Beautiful HD Rendition of the Train Graveyard from Final Fantasy VII

The Sector 7 train graveyard, one of the earliest locations in Final Fantasy VII, was an empty and depressing place, filled only with entry level ghosts, a few potions and train wreckage. 

Jordangrimmer's fantastic reinterpretation expands the environment and fills it with life. It almost looks like professional concept art for what COULD have been the proper remake of the beloved RPG. Reminds me of the slums in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.

Looks a lot better compared to the original on PS1, huh?

Will Wright: Consumers Will Never Accept Always-Online

Will Wright, known for being the brainchild behind The Sims franchise, made a statement agreeing with Microsoft's decision to back away from the asinine Always-Online DRM policy, and discussed how "impressed" he was that the overwhelming negative feedback from the gaming community changed their minds. 

"From the consumers' point of view, I can really understand a lot of the backlash to DRM," he said in an interview with CNNMoney. "If something's required on the Internet that means they can't play it on the airplane or if their Internet connection goes down."

Our feelings are mutual, Mr. Wright. But does that mean I'm getting an Xbox One even after that? Nope.

If I could take us back to several months ago, Microsoft's Creative Director at the time, Adam Orth, basically gave the entire company's consumer base a middle finger for being genuinely insulted by the DRM policies, with the infamous tweet shown on the right:

So while I do agree that they made a smart move in changing their minds, and while I did buy a 360 just to play Halo, they've ruined their relationship with myself and many other people. And Will, I'm just gonna stick with playing your games on the PC :)

Microsoft, how about YOU #dealwithit?

PS3 will have same support as PS2 over the next decade

The time for the console upgrade is quickly approaching. With the release of the PlayStation 4 set for late 2013, people are gearing up for the switchover to the new console from its predecessor. Still, even at its (significantly lower than the PS3 at launch) price tag, $400 is not exactly an investment many of us can or want to make immediately – especially when the PS3 is still very much a viable console.

In an interview with Weekly Famitsu, Sony Japan's President Hiroshi Kamano made a statement saying: "With the 2014 launch of our cloud service in the US allowing users to play PS3 games on the PS4, some people may switch consoles from the PS3 to the PS4. But that'll be a gradual process, 

and to say 'we're releasing a new console, so trade in your old ones for it' would be a maker's ego talking, plain and simple."

This strategy is nothing new for Sony: Support for the PS2 continued long after the release of the PS3. That being said, it's definitely reassuring to hear it directly from the top.

Prepare for virtual marketing: Steam Trading Cards are HERE

Bada-bing, bada-boom. Steam's Trading Cards are now live and ready to go. What the hell's that you ask? Well, they are virtual cards that can be earned by playing participating games on Steam, trading with other users, or buying on the Steam Marketplace. Complete a set to create a badge, earn rewards, earn XP, and level up.

According to PC Gamer, "the user with the highest Steam level at the end of the year gets to high five Gabe Newell while announcing Half-Life 3. In space." Whoa.

Here is the first Hi-Res screenshot of Dragon Age: Inquisition using the Frostbite 3 Engine

This picture, an HD screenshot taken by BioWare from an E3 Trailer of Dragon Age 3, depicts the Inquisition in the midst of a briefing. For those unfamiliar with the lore, the Inquisition is comprised of what one could label as the "original templars", before they officially banded together and joined the Chantry. It looks gorgeous.

Below are 3 more photos BioWare silently uploaded to the company's Facebook page.

Looks the Darkspawn are ready to make their final assault.

The game promises to be immensely larger than the two predecessors, Dragon Age: Origins & Dragon Age II, with one map reportedly being 5x the size of Ferelden. It's also trying to model itself somewhat after the exploration-focused RPG that is Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. 

Dragon Age 3: Inquisition is due out in the later part of 2014.

ATLUS in Danger!

The cult-favorite game company ATLUS, responsible for incredible JRPG's such as Catherine and the Shin Megami Tensei series, may just be going down with its parent company Index.

Index just filed for what sounds like bankruptcy. "The company is entering 'civil rehabilitation proceedings' in order to cut off the corporate bloodletting before it becomes fatal." Evidently this means Index is under investigation for shady business practices. What?

This is not okay anymore. I don't want to see some of my favorite series riding the empty piggy bank train this soon. Or ever for that matter.

Massive Update for Google Earth & Google Maps

Google has updated its map imagery with a new set of images from NASA's Landsat 7 satellite, creating a world the company promises is "virtually cloud-free" and more detailed. The Google Maps team outlined a comprehensive revamp of the satellite maps used in Earth and Maps. Starting with satellite images, Google splices different shots together to create a smooth composite without any clouds obstructing the view, even in areas that will always have at least some clouds over them.

But it doesn't stop there.

Google is taking the iOS version of its Earth mapping app up to 7.1. The update brings a few new features, including the addition of its Street View imagery -- following a similar update to the Android version. Also on the docket are improved transit, walking and biking directions, which can be viewed in 3D. The interface has been streamlined too, with a number of informational layers like Wikipedia located under a handy Earth logo in the top left off the app. The release of 7.1 also marks the app's availability in more than 100 countries.

Sony gives even more love to Indie Developers

SONY <3'S DEVS. 

As if Sony didn't give enough love to the Indie Gaming Community. They've just added an Indie Games channel on the PlayStation Vita, with Hotline Miami as the flagship title. If you happened to pick up a Vita, definitely check this out! 

Now if they could just get Minecraft on there...we'd all be besties :P

And the new chairman of Square Enix is...Yoichi Wada?!

Yoichi Wada is back. Not even kidding.

/Facepalm.

After leading Square Enix down to rock bottom both in reputation and financial stability as CEO, the company has decided to let the man get away with murder and become what is known as Chairman of the Board. The CEO may lead the organization, but the Chairman does all the scheduling and confrontation with the investors. Really guys? You want the man who basically destroyed the Final Fantasy series that Hironobu Sakaguchi meticulously hand-crafted and saved the company with--to REPRESENT your best interests after being thrown off the totem pole for poor leadership? 

Accurate.

I don't know whether to cry or to sit back and laugh at this point. Let's all just pray they make a comeback with Final Fantasy XV, because good ol' Noctis is the only IP saving them from scrutiny at this point.

343...Who do you think you're kidding?

As much as I love the Halo franchise, and have proven so by basically having it be the sole reason my 360 was purchased, I won't be getting the Xbox One. Yes Microsoft pulled a 180 on their shady DRM policies, and yes there are some fancy new titles rolling in, but Sony has kept trust with consumers since day numero uno. Plus, there are tons of exclusives just waiting to be eaten away on the upcoming PlayStation 4.

At this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), industry leaders had the pleasure(?) of witnessing what pretty much looked to be a trailer of Halo 5 by Bung...*cough* 343 Industries.

I share the fake flu joke because 343 is basically comprised of all the dedicated members of Bungie who didn't want to move on from their beloved franchise. Check it out for yourselves.

They didn't even have the balls to put a simple '5' right under the logo in the trailer. Too bad they didn't learn video game teaser trailers from the best (I'm looking at you, Square Enix). What do you think?

Ouya's Kickstarter Supporters Pissed Day One of Product Release

Today is the launch of the long-awaited, Kickstarter funded Ouya console, which will be available across North America and the United Kingdom.

Users can now purchase the console in retail, including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop and Target for $99.99 while additional controllers will retail for $49.99.

Those who purchase Ouya can expect a console with open OS, controller, over 170 free-to-try games including Chronoblade and Final Fantasy 3, streaming services Twitch.tv, TuneIn and Plex, the Discover store that features a changing roster of guest curators and a Make Channel that allows developers to build and test games.

Some early adopters who donated to Ouya on Kickstarter months ago are still waiting for their console after being told they would get it before it hit retail. While some did receive their Ouya as promised (albeit perhaps a bit late), a "small subset" (according to Ouya's PR) did not.

"I am pissed. Some of you have not yet received your Ouya -- and, to you, I apologize. I did not promise to ship to *most* of you before we hit store shelves. I promised to ship to *all* of you," Ouya founder Julie Uhrman told Kickstarter.


They aren't even taking the blame for it.


According to Ouya, the delays aren't the company's fault, but instead are caused by a fulfillment partner in Hong Kong and murky DHL package tracking from China.

Ouya reports that some backers will have to wait as late as 2 more weeks AFTER release before they receive their piece of 'trusted investment.' Looks like an apology isn't gonna cut it for most.


Share thoughts below.

Daily Juice: Thoughts on Music

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES:

Daft Punk's return to fame. Almost.

If there are 2 things the electronic dance music duo Daft Punk has managed to accomplish in it's time in the music industry, it's the ability to stay both catchy and timeless. With their fourth studio album, RAM, Daft Punk continues to prove that it can take sound from any random point in time, place their unique robotic-funky stamp on top, and turn it into pure gold. 

With over a decade since the launch of Homework, it's been a long time coming for the French duo to make their 'return to form'. Not every song in RAM captivates the timeless feeling of magic like in their masterpiece album Discovery, and the anthology Musique Vol 1. 1993-2005, but it does manage to give that next-gen feel while at the same time staying true to the roots that made the group loved by all generations of people.

Random Access Memories has been released globally as of May 2013 and is now on sale in the iTunes Store. 

Daily Juice: Thoughts on Gaming

MASS EFFECT 3: BioWare's Greatest... Misstep?

When an educated gamer of the last decade thinks of one video game series that has defined the pinnacle of an entire genre of the industry, one would think of Mass Effect. It's a series that, throughout several years of games, has not only created a story so incredibly immersive and alive which has captivated the hearts of tens of thousands of gamers, but has been considered to be the greatest science fiction story of this generation. No other has made you care so much about seeing a companion die, watching your character develop in personality, or seeing the triumphant victory of humanity over a civilization of machines programmed for mass genocide. (Yes, even more than the Terminator series) 

These elements all come together for one final ride in Mass Effect 3, the conclusion of the trilogy and the completion of the story of Commander Shepard. While this is the last chapter in the long running series, many gamers worried they would have to play the first 2 in order to understand the complex story that is all wrapped up in 3. However, this is not an issue, as BioWare has conveniently allowed the story to fill you in on the past 2 games if you do not import a save from Mass Effect 2. But if you truly want the immersive experience of a nearly decade long franchise, you would do justice to yourself to complete the first 2.

In Mass Effect 3, you again star as Commander Shepard, an elite soldier of the Alliance Navy, the galactic military of the human race. The plot begins with you on Earth, with the sudden attack of the Reapers, a race of advanced sentinel war machines created for the genocide of most of the galaxy's species every 50,000 years. Your objective is to serve as an ambassador of the galaxy and unite all major races to your cause in an attempt to secure the future of the universe from utter destruction. A sci-fi plot about saving the entire galaxy from destruction by insane robots?! Oh let me hear no more. You might think it's just another epic story, but that's because it kind of is. Only this time, the epic story DELIVERS (sort of). As in the past, you'll be traveling to several planets, primarily those of each major species, as well as returning to old ones, such as the giant space station that is the Citadel, the official seat of government for the galaxy. While voyaging to all these civilizations, obstacles roll down your path, and you must make incredibly challenging choices in order to resolve, or instigate, the age-long conflicts from between the different species. Paragon and Renegade, your character's morality meters, return in Mass Effect 3. The story this time around is better than ever, as BioWare continues to push the limit with ingenious storytelling and an emotional connection to a game one can't find anywhere else. 

During your downtime between missions, you'll get a chance to once again explore the Normandy SR-2, Commander Shepard's personal ship from Mass Effect 2--but this time, it's been completely rebuilt from the ground up, using Alliance Navy systems rather than Cerberus. All the characters you've made best friends with, treated like family, had romantic relationships with, betrayed, or just plain hated are back, with even more depth and character development than ever before, complete with masterful voice acting. And due to increased character development, your crew is notably smaller than the excessive gang of badasses in Mass Effect 2. Your companions have a lot more to say to you this time, and there's even more opportunities throughout the game to spend time with them and get to know who they really are as people. In Mass Effect 1 & 2, you created and evolved relationships with people from all around the galaxy, and from within your crew; in Mass Effect 3, you confront the consequences of these relationships.

More guns, explosives, biotics, and sexy aliens. Yeah.

None of this amazing story with it's 3 dimensional characters would be worth most gamer's time without a fantastic combat system, and this game delivers yet again. It's not as quite of a leap in control as the first to second game, but rather, refines the foundations of it even more. Commander Shepard has never been easier to control. Moving from cover to cover is a breeze, and sending your enemies to oblivion with blazing guns or biotic fields of energy has never been more fun. In combat, you have up to 2 of your companions with you, each with their own unique abilities and weapon specializations. Your choice of who to bring with on the battlefield is especially important this time around, as the improved artificial intelligence provides a much stronger challenge, especially in the later parts of the game. As you level up you gain skill points to level abilities, as in the previous titles, but this time, it's presented in a cleaner, simpler, and more organized format that doesn't constantly try to get in your way. If you want to play with others, Mass Effect 3 offers a multiplayer co-op mode called "Galaxy at War". In the mode, players are able to play alongside up to three other players in unique missions that can impact the outcome of the single player campaign. Each mission was designed specifically for multiplayer, and involves taking over enemy strongholds. After playing through for several hours, I've found it to be very well designed, very fun, and very addictive. For Gear's of War fans, it's a bit similar to Horde Mode.

Mass Effect 3 is not as visually impressive as it's predecessor. Textures seem to have been downgraded a bit in cutscenes, especially for Commander Shepard, and there's plenty more to nitpick. However, it's still a gorgeous game.

While the story is as rich as ever, that's not to say it's completely amazing throughout. The ending scenes in the game are most disappointing and poorly designed, that even have the ability to ruin the entire franchise for long-term players. Not only must you be forced to pick a renegade decision in order to survive to the last part of the game, but when you finally arrive at the ending, it's an illogical chain of events that leave the player confused and annoyed. The worst part about the ending, is that BioWare does not follow through with their promise on having your decisions throughout the franchise have a strong impact on how you conclude the story. In fact, your previous decisions control nothing of what happens in the end. The controversial conclusion to the franchise has left many players so upset that they DEMANDED that it be changed. It just goes to show how such an enthralling story motivates the gaming community to change something that isn't even real. Luckily, with the free Extended Cut DLC, BioWare has managed to deliver at the very least a decently satisfying ending that actually has closure.

The game also disappoints with a severe lack of dialogue choices you get to make, and this is apparent right from the beginning. You'll end up thinking you've got the game's options set to less choices, but in fact, it's as much as you get period. This is a MAJOR step back from the two predecessors. While most of these choices don't really matter, the fact that you have them for flavor as some put it, is essential to the immersion of the gameplay.

Mass Effect 3, a game that while very disappointing in many respects, still provides enough entertainment that you'll be hungry for more. For both the original game and Extended Cut DLC, I'd give it a 9/10. 

My First Blog Post

Wow...I never in a million years thought it would ever come to this. Writing about my thoughts, or pretty much anything for that matter has never really been a fun time for me. It's not that I've ever struggled with such a matter (English class was always my forte in school); it's just that I prefer to use other mediums to express my emotions. If anyone cares to indulge in Chinese Zodiac mythology, my sign is Leo, the mighty Lion. I'm someone who is very direct and outgoing about their feelings. I say what's on my mind right then and there, and I don't care what you think as long as I have aired it out. 

That being said, I decided that I have too many crazy thoughts on things to keep it all scrunched in my head, or blown into someone's delicate face. So here I am. Talking to you. In this little e-journal I'll be sharing my take on many different aspects of entertainment, news, and other exciting chaos floating about the interwebs.

Welcome to my world.

-C.G.