Friday, February 04, 2005

Now thats a Nice Mod

Cheek out this ebay auction...it's freakin amazing. Man...If I had the dough (or pounds, in this case) I would so buy this. This must be the ultimate hardcore fan's dream...likethe guy that owns the Death Star model...if only...if only...

LINK

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Note on The Disneyland Audio

As I mentioned below in the audio post...I am going to Disneyland this Sunday (2/6/05). As I will not have access to my laptop, the audio will be posted without a headline. While this really isn't that bad if your reading this via source...those who use the RSS will have some difficulty. You may not be able to see it at all, in fact. But, just to be sure, cheek for "white space" above.

Hope to get some good audio...any ride suggestions? (No shows...they don't allow it. But, I might be able to dial up inisde, say, Splash Mout'n...hey thats a good idea. No, wait...water+Phone=not good. Maybe...ah, Thunder M'tn? Sorin' over CA?)

Sound Update--Walking in my house

this is an audio post - click to play

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

SW:ROTS Plot Leaked...sorta

Lucas, as we all know, thinks very highly of his new SW movies, and guards and and all info about the flims with thekind of force one expects Fort Knox to use.

Lucas as we all know, likes to mkae lots of money with his new SW movies, and will do anything to make the Toy compainies happy.

Apparently the latter is much more important. According to www.rebelscum.com , The plot line for Episode III has been sorta reveild throgh a released card collection title list. Nothing major, but definatly some confirmation to alot of the rumors flying around.

I'm not going to post the list...becuase I like to actually be surprised (imagine that, My God!) when I see the movie. I, myself, have not read the list yet. You can find it above or at www.teamxbox.com. (And yes, the only rreason I spelled out the www. was becuase Im lazy and Blogger will do the link for me. So, eat it.


Monday, January 31, 2005

So, you Like?

So, how'd you like my audio posts I did over the weekend? I k now the quality sucks...but thats OK becuase it came from my cellphone. I promise I'll only use this audioblogger thing when Im away. And Im NOT going to do a podcast...I just don't think enough people care to make it worth my time. I will, however, continue to do these audio posts.

I also want to work on a way to get a weekly Halo2 Audio file or something. That could be considered my "Podcast" I geuss. But, as you can tell, its still early on.

If anyone has any comments, suggestions, or knows how to record the game audio...drop me a line

StarDrummer@Gmail.com

Saturday, January 29, 2005

Oddword: Strange Games

I went out and rented Oddword this weekend. I have not followed this game at all...and was actually surprised to learn (via the back of the box) that its an FPS.

Its a good game, and manages to keep most of the smart (and unsmart) humor of the frist game fairly well. Thew graphics are OK, and the controls are tight, but something seems askew. I can't put my fingure on it. Perhaps its the live ammo thing. I don't know...something just don't flow with the game. Ive played about halfway through and Ill post once Im finished...but I doubt it will change.

Friday, January 28, 2005

Not Playing with Incubus? Play with Me!

Didn't win the GWF this week? No troubles. Im having a LAN party this weekeend, for today (1/28) and tomorrow (1/29), probably going into early Sunday/Monday (1/30,1/31). Feel free to add me or join up to my game...under the following names:

StarDrummer
StarDrummer Douce
El SexyBeast
Cheers44
ASSWHOOO

Xbox 2 at E3

TeamXbox reported that MS execs are going on the record to state that Xbox 2 will debute at this years E3. Sony and Ninetndo have already done the same, however, many were hoping for a GDC release.

In the long run, though, there is only two things people want to know: price and date. Becuase, afterall, what else will E3 show us.

It seems that this year E3 will be all about the consoles...making OXM wrong, again. I hate that magazine.

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Got the Halo2 Stat Reader to work!

codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0"
WIDTH="400" HEIGHT="120" id="stats" ALIGN="">
TYPE="application/x-shockwave-flash" PLUGINSPAGE="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

No, Im not dead (for real)

Cheek out this story here.

Thats odd, eh

(Early or extremly smart readers may notice the irony in the title)

Why EA (might) Fall in 2005,2006

Yesterday I presented you with a chilling thought...EA and Microsoft working together. I, perosnally, do not belive that to be the case. This is my personal belief on the future of EA.

This year, its going to take a nose dive. Wayyy down. Below zero. Its gonna see reds so dark balck will look light.

Heres why: EA has officaly lost the hardcore base. Its deals have undermined the entire gaming community, so much so that people are willing to start petitions and stand outside EB and yell. While this probably won't do anything (Unless you yell for Family Guy...FOX listens, lol), but they show the result of EA screwing over the gaming community. As a result, the gaming community hates EA.

So, whats the big deal? EA dosn't get its money from the hardcore you say. True...at least 10 percent buy their games based on the cover alone...but this year will be differant. Two words: new consoles. I belive that Xbox Next (Or Xenon, or Xbox II or Xbx 2...w/e...nothings been "officaly" annouced so wtf do people feel the need to correct me!)

Back on subject...new consoles. By Christmas this year, only the "hardcore" will have the new consoles...even into 2006, only the hardcore will have chucked up the money for them. EA will push their new games onto this new consoles, and they will flop.

Thats my theory...sure it has holes, but so do all the rest.

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

A Differant View of the EA Deals

Take a look at this comment, posted in the TeamXbox forums by someone (Not me):

(Name Deleted)
again....im the only one saying this.....but i bet with my life that Microsoft is behind these moves of EA. why did oddworld become exclusive for xbox in the first place? wasn't it slated for ps2 too? noooo..after the announcement of the "again" exclusivity of oddworld and after the announcement of microsoft not going ahead with xsn and after microsoft announcing that EA has "joined" the XB LIVE band wagon....this kinds of shiznits starts to happen...not to mention a SUSPICIOUS "spill out" by EA having to accidentally announce an exact date on an xbox launch and their plans for its future....eg burn out 4 etc...ever wonder why microsoft is not fighthing these exclusivities? why are they not commenting about it? obviously it would impact their business right? so why is MS staying quite about this?


the reason is...EA and MS has secretly teamed (both american companies) to bring down sony and other foreign competitors. just imagine how much money the two companies can make if they had ALL of the rights and exclusives on popular sports like NFL and other blockbuster games like ubi and so on....in my mind...i believe that MS owns EA already...mark. ..my. ..words...EA wont do a drastic move to acquire these licenses if they have not been informed that they would get top position over the console market....and that market is xbox next

In deed, this is one way to see the whole EA thing....I'm too sure about it, but it is a possibility. I still belive that EA is in bed with Sony, but this does present a much more comforting veiw of the future for Xbox gamers.

Monday, January 24, 2005

They Fought EA...and THEY Won

Take Two is standing up to EA. In what maybe a shot heard 'round the world in the world of videogames, EA has lost a battle. Well, almost.

Takje Two annouced today that they have agreed, in principal, to an exclusive deal with the MLB Player's Association. The deal is complicated, and roughly inlvolves the folllowing:

-Only the player rosters would, in theory, be exclusive, as the MLB is not part of the deal.This would mean that they (EA) could publish an MLB game, but not with the likeness of any real players.

-This deal allows first-party publishers (Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo) to still publish games.

-The deal does not start untill 2006....so a MVP Baseball 2005 is going to still come.

-It currently isn't set in stone. This could all change.

I will buy any product thats trying to give the stiff arm to EA.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Doom 3 in March, Limited Edition Available

Looks like Doom 3is now offical for an ealry March (Like 5-8) release date. Id also annouced their plans for a "limited" collectors edition, which includes some crap making of, and the first two version of the game.

I'll probably get the Limited Edition, even though its like 10 bucs more, just to play the first two version, since I never really have. Should be interesting to see how well they made the PC to Xbox jump...

Whats up with all the limited editions latly? Gamers won't keep buying these things forever. With Halo2 it was like, cool, more stuff! Then the MK came, and it was neat, then Splinter Cell got it, now this and a bunch of others. My point is, I don't think gamers care enough about all these games to make the whol "special" edition work. With Halo2, it did so well becuase people love Halo sooo much...they loved the idea of a "special" tin...but I doubt enough people will love these games to make the LE work out the way it did for Halo2.

Thursday, January 20, 2005

R63 Assult Pack 2

For those who havn't heard,, the latest R83: BA content was released today. MajorNelson put some pics up over at his blog and the full report on it.

I, for one, will not be buying this. I bought the last one and have played maybe two of the maps on there. I'm not wasting five bucks for something I know I won't use. Halo2 is just too good to put down for the lagfest that is Black Arrow. I'll take a lag-free and developer-supported game over one thats the exact oppoiste ANY day.

Now, when the Halo2 content comes (which, BTW, has something to do with trenches...yay!) I WILL gladly pay 4.99 or, for that manner, 9.99 for it.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Another News Story

Sorry, forgot to cheek with the trusty TeamXbox...

Annual 2004 Top 10 Video Game Titles, Ranked By Units Sold
-------- ----
1 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
2 Halo 2
3 Madden NFL 2005 (PS2)
4 ESPN NFL 2K5 (PS2)
5 Need For Speed:
6 Pokemon Fire Red W/Adapter
7 NBA Live 2005
8 Spider-Man: The Movie 2 -
9 Halo
10 ESPN NFL 2K5 (XBX)

Total sales this year was close to 10 Billion...thats a lot. Note that GTA did beat Halo2...but its been out longer as well. Also...note that Halo 1 was in the top ten...that an amazing feat for a game made all the way back in 2001!

Daily News Round-Up

Lotta news today, so I thought I'd sum it all up in one post for today...

-EA gets ESPN-This one struck me as odd...I suppose ESPN sold out on VC, the makers of the 2K series of games. EA just continues to gather up all this huge companies and take over the market, like a big fat guy takes over the all-you-can eat bar. I seriosly don't know about this... EA already had the NFL, so I geuss this is only "for the better"

-MSN puts RSS on My.MSN- Nice, a tad bit slow, but nice integration. I alreadly lilke my RSS reader (Pluck), but, for the common man, this should get more people into the whole RSS thing because MS is behind it...they seeem to do that to people.

-Another MS Thingy, the Anti-Spyware-I know its has been out for awhile and really isn't new news in itself, but I DL it today and ran it for the frist time. It didn't pick anything up...

-NFL on youe iPod- This is kinda new news...I know iTunes had something similar, at least last week or so. But I doubt this will catch on. The fact that it isn't live will just hold it back too much to make it even a contender. I can't speak for everyone, but whats the point of listening (not even watching, mind you) a game you probably alreadly know the result of. Untill they can get instant downloads using WiFi (or airport)...radio will remain ahead in this one.

-Lastly, in a late news report-Incubus is playing Halo2 on the "Game with Fame" thing...but its another one of those contests, not a luck of the matchmade game thing...you have to enter, then get placed on their FL.

Monday, January 17, 2005

Did you cheek out VGN yet?

If not, go right now! Their podcast is awsome, and their reveiws are even better. But, best of all, they give free games! This weeks its some PC strat game...go now!

LINK for main site

LINK for podcast

LINK for RSS feed

Thats alotta Nickles

This story stuck me as down-right odd. Read it here.

Where'd they all go? Of coure the driver looks like the guy, but still, why nickels? Quaters would be easier...but then the dollar coin would be the most profitable...imagine if it was pennies!

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Whats Up With The Halo2 RSS Feed?

Bungie's had a hard time with stats this month. First the entire Rumble Pit stats get erased at the start of the new year, the now-infamous 2K5 bug. Then the sie goes crazy. Then it shuts done altoghter. Now, the RSS feed is, well, going crazy as well. Here's what its spewing out...every second:

Arranged Game: None on Unknown
Game played at Wed, 12 Jan 2005 22:41:44 GMT

Playlist: Arranged GameNone on Unknown
Gamertag (Team): Score, Kills, Deaths, Assists
hello (0): 12, 12, 1,
0goodbye (0): 1, 1, 12, 0

Thats odd, isn't it? Its not like Im pissed at Bungie, no. But they have had one rough month havn't they. Maybe they are up to something...something on Halo2?

Sunday, January 09, 2005

Thanks Guys!

Recieved news today that a free game is in the mail for me!

The cool guys over at VideoGamenews.com have a really cool system set up...just write them a letter about games, and you could win one!

I received Full Spectrum Warrior...this week its Amazing Island for the GameCube. Give it a shot!

Their podcast is also pretty good (R-Rated)

Friday, January 07, 2005

StarDrummer's STAR Awards 2004

Its that time of year...when everyone seems to be making little lists that try to sum up the year in a few awards. It really dson't, but its still fun nonetheless. Here's my 2004 STAR Awards.

Console of the Year
Xbox
Runner-up: GameCube

New Device
Nintendo DS
Runner-up: iPod Photo

Best Online Game*
SC:PT
Runner-up: R63:BA

Best Offline Game*
KOTOR II
Runner-up: Fable

Best Graphics
Halo 2
Runner-up: Ninja Gaiden

Best Gameplay
Halo 2
Runner-up: Burnout 3

Best Controls
Halo 2

Best Star Wars game:
KOTOR II
Runner-up: Battlefront

Best PC Game
Half Life 2
Runner-up: WOW

Best PS2 Game
GTA: San Andres
Runner-up Dog's Life, MGS3

Best Gamecube Game
Metriod Prime 2
Runner-up: None (?)

Best Console Add-on
Donkey Konga (GC)
Runner-up: Xbox Media Extender, PS2 HDD

Best Xbox Game
Halo2
Runner-up: Burnout 3, SC:PT

Game of the Year
Halo 2
Runner-up: Half Life 2

Best Developer
Bungie (for Halo 2)
Runner-up: Valve (For Half-life 2)

Best Publisher
Microsoft (For Halo 2)
Runner-up: LucasArts (For KOTOR II)

Best DLC
PGR2 Maps
Runner-up: R63 Maps

And now, the bad awards
Worst Developer
Tie: UBIsoft/Atari (For SC:PT and Driv3r)

Biggest Flop
Driv3r

Worst Add-on
Xbox Live Arcade

Worst DLC
SC:PT

(Note: Halo2 was not included in best online game or best offline game because it was winner of the GOTY award. It recived higher marks then those that did win that catagory, but, I didn't want Halo 2 to win everything, so the GOTY award now superceeds all other awards...so it comes in like 0 place in all applicable ctagories...lol)

Tomorrow: The STAR awards for all non-videogame stuff, including:
Best TV Show
Best Movie
Best new Blog
Biggest News story of the year
Best Book

...and more!


Tuesday, January 04, 2005

SC:PT Content Now Free

The previously Permuim DLC for Splinter Cell:PT is now free.

This is good news to all of you who never paid the 5 bucks for the maps.

For those of us who did (myself included), this is just another way UBI is ripping us off. I used to like UiSoft...they used to make good games. Now, I really don't. The release a game full of bugs, and then never ever fix it.Same with Black Arrow. They try, sure, but n the end, they do a half-ass job of "trying" as the real problem is never fixed.

This is why people love Bungie so much!

Monday, January 03, 2005

My Game List

Being its been like 5 months since I last posted this...and I now have a totally changed collection, I thought you all could use an updated list.

Heres what they are, from most played to least.
Halo2
Burnout 3
SW Battlefront
Call of Duty: FH
Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow
Splinter Cell: PT
Bicycle Casino
PGR2
MechAssult 1
XIII
NASCAR 2005
ESPN NBA 2K5 (and 2K3)
--------------------------------
SW: The Clone Wars
SW: JO: Jedi Acadamy
RTCW
Trival Pursuit Unhinged
Counter-Strike
Rainbow Six 3
NFL fever '03 and '04
Unreal II
Unreal Championship
Whacked! (retail and demo)
Moto GP (demo)
(KOTOR)
(Xbox Music Mixer)
(Driv3r)

--This list order, now that its done, is actually only sorta correct...games before the lines I play, ones below I have but don't really.
(Not really a game)

WTF? Stats Wiped Out?

Apparently, there was no Y2K bug. No, it wanted to wait five years...and become the much cooler Y2K5 bug and instead of invading PCs... it wanted Halo 2.

Apparently, something happened to the Bungie servers and the entire stats for Rumble Pit are gone. Wiped out. I'm now a Level 0 (which isn't much bad news, since I was only a measly 10...but still)

What is bad about this is now all the Halo Godz are now ranked about the same as me...which means my ass is going to be getting wooped for a few weeks by Level 30s who appear as only Lvl 1s...that sucks.

All I want to know is...what the hell happened Bungie?

Sunday, December 26, 2004

The Bomb?

TeamXbox reported this yesterday...
Halo 2.5 will be an Xbox 2 launch title and is going to run in HDTV resolution with new, improved textures and graphical effects. All the stuff that people expected from Halo 2 but didn’t make the cut will be there.”
Although our source didn’t specify which HDTV resolution the game will run at, HDTV’s lower spec is enough to get excited. Can you imagine
Halo 2 running at 1280x720?!!! We also wonder what was meant by “all the stuff people expected from Halo 2 but didn’t make the cut.” With this kind of top-secret info, you don’t ask; you simply listen. We cross our fingers that this will include online co-op, more multiplayer maps, and the final conclusion to the Halo 2 story. “The technology that powers Halo 2 has been designed from day one to take advantage of the next generation hardware,” the insider added. “In Halo 2, the Xbox was pushed to its limits but now the game will reach new heights with the advanced hardware.” But that is not the only info our insider had for us as soon after he dropped the bomb: “Now, here is the twist. Halo 2.5 will come preloaded with the optional HDD. It’ll be one of the two reasons to get the Xbox 2 that comes with a hard drive. The other reason… well, you’ll just have to wait” Sounds crazy to us but that’s what we have been told. Interestedly, if this is true, the rumor confirms the existence of, at least, two editions of the Xbox successor. Last month, we reported about the supposed Microsoft plan to release three versions of the Xbox successor. Although never in console history has an add-on sold enough to represent a large percentage of the install base, the inclusion of Halo 2.5 would probably sell millions of hard drives and/or other peripherals that includes this special edition. And supposedly, there’s still one other reason…what could that be?

I geuss I was right...a Halo 2.5 indeed! Lets just cross our fingures we get a better ending!

Holiday Game Overload

I have too much gaming to do...so many games, so little time. My "collection", for lack of a bettter term, has been extended to now include:

Call of Duty, Finest Hour (XBX)
KOTOR II (XBX)
Burnout 3 (XBX)
ATV 3 (PS2)
Dogs Life (PS2)
Mario Cart Double Dash (GCN)
Metroid Prime 2 (GCN)


Thursday, December 23, 2004

Earth to end in 2029

But thats about twenty years too soon...the Covenant doesn't land untill 2054!

LINK

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

ASOUF, Not that Bad

ASOUF (aka Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfourtunate Events) is actually not that bad of a movie. Acting was great, Jim Carrey was funny, and the adaptation was perfect. The movie totally mathces the sad, weird but funny in-an-odd-sick-kinda-sense the books manage t do so well. I'd be willing to bet that, beisdes the Incrediables, this is one of the best movies this Holiday (I'll say Holiday, lol), unless you wanna include the three-hour long Aviator, which seems good, but I just don't want to sit through another bipic this season. Ray, which, altough good, was enough to last me.

In all seriousness, ASOUF os a good moive. I'd see it. Again. Also, if you like this movie, try the books. They are even better, and they last longer. Not much longer, but, taken all togther, they last longer (each book is only abou 200+ pages, but small pages and large text)

On a side note, the movie IS NOT called Lemony Snicket. Its ASOUE. Not Lemony. Thats the author, who plays a role in the story, but not the title.People will go into this movie under the wrong mindset if they are thinking that Lemony plas some huge role, he dosn't. Well, not yet anyway...

At least its Coming

J.K. Rowling released the ah release date for the sixth Potter book early today...July 16, 2005. Yes, I do read these books, and yes, they generaly are good. This book is entitled "HP and the Half-Blood Prince" and is the next to last book ever.

LINK

Monday, December 20, 2004

If I only Had a real Rocket Launcher...

EA deserves to go down into history as the worst company, ever. As if owning the NFL wasn't bad enough, now they want my Rainbow Six and Midtown Madness.

In a story still unfolding as I write, EA purchused 20% of UbiSoft today, and extended their offer to buy-out DICE (maker of MM3). UBI then declared hat the 20% was hostile (what the hell differance that makes, I don't really know)

EA is tkaing over the world, and briging us their crap! I will never, ever, ever buy an EA Tom Clancy game as long as I live. And thats a promise.

EA needs to die. Now.

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Spanglish--OK Movie

Cheeked out this movie over the weekend and I liked it...about 3 outta four stars for me. The cast was great, and most of the writting was good as well, but there are just some holes in the plot that the movie dosn't cover up.

Friday, December 17, 2004

Offended By Warm Wishes?

It really is beyond me why people get so worked up over a simple "Merry Christmas"! Its just a holiday greeting! Even if you were of a totally differant relgious sect, how the hell is that offensive to ANYONE? I wouldn't care if someone came up to me and wished me a "Happy Kawanza", so why do people care if I wish them a Merry Christmas? Its my belifs, anfd I just choice to show them. This is not offensive...a do not see why some people will get worked up over being so god damn PC...come on, its not offensive!

Thursday, December 16, 2004

The Winner

Kelly!! I was right!

Xbox in TA

Xbox was in TA (as MN previously hinted at). Jen kinda screwed them over though...I mean, Halo2 without power? Give me a break! I would be screaming at them! Just plug it in, right? Simple, yet, they missed the point completly. Man, that sucks.

The Apprantice Winner?

Gotta be Kelly...that my prediction with just a few seconds to go!

GTA:SA Going Green

The game that beat out Halo2 for Spike TV's "Game of the year" award is going green in the near future.

Rockstar annouced the game will ship for the Xbox and PC June 7, 2005 in the states and June 10 around the world.

Lets see how the game was meant to be played!

Monday, December 13, 2004

If you Didn't Alreadly Hate EA...You do Now

As if EA didn't give us enoughreasons already to hate them, by doing such things as creating crap, selling it, and then telling us it good, or, taking off the online part after the seasons overall, they went ahead and gave another reason to yell at them.

In a deal that is sure to become legendary, EA managed to buy the NFL for five years. Well, the virtual NFL anyway.

Untill like 2009, EA is the only software company the NFL will license its players and teams to for a videogame. period. That means absolutly no ESPN 06. That Sucks.

Don't Belive? Click It.

Saturday, December 11, 2004

Halo 3 Buzz?

People love to create hype...so it does not surprise me that hype has alreadly started...for Halo 3. A game that isn't even officaly announced, but obviously coming. If you've beaten Halo2...you know why.

Now, I have not beated it on Legendy yet. However, others hae and have told me of a certain eatser egg/ hint in the end credits...a date. February 9th. No year.

What could this mean? Well, it could be DLC...maybe new maps (time frame seems right). Or it could be something bigger, like Bungie's next project. Or something much, much bigger...like Halo 3. Now, while this seems very impossible, there are some clues that may very well hint at this.

Sountack, Volume One?
Intentional Cliff Hanger?

Now, if I was to precict anything on the matter, first I'd say theres no way in hell its gonna ever happen. But, if, say, it did, I'd wager it would be a more like Halo 2.5. Maybe just a single player. Maybe just the ending of Halo 2...done right. Whatever the case, I doubt it would be a full-flaged title. But, then, why would Bungie release it so soon? Microsoft would be much better off to wait and release it for Xbox 2...if its coming out this year. In a way, this rumor leads to another...if Xenon ready for a Holiday 05 release? Perhaps, if the rumor has any truth to it, not. Microsoft loves money, and Halo is the ultimate seller.

But Bungie has ultimatly brought this upon themselvs, have they not? The placed this date there, they called the Soundtrack Vol. 1, and they chose to end the game at a very bad spot. So, when a Bungie employe posts like he's mad at the very thought of Halo3...pehaps that to is an imision of some truth.

Also, it was a Bungie emploer who first mentioned Halo 3...remeber his quote, something like "Halo2 and 3 are coming along nicly" (still found under the Bungie history section, mind you). For furthur proof, a gaming magazine recently posted on a small sidenote that Halo 3 was coming "sooner later than latter." Is Feb 9th the sooner?

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Rocket or Sniper?

Situations in life may need you to look at your options in differant ways. Which is better, to pick up a sniper rifle or a rocket launcher to get an enemy a considerable distant away that has a small area of weakness.

The rocket launcher would for sure do the job, but maybe too much so (splash damage). But the sniper may not work if your no good enough.

I chose the

Sunday, December 05, 2004

What to get me?

Christmas time ois a coming, and hoping to end p with the "best tree ever", Ive created an Amazon wishlist...those things are great! Kinda scary, though, as Amazon knows exactly what I want all the time!

You can see chris' entire Wish List at:http://amazon.com/gp/registry/1T33M25ZJ126N

Saturday, December 04, 2004

Vote Vote Vote

Heres another link to a Halo2 vote for game of the year. Vot, vote, VOTE!!

http://bestof2004.1up.com/

Friday, December 03, 2004

Interesting....Very Iteresting

(From Bungie.net's Whats What)

WarierRelic asks,
Hey Frankie I'm a diehard Halo fan, and after I beat Halo 2 I was left with a sense of incompletion. Now I'm not complaining, Halo 2 is excellent especially multiplayer, but I just need to know something. What was the reasoning behind the ending, did you guys intend on the cliffhanger initially or did you guys just run out of time. I'm just so frustrated, I wish you guys would just use the current engine and make the second half of this story. I just cant wait 3 years to get to the REAL battle.

Halo 2's ending is a cliffhanger. Intentionally

Let the Halo3 buzz begin

KOTOR Talk

This is a nice little forum over here for KOTOR...check it out.

www.kotortalk.com/

Number One Word

Heres something interesting, the number one requested word of te year from Webster.com is....blog. These things are really stating to catch on.

Heres the other 10:
1. blog
2. incumbent
3. electoral (Tjhis two must have been from Bush's little victory)
4. insurgent
5. hurricane
6. cicada (?)
7. peloton (?)
8. partisan
9. sovereignty
10. defenestration

I had to look the ones with a (?) up myself...odd words

No, Im not Dead

I know its been like 2 weeks since my last blog...but I went away for Thanksgiving, and havn't done much save play Halo2 since...so I really didn't have much to say.

Im making up for it by posting like 5 posts in an hour!

Halo2 Gets New Lists

Wow, I really can't belive it. Not becuase they are alll that cool, but becuase Bugnie did what they said they would. Seriously, how mamny friggin developers come and say "Oh yeah, we'll have DLC, we'll make it fast, we'll update" and then never show?! The best example of this is Unreal II....almost a year and still no DLC! Thats really sad.

Kudos Bungie...for, ah, doing what you said you would. (BTW, team Slayer rocks now!)

(BABTW (But Also By the way :) ) Why did you have to make the matvches so long now! I lied the six minute thing! Now when Colouses pops up Im stuck there forever!

KOTOR II First Reveiw

KOTOR II's first reveiw is up over at IGN....They gave it a 9.2, which is pretty good.

I think this game has really been overshadowed by Halo2...Im not even sure if I will pick it up on Monday...might better off waiting for Sanata to bring it...

Friday, November 19, 2004

Halo 2 Kills Killzone

Got a chance to demo KillZone today, the game that was dubbed the "Halo Killer". It sucks. To even think of comparing it to the Holy Rock from the Bungie Gods is a sin to humanity.

The basis of the game is kinda cool. It's Halo, except the Covenant are Comies with three eyes and love red and killing us. And their from another world. Odd how Karl Marx;s theories get around, eh?

The game dosn't let you jump! You crawl around like a little babay solider, becuase, YOUR HUMAN! No one wants to play as a lame human when you can be the awsome SPARTAN!

Also, you can see my stats for Halo2 here
Clan stats Here

Sunday, November 14, 2004

OK, so I didn't Follow my Schedule

But I did play alot of Halo2. It's mawsoem. i have never played a better game, and I really, REALLy mean it. It's just amazing.The online is like nothing you have ever played before in yur life.

I had my LAN party on Thursday, went great! Everyone had a blast, and Halo2 was, of course, awsome.

I love the new Covy wepons! And bording is sooooooooooooo
cool! I can't explain it any better. If you don't have it, you need to stop reading this and go get it. Now. I mean it. I'll even stop writting just so you won't be m issing anything.

Go NOW!!



Why are you still here? GO!

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

So, this is Halo2

If you don't have it...run to a store an get it now!

My stats are up at bungie.net fo anyone who cares...I think right now its for one game (one ranked is all Ive played).

Im one the Thrid level...Normal difficulty...its great.

Monday, November 08, 2004

The Final Hours

Almost forgot to post today!

Hope you all liked my 12 days of Halo. I missed Bloging through...and I really am glad I get to go back to it.

3 Hours are left untill Halo 2 is released in the West. In New York, the first copy has alreadly sold.

3 Hours left until history is made. 3 Hours left untill the Golden Disk is placed in my Green Wonder.

A few final reminders:

  • Dont watch the Bonus DVD first...major spoliers.
  • Its just a game
  • Its Halo 2
  • Stats can be obtained through bungie.net
  • Get the clan name first!
  • Its NOT Halo. Its Halo 2.
  • Always jump!

My Blog schedule:

  • About 1 AM 11/9 Posting of first thoughts, Pics
  • About 12 PM 11/9 Update on SP campaign
  • About 3 PM Hopefully done with SP, log onto XBL to play
  • About 6 PM 11/9 Stats should be up for me
  • About 9 PM 11/9 My reveiw
  • About 6 AM 11/10 More stats up
  • About 9 PM 11/10 More stats up
  • About 12-8 11/11 My LAN party (Join for great fun, on XBL!)
  • About 12-12 11/12 My XBL Feista!
  • About 12-12 11/13 My Feista Part Dous
  • About 12-8 11/14 My XBL thoughts on Blog

(All times and dates tentaive)

Please send any and all Halo2 FR to: StarDrummer.

LAN party FR sent to StarDrummer2

See 'ya online in 2 hours, 51 minutes!

Sunday, November 07, 2004

Twelefth Day of Halo

And with one final note, the wait is over

On the tweleft day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Tweleve Halo2 Ultimate Sets
Eleven MasterCheifs
Ten Halo Somethings
Nine Halo Totebabgs
Eight Prima Strat Guides
Seven Halo Halo T-shirts
Six halo Soundtracks
Five Halo 2s!
Four Platonics headsets
Three Warthogs
Two Frist Strike novels
And the orginal Best FPS

May it go down in history as Star's Song on Halo, in G flat

Saturday, November 06, 2004

Eleventh Day of Halo

Here it is...so close, so close...

On the eleventh day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Eleven Master Cheifs
Ten Halo Somethings
Nine Halo Tote Bags
Eight Prima Strat Guides
Seven halo T-shirts
Six Halo Soundtracks
Five Halo2s!
Four Platonic headsets
Three Warthogs
Two Frist Strike novels
And the Orginal best FPS

Friday, November 05, 2004

Tenth day of Halo

Do I even have to say anything? Except for, watch the MTV special on in 30 minutes, and agin tomorrow.

On the tenth day of Halo, Bungie gave to me
Ten Halo Somethings
Nine Halo Totebags
Eight Halo Soundtracks
Seven Halo T-shirts
Six Strat Guides
Five Halo 2s!
Four Platonic headsets
Three warthogs
Two Frist Strike novels
And the Orginal best FPS

Thursday, November 04, 2004

Ninth Day of Halo

Only Two more school days left...I can't belive it

On the ninth day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Nine Halo Tote Bags
Eight Prima Strat Guides
Seven Halo Soundtracks
Six Halo T-Shirts
Five Halo 2s!
Four Platonic headsets
Three Warthogs
Two Frist Strike novels
And the orginal Best FPS

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Eight Day of Halo

Sorry for the late post, Internet Probs. But, on with the show!

On the eight day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Eight Prima Strat Guides
Seven Halo Soundtracks
Six Halo T-shirts
Five Halo 2's!
Four Platonic headsets
Three warthogs
Two Frist Strike novels
And the oginal Best FPS

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Seventh Day of Halo

One More Week! One More Week!

On the seventh day of Halo, Bingie gave to me,

Seven Halo Soundtracks
Six Halo T-shirts
Five Halo 2s!
Four Platonic Headsets
Three Warthogs
Two FirstStrike Novels
And the Orginal best FPS

Monday, November 01, 2004

Sixth Day of Halo

Half way through, imagine that

On the Sixth day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,

Six Halo T-shirts
Five Halo2s!
Four Platonics headsets
Three Warthogs
Two First Strike Novels
And the Orginal Best FPS

Sunday, October 31, 2004

Fifth day of Halo

Remember to sing!

On the fifth day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Five Halo 2s!
Four Platonics headsets
Three warthogs
Two First Strike novels
And the orginal Best FPS

Saturday, October 30, 2004

Forth Day of Halo

Alas, where would you be without it!

On the forth day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Four Platonics headsets
Three Warthogs
Two First Strike Novels
And the orginal best FPS

Friday, October 29, 2004

Thrid Day of Halo

Here it comes, day three

On the thrid day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Three warthog toys
Two First Strike novels
And the Original Best FPS.

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Second Day of Halo

Here we go again

On the second day of Halo, Bungie gave to me,
Two First Strike Novels
And the orginal best FPS

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

First Day of Halo

As There are only 12 Days untill Halo2, each day I will sing a little song to express my excitment! Each day will be a new Halo thing. Clcik on the Link to purchuse so your ready for the Ninth.

On the first day of Halo, Bungie gave to me..
The Orginal Best FPS

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

I Just Get Better Everyday

Heres a much better source for the TV Spot. Sometimes I amaze even myself. (requires Quicktime)

LINK

Monday, October 25, 2004

Halo2 Commerical

Heres a link to the new halo2 TV spot. Pretty cool. Not sure if its legit or not, but who cares.

LINK

Vote!!

For something much more important than the Presdency...Halo! The game and Master cheif need our help for the Walk of Game poll going on this week. Halo is tied with Zelda at 11.5% (as of 10/25/04 0710 PST). We all need to vote. Click below to do so, and you may vote once everyday tll Haloween.

Hey, if he can save the Earth, we cane click a few buttons to help him.

LINK (CLICK HERE NOW! OR ELSE YOU ARE NO HALO FAN)

Halo2 teaser Ads now Appearing on a site near you! IGN, Gamespot and TeamXbox will start displaying these new ads for the biggest game ever, Halo2.

Sunday, October 24, 2004

Last Halo2 Update

The Bungie team posted the last weekly update on Halo2 today. It seems like November 9th is only seconds away...yet miles ahead. I can't belive it will be here within 15 days.

The update talked about martketing (TV spots, unkown really where, but they start next week). Nothing much...but it was very sentimental. Goodbye Mister Cheif...

LINK

Saturday, October 23, 2004

First Halo 2 Reveiw

OXM's December issue is in the mail already, and with it is the reveiw for Halo2. I'll save you the suspence, it gets a 9.7/10. Very, very good. Thats a better score than Ninja Gaiden, Halo 1, DOA, PGR2 and others.

Look for the online reveiws at IGN, Gamespot and TeamXbox to go online the first week of November.

15 DAYS!!!

Friday, October 22, 2004

Hey, Look thats Me!

Looks like I was picked in a recent GamerSpeak over at xbox.com. Nice! My status quo is moving up in the world...got a gmail account, letter from Trizie, free tickets, and now I'm a GS-er.

LINK

BC (Suspended) Canceled

Lionhead (meaing biggy Peter "Hot Shot" Molyneux) annouced BC has been "suspended". Looks like this won't be coming out on the Xbox. At least, Xbox 1. Big surprise. Like he would actually relase TWO games on a single system?!? No way...Peter takes at LEAST 5 years before a new title comes.

Oh well...there ae tons of other games, something Peter seems to forget sometimes.

Peter, if your reading this, hows the weather up there, above your larger-than-life concided braggy little self-abosred "the video game industry is because of me" head?

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Starting Halo Again

I've begun my final journey down the Halo path...with 18 days untill H-Day, I have startewd my last romp through Legendary. Its tough, but I'm a seasoned vertern. With 3 years, 10 Easy, 5 Medium, 2 Hard and 4 Legendary (by myself) beats to my credit, this is no big deal. But it is historic. It marks the end of an era. Actually, it is the begining of the end, as I'm still on board the Pillar. But I've got 18 days. November 7th the madness begings. That Sunday is my last LAN party, marked by 16 of my closest freinds. The winner, we have decided, shall get first team, color and everything else for our Nov 10 Halo2 Tourny. We long decided that Nov 9 would be a "alone day" for privite worship, during our first rimp of the Campaign. I plan to make prepartations for a toal alone day...no phone, no PC talk, nothing.

So here it goes, the begining of the End.


Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Half Life 2 Confrimed

A set release date is finally here for HL2...November 16, 2004. Lets see if it sticks around...but if it does it could give Halo2 some compitetion for Game of the Year...but its not like I care. I only want to know Halo2 after November 9.

19 DAYS!!!!

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Wednesday, October 13, 2004


'Nuff said. Halo2 is coming soon.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Gamers Coming Together

Nothing like gamrs coming together instead of them shoting at each other...and who syays we don't have a community?

The news of Chris Reeves death greatlly affected me....I am very sad and mourn for his family. If I still had this game, I definatly would have been there, in the front of it all.

LINK

Thursday, October 07, 2004

Yeah! Football Ticks!

Just for being a member of the awsome Xbox Live. Looks like I'll be heading out to the Fresno state Homecoming this Saturday, with my free ticks in hand.

Those of you who missed out should be kicking yourselves. Hard.

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

New Black Arrow- PDLC

Looks like UBi is finally showing their true colors. Insead of giving us more for free, theres going to be a price tag. But its still good.

Looks like 4 maps for 5 bucks... maybe a good thing, but still, why cant they make it free?

LINK

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

"Survivor" Annouced

No, its not a game based on the TV show by the same name. Its a game hat makes you "survive" modern tradegys, like Titanic, Hiroshima, Hurricane Andrew and, 9-11. Obviously, the last one offers up some heavy debate over wheter or not its morally correct to make aprofit off of the loss of life. Whats 0dd is that most of debate dosn't care about Titanic....I geuss time does heal wounds.

This was bound to happen, however, this title interests me a lot, if it ever gets released. I can just see all the Oprah mindless moms marching Wal-Mart for this one.

Heres just a little debate from TeamXbox:

Matricks01
Oct. 5th, 2004 11:49 am

I've had some time to rethink this, and to me, its more a matter of respect and point of view. I personally think that some of the more recent event scenarios mentioned, such as 9/11, may hold a bit more controversy than say the Titanic incident. I remember the day vividly and sat glued to my television for almost five straight hours during that day, so for me, and those who were even closer or actually involved, one could see where the dissrespectfull and revolting reactions might come to play. However, you could also take it in the sense that, as you're given the opportunity to play through these tragic, yet historical events, you might come to appreciate the magnitude of suffering that people actually went through and what they had to do to survive. It may give you a greater insight into history or a new perspective on world events.In short, I'm undecided, but it basically comes down to your personal moral and ethical views on the events and their subsequent game development. I'm pretty sure I won't be buying this title, but for some people, it may be their thing.

Rev09
Oct. 5th, 2004 11:49 am

i agree w/ most of you here...it's a disrespectful idea that someone is trying to cash in on these tragic events. Innocent people died...gamers shouldn't enjoy a game based on these horrible incidents.

BigSean1002
Oct. 5th, 2004 11:47 am

I'm glad everyone here seems to have their wits about them, with the simple exception of Dugath, whose pathetic attempt at attacking the violent nature of WAR BASED video games in an effort to defend a game based around the most horrific events of history appalls me and allows me to confirm how stuid and gullible today's society is. I can understand wanting to empathize with events many of us didn't live through, like Hiroshima, the Titanic, or say... the eruption of Pompei (though it's cleary not included since no one survived).But this is a commercial endeavor designed to make money, first and foremost, and to that end, it's horribly disrespectful, especially to those who DID love through those more recent events. As far as Dugath's points: In those games, those Japanese/Vietnamese/Arabic/German whatever characters, ARE TRYING TO KILL YOU. It is their sole intent to destroy the player character.This is a game that surrounds the deaths of thousands of innocent people, often times at the hands of cruel madmen, or (in Hiroshima's case), because of a hugely destructive, soul-scouring mistake, one which has never been (thankfully) repeated since, and one for which many of the participating country still feel a small sense of shame or guilt. If a game was made about surviving Auschwitz or one of the other nasty murder-camps, Germany would **** a proverbial brick.

beonder13
Oct. 5th, 2004 11:23 am

Ok, here's the breakdown. If they make this historically accurate, I'm fine with that. However, I will not buy it. There is no way they will be able to make me feel like I am in an actual situation. There is no way I will feel the loss of a digital "person" as I have with close friends and family.BUT, if that same company makes a game where I can truly feel like I am putting my hands around a terrorists neck and get the satisfaction of squeezing the life from him, put me down for two copies.

kristof
Oct. 5th, 2004 11:14 am

Well they make games out of vietnam and WW2..

snoogans
Oct. 5th, 2004 11:14 am

I actually like the concept. Considering NONE of us were in any of those . Maybe the last two. But to feel what it was like sounds pretty cool to me. Id give more respect out of knowing what it was like.

Dugath
Oct. 5th, 2004 11:01 am

LoL you guys are funny.. things happen.. get over it. Its not like they are poking fun at anything.. where is all your *****ing about games thay portray you playing an american killing off people in vietnam or some other opponent in some sort of war game..cant have it both ways..so what a ship sunk..a tornado hit..big deal its in the past..but yet I find it funny how americans find it okay and even entertaining to play a game where it simulates killing Vietamese people or Japanese people.. oh ya.. thats moral. loosers.

Sniper
Oct. 5th, 2004 10:50 am

Simply a horrible idea. In all of these actual events multiple innocent people died for no reason what so ever. Figures it takes a german company to make a game like this. Assholes!

Sunday, October 03, 2004

Thirsty? Let MC Help

7-11 and Moutain Dew have started the "massive ad campaign" by creating limited edition slurpee cups at 7-11. They look pretty cool, and, you can win a copy of the game from them !

LINK

Saturday, October 02, 2004

Halo 2- Gone Gold

Game of the Year has gone gold! There is still alot to happen...but at least the copies have started. In other words, Jango has been finished and tweaked...now the Kamino-ians are plavcing him in the machine, and the cloning begins!

LINK

Friday, October 01, 2004

Bush ahead in Polls AND Masks

Looks like Bush has a pretty strong hold on the election, winning in both polls and in mask sales.

According to this site, for the last six years the candidate with the most masks sold wins the election. They've always been right since they started with Regan.

Lets hope this year their wrong...or Kerry sells more masks!

LINK

Thursday, September 30, 2004

Fable Thoughts

So, I rented Fable for this weekend. Iam about an hour and a half into it...and it mostly been all cut scenes.

My character will most likely be like Han Solo-Good, bad, evil, savior-what ever it takes to advance my character. I will kill, save, rescue, attack, burn, and love to advance my person.

Wednesday, September 29, 2004

So, how are the new DLC?

Theres been a wave of DLC recently, so I just decided to group them all together.

First, the BF patch. Optimatch now actually works...which in turn allows you to find a better game, which in turn helps the lag problem.

Second, Villige, the BA map, is a nice map...I like it. Noice snipe spots, open areas, dark areas, small....perfect for me.

Thrid, RSC2 has new cars out. Im not big into this game (infact I dont even own it, just a reented it once or twice).

Fourth, The NG Hurricane Pack 2 is out. If you like the game, its awsome. If your like me and think its extremly tedious and stupd, then its just more of the same!

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

Xenon TV?

Looks like MS has a job opening looking for someone with experiance to set-up a TV network for Xbox 2 (codenamed Xenon). This would allow users to do a sort of UnrealTV like thing and veiw frends and others games from a third-person stance, as in, away from the action.

Patch for Battlefront

A patch should be availble ov er Live to all users by now for BF. I'll pop in latter to see if it fixes anything big.

"Vilige" DLC Reveiw

So, the first new DLC for Black Arrow is out. Heres a run down:

It play alot like Cafe does, except with more inside areas. Basicaly, it like a villige squre, with houses as the lines and the inside white part a maket.

There are soem great sniper spots, including one inside of the fruit stand.

Spawn camping is stil here, maybe moreso with almost all the spawns in direct light.

Some new dark areas that may have you turning on night vision for sure.

Monday, September 27, 2004

First DLC for Black Arrow

And its free. Tomorrow it should be out.

Its called "The Villige", no apparent movie connection though.

No other news is known...more info tomorrow I geuss....Ill take whatever they give me with a smile!

Sunday, September 26, 2004

Update on Star Wars

Been playing a lot of Battelfromnt and wacthing more and more of the DVDs, and Im impressed. The special features disk is alittle weak, but its cool nonetheless.

The quality of each movie is simply amazing...each fram (and yes, I have done this) looks amazing, even when stopped.

As far as BF, its aswome. Laggy, but awsome. If LucasArts puts a out the right patch, it could beat out KOTOR as best Star Wars game.

Friday, September 24, 2004

ILB.com Now Offers Convenint Live Calls!

We reached 777 axons, and now we're Live.

Calls, that is. Looks like the operator is now calling in live to azons to speak with people.

Is it Nov yet?

LINK

Thursday, September 23, 2004

Star Wars DVDs

These are really awesome. Ive watched ESB and ROTJ so far, and a few bonus features. The quality is amazing. Maybe over the weekend, once I watch the rest, Ill post a better reveiw. maybe.

Battlefront Reveiws

This is the forth reveiw of the month

IGN.com Score: 8.5
TeamXbox.com Score: 8.6
Gamespot.com Score: 8.2

Graphics
+Nice, detailed
+ Nice explosions/blasts
-Bad, BAD framerate

Controls
+ Both thrid and first person
+ Fully custumizable
- Horrible control
- How do you fly a vechile with this thing?

Sound
+ Full SW Glory
- Could use a little more, creats dead spots

Gamplay
+ Feels like a war
+ A lot people
+Full veichle support
- Stupid AI
- Menus are pretty bad

Live
+Live aware
+ 24 people
- Optimatch isnt working
- Lag, lag, LAG!!!!
-No DLC,
-No Scoreboards (and why does PS2 have them?)
- Did I say lag?
-LAG!

Virdect
Its a Lucasart's game...what did you expect. The online is fun, but needs to get better. Lucasarts states a pacth is coming soon, but why? Why couldn't they put it in the real version?

Offline is nice--but it gets kinda boring. I hope they fix this game. With that in mind, I give it a...

My Score: 9/10

Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Give Me a Second

Really busy with both the DVDs and Battlefront...both are very goood.

I'll post latter with the offical reveiws, but I like 'em both.

Monday, September 20, 2004

By the Next Post, Geuss What I'll Have

BattleFront!!!
SW on DVD!!!

I can't wait, the day is finaly here, after months and months of waiting, its here.

Now all I have to do is make it through one day of school.

No More Sam for 2004

UBI annouiced today that the next Splinter Cell, named Chaos Theory, is being pushed back for the Xbox, fo, get this, the PS2 and GameCube.

UBI wants a universal release date, and thus the Xbox date of November was pushed back to meet the PS2 and GC dates of March 2005. PC is also sechduled to be delayed.


Maybe this time they will get it right. Or at least fix it when it starts to go crazy.

LINK

Sunday, September 19, 2004

Smaller PS2?

Some say that Sony will reviel a new PS2, called PStwo, sometime this year.

The system will be the same, only about 30 percent samller. This would follor the same method Sony followed for their PS1 and PSone systems last time around.

GTA: San Andres was also pushed back at the same time: could this be a coincidence? No. Its probably a bundle.

BattelFront Scores Coming In

As the 21st draws near-er, scores are starting to trickle in from the Big 3 (IGN,TeamXbox and Gamespot). It seems that the single-player may be bringing it down as far as scores go, however, the online part is getting good reveiws. Most are saying that it really does "feel" like a war.

One more day!