Saturday 19 October 2013

Ps4 hands on event confirmation (28th October)


Wait, why are you doing a blog post for a tweet? Well I sent this tweet no too long ago after signing up for a Ps4 lock-in event on the 28th. That means exclusive hands on content for you readers here! While I will be posting a bumper post the following day with all manner of impressions and pictures from the event, I will also be live tweeting while I'm there. If your following me on Twitter then you can keep up to date with what I'm doing there! While the big hitters like Killzone are reputed to not be there, Knack will be headlining the event (Sony are really pushing it) In a way I prefer it this way. Knack is definitely the most intriguing title from the Ps4's launch from Sony as you kinda know what your getting with the other games. Plus its Sony Japan afterall. Octodad: Dadliest Catch is another quirky title there that I'm looking forward to having a go of. There's also more titles like FIFA 14 there too that aren't necessarily titles we cover but I'll have a look anyway to get more of a feel for the system.
A fairly big scoop for the blog. I'll keep my ear to the ground for any similar events that I can smooth talk my way in to! Hopefully on the 29th we'll have some exclusive hands on content. I'll let you know closer to the date if theres any changes or delays but I doubt that will be the case. Looking forward to it myself.
Check out @MadchesterManc's Tweet: https://twitter.com/MadchesterManc/status/391519586920960000

Friday 18 October 2013

Review: Beyond: Two Souls (Ps3)

The first review to be posted straight to blog is also, probably, the biggest game we'll look at for a while. While your no doubt wondering why Ive done a review for this, its simple. While Beyond may sell a million copies (or not) only a niche part of its audience will truly understand what's trying to be accomplished. Its fairly unique in an industry of tried & true mechanics. So how does it fare?


Wednesday 16 October 2013

Retrospective: Mister Mosquito/Mr. Moskeeto (Ps2)

 Yesterdays post seemed fairly popular. I guess people like reading what anime's others are watching. I bet you've watched a bit of Upotte now, haven't you? Today though its back to business as usual looking at a niche game in every sense of the word - Mr Moskeeto (PAL)/Mister Mosquito (US)


Tuesday 15 October 2013

Anime's doing the rounds on my Gizmo's.

I've decided to take a break from games here today, although there is a Kingdom Hearts 3 trailer doing the rounds that may interest you (LINK) Instead I'm going to be sharing some anime's that Ive been watching these past few months. Ive got a feeling that a few may suprise you, or you may have secretly watched yourself but don't say to maintain the anime connoisseur facade you have going on. I haven't watched any from the latest 'season'. I don't tend to follow anime that way, instead I just marathon a series when its finished (the hype for certain series tends to have died down then too) So what have I been watching? Mostly older anime's from previous seasons, some are even older than that! I use KissAnime myself, it allows 720p streams and also HTML5 streaming for mobiles (anime's look dandy on my Xperia Z) so Ill provide links to the animes listed there if your interested in giving them a go.
 Disgaea
This is the one I'm currently watching at the moment. Its been a long time since Ive done anything Disgaea so I thought Id rejig my memory with this anime due to D2 being released not too long ago. The story is based on Hour Of Darkness, but skews at certain points apparently. It starts with Laharl being awoken from his slumber by Flonne, an angel apprentice, and upon learning that the overlord (his father) is dead he sets out to claim his throne with Flonne in tow and later joined by Etna. I'm only about half way through it so far, but its a lot of fun. I find it to be one of the most amusing anime's Ive seen for a while. The relationship between Laharl & Flonne is a particular highlight, with most of the amusing moments coming when Flonne starts blabbering about love - much to the dismay of Laharl. If your looking for a little fun in an anime Id say try this if you haven't already. When Ive finished with the anime I may grab a copy of Disgaea D2.
KissAnime Link
Upotte!!
Another fun anime. In truth I don't even know how I came to be watching it in the first place though. It was a Sake fuelled night so that may have been why. The anime follows a group of schoolgirls who just so happen to be guns. Yeah, the premise is that bizarre but surprisingly the anime is not. Upotte follows the adventures of Funco (FNC) and her 3 best friends Ichiroku (M16A4), Elle/Eru (L85A2) and Sig (SG550) as they make their way through the school year. The hilarity's start straight off the bat when their new homeroom teacher arrives who is just a normal human and knows nothing of what the school is really about, causing numerous misunderstandings almost straight away. With the anime shunting the use of any ecchi (except for the obligatory hot springs segment all anime's seem to have), it keeps everything light-hearted & fun. The only issue is the 10 episode run time. I managed to watch the whole series in one night. This does cause it to feel a little rushed towards the end, but its such a sweet anime Ive started watching it again anyway. The OVA isn't too good though. Give it a go if your looking to try something light-hearted that differs from the norm you usually watch.
KissAnime Link
 Date A Live
This seems to be one from the past few months that most people Ive mentioned it to have seen. With a second season announced almost upon completion of airing the first season, it must have gone down a treat with most people. The anime follows Shido, who's sister recruits him to partake in taking 'spirits' on dates so they fall for him and he seals their powers with a kiss, ensuring the world is safe! There are a couple of twists later in the series that makes things even more interesting, but the anime doesn't deviate much from its 'spirit' date storylines. In truth its not as fun as the previous 2 Ive mentioned, but its still interesting and features some really cool fight scenes between the 'spirits' and the AST who are trying to destroy the spirits. If you haven't seen it yet, Id recommend it. With a second season on its way soon too there'll be plenty to sink your teeth in to. If its of any interest, there's also a Ps3 game available..only in Japan though.
KissAnime Link
Hyperdimension Neptunia
This just had to be put here! In truth it does start a little slow. The first few episodes seem a little off and its not till about episode 4 when the anime picks up, with the second half of the series being an absolute blast to watch. That wouldn't have been so bad if I wasn't waiting weekly for each episode though! There is an underlying story arc running through the series which doesn't come to the fore till the last few episodes, so it keeps you intrigued in that way too. Again, its all about fun. The anime is similar to how Disgaea is with is light-hearted & amusing approach. Theres still fight scenes too and most of the characters make an appearance through the series. AT 12 episodes, Its a little short for me but hopefully there'll be a second season. If your a fan of the games, you should have watched it. If not, Why? The anime is basically the same format as the game. Everything that's in the games is in the anime, parodies and all. One for fans indeed, but good enough to work as a taster for those with interest in seeing what the Hyperdimension Neptunia series is all about.
KissAnime Link

As you've probably guessed, I tend to watch mainly anime's that come across as light-hearted & fun these days. I used to watch a lot of Sci-Fi & supernatural ones but Ive slowly gone off those. The last one like that I watched was probably 11 Eyes (KissAnime Link), which was actually good although a few more episodes to flesh the story out a little more would've been nice. At the times the 12 episode standard that seems to do the rounds with anime's isn't always enough. So what anime's are doing the rounds in your gizmo's? Let me know and I may check em out!

Monday 14 October 2013

Retrospective: Gitaroo Man (Ps2/PsP)

This week should be an interesting one for the blog. Playing through Beyond (its magnificent) and Dragons Crown on Vita (pummelling orcs while ogling huge bouncy boobs is FUN) which I'm looking to drop reviews for later in the week. Ive spent Saturday & Sunday playing Beyond, going to give it a break tonight though, so that one will more than likely be up on Friday. A Dragons Crown review will follow on Sunday more than likely so I can give it some extra time. These 2 reviews will be posted here, which is a first! I tend to publish on PushSquare but they already have those 2 games reviewed there. I only publish obscure titles on PushSquare that haven't had a review, plus the staff seem to enjoy being reminded of the forgotten niche games we cover. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Its only Monday! So today I'm gonna have a look an old favourite of mine - Gitaroo Man/Gitaroo Man Lives

Sunday 13 October 2013

Majin & The Forsaken Kingdom Review (Ps3/Xbox360)


Finally have another detailed review for you guys to have a look at! I took some time off to catch up on games Id been neglecting to play through due to completing games for reviewing purposes. I do like to play games for things other than reviewing! While the game Ive looked at isn't a new release by any means, its one of those elusive ones that seems to have been forgotten with time due to its niche nature. Is it worth digging out? Find out with this review of course!

Full review on PushSquare again, here's the conclusion
While the game does have some technical issues & the odd clunky moment, it has enough charm to supersede its issues and provide a fairly entertaining romp. The puzzle filled adventure gameplay will no doubt keep your mind ticking over and would interest those nostalgic for adventure games of yesteryear. Where the game succeeds the most is in its ability to convey the need for the characters to rely on each other. The vulnerability that sets in when you are separated from the Majin is testament to that. If you can look past its niggles & rough around the edges nature, You'll find a charming adventure that shows a symbiotic relationship can be struck up between a player & their AI partner.
Here's the link for the FULL review - LINK   

Next week I may be looking into doing smaller reviews for Beyond & the Vita version of Dragons Crown. Those will be going straight onto the blog though due to Pushsquare having reviews for those as it is. I almost forgot. Apologies for no post on Friday. The opinion post on Thursday continued to attract attention the following day so I decided to leave it be for an extra day. Must be more interest than I realised for Beyond. The 2 opinion pieces Ive done have seemed to be fairly popular so I may continue to do those every now n again, but they usually only come around when they are triggered somewhat. We shall see. Hope you enjoy the review! Follow me on Twitter for up to the minute blog news @Madchestermanc