Trent's Video Game Blog

Reviews

2008-10-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Tyler finally got up and did some work i just got a ps3 and that means i have every commeccial game console of the generation. I weighed them against each other. Come to ma page watch them enjoy i hope.

http://www.youtube.com/tylerblogger

Web Space

2008-09-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Guys don't worry I'm working on some vids right now. That's not why I'm posting. I was talking to Trent and i thought it would be a nice idea to actually have our own web site. I wanted to know if anybody had webspace we could use. You would be credited and you would have an equal share in the design of the site.

Email me if you're interested at tyler.balmung480@gmail.com

Motorstorm Pacific Rift

2008-09-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

If you pre-ordered it from gamestop the demo code was just emailed out. Cant wait to try it with my playseat and driving force gt!!!!

It's Called a Beta Test For Reason (Socom Beta Thoughts)

2008-09-06T05:08:00.001-07:00

Now that the Socom Confrontation Public Beta V1 is out, the comments have been pouring in all over the forums. Now being a a beta tester of previous games thanks to the GAP/PS Forums I know that beta tests are not perfect finished products and well , betas.

When I read posts from fellow players complaining profusely over all the beta's problems It gets me frustrated. Most beta tests are frustrating and riddled with problems and this beta is no different. The purpose of having us play A. is a sort of viral marketing but more importantly B is a way for the developers to work hand in hand with the people who are going to be playing the game to make suitable adjust for when the final retail release is put onto the market

Yes it gets laggy at times and yes its buggy, It is a beta test. When I have done private beta's everyone was aware of the aforementioned notes but now that its public many players are treating it as a final release and therefore not contributing to the trouble shooting aspect of the beta.

So here is my question... Do you think Public Beta tests should be given out or should they stay private and why?

*Below are some thoughts on the new Socom.
This Socom so far is proving to be a pleasantly playing 3rd person Tactical Shooter. The last few tryed to get that feel but didnt get it quite right. It is true this time, with the right team work you can be great at this game. It is no longer a one man run and gun show.
They have finally nailed Tactical.

SONY along with S6 have made many strides in the progression of this game since its first iteration. Though it may not feel exactly like all the other Socoms It does one thing as perfect as the first one did. .. Bringing the most realistic Tactical Shooter to couch potatoes across the world.

Welcome Back Socom, its been a long time since your roots.

Tyler's Bday

2008-08-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sooo, I am thinking i need to start to form my birthday list. I know it may sound juvenile but i figure this gives you a chance for me to review them for you guys. So go ahead send me some ideas for shit i should ask for. Preferably for my xbox 360. I got a wii but that as trent has said before is a bigtime gimmick.

Games i currently own for my 360:
Bioshock
Halo 3
Assassin's Creed(Then again some asshole scratched it
Mass Effect

If you wanna make me a birthday list go ahead send it to ma email
Tyler.balmung480@gmail.com

Too Human Demo Coverage

2008-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

What is there to say about Too Human some may say. I got the opportunity thanks to xbox live to experience the Too Human demo.

It looks stunning graphically. The sheer numbers this game can support onscreen in addition to its effects are great. Graphically there is nothing wrong with this game. However if you are like me pretty things are nice to look at but are they fun to play with(yes that was a sexual innuendo, hold your applause please).

If you are an RPG fan there is plenty of story being brought here.

However the games controls wreck everything. See to use a melee weapon of any sort you simply point the right analog stick in the direction you want to attack. If you are far from an enemy you will be auto run to the nearest one.

While ranged attacks are done by guns a rifle will have its primary fire mapped to the right secondary fire to the left trig. Pistols are dual wielded meaning you just press right to fire the right gun, left to fire left.

Think about doing that for a period longer than 30 minutes. The thought coming into your head should be boring mindless button masher. There are stats to manage to balance this out, but really making a character strong ultimately means your just going to be pressing the same button less.

People be advised, this is a waste of 1 GB of hard drive space. I will most likely being coming at you with a full review when the game is released but for now i am not very optimistic. Developer Silicon Knights needs to step it up and fix this control scheme or this game is looking at being a button masher with a really nice look.

That's Right, Tyler Is Crashin' This Party!

2008-07-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

You guessed it by the title of this post I am now one of the contributers to this site, that means all you 360 users out there finally have a source to take the vast stream of information out there and compress it into a nice neat RSS blog post that i hope to write in whenever i have new information. I already got a couple of things to write about. I'm really enthusatic to be helping Trent out here. I know this is prolly pissing all of you off if you read this site to have me just clogging it up with my entrance to the stage but i thought it needed to be done. For my videos please go ahead and check out http://youtube.com/tylerblogger.

Its gonna be writing for you guys PEACE!!!!

More Resistance 2 Updates.

2008-07-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

Its been about a week since srpanet went live for resistance 2 info and now there is yet another update.
Its voting time on project abraham again. They are trying to find a cure for the chimera disease. If you have signed up you probably just received a phone call about it. What is this voting process going to do for the game when it comes it? Is this a possible way into a beta for Resistance 2? Check the link for yourself.

Via Project Abraham

Logitech To Show Some Guitar Hero Love.

2008-07-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

It looks like Activision is really rallying the troops for its upcoming release, "Guitar Hero: World Tour" which is slated to take direct competition with Harmonix's "Rock Band." Harmonix had announced a premium drum-set for their title with Ion.(pictured above) Now Logitech has announced it will be backing Activision in its own line of premium music controllers.

Logitech is one of the top peripheral makers and has been noted for their dominance in the steering wheel department. Looks like the choice between the two games is getting tougher every minute. Heres to have another 10 controllers this holiday season.

Via Marketwatch

PS3 Home Beta Test to Begin In Japan

2008-07-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

If you live in Japan and own a Playstation 3, the rest of the world is envious of you. As it would turn out Sony is FINALLY beginning to accept applications on a HOME beta test for Japanese users through the middle of august. The closed beta will begin in August and carry 10,000 lucky users into their virtual homes. There is no information on beta tests outside of Japan but other markets are due to have access soon.

Lets just hope Home doesn't get delayed, Again.

Via Pc World

Real Life Rick Roll (w/ Ps3 xmb in background)

2008-07-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

This was so funny. Can anyone please tell me why I say a ps3 xmb on that tv?
I know its not relevant at all but the xmb in the background. GAHHH.

Mobile Me is Fixed!

2008-07-30T01:03:00.000-07:00

I am sure many of you use apples mobile service for email on your iPhone, MacBook etc.

There were many problems with the launch of the service last week mainly in the form of lost emails. Apple has said that mail service and syncing problems have been fixed and they are now looking to make other aspects of the service better. About 1 percent of all users had been affected in some way.

Hey for $100 dollars a year to receive email, it better work!

Lets hope this is the last time we here about any trouble from Cupertino regarding the overpriced mail client! :)

Via Macworld

"Cuil" Not So Cool.

2008-07-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard yet, there is a new search engine called "Cuil" (Cool). The aim here? To be the "coolest" search engine around, duh. The creators being ex google employee's are saying a lot to assert that they are a better search engine than google mainly boasting better security and privacy. While this aspect is being praised the engine itself is very poor.

Most of what I am reading has pinned the site and as an epic fail but you should "search" for yourself.

Just google the term "Cuil" to see for yourself ;)

or visit cuil.com

Via Network World (Negative)

Via Newstatesman (Postive)

Free Xbox Live... Sorta.

2008-07-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Microsoft is running a short promotion for windows live games that will allow users of the games on Windows Live/ Xbox 360 to play against each other for free. This is a limited time offer and there are no plans to offer free Xbox Live in the future.

Titles include Shadow Run and Lost planet among others.

Its funny how microsoft charges us to run games that are mostly p2p.
Whats next big M, charging for air? or maybe making us pay for the rrod replacement?

Via Gamepro

EA Love Triangle Riddled w/ Regrets, Wants More Wii <3

2008-07-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

We all know about EA's financial troubles. Well here is there excuse on the whole debacle.

They are saying that not supporting the Wii in front of the PS3 and Xbox 360 was a "mistake."

Who doesn't want a little more Wii love?

Via:

Digital Spy

Playstation 3 Firmware 2.42 =LAME

2008-07-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

So the new 2.42 firmware came out today, and its about as dry as {insert nasty sex joke here}

Nothing exciting just some playback fixes.

Sorry guys!

Playstation 3 Gets Greatest Hits. Warhawk screams foul!

2008-07-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Sony finally let loose those $30 (half off) greatest hits titles, like resistance, and motorstorm to name a few.
But, did anyone notice Warhawk a $40 game is $30, shouldn't it be $20?
Oh well, Heres to the new red cases that will come in extra handy come christmas time :)

Via Playstation blog:
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/28/ps3-greatest-hits-launch-today/

Ps3 selling like hot cakes! McDonalds, Xbox fan boys cringe.

2008-07-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

So the Ps3 has been selling like hot cakes at Mcdonald's and boy those hot cakes are delicious.

Not as delicious as, new dlc, 30 dollar greatest hits, and socom but still quite tasty.

Check out the link below!

http://news.cnet.co.uk/gamesgear/0,39029682,49296943,00.htm

MGO Thoughts

2008-07-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

__An Article I wrote for the G.A.P. that got highly rated__

I am new to Metal Gear Solid, but I am not new to Online gaming. I have played my fair share of games from burnout to SOCOM and have seen what a great online game can be and what can make a game bad.

Now moving on to MGO specifically I have many reservations about this game. 1. The consumer was mislead into how the online works. There is no connection to the PSN and users are forced to create 3 additional I's in order to get online.

A Konami ID to buy add-ons from Konami.
A Game ID for use of MGO.
And a Character.

MGO boasted character customization though when the user gets online this is not the case. You can make a custom character but once you make it thats what your stuck with and if you want another slot. It will cost you 6 dollars.

The dis connect from the PSN is appalling. Every game should be connected to the PSN and use the users universal name to make life easier and more convenient on the consumer. It is pointless to have this network if publishers are going to completely disregard it.

Many people have been complaining on forums of the game disconnecting. But i must say there is no lag on this game so im assuming these disconnects are beneficial to the servers even if they may be tedious.

Mic control in the game is sketchy at best. It is very tough to hear people as it is very distorted. I have used the Logitech USB mic, and the mgs4 bluetooth and both give the same results. I have even changed around all the presents and to no avail.

The Menu system is also very archaic. It reminds me the menus for the first Need For Speed on ps2 that had online play. Games like SOCOM have a very easy to use online menu and very clear cut and I think Konami needed to spend more time to make clearer menus.

Overall the game play in MGO is great. But for a game that got beta tested there are still many bugs. Having beta tested before I can say that it seems that publishers rush out games and don't fix obvious problems. This is something that should be addressed.

Pick up MGO, but dont expect to blown away until some well needed updates are released.

F.A.Q.

2008-07-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have been getting a barrage of mail on my PSN account and a hefty amount of the the questions are the same so I am making an FAQ since it is hard to answer everyone back.

1. What is your PSN ID?

Message me for it.

2. How do i message you?

You can email me : radiovisuals@gmail.com

or send me an I.M. on aim: radiovisuals

3. What games do you play?

Socom: CA, MGS4/MGO, Battlefield Bad Company.

4. What games do you plan to get soon?

Socom Confrontation, Warhawk, GRID, GT5

5. Why don't you respond to my PSN messages?

Ok, Its not because i hate you guys first of all.

Sometimes I do not log in for a few days so thats the first reason.

Secondly, I know many times it says I am online and you'll message me

and not get a response. This is because i have in game notification turned off.

I don't like being bother by messages when I am trying to play game.

If it is super important I am always on aim. so you can IM me or shoot me an email.

Remember, just because there is in game xmb doesn't mean i can answer everyone while I'm playing. I have ALOT of buddies now and i cant answer a question every two seconds its annoying. How would you feel if you kept getting interrupted while your trying to play every two seconds.. For that reason I have in game Notification turned off.

6. Can we play online?

Of course we can. just check this blog to see if I am logged on game. (I update it as soon as I go on.)

7. Do you add everyone?

No. I will only add you if you play the same games I play. So As you will soon see many of you will be deleted soon. That is why I listed my email. The PSN only allows you 100 friends so to have 50 friends+ that dont play what i play? well it doesnt make sense.

8. Favorite game?

SOCOM!

9. Do you have PSP?

Yes.

10. What do you play on PSP?

SOCOM FTB 1 & 2 FTW!

What do you do outside of gaming?

I am a tech nerd. and I am in a band. check it out. We are called AMMO CAMMO

myspace.com/ammocammonj

myspace.com/akatrent

Battlefield Bad Company Sound issues.

2008-07-02T23:28:00.003-07:00

So Im having trouble with battlefields sound. along with a choppy frame rate at times. anyone got any word?

I need some socom in my life.

2008-06-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Im going to hit up socom tommorow. if anyone wants to play at any given time hit me up on aim. Socom CA i want to play all the maps i havent played yet.

Im Live on psn.

2008-06-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Shoot me an im. radiovisuals

well play battlefield.

So Quickcheck tastes like shit. Remind me never to go there again. I may as well have had white castle AND the aftershits it gives you. Jesus. That would have been way better than this piss poor excuse of a sandwich

Battlefield Bad Company is sick.

2008-06-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

So today was a boring day. I went for a bike ride, did some buisness from home, and most importantly played BFBC. This is game is like every battlefield before it and is a joy to play. Aside from some frame rate issues here and there and the new health injector, it feels the BF i have come to love.

If anyone would like to play with me online. Im me at radiovisuals and I will give you the info for what room im in.

Lets Make a gaming schedule.

2008-06-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

So I play MGO, SOCOM CA and Battlefield Bad Company and I want to play with you.

If You havent added me on psn its: akaTRENT

Heres the basics. I live on the east coast so all times will be eastern standard.

Add this blog to your rss feeds.

I will post a blog with information containing what game im playing when i decide to go on.

A few times a week I will also make pass-coded rooms for all my buddies and the pass-codes will be available here along with room names and servers. Lets do this like brutus.