SIYM Presents: Project Warpath Update #1

 Video Games  No Responses »
Sep 092011
 

Here’s hoping that Mass Effect 3 will at least acknowledge its competition . . .

G’day Powah Playas! Happy Friday to all! Time for an update!

My upcoming mulit-review-athon (Project Warpath) will be kicking off in November firstly with Modern Warfare 3. However, effectively immediately, the Project will not be undertaking Assassin’s Creed: Revelations. Now, before I start getting labeled as a “hater,” let it be known that I actually enjoy the adventures of Mr. Ezio. I’m not necessarily one with the brotherhood (if you know what I mean) but I do like the franchise and hate to have to let it go. Long story short, AC: Revelations AND Saints Row the Third release the exact same day and, since I’m on an already limited schedule, it would be a disservice to myself and this site if I rushed it and/or threw together an incomplete review. No worries, the Project is looking to be an impressive line-up (MW3, Saints Row, Bioshock: Infinite, The Old Republic, M.E. 3) and I can’t wait to start putting them through the paces and reviewing them for you guys. Also, a little off-topic, the “site” I mentioned in the past that I was planning on doing for some on-the-side fun is no longer in production. Basically, I really just don’t have the time to truly develop it into something worthwhile. Well, there’s always room for extra “Pre-Launch” items ^_^

-Fifth Fleet Out-

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SIYM Presents: COD XP-losion!

 Video Games  No Responses »
Sep 022011
 

*NO CAMPERS ALLOWED*

Today was the official reveal of Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer at the Call of Duty XP event in Los Angeles, CA. For those of you out of the loop, the event is essentially every fanboy’s dream when it comes to living your gaming experience out in the real world. Everything from a built-to-scale replica of Burger Town to a Scrapyard-inspired paintball arena is out in full force right now on the Western side of our great (noob-tubing) nation. Regrettably, I was unable to attend the event; however, I managed to catch a live stream on the official website, and the following are a few of the many features and details revealed at the keynote that I found particularly noteworthy… Continue reading »

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SIYM Presents: Mass Effect 3 Pre-Launch Item #6

 Random, Video Games  No Responses »
Aug 262011
 

Looks like Shepard “imported” the wrong file.

Hello everyone! My name is SIYM, and welcome to another addition of the Mass Effect 3 Pre-Launch series!

First and foremost, the 1st week of school is in the books (no pun intended) and it went exceptionally well. I tell ya, there’s nothing like going to class knowing you’re solid on the material you’re expected to know. Needless to say, I’m in a good mood. However, that still didn’t stop my roster of educators from making sure I didn’t get too “bored” this weekend. Yup, I’ve got plenty of schoolwork to take care of before it all starts again next week so I apologize if this posting is less than substantial. Because that’s what you guys want, right? MOAR POWAH!

Anyway, this week’s Pre-Launch item comes from an article I found not too long ago and thought it would tie in nicely with all the Mass Effect hooplah I have on this site. Pretty funny I think, especially if you dislike this pairing in the game. If you want to see the rest of this progression/digression, click here and have a good time!

On a final note, the Warpath Project will not commence until November when Modern Warfare 3 launches. Just a reminder, the 6 titles I’m taking on to review and inter-critique will be MW3, AC: Revelations, Saints Row 3, The Old Republic, Mass Effect 3, and Bioshock: Infinite. Personally (shockingly) I’m biased towards Mass Effect; however, I hope to see some surprise performances and maybe a few upsets to my predictions. That’s it for now.

-Fifth Fleet Out-

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SIYM Presents: Mass Effect 3 Pre-Launch Item #5

 Video Games  No Responses »
Aug 192011
 

FALCON . . . PUNCH ! ! !

Good evening Moar Powah! It’s that time again! Moar Mass Effect!

Just so everyone is aware, I start back with school next week and look forward to continuing to put up as much content as possible. I can’t promise that EVERY Friday will be a sure thing but (at the very least) should be able to put up a consistent amount of postings even if most end up being less substantial than you’re probably used to. Today, we take a look at Bioware showing off moar Mass Effect 3 at this year’s Gamescom. In all actuality, this image from the demonstrated clip is nothing more than another opportunity for the Mass Effect team to show off the upcoming sequel’s combat prowess. While Mass Effect’s gunplay has never been the true selling point for the franchise, it definitely has shown potential with the recent teaser revealed at Gamescom. Probably the most noteworthy aspect was the bit where Shepard demonstrated an interesting use of his Omni-Tool. Along with the Omni-Blade, you can now harness a blazing inferno and unleash it upon those foolish enough to get too close.

All this seems to point towards Bioware’s determination to realize the perfect action-RPG by pushing more manageable gunplay mechanics but still emphasizing the incredibly deep and personalized storytelling that has made this series so memorable. Speaking of, I was playing Mass Effect 2 today and I came across a little easter egg that goes to show that Bioware has a sense of humor about all the fanatics that have had nothing but UN-nice things to say about the franchise’s action-heavy direction: “I wish they still made roleplaying games like they used to. These days it’s all big choices and visceral combat. I miss those old games where you had to remember to drink water and it took 5 hours real time to fly somewhere.”

-Fifth Fleet Out-

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SIYM Presents: Project Warpath

 Video Games  1 Response »
Aug 122011
 

Oh Google, you never let me down lol

Well oh well, back to work! I must say I had a wonderful family getaway in the beautiful waters of Me-he-co in the form of scuba and it was as calming as it was amazing. After last week’s insightful yet brief update with Mr. Robert Bowling and his prestigious self, I feel it necessary to follow up with a posting that one might consider . . . “substantial.” However, considering the sheer amount of talent that this site is currently intaking in the form of moar writers, I would be remiss to encourage anyone to think that my uploads could match the output of my fellow editors. Now, for the moment that you’ve had to wait an entire paragraph for, what is project warpath? In a sentence, it’s a six-set review-athon where certain games will be critiqued on both their own terms and against one another.  Let’s meet our contestants . . . Continue reading »

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SIYM Presents: MW3 Pre-Launch Item #???

 Random, Video Games  No Responses »
Aug 052011
 

Prestige Mode bitches ! ! !

Do not fear my fellow Powah players! I have ZERO intention of promoting Call of Duty through the medium of my “pre-launch” posts. However, I found this image to be mildly amusing and thought it would go along nicely with the topic at hand: Modern Warfare 3. As burned out of a former fan as I may be, I still look forward to the third installment of the Modern Warfare series and all the “balance” that is promised to come with it. Infinity Ward (or should I say Sledgehammer Games) have their work cut out for them which is not limited to reconciling with their fanbase after all the MW2 hooplah. Anyhoo, this is SIYM . . . on vacation . . . from the islands of Me-he-co . . . in all his 10th prestige glory . . . adios!

-Fifth Fleet Out-

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SIYM Presents: Massive Affection

 Analysis, Video Games  No Responses »
Jul 292011
 

Just TRY to laugh . . .

If you’re a frequent viewer of SIYM presentations, you already know 2 things: #1) I love Mass Effect. Plain and simple. The Mass Effect franchise is single-handedly my favorite time I’ve ever had as a gamer. With over 300 hours (cumulatively between both installments) logged into the series, it’s no wonder why my obsession with the games is so potent. However, I’ve often wondered why that is. Really, there’s almost countless amounts of finely-produced and lovingly-crafted products out there that could easily swindle evening after evening away from Friday nights. What makes Mass Effect so special? Why did it take SO long (just a few years short of a decade since my time with Knights of the Old Republic) to become so immersed in an experience like that again? Seriously, if I love space, aliens, intergalactic warfare, feminine computers, and unrealistically over-sized weaponry this much then why didn’t I squeal with noobish glee when Halo 4 was announced? Well, let’s find out… Continue reading »

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SIYM Presents: Mass Effect 3 Pre-Launch Item #4

 Random, Video Games  No Responses »
Jul 222011
 

If you haven’t already, go ahead and check out my review of the latest Harry Potter film: Deathly Hallows Part 2. In short, I thought it was executed very well. Yeah, it didn’t exactly re-invent the series and its cinematic adaptions but the overall experience was top-notch and the performances (after 8 full-length movies!) are still as enjoyable as they were when the series began. Anyway, here’s another “pre-launch item” for ya. I think it speaks for itself. Also, I’m currently in the business of putting together a site of my own. The process has been slow but I’ll inform everyone when it goes up. Nothing breathtaking, just a good little online keepsake for all things SIYM. Enjoy!

-Fifth Fleet Out-

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SIYM Presents: Casey’s Twitter Surprise

 News, Video Games  No Responses »
Jul 152011
 

“If anything, the Alliance trains their people well…”

In celebration of  Casey Hudson’s Twitter breaking 10,000 followers, an image was released revealing the appearance of one of the newest members of the Mass Effect family: Alliance Soldier James Vaga (see above). The character (by name) has been known for quite some time now but a visual reveal is finally here. While the backstory and specifics of this character remain largely unknown, Casey Hudson has confirmed James Vaga to be a “career soldier” who presumably joins Shepard on his quest to thwart the Reapers and save the galaxy from utter destruction. Although Mass Effect 3 will likely focus more on squadmates from Mass Effect 1, do not expect Bioware to miss out on an opportunity to throw in new faces and twists into the mix. From looks alone, James Vaga appears to be of the same mold that Shepard and Jacob were honed from. Disciplined, deadly, and built for success. However, like Shepard and Jacob, I certainly hope that (whatever lies beneath the well-toned extremities) the character is at least more-than-meets-the-eye.

Based on what I’ve seen from both Mass Effect 1 and 2, Bioware certainly has no issues implementing interesting backgrounds into even their blandest/cliche-est personalities. The best part? What Bioware might consider lifeless and dull is what other developers might envision as deep and engaging. It’s no secret (at least it shouldn’t be) that the team at Bioware have very high standards when developing story and growing characters into full-blown individuals. As for James Vaga, if he’s anything like other Alliance personalities, I can imagine him being the Duke Nukem of Team Normandy. A legit badass combining the warrior persona of Zaeed, the deadly efficiency of Thane, and the cold confidence of Garrus all rolled into one package. Still, as mentioned earlier, we know so little about this guy and to speculate (while entertaining as it may be) get us nowhere in the long run. Hell, this dude could be a pansy for all we know. Even worse, what if he’s a mole for the Illusive Man?!? Whoa, whoa, whoa, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. See what I mean about speculating?

-Fifth Fleet Out-

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SIYM Presents: Horror Hoedown Showdown (Part 2)

 Analysis, Video Games  No Responses »
Jul 082011
 

No worries. I’ve got a boom stick!

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to Horror Hoedown Showdown Part 2! It’s Friday and you know what’s missing? That’s right, MoarPowah! Join us today as we take another look at the horror genre and decide for ourselves what’s really going on in those creeky hallways filled with brilliant gore, flickering lights, and (let’s not forget) zombies! Today’s match up involves two horror titles that have crept their way into my gaming library and both have done a competent job in supplying my evening’s with the classic thrills and chills. Dead Space and Amneisa: The Dark Descent. Let’s begin…

If there’s anything to be said about EA, it’s that they surely know how to make a spectacle. In terms of production, Dead Space is littered with “ooo” and “ahh.” The environments are detailed, the lighting is well-done, and the mood (thanks to the heavily-laid on orchestra) is set masterfully. Sounds nice huh? But wait. Nice? This is supposed to be a horror game! Since when do visuals take priority over the genre? Unfortunately for Dead Space, the actual “horror” of the game takes a back seat to many of the mechanics and events that occur throughout the campaign. What starts off promising and (initially) satisfying in the opening minutes of the game, turns out to be the running theme for the experience: gotcha moments, violins, and trigger fingers. Just to clarify, being startled is NOT the same thing as being scared. Good horror understands that to truly frighten an audience you must first establish a setting, set a steady pace, bring in mood and atmosphere, and then go about extracting emotions from your viewers.

In Dead Space, everything seems rushed and out of breath. For all the gorgeous setting and attention to detail, the opportunities for a good scare are squandered in clunky gameplay, enemy ambushes, and repetitive actions. Instead of keeping things subtle and paced (Amnesia does this to near-perfection) Dead Space’s cast and crew of lifeless hordes choose to flood the screen in packs while attacking you head on and essentially transcend the encounters into mindless gunfights. Dead Space (for all its attempts at creating atmosphere) is a case of a developer prioritizing “ahh” over “AHH!” If anything, this is what would happen if Left 4 Dead took itself too seriously . . . and into space. To be fair though, this is a very well done game. Visually anyway. The gameplay is varied and manageable, but the horror elements are atrociously unbalanced and it just goes to show that sometimes letting your mind do the work for you is better than having it shoved and clobbered into your face for half an hour. Up next, Amnesia… Continue reading »

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