I've broken rank and created a review for Virtua Quest. Here's the link.
February 2005 Archives
When it comes to bash-type games, Virtua Quest is an all right choice. The combo system isn’t overly complex, the list of moves and skills fit the character and the stages, and there are enough secrets and extras for stage replay. Unfortunately, the game suffers some minor draw backs. The voice acting is some what annoying, the find-the-key parts of the stages are more tiresome than enjoyable, and the camera is cumbersome.
The story follows Sei, a spiky-haired kid that is given a one-of-a-kind digital glove of immense power. Whenever he enters the digital world, the glove allows him to access to the skills of the legendary Virtua Fighters. Thus he must go on a quest to fight a secret evil organization and stop their plan of mass destruction and global domination. Unfortunately this is not an original plotline; this is very disappointing especially from creators of Jet Grind Radio and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Game play though, is smooth and precise. Even though the camera causes some problems with view and mobility, the controls work magically. The combo system is simple and the list of special moves from the Virtua Fighters makes the game more interesting. The music, however, is immaculate. During battles the music becomes intense and compliments the ensuing fight. When the fight is over, the music becomes ambient allowing an ease to take over so one may have a clearer mind to solve the puzzles. And if that was not reason enough to enjoy the soundtrack, all of the songs are very catchy and constantly invade ones mind.
In the end, this is not the greatest game in the world. However, it is fun to play in moderation and its headaches are not always an issue. If you like playing bashing action games, this is a good choice. If not, avoid it like the plague and just find its soundtrack.
Pros: Great music, simple combat system, interesting enemies.
Cons: Poor camera, poor voice acting, annoying puzzles.
I have been hard at work at trying to complete the site. I am satisfied with how everything is coming out so far. One of the major things was fixing the 'Staff' page, my email address was incorrect and needed to be updated. I am still working out a few 'kinks' for the side menu off to the right. I need to fix the advanced search page, the search option doesn't work and the links dont either. I would like to call on staff and viewers to let me know of any other errors you may have encountered on the site so I can get them fixed. The forums now has our banner and main site links on it (yes there are some bugs to work out on that also). Dive has told me we should have the comics rolling out once a week starting in about three weeks (correct me if I am wrong Dive).
In non-Total GamerZ related news, a Mario Kart is being made for the arcade.
We shall be open for business soon. I am excited. As long as NecroJon can make us a nice banner to top off the new looks of the site :)
It's been known in industry circles for months, but the news is now finally starting to leak. You'll be able to buy the next generation Xbox in both America and Europe in 2005, say experts.
Many have expressed concern that Microsoft is forcing the next generation of console hardware too early, and that the current generation still has much to achieve. The most famous example of this came from then Nintendo of Europe MD David Gosen speaking at an ELSPA summit in London last October, where he lambasted Microsoft for pushing a next generation machine to market in 2005, and even went so far as to question Microsoft's motivation as profit.
-------- Source: Gameindustry.biz
I am excited that the new Xbox will be out late this year, but I also feel it is being pushed early. We will have to wait for E3 to get closer and see what Microsoft has to say about the release. I hope they aren't pushing it to soon where the PS3 and the Revolution have noticeably better graphics, where today the Xbox has better graphics than PS2, although graphics aren't everything.
I have some TGZ related news for everyone. Necrojon is (finally) working on the banner, yey. I went ahead and posted the partial new look to the site on the main page, I will keep the test page up till I am done finalizing everything. So be sure to visit it if you want a sneak peak of things to come.
Game related news:
-Sony is planning on announcing the PS3 before this years E3, no exact date or time has been set yet.
-Resident Evil 4 will have to downgrade the graphics to be able to run on the PS2. The character polygon count is just too high for it to handle (and i'm sure the textures won't be as nice), but it should look pretty decent.
-I recently bought Asphalt Urban GT for the Nintendo DS, it is a good game. I think it deserved better reviews than what some sites gave it. I will post some insights about it soon
Oh, I am working on a new feature for the site, Picture Gallery. The gallery will consist of pictures the staff wants to post. They can be funny, cool, neat, stupid, offensive, etc. I also have another idea for it, which I am currently working on.
Ken Toyota, Nintendo Chief of public relations, spoke about many topics on Nintendo's plans. The information I found most interesting was what he had to say about the Nintendo Revolution (code name):
"E3 will be the starting point for the Revolution. [We haven't decided] whether we will show the real machine, videos, or unveil the concept. ... We want to receive some level of evaluation, but releasing too much information is also another issue. We don't have the slightest intention of making a machine that follows the same path as conventional game hardware. Right now, we are thinking of how we can accurately convey to people at E3 the different path that the Revolution will take and how it will change the way that games will be enjoyed."
There is no official name for the next-gen console from Nintendo, but one of the names I have heard is the Nintendo N5. On the other hand, according to Engadget, a source has leeked a name on Microsofts next console.
(Quote)Until Microsoft makes their official announcement on it, this one is still firmly in the rumor category, but weve gotten word from one of our trusted sources that Microsoft has pretty much settled on a name for the next Xbox: the Xbox 360 (let that sink in for a moment, because youre probably going to be hearing it a lot for the next several years). Our source, who has worked on several projects involving the Xbox and the Xbox 360, has seen the proposed packaging and other design elements for the new console, and says that as of right now the console is being branded as the Xbox 360.(/Quote)
Revolution source: Gamespot
Sony of America has announced that the PSP will launch on March 24. The system will carry a price tag of $249.99 and come bundled with several accessories, including a 32MB memory stick, AC adaptor and a copy of the feature film "Spider-Man 2". The company did not announce plans to sell the PSP as a standalone device at this time. Sony plans to ship 1 million units to North America by March 31. Courtesy CNN
Their competitor, Nintendo, sold 3 million DS units in two months and raised their expectation to sell 5 to 6 million units in the next month or two.
I am interested in the PSP, but I will not be buying one. First off, I can't afford the $250 for the package, then another $40 for a game. EB has a starting point of $399 with 3 games and an accessory. I may eventually buy one when the price goes down and when they get some of the bugs worked out of it. (I recommend that you right-click and save target as on the videos and the flash)
I out.
I have added and changed a few things on the website. I will explain more when I have time. Enjoy
EDIT: Click HERE to view what I have been working on. I am still working on it, so some things may be messed up. Let me know if you have any problems
