Love online? Of course! You can ask MMOers – they can tell you!

Intertwining love, gaming, and social media in one post – sounds fun!  At first, I wasn’t sure how the 3 aforementioned would blend with each other, but my mind immediately went to the numerous videogames that offer different levels of social interaction between us human beings all around the world.  You might be thinking why am I mentioning videogaming?  First, my blog Lou-Cyo Reviews’ purpose is to expose news, reviews, and commentary about the world of videogames – I want to keep it relevant.  I owe it to my readers.  Though I won’t be focusing on videogaming, I will refer to it all throughout.  Secondly, if we are talking of social media, videogames constitute a vast portion of such category especially if we’re discussing “21st-century love.”

Modern age love.  When I read the previous sentence, I immediately consider the Internet being involved in some way, shape, or form.  In this era, the Internet has given an immense number of the Earth’s population access to connect with each other via instant texts, videos, illustrations, and microphones.  If we’re not on facebook checking for Notifications, we are tweeting and retweeting people we find fascinating.  And if you’re immersed in the gaming culture and into massive multiplayer online games, you might already have a set time to meet with your team to either raid a sorcerer’s cave or take down your enemy’s armed forces.  We live in the times of connectivity – the resources seem endless.  With each passing second, people are trying to find easier and better ways to connect and share their lives.  So with that, how can one even entertain the idea that love CANNOT sprout between two (or more) people?

It all appears wonderfully uncomplicated written down, doesn’t it?  However, it’s far from the truth.  Yes, social media gives us countless ways to communicate with others and create possible healthy relationships with one-time strangers.  But social media is just that: the means we use to communicate.  If people don’t utilize their resources appropriately and effectively to nurture their relationships the same are as good as dead.  It’s not a matter of what a pair of lovers use to communicate with each other.  It’s a matter of how they communicate with each other.  If people cannot interact in a healthy manner in order to promote understanding and trust between them, it won’t matter whether you both have a Twitter, facebook, Skype, ooVoo, Xbox Live, or email accounts.

I found myself playing the Long Distance Relationship Love Game once.  We started a friendship in a popular chat site and after several months decided to meet in person.  I believe we never exchanged photos by that time, so it was awkward as HECK when we finally met.  Outcome?  We became really good friends and later our friendship bloomed into one of the best relationships I’ve ever had in my life.  Obviously ups and downs occurred, but for 95% of the time I felt satisfied and happy.  Lucky even, that I had found such an individual to share my life with.  Then the universe decided it was time to test just how strong our bond was.  I was presented with an opportunity to expand my education and get a Master’s Degree in Chicago – I couldn’t say no.

I was scared.  Scared to face my significant other and make my decision of moving to another country which meant the end of the relationship we had.  I remember days of pulsating anxiety and dread.  When the conversation finally took place, I remember my lover at the time tell me, “We don’t have to end it.  We’ll make it.  I believe in us.”  And I believed it.  We discussed how we still have our cellphones, facebook, and laptops to video chat.  I was confident.  However, the minute I left my home island things turned for the worst.  My other half started to alienate from me because I was “not [there].”  The phone conversations went from “I miss you” to guilt trips of “I hate this.  I don’t understand why you needed to go so far.”  Video chats rarely happened.  We exchanged maybe a couple of emails…  Long story short, the person I loved called me one night and said, “I can’t deal with this anymore,” and just like that, it was over.  I was devastated.  I felt at the verge of depression, but thankfully I was surrounded by wonderful individuals who kept me going and pushed when I needed it.

We both had facebook, Skype, and our respective cellphones…  But it didn’t matter –effective communication was nonexistent.  I was so eager to share my new-found passion in life and what the big city of Chicago had to offer.  And what did I came across?  My significant other saying, “I really don’t want to know about it.  I don’t want to believe you’re gone.”  My LIFE became Chicago at that point in time, so what was I supposed to talk about?  Conversing about what I ingested and if my bowel movements were normative can only take you so far.  The lack of communication served as toxic waste in the field where understanding needed to grow in order for our relationship to survive.  The methods were there, but never used in an effective manner.  Relationships, created over the Internet or not, last because people WANT to work on the relationship and make it last.

(P.S. – Post is in respond to Weekly Writing Challenge: Love in the 21st Century.)

 

Happy Birthday, Luigi!

(Luigi Banner-sig by =Chivi-chivik on deviantart)

You better grab every single green trinket you possess because it’s time for grand celebration: Luigi is turning 30 this year!  Can you believe it’s been that long?!  Since his first appearance in Mario Bros. (released on July 14, 1983 and not to be confused with Super Mario Bros. which release date was 1985), Luigi has served as Mario’s sidekick in almost all the adventures that have taken place in the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond.  However, Nintendo has decided that Luigi has been shrouded by his brother’s shadow for far too long.  Now in 2013, Nintendo has focused boundless efforts in creating and promoting new games and console designs centered on the green cap hero.  The highlight of this birthday?  New Super Luigi U!

This game will mark history in the Mario Bros. universe as it is Luigi’s first platform game in which he plays the starting role.  Excited?  You better!  I’ve been a Luigi fan since I can remember, even after playing so many Mario centered games throughout my life.  So now that I can enjoy Luigi to his fullest…  It makes my heart feel like a bundle of joy!

Also to celebrate, Nintendo twitted:

And so I did.  It took me a several minutes to compress all my loving words for Luigi in just 120 characters and have a selfie photoshoot because it was required to send a picture along with the greeting.  I am hardcore geeking out over this…  I really hope I get selected to appear on that digital card!

So what do you think about Nintendo’s Luigi Extravaganza?  See you around!

Haaaaappy Birthdaaaay tooooo yooouuuuuu! ♫

 

Let the console war begin! Part II

Welcome back to LouCyo’s reviews!  In my last entry I summarized the how the PlayStation 4 clobbered the Xbox One.  No matter how you look at it, the PS4 won battle and there’s no question about it.  I believe Xbox is at the bottom of the food chain and will need an act (or several) of whatever devine entities out there to survive once all available consoles and games become available for purchase.  With that said, I can’t forget to review Nintendo’s E3 live stream – which HOLY FUCK it was SOO GOOD!

First up, Pokemon X and Pokemon Y – Cannot. Fucking. WAIT!  AHHH!  Admitting to a hiatus of playing pokémon, I’ve always been a Pokemon fan.  Heck.  Not to long ago I dressed up as Pikachu to an themed event (which I might add I looked adorable).  Nintendo’s presentation of Pokémon X/Y showed exceptionally enhanced graphics in comparison to the ones we are accustomed to on handheld devices.   Pokémon battles have been blessed with more animation and smoother illustration.  Nintento also uncovered the enigma revolving around Sylveon’s Type.  You ready for this?  Sylveon is a Fairy Type pokémon!  Yes.  You read right.  It’s time to brush up on your pokémon knowledge and battle strategies.  It was also revealed that Fairy is Super Effective against Dragon.  Though I am not too ecstatic about it, I’m relieved Sylveon is not any of the types I mentioned on one of my posts earlier this year titled Who’s that Pokémon?! It’s… … Sylveon…? – especially flying.  I would’ve punch a couple of concrete walls…  Nonetheless, an addition that was much anticipated by many since a new Type hasn’t been introduce to the world of pokémon for quite some time now.  New pokémon, new storyline, new world…  I cant wait to throw them pokéballs!

Can we take a second to discuss Super Mario 3D World?!  The best way to describe the level of elation I felt when Super Mario 3DW was announced is to compare it to 10 serious heart attacks combined because of the legendary essence the game embodies.  Super Mario 3DW took me back to my SNES games when I played the CLASSIC Mario Bros. 2 (which if you’ve never played it, find any means necessary to do so…   Even if it means your giving away your unborn child)!  In Super Mario 3DW you’re be able to select 4 iconic characters.  Apart from the obvious choice of Mario, you get to play as Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad.  Once you do, you’ll run through a 3D landscape stomping on enemies, climbing walls, and collecting coins. Moreover, Super Mario 3DW will offer is a Counter Operative mode which gives the game a nice twist.  Nonetheless, encompassing much of all the Mario-esque fun we love.  Super Mario 3DW will introduce “new power suits” to the Mario Bros. universe and one of these was the Cat Suit – this new suit will let the characters pounce on enemies; scratch foes in the face; and climb up walls.  I can only imagine what other wacky outfits Nintendo has in store.

Let’s move on to some good ol’ Mario Kart!  Wii U will let you enjoy the madness of Mario Kart 8.  The word madness doesn’t even encircle the wonderful chaos of this game.  You’re hovering over walls; gliding through the air; driving through water tunnels…  For goodness’ sake the absence of gravity is implemented in the game – insane!  And I love every single second of it.  The courses look beautiful and I can’t wait to see the character selection and Power Ups.

Yes.  The above picture is exactly what you’re imagining.  Nintendo officially announced that a new Super Smash Bros will be available on 2014 featuring 3 new brawlers: Villager (Animal Crossing), Mega Man, and Wii Fit Trainer girl!  Not much was revealed but we can all anticipated the epicness of this game.  I can’t wait to see the whole brawling crew, the new challenger modes, special power moves…  I’ll stop because I’m hyperventilating…

Above were the games that I believe will be the future highlights of the Wii U in the next upcoming months.  Nintendo presented several other games during their presentation, but I wasn’t really quite enticed.  For example, Wii Party U.  It’s basically Mario Party but with Miis.  You’re on a board; roll dice; move around the board; and play mini games after.  I prefer Mario Parties – they just look more fun and aesthetically pleasing.  Then the Wii Fit…  I go to the gym.  So yeah…  Moving on.  Nintendo did brought up third party games available for the Wii U.  However,  the majority of the games looked like games you can download to mobile devices.  If not, the games are already going to be available on other consoles – no sense of excitement or exclusivity.

Nonetheless, Nintendo always does a great job in keeping a strong fan base even when finding itself not being the most popular or having the highest selling numbers during this console war.  I was wondering why this is and decided to discuss it with one of my best friends in the whole wide world who is a gamer himself.  I believe my friend explained it beautifully. Here’s a snippet of our conversation:

Me: “Would you agree that Nintendo’s ability to stay relevant even when other consoles top the charts is because they overall present more likable characters than other systems?  I’m trying to decipher how Nintendo always seems to stay afloat in the midst of console wars. Like the fucking neutral party in world wars.”

Best friend: “I think it’s due to the fan loyalty it builds. It might not be the best at attracting new fans, but those who try it tend to at least buy their consoles due to the unique experiences they offer.  With other consoles you feel like a consumer. You are objectively deciding whether to buy their consoles based on the merits of their machines and their exclusives. But with [N]intendo it’s more like you’re choosing to join in the goofy fun of an oddball company.”

 

Where there you have it!  Are you excited for the Wii U now?  I know I am!  Let me know what you think. See you around!

 

PS4… Say it ain’t so!

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard the saying, “Don’t fix it if it’s not broken.”  And if you haven’t, it’s pretty much literal: don’t fucking touch things that are perfect.  Well, guess who might join Nintendo in the “making innovative changes but they’re really craptastic” team?  None other than PlayStation!

As I was browsing the interwebs on my way home, I stumbled upon several articles with headlines “PS4 Controller Images LEAKED!”  I obviously clicked the first article like a maniac like any Gamer would.  And what do I find?  This…

First off, the controller looks incomplete.  It lost it’s smooth, elegant, and sleek look.  PS4’s looks all bumpy and rubbery – much like a cheap toy you can find at K-Mart.  To that, let’s add that it appears like you need giant hands to take a hold of that thing.  The joysticks now will apparently have a weird circle indentation which makes it look cheap. There’s also a big random blue light on top of the controller that seems to serve no purpose but to send signals to extraterrestrial lifeforms living in another planet. And what the fuck with the touchscreen panel in the middle?  For real.  Why was that necessary?

I am hoping these leaked images are of prototype models. Let’s just say new ideas do not always equal innovative developments.

 

Battle of the All-Stars!

I (finally) decided to get PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and THoANK YOU, Universe for this!  I don’t even know where to start!  The intro: fucking phenomenal.  The neon outlined characters’ silhouettes against the deep blue and black background dance beautifully on the television screen.  And the song…   HOLY SHIT.  It gets you SUPER pumped up and you haven’t even started to play the game yet.  Since many get sensitive over spoilers, I’ll leave it up to you to YouTube the intro.  However, if you want to listen to the song, here’s Finale by Madeon. Although there is no doubt this game to be incredibly entertaining and awesome, there are also “not-so-great” things. I’ll go into details as I write along.

ASBR’s gameplay is not complicated; VERY familiar to those who have played Super Smash Bros. On Solo Play, each character have their story line – which are ultimately the same: character finds a reason to fight; he/she/it fights a couple of battles and undergoes some challenges; before you know it you’re fighting your rival; and lastly the Boss battle. I have to point out that some rival match-ups are so beyond bizarre that you will find yourself trying not to choke because of the laughter (hint: Fat Princess’s story-line  ‘Nough said). ASBR also has a Versus Match, which is obviously what let’s you play with our friends and see who takes home the glory. You have the option of playing by yourself and AIs, but that’s just boring. And then you have Tournament – which I believe it’s self explanatory. And you have your extras like Practice Mode, but no one really care about those and my goal is to keep you entertained. Now on to the characters…

Whoah, what a character list (which will expand due to downloadable content)! The starter characters range from utterly hilarious to completely uptight personas making the game unique to say the least. HOWEVER, I have to point out ASBR could have done better for the starter cast. ASBR states that you’ll be playing with “iconic” characters. Now, what is exactly the definition of the word icon. Icon means, “a representative symbol of something.” So with that, and taking into consideration the game’s title, I am expecting classic characters. Characters that have put PlayStation’s name on the map. I believe ASBR failed to do that. Some of the characters are not even 5 years old and they made it to an All-Stars category? No. That is not acceptable. For example, Fat Princess (even though she’s one of my favorites) shouldn’t be there. A character like Crash Bandicoot seems more appropriate to fit such title. Also, the game has DmC’s Dante instead of the original white-haired version. Not that I am hating, but the ICONIC image of Dante is a demon hunter with white hair – not black. I am sure that many hardcore PlayStation fans will agree with me. ASBR may be able to fix this. How exactly? As mentioned above, the game plans to introduce DLC characters; hopefully, developers will actually gives us players more icons, less random bullshit.

Characters have around a move set of 20 and 3 special moves divided by levels 1, 2, and 3. The more you hit the other players, the more your special move meter fills up. The higher the level, the more powerful the special move. I encourage you to try all 3 levels of the special moves of characters you like. Why? Because honestly, some characters’ level 2 moves are better than the level 3 ones. When you play the game, you’ll see what I mean. Knowing which special move is the easiest for you to use is key. In this game you have no health meters nor you knock out people out of the stage like in SSB. When playing ASBR you need to rank up your special move meter and use your special moves on the other players. That’s the only way you will rank up your killing points – the only way to win.

ASBR is full of promise and I can’t wait to keep playing it for endless hours. If you haven’t played it, PLEASE find a way to do so and do yourself a favor. See you around!

 

Enter password: O U Y A

There’s a war coming…  And I anticipate bloodshed!  If you haven’t been filled in, there’s a new wave of game consoles that (apparently)  promise to shake the pillars where the classic Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft gods stand.  And one of these newcomers goes by the name OUYA.

OUYA is an Android-based console in which you’ll be able to play Android-based games on your T.V.  I know, nothing that exciting (or at least it wasn’t for me).  HOWEVER, it does not stop there.  Apart from the Android app games, OUYA will be able to play PC-like games through OnLive streaming service .  Not only the console will have a nice selection regarding PC gaming, but OUYA has also partnered with titan companies like Namco Bandai and Square Enix.  And many of you will find this exciting: Final Fantasy III will be one of the games available for the OUYA – which indeed got me fucking excited.  If the previous reasons haven’t sparked up at least your curiosity, how about if I told you this console is only $99.00?  Yes, you read correctly.  That itself makes the console, in my opinion, appealing enough.  Especially when you compare it to the “normative” $300+ for videogame consoles on the market.  You still will have to spend a rumored $49.99 for the controller, but the combined prices of console-controller is still minuscule in my book.

OUYA hits retailers during the summer time and I cannot say I’m not excited.  Though there are various issues that cross my mind.  One of the main concerns is the intense highlighting of OUYA’s ability to use Android apps.  It makes it seem like OUYA’s only good quality is the ability to plug the apps in your Android mobile device onto the television screen.  I’m going to make a huge guess here and say that the general public does not research as much as I do when it comes to these types of things.  With that, I don’t see many people wanting to pay roughly $200 if their understanding is they’re just going to be able to play WWF (the extremely addicting Words With Friends) and some bootleg version of Bejewled on their television screens.  Yes, OUYA argues that the Android market and mobile gaming app usage has increased dramatically in these times.  Which is true.  BUT I believe most people play these “app games” on mobiles, tablets, and such mobile technology because they can take the games with them anywhere – not having to wait until they get home to play.

What do you think?  Will this new movement prove to be the next generation in gaming?  Or will the classic console trio prevail?

P.S. – Here’s a nice little video about OUYA.  See you around!

 

“ZOMG! DANTE IS DARK HAIRED NOW! I’M DONE”

The following post is my take on this article regarding Capcom’s new Devil May Cry game: DmC.

As a gamer, personally, changing a character’s appearance does affect me. One of the first things people encounter when buying or researching a videogame is the game’s aesthetics. I believe esthetics play a huge role in the gaming world – especially when one falls in love with a character for whatever reason and even more so if one identifies with him/her/it. I wouldn’t be to happy if you take my Mario Brothers and change their outfits into a t-shirt and jeans getup. However, after reading numerous articles about the game, I can conclude two things: 1) DMC fans are trippin’ over nothing; and 2) developers need to understand the importance of informing fans about changes.

Yes, this new game has “Dante” from the series we all loved – but to an extent. DmC is not only a reboot, but also it takes place in a parallel universe. So, with that said, for all intents and purposes, this new Dante is just that: new. Yes, there’s not that much of a “parallelism” atmosphere going on since this new Dante is still all mighty with his demonic powers and whatnot as old Dante. But in the end, it is still an alternate world. And if in this unique world Dante has dark hair now, HEY! Better than having to play as a normal human (we get enough of that in real life). So to those fans who are not buying the game because “OMG! DANTE HAS NOW DARK HAIR,” please do yourself a favor and buy it. Give your classic, white-haired Dante a break because he hasn’t changed – you just have his alternate universe persona to enjoy now. And for the developers, let this be yet another example of how EXTREMELY important it is to keep fans informed. It was a huge mistake not mentioning DmC takes place in the realm of metaphysics while in promotion. When Gamers get attached to characters, every aspect of those virtual personalities is appreciated. That includes, you guessed it – the character’s appearance.

 

Press Start

Hello!  And welcome to what’s probably going to be one of the best videogame reviews blog in the history of the Universe!  …  Or at least I like to think so – and several other people that I know agree with the latter statement.  First things first: Lou-Cyo is a hardcore gamer that sadly cannot sit down and play all day err’ day like he would like due to this thing called life.  HOWEVER, that hasn’t stop my love and passion for these amazing virtual universes – especially when I’ve been a player my whole life.  Even while in the womb, I was exposed to videogames – my Mom would sit for hours and satisfy her Tetris addiction.  So whenever she goes on her rant accusing me of suffering from a videogame addiction, – which I own up to- I blame it all on her.  I am guilty of spending countless hours of my life in front of a television with a controller, its respective console, and food.  Lots of it.  I grew up alongside the gaming world and surrounded myself with wonderful people who understood how beautiful the gaming world can be.  That and because I needed friends.  I was that “uncool,” nerdy kid who played Pokémon Blue Version (Squirtle FTW) by himself…

Now that you know a tad about me, you’re probably wondering “What the fuck does that have to do with reviews?”  Fair question and simple answer: I want readers to get at least a gist of exposure to gaming.  I want to let my readers know I am not a poser trying to seem cool by posting articles and copy/paste shit.  My posts will have substance with factual information and relatable topics up for discussion.  I WANT people to feel informed and with the chance to express their opinions.  This blog is more than just me rating about videogames (which, trust me, yes I will rate the shit out of the ones I get to play).  It’s also about upcoming new videogame technology; revisiting classic games and consoles; ranting about underrated games; fans’ reactions…  You name it!  Bottom line: I want my reads to be fun and enjoyable.

I believe that’s all I have for now.  Oh!  Please be patient with me and my blog’s decor.  I am still debating on how I want it to look like.  And my computer is undergoing some repairs, so that makes it even harder to work on the blog’s display; however, I’m thanking whatever divine entity out there for cool, already developed layout codes.  See you around!