Collectibles, Games and more

First I would like to show off my new addition to my collectible display, and probably one of the most crucial piece to covering my childhood and adulthood lives, my “Secret of Monkey Island” statue, the famous fight between Guybrush Threepwood a mighty pirate, vs the Ghost Pirate LeChuck.

As I have mentioned in many posts before this is my favorite game/game series of all time. I now finally can add a collectible item from this game to my collection of childhood memories. This statue is limited to only 1000 made so I am very happy to be displaying it on my shelves.

I also wanted to share my Halloween outing photo, where I took my niece Jasmine “the witch” trick or treating with Captain “the scurvy pirate” America.

Also another bit of news, is the in-laws got a new puppy named Pete(which I call Spider Man, aka Peter Parker), who has joined Captain America’s New Avengers. yes very dorky, but the picture is adorable.

I also did some work for Habitat for Humanity with my company Ultimate Software, and it was a very rewarding experience. I happened to end up being the dirtiest, paintiest person there, which is why I choose exterior painting, a less precise job then interior.

On top of that, I found time to beat Batman: Akrham Asylum, Halo: ODST, Uncharted 2: Amongst Thieves, all which were amazing games, HALO being the shortest, Uncharted 2 and Batman being some of the best games I’ve played all year.

Currently I am on my 20th hour of Dragon Age: Origins for 360, as well as recently picked up Modern Warfare 2, and Shadow Complex for 360 too.

Movie wise I saw the Fourth Kind which was pretty good, Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, and Away We Go. All which were above average, however none amazing. 

Awesome Game Overload

So this year is one of those years where video game releases have come to put out at least two must play games a week. This is a good yet annoying predicament to be in. Even thou I spend all year getting pumped for the releases of some of my favorite games,sequels and new IP’s I then suddenly become overwhelmed with just too many games and too little time to finish them. How do I choose what to play and when, and what possibly to pass up? It’s just not fair for someone who enjoys video game culture as much as I do. This fall season alone has released Halo:ODST, Brutal Legend, Demon Souls, Uncharted 2 for ps3/Xbox 360 just in past few weeks. Each game takes a considerable amount of my time and I haven’t even started one of them yet(I just beat Batman: Arkham Asylum.)

So as my games come in, Halo:ODST, Brutal Legend and Uncharted 2 being next, my back log will start to build, this month alone Ratchet and Clank, Borderlands, Fairytale Fights and Forza 3 is being released. Next month doesn’t even give me time to catch up with must play games such as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2, Dragon Age, Left 4 Dead 2, Assassins Creed 2, Saboteur and that’s just on consoles alone. It doesn’t include the three more episodes of Monkey Island I need to complete on the PC, or handheld games like Mario & Luigi RPG, God of War Collection, and the slew of Xbox Live Arcade games.

What we are talking about is over probably 200-300 hours of gameplay depending if I invest in multiplayer or not it could be even more.  I know the quality of gaming is definite reaching an ultimate high(not necessarily speaking on behalf of originality) but overall enjoyment is an all time high and it has become increasingly hard to skip some of these titles that look like so much fun to play.

I know what YOUR thinking, I am one big super nerd. Unfortunately I am in spirit, but with a wife and family I am not even playing that much a week, so that makes it even harder when I am not a loner shut-in who has 100% of his free time to dedicate to video games.  I also enjoying a plethora of TV and movies, and this is all from inside the house, not to mention beach, swimming, boating, travelling I like to be doing all the time.

I can say I feel like I have been born with a love for almost everything that exists, there is very little I dislike doing, so combine that with a strong passion for a number of time consuming things(video gaming, comic books, TV) on top of a healthy family life and nutso puppy, there just isn’t enough time in the day.

Anyway this was just me venting my frustration at the 24 hour clock system, and how we need to expand it to fit in more of the things I love, especially video games.

It’s been a long time….

So It has been awhile since I have posted a blog, and mainly because things have been either to busy in a bad way, or just not interesting enough. So lets start with the good news, I have been feeling better everyday since my few stints in the hospital and on a strong path to recovery and pain free lifestyle. I have lost almost 50 lbs so far, and have stabilized a bit, but need to start exercising, so for you nosey people, there ya go.

On the video gaming front, which everyone knows I am very fond of, I have completed the second episode of Tales of Monkey Island for the PC. I also completed the single player campaign for Magic the Gathering. I downloaded Marvel vs.. Capcom 2 because of Nostalgia factor but I have had a hard time beating the computer, because I suck at fighting games. The game itself is great, but its a lot more fun playing against people in the same room then random people online.

I got accepted into the closed beta for MAG(Massive Action Game) a PS3 large scale first person shooter made by the people who created SOCOM. This game is interesting but if you don’t have a headset and a good squadron commander its just a lot of running, gunning and dying. I still have to try to unlock a few more levels before I truly doom it, but if I don’t pick up a PS3 headset, I probably will never.

I finally also grabbed Left 4 Dead, borrowed Batman: Arkham Asylum, two games which I am currently playing and having a blast with while waiting for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 to come out tomorrow. I also picked up a Nintendo DSi with Final Fantasy IV, Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars, Dokamoadoke(or something) and Scribblenauts tomorrow. So that’s pretty much it for video games.

I was however able to see District 9 and Halloween 2, the first was amazing, the later not so much, however my wife really enjoyed it, but she usually likes these movies and I do not(same goes for her opinion of D9 and mine.)

For Television I wrapped up True Blood: Season 2 and it was fantastic, the end was a bit to be desired but I can’t wait for season 3 where they guaranteed to introduce werewolves(lets hope it doesn’t get to Underworldy.) A friend of mine recommended “Rescue Me” which the wife and I are currently on season 2 and its amazing, we are truly addicted to this fine show.  Were also excited about the fall season starting back up, especially Dexter, Californication, Office, and Bored to Death.

Wife and I also went to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios in Orlando, and were able to ride the new roller coaster “Rip Ride Rock It’ which was a blast, even thou the wait time was roughly 3 hours. We also caught Third Day and Toby Mac perform live at the event both shows were fantastic.

From a collectible standpoint I did pick up a Captain America mighty mugg at Universal, a few Seaquest Action figures, and a pre-order of the VERY LIMITED EDITION Monkey Island(Guybrush vs.. Lechuck) statue.

So that it really, that’s my month in review.

District 9 – Hotel Rwanda with Shrimp

I saw District 9 last night, which was an excellent movie. It was filmed in a documentary style and felt like something that could of actually happened. The actors were all no name but delivered their lines perfectly for their parts. The aliens which were called “Prawns” by the humans weren’t to sci-fyee and looked good on the lower quality cameras that they were “filmed” on to give it the documentary look.

I felt like this movie had a lot similarities to movies that take place in Africa, or in war lord ran areas with military involvement. It had a huge feel to Hotel Rwanda, if Hotel Rwanda was about aliens trying to get home, minus Don Cheadle.

Tales of Monkey Island: Episode 2 is out Today!

So more monkey island fun news for you who are interested! The second episode in the PC/Wii series is out today. I actually loading it on my laptop since I am travelling to Chicago Sunday-Friday to present at a conference with a friend of mine.  Not sure what this episode is about, but it picks up were episode 1 finished, a cliff hanger as Guybrush approaches Eliane and LeChucks ship. I am highly looking forward to getting on my Piratey fun time.

On a related note, at least to Chicago, I picked up World War Z by Max Brooks a follow up to his Zombie Survival Guide and a story of the Zombie Apocalypse. I am still playing with Burn Zombie Burn on ps3 but that Zombie game is a little bit to hard for me, I may just have to wait for Left 4 Dead II.

As far as other media, watching  Mad Men Season 3 and highly recommend anyone who has not seen it to pick Season 1 and 2 up on DVD and give this show a whirl, it is absolutely fantastic and engaging.  I also caught up on seasons 1 – 3 of 30 Rock and am looking forward to that show coming back.

Secret of Monkey Island: Must Watch Video

You must watch this video.

Xbox G.R.O.L. (Green Ring of Love)

So after a few months with no Xbox due to RROD(Red Ring of Death), my birthday being this week, Secret of Monkey Island released on Xbox, and a lack of movies on demand in my living room, I finally went and bought myself a new Xbox 360. This time I purchased a Arcade unit, since I had all the pieces from my Pro unit to just slap on it(plus picked up a brand new in the box for 180.)

The Arcade unit comes with no hard drive(I already had a 20GB to use), no HD Cables(Already had my Component from my Pro), a Wireless Controller(now i have 3!!), HDMI Output(My old 360 had no HDMI so this is a huge plus for 1080p support), and it was of the newer chipset(includes build in 512MB for saved games.)

So after two days from when I ordered it, it arrived around 5:30pm at my door. I quickly unboxed it and re-plugged in the cables(still connected to TV), popped in my 20GB hard drive, and I was instantly signed into to my Xbox as if I have never left(minus one 10 second firmware update.) The experience had me feeling like I just returned home after fighting in the trenches on some foreign soil. The bright screen shined as my 3d Avatar greeted me with the same unconditional love a loyal dog. I quickly re-authenticated my Netflix(needed a new code since the physical machine is different) and verified my media hub center was back in action.

Next thing I did knowing that I had a lot of games to catch up on, was delete all my old arcade games and demo’s from the hard drive(I can always re-download them later) and made space for my new adventures.

I quickly added Microsoft Points to my already existing cache of them, and queued up "The Secret of Monkey Island” as my #1 priority download, shortly after that I queued up Virtual-On, Magic the Gathering, Worms 2: Armageddon, Kodu: Game Labs. It was a very exciting 10 minutes as I waited for the most important game enhancement of my life, the new art style of Monkey Island. I also grabbed the demo of Battlefield 1943, and watched a Marvel Vs Capcom 2 trailer as I waited, two other games soon to be added to my catalog of games. 

Then…….ding…”Secret of Monkey Island: Download Complete” some of the greatest text I have ever read from my Xbox marked one of the most joyest video game moments of my entire life(pathetic yes, but none the less important.) The next few hours had me treasure hunting, thievering, and insult sword fighting my way to pirate hood, and boy was it beautiful. I then saved my game, and went to bed, know that my GROL waits for me tomorrow, and if the RROD comes back, at least I’m back under warranty.

Monkey Island is back! And Adventure Games come to Steam! A Great Day for Video Games.

Yesterday and Today is the reemergence of a wonderful time, where video games were actually funny, interesting and filled with plot!!! The days were story came first and effects….well they didn’t exist yet outside of VGA ruled the PC game space. LucasArts has restored faith in a dying genre, even if it is mainly re-released versions of classic games(minus the new Telltale Games, Tales of Monkey Island), and brought classics back to the new era.

LucasArts has launched a bunch of games on Steam today from the good ole days, but most importantly, Indiana Jones Fate of Atlantis, Loom and The Dig. These are three amazing adventure games that filled my youth with joy for countless hours. They are now only 5$ each and all playable on a modern pc(without ScummVM.)

On another note, Telltale games alongside LucasArts has started a new chapter in episodic gaming and the Monkey Island series, by releasing episode 1 of “Tales of Monkey Island” which is a new storyline to the Monkey Island series(minus original creator Ron Gilbert.)

I hope anyone with a PC goes to steampowered.com and tries out some of these games, or telltalegames.com for Tales of Monkey Island. Trust me you will not be dissapointed.

Bought an iMac this weekend!!

So that is the new iMac 24 inch Dual Core that Liz and I purchased Friday. It was a great experience because it was also the same day as the release of the new iPhone 3Gs so not only did we get to wait inline but we were able to observe a few coo-koos in the process, which is always enjoyable.

After purchasing it I spent time loading up all the software updates, Windows Vista Ultimate via Boot Camp, Openoffice,  Pirates of the Caribbean Online and World of Warcraft.

I am in love with the 24 inch glossy screen and can’t wait to play with it more. If you have any apps you recommend please let me know!!

The Rise of the Playstation 3

So many read about the sad demise of my Xbox 360, but let me tell you from that sad story of death and suffering comes a great story of an underdog rising to the occasion to fill my life with joy and happiness and digital entertainment.

I always wanted a Playstation 3 but I probably would of never bought one for myself due to the current price($400). However I got very lucky this Christmas when Santa Claus delivered me a shiny glossy black 80gb Playstation 3.

There is a lot of games and franchises that I use to play on my old playstation 2 that never went to the Microsoft platform and could only be found on the PS3. However when games came out for both XBOX and PS3 I would simply buy the XBOX version because of Achievements and the fact I know more people playing on XBOX then I do Playstation. However when XBOX finally passed away for me, I was not going to give up gaming, so I started discovering some of the most amazing game experiences EXCLUSIVE to the Playstation 3.

A few of those games I already have mentioned like Valkryia Chronicles, Metal Gear Solid 4, Ratchet and Clank, Folklore, Little Big Planet, Resistance 1  & 2, Killzone 2, and a slew of original Downloadable only titles like PixelJunk franchises, Flower, and much more.

The PS3 is also a Blu-ray player which takes my love for movies and elevates them to a truly high definition experience, something which the XBOX can do only if you purchase a movie from there Digital Store, and as much as I appreciate that, I like having the physical medium still to hold onto(collectible nature.) This is a great feature which was originally the main use I had for a PS3.

There is still a few setbacks the PS3 has to tackle to achieve true perfection, it has a Trophy system that is like Achievements but still requires more accessibility outside of the PS3 console. It is very hard to brag about your trophies when no one can see them easily. Playstation Home is a cool idea but still requires a lot more content before you want to spend your hours in there instead of an actual game. Also PS3 Store is pretty solid however the Video Content seems to still be behind Xbox Marketplace.

So what am I currently doing on my PS3, Infamous. Infamous is this great third person platforming/action game set with Comic book style cutscenes, awesome open world super powered action with building climbing, flying, jumping, and shooting lightening and tons of fascinating ways. This game is an exclusive to Playstaiton 3 and is currently unrivaled in this genre. This is what Spiderman the game should of been as far as platforming.

So in no way am I relinquishing my love for my 360, I just currently am without one due to Microsoft’s faulty hardware, and it has given me time to appreciate what the Playstation 3 experience has to offer, and it in no way is a second class experience. If you got the money to get a PS3 and like quality games, go out and get one!!!