Our Top 3 Games of All Time

About a Year ago I got Steve, Arthel and I to sit down and record our favorite games of all time. I finally got around to editing it and making a video out of it (nothing fancy just a slideshow of box art). While its been a year I can say my list has not changed, I can't say if Steve's and Arthel's lists are still the same but if they really want to, they can update this post with a more recent opinion.

For those that don't have the time to watch the video our top 3 games are:

Steve:
3. God of War 3 (PS3)
2. Super Smash Bros. Melee (GameCube)
1. Uncharted (The Series) (PS3)

Arthel:

3. Demon's Souls (PS3)
2. Pokemon Gold (Game Boy Color)
1. Uncharted 2 (PS3)

James:

3. Dwarf Fortress (PC)
2. Harvest Moon Back to Nature (PS1)
1. Tales of Symphonia (GameCube)

Burnout Paradise

I know this is late to review, but I just bought and started playing this game last week...

I had played a Burnout game about 4 or 5 years ago and loved all of it. I just recently started to play Burnout Paradise and I like it a lot.

In the last game I played, in the main mode there was just a world map and you would select which events you wanted to do. While racing, or crashing, there would be a set track like most racers. It was fun and I enjoyed it while I was able to play it. In this new Burnout, it has a free roam feature that lets you explore Paradise City (and the Paradise Island DLC) and discover what there is to find. I personally like this feature over the way Burnout used to be. Also, while in a race or event, you still have that freedom. There are no more walls with arrows or some kind of barricade that tells you which way you are supposed to go; you go whichever way you like.

I don't know what the online play was like in previous Burnout games, but I think the online play is great in this one. It has a constant flow of information on what records you're friends have broken and what streets they now own. If you want to go online with other racers, you can access a menu that appears while you are free roaming. You don't have to press pause or go back to the main menu. The connection is, if not instant, almost instantly and you don't have to wait in a lobby or anything. There are also quite a few challenges/events to enjoy and compete in when playing online with a few friends.

I have read a few things about this game online. Some people say that it is extremely realistic. The only things to me that are "extremely" realistic are the crashes and the sound of the engines. When you crash or wreck your vehicle, the game will most likely go into slow motion and show you all the crinkles, bending, and smashing of the car. Depending on how you crash, you will see pieces of metal and rubber flying everywhere. The wheels will come off and if you crash into something sideways, your car may even start wrapping around what you crashed into. The engines do sound realistic, but when you are on a straight a way, if you are holding the throttle the whole time the car will continue to shift up, and up, and up. It doesn't stop unless you start to slow down or the alternative, which would be crashing/wrecking.

Burnout Paradise has quite a few cars to choose from, including cars from previous games. This wide variety lets you try out Paradise City a few different ways. I have a few personal favorites that I tend to stick with. There are three different kinds of boost though. Aggression, Speed, and Stunt. You can also stick the cars in these boost categories. If you have some built up frustration, grab an aggressive car and go on some road rage. If you feel like showing off your moves and getting some style points, get into a stunt car and jump off a few ramps in a stunt event.

If you like cars, smashing stuff, and insane jumps, this could be a good game for you. I like it a lot. It's an especially great time if you can get some friends online and drive around whether it's racing, or wrecking each other all over the city.

God Of War Series and Button Mashing

I think we are all aware of the God Of War series and it's hack-n-slash game play. A lot of people love the carnage and chaos that goes on in that game, and a lot of people really don't care for it. I actually really enjoy this series (from I-III) and the story behind the character of Kratos. I also enjoy the hack-n-slash game play. I go in there and hack it up all day. Something that really gets to me though, is people accusing this game (and others like it) of being a straight up button mashers. If you share that opinion, SHUT UP and don't talk to me about it. These games are button mashers if you just feel like picking up the controller and running through the game on the easiest of modes and difficulties. I really disagree with these types of games being called button mashers because people like me know what they are doing while they are playing. I know most of the combo's, I familiarize myself with the controls of the game, and I know what I am trying to do when I am doing it! I also play the hardest difficulties first. For the most part, especially in GOW, I feel like button mashing just won't cut it when you play on the harder difficulties.

So, next time you pick up a hack-n-slash, try playing the harder difficulties first. If you succeed while button mashing your ass off the whole time, let me know. I would like to hear about it then and only then.

Sports What If???

I was discussing with my friend, Ryan, what we think Lebron wants to do once he becomes a free agent after this season. We both think that Miami would be a great place for him to go. Wade says that they are friends, they talk on the phone occasionally, and whenever a Heat/Cavaliers game comes up, everyone knows it is an "anything you can do, I can do better" competition!

Lebron has decided to change his number after this season from 23 to 6. He says it is because he wants to show respect for MJ, and 6 is the number he wore while he played in high school. My friend thinks that Lebron also wants to change his number to 6 because he cannot wear 23 in Miami. It is retired out of respect for MJ. If this is true, then it would make sense for Lebron not to say that when it comes to the number change. He doesn't want to talk to the media about his decision for next season.

So just imagine for a second, whether you are a fan of either team or not, how would this move be?...FREAKIN' AMAZING! They play on the same all-star team every year. They won Olympic gold together. Why not win championships in the NBA on the same team every year? I feel like playing on all these different teams can mean that they have enough chemistry together that it wouldn't take long at all for the duo of Wade+Lebron to take off. Right now, the Heat are very inconsistent. Even so, the combination of these two all-stars would make the work for the rest of the players easier. Plus, when they go on a streak of great games, like they are on right now, they would be virtually unbeatable!

For Lebron, this is nothing other than a win win situation. He gets to live in the great city of Miami, play in Miami, and play with D-Wade. What else does an NBA player need?...

Five Games I'm Excited To See

5: Naughty Bear (PS3 and 360)

Teddy bears? When my friend told me about this game, I had never heard of it before and I just denied it any opinion or attention right away. I'm not sure how much I will like going around and scaring or killing stuffed animals, but I am willing to give it a chance. I want to see how the actual game is before I pass final judgement on it.


4: Infamous 2 (PS3)

I loved the first one and so did everyone else I know that played the game. The ending really surprised me when you find out who Kessler really is. When I had beaten the game, i wondered if there could be another one and what that would be like. Well, now we will find out soon enough! When it gets closer to being finished and having a launch date, I know I'm going to be real hyped!


3: Killzone 3 (PS3)

Killzone 2 was great! It looked amazing and the game play, along with the story was good. Yes, I am actually one of the people who played the campaign in its entirety. The first Killzone was good as well. I didn't beat it, but I liked it the whole time I played it. I think we can all agree that Killzone 2 was better in every way. I expect just about the same going from Killzone 2 to Killzone 3. I don't know about anyone else, but after beating Killzone 2, I felt like there had to be a sequel and I am quite excited that there will be one for sure.


2: Uncharted 3 (PS3)

I wish I had bought it sooner! :( I loved just about every part of this game. I thought Drake's Fortune was awesome, but Among Thieves tops that in every aspect. That's how i felt. It starts off with ridiculous-ness right from the beginning and continues to have crazy moments throughout the game. I expect the same , plus MORE from Uncharted 3!

1: God Of War III (PS3)

HYPE! HYPE! HYPE! All I have been hearing is how amazing this game is. I wish it would hurry up and come out already. For anyone who has played GOW I & II, you know this game is going to be mind-blowing! For anyone who hasn't played them, I'm sorry. I enjoyed GOW I and GOW II definitely topped it(GOW I) in every way. I know I can't wait to see how this game is for myself and give it my own review!