Ah From Dust, where did you come from?
I have never really tried/gotten into these God games that are out there. None really appealed, well, with the exception of Sim City. I used to play com city for hours, tough half the fun was cheating, building a huge city then triggering multiple disasters.
From Dust is a very cute game, yeah, I said cute. It blends some incredibly beautiful visuals with some interesting character, and throws in some really nice gameplay. It is not for everyone, I started playing this Tuesday night, played for maybe an hour, cleared a few maps. Then I played Wednesday night, ran 4 maps, a Tropical Volcano, a Desert (more on that one), a Daytime Fire Island?!?, and a night time desert? (more on that last one). I thought I had only played for an hour, turned out to be almost 4... oops.
So I am addicted to it while playing it, that's different, but not too new for me. The maps so far have produced interesting challenges, specifically the Desert and Night Desert maps. The Volcano was fun, no big challenge for me, the Fire Island one had no challenge at all for me.
The Desert map starts off with a little water and 3 springs sitting right in front of you, you clear off some brush and place your first village. The game then tells you that it is too dry and that you need water to spread vegetation, fair enough, so you move some of the water coming out of the springs and voila you have vegetation in the area. I should note that the vegetation isnt required but it is part of the challenge. Next I started clearing a path for my little guys to grab the repel water and next totem... then it happened, I hit another spring, crap its gonna flood my village, so I clear a channel for it to flow down, in clearing that channel i hit 5 more springs, this is a desert right? After a long while of clogging springs and channeling water I got the 100% vegetation, but it wasnt a desert any more, looked more like a group of islands.
The night desert map was a neat map in that the center of the map acted like a see saw or one of those single pole single throw switches that rocks back and fourth, the trick here, water sloshes in that little area, and there is a totem at one end. After acquiring the repel water power it was made easier, however there was some hilarity to be had right there.
So here I am talking about a god game. It definitely has a lot of fun and character to it, but I found it to be an instant purchase after playing the demo. So try the demo, if you dont like it, well then move on, but if you do, buy it.
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/From-Dust/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410a91
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Trenched!!!
So... Trenched from Double Fine came out yesterday on the Xbox Live Arcade.
Did I really only pay 15 for this one? yup
What makes me say that? Several factors
1. 8-10 hour Story/campaign
2. 4 Player Co-Op
3. Robust Loot System
4. Very cool graphics
5. Upgradable/customizable mechs
Wow, all this from a 15 dollar arcade game. This really sets the bar high.
I was fortunate enough to play a few hours of rounds with Finfan, Fin's son, Godkill, Tacoma, and a few others last night. The game is good, you really have to think about turret strategy, on top of what loadout you are taking compared to others and what role you will play. I will say that the loot/scrap is more scarce than I expected, but it adds to the challenge. And the humor, wow, very well done, who lights a cigar with a gunshot... this game.
A little background on mech games for me. Yes I loved Mechassault, and the sequel for the original xbox, fun, fun games. Then came Chromehounds on the 360, I must have put 250+ hours into that game, when they shut the servers down I was heartbroken, but the community had waned considerably. But the level of customization and depth of the online war was superb. I will never forget going into battle with a loadout of 3 double howitzer/cannons (dubbed the T-Dub, or as Major 10 0 calls it the "Tripple Double") getting into position, someone spotting my shots for me and unleashing absolute hell on an enemy base from what would be miles away, and the joy when my spotter would say "Dead on" my response.. "Get the hell out of there, FIRING FULL EFFECT" and unholy fire would rain on that base, 6 explosive or incindiary shells at a time, I can even remember some more interesting designs on those mechs, or Hounds as the game called it.
Chromehounds will be missed, this game fills that void, less customizably, less persisent but for 15 dollars, hell I would pay 60 for it, and if Double Fine comes out with some DLC for it (Chassis, Turrets, MISSIONS) I am first in virtual line!
Have a great day!
ShadowCVL
Did I really only pay 15 for this one? yup
What makes me say that? Several factors
1. 8-10 hour Story/campaign
2. 4 Player Co-Op
3. Robust Loot System
4. Very cool graphics
5. Upgradable/customizable mechs
Wow, all this from a 15 dollar arcade game. This really sets the bar high.
I was fortunate enough to play a few hours of rounds with Finfan, Fin's son, Godkill, Tacoma, and a few others last night. The game is good, you really have to think about turret strategy, on top of what loadout you are taking compared to others and what role you will play. I will say that the loot/scrap is more scarce than I expected, but it adds to the challenge. And the humor, wow, very well done, who lights a cigar with a gunshot... this game.
A little background on mech games for me. Yes I loved Mechassault, and the sequel for the original xbox, fun, fun games. Then came Chromehounds on the 360, I must have put 250+ hours into that game, when they shut the servers down I was heartbroken, but the community had waned considerably. But the level of customization and depth of the online war was superb. I will never forget going into battle with a loadout of 3 double howitzer/cannons (dubbed the T-Dub, or as Major 10 0 calls it the "Tripple Double") getting into position, someone spotting my shots for me and unleashing absolute hell on an enemy base from what would be miles away, and the joy when my spotter would say "Dead on" my response.. "Get the hell out of there, FIRING FULL EFFECT" and unholy fire would rain on that base, 6 explosive or incindiary shells at a time, I can even remember some more interesting designs on those mechs, or Hounds as the game called it.
Chromehounds will be missed, this game fills that void, less customizably, less persisent but for 15 dollars, hell I would pay 60 for it, and if Double Fine comes out with some DLC for it (Chassis, Turrets, MISSIONS) I am first in virtual line!
Have a great day!
ShadowCVL
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Is an iPad a computer?
Hi everyone,
I am typing this out on my iPad somewhat ironically. Why you ask? Because until very recently I never understood what the hubbub was about surrounding iOS devices. I own an original iPhone I purchased from someone for 100 bucks and unlocked it for tmobile use. I used it for about a year But eventually realized that in comparison to android offerings and the lack of updates to iOS 4 I was Up a creek. So I set it aside and used it as an iPod (still do actually). I have an iMac at my house, but I boot camped it so it has a 450 gig windows partition and a 50 gig mac os partition.... Suffice it to say, well, I prefer windows over Mac os. I'm not die hard, I just have a preference.
So a situation presented itself recently where I could purchase a new iPad 2 for an incredibly low price, since I was really wanting a tablet, and at the time leaning toward android, I actually bought it. And I am so shocked. The Thing has not only replaced the netbook I keep sitting by the couch, but it makes it to my nightstand nightly. It's just so damned convenient. But does it do everything I can do on a computer? Nope, but it has filled a need.
I purchased a netbook a year Ago, barely used it. I purchased this 3 weeks ago and use it almost constantly. No I didnt get the 3G version, my android does free wireless tethering, without rooting.
So I look at the specs, it's a dual core 1 ghz processor with a dedicated graphics chip. Wait, huh? It's more powerful than that top of the line pc I put together in 2003 that sounds like a jet engine and is now relegated to running Linux? Yup... And it fits in my hands, is silent... Oh crap...and it plays games, very well. Yesterday I picked up dead space on it for a buck, WOW is all I can say. On top of that you have games like warp gate hd and angry birds, as well as plants vs zombies. And the screen is larger than a phone, I can browse the web in almost all it's glory, connect to my sling box at home, watch my Netflix and hulu plus. And the battery life? With my usage (A LOT) it hits about 75% by the end of the day, I haven't had it below 30, but that was 4 days of moderate use. I couldn't be more happy. So for now, the iPad has become my traveling computer, and gaming machine, and since I am not often home right now, I fills a very big need. So for the first time ever I am praising an apple product and I do feel it is worth it. Thanks apple!
I am typing this out on my iPad somewhat ironically. Why you ask? Because until very recently I never understood what the hubbub was about surrounding iOS devices. I own an original iPhone I purchased from someone for 100 bucks and unlocked it for tmobile use. I used it for about a year But eventually realized that in comparison to android offerings and the lack of updates to iOS 4 I was Up a creek. So I set it aside and used it as an iPod (still do actually). I have an iMac at my house, but I boot camped it so it has a 450 gig windows partition and a 50 gig mac os partition.... Suffice it to say, well, I prefer windows over Mac os. I'm not die hard, I just have a preference.
So a situation presented itself recently where I could purchase a new iPad 2 for an incredibly low price, since I was really wanting a tablet, and at the time leaning toward android, I actually bought it. And I am so shocked. The Thing has not only replaced the netbook I keep sitting by the couch, but it makes it to my nightstand nightly. It's just so damned convenient. But does it do everything I can do on a computer? Nope, but it has filled a need.
I purchased a netbook a year Ago, barely used it. I purchased this 3 weeks ago and use it almost constantly. No I didnt get the 3G version, my android does free wireless tethering, without rooting.
So I look at the specs, it's a dual core 1 ghz processor with a dedicated graphics chip. Wait, huh? It's more powerful than that top of the line pc I put together in 2003 that sounds like a jet engine and is now relegated to running Linux? Yup... And it fits in my hands, is silent... Oh crap...and it plays games, very well. Yesterday I picked up dead space on it for a buck, WOW is all I can say. On top of that you have games like warp gate hd and angry birds, as well as plants vs zombies. And the screen is larger than a phone, I can browse the web in almost all it's glory, connect to my sling box at home, watch my Netflix and hulu plus. And the battery life? With my usage (A LOT) it hits about 75% by the end of the day, I haven't had it below 30, but that was 4 days of moderate use. I couldn't be more happy. So for now, the iPad has become my traveling computer, and gaming machine, and since I am not often home right now, I fills a very big need. So for the first time ever I am praising an apple product and I do feel it is worth it. Thanks apple!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A Gamer Lacking
For as long as I have been playing games (yes all the way back to Atari) I have loved the Flight Genre. More so the Sims than the Arcades, but they each have their benefits and their drawbacks. I remember buying Microsoft Flight Simulator back on DOS 5.0 and I sat there and flew that little Cessna for days and days. Then I found the Jane's series of fighter pilot sims, again I sat and played for days and days.
All this stems from my love of flying, I always wanted to be a pilot, still do, and when I have a more stable life I will get my license. My Gamertag/Nickname/Handle of "Shadow" came from playing Fighter Pilot games over LAN, and 14.4 modem, I was apparently my target's shadow, it stuck.
Fast forward to modern times and the modern generation of consoles. Since the 360 is my primary platform let me list the flight games I currently own for it.
H.A.W.X.
Over G Fighters
Ace Combat 6 (Bought the big kit with the Flight Stick on this one)
I have owned Blazing Angels, and I think, Blazing Angels 2
The reason I still own the games above is simply because they are Good, Over G is the closest to a modern sim, HAWX is a great very arcadey game, and Ace Combat sits somewhere in between the 2.
All of these titles are good, but where is my GREAT title? I see the new Ace Combat previews, and I see the next HAWX previews, but I wont hold my breath.
My biggest complaint with the current flight games, it has to be that no one plays these online...I would love to be up in the skies dogfighting again!
That is it for now. Thank you for reading!
CVL
All this stems from my love of flying, I always wanted to be a pilot, still do, and when I have a more stable life I will get my license. My Gamertag/Nickname/Handle of "Shadow" came from playing Fighter Pilot games over LAN, and 14.4 modem, I was apparently my target's shadow, it stuck.
Fast forward to modern times and the modern generation of consoles. Since the 360 is my primary platform let me list the flight games I currently own for it.
H.A.W.X.
Over G Fighters
Ace Combat 6 (Bought the big kit with the Flight Stick on this one)
I have owned Blazing Angels, and I think, Blazing Angels 2
The reason I still own the games above is simply because they are Good, Over G is the closest to a modern sim, HAWX is a great very arcadey game, and Ace Combat sits somewhere in between the 2.
All of these titles are good, but where is my GREAT title? I see the new Ace Combat previews, and I see the next HAWX previews, but I wont hold my breath.
My biggest complaint with the current flight games, it has to be that no one plays these online...I would love to be up in the skies dogfighting again!
That is it for now. Thank you for reading!
CVL
Redux
Wow, may 9th was my last post. Sheesh
Well it is time to start the blog anew.
First, why the reboot?
So much has changed... oh so much
But most importantly, I am now a podcaster and/or a games journalist
so here are some links to the cast/site. I will be posting here and there, I also am leaving old posts up, who knows someone might want an insight into my past sometime?
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/ShadowCVL
TheDeadRoomSite
TheDeadRoom Podcast:
Well it is time to start the blog anew.
First, why the reboot?
So much has changed... oh so much
But most importantly, I am now a podcaster and/or a games journalist
so here are some links to the cast/site. I will be posting here and there, I also am leaving old posts up, who knows someone might want an insight into my past sometime?
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/ShadowCVL
TheDeadRoomSite
TheDeadRoom Podcast:
iTunes
Zune
RSS
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Glow Ball!
Don't know if anyone reads this but...
Its 1:14am and I just got home from my first time playing glow ball.
Its Golf at night with Glowsticks on the pins, in the cup, and in the ball.
Its hard as hell to even hit the ball strait but it is soooooo much fun
Special thanks to Bkingx and Jkeyes0 and some friends from work for making it a great evening!
AND I got to experience a new drink I hadn't tried, Captain and Coke, I don't know why I had never tried it before but its one of the best mixed drinks I have ever had.
Glowball gets a \nn/ from me, and so does captain and coke.
Today is Mothers day and I wanted to say to all you moms and grandmoms out there that includes moms of Humans and Pets, Happy Mothers Day, I appreciate you!
Everyone have a great rest of the weekend. Ill post some VLOG stuff soon!
Its 1:14am and I just got home from my first time playing glow ball.
Its Golf at night with Glowsticks on the pins, in the cup, and in the ball.
Its hard as hell to even hit the ball strait but it is soooooo much fun
Special thanks to Bkingx and Jkeyes0 and some friends from work for making it a great evening!
AND I got to experience a new drink I hadn't tried, Captain and Coke, I don't know why I had never tried it before but its one of the best mixed drinks I have ever had.
Glowball gets a \nn/ from me, and so does captain and coke.
Today is Mothers day and I wanted to say to all you moms and grandmoms out there that includes moms of Humans and Pets, Happy Mothers Day, I appreciate you!
Everyone have a great rest of the weekend. Ill post some VLOG stuff soon!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sup?
Hey anyone that still reads this...
Why havent I blogged? because my life is insane!
Whats new? not much
I kinda sorta stopped playing WoW... it got boring, Kenny tells me itll get better but I just cant bring myself to play.
Life at ACS? Intersting as ever
I have more friends, and im making more every day.
WE did get approved and ordered our CapEx
So we got 150 machines from Dallas (that are crap) we deployed 40 someodd today and I deployed 22 saturday, and 32 previously... so we are about halfway there... woot...
We also got 169 new PCs from dell... we havent deployed any yet, but they are ready... finish up the agent machines, take care of the licensed agents (Agents with Office), then the supervisors with gateways, I think Sylvia will be first, shes my work BFF.
What else?
House still hasnt sold...
Going to the movies with Jordan, Mark, and Brady this sat... havent seen them in a looong time
Thats all for now
Why havent I blogged? because my life is insane!
Whats new? not much
I kinda sorta stopped playing WoW... it got boring, Kenny tells me itll get better but I just cant bring myself to play.
Life at ACS? Intersting as ever
I have more friends, and im making more every day.
WE did get approved and ordered our CapEx
So we got 150 machines from Dallas (that are crap) we deployed 40 someodd today and I deployed 22 saturday, and 32 previously... so we are about halfway there... woot...
We also got 169 new PCs from dell... we havent deployed any yet, but they are ready... finish up the agent machines, take care of the licensed agents (Agents with Office), then the supervisors with gateways, I think Sylvia will be first, shes my work BFF.
What else?
House still hasnt sold...
Going to the movies with Jordan, Mark, and Brady this sat... havent seen them in a looong time
Thats all for now
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
New News?
Yes I know I havent posted in a looooong time, but I have thought about it.... sorry..
Anyway, whats new...
My dizzy thing was an inner ear infection... the dizziness went away a couple of weeks ago.
I am still smoking, but the weird thing is Im not chemicly dependant on it... I had 1 yesterday... i just enjoy the buzz i suppose... that and all the cool kids are doing it.
The house still hasnt sold... sigh http://www.vltek.com/house.html i really wish it would sell soon so that i can move to lex.
Work is going pretty good, they still havent opened a req. for our new person... frankly i doubt it's going to happen... Igor and I have handled it so far... but its killing us slowly. Now some of my friends are going to be moving up and moving on... Sigh
My divorce was official on 7/8/08... so yay
Im not sure there is much else to say... I will blog more as i can remember to... honestly its jordan that makes me remember to.... pathetic huh?
Oh wait...
Im playing WoW now... yeah thats a big one... I dont play every night but i have a Orc Shammie to 10 and an Orc hunter to 14... i play the hunder more cause i can learn the game better as he is easier to play... my next chars will be a mage and warlock.
now thats it.
Anyway, whats new...
My dizzy thing was an inner ear infection... the dizziness went away a couple of weeks ago.
I am still smoking, but the weird thing is Im not chemicly dependant on it... I had 1 yesterday... i just enjoy the buzz i suppose... that and all the cool kids are doing it.
The house still hasnt sold... sigh http://www.vltek.com/house.html i really wish it would sell soon so that i can move to lex.
Work is going pretty good, they still havent opened a req. for our new person... frankly i doubt it's going to happen... Igor and I have handled it so far... but its killing us slowly. Now some of my friends are going to be moving up and moving on... Sigh
My divorce was official on 7/8/08... so yay
Im not sure there is much else to say... I will blog more as i can remember to... honestly its jordan that makes me remember to.... pathetic huh?
Oh wait...
Im playing WoW now... yeah thats a big one... I dont play every night but i have a Orc Shammie to 10 and an Orc hunter to 14... i play the hunder more cause i can learn the game better as he is easier to play... my next chars will be a mage and warlock.
now thats it.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Help Me Please
Hi everyone...
Had an interesting few weeks...
Anyway, this last weekend I went out of town with ashley, went to kings island.
I need some help.
When i ride roller coasters or anyhting jerky I get kindof dizzy and cant focus on anything... its like im concussed... i get a little nautios but have never thrown up and can even eat. Is this motion sickness? Ive tried dramamine, and all that does is knock me out (even the non drowsy kind)
But here is the interesting part... yesterday im sitting at home, I went out to the garage and had like my 3rd cigarette of the day and suddenly BAM that feeling hit me again... this was at like 3pm. I barely made it into the house before i collapsed for about 30 minutes... waht the hell caused that?
Today, just a few minutes ago Im sitting in my office chair and BAM here is that feeling again. Last night it lasted till after 10pm.
Last night food seemed to help a little... but it didnt at kings island...
I should note that the feeling i get at kings island has happened every time ive ever been there... but it just randomly hitting me started yesterday...
Help?!?!?!?!
Had an interesting few weeks...
Anyway, this last weekend I went out of town with ashley, went to kings island.
I need some help.
When i ride roller coasters or anyhting jerky I get kindof dizzy and cant focus on anything... its like im concussed... i get a little nautios but have never thrown up and can even eat. Is this motion sickness? Ive tried dramamine, and all that does is knock me out (even the non drowsy kind)
But here is the interesting part... yesterday im sitting at home, I went out to the garage and had like my 3rd cigarette of the day and suddenly BAM that feeling hit me again... this was at like 3pm. I barely made it into the house before i collapsed for about 30 minutes... waht the hell caused that?
Today, just a few minutes ago Im sitting in my office chair and BAM here is that feeling again. Last night it lasted till after 10pm.
Last night food seemed to help a little... but it didnt at kings island...
I should note that the feeling i get at kings island has happened every time ive ever been there... but it just randomly hitting me started yesterday...
Help?!?!?!?!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Yay Toast!
Spent the day in Gtown yesterday at Frank Shoop
Had been looking for a car forever that met my needs (Decent mileage, Decent Price, Sporty, and Heavy) well I found it finally...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=c&car_id=241530042&dealer_id=92387&car_year=2007&model=CHEVMONT&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=40601&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=17
2007 Monte Carlo LT
Features?
Pretty standard... Tho standard is surprising these days...
It has a MP3 CD Player, Dual Climate Control, and Remote Start, I think thats everything above standard... its pretty cool... and yes I traded in the gas hog..
The car was out of need to get Barbaras Name off the Title, along with the gas mielage and reliability issues that were starting with the blazer.
Had been looking for a car forever that met my needs (Decent mileage, Decent Price, Sporty, and Heavy) well I found it finally...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=c&car_id=241530042&dealer_id=92387&car_year=2007&model=CHEVMONT&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=40601&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=17
2007 Monte Carlo LT
Features?
Pretty standard... Tho standard is surprising these days...
It has a MP3 CD Player, Dual Climate Control, and Remote Start, I think thats everything above standard... its pretty cool... and yes I traded in the gas hog..
The car was out of need to get Barbaras Name off the Title, along with the gas mielage and reliability issues that were starting with the blazer.
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