When I started the Mat Rant, I entended to update it every week. Now I've decided to rant whenever I feel like it. Keep checking it, because I will still update it, just don't do it at regular intervals. That's all.
Coming this weekend, Kung Fu Panda and Don't Mess With the Zohan reviews, as well as reviews for XBox Live Downloadables: Geometry Wars and Aegis Wing. And don't miss the second Quatri-Annual Console Check Up, will Wii win again?
Find out, and why not check out the Mat Game Silo? It's my new blog detailing the progress of a game I'm making, I'll update more later.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Movie Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Aliens. Yes I did just say aliens.
Seeing as how it's been 20 years since the release of The Last Crusade, this movie is definitely either long overdue, or a very nice surprise. To have an Indiana Jones movie come out in my lifetime is pretty awesome though, and this one still isn't as good as the first one, it's one of the best movies I've seen.
This movie stays very true to Indiana Jones formula. You have your first action sequence, university sequence, plane ride, several action and exploration scenes, a brutal death sequence, the last action and exploration sequences, capture, the self-destruction of the bad guy, escape, and the ending. This movie follows this basic outline, but adds as it goes. Several send-backs to earlier movies are also strewn throughout, the lost ark is found in a warehouse, the return of Marion Williams (but not Shortround, Temple of Doom.), and Indy's father. (Introduced in Last Crusade.) The one thing that felt out of place in this movie were...aliens.
It's the only thing I didn't enjoy about the movie, (Indiana Jones survives a nuclear explosion. That's the best ever.) in past movies Indiana Jones meet up with Nazis, Thugees (An Indian tribe), and now Russians. Aliens just seemed like a weird place to go. And it sort of ruined my perception of what Indiana Jones is. But It's fine. Don't avoid this movie because you may leave confused, this is still one of my favourites. But make an investment, if you want to watch this, read up on, or watch the other three first. This one, just barely, scrapes a six out of six.
Seeing as how it's been 20 years since the release of The Last Crusade, this movie is definitely either long overdue, or a very nice surprise. To have an Indiana Jones movie come out in my lifetime is pretty awesome though, and this one still isn't as good as the first one, it's one of the best movies I've seen.
This movie stays very true to Indiana Jones formula. You have your first action sequence, university sequence, plane ride, several action and exploration scenes, a brutal death sequence, the last action and exploration sequences, capture, the self-destruction of the bad guy, escape, and the ending. This movie follows this basic outline, but adds as it goes. Several send-backs to earlier movies are also strewn throughout, the lost ark is found in a warehouse, the return of Marion Williams (but not Shortround, Temple of Doom.), and Indy's father. (Introduced in Last Crusade.) The one thing that felt out of place in this movie were...aliens.
It's the only thing I didn't enjoy about the movie, (Indiana Jones survives a nuclear explosion. That's the best ever.) in past movies Indiana Jones meet up with Nazis, Thugees (An Indian tribe), and now Russians. Aliens just seemed like a weird place to go. And it sort of ruined my perception of what Indiana Jones is. But It's fine. Don't avoid this movie because you may leave confused, this is still one of my favourites. But make an investment, if you want to watch this, read up on, or watch the other three first. This one, just barely, scrapes a six out of six.
Mat Blog Notice: Mat is Online!
YES! My Router finally works! And therefore, I can now play XBox Live, and play Brawl and Kart online on the Wii. I'm calling all my readers out, so do what you need to do, here's all you need to know:
XBox Live Gamertag: Kappa Matty
Wii Friend Code: 2294-1813-9014-3158
Brawl Friend Code: 5155-3537-8851
Kart Friend Code: 3007-8989-0956
See you online!
XBox Live Gamertag: Kappa Matty
Wii Friend Code: 2294-1813-9014-3158
Brawl Friend Code: 5155-3537-8851
Kart Friend Code: 3007-8989-0956
See you online!
Mat's Top 5: Videos on Youtube that You need to See.
#5: Resident Evil 4: Deepercutt Edition:
Not everyone will appreciate this as much as I do.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEGJwR5tH7k)
#4: Try Not to Laugh or Grin
If you can, you have no soul. My record is 0:09.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZswP23kXQs&feature=related)
#3: My Cookies!! Sparta Remix:
Arnold Schwarzenegger FTW!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4YUzMEQNlI)
#2: Bill O' Reily Flips Out Dance Remix:
FOUL LANGUAGE! Watch this first: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJjNVVwRCY
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2YDq6FkVE)
#1: 5 Most Luckiest People Alive:
SIDESTEP DODGE!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8RLmZzGL0)
Not everyone will appreciate this as much as I do.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEGJwR5tH7k)
#4: Try Not to Laugh or Grin
If you can, you have no soul. My record is 0:09.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZswP23kXQs&feature=related)
#3: My Cookies!! Sparta Remix:
Arnold Schwarzenegger FTW!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4YUzMEQNlI)
#2: Bill O' Reily Flips Out Dance Remix:
FOUL LANGUAGE! Watch this first: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJjNVVwRCY
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2YDq6FkVE)
#1: 5 Most Luckiest People Alive:
SIDESTEP DODGE!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8RLmZzGL0)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Rapid Fire Reviews: Indiana Jones Movies
Raiders of the Lost Ark: six out of six.
One of the best movies of all time.
Temple of Doom: five out of six.
Shortround over-acts, and this adventure wasn't as fast paced as the first.
The Last Cruisade: five out of six.
The flash back to young Indy is long overdue, and this one still can't compare to the first.
One of the best movies of all time.
Temple of Doom: five out of six.
Shortround over-acts, and this adventure wasn't as fast paced as the first.
The Last Cruisade: five out of six.
The flash back to young Indy is long overdue, and this one still can't compare to the first.
Rapid Fire Reviews: Superhero Movies
Spiderman: five out of six.
Good, but I needed to watch three times to appriciate it.
Spiderman 2: four out of six.
Good, but not AS good as the first one.
Spiderman 3: four out of six.
Better than 2, but not as good as the first one.
Fantastic Four: five out of six.
Primarily comedy, the few action scenes are pretty good.
Superman Returns: four out of six.
Very little action, good humour.
Good, but I needed to watch three times to appriciate it.
Spiderman 2: four out of six.
Good, but not AS good as the first one.
Spiderman 3: four out of six.
Better than 2, but not as good as the first one.
Fantastic Four: five out of six.
Primarily comedy, the few action scenes are pretty good.
Superman Returns: four out of six.
Very little action, good humour.
Movie Review: Iron Man
Better than I thought it was going to be.
I don't particularly enjoy superhero movies, (Not to be confused with Superhero Movie.) but they all have to prove to me that they're good movies. Spiderman was not a favourite until I saw it twice or so. As was the case with Superman Returns and Fantastic Four. (Among others.)
This one was easy to love.
From the get go the action heats up, as the Humvee weapons designer Tony Stark is riding in gets blown up. He is then captured by terrorists, and then comes the flashback. Through the lead-up story, very prominent humour is displayed, carrying me through the token "Coming of [Insert Superhero name]" segment. The back story catches up with the terrorists, and continues. The movie gently flows from action to story development constantly, and when story is present, comedy prevails as well. And through the action, comedy prevails again. It's a great balance. And let's not forget Stan Lee's cameo, bonus points to anyone who tells me where he appeared, but this was a selling point for me and carried me though a drier story development scene.
And for Iron Man purists(or people who read into it.) or people who really liked the movie, there will be a sequel that will develop more into the comic book series. (The addition of War Machine, for one.)
If I were to find ANYTHING wrong with this movie, it would be the realism. As absurd as it seems to say a superhero movie was unrealistic, this one was particularly impossible. Don't let that ONE complaint steer you away from this one though, (Unless you need your realism, you unimaginative jerk.) it's quite easily my favourite superhero movie. A six out of six.
I don't particularly enjoy superhero movies, (Not to be confused with Superhero Movie.) but they all have to prove to me that they're good movies. Spiderman was not a favourite until I saw it twice or so. As was the case with Superman Returns and Fantastic Four. (Among others.)
This one was easy to love.
From the get go the action heats up, as the Humvee weapons designer Tony Stark is riding in gets blown up. He is then captured by terrorists, and then comes the flashback. Through the lead-up story, very prominent humour is displayed, carrying me through the token "Coming of [Insert Superhero name]" segment. The back story catches up with the terrorists, and continues. The movie gently flows from action to story development constantly, and when story is present, comedy prevails as well. And through the action, comedy prevails again. It's a great balance. And let's not forget Stan Lee's cameo, bonus points to anyone who tells me where he appeared, but this was a selling point for me and carried me though a drier story development scene.
And for Iron Man purists(or people who read into it.) or people who really liked the movie, there will be a sequel that will develop more into the comic book series. (The addition of War Machine, for one.)
If I were to find ANYTHING wrong with this movie, it would be the realism. As absurd as it seems to say a superhero movie was unrealistic, this one was particularly impossible. Don't let that ONE complaint steer you away from this one though, (Unless you need your realism, you unimaginative jerk.) it's quite easily my favourite superhero movie. A six out of six.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Gaming Report: Nintendo Channel
A quick report today.
The Nintendo Channel, which offers free videos of games and free demos of DS games (This is a long time coming...) is finally live in North America. Find it under Channels in the Wii Shop Channel. WiiConnect24 is required to use this channel. I'm going to demo Jam Sessions to see what all the hype is about!
The Nintendo Channel, which offers free videos of games and free demos of DS games (This is a long time coming...) is finally live in North America. Find it under Channels in the Wii Shop Channel. WiiConnect24 is required to use this channel. I'm going to demo Jam Sessions to see what all the hype is about!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Mat's Top 5: Things that could Improve Halo 3
Don't get me wrong! Halo 3 is one of my favourite games on the 360, but face it fanboys, the game is not by any means perfect. Face the following:
#5: 90 Degree Locks in Forge:
A simple request, it would make stacking things beside/on top of each other a lot easier.
#4: The Little Details:
Bullets shouldn't come out of anywhere else except the gun, (BR and AR bullets come out of your forehead.) Elephants should appear in more maps, and all turrets should be detachable. (Elephant and Warthog)
#3: Clear All Objects Option in Forge:
A simple menu option could save half an hour of deleting objects off maps.
#2: Longer Campaign:
Self-Explanitory. It reminded me of Nightfire in terms of length.
#1: Local Multiplayer Bots:
Without my Live up, and with my friends living across the city, Local multiplayer isn't a selling point in this game for me. I'm probably not the only one, so computer opponents in local matches would be kind of nice.
#5: 90 Degree Locks in Forge:
A simple request, it would make stacking things beside/on top of each other a lot easier.
#4: The Little Details:
Bullets shouldn't come out of anywhere else except the gun, (BR and AR bullets come out of your forehead.) Elephants should appear in more maps, and all turrets should be detachable. (Elephant and Warthog)
#3: Clear All Objects Option in Forge:
A simple menu option could save half an hour of deleting objects off maps.
#2: Longer Campaign:
Self-Explanitory. It reminded me of Nightfire in terms of length.
#1: Local Multiplayer Bots:
Without my Live up, and with my friends living across the city, Local multiplayer isn't a selling point in this game for me. I'm probably not the only one, so computer opponents in local matches would be kind of nice.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Gaming Report: FIRST WII 2.0 PICS!!!
This is ridiculous. Click here to see, I have to remove this post soon due to copyright infringment, HURRY!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Events of the Subspace Emissary Pt. 2
*CAUTION: SPOILERS!*
In order to cut away This World, Tabuu needed some pretty hefty hardware, he turned to the peaceful Isle of the Ancients, where advanced robots build advanced technology in peace and quiet. The Island is ruled by the Master Robot. Tabuu takes the island hostage, and to protect his people (err..robots.) the Master Robot starts production on Subspace bombs and Dark Cannons. In shame of his decision, he disguises himself as the Ancient Minister.
To transport the Subspace Army, Tabuu commands an offensive on the Halberd, while Meta Knight fights them off, King DeDeDe attacks Meta Knight, (unrelated to the Subspace Army, more of a general act of villainy.) making it impossible for Meta Knight to repel the attack, and the Halberd is lost. (This scene was cut from the game unfortunately, due to disk space.)
King DeDeDe realises the threat of the Subspace Army, and develops a special broach that runs on a timer, when it expires it will revive any fighter trophy wearing it. He goes out and defeats Luigi, and steals Wario's transport. He uses the one he made for himself on Peach/Zelda, and intends to make another one later.
Ganondorf causes all the robots on the Isle of the Ancients to blow it up, an attempt at taking care of some of the fighters and effectively tearing a hole in space large enough to fit a Subspace gunship through. The gunship was one of many that were to be built, but the heroes destroy it, and destroy Tabuu before any more can be made.
Within Subspace, Tabuu uses the power of his Off Waves to instantly defeat every character. DeDeDe's broaches activate and revive a few of them. Once the heroes engage Tabuu a second time, he pulls in all the places cut into Subspace to form the Great Maze, and he hides in it. A third encounter, and Sonic breaks one of Tabuu's wings, weakening his Off Waves.
Tabuu is defeated and everything absorbed by Subspace returns. Except for the Isle of the Ancients. Because so many Subspace Bombs went off on the Island, as opposed to bringing it into Subspace, it completly erased it from existance, period. In the opening of the game, you can see a shining "X" in the sky across the ocean, this represents where the Island used to be.
What a tale! I'm going to go play it again right now!
In order to cut away This World, Tabuu needed some pretty hefty hardware, he turned to the peaceful Isle of the Ancients, where advanced robots build advanced technology in peace and quiet. The Island is ruled by the Master Robot. Tabuu takes the island hostage, and to protect his people (err..robots.) the Master Robot starts production on Subspace bombs and Dark Cannons. In shame of his decision, he disguises himself as the Ancient Minister.
To transport the Subspace Army, Tabuu commands an offensive on the Halberd, while Meta Knight fights them off, King DeDeDe attacks Meta Knight, (unrelated to the Subspace Army, more of a general act of villainy.) making it impossible for Meta Knight to repel the attack, and the Halberd is lost. (This scene was cut from the game unfortunately, due to disk space.)
King DeDeDe realises the threat of the Subspace Army, and develops a special broach that runs on a timer, when it expires it will revive any fighter trophy wearing it. He goes out and defeats Luigi, and steals Wario's transport. He uses the one he made for himself on Peach/Zelda, and intends to make another one later.
Ganondorf causes all the robots on the Isle of the Ancients to blow it up, an attempt at taking care of some of the fighters and effectively tearing a hole in space large enough to fit a Subspace gunship through. The gunship was one of many that were to be built, but the heroes destroy it, and destroy Tabuu before any more can be made.
Within Subspace, Tabuu uses the power of his Off Waves to instantly defeat every character. DeDeDe's broaches activate and revive a few of them. Once the heroes engage Tabuu a second time, he pulls in all the places cut into Subspace to form the Great Maze, and he hides in it. A third encounter, and Sonic breaks one of Tabuu's wings, weakening his Off Waves.
Tabuu is defeated and everything absorbed by Subspace returns. Except for the Isle of the Ancients. Because so many Subspace Bombs went off on the Island, as opposed to bringing it into Subspace, it completly erased it from existance, period. In the opening of the game, you can see a shining "X" in the sky across the ocean, this represents where the Island used to be.
What a tale! I'm going to go play it again right now!
Mat Investigates: The Events of the Subspace Emissary Pt. 1
*CAUTION:SPOILERS!*
Face it. As much as you loved Brawl's Adventure Mode, you were left feeling proud and confused. Who is Tabuu? What's up with Subspace? Why are Snake and Sonic in this game? The last one I can't answer, but I hope that my analysis into the events of the SSE can shed some light on the game.
First, there are the two worlds. This World (In which Brawl primarily takes place.) and Subspace. Master Hand rules this one, Tabuu rules Subspace. Tabuu is also the embodiment of Subspace, and therefore can't leave. He intends on dragging all the parts of This World into his, so he creates an army using Shadow Bugs. Shadow Bugs are harvested in infinite quantities from Mr. Game and Watch, as his body has mass even though he's only two-dimensional, the Shadow Bugs are what his mass consists of.
Tabuu ends up taking Master Hand as a slave, allowing Tabuu to indirectly command Ganondorf, Bowser, and Wario. Master Hand is under Tabuu's control through the use of the Chains of Light seen in the SSE. Ganondorf only goes along with Master Hand in order to usurp power from within, while Bowser is loyal to Master Hand, and Wario does what he wants. All of them are given a dark cannon to hunt down anyone who may stand in the way of the Subspace Army, and none of them know about Tabuu.
This is going to be a large post. I'll reveal Pt. 2 soon.
Face it. As much as you loved Brawl's Adventure Mode, you were left feeling proud and confused. Who is Tabuu? What's up with Subspace? Why are Snake and Sonic in this game? The last one I can't answer, but I hope that my analysis into the events of the SSE can shed some light on the game.
First, there are the two worlds. This World (In which Brawl primarily takes place.) and Subspace. Master Hand rules this one, Tabuu rules Subspace. Tabuu is also the embodiment of Subspace, and therefore can't leave. He intends on dragging all the parts of This World into his, so he creates an army using Shadow Bugs. Shadow Bugs are harvested in infinite quantities from Mr. Game and Watch, as his body has mass even though he's only two-dimensional, the Shadow Bugs are what his mass consists of.
Tabuu ends up taking Master Hand as a slave, allowing Tabuu to indirectly command Ganondorf, Bowser, and Wario. Master Hand is under Tabuu's control through the use of the Chains of Light seen in the SSE. Ganondorf only goes along with Master Hand in order to usurp power from within, while Bowser is loyal to Master Hand, and Wario does what he wants. All of them are given a dark cannon to hunt down anyone who may stand in the way of the Subspace Army, and none of them know about Tabuu.
This is going to be a large post. I'll reveal Pt. 2 soon.
Rapid Fire Reviews: Movies of Animated Comedies
This is my Some Punctual Reviews feature, I just changed the title. Neat, eh?
The Simpsons Movie: five out of six.
Ridiculously funny, but I did NOT need to see Bart's penis.(Yes, penis.)
Bender's Big Score: six out of six.
A thought-prevoking plot and numerous jokes. One of my all-time favourites.
Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story: one out of six.
Hated this movie. It's the reason the series took such a dive.
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Unsensored: five out of six.
Jokes and language are over the top, but the music numbers were a weird direction to take.
The Simpsons Movie: five out of six.
Ridiculously funny, but I did NOT need to see Bart's penis.(Yes, penis.)
Bender's Big Score: six out of six.
A thought-prevoking plot and numerous jokes. One of my all-time favourites.
Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story: one out of six.
Hated this movie. It's the reason the series took such a dive.
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Unsensored: five out of six.
Jokes and language are over the top, but the music numbers were a weird direction to take.
Mat Investigates: Banjo Kazooie 3
Yesterday I discovered (To my HORROR!) that Banjo Kazooie's platforming mechanics were being overhauled and replaced with a Mech-based action mechanic and that it would use the 360 Wii-Mote Knockoff. That seemed kind of odd. So I thought I'd look into it today.
As it were, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts will employ a Mech mechanic, but the game will not ditch the game's platforming roots entirely. The Mechs allow you to get from point A to point B, do battle with Gruntilda the Witch, and accomplish tasks for Jiggies. The game is said to be 70% mechs, 30% BK platforming. I'm not amused, but it is better than a full-blown Mech Fighting game. The Mechs are fully customisable, and can be driven on either land, sea, or air, depending on how you build it. XBox Live will also be employed.
Rare shouldn't have left Nintendo, this game would work SO well on Wii. Especially considering...
The 360 Wii-Mote-esque controller, codenamed Newton, was rumoured to be employed in BK:N+B. After yesterday's press conference, I can safely say, Newton probably won't see the light of day, let alone be used in Nuts and Bolts.
I'm still going to check this game out, and you'll have my full review come November.
As it were, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts will employ a Mech mechanic, but the game will not ditch the game's platforming roots entirely. The Mechs allow you to get from point A to point B, do battle with Gruntilda the Witch, and accomplish tasks for Jiggies. The game is said to be 70% mechs, 30% BK platforming. I'm not amused, but it is better than a full-blown Mech Fighting game. The Mechs are fully customisable, and can be driven on either land, sea, or air, depending on how you build it. XBox Live will also be employed.
Rare shouldn't have left Nintendo, this game would work SO well on Wii. Especially considering...
The 360 Wii-Mote-esque controller, codenamed Newton, was rumoured to be employed in BK:N+B. After yesterday's press conference, I can safely say, Newton probably won't see the light of day, let alone be used in Nuts and Bolts.
I'm still going to check this game out, and you'll have my full review come November.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Gaming Report: Banjo 3, Gears 2, and Apple Annoys Mat More...
I've been waiting for this for a long time...
The recent leak of screenshots for the upcoming Banjo Kazooie 3, a new platformer for the 360, piqued my interest, as I enjoyed the series on the N64 a few years ago. In response to the leak, Rare offered to reveal more info today regarding the games play mechanics. Here it is, Banjo Kazooie 3, a series of platformers is now...
A Mech Fighter?
I'll need to look into that one, if it's true I'll only rent the game, but it is also rumoured to utilise the 360's Wii Remote controller. Any Mat Rant loyalist will understand how I feel about that.
In other news, Apple is now making a Wii-Remote-like device. Go figure.
Also, Wii Ware went live this week, with such titles as Defend Your Castle, Dr. Mario Online Rx, Everyone's Pokemon Ranch, and Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People.(Coming soon.) Among others. Some take advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi, others use Nintendo's Pay for Play. (It happened!?!?!) I may pick up SBCGFAP when it comes out in June.
And finally, the latest(first?) Gears of War 2 gameplay footage is out on the internet. Go look for it, it looks incredible. The game takes place six months after the end of the first game, and while most of the locust were killed, many survived and are relentlessly attacking the weakened human population, weakened by a disease called "Rust Lung". Rust Lung is caused by the imulsion that was vaporised by the lightmass bomb at the conclusion of the first game.
I'll continue to report on Gears 2 developments.
The recent leak of screenshots for the upcoming Banjo Kazooie 3, a new platformer for the 360, piqued my interest, as I enjoyed the series on the N64 a few years ago. In response to the leak, Rare offered to reveal more info today regarding the games play mechanics. Here it is, Banjo Kazooie 3, a series of platformers is now...
A Mech Fighter?
I'll need to look into that one, if it's true I'll only rent the game, but it is also rumoured to utilise the 360's Wii Remote controller. Any Mat Rant loyalist will understand how I feel about that.
In other news, Apple is now making a Wii-Remote-like device. Go figure.
Also, Wii Ware went live this week, with such titles as Defend Your Castle, Dr. Mario Online Rx, Everyone's Pokemon Ranch, and Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People.(Coming soon.) Among others. Some take advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi, others use Nintendo's Pay for Play. (It happened!?!?!) I may pick up SBCGFAP when it comes out in June.
And finally, the latest(first?) Gears of War 2 gameplay footage is out on the internet. Go look for it, it looks incredible. The game takes place six months after the end of the first game, and while most of the locust were killed, many survived and are relentlessly attacking the weakened human population, weakened by a disease called "Rust Lung". Rust Lung is caused by the imulsion that was vaporised by the lightmass bomb at the conclusion of the first game.
I'll continue to report on Gears 2 developments.
Poll Results: Mario Kart Wii
The Question: Will you buy Mario Kart Wii?
Your Response:
100% said they would eventually.
0% said no.
0% said they picked it up opening day.
0% said they didn't own a Wii.
4 voters this time.
One of them was ME! What changed from last time?
Your Response:
100% said they would eventually.
0% said no.
0% said they picked it up opening day.
0% said they didn't own a Wii.
4 voters this time.
One of them was ME! What changed from last time?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Game Review: Mario Kart Wii
While not as epic as Super Smash Bros. Brawl, playing Mario Kart Wii has been a very similar play experience in terms of fun. I still prefer Brawl with its Emissary and its local multiplayer capibilities. But where Brawl lacks, Mario Kart picks up.
The fourth out of five first-party series I want to see on Wii, (Mario, Kart, Smash, and Zelda, leaving only Star Fox) Mario Kart Wii is just great. The peripheral that comes with the game, the Wii Wheel, makes the game even funner, but a little more challenging. Brawl has a great multi player aspect to it, but don't expect me to play alone for hours on end after beating the SSE. That's what makes Mario Kart so great. The single player aspect is so fleshed out with the Grand Prix, Time Trials (and unlocking Pro Staff Times), and just for fun Versus and Battle modes. You'll probably play the Grand Prix repeatedly to achieve Three Star Ranks. And super-functional online play.
Better still, the new tracks are great and the Trick mechanic works very well with the game. Old tracks are almost all new to me, because I never played Super Mario Kart or Super Circuit. A few marks against the game though, rubber band AI is relentless in this game in 100cc and up. Rubber band AI is when the computer opponents get a significant and purposeful advantage over you in certain conditions. They fall behind, they catch up again. It sucks. And the Blue Shell remains and appears a lot more in larger engine classes. I hate the blue shell. It doesn't even assist the one who threw it. And the game still has blocky graphics, although you can't notice them as much as Double Dash.
I still love this game, but is it better than Mario Kart DS? No. MK DS Local multiplayer is the best on DS, and best local multiplayer on the Wii is Brawl of course. A five out of six.
The fourth out of five first-party series I want to see on Wii, (Mario, Kart, Smash, and Zelda, leaving only Star Fox) Mario Kart Wii is just great. The peripheral that comes with the game, the Wii Wheel, makes the game even funner, but a little more challenging. Brawl has a great multi player aspect to it, but don't expect me to play alone for hours on end after beating the SSE. That's what makes Mario Kart so great. The single player aspect is so fleshed out with the Grand Prix, Time Trials (and unlocking Pro Staff Times), and just for fun Versus and Battle modes. You'll probably play the Grand Prix repeatedly to achieve Three Star Ranks. And super-functional online play.
Better still, the new tracks are great and the Trick mechanic works very well with the game. Old tracks are almost all new to me, because I never played Super Mario Kart or Super Circuit. A few marks against the game though, rubber band AI is relentless in this game in 100cc and up. Rubber band AI is when the computer opponents get a significant and purposeful advantage over you in certain conditions. They fall behind, they catch up again. It sucks. And the Blue Shell remains and appears a lot more in larger engine classes. I hate the blue shell. It doesn't even assist the one who threw it. And the game still has blocky graphics, although you can't notice them as much as Double Dash.
I still love this game, but is it better than Mario Kart DS? No. MK DS Local multiplayer is the best on DS, and best local multiplayer on the Wii is Brawl of course. A five out of six.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gaming Report: Mario Kart Wii
**CAUTION: SPOILERS!**
Having been out for a couple days already, I have been able to compile all nessesary info about this game into one neat post. Hold down the A Button, here it comes.
Tracks:
32 in total, 4 per cup course. 8 cup courses, 4 new, 4 retro. (16 new tracks, 16 old tracks.)
Examples:
Mario Circuit: A course designed for drifting, this one is themed around Peach's Castle Grounds.
Yoshi Falls: (DS) Same as on DS, but a bridge has been modified so you can trick off it. (See below.)
Characters:
Light: Toad, Baby Mario, Koopa Troopa, Baby Peach, Baby Luigi, Toadette, Baby Daisy, Dry Bones.
Middle: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser Jr, Daisy, Birdo, Diddy Kong.
Heavy: Bowser, Donkey Kong, Wario, Waluigi, King Boo, Dry Bowser Bones, Rosalina, Funky Kong.
Plus a Mii option is unlockable.
What else is new?
-Mini-Turbos are awarded for tricking off jumps now, by pressing a button or shaking the Wii Remote.
-Drifting turbos are calculated by how long you drift, not by wiggling the control stick back and forth.
-Ranked online...sort of. You start at 5000 and you work your way up to 10000, but you can lose all the way down to 0.
-10 battle courses, 5 new, 5 old.
-Shine Runners is now Coin Runners.
-New items. Including the Mega Mushroom, Lightning Cloud, and POW Block.
That's all I have. Hope that satisfied your Mario Kart hunger, or at least gave you something to read for a minute or two. I'll pick it up and review it within a week or so.
Having been out for a couple days already, I have been able to compile all nessesary info about this game into one neat post. Hold down the A Button, here it comes.
Tracks:
32 in total, 4 per cup course. 8 cup courses, 4 new, 4 retro. (16 new tracks, 16 old tracks.)
Examples:
Mario Circuit: A course designed for drifting, this one is themed around Peach's Castle Grounds.
Yoshi Falls: (DS) Same as on DS, but a bridge has been modified so you can trick off it. (See below.)
Characters:
Light: Toad, Baby Mario, Koopa Troopa, Baby Peach, Baby Luigi, Toadette, Baby Daisy, Dry Bones.
Middle: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser Jr, Daisy, Birdo, Diddy Kong.
Heavy: Bowser, Donkey Kong, Wario, Waluigi, King Boo, Dry Bowser Bones, Rosalina, Funky Kong.
Plus a Mii option is unlockable.
What else is new?
-Mini-Turbos are awarded for tricking off jumps now, by pressing a button or shaking the Wii Remote.
-Drifting turbos are calculated by how long you drift, not by wiggling the control stick back and forth.
-Ranked online...sort of. You start at 5000 and you work your way up to 10000, but you can lose all the way down to 0.
-10 battle courses, 5 new, 5 old.
-Shine Runners is now Coin Runners.
-New items. Including the Mega Mushroom, Lightning Cloud, and POW Block.
That's all I have. Hope that satisfied your Mario Kart hunger, or at least gave you something to read for a minute or two. I'll pick it up and review it within a week or so.
Some Punctual Reviews: Stuff I Played/Watched this Weekend
Rock Band: five out of six.
$169 is a little too much for the best local multiplayer action.
Open Season: four out of six.
Humour picks up nearer the end, but don't go out of your way to watch this.
We are Marshall: five out of six.
Another football movie, maybe the best one I've seen.
$169 is a little too much for the best local multiplayer action.
Open Season: four out of six.
Humour picks up nearer the end, but don't go out of your way to watch this.
We are Marshall: five out of six.
Another football movie, maybe the best one I've seen.
Mat Investigates: Converting an NES Controller to an MP3 Player
When you saw the title of this post, you probably thought one or more of three things:
What?!?!,
How?!?!?, or
NERD!!!!!
All that aside, It can be done. Here's what you'll need:
An NES controller, an MP3 player (a Coby 512mb one is the one used in the instruction.), and internet access to go to http://www.instructables.com/id/NES-Controller-MP3-Player/ for step by step instructions.
If someone actually makes this, please send some pics or a video of it working to thematblog@gmail.com. I want to see one.
What?!?!,
How?!?!?, or
NERD!!!!!
All that aside, It can be done. Here's what you'll need:
An NES controller, an MP3 player (a Coby 512mb one is the one used in the instruction.), and internet access to go to http://www.instructables.com/id/NES-Controller-MP3-Player/ for step by step instructions.
If someone actually makes this, please send some pics or a video of it working to thematblog@gmail.com. I want to see one.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Game Review: Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
On my trip to Banff a friend of mine, lets call him "Dylan Luke", stumbled upon one of the "greatest games no one played" to hit the DS. He picked it up cheap too.
Rocket Slime is the story of a young slime named Rocket (although you can change it a la Legend of Zelda) who is the sole escapee of a massive slimenapping from the Platypus Mob, the Plob for short, who attack Slimenia for no reason as far as I know. As the chosen Flute Warrior, (it makes sense when you play the game ok?) your job is too free the other slimes, and defeat the plob in massive tank battles.
As you travel Slimenia, you will collect items and monsters and ride them out to the capital city of Boingburg on the Trans-Slimenia Railway. By collecting items, you can arm your tank with ammo, and by collecting monsters, you let them relax in Boingburg with you, what honourable baddies. The whole game is built solid around the Elasto-Blast mechanic. Stretch and fire yourself towards enemies and items to pick them up. It's a puzzle/action/adventure/RPG title that has me hooked.
Unfortunately, more experienced players will wipe the floor in multi-card play with you, as they'll have more advanced tanks and more powerful ammo than you, the game allows you to adjust your HP as a handicap, but is that enough? And the game is shorter than most and only offers one save file. Regardless, this game is great, pick it up for about $20 somewhere, I'm giving Rocket Slime a five out of six.
Rocket Slime is the story of a young slime named Rocket (although you can change it a la Legend of Zelda) who is the sole escapee of a massive slimenapping from the Platypus Mob, the Plob for short, who attack Slimenia for no reason as far as I know. As the chosen Flute Warrior, (it makes sense when you play the game ok?) your job is too free the other slimes, and defeat the plob in massive tank battles.
As you travel Slimenia, you will collect items and monsters and ride them out to the capital city of Boingburg on the Trans-Slimenia Railway. By collecting items, you can arm your tank with ammo, and by collecting monsters, you let them relax in Boingburg with you, what honourable baddies. The whole game is built solid around the Elasto-Blast mechanic. Stretch and fire yourself towards enemies and items to pick them up. It's a puzzle/action/adventure/RPG title that has me hooked.
Unfortunately, more experienced players will wipe the floor in multi-card play with you, as they'll have more advanced tanks and more powerful ammo than you, the game allows you to adjust your HP as a handicap, but is that enough? And the game is shorter than most and only offers one save file. Regardless, this game is great, pick it up for about $20 somewhere, I'm giving Rocket Slime a five out of six.
T.V. Show Review: The I.T. Crowd
The I.T. Crowd is a British sitcom, (a britcom as it were) that focuses around the Information Technologies department of Reynholm Industries. What kind of things can a show like that accomplish? Listen and learn.
While only having twelve episodes, (as of right now, one episode is played twice a week on G4Tech TV) this show is still ongoing, and the humour just keeps getting better and better. And humour is what a sitcom has to accomplish right? Exactly. This show can be easily picked up by most anybody, but may be more suited to people who are pop-culture buffs, and the show rewards you for being loyal, as you understand and recognise more of the show's running gags. (Like the obscurity of Reynholm Industries, with the "product that has something to do with that company" and predicted profit margins of "eighteen hundred billion billion.")
This is one of the better comedies on t.v., but some people may not have G4, live in the U.K., or be able to tolerate or appreciate british humour. Find out by searching It Crowd on YouTube.
I.T. Crowd scores an easy five out of six.
While only having twelve episodes, (as of right now, one episode is played twice a week on G4Tech TV) this show is still ongoing, and the humour just keeps getting better and better. And humour is what a sitcom has to accomplish right? Exactly. This show can be easily picked up by most anybody, but may be more suited to people who are pop-culture buffs, and the show rewards you for being loyal, as you understand and recognise more of the show's running gags. (Like the obscurity of Reynholm Industries, with the "product that has something to do with that company" and predicted profit margins of "eighteen hundred billion billion.")
This is one of the better comedies on t.v., but some people may not have G4, live in the U.K., or be able to tolerate or appreciate british humour. Find out by searching It Crowd on YouTube.
I.T. Crowd scores an easy five out of six.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Mat Blog Notice: AFK to the EXTREME!
My apoligies for not posting in...two weeks?! Wow, I'm falling behind. It would be a little out of my way to do the Florida related reviews at this point. So I'll get back into the swing of things starting now. Stay tuned for the return of the Gamer's Report, reviews of Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime, and The IT Crowd, as well as my new blog, The Mat Rant. This will be updated almost every Thursday and feature me talking about the issues behind gaming, television, maybe even politics. Totally uncensored, because I get more irate just before the weekend.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Some Punctual Reviews: Movies I saw on spring break
Billy Madison: six out of six.
One of my favourite comedies.
Blades of Glory: five out of six.
Great movie, just a humour drought in the middle.
X-Men: The Last Stand: three out of six.
Worth a look, but maybe the most average movie I've ever seen.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: two out of six.
Good story development, but I could care less about the story itself.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: three out of six.
I don't know if Frodo and Sam ARE gay,
but the shoddy acting gives that apperance.
One of my favourite comedies.
Blades of Glory: five out of six.
Great movie, just a humour drought in the middle.
X-Men: The Last Stand: three out of six.
Worth a look, but maybe the most average movie I've ever seen.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: two out of six.
Good story development, but I could care less about the story itself.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: three out of six.
I don't know if Frodo and Sam ARE gay,
but the shoddy acting gives that apperance.
Mat Blog Notice: Re-Reviews
For those of you that don't know, I haven't posted in a long time. I've been away in Florida for the past week, with no internet access. I enjoyed myself, but now I'm going to get back to blogging regularly again. This week: I review all the Amusement Parks I visited, all the movies I saw, all the performances I watched in the parks, and an ice cream based food called dippin' dots.
As I do that, I'm also going back and re-evaluating my review scores. Because I was reading the blog, and I realised I liked Mario Party DS a lot better than Bee Movie. So watch for updated review scores as April goes by.
As I do that, I'm also going back and re-evaluating my review scores. Because I was reading the blog, and I realised I liked Mario Party DS a lot better than Bee Movie. So watch for updated review scores as April goes by.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Other Review: Glenlawn Presents: The Boyfriend
This play proves without a doubt, better stage does NOT equal better performance.
The Boyfriend takes place in 1920's France (I think. It's definitely France.) and opens with one of the characters, Marcel Marcel, announcing for all to hear that this play is a spoof. I say, spoofs are supposed to be funny. This was not a spoof by that logic. The play goes on with (what's the opposite of a catchy song?) several droppy songs, awkward acting (a girl is constantly aware of the crowd as pointed out by Marcel Marcel, but that is never developed in the play.), weird characters, (an old man I could only describe as a pedophile.) and a lame plot. (EVERY main character gets married at the end! There's ten of them!) To say something good about this one, it had great sets, and it wasn't as long as other musicals. The attempts at jokes in this one were all misses, I laughed once throughout, and only because I had silently passed gas. This would merit a two, if it wern't for a total break-down where everyone should be crying, but they all break out into laughter, and several sound faults. (Hmmm... did they borrow our sound guy?) It's TOO LOUD! Now it's too quiet. Now it's not even working, and now someone back stage is having a conversation.
It cost eight dollars. Ours was five.
If you want too see this one, lucky you! I saw the last one. This had to be said though, a one out of six.
The Boyfriend takes place in 1920's France (I think. It's definitely France.) and opens with one of the characters, Marcel Marcel, announcing for all to hear that this play is a spoof. I say, spoofs are supposed to be funny. This was not a spoof by that logic. The play goes on with (what's the opposite of a catchy song?) several droppy songs, awkward acting (a girl is constantly aware of the crowd as pointed out by Marcel Marcel, but that is never developed in the play.), weird characters, (an old man I could only describe as a pedophile.) and a lame plot. (EVERY main character gets married at the end! There's ten of them!) To say something good about this one, it had great sets, and it wasn't as long as other musicals. The attempts at jokes in this one were all misses, I laughed once throughout, and only because I had silently passed gas. This would merit a two, if it wern't for a total break-down where everyone should be crying, but they all break out into laughter, and several sound faults. (Hmmm... did they borrow our sound guy?) It's TOO LOUD! Now it's too quiet. Now it's not even working, and now someone back stage is having a conversation.
It cost eight dollars. Ours was five.
If you want too see this one, lucky you! I saw the last one. This had to be said though, a one out of six.
Videos You Should Look up on YouTube
Wow! A new feature! This is where I'll tell you some videos that I think you should see on YouTube. You don't have to agree they're good, but at least check them out.
In no specific order:
#1-Super Smash Bros. Brawl Opening
You can't go wrong here, whither you own it or not.
#2-Arby and the Chief
The only Halo 3 Machinima I frequent. You'll laugh.
#3-I Am Legend Alternate Ending
The dark-seekers still have huge mouths.
In no specific order:
#1-Super Smash Bros. Brawl Opening
You can't go wrong here, whither you own it or not.
#2-Arby and the Chief
The only Halo 3 Machinima I frequent. You'll laugh.
#3-I Am Legend Alternate Ending
The dark-seekers still have huge mouths.
Poll Results: Nintendo Pay for Play
The Question: If Nintendo started asking for money, would you pay for Nintendo Wi-Fi?
Your Response:
45% said they could live without it.
36% didn't even own a Wii.
18% said that they would if they had to.
11 voters this time, A NEW RECORD!
A new poll will come up in conjunction with a relevant post in the near future.
Your Response:
45% said they could live without it.
36% didn't even own a Wii.
18% said that they would if they had to.
11 voters this time, A NEW RECORD!
A new poll will come up in conjunction with a relevant post in the near future.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Mat's Blog Notice: Happy Easter!
I figured if I have a blog I probably should wish everyone happy [insert holiday here.]'s. So I'll start here. Happy Easter everyone. How did you celebrate Easter? I had chinese food and then played Brawl. As a matter of fact, I'm still playing Brawl. I've been trying to get online with it but stuff happens, y'know? Anybody who wants to call me out and Brawl, (once I get my router set up) email me your Brawl code. I'll add you ASAP and we can fight or play Subspace Emissary, your call, I'm up for whatever. Wow. That got off-topic fast. Happy Easter again everyone, and I'll keep posting later this week.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Quatri-Annual Console Checkup
Another new blog feature. Every three months or so I like to see how all the current-gen consoles are selling. This will be subbmitted in a set of three top three lists: Consoles Sold, Attach Rate, and Top-Selling Game, and then decide a winner.
Consoles sold to date:
#1-Nintendo Wii-20,539,464 units.
#2-XBox 360-17,638,630 units.
#3-PS3-8,641,805 units.
Attach Rate:
#1-XBox 360-7 games per console.
#2-PS3-5 games per console.
#3-Nintendo Wii-4 games per console.
Top Selling Game:
#1-Wii Play?(Wii)-9.3 million units. (I'm as shocked as you are.)
#2-Halo 3(360)-8.1 million units.
#3-Motorstorm(PS3)-3 million units.
Based on this, I think that the Wii wins this Quatri-Annual Checkup. If only the Wii sold more software...then it would be invincible. The 360 has some dedicated owners though, 7 games per console. The clear-cut loser this time is the PS3. Will that change with Metal Gear Solid 4? Only time will tell. As for Wii Play outselling Halo 3...It's true. I can't believe it either.
Consoles sold to date:
#1-Nintendo Wii-20,539,464 units.
#2-XBox 360-17,638,630 units.
#3-PS3-8,641,805 units.
Attach Rate:
#1-XBox 360-7 games per console.
#2-PS3-5 games per console.
#3-Nintendo Wii-4 games per console.
Top Selling Game:
#1-Wii Play?(Wii)-9.3 million units. (I'm as shocked as you are.)
#2-Halo 3(360)-8.1 million units.
#3-Motorstorm(PS3)-3 million units.
Based on this, I think that the Wii wins this Quatri-Annual Checkup. If only the Wii sold more software...then it would be invincible. The 360 has some dedicated owners though, 7 games per console. The clear-cut loser this time is the PS3. Will that change with Metal Gear Solid 4? Only time will tell. As for Wii Play outselling Halo 3...It's true. I can't believe it either.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Movie Review: Bee Movie
This movie is a testament to how you can't judge a movie by its...ummm....theatrical trailer? I went to the theater expecting to see a mediocre animated kids movie. I was wrong, and I ended up seeing a pretty funny movie. Funnier than I thought a movie with Jerry Seinfeld in it would be.
The movie tells the tale of Barry Bee Benson, a bee fresh out of college who decides to leave the hive for a day before he makes his one permanent job choice. You see, in this world, Bees take three days of Elementary school, three of junior high, three of high school, and three of college, and then they choose the job they will have until they die. Bees can also talk, and take nectar from flowers using some form of gun-vacuum. Once he leaves the hive, Barry is caught in the rain and stays inside an apartment for shelter to wait out the rain. He is nearly killed by some guy, and is only saved by a woman, played by Renee Sellweger, who Barry thanks, breaking one of the Bee Laws, no talking to humans.
The movie goes on and Barry winds up suing the human race for stealing honey from his species for centuries. That in turn allows the bees to stop working, as all the honey they'll ever need is supplied to them, causing all the flowers on earth to wilt due to lack of pollination. Barry saves the day by bringing the last flowers on earth to New York and having all the bees re-pollinate every other flower.
This movie was funny, and fun to watch. On the other hand, with all jokes made, about half of them were misses, but 50% is a pass. And the last couple of action sequences in the movie are INCREDIBLY ridiculous, planes held up by bees, a crazy colour alternating flower, and pollen healing the flowers instantly. Worth watching, a four out of six.
The movie tells the tale of Barry Bee Benson, a bee fresh out of college who decides to leave the hive for a day before he makes his one permanent job choice. You see, in this world, Bees take three days of Elementary school, three of junior high, three of high school, and three of college, and then they choose the job they will have until they die. Bees can also talk, and take nectar from flowers using some form of gun-vacuum. Once he leaves the hive, Barry is caught in the rain and stays inside an apartment for shelter to wait out the rain. He is nearly killed by some guy, and is only saved by a woman, played by Renee Sellweger, who Barry thanks, breaking one of the Bee Laws, no talking to humans.
The movie goes on and Barry winds up suing the human race for stealing honey from his species for centuries. That in turn allows the bees to stop working, as all the honey they'll ever need is supplied to them, causing all the flowers on earth to wilt due to lack of pollination. Barry saves the day by bringing the last flowers on earth to New York and having all the bees re-pollinate every other flower.
This movie was funny, and fun to watch. On the other hand, with all jokes made, about half of them were misses, but 50% is a pass. And the last couple of action sequences in the movie are INCREDIBLY ridiculous, planes held up by bees, a crazy colour alternating flower, and pollen healing the flowers instantly. Worth watching, a four out of six.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Some Punctual Reviews: Movies I saw this week
Scooby Doo: three out of six.
I loved this movie in 2002.
Scooby Doo 2: two out of six.
Very cheesy, no Scrappy Doo.
Flintstones in: Viva Rock Vegas: three out of six.
Some clever jokes in this one, worth watching.
I loved this movie in 2002.
Scooby Doo 2: two out of six.
Very cheesy, no Scrappy Doo.
Flintstones in: Viva Rock Vegas: three out of six.
Some clever jokes in this one, worth watching.
Movie Review: Batman Begins
I have never, EVER seen a Batman movie before. But I have seen a lot of action movies before. So I'll run off that.
This movie had one of the s...l...o...w...e...s...t openings I have ever seen. Action was hardly seen until halfway through.
But Mat, there's more to a movie than action sequences.
I'm getting to that. The story through the first half is incredibly hard to follow, Bruce is a kid, now he's in jail, now he's a kid again, now he's in jail again, now he's a kid, oh no! Now his parents were shot! Let's talk to some weird guy and climb a mountain and learn ninjitsu.
But don't lose faith in this movie! Some of the plot holes are mended in the end.
I don't know about other films, but I don't think this movie is very true to any other Batman comic, campy 60's show, or movie. The Batmobile looks nothing like (I think) it should, Wayne Manor is burned to the ground, Bruce Wayne just stole his gadgets from work, and the entire opening is probably not how it happened in the comics. But I don't know.
This movie was...watchable (barely), and a Batman fan may enjoy it more than me. I have to give this one a two out of six.
This movie had one of the s...l...o...w...e...s...t openings I have ever seen. Action was hardly seen until halfway through.
But Mat, there's more to a movie than action sequences.
I'm getting to that. The story through the first half is incredibly hard to follow, Bruce is a kid, now he's in jail, now he's a kid again, now he's in jail again, now he's a kid, oh no! Now his parents were shot! Let's talk to some weird guy and climb a mountain and learn ninjitsu.
But don't lose faith in this movie! Some of the plot holes are mended in the end.
I don't know about other films, but I don't think this movie is very true to any other Batman comic, campy 60's show, or movie. The Batmobile looks nothing like (I think) it should, Wayne Manor is burned to the ground, Bruce Wayne just stole his gadgets from work, and the entire opening is probably not how it happened in the comics. But I don't know.
This movie was...watchable (barely), and a Batman fan may enjoy it more than me. I have to give this one a two out of six.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Game Review: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Worth the wait. 100%. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, after being delayed 3 times, is out as of yesterday. And here's the scoop.
With 35 characters and infinite stages (You can make your own.) this game's multiplayer has never been better, with severe improvements to Special Melee (now called Special Brawl) and rotation for 5+ players. Adventure mode is the best single-player experience in the game, on the Wii, and in video gaming itself. But don't worry, veterans of Smash will relish in the Classic and unlockable All-Star modes as well. Stadium is back with Co-Op play, so are Event Matches. Adventure is also Co-Op. And all Co-Op modes are also online compatible.
The game also contains some Wii VC demos. They are the only drawback in this game, as they are too short and do not give a good enough idea of the game portrayed. (1:30 to play Kid Icarus. Come ON!)
The game offers four controller set-ups as well. Wii-Mote and Nunchuk, Wii-Mote on side (NES style), Gamecube, and Classic controllers. All buttons are FULLY interchangeable as well. (I turned off the "Tap Up Jump" control on my GC controller. That bugged me SO much in Melee.)
What a game. I'm going to go play it right now. Then I'll play online later this week and post my Brawl code. (This game remains FREE ONLINE!) A six out of six.
With 35 characters and infinite stages (You can make your own.) this game's multiplayer has never been better, with severe improvements to Special Melee (now called Special Brawl) and rotation for 5+ players. Adventure mode is the best single-player experience in the game, on the Wii, and in video gaming itself. But don't worry, veterans of Smash will relish in the Classic and unlockable All-Star modes as well. Stadium is back with Co-Op play, so are Event Matches. Adventure is also Co-Op. And all Co-Op modes are also online compatible.
The game also contains some Wii VC demos. They are the only drawback in this game, as they are too short and do not give a good enough idea of the game portrayed. (1:30 to play Kid Icarus. Come ON!)
The game offers four controller set-ups as well. Wii-Mote and Nunchuk, Wii-Mote on side (NES style), Gamecube, and Classic controllers. All buttons are FULLY interchangeable as well. (I turned off the "Tap Up Jump" control on my GC controller. That bugged me SO much in Melee.)
What a game. I'm going to go play it right now. Then I'll play online later this week and post my Brawl code. (This game remains FREE ONLINE!) A six out of six.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
1 Day Until Brawl
Wario-Wario Man-Wario transforms into Wario-Man, increasing his attack power. Don't use his motercycle though...
Windwaker Link*-Triforce Slash*-Same as Link's. The name may be different though.
R.O.B.-Diffusion Beam-A short fury of lasers comes out of his eyes, causing damage to anyone directly in front of him.
Olimar-End of Day-Olimar flies off the stage and bulblaxs damage everyone else. His ship returns to the stage in an explosion.
Captain Falcon-Blue Falcon-Anybody Captain Falcon grabs gets run over by the Blue Falcon. Instant KO.
Jigglypuff-Jiggly Tuff*-Jigglypuff grows, and may either shink back to normal, or stay large until KO'd.
Lucas-PK Starstorm-Same as Ness', except Lucas' fires straight down.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
That's them all. I'll get the game tomorrow and review it on Monday. Also, check out today's Foxtrot in the Saturday comics.
Windwaker Link*-Triforce Slash*-Same as Link's. The name may be different though.
R.O.B.-Diffusion Beam-A short fury of lasers comes out of his eyes, causing damage to anyone directly in front of him.
Olimar-End of Day-Olimar flies off the stage and bulblaxs damage everyone else. His ship returns to the stage in an explosion.
Captain Falcon-Blue Falcon-Anybody Captain Falcon grabs gets run over by the Blue Falcon. Instant KO.
Jigglypuff-Jiggly Tuff*-Jigglypuff grows, and may either shink back to normal, or stay large until KO'd.
Lucas-PK Starstorm-Same as Ness', except Lucas' fires straight down.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
That's them all. I'll get the game tomorrow and review it on Monday. Also, check out today's Foxtrot in the Saturday comics.
Friday, March 7, 2008
2 Days Until Brawl
Ice Climbers-Iceburg-A HUGE iceburg appers on the stage, causing freezing and damage.
King DeDeDe-Waddle Dee Army-Waddle Dees, Doos, and Gordos appear and charge into opponents.
Wolf-Landmaster*-Wolf uses a Landmaster. Serously.
Lucario-Aura Storm-Lucario jumps up and goes ka-mai-a-mai-a.
Ness-PK Starstorm-Falling stars rain on the map.
Sonic-Super Sonic-Sonic transforms into Super Sonic.
Bowser-Giga Bowser Transformation-Bowser transforms into Giga Bowser.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
Almost there...
King DeDeDe-Waddle Dee Army-Waddle Dees, Doos, and Gordos appear and charge into opponents.
Wolf-Landmaster*-Wolf uses a Landmaster. Serously.
Lucario-Aura Storm-Lucario jumps up and goes ka-mai-a-mai-a.
Ness-PK Starstorm-Falling stars rain on the map.
Sonic-Super Sonic-Sonic transforms into Super Sonic.
Bowser-Giga Bowser Transformation-Bowser transforms into Giga Bowser.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
Almost there...
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Gaming Report: Wii Pay and Play
When this news came out of GDC, I was outraged. Nintendo, after only releasing one console with sketchy online play, now wants to collect some fees.
When I saw this I thought, "Will I ever get affected by this? I don't play online.", then I thought, "Brawl?!".
That's right folks, the game I was looking forward to play some casual online with, is in PERIL of being emblazoned with the Pay to Play logo. And if it isn't, what about Mario Kart Wii? That may be a certainty.
But enough about me. Payment would likely be payed monthly by Wii Points, and may cost upwards of 250 points a month. (That's $2.50, a penny a point.) My question is, with Nintendo's obvious lack of multiplayer support, (games and players) will this make things worse? I think so. I'm not paying for Nintendo Wi-Fi. And neither should anyone.
Check out my review of Brawl in four days to see if the legends are true, and that payment will be nessesary for online play.
When I saw this I thought, "Will I ever get affected by this? I don't play online.", then I thought, "Brawl?!".
That's right folks, the game I was looking forward to play some casual online with, is in PERIL of being emblazoned with the Pay to Play logo. And if it isn't, what about Mario Kart Wii? That may be a certainty.
But enough about me. Payment would likely be payed monthly by Wii Points, and may cost upwards of 250 points a month. (That's $2.50, a penny a point.) My question is, with Nintendo's obvious lack of multiplayer support, (games and players) will this make things worse? I think so. I'm not paying for Nintendo Wi-Fi. And neither should anyone.
Check out my review of Brawl in four days to see if the legends are true, and that payment will be nessesary for online play.
F*****-Update: Wyrd Sisters Vs. Harry Potter
Possibly the Wyrd-est thing I've heard about in a while. A Winnipeg based band, the Wyrd Sisters, is filing a lawsuit against Warner Bros. for a reference to a fictional band of the same name, that has shown up in the fourth film: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. They decided to sue on the grounds of "If the name is used in the film, the band is convinced it will encounter public confusion about its origin on future tours and album releases."
And I have never, ever heard of this group.
Are they that unsuccessful? They are a band based in Winnipeg. That's where I LIVE. If I haven't heard of them, neither has Warner Bros., J.K. Rowling, the guy who lives next door to me, or anyone else I know. For all I know, they have never toured, they have never produced an album, they have never existed outside the basement or garage in which they practice.
What do they want? $20 million.
What? Are you serious? That's not the Canadian way. Move to Amarica and file a suit there. See if I care.
And I have never, ever heard of this group.
Are they that unsuccessful? They are a band based in Winnipeg. That's where I LIVE. If I haven't heard of them, neither has Warner Bros., J.K. Rowling, the guy who lives next door to me, or anyone else I know. For all I know, they have never toured, they have never produced an album, they have never existed outside the basement or garage in which they practice.
What do they want? $20 million.
What? Are you serious? That's not the Canadian way. Move to Amarica and file a suit there. See if I care.
3 Days Until Brawl
Falco-Landmaster-Same as Fox's.
Pokemon Trainer-Triple Finish-All three Pokemon use some sort of beam attack.
Ike-Super Aether-Super-enhanced version of his up+B. Guaranteed KO.
Snake-Grenade Launcher-Snake fires grenades from a helicopter from the foreground of a stage.
Peach-Peach Blossom-All opponents fall asleep and edible peaches fall from the sky.
Yoshi-Super Dragon-Yoshi sprouts wings and starts spiting fireballs for massive damage.
Ganondorf-Beast Ganon*-Ganondorf turns into his second form from Twilight Princess and slams into opponents.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
That's it for today, seven more tomorrow.
Pokemon Trainer-Triple Finish-All three Pokemon use some sort of beam attack.
Ike-Super Aether-Super-enhanced version of his up+B. Guaranteed KO.
Snake-Grenade Launcher-Snake fires grenades from a helicopter from the foreground of a stage.
Peach-Peach Blossom-All opponents fall asleep and edible peaches fall from the sky.
Yoshi-Super Dragon-Yoshi sprouts wings and starts spiting fireballs for massive damage.
Ganondorf-Beast Ganon*-Ganondorf turns into his second form from Twilight Princess and slams into opponents.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
That's it for today, seven more tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Movie Review: Rush Hour 3
Probably my favourite Jackie Chan movies (Sorry Around the world in 80 Days) I first saw the Rush Hour movies some six years ago, started with 2, and then looked for 1. This was my favourite surprise of 2007. I never got around to seeing it in theatres, but I JUST finished watching it on DVD.
These movies are an excellent mix of action and comedy, the former provided by Jackie Chan, and the latter provided by Chris Tucker. This movie is no different than its predecessors, which IS a good thing.
The movie follows Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter's (mis?)adventures as they try to take down the Chinese Triad, who are seeking a list of thirteen Triad leaders known as the Shy Shen. The two travel to Paris to track it down.
With its great action and choreography, plot twists you'll never see coming, (Like the ending. Watch the movie ok?) hilarious dialogue, and Jackie Chan, this is a worthy end to a trilogy. (And a good lead up to a fourth one perhaps?) Great movie. A five out of six.
These movies are an excellent mix of action and comedy, the former provided by Jackie Chan, and the latter provided by Chris Tucker. This movie is no different than its predecessors, which IS a good thing.
The movie follows Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter's (mis?)adventures as they try to take down the Chinese Triad, who are seeking a list of thirteen Triad leaders known as the Shy Shen. The two travel to Paris to track it down.
With its great action and choreography, plot twists you'll never see coming, (Like the ending. Watch the movie ok?) hilarious dialogue, and Jackie Chan, this is a worthy end to a trilogy. (And a good lead up to a fourth one perhaps?) Great movie. A five out of six.
Some Punctual Reviews: N64 Games
This is a new feature. I want to review some old games, but not write paragraphs on them. So this new feature will let me list some review scores and some notes really fast. This time: N64 Games.
Super Mario 64: six out of six.
Still the best there is in 3d platforming.
Yoshi's Story: five out of six.
Better suited to a Game Boy perhaps?
Mario Kart 64: five out of six.
My favourite console racer, not much replay.
Banjo Kazooie: five out of six.
The best game no one played.
Bomberman Hero: five out of six.
Best Bomberman game out there, but no Multiplayer.
Super Mario 64: six out of six.
Still the best there is in 3d platforming.
Yoshi's Story: five out of six.
Better suited to a Game Boy perhaps?
Mario Kart 64: five out of six.
My favourite console racer, not much replay.
Banjo Kazooie: five out of six.
The best game no one played.
Bomberman Hero: five out of six.
Best Bomberman game out there, but no Multiplayer.
Game Review: Halo 3
What a game. I never really enjoyed Halo until I played this. Although I still don't think it deserves all the hype it has enjoyed over the years, it is a really good game.
Let's break it down ok?
Single Player Campaign mode has one of the most involving stories I have ever seen, as well as great voice acting, excellent AI, and wonderful gameplay. This game adds Equipment to the series, small gizmos you can activate using X to create a Bubble Shield, Grav Lift, or set down a Trip Mine. Dual wielding has been stripped down from Halo 2 a little, limiting your weapon combos. (You still have n00b combo...relax.)
Custom Games is better than ever with the new Forge feature, which lets you move and create scenery and weapons on any of the maps. As well as great new options.
The online play is where this game shines though, it's just great and I can't begin to describe it. So many different modes and voice chat. It's the best online experience to date. Play it at a friends house to see what I mean.
Before you buy it though, be wary that you may not feel up to beating Campaign a second time, (I'm only halfway through Heroic difficulty, and haven't played in weeks.) so make sure you have your Live set up first. A mistake I regret making. Still, this game deserves a six out of six.
n
Let's break it down ok?
Single Player Campaign mode has one of the most involving stories I have ever seen, as well as great voice acting, excellent AI, and wonderful gameplay. This game adds Equipment to the series, small gizmos you can activate using X to create a Bubble Shield, Grav Lift, or set down a Trip Mine. Dual wielding has been stripped down from Halo 2 a little, limiting your weapon combos. (You still have n00b combo...relax.)
Custom Games is better than ever with the new Forge feature, which lets you move and create scenery and weapons on any of the maps. As well as great new options.
The online play is where this game shines though, it's just great and I can't begin to describe it. So many different modes and voice chat. It's the best online experience to date. Play it at a friends house to see what I mean.
Before you buy it though, be wary that you may not feel up to beating Campaign a second time, (I'm only halfway through Heroic difficulty, and haven't played in weeks.) so make sure you have your Live set up first. A mistake I regret making. Still, this game deserves a six out of six.
n
Mat Blog Notice:The Fate of the Mat Blog
I have not been updating this as regularly as I wanted...as of this week I will only be posting on my time. Check back often, but gone are the days of posting every weekday with a regular feature. Continue to look for those features, but don't expect them to come on the day they used to.
Be aware of the latest poll question too. You can choose more than one as well.
Thanks for Reading, My apologies, and such.
Be aware of the latest poll question too. You can choose more than one as well.
Thanks for Reading, My apologies, and such.
4 Days Until Brawl
Continuing from yesterday:
Marth-Critical Hit-Instantly KO's any opponents within the range of his attack.
Mr. Game and Watch-Octopus*-Mr. Game and Watch turns into a giant octopus to attack enemies.
Luigi-Negative Zone-Luigi creates a green field on the stage and opponents inside will be affected by many status effects.
Diddy Kong-Rocketbarrel Barrage-Diddy flys up and shoots peanuts at enemies.
Zelda/Shiek-Light Arrow-Instantly KO's anyone hit by the arrow.
Pit-Paulutina's Army-Centurian Warriors fall from the sky.
Meta Knight-Galaxia Darkness-Swoops out his cape, if (and only if) he hits an opponent with it, will he slash at the opponent and anyone else in his range.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
That's all for today. Check out today's Smash Bros. Dojo Update to find out all the items in Brawl, and then come back here tomorrow.
Marth-Critical Hit-Instantly KO's any opponents within the range of his attack.
Mr. Game and Watch-Octopus*-Mr. Game and Watch turns into a giant octopus to attack enemies.
Luigi-Negative Zone-Luigi creates a green field on the stage and opponents inside will be affected by many status effects.
Diddy Kong-Rocketbarrel Barrage-Diddy flys up and shoots peanuts at enemies.
Zelda/Shiek-Light Arrow-Instantly KO's anyone hit by the arrow.
Pit-Paulutina's Army-Centurian Warriors fall from the sky.
Meta Knight-Galaxia Darkness-Swoops out his cape, if (and only if) he hits an opponent with it, will he slash at the opponent and anyone else in his range.
*-Denotes a name I made up.
That's all for today. Check out today's Smash Bros. Dojo Update to find out all the items in Brawl, and then come back here tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
5 days Until Brawl
Here it is everybody. The last 5 days until Brawl will be counted down as I reveal every character's Final Smash. If you don't know what that is yet, get off my blog, and don't come back.
Mario-Mario Finale-Mario shoots a wide jet of fire in one direction.
Donkey Kong-Konga Beat-Donkey Kong's DK Bongos cause sound waves to damage opponents.
Link-Triforce Slash-Link traps one person in a Triforce and slashes him repeatedly.
Samus-Zero Laser-Samus fires a HUGE laser at opponents, and then turns into Zero-Suit Samus.
Zero Suit Samus-Power Suit-Samus gets her Power Suit back.
Kirby-Cook Kirby-All opponents fly into a pot, take damage and fly out.
Fox-Landmaster-Fox drives a Landmaster tank for a while.
Pikachu-Volt Tackle-Pikachu turns into a ball of light that damages enemies.
More to come tomorrow!
Mario-Mario Finale-Mario shoots a wide jet of fire in one direction.
Donkey Kong-Konga Beat-Donkey Kong's DK Bongos cause sound waves to damage opponents.
Link-Triforce Slash-Link traps one person in a Triforce and slashes him repeatedly.
Samus-Zero Laser-Samus fires a HUGE laser at opponents, and then turns into Zero-Suit Samus.
Zero Suit Samus-Power Suit-Samus gets her Power Suit back.
Kirby-Cook Kirby-All opponents fly into a pot, take damage and fly out.
Fox-Landmaster-Fox drives a Landmaster tank for a while.
Pikachu-Volt Tackle-Pikachu turns into a ball of light that damages enemies.
More to come tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Epic Internet Cult Wars II
Anonymous is a scary and mysterious organization. They are trying to dismantle an entire uhhh... religeon, in order to uphold their belief that knowlage is free. I think that's kind of true. But w'ever. A recent rally held by Anonymous outside major Offices of Scientology managed to hit 7,000 protesters. Holy s***! That means logically (don't quote me on this.) there are 7,000 PLUS members of anonymous. That's a lot. What's their next move? Another server hack, another protest, another YouTube video? Will Scientology fight back somehow? If something happens I'll let you all know.
Review: Dakota Presents Footloose
I don't quite know what to say about this musical. I've been working on it for 5 months now (I'm the Light Board guy) and I haven't exactly prepared a review for it. Here goes:
Footloose is the story of a Chicago-raised teen, Ren McCormick, as he tries to lift a ban on dancing in a small town called Bomont. To do so he'll have to persuade Reverend Moore and the Town Council that dancing doesn't involve sex, drugs, and alcohol. A wonderfully put together performance, Footloose benefits by the level of skill displayed by the lead characters, played by Brendan Cade and Shawna Peterson, as well as everyone else. The tale itself isn't bad either, most of the songs are catchy too...but some of the songs aren't that great...or necessary.
If you haven't bought a ticket for the Student Matinee, tough luck, that performance is OVERSOLD. Don't let that stop you from buying an evening ticket. Three performances left.
With the talent of all the actors, most of the dancers, and the lights department, as well as a good story, but one or two lame musical numbers, this play gets a five out of six.
Footloose is the story of a Chicago-raised teen, Ren McCormick, as he tries to lift a ban on dancing in a small town called Bomont. To do so he'll have to persuade Reverend Moore and the Town Council that dancing doesn't involve sex, drugs, and alcohol. A wonderfully put together performance, Footloose benefits by the level of skill displayed by the lead characters, played by Brendan Cade and Shawna Peterson, as well as everyone else. The tale itself isn't bad either, most of the songs are catchy too...but some of the songs aren't that great...or necessary.
If you haven't bought a ticket for the Student Matinee, tough luck, that performance is OVERSOLD. Don't let that stop you from buying an evening ticket. Three performances left.
With the talent of all the actors, most of the dancers, and the lights department, as well as a good story, but one or two lame musical numbers, this play gets a five out of six.
Wednesday SSBB Report: February 27th
In Super Smash Bros. for the N64, there were a total of 12 characters to use. (4 of which were unlockable.) In Melee, the cast featured a substantially greater 25 characters. (15 available from the start.) Brawl, contains a slightly greater still 35 characters to use! That's just under three times the N64 original's roster. Here comes the list, with name, SSB inclusion, (Veteran, Melee, Newcomer) and whither or not the character needs to be unlocked.
Mario-Veteran-Available at start
Donkey Kong-Veteran-Available at start
Link-Veteran-Available at start
Samus-Veteran-Available at start
Kirby-Veteran-Available at start
Fox-Veteran-Available at start
Pikachu-Veteran-Available at start
Marth-Melee-Unlockable
Mr. Game and Watch-Melee-Unlockable
Luigi-Veteran-Unlockable
Diddy Kong-Newcomer-Available at start
Zelda-Melee-Available at start
Pit-Newcomer-Available at start
Meta Knight-Newcomer-Available at start
Falco-Melee-Unlockable
Pokemon Trainer-Newcomer-Available at start
Ike-Newcomer-Available at start
Snake-3rd Party Newcomer-Unlockable (Showtime!)
Peach-Melee-Available at start
Yoshi-Veteran-Available at start
Ganondorf-Melee-Unlockable
Ice Climbers-Melee-Available at start
King DeDeDe-Newcomer-Available at start
Wolf-Newcomer-Unlockable
Lucario-Newcomer-Unlockable
Ness-Veteran-Unlockable
Sonic-3rd Party Newcomer-Unlockable
Bowser-Melee-Available at start
Wario-Newcomer-Available at start
Windwaker Link-Replaces Young Link-Unlockable
R.O.B.-Newcomer-Unlockable
Olimar-Newcomer-Available at start
Captain Falcon-Veteran-Unlockable
Jigglypuff-Veteran-Unlockable (Yes...she's still here.)
Lucas-Newcomer-Available from start
That's all of them. Come back next week for the 5 day Final Smash Countdown!
11 sleeps until Brawl.
Mario-Veteran-Available at start
Donkey Kong-Veteran-Available at start
Link-Veteran-Available at start
Samus-Veteran-Available at start
Kirby-Veteran-Available at start
Fox-Veteran-Available at start
Pikachu-Veteran-Available at start
Marth-Melee-Unlockable
Mr. Game and Watch-Melee-Unlockable
Luigi-Veteran-Unlockable
Diddy Kong-Newcomer-Available at start
Zelda-Melee-Available at start
Pit-Newcomer-Available at start
Meta Knight-Newcomer-Available at start
Falco-Melee-Unlockable
Pokemon Trainer-Newcomer-Available at start
Ike-Newcomer-Available at start
Snake-3rd Party Newcomer-Unlockable (Showtime!)
Peach-Melee-Available at start
Yoshi-Veteran-Available at start
Ganondorf-Melee-Unlockable
Ice Climbers-Melee-Available at start
King DeDeDe-Newcomer-Available at start
Wolf-Newcomer-Unlockable
Lucario-Newcomer-Unlockable
Ness-Veteran-Unlockable
Sonic-3rd Party Newcomer-Unlockable
Bowser-Melee-Available at start
Wario-Newcomer-Available at start
Windwaker Link-Replaces Young Link-Unlockable
R.O.B.-Newcomer-Unlockable
Olimar-Newcomer-Available at start
Captain Falcon-Veteran-Unlockable
Jigglypuff-Veteran-Unlockable (Yes...she's still here.)
Lucas-Newcomer-Available from start
That's all of them. Come back next week for the 5 day Final Smash Countdown!
11 sleeps until Brawl.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tuesday Gaming Update: One day late of Feb 26
A lot has come out of GDC (The Game Developer's Conference, n00b.) in the past week. So much so that I'm not going into detail, but rather listing all the awesome news.
-Microsoft is getting into the handheld market by adding games to their Zune mp3 player. Well...It's the thought that counts.
-Virtual reality and perfect AI is predicted to be coming in 2029, thanks to nano technology.
-On top of that, the home computer is now predicted to disappear in 2010, because of integration into other appliances.(Like the fridge that tells you when you're hungry.)
-Portal took top honours at GDC Choice Awards.
-What? Nintendo is now integrating a Pay for Play online service? That better not be slapped onto Brawl...I'll follow up on this next week.
-On the flip side Nintendo is also working on a way to store more saves, channels, and VC games onto the Wii by compressing data until it's called upon.
That's it this week, more on the Wii Pay for Play next week.
-Microsoft is getting into the handheld market by adding games to their Zune mp3 player. Well...It's the thought that counts.
-Virtual reality and perfect AI is predicted to be coming in 2029, thanks to nano technology.
-On top of that, the home computer is now predicted to disappear in 2010, because of integration into other appliances.(Like the fridge that tells you when you're hungry.)
-Portal took top honours at GDC Choice Awards.
-What? Nintendo is now integrating a Pay for Play online service? That better not be slapped onto Brawl...I'll follow up on this next week.
-On the flip side Nintendo is also working on a way to store more saves, channels, and VC games onto the Wii by compressing data until it's called upon.
That's it this week, more on the Wii Pay for Play next week.
Mat's Monday Notice: Apology for last Week
Everyone...I dropped the ball last week. And this is me apologising for it. I'll try to avoid that in the future.
But this week more than makes up for it. I have three reviews ready to go at any point this week, as well as four out of five of my weekly posts ready.
What to do with the F*****-Update, I never seem to have something for that one. Oh well, that'll change soon I hope.
Also, please vote in the Blog Poll, last week I was the only one who did. I'll chalk that one up to a lack of awareness.
Keep coming back often, I don't post at a regular time day to day.
But this week more than makes up for it. I have three reviews ready to go at any point this week, as well as four out of five of my weekly posts ready.
What to do with the F*****-Update, I never seem to have something for that one. Oh well, that'll change soon I hope.
Also, please vote in the Blog Poll, last week I was the only one who did. I'll chalk that one up to a lack of awareness.
Keep coming back often, I don't post at a regular time day to day.
Coming soon: Week of Feb. 25th
Mat's Monday Notice: Apology for last week
Tuesday Gaming Update: GDC Summary
Wednesday Brawl Report: The Characters of Brawl
Thursday Mat-Vestigation: The Analog T.V. Blackout-
National Upgrade or Irrational Money Grab?
Friday F*****-Update: Nothing yet.
Also:
Two Game Reviews:
-No More Heroes (Maybe.)
-Halo 3
One Other Review:
-Dakota Presents: Footloose
Epic Internet Cult Wars: The Rally Turnout and other News
Tuesday Gaming Update: GDC Summary
Wednesday Brawl Report: The Characters of Brawl
Thursday Mat-Vestigation: The Analog T.V. Blackout-
National Upgrade or Irrational Money Grab?
Friday F*****-Update: Nothing yet.
Also:
Two Game Reviews:
-No More Heroes (Maybe.)
-Halo 3
One Other Review:
-Dakota Presents: Footloose
Epic Internet Cult Wars: The Rally Turnout and other News
Mat Backtrack: Weeks of Feb. 11, 18
The Mat Backtrack just summarizes the weeks reviews and evaluations. It's my equivelent to an X-Play Replay.
Reviews:
Games:
Super Mario Galaxy-6/6
Mario Party DS-5/6
Movies:
Cloverfield-6/6
T.V. Shows:
None this week.
Evaluations:
Product:
Stride Gum: Gold Recommendation
Service:
None this week.
Reviews:
Games:
Super Mario Galaxy-6/6
Mario Party DS-5/6
Movies:
Cloverfield-6/6
T.V. Shows:
None this week.
Evaluations:
Product:
Stride Gum: Gold Recommendation
Service:
None this week.
Product Evaluation: Stride Gum
Stide Gum supposedly has a flavor that supposedly lasts for a really long time.
But Mat, won't they sell less gum?
Quiet you.
As it were though, the flavor lasts for about a half hour at full flavour, and then slowly deteriorates over time. The flavour lingers for about one hour, at which point you'll spit out the gum to eat something else. And they have good flavours too, I had something like Sweet Spearmint.
But what about value? Is Stride worth $1.30 (approx. Canadian $)? It gives you fourteen pieces, that's like a dime a piece and one for free. I'd say yes.
So at that, I'd recommend this gum. So much so that this gum earns:
The Mat Gold Product Recommendation.
But Mat, won't they sell less gum?
Quiet you.
As it were though, the flavor lasts for about a half hour at full flavour, and then slowly deteriorates over time. The flavour lingers for about one hour, at which point you'll spit out the gum to eat something else. And they have good flavours too, I had something like Sweet Spearmint.
But what about value? Is Stride worth $1.30 (approx. Canadian $)? It gives you fourteen pieces, that's like a dime a piece and one for free. I'd say yes.
So at that, I'd recommend this gum. So much so that this gum earns:
The Mat Gold Product Recommendation.
Friday F*****-Update: February 22
Welcome back to the Friday F*****-Update! This week, two things caught my eye and one will be observed in next weeks Mat-Vestigation.
First, Universal Studios is in talks with Hasbro to make movies out of their most popular board games. Yes, board games. Like Mario Party without a T.V.. Monopoly: The Movie is in production as of right now, and other films are only in talks right now. The most probable one right now seems like Candyland.
And lastly this Friday, something I only heard only recently, as of February 17th 2009, all analog television broadcasts will be blacked out. You know what analog T.V. is right? Those T.V. sets with the antennas. This isn't very F*****-Up, but it's kind of amazing that the U.S. government is blacking out a whole broadcast signal. For more info, check out my Mat-Vestigation next Thursday, or check out http://www.dtv.gov/ for more info. Or ask me about it, I'm a certified DTV Deputy! http://www.dtv.gov/dtvquiz1.html.
First, Universal Studios is in talks with Hasbro to make movies out of their most popular board games. Yes, board games. Like Mario Party without a T.V.. Monopoly: The Movie is in production as of right now, and other films are only in talks right now. The most probable one right now seems like Candyland.
And lastly this Friday, something I only heard only recently, as of February 17th 2009, all analog television broadcasts will be blacked out. You know what analog T.V. is right? Those T.V. sets with the antennas. This isn't very F*****-Up, but it's kind of amazing that the U.S. government is blacking out a whole broadcast signal. For more info, check out my Mat-Vestigation next Thursday, or check out http://www.dtv.gov/ for more info. Or ask me about it, I'm a certified DTV Deputy! http://www.dtv.gov/dtvquiz1.html.
Game Review: Mario Party DS
I'm almost sure that anyone who likes the Mario Party series thinks that this has gone on long enough, and that Mario Party Advance sucked. For me, the thing that killed this series was the release of four (count 'em, four) MP titles for the Gamecube. Yup, four. Thankfully, Mario Party 8 was a breath of fresh air for the MP franchise, due mainly to the new Wii controls. (I was sold at the fact you actually can HIT the dice block with the Wii Remote.) With Mario Party DS, Mario Party may make it a little while longer. With six game boards, a full-fleged story (no more MP5 Koopa Kid battle maps, or MP6-7 Solo Mode.)and really fun mini-games, this game is just great. The best part? With only one card, you can play an incredibly smooth multiplayer game, on any map, with all minigames, and some fun multiplayer exclusive modes too.
But this is still a Mario Party game, and it doesn't take advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi what-so-ever. Still, this game deserves a five out of six.
But this is still a Mario Party game, and it doesn't take advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi what-so-ever. Still, this game deserves a five out of six.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thursday Mat-Vestigation: February 21
This week I set off to find the first YouTube Poop. A jumble of show and game clips with mixed up stories for comidic greatness. (or not...as the good/bad ratio for Poops are like 1:5000) There are thousands of these, and I will now reveal the first one ever. I'D SAY HE'S HOT ON OUR TAIL by SuperYoshi, was first released in 2004. That's four years ago. It only made it to YouTube in 2006. In all honesty, it's not that good. I prefer Resident Evil 4: Deepercutt Edition. Your call.
Game Review: Super Mario Galaxy
I... love... this... game! I love it SO much! If you haven't picked up a copy yet, do so now! This game is the best possible spiritual sequel to Super Mario 64, and really takes 3d platforming somewhere else. Like what Portal was to FPS, Galaxy is to platformers. This game's camera was FULLY automated, but control is given to you in some places. I have heard somewhere along the line, "This game will suck because they'll stick to a space/planetoid level design like Sunshine did with Isle Delfino." I am glad to say, such is not the case. There are still a lot of turrain-based galaxies to explore, Honeyhive, Beach Bowl, and Ghostly Galaxies refrain from many planetoids.
The Wii Remote makes for great control of this game, including the WarioWare-esqe gesture-based mini-games (not side-games like super Mario 64 DS) like Ray-Surfing and Star Gravitating.
One thing wrong here...if you have ever beaten one level of Pac-Man, your gaming prowess will make you breeze through this game and never Game Over once. It's really easy to beat, but adversely, collecting 120 stars is a time-consuming and sometimes difficult task.
With awesome everything, but with a far too easy pick-up-and-play experience, and a super secret unlockable, (Luigi. Ha ha, I ruined it for you!) this game gets a six out of six.
The Wii Remote makes for great control of this game, including the WarioWare-esqe gesture-based mini-games (not side-games like super Mario 64 DS) like Ray-Surfing and Star Gravitating.
One thing wrong here...if you have ever beaten one level of Pac-Man, your gaming prowess will make you breeze through this game and never Game Over once. It's really easy to beat, but adversely, collecting 120 stars is a time-consuming and sometimes difficult task.
With awesome everything, but with a far too easy pick-up-and-play experience, and a super secret unlockable, (Luigi. Ha ha, I ruined it for you!) this game gets a six out of six.
Wednesday SSBB Report: One day late of Feb. 20
My #1 most anticipated game this year is without a doubt, is Super Smash Brothers Brawl. That's right. I have been waiting for this game for a couple of years now, and the two delays nearly got me to tears, it is scheduled to finally come out on March 9th. (In North America... sorry Europe.)
So what's new here Mat?
I'm glad you asked! You remember Adventure Mode from Melee? It's now a FULL side-scrolling fighter, with it's own name,
THE SUBSPACE EMISSARY.
Yeah, I don't know what it means either, the point is, it is a MAJOR improvement over Melee's. Also, instead of putting vast amounts of coins to earn trophies randomly, you now can use coins to run a bit of an arcade game where you shoot trophies to earn them. It's called the Coin Launcher! And the best thing? A full level editor. Let that sink in, maybe check the weekdaily updated Smash Bros Dojo website, and come back here next week.
Seventeen days untill Brawl.
So what's new here Mat?
I'm glad you asked! You remember Adventure Mode from Melee? It's now a FULL side-scrolling fighter, with it's own name,
THE SUBSPACE EMISSARY.
Yeah, I don't know what it means either, the point is, it is a MAJOR improvement over Melee's. Also, instead of putting vast amounts of coins to earn trophies randomly, you now can use coins to run a bit of an arcade game where you shoot trophies to earn them. It's called the Coin Launcher! And the best thing? A full level editor. Let that sink in, maybe check the weekdaily updated Smash Bros Dojo website, and come back here next week.
Seventeen days untill Brawl.
Tuesday Gaming Update: Two Days Late of Feb.19
My bad this week...because of the work I'm doing in Dakota High School's production of Footloose, I haven't had any time to post on the blog. But here I am, with great news on the gaming front.
First off, the Game Developer's conference kicked off recently, and has already shown of a video promo for... Gears of War 2! It's coming REAL soon. (November.) I'll keep posting about this one after Brawl comes out.
And secondly, and just after an episode of Arby and the Chief (A Halo 3 Machinima) talked about Halo 3's flawed melee system, in which in a simultaneous hit (about half a second) the kill was given to the player with more health, (I also heard online the advantage was given to the player with the better connection...don't quote me on that.) Bungie will (or has,) released an auto-update that fixes it supposedly. I heard it works fine now, but I'll see for myself soon. (Once I get my damn Live working...)
Finally, the news that almost made it to the Friday F*****-Update, the PS3 outsold the 360 by 17%. Wow. Take what you want out of that, I still think the PS3 sucks.
That's it for this week, next week I'll summarize all new info that comes out of GDC.
First off, the Game Developer's conference kicked off recently, and has already shown of a video promo for... Gears of War 2! It's coming REAL soon. (November.) I'll keep posting about this one after Brawl comes out.
And secondly, and just after an episode of Arby and the Chief (A Halo 3 Machinima) talked about Halo 3's flawed melee system, in which in a simultaneous hit (about half a second) the kill was given to the player with more health, (I also heard online the advantage was given to the player with the better connection...don't quote me on that.) Bungie will (or has,) released an auto-update that fixes it supposedly. I heard it works fine now, but I'll see for myself soon. (Once I get my damn Live working...)
Finally, the news that almost made it to the Friday F*****-Update, the PS3 outsold the 360 by 17%. Wow. Take what you want out of that, I still think the PS3 sucks.
That's it for this week, next week I'll summarize all new info that comes out of GDC.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Mat's Monday Notice: The Blog eMail address
Now that it's up and running I hope that any of you who are reading this blog will take the time to eMail suggestions, complaints, and compliments to my blog email, thematblog@gmail.com. Every week or so I'll display and publicly answer one of your reader's emails in my new segment:
Mat Reads Reader's Mails.
Look for it soon, k?
Also, you can now subscribe to The Mat Blog RSS feed (I just read that on Google.) but I don't know how...if someone finds out please email me.
Mat Reads Reader's Mails.
Look for it soon, k?
Also, you can now subscribe to The Mat Blog RSS feed (I just read that on Google.) but I don't know how...if someone finds out please email me.
Coming soon: Week of Feb. 18th
Mat's Monday Notice: The Blog eMail Address
Tuesday Gaming Update: The Video Game Crash of '83
Wednesday Special Report: SSBB: What we Know so far
Thursday Mat-Vestigation: The First YouTube Poop
Friday F*****-Update: Nothing yet...I'll think of something
Also:
3 Game Reviews:
-Mario Party DS
-Super Mario Galaxy
-No More Heroes (Maybe.)
1 Product/Service Evaluation:
-Stride Gum: Does it last THAT long?
Tuesday Gaming Update: The Video Game Crash of '83
Wednesday Special Report: SSBB: What we Know so far
Thursday Mat-Vestigation: The First YouTube Poop
Friday F*****-Update: Nothing yet...I'll think of something
Also:
3 Game Reviews:
-Mario Party DS
-Super Mario Galaxy
-No More Heroes (Maybe.)
1 Product/Service Evaluation:
-Stride Gum: Does it last THAT long?
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday F*****-Update: February 15th
Hello, Scientology. We are Anonymous.
In a video posted to Youtube on January 21st, a group known only as Anonymous made their apperence on the world wide web with only one apparent objective:
"Anonymous has therefore decided that your organization should be destroyed."
Wow. Heavy.
It is only in recent weeks that Anonymous has done so much, by revealing documents on the web for free that paying members of Scientology have to pay MUCH MORE to see, and most recently staging a large protest rally outside many Churches of Scientology, wearing masks (my favourite being the one from "V for Vendeta") to remain anonymous.
I believe that people have a right to believe in any religion they choose, but I also do NOT consider Scientology a religion. On the flip side, Anonymous hacking into Scientology websites, isn't that illegal, and anyone who has watched "Message to Scientology" on YouTube know how creepy this Anonymous group is.
With the statement, "Knowledge is free. We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us." this sounds like a bit of a cult. I also consider Scientology a cult. So I will continue to follow this story in my new "Epic Internet Cult Wars" feature. Every time someone makes a move, I'll be there to report on it.
Knowlege is Power.
I am Mat.
I are Guy.
I will watch these cults.
I will post on blog.
Expect Me. (To post on the Blog that is!)
In a video posted to Youtube on January 21st, a group known only as Anonymous made their apperence on the world wide web with only one apparent objective:
"Anonymous has therefore decided that your organization should be destroyed."
Wow. Heavy.
It is only in recent weeks that Anonymous has done so much, by revealing documents on the web for free that paying members of Scientology have to pay MUCH MORE to see, and most recently staging a large protest rally outside many Churches of Scientology, wearing masks (my favourite being the one from "V for Vendeta") to remain anonymous.
I believe that people have a right to believe in any religion they choose, but I also do NOT consider Scientology a religion. On the flip side, Anonymous hacking into Scientology websites, isn't that illegal, and anyone who has watched "Message to Scientology" on YouTube know how creepy this Anonymous group is.
With the statement, "Knowledge is free. We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us." this sounds like a bit of a cult. I also consider Scientology a cult. So I will continue to follow this story in my new "Epic Internet Cult Wars" feature. Every time someone makes a move, I'll be there to report on it.
Knowlege is Power.
I am Mat.
I are Guy.
I will watch these cults.
I will post on blog.
Expect Me. (To post on the Blog that is!)
First Review: Cloverfield
All I can really say about this movie is...it works. On SO many levels. The way they used the Handicam-style filming (Reminisant of the Blair Witch Project...which I never saw.) worked really well with the movie itself. The movie's monster was pretty scary, some sort of giant fish thing, and makes King Kong and Godzilla comparatively cute. The movie even leads in as a U.S. Government Video, addressing the case file as "Cloverfield" and revealling that the footage was on an SD card recovered from the area formerly known as "Central Park."
My only gripe with this movie was it's ending, leaving us off with a clip of a falling something in the distance of a view from Coney Island which is, in my opinion, the scariest part of the movie. (Think about it.)
But on top of that, the air of mystery surrounding the movie is intense. Where did the monster come from? Was it destroyed? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBHjgej9jp8 ,turn your speakers up.) What was the falling object? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XYERYYOyJQ , skip to 1:10)
Fortunately, for those truly interested, there are some websites that shed a little more light on the mysteries of Cloverfield, Google up Slusho and Tagruato.
Because of the thought-inducing plot, incredible action, and the depth of the viral advertising, this movie can only get a six out of six.
My only gripe with this movie was it's ending, leaving us off with a clip of a falling something in the distance of a view from Coney Island which is, in my opinion, the scariest part of the movie. (Think about it.)
But on top of that, the air of mystery surrounding the movie is intense. Where did the monster come from? Was it destroyed? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBHjgej9jp8 ,turn your speakers up.) What was the falling object? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XYERYYOyJQ , skip to 1:10)
Fortunately, for those truly interested, there are some websites that shed a little more light on the mysteries of Cloverfield, Google up Slusho and Tagruato.
Because of the thought-inducing plot, incredible action, and the depth of the viral advertising, this movie can only get a six out of six.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Coming soon: Week of Feb. 11th
Tomorrow: First Review: Cloverfield (WARNING! SPOILERS!)
Friday F*****-Update: Anonymous VS. Scientology
Friday F*****-Update: Anonymous VS. Scientology
Finally, here it is.
Hello everyone! You have managed to crawl onto the greatest blog in the world. (Or if you're Tony, Dylan, or someone else I know, thanks for checking it out.) Here you can find the most in-depth reviews for movies, games, and t.v. shows, with the most accurate rating system invented, a six-point scale. Keep checking in for special Mat Blog features, like the world premiere of the Friday F*****-Update, among other things. Thanks again, and check back soon, k?
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