Here is my secret base in Pocket Monsters ORAS, which is located on the upper part of Route 119 (１１９番道路). The battle rules are rotation. There is not much since I’m trying to beat the game first and will be providing an update at a later date.
Video Games
Playstation Vita Slim First Impressions and Comparison
Just last week, the Playstation Vita Slim has finally landed last week as a bundle. While my sister hasn’t preordered it, she managed to find one because she wanted to play some Japanese RPGs (she wanted to play Danganronpa 1 and 2, Persona 4 Golden and plan on getting Hearts R in English later). Since I own a Vita already, I may as well compare it to my old version.
Note that this is not a full impression post since I already shared my thoughts about the Vita previously.
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Pokebank Rant or why I’m Disappointed with Nintendo
I admit that I am a big fan of Nintendo since my childhood. I pretty much own every console they released. However, the actions they have taken last year have made me increasingly disappointed in them, especially with their recent handling with Pokebank. There is absolutely no excuse why this application is not out yet. The worse part of it is that they still continue to leave everyone in the dark considering that they already brought the Nintendo Network servers back up several days ago. Furthermore, Japanese and Korean players were able to download the application before it was taken off, thus giving them an unfair advantage as they can still use the application. Considering that it’s a paid service that I was planning to pay for, I felt that they should have prepared for the increase traffic ahead of time.
Another thing that is also unacceptable is that the hacked Pokémon checker doesn’t even block obviously hacked Pokémon. They should have known about this from the beginning as these tools like Pokegen was already in the wild. To me, they should have at least check for illegal abilities/moves, impossible Effort Values and Individual values since those are the easiest to catch.
As a whole, I don’t think Pokebank will release anytime soon despite rumors saying it will be Tuesday. What I think will happen is that it will get rereleased in Japan and perhaps Korea this month while other areas are left in limbo until several months later (probably in June or even next year) when nobody cares anymore. To me, I feel that Nintendo are not listening to its fans outside of Japan. They outright refuse to get rid of region locks (while the Vita, PS4 and Xbox One doesn’t have any), consider taking monetization away from people who Let’s Play Nintendo Games or even review them (until they reverse that decision) and still refuses to release Flip Note Studio 3D outside of Japan. It’s clear that they don’t care about any of their fans with the Pokebank fiasco that is still going on with absolutely no transparency of what is going on. It’s such a shame because they make a lot of good games that I enjoy. Also, don’t forget that without the fan base Nintendo has now, they wouldn’t be successful as they are now.
As a whole, I think they need to get their act together by releasing Pokebank, issue a formal apology and possibly give some kind of compensation such as extending the trial for 60 days or something. I know that handling the traffic for a service, especially for a popular franchise can be difficult, but Nintendo need to be more transparent and insure the fans that they will release it so that they will continue to support the company. There are consequences for companies who do disservice to its fan base like Capcom, so I hope that they won’t go in that direction.
With that, what do you think about the Pokebank Delay?
Pokemon X and Y Liveblog
Instead of doing individual posts I have done in the past, I will do a live blog. With this, I will show my current progress. First impressions posts will come later on the main blog. For now, please do not refresh this page. It will load updates automatically.
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More on Video Games
Well, I got a bit too over reactive over a misguided article about someone believe that video game consoles are dead. However, I disagree with this tweet below for several seasons:
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/akirascuro/status/267011175684898816″]
The problem with video game companies completely ditching the hardcore gaming market and focusing only on only casual gaming since Hardcore games drive innovation. While casual games are innovative to a certain extent on using new technology like motion controls and controls, there isn’t really much innovation on gameplay as most of these mobile games are time wasters and limited for the fact that most smartphones and tablets only have touch screens. This is the reason why making Hardcore Games are important as it drives creativity to make games with better gameplay and storyline as they provide an experience that last for hours. For most casual games, they are only played in short period of time, thus the gameplay isn’t as fulfilling.
As for video game companies wanting to abandon the hard-core market is just insane. While casual gaming is here to stay, forgetting about the audience that contributed the raise to gaming is a thing that will hurt them at the end. Not only that, mobile gaming might be a fad since social gaming bubble have already burst. If mobile gaming crashed in the same manner and video game companies stop focusing on the hardcore market, they will also be in big trouble as they will have nothing to fall back on.
As a whole, Video Game companies can’t neglect hard core gamers even if casual gaming is popular as people still want a full experience from a video game. Not only that, casual gamers could become interested in games that give a full experiences and become a hard core gamers themselves.
So in short: Hardcore gaming and console market isn’t dying because of mobile gaming… They can co-exist together as long companies make core video games that have great gameplay, have a creative direction and good story.
No, Handheld Gaming is not Dying… Stop Saying that!
In the past year, I have been getting furious with articles popping on the Internet such as:
- Industry Vet Bing Gordon Believes Nintendo Will Go Software Only
- Nintendo’s handheld division “will fall apart”
I’m sick of tired of seeing them. When I see these headlines, I get annoyed since mobile gaming is garbage. This is why I don’t use my iPhone 4S for gaming anymore since the games are boring. It’s also the reason why I have a 3DS and a Playstation Vita, to play real games. Still, some analysts can’t get it in their thick heads that mobile gaming is a fad that will eventually end. So, I’m going to share some crucial reasons why handheld gaming is better than mobile gaming:
- Controls: If you want to play real games, you must have a D-Pad, control stick and buttons. Smartphones don’t have these since they are not designed for gaming. Sure you can use the touchscreen, but it limits what you can do in the game. Also, on-screen controllers are not a solution since your fingers cover up the screen. Not to mention, Bluetooth controllers don’t count, they need to be built in on the device.
- Upgrade costs: With a handheld gaming console like the 3DS and Vita, you don’t have to worry about having to upgrade so you can play the latest games. The fatal flaw with mobile gaming is that Smartphones changes every so often and not all these devices run the same version of the operating system. You will end up spending more just to upgrade so you can play the latest games, especially if you want to do an early upgrade.
- Battery: The advantage of handhelds is that you can play them until the battery runs out and it’s not a big deal. When you start using your phone as a gaming system, your battery will start draining fast. I know since I own a smartphone and the battery starts going down relatively quickly. Once you use your phone to call someone, your might be stuck if the battery goes dead. This can become a big problem if you have an emergency like having a flat tire. You will be stranded
- Game Experiences: If you play any good handheld console game, you realize that it has a lot of depth that will keep you playing for several hours. The problem with mobile gaming is stemmed from Sturgeons’ Law. Since the games are easy to make, the developers put little effort to make a quick buck. In turn, this leads to very unsatisfying experiences which people play for 5 minutes before deleting the application.
Overall, I think mobile gaming is terrible for the fact the games are horrible and it’s a scheme to milk everyone’s money with worthless in-app purchases. Also, handheld consoles aren’t dying any time soon as no real gamer will game only on a smartphone.
If you are wondering about the games shown in the picture: Pocket Monsters Black 2 (DS), Shining Hearts (PSP/Vita), Mario Kart 7 (3DS) and the infamous Angry Birds, which is crap by the way.
Clean Sweeping Japan Once Again while Defeating Jupiter!
Total domination come in all sizes, but I outdid myself this time.
The good news is that the Let’s Play that I continuously procrastinated on is finally done! It cost me time and some money for the DLC song to finish it, but it was certainly worth it. The bad news is that it will take some time until I upload it. With that, I won’t spoil anything else until the video gets cut… so for now, enjoy!
Also, Jupiter is toast! That what you get when you ruined Hibiki’s episode!
It’s Here!
Yep, it’s my first Japanese Pokemon Game and I’m currently play it. I’m at the fifth gym now… but for coverage of the game, it’s here!
Brief Thoughts on Idolmaster Shiny Festa
As I tweeted on Wednesday, apparently Namco plans on making another Idolmaster game, but this time focusing on the rhythm aspect. To me, it would be interesting how it will turn out with the gameplay. Also, the graphics apparently look good for pre-render, although it kind of goes against the milking of DLC with costumes. Regardless, it might be interesting how they will implement extra content. Probably make extra songs to download or something?
Aside from that, it releases in October and I will most likely preorder this. Still debating on getting the physical or download (if any) since I might want to get a Vita, but I don’t know…
iM@S Oregon Trail
I must be really bored to do this, but someone at Project iM@S did one, but didn’t survive. This brought a good idea since I happen to have the retro copy of it on one of my old Macintosh computers and this was the result…
Yeah, I killed off the whole Project Jupiter and Kuroi. Take that for bullying Chihaya, but that was too harsh and I purposely killed them off. For that, I did a serious run and I was successful.
Also did a Ryuuguu Komachi run and got a higher score, despite Ami had a broken leg at the end with the fact that it took longer to get there.
The original game is too easy. Need to play Oregon Trail II, which is a lot harder and see how it goes next time.