Crashing the party, or saving the day?

Alrighty folks it's that time, yep FINALLY the first video in my first ever lets play is up. The top ten will be up tomorrow, and it was hard to pick just 10 bad games for 2014 when there where SO MANY.... SO I MADE A TOP 10 MOST DISAPPOINTING LIST AS WELL. Look forward to that in the following week as well as the downsized top 5 best games of 2014, cause I didn't get to play alot of good games last year as i did't have a pc... Sad i know, anyway enjoy the video there will be more to come, thank you for your time and see ya next time.

To watch the video click the youtube update page over to the left, or simply go here GamingwithdeeEXC

New youtube

That's right DEE IS BACK, WITH VENGEANCE!!! To kick off this new year I have not only been searching through all the horrid games and amazing ones i've played to compose a few top tens for you blood thirsty review hounds and gaming nerds alike. *i kid, i kid, OR DO I!?!?!?!?*

ANYWAY look there are two list coming out this year, and with my new pc up and running faster and better than any desktop i have EVER OWNED i'm ready to blaze a trail into the new year that will in hopes NOT END in like a week. *i kid, i kid, i didn't just abandon you guys, my pc broke down, then i fucked up my processor, and literally had to wait till christmas to get a new one cause i'm BROKE.*

Enough about me, back to talking about MY content, there will be more blogs coming, new changes, and more content coming to this blog my tumblr, and my youtube. swing over and watch me fail at tanking if that's your thing at GamingwithdeeEXE. you can just click that, or you can just click the nice little link over there that says youtube updates.

Beyond Two Souls

      That’s right folks I’m back, back from what seemed like would be the end of my video game reviewing days. Gladly it wasn't, for those of you wondering, long story short, when certain people decided they are going lie, and just completely drop the work they were doing on the blog for me. I was forced to take on all of it and IT DIDN'T GO SO WELL. I stressed myself out and woke up one morning and just couldn't be asked to even bother worrying about posting ANYTHING. So I put this on the back burner while I went job hunting. Still job hunting, but now that I’ve figured out the direction we are going to go in. I’m back with more content for you to read and enjoy. With that I have some bad news, ALL of the old projects, dropping them, I don’t have the resources to finish them (I don’t own the games to finish playing them my Ex owned them, and she moved to Canada…) There will be one review every week, with and at the end of the month I will play and review a game that everyone hates, and see if there is any redeeming qualities about it. Anyway without further delay, let’s move on the first review of 2014. BEYOND: TWO SOULS. Due to the nature of this game I’m going to avoid try my best to avoid spoilers.

Development

      Beyond: Two Souls was developed by Quantic Dream, written and directed by its CEO, David Cage, just like his other games; Omikron: The Nomad Soul, Indigo Prophecy (my first David Cage game), and Heavy Rain (haven’t played it yet.) During the games development it was noted that the voice actor for Jodie (Ellen Page) said the script was over 2000 pages long. Considering the amount of ways this game can be played, I can only imagine what the script looked like. Unlike Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls is not compatible with the Playstation move, and like All of Cage’s earlier works, it has been called a “Psychological Thriller” and has been stated that the emotional narrative throughout the game was a key point in the games development. The game was first announced during E3 2012 featuring a trailer to debut the in-game graphic’s.

          The game was Normand Corbeil’s final work, as he passed away of pancreatic cancer on the 25 of Jan 2013 (moment of silence). Composer Lorne Balfe replaced Corbeil after his death as the games composer, having worked on the sound track for Assassin’s Creed III (To the games credit the sound track was one of things that DIDN’T suck…). The game also star’s actors such as Willem Dafoe, Ellen Page, Eric Winter, and Kadeem Haridson, with their in-game characters sharing resemblance to their voice actors. (for those of you who where are like, that Jodie looks like Ellen Page, SHE IS SUPPOSED, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP POINTING OUT THE OBVIOUS.) Speaking on actor’s, one has to wonder about the budget for a game like this. Oftentimes most AAA games budget out to around $25 million when it comes to development cost, with the lowest being around $10 million. It has been stated that GTA V cost Rockstar a grand total of $265 MILLION. Good thing the game sold so many copies eh, despite the online not being all that great just yet. GTA V cost 7 times the amount for Quantic dream’s Heavy rain, Beyond: Two Souls however not so much, costing around $27 million. A reasonable development price to be sure, although that particular question is subjected to the person who spent their hard earned money on the game, and rather or not they enjoyed it or not. The price is only 7 million more than Heavy Rain’s price, so I guess the question it comes down to is my opinion on rather or not the game was worth it. Stick around and find out what I have to say.

Plot Spoiler level (light)

       Beyond: Two Souls follows the timeline of Jodie Holmes (Ellen Page), who since birth been connected to what is known as an entity named Aiden. After being left by her foster parents, she is raised by two researchers, Nathan Dawkins (Willem Dafoe) and Cole Freeman (Kadeem Hardison). Nathan and Cole’s job is to conduct research to figure out more about the infraworld which happens to be where entities come from, so the USA can use it as a weapon. Nathan and Cole conduct countless test on Jodie, none of which are painful or are meant to cause anyone any harm, in order to help them understand the nature of her connection to Aiden, and help her further develop her control over him.

          The plot of the game while scripted, was developed to be nonlinear, meaning the narrative doesn’t follow a straight path from beginning to end. The game starts with Jodie beginning to tell you the story of her life, recounting the events of her past, and how she came to be where she is. The game jumps from different points in her life, with some points being when she was younger, and some with her being in her early 20’s working for the CIA, and even memories of events that happen after she goes AWOL. Throughout the recounted events you’r allowed to in away control what direction her life will go in, by the choices you decide to make. As the player you control both Jodie, and Aiden, with almost all of the game changes choices made by Jodie, very few will be done by Aiden, and if they are they don't change much.

Gameplay & Story Spoiler level (light)

       Here is the deal, Beyond: Two Souls, like David Cage’s earlier games, aren’t knowing for their amazing gameplay, they are more like interactive movies. There point is to tell you a story, not to thrill you with engaging gameplay that takes your breath away and blows your mind. I leaving out a lot of spoilers while talking about the this game because It's mainly just story, that’s really all there is to this game, and I felt I’d be cheating you out of what I felt to be an amazing storytelling experience. HOWEVER if you are one of those people who play games looking for action, wanting to be a force of destruction, kill people at random, or even just have active free roam, in a heavily interactive game, David Cage’s games are NOT for you. The point of the game would go over your head, and you’d hate the game for it having very little in the ways of actual gameplay. If you are one of those people who love a good story, and want to be taken on a ride and willing to let the story tell itself instead of insisting you know how it’s going to end. I suggest you pick this up and give it a try.

          Gameplay wise this game is scripted as i stated, while there are different ways of doing things, they all end in similar conclusions, events happen or don’t happen dependent on rather you press the right buttons, or if you press the button at all. When you control Jodie, most of your interactions will be of this sort. Almost all of your game changing choices come from Jodie as well. Jodie will have a good bit of combat in her later memories, but keep in mind this game is nonlinear, so while you may be recounting a memory in Jodie’s 20’s the next memory could be her teenage years. Other elements of gameplay will be taken on by Aiden, what are these elements, quite simply Aiden breaks things, throws things, and fucks with shit. He can choke humans, possess them, or launch objects at them. In certain memories you will be attacked by entities, due to the fact that Jodie is quite human, she can’t fight them, so this task is left to Aiden. While Jodie’s combat gameplay is enjoyable… AIDEN’S IS NOT… Honestly this could have been fleshed out more, as it felt to me at times I really wasn’t doing much of anything. I’m trying to keep spoilers to a minimum but let me just say this, move the thumb sticks in or out to throw or choke someone, or even kill another entity gets old. If I have to give you any advice it would be this, DO NOT get hung up on the gameplay, you will be disappointed, and remain so throughout the whole of the game.

          The story is where the game truly shines. As stated you follow Jodie’s life, jumping back and forth between different points in her life that cover more than fifteen years of her life. Throughout these memories you travel through different locations in which Jodie visited or lived through these periods in her life some being; The lab in which she lived with Nathan and Cole, CIA base where she trains to work for the CIA under Ryan Clayton(Eric Winter) who depending on player choices her opinion on may differ. You visit a war-torn Somalia under orders to remove a tyrannical dictator, a group of homeless people who despite their lack of means, care for Jodie, and a native American family who every night lock themselves in their house to remain safe from a vicious entity that wants to kill them. Jodie’s life is not a easy one, she is left by her foster parents due to her connection to Aiden and her father’s fear that she will kill them. Nathan and Cole became her family, but she was eventually taken away from them… by Ryan… or the CIA, but Ryan was a prick about it though.

          You follow Jodie’s life from her childhood well into adulthood, as she struggles to live with an entity she knows nothing about. Early in Jodie’s life she was left with Nathan Dawkins, and Cole Freeman by her foster parents. They eventually become the only family Jodie knows, and genuinely care for her. When Jodie was young she spent all of her time in the lab, undergoing test so that Nathan and his team could gain a better understanding of Aiden, and more importantly the connection between Aiden and Jodie. When Jodie is in her teens, Nathan is contacted by the government, that’s right they want Jodie to do something for them. It seems that the government has been trying to find away into the world in which Aiden came from, the Infraworld. Thing is THEY ACTUALLY OPENNED A DOOR, bad news for them, as the entities that come out are dark, and quickly start to murder everyone in the lab, and what’s worse, they can’t seem to close the door. You have probably already guessed it, but if you haven’t, they want Jodie to go into their lab, and close the gateway they created. Eventually this leads to her being taken away from the lab by Ryan Clayton who works with the CIA, she eventually joins the CIA where she is pretty much used as a tool. After certain events unfold that upsets Jodie greatly, she goes AWOL, ending up with a group of homeless people struggling with the choice to take her life, or continue living. Eventually she finds herself on a Native American ranch, helping them solve their problem with a entity summoned to by their ancestors. The game comes full circle when Jodie meets back up with Cole who tells her news of her mother. The two of them go to investigate and you eventually learn the truth about your mother, and why you were raised by the government. By now a great deal of the game should make sense to you. (in a effort to avoid massive spoilers I have left A LOT out.) After speaking with her mother, Jodie exit’s the room only to find out that they have been caught. Jodie finds herself speaking with Nathan again, who has been working with the government to create a stable gateway into the Infraworld, he succeeded, and with the new technology created to contain entities, the same tragedy that happen in Jodie’s youth didn’t befall this lab. Nathan tells Jodie that the CIA has one final job for her, then they will cut her loose to live her life. It seems another nation has created a doorway into the Infraworld, they want you and your old team to find their lab and shut it down. Long story short, you succeed, and return only to find out that due to events that happened in her youth Nathan has pretty much gone bat shit crazy. He is going to shut down the containment field and the gateway also known as the blacksun will pass throughout the world. Eventually the Real world and the Infraworld will become one and death will not matter anymore. After you’ve stopped his plan it’s happily ever after, or at least you think it is, since Jodie has had a vision of the future AND IT IS NOT HAPPY AT ALL. As you play the game, the story bounces around from her childhood to her rebellious teenage years, as well into her mid 20’s. You may find yourself confused at times, since the points don’t all start to connect into later in the game. This is ok, you’re supposed to be confused, this gives you some time to make some guesses about what happens next.

          In truth this game like David cages other games, has hardly anything beyond its own story, which is supposed to be its biggest selling point. For me even the downsides of this game were tolerable, the story line is entirely too predictable at times, and Aiden was more like a ghost buddy, not really fleshed out at all, and serves little purpose than a bodyguard who protects Jodie from hard, and helps her solve mysteries. The part that upsets me the most about this game however is it’s ending, While it makes perfect sense, it hints to a possible sequel. Issue is that David Cage has never made a sequel to any of his games, so the likelihood that one will be made for this one is slim to none. However as I said These things can be overlooked easily as long as you go into this game with a open mind. It is a David Cage game, do not go into this game expecting excellent gameplay, and don’t be too upset just because you saw certain parts of the story unfolding before you.

Endgame Spoiler level (medium)

            As I stated before, the ending of this game is the part that upsets me the most. I hate it when games end without answering all the questions, I hate it more when those games end and hint a sequel, when the developer of said game is not known for ever making a sequel to his jankball games. (Jankball being good in this case.) In this games defense a lot of questions were answered through the game play and in the games conclusion if not all of them. The ending pisses me off sole because how it ends, and the fact that actually enjoyed playing this game, and would like another one, knowing there is a slim chance of it actually happening. As with Indigo Prophecy the game has different endings. All based around your choices at the end of the game, and during the game. As I explained in the Gameplay section Nathan has gone bat shit crazy by the end of the game. After the death of his wife and daughter, he was become obsessed with Jodie and the Infraworld. Nathan has built a device that has pulled his wife and daughters souls from the Infraworld, literally keeping them trapped between two worlds, causing their souls extreme pain. After getting Jodie to use her powers to allow him to speak with them, he falls off the deep end when his wife begs him to let her go. He blames Jodie, saying that she said that, despite that Jodie tries to tell him that what he is doing is wrong, he refuses to listen, so she leaves. THIS IS WHERE YOU ARE BETRAYED BY THE US GOVERNMENT, SHOCKER RIGHT no, not at all, I bet you say this coming a LONG TIME AGO. The plan to do to you what they did to your mom. While you are bound Nathan comes to you and tells you that he is going to bring down the containment field around the black sun. Soon after your put in control of Aiden and it’s off to get help. Aiden manages to get help from Cole and Ryan (in mine I don’t know if Ryan is there in every play through as choices could change the outcome.) They free you and it’s off to stop Nathan, or in this case destroy the black sun, as you’re going to be too late to stop Nathan. After it’s all said and done, you get to choose rather you live or die. I’ll leave that part up to you to discover, I’ve already spoiled enough. Just know this, rather you choose to live or die, it doesn’t change the very end of the game. There will be a scene where you see the end of the world. Someone open Pandora’s Box and there is no going back. The hints to a sequel are so obvious yet I doubt we will see one, and that my friends is what pisses me off.

            As much as I would love to recommend this game to everyone, I just can’t. This game as well as all of David Cage’s other games are NOT ever everyone else. If you love David Cages other games pick this one up, If you enjoy playing games that start off normal then go super jankball pick this game up, If you are one of those gamers who can enjoy and accept a game for what it is instead of demanding it change to fit your gaming style and concept of what games should be, PICK THIS GAME UP, If you love weird super natural shit, pick this game up. However if you’re into fast pace games, games that are actually you know games, and not interactive movies, games that have more action, or don’t care for story, this isn’t the game for you. For me this was a great game, and if you’re looking to try something new, I’d recommend this game. It is worth at least ONE play through, and with that, I’ll give this game a rating of Play it. Asking you to finish it would be asking to much, some people just can’t be asked, and that’s understandable. Play it then trade it in or keep it for your collection.

This is the first review of many to come in 2014 I want to thank you for your time and support, coming up next will be my top 10 best games I played of 2013, which should be up sometime this week. Thank you again for your time hope you enjoyed the my thoughts, and understand that this is just my opinion, you are entitled to your own as well, and I will see you guys next time.

Push backs

Just a small update on what is going to happen. At current i have to push the update i stated earlier back, I didn't imagine there would be so much to read and catch up on. New game releases and demo's to play, and reviews to type. I will have a update by the end of this week, i just got caught up over the week in with the job hunt, getting things taken care of and what not. Anyway the update is coming along with it is a list of changes and content to look forward to, and of course before i introduce the new reviews and updates, we will finish off the older ones first. Thanks for your patiences and your time, and as always i'll see you all next time.

What happened during the break

For those of you who don't know, The last few months have been crazy for me. With all the stuff i've been doing trying to fix my pc, going with  my family to North Carolina, getting an appartment (we will be moving in Aug 17) Looking for a second job, and being sick for the better part of last month. It's been alittle rough, but none of it was in vain. Come sunday we will resume all regular projects and scheduled projects. Gaming news will be posted when there is actually gaming news to post. I tried daily but then came across a issue where sometimes i couldn't give a shit about what was going on as it didn't seem important enough to even waste your time reading it.

Tomorrow Gaming with Dee and Extended content will have a update to explain what new post will be coming. To be informed of the updates just follow my Tumblr or Twitter.

Video game news and Updates for June 21, 2013 is available

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, the Gaming news and updates for the 21^st of June 2013 is up. I speak in depth on my views concerning Microsoft’s reversal and what this means for the video game industry and us a gamers as well as consumers. If you interested in reading more there is a post here on this site just below this one. If your interest in reading my thoughts concerning the matter head over to

http://gwdextendcontent.blogspot.com/.

For alerts on updates follow me on my Twitter and Tumblr:

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/gamingwithdee

https://twitter.com/GamingwithDee

Microsoft may decide to Reverse the Policies used in the Xbox One

In a stunning, yet expected, announcement from Microsoft, it seems the features of the Xbox One that pretty much turned the console into a brick, are being removed. Seems the outrage from their fans, or in my opinion the small number of pre-orders they saw coming in, prompted microsoft to pull a full reversal of the DRM policies used in the Xbox One.

What does this mean you may be wondering. well my silly little friend it means several things

• No more 24 hour confirmation
• All disc will work without having to be "installed" just pop it in and play.
• Internet connection is only required at setup.
• All downloaded games will function with our without a internet connection.
• No restrictions on used games.
• Region locks have been dropped

Most importantly it means that the Console wars are back on in full swing. An the Xbox One despite it's horrid name, undesirable look, price tag, and refusal to work unless the kinect is connected, is becoming a move viable game system. I find it odd that not but a week after E3 we have this HUGE reversal by Microsoft. If they are smart and want to gain back consumer trust, they will say something like this in a official announcement. 

"We thought what we were doing would be the next step in revolutionizing the game industry, but after listening to our fans feedback we see we were clearly wrong. It's always been our goal to give our fans what they want, this is our attempt at taking the first step in the right direction."

A little to hopeful? yeah i thought so, but a man could dream right, we will just have to wait and see just what prompted such a major turnaround for them.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2013/06/19/microsoft-to-reverse-xbox-one-policies-after-fan-revolt/

http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/microsoft-to-pull-complete-reversal-on-xbox-one-dr/1100-4673/

Gaming news and updates for June 18, 2013 are up on GWD Extended Content

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, The Gaming News and Update for the 18^th of June 2013 is up, the topics covered today are the following;

• XCOM is coming to iOS with a price tag of $20.

• Dead Rising 3 will be more mature and sophisticated.

• Avalanche Dev on game trading.

• Release round up.

If you wish to read up on these topic’s head over to:

http://gwdextendcontent.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your time and continued support.

Gaming News and updates is up on Extended content.

Hello there ladies and gentlemen, today Gaming news and update is up, the topics covered are the following .

• Planetary Annihilation Alpha on sell for 90 Dollars

• Ubisoft is asking PC gamers to show support and interest in a PC version of The Division

• Kingdom Hearts 3 Development

• Minor change in the choice for Video game news and updates.

If you wish to read up on these topic’s head over to:  http://gwdextendcontent.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your time and continued support.

PlayStation 4 Reveal

Sony Reveals the PlayStation 4

THE PLAYSTATION 4

On June 10 during their E3 conference Sony reveal more about the PS4, and what a a announcement it was. Armed with the knowledge of trusted websites, (Playstation.com, Kotaku, and sonyps4.) and the news from what was revealed at the Sony Conference I bring to you MY Thoughts as well as some facts on the PlayStation 4.

            Without going to any other site for reference I can tell you know that the PS4 is a gaming console through and through, an is in fact worthy of joining my game system collection, along with all three of the Playstations before it, the Xbox and 360, as well as the Nintendo 64, Gamecube and Wii (I do own a super Nintendo but it doesn’t work sadly…) This new PlayStation will have richer and more immersive gameplay, as well as stunning graphics, top of the line memory and well integrated social features that will make games more fun for gamers to play and interact with one another.

            To start there announcement about the PS4 Sony stated that they have holding true to their commitment to bring gamers the music, movies, and television that the love. Offering Redbox Instant, offering over 7000 movies that will soon be available on you Vita, PS3 and the PS4, and they stated that they will bring Live events, with their new Live events view, you will be able to watch Sports, Television and listen to music, live or on demand from their partners across the world, and finally beginning this fall, Flixster will be on the playstation network, giving gamers access to one of the most popular apps for discovering and watching new movies.

            If you’re wondering “Well Dee why aren’t you flipping out about this like you did for the Xbox One, when they focused on Television?” The answer is quite simple really, see this was only a small segment of their conference and even still they dedicated LESS time talking about it then Microsoft did during the Xbox One Reveal, clearly showing that we are acknowledging our promise, we are bringing you the killer apps you have asked for, but this ISN’T or consoles main focus. They even stated during the Conference that at its core the PS4 is about gaming, that IT is where their passion lies, and what keeps PS fans coming back.THAT is why I’m not flipping my shit about this. The PlayStation 4’s main focus is on the games, and that is what I want in a game console, after all THAT is why I purchase a GAME CONSOLE, is to GAME ON IT, the rest is just a benefit.

            Worldwide Studios Sony Computer Entertainment made a statement at the Sony Conference that they have over 30  games in development for the PS4 and 20 of them will be out in the first year of the PS4’s release. Out of the 20 Titles that will be coming out for the PS4 12 of them will be brand new IP’s like The Order 1886, developed by Readyatdawn. They also some exciting development in 4 other titles, those being Killzone, DriveClub, inFamous Second Son, and Knack, with Killzone, Driveclub, and Knack being confirm to be released at the launch at the PS4. Let me just say this, while it is a fact that the Microsoft Conference did cover more Xbox One exclusives, THEY HAVE ONLY THREE GAMES I CARED ABOUT COMING OUT FOR THEIR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM, AND NOT ONE OF THEM WAS A XBOX ONE EXCLUSIVE, those three being MGS5, Kingdom Hearts, and Final Fantasy XV All three titles have been confirmed to be on BOTH systems, and with the choice of Sony over Microsoft, I pick Sony. Not a fan boy, don’t get me wrong, but in this case I like to stay AS FAR AWAY FROM CONSOLE DRM, I mean it’s bad enough that game developers are adding more and more DRM, that now our consoles have to have it to, COME OFF IT.

            Now while it’s clear that Sony is going to do right by the gamer, the true testament to the the PS4 comes not from its Development but the game developers themselves. Take a quick look at the specks for the PS4. An if you are any kind of tech enthusiast, you’ll be able to see just where the PS4 is superior to the Xbox One, and where it has its faults. Even where the PS4 falls a little short, Sony has present 1^st 2^nd and 3^rd party games with a platform to create visually stunning, wide expansive worlds, that can captivate and fascinate gamers for hours on end. However it’s up to the game developers to capitalize on it, and take advantage of this platform and bring bigger better and longer games, with more involved game play, better stories, life like characters, and what’s more take advantage of the nearly 50% more graphic power the PS4 offers over the Xbox One.

Let’s talk about bout what makes the PlayStation 4 the beast that it is.

Main Processor

• Single-chip Custom Processor
• CPU: x89-64 AMD ‘Jaquar’ 8 cores
• GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD next-generation Radeon based graphics engine.

Memory

• GDDR5 8GB

Hard Disk Drive Built-in

Optical Drive (Read Only)

• BD 6xCAV
• DVD 8xCAV

I/O communication

• Super-speed USB (USB 3.0) AUX
• ETHERNET (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
• IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 (EDR)

AV Output

• HDMI
• Analog-AV out
• Digital Output (optical)

Enough about the console let’s take a look at the new Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller. I don’t know about the rest of you, but the question that comes to my mind every time they make a new console is this “what does the new controller look like? Are the buttons big enough cause I don’t have baby hands, is it responsive, faster than the previous?” and while the Jury is still out on those questions (I won’t know till I actually get to play using the controller.) I can tell you some details about the controller. Sony has stated that the New PS4 controller will feature familiar controls while bringing in some new ways to interact with games as well as other players. With improved dual analog sticks, and triggers, as well as a new touch pad, endless potential for new game play possibilities open up.

The new controller will Feather a Touch pad located at the top of the controller, a four color LED Light bar, to let easily identify who is 1^st 2^nd 3^rd and 4^th as well as quickly see game information like when health is low, or when you have taken major damage (I assume the light will blink or flash in such instances otherwise I see no point in this.), A share button that allows you to instantly share accomplishments by streaming LIVE game play to Ustream or uploading directly to facebook. It also has a built in Mono Speaker (YEAH now it’s just like a Nintendo Wii U remote… I guess this could be good, but I’m not particularly sold on this yet.) and will sport a new shape and enhance vibration. Over all sounds pretty good, but will find out when the system comes out during the holiday season of 2013.

I can’t offer any kind of info on the PlayStation move what so ever as they seem to completely avoid talking about, but what I can say is that it is NOT required for the PS4 to function.

In closing I’ll leave you with a couple of Sony’s major announcements during E3 about the PS4, as well as a few links So that you may check out this information on your own should you so desire. Thank you for your continued support.

THE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The PlayStation will support ALL used games, putting control and owner ship BACK in the hands of gamers. If you buy a game that copy of the game IS YOURS to do with as you please, not happy with it, return it, wanna let a few friends borrow, go right on ahead, wanna trade it in NO PROBLEM.
• The PlayStation 4 WILL NOT enforce ANY new restrictions, there will be NO system check ins or 24 hour online authentication.
• The PlayStation Plus memberships will carry over to the PlayStation 4, and will offer some new benefits, only down side is that it is now REQUIRED to play multiplayer on the PS4.
• The Playstation 4 will only cost $399 dollars close to $500 dollars after tax in America, and 399 euros, and 349 pounds in your regional equivalent.

NOW THE LINKS

http://sonyps4.com/playstation-4-console-revealed/

http://us.playstation.com/ps4/features/techspecs/

http://us.playstation.com/ps4/features/dualshock4-controller/

http://kotaku.com/5985759/sony-announces-the-playstation-4

Kingdom Hearts 3 UPDATE

Kingdom Hearts III

UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF RATHER KINGDOM HEARTS IS COMING TO XBOX ONE OR NOT.

The answer is yes. All that needs to be watched is the trailer. At the end of the trailer you will see what systems the game is coming out for. 

While I have not found an official quote from Square or Disney, several sites state that it is in fact confirmed.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/11/e3-2013-kingdom-hearts-iii-heading-to-xbox-one

http://kotaku.com/youll-be-able-to-play-kingdom-hearts-3-on-both-xbox-o-512618466

http://www.technobuffalo.com/2013/06/12/kingdom-hearts-3-also-heading-to-xbox-one/#PlayStation-4-updates

This is a GOOD THING, nothing bad can come from this happening. Square (and Disney lets not forget Disney.) will make more money, and Kingdom Hearts will gain more fans, and pre-existing fans who don't own a PS4 will not have to pick up a console the have to desire to own just to play ONE game.  I am all for this, as I have hated the thought of Exclusives to begin with, let’s not pretend for one second that exclusives serve any other purpose than to boost console sells. If you need any further proof look at titles like RYSE and FORZA 5 for the Xbox One, and Infamous and Drive Club for the PS4. AMAZING games, yet will only be available exclusively on their respected consoles… what can ya do though, Console wars is just part of the business, it’s what sells consoles, and sadly in a adverse reaction, creates a rift between gamers as PS4 fanboys talk shit about the Xbox One fanboys, and vice versa. I may not like the Xbox One, but as a gamer, I want to enjoy the game on whatever console I prefer to play it on. An I extend to you the same, Enjoy your games on whatever system you want to play it on. Now without further adieu enjoy the Trailer if you haven't seen it yet, and if you have WELL FUCKING WATCH IT AGAIN, because why not, it’s KINGDOM HEARTS!

BioShock

Bioshock

       Development

                      Released on August 21, 2007 by Irrational Games, BioShock, as many games before it, was not the same game that had been worked on in development, Chris Kline, 2K Boston’s (2k Boston is now known as Irrational Games.) Tech Director described Bioshock as being a “Sequence of failures and errors.” So how did a sequence of failures and errors eventually lead to becoming one of 2007’s major releases? Simple really, trial and error, after all it’s the only true way to make a game. When Bioshock was revealed in 2004 the story and setting had changed significantly from what it was originally intended to be, and from its reveal to its release its story received more major overhauls while its gameplay elements would remain similar to what was seen in the released version of the game. According to many developers, Bioshock is a spiritual successor to the System Shock games. Many of the Irrational team had previously worked on the System shock games, and wanted to create something with the same feel, but was different. When the game was released in 2007 not only did BioShock sport a different storyline, but it also changed many concepts of the game to the ones you see and know now, such as “Drones”, “Soldiers”, and “Predators” became the basis for the “Little Sisters”, “Big Daddies”, and “Splicers” which are used in both BioShock, and BioShock 2.

                Settings

                                BioShock is set in the 1960’s, in the underwater city of Rapture, you can learn the history of the city through audio recording found throughout the entire city in the game, or when it’s finished you can read it in my four part blog on Gaming with Dee – Extended Content. IT’S NOT UP YET THOUGH, so relax and enjoy this review of the game. Rapture was created by a business man named Andrew Ryan who wanted to create a Utopia for the rich, or upper class of society, away from the control of the government. For a time Rapture was just that, and scientific discovery blossomed, and eventually they discovered of the plasmid ADAM, created by sea slugs on the ocean floor, which allowed for users to alter their DNA to grant them meta-human powers like shooting electricity from their hands, mind control, and pyro-kinesis.

                        Sadly things didn’t remain peaceful as a power hungry man by the name of Frank Fontaine rose to challenge Andrew. This started a power struggle, As Frank created Little Sister by implanting the sea slugs in the stomachs of orphan girls, and Andrew fought back with his army of Splicers, humans genetically enhanced to be super soldiers. Unfortunately this power struggle was one which Frank eventually lost, as he was presumed dead in a shot out between Andrew’s men, and his own. Soon after a man named Atlas rose to stand for the working class of Rapture, once again turning the utopia of Rapture into a battle ground. Having created Big Daddies to deal with the Little Sisters now under Andrew’s control, the civil war that broke out left Rapture in ruins, with Splicer’s running out of control, killing anyone they could find, and Little sisters patrolling with Big Daddies harvesting ADAM from “angels”, you the main character find yourself thrust into the middle of this civil war by Atlas, who ask for your help to save his family, and to defeat Andrew Ryan.

            Story

(I’m not going to cover the full story in this review as it will be covered on Gaming with Dee Extended Content.)

                        From the start of the game, the player takes control of Jack, the main character in this game. Jack is a passenger on a plane that goes down in the Atlantic Ocean in 1960. As the only survivor he makes his way to a light house off in the distance. This light house holds a Bathysphere which takes Jack to Rapture.

                        After arriving at Rapture, Jack is contacted by a man Named Atlas, and is guided to safety from the Splicers, Deformed, genetically modified super soldiers, who are extremely aggressive. Atlas ask Jack to help him stop Ryan, and help save his family. Yet you can’t shake the fact that something isn’t right. Unless you don’t pay attention to the story, if that’s the case you’re horrible, and should be beaten with a stick. Along the way Jack many different enemies from various types of Splicers to Security drones, Big Daddies, and Little Sisters.

            Game-play

          Bioshock is an Action-Adventure, horror themed First-person shooter with a few interesting elements that aren’t normally seen in first-person shooters, such as the use of Plasmids. Using all the elements at hand you can complete different objectives in a different ways. At times you may opt to sneak around, trying to avoid enemy detection, or you can choose to turn the tables in your favor by hacking the security cameras and automated turrets, or you can opt to do what I did, and shot just about everything that look like it wants to kill you. (Yes I died quite a bit.) While exploring Rapture you should be looting and exploring everywhere, looking for money, ammunition, heath, EVE and additional weapons. You will also come across spare parts that can be used at “U-Invent” to “create” weapons you can’t find in game, or create some usable items. Camera’s, turrets, and Vending machines, safes, and locked doors can be hacked, providing benefits such as Turrets attacking splicers, gaining access to a safe, opening doors (duh) and vending machines selling items to players at a discount. You are also given a Research Camera, which is used to take pictures of the various enemies to help analyze them. After enough analysis of an enemy, the player is granted one of the following benefits such as, increased damage, gene tonics, and other bonuses. . Lastly when fighting enemies, should you die, you will find yourself transported to a Vita-Chamber. You will have all your possessions, but only a portion of your hp, if you so desire you can opt to turn this feature off. If you decide to do that, should you die, you will have to load up your last save.

                        While this game isn’t perfect there are some things that this game does right. One of those things is the ability to hack the automated defenses and turn them to your side. On my first play through I didn’t do much hacking, I did a run and gun to get the story, and oddly enough I spent more time in that play through then I did my second. Needless to say, my second play through I hacked just about anything that could be hacked. Hacking makes things significantly easier on you, giving you a edge in a fight against splicers or Big Daddies, or cheaper items at the vending machines. The Pipe Mania mini-game that is required to hack vending machines was a particular favorite of mine. It reminded me of some games I used to play on the pc as younger where you have to connect, twist, and turn pipes, to make sure the water made it from its starting point to the end point. *Mainly because it was exactly like them lol.* The Research Camera was a fresh new turn on providing upgrades, I liked the concept of snapping pictures of my enemies, in an attempt to understand them, and once completed given a bonus or gene tonic that helped you through the rest of the game. The best part of this game is the Plasmids, you can collect and assign a number of plasmids and gene tonics which will grant you the ability to unleash special attacks or gain passive benefits like extra health or improved hacking skills. “Active” plasmids or the plasmids that you will actively use will require EVE. EVE can be restored via blue syringes, which you will find throughout the game so keep your eyes peeled because if you’re like me, you will use plasmids almost as much as your gun (mainly because gun play is not this’s games strong suit) “Tonics” are passive plasmids that require no EVE, and give you a benefit such as, increased strength, lowering the cost of EVE usage, damage resistance, and more.

                        Plasmids can be found at different points throughout the game/ story-line  but they can also be purchased by the player at “Gatherer’s Gardens” using the ADAM you collect from little sisters. *note you don’t have to kill little sisters to collect ADAM from them.* To collect ADAM from a Little Sister, you have to first remove her body guard from the equation. That’s right you have to kill the Big Daddy first. There are two types of Big Daddies in Bioshock, the Rosie, and the Bouncer. . Within each type there’s a regular and Elite. You will need to kill the Big Daddy to “Harvest” Little sisters, which gives you the maximum amount of ADAM you can get from a Little sister. HOWEVER if you were born with a soul you may choose to opt in for “Curing” the Little sisters. While it does pay less then harvesting them, it has a promising reward in the future. Your choice will influence how the Little sisters react to you at the games ending.

                        Control wise, the game feels fluent, while as stated, gun play isn’t this games strong point, I seldom had issues with it in this game as I compensated with quick reaction times, and covered myself with the use of plasmids. However if you already don’t like FPS’s this one isn’t going to change your mind on the genre, as it does gun play in a fairly decent way. It’s not good, but it’s not bad, at times it can be frustrating if you’re coming into this game not experienced in FPS’s, and at times, the gun play feels perfectly fine. Honestly I believe the controls are fine and that your experience depends on the gun you use, and how you use your plasmids. You can make the game harder or easier by choosing to, or not to take advantage of the plasmids, and vast array of weapons and ammo types at your disposal.

       Level Design

              If you played Bioshock you know one thing, there aren't really levels in this game. Instead you visit various parts of Rapture to be explored, and while the Bathysphere’s my take you to new sections, a lot of Rapture can be revisited throughout the game. Rapture design is moody, dark, and gritty, WHICH IS FUCKING PERFECT. The city is far from a welcoming city, broken pipe lines, flooded areas, shattered glass, and crumbled walls, you get that feeling that you are moving around in someone’s backyard, constantly aware of your surroundings. You get several chances to take a look out of the various windows, to see the city of Rapture in the back ground. It’s kind of unsettling yet at the same time, has this eerie since of peace until it is broken by the screams of a splicer in the back ground.  Rapture is a city meant to be explored, but with caution. It’s got history and you will want to know what happened to make this once beautiful city, a war torn dystopia.

                        Nothing about Rapture was meant to put you at ease, from your immediate surroundings, to world design, Rapture was designed to look like a functioning city from the outside, but be broken within, which it very much is. After all, it has been through not one but two uprisings, the first lead by Frank, and the second by Atlas. *but wait isn’t frank and SHUT IT YOU, BACK IN THE CLOSET.* This city has seen its fair share of hard times, and it’s design is created to make sure it relays that message to you flawlessly. 

            End game

*WARNING THIS SECTION CONTAINS MAJOR PLOT DETAILS AN MAJOR SPOILERS, IF YOU HAVE NOT PLAYED BIOSHOCK AND PLAN TO, I SUGGEST YOU DO NOT READ THIS SECTION OF THE REVIEW.*

                        The end of the game is by far the most enjoyable for me. Not because the game is ending, but because I had this burning desire to break my foot off in Frank’s ass. *Frank? I thought Frank was dead* oh but see that’s where your wrong my silly little monkey. You see if you played BioShock, you’d know Atlas is none other than Frank Fontaine. You soon learn that you aren’t who you think you are, Jack is the illegitimate son of Andrew Ryan, and Jasmine Jolene, Ryan’s mistress. An Audio Diary by Jolene, some photos found on Ryan’s desk indicate that Jack was purchased, yes bought, by Brigid Tenenbaum on the behalf of Frank himself. Jack was Franks back up plan should he ever be forced into a situation by Ryan, during the ever increasing hostilities leading up to Rapture’s Civil War.

                        Jack was “born” and raised in Fontaine Futuristic, by scientist that include Dr. Yi Suchong and Brigid Tenenbaum *WAIT WHAT, HOW THE FUCK, WHAT FUCKERY IS THIS.* If you would kindly let me finish, you know if you haven’t played the game maybe you shouldn’t be reading this eh. *DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO* chill out, just a suggestion. Like I was saying, According to Audio Diaries by Dr. Suchong Jack Weighed Fifty-six pounds and had the muscular development of a fit nineteen year old at the age of one thanks to Lot 111. *note Lot 111 was created by Dr. Suchong to speed up the growth process in children.* Another Audio Diary Reveals that Dr. Suchong is also responsible for the mind control imprinting that Frank Fontaine requested. As if I needed any more reason to fuck Frank the hell up.

                        Jack’s similar genetic structure to Andrew’s would allow him to use bathyspheres that were in lockdown, be resurrected at Vita-Chambers, and the automated security of Rapture wouldn’t be as effective against him. Sometime in 1958 Frank found himself in a situation where he was backed into a corner; he faked his own death in a shoot-out with Sullivan’s forces. During this time Jack was smuggled out of Rapture in a bathysphere and sent to the surface as a sleeper agent.  He lived out a pre-programed life as Frank had planned. When the time came Frank now under the alias of Atlas *HA I FUCKING KNEW IT, FRANK WAS ATLAS.*… “activated” Jack, upon Atlas command using the trigger phrase “would you kindly” Jack boarded a plane in 1960 that passed over Rapture’s location, he then hijacked the plane and forced it to crash near the lighthouse, thus leading him to Rapture.

                        If you’re anything like me, after finding all this out, you already want to violently murder Frank Fontaine; opps let me reverse that for those parents who blame video games for their children’s behavior and not their lack of parenting. If you’re anything like me, you want to teach Frank a lesson in toying with people’s lives, even if you are a puppet’s whose sole purpose was to help Frank defeat Ryan and take control over Rapture. Lucky for you, you get a chance to do just that. I wish I could tell you that I’ve seen both endings; sadly I could never bring myself to harvest the Little Sisters. When you finally make your way Frank, you find him hooked up to this machine that is pumping ADAM directly into him. That’s right Frank has become a living breathing weapon. I hope you’re ready for your first and only really challenge in this game, because Frank is no push over.

                        Frank goes through 3 forms Fire, Ice, and then Lightning. He can be a pain in the ass, but if you came prepared, and know how to use your weapons in combination with you plasmids you should be ready for the long haul. Here are a few steps I took on my second play through of Bioshock. 

While still in the Proving Grounds grab a needle from the Little sister to the right of the Elevator, DO THIS BEFORE EVEN ATTEMPTHING ANYTHING ELSE, as I’ve found that exiting this level cause a glitch at times where the little sister won’t be holding the Needle.

Make sure your weapons are fully stocked, If low on cash or ammo back track to previous area’s and kill big daddies and splicers for cash and ammo.

I used the following Plasmids Electro Bolt (got attached to it sorry lol) Security Bull’s-eye, Incinerate, Winter Blast and Telekinesis.

Use antipersonnel rounds in you pistol and machine gun, Electric buck in the shot gun, and trap bolts in the crossbow. I’m sure guides are out there that go into deeper detail but this is what I did.

Select Human Inferno and Electric Flesh 1&2 for tonics, and replace everything else with combat-oriented tonics.

SAVE THE DAMN GAME before going in the elevator.

While Frank is in the ADAM Inducer, select traps and hack the heath station. I noticed Frank will only get out of the Inducer if you stick him with the needle; this gives you plenty of time to set up the playing field in your favor.

Once you manage to get him in the final stage, stick him with the needle one last time, and enjoy the final cut scene. Depending on your choice to “Harvest” or to “Cure” the Little Sisters the ending may be different. I saved every Little sister in the game. While the ending wasn’t as satisfying as I had hoped. In the end everything came to a close, and what’s more is that I had Bioshock 2 and even further still, Bioshock Infinite just waiting for me, calling me to come play them, and I could never resist the temptations of one great game, let alone the temptations of two. Excuse me where are my manners… 

                        Over all, I found Bioshock to be an amazing game, and couldn’t for the world of understand why in the past I never gave this game a fair shot. There aren’t many games out there like Bioshock, and while Bioshock isn’t perfect, it excels at what it does best, and that is tell an interesting story, along with satisfying game play elements, as using Plasmids is a kin to having magic, yet is done in a unique way that one would actually believe the concept is entirely new. While the thought concept behind Plasmids is new, the concept of having the control of powers beyond human limitations literally at ones figure tips isn’t. Again like I said It was an Amazing game, and if you haven’t I suggest trying it. If you jumped in at Bioshock Infinite, it’s fine, just back track to one, and give it a go. There are some Easter Egg’s in Infinite that will are just waiting to be found.