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Looks like I’m in charge for this one. The big game, in all its bloated, commercial driven glory, is tomorrow. Let’s break it down with that in depth insight that Good-Evil has always given you on the big sports events. (more…)
It’s hard not to like the Firefly/Serenity series once you really get into it. Joss Whedon’s charming sci-fi western series is full of memorable characters, great actors, superb scripts, and a unique mythology. Unfortunately, Fox didn’t really see anything in it. The show lasted one season before being cancelled (all the episodes didn’t even air), and a feature film was produced mainly due to unusually high fan support for such a short series. Since the movie, any further expansion of the franchise has been rather mum. However, it has survived in comic form, and Better Days is the second mini-series to be released. (more…)
Contributed by Jeremy Stoltzfus.
For me, The World Ends With You was a very highly anticipated game for ‘08. The fiery passion between me and my DS has died down a bit since ‘05 when we first met, and I had high hopes that this could be the DS exclusive game to rekindle that flame. It didn’t – but it also didn’t completely disappoint. While playing The World Ends With You, I found myself cycling through multiple phases of Love, Hate, and Meh. (more…)
A couple months ago, Sherv went over the newly released Final Fantasy IV remake for DS and discussed some of the differences and what he liked and disliked about it. Well, I could have just as easily left a reply in that post detailing my experience with the game, but instead I had a few things I wanted to address.
First, I want to reiterate that Final Fantasy IV, in whatever form you choose to play it, is a fun game, and one of the best in the series. However, there are parts of the remake in which I really thought added to the game, and many points that simply added nothing, or the addition was not welcome. (more…)
This is part of my continuing series of playing and reviewing random SNES games I’ve never heard of. Next on the list is Tae Kwon Do:
How nice of them. Just picking the first option on each menu will bring you to the character select screen. I think I glanced what looked like a two-player mode.
There are several characters to choose from, each emphasizing a different trait: Speed, Skill, Defense, Power, Jumping and three All-Around types. I picked Speed for this trial, but Skill worked pretty well when I tried him too.
It’s a 2D fighter, but you can move up and down on planes (which is annoying). You can do a bunch of different attacks. Using X/Y/A/B all do different attacks, but it varies depending on which foot is forward and whether you’re pressing forward. Sometimes, pressing a button repeatedly will do a little combo. X and A seem to be faster, weaker attacks than Y and B. You can also jump by pressing up, and block by pressing back. R/L switch your stance, R/L with up/down move you on the planes. You can also dash with a double-tap.
You earn one to three points for every hit you land, and five points for a ring out or for any decisive strike (which can be a “critical hit”, “counter attack”, or “knock down”…not sure what the difference is). If you get a decisive strike five times, you win. If you knock them out altogether (it can happen), you win. If you have more points when the time runs out, you win.
It’s a tournament, and after you win (in Japan, I think) you head to Korea and fight the Taekwondo champs from around the world, including a Canadian called Blade.
It’s basically supposed to be a realistic fighting game. There are no special moves, and as you move around, you get tired. Therefore, it’s a lot easier to get knocked out. You can also be thrown off balance easier (even from dashing), which makes a knockdown or critical easier to pull off.
Overall, I would give it a good.
It’s not too often you see a sequel 22 years after the original (which itself wasn’t exactly a household name), but Taito has done just that and released The Legend of Kage 2. From my brief time with the original NES game, I can’t say I was exactly wowed (climb trees, slash wildly at flying enemies, repeat), but this sequel is far superior and enjoyable game. The game now features a large story, variety of moves, unlockable magic and ninjitsu, and large creative bosses. While it certainly has some rough edges, it’s also worth the time to put into it. (more…)
You know, Konami really spoiled the PSP with some nice games over the course of a relatively short amount of time. They produced a plethora of Metal Gear games, a new Silent Hill game, a packed Gradius collection, and the Ys series, among others. And then, of course, there’s Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles, both a remake and a collection of Castlevania games. The core of the game is built around a fully 3D graphical side scrolling remake of Akumajō Dracula X Chi no Rondo, better known to most Castlevania fans as Rondo of Blood, the highly coveted, never localized precursor to Symphony of the Night. But perhaps sensing they needed to sweeten the pot, Konami went the extra mile and added the original PC Engine Rondo of Blood, as well as the spiritual sequel, Symphony of the Night. (more…)
Contributed by Jon Smokowicz.
NFL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
NFC Conference Championship Game
Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals
3:00 Sunday
Well, even though I scripted this one last week, I can’t believe it. I thought this would be the best potential match-up for Philadelphia to make it to the Super Bowl. After witnessing the Cardinals do what many had deemed impossible at Carolina I have become less sure.
However, I like Philly’s odds in this one. There are ways the Cardinals high-power offense can be exploited, and the Eagles’ defense is certainly better than that of either the teams Arizona has faced in the playoffs thus far. There has been a lot of talk about how ‘Zona has discovered their run game as of late, yet they still are averaging something like 3 yards/carry, which is far from extraordinary. The Eagles’ D is going to need to interrupt the Cards’ air attack and make them try to beat them on the ground. That, of course, is easier said than done when were talking about shutting down the incomparable ‘Leaping’ Larry Fitzgerald. Also, I believe Anquan Bolden is going to be back in the game against Philly after watching the whooping his teammates put on Carolina from the sidelines last week, but he will only be playing a limited role.
On the flip side, Arizona proved they can do that very thing, intercepting Delhomme 4 times on the road. Now, at home with the crowds roaring in the dome (which I’m assuming will be closed despite nice weather to amplify the crowd noise) they will look to harass and pick apart McNabb the way they have the previous two opposing QBs. While McNabb has certainly demonstrated his ability to throw 4 picks in a single game this season, he has been hot lately (excluding that debacle in Washington). Ever since having been benched during the Ravens game he has turned it around and looked like he might enjoy winning. (Could this have been a brilliant coaching move from Andy Reid? That is still up for debate.)
This match-up is one that could be broken open by many potential players on either side of the ball from both teams. There are a lot of questions about how “for real” this Arizona Cardinals team is, and I think they are going to be answered when their season is put to rest this Sunday by the Eagles. Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
AFC Conference Championship Game
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
6:30 Sunday
Another surprising survivor from last week-the Baltimore Ravens. While Arizona proved they were better than Carolina, there are still some question marks surrounding B-more’s success against Tennessee that came in the form of timely superstar injuries, fortunate gimme plays, suspect officiating at costly moments, and some questionable play calls from Jeff Fisher.
Forgetting all that, the match-up here is the one we have. And boy, could it be a doozy?
These teams have faced off twice already this season with the Steelers winning both. These wins came on an overtime field goal and a questionable touchdown. I still like the Steelers in this game for three reasons:
1. They’ve got home field advantage in an intense rivalry game.
2. Roethlisberger has experience in high pressure games, and he’s facing a rookie. Although Flacco is hardly playing like one.
3.The Ravens were not very impressive in their win last week.
So, we may get to see the all Pennsylvania Super Bowl!
I remember avoiding this game when I was younger, thinking that it was a cheap rip-off of the 2nd TMNT game. My avoidance ended during the summer of 1999 when I was on vacation in Seaside, Oregon. A store that sold a large assortment of miscellaneous things had a loose copy on sale for eight dollars, so I picked it up on a whim. Shortly thereafter, I found myself in the throes of TMNT nostalgia and decided to spend some time playing it. I must say that the game turned out a lot better than I thought it would. (more…)
