I was lucky enough to snag a copy of the Witcher 3 early. Can’t say how, can’t say where, but we all know these things happen. I played much of it over the past weekend and, as someone who has played the previous two, am thrilled to say so far, it delivers. Here are some of my initial impressions:
Author Archives: Christine Melgarejo
Bloodborne: A Near Perfect Game
It’s been, as some would say, a minute since I’ve written here. Not for a lack of gaming, but probably for a lack of time and trying. But Bloodborne has affected me in such a way that I wanted to, nay, NEEDED to talk about how fantastic this game is. Warning that there may be some spoilers ahead!
Now Playing: Destiny, The Witcher 2 and Five Nights at Freddy’s
It’s been a while since I’ve talked about what’s on my currently playing list. My how things have changed in a few months time. I’m playing some old, playing some new, and make the most (?) of unemployment.
Destiny
No matter who you talk to lately it’s just “Destiny! Destiny Destiny Destinnyyyy! Destiny? Destiny!”
OK maybe my conversations don’t really sound like that. Or if they do, I might wanna get my head checked.
Point is, everyone is talking about it and it makes sense. I mean, it’s an FPS meets MMO by Bungie and has been hyped up all year. I got on the hype train, choo choo!, and pre-ordered the game some time ago so I’ve been rocking it since day 1. My views on it are mixed.
Hands On Impressions of The Oculus Rift
Yup, that’s me, on the Rift!
Because I have friends with exquisite tastes who love to jump on new tech, I got to experience the Oculus Rift myself and a variety of demos that have been released for it. Plenty of people are coming up with cool demos to try out with the latest Rift Dev Kit 2 and I had the pleasure of test driving a handful. Before I get into the demos particularly, I want to talk a bit about the experience of using the Rift in general.
First, it’s fairly easy to get started, but your pupil distance measurement is key for things to show properly. There is a tool to use to help the Rift figure out what works for you and while by no means is it super accurate, it gets the job done. Once you fiddle with that, you’re good to go. The Dev Kit 2 is obviously a lot bigger than what they are planning to create for a final home product. They are already looking into more streamlined, lighter designs. That said, for as big and bulky as the Rift currently is, it’s surprisingly not too heavy, though it does odd hit the top of your cheeks which can feel sort of funny after a while of using it. It’s fully adjustable so I was able to fit it perfect to my smaller head as opposed to my friend who, as a guy, wears it at a bigger size.
Playstation Now Isn’t For Everyone, but It Might Be For Me
Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about Playstation Now in terms of what it offers, the prices seen during the beta, and if it’s “worth it.” The answer to that question is, it depends on the person. For me, it is, and it’s a pretty easy explanation as to why.
I never owned a Playstation console before the PS4.
That’s it. That’s the answer. While the service probably doesn’t make sense to those with a library of past Playstation games and own their old consoles, it makes sense for someone like me who missed out on the Uncharted series or some great PS2 classics. This is the perfect opportunity for me to play and enjoy games I didn’t get to before and for a reasonable price.
Speaking of price, here’s an idea of what people are seeing on Beta (and it varies per game).
5 Games I’d Love to Play on the Oculus Rift
A friend of mine is getting his Rift shipped to him next week and it got me thinking; if I had the choice to play any game I’d want on the Rift, which would I want to experience the most in a virtual reality world?
Skyrim: There have already been people who have used the Rift with Skyrim and it looks no less than awesome. I put over 200 hours in the game but I’d gladly put 200 more if I was able to experience it in a VR way. To me, any RPG like this is the perfect companion for the Rift. If not Skyrim then the next Elder Scrolls?
Now Playing: Watch Dogs & Gone Home
Right now my gaming is being torn between my PS4 and my Steam account. The Steam sale happens again and it’s dangerous. Because of it, I’m still trucking through Watch Dogs even though I bought it day 1. I’m probably a handful of missions away from the end, I’ve completed a few side missions and I’m still having fun causing random car crashes by hacking traffic lights. I’m a douchebag in that game.
Watch Dogs
A lot of people have felt the game did not live up to the hype. I’ll say this; no, the graphics are not quite as beautiful as they seemed when shown at E3 last year. That’s a disappointment to most, even those who don’t focus too highly on aesthetics. Second, yes, it’s sort of like GTA with hacking but there’s nothing inherently wrong with that because look at how great the GTA games are. It doesn’t take away from the fun, nor the really great way hacking is implemented. I thought I’d get tired of hacking fuses to explode at the perfect time to take out a couple of gang members at once, but nope. Still great, even 20+ hours in.
Destiny Alpha Hands On Impressions
Yesterday I got my first taste of Destiny in the Alpha testing phase. Having signed up when the Alpha became available during E3, I received a code to try out the build. So far, the experience has been fun if a little underwhelming.
You start off, of course, creating your character and choosing from one of the 3 main factions; hunter, titan and warlock. After a long debate and inner turmoil I chose hunter over warlock and set out to make my half head shaved, red headed alien chick because why not. From there they drop you into the world in the very first quest of the game. You are led around by “Ghost,” a little floating orb voiced by Peter Dinklage (though halfheartedly) gives you some insight on where you are and what the background is. However, I felt a little lost being dropped in with no real explanation of who the aliens (The Fallen) are, why I’m fighting them and what the overall premise is.
Favorite E3 Reveals, So Far!
It’s been a while since I’ve updated here but what better time to do so than during E3, or “Video Game Christmas”? I spent my full day watching most of the coverage and having mini-heart attacks with various reveals. There’s a lot to love as a gamer. So what were my favorite reveals of E3, so far? In no particular order:
4 Player Co-Op for Assassin’s Creed: Unity: I’m curious as to how they are going to work it with the actual characters people play as opposed to whoever the main assassin will be (or do we get to choose or own assassin for the storyline? hmmm) but Ubisoft made 4 player co-op look pretty badass. Taking down evil templars with your buddies? Yes! So long as one of them isn’t a clumsy jerk and attracts the attention of all the guards. Then you’re out of the creed, sir!
5 Popular Franchises Everyone Loves but Me
I think every gamer had as few games where the appeal seemed to go over their heads, despite major accolades from critics or record-breaking sales numbers. I feel like there’s always games that a majority of people mention that I just say “yeah, didn’t really play those, not my style,” receiving blank stares and gasps of astonishment in return. But there are just some games everyone loves and I just don’t “get.”
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Checkpoint Reached 