*** THE CASUAL GAMER ***
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Get your random information here. This page is reserved to bring you casual gamers any bits of information that I deem worthy.
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November 2, 2008:
This is a test of the emergency website renewal system. I repeat, this is just a test. Real information will follow....eventually. Go read the main page again if you are bored.
January 22, 2007:
Holy Shit. It's been a while now, hasn't it? Not that anybody's looking or anything. Pretty funny how my last entry a year and a half ago could be so similar to now. I have since sold my candy pink DS, that I did order from NCS, in anticipation of buying a new "coral" pink DS Lite. However, the insanity of this past Christmas season has prevented me thus far from obtaining one. Someday I'll be able to get one.
Anyone remember the Bullshit Scale I was planning on implementing? I thought not, but anyway, I have another entry: The turd on IGN.com that edits the Wii page made some really arrogant comments in his Jan. 17 mailbag that made me really sad, in a "I hate the stupid fucking media" kind of way. He said that Twilight Princess is better than Okami, and that that is a fact. What a little bitch. These retarded game journalists need to take a reality pill and realize that their opinions are actually not that significant, and that they are very capable of being ignorant and mistaken. They all seem to think that they are so important nowadays, and they seem to have lost sight of the fact that they are merely a service provider. Readers shouldn't be subjected to hissy-fits and bitterness when trying to get a little information about some games. I was so mad I almost wrote a letter to the jackass, but then I remembered that it probably wasn't worth my time to argue with the 'tard.
May 1, 2005:
Wow. It's been more than a year since I did a single thing on this site. Well, it seems that boredom can drive a man to do many a thing. My roommate, Phil, is playing Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath right now, hogging my Xbox. So I decided to update this doo-dad for fun. I was also looking for a candy pink Nintendo DS online for import. I want a DS now and the lucky Japanese get all the cool colors. Anyway, I found a candy pink one at National Console Support for only $175. That's the cheapest I've seen it anywhere so far. I may decide to get it. Or I could just wait for the blue one coming out here in June and save myself $35 of extra costs. But what fun would that be?
April 9, 2004:
Yeah, uh, remember all the things I said I was going to do these last couple of months (see below)? Well, I haven't done but two things: Jack and shit, and Jack just left town. Today I guess I was just checking in, making sure Angelfire didn't take my website down or something. Seeing the site preserved in its pristine state of existence makes me wax nostalgic (whatever that means) for the heydays of my former internet innovating glory. These are depressing times, to be sure. Due to this crap called college, my gaming time has been reduced by about 90%. I feel weak, and my palms are hot and sweaty. Wait, ok, so I'm like that all the time, but this time it's worse, I swear. The fact that no one, not even me, reads this site anymore is kind of a downer. But, this Sunday is Easter, and maybe the casual gamer can rise from the dead and reclaim his former glory...!? [don't count on it]
February 6, 2004:
Just a few things...I'm going to remind myself here and break the news of a new feature I'm planning: It's called the Bullshit Scale. That's the rough title for now, at least. It's based on all the stupid game journalism I see out there, both online and in magazines. It's like games are really hard to evaluate or something, or there's a hidden agenda somewhere always. Here is an example to show how it will work:
First, I print a quote like this:
"Despite the fact that it's still essentially the same game as Super Mario Kart, there is no denying the innate quality of the production of Double Dash." - Ryan Davis, Gamespot editor[he gave the game a 7.9]
Then I reply to it: This comment is absolute Bullshit. I think it reads about a 9.9 on the Bullshit Scale. Anyone who's ever played both Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart: Double Dash knows that there are some very significant features added to Double Dash. And it so deserves a much better score than 7.9. I don't want to get into right here, but I think you see where this is all headed.
Also, I have some new G&B strips in the works. I just need to recreate them in paintbrush.
February 3, 2004:
My, how the mighty have fallen. But I fully intend to get this hunk o' junk back into fightin' shape. I realize that it's been the better part of a year since I updated this thing, and I feel a bit rusty in regards to my webmaster abilities. I am, however, fully confident that I can regain the passion and drive that enabled me to birth this landmark achievment in literary masterdom in the first place.
However, I have a new focus. I want to make this site simultaneously more ridiculous and more significant, if ever a thing was to be done. I have plans to change my rating system, so as to simplfy things in a way that will make more sense. I also plan to change the world, but the details of that endeavor are still up in the air.
As of recently I have been anxiously anticipating the upcoming Metal Gear games. In fact, when I get done typing this I think I'm going to go watch the Snake Eater trailer at Konami's site. Meanwhile, the release of The Twin Snakes creeps ever so closer. Which reminds me of the vile atrocity that plagues online gaming info sites. Every stupid site wants to make you sign up with them just to watch a frickin' 2-minute trailer that's probably free somewhere else (and they most definitely got it for free from the game company). Well, off I go, as Rygar awaits....
January 30, 2004:
Rise from your grave.....
April 14, 2003:
Must get help...I can't stop playing kickass new videogames. I got my copy of Soul Calibur 2 this past Friday. It still rules, even after playing it for several days' worth of time (fun fact: Longwood first got the game three Saturdays ago, and within the first 35 hours of his owning the game we had logged almost 24 hours of game time with it). It's going to take me forever to get good with everyone in the game, which I am determined to do. Last night I tasted blood with Mitsurugi's blade and like it. A lot. Moo-Ha Ha Ha.
I also crushed a little game known as The Wind Waker this past weekend. I'm attempting a second play through because of the second quest they allow you to play. A second run through is not something I usually attempt imediately after I finish a game, especially a longer game like Zelda here. But that game is super great, and I want to see if they changed anything for the second quest. I think this means I am officially Nintendo's slave. And Makar is my new best friend. Really.
April 11, 2003:
Wow. Really, wow. I didn't realize that it had been so long since I've written here. A lot has happened between then and now. I've been so consumed by my schoolwork that any free time I can squeeze in goes to sleeping and gaming (of which I've neglecting sleep more, lately). My current drug of choice is The Legend of Zelda: the Wind Waker. That game is sweeter than chocolate frosted sugar cubes with sprinkles on top. The depth and overall playability is just amazing. There is so much to do, so much to explore, so many puzzles to be solved. It is a grand undertaking, and one that I do so with great pleasure. Games like these prove that the guys at Nintendo are still king. I don't even need to see any more contenders--The Wind Waker is definitely the best game of 2003, and one of the best games ever made. PERIOD. And I'm not a fan boy, but Sony and Microsoft can suck on that for awhile. Those guys could learn a lot from Nintendo, and it's apparent that they already have. Other companies seem to be always playing catch-up to Nintendo's innovations and refinements. The only qualm I have about the Wind Waker is that it might be over soon, and that is somewhat depressing. Games like these make you wish they could somehow last forever, or that a sequel would come out every month or two. That's how you know when a game is really fantastic.
Also, I have another drug of choice. It has not quite possessed me as much as Zelda has, but it is still potent. That game is none other than Soul Calibur 2. What's that? It's not out in America yet? Well, my friends, the great Viking Longwood and I have had the esteemed pleasure of importing Japanese copies for the Gamecube (I won't actually have my copy until later today when I go home and pick it up). And, even without knowing any Japanese, we have played the hell out of that game. I can safely say that it is my absolute favorite fighting game ever, and is probably thee best fighting game ever. Sorry Virtua Fighter nuts, but SC2 makes VF4 feel like a day at your local funeral parlor. And I like VF4! SC2 is just head and shoulders above the rest.
In other news, my semester at school is finishing up soon. I have about three weeks left until finals, and everything seems to going pretty well. I'm waiting to see about summer jobs. I'm trying to weasel my way into the Bio department here at school for the summer, but we'll see how that goes. In other gaming related news, I have purchased Eternal Darkness for a meager 20 smackers, which is a great deal if you didn't know. Right now it is awaiting justification because Zelda is dominating my life. I also bought Jet Set Radio Future and have yet to dig into it, for similar reasons. And I have plans to purchase the Mark of Kri, which has reached the bargain price of $20. But I'm getting way ahead of myself, because for now, I must focus on destroying Ganon and restoring peace to Hyrule!!!
P.S.-- For those who want to know, Nightmare in Soul Calibur 2 is really the evil form of Link. Seriously--either that or they are twin brothers, one evil and one pretty decent like. Really, no BS.
February 21, 2003:
Yeah! It's Friday. I've been busy with a lot of crap for school and it's only going to get busier in the next couple of weeks. In three weeks is spring break, and it seems that all the teachers here decided that it would be a good idea to pack in a bunch of tests and assignments right before break. I'll just be glad when the smoke clears and I get a whole 10 days without worrying about homework. But right now I am just looking forward to enjoying the weekend.
Lately I've been listening to the new Zwan CD. I really wasn't sure what to expect from it, but it turned out to be really good. It is probably the best new CD and band that I've heard in a while.
Xenosaga is on the horizon, just around the corner and down the street. I'm getting it by mail (by way of TMFF) and it should be here by sometime next week. I probably shouldn't get myself too excited, otherwise the game could never live up to my expectations, and I will ultimately feel disappointed. And as far as bargain hunting goes, I remembered some other games that I want to get/play. Along with Mark of Kri, I want to get my hands on Eternal Darkness, Pikmin, and Super Monkey Ball. And yes the Gamecube is that good.
February 19, 2003:
I just don't have the time to update my site like I used to. It sucks because I do actually miss being able to add stupid crap to this thing. I will try to add stuff when I can, though.
Lately I've just been playing a mish-mash of tid-bits of different games. I have started a game in FF Tactics, one in Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and a couple new games of Devil May Cry (these are the major accomplishments among a plethora of title shot-gunning--I think I need more shells). I think I'm really just wasting away the time until Xenosaga comes out. Unfortunately, it will still be a couple of weeks before I can get my grubby little hands on it. But the good news is that there is only a week's time between when I get it and the start of my spring break. Pretty good timing. But I'm pretty sure I'll have some crappy schoolwork to do before spring break, so I might not have much time to get into it before then.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker comes out sometime within the window of March 24-26. I preordered it this past weekend and got the sweet extra disk with Ocarina of Time on it. That's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me, even if I do already own it for N64. There's also a bunch more games out there I want to get my mitts on because they are good games that are hitting the bargain bins. Games like The Mark of Kri and...well, I can't think of any more right now, but there are some. I just wish I had a lot more time to dedicate to gaming. And that is pretty much the story of my life. Sort of.
February 4, 2003:
Wow. It sure has been a while since I last wrote something on here. I feel like I have negelected my duties here on the site, and I'm trying to get some more content up. Since we last talked, I have beaten Metroid Prime to a bloody pulp. The last boss is one of the hardest ever, I think. Or maybe I'm just not hard-core enough. Since then I've spent my days playing various games on various systems. I got Hitman 2 a few weeks back and I demolished it in about 4 days. That game is real good. I got Shenmue II for Christmas but I haven't really cracked into that one yet. I just haven't been in the mood for it.
I can't wait until the end of this month. Xenosaga finally comes out around the 25th. And then, only a mere month afterward, the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker comes out. That is just a one-two combo of gaming glory. My homework is going to look pretty unnecessary when those games are out.
Speaking of homework, school sucks. I have been a slave to my Chem II class for the past 3 weeks, doing homework and attending labs and lecture. This is the most demanding class I've had in a long time. It really cuts into my gaming time. And I have my first test tomorrow. But I think I'll be fine.
I also have a new roommate for my new apartment. His name is Phil. He's pretty cool. We get along quite well. And he has a lot of cool movies. We watched Hard Boiled last night, and it has to be one of the greatest action movies ever made. It's a John Woo flick. And that explains a lot.
December 16, 2002:
Well, I'm about 5 hours into Metroid Prime, and so far, so good. I already think that it is one of the best games I've played this year. It's like a space-shooter Zelda with a Metroid frosting oozing through every crack. I'm only up to 65 packages in Vice City, and it's really starting to feel like a chore. maybe I'll get the rest someday.
Well, I'm proud to say that recording for my album has finally really gotten underway. I have about 7 songs going right now, and only about 30 more to go! Yes, it's likely going to be a double album. Hopefully I'll be able to pull it off by Christmas, so I can give it away as a gift. Even thought no one will like it. Except me. And Kirby, because he's nearly deaf now anyway. It is actually really fun to record and decide what parts to double or enhance and how to do so. I can't wait to master the tracks, either. That is always fun.
Wednesday is the day LotR: The Two Towers comes out. I really want to see it. I'll probably go on Thursday. Whoo-aaahh!
December 13, 2002:
Well, finals are over, and I've got a month break from school. Christmas is approaching fast, but I already have my shopping done. And I just got laid off. Times are good!
I'm planning on buying Metroid Prime tonight. From what I've read, it seems like it's the best game ever. period. But I must see it for myself to believe it. I've been the victim of mass hype and it's resulting disappointment before (ahemm...Vice City). But I have a feeling that Metroid will be different. First of all, it isn't a rehash of a year old game, and second, it's from Nintendo, which has probably the best track record ever when it comes to making good games. Speaking of Vice City, I solved it this past week. The end seemed to come fast and was very anti-climactic. But I'm still playing it, just to dig up some of the unlockable extras that with probably be way more fun than playing the actual game.
And I wasn't joking about the laid off stuff. I'm done here, for the time being. Basically, my boss said they'd keep me on as a contractor, but that they wouldn't be needing my assistance any time in the forseeable future. And, really, that works for me. I've just been milking this place anyway. And I was going to take time off for school next semester, anyway. I'll just get a new job for the summer or something. Well, that closes another day, week, whatever, in my life. Good night and sleep tight.
December 5, 2002:
It has been a while since I last wrote here. I hadn't felt like I had really all that much to say. But I am addicted to Virtua Fighter 4. I got it for 20 bucks. To say that's a steal is an understatement. That game is really good, and surely ranks highly amongst the greatest fighting games ever made. Yes, right up there with Strip Fighter 2 and Vs.
Anyway, it has become painfully obvious to me that no one ever reads my site, so from now on this site is dedicated to pleasing me and only me. All you stupid retard gay fag homos can fuck off, for all I care. See? that could have offended no one, because no one reads this shit. It is now only for my bittersweet satisfaction. So I'm talking to myself now...I am my own best friend. Just looking out for No. 1 now.......I think I kind of like that. No more taking it in the ass for the sake of any potential readers. Full out gay porn on the way!!!!! Yee-haw!!! Either that or I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, but inserting cryptic messages that only I can understand, and that I'll laugh at to myself, with wisperings of secrets and treasures that no one knows about but me! ffo kcuf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 14, 2002:
Still playing Vice City, at a meager pace. Some of the missions are frustrating or tedious, so it starts to become not so fun sometimes. I'm sure I'll get to the end sooner or later. Otherwise I've been enjoying my new Game Boy Advance, with which i got a free copy of Castlevania: Circle of the Moon. It is a really good game. It is a lot like Symphony of the Night for Playstation. I think I'm around 50-some odd percent through it right now. I purchased Episode II and LOTR on DVD this past week. I've been enjoying the movie and special features of Episode II the last couple of nights. The movie looks really crisp on DVD, thanks to its digital origins. I probably won't be diving into my LOTR DVD unitl sometime this weekend. It has 4 discs and has a shitload of extra features.
School has been taking up a lot of my time for the last couple of weeks, but this semester ends after the second week of January, so I'll get a much desired break. Too bad it's only a month break. I wish a summer-length break could come after every semester. I got the new Pearl Jam record, Riot Act, this past Tuesday. At first I got a feeling of disappointment from hearing the record, and it took a few listenings to get warmed up to it. I know that it is just me, having preconceptions of the album. I almost always have to get throught those before I really get into a record. I think that most listeners have an initial bias or conception of what something should be like, so people don't truly listen to something the first time they hear it. I think that is a good lesson to learn about and apply to life. Not everything comes easy, and not everything will always fit neatly into your references of previous experience. You should have and be open to new experiences, because they are out there, waiting to wake you up with a kick to the sack. That doesn't mean you have to like everything, but it is important to take time to notice and appreciate the finer details of life. Don't stop at the sugar-coated experiences--the instant gratifications of life. There is more out there to be discovered, learned, and loved. The second greatest fighting game series ever once told me that "knowledge is power," and I think that is a really great statement, and it rings ever so true. In closing, yes, the new Pearl Jam record is really good once you get attuned to it, and no, I haven't reviewed it yet. Patience, young grasshopper; sometimes full evaluation takes time.
November 7, 2002:
Not much going on right now. I got Red Faction 2 last Friday and beat it Saturday. Still playing Vice City. I'm a little over a third of the way through it (according to the game), and, unfortunately, it is a lot more of the same and not the great revolution that was promised. It is still solid, though.
I'm also very much enjoying my new Ours CD. It's really good. I also picked up U2's G.H. 1990-2000, which is good but a little disappointing. Their G.H. 1980-1990 is much better. Pearl Jam's new record comes out Nov. 12. So does Episode 2 and the new LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring DVD. Anyone who bought the previous Fellowship DVD seriously got it in the ass. Anyway, should be a good week for entertainment.
October 31, 2002:
Halloween is today, obviously. I kind of resent Halloween. I mean, it's the one day of the year when everyone thinks it's great to dress up in a costume and go parading around at night, but what about the other 364 days of the year? If you dress up in a costume on any other day of the year then people make fun of you and think you're crazy. It's just not fair. And you know that everyone secretly wants to dress up in costumes at random times during the rest of the year. And the whole idea of trick-or-treating just seems wrong. Sure, it's fun when you're a kid, because it's the one time of the year when your parents will let you scarf down candy in very unhealthy doses. But that is like going on a cocaine and alcohol binge at Old Chicago after spending the previous year clean and sober. And we all know that Halloween is just evil, right? Why else would people want to go around dressed up as devils and goblins and Harry Potter if they weren't possessed? And processed sugar is surely nothing more than the fuel for the fires of violence and hate. Halloween is just Satan's plan to take over the world through clever marketing strategies of candy companies and dimwitted parents. I just hope Mr. Goodbar has the balls to stand up and fight the system, although he may require the help of Baby Ruth. I seriously wonder how the Halloween we know today got the way it is. "Costumes and Candy: The Making of Halloween" should be made so I can get some answers. Until then, I will reject Halloween and its commercialized notions. But popcorn balls are still good.....
In other news, I just got GTA: Vice City, and so far it plays and looks a lot like GTA III. It seems like a good thing at first, but then when the same types of frustrating missions and cheap water deaths pop up you feel like you done this a few too many times before. But I will reserve my ultimate judgement for after I've beaten it. I also got Max Payne for PC last weekend. Now that is a game that delivers on the action and fun. I haven't finished it yet, but it is pretty darned sweet so far. I had the pleasure of seeing the Jackass movie last weekend. It was hilarious. That's one DVD that I'm looking forward to.
October 24, 2002:
I was just thinking how maybe this page would be more entertaining if I made it more like MTV news. I could put up some fancy logo and have typewriter sounds in the background. Then I could have some super-cool newspeople like Sway or John Norris (the coolest vampire around). Also, having Kurt Loder would be fantastic, just because his name sounds like a porn star's. I could have all the cool news about gaming, which really means all the stuff that has nothing to do with actually playing games. I could report on stuff like Sony and Microsoft bashing Nintendo's "kiddie games," or maybe how Mario has been conveniently doing Princess Peach and Princess Toadstool for some time now, with some side action from that girl from Donkey Kong (or, perhaps, from the big DK himself). I'd have so many fans it wouldn't even be funny. I'll get right to work on that.
Coming back to reality, nothing much is going on, but things are good. I crushed StarFox last weekend, and was a fun experience. I also bought a PC game called Freedom Force, which is a mixed bag. I can't decide if I really like or I hate it. Either way it was only $20, so yeah... I haven't bought Timesplitters 2 (Timeshitters 2?) or Red Faction 2 yet, but I will probably indulge soon. Viking Longwood can't get his mind out of the gutter, because he is anxiously awaiting the release of GTA: Vice City next week. I think he has mental problems.
Well, they finally did it, those selfish bastards. At work I have been cut off (again!) from internet access to my favorite game sites. They must think that people are playing games online at work all day. I can understand that, but I'm pissed because I just read the sites to pass boring free time, which I tend to have a lot of. Now I have to read about real news (ZZzzzzzz....) or, God forbid, work on this site, to pass time. Oh well, I guess that just equates me spending less time at work. Sounds good to me.
October 17, 2002:
Howdy, folks (like anyone reads this crap). Well, my brother's computer has me in complete in envy, or something like that. I really want one now, even though I never really cared much before. Maybe the feeling will wear off soon. I was looking on Dell's web site today at possible contenders, and came up with a respectable gaming rig for only $830. That seems pretty affordable to me, at least as far as computers go. So, in a message to myself: Don't spend more than $850 on a core machine! You can always wait and get it cheaper at a different time. Anyway, I was thinking that I should wait until the new Pentium 4 3.0 GHz chips come out, so that the prices of the older (but still fast) P4s will be driven down. That way I'll get a faster rig for the same price as the stuff I'm looking at now.
Back in console game land there is some StarFox action, finally. I'm 42% through the game at this point (the game tells you, I'm not calculating it myself), and I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Kingdom Hearts is still sitting and waiting for me to gather up the motivation to finish it. I also bought Blood Wake for Xbox for $15, and so far it seems well worth the money. Timesplitters 2 came out, and Red Faction 2 is supposed to be out, and I'm feeling the need to kill in first person pretty bad (in video games). I may have to purchase one or both games soon. Both got admirable reviews, so they should equate to lots 'o fun for me. But I'm also looking into some bargain PC games, too. Buy 2 console games for $100 bucks or 5 computer games for the same amount? I'll just have to play it by ear.
October 10, 2002:
Well, I can't complain. Things are all right. My brother is assembling a spiffy new computer for himself, which I plan on using for games when he's not around. Ha! Imagine that, me a PC gamer. I never thought I'd see the day. I'm sure that I'll still be a console gamer primarily, though. At least now I have all options open to me. I still haven't gotten into StarFox yet. Hopefully I'll get around to it this weekend.
In other random babbling, I hope to actually record some of my music soon, and I want to start another project: builiding my own tower to house my stereo and DVD player, amongst other things. Those things are just too expensive to buy, so I figure I'll build one myself. And if that goes well, I may build my brother a similar structure. Sounds like fun to me. I'll probably look at materials and costs this weekend.
October 8, 2002:
It's been a little while since I've written here, so I'll try and catch up. The site update is pretty much complete; there are only some minor tweaks left to be made. I'll be trying to add some more meaty content from here on, instead of wasting time with time-consuming asthetics.
Well, I thought Kingdom Hearts was all but beaten, but I was wrong. I got to what I thought was the end of the game only to be shoved back to do some tedious re-playing of previous levels. Way to put some cheap extra length into the game, Square! I'll beat it someday, even though it may take a while. I've also been playing a decent amount of Animal Crossing lately. I love how simple that game is. There is really no pressure to do anything; you just beat your own path through the game. It would be nice to see other games try something so fresh and open ended. Meanwhile, StarFox has been grounded since the day I got it. I have been busy with Kingdom Hearts and Animal Crossing, as well as school and everything else. I'll get going on it soon, though.
In music news, I'm really looking forward to Pearl Jam's new album, Riot Act, which comes out November 12. I bought the first single today. It is "I Am Mine," with a B-side of "Down." Both are great songs, and are making me want their new album very badly. And I just found out today that one of my favorite little known bands, Ours, is putting out a second record on November 5. It's kind of funny; I just got Ours' first album out again a couple days ago to listen to it, and I started to wonder what was going on with the band, so I checked their website today. I think it was a message from God or something, because that is an amazing coincidence (at least in my mind). Also, Audioslave comes out Nov. 19, the week after Pearl Jam. That is Chris Cornell's new project with former members of Rage Against The Machine. The Spider-Man and Episode II DVDs also come out in November. It looks like November is going to be an expensive month for me. And I'm not even thinking of any games I might want to buy next month, either. I may go broke getting everything. But at least I'll have something to do.
September 24, 2002:
Kingdom Hearts is now well under way. I'm a little less than 20 hours into it and I'm enjoying it more as I go. I'm looking forward to getting StarFox Adventures on Thursday, and I'm also picking up Animal Crossing as a guilty pleasure. Longwood purchased Animal Crossing last Thursday and it turned out to be very simple but addictive. Now I'm going to get it.
I took my first test at my new school yesterday. It didn't seem that hard. I think I did well. Unfortunately, I have another test tomorrow in a different class, and this one I'm a little more concerned about. I'm not sure what the teacher wants us students to know for the test. That makes studying harder.
The site upgrade is going well and I hope to finish it next week. Hope everyone likes it. If not, who cares? It's my site! Ha.
September 17, 2002:
Well, the site's upgrade is well under way now, and should be finished within a week or two. I'm liking it, so I hope you do, too.
Kingdom Hearts should have been in my hands today, but most stores won't have it out for two days. That is a major disappointment, but it will actually work out better, as Thursday is much closer to the weekend. StarFox comes out about 6 days after Kingdom Hearts, so I'll be plenty busy soon. Animal Crossing comes out this week, too, but I probably will put off that purchase for at least a few weeks.
Well, TMFF (over at The Darkside) and his girlfriend finally had their child, sometime within the last week or so (I'm not sure exactly what day). Here's a picture of the little guy that TMFF posted over at The Darkside:
I feel bad for the little fella, because it looks like he inherited his Dad's ugly mug! Just joking, TMFF. Hopefully he inherits your biceps instead. Anyway, he looks good, and best wishes for the little guy.
September 12, 2002:
Still nothing special in Casual Land, but then again, there never really is. Kingdom Hearts comes out in 5 days (at least it is supposed to) and I can't wait. Lately Viking Longwood and I have been killing the Flood and blasting some Covenant while making our way through the Halo co-operative mode. It is truly a blast. I think more games should have co-op modes.
I guess I lied earlier, because there is something brewing behind the scenes here. I'm planning a major overhaul and upgrade to the look of the site. Don't worry, I won't ruin it, in case you love the vintage look. I am just going to make things easier and more streamlined. Hopefully it will be done soon, but I only started today, so don't hold your breath.
September 5, 2002:
Not much new in the land of the Casual Gamer. Yesterday I had my first labs for my classes. I have two labs: the first one was all right, and the second one was pretty cool, because the teacher is pretty good looking and female. Otherwise school is rather boring at this point in time.
I have now seen Super Mario Sunshine in action, and even played it a bit, and I think it is sweet. It brings back fond memories of old. I can't wait until Viking Longwood is done with it so I can borrow it. This game really kicks all other recent 3D platforming games' collective ass. Mario's new groove makes Jak and Daxter look like a couple of gay crack hustlin' junkie whores. Actually, I haven't played Jak and Daxter much at all, but I'm sure Mario kicks its ass. After seeing Mario Sunshine and its superb world, its no surprise that all other developers are constantly playing catch-up to Miyamoto and his mastery of the genre.
I bought NFL 2K3 for Xbox last friday, having been quite delighted with it when I rented it the week before. I have already completed a season with my custom team the Mortal Kombat Ninjas (Something that just crossed my mind: Mortal Kombat Advance and Mortal Kombat Annihilation both have the same initials: MKA. Coincidence? Conspiracy? We may never know). Let's just say that it was no surprise that Sub-Zero was top quarterback on the year and Scorpion was top running back and rookie of the year. The game screwed me, though: Even though Sub-Zero was the top rated quarterback, he didn't get the quarterback of the year award: Payton Manning did. How? I don't really know. Also, even though my precious Ninjas excelled in the passing and running categories, they failed to garner many Pro Bowl votes. I had Marshall Faulk as a backup on my team, and only used him as a returner, and he ended up 3rd in total votes among half backs for the Pro Bowl. Somebody dropped the ball here.
Anyway, Kingdom Hearts comes out in less than two weeks, and I'm stoked. StarFox Adventures comes out either one or two weeks after that (I've seen conflicting release dates). Should be good times.
August 27, 2002:
Yesterday was my first day of school this semester, at a new and much bigger school. It seems okay, but it was a little boring. It was only the first day, though, so things could get better or much, much worse. I'll just have to wait and see.
Mario Sunshine comes out tomorrow (at most stores, anyway), and Viking Longwood is planning on buying it, so I don't have to. I'll get it eventually, but right now it is not my top priority, gaming-wise. I do want to see it in action, though. Kingdom Hearts is due in about 3 weeks, and I can hardly wait. After that I have another 2 weeks or so until StarFox Adventures comes out.
I bought Onimusha last weekend and I crushed it this weekend (not literallly). It is a short but sweet game, worthy of replaying. Espescially if you play as McLintock the rifle-toting rogue Country Bear Panda. I also finally finished Silent Hill 2, which is also short but not-so-sweet. It had a good story, though, and a spooky presentation. Now all I need is codes to unlock all the endings, so I don't have to play it through 5 more times. I also finally bought Way of the Samurai, ending my long desire for it. The Evil Demon Dojima will pay dearly, many times over, as will his soul-less vagabonds. I did rent NFL 2K3 for Xbox, which is great and doesn't have the slowdown of its PS2 brother, but couldn't get a copy of Madden, so I couldn't compare and contrast them. I'll rent Madden one of these days, though. I also played some more Soul Calibur 2, and I got my ass handed to me by some 12 year old kid. Luckily, Viking Longwood was there and got revenge for me by beating the kid several times in a row (at the game, not physically). Longwood's butcher of choice is the revamped Nightmare, who is now even more devastating.
Monday is Labor Day, and I get the day off. I hope you do, too. Take some time and enjoy whatever it is you enjoy most, and take time to appreciate friends and family.
August 22, 2002:
Well, today is may last day of summer working. I'll still be coming in during the coming semester (hey, I need some gaming dough), but not nearly as much. I am taking an extended weekend to just do whatever before I start school next week. I am actually kind of looking forward to school now. Last monday I went and got my books and checked out my classrooms. There seems to be a plethora of lovely ladies, and the campus was cool, so I'm thinking things might not be so bad.
Viking Longwood rented the PS2 version of NFL 2K3 this past weekend, and I love it. Sega has really done a great job with this game. I always liked the past incarnations, but this one is really top notch. It should give (I think it does) Madden a run for its money. I am planning on renting both Madden 2003 and NFL 2K3 for Xbox today, to give them a side-by-side comparison. We'll see who's #1 for a reason now.
August 16, 2002:
This past weekend was fun. I got to visit with a lot of my relatives, some whom I haven't seen in quite some time. My brother and I had tons of fun joking around with our cousins, aunts and uncles. The wedding was okay, too. I can't wait for someone else in the family to get married now, just so we can all get together again. And I didn't even bring any of my games along to play. I'm glad I didn't, though, because it was good to just take a break and have fun with my family for once. I don't see'em often enough, so it's a good thing that I didn't spend my time glued to a TV. In other news, I start school again on the 26th, and I'm not particularly looking forward to it.
Soul Calibur 2 is now at my nearest arcade, and you had better bet that I have played quite a bit of it already. I love it. It is truly a worthy successor to the first one. I am always looking forward to playing some more of it. I bought Sega's Beach Spikers yesterday, and that is shaping up to be some great fun. Arcade style beach vollyball rules, especially when it's done by the masters at AM2. There's a lot of games coming out within the next 6 months, and I'll never be able to keep up with them all. The ones I am looking forward to most are Kingdom Hearts and StarFox Adventures. I hope they both play as well as they look (just like Jade from MK:A fights as good as she looks).
August 7, 2002:
I saw 'Signs' last weekend. It was really awesome, but not in a boom-tastic action way. It was just good filmaking. It seemed even better because I was reeling with disappointment and dissatisfaction after viewing 'Goldmember' the week before.
This weekend I am going to my cousin's wedding up in good ol' Moorehead, Minnesota. I am actually going to be staying in a hotel in Fargo, North Dakota, because both Fargo and Moorehead are so near to each other and the states' border. I guess that means I get to visit two states that I've never been to before. Sweet. Viking Longwood will be watching my house and dog while I am gone, and I hope he does a good job. If not, Severe pain and Punishment shall visit him, and those are two guys he doesn't want to mess with. Anyway, I'm sure everything will go fine. I think I will be bringing along my PS2 and some games to play on my extended weekend there. If I bring Maximo, I'll have a hard time expalining that hole in the wall to the hotel managers.
August 2, 2002:
I got a new computer at work yesterday. It is pretty sweet, especially compared to what I used to have. The new one is a Dell with a Pentium 4 in it. Everything runs a little smoother now. I saw 'Goldmember' this past Saturday, and it sucked. I was extremely disappointed with it. Check my review to find out why. I am thinking that I want to see 'Signs,' the new M. Night Shyamalan movie that comes out tonight. At first I thought it would kind of suck, but after reading about it, it sounds pretty cool. Go check it out. It sounds like it will be quite a refreshing break from the barrage of brainless summer wanna-be blockbusters.
July 25, 2002:
My hit counter reached 444 today. Definitely a milestone for me and for the site. Thank you to all my dedicated staff (me) for the hard work and sacrifice that went into the creation and maintenance of this site. I look forward to the future, and the great creative bounties it holds. I think the advertisers are going to come knocking soon. Weezer on Letterman tonight. Watch if you care.
July 24, 2002:
Not much new in the Casual Universe. The new 'Austin Powers' movie comes out in two days. I plan on seeing it, probably Saturday. I hope it is at least as funny as the last two movies in the trilogy. My good friend Viking Longwood, resident programmer over at the Darkside (check my links), rented Eternal Darkness for GameCube this past weekend. I watched him play it for nearly the entire weekend. It is a very cool game; highly recommended. I won't review it, though, since I didn't play it very much. I mostly did the watching. I also picked up the White Stripes' album this weekend. It has a few noteworthy tracks, but is disappointing. They are HIGHLY overrated; I'm not sure why there is so much hype around them. They are no Strokes. I'll probably put up a review sometime soon.
July 11, 2002:
I rented Way of the Samurai for PS2 this past weekend, and I think that I'm addicted. It is a surprisingly good game, and far exceeded my expectations for it. Go play it. Reign of Fire comes out this weekend, and I plan to see it. It looks cool. Who doesn't like dragons? They're so bad ass. I just hope the movie is good. I don't want such a good premise wasted on a crap-pile movie. My new comic strip,'Space Stoned', is up, so check it out. I got the new Chili Peppers album a couple days ago. It rocks. Check out all my reviews if you haven't already.
July 3, 2002:
I am now back from vacation and back at work. I am looking forward to having tomorrow off and probably Friday as well. I didn't catch up on much gaming over vacation, so I might have to play hardcore this weekend. Or not, one or the other. I think I gained 5 pounds or more on vacation, so I'll probably be trying to get back into my workout routine again soon. Obviously, tomorrow is the 4th: Independence Day. Everyone celebrate and spend time with friends and family. That is what life is all about, so spread the love and the word.
June 13, 2002:
Today is the last day of work before I go on vacation for two weeks. I am looking forward to doing a lot of loafing and catching up on some gaming. I have also been playing a lot of Star Wars: Epic Duels Game lately, as you may have noticed. It is an awesome game. It has got me on a Star Wars high lately. I watched Phantom Menace again last night, and I really enjoyed it. I don't know why everyone always says it sucks. I think it has some really great parts, and is good overall. I think I am going to see Attack of the Clones again tomorrow.
Don't forget Father's Day everyone! It's this Sunday. Give your dad a hug for me.
June 5, 2002:
Hooray! It is my 21st birthday today. I can't believe I lived to see this day, growing up on rough streets and all. I am now magically responsible enough to handle alcohol, in the eyes of the government. Apparently that's not a trait you can possess before you turn 21. But then, at 21, you magically recieve it. And guess what?! It is a worthless right anyway. Alcohol is not worth anyone's time. Well, maybe a bum's.
May 20, 2002:
Today is the first day of working the whole summer. It sucks ass. My job is boring and fulltime seems like a real long time to me. I have seen Episode II: Attack of the Clones twice already. I went once on opening day and then again the next day. It was even better the second time. Although it is a good movie, I thought that Spider-Man was better. Check out my reviews if you haven't already.
May 10, 2002:
Today was my last full day of community college! All I have left is two finals next week and then I'm on to bigger and better things (supposedly). I saw Spider-Man last weekend. It was the best movie I've seen in a long time. I'm going to see it again this weekend. Then I'll be looking forward to Episode II, which comes out this thursday.
May 2, 2002:
Summer is drawing near, and the flowers are starting to appear. This month looks like it has potential. Spider-Man(the movie) comes out tomorrow and I fully intend to see it. Look for a review here soon. I know I said that about The Scorpion King, but I haven't seen that yet so too bad. I recommend that everyone try to get out and enjoy life along with the good weather!
April 24, 2002:
I would like to pay small tribute to a great and influencial performer: Layne Staley. Layne passed away a few days ago. As many of you may know, he was the lead singer in the band Alice in Chains. He was an amazing artist who contributed a lot to a very amazing band. I will admit that I only knew him through his music, but I still feel affected by his passing. I hope those closest to him can find peace and understanding. Thank you Layne, and God rest your weary soul.
April 19, 2002:
This is the first news post. I would also like to say that this site is starting to kick some ass. I have begun recording my first album of music in my home studio(shitty 4-track and guitars). I have around 30 songs mostly or partly written that I want to record. I may never finish them all. In other news, I am getting a associate in arts degree in a month and I'm throwing a sweet party shortly thereafter. Private Invitation only, though! Sorry Dan!
The Scorpion King comes out tonight. I plan on seeing it soon. Look for an upcoming review. I also can't wait for Spider-Man(May 3) and Episode II(May 16).
