Sunday afternoon was spent playing online co-op in the mercenaries mode on Resident Evil 5. I had played around with this mode before by myself, and thought "I hope that it is easier on co-op." Turns out, it is, I think.
Mercenaries is a difficult mode. I had a ton of fun with it while playing cooperatively. For me, that experience really makes it. I am an extremely vocal player when I have a headset on. I pay for the bandwidth, and darn it, I'm going to use it. Mercenaries is intense. There was some teeth grinding for me in the main game, but when I'm playing Mercenaries, I'm constantly on the edge of my seat. It is really well designed. The maps are very well done. The constant barrage of relatively easy to dispatch enemies hounding you keeps you on your toes. Adding in the one large enemy really ups the ante. Once the big bad is one the map, you and your partner have to step it up.
My brain is still tired from everything that happened last week, so perhaps I am not expressing myself well. The gist is: play Mercenaries mode with a friend.
30.3.09
Lack of entries.
Sorry about the lack of entries. My wife's grandfather passed away this last week so things have been busy.
20.3.09
An interesting article
This article by Leigh Alexander is a great piece on the growing pains of video games as the medium tries to mature.
19.3.09
Fitness and Gaming
I try to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. I am not “buff” or ready to compete in a triathlon, but I am no slouch at distance running and I lift a few weights as well. There have been some, interesting innovations in gaming and exercising at the same time, but none of them really get me excited. For a time, I would jog in place while playing Mass Effect. I did work up a sweat and get my pulse going, but trying to play a 3D game while bobbing in place is terribly difficult. I have an exercise bike, but since I am cheap it is a garage sale find and not terribly comfortable. A new seat might be all I need to fix this problem.
I guess I can't talk about gaming and fitness without mentioning the Wii Fit. Yes, I own one. No, I do not use it. I think it is a well designed product, but that the software that came with it has some major flaws. The exercises are good choices, not too high impact, but still effective if done regularly. My main problem with the software is that a half hour workout becomes at least an hour with Wii fit. Having to return to the menu every time you want to move on to the next step of your workout is cumbersome. I am fairly certain that Nintendo will make a Wii Fit “sequel” which will hopefully take care of this issue. What is really needed is the ability to queue up a certain amount of time in exercises and go through them, one at a time, without having to return to any menus. Short breaks can be added in as needed, but they should not be forced on more experienced exercisers.
I suppose for now my gaming and my fitness will have to remain separate. This does make me kind of sad. I can get more bang for my exercise buck on my eclectic collection of second-hand fitness machines than anything thus far enabled by the video game markets.
I guess I can't talk about gaming and fitness without mentioning the Wii Fit. Yes, I own one. No, I do not use it. I think it is a well designed product, but that the software that came with it has some major flaws. The exercises are good choices, not too high impact, but still effective if done regularly. My main problem with the software is that a half hour workout becomes at least an hour with Wii fit. Having to return to the menu every time you want to move on to the next step of your workout is cumbersome. I am fairly certain that Nintendo will make a Wii Fit “sequel” which will hopefully take care of this issue. What is really needed is the ability to queue up a certain amount of time in exercises and go through them, one at a time, without having to return to any menus. Short breaks can be added in as needed, but they should not be forced on more experienced exercisers.
I suppose for now my gaming and my fitness will have to remain separate. This does make me kind of sad. I can get more bang for my exercise buck on my eclectic collection of second-hand fitness machines than anything thus far enabled by the video game markets.
Wii-fatigue?
I was a Wii early adopter. I waited in line, twice to get ahold of Nintendo's little white box (I did not get it the first time). I had a load of fun with Twilight Princess and Trauma Center. For all the problems with getting third parties to really embrace the system, I can still say that I enjoy it. I have my PC and Xbox 360 to balance out my need for "hardcore" games, but I am glad to have the Wii as well.
The system's aesthetic has been acclaimed since launch, it was designed to be an attractive item on your entertainment center, and it achieves that. The Wii-remotes and other accessories are also stylish in their minimalist ways as well, easy to stack and store for the most part. I think that part of that aesthetic is where my problem lies.
Altogether, I find the use of the Wii-remote to be fatiguing. No, not in the sense that swinging the remote around makes me tired. I have been playing Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (well, until RE: 5 was released..), and I have noticed something that has bothered me since the first time I started playing games on Wii. My hand gets sore.
Something seems to be wrong with the ergonomics of the wii-remote. Almost as if there was no ergonomic planning. Even the addition of the Wii-remote sleeve does not help me in this regard. I almost find myself missing the "why don't you take a break" messages that Wii Sports used to give me, because now, I do need to take a break every fifteen minutes or so and let my hand relax.
It seems to me that this was a major oversight by Nintendo. I think that aesthetics have taken precedent over practicality.
The system's aesthetic has been acclaimed since launch, it was designed to be an attractive item on your entertainment center, and it achieves that. The Wii-remotes and other accessories are also stylish in their minimalist ways as well, easy to stack and store for the most part. I think that part of that aesthetic is where my problem lies.
Altogether, I find the use of the Wii-remote to be fatiguing. No, not in the sense that swinging the remote around makes me tired. I have been playing Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (well, until RE: 5 was released..), and I have noticed something that has bothered me since the first time I started playing games on Wii. My hand gets sore.
Something seems to be wrong with the ergonomics of the wii-remote. Almost as if there was no ergonomic planning. Even the addition of the Wii-remote sleeve does not help me in this regard. I almost find myself missing the "why don't you take a break" messages that Wii Sports used to give me, because now, I do need to take a break every fifteen minutes or so and let my hand relax.
It seems to me that this was a major oversight by Nintendo. I think that aesthetics have taken precedent over practicality.
18.3.09
Resident Evil 5
Well, Resident Evil 5 has been out for almost a week now. How much do I love it?
Quite a bit. The game feels like a very good step after playing Resident Evil 4. I had my brother-in-law over for some system-link Co-op, and it was a blast. I used the two day Xbox Live Gold trial subscription to play online with my friend Sam, and it was pretty cool as well. I am still on the fence about paying for online gaming.
I have read the tag-lines in some of the reviews, and I will probably get them backwards, but I saw “The mutation of fun,” and “The evolution of horror.” As I posted previously, I have played and enjoyed the first Resident Evil (in remake form on the Gamecube) and Resident Evil Zero. Resident Evil 4 and 5 are drastically different games. The story progression seems to make sense, I have read up on it using the Resident Evil Wiki and similar sources. I have to say this. I absolutely love the new games, I think that they are great action games and a ton of fun. But I do miss the play-style of the “originals.” I think perhaps there might be a market for the first Resident Evil style of game still, perhaps on mobile platforms. I know that Resident Evil: Deadly Silence is a DS remake of the first Resident Evil, but I haven't tried it because I have a sort of aversion to paying more than once for the same game. If they released RE: 2 or any of the others that I missed in DS format (or perish forbid a new experience), I would probably be on board in a heartbeat.
Anyway, I have not yet beat Resident Evil 5, but I do not mind. I feel I can speak on its merits without completing the main quest. The feature that has really grabbed my attention is the persistence of your item pool, including money and weapon upgrades that you have acquired throughout the game. I feel that this is incredible. I know this has been done in many other games before, but to have it in a story-based game like Resident Evil 5 is fabulous. I also like that I can go back and replay levels to earn more money and find things that I've missed without having to replay the entire game. This is why I have not beat the main story yet. Through Resident Evil 4, I learned how important it is to upgrade your weapons. I remember how hard the first stage is, when you fight the ganados in their village when all you have is your 9mm, and the shotgun you can find. It was extremely difficult. However, if you go back and replay with your endgame artillery, it is much easier. To me, this is very rewarding. Being able to do it without beating the main game is great.
Discussions with my friends have been on how best to utilize your NPC companion, if you are playing alone. For my play style, I like to have Sheva equipped with an upgraded 9mm pistol, while I carry heavy weapons and try to score melee attacks on our foes. Having a real person as your companion changes this substantially. Understandably, not everyone is comfortable carrying the basic pistol when the enemies start getting bigger and meaner.
As for multiplayer thus far, I think it has been well implemented. Whenever a treasure item is found, both players get a duplicate that they can use to sell for the money they need to upgrade their armaments. Healing items, weapons and ammunition are limited to the player that picked them up. The weapons part sort of irks me. From a gameplay standpoint, it makes great sense. However, it seems a little unfair. It is a whiny problem, I know, but I want the new weapon too. Perhaps not in the mission at that time, but I should be able to acquire it after the mission for free, in my opinion. I understand it from a design standpoint, it is a good reason for me to replay that mission on my own time and get that new weapon myself. Like I said, a nagging little issue that I am probably the only one to worry about.
So far, I have had a blast with this game. The enemies started out as essentially re-skins of Resident Evil 4's foes. Now that I am moving along in the story, I am meeting new fiends and challenges that add a lot more depth and strategy to the game. I definitely recommend that action game and horror fans pick this up. I need about two other things that this game brings to mind. One is “The evolution of horror” and my thoughts on this idea. The other is paying Microsoft for online gaming. Another issue that I have skirted is the upcoming multiplayer add-on for RE: 5 that may not affect me at all, as a non-Gold member.
Quite a bit. The game feels like a very good step after playing Resident Evil 4. I had my brother-in-law over for some system-link Co-op, and it was a blast. I used the two day Xbox Live Gold trial subscription to play online with my friend Sam, and it was pretty cool as well. I am still on the fence about paying for online gaming.
I have read the tag-lines in some of the reviews, and I will probably get them backwards, but I saw “The mutation of fun,” and “The evolution of horror.” As I posted previously, I have played and enjoyed the first Resident Evil (in remake form on the Gamecube) and Resident Evil Zero. Resident Evil 4 and 5 are drastically different games. The story progression seems to make sense, I have read up on it using the Resident Evil Wiki and similar sources. I have to say this. I absolutely love the new games, I think that they are great action games and a ton of fun. But I do miss the play-style of the “originals.” I think perhaps there might be a market for the first Resident Evil style of game still, perhaps on mobile platforms. I know that Resident Evil: Deadly Silence is a DS remake of the first Resident Evil, but I haven't tried it because I have a sort of aversion to paying more than once for the same game. If they released RE: 2 or any of the others that I missed in DS format (or perish forbid a new experience), I would probably be on board in a heartbeat.
Anyway, I have not yet beat Resident Evil 5, but I do not mind. I feel I can speak on its merits without completing the main quest. The feature that has really grabbed my attention is the persistence of your item pool, including money and weapon upgrades that you have acquired throughout the game. I feel that this is incredible. I know this has been done in many other games before, but to have it in a story-based game like Resident Evil 5 is fabulous. I also like that I can go back and replay levels to earn more money and find things that I've missed without having to replay the entire game. This is why I have not beat the main story yet. Through Resident Evil 4, I learned how important it is to upgrade your weapons. I remember how hard the first stage is, when you fight the ganados in their village when all you have is your 9mm, and the shotgun you can find. It was extremely difficult. However, if you go back and replay with your endgame artillery, it is much easier. To me, this is very rewarding. Being able to do it without beating the main game is great.
Discussions with my friends have been on how best to utilize your NPC companion, if you are playing alone. For my play style, I like to have Sheva equipped with an upgraded 9mm pistol, while I carry heavy weapons and try to score melee attacks on our foes. Having a real person as your companion changes this substantially. Understandably, not everyone is comfortable carrying the basic pistol when the enemies start getting bigger and meaner.
As for multiplayer thus far, I think it has been well implemented. Whenever a treasure item is found, both players get a duplicate that they can use to sell for the money they need to upgrade their armaments. Healing items, weapons and ammunition are limited to the player that picked them up. The weapons part sort of irks me. From a gameplay standpoint, it makes great sense. However, it seems a little unfair. It is a whiny problem, I know, but I want the new weapon too. Perhaps not in the mission at that time, but I should be able to acquire it after the mission for free, in my opinion. I understand it from a design standpoint, it is a good reason for me to replay that mission on my own time and get that new weapon myself. Like I said, a nagging little issue that I am probably the only one to worry about.
So far, I have had a blast with this game. The enemies started out as essentially re-skins of Resident Evil 4's foes. Now that I am moving along in the story, I am meeting new fiends and challenges that add a lot more depth and strategy to the game. I definitely recommend that action game and horror fans pick this up. I need about two other things that this game brings to mind. One is “The evolution of horror” and my thoughts on this idea. The other is paying Microsoft for online gaming. Another issue that I have skirted is the upcoming multiplayer add-on for RE: 5 that may not affect me at all, as a non-Gold member.
7.3.09
Zombies and Capcom
I realize that my last post was about Left 4 Dead, a zombie game. If you are not a fan of zombies, this post is not for you. Ever since I started Left 4 Dead, I've been on a huge zombie kick. I picked up Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition again and finally finished it. I know that the enemies in RE 4 are "not zombies," but close enough. I am getting extremely pumped up about Resident Evil 5, due out next week. Hopefully I will be able to get my wife to join me in co-op.
Capcom really seems to have a corner on the zombie gaming market. Between Resident Evil and Dead Rising, they have put out some of the best zombie games that I have ever played. I can not claim to be a die-hard Resident Evil fan. I got on board when they remade the first game for the Gamecube. I played Zero as well. I have not played 2, 3, or Code Veronica, so I have missed out on quite a bit of the series, but what can you do? Gametrailers.com has a five part Resident Evil retrospective, which was a good viewing.
Talking about Resident Evil always seems to lead to the controls. I had always thought that the controls were exactly what they needed to be. The directional buttons are mapped relative to the character, not relative to the screen. Up is always forward, or the direction the character is facing. The series had to evolve when it moved into true 3D, but I think it managed to maintain the right feel with its control scheme. I definitely loved playing Resident Evil 4 on the Wii. I think that the Wii-remote might even trump the mouse for aiming ballistic weapons in games.
I was able to find Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles for a really good price, and I eagerly await its delivery. I watched the gametrailers review, and they said that it definitely feels like "resident evil, the ride." Sign me up. Sounds like a blast. I am certain that it will merit a post on here.
Another thing I enjoy about games from Capcom is their supernatural aspects. Resident Evil is more of a sci-fi/horror series, but its.. cousin/spinoff series Devil May Cry is definitely heavier on supernatural. I enjoy these games a lot as well. Lately, if I get frustrated playing Resident Evil, I will start up Devil May Cry 4 and go to town on some baddies. Playing as Nero or Dante and just tearing through crowds of demons really helps to relieve any tension brought on by Survival Horror games.
Maybe writing this will help to get me off of my zombie kick, but with Resident Evil 4 and Left 4 Dead's free DLC just around the corner.. I doubt it.
Capcom really seems to have a corner on the zombie gaming market. Between Resident Evil and Dead Rising, they have put out some of the best zombie games that I have ever played. I can not claim to be a die-hard Resident Evil fan. I got on board when they remade the first game for the Gamecube. I played Zero as well. I have not played 2, 3, or Code Veronica, so I have missed out on quite a bit of the series, but what can you do? Gametrailers.com has a five part Resident Evil retrospective, which was a good viewing.
Talking about Resident Evil always seems to lead to the controls. I had always thought that the controls were exactly what they needed to be. The directional buttons are mapped relative to the character, not relative to the screen. Up is always forward, or the direction the character is facing. The series had to evolve when it moved into true 3D, but I think it managed to maintain the right feel with its control scheme. I definitely loved playing Resident Evil 4 on the Wii. I think that the Wii-remote might even trump the mouse for aiming ballistic weapons in games.
I was able to find Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles for a really good price, and I eagerly await its delivery. I watched the gametrailers review, and they said that it definitely feels like "resident evil, the ride." Sign me up. Sounds like a blast. I am certain that it will merit a post on here.
Another thing I enjoy about games from Capcom is their supernatural aspects. Resident Evil is more of a sci-fi/horror series, but its.. cousin/spinoff series Devil May Cry is definitely heavier on supernatural. I enjoy these games a lot as well. Lately, if I get frustrated playing Resident Evil, I will start up Devil May Cry 4 and go to town on some baddies. Playing as Nero or Dante and just tearing through crowds of demons really helps to relieve any tension brought on by Survival Horror games.
Maybe writing this will help to get me off of my zombie kick, but with Resident Evil 4 and Left 4 Dead's free DLC just around the corner.. I doubt it.
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