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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Favorite Moments at Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker

I’m pretty much on a gaming slump from the point I’m writing this article. There isn’t much to play at the moment… no, actually there were few games here that I haven’t tried playing yet and even games that I haven’t finished but for some reason I don’t feel like playing it and instead I’m craving to play something else... so I ended up replaying some games like Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker. I already completed this game as I mentioned before but still love playing for the second time around and so far I’m enjoying it.

So I thought of doing an article regarding Peace Walker.. again. So let me share you guys my personal favorites in the game. NOTE: for those who haven’t played the game or haven’t played the game thoroughly, you might be spoiled. So anyway, this is my 10 Most Favorite Moments at Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker.

(10) Leap of Faith. Kojima loves to spoof and that’s made his game really amusing. First time I saw this on a gameplay demo I was like “Wow, Big Boss can actually do a leap of faith”.. although not as high like in the Assassin’s Creed game, but its still cool to see. Not a fan of the Assassin's Creed series but seeing this is really amusing. Too bad you can only do this on particular missions with Straw Box around.

(9) Operation Pooyan. For those who don’t get this. Pooyan is an oldschool game where you’re shooting balloons and I remember playing it on the NES. When I first played at PW I was just LOL’d to the spoof. And it’s becoming more hilarious because while playing the Operation Pooyan mission, they’re playing the old BGM of it. For those oldschool gamer like me, its pretty much amusing.

(8) “La—lala-lalala-lalalah...”. Don’t you think its unsettling hearing a machine humming like this?? Just imagine a real-life battle tank or even a jet plane making sound like this while firing and killing someone. Hehe, anyway the sound was so catchy I would sometimes hum into myself.

(7) AI Cocoon battle. Among the three AI weapons, I was overwhelmed by the size this boss. I already first saw it in some video reviews of PW but I first thought it would be a special boss or something... but no, it’s just one of the regular AI bosses. So I was like “WTF! That big!?” I almost panic on how am I going to beat it.. and how am I able to reach the pod! (><)

(6) War vehicle battles. Whether it’s the armored vehicle, battle tank or the chopper, who the hell in the right mind is going of take out these vehicles with matching foot soldiers around?? Well... NOBODY BUT Big Boss! And you know what, that’s the MANLIEST thing you could ever do here.. and even more manlier if you going to fight with your shirt off. >=D

(5) Storming the Comm Tower. Probably, it’s the only mission where you have to gun your way through. My favorite part here was the crossfire at the near end, a chopper with some troops gunning you from the outside. It feels like an action movie scene especially when the music of Heaven’s Divide started to play in the background while you’re in action. That was so epic and cool!

it's BRILLIANT! XD

(4) The Briefings. I always love to listen to codec talks and conversations at MGS and I don’t care if it eats up my hours of gameplay. I just love every moments of it. In PW, the conversations are in the form of tape-recorded briefings but its still fun to listen to. Of course, one thing that makes it amusing was the ever funny silly talks thrown here, one of the most notable was the “Kojima is God” thing but my personal favorites would be the Naked and Cardboard Tank briefing, I LOL’d on that.

(3) Metal Gear ZEKE battle. Talk about “Taste your own medicine!”, you will actually have to fight your own Metal Gear at the very end of PW. Depending on how well you improve ZEKE, the difficultly can be medium to insanely hard. Though the battle didn’t felt that epic compare to PW, the whole “twist” in the story was enough for you to be overwhelmed. With the background music played that you would feel mix emotions while fighting the MG and to think that you’re up against something that you’ve personally built.

(2) Monster hunting. Some of you would probably guess it that this one would be near top of my favorites. Yes, of course! Ever fan of Monster Hunter, I actually had an imagination before of what if monsters ever exist outside the MH universe, would modern weapons like guns could work on them?... until I saw the gameplay of the yet upcoming PW showing Big Boss fighting a Tigrex. My face was like (O.O) -- something like that. I became very excited on it. Not only that MH fans would love this but seeing Big Boss fighting a monster, it really made him really badass.

(1) Peace Walker battle. I never felt engaged and overwhelmed again in MGS ever since MGS 2’s multiple Metal Gear Rays and Solidus’ duel (both in hard mode). PW have 3 separate battles and two forms. The first form might be not as much but the second will surely get the best of you. PW will hit you hard and you will be hit a lot if you don’t know what you are doing. Not to mention PW constantly doing the nuclear launch mode that will keep you pressured in your entire battle (and Miller’s whining will pressure you more). If you compared it to MHFU, it was like fighting Tigrex the first time and it’s really a pain. The background music playing was so epic that it would considerably be the only thing that motivates you in the battle. In terms in the story, having that kind of machines in a 1970’s era was way ahead of its time and to think, it could have been the first walking machine ever created that led to the creation of the bi-pedal tank that we’d all come to knew as -- Metal Gear. And that is why this is my number one most favorite part in the game.

So, that’s my 10 most favorite moments in PW. Whether you’re agree or disagree on how I rate it, I’m sure most of you would agree that these were indeed one of the great moments in the game regardless of the number sequences. If you haven’t played it yet, I HIGHLY recommend you to play it. For an MGS fan, you SHOULDN’T past this one! It’s very much worth it. >=)

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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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