NOUNS! GUESS WHAT!
I have been fortunate enough to come across a SNES copy of EARTHBOUND. That's right I now own Earthbound. So what to do with this monumental discovery? I've decided to play through the game, and keep you updated with my opinion. So here's where I am so far:
I just arrived at Twoson. The story hasn't really picked up yet. Not a lot has happened. I won't spoil it for you, but only the basic story as been explained. From what I understand from the amazing hype on teh interwebs, the story should get really really really good. THe music, which has also been super duper hyped over teh interwebs is...... disappointing. Most of the songs are okay, but not outstanding. There is one song, one of the battle themes, that I CAN NOT stand. I'm not sure why the music for this game is- so popular. Again, I am only in the beginning , so it may get super-fantastical later.
Now for the gameplay. The battles are really hard up to this point. I haven't gotten another party member yet, but at the moment, all of the enemies can kill me in a couple turns. I know for a fact that I'm not under leveled. I had to grind earlier in the game.
The bottom line is, the fame has fallen victim to over hype syndrome. The game play is ball bustingly hard and the music is incredibly over rated. It's supposed to get much better later, but as of now, it's disappointing.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Chrono Trigger vs. Final Fantasy IV
Salutations Nouns,
Many people have screamed to the heavens that chrono trigger has the best video game soundtrack EVER. I disagree. Don't get me wrong it is a fantastic soundtrack, but when listening to it without the game, it can get boring. Final Fantasy IV on the other hand has a sound track that is about as good in game, and much better on it's own(excluding Frog's theme. So much awesome). Overall, I have to give the soundtrack to Final Fantasy IV.
The Graphics in Chrono Trigger win hands down, understandably so. Final Fantasy IV came out much earlier in the Super Nintendo's life time, and Square was originally developing the game for the NES. So when the SNES was announced, Square jumped ship and did what they could to take advantage of the new tech. They're certainly not the worst graphics, everything is crisp and clean, but they're not groundbreaking. Chrono Trigger's graphics are..... WOW. Fantastic. This game really looks pretty, such wonderful detail. Nothing too groundbreaking, but that may be a good thing. Since Square wasn't experimenting with any new tech, they were able to focus on making everything they had to work with perfect! You can really see the art style of Akira Toriyamam com through............ yay? I know I'm going to get a lot of crap for this, but I don't think that's a good thing.
I liked Toriyama's work in Dragon Ball. It was very appropriate. But then I started looking at the other stuff he drew, and I noticed he had a definite style. That's fine I like it when someone has a definite style. But then I saw more and more of his work.... and I noticed that everything looked the same. In everything he does the artwork for there is a Goku, Vegeta, Trunks, or all three! It's ridiculous, and getting stale.
So that leaves the story. Do we want the time traveling epic, or the globe trotting fairy tale. Chrono Trigger's plot is a lot easier to follow han most RPGs. It's a good story, lot's of fun, and really made the game worthwhile. It was a little annoying that Crono couldn't talk. I understand that the player is supposed to be Crono, and that's why he didn't have any lines, but hat also means that he is the least interesting character. Final Fantasy IV Has a far more complex story, and a main character that speaks. THe story really benefits from that though. Cecil faces some serious issues and makes the "right" decisions. He doesn't really insult your intelligence, nor is he too whiny( SNES version folks). He creates a better fairy tale. Slo FFIV has more locations. Yes Chrono Trigger has time Travel, but the world is pretty small in CT. In FFIV there is ahuge overworld, a slightly smaller underworld, and a small moon. That's a lot of locations. It's a lot of retro gaming. I look at it like this, CT would make a better novel, and FFIV makes a better series of novels. So who wins? If you can't tell already it's FFIV. I judged this one based on my play experience. CT was fun and I wanted to play more, but tt wasn't because of the story. I wanted tog et to the end of the supposed "best RPG of all time". When I played FFIV it controlled my life. I thought about it constantly from start to finish. I would talk about it to anyone that would listen. It was a greater experience.
Today I shall compare my two favorite RPG's of all time, Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy IV. Now I know that some of you (Actually, does anyone read this blog?) would immediately say "Now LordSirPumpkin, Everyone knows that Chrono Trigger is a better game!" before reading this. In respones I would slap you in the face with a frozen carp. These two are very similar, yet incredibly different games. Neither is perfect. Curious? I know I am even though I wrote this!
Both games are running the same battle system: ATB v2.0. It's a wonderful battle system that is near and dear to my heart. Chrono trigger has a slight edge with the techs that are integrated into it. While Final Fantasy IV has abilites, they are not nearly as important to battle. Also Chrono Trigger has an advantage with the way the player encounters enemies. There are no random battles. Final Fantasy IV on the other hand had RBS (Random Battle Syndrome). This is the problem that has plagued RPG's for many, many years. Chrono Trigger found the cure.
Many people have screamed to the heavens that chrono trigger has the best video game soundtrack EVER. I disagree. Don't get me wrong it is a fantastic soundtrack, but when listening to it without the game, it can get boring. Final Fantasy IV on the other hand has a sound track that is about as good in game, and much better on it's own(excluding Frog's theme. So much awesome). Overall, I have to give the soundtrack to Final Fantasy IV.
The Graphics in Chrono Trigger win hands down, understandably so. Final Fantasy IV came out much earlier in the Super Nintendo's life time, and Square was originally developing the game for the NES. So when the SNES was announced, Square jumped ship and did what they could to take advantage of the new tech. They're certainly not the worst graphics, everything is crisp and clean, but they're not groundbreaking. Chrono Trigger's graphics are..... WOW. Fantastic. This game really looks pretty, such wonderful detail. Nothing too groundbreaking, but that may be a good thing. Since Square wasn't experimenting with any new tech, they were able to focus on making everything they had to work with perfect! You can really see the art style of Akira Toriyamam com through............ yay? I know I'm going to get a lot of crap for this, but I don't think that's a good thing.
I liked Toriyama's work in Dragon Ball. It was very appropriate. But then I started looking at the other stuff he drew, and I noticed he had a definite style. That's fine I like it when someone has a definite style. But then I saw more and more of his work.... and I noticed that everything looked the same. In everything he does the artwork for there is a Goku, Vegeta, Trunks, or all three! It's ridiculous, and getting stale. In Final Fantasy IV The concept art is done by Yoshitaka Amano, who also has a definite style. The difference is that Amano doesn't draw the same people over and over again. Each new character looks fresh and new. Alos Amano's work is a bit more mature then Toriyama's. It helps create a deeper and more intense atmosphere. So Between the graphics and overall look, there is no clear winner. The visuals are a draw.
So that leaves the story. Do we want the time traveling epic, or the globe trotting fairy tale. Chrono Trigger's plot is a lot easier to follow han most RPGs. It's a good story, lot's of fun, and really made the game worthwhile. It was a little annoying that Crono couldn't talk. I understand that the player is supposed to be Crono, and that's why he didn't have any lines, but hat also means that he is the least interesting character. Final Fantasy IV Has a far more complex story, and a main character that speaks. THe story really benefits from that though. Cecil faces some serious issues and makes the "right" decisions. He doesn't really insult your intelligence, nor is he too whiny( SNES version folks). He creates a better fairy tale. Slo FFIV has more locations. Yes Chrono Trigger has time Travel, but the world is pretty small in CT. In FFIV there is ahuge overworld, a slightly smaller underworld, and a small moon. That's a lot of locations. It's a lot of retro gaming. I look at it like this, CT would make a better novel, and FFIV makes a better series of novels. So who wins? If you can't tell already it's FFIV. I judged this one based on my play experience. CT was fun and I wanted to play more, but tt wasn't because of the story. I wanted tog et to the end of the supposed "best RPG of all time". When I played FFIV it controlled my life. I thought about it constantly from start to finish. I would talk about it to anyone that would listen. It was a greater experience. So there you have it. My comparision. Both are great games. Both are worth playing, but I pick FFIV. Start writing your hate mail(all 0 of you), so I can ignore it.
Farewell for now,
LordSirPumpkin
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Geek Pr0m
Nouns,
Another school year has rushed past and with it another prom. After viewing the disgusting display of what teens these days call "dancing" I have concluded that prom is not the time honored it once was. Therefore I have decided that it is now appropriate for me to tinker with it until it fits my definition of awesome. Partially inspired by the "roboprom" that my frind is going to for a robotics competition, here is what I have come up with:
Another school year has rushed past and with it another prom. After viewing the disgusting display of what teens these days call "dancing" I have concluded that prom is not the time honored it once was. Therefore I have decided that it is now appropriate for me to tinker with it until it fits my definition of awesome. Partially inspired by the "roboprom" that my frind is going to for a robotics competition, here is what I have come up with:
So, I'm gonna explain this. First of all, let's pretend that it is entirely symetrical. There will be food as shown by the buffet tables. After the dinner is done People will be free to move between all three rooms. Immediately after dinner in the rave room there will be a vgrock concert for 2 hours, then a nerdcore hip-hop concert for an hour, and finally a rave for another two hours. This schedule is open to changes depending on the particular audience. Now in the LAN room, there will be non-stop gaming. Only games that can be played over a local area network. Which brings uns to the Gaming/Arcade room. This is the room for retrogaming and... well... any other gaming really. Guests would be able to bring their own games and use and available tv to play. Also there would be arcade cabinets to complete the experiences.
Well, That is my vision for GeekPr0m I hope you like it!
Osric
Saturday, April 2, 2011
There is a Gaming Hell
Oh God
Hello Nouns,
I recently discovered gaming hell. Imagine playing a first person shooter with one or two other people. No more, no less. Now imagine that you don't play first person shooters (now known as fpss) that often. ANd last but not least, imagine that the other person/people play fpss religously. That is gaming hell.
Let me elaborate. If you have more people than that, then it will be fun! Everyone will be getting killed all the time, so it won't just be you. If it's just one or two people, you die. Constantly. nonstop. It sucks.
Just thought I'd let you know.
P.S. Just thought I'd mention it, but this has nothing to do with a recent event I attended. That event was fun. I'm thinking of an experience from a couple of years ago.
Hello Nouns,
I recently discovered gaming hell. Imagine playing a first person shooter with one or two other people. No more, no less. Now imagine that you don't play first person shooters (now known as fpss) that often. ANd last but not least, imagine that the other person/people play fpss religously. That is gaming hell.
Let me elaborate. If you have more people than that, then it will be fun! Everyone will be getting killed all the time, so it won't just be you. If it's just one or two people, you die. Constantly. nonstop. It sucks.
Just thought I'd let you know.
P.S. Just thought I'd mention it, but this has nothing to do with a recent event I attended. That event was fun. I'm thinking of an experience from a couple of years ago.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Movie: The Gamers Dorkness Rising
vedui' Nouns,
As a retrogamer I know a lot of other types of nerds. I dabble in the practices of other subcultures. Often times they go hand in hand with our own little corner of the world. Tabletop gaming is such a subculture. The grand adventures, the fair maidens, and the utter lunacy of my traveling companions, are all elements that are often found in many retro rpgs. These are also some of the componenets that make up tabletop gaming, at least for me that is.
This brings us to the movie. The Gamers: Dorkness Rising is an independent film about a group of tabletop gamers. The dungeon master (for those of you who don't know, this is the person in charge of the game) is trying to get his friends to actually finish a playthrough of an adventure he is writing. His friends however.... well... they're kind of idiots. They don't really take the game seriously, which is a common problem/ blessing (depending on how you look at it) in tabletop gaming. I won't spoil anything, but the plot is solid and the jokes are funny, even better if you've played with similar morons.
Dorkness Rising is a sequel. If you're going to watch this one, it would benefit you to watch The Gamers one too. It's only about 40 minutes long, but just as much fun. Anywho, Dorkness Rising , being an independent film, didn't have the immense budget that we're used to nowadays. However, the film is very well written, very well acted, and lloks great. The costumes and set are perfect. I actually think that if they had spent more money to make it look more realistic, then the film would've suffered.
Overall, this is a great movie. If you are a tabletop gamer, or a gamer in general, you will find something about this movie that you will love. I give it a 10/10. this movie is worth BUYING.
As a retrogamer I know a lot of other types of nerds. I dabble in the practices of other subcultures. Often times they go hand in hand with our own little corner of the world. Tabletop gaming is such a subculture. The grand adventures, the fair maidens, and the utter lunacy of my traveling companions, are all elements that are often found in many retro rpgs. These are also some of the componenets that make up tabletop gaming, at least for me that is.
Dorkness Rising is a sequel. If you're going to watch this one, it would benefit you to watch The Gamers one too. It's only about 40 minutes long, but just as much fun. Anywho, Dorkness Rising , being an independent film, didn't have the immense budget that we're used to nowadays. However, the film is very well written, very well acted, and lloks great. The costumes and set are perfect. I actually think that if they had spent more money to make it look more realistic, then the film would've suffered.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Answer please?
Attention Nouns!
I have a serious question. I have heard the term nerdcore used to describe nerdy hip hop. Why does that term apply only to hip hop? Why isn't it called nerdcore rock? We are just as nerdy. I haven't heard a good name for any other type of nerdy music. Something needs to be done about this.
I have a serious question. I have heard the term nerdcore used to describe nerdy hip hop. Why does that term apply only to hip hop? Why isn't it called nerdcore rock? We are just as nerdy. I haven't heard a good name for any other type of nerdy music. Something needs to be done about this.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Music For Gamers: The Megas
Greetings Nouns,
As a retrogamer, I've noticed that it can be hard to find good music to play to. So I was very excited when I came across The Megas. Theses guys are awesome. I don't understand why there aren't more bands like them. Not only do they play some of the better sounding covers of Mega Man songs, but they've added original lyrics! How cool is that? The Megas play some of the best video game music I've heard.
If you don't have their album Get Equipped then you are a deprived individual. Get Equipped is the Megas' first album. It's kind of amazing. It goes through all of the songs in Mega Man II, which a lot of people think is the best Mega Man of all time. The music is very well arranged, the lyrics are wonderful and well written, everything about the album is fantastic and if that wasn't enough for you they released an acoustic version of the album called Get Acoustic. Its really cool.
The Megas also released an EP called Megatainment. Why is it called that you ask? This EP is a collaberation between The Megas and Entertainment System, another fantastic video game band. The EP does a few songs from the first Mega Man. Once again, all the songs are well done, and it is absolutely worth your time.
Last time I checked, The Megas were working on a NEW album. Music from Mega Man 3. SO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!!!! There has been no release date given yet, but that's okay. To keep our demanding appetites at bay, The Megas released a single. Sparked a War consists of the song Sparked a War, an instrumental version of that song, an acoustic version, a cover of sunglasses at night, and a cover of the theme song to the old Mega Man cartoon. SO MUCH WIN!!!!!!!!!
If you haven't heard them, head on over to grooveshark and look them up. The Megas are defiantely worth your time. If there are more bands like them please let me know. This music is worth BUYING. Bottom line: The Megas are amazing and need to be heard.
http://www.themegas.com/
As a retrogamer, I've noticed that it can be hard to find good music to play to. So I was very excited when I came across The Megas. Theses guys are awesome. I don't understand why there aren't more bands like them. Not only do they play some of the better sounding covers of Mega Man songs, but they've added original lyrics! How cool is that? The Megas play some of the best video game music I've heard.
If you don't have their album Get Equipped then you are a deprived individual. Get Equipped is the Megas' first album. It's kind of amazing. It goes through all of the songs in Mega Man II, which a lot of people think is the best Mega Man of all time. The music is very well arranged, the lyrics are wonderful and well written, everything about the album is fantastic and if that wasn't enough for you they released an acoustic version of the album called Get Acoustic. Its really cool.
Last time I checked, The Megas were working on a NEW album. Music from Mega Man 3. SO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!!!! There has been no release date given yet, but that's okay. To keep our demanding appetites at bay, The Megas released a single. Sparked a War consists of the song Sparked a War, an instrumental version of that song, an acoustic version, a cover of sunglasses at night, and a cover of the theme song to the old Mega Man cartoon. SO MUCH WIN!!!!!!!!!
If you haven't heard them, head on over to grooveshark and look them up. The Megas are defiantely worth your time. If there are more bands like them please let me know. This music is worth BUYING. Bottom line: The Megas are amazing and need to be heard.
http://www.themegas.com/
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Getting to know me
Well hello Nouns,
It had just occured to me that I have not properly introduced myself. On the one hand why should I? As far as I know, nobody is reading this! On the other hand, it would be rude of me not to introduce myself. So here it goes:
Hello Nouns, My name is Scott. Since I am on the internet however you will not call me Scott. You shall call me by one of my several other names, given to me by the sp called "gods" of the internet. Those names are:
LordSirPumpkin
DethMetalMario
Pumpkin
SirPumpkin
Osric
Oppossum
and last but not least, Lloyd.
It has been nice meeting you Nouns, but I must go.
Sincerely,
Osric
It had just occured to me that I have not properly introduced myself. On the one hand why should I? As far as I know, nobody is reading this! On the other hand, it would be rude of me not to introduce myself. So here it goes:
Hello Nouns, My name is Scott. Since I am on the internet however you will not call me Scott. You shall call me by one of my several other names, given to me by the sp called "gods" of the internet. Those names are:
LordSirPumpkin
DethMetalMario
Pumpkin
SirPumpkin
Osric
Oppossum
and last but not least, Lloyd.
It has been nice meeting you Nouns, but I must go.
Sincerely,
Osric
Overview
Hello Nouns! I say this because if you are reading this, you have to be a noun. Anywho. I am a retrogamer. It's awesome. If you disagree please leave. I, like many young retrogamers, have encountered the problem of not having like minded individuals to talk to. Most of the gamers my age are into some new game that doesn't interest me. So here I am. I will rant about retrogaming and you will pretend to care. YAY everyone is happy!
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