The Lyfe of a Gamer

Super Street Fighter IV News

2010-03-07T19:51:00.001-05:00

All of the Street Fighter IV Ultras in all of their glory! Enjoy!

Gaming with games that aren’t Games

2010-02-28T23:58:00.000-05:00

For the better part of recent gaming history, platforms like the Wii and iPhone have been criticized relentlessly as soft-core or casual experiences. In many cases, traditionalists go so far as to accuse these platforms of not providing true gaming experiences. Games like Endless Ocean, Wii Fit, Wii Sports, and well, almost everything on the iPhone are frowned upon by gaming purists. Now the recently released Heavy Rain on the PS3 faces the same categorization as a non-game.

Personally, I prefer the term interactive entertainment, but hey, who cares. Games are meant to provide us an opportunity to escape and enjoy. Whether it’s Wii Fit, Heavy Rain, or an IPhone that occupies your time, it allows you a brief moment of escapism and entertains you. Some games challenge you, while others have a beautiful tale to tell; some engage you, while others are meant to experience with others. Whether casual or more involved, gaming has expanded its demographic and ushered in a whole new era. It’s great to be able to talk about games with just about everyone I know and play games with people who might not have, if not for the Wii. I absolutely love Heavy Rain and enjoy playing Rock Band with friends. I love being able to entertain my wife with Buzz and talk to her about the newest Iphone apps and/or games. I love that my favorite hobby is no longer a red-headed step child. Long live the absolutely awesome non-games that we are and will be gaming for years to come.

Currently Keeping Myself Busy with…

2010-02-28T23:56:00.002-05:00

SFIV: Join scrub sport for some fun and competitive matches with an awesome community. FADCU FOR THE WIN!!
Heavy Rain: Rocks!!
Darksiders: is okay

Game Companies Come Out Swinging in 2010

2010-02-28T23:56:00.001-05:00

Gamers usually find a brief respite in the yearly release schedule in January and February. Typically, these months are a time to recharge and prepare for a few months of major releases before the summer drought and fall onslaught of high profile games. Over the last two years, there has been a trend developing to release a smattering of good games during this time, however, 2010 has seen the big game companies come out swinging.

Already this year, Bayonetta, Mass Effect 2, Heavy Rain, Darksiders, Alien vs. Predator, Bioshock 2, No More Heroes 2, and this list goes on, have already been released. Over the last 2 weeks, Microsoft’s X10 and Nintendo’s summit have revealed even more hits to come. No longer are we confined to 2 months of good games each year. This year, gamers will be bombarded all year long with quality releases, even for the Wii; hot dang. Thanks Big” N, ” Sony , and Microsoft for realizing we like to play games all year long and for supporting the companies that put the work in to make it happen. And that’s this week’s quick Jab!!

Hori Real Arcade Pro V3-SA

2010-02-28T23:55:00.001-05:00

So Joysticks are big business now. Well, they have always been big business, but now they are also extremely popular. With the growing popularity of SFIV, Tekken, etc… more and more gamers are seeking to re-create arcade quality controls in their home. Even I, a life-long controller gamer, have recently converted. Last year, Madcatz burst onto the scene with their Street Fighter IV tournament and Standard Edition Arcade stick to challenge long time stick maker Hori. Though it is mostly a matter of preference, most regard the new tournament edition stick as the current King.

Recently, Hori released an exclusive Japan-only (for the time being) arcade stick that was reviewed by IGN. You can check that review out here http://gear.ign.com/articles/107/1071903p1.html . For us gaming nerds this is just one more viable option for arcade quality controls and it’s exciting to see those stick makers pushing each other to improve. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to get my hands on this puppy and check it out for myself. If you, like me, are excited by this release, check out the review. On a final note, I was able to up my arcade stick collection by one last week by adding a second Tatsunoko vs. Capcom stick to my collection. Shoryuken!!

Gaming Today

2010-02-11T21:16:00.004-05:00

Bow to the Gaming Gods (No not EA) and give thanks. Gamers today are just plain lucky. If you choose, you can play all of those games old people like me are always talking about, but even we don’t play anymore; nostalgia is cool for 10 minutes, then it’s time to move on. But why play those games when you can play the current games of Today? We have hard games: Ninja Gaiden, Bayonetta, and Devil May Cry. We have easy games: everything else. And we have some pretty games: Mass Effect 2, uncharted 2, Mario Galaxy (yeah I know it’s on the Wii), but it’s still pretty. And for creativity, just head over to the Wii or pick up a DS; I am not saying you can’t find creativity elsewhere, but those systems are swimming in it. Games today are long, short, come with save points, cool, pretty, and even come with warnings; just check the internet. Seriously, gaming has come a long way. We can talk to long lost friends, or close friends via their online services and enjoy the company of a friend when they can’t be there in person. And best of all, you can turn your game system on… WITH THE CONTROLLER. Need I say more? I will. You can carry your games in your pocket complete with enough memory to watch movies, listen to music, and spend money you don’t have on games you won’t play. Yeah, PSP go and DSI, I do love you. In a very serious moment, I would like to say these two systems are what I dreamed of growing up; to have them now is really cool after having grown up with older technology. Nothing I grew up with compared to the accessibility and overall quality of what I enjoy today. Gaming really has evolved and I am glad to be alive now to enjoy this awesome hobby.

Fighting Games

2010-02-11T21:15:00.001-05:00

I love fighting games. With the release of Street Fighter IV last year and Capcom’s continual bombardment of releasing older games, fighting game fans are in luck. There has been a huge resurgence of interest in fighting games, joysticks, etc… These once hidden communities have emerged, showing that they are indeed still around and quite large in number. It’s inspiring to see these games bring people together and once again make competitive play engaging and fun.

Thank you Aksys, Namco, and Capcom for all of the Fighting Game love. Capcom, in particular, recently released Tatsunoko vs. Capcom on the Wii as a great show of appreciation and fan service. Yeah, maybe it will sell; in any event, it is an amazing fighter that everyone who loves these games should own. Aksys Games, thanks for some new blood; Blaz Blue is pretty cool. Namco, thanks for another Tekken. Sega, what’s up with Virtua Fighter? And Capcom again, thanks for the upcoming Super Street Fighter IV. No I did not forget SNK, I instead am choosing to just not say anything at all. Next! Lastly, for all of you that love these games as I do, join the scrubsport . I know, I am not THAT good at Fighting games either, but that community rocks and we all have tons of fun. Come join us and throw your very own “Quick Jabs….”

The Sticks

2010-02-11T21:14:00.002-05:00

Since I last updated my blog, I have acquired two new arcade sticks. The Marvel vs. Capcom Tournament Edition Stick for the Xbox 360 and the Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom Stick for the Wii. The Tournament Edition stick isn’t much different from other Tournament Edition sticks, obviously with the exception of some cool art. The Tatsunoko stick is slightly better than its Xbox360 and PS3 counterparts and a really sweet addition to my Arcade Stick Collection. I am loving my collection and looking forward to the Super Street fighter IV sticks. What can I say...? At least when the boys come over, they will have their choice of high quality Arcade Sticks to choose from.

I’M Baaaacccckk!

2010-02-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

Wow, it’s been a while since I last blogged. Between life and developing a purpose for blogging, it’s been rough, but I am back now with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to just being me. I’ll update this blog weekly with what I am playing, some joystick news, fun community stuff, and an article of some sort on gaming. I love games and hope to continue to share that with all of you.

2nd Tournament Stick Modification

2009-10-13T22:36:00.003-04:00

So After a month and a half wait, my clear seimitsu buttons arrived. I decided to get right to work and have installed the art in the buttons and completed my second tourney stick mod. Check out the pics below: this one is sweeeeett!! Next up a custom stick for the wifey.

The "Femme Fatale" Stick Has Arrived

2009-09-10T22:43:00.004-04:00

Last Friday I recieved my PS3 Tournament Edition Arcade stick in the mail. Now I am simply awaiting my clear buttons to complete that modification and share with everyone. More exciting news is that yesterday I recieved my "Femme Fatale" Limited Edition Tournament Arcade stick. Admittedly I wasn't a big fan of the art initially and had planned to sell it, however, after seeing it up close and personal and having it in my hands, it's a keeper. Check out the awesome pics.

"Round 2" Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition Arcade Sticks & Pads

2009-09-03T00:13:00.005-04:00

Wow, Capcom has decided to make a killing off of Street Fighter IV. Today at the Gamestop Managers conference, Capcom announced "Round 2" of their highly regarded fighting pads and Arcade sticks. The art on the tournament stick is ok, however, the pads are particularly nice. See pictures below. At least they were nice enough to tell us before PAX, now we won't waste our money on the "Femme Fatale" Stick. Thanks Capcom.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 Tournament Edition Stick

2009-09-03T00:04:00.005-04:00

A member of the Shoryuken forums has posted this amazing picture of the upcoming Marvel Vs. Capcom Tournament Edition Arcade Stick. The art on this thing is gorgeous, no modding needed. Accoring to the source, this stick will be available at Gamestop on September 25th. Wow, what a way to trump their announcement a few days ago of the limited edition PAX "Femme Fatale" Arcade Stick. Can't wait to get one.

New Street Fighter IV Stick at PAX

2009-09-01T00:52:00.004-04:00

Check out this Ign article on the new Street Fighter IV "Femme Fatale" Tournament Edition Arcade Stick being released at PAX. Though I am a huge fan of modding in general and realize even I could and have chosen better art at times, the collectable nature of these sticks can't be denied.Good luck getting one to all of you collectors.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/101/1019953p1.html

Next Arcade Stick Project

2009-08-30T11:10:00.003-04:00

Today I am ordering a second Mad Catz Tournament Edition stick to use on my Ps3. I had some simple art plans, but am currently rethiking them. I am possibly looking to make Abel the focus of the stick and going with Seimitsu clear buttons as well. The stick should be here by next weekend so any suggestions on art would be appreciated. Also I am still looking for help with installing Led's.

Local DC Tournament Scene

2009-08-30T11:00:00.002-04:00

Last night at Fast Eddie's in Washington DC there wqas a Punchout (Wii) tournament. Following an opening round match against my wife I hit my stride only to face-off against my friend and former student Hassan. After a close match, I came away with the decision and prize money. The tournament was great fun and the organizers are scheduled to have a madden tournament on Saturday, September 12 at7pm. Let's get out and have some fun people; it's go time.

Gaming Community on the Rise

2009-08-28T23:46:00.003-04:00

A small gaming community is coming together here in the DC Metro region. DMV gamers is starting out as a facebook group with the goal of holding game tournaments and gatherings throughout the region as we grow in size. All gamers are welcome as we encourage people to come togehter and have fun. If you have facebook, check us out and feel free to send us a message. We encourage anyone with an interest in gaming is encouraged to come out and be around others to explore your passion as it relates to gameing. I hope to see more people join our group and come together throught the DC Metro region.

My 1st Arcade Stick Modification

2009-08-28T23:28:00.005-04:00

Over the course of the last 2 months I have slowly started to make the switch to an Arcade stick for fighting games and yes I do see why people prefer the stick.
As I moved to the stick I took an interest in the wonderful world of Arcade Stick modding. As an Artist, this is going to be a great way to marry my passion for art with my love of games. I have decided to focus my blog on the world of modding and all the resources available around the net to get started. Check out the picks of my 1st ever modification, it's simple but oh soo sweet.

Remember When: "Gaming Was FUN!"

2009-03-24T21:38:00.007-04:00

As an older gamer, I remember the thrill of beating a game and bragging to my friends that I was able to do something in a game that they weren't. I loved just playing games and new games were few and far between.

Today, I buy games pretty regularly, beat most of them and still enjoy the challenge of a good one. With the advent of Achievements, and trophies, however, I find myself not playing my Wii as much and getting caught up in the hunt for those meaningless Achievement points. Sometimes, the reviews, scores, blogs, and forums turn gaming into something not very fun at all.

Every now and again a game comes along to reminds me that "games are fun." Admittedly there are a wealth of good games right now, however, few are simple, addictive and fun. One such game I recently purchased. Overlooking the mediocre reviews and all it's flaws, I am having "Fun" again with... WWE Legends of Wrestlemania. Admittedly I am a fan of all the old wrestlers, but this game is fun. It reminds me of the time I played the very 1st Wrestlemaina at a friends house every morning before school. Games don't have to be perfect to be fun, sometimes they are not even all that good, but they work, and their FUN!! Oh, and the achievemnts are pretty easy too. :)

Weekly Rant: "Mad at Mad Catz"

2009-03-24T20:57:00.013-04:00

For as long as I can remember, Mad Catz has been a hated enemy of most "seasoned" gamers. You see, Mad Catz has had a looooong history of making crappy accessories. Why Capcom chose Mad Catz of all 3rd party accessory companies is truly beyond me. Before we get to the actual quality of the controllers, let's take a look at the lay of the land to truly appreciate this most recent Mad Catz release.

Fact: Street Fighter IV was going to be released on February 17th to millions of fans, 850,00 of which bought the game during it's initial month across all platforms. Opinion: This huge fighting franchise is making it's debut with both consoles having rather underwhelming(PS3) and downright horrible(xbox 360) standard contollers. The market is ripe for Mad Catz to score big: so how did they do?

Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Many of us can only afford to either go with the standard stick (70$) or the cheaper joypad (40$). I have the luxury of owning the game on both the PS3 and 360, yep I am a fanboy, Duh! On the 360 the joypads are just okay. They feel cheap, and the cool Akuma one doesn't register diagonals very well at all. The other less attractive Chun-Li pad works just fine. Overall compared to the stellar make and quality of the PS3 pads, the 360 ones sort of pale in comparison. The 70$ stick (which I do not own) seems to be a good buy, but from all indicators needs to be modded to truly be appreciated. This is a tall order for those of us not accustomed to it. Lastly is the tournament stick (thank you wifey!). This stick is simply amazing to behold and use. However, due to it's amazing sensitivity, it has taken a little getting used to for me, a self proclaimed pad lover. Too bad it took a whole month for mine to get delivered, thus the hold- up in my blog. With all that said, it's all kind of meh. The sticks seem to be great while the pads, not so much at least on the 360. The biggest mistake made by Mad Catz is that they simply couldn't make enough controllers for the high demand. It really doesn't make any sense for them to see the landscape and dollar signs and blow it all by not making enough. Even people like myself with preorders are still waiting for one pad or joystick still on order. Yep, a month later, way to go Mad Catz. And this is why, I am "Mad at Mad Catz."

Spotlight Game: Street Fighter IV

2009-03-24T20:03:00.003-04:00

Just over a month ago, Street Fighter IV was released and for many of us, it was pure gaming bliss. There have been many reviews of Street Fighter IV since it's launch, so I will choose instead to write a spotlight, and focus on the impact of this game on the gaming community. I'll explain why it's taken me so long to talk about the game I love so dealy in my "Rant of The Week." Now let's focus on the Spotlight for this past month, Street Fighter IV.

It's been a while since we have had a "new" Street Fighter game, so the fanfare surrounding Street Fighter IV was huge as the game released. Gamers found themselves visiting (or searching for) the arcades to play and once again meeting face to face to square off. Street Fighter IV has brought the gaming community together again in a way that hasn't been realized for years. Fighters old and new are coming togehter to talk about Street Fighter, play Street Fighter, and celebrate in the community that has been energized around this game. Even I, an admittedly casual gamer nowadays have dedicated much time, money, and effort thus far to playing this game. Though I won't be bringing home any trophies, the sheer bliss I feel, even in defeat, is more than enough to keep me motivated.

As with all things nowadays, the initial hype and excitement can only last so long. It's been a month and fewer and fewer of my friends remain to play with me. Only the good to great players remain online, and most of the fanfare is gone. So where is the impact I was talking about? Well, my friends and I now get together to talk street Fighter, practice and study it so that we might get better. We bring others into the fold and show them the ropes. Even I will be participating in, of all things, a tournament this Saturday at Fast Eddies in Washington DC. No I don't plan on winning, well maybe, who knows. But I do plan on making lot's of friends and playing more in person and online with all of my fellow participants. This game has made me want to invest in it, talk to other people about it, spend money on it, and care once again about the social aspects of gaming. I hope to meet some new Street Fighter IV friends online, drop me a line if you ever wanna fight. Shoryuken!

Street Fighter (and Why I love it)

2009-01-25T20:13:00.008-05:00

So how big of a Street Fighter fan are you? Man, I have been playing Street Fighter since I was probably around 10 or 13 years old; that's 20 years. Currently I have every Street Figher incarnation sans Street Fighter EX and Street Fighter the movie, though I did have both of them at one time. I remember going to the arcade with my little brother, inserting our allowance and playing all day. Sure at the beginning we got our butts kicked quite often, but as time went on we got pretty good and starting issuing butt kickings of our own. What I remember most ,however, was the friendships that were made around the machine, the strategy that was talked and enourmous amount of fun that was had. That's why I love it.

It's not just the menories, but the timeless gameplay, strategy, and fun that still exists that keeps me coming back. To this day, win or lose in Street Fighter and it's your own fault, not the controllers' or that cheap players your playing against. while I'm not nearly as good as I once was, it's still fun to play a round here or there. If you would have told me 15 years ago that I would be able to download this game, play over the internet while talking, and have the game look better, I would have built my own delorian to go into the future. Street Fighter II Turbo HD remix is probably the holy grail of Street Fighter II, I didn't think I could be any happier and then: Street Fighter IV. WOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Yep, I'm excited, February is just about the closest thing to Christmas as far as I'm concerned. Street Fighter IV is a re-imaging of Street Fighter II from a fans perspective. Rarely is there a sequel built and tested from the ground up for and by the fans, but Street Fighter IV is that game. From the cool controllers and fighting pads to the awesome collectors editions, this game was made for us fans. I am going to truly enjoy re-living those "Wonder Years" and look forward to the process of getting better even if I no longer have my brother to whoop up on me. With Xbox live I am sure someone will be ready willing and able to punish me for a few weeks before I get any good at the game, but I plan on enjoying every minute of it. Thanks sno for the motivation to have me write this and for getting me that AWESOME limited edition arcade stick. Shouryuken!!

What's up in my World!

2009-01-25T19:56:00.003-05:00

Well, when last I posted my xbox 360 was being sent out and recieved again. To remedy this problem my loving wife (god bless her) got me a Xbox 360 Elite. Ohh my how I love the both of them. So now I have my new xbox and a mostly working back-up. With 2 functioning xbox 360's I am truly in gaming bliss.

Like everyone the recession is making me think twice about my purchasing, so Gamefly is a new best friend of mine, and a fine one at that. I rent most games and buy the ones I really like, but tightening the belt on that is a big part of what we are doing this year. So if you have a recommendation for an upcoming good game, or just a game that your looking forwward to let me know.

Last but not least, i'm picking up art again. I've been away from it far too long so drawing again will be great. I did find one new lovve in my time away; ROCK BAND 2. wow, that game is fun. Anyone in need of a drummer should send me an invite. Thanks for catching up with me everyone!

I'm Back!!

2009-01-25T19:50:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my super supportive wife, sno for encouraging me to resume my blogging. It is indeed refreshing to just talk about games, which I luv so much. Also a thanks to my extended family Char and Lisa for taking the time to read my blog. I love all of you. Now let's get back to the blogging.

My Baby is returning

2008-06-29T17:53:00.003-04:00

So My xbox 360 is coming home. I should be up and ready to play by tomorrow evening; Monday June 30th. Yeah!! That time away really allowed me to enjoy MGS4 and truly appreciate my new PSP and PS3. I am a gamer at heart and always will be so I am anxiously awaiting the return of my box. I'll see you all on live.

What is a Hardcore Gamer?

2008-06-29T17:01:00.009-04:00

Go to any message board and listen to any podcast and you might find yourself in a heated argument about what it means to be a "Hardcore Gamer." What is a Hardcore gamer? What exactly does a hardcore gamer play? Am I a "Harcore Gamer;" Are you?
I liken a hardcore gamer to being a gaming entheusiast. Much like myself, someone who purchases lots of games, owns several gaming systems, incessantly checks gaming sites, listens to podcasts, and generally invests time and money into the hobby of gaming. If you are reading my little old blog for some small feeling of belonging to a gaming community; then thank you and welcome to the "Hardcore" fraternity; you are most certainly "Hardcore."
So what does a "hardcore" gamer play. We play any and everything sometimes its good, and other times; well, it's not so good. Yes, we love the Wii; it has great games and franchises that we hold dear to our hearts. Most of US probably spent more time with Mario than with our own families. Don't hate Nintendo for capitalizing on our love for fun simple games; "Hardcore" does not mean HARD. Nintendo is not anything if not "Hardcore"; hell they named their console the Wii and you still bougtht it didn't you? Enough said.
Yes, we play Xbox 360 and PS3 to get our technological fixes and enjoy their wonderful games as well. Truthfully, you'll most likely find us up late at night chatting away over live or sitting open mouthed looking a an amazing MGS 4 (though admittedly long) cut scene. Don't box US, the "Hardcore Gamers," into a whole that says we only play certain games. We play all games, some good and some bad, and we love every minute of it. A great game makes us run (or drive) home smiling like a five year old at Christmas; a big release has us thinking about it and counting down the days until it's arrival.
That's "Hardcore;" we are invested in our games and our community. We are fanboys and flamers from time; we are deeply connected to our gaming experiences. We seek out others like us and are on a never ending quest to spread the joys of our gaming to all. We are "hardcore gamers, and if you actually finished reading this post, then so are you :) and I hope to play with you soon.

What makes the PS3 sooo sexy?

2008-06-08T19:45:00.004-04:00

It's picking ups steam people... the PS3 is a comin'. So what makes it sooo sexy? Well it's black first of all. Just kidding; the PS3 is a remarkable piece of technology & it looks the part. Check out their awesome PSN games; Everyday shooter, Caling all cars, Ecochrome & Pixel Junk Monsters are all top notch. Moving on, all themes are free, free wireless, free web browser; free, free, free... what a concept, lot's of free stuff. And the new PSN store; woo is that sexy? But really, it's all about the games, and they are getting better. The 3rd party games are starting to look and play like they do on "the Box," and the exclusives like Uncharted, GT5 Prologue, and soon to be relaesed Metal Gear solid 4 completely rock. So the PS3 is catching up a bit. Hey we all would benefit from some health competition. Don't hate; apprecitate all that the PS3 has to offer. Go 'head Sony & strutt your stuff.

Why Xbox 360 isn't completely obliterating the competiton.

2008-06-08T18:25:00.005-04:00

I know so this sounds slightly fanboy'ish. Well as an owner of the 3 big systems I can truly say I love them all. However, for the most part, the 360 gets a lot of play and time in my household. Their still however remains one nagging issue; it breaks... A lot.
Evey aspiring gamer who has yet to enter ther current generation of consoles has 360 on their brains. They always say Sam, I really want one, but I am scared it might break. I kindly respond, "Don't be scared, it will break, just accept the reality." Nope I am not kidding, if you love gaming, you kind of accept this sh**, but normal people just can't bare to deal. If they could actually make on that works for mare than 1 yr., than it would totally rock.
In any event, my 360's vacation will only bring me closer to my Ds lite, Wii, PS3, and recently purchased PSP (Red). Too bad it took such a tragic event to bring me close to my other consoles.