Ninja Gaiden Sigma - Review

It's time to walk the path of the nina, and take our first steps into Ryu's story

Ninja Gaiden/Ninja Gaiden Sigma follows the story of Master Ninja Ryu Hayabusa. After the Hayabusa village is attacked and destroyed, Ryu sets out on a quest to track down the man who caused it all. The game's main story is heavily influenced by the world's mythology which leads Ryu down a path of fighting soldiers, rival ninjas, and monsters known as fiends. Although the game does in fact have a story, with backgroud information which can be viewed while installing the game, it takes the back seat so the gameplay can be the driver.

The world of Ninja Gaiden is actually the very same world from Dead or Alive, and acts as a prequel of sorts. To put it simply, Ninja Gaiden is the start of Ryu's story, Dead or Alive is the middle, and the original NES games are the end.

Although Ninja Gaiden does take place in the same universe as Dead or Alive, it does NOT feature all of the same characters. Ninja Gaiden's story is about Ryu Hayabusa so it's only natural that only the characters he's close to appear in game. In other words, other than Ryu and Ayane, don't expect to see the other main characters.

Pick up your sword and get ready for the time of your life!

As I said before, Ninja Gaiden's main focus is on the gameplay, but don't think it's a game you can simply pick up and play.

Ninja Gaiden has a very deep combat system with a very steep learning curve, in fact it's one so steep that many people may not even be able to finish the game on the easiest setting! Yep you've heard me right, this game is hard! Now Ninja Gaiden Sigma isn't as hard as the original Ninja Gaiden, and it has included a "very easy" type mode (which is unlocked after you've gotten three game overs), but it is still a very challenging game.

Following the style of Dead or Alive, the combat system is just like what you'd expect in a fighting game. There are many different types of weapons to use, my personal favorite would be the twin blades, and each set of weapons has their own move set. Just like in Dead or Alive "move sets" have many different types of moves, and hundreds of possible combos. It's completely up to you, the player, to figure out what type of moves/combos you should be using and WHEN you should use them; this is where the steep learning curve comes in.

Picture this, you're walking into a room with a single enemy which most people would call the "weakest enemy in the game." What do you do? Well in most hack in slash style games you would simply walk up to them and mash the attack button until they're dead, right? Well that's how you're going to get yourself killed in Ninja Gaiden! Just like in a fighting game, you have to fight every single enemy using the best of your abilities. If you leave yourself open and think you're going to beat an enemy by spamming a simple combo, you'll be dead in a matter of seconds.

Every single enemy has its own weaknesses and it's up to you to figure out just how you're going to beat each one. Some enemies you will be able to take out by using a basic combo, but that basic combo may also leave you open to get attacked from behind. Other enemies will require you to make use EVERY possible dodging technique you know (jumping, rolling out of the way, blocking, running on walls, etc) and they will require you to be to break their guard before you even have a CHANCE at doing damage to them.

So like I said before, the combat is extremly deep and you have to fight every enemy like it were the final boss.

Ryu's journey isn't going to be an easy one, that's for sure.

Although Ninja Gaiden is an action game, it barrows many features from other genres. Basically Ninja Gaiden is an Action Adventure Role Playing Fighting Game. The overall set up is what you would expect to see from an Action/Adventure game, and the combat system is deep like a fighter, but there are very many RPG elements as well.

Every single time you take down an enemy you will be rewarded with cash, or in some rare cases healing items, which you will then be able to take to the shops. Shops are spread out throughout each area in the game, and they are all completely the same. In other words, you don't have to worry about finding a special shop just to buy what you want, everything is sold in one place and it's very easy to access.

In these shops you will be able to spend your money in a number of different ways. You can upgrade your weapons, you can buy healing items, you can buy ammo/arrows, you can buy new moves/magic, and you can also buy brand new accessories as well. Since money is somewhat limited, although you can respawn enemies by going to a new area, you are required to really think about what you actually need and what you don't need. It really isn't that hard to manage, but sometimes you're forced to pick between upgrading your weapon or buying a completely new combo.

As you run through the areas in the game you'll also be able to find hidden paths and treasure chests. Sometimes these hidden paths require you to pull off some tricky moves such as wall running/jumping, but they almost always give you a reward that is VERY well worth it. Sometimes you'll find items that simply heal you, which is actually a very big deal in this game, but other times you'll find items that actually INCREASE your health/other stats. Either way the game makes it worth your wild to go out of your way to find hidden treasures, and they can be key to your survival.

So, just what are the differences between the original and Sigma/Sigma Plus?

Ninja Gaiden was originally released on the Xbox, but a few years (and remakes) later Ninja Gaiden Sigma was finally released. Other than the fact that Sigma/Sigma Plus is on the PS3 and Vita, there are some actual major changes.

First of all Ninja Gaiden Sigma was made AFTER the original director had left the team. Originally Ninja Gaiden games were made to be so hard that not many people could actually beat them, well not many people really liked that. With Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Team Ninja hoped to bring the world a game that almost everyone can enjoy. The game has a "very easy" type mode which unlocks after you've gotten three game overs, and the original modes have been made slightly easier. Now don't get me wrong the game still does give you a challenge, it's just that Team Ninja has gone the extra mile just to add some easier modes in as well. In short, it truly is a game that most people can enjoy, but it's also got that challenge for the ones who are up to it.

Another major change is the fact that a second playable character has been added in, a fiend hunter named Rachel. Rachel has always been a major part of the story, but up until now not much of her story was really shown. In Ninja Gaiden Sigma players actually get to see what Rachel was up to behind the scenes, which in return actually helps clear up parts of the story. Although her levels really aren't that long, her completely different fighting style is still a nice addition to the game. Instead of focusing on speed, Rachel focuses on brute force which really helps mix up the action. Still her chapters are a bit lacking...

Besides the two "major" changes that I've listed above, there are also many others. Just to name a few... The twin katanas have been added, there are a few new enemies, there are more boss fights, some enemies attack patterns have been changed, some puzzles have been changed or removed, and above all, the game has had a complete graphical update. In other words, Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the most "complete" version of the game so far, but it doesn't pack the full punch the original had which can make it quite a bit easier at times.

In conclusion...
Ninja Gaiden Sigma is a great game! The battle system is crazy and makes you feel like you've actually accomplished something when you've taken down an enemy, the RPG aspect is very nice, the levels are well designed, and the game is very VERY challenging for the hard core gamers yet it also has a mode thats easy enough for the casual gamers. In the end, this game truly does let you live the life of the ninja!
In the PS3 version there are a few screen tearing problems, but other than that there really are no major problems! Sure the over the top "breast physics" from Dead or Alive 4 have been added in for fan service, and the game can be quite bloody at times, but that's not always a turn off. If you can't stand the sight of blood, even unrealistic blood, or if you can't stand seeing women in fan service clothing, well you might have a problem with this game. Still if you can get past it you'll find yourself playing a game that might just keep you coming back for more even after you've completed it.

So how about it guys? Ready to take the challenge and walk the path of the ninja?

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Netto's Rating:
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Story: 7/10 - Not bad for what little story it has.
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Gameplay: 10/10 - Very solid gameplay that will kepe you coming back for more!
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Graphics: 8/10 - Pretty good for an HD remake!
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Overall: 8.5/10 - Very good game! Worth checking out for sure if you're into this kind of game!
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(Ryu's first adventure may have been great, but don't think it's over! With Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 already out and Ninja Gaiden 3 on it's way, it looks like Ryu is just getting started!)

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Reminder: Tales of Graces f! - 3/13/12

Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you guys know that Tales of Graces f is finally less than a month away! Sadly there hasn't been much advertising for the game so I figured the least I could do is post it here. Over the past few years Namco Bandai has been having trouble getting its games brought over to the US, but after years of begging fans have finally been able to talk them into releasing Graces f!

Now if you're a JRPG fan and you've never tried a Tales of game, well here's your chance!

For anyone who doesn't know, the Tales of games are stand alone titles, much like Final Fantasy, that focus on a real time battle system. Most Tales of games have a battle system that plays like a 2D fighter, although later games added the ability to freely run around the 3D battle arena, but their core style of gameplay is what you would expect from an old fassion JRPG. World map, a great story, side quests, and hours of content. (My favorite being the "skits" which are mini cutscenes that are unlocked as you go throughout the game. It really adds to the character development, and it's also just nice to see the characters commenting on the current events. Heck they'll even comment on how the player either uses them or doesn't XD.)
Anyway each game is different, so check out the trailer for the newest release; Graces f!

Can't wait another month? Well don't forget Tales of the Abyss' 3DS port was also just released!

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Metal Gear Solid 3D demo now up in the eShop!

Yep looks like Nintendo is finally getting more demos out there! Finally joining Resident Evil Revelations and Mario and Sonic is the long awaited Metal Gear Solid 3D!

So just what is Metal Gear Solid 3D? Well MGS3D is an improved port of the PS2 game Metal Gear Solid 3. The game has been updated with a few brand new features, such as the ability to use the 3DS camera to create new types of camo, as well as the 3D effect. What you've never played a MGS game before? Well you really shouldn't worry! MGS3 is actually the game that starts the entire MGS storyline. In MGS3 you play as Naked Snake (who later becomes Big Boss) as he tries to stop "The Boss" who has defected from the US. In short MGS3 is the game that sets all of the stages for the rest of the MG/MGS series.

If you're at all intrested in MGS I strongly recommend checking out the MGS3D demo, but truth be told, there are much better versions of the game out there. If you own a Xbox 360 or PS3, I'd recommend checking out the Metal Gear Solid HD collection. The collection includes remastered versions of MGS2, MGS3 (which includes MG1 and MG2), and MGS Piece Walker (which picks up not too long after MGS3). If you truly want to see the full story of Big Boss, I'd pass on 3D and get the collection instead. It's 5 games for the price of one afterall!

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Heavy Rain - A one of a kind Masterpiece!

Now I'm sure that many of you have gone to your local game store and you've noticed this grayish box art which shows four people standing in the background behind a blood stained bird that's in a pool of water, but how many of you actually know what it is? For anyone who doesn't own a PS3 you may have never even bothered looking at this game, but that really shouldn't matter; this is a one of a kind game and it deserves to be known.

Heavy Rain is not a normal game by any means. Sure it is played on a game console, and you do control the characters, but it is actually what you might call an interactive movie. Players are able to walk around and explore the world around them, but the game's episodic set up actually limits where you can go, and what you can see. However, where Heavy Rain lacks in exploration, it makes up in story and intreaction.
Heavy Rain starts with one of our main chracters, named Ethan Mars, waking up and getting out of bed. The game quickly introduces the button promp system, and it also quickly shows you the different type of commands you'll have to enter. While waking up you simply have to press up on the right control stick, but once you walk around the room you'll quickly notice there are many other types. After Ethan finds a note from his wife talking abou this son's birthday party, you are then free to leave the room and get ready for your day. Brushing Ethan's teeth requires you to quickly move the tooth brush bath and forth, and shaving requires you to slowly run the razor up Ethan's face. Really these small tasks are simply there for training, but at the same time it helps the players learn just who this man is.

After Ethan takes his shower and gets ready for his day, you are then free to control how you spend your time. You can walk around the hosue exploring, you can play with the toy's in Ethan's kid's room, or you can try and get some work done in the office. Really its completely up to the player, and either way time will tick on.

Once Ethan's wife and kids finally get home its time to get ready for the party, but this is also the first time you get to interact with other people in the yard. Ethan can kiss his wife, help her get ready with the party, or simply go play with his kids, it's completely up to you and each event requires different button inputs. Sometimes the game will require you to hit buttons as soon as possible, other times you'll have to move slowly, sometimes you'll have to hold buttons down in a special order (which often causes both of your hands to play twister with eachother), and sometimes you simply have to press it. These buttons can range from right stick movements, to any other button on the controller; the game really tries to mix it up but at the same time pick buttons that would make sense. Although I myself have never used it myself, a patch has been released which allows you to play the game with the Playstation move controler as well. Just like with the controller the game will require you to move in different ways to get things done.

After Ethan plays with his kids and gets ready for dinner, you find that his youngest son Shuan is no where to be seen. Ethan then decides to go look for him only to find him sitting in front of a bird cage crying. Sadly their pet bird has died...

The game then jumps forward to a time where the family is visting the mall. Ethan goes with his son Jason, while his wife goes off with Shuan, and that's when it happens. Jason decides to run off and Ethan is forced to go looking for him. Well it turns out Jason only wanted a baloon from a clown, so Ethan decides to go ahead and buy his son what he wanted. After checking his pockets for his wallet, with the players help, Ethan pays for it only to find that once again his son has ran off. This is when the game completely changes.

At any point in the game you can listen to what the characters thoughts are saying. Ethan begins to worry about his son, his heart begins to pound, MOBS of people get in your way, and panic completely sets in. Finally after searching for what seems like hours (the game really does a good job striking you with fear) Ethan finally finds his son standing right outside the mall. Ethan calls out for his son, his son happily responds with a "DAD!" and he begins running towards him. Sadly that's the last time we'll ever see poor Jason... "JASON!!!!!!!!!" Ethan lets out a yell, and jumps as he tries to save his son from a speeding car. This scene is very dramatic, and would make anyone feel sorry for the main characters. In the original version of the game this scene was a lot more graphic, but the final cut only features Ethan's wife with an expression of horror on her face.

Jump forward awhile later and we get to see that Ethan's life has gone to heck. He now lives in an old dump of a home, he got a devorce from his wife, he has grown appart from his son Shaun, and his life has just been completely ruined. This is once again when the players get to decide how things play out.

Players can either try to be a good dad to Shaun, get him what he needs, help him with his homework, or just try and be there for him, or they can take Ethan down the path of sarrow and depression. Looking at old pictures, remembering the good times, and wishing things could go back to the way they were. By the time players get to play through this they have already gotten attached to Ethan's life, they have lived it and they can truly feel sorry for him.

Well Ethan's sad life isn't the main part of the game. Soon after Ethan's son is kidnaped by the "Origami Killer" who's been kidnapping kids only to drown them in rain water a few days later. This killer is playing a sick game where he/she decides to see just how far a father will go to save someone he loves. Soon Ethan finds himself caught up in this twisted game of pain and suffering, but he has no choice if he wants to ever see his son again.

Besides Ethan players also get to live the lives of Madison Page, a reporter looking into Ethan Mars who some people feel actually IS the Origami Killer, Norman Jayden who's an FBI agent looking into murders and possible suspects, and a Private Investigator named Scott Shelby. All of these character's lives cross at one point or another, and they all have their own goals and style of gameplay.

Although each chapter normally focuses on a different character as the game rotates between the four, each character still follows their own story. As I have already said, characters do cross paths (and each character has an effect on the others story), but each character still has their very own story to follow.

In Ethan's story players will have to play the killer's little "game" if they ever want to see "their" (Ethan's) son again. It is completely up to the players to decide what Ethan can do, and what might be too much for him to take. Although these "trials" do start out pretty simple, things soon start to change and the players might find themselves fighting with their own morals. What do you think is right and wrong? Get ready to ask yourself that very same question.

Madison's story ends up being closely tied to Ethan's story, but at the same time she is on her own. As Madison you'll find yourself following different leads all around town as you try to get to the bottom of the mystery. "Just who is the Origami Killer?" "Could it really be Ethan?" It's up to the players to find the truth behind everything.

Jayden's story opens up right with you stepping right into the action. If you have ever seen a crime drama show in your life, say CSI, you know what you should expect as you play as Jayden. You'll search for clues, question anyone who might know anything, and you'll also be sent after suspects. Jayden's gameplay really adds a lot to the game, and it ended up being one of my personal favorites. Finding clues can be fun, but it's even better when you get to use your AR glasses! Jayden gets to enter a virtual world at almost any time, however all good things come at a price. Due to the side effects of blending the virtual world into reality, Jayden begins to take an illegal drug which he soon becomes addicted to. This addiction is something players must strugle with as they live the life of Norman Jayden. (Hmmm FBI agent addicted to some type of drug... Prison Break anyone?)

Scott is the 4th and final character that players will get to play as. As a PI players will spend their time qustioning families that the Origimi Killer has effected, and they will try to get to the bottom of things. Scott soon teams up with a young woman who lost her child, and the two decide to stop at NOTHING until they find out just who is behind it all.

One of the things that really makes Heavy Rain stand out for most other games out there is the fact that there are MANY chapters in the game, and there are many different events can happen! Unlike most games out there, you can actually change the story based on your actions. So one of the main characters got killed because you did something stupid? Well, too bad! The story keeps on going and there's no going back. Couldn't come through and finish one of the trials the Origami Killer is forcing you to go through? Well Shaun is going to suffer for it. Really the whole game changes based on what you do, and that makes it the type of game where every single person who plays will get a different type of experience.

Although Heavy Rain is actually an interactive movie, it is still a game worth playing. It has a great story, very rememberable characters, and it's packed full with content. You could easily replay the game over and over again only to find something new each time.

Once again Heavy Rain IS an M rated game so this really isn't the type of game you want your kids to play (if you have any). The game features some pretty realistic violent scenes, there is quite a lot of strong language, sexual themes, some nudity (including a few skippable scenes which feature Madison topless), and it has a mature story. Sure kids can try to play through it, but there's always the chance they will not be able to completley understand. The game requires you to use a lot of street smarts, so it's not something you can simply guess your way through.

If you're into crime dramas, or if you're simply looking for a different type of game, Heavy Rain might just be the game for you. Great graphics, very nice mo-cap work, a great story, and a lot of freedom.
For what it is... Heavy Rain is a 10/10 in my book.

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Microsoft Flight - F2P! [2/29/12]

Ok so some of you may have noticed but I haven't been around here as much during the past few weeks. Its just that ever since I got Final Fantasy XIII-2 I've been addicited to it! I mean sure, you can beat the game within 25 hours or so, but with all of these side quests (which are actually related with the story) and with this whole Pokemon like system, I've put over 50 hours into this thing!Sooo much fun~

lol Well ok that's enough about that! I'm here today to tell you about a brand new Free to Play "game" that's being released by Microsoft! Its a little game called "Microsoft Flight." Really I have to use the word "game" losely simply because this game is actually a flight sim which mixes a real time flying experience with different challenges and goals that you can push yourself to achieve! Apparently the MS Flight games have actually been around for awhile, but I'm completely brand new to the series so I'll only be talking about the newest release.

First of all lets check out this trailer

Now some of you may be interested already, but others may find that it looks a bit boring. Well the truth is that this game IS in fact a flight sim, it IS being marketed towards sim fans, and the games specs are pretty low overall. Microsoft has announced that their goal with this game was to create a flight sim that almost anyone can play, and that almost anyone can get into. In short there is something there for you no matter what type of games you like. Casuals can easily play, hard core gamers can go for the challenges, and sim fans will be able to enjoy it as a sim.

Really I can't say that I'll enjoy this type of game that much, but I would like to point out how realistic locations are being used! MS is allowing us to explore Hawaii from the skies with its realistic recreation! This right there is what really interests me about the game. Although I may not be a huge fan of flight sims, I am a huge fan of exploring and I LOVE it when games allow you to explore real life places; especially when they have been completely recreated BASED on real life. Now it is true that MSF isn't the first game to recreate Hawaii (Test Drive Unlimited comes to mind), but it is the first to go into much more detail, and that's something I really look forward to.

So overall, even if you're not a fan of this type of game; it still might be worth checking out. The game IS in fact free, and can be played using your XBL/Windows Live Gamer Tag, but at the same time you can buy expansions if you're really looking for something more. Try the "full" game for free, buy extras if you really like it; that's a really good deal if you ask me.
I'll admit that I did like Pilot Wings Resorte...

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Playstation Vita - My first impressions

Well I finally got to check out a PSV today, and well I figured I'd go ahead and share my first impressions on the thing. Although my time with the Vita was actually pretty short, I still got a pretty good feel of how it works, and what it'll be like playing full games. So would I say its worth buying? Well...

When I first picked up the Vita I was actually pretty shocked. It is very light, at least compared to the PSP and 3DS, and the larger size wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be. After seeing all the previews and after seeing everyone actually play the Vita, the size was one thing I was actually worried about. It is wider than the PSP don't get me wrong, but the it is also nice as thin and the overall layout of the buttons are in the right places. I didn't have to reach far for the buttons, and everything was easy to use; heck I might even go as far as saying that some of the buttons are easier to use than they are on the PS3 controller!

As some of you may know I'm a pretty huge fan of fighting games such as BlazBlue, and since CSX will be also getting a release on the Vita I was thinking about going ahead and giving it a try; however like most fighting game fans out there, I was a bit worried about how it would control on a hand held. Lets face it guys, the D-Pad on the PSP was far from perfect, and the nub just didn't quite cut it either. Sure I have become used to both after using my PSP for years, but it's still a problem when it comes to fighters. Well that's not a problem anymore!

The D-pad is amazing, easily one of the best D-pads I have ever seen, the standard four buttons (X, Triangle, Square, Circle) are smaller and easier to press, the L and R buttons are up a little bit higher which makes it easier for your figures to press, and the analog sticks are TRUE analog sticks! Now most reviews out there will tell you that the analog sticks are amazing and that they are the best analog sticks on a hand held so far; however that may not be true.

Now don't get me wrong, the analog sticks are great, there's two of them, and they work just like you would expect analog sticks to work on a console. The only problem I can really see is that they are a LOT smaller than what most of us are used to. Really I guess it's not too bad, but the smaller size might take a bit of getting used to, especially if you're used to playing on the PS3. At least they're easier to reach and easier to use! (I can actually pull off 421 moves in fighters without having my thumb slide off of the darn thing!)
Overall I'm really impressed with the Vita's overall build, but how are the games?

Well before you start a game you'll find yourself in the new home screen. The home screen is really nice looking (it reminds me a LOT of a smart phone's home screen), and it works really well, but it can only be controlled using the touch screen. Yep that's right, buttons are almost completely useless outside of gameplay. I guess this isn't really too big of a problem, but just like on the 3DS, I sometimes rather use the buttons than my stylus.

Once you finally decide to start up a game, I chose to start up Uncharted Golden Abyss, you'll find yourself at a loading screen. The Vita is a powerful hand held that runs some pretty strong games (heck it's already been confirmed that it can play PS3 games although the feature is locked), but that does come at a price. Yes, as you might have expected, loading screens do take awhile but it is worth it in the end. Really the loading screens weren't too bad, Golden Abyss loaded up faster than Uncharted 1, 2, and 3, but it'll still take at least 30 seconds or so (maybe less depending on what game you're starting up).

After the game finally loaded I once again found myself being forced to use the touch screen on the menu, and then I finally got to start the game. Now since I had already seen the demo playthrough 100 + times on youtube I decided to go ahead and skip the opening cutscene, however I soon found that I couldn't. Apparently even after the game starts it takes awhile for the Vita to fully load everything, and because of that I couldn't skip the cutscene. I'm really not sure if this kind of thing will happen in other games as well, but it was a little bit annoying. Now don't get me wrong, you CAN still skip cutscenes in the game but it looks like you'll have to wait awhile so that everything can get loaded. Sure I wasn't able to skip the first cutscene, but I was able to skip every single one after; it really wasn't that big of a deal.

Although I didn't get a chance to play any other game besides Uncharted I can safely say that Vita games do in fact play like PS3 games. Since I am a pretty huge fan of the Uncharted games I already knew what I should expect from Golden Abyss, however if you're the type of person who has only been playing on the PSP/other last gen game systems you WILL notice a major improvement. Still the game's controls felt a lot like Uncharted 2/3, the graphics were as good as ever, and I didn't have any problems at all jumping into it. It really is a high quality game, but as someone who's used to this type of quality from playing 360/PS3 games, it didn't shock me at all. (It's still REALLY nice to finally see these types of games make it to a hand held though!)

Now I know some of you might be thinking that Vita games are better left on a console since most of the time you don't have time to play massive games on the go; well don't worry. Sure it is true that these games could easily be console games, but there are still some people out there who would rather play their games on a hand held. I myself enjoy playing full games on hand helds simply because I'm not limited to where I can play. Sometimes I'll be watching TV or sitting in the other room while playing my PSP or 3DS, and other times I'll simply be away from home with nothing else to do. Some people just rather not sit in one spot playing a game for hours, so its only fair that they can bring a "full console" style game with them. Still if you're a fan of the old style "pick up, play for 5 minutes, then sit down" style of games, you really shouldn't worry. Just like with the PSP Vita games are portable friendly and there will still be plenty of smaller sized games to play. Just because there's a huge focus on "console quality" games, it doesn't mean they've completely left their roots behind.

Overall the Vita is a great piece of hard ware. It has some great games, amazing graphics, it's strong enough to load a lot of data (don't worry Warriors fans, you no longer have to settle for less than 20 enemies at once, we're going back to 1000s!), and and the controls are great. The only real down side I see is the fact that some games DO require data install, which does require you to buy a somewhat pricey memory card. (At least the cards are good quality!)

Sadly I did not get to mess around with the online play features (such as party chat), and I never truly got to use the front and back touch panel so I'm still not quite sure how I feel about them. Uncharted used them in a gimmicky like way (they were used to preform actions that you could do by also using the buttons), but I do look forward to seeing how creative companies can get.

With the 3DS and Vita being released, this generation might be the best hand held generation yet.

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Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC coming 2/7/12!

Well Final Fantasy XIII-2 has finally hit the shelves here in the US, which is the main reason I haven't been on very much during the past 2 days, but that doesn't mean our long wait is over.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is NOT a complete game all by its self. Sure it has a full story, 25 + hours of gameplay, 100 + hours for extras, and it has more content than the original; however there will be more to come! Square has already announced that a card game would be added, special character episodes/stories will be released, new weapons/costumes will be released, and even new boss battles will be coming out! Really it seems like a bit much for a normal JRPG, but that can be a good thing.

Right now no one is really sure HOW much all of this DLC will cost, or how much of it will be free, but the first of the DLC packs will be coming out on the 7th of this month. Yep it's only been a day since the release of XIII-2, and the first "major" DLC is only 6 days away!

The first DLC will be sold for 240 MS Points on the 360, and around $2-3 for the PS3, and will add a Lightning/Lt. Amoda boss fight to the arena mode!

Now it may not seem like much, but Square also has announced that they plan on giving Lightning her own secret stories, and they also plan on bringing in some classic Final Fantasy boss fights as well. These bosses, once defeated, can be used as party members so they might just be worth the extra cash for some die hard FF fans.

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