The Musings of Flash Cable

Duke Nukem Forever initial impressions

Oh, come on, it’s pretty funny!

Started The Last Story, alcoholism in gaming

After having it in my possession for two weeks now, I finally started playing The Last Story. It probably would’ve taken me longer to do so, but I was just assigned to review it on account of no one else having the time to cover it. Hey, if the website I write for wants me to review a game that I’m legit stoked about, I’ve got no problem with that!

I’m two and a half hours into The Last Story, and I have to say I’m really enjoying it so far. The plot’s pretty interesting and not overbearing at all (unlike Record of Agarest War 2 … ugh). The gameplay takes a little getting used to, but I’m getting the hang of it. I’m certainly glad I opted to use manual controls for combat, as I imagine auto attacking would make the experience retardedly boring. Sadly, the visuals, while interesting as far as art direction goes, are sorely lacking in quality. I know you can’t expect much out of Wii games graphically, but if Xenoblade Chronicles can have decent visuals, there’s no reason The Last Story can’t.

Speaking of Xenoblade Chronicles, I should really go back and finish that game. I’m hoping to get to it after I finish The Last Story. Then I’ll definitely shoot to get through the rest of Skyward Sword. I seriously feel like it’s a sin that I haven’t finished that game.

Another aspect I really like in The Last Story is its cast. The characters all have distinct personalities, and it’s interesting seeing and hearing them interact with one another. Syrenne is especially intriguing, probably because she’s an alcoholic. I mean, she’s hammered all the time, and when she’s not drinking, she says things like, “I might cry if I don’t have a drink,” or, “It’s been a while since I’ve had a drink. My hands are shaking.” So yeah, total alcoholic.

Yup, she’s drunk.

It’s weird because I feel like I’ve been playing a lot of games with alcoholics in them. Not too long ago I played Max Payne 3. Now The Last Story. But in between both titles I played New Super Mario Bros. 2, and if you read my editorial on 2D Mario games growing stale, you’ll understand exactly why I think the portly Italian plumber is a booze head.

Also drunk.

Gaming, work, and my refusal to be in a relationship

If you had both Sideway: New York and Renegade Ops in your possession, which would you choose? I chose Sideway: New York just because I figured it would be shorter. Also, the art style seemed pretty neat. I got halfway through the game tonight, and I’m glad I decided to play it. Sideway: New York is plenty fun, though it’s not without a few flaws. Specifically, the platforming isn’t as tight and responsive as I wish it was. Still, it’s certainly fun, especially since the platformer is my favorite genre (a revelation I recently stumbled upon).

I’m thinking I’ll give Renegade Ops a whirl this weekend. I also want to get started on The Last Story. I’m also constantly reminded that I need to play The Walking Dead: Episode 2. Will I get to all of that this weekend? Probably not.

I’ve started off the month of September pretty well as far as my job is concerned. I’ve been getting most of my work done in the morning and afternoon as opposed to late at night. I also picked up a third writing gig, this time for Planet Xbox 360/Planet PlayStation. I’m fortunate to have some solid writing jobs. Now I just need to work my ass off.

Speaking of working my ass off, I think I’m at the point where a relationship is the last thing I would want just because I feel that it might interfere with my current goals. Granted I’m not one of those pricks who just wants to get on top of anything with a vagina. The fact is I don’t want anything, even in the slightest romantic capacity, with a woman because I feel that I would constantly choose my job over her, and I’d hate to be the reason behind hurt feelings

That’s it for now. There’s a review I need to write, so I’ll probably get to that before bed. Night y’all. (Okay, I don’t think I should ever say “y’all again.)