Games to Look Forward to in March 2011

As the new month approaches (must faster than I expected), there is a whole new line-up for good games. Well, and 3DS stuff, which is looking to go expectantly well. Besides the 3DS, I'm listing some games that I expect will top out the charts this month and why. So these are the games you should look into further.

XFX 2GB Radeon HD 6950 Review

So, the XFX Radeon HD 6950 is one of the best graphics cards out there. Period. It isn't the best, but the best ones are simply too good to be practical. Well, this one is too, but its much more practical. Anyway, the XFX offering with this graphics card is a double lifetime warranty. When I heard this, my first reaction was: "I don't plan on living more than one life...", but in reality, that means that there is a warranty on it when you sell it to someone else as well, making the all the better. Plus, if you are technically skilled with things like this, a simple BIOS flash, though dangerous, will bump this up to the same specs as the HD 6970. The 6970 IS on the second tier of the February 2011 Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart. So, this card is amazingly good for its price. In my opinion, its the best buy for the ATI side of the chart.

Overall: 48/50

New Minecraft Launcher

So, Beta 1.3 came out a few days ago. I feel somewhat stupid for not posting anything about it, but this will have to to. Minecraft.net has been down for most of the day. I figured it was just some maintenance or something. Well, I re-downloaded Minecraft and discovered a new launcher! That's right, a whole new launcher. I may be a little overly excited, but I do think it is pretty cool. It has the latest updates and what they fix/do. And some other basic news. The only real complaint I have is that the actual login part is almost concealed to the bottom. Its not bad though. One of my favorite things is the inclusion of the Minecraft file directory. Click options (next to login) and then click on the directory; you're there! It saves time of searching for it every time. So, thats about all I have to say about that. And for extra effect, heres a screenshot: (Click to make it bigger)

Official Minecraft App for iOS and Android

Mojang (the Minecraft company) has officailly announced that there will be iOS and Android versions of Minecraft due out later this year. This is exciting news for pretty much everybody. We don't have to deal with crappy clones anymore, and instead get the full product! Well, maybe. I expect that this won't be quite as full featured as the actual game will develop into, but it will nonetheless be a great experience. This will be what will spread Minecraft to the ends of the earth! Stay tuned, as I plan to cover this pretty much as soon as I hear about it.

Skyrim Trailer

Well, a trailer was released today (or last night?) for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. If you haven't already seen it, you need to see it. And I have graciously provided it to you!

Newegg Electronics Trade-In Program

Well, I know I've recommended Newegg before as the greatest online electronics retailer. I'm doing it again. Except this time, there is more of a purpose. Newegg just recently started their electronics trade-in program. The program is powered by Gazelle, probably the most reliable website for actually getting money for gadgets and such. On Newegg however, the program is tailored to offer you the most for your money. Or Newegg gift card that is. When you do it through Newegg, you will end up with slightly more money, but the money will only be useful at Newegg. For computer people like myself, this is an amazing process, and definitely something I will exploit in the (near) future. For others, use this as a learning experience and start selling your stuff to Gazelle. Well, here's the link to the Newegg process, and beware, it is very new, so all the bugs aren't quite worked out. But you know Newegg will cooperative like always. http://promotions.newegg.com/Gazelle/122110/index.html?cm_sp=homepage_topv1-_-Gazelle/122110Brand-_-http://promotions.newegg.com/Gazelle/122110/980x130.jpg

Minecraft Texture Pack Tutorial (Simple & HD)

So, I threw together a quick tutorial on how to patch different graphics packs into Minecraft. Its very simple, but I hope it helps! Enjoy!

Minecraft Documentary

Well, a Minecraft Documentary is in the works... for a short preview of what it will be like, visit here: Minecraft Video Game, Documentary HD | Video Clip | Game Trailers & Videos | GameTrailers.com.

Really, it's something that really interests me. One, I am looking to become a game programmer. Two, I am a massive fan of not only Minecraft, but Notch. So, check out the video and if you feel inclined, donate!

Minecraft Commercial?

So Notch put out a video on his blog... and the most I could make of it is that it is a really, really weird commercial for Minecraft. At least it is about Minecraft, so I enjoy it nonetheless. Make what you want of it!

Operation Flashpoint: Red River Debut Trailer

Another great game coming out this year, in April I believe, Operation Flashpoint: Red River will probably provide the most realistic combat shooter available on consoles. Though the first installment: Dragon Rising received a lot of criticism, both good and bad, I really enjoyed the game. So obviously, I am looking forward to Red River. Set as Marines in Tajikistan fighting the Chinese Red Army, Red River seems more refined than ever. Check out the debut trailer!

Bulletstorm Boom Trailer

If you don't already know, I'm really looking forward to Bulletstorm. So, since I'm gonna be pretty busy, all I can post today is their brand new trailer. Hope you enjoy!

How to use Minecraft Cartograph

Here is a quick video I made, basically just testing out my new system. Starting next week, the Minecraft series will be underway, so stay tuned! Anyway, this video will walk you through the installation and use of the Minecraft tool: Cartograph. Enjoy!

Minecraft Proposal!

It was bound to happen eventually, wasn't it? Some hero thought it would be a good idea to propose to his girlfriend in Minecraft. Actually, I gotta give the guy some credit, simply because he had the balls to do it. Though, there is evidence that she too was a player in Minecraft, so I have a feeling that will be a lasting relationship. Remember, the couple that games together, stays together. So here, check out the video of it!


(I am somewhat worried that the first thing heard is a Nether portal...)

Crysis 2: Story Trailer

Of course, with my monster gaming computer almost completed I can rightfully look forward to Crysis 2. The first installment was practically a PC benchmarker. If your computer could run it... well, your computer was a god. Anyway, Crysis 2 is also being ported to consoles, and much like Battlefield 3, the PC version should still have the best features and effects. So for everyone looking forward to it, the story trailer was just released. So take a look!

Happy Valentine's Day from VALVe

Since I don't have anything specifically lined up for today, I thought I would just share the amazing video that VALVe put out for Valentines day (and Portal 2). Give it a gander and be amused! In other news, my graphics card is in the mail, so I expect Thursday or Friday to bring an introductory Minecraft video.

SoundCloud Application Review

SoundCloud, an amazing online music collection, has made the move to the Android Market. Both new and old artists utilize SoundCloud to put their songs out for people to listen to and download. The mobile application acts as music streamer and will let you play any song you can find on SoundCloud. And that's a lot of songs. The app is great for anyone who doesn't have space on their phone for their own music, or doesn't have music to put on their phone.

Overall: 45/50

Bulletstorm Demo Impressions

So I just spent the last hour playing the Bulletstorm demo, and have mixed feelings. Please realize that this is my second most looked forward to game of 2011, so my expectations were clearly quite high. Anyway, from what I played tonight, it was ultimately enjoyable. I played the map about 4 times through. The biggest problem I had was getting inspiration for skillshots. I felt like I was stupid by simply shooting them; I felt obligated to perform skillshots. I guess that that isn't a bad thing, considering the game revolves around skillshots, but it still seemed too forced. The map was pretty sweet, the three enemy types were obviously specialized in something, and the teammates were useless. Actually, the teammates ruined my skillshots more than anything else. I do realize that the full game will feature way more skillshots and enemies and weapons, but I sincerely hope there is more inspiration for using them all to the best advantage. All in all, the game seems to be on the right track for sure; for me though, its a little farther down that track than I expected.

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Skyrim Concept Art

Here is a compilation of concept art for Skyrim. I will probably be covering most of the big mileposts in the development of Skyrim seeing as it is my most anticipated game of this year. Anyway, take, eat, and enjoy! (Click to enlarge the picture)

Benefits to PC Gaming

It's a pretty big argument, I suppose, which console is better for gaming on. Honestly though, I think the question should be: why aren't we gaming on computers anymore? Well, I can answer that as well as deny my answer, so I am going to do both. The majority doesn't use computers anymore for gaming because it's too expensive. Yes, it's that simple. In order to have a computer that lasts as long as a console you have to put literally thousands of dollars into it. And when that cycle is over, you have to make a new one, pumping just as much money into it. Despite costing thousands more than consoles, I believe that PC gaming is extremely beneficial to a lot of people.

Everyone has computers. Well, practically everyone has computers. But if a person is going to have a computer and console for gaming on, whats the point? When you have a computer that's good enough to play all the new games and such, its capable of a ton of other stuff as well. Stuff that consoles can't do even if they wanted to. Therefore, the benefits of PC gaming are not only a better gaming experience, but a better experience in general simply because there are thousands of new things available to you. And if you are willing to put in a lot of money to begin with, instead of completely building a new system in a few years you can just upgrade the necessary parts over time.

Most of your friends play on consoles? Okay... well keep your console, thats fine. They usually have their exclusives anyway which is a big selling point for them. But PCs have tons of unspoken exclusives as well, and usually get what are considered Xbox exclusives. The best bet for the greatest gaming experience is to get a PS3 and a PC, you get all PS3 exclusives, console exclusive, PC exclusives, and most Xbox exclusives as well.

What it all rolls down to is how much you are willing to put into a computer. If you spend countless hours on a computer anyway, investing in a gaming computer is a great idea. Even if you only spend some time on a computer, but wish you could do more with it, you definitely can with an investment.

Daft Punk 8-Bit

Here's a sweet video that Skyg (my "busy" blogging counterpart) found. If you are a fan of 8-Bit music and Daft Punk, well this is heaven. If you like the song Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger then this is for you. So this is for every person in their right mind.

Alchemy Review

Alchemy is a game featured on the Android Marketplace (different versions on the Apple App Store). The developer is "Andrey 'Zed' Zaikin" and there is a premium version which offers hints and undos, both of which won't be THAT useful, so the $5 premium version isn't worth it in my opinion. The simplest explanation of Alchemy is... well you do alchemy. You start out with four basic elements, put them together to make more elements, and eventually you've over 200 different objects you've created. The concept is very, very intuitive and innovative, but the execution of said concept is... well, please read on.

Overall: 34/40 or 42.5/50

Battlefield 3

Battlefield 3 is the second biggest game I'm looking forward to this year (Skyrim is 1st). Anyway, as long as EA can get it out before the holiday season, I will be one happy camper. Having just been revealed, Battlefield 3 is already gathering a lot of hype. With the DICE developers working on the Bad Company series, they have stayed in good shape since Battlefield 2, the last big PC Battlefield game (unless you want to count 2142). Battlefield 3 will of course be in the modern era and will feature a few real world maps. Going back to the multiplayer basics that made the series what it is, this will probably be the biggest PC shooter to date. Now it is releasing for consoles as well, but recent news is showing that those won't be as promising as the PC version. So far, the PC version will be the only version with dedicated servers and more than 24 player matches. So, this holiday will be a great time to be a PC gamer so you can get the best of the real Battlefield series. Until more news surfaces, this here teaser trailer will have to tide the crowds over. Enjoy!

Bow Man Review

Bow Man is one of those games that was created to amuse you for very short amounts of time, very infrequently. The game itself is fun and all, but its hard to stay interested. The highest point about the game is probably the two player mode, which allows you to shoot your friends in the vitals and make them bleed all over.

Overall: 34/50

Label System is Active

I've just added (and will continue to add) a category system to the blog. When on the main page, just look at the right side to find the list of categories. Click on the category you wish to view, and you will get a list of all the posts in the category. I've got all of my reviews separated into different categories, and the other stuff is in their own category as well. There are a few things that fit into more than one category, so they simply go into both. I hope that will make the site easier to use. I do hope to make the move over to WordPress, so I can have different sections for different things. But until then, utilize the new features I implement and enjoy!

Atomic Bomber Review

Atomic Bomber is one of those games that looks lame, but is addicting once you start playing... somewhat like Minecraft. You take control of a fighter/bomber that is defending Europe from a Soviet attack. The more enemies you kill, the more points you get! Anyway, this game is available on the Android Marketplace for free. There is a full version that costs $1.59, and that will let you keep upgrades when you die and will give you an onscreen joystick. On with the detailed review!

Overall: 41/50

Fallout: New Vegas DLC Dead Money coming to PC and PS3

Good news for PS3 and PC gamers this month! The DLC, Dead Money, for the amazing game Fallout: New Vegas will finally be released for PlayStation 3 and PC on February 22. Of course, this is not the only good news. Bethesda also stated that there will be at least three more DLC releases after Dead Money. And to be more fair, Bethesda said they will be released for each system simultaneously. So, every fan of Fallout: New Vegas should have something to look forward to. I know I certainly am!

Update on the Computer

Well, I was really hoping to be able to post this tonight using my new computer. But I'm having some problems getting Windows working. I'll break through it though! Also, I'm still waiting to get my REAL graphics card: the ATI Radeon 6950. That beast will have me burning through games to review and just let you all watch. Until I get the money however, I'm stuck with a crappy Radeon 9250. I'm just hoping it will play Minecraft (there's about a 50/50 chance, and knowing myself, it won't work). So, I hope you look forward to the completion of it all. I know that no one is looking forward to it as much as I am, but oh well.

The Unchanging Plane

I've spent literally all day today in and around planes. Now, I consider planes to be something of a technological advance from say... the early 1900s. I think many would agree with me. Anyway, I realized something really strange... in my (short) life, planes have remained generally unchanged. Sure some big companies ate up smaller ones, but the planes themselves don't really seem to be advancing. Well, this got me to thinking about HOW planes could get better. And quite frankly, I can't think of a whole lot besides the obvious efficiency and comfortable-Ness factors. So, my question for the night: are planes done advancing? Will something new replace them, or will they get better?

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NGP Games Trailer

So ya, there isn't much explanation needed here. Just watch the trailer and make your own predictions about the NGP