What the Hell?

[PSRT]

Thanks to the crapstorm at 1UP, I figured I would copy all of my old blogs over here....I'm not exactly proud of each and every one of these pieces, considering they're pretty old and stuff, but I'm a packrat. I'd hate to see these get wiped out.

In order from oldest to newest:

What's in a Name?
Posted: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:08:28 PST

What's in a name? Names draw attention, they carry a meaning, a message. But most of all, a name means something far greater to the person who created it. Although you may not know it, you might know me. On the OPM Boards, I was known up until now as ThurondX. Why did I change? I feel it was to symbolize a new beginning, a fresh start. I've grown up a lot since I created my first 1UP Profile, and I felt having a fresh identity would be a good thing. Also this change marks the start of my (hopefully) frequent blog posts. So I guess you could call this my first blog ever, with many more on the way.

The last couple of months have been pretty hectic in the gaming world. We witnessed the launch of two vastly different yet equally relevent juggernauts: the Playstation 3 and Wii. The Wii actually ties into the title of this post. When the name was announced, there was a general outcry amongst casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts alike. Much fun was made joking about the name (Wiijects! WiiWii! Leprechauns peeing!), and it appeared as though Nintendo had made a serious marketing blunder. After all, wouldn't Joe Average walk into a game store, look at the name, and think, "What the hell is that? I'm just gonna go grab a 360"? It appeared that way until launch, when I realized a startling thing: non-gamers turned off by the apparent dorkiness of gaming on PS3 and 360 suddenly looked to the Wii as not a gaming machine, but as an entertainment system. And you know why? Because they looked at the name and thought, "You know what, that actually looks and sounds kinda cool." My father, who has a well-documented history of opposition to video games, was watching one of the Wii commercials during launch week and said, I shit you not, "These Wii things actually look kinda fun." I couldn't believe it. If such a product could sway my Luddite, anti-games dad to think such thoughts, what effect would it have on some random dude who walks into his local Best Buy looking for a good time without losing his social status?

But despite all that, I have a confession to make. My wallet's crying right now, but I just gotta say it:

Man do I want a PS3!

Yes, I know. I'm crazy. But call me what you will, I've just gotta have one. And to tell you the truth, I normally don't get so jittery and eager over throwing down $700 (Canadian) for anything, even if it is the freakin' Playstation 3! I didn't even get a PS2 until 3 years ago, when I could find a decent used unit for $160. It's just something about how much it can do, which I know sounds very Sony fanboy-ish. Honestly, the concept of paying 10 bucks a month for online access on top of the cost of games just doesn't appeal to me. PS3's free, open model works just fine for me, giving decent online play with a unified ID, free demo downloads and online store all for no additional cost to me. In my opinion, that works. Playing at my cousin's house, everything just seems like stuff I would use, and enjoy. Resistance is awesome, though not revolutionary, and the MotorStorm and GT HD Concept downloads were extremely fun to play, in addition to looking pretty hot. Especially the MotorStorm demo. I was sucked in with just two cars and a track, and I can't possibly imagine how awesome the final game will be. I know everyone's been crying to Sony because of the huge policy switch, from cheap, underpowered, and quick to the market to incredibly powerful, expensive, and behind the 360 by a year, but please people! Sony is not your friend! So just shut that cute little mouth of yours and go play Oblivion. Oh, a kitten just died...

So there, that's finally off my chest. If all goes according to plan, I'll be squeezing off headshots in Resistance as RTee on April 5, one day after the birthday that will hopefully give me a bit of cash to offset that dent in my pocketbook.

Until next time,
Happy Gaming!

RT

The Alternatives: Life After OPM
Posted: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 17:52:21 PST

I was at my friend's house the other day and happened to pick up an issue of PSM Magazine he had lying around. The cover story was a comparison between the Xbox 360 and PS3, with the tag line "Totally Unbiased", among other things.

All I've got to say is, I'm glad that when I was checking out Playstation Magazines before I subscribed to OPM, that I chose it over PSM. First of all, while the comparison was decently written and had some facts, the way the general comparisons worked was kinda annoying. First of all, to support the "No Bias" line, the EIC of Official Xbox Magazine (OXM) was included in a couple of sidebar notes giving her opinions on the whole ordeal. The funny part was, she was probably the most biased of all, not toward the PS3, but against it. Every single sidebar comment had her completely sensationalizing all things Xbox, from her love affair with the controller to her confidence that the 360's features are "more than enough", and that she sees a hard drive upgrade "in the near future" to make the PS3's larger 60GB HDD irrelavent.

I just want to clear this up right now, but I'm not saying the PS3 is next to God, or that the 360 is the clear inferior. But, my God. Aside from that, I found the reviews a tad bit short and lacking much objectivity, especially with regards to bigger-name games.

When I registered this Profile, I chose the EGM preview to be sent to me, so hopefully I will be receiving that soon. I sure hope I can find a spot in my heart and on my bookshelf for the EGM guys, since I really like Ziff's editors and prefer print over web-surfing. Another reason I want to stick with Ziff is because of the hope that some former OPMers will be making some appearances (that's you, Joe)

What do you guys think? Is there another mag aside from EGM that I should be looking at to give me my dose of Playstation info? Do you like PSM and want to tell me why? Drop a comment and I'll think about it.

Later days,
Happy Gaming!

RT

[PSRT]

Next two:

Bittersweet Victory
Posted: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:37:56 PST

I finished Metal Gear Solid 3 the other day.

Saying that last sentence aloud brings a pang of sorrow to my heart. Yes, I know that sounds corny and soft and all that crap, but I just can't help it. The last hour or two nearly tore my heart out, bringing me closer to tears than I've ever been.

Don't ask me how a video game can do this. Don't ask me how I became so emotionally attached to Snake, Boss, and EVA. Don't ask because I don't know. The 22-hour ride through the game was so utterly engrossing and grounded in reality, that when it ended, it became almost too much to take.

While the entire game and story facinated me from start to finish, my two favourite parts (Spoiler Alert!) most definitely have to be the battle (more like "encounter") with The Sorrow in that long river with the trees on fire and the rain pouring down while apparitions of soldiers with their necks slashed, screaming in pain and agony, slowly jerked by. That one scene alone decided things: my next play-through, it's all tranq-gun, all the time.

The other scene that left me completely breathless was the final fight with The Boss. Not only was the fight intense because of her seeming reluctance to fight Snake, but the cutscene afterwards was unbearable. When the screen zoomed out to Snake holding the Patriot to The Boss' head, I just couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger. I actually had to wait for the cutscene afterwards so the computer would take the shot for me. Then, in the closing cinematic when EVA tells of how she tricked Snake and everyone else, and when Para-Medic almost breaks down while telling of how The Boss would go down in history as a traitor and a dog when in fact it was her that sacrificed herself for her country, for some reason left me in shock. How could a character who was built up as an enemy draw such sympathy?

I cannot remember another game in my entire life where the sorrow and dispair displayed in the final couple of minutes completely eclipsed the joy and relief I felt in completeing it. Now, I can only look forward to the two original MSX Metal Gears (which I'm in the process of playing at this very moment), MGS4 (meaning I'm going to be dropping $600 for a PS3 pretty soon), and the original PlayStation Metal Gear Solid (if I can every find it at a local store or if Sony eventually releases it for PSP).

Have any games had this same effect on you? I'd love to know.

The End is Near
Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:42:39 PST

My DualShock's on the fritz.

It started all off innocent enough. Just a lost connection here, or a freeze-up there, nothing major. And it would never last longer than a couple of seconds. That is, until the other day.

So let me paint a picture for you: I'm relaxing, replaying MGS3 on European Extreme. I'm methodically stalking this guard, ready to grab him, interrogate him, then knock him out (no throat slashing this time - I've decided to go non-lethal which (pardon my French) is a real bitch!), when suddenly Snake stops dead in his tracks. You can imagine my surprise when I realize I can no long control my stealthy hero. I'm sure you can also hear the vulgar words coming from my mouth as the guard I'd been stalking turns around and spots Snake, sending me [WAYYYY....] back to the beginning of the area.

I check out the controller and realize the red "Analog" button is acting up, flickering on and off. I try unplugging the thing and re-connecting it, which works for about a minute, when the flicker resumes. Fortunately, I still have my other DualShock and a Logitech Cordless Action to fall back on (the Action has crappy pressure-sensitive buttons, however, making it a pain to use while playing MGS).

But all of this has got me thinking: is this some sort of divine intervention? I'm half-expecting to hear a voice in my dreams tonight whispering, "Enter the next generation...P..S..3..."

What the hell, I just might listen.

RT

[PSRT]

More:

Barenaked Ladies!
Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2007 14:08:27 PST

Sorry for the time in between blogs as of late, for any of you actually reading this, but school's been starting strong and it's hard to get my homework done, fit in some PSP time and still get a blog down.

Anyways, back on topic. I'm on my way to a Barenaked Ladies concert (the band, you sick f***). I'm pretty psyched.

Just in case you don't know, the Barenaked Ladies are a Canadian (alternative?) rock band with some of the wackiest lyrics around. They have something like 4 albums, and their songs are routinely fresh and funny. I'll let you know how that goes down.

Moving on, we just got hit with the first big storm of the winter up here in Canada, which took a lot longer than usual. That meant a snow day, and a long walk to Rogers Video to return a movie. While I was there, I picked up Burnout Legends and Monster Hunter: Freedom, and I just gotta say, Burnout is easily one of my favourite racing series of all time. The cars, the tracks, the speed, the crashes, they all just work. And the superb visuals are just the cherry on top.

As for MH:F, I read Tom Byron's review in OPM after I got home and I have to agree, the learning curve is enormous. This is a HARD game. Not a knock, but just know: this is not for the faint of heart. Some intense combat and serious quests. I can see the gathering quests getting irritating, but thankfully they're not too prominent.

Playing these two games gives me some hope for the PSP. If they keep up with a steady stream of quality releases, I just might lay off buying a PS3 until a price drop.

What other PSP games (aside from Lumines, next on my list) should I check out?

Happy Gaming!

RT

Education Receives a Failing Grade
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2007 19:03:44 PST

Just a little article I wrote for my English class. Feel free to provide feedback.

<u>Education receives a failing grade</u>


The walls are sterile, and largely blank. The freshly waxed floor glistens with a mirror sheen. Harsh fluorescent lights shine down, and not a window is open. Students sit in their tidy rows without a word, for fear of incurring the wrath of God Himself were they to even open a mouth. A grim fate awaits anyone who dares to step out of line, to challenge authority.

Welcome to the classroom. Close to 75 million children and young adults across North America currently receive some form of schooling. Many, if not all, of these individuals focus their energy on memorization, on pleasing authority figures, on acing their next exam. They take in information and spit it right out, retaining knowledge only long enough to be able to correctly mark an answer on a test paper. Is this how we want our children to prepare for life in the workforce?

Unfortunately, although schools provide children with basic knowledge and awareness, the way they judge performance and progression is unlike anything seen in the society these same children must grow old in. Schools favour memorization over critical thinking, conformism over creativity, and an environment where most curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking are discouraged, at least when unrelated to the subject at hand. All these skills are required, or at least advantageous, for success in the capitalistic society we live in.

Money is always a heated debate when it comes to education. No matter what, somebody will always be left dissatisfied. That said, the allocation of funds to various programs and departments is reflective of the downhill direction education has been taking over the years. â??Money is not spent correctly,â?? stated Jane Doe, a teacher at Our Lady High School, â??We need more money for the Arts, for everything.â?? Over the years, however, the Arts have been given a back seat when it comes to funding and attention. This stems from the mentality that art, drama, and music are unnecessary in the outside world, when in fact they promote creativity and unconventional thinking, both very important traits to have.

Implementing the Arts more extensively, along with fields students find more attractive, such as Physical Education, could cut down on two major problems that have plagued the education system for countless years: truancy and drug-use. Nearly 10% of 15 year olds report being truant from at least one class every week. â??[Students skip classes] because they feel thereâ??s nothing in it for them,â?? said Mrs. Doe. â??They feel discouraged or unwelcome, and donâ??t enjoy their time in class.â??

Quite often, students skip classes to indulge in an unhealthy drug habit. 44.9% of grade 10 students have taken some kind of illicit drug during their time in high school, be it alcohol, tobacco, or a variety of other substances. Keeping students in class could take a bite out of this problem, but that may not be enough. â??The use of drugs at a young age is about numbing the pain,â?? pointed out Mrs. Doe, â??[Students have] nothing else to turn to.â??

Students should at least be comfortable enough to come to teachers with any problems they may have. Thing is, most children do not do so. Why? â??Generally speaking, I would have to say [teachers] have a more negative than positive influence on students,â?? remarked Mrs. Doe, â??Theyâ??re never happy.â?? The student-teacher relationship is reminiscent of the unhealthy relations amongst friends, where there is the fear of appearing weak or inadequate if assistance is requested.

There are many unanswered questions regarding the current state of education, and opinions are split. Do schools really give our children the edge when they are set loose to make a name for themselves in todayâ??s society? Do they encourage positive actions and values? â??I think they do on paper,â?? said Mrs. Doe. However, one thing is for certain: through failure to update old-fashioned policies and take into account the views and opinions of the students it serves, the education system has lost sight of its main objective and purpose: to educate and prepare this countryâ??s youth.

[PSRT]

Continued...

JHG: Grow Your Own Music
Posted: Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:27:38 PDT

I'm going to say it right now: I'm lazy. Not in my everyday life, but when it comes to blogging. This is my first post since February 21. FEBRUARY 21! Over three months of silence! I do have excuses, however: first of all, baseball has kept me busy for a large portion of the time, and year-end assignments have began to pile up like skyscrapers. But, I'm back (for now) with a very worthwhile plug: Johnny High Ground.

For the uninformed (or simply the ignorant...), JHG is the musical alias of former OPM Senior Editor Joe Rybicki. For the splendid price of zero dollars and zero cents (NOTHING), you receive access to, in my opinion, a collection of 16 of the most heartfelt and meaningful songs every to grace airwaves. From tributes to family members to mournful tunes of death and passing, not a single topic is left untouched. Politics also finds it way into the mix (in a good way) with a song dedicated to...let's say discontent with the current administration in Washington.

And if you like what you see (hear...whatever), go ahead and let Joe know, and maybe even drop a penny or two into the Tip Jar to ensure more awesomely rawkin' music (geez...) continues to roll out of this wonderful website.

If you hate what you hear, well, take it up with joePM

Until we meet again, in (far) less than three months this time (fingers crossed):

Happy Gaming!

RT

Next-Gen Epidemic
Posted: Sat, 06 Oct 2007 09:11:17 PDT

I'm back again. Yes, it's been a [long] while, but I figured if I'm to find a place for myself in this industry one day, it would be a good idea to put some of my thoughts into writing. Specifically, I would like to talk about a trend spreading throughout the internets faster than "the root of all evil": Fanboys.

In Issue #100 of the now-defunct Official US Playstation Magazine (OPM), J Allard, then-Microsoft vice president, commented on this problem, saying:

"...One thing that bums me out about the videogame industry is that we've developed these camps or factions when we're all gamers. Whether you're making games, talking about games, or anything else, the factions we create can be a little unhealthy. We're not as grown-up [in this regard] as music, movies, or television [are], so that holds us back a bit."

I cannot find better words anywhere I look to describe the sorry state of console conflict than those. I will not deny that, over the years, I have been partial to Sony and their consoles, from my PS2 purchase way-back-when to the recent, wallet-stinging PS3 on display in my basement. It seems that, while everyone else is ragging on Sony for this or that, I've given them the benefit of the doubt. Have they always delivered? Of course not, but at least they've gotten a few things right.

And despite my years-long loyalty to Sony consoles, I had seriously considered purchasing a 360 last April because the lineup (Gears of War, Halo 3, Bioshock, Mass Effect, Too Human, and any I missed) was simply superior at every turn to that of Sony's piano-black monolith. What swayed me to Sony's direction? The fact that Microsoft seems unwilling to support their platforms when the next-gen iterations come out, and the dwindling exclusives, including solid first part support, for the Playstation 3.

After posting a message similar to this on a message board thread (sorry, can't find the link), I was called a fanboy for siding with Sony. This got me thinking: why are fanboys so much more apparent this generation than last? Why are there so many fanboys to begin with?

In an episode of radiOPM, Joe Rybicki stated that people wish to "justify their purchase" and that there is "a blind loyalty that goes along with that." This is potentially correct, especially in this day and age when console and game prices are through the roof.

Whatever the reasons might be, the fanboy mindset has all but ruined aspects of this hobby I previously found enjoyable. It is next to impossible these days to read the comments on a 1UP news story (like this, for example) simply because the responses unavoidably turn into flame wars between the Sony Defense Force and the XBots. Seriously people, can't we grow up. No matter what system you own, you play games on it, right? What does that make us all?

That's right:

Gamers.

Think about that next time you're about to discredit someone else's opinion or observation.

RT

[PSRT]

Continued...

In Memoriam
Posted: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:33:04 PST

This day in history:

1851 - Popular Herman Melville novel Moby Dick published

1940 - German bombers destroy the English town of Coventry

1953 - US-Canadian alliance against Russian atomic threat formed

1972 - Blue Ribbon Sports became Nike Athletics

1979 - Iranian assets in the US are frozen in response to hostage crisis in Tehran, Iran


How about we add one more the list:

2006 - The Official US Playstation Magazine Discontinued


One year ago today, and mere days until the iconic launch of the Playstation 3, Ziff Davis Media and Sony Computer Entertainment America shocked the OPM faithful with this announcement regarding the discontinuation of The Official US Playstation Magazine. Immediately afterwards, enraged, sympathetic, and shocked responses met the corporate juggernaut of Ziff David head on, in a battle destined to fail. As was written in the Input section of the final issue, "Fan reaction was immediate and gratifying" (Issue 112, p. 11).

In that final issue, the OPM Family certainly did display "magnificent spirit and energy...in the face of adversity," as was noted by Editor-in-Chief Tom Byron. That statement could not be more true. Despite the overwhelmingly negative atmosphere this last issue undoubtedly presented, reading through the issue suggests an upbeat attitude which, in retrospect, is not surprising in the least. References to Dana's love of cats and Giancarlo's ninja obsession abound in the editor biographies. Oblique references to radiOPM favourites "Mancrab's Revenge" and "You Shut the Hell Up" can be found scattered amongst "OPM Staff Resumes" and "Embarrassing Drunkenness" in the Games Covered Inside column. Sly unemployment references occupy the Pause section on page 32, below the subtitle, "When you're not playing games...or working." It was this issue that made our period of mourning and support for the staffers easily worth the time.

And believe me when I say, it was the least we could do. For over nine years, OPM represented all anyone could wish for from a magazine specific to this industry. Brutally honest and grounded in reality, especially for a licensed, platform-specific publication, the editors and columnists kept us coming back for more long after the initial excitement of the demo disc faded in oblivion. Mature editorials, obscure pop culture references, and unorthodox insight attempted elevate gaming, and specifically gaming journalism, out of the "childhood ghetto" (thanks, Kaz!) and into a far more adult-oriented and mature environment. Each month would seem go by a little quicker with the prospect of a fresh issue waiting for us at the finish line.

With the advent of podcasting, OPM really began to show its true potential. Already inspiring writing became even more engrossing when provided a window into the minds of the editors. Scooter's offhanded humour, Giancarlo's affinity for fighting games, and Joe's musical tastes all contributed to a level of personality lacking in most publications today. Articles and reviews weren't simply letters on a page, but words spoken by a person trusted and valued for their opinion.

For myself, I would like to personally thank the entire staff of OPM, from beginning to end, for laying the foundation for my love of gaming and its many personalities. You introduced me to Metal Gear, cultivated my admiration for Hideo Kojima, turned me on to such hidden gems as Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and this great music, as well as not-so-hidden gems in the form of Guitar Hero II, Prince of Persia, and the (ironically) just-released-today Assassin's Creed, which, were it not for you, I would not be eagerly awaiting my copy.

So, in closing, thank you all for everything you've done for me, your guidance, your intellect, your wit, and your inspiration. I will certainly be adding more to this as I straighten out my thoughts. It truly was an honour. Happy gaming to you all.

And, as Joe would say:

Goodbye and Hello, as always...

RT

Review: Assassin's Creed
Posted: Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:40:23 PST

[Originally posted 12/07/07]

Nothing is true. Everything is permitted.

Lead man Altair's phrase of choice ironically manages to summarize the vastly divided opinions circulating online about this title. That is, the experience and enjoyment you glean from this game will depend wholly on your approach, patience, and creativity. Nothing in any review about this game you read will relate directly to your potential experience, which has everything to do with your composition as a gamer.

Assassin's Creed

That being said, there seems to be one area every reviewer is content to agree upon: visuals. The graphical flair present in this title rivals that of Bioshock and Uncharted at times, incorporating breathtaking overworld vistas and incredibly expansive cities, all three of which are filled with meticulous detail and drenched in sunlight. All this said, Assassin's Creed really shines in animation. The oft-hyped "Free-Running" mechanic gives you the exhilarating feeling of smoothly bounding from rooftop to rooftop, in spite of its rather simply integration. Climbing, however, is where Assassin's Creed blows away the competition. No doubt, a healthy portion of your time with this game will be spent watching with amazement as Altair traverses building and towers, seamlessly switching between animations and realistically grabbing onto any handhold available to him.

Assassin's Creed

And that leads me to the most important aspect of any game: the gameplay. And for the most part, Assassin's Creed delivers. The feeling of tension preceding an assassination, and the adrenaline-filled escape afterwards, has not been integrated this well since Metal Gear Solid 3. On top of that, the aforementioned Free-Running and climbing dynamics make this title the most fun to maneuver in since 2003's Prince of Persia, fitting considering both were developed by Ubisoft Montreal. There is, however, a single hitch in the gameplay, a hitch of greater or lesser impact to you as a player depending on how you approach the game. Assassin's Creed can get repetitive. On the other hand, you may play through the game and never notice this repetition. There are less than a half-dozen different Investigations to complete over the course of the nine assassinations. If you approach each of these the same way, you will come away disappointed. Vary your plan of attack, however, and you will come to appreciate Assassin's Creed's open-world gameplay, and the myriad possibilities that come along with it.

Assassin's Creed

The final point of controversy in the game is undoubtedly the ending. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the ending wraps up this first game satisfactorily, yet blatantly leads into the inevitable sequel with an enraging cliffhanger of epic proportions. This, along with the not-so-secret present-day aspects (don't worry, it's revealed in the first five minutes, honest!) succeeds in weaving a compelling tale, one which will be vaguely and eerily familiar to any fan of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (the novel, not the game).

Although not exactly the game it's been hyped up to be for the last few years, Assassin's Creed manages to deliver on the vast majority of its promises. Hopefully Ubisoft manages to iron out the kinks in time for this new franchise's inevitable sequel in the coming years.

Score: 9.0

[PSRT]

And finally:

ICO-tistic
Posted: Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:46:08 PST

A couple of hours ago, I finished ICO.

Holy.

Shit.

ICO


Perhaps I should start at the beginning. For the past few years, I've been searching high and low for a copy of ICO after reading of its incredible quality in the now-defunct Official US Playstation Magazine (thanks, guys!). After being disappointed at not receiving it for Christmas this past year, I had resolved myself to the simple fact that it may be a long, long time before I finally get my ICO on. Boy, was I wrong.

ICO Boxart


The other day, while on a jog to get back in shape for baseball, I decided to stop by my local Microplay to finally pick up a copy of Uncharted. While in the store, it dawned on me that it wouldn't hurt to ask the clerk to check his stock for a copy. And sure enough, five minutes later I'm on my way home with Uncharted and a $15 used copy of ICO under my arm, and I couldn't wait to start it.

From the opening cinematic, I was sucked in. The premise is so simple, yet so complex. It wasn't until an hour or so in that I realized there's no HUD, nor is there any background music. The graphics did not impress until I first stepped into an outside environment, where I was assaulted by a plethora of flowery greens and intensely bright hues. Even for a PS2 game released in 2001, I couldn't help but stand and marvel at ICO's clothing blowing in the wind, surrounded by rocks and the ethereal Yorda.

Yorda


And speaking of Yorda, I cannot imagine this game without her. The companion dynamic is so well-executed and closely connected to the gameplay that by about halfway through the game, you end up taking Yorda with you to areas she doesn't even need to go because she provides security and companionship, which is itself magnified by the foreboding sense of isolation in the castle.

And although ICO's gameplay impresses, its main highlight is the story. Despite the game's lack of substantial dialogue, I felt a truly remarkable connection to ICO, and through him, Yorda. From twists and turns to heartwarmingly cute segments, ICO delivers. The final couple of hours in particular are truly stand-out, ripping out your heart while at the same time pressing upon you an intense realization at the true nature of the creatures you've been vanquishing throughout your journey.

ICO


There's honesty not much more I feel I can say of this game, other than any one with a PS2 (or backwards-compatible PS3) who hasn't played this game should definitely hunt it down. After this, I cannot wait for Team ICO's upcoming PS3 project, and I think I'll finally get to finishing Shadow of the Colossus.

Happy Gaming, and Happy New Year as well!

RT

[Umbrae]

Hehe~ Everybody is backing up their blogs. Mehehe~

[GlassAdam]

I like the ICO blog. Makes me want to find a copy of the game even more...

[PSRT]

Thanks...I need to get the images back up. I'll do that when I find the time.

[GlassAdam]

Hehe~ Everybody is backing up their blogs. Mehehe~

Like this place has, historically, been any more stable... THERE I SAID IT!

;)

[Umbrae]

This time, it's different. :neko_119: