonic any more
$0.99 apps on the AppStore for Valentine’s Day – I cry when looking at my empty wallet.
Anarchy Reigns Gameplay Trailer – I don’t know what’s going on but the trailer makes my pants tight.
US release of Yakuza 4 gets packed in DLC for free – Ecstatic , maybe they are trying to make up for the horrible way they handled there PSO service State side.
Sega is giving away allot of stuff via Twitter – Get on that, as well as Get on my twitter @mukyoucom.
Reminder that there will be a Super Monkey Ball 3D for 3DS – looks alright.
Sony:
Sued or be sued – being sued and then suing people probably prevents AAA titles from being made
Finacial Results – Not looking that great, also you would think their slide shows look a little weak, you think they would spice it up.
Take-Two:
Income reports – “Net Revenue was $334.3 Million” looks at wallet again and crys.
Call of Juarez: The Cartel Summer 2011 – hmm I don’t know much of the back logs of those games, but I have not heard good things…..
EA:
Financial Results – $600 Million Stock Buyback Announced is good….if you owned EA stock, they also made hand over fist in Spanish gold coins with Dead Space 2.
Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference – EA will be there, will you? ……No
By Michael Jordan
Since I have had an quite a bit of hands on time with the 3DS since its showing at E3 2010 through different events, I thought I would give you a little top ten of things that you might not know about the system. No fluff, just strait to the point, to hold you over till its release next month.
10. When 3D is available the “3D indicator light” will be glowing on the right side of the screen. If it’s not glowing 3D, aint showing.
9. It is not mandatory for 3DS games to be in 3D 100% of the time, as hands has with games like Super Street Fighter 4 3D, as well as other games have shown me.
8. There will be a few games, already downloaded on to the 3DS when you get your hands on it (Nothing huge) but hey, at least its free right?
7. The 3DS will be region locked, sorry importers 
.
6. There is a music app on the 3DS home menu, if it is for MP3s that has yet to be stated.
5. Japan will be getting free 3D videos from TV company FUJI, don’t hold your breath for this outside of Japan.
4. You will be able to edit photo in one way or another, most likely in 3D, I hope I can Shoop da Whoop in 3D!
3. Developers have stated that they will be able to pull off visuals close to the Xbox 360 with 3DS, obviously far surpassing the Wii. Wait what?
2. Disney demonstrated to press, many 3D video trailers, showing the movie capabilities of the 3DS. What’s that? 3D movies on the go you say? Signs point to yes.
1.Some video recorders actually record the 3D effect as an almost fuller 2D image, looking slightly better then when the 3D is turned off. It kinda shocked me when I tried this out.
By Michael Jordan
Here is a lite gallery of what the “i am 8 bit” Marvel Vs Capcom 3 event looked like in all its craziness.
The photos where taking and sent by online A.K.A. Ryuuga, who can be seen on his twitter HERE.
Was a great event, expect a special video from it soon.
By Michael Jordan
How the hell is this going in to my pocket, I yell in to the sky as Sony unveils its next generation hand held. This NGP or Next Generation Portable has sparked quite the synapse storm for me. While the thought of Sony’s new hand held being as powerful as a PS3 shows they understand the movement of gaming trends in Japan, however it does little to inspire me here in the States. Larger than the original Playstation Portable, which was barely able to fit into my pocket to begin with and was quickly dumped for store credit when I figured out that Sony’s support for their device was next to nothing.
While the impressive list of features that will be in Sony’s NGP seems to far outweigh the 3D of the 3DS, The NGP has not seen an official statement about its price as of yet, with most people hoping it is not over $300.00 USD. The 3DS itself is an impressive piece of hardware on its own, but in a different way. Sporting a $250.00 price tag in the US, and having the solid backing that Nintendo gives its handhelds, we know that Nintendo will be lining this next iteration of the DS with all the Intellectual Properties (IP) that we know and love from Nintendo. After I played the 3DS myself, I was quite taken with it, even though I thought it was a missed opportunity to provide 2 thumb sticks. Just the idea of 3D photo taking is a big draw for me, and I bet will be for many of you. We can guess that while the 3DS will have games priced from $30-40 USD, that Sony’s NGP, with all its power, will be seeing much larger release, that will be priced as more along the lines of its console big brother, for around $50-60 USD.
For most of you that have not lived in Japan, you might be missing how huge the PSP is over there, and it was almost solely spurred on by one IP, Monster Hunter. While the DS has bigger roots in foreign markets, (hence being revealed in at E3 2010 in the United States, rather than in Japan) PSP has exclusively done well in the larger metropolis areas of Japan. Add in the fact that the majority of PSP titles are more Japanese-centric in nature, leaving behind the most of the western audiences in a puff of confusion, and you have a system that is shunned by a market that is much larger then where it caters to. Now we can already see that Sony has learned from its past mistake by putting Killzone, Uncharted, and many more recognizable franchises in the forefront of its gaming announcements for the NGP, but this also leaves gamers to wonder, would they rather have these experiences in a handheld or on their home entertainment center.
That brings us to the next start in the lineup, Apple. With its huge adaption rate here in the US and around the world, the iPod Touch as well as the iPhone are now one of the biggest contenders in the handheld space with literally no gaming backing from the company that makes it beside a really shoot achievement structure known as the game center. How did this happen? With Apples entertainment divice giving total touch control, easy to program for, not to mention cheap as dirt releases, many consumers find themselves looking to a game like Angry Birds, which has the minimal price of $0.99 to the price of a $30-60 home or hand console experience. Not to mention you can just download any game from a wi-fi hotspot anytime you want. This ease of access and low pricing is exactly what Nintendo and Sony need to think about with their platform, even the heavily acclaimed Infinity Blade is less than $10.00 on the App Store, and it has to be one of the best games I have played on a hand held in a really long time. Apples iTouch starts around $249.99 and offers extensive support, but most apple users will have to come to grips that they will most likely be outdated every year by Apples obsessive need to dick over there audience by releasing a new version of all there hardware every year, where Nintendo and Sony tend to only do this every two years, and they are not entirely needed changes that will effect there games performances. Even with this obvious downside to buying in to Apples products, it also must be seen that the iPhone is one of the dominate phones on the market, effectively making one of the most needed items in this day and age, the most effective at delivering you the content you want without having to lug around another portable, add in to the equation that it is also the smallest of all three of these devices and its ability to reach out to the market through the fact that it is also used as a music/video player, internet browser, as well as an easy to us camera; you got one hell of a package to beat.
With all of this, it is no wonder that Nintendo is keeping their eyes fixed on Apple as their main competitor for dominance in the handheld space, leaving Sony standing on stage showing off another potentially extremely expensive product, that most will ignore for lack of money in an economy that lacks money to spend.
So with what we know about each product, why don’t we look at something things that could harmonize all three?
Nintendo 3DS:
The first problem is that having its main focus on 3D, this feature drains its battery life at an excessive rate. As stated by Nintendo it will on have three to five hours of battery life compared to the battery life of the NGP which is stated to be around 5 hours plus and the Apple iOS products that can last longer the 6 hours depending on what you’re doing with it. This has to be one of the major mistakes that this handheld will have made, not only with the world stage but the heavy Japanese audience that is in a constant state of motion, traveling by train and subway. Nintendo really needs to think of how this will affect them in the long run.
The fix: Make an upgrade available that does not require users to buy a new system, don’t be Apple….
Second problem is that the lack of online connectivity and ability to access the web is something of a blunder that Nintendo has always dealt with. Everything that Nintendo does when it comes to its products online functionality is somewhat insulting to most users. That is not to say that with the announcement of a singular friend code system that will allow you to add your friends in to a sort of XMB system that Nintendo has incorporated is not a giant step up, because it is, it is just very, very late on the part of Nintendo, who needs to realize that their original audience has grown up and catering to the youth of today in the eyed of protecting them is a lost cause when 10 year olds are running around with a smart phone and a laptop.
The fix: If you’re still worried about online use of your systems and player to player interaction, Parental controls are there on almost all devices, use them! Don’t make the rest of the users suffer; adapt a Facebook style system of recognition that allows users to see who exactly they are playing with and have each player do a forum of registration online to verify their online tag.
Sony NGP:
Sony, I love you so much, but why must you leave me hanging all the time. You’re like and expensive date that never puts out when it comes to your hand held. This encompasses both of Sony’s problems. We know that the system and games is going to cost an arm and leg, and most of us will not be able to afford it. If the handheld is anything over $300.00 it WILL go bust, it will be the Playstation 3 problem all over again, not to mention that you are coming off a failed system. People are already wiry of this release because of the poor treatment of the releases of the PSP and PSPgo.
The fix: Watch you pricing Sony. No one cares if the thing has the amount of raw power to summon the god from spaces if no one can afford to buy it. If you wanted to undercut your biggest completion, match pricing with Nintendo’s 3DS and Apple’s iPod touch of $249.99, everyone will know you are taking a loss, but if you wanted to make profit of the system or break even, then you should have R and D tone down the specs of the hardware. No one really needs the power of the PS3 in their pocket, which is why they bought a PS3 in the first place. You are now in direct completion with yourself sans the Blue Ray or possible 3D on the larger entertainment center you have been boasting for.
Second problem is support, let it be known now, that if Sony does not support this handheld, and repeats what it did with the PSP and PSPgo, they will lose an even bigger portion of their customer base. There is only so much your consumers will take before jumping ship, leaving you to sink. Be well prepared and you might just recover your name on not only your handheld space but in the gaming space.
Apple’s line of iOS products:
Now while I have no right to make claims against a company that has single handedly roped everyone in to a cycle of perpetual buying of their products, I will. Some sort of D-Pad and button system that could plug in to your iOS products, that are backed by developer tools would be huge. It is cheap, easy and most of all marketable. This is the only thing that holds many people back from the iPhone or iPod touch when it comes to gaming.
The fix: The touch controls are great, and I am not saying to change a thing, but if we could get a small attachment that would allow use to use buttons and two analog sticks, just think of the experience that would be available to everyone that owns your products. This just seems like a win win situation.
Second problem is that Apple is less then friendly to its press and its consumers.
The fix: Try to be a little nicer. We know you’re a massive power house of money now, but you don’t have to act like the kid that got picked on in school his whole life and now has authority. Just saying…
With all this said, I would like to point out that I would love to be in a position of owning all three, and would gladly walk around like a big tech piñata if I could, but at the end of the day I have to think about price and point for these items verse food and shelter, much like most consumers. But until then I can always dream………
By Michael Jordan
Hey all just wanted to post a small excerpt of an article that I have been working on that I will be posting here if no one picks it up for their site. Enjoy.
“How the hell is this going in to my pocket, I yell in to the sky as Sony unveils its next generation hand held. This NGP or Next Generation Portable has sparked quite the synapse storm for me. While the thought of Sony’s new hand held being as powerful as a PS3 shows they understand the movement of gaming trends in Japan, however it does little to inspire me here in the States. Larger than the original Playstation Portable, which was barely able to fit into my pocket to begin with and was quickly dumped for store credit when I figured out that Sony’s support for their device was next to nothing.
While the impressive list of features that will be in Sony’s NGP seems to far outweigh the 3D of the 3DS, The NGP has not seen an official statement about its price as of yet, with most people hoping it is not over $300.00 USD. The 3DS itself is an impressive piece of hardware on its own, but in a different way. Sporting a $250.00 price tag in the US, and having the solid backing that Nintendo gives its handhelds, we know that Nintendo will be lining this next iteration of the DS with all the Intellectual Properties (IP) that we know and love from Nintendo. After I played the 3DS myself, I was quite taken with it, even though I thought it was a missed opportunity to provide 2 thumb sticks. Just the idea of 3D photo taking is a big draw for me, and I bet will be for many of you. We can guess that while the 3DS will have games priced from $30-40 USD, that Sony’s NGP, with all its power, will be seeing much larger release, that will be priced as more along the lines of its console big brother, for around $50-60 USD. ”
If you enjoyed it cross your finders I can find someone to buy the rest of the article.
By Michael Jordan
The today it was unveiled that people state side will be able to get the much anticipated Nintendo 3DS March 27 for the price of $249.99, which was about spot on to my prediction from E3 2010 when I first got my hands on the device. I would also like to take the time to tell everyone to stop there bitching about the price, $249.99 is cheaper then the 25000 yen($304.07 USD) price tag that will be established in Japan. Now all I have to do is let the anticipation slowly kill me in side, as I most likely am going to wait, once again, in a midnight line to get an other Nintendo product. Who else is with me?
