My Best Moments in Gaming of 2011

Another New Year has come and yeah, time flies like it was yesterday. It almost felt like I just did my Best Moment in Gaming of 2010 just few days ago, but yeah its already that long.

Looking back last year, I played lots of PSP games (as always). I just wish I were able to play titles from other platforms like on the PS3 or Xbox 360. I would have probably wanting to play those big games like Skyrim or Demon Souls. I just wish, hehe.

But enough with the wishful thinking.. I'm going to talk about MY games. These were the games that got hold onto me throughout last year. Some of them I already played few years ago then played it again, but even so, its something I still enjoy playing it. So again... to start things up this New Year, let me share you My Top 11 Best Moments in Gaming of the last year!

11. Warriors Orochi 2

I never played any of the Dynasty Warrior/Samurai Warrior games so pretty much this was the first game I played relating to those. It was a fun game, hacking and slashing almost mindlessly to hordes of enemies. It really felt like you've been playing war similar to those historical wars of Japan. The gameplay was good but since I have no further knowledge about either of the Dynasty and Samurai Warriors, so the appeal to me its just average.

10. Kamen Rider Climax Heroes Fourze

It's the latest installment of the Kamen Rider Climax Heroes series. Kamen Rider (or Masked Rider in English) is a popular superhero series in Japan. There were some Kamen Rider games ever since and Climax Heroes was one of the recent. Its basically a fighting game that puts all sorts of Kamen Rider characters together in one-on-one brawl. As much as I'm a big fan of the Kamen Rider series but the game didn't get into to me that much. But nevertheless, the game was worth especially for someone like me who loves the Kamen Rider franchise.

09. Cladun X2

I love playing classic games or something that stimulates it. That is why games like Cladun appeal to me. Its basically a dungeon-crawling adventure with matching wide array of in-game customizations. The game was fun.. and hard because of its crazy dungeon levels. Not to mention the customization feature was also deep, it will overwhelm you. I didn't even expect that I would actually beat the game.. uhm, well partly beat it, I guess XD

08. The 3rd Birthday

I've recently played this game and even wrote a personal review about it. The 3rd Birthday was somewhat the sequel of the Parasite Eve series but unlike from its predecessors, the game became more to action-shooting style than the former action pseudo-RPG ways. Its not a well-received game compare from its previous incarnations but personally, its good at its own right. I enjoyed the non-stop action the most and its a fun game, nonetheless.

07. SD Gundam G Generation World

Just like how I like playing Super Robot Wars, SD Gundam G Generation is one of the few import games I really love to play despite the language barrier. Its been a long time since I last played a G Generation game, that is why I got excited when they finally released G Generation World for the PSP. I haven't completed the game, actually but I'll pretty much go back into this game once I'm in a groove for another turn-based mobile suit war!

06. Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection

Aside from the ever love 2D RPG classic, Final Fantasy VI, Final Fantasy IV is also one of my personal favorite RPG classics. The SNES version was really good, and they made it better at Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection for the PSP. The game was bundled along with the sequel After Years and a new story Interlude that suppose to bridges the original and the After Years story. I only played and completed the original game and haven't touched Interlude and After Years just yet. Maybe I'll going to play it next time, but personally, playing the original FFIV game was already worth enough.

05. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

I just can't get enough playing Monster Hunter Freedom Unite that I actually start a new game all over again but as a female hunter. The story behind it was because, me and my friend got slump and we couldn't think of something else to play. But we felt bored on playing again our old MHFU save data and rather, start off fresh.. and guess what, we pretty much enjoyed replaying it. Maybe because we're using female characters? I mean, who wouldn't want to play as a female hunter? XD

04. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

So far at this point, there still no update on MHP3rd if its going to be release on the US, instead, they announced an HD version of the game for the PS3, still in Japanese version. After I'd tested the new moves on most weapons of the game, I took a break as I'd said before that I'll wait for the English release. BUT because we’re so impatient, me and my friend played the game through and through XD Of course, I’m still hoping for the English release and I really hope Capcom would finally update us this year.

03. Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker

Like MHFU, I played again Peace Walker from the start. I really enjoyed playing it the second time around because I was able to play it through and through (solo all the way!) and became a lot better with it, unlike before where I was more likely rely in Co-op play in tough missions (like beating Peace Walker Custom!). Speaking of Metal Gear, Konami also released an HD collection of MGS2, 3 and Peace Walker for the PS3. I wish I could also play those again.

02. God Eater Burst

It's one of my most anticipated games and finally got its English release last year. God Eater Burst was also an Action RPG, Monster Hunter style only in fast-pace action. I personally love its frantic actions, the Anime-like design and the story itself, although it lacks some varieties. It’s not the best Action RPG but its a good and fun game, nonetheless. There's no need to compare it to Monster Hunter. For me, its still a unique game in all. Which by the way, Namco announced a sequel in development for God Eater. I'm definitely going to look forward on that.

01. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

This was pretty much the game me and my friend mostly played throughout the last year. We had a lot of fun playing the first Dissidia and we became crazier about it on Dissidia 012. We even bother ourselves to save replay data's of our fight, convert to video file and even uploaded it at YouTube. I guess what makes the game really appealing for us was because we got hook on its competitive gameplay. I mean, Dissidia's fighting system was really fun especially when battling with a friend. And considering that I'm not much of fighting game guy, Dissidia's pseudo-fighting style and customizing character moves was able to give me a chance to actually enjoy a fighting game (if you do consider Dissidia a fighting game, hehe)

Personally, there were several points in the game that appealed to me (other than being a Final Fantasy). One, because its a crossover of FF characters, and as I once said, I like crossovers of any sort. I also like the story of the game. I think most of us didn't notice it but the game's story is really interesting if you pay attention on it in detail. I have nothing much to say about how Square-Enix wanted to throw any sort of ideas to the series, but at the very least, I can say that the Dissidia Final Fantasy series is a good Final Fantasy game.

And so that's it. Those are my games that gave me the best moments from last year. Of course, I'll keep on playing more games this year. I just hope I could able to expand and experience playing games in other platforms other than my handheld, hehehe XP Anyway... here's for more gaming!

Until then!

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Another brawl at Dissidia 012!

What's this? Another gaming slump for me? Well, kind of I guess. I couldn't think of something to play in my PSP (again) for now and just few days ago I learned that my friend is playing Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy again.. and because we're constant Adhoc multiplayer buddies, I thought to play it again also with him... and so here we are, another “cycle of battle” have started! XD

So for everyone who doesn't know about Dissidia, Dissidia Final Fantasy is a game for the PSP. It's hard to describe on how to categorize its genre though. It's more kinda like a mix of Action-Fighting with some Adventure-RPG elements at the same time. The original game was released around August 2009 and the sequel and recent game titled Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy was released March of this year (2011). I don't actually considered Dissidia 012 to be a sequel rather its a expansion version of the original.

For those who haven't played it, you got to give it a try. It a good Final Fantasy game even though its not entirely an RPG. I personally recommend you play Dissidia 012 instead since its essentially the same game as the original only with added features.

Until then!

If you like, you may check my previous articles about Dissidia Final Fantasy.

My first Dissidia 012 Gameplay

Last article created a month before the release of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

First article about Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy. Thoughts about the new characters

Old Dissidia Gameplay (original game)

My recent Adhoc battle of Dissidia 012 with my friend

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy English trailer

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Quick Share / Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Gameplay

My Gameplay recorded from Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy.

I once again use my character - Squall and did an exhibition battle to beat the crap out of Lightning XD But one thing I notice, even before the original Dissidia, despite of setting up the COM's difficultly and its options to as close to average level (to be on balance with my character), the COM will tend to be  more insane stronger than yours. (x_x)

It took a while before I finally beat Lightning... I kinda felt satisfied on my game there despite how disadvantage I am. I kinda like how I manage to turn around the tides there. Take that Lightning! (^^)

Hope you enjoy the video...


Here's the link of my old Dissidia gameplay video (the first game) that I posted way back around when I started this blog... just in case you wanted to see my old crappy gameplay (^^)

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TOP 4 Games I want to play and must FINISH it already (><)”

There are tons of games to play and we tend to leave it unfinished. It’s either you’re just busy with your everyday life, pre-occupied with other things, you don’t really like the game or you’re just flat-out lazy. As for me, it’s been a bad habit not just in my hobbies but in general.

In Filipino, it’s what we call Ningas-kugon - when you’re doing something then you will not finish it. It’s a bad trait and it’s something that I’m trying to change in me... and by doing this list, this would help me remember it! This is my TOP 4 Games I want to play and must FINISH it already (><)”

4) Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. The games that stuck with me for over a year and yet I couldn’t finish the one and only quest that will mark its completion of the game - the Monster Hunter quest of the Nekoht Quest. It’s the final quest for single player where you have to beat 4 strongest monsters in a row... within an hour... It’s relentlessly hard! Every MH player knew that!

But honestly, I’m thinking if I should really play it again just to finish that quest that I’ve been trying to finish it.. and kept failing like dozens of times. And since I think I already covered enough stuffs in Unite and besides, it doesn’t have much of an ending to see... but part of my “Hunter soul” is unsatisfied and it’s bugging me for some time. Should I give it another try? Would the heavens finally allow me to beat it (x_x)

3) Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. The reason I stop playing Birth by Sleep was because of my hook to Valkyria Chronicles 2 (^^) So I would probably play this one next pretty soon. Not much fond of the Kingdom Hearts series but it’s a good game nonetheless so I really like to play it through just for the experience.

2) Dissidia Final Fantasy. With Dissidia 012’s release is fast approaching, it wouldn’t be right if I would to play it without even finishing the first game. Dissidia is probably the only fighting game that interest me.. (Not much of a fighting game guy, if you ask) because of obvious reasons - it’s Final Fantasy and it’s a crossover Final Fantasy so who wouldn’t like it? (^^)

1) Valkyria Chronicles 2. Yes. I haven’t completed this game but it isn’t because it’s hard or anything. It’s actually easy to run it through if you want it. Actually, I can already finish it at anytime. I’m almost at the end but I insist not to finish it just yet, not until I would finally make all of my units change to their final classes. Doing it is actually easy if think about it. Problem...? RANDOM DIPLOMA IS RANDOM!!! (x_x) … you would get what I mean if you play it.

But more than anything, this is the game I won’t skip! And since Senjou no Valkyria 3 is already out, it would be just a matter of time before its US release, Valkyria Chronicles 3. Like I said, I want to play my games in sequence (with an exception to VC1 since I don’t own a PS3, hehe). I’m very much excited now for VC3 but while I’m on the wait I’m going to finish VC2 first. Definitely! >=)   

And that’s it! Hope I could actually accomplish these games right before I’ll be diverted again by new games on the way (^^)”

Until then!

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My Best Moments in Gaming of 2010

2010 is probably my best moments with it comes to gaming. Some good gaming experience with other people, lots of good games introduced, and games yet to experience for this new year. So to start things up this New Year, let me share you My Top Best Moments in Gaming of the last year.

But first let me share my honorably mentioned games. These are games I play and enjoy but haven’t played it thoroughly for reason because of my tendency of skipping from one game to another (my ever bad habit) and yet to be played (someday) or games that are still imports and I don’t want to play thoroughly just yet (with very few exceptions).

My honorable mentions are:

Fat Princess Fistful of Cake. I haven’t played its single player mode but I was able to play the multiplayer along with friends and really enjoyed it. I guess Fat Princess was really made for that. Along with friends, the game is really enjoyable... killing and blood, that is >=)

Zettai Hero Project. This game captured my interest because of its funny attics of spoofing super hero stuffs. Not to mention various references from Anime and Tokusatsu. Like other games created by Nippon Ichi, these game has full of variety and customization to almost anything.. and because of it, one of the things that held me back on playing it thoroughly is because of its overwhelming grind.

God Eater Burst. I believe this game has potentials despite of mixed opinions of most gamers because of its major similarities in terms of gameplay to Monster Hunter. It’s NOT original, true BUT it isn’t a rip-off or clone either, in my opinion. GE also offers some unique features like more emphasis to its characters and storyline. The game is still an import and it’s yet to have an US release... I hope.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. I’m not much of a fan of the KH series nor did I even play its previous titles but for its reputation as one of the good crossover games ever release by Square-Enix was enough for me to be excited when it announce for its PSP release. As it expected, the game was really good and it shares almost the same gameplay at its console counterpart. The reason why I stopped playing it was because I was pre-occupied by another game that very much tops my interest by that time... you will know later on =)

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. As an ever fan of MH, there’s no way I should miss this. Although it’s still in Japanese, I rolled myself on trying out the newly improve weapons and spoiled me a little on its gameplay. It’s really GREAT! >=) but still I won’t go all out just yet... I will still wait for its US release, Monster Hunter Freedom 3.

And now for my Top 5 Best Gaming Moments of 2010

5. Super Robot Wars Advance Portable. For guys who didn’t know, I’m also a fan of the SRW game. This is one of few games that I’m willing to play despite of the language barrier (^^) Nothing much to play around early of 2010 and this was the one that occupied me for a while. It’s the remake version of GBA’s SRW Advance with much better graphics and animations. Although it’s nice to have SRW for the PSP but I was kinda hoping for an exclusive title other than just a remake and... wait, what? There’s a new upcoming SRW for the PSP? And it’s an exclusive game!? Just now!? AAAAAAAAH! *suddenly faints*

4. Silent Hill Shattered Memories. Upon celebrating last year’s Halloween, I once again stumbled upon the eerie town of Silent Hill. Although Shattered Memories doesn’t give much compare with previous SH titles, but the game manage to deliver something different and interesting in its play style. The game is short making it a bit unsatisfying but every bit of moments played in the game will absorb you enough and I could say its still worth a scare... and the nightmares (x_x)

3. Valkyria Chronicles II. Truly, one of the best tactical role playing games I ever played! >=D First time I play it, I’m already hook. So hook I already forgot my game with Birth by Sleep (hehehe). VCII offers a very unique gameplay not found from any other tactical-based games. More by my personal preferences, I love its war-theme story and drama. You don’t see any good games like that much anymore. Like my friend said to me about it, “It’s a breath of fresh air”. And a new sequel will also come up, yaaay!

2. Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker. One of my all-time favorite games! Peace Walker delivers not just stealth and action but a variety of playthroughs set-up by various extra ops missions (including Monster Hunter!). Not only that, organizing troops at your Motherbase will also keep you busy other than the missions itself. It’s by far the best MGS game ever since the not-so-good (but not bad either) Portable Ops. And Peace Walker’s story is a lot better, in my opinion, which I still believe it’s the true sequel to Snake Eater.

1. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. Guys who knew me would probably have guessed it. Yup, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is my number one best gaming moment! Other than being a fan of the game, this game stuck with me and it’s in my PSP for more than a year ever since it released. Even now and even I’ve been playing other games, it’s still in my PSP (><) MHFU is also the game that I actively playing with friends more often. Not to mention we once participated to a MH Gathering along with hardcore MH fans and all because of the popularity of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, and for me, its one of those coolest experience. And I think it doesn’t stop there. Most hardcore fans are already playing MHP3rd but like I said I won’t go all out just yet. Soon, once Monster Hunter Freedom 3 comes, the horns will blow mightier than ever!

And that’s my best gaming months for last year. Hopefully, this year there would be tons of good games to play!

Until then!

      

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LightScribe

Just few days ago I bought a new DVD Writer to replace my current one that is starting to wear down. Although it still working... barely, it’s now having a hard time reading most of my CDs/DVDs and since I always use it to burn all of my video files, I guess because of that, its beginning to reach its limit. For those who are not much of a “Techie”, let me explain.. all our devices that we are using have lifespan (yeah, they do have one). Whether you take good care of it or not, they will eventually wear down and die at certain point. So, now I have to replace my DVD-Writer right away because its one of the devices I mostly use in my PC especially when burning data.

But the new one I got has an add-on technology called LightScribe. Now, this LightScribe isn’t something new, in fact it’s already been around for 6 years, I think. The thing is I haven’t tried using one before. I’ve heard it before but I don’t pay much attention since I don’t own one. So, now that I have one, which is pretty nice at least I could able to try using it, but for information sake, what exactly is a LightScribe?

LightScribe basically allows you to create direct-to-disc label using the Disc Writer itself. To be able to do this: (1) of course, the Disc Writer must be LightScribe support, (2) any burner software that has LightScribe features to be able for you to design label image for the disc. The Installation disc along with the Disc Writer would probably already have it and (3) the CD/DVD to use must be specially designed for LightScribe. Don’t use regular disc for LightScribe. But nonetheless, Disc Writer with LightScribe support can still do regular disc burning.

LightScribe discs are specially coated to laser-etch images on the top-face of the disc. The method is somewhat similar to the way the data is written to the disc. You can do LightScribe before or after you burn the data. You must turn the disc over and insert it with the top side is down (meaning, the face-side of the disc is in the bottom). Once you already labeled a disc, you can’t anymore replace the image that was put in it but you can add additional designs in the current image by repeating the labeling process in the same image.

Unlike regular discs, LightScribe discs have some special precautions on how to store to prevent it from fading. But because in some cases that these precautions weren’t observed well, some experienced label image of the disc were easily fading and sometimes’ been discolored because of some chemicals that accidentally poured into. This drawback makes LightScribe discs not suitable for continuous handling. But they say it’s purely superficial and do not affect the data stored in the disc.

Personally, I’m not much interested on LightScribe discs. Practically, do note that LightScribe discs are much more expensive compare to regular discs. So, if you were just basically archiving data’s just like me then LightScribe is not necessarily at all (unless you wanted to make your disc more special looking) and there’s no reason for you to pay much just for a disc. Also, considering the precautions I have to follow, I’m not really sure if I could handle that well. BUT I would still recommend you to buy it, anyway. Nowadays, Disc Writers are pretty much cheaper than before and the price of both LightScribe and non-LightScribe Disc Writers are almost the same. So you might as well pick the LightScribe Disc Writer. The LightScribe feature may not much of a use but it’s a plus, anyway.

LightScribe Disc Writers of any brand are very much available to most major computer stores. I got mine at Asianic for a decent price of P1,500.00 but just go to any stores of your pick. ;)

LightScribe technology was developed by HP (Hewett-Packard) For more information about LightScribe, go to their official website.

Until then!

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Old Dissidia Gameplay

It’s not something new, actually. This was my old gameplay video of Dissidia Final Fantasy. This was a Ghost Battle between me as Squall fighting Jima’s character, Cloud of Darkness. No, it wasn’t an Adhoc play. Ghost Battle is basically you fighting your friend’s character but controlled by AI yet the level, preference and skills of that character are base on your friend’s data. So it’s pretty much just that -- a ghost player.

I still remember when I and Jima first did an adhoc battle on Dissidia.. and I always bite the dust... A LOT (x_x) If you would see my data, I had a shameful record of.. more than 10 losses and just 1 win. Yeah, Jima kicked my ass back then. Now don’t laugh! I told you I’m not good in versus games. But anyway, we had a lot fun on that even though I failed miserably. I’m not sure if Jima kept a replay data of our battles before. I would really like to see it again. 

It’s very much easy to get a video for gameplay battles of Dissidia. The game can let save replay data of your battles and you can even convert it to video file. It’s pretty convenient especially if I would plan to make a gameplay video of Dissidia, but I would still have to record footage for cutscenes and the overworld parts. Anyway, I haven’t thought of doing it just yet. Perhaps one day I would play Dissidia again since I haven’t actually finished it. But for now, I’ll just leave it that for a while.. Hope you enjoy the video. 

Until then!

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Heaven's Divide

Before I start I just notice that my previous blog posts were me always talks about Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker. I just realize it and sorry for that. It seems I got too engage in the game that I mention too much of it, hehehe! Anyway, it will probably be over from here since I’m done in the game.. almost (^^)

Last Sunday I visited my friend Jima-san and we played PW together. We manage to accomplish few missions particularly those hard ones that would took some time to finish if it’s in solo effort. We also got the opportunity to get those special suits from those monsters can only be received by getting a Rank S on them. These are the missions we accomplished. Sorry, no screenshots. We’re so absorb in the game that we had no time to take pictures for ourselves, heheh!

• Tigrex. Successfully got Rank S and got the Tigrex suit
• Gear REX. Successfully got Rank S and got the Gear REX suit
• Rathalos. Got Rank A. Failed on getting the suit, tsk!
• Chrysalis Type II and Cocoon Type II all done!
• Peace Walker Type II. You should witness how engaging we were when battling this one. We actually barely made it on one of the its nuclear launch (x_x)

We also had a lot fun in the co-op. I’m experimenting some features in co-op mode. I don’t even know that you can borrow weapons/items from your comrade while you’re in co-op mode... ok, now I just remember that we forgot to try those cardboard boxes, just too bad (^^)

After that, before going home, I stopped by at SM Bacoor (SM is one of the popular malls here in Philippines) to recruit more soldiers via Access Point. But compare when I’m doing it at Shangri-la (also one of those known malls in Manila), I couldn’t got much at SM. Anyway I still got a fair number of strong soldiers >=)

And just yesterday I finally beaten PW, and I mean I reach the real ending of the game. The ending was awesome yet it’s also kinda tragic in a sense. The final battle was epic… talk about “Taste your own Medicine”. >=) The real ending clearly shows the reason why Big Boss finally decided to make a stand on his own army and thus the named “Outer Heaven” was vested and became an enemy of the entire world. I’d say the story of Big Boss and his Outer Heaven is a lot interesting than Solid’s, in my opinion.
 

So there, I finally finished the game. But there still additional extra ops’ been unlock after it’s cleared. Keeping it up will allow you to access more powerful weapons and special items to use. Guess the mission still continues, but at least I officially cleared the game and that’s enough for me to be satisfied (^^) Guess sooner or later I’ll be retiring as a soldier... but when duty calls, I’ll come back again!

I’m relieving my position... for now >=) 

Until then!

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Welcome to my Blog!

Hi everyone! This is Josh and welcome to my personal blog. Yep, I finally decided to create my own personal blog.. well actually I already used to have one before but that time I was really lazy on updating it so I deleted it along with my old Google account. Anyway’s, this is my new blog, so what’s it all about?


Okay, other than sharing my usual interest (Anime’s, Tokusatsu and video games) I will also going to share some random stuffs about me, what’s going on around me, some personal thoughts and stories about myself... basically, it will covers all things about me and ALL me, then eventually you would probably figure (if ever you’ll going to try understand my sanity) how the name of my blog is really implies in me ;) To start things off, let me share some things that happened to me very recently.

First, it was my birthday last Saturday, June 19 and nobody actually remembers to greet me except for two people, my wife and my good old friend Jima-san (greeted me via wallpost at facebook). But I’m not sad or mad. It’s actually okay to me whether somebody greeted me or not, I really don’t mind (because I’m used to it, somehow). If ever I felt bad in the day of my birthday; it was because I didn’t do anything. I really like to do something in my birthday whether to treat somebody or hanging out with some friends and treat them for something. At least if I did that, I’m satisfied. Problem is, I’m actually broke, no budget even for just a small celebration. So far I say it’s the dullest birthday I had... except for the part that I’m with my family celebrating with a nice dinner. At least that’s the good part =)

Then second, yesterday, June 20 I visited my friend Levy. I first thought to visit Jima but I detoured a little. Kinda like an RPG decision-making...

“I like to go outside but where would I go?” 

1. Go to the HobbyBox (Jima’s place) 

2. Go to Levy’s place. 

Okay, I decided to go to Levy’s place instead since I haven’t seen him for a while and because Levy’s always stuck in his house and doesn’t go out most of the time. We played Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker in Co-op. It’s actually the first time we ever tried playing it in co-op and it was fun! I say it’s a lot more fun playing PW in co-op especially in boss fights. Its not because it’s easy to beat down a boss in co-op, it’s actually the opposite... there are bosses that are SO HARD that you really need a comrade to back you up (x_x). Anyways, we had a lot of fun and I felt satisfied with that.

After that I went for a quick step at SM Bacoor to buy something for my wife. I got home I think passed 9pm. I eat then play a few minutes in PW then play a bit of puzzle games with my wife then sleep. And that’s it for my first post. I do hope you will enjoy my blog.


Until then!

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