All-In-One Gamebox iPhone Review

There are a plethora of apps available on Apple's AppStore and a few of them are worth your dollar. Games are aplenty and this time I'm going to discuss a $.99 gem - the All-In-One Gamebox. This started out as a twelve game collection of quick fixes to while away your boredom. Now it's currently at 15 games, getting an additional game every update. I won't mention all, just the ones worth noting to let you know what you'll be getting when you purchase this.

The top games for me are Ancient War and Bowman Defense. Ancient War takes away the 'defense' in the tower defense formula. The AW philosophy is 'the best defense is a good offense'. Keep spawning different tribesmen with a steady stream of food to knock over the rival tribe's totem. Oh and did I mention that they're trying to do the same?

Another hot game in the batch, and my personal favorite, is Bowman Defense. You start out as a lone archer defending your castle from raiders of all sorts. You then earn money to upgrade your acquired weapons, from fire arrows to poison arrows and explosive arrows. You can also earn enough to recruit additional bowmen to add to your volley of arrows. After 30 levels (30 days in the game) it ends though, with a note from the developers to watch out for a 2nd episode. I can't wait.

Other games include a Road Fighter clone, Operation iWolf, and a few games from the Action Heroes collection. My verdict, the All-In-One Gamebox gives you a lot for $.99. And as of now, the update is giving us the 16th game in the collection.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Christmas Rush Begins!

It is indeed officially the start of the Christmas rush. Swarms of people fill the mall areas and the roads going to them. Everyone's driving like their life depended on getting to their destination -fast. This is only the beginning boys and girls. If you don't like being around a lot of people, you'd better start looking for a far away uninhabited place to migrate for the holidays. This is going to get hairy.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

HSBC Is Bad To Clients

I went out to purchase somethig the other day with the use of my HSBC credit card. When I got to the counter to check out, I was told that my card had an error. That's odd. So I call up the HSBC hotline and inquire on the matter. After being transferred thrice, I was getting really annoyed. Finaly i speak with someone who tells me that my card has been blocked because they could not reach me via phone or something. I was going, "You do receive payments on time don't you? So what's the idea about blocking me from using my card?" And this guy named William from HSBC was so rude, he was trying to end our conversation and telling me not to use my card until Monday since reactivation would take the next business day. He made no attempts to appease me as a client but instead was rude to say that "our conversation was over." So I belted back, "You're probably in a hurry to start your weekend that's why you want to end this call." Again with no effort whatsoever to appease me he says, "I can end this conversation anytime I want." With that, I gave him an earfull of the phone banging down on the receiver. What an id**t! Like all of the others from HSBC that I've been interacting wih for the entire time that I owned this useless card. They are all rude and without respect for their clients. If anyone from HSBC is reading this, SHAME ON ALL OF YOU! That's the reason why you'll never be good at anyhing. And for everyone else thinking of getting a credit card, stay away from HSBC! The "H" stands for "hell", "B" stands for "bad".


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cup Noodles!

I wouldn't know when the last time was, but all I can say is: this is yummy! And it's only 340 calories. Good enough for a medium sized snack to tide me over until dinner.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Car Wash Cops

I'm at the car wash having my car cleaned and in comes a police car, an anti-vice patrol to be exact, to have his ride cleaned. One thing comes into my mind: are the cops who drove in going to pay for the wash? They look like your typical everyday big-bellied government "servants" which makes me conclude that they have the typical attitude as well. It's funny because as I write this one is sitting on either side of me. I know what I've been taught, respect those in authority, even the slime bags in authority. Well, to respect them doesn't mean I have to like them. They better pay for their wash.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

1st Birthday In Heaven

It's been almost 6 months since my Mom passed on to be with the Lord yet it seems like only days ago. There has never been a day that I didn't think of her, how loving, patient and caring she has always been to me. Ever since my Dad passed on more than 2 years ago, she has always showed strength, never showing that she was sad yet I could not imagine the pain she must feel when she's alone and missing my Dad. She was always cheery, singing as she would do the dishes or as she pressed our clothes. It was easy to make her laugh and she would always appreciate every small thing I did for her, every small gift was something grand to her as long as it came from me and Jel. She always saw the bright side of everything. She never got in our way and would always make sure not to burden us with anything. When she was not with us, she would always be excited when I would call her on the phone and tell her about my day at work. She would always listen and laugh at the corniest of my jokes. And tell me to be careful as I went home. She gave unselfishly of herself, her time and whatever little money she would have from her pension just to make sure that I had what I need.
Today is my Mom's birthday and if she were here she would cook her specialty - Sarsa Prinsesa and make sure that she made it with all love and care as she always did. I miss my Mama. I am filled with sadness today but at the same time I have a bit of gladness knowing that this is her first birthday with my Dad again and with the Lord, overflowing with inexpressible joy in heaven. I love you Mama and I miss you.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Another Week Is Done

It was quite a busy week for me. I feel a sense of relief that the week is done but at the same time, a sense of anxiety. I wonder why though. Maybe it's because a good friend of mine has done what he shouldn't have done, at least not yet. I let out some strong advice, but better are the wounds of a friend than kisses from an enemy.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Writing This Entry from My iPhone

This is truly amazing! I'm actually writing this on my spanking brand new iPhone 3GS! I'll write more as I go along. In the meantime - sweet!

Motorstorm Arctic Edge Review

The original Motorstorm on the PS3 was considered one of the console's great launch titles.  With stunning visuals and real-time track deformation, Motorstorm was a showpiece for any PS3 owner.  After one sequel on the Playstation 3 (Motorstorm Pacific Rift), another version makes it to Sony's handheld in the form of Motorstorm Arctic Edge.  This time it takes us to snow-covered terrains while retaining the original game's premise of any vehicle versus any other vehicle and multiple paths to the finish line.  You have the usual line up of ATV's, big rigs, bikes, rally cars with additional vehicles to suit the environment like the snow mobiles and snow pluggers.  Depending on your vehicle, you need to run on the right path to help you get to the finish line the quickest.  Taking your snow mobile through a river is not the best way to go.

To speed your vehicle up, you have a boost meter that eventually overheats with use.  If you continue to boost, you blow up.  You can help cool your boost meter by running through thick ice or water.  By winning events, you can earn new selections of vehicles to satisfy your craving for offroad mayhem.  The graphics department may not live up to its console brothers (give it a break dude, it is a PSP and not a PS3, duh) but the diverse tracks are an accomplishment worth noting on a portable device.

One thing I noticed about the dificulty though is that during the opening events, the AI opponents don't seem to put up much of a fight once you gain 1st place.  You get past to 1st place and you never get to see the guy in 2nd until the end of the race.  The difficulty seems to escalate around the 3rd level events.  This is still a good thing for me because it does allow casual racers to enjoy the rest of the game without frustrating you to death (the original Motorstorm on the PS3 was tough as nails and winning at 1st was the only way to advance in the game, blink too long and you'll be left behind).

Motorstorm Arctic Edge is a great addition for every Motorstorm fan.  The wide selection of vehicles and the adrenaline rush that this game provides goes to show other PSP racers what a racing game should be.

Prince of Persia Rocks!

As I have stated on an earlier blog, I was working on finishing Prince of Persia on the PS3, one of Ubisoft's monster games so far.  I was able to finish it a few days ago and it so totally rocks!  Here's why.

Forget your other ideas of earlier PoP games.  Forget the mild-mannered Prince we got to know on Sands of Time and of the other succeeding titles that were really not that good (they're Two Thrones and Warrior Within I think).  The unamed Prince comes back this time as a grave-robbing, tomb-raiding, smart-mouthed thief, that's right, a thief.  But he's not alone because he joins a runaway princess named Elika for the ride.  The objective: to ride the kingdom of the corruption that covers the entire land.  Hmm.. sounds like the government to me.

As expected from a PoP game, there is a lot of platforming and crazy acrobatics/gymnastics when moving from one point to another in this open world game.  The controls are spot on and wall running and other off-the-wall stunts (literally!) are easy to accomplish.  Battles with the creatures of corruption (this really sounds like the government) is one-on-one with a little help from Elika and her magic attacks.  For completists out there, you can spend a lot of time collecting each light seed from every nook and cranny in the kingdom.  Light seeds, by the way, are used to unlock more areas for you to heal of the corruption.

The game tends to be gentle on the player though as it tells you when to block or what technique to use (sword, gauntlet, or Elika's magic).  Elika's compass acts as your GPS when you tend to get spun around.  In this game, you can never die as Elika always catches you when you miss a jump and saves you when you get your back end kicked by the corruption.  The penalty though is that the enemy's life bar goes up when you were supposed to "die" and Elika saves you.

Over all, this is one game I highly recommend for fans of the PoP franchise or adventure games in particular.  This surely makes up for the other episodes in the franchise that felt empty and mediocre.  This new Prince of Persia will definitely be on the throne of your Playstation 3 adventure game list for a while.

The Aftermath

Yesterday we were finally able to go to the aid of my in-laws. They had been trapped on the second floor of their house due to the 10-foot flood waters that engulfed their area of Cainta all from the liquid rage of typhoon Ondoy. Their vicinity has always been prone to flooding at the fall of hard rain. The house garage has been modified a few years ago to prevent water from entering the garage with the van and the house itself. Nothing though could have prevented this flood from doing the damage it just did.

The van was totally submerged in water for two days. The entire ground floor was consumed by the flood, everything in it, the living room and dining room with all the furniture, now useless. The refrigerator, oven, beds from the lower bedrooms were destroyed and everything covered in mud. It was a depressing sight while fatigue and hunger filled each of them. We brought them food and water and as many clothes as we could hold. As we suspected, everystore in the vicinity has been damaged with no goods to sell. Dozens of people were bringing out their furniture and other once useful belongings, now rendered useless by the ravage of the flood.

As we wash out the mud, dirt and flood water, we have fun as we work together, as if it was a family reunion of sorts. But beyond the laughter, the thought remains, unadmittedly by my father and mother-in-law, how will we recover from this loss and damage? By the grace of God.. by the grace of God..

Flood

This just in: The flood is rising as I type this. The rain has been going on since last night and without letting up. The river across my condo is begining to overflow. The name of the culprit: Typhoon Ondoy. News reached me that the first floor of my in-law's house is already under water.  Their house was renovated and the garage elevated to eliminate the risk of rising flood waters. They were never prepared for this height. Ninang Jude and family are trapped inside their flooded house.  The news reports more areas submerged by the relentless rain.  This is not good. I hope the rains stop really soon and the waters go down... Lord help us...

Typhoon Weekend

It's a stormy Saturday morning here at home.  I'm all alone since Jel has to be at work today.  There's no practise for the band either so I guess I'll have time to play Prince of Persia on the PS3 a little more.  It's a really fun game since you get to run across all sorts of environments.  They say the game holds your hand a little too much by feeding you tips a lot of times throughout the game but for me, I sometimes like that especially when my brain feels tired after a week of stressful work.  And one of the best things about PoP is that you can save anywhere, absolutely anywhere.  Even in the middle of a fight you can save the game.  This is a great feature when you need to drop the controller and go to sleep.  I'll probably write a review of this game once I beat it.

R4 Is Hopeless...

Another day and still no hope for the R4 DS flash cart.  It never seemed to be an issue with me, until Nintendo came up with an uber secure with anti-piracy checks game called Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.  I'm a real sucker for RPGs so when I heard of this, I was really waiting for it to make its english appearance.  When it did however, it was unplayable with the R4 cart.  The only time I saw this game actually work was with my friend's DS running an M3 DS Real cart.  If our friends from hack land don't come up with an R4 fix (and I finish beating Mario and Luigi: Partners In Time) I'm strongly considering buying an M3.  I just wish I knew where to get one (I hope I can afford it too)..

It's getting hard to wait for when M33 is going to come out with CFW ver.6 (or at least version 5.50 which was mentioned that they have no intention of making).  With games like Motorstorm Arctic Edge and Disgaea 2 out on the PSP, the wait becomes more unbearable.  Maybe I should consider applying CFW GEN 5.50 instead?  A lot of forums say that we should wait for Dark Alex but does anyone really know what happened to him or is he ever going back to the PSP homebrew scene?  Feel free to enlighten me: how bad can it be to upgrade to CFW GEN 5.50?  Should I upgrade or wait for DA's much awaited version 6?

I'm Back (again)!

Hey guys! I'm back again after another very long time to give my latest blog. My site has undergone another image (and topic) change but this time I feel like I have finally found my purpose to do a continuous blog. So to begin this new start, I am going to write what I think about one of the games that has me hooked to the Nintendo DS Lite - Geometry Wars: Galaxies.

The reason why I got to like this game is because earlier I was able to download a demo of Super Stardust HD from the Playstation Network. It got me hooked.  Although the demo would only allow you to play for five minutes then halt and tell you to buy it if you like it, I would have another go, and another, and another.  It was so addictive that I wondered if they had this on other platforms. Hmm...

Sure enough there was a similar game on the Nintendo DS called Geometry Wars: Galaxies. Hey, it's no HD game in terms of visuals but it presented loads of shooting fun just the same.

The concept is simple: you pilot a ship equiped with a drone and you shoot everything that stands in your way. Almost everything on screen is presented with lines and shapes of different colors. I even makes you feel like you're playing one of those old PC games on a green screen. Enemies are made to look like pin wheels, diamonds, circles and other kinds of shapes. As the game progresses, the screen tends to get really poplulated and razor sharp reflexes are necessary not to bump into any of those shapes flying towards your ship. The aforementioned drone has different modes to choose from before starting a level. The drone can help you shoot down baddies, act as a shield spinning around you or help you collect geoms from downed enemies. These geoms are later used to unlock drone abilities and other planets for you to blow up.

Controls are spot on although a bit awkward. You control your ship with the directional buttons and your firing direction with the stylus on the touch screen at the bottom. Your DS will tend to slowly slip from your hands as you play though so it is hard to maintain stability especially if you have sweaty palms like me. When things get too crowded onscreen with gazillions of enemies and you need a way out, just press the left or right shoulder buttons to release a bomb that wipes out every enemy ship across the entire area. Nifty.

Unless you own a PS3 and have Super Stardust HD, Geometry Wars: Galaxies  is the best portable alternative and will satisfy any gamer's space shoot-em-up craving. I just wish I knew what those different shapes are called.. I shouldn't have fallen asleep too often during geometry class..

Dude rating: 4 of 5