To our loved ones...

This is for our loved ones who have moved on...

We pray for their souls, and for strength for our families, so that we may endure during these trying times.

We will miss you...but will never forget...we will always remember.

And what we will remember is all of the fond and treasured memories that have been forged and lived to the fullest. This is what we will keep in mind, and what will keep us strong.



A silent prayer we offer to our dearly departed...may God bless your souls, and rest in peace... Amen.

** silent prayer **

Muramasa: The Demon Blade

One of the first games I picked up for the Wii is Okami. I've heard so much about it back then, and I'd say one of my most favorite games to date.

It's no HD 'eye candy' at all, but the art created for the game makes up so much for that.

Then I heard about Muramasa: The Demon Blade. People were praising the game, despite it's simplicity, the game's graphics are very nice, and also considering it's on a Wii (so no HD here too folks).

So I swung by the local game store and picked one up.


Muramasa is a 2D side-scroller action/RPG type game. Nothing flashy, but the graphics is presented in such a very nice way. And kudos for retaining the original Japanese spoken dialogues!
It's a simple 2D side-scroller RPG/action game. But the way it is presented is really very nice and I loved the game the moment I started the 'Shura' mode (the more action-based and story mode).

Indeed it reminds me of Okami, and though Okami has more dynamic interaction, Muramasa is a gem in it's own right.

I am also very glad that the developers kept the original Japanese dialogue and just added subtitles for it. That was a very good move in my opinion, as the Japanese dialogue adds to the game's uniqueness and setting.

You can select two 'paths' depending on which character you want to play: Kisuke or Momohime. I chose the latter, and will play Kisuke's path after I finish with Momohime's.

The game is quick, and there are unique controls to master for 'combos' (meaning button mashing is part of the strategy here, hehe).

I can't believe I let this game slide and pick it up after 1 year. But better late than never.

I also thought that I would be returning/trading the game in after I play it. Boy am I eating my words now.

And yes, Alter has also created a very nice 1/8 PVC figure of Momohime and will be out in July 2010. And you darn well know that I will be getting this one for sure!!


I missed Alter's limited release of P4's Yukiko Amagi and felt bad about that. I will not make the same mistake with this Momohime 1/8 figure - I'll get this one for sure!
It's not a game for everyone though, specially if you are out for high-end graphics or deeper storylines.

But if you are a 'true' gamer and know how to appreciate different gaming genres, I highly suggest you try Muramasa out.

And see beauty in simplicity, on screen. ;-)

Cheers!

Circus Elephants

One of the highlights of the circus. Amazing how smart these
pachyderms are!

High wire

Whoa high wire act - bike is motorized and locked on to wire though.

Intermission

Circus break. I'm hungry for a pretzel!

Circus starts

Memorial coliseum Shrine Circus starts. Clowns have overrun the
place :-o

At the circus today. Still setting up. No clowns yet...

Wii + Netflix FTW

Just added a new option to my Wii - movie/video streaming. Got the Netflix disc for the Wii in the mail today and popped it in and it ran without a hitch!

Yes, of course the Wii was capable of that in the first place, but what I meant is actual movies, TV series, specials, etc. And this is courtesy of Netflix now adding the Wii as part of their supported multimedia streaming device.

Sure, it's component 480p resolution, but still worth it. I can watch instantly as much as I like with a very generous selection available.

I'm seriously considering taking out my basic cable and just leaving internet, and then going OTA with the local channels. OTA is HD already and free, plus the main shows I watch are on the local channels anyways.

And I got the Wii, PS3, and PC hooked up to the living room flat screen, so I have an array of devices for streaming multimedia at my disposal.

Too bad one particular console that I have still requires you to 'pay' in order to run Netflix (or anything online for that matter, sheesh...) ...talk about a money pit.

The Wii Netflix disc works good. Go get it and add to your Wii experience :-)

Now to get back with watching Top Gear....the Veyron almost beat the Eurofighter Jet! Dang! ;-)

Cheers!

Welcome Movie Streaming to the Wii

Netflix has officially added the Wii as one of it's 'streaming devices' and has started shipping the Netflix discs that enable this feature.

I ordered mine and am hoping to get the disc by 4/14/2010. I'll post up how it goes once I try it out.

Granted, the Wii is 480p only. But it's still a good feature to have, and adds more to the Wii's versatility.

In the meantime for us Wii owners, enjoy the 'instant streaming' videos on your Wii at 480p resolution.

And sit back and be patient for the next Gen Wii - our HDMI wishes will finally be fullfilled soon! ;-)

Firmware 'Grimware'

Last week I did the infamous v.3.21 firmware upgrade on my PS3. I was hesitant before since i saw a bunch of posts about this version causing widespread issues after the update was run.

Basically this firmware removes a feature in PS3, the 'Other OS' feature, which used to allow one to install a different OS on the unit, say like UNIX/Linux. I guess Sony got wind of what 'hard core' users are doing so they decided to pull out that feature as part of the regular firmware updates.


A little 'outdated' pic of my MMS (multi-media setup). The Toshiba analog DVD Recorder has been decommissioned and replaced by a Panasonic DVD recorder with digital tuner.
But it didn't go well with some units, specially the 'phat' PS3s. Issues range from YLODs, game freezes, non ejecting or non-reading BD drives. Now a lot also had no issues after the upgrade.

And I'm fortunate to say I didn't have any issues...so far. So were a few friends of mine. I haven't really ran my PS3 again until this writing since the upgrade...so...we'll see!

God only knows what "surprises" will be embedded in the next update...so stay tuned, and keep your eyes peeled. ;-)

But wait, Nintendo's got more!

The reason I'll be passing in getting the Nintendo DSi XL - the Nintendo 3DS.

Slated to launch sometime in 2011, the 3DS is dubbed as making another breakthrough in the handheld/portable console category.

True 3D on screen gaming, without the need for special glasses.

Higher definition displays (still sticking with the twin display).

Dual touch screens (rumored).

Enhanced/better online functions.

Accelerometer built-in.

Now this handheld I will get for sure on launch day. Well, maybe I'll wait a few months for the kinks to get ironed out.

Hoping they keep backward compatibility with DS games though.

Let's see what Nintendo will exhibit regading the 3DS in the upcoming E3 2010 this coming June!

Nintendo 'super size' DSi

Whenever handhelds and family gaming is mentioned, one name always comes to mind. And that is, Nintendo.

World renowned for wholesome gaming and the portable console market, Nintendo has introduced another model to their family. With the Nintendo DSi still quite fresh, the company has decided to 'go big' and release a version with a much larger screen and frame.

Nothing really special though with the DSi XL vs DSi. It's basically the size that changed and the screen size is significant. I got to 'test drive' one at a local game shop and the screen it quite a welcome sight. Sort of.

The stylus is like a real pen now, which I personally like. With my DSi, I am actually using a full sized stylus (Nerf stylus).


Size comparison of the DSi XL and DSi. Yep, XL does mean 'extra large'...
For some games it will be a welcome, specially screens heavy with details. I haven't tried it, but I bet 'The World Ends With You' will play pretty nicely on the DSi XL. A con here though is that the graphics for other games will show their 'blockiness', as most DS games are not geared for higher definition display.

Would I get one? I'm actually contemplating on it. I like the unique color and the big screen size is enticing. But other than that, it's still a DSi. It sacrifices the portability of the previous units too (need a bigger pocket to stuff it in).

But if you're buying new, it's something worth considering. The bigger screen does give a better view, specially if one has a hard time with smaller screens. Best bet is to compare both. Gaming/electronics stores will have demos available and you can get to compare the DSi and DSi XL side by side to see what fits for you.

See more about the Nintendo handhelds at the Nintendo DS Official Website.

Keep on gaming! :-)