buttonmashing

Mashing buttons since 1984

Archives for 2008

Let Me Know When It’s Over

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While Tony will be writing about E3, I’ll be the devil’s advocate. As gamers we gut FUD all year long. For events like E3, it just goes over the top.

Bill Harris says it much better than I can.

In a sense, to me, it’s all epic fail. All I know is that Nintendo prints money and really wants to get into the controller business (for each individual game), Microsoft overprices hard drives (is it up? down? a new size? a phased out kit? wha…?), and Sony still appears to be in denial (everything else is just niche) .

Geesh.

Twitterers you should be following this E3

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E3 08 is upon us.

And I have neither the manpower, firepower nor willpower to keep up with all the news, announcements and megatons that are sure to result from E3. That being said, I still try to stay abreast of the happenings and what-not of the event. This year, I’ll mostly be following the news via a few select Twitterers. Here are my “must follows” to get your E3 fix, if you use Twitter:

Major Nelson (of Xbox’s Major Nelson) – Because duh!
Zonk (of Massively and MMOGNation) – Because I need my MMO fix.
FalconGN (of Gaming Nexus) – Because us Ohio Boys gotta stick together.
Godfree (of Gamertag Radio) – Because between him and Major Nelson, you’ve got your Xbox 360 bases covered.
Chris Paladino (of the Gamerscore Blog) – Because, two’s company, three’s a trend?
bapenguin (of Evil Avatar and Co Optimus) – Because we all need a less corporate, more gamer take on E3.
multiplayer (of the MTV Multiplayer Blog) – Because variety is the spice of life.
N’Gai Croal (of Level Up) – Because the guy seems like a pretty cool dude and he gets all the scoops.
Chris Grant (of Joystiq) – Because I need all around coverage.
Garnett Lee (of 1UP Yours, 1UP.com) – Because I like the cut of his jib.

Phew, that’s a full time job just following these guys. Anyway, that’s how I’ll be following most of the E3 news. Am I missing anyone?

And life goes on…

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I’m back from the weekend of funeral services and family gatherings. Tears were shed, hugs given and received, and final goodbyes said. Now the ship has righted itself and things are pretty much back to normal.

Even under the circumstances, it was nice to see family and friends. I come from a pretty tight-knit family as it is, but it was still nice to see people that I don’t normally see regularly. It was also nice to travel back to where my grandparents grew up and my dad lived for a while (Brownsville, PA) and to hear some family stories from my dad. It has been a great experience overall.

Thanks for all the condolences expressed personally and publicly. They are all appreciated.

Things should be back to normal around these parts now. I have a bunch of items in the hopper, along with a couple of weeks where I will be family-free, as my wife takes the kids on an extended trip without me. I’ll be sad to see them go but happy about the free-time laid out before me.

It’s going to be an extravaganza around here.

Achievements? Trophies? Nothing new.

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This may be an old discussion—even before the 360 or the PS3 existed. To prove there really is nothing new under the sun:

I was playing the greatest game ever made this afternoon, and as the Emperor’s cronies fired bolts out of their hands and tattooed my arm—I realized it.

All those times I got a new addition to my arm, all those times I received new medals and pins—those were achievements. Nothing has ever been as more rewarding in a game as the wonderful glowing tatoo designs I received on my arm.

Finish Your Dinner

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My mom used to fix this pork chop dinner that may have been a precursor to beef jerky. I wasn’t allowed to get up from the table until I had finished the meal. Many glasses of water and what seemed like an eternity later I was able to walk away from the table with pride.

I wish mom had that kind of power over me when it comes to the games I buy—new and used. I’ll admit I’ve not been the best at completing games. I like what Jason does at Unfettered Blather tracking his purchases compared to the enjoyment he gets from the game. I’m a stat junkie. Things like time compared to cost and enjoyment entertain me.

Somehow, I don’t think I’m alone. I would venture to say that more gamers don’t complete the titles they have or get. If so, why do we fork over the big bucks for the latest titles? Consumerism? Materialism? The need to fit in? Why do I do it? Why purchases games and then just play them a little bit? I’ve got five $60 titles on my shelf now that I’ve played once or twice. Yes, time may be an issue for some games (RPGs), but I think there there has to be more. I’ve not really thought about why I do it.

I’d like to explore this topic a little more. Here’s where you come in. I’ve created a little poll. Cast your vote.

[poll id=”2“]

The post will be availavble on this post and in the sidebar.

Family Matters

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Due to a death in the family (my grandmother), I won’t be around these parts for a few days. I’ll leave you in Nat’s capable hands until I get back. Shouldn’t be too long. I’ve been working on a few posts, so I hope to get those up soon.

For now, I leave with the Super Mario 2 Theme, Gypsy-Jazz style:

Mega Man 9: Lovers and Haters

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Mega Man 9Capcom has made a bold move to make Mega Man 9. Actually, Capcom making a Mega Man game period has not really been all that bold. They’ve been milking that franchise more than my local dairy sticks a vacuum tube to their cows.

Mega Man 9 will be old school. Yes, it’s going to be done like an old NES game–graphics, style, and sound. It’ll be available as a WiiWare title. No timeframe on the date or price.

The lovers: anyone over the age of 25 who played Mega Man 2 or 3.

The haters: anyone under the age of 25.

(Don’t believe me? The comments at Kotaku are priceless.)

Somehow, GamesRadar was able to score some screenshots and get a little more info such as boss descriptions.

If this is a hit expect to see tons more new, old games. Ha! I, for one, welcome it. Thanks to GameRadar for the pic.

June in Review

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Back with another monthly report for the activity and happenings here at buttonmashing.com.

June was a lazy month around these parts. Nat was unplugged and I played GTA IV. Nice summer weather was enjoyed and crazy storms were weathered. We had 22 posts with 67 comments. The site also celebrated its fourth anniversary.

Top posts
The following posts garnered the most eyeballs in June (outside of the regulars):

  1. Customizable NCAA 09 Covers
  2. Easter Egg in Google Reader
  3. Why All the Love for Metal Gear Solid 4?
  4. [2 Minute Review] Trials 2:Second Edition

Previously, on buttonmashing
One year ago, among other things, we were talking about Forza 2 for the 360.
Two years ago, I was marveling at the beauty of my brand new DS Lite.
Three years ago it was all about Guild Wars. My, how time and tastes change.
And four years ago? It was Wario Ware time.

Strange Searches
As always, a small sampling of the diverse paths that led people to our humble abode:

“let me show you this spreadsheet because” – oh man, don’t leave me hanging like that!
“360 button mashing techniques” – you mean, other than just… mashing them?
“easy way to get 5 day survivor achievement in dead rising” – There is none! There is only pain.
“eve in wall-e is ticklish” – I saw Wall-E (LOVED IT) but, for the life of me, cannot think of any reason why anyone would ever need to search for this. If you’ve seen the movie, you know the answer. If you haven’t, what train of thought brought this search phrase to your mind? I NEED TO KNOW.
“eve wall-e tickled” – Again, with the tickling and Wall-E!

Games being played
Not much has changed, for me at least. As I near the end of GTA IV (I think), I’m already wondering what might take its place. I also finished Super Mario Galaxy, but with only 70 stars, I still have lots of mileage left on that bad boy. My DS sits mostly unused, except for the occasional NY Times Crossword puzzle.

There you have it, another month come and gone.