For awhile I have been visiting Hardcore Gaming 101, a site which catalogs every title in existence that has been a pivotal (and some titles that we want to forget). But what makes it worth visiting, and reading any article is the writing style. Something I find myself lacking, and I strive to push myself to improve on. Because I would love to send a few articles, and it could be fun to see them highlighted on a well known site. I did some collaborations in the past with Castlevania Dungeon, and OCRemix some time ago. Its been so long I feel out of touch.
In that regard, my new push in writing would be to emphasize or wax poetically about Bayonetta. An underdog in the gaming market, made by talented group that produced some fantastic pieces of visual storytelling and music.
I have been giving it some thought as to how I could pursue writing about a vast title. Its not one subject, but it covers a bit of gaming history. Both in design, and ideas (where it borrowed tons, and gave kind regards to its humble past).
Right now, my college classes are winding down. So I might get started on this project very soon. Just thought I'd share the idea here.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sonic Generations - 24 hours later
Sonic Generations – 24 Hours after
review
Many years ago, I was one of the millions of fans who grew up with a blue hedgehog. Sure all the rage was about Sonic vs the Plumber, who could outdo the other was all the talk back in kindergarten all the way to high school. I never thought it would carry over in my adult life, but it has and that is something worth sharing. But enough about the past, actually that’s what Generations is built off of. Sonic past meets Sonic from the future in a cross-over no one thought possible. (But I will hint this lovely gem was being planned nearly ten years ago, but the team wasn’t 100% sure the hardware could keep up.) After years of waiting, a little dream has finally come true.
Press Start -
Here I am listening to the “Green Hill Zone” theme from the in-game music library. I remember first hearing this tune from the original Sonic game. Here’s the honest truth, everything fans have ever wanted, or loved is within this game. I remember meeting a few friends that actually played a part in this soundtrack, one of them happens to be Jun Senoue, a long time musician who in the past stepped in for another composer. Only to take a chance at actually being at the helm of a game like no other.
One major thing this game contains in a great way is energy, there is no denying that Sonic Team recognized what fans wanted to play, a mixture of old and new ideas. From the get-go, you get to explore Green Hill Zone as Classic Sonic, braving pitfalls, speed traps and a ton of badniks all over a retouched map of the original stage. Then right after, you take control of Modern Sonic flying across the same level, only to take over in a blaze of speed daring the sound barrier. One word = Wow!
*Extra easter egg note: GHZ was the unlockable level in Sonic Adventure 2 once you obtained all A ranks in the stages. What made it unique was the freedom of bopping around GHZ in a different perspective. Flashback to now..
Listen to the Music – One can never forget every harmony they’ve listened to. Once we hear it, its stuck with us forever. Within the Generations music library, or stage are retouched and original tunes from past entries (with various surprises). What’s even more fun, is that once you unlock more tunes in the music library, you can also change the bgm track in the stage you decide to play.
*Bonus goodie! Songs are also collectible once you’ve completed a challenge stage.
D-Pad – Movement within a 2D or 3D world has always been tricky with the Sonic series. But it wasn’t the case with the original series. Ever since we’ve hit the 3D plane, being able to fly across a level was never easy. (Sonic 06 is a perfect example of how not to collide with every obstacle) Here in Generations, Sonic Team has taken the fans battle cry, and accepted what they’ve done wrong. Controls are smooth like butter, with whichever version of Sonic you are playing. There all done.
Many years ago, I was one of the millions of fans who grew up with a blue hedgehog. Sure all the rage was about Sonic vs the Plumber, who could outdo the other was all the talk back in kindergarten all the way to high school. I never thought it would carry over in my adult life, but it has and that is something worth sharing. But enough about the past, actually that’s what Generations is built off of. Sonic past meets Sonic from the future in a cross-over no one thought possible. (But I will hint this lovely gem was being planned nearly ten years ago, but the team wasn’t 100% sure the hardware could keep up.) After years of waiting, a little dream has finally come true.
Press Start -
Here I am listening to the “Green Hill Zone” theme from the in-game music library. I remember first hearing this tune from the original Sonic game. Here’s the honest truth, everything fans have ever wanted, or loved is within this game. I remember meeting a few friends that actually played a part in this soundtrack, one of them happens to be Jun Senoue, a long time musician who in the past stepped in for another composer. Only to take a chance at actually being at the helm of a game like no other.
One major thing this game contains in a great way is energy, there is no denying that Sonic Team recognized what fans wanted to play, a mixture of old and new ideas. From the get-go, you get to explore Green Hill Zone as Classic Sonic, braving pitfalls, speed traps and a ton of badniks all over a retouched map of the original stage. Then right after, you take control of Modern Sonic flying across the same level, only to take over in a blaze of speed daring the sound barrier. One word = Wow!
*Extra easter egg note: GHZ was the unlockable level in Sonic Adventure 2 once you obtained all A ranks in the stages. What made it unique was the freedom of bopping around GHZ in a different perspective. Flashback to now..
Listen to the Music – One can never forget every harmony they’ve listened to. Once we hear it, its stuck with us forever. Within the Generations music library, or stage are retouched and original tunes from past entries (with various surprises). What’s even more fun, is that once you unlock more tunes in the music library, you can also change the bgm track in the stage you decide to play.
*Bonus goodie! Songs are also collectible once you’ve completed a challenge stage.
D-Pad – Movement within a 2D or 3D world has always been tricky with the Sonic series. But it wasn’t the case with the original series. Ever since we’ve hit the 3D plane, being able to fly across a level was never easy. (Sonic 06 is a perfect example of how not to collide with every obstacle) Here in Generations, Sonic Team has taken the fans battle cry, and accepted what they’ve done wrong. Controls are smooth like butter, with whichever version of Sonic you are playing. There all done.
Where did my rings go? – All of the classic gaming mechanics we know or loathe are also brought back. From the simple jump, homing attack, spin dash, drift, and ring dash. (*Bonus maneuvers are also buyable from the upgrade shop) And the scariest sound you never wanted to hear.. “drowning”. Yup its back.
Where’s the goodies? – Once you explore every nook and cranny, you can unlock many more items throughout the game. From art, to music, movies, and many more trinkets. Plus you can upgrade either Sonic with new techniques. And a game that started it all.
Challenges are playable once you’ve played through a specific stage. From time attacks, rival fights, and so much more. Boss fights = a chaos emerald
Sonic Generations is an amazing game. Fans of the past, or present will want this in their gaming library.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
One More Ring
Here I am, in the college library listening to the OST that seems to have found itself within youtube.
That aside, I love the music I will get to hear once I get home. Sadly it won't be for another 4 hours.
Waiting is always worth it. Generations looks to be a fun little treasure.
*I can't say much more about that, because well that would spoil more fun surprises.
Seeing the music being shared like wildfire is something. But hey there is more to the story. More to share next time, and a review.
That aside, I love the music I will get to hear once I get home. Sadly it won't be for another 4 hours.
Waiting is always worth it. Generations looks to be a fun little treasure.
*I can't say much more about that, because well that would spoil more fun surprises.
Seeing the music being shared like wildfire is something. But hey there is more to the story. More to share next time, and a review.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Generations - Day 0
Sonic Generations is one of the best kept secrets for the past ten years. To be honest, many fans knew of some surprise that could happen yet not exactly how it would unfold. There were some rumors if both the original and the newer Sonic could ever originate in the same universe. Like Doctor Who (whom was able to interact with his former selves) the idea came to mind. And thus Generations was born. How long ago? Ten years.. this actually was said to be Adventure 3, but it was meant to be locked away for ten years, the time wasn't quite right.
Sonic CD was one of the most scrutinized titles to date. If a parallel world could co-exist, how could the original converge a journey with the present? Thus the question is answered, Generations is that exact tale. The aftermath of the Time Stones unlocked the Little Planet's polarity setting things right. However Colors journey was the exact opposite, those creatures were the basis of the stones in elements of said colors (now the unveiled Dimensions) title to be part of WiiU's library.
Now for the music of the past.. that was by far the toughest obstacle for Sega to get over. For a long time many of the rights were lost after Sega folded as a third party. Just like a music producing company, they would need to buy all the rights, titles, and tracks to create a full release. (which many fans have demanded ever since the original CD was released) versus the European to Japanese soundtrack. At present we have a new rendition on arrival which makes me wonder how it may be loved or disliked.
Awhile back many of us fans received a fun bundle of goodies for the tenth anniversary. A blue box with a booklet, etched coin, and embossed cd. I have yet to actually play that cd again sometime soon. But within that booklet was a revised tale of how the character came to be. It was a welcome gift to what's next tomorrow (or today for our overseas friends).
Happy birthday Blue Buddy!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Replay - Sonic the Hedgehog 06
In celebration of the "True Blue's" birthday, I thought about replaying 2k6, not only to refresh myself. But gain a better understanding why so many dislike its finished input.
1) Glitches = There are plenty, but they can be overcome with enough patience.
But it doesn't break the game for me, which I never felt like it made the game unplayable.
Its what reminds me of Tomb Raider, it just needed more polish. Yet it is as awesome experience.
2) Music = Quite possibly the most ethereal soundtracks within the entire series
After playing through Sonic's chapter, I have been listening to a variety of stage BGM's.
Honestly I never listened to the music through headphones before. Wow.
3) How it ends = Every character holds their own, even in the final segment.
Actually I think 2k6 got this strange "time" ball rolling. And here we are again in 2011, revisiting the "time" aspect. With a variety of game titles using it as a gameplay mechanism all over again.
Just felt like writing after a crazy week. My mom was in the hospital due to a drug reaction for pain beta blockers. Thankfully she is doing way better and @ home. ^_^
1) Glitches = There are plenty, but they can be overcome with enough patience.
But it doesn't break the game for me, which I never felt like it made the game unplayable.
Its what reminds me of Tomb Raider, it just needed more polish. Yet it is as awesome experience.
2) Music = Quite possibly the most ethereal soundtracks within the entire series
After playing through Sonic's chapter, I have been listening to a variety of stage BGM's.
Honestly I never listened to the music through headphones before. Wow.
3) How it ends = Every character holds their own, even in the final segment.
Actually I think 2k6 got this strange "time" ball rolling. And here we are again in 2011, revisiting the "time" aspect. With a variety of game titles using it as a gameplay mechanism all over again.
Just felt like writing after a crazy week. My mom was in the hospital due to a drug reaction for pain beta blockers. Thankfully she is doing way better and @ home. ^_^
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The next route ahead
Greetings if anyone reads this blog much. Just thought I'd share a mini update.
Currently waiting on King of Fighters XIII, and Sonic Generations
I haven't played KOF since 2k3, so I have some catching up to do. Heard XII was so-so.
I have faith that thirteen may be a driving force again.
Sonic Generations looks insanely promising, mixing the old with the new. Including the timeline paradigm shift, so anything that can, will happen. Worlds crossing over, and its a race to save time itself.
Sorta feels like Doctor Who all of a sudden. ^^;
Currently waiting on King of Fighters XIII, and Sonic Generations
I haven't played KOF since 2k3, so I have some catching up to do. Heard XII was so-so.
I have faith that thirteen may be a driving force again.
Sonic Generations looks insanely promising, mixing the old with the new. Including the timeline paradigm shift, so anything that can, will happen. Worlds crossing over, and its a race to save time itself.
Sorta feels like Doctor Who all of a sudden. ^^;
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Bayonetta After Climax (mini post)
After my recent play through on easy, I dared to take on Normal Mode. What a dark surprise, the game gets a bit more challenging. But I did obtain several techniques and other extras. Something to look forward to.
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