Posts Tagged ‘n’

LEGO Has Done It Again With Their Batman Game

by Patrick Daniels

My kids, and myself have been a fan of the LEGO video games since the first LEGO Star Wars game out. Now with the new LEGO Batman game, it it clear that LEGO has made another excellent game.

The graphics, especially the vibrant, clear colors in high definition on the PS3 are gorgeous. They are probably the best looking of all the games in the series. The game play remains basically the same for this installment, and that's okay. There is no reason to make drastic changes to something that works.

It is a very accessible game to any level of gamer and it is not inappropriate at all. The cartoonish mischief and look of the characters makes it a title that the whole family can play. It is good for younger gamers who don't know anything about the Batman legend, and is fun for players that have been fans of the Caped Crusader for a long time.

There are numerous extras and hidden characters. Holding true to the LEGO game play, you have the ability to switch out characters making for a fun two player experience. All your classic Batman characters are in the game, and there are many not so well known characters from the comic books included.

It digs deep into the mythology of the franchise and as a fan I am thankful that they put so much effort into the development of the game. I know that his wont be the last in the Lego series; in fact I read just this weekend that they are developing a Rock Band game around the Lego characters. That is another good way to bring the younger gamers, who may not have had any interest in the music games, into the genre. These games aren't supposed to be world changing or particularly difficult, but they are supposed to be fun and that is why I like these games so much, because they are fun, for kids and adults alike.

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Twilight Princess Rocks

by Patrick Daniels

Twighlight Princess is the new Zelda game from Nintendo and it is fantastic. All of their expertise from all of the past games has been put to use in this game and it will be a classic.

The Wii has motion controls which add to the experience of this game, so it's a little different than the Gamecube. But no matter if you have motion controls or not, this is a really entertaining game. Both have unbelievable graphics, a leap forward for the game.

With the impressive detail Link and the enemies are more realistic than ever. Link is gaining a more mature, tough appearance than before. With fabulous motion controls and graphics it's great but the best Zelda feature is the boss fights, game play and puzzles. They've always been included in the Zelda series and this newest feature doesn't disappoint anyone.

This game will keep you playing for hours, it has tremendous puzzles and boss fights along with the good game play. These Zelda dungeons have been designed really well, there's no easy way to move through them as you wonder what's around each corner. The boss fights are perennial favorites and this feature doesn't let you down. You have to really think you're way through using hidden details and solutions. You can't just push the buttons, it takes more than that.

This is the best Zelda game in the series, not to be missed, and that is a big promotion considering how good the Zelda games have been. There are no better games for Gamecube or the Wii, and in the last few years it's the best game on any system.

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Wii Introduces Super Smash Bros

by Patrick Daniels

A new game from Wii is exciting even the hard core gamers who usually aren't Wii active. It's called Super Smash Bros and it is doing very well. It includes all of the favorite Nintendo characters, who all have their own special warrior skills. This game has numerous characters and if you progress, you'll unlock them as you go.

It includes all of the levels and stages you would expect plus some extra locals, but you can also create your own levels and share them. This can be played alone or with up to four players using the WiFi, and this is the most fun way to play, lots of competition.

The games is $50 but includes an unbelievable completely different adventure game. This game has its own story and unknowns to be unlocked. It also can be played alone or with friends, and is amazingly long and complex for an add on. For any other developer it could be a whole different game but you get your money's worth with Nintendo.

All in all, this is probably the best version of the Smash Bros. games to date. It also is the prettiest, with the colors and animations standing out in widescreen and looking beautiful. This is a fun and value packed release and fans of the series have been rewarded for their patience in waiting for this one. Starting an online match is very easy as the game will match you with players from around the world and it runs just as smoothly as playing with friends in the same room.

I still can't believe how much game they packed onto this one disc, it really is a marvel and a real value if you are looking to get tons of re-playability out of a game. This is the best in the series and should not be missed.

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New CD by 50 Cent: Before I Self Destruct

by Patrick Daniels

50 Cent, one of the worlds most selling rappers will be releasing a new album, Before I Self Destruct. The new CD will be the rappers fourth studio album, and his last solo album according to his current contract with Interscope Records, besides completing a greatest hits CD.

Some of the songs that were released in January of 2009 include: Intro, Came to Win, Need Your Hate, Here for a Reason, All for You, Good to Be a Gangsta, Lonely at the Top, Dont Mess with 50, No Time to Lose, Trust in Me, Somebody Forgive Me and also another single was released in October of 2008. However "Shut your Bllodclot Mouth" did not make the cut.

Some of the major producers include, Dr. Dre and Eminem, Don Cannon, Red Spyda, Havoc, DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, Ty Fyffe, The Individuals, Tha Bizness, J.R. Rotem, Sha Money XL, Jake One, Scott Storch, Play-n-Skillz, and DJ Khalil. 50 Cent said that the album was named Self destruct because it was something that may happen when he was in an interview with MTV. When he was in an interview with DJ Semtex, said that this new album was one of the best in this time period and described it as aggressive.

Dr. Dre and Eminem are senior producers, but there are also others: Don Cannon, Red Spyda, Havoc, DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, Ty Fyffe, The Individuals, Tha Bizness, J.R. Rotem, Sha Money XL, Jake One, Scott Storch, Play-n-Skillz, and DJ Khalil. When he was interviewed by MTV, 50 Cent said that he chose the title because he thoughts is was actually a possible thing. He says the new album is darker and more aggressive than predicted, but that it will quite possibly the best CD right now.

J.R. Rotem stated that this album is different for 50 Cent because he is not in it for the money; he's just in it for his love of hip-hop. He also said that 50 Cent wants to set a trend and create a new sound that people will love and copy.

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Bioshock

by Patrick Daniels

Bioshock has become a video game hit. The Xbox360 game sold extremely well and was a certified hit for the system and just recently, Playstation 3 owners finally got the chance to play this awesome game a few months ago. There has been a sequel in the works for some time and the excitement and anticipation for the second game in the series is growing with every leaked screenshot and tidbit of information.

The initial offering had a great blend of shooter, horror and puzzle mixture. There was a lot of darkness and the sounds were very spine tingling. As you search the disaster of the underground city of Rapture, there is all this awful screaming all around, and there's the feeling that reality is suspended.

The utopia, the perfect civilization has been a dream of man for centuries, and philosophers have spoken of this perfect place. One man had the foresight, the know-how, the vision to make it happen and he built that city under the sea where it couldn't be touched by the imperfect governments and countries of so called civilized man. He gave the residents the freedom to do what they wanted; the scientists had nothing stopping them from their creations.

The player walks into this scenario, you must discover Rapture with all it's mysteries and horrors and try to solve it. As you attempt to find the solution there are dark hallway, enemies, traps and giant protectors to threaten you along the way.

It is one of the most exciting, action packed games that I have played in a long time and the upgrade system and weapon system is one of the most fun I've seen in a while. The controls are intuitive and the graphics are amazing. It really starts to show the power of the PS3. The sequel will release late this year and will undoubtedly be a huge hit.

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Metallica Rocks Again

by Patrick Daniels

When Metallica releases an album, it is usually cause for celebration. They have had a long run of success, with only a couple of speed bumps in the past twenty-five years. Most of their albums have been well received, the last one St. Anger being the only real exception. I chalk that one up to experimentation and a little bit of confusion on the direction of the band. It wasnt horrible, but it was not what the fans wanted. Artist should never make music for the sole benefit of the fans, and I will have to give it up to the band for their boldness.

This opened the gate for Death Magnetic, the newest release. For this release, they've moved back toward the familiar sound of heavy metal with good song writing. Do they lead the pack in metal? Not necessarily, but they have a huge reputation and following, so with the new release they regain their footing amongst the other metal bands.

From the late eighties to early nineties the metal scene has gone through some changes, Metallica felt more hard rock during the nineties. Now they wouldn't be in a new metal category or a heavy metal of the more recent bands. Some of the songs on this new album are really good and would work with their past song releases, and would fit in on previous album releases.

Unfortunately, Metallica will probably never reach the height of their first four releases, however, there are a lot of really good groups out there that fall in the same category. Most of the Rolling Stone hits were in the seventies. Their music since then has still been good but it's just not what it was then.

Some bands are capable of continuing to have hits until they go their separate ways but that's not normally the case. As they move into their forties and fifties, they don't reach fans the way they did when they were younger. It's admirable if a band can play that long and still have popularity. There are very few, Metallica, the Stones, Aerosmith and few others have accomplished this.

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Maximo Park’s Quicken The Heart will Quicken Your Pulse!

by Patrick Daniels

In the year 2000 Paul Smith, Duncan Lloyd, Aechis Tiku, Tom English, and Lukas Wooler; came together from various English towns and formed the group Maximo Park. They are now a well known indie rock band with an addictive sound and edgy rock pop style.

Their music style has been described from indie rock, alternative, britpop, pop rock, all the way down to punk rock. They have released two double platinum albums, their debut album named A Certain Trigger, was nominated for the Mercury Prize back in 2005. The second album to go platinum was, Our Earthly Pleasures, released in 2007.

Quicken the Heart, their third album, will be released on May 11,2009. The Kids Are Sick Again, the albums first track, is to be released a week earlier. Due to the bands untouchable success their UK tour, in May sold in in record breaking time.

Quicken the Heart, is a highly anticipated album that many fans are on the edge of their seat for their release that is coming up in just a few days. The name suits the album well; it has a variety of fantastic synths, hip shaking rock n' roll and a little pop thrown in for good measures. Quicken the Heart is produced by Nick Launay and has proved to be a major step forward for the band showing how much they have grown since they first formed back in 2000. The album has lyrics that will stay in your mind and show you how the band is looking for romance in every day life. Check out Maximo Park's Quicken the Heart and see for yourself!

Track list for Quicken the Heart: 1. Wraithlike; 2. The Penultimate Clinch; 3. The Kids Are Sick Again; 4. A Cloud Of Mystery; 5. Calm; 6. In Another World (You'd Have Found Yourself By Now); 7. Let's Get Clinical; 8.Roller Disco Dreams; 9.Tanned; 10. Questing, Not Coasting; 11. Overland, West Of Suez; 12. I Haven't Seen Her in Ages

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Green Day- 21st Century Breakdown

by Patrick Daniels

American punk rock trio, Green Day, is scheduled for a worldwide release of their new eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, on May 15, 2009. The new CD is under the label Reprise Records. The new CD is the first album by Green Day that is chiefly produced by the well-known producer and member of the band Garbage, Butch Vig.

In an interview with Kerrang!, Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer, mentions that 21st Century Breakdown takes more of a religious turn then their previous albums. Armstrong also stated that they were influenced by legends such as The Beatles, Queen, The Who, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, The Clash, and Bruce Springsteen. The new CD, which is more power rock then punk rock, reflect on the past three years and creates melodies with bold statements. The American Idiot, rock opera style, is continued with this new album, as the lyrics are political with anti-war statements incorporated.

21st Century Breakdown is consists of three acts: Heroes and Cons, Charlatans and Saints, and Horseshoes and Handgrenades. It tells the story of a young couple, Christian and Gloria, and the challenges, of the 21st century, that they have faced during the reign of the 43rd president.

Know Your Enemy, the first single of the new album was released worldwide on April 16, 2009. And on April 6, a preview of the song lasting 90 seconds was used to introduce the 2009 NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Championship game.

Other tracks on 21st Century Breakdown include: Song of the Century, "Viva la Gloria!, 21st Century Breakdown, "Before the Lobotomy, Last Night on Earth, "Christian's Inferno, Peacemaker, East Jesus Nowhere, Murder City, Last of the American Girls, ""Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)", Horseshoes and Handgrenades, Restless Heart Syndrome, The Static Age, See the Light, American Eulogy, and 21 Guns. Billie Joe Armstrong wrote all of the songs.

Green Days official website have many of the songs available for you to listen to. Seven of the songs will be played on radio stations across the US from May 4 to May 14, 2009. Spin Magazine, rated it four out of five stars, and stated it can be compared to Bruce Springsteens albums. They also stated that the title song; 21st Century Breakdown is Green Days most epic track.

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Lord of the Rings – How Many Versions?

by Patrick Daniels

Since the Hobbit movies by Peter Jackson won't be out for a while, it's a good time to watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy again. The theater is where most people saw it for the first time, then we all had to get the DVD's, and then of course we had to then have the extended directors edition.

My vulnerability for this trilogy has cost me three times in the past and it may happen again. Why would this happen? Because the trilogy will be released on Blu Ray and no one can ignore that. But this one is not the extended directors cut, so if you liked the version they showed at the movies and you don't want extra scenes go ahead and purchase this release. But if that's what you prefer you may be content just to keep your original DVD's from a few years ago.

Those of us who've bought three times may wait on this one and get the extended version on Blu Ray. They will release it and it'll probably get released during the opening date of the first Hobbit film. I'll invest in the trilogy then as the Blu Ray will be exceptional in looks and sound, plus seeing all the furry Hobbit feet will be very satisfying for us nerds who never get enough Lord of the Rings.

There was some extra content in the original releases but nothing like the extended versions. They had so much more content that fans of the books wanted to have on the movie. The fans had a picture in their heads from reading the books and they wanted to see if it translated the same as the directors version.

No one doubts that Peter Jackson in the most intense fan of the series, his care and talent showed in the wonderful adaptations he brought to the screen. I have no doubt that he will extend the same expertise to the Hobbit movies, but while we wait continue to watch the extended directors version you already have and wait on the Blu Ray version. If you must see it in HD, there's always the option of renting it from the store or borrowing it from a friend who didn't wait.

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Street Fighter

by Patrick Daniels

With all the different fighting games that have been released over the years, and on countless systems, it is hard to pick the best of the best. One of the series that has stood out above the rest is Tekken. The Tekken series has gotten better and better each installment. There has just been an arcade release of the seventh installment in Japan and will be coming stateside very soon as well as to our home consoles. In the mean time, we will have to get our fighting fix with the new Street Fighter game.

Street Fighter 4, released on both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, has been getting rave reviews from numerous gaming publications. Even more important than the publications is the fans approval of the game, since the fans of the original games love this installment it can be considered a success.

Fans have started falling in love with the characters all over again. All of the original are back with a few new news in their mist. Along with the characters, all their signature moves have followed as well. The series really hit its stride with the second installment of Street Fighter, which was released into arcades in the early nineties. Due to the popularity of the game many sequels were made, as well as live action movies. Although the movies were not a huge success, the gaming fans enjoyed watching their favorite characters and moves come to life.

In Street Fighter 4, the graphics were updated, but kept looking like the original. Original characters look new again, and still retain their classic influence. Anyone who has ever played a Street Fighter game will be able to pick up the controller and get right to action, as the fighting feels new, but somehow familiar.

A great added feature to the new Street Fighter game is the ability to challenge people from all over the world, with an Internet hookup. Its the perfect way to test your skills and for suitable competitors.

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