posted by Chris on September 21, 2007 9:22 AM in Games, Geek Culture
While I am going to be spending most of the weekend cleaning house, as my landlord is going to sell the place and I have to get it all spiffed up for any potential buyers - I am still going to make some time for gaming. This weekend I imagine will be dedicated to Eternal Sonata and even more Metroid Prime 3. Mike, his little brother and I checked out the three player co-op on Eternal Sonata yesterday and it is pretty irresistible. Have you guys checked it out yet? If not, what are you playing this weekend? Anyone digging deep into their stack of unplayed games?
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posted by Chris on September 19, 2007 2:40 PM in Games
Apparently not even games that are fresh and innovative can escape the temptation of downloadable content equivalent to a cheat code. New DLC announced today on Major Nelson's blog shows that even Chopin can get dirty like Woods.
Title: Eternal Sonata
Content: Piano Music Key
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Only in Canada, United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) FANTASY VIOLENCE,MILD LANGUAGE,USE OF ALCOHOL] Don't want to play through the entire game to get the music? Download this key to unlock all the Chopin piano pieces in the game. Note: All music that can be unlocked by this key can also be unlocked by progressing the game. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Although this is a pay-for-cheat code sort of deal, the thing you unlock is a bit more innocuous than a maxed out player character. Still, does this rob the player of the experience of playing the game? Or is this more of an easy way for Namco to feature the amazing music of Eternal Sonata?
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posted by Colette on September 18, 2007 8:48 PM in Games
The only thing that could excite me after the holy sacrament of scrumptiousness that was BioShock was a good solid RPG. I was expecting something a little more utilitarian as RPGs have not broken the mold much lately, so it was a great surprise to play Eternal Sonata at E3 and find not only an exquisitely beautiful title, but one that seemed to have a truly unique storyline as well. I raced to the store today and snatched up the last copy, eager to dive headfirst into the game.
As shallow as it is, I have to say it: For a dying guy, Chopin is SMOKIN HAWT. I think it's his voice actor making it so, as I want to melt his voice into sweet cream butter and rub it all over my nubile flesh. Now that we've gotten my kinky bits out of the way, I don't have to keep making unintelligible references throughout this article. Eternal Sonata is ten times as beautiful in actual play as it is in screenshots and clips -- for some reason, they can't seem to do justice to this title. Playing the first few minutes literally feels as if you've submerged into a completely different universe, which is something RPGs have been failing at a lot lately. Of course, atmosphere can only go so far.
The first half hour of play is as story heavy as you might expect. While the demo may lead you to believe the game will be very simplistic, there is a rich story concept at the heart here. I expected nothing left from a game that is about the dreams of a dying composer, but it's nice to see the story unfolding well even at this early stage. Players annoyed by cut scenes may be bothered and want to get to the gameplay, but luckily these scenes can be skipped if you like. They add a lot to the story though, so be warned you may miss some great details if you do.
So far the fighting is good, but I wouldn't go as far as to call it great. I like the free range movement and the way the attacks feel while landing, but the initial few areas have you meet the same creature through the level over and over, and the battles get a bit repetitive. I'm hoping as music becomes more involved, it will help with this. Turn based fighting can kill a game in the modern player's eyes, so it needs something to keep it interesting (demonstrated beautifully in the old PS1 title The Legend of Dragoon.)
Bottom line: If you love RPGs, pick it up. It's beautiful, the story is interesting and so far the play is comfortable. I'm fascinated with the use of music and can't wait to learn how to use it. Frankly, regardless of whatever the games' weaknesses may be (listed here or not), it beats the hell out of fighting poop monsters in Blue Dragon. Whose idea was an enemy made of poop, anyway?
Help support the site by purchasing Eternal Sonata from our store!
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posted by Chris on September 17, 2007 5:58 PM in Podcast
This week on The Weekly Geek podcast, Chris and Colette hold up the fort to announce the podcastiversary contest winner, discuss the Haloes (hey, it IS being released soon), the glory that is Eternal Sonata, a childhood obsession with LEGO, and a nostalgic throwback to the ol Winamp days. Download it now, fools! Hit the jump for show notes. Also, yes, you have to listen to the podcast to find out the winner of our contest sheesh.
download now
continue reading "Podcast for 09-17-07 | Tiny LEGO Nazis"
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posted by Chris on July 16, 2007 7:01 PM in Podcast
(note: Chris' mic cuts out around 21 minutes, and will be quiet for the rest of the program. Buy him some more RAM). On this week's podcast, Chris, The Geek, Colette and special guest Aaron Linde from Destructoid talk about the glorious week that was E3. Well, not so glorious for big game announcements, but certainly glorious for exclusive parties, free drinks, good food and friends. They discuss how the Wii zapper sucks, they ask if RPGs need to be innovative, and then Rock Band is pitted against Guitar Hero. Also Bill and Ted are discussed in length. Download the podcast now or subscribe on iTunes!
continue reading "Podcast for 07-16-07 | Super E3 Wrapup GO"
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posted by Chris on July 13, 2007 11:47 AM in Games
I can say without hyperbole that Eternal Sonata is the most beautiful game I have ever seen. It reminds me a bit of Secret of Mana for the SNES, something so lush and detailed for its generation that it blows your mind to look at it. Not only are the graphics impeccable, the depth of field stunning and the character design fantastic, but the music is incredible. Someone told me there's already a demo out on Xbox Live (update: THAT PERSON IS A LIAR. A DAMN FILTHY LIAR WHO MADE ME ALL EXCITED ABOUT GOING HOME AND DOWNLOADING THE DEMO OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GAME EVER MADE BUT THEN CRUSHING MY SPIRITS LIKE A CLOWN POOPING ON ICE CREAM AND SERVING IT TO HOBO CHILDREN), but seeing it on the fancy HD tvs on the E3 floor was an experience all in itself. I believe the portion of the game I played was the same bit offered on Xbox Live. You play as a little girl walking through a town, fighting a couple baddies along the way. The battle system is pretty unique, merging real time action with turn based strategy. My only qualm is that the voice acting is a bit cheesy. But as long as that's the only thing wrong with this game, I see it taking up a ton of my time when it is finally released in a few months. If you haven't checked out the demo on live yet, DO IT. This is definitely going to be a classic.
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posted by Chris on March 19, 2007 6:53 AM in Podcast
Frodo and The Geek are back this week to bring you all things Spartan. We're obsessed with God of War II, and 300 isn't too bad either. In this podcast episode, we talk about how movie critics are out of touch, why we won't own a PLAYSTATION 3 for a while, some crazy RPG about Chopin (the composer!), Katamari and the electric car. Best episode ever? You be the judge! Download it now or subscribe to the podcast. You know you want to.
Hit the jump for show notes!
Download now
continue reading "Podcast for 03-19-2007 | We <3 Kratos"
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Penny Arcade
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Ratchet and Clank
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