Is the nex gen needed

The next generation of gaming is fast approaching and it has some consumers wondering, are we ready.  Nintendo is already upgrading from the Wii to the Wii U the one upgrade I see as logical.  The current model only outputs standard definition and doesn't compete well with third party games.  The Wii U on the other hand will come out of the box with HD graphics and a processing power that is supposed to usurp the xbox 360.  Along with a controller that has a built in screen and many other advances this is probably the only upgrade that seems logical.  On the case of the other two systems I see a longer lifespan for them.  The Xbox 360 is starting to roll out consistent good games and is gaining ground in the console war.  Last year it was the first system to out sell the Wii since its inception.  That is a sign that more people are willing to buy 360's and the software rather than shell in the extra bucks to upgrade.  Along with and online experience that is unparalleled I see at least 3-5 more years left for this system.  Now with the PS3 I can see them upgrading sooner than the 360.  Now the PS3 has the most processor power, most of which hasn't been tapped into, however they need to gain users and a better online experience.  Perhaps by upgrading the PSN within the next few years and then rolling out the PS4 Sony can finally reclaim their thrown that they once had with the PS2.  My advice to Sony is market your products better and dish out a consistent lineup of good games for at least another year and then reveal a successor.

Mobile Gaming: The future or a phase

Recently mobile gaming has surged in sales whether it be games on your phone, ipad, ipod or whatever else you buy it on.  And now with the introduction of Project Fiona by Razer a tablet that can supposedly run high powered PC games we start to wonder if this is the end of console games.  Now as a more console oriented gamer myself I find the emergence of mobile games as a fad.  Most mobile games really hold no ground with hardcore gamers who expect a strong storyline, detailed graphics, and perhaps the addition of a multiplayer component.  Mobile games clearly don't deliver in these categories however they do have mild entertainment value.  These types of games cater more towards casual game players who like something to do when they have a spare moment every now and then.  With that in mind I really don't believe mobile games will be the end of console or PC games.  They hold no traction with the hardcore gamer and unless they get really good like what Project Fiona offers then we will see them as merely mild amusement for the every day person.

Uncharted 3 vs. Uncharted 2: The full review

It's been a few days but I've officially completed the Uncharted 3 campaign and done a thorough analysis of its multiplayer and come to the only logical conclusion, Uncharted 3 is superior to Uncharted 2.  Now while many praise Uncharted 2 for taking huge strides in improving from the original I feel the third installment got better just not by as big a margin.  Uncharted 2 set the bar high and Drake's Deception (Uncharted 3) I feel did all it could to improve and exceed expectations. 

Graphics
On first glance the game is similar, you play as Nathan Drake again as he searches for the fabled Iram of the Pillars or "The Atlantis of the Sands", along the way he runs into trouble at every turn as is per usual in the series.  However that's where the similarities stop.  Melee combat has been improved significantly in this game allowing the player to fight off multiple enemies at once and use your environment to your advantage.  This happens a lot when you use objects like beer bottles and clubs to bash your opponents with.  The visuals are beyond impressive in this game too.  While both games are beautiful pieces of art that they eye enjoys, the third chapter improves on many aspects over its predecessor.  This is especially noticeable in facial expressions where Uncharted 3 delivers a near perfect rendition of what the human face should look and act like.  This is a tribute to the amazing job Naught Dog has done with motion capturing and detailing.  Environments are brought to life in this game beyond anything that I've seen.  Uncharted 2 saw our hero traversing snowy capped mountains while in this adventure he treks across scorching deserts that had me feeling dehydrated just playing in them.  The realism is uncanny in how Drake interacts with his environment.  If you run into a wall he will put his hand out to brace himself, if you trip up Drake will stumble, and even in the desert scenes you feel like you're with Drake as he stumbles and tires from exhaustion in the vast deserts of the Rhub' al khali.  One of my favorite parts in the game that truly shows the graphical detail of this title is a scene where you are escaping from a burning chateau in France.  You always feel the flames licking at your face and the realism of the fire is uncanny.  These set pieces build to the overall performance and realism of the game and always have me wanting to go back and play them again just to feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins.  

Story
The story in my opinion is far better in third chapter.  Drake, Sully and a few other pals are going back into the past of Sir Francis Drake trying to uncover a long lost secret he concealed from the world.  They are confronted at every turn by a mysterious new foe by the name of Marlowe.  Marlowe apparently is a shady individual from Drake's past that is in search of the same place but not necessarily for the same reason.  She is accompanied by her loyal partner Talbot who throughout the game is a huge nuisance to our hero.  While these villains are fun to follow you never quite get the entire story behind them which leaves some lingering questions at the end of the game.  A small gripe but one of few.  The dialogue and voice acting in this game are top notch with all the characters always spouting off funny comments that really make the gamer love these people.  While you embark on your adventure journeying to such places as France, Yemen, and even Columbia you always feel the pressure of getting to each location before your power hungry enemy.  This urges the player to press on in hopes of finding the "Atlantis of the Sands" first.  Along the way Drake meets up with old friends from the previous games which bring on their own story lines most of which get tied off at the games conclusion.  The one element I found particularly fascinating about the story is the secondary plot line.  While Drake is anxious to reach his goal his journey becomes increasingly difficult and more and more life threatening forcing his comrades to wonder if what they are doing is worth all the trouble.  The underlying premise there is what is driving our hero and what makes him tick.  Does he want to complete his goal for fortune or is his pride getting in the way of better judgement.  This gives us the gamer a unique perspective into the psyche of Nathan Drake something that really flushes out the character and makes him more real.  The set pieces in this game are fantastic from the burning chateau, to a sinking ship which you must escape from, to the infamous crashing plane scene as shown in the trailers.  All are brought to life in true movie quality manner that had my jaw dropping saying to myself "No way,  Drake is such a bad ass."  Overall I was impressed with the story and am always wiling to go back for more.

Multiplayer
Multiplayer makes a triumphant return from the second game and has been tweaked and improved on in many ways.  There are many competitive modes to choose from with choices like Team Deathmatch, Team Objective, or even Free for All.  If I may make a suggestion I say play Team Objective.  It is fun, usually long lasting and is basically like playing a variety of different modes all rolled up into one neat little package.  Co-op also makes a return with game modes like Co-op adventure which sees you playing story moments with you and two of your friends or there is Co-op arena which has you and your two buddies surviving waves of oncoming enemies that progressively get harder while you try to complete objectives all at the same time.  These don't feel tacked on but are actually flushed out and are a lot of fun to play.  You play as a character from the story or a custom one you create and you can jump into any mode you like whether it is a new lobby or a game in progress.  Boosters make a return and are expanded and made better in this game with a leveling up system that has you wanting to constantly improve on yourself to get better perks.  There is a lot more that can be said about the multiplayer experience but one thing is for sure.  It is a hell of a good time.

Conclusion
Uncharted 3 took what I loved about the first two games and expanded on them.  The story is engaging, the characters are entertaining and witty, and the multiplayer keeps me playing long after the credits roll.  I am a big fan of the Uncharted series and it is the main reason I own a PS3 and now with the addition of the third chapter to my collection I can walk away happy knowing that I have played one of the best video experiences to date.

Link to trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN3rj6YemkI

Game of the year 2011

There was a stellar line up of games for 2011 from games like Gears of war 3, Skyrim, Batman Arkham City, Uncharted 3, and many more personally I can't say what game was undeniably the best but I can try.  If you look what all the games brought to the table this year there was one that stood out above the crowd in my eyes that brought the most content best quality and overall best experience and so I believe the game of the year for 2011 is.......Skyrim.   Shocker I know

Me

I already posted my first post without even telling the general public about myself and my video game background.  I am currently a college student with a huge passion for games.  I currently own every home console for the current generation.  My favorite has to be Xbox 360 by far.  I date back to the Nintendo 64 where my first game was Super Mario 64 and since then I haven't looked back.

Uncharted 3 vs. Uncharted 2

I have recently gotten Uncharted 3 Drake's Deception for christmas and have started playing it and so far I am torn. For starters I am a big fan of the Uncharted series since the first game came out and so far it is my go to series for the PS3. The second game blew away my expectations with its visuals and slick controls...However Uncharted 3 from what I've played is good so far but the controls don't feel as tight and there seems to be an awful lot of puzzles in just the first few chapters. From what I read Uncharted 3 doesn't exceed Uncharted 2 except in the multiplayer and of course the graphics. I plan on writing back as soon as I complete the game to give my full honest analysis of what I thought but what I hope is that the third beats the second as it should.