CK's Monthly Highlights: Better Late Than Never

Initially, I was caught between two minds on getting a 360 or a Wii but as I missed out on a whole slew of great GameCube games - I simply had to get a Ninty console. The lure of great games such as; No More Heroes, Super Mario Galaxy and Twilight Princess certainly played a part in making a tough decision that much easier and I have regretted it ever since. Now if only I can find a copy of the Metroid Prime Trilogy.

 

Games Played

 

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

 

It's become somewhat of a debate recently about what is the best way to get your Mario fix. Casting aside the games that involve karts, tennis or the party variations, it usually comes down to a preference of either 2D or 3D. Either way, you can only expect the very best Goomba stomping and fireball spamming action when you purchase a Mario game. New Super Mario Bros. on the Wii is no different as it builds on the solid foundations of the previous title but with a new emphasis on co-op play this time around.

 

"It's a me!"

 

While I was mesmerized with Super Mario Galaxy's sheer brilliance, the side-scrolling side of Mario will always have a special place in my heart. So, with the promise of a new 2D Mario game that included elements from both Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World, it had me chomping at the bit for its much anticipated release. The fact that it works with up to four players in co-op sealed the deal that I would need this game as humanly possible, regardless of reviews.

 

Whether you purchase this game for the excellent single player experience or as the perfect platforming battle for the friends you're ready to lose (as it can get really combative), this is 2D platforming at it's very best.

 

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

 

Mixing gratitious violence and a hot female lead, the sequel to one of the Wii's sleeper hits has got everything you loved about the first game. And yes, Sylvia does return. For those unfamiliar with the original title, Desperate Struggle focuses on Travis Touchdown, a beam katana-wielding assassin full of quips and pent-up frustration who won't stop at nothing until he gets the girl. The bulk of the game involves moving up the assassin rankings to be the number one assassin and reclaim your rightful place at the top.

 

 

Travis ponders on his next move...

 

This time Travis is looking for revenge as well as the recognition he deserves; especially since he's been the target of vengeance by many others. Even for a Wii game, Desperate Struggle looks fantastic. Developer Grasshopper Manufacture really did cranked the art and sty|e up a notch, continuing to give the series a unique look in a world dominated by realistic graphical one-upmanship.

 

Desperate Struggle is so unpredictable it's like the punch line to a parody of Japanese pop culture. Frantic and all over the place, it somehow makes it all work and it's a rare treat for Wii owners who are desperate for more mature titles.

 

Final Fantasy XIII

 

One of the hallmarks of the Final Fantasy series has been how each game has changed so much from the next. While retaining the same basic template, we were introduced with each passing iteration to new characters, new worlds, and new gameplay mechanics. That again is the case with the latest instalment in this highly regarded series that is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Final Fantasy XIII is a game stripped back to its core, its augmentations minimal.

 

Just like Final Fantasy VII ushered in a new era - a new platform, a new mindset and a new format - Final Fantasy XIII too seems like the first step in a new and bold direction for the series. Leading the frontlines this time around is none other than Lightning, a former sergeant of the Guardian Corps, who won't stop at nothing until her sister is returned to her. While she may seem rather cold and angsty, she does have a softer side to her and it is when she opens up, that you truly feel a sense of connection.

 

 

You know you want one.

 

Square Enix have stripped this game to plot, visuals and the battle system, excising exploration, sidequests and to a degree, complexity. Though this change will appeal to some and repel others, Final Fantasy XIII is still an excellent game. The production values are simply breathtaking and the battle system is one of the series' best. In the end, Square Enix set out to deliver a focused, cinematic, story-driven video game, and Final Fantasy XIII just does that.

 

Heavy Rain

 

With the hype for Heavy Rain building up as the game was close to its release, it was clear that many were looking forward to experiencing this highly intriguing and engaging title that is unlike any other. Billed by Quantum Dreams as the direct successor to Indigo Prophecy, a dark game that centered around mysterious murders by seemingly innocent civilians who have been possessed by some sort of unknown entity. It was highly praised for its clever gameplay and terrific script that was truly innovative back then as it is now. If drama and intrigue is what you're looking for, Heavy Rain and Indigo Prophecy has them in spades.

 

 

Mind if I stare along with you?

 

Such is the strong storytelling and believable hardships that these four characters face that you'll cry and ponder on what could have been if you somehow messed up on one of the key moments of the game. In Heavy Rain, gaming as you know it has matured tenfold.

 

The same goes for the other characters in the game as your connection with them is unlike any other game that you have played. Put simply, Heavy Rain is the new benchmark for storytelling in videogames as you control the outcome and the lives of the characters. Bioshock tried it with the Little Sisters but Heavy Rain takes it to whole new level that it would be hard to go back to games that didn't fulfill the very promise of letting you determine the outcome.

 

Heavy Rain Review (Full Version)

 

Feel free to recommend my review if you like. It has certainly been awhile since I last wrote a review, but I'm pretty pleased at how it turned out. I just may start writing more now, the added draw of getting an emblem for my efforts is just too hard to turn down.

 

Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles

 

Known for its cheesy one liners and B-Grade story, the Resident Evil games have always been about the undead and bio-terrorism. Well at least it used to be before Resident Evil 4 came around and just blew everyone away with a solid revamp of the series. I leave the Los Illuminados and Majini for another blog and focus on the latest light gun shooter on the Wii.

 

The spin-offs to the main Resident Evil storyline are often pretty poor game experiences and one only has to go back to the Outbreak variations to see how poorly they represented the series. Thankfully, Darkside Chronicles continues where the Umbrella cannon left off and it's a much improved game. Its head and shoulders are above water leading to a worthy Arcade Shooter but it's held back by a few disappointments.

 

 

Geared up and ready for some action.

 

The story is well structured and simple, a perfect fit for the genre. For people who have followed this game's development you will recall it has three sections; the new South America, the chapter following the events of Resident Evil 2 and the incident on the island infected by the T-Virus during Code Veronica. Capcom certainly deserved credit for interweaving these sections into one cohesive and gripping story.

 

It is fairly safe to say that Darkside Chronicles is one of the best Resident Evil themed arcade shooters that we have had in a long time. The graphics are crisp, the story is simple for a change and the gameplay is most importantly, fun. There are some disappointments, like the slow rate of fire on weapons making it often impossible not to get hit by monsters, the cheesy dialogue (Claire's consistent whining is one of them) and the sub-par sound. It's a good game for trigger happy fans, just don't expect to be amazed.

 

Movies Watched

 

2012

 

 

"You are my mom?!" "Say it isn't so!"

 

When the geologist Dr. Adrian Helmsley and his team discover that the core of Earth is heating due to solar radiation, he advises the North American President about his findings. The American Govern collects money from the worldwide leaders to build arks to save them with necessary people to rebuild civilization. Meanwhile, the unsuccessful writer Jackson Curtis discloses that the world is near to end and tries to save his son and his daughter from the tragic end.

 

Valentines Day

 

 

"This poor sod is watching our lousy movie, heh."

 

February 14th, Valentines Day, is not a national holiday, but it is one of those days that must be celebrated. There are "special someones" in your life who expect to receive romantic gifts from their lovers. Commercialism has put a tremendous amount of pressure on men to give their lovers a romantic day with all the trimmings. Women are under pressure to have a man, or they feel desperate and unloved. Valentines Day follows the lives of several couples during this day. Their stories are told through the interconnections they have with each other. Some will find romance in their relationship, and others will feel the heartbreak of ending a relationship. In this Russian roulette world of finding love, everyone in the film is asking for advice on how to find and keep true love.

 

How To Train Your Dragon

 

 

"I have a Dragon behind my back?! Pfft!"

 

From the studio that brought you "Shrek," "Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda" comes "How to Train Your Dragon." Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesnt exactly fit in with his tribes longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccups world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges him and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view.

 

What I Ate : Japanese Cuisine & A Drink Called Frappuccino

 

 

Sushi never looked so good.

 

 

Anything with Shrimp always tastes that much better.

 

 

Miso Soup to wash everything down.

 

 

Mocha Flavored Frappuccino. Mm.

 

Babe of the Month

 

Kelly Kelly

 

 

When she debuted on June 13, 2006, Kelly Kelly became the youngest Diva in all of WWE. A self-proclaimed exhibitionist, she put on shows dubbed "Kelly Kelly's Exposé" for our fans' enjoyment. Since then, her beaming smile and infectiously positive attitude have made her beloved by the WWE Universe. Kelly Kelly is not only gorgeous but has proven herself to be a tough in-ring competitor as well.

 

 

Starting out in ECW, Kelly Kelly involved herself with Superstars like Mike Knox. After their break-up, Kelly Kelly joined a trio of Divas, including Layla, called "Extreme Exposé." However, she found herself in trouble with The Miz, who owned the Divas' contracts. The blonde constantly sought independence under The Miz and would suffer the consequences. However, while enduring conflicts with the likes of The Miz and Layla, Kelly Kelly would only mature in and out of the ring.

 

 

The sexy, smart and powerful Kelly Kelly would make the move to Monday Night Raw in 2008. A key competitor in Raw vs. Smackdown Divas matches, Diva Battle Royals and singles competition, Kelly Kelly has proven herself many times as a fierce - and beautiful - Diva. And this is why she continues to invade the hearts of the WWE Universe around the world.

 

Final Words

 

With that, I hope that you have enjoyed reading and viewing the rather scrumptious pics that make up a bulk of this monthly entry. Did you like this month's babe? Oh, don't forget to read the latest issue of System Wars Monthly too, it's a pretty jam packed issue this time around. I am also pleased to say that this month's entry has now been PDF'ed for your convenience.

 

PDF Download: HERE

 

Thanks for reading.