A Truely Marvelous Game!!! (Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds [PS3, also Xbox 360 & PC])

Let me start out by saying this: I am not a fighting god, I just really like to play fighters. I use to be really good, but then years of RPGs and strategy games softened my skills. I can't even play Street Fighter IV, and I use to be the sh!zzn!ts at SF2 (which is sad because I think I'm going to buy SSFVI for the 3DS . . . because I like to torture myself. And it looks amazing. More on that to come.)

Anyway, back to MvC3:FTW. That's right, if you haven't noticed the initials of the subtitle come out to spell "FTW" (or "for the win" for anyone over 35), and that exactly what this game aimed to do. While it puts up a valiant fight, MvC3 falls just short of obtaining a perfect, hyper combo finish victory.

The graphics are stellar, and all of the character animation are lively, smooth, and entertaining to say the least. My favorites thus far have been Zero from Megaman X fame, Trish and Dante from the Devil May Cry series (seeing as I can never abbreviate that again, lest it get mixed up in this garbage.), and Deadpool from the Marvel stable. Hyper are crisp and clean, lighting up the entire screen before proceeding to their individual animations. I was immediately brought back to the days spent at in middle school buddy's garage, blistering our fingers over MvC2 and Tekken Tag Tournament and chugging Surge. Those were good times. . .

Dante is about to learn the hard way why you don't take a shot at Spiddy. Image from 3anime.com.

Anyway, MvC3 comes from Tatsunoko vs Capcom director/producer Ryota Niitsuma, and the influence of that game's system can clearly be seen in the new control scheme. There are two control options (like in TvC): simple and normal. Simple limits your abilities in battle, but allows for easy combo chains and hyper combos for beginners. Normal mode has changed to a three button scheme with no distinction between high and low its; a character's combos and move set determine high, medium and low hits. There is also an "exchange" button used for starting aerial combos, slamming opponents to the ground, or switching allies mid-combo (depending on your character). Ths new layout is very fluid and easy to learn, but it does require you to pay more attention to character animations to see how each button in a combo effects the area hit.

The character list is pretty robust, featuring returning favorites like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Doctor Doom, Morrigan, Felicia, Akuma and more. A good amount didn't make the cut (the most notable IMO would be Venom, Strider, a good amount of the SF crowd and Cable), but the fresh blood, like Amaterasu, Taskmaster, Dante, Viewtiful Joe, Phoenix and X-23. And the list is still not complete: two characters have already be announced as DLC, with more presumably on the way. Which leads us into the next topic . . .

X-23 goes to town on Chung-Li. Bitches be crazy . . . [Image from G4.com]

Online and multiplayer features! Of course since the game is on the PS3 and Xbox 360, online multiplayer was included and expanded from the version seen on the digital re-release or MvC2. Now, each players online and offline stats are tracked via a player card which can be view by other players before and after matches. The card highlights your strengths and weaknesses, as well an your favorite characters and tendencies. As you play, you can unlock titles and images to customize the card to your liking, and all in all it is a great addition to the game given its focus on online play.

Speaking of, the single player mode is . . . OK. Each character has an individual ending, unlike in MvC2, which is sweet, and gives you something to do offline; offline functions pretty much end here however. Yes, there is a mission mode which trains you on how to use different characters and a practice mode where you can perfect your craft, but there is no time trial mode, there are no alternate game modes or mini-games to unlock. While this is a minor issue for me, since I can play online whenever I want (even if I lose a good amount), I can see how this can be an annoyance to someone without reliable online access.

Oh, Galactus, you are such a cheap b@st@rd. Image from IGN.com

Overall the game is pretty sweet, and you don't have to be a hardcore fighting fan to appreciate and play the game. There are a ton of unlockables, when counting the titles and icons, and some potentially amazing DLC characters down the road (not that I'm in love with the idea of having to buy the other characters in the game) if Capcom decides to support that option. I give it a 8.7/10.

(If you have the means and the time, please help the Red Cross provide relief for those whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. They need basic supplies, such a blankets, cloths, food and water.)

Help Me Graduate Guys!!!

Hey all! As some of you may already know, I an getting into my final year of college (yay |(^o^)|), and as part of my senior project, I have to conduct some surveys for a research project that I am working on. I have two brief surveys, each take no more than ten minutes in most cases, and I would love to see the response of all of my fans!
The first one is here:

Achievements, Trophies and Gamers 1

And number two! Tada!~

Achievements, Trophies and Gamers 2

Shot Through the Heart, and You're To Blame . . . (Bleach 440)

The chase is on as we begin Chapter 440 of Bleach, as Chad and Ichigo are now hot on the trail of Inoue, who is emitting peculiar reiatsu patterns. Ichigo is obviously very concerned, but his is still in a weakened state from the training he just completed. Chad cannot lock onto her precise location, but Ichigo notices that it seems to be coming from the direction of her apartment.

Meanwhile, at the Justice League, Inoue stands between Tsukishima and Shishigawara, vowing to not let the former leave with holding him accountable for injuring Ishida. Tsukishima scoffs at Inoue's assertion as she contemplates her battle strategy. As Tsukishima turns to leave, Inoue seizes the opportunity to activate Santen Kesshun, but is countered instantly by Tsukishima, appearing behind her.

Just then, Ichigo and Chad arrive to find a perplexed, yet unscathed Inoue standing alone by her apartment door. She claims to have just have experienced a stomach ache after her "friend" left. Bewildered by her own response, referring to Tsukishima as "friend," she tells Chad that she will text him later, so as to not get Ichigo involved (as Inoue is unaware of Ichigo's recent exploits), and plays along with the ruse.

Suspecting that there is much more to this that both Inoue and Chad are letting on, Ichigo returns to the Xcution headquarters, where Kuugo reveals to him the true source of the attacks on his friends: Xcution's former ally and fellow Fullbringer, Tsukishima.

After witnessing Inoue's response to Tsukishima's attack, you have to wonder if his Fullbring, Book of the End, has other special properties, such as some sort of mind-manipulating poison or something like that. Possibly poisoned works, or something of that line, to fit with the book theme. Only time will tell I guess. This chapter was quite solid, a good 9/10 with much to look forward to in the chapters to come.

It Just Keeps Hap'ning, Bro!!!

Ugh, sorry about not updating in a bit. I have a lot on my plate at the moment, as I have three finals this week on top of a research project that I have yet to start. And I don't mean research paper; I mean I have a research method that need to be clarified before I can begin conducting surveys and focus groups, then I have to compile and analyze that date before the end of next month.

On top of that, Pokemon just released, and it is quickly ruining my sleep, work and study schedules. That right, it ruins all the schedules. ALL OF THEM!!!

When I get back after this week, I should have several reviews to post, from Kingdom Hearts Re:coded to Kamen Rider OOO and Gokaiger, and of course Pokemon Black/White. Just hold on for a bit longer!

Damn Kids These Days!!! (Gokiager 2)

OK, let's face it. Gokaiger is awesome. I'm sure you have been watching ahead, but just in case I'll try not to spoil too much of the magic. Gokaiger 2 does give us more insight into Capt. Marvelous's past, as well a our first real Gokai-oh fight.

The episode starts with the Gokai team assessing the situation that they are now in; after obliterating the first two waves of the Zangyack Empire, they must now continue their treasure search with a powerful enemy always at their back. Capt. Marvelous commands Navi is invoke some sort of prediction or foresight mode, which I assume will become central to the advancement of the plot. Navi predicts that the gang will encounter a man in black who will tell them something very important.

Heading down to Earth, everyone start to look around for the someone dress in black, but there is a major flaw in this plan: almost everyone around them is wearing black!!! Eventually they meet a boy (who has no name, because f*ck anyone besides the main cast [Note: I love seeing this balls-out type of approach from a sentai team, i.e. Go-Onger, Shinkenger (well at least ShinkenRed and ShinkenYellow).]) who manages to grift the Capt'n's ShinkenRed Key, whom both Ahim and Marvelous follow.

Once they catch up to the boy, Capt. Marvelous tries to convince the kid to give back the key, who refuses saying this power was always destined to protect Earth. A third Zangyack invasion ensues, causing Capt. Marvelous makes a deal with the kid: if he can stop this invasion, hey can keep the key and his Gokai Changer; if he fails, he must give up and find another way to protect the Earth. The kid gladly accepts, but fails miserably at this challenge, yet he still manages to convince Marvelous that this world is worth protecting.

Capt. and the gang roll out and take on the Zangyack forces in a fantastic fight, and, after an all dual-wielding Final Wave attack and an amazing all red ranger finish on the enemy Advance Commander Bongan, Development Technical Officer Insarn uses her new invention to revive Bongan and a few Sugormin as giants. The Gokaigers summon the Gokai Machines, take out the Sugormin, then change in Gokai-oh and defeat Bongan again.



Back on the Gokai Gallon, the team begins to question Navi's prediction, but it seems he might not have been far off in his hint; as the team flies away, a man in a hooded robe marked with the Magiranger symbol glares at them as he reflects on their last battle.

Good follow-up to the series premiere with lots to look forward to in the upcoming episodes. If you been watching ahead, you already know what I'm talking about, but if not, watch 2 & 3 immediately! 8.5/10

Bueaty, Love and Sea Monsters (Kamen Rider OOO 23-24)

In this mini-arc, we are privileged to encounter another pure form, all-blue Shauta Combo or "Marine Combo" as some have come to know it. We also inch closer and closer to a rider change and upgrade in the Birth camp.

Yes, but not in the way you would expect. . .

But first off, episode 23 starts with Kazari and Maki crafting plans, Ankh fretting over the lack of medal combos he and Eiji have managed to procure, and Kazari sets up a marine-type Yummy to ensnare a researcher, Yumi Sakura, who's sister, Rei, runs the beauty company where they both work, hoping to capitalize on her jealously of her sister's beauty. This last bit seems not to work out so well at first, as Uva is quick to point out to his ex-partner, but Kazari assures him it will all work out with time.

Yumi, who loves her role in the company and puts up with the abuse, runs into Date at the ol' oden cart, whom she use to travel with and seems to have a crush on.

Date and Yumi literally run into each other at the oden cart.

Date has to run off to face off against a Greeed, so he promises to meet her later on that night at the oden shack.

Kamen Rider Birth's Drill Arm (Made in China) is shattered by Kazari. Don't worry kids, it gets fixed in 24.

The chance encounter seems to re-spark her flames of passion, which the Yummy seizes upon, feeding to desire to it's full potential. Taking the egg with her, Yumi proceeds to go back to the lab, entrancing everyone she crosses with he newly obtained beauty.

She even manages to ensnare Eiji, who is left dumb(er)struck by her presence. Date is unfazed.

This is what happens when a Kamen Rider falls in love. It's stupid, has no finisher and it's surrounded by hearts. At least it has knee-caps, since falling in love in hard on the knees.

The plot thickens in 24, as it's not up to Date to save the day (or at least for the time being it is, since Eiji is completely useless at this point). Yumi manages to escape, assaulting the Date and Ankh with a swarm of Ei Yummy spawns. The next day, Rei starts freaking out since her sister is no where to be found, and she needs her report in order to make it seem as if she in control of everything (see kids, even exploitation has it's downsides). Yumi enters, bent on controlling the company from hence forth, captures Rei, and proceeds to handle the press conference on her own.

Revenge is a dish best served cold. And underwater.

While everyone else is entranced by her face, Date is still unaffected and rushes to the lab to talk some sense into Yumi. Just as he confesses that he was more impressed by the true Yumi, the Ei-Sai Yummy attacks. Shintaro shows up as back-up as Date transforms into Birth, now with an upgraded CLAWS Drill Arm, to protect the Sakura sisters. Yumi in injured in the attack badly, yet Date manages to remove enough Cell Medals to remove the "Sai" element of the Yummy, morphing it into a large Itomakiei Yummy which bursts out the building.

FIND A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS!

Meanwhile outside, Eiji as OOO and Kazari are going at it, as Ankh has sensed the presence of a Yummy near the lab, hoping that the transformation would snap Eiji from his daze. The plan works, and Eiji uses the Take head to steal Mezool's Shachi Medal from Kazari, allowing him to go Shauta Combo. Kazari flees as Eiji uses his new found water powers to dominate the Yummy on land and sea, finally dispacting it with a Scanning Charge: Octo Banish attack. As things start to cool down, Yumi thanks Date, who decides to pass on her for now, and says he has some work to complete first.

This arc was pretty sweet, mainly due to the insight into Date's past and the reveal of Shauta Combo. As a whole, 8/10.

. . . And the Bag is in the River . . . (Bleach 439)

Bleach 439 is live and a go! Looks like we are still dealing with the aftermath of Ichigo's training will finding out a bit more about the newly introduced antagonist, Shūkurō Tsukishima. If you have been keeping up with the manga lately then you know a bit about Tsukishima, in that he is the bastard responsible for the attack on Ishida!He also revealed himself to Inoue, who is now stuck between him and one of his cronies, Shishigawara.

Things start to get a bit more serious in 439, as Mr. Pork starts freaking out over the fact that he was kidnapped; really, he's being a big baby about it, yelling and screaming like a toddler who had his toy stolen from him my a magical puppeteer who locks people in dollhouses. Seriously, grow up dude. Riruka shuts him up quickly, gives him a phone so that she can use him whenever the occasion arises, then orders Ichigo to go home and rest. Kuugo seconds this opinion, adding that a couple more days of powerlessness couldn't hurt lil' Ichi. And then there was Inoue . . .

Kuugo gives Ichigo a steer warning against training to hard.

Oh, Inoue. How do you manage to stumble into some of the worst possible situations possible? Will you never learn? Bah . . .

Right when things start to get awkward, Tsukishima breaks the tension by scolding Shishigawara, ordering to take his proper punishment like a man. What's the sentence? Death. He closes his book, removes the bookmark and initiates his Fullbring, Book of the End, which makes his bookmark take the form of a katana. Inoue says she can't let the attack on Uryu go unavenged, and we cut to Chad and Ichigo heading back to their homes.

Tsukishima unleashing his R.O.D.-esk Fullbring, Book of the End.

Chad's complaining about accepting Inoue's bread baskets and offers Ichigo half of whatever she has left for him today; arriving at this door, though, Chad senses traces of Inoue's reiatsu, but it feels . . . off. In shock, Chad shouts out to Ichigo that something must be happening to Inoue, and we can only assume that Tsukishima is the cause.

This chapter is another nice bridge, with enough suspense and answers to keep you reading throughout. 7.5/10, I guess. Not terrible, but nothing really stuck out really, other than Tsukishima.