Metal Gear Solid DLC for LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

I read about the MGS downloadable level pack for LittleBigPlanet a few weeks ago. It's going to be $5.99 for the level pack and an additional $5.99 if you want the costumes. Given that it adds a new set of levels to the game, a ton of new items, as well as the paint gun. . .this really is a must have!It will be cool to see the levels the community creates with the gun mechanic & new items.

I wasn't going to get the costumes, but after seeing this trailer, I might reconsider. . .

AVGN - A Christmas Carol: Part 1

The Korean Cuisine EXPERIENCE

Some work-mates and I recently went to New York to enjoy some good Korean food. . .here is the result! Be sure to see watch until the part where the food starts moving.

October Sailing

October Sailing, originally uploaded by grandreaganx.

It was a beautiful day, however I realized later that it was only 55 degrees outside. No wonder why my feet were getting so cold! At the end of it, I had to jump into waist deep water in order to pull the boat onto the beach. The water was warmer than the air so it felt nice as I plunged in.

maJIK

This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.

This is the Wartime Broadcasting Service. This country has been attacked with nuclear weapons. Communications have been severely disrupted, and the number of casualties and the extent of the damage are not yet known. We shall bring you further information as soon as possible. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this wavelength, stay calm and stay in your own homes.

Remember there is nothing to be gained by trying to get away. By leaving your homes you could be exposing yourselves to greater danger.

If you leave, you may find yourself without food, without water, without accommodation and without protection. Radioactive fall-out, which follows a nuclear explosion, is many times more dangerous if you are directly exposed to it in the open. Roofs and walls offer substantial protection. The safest place is indoors.

Make sure gas and other fuel supplies are turned off and that all fires are extinguished. If mains water is available, this can be used for fire-fighting. You should also refill all your containers for drinking water after the fires have been put out, because the mains water supply may not be available for very long.

Water must not be used for flushing lavatories: until you are told that lavatories may be used again, other toilet arrangements must be made. Use your water only for essential drinking and cooking purposes. Water means life. Don't waste it.

Make your food stocks last: ration your supply, because it may have to last for 14 days or more. If you have fresh food in the house, use this first to avoid wasting it: food in tins will keep.

If you live in an area where a fall-out warning has been given, stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out. When the immediate danger has passed the sirens will sound a steady note. The "all clear" message will also be given on this wavelength. If you leave the fall-out room to go to the lavatory or replenish food or water supplies, do not remain outside the room for a minute longer than is necessary.

Do not, in any circumstances, go outside the house. Radioactive fall-out can kill. You cannot see it or feel it, but it is there. If you go outside, you will bring danger to your family and you may die. Stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out or you hear the "all clear" on the sirens.

-The Management

DOWNSIZER

to face the truth were banished from /
a history of then is wrong /
defend the wrong / incite the thing / to bring it down

Angry Videogame Nerd: Batman (part 1) - NSFW

Okie Dokie

What'cha Been Playing? Very Special Diatribe Edition

What a difference a week makes in terms of attitude. Over the past few editions, I have been down on a few titles that this week are seeing redemption: namely Penny Arcade Adventures (360) and Final Fantasy IV (DS). It's a lesson to us all: persistence sometimes pays off. There's another lesson in here as well: the opinions of game critics and other bohemians cannot be relied on.

While the general population and critics agree on the top and bottom percentile of games, you'll notice huge spreads either to the positive or negative for most others. Critics love it? General perception can be 10 points lower. Critics pan it, e.g., most JRPGs? Users can be 10 points higher. "Critical" opinions contain a lot of information to help determine if a game is worth your time. Though outside of a truly flawed experience, someone that gets their games for free and powers through the experience, likely isn't the best source of information on what's enjoyable and what's not. Enthusiast press INDEED!

I generally look at games for their entertainment value vs. price, as well as whether I'm into the genre and subject matter. For me, a game is worth its price if I play it enough to nullify the money I spent. 20 hours spent on a $60 game is a whooping $3 / hour, i.e., a single ice cream cone from The Flavor King truck when he stops by my neighborhood. I think I can swing the money, but do I have 20 hours to spend on a game? Not generally, that's why I'm so interested in deals -- money is not as much the issue, but time is!

Another way to look at gaming quality is "coolness factor". Does a game offer an enjoyable experience? Does it have ideas or a style that you want to be a part of? Games can be very much like good books, art, movies and music -- all rolled into one. Investment into such things is a personal affair -- much of which appeals only to specific crowds, transcends gameplay mechanics and perhaps won't have universal appeal. Shin Megmi Tensei anyone? What about Shenmue? A hallmark of these titles is a lower rating from critics and a higher rating from actual players.

Many gaming outlets are simplifying their review scores: 1UP / EGM went to the familiar letter score made popular by high schools everywhere, Giant Bomb has a five star scale and at one point Computer Gaming World did away with the score all together (I liked this model, may they rest in peace). While I've been known to cut a review in the past, I now only give impressions. My scale is as follows:

• Highly Recommended - Every gamer should try it.
• Recommended - Everyone who likes this type of game should try it.
• Not Recommended - I thought I would like it but was wrong. Perhaps you will learn from my mistake?

So. . .this is all great stuff. What have I been playing this week??? Let's explore:

• Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode 1 (360) - In the past I lauded this game's play mechanics but bemoaned its blah story and high price ($20 on Xbox Live). I've since changed my mind: I've nearly completed the game, and my son completed it and is on a second play through. The battles are a lot of fun and while the puzzles are easy, they end up being engaging. My new complaint about the game is there is really no reason that it HAD to be rated Mature. I believe its mainly for the cursing, which could easily have been cleaned up for a Teen rating with no impact to story or humor. Why do I care? I let my son play the game -- mind you, this game is no GTA, it's mainly loaded with potty humor and some cursing. With all hope the boy won't be scarred by the foul language. Recommended.
  
• Final Fantasy IV (DS) - Last week I was moaning about the game being too hard and I complained about its lack-luster graphics. Fortunately I pressed on and found another member of my party -- difficulty has ramped down considerably with this new guy in tow. I'm now stuck on a boss battle, but I'm confident I can beat it. FF4 is a good remake and is worth your time if you're into such things. Recommended.

What have you been playing?!