Comments 473

Re: Forza Horizon 2 Storm Island DLC Will Be Available VERY Soon

JaxonH

I don't usually play realistic racing games, but I saw this for $35 on Best Buy's website last night which, after my 20% off through GCU was only $28. So I bit.

Game is on the way now. I figure this is more open racing than the strict tracks like Forza 5 has, so it seems like a better starting place for someone such as myself. If I like it, I can always go full hardcore Forza with the new one.

Re: Rise of the Tomb Raider Now to Be Published by Microsoft - Likely to Be Fully Xbox Exclusive

JaxonH

@CunningSmile
I typically don't take sides in the console war banter (own all 3, play all 3), but you do make a valid point that I feel needs to be addressed.

There was a heck of a lot of uproar and finger pointing at MS for the Tomb Raider announcement, yet, where are those same fingers pointing now? Seems to me there's an awful lot of hypocrisy going on with the SF5 reveal...

Re: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Delayed Until May 2015

JaxonH

How do I feel? Well, first I was waiting for Batman Arkham Knight, originally slated for October 2014. Then they said they would have to delay the game into the following year. I said fine, at least I still have The Witcher, which was still set for October 2014. I figured at least I would be getting one game in October. Then they said there was going to be a delay for The Witcher and they wouldn't be able to release IT until the following year in February also.

Ok, THEN they delay Batman again until all the way in June. And it pissed me off, but I said at least I have The Witcher still coming in February. Haha. Hahaha. Right.

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Eight

JaxonH

Not much time for gaming this weekend. All packed up and heading to Minneapolis for a week. But I did manage to binge on Captain Toad Treasure Tracker last night.

When I get back next weekend, it's time to wrap up Far Cry 4 (I get sidetracked on every single little mission, 15 hours in and I'm not even halfway done with the campaign), wrap up Halo and dive into Dragon Age some more,

Re: Accessory Review: PDP Energizer 2x Xbox One Charging System

JaxonH

I prefer official product when it comes to accessories. Batteries last longer I think. I got an official play n charge from MS back when they were selling them bundled with a controller for $50, which basically made it free.

I'd like to have a charge dock for my X1- but I'd prefer it to be compatible with the official batteries. I like the one I have for my Wii U made by Nyko. It has two magnetic clasps with male end mini USB built in. So you can pull the clasps off (only being held magnetically) plug them into your controllers then snap them back on the charging unit, and the magnetism is strong enough to hold the controllers outright.

If Nyko made one of those for X1, that allowed you to keep your own battery pack, I'd be all over it.

For now I just charge with a cord, an use the super expensive mega long lasting rechargeable AA's for my spare controller

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Seven

JaxonH

@HEADESTROYER4 I'm not that bad at aiming with the right stick, i'm just not extremely efficient as some who have been playing these types of games for many years. I've found a plasma pistol/assault rifle combo to be my weapons of choice, although I do tend to grab a sniper rifle, rocket launcher or shotgun whenever possible.

The shotgun worked wonders for me in mission 6 with The Flood, while using the assault rifle for the smaller minions. I particularly enjoy using the sniper rifle to take out enemies long range, though it's rendered rather useless when in actual combat. So I always try to keep a plasma pistol on deck just in case I miss my headshot. And the rocket launcher has proven my only effective offense against hunters. Man I hate those things!

I also dish out plasma grenades like bad candy, whenever I'm getting rushed by Elites, hunters, those red Elites, or the white ones with a sword. And they seem to work against those hover tanks- 2 to 3 usually does the trick.

Re: Infinity Blade Confirmed For Xbox One With Kinect Support

JaxonH

@HEADESTROYER4

Right. I was always a fan of motion gaming, when it was done correctly that is. Admittedly this is my first Xbox console I've ever owned, but even with games like Pikmin 3 on Wii U or Metroid Prime 3 on the Wii, I absolutely loved the control schemes and how they benefited from motion. When shoehorned in it doesn't work. And the fact of the matter is most games are not a good fit for motion. But, for those select few that are, the games can be elevated to so much more if done properly.

I think the problem last gen was everyone wanted to force motion in every game, and of course most games didn't work well with motion so people got turned off. This generation is much better, as motion games are maturing and we are typically only seeing it integrated in games that it actually works well for.

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Seven

JaxonH

@HEADESTROYER4
I think I bit off a little more than I could chew by not playing on Easy in the Halo CE campaign, but the steep learning curve is doing me well I think. I'm doing MUCH better than I was when I first started playing the game, that's for sure. In fact, I think the difficulty is finally starting to level out for me. I'm on the 7th mission so I'm not all that far from beating the game, so it's nice because I was expecting to not be able to complete it on the current difficulty.

I just don't play shooters that require precision aim with the right analog all that much. My left thumb is as skilled as they come, but my right thumb is questionable at best lol...

Re: Infinity Blade Confirmed For Xbox One With Kinect Support

JaxonH

@HEADESTROYER4 Yeah, any game designed ground up for Kinect isn't going to be all that interesting with a controller. I know they want to appeal to the full audience but still, I'm with you on that one.

I got the Kinect-free X1, but I'm keeping open ears for reasons why I should get one. I'd like to see a few games that use it well, games that I'm actually interested in and are good, because I think it would be really nice to command my console by voice. I just don't want to have to spend $150 to do only that.

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Seven

JaxonH

Xbox One: Halo Master Chief
I'm really getting into this game now. I'm currently playing the campaign for the first Halo game, and had a small mishap when I turned it on last night only to find it lost my save point in the fifth mission. When I saved it I was at the very end of the mission, and seeing as I suck at the game and should have played on EASY instead of NORMAL, it literally had taken me two hours to get to where I was. So I had to play all over again but I did end up beating it, as well as the mission after. I think I'm getting a little better.

PS4: Far Cry 4..........Dragon Age Inquisition
I'm really diggin Far Cry 4. In fact, it's become my new up obsession. Just SMASHIN fools on my elephant, picking them up with my trunk and launching them into the trees... this game is the best! Finally created my character in Dragon Age, and started playing the game a little bit to try it out. Really good so far, I'm just having a hard time pulling myself away from Far Cry.

Wii U: Super Smash Bros
Yeah, I've been playing this game off and on in between sessions on my Xbox and PlayStation. Trying to unlock all the characters and stages is a massive undertaking, but I'm getting there bit by bit. Excellent game, just wish I had someone to play it with.

3DS: Persona Q
I only flirted with Persona 4 Golden on Vita, so I'm only mildly familiar with the characters. But so far I'm really digging this game. Never liked Etrian Odyssey, but Persona Q nails it. This is one you can just sit back, relax, and go with the flow.

Re: Ubisoft Confirms The Crew Will Launch Before Reviews Do

JaxonH

@ReigningSemtex

Yeah, it sucks because I really love their games. I think I love their games more than any other AAA developer out there even. So it sucks to see the suits at the corporate end mistreat gamers and their own fans.

I try to make a distinction between the suits that run the company on the publisher's side, and the developers who pour in long hours to give us the best game possible (within the constraints of what the top dogs on the business side allow, because often times they force a deadline on the developers that's unreasonable and affects the game's quality). I also try to make a distinction between the suits that run the company and the games themselves. I try to not let that bad taste in my mouth affect my enjoyment of the actual games

Re: Ubisoft Confirms The Crew Will Launch Before Reviews Do

JaxonH

@Gamer83 That's how it was for me with Ubisoft when Wii U launched. Ubisoft had games available at launch with DLC, and they all played and ran fine, and they had the exclusive Rayman Legends set for February release, perfect timing to pick up momentum for the system.

Ubisoft could do no wrong in my eyes.

Then, it all fell apart. Rayman Legends not only goes multiplat, but it's delayed until fall even though it was finished product. Splinter Cell Blacklist omits local co-op, despite that being one of the biggest draws due to asymmetrical play using the gamepad. Watch Dogs is delayed until 2014. Watch Dogs is delayed again until May, but only for other system- for Wii U it's indefinitely. Child of Light is ported to Vita, but not 3DS. Valiant Hearts skips Wii U, despite Child of Light topping the eShop 4 weeks running. Ubisoft claims they won't port Assassin's Creed to Wii U due to sales (AC3 sold around 250k), then they state Just Dance is what Wii U owners want according to sales (Just Dance 2013 sold around 250k, the same as AC3... total facepalm). To top it all off, Ubisoft brings Tetris Ultimate to every console except Wii U. I thought that's the kind of games they said does well on the system...?

So it's no wonder their shenanigans continue on Xbox One and PS4. I thought I'd be treated as top priority on the third-party consoles, considering that's where their games sell truckloads, but apparently they like pissing off all of their fans. Case in point: bought Trials Fusion physical copy which included the season pass. Yet when the season pass released it would not let me download it. Had to purchase it from the store and get a refund. Then when I upgraded my hard drive it happened again. Had to purchase it another time and get another refund.

But hey, at least Far Cry 4 is good.

Re: Review: Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Xbox One)

JaxonH

Single player offline gamer here, so I'm looking at one of the few games I would consider a 10 out of 10. This one sits alongside Bayonetta 2, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Fire Emblem Awakening in my list of truly memorable games.

Now if only I could actually get GOOD at the game lol...

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Six

JaxonH

@sinalefa Teslagrad for sure. Only reason I haven't bought it yet is because they're bringing a physical disc version, and after buying Ducktales Remastered, Wii Sports Club and NES Remix 1 and 2 and then re-purchasing them physically, I figure I'd play it smart this time and just wait for the retail copy.

Tengami, hmmm. Let me know how you like it if you end up getting it. I'm not completely sold on that one yet, but it has piqued my interest.

And you're right- DDP ends Dec 31. I have earned about $70 since launch and it'll be a shame to see that go. I'd stock up on games while the discount is still there but I pretty much have every indie/VC game already.

On Thanksgiving and Black Friday Best Buy is selling eShop cards for 15% off. I plan to buy $300 worth for $255, that way I'm set for a good little while. Those sales don't come around often so it's good to stock up while you can.

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Six

JaxonH

Well, my Smash Bros Limited Edition GameCube bundle ended up not shipping out until this morning, so I will not be partaking of any Smash Bros this weekend.

But I've still a lovely spread, with more games than I have time. Here's the lineup:

Xbox One: Halo Master Chief (Halo 1 campaign)
Wii U: Watch Dogs.........Mario Kart 8 DLC (with a gang of amiibos)
PS4: Far Cry 4..........Dragon Age Inquisition..........GTAV

3DS: Pokemon Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby
Vita: Tales of Hearts R

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Five

JaxonH

Just finished Bayonetta 1 and Bayonetta 2, and can now officially say I've been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. Excellent games. Both of them.

Back to platform hopping it is. Although I am predominantly sticking with Halo Master Chief and the Mario Kart 8 DLC (particularly Mute City course), here's my full lineup.....there's a TON of games too so I hope I'll get to spend at least a little time with all of them- we'll see how it goes

Xbox One: Halo Master Chief (Halo 1 campaign)..........Sunset Overdrive
Wii U: Mario Kart 8 DLC..........Hyrule Warriors
PS4: Lords of the Fallen.....Assassin's Creed Unity.....CoD Advanced Warfare

3DS: Super Smash Bros..........Bravely Default
Vita: Tales of Hearts R..........Freedom Wars

Wii: Metroid Other M..........Zelda Skyward Sword

Re: Editor's Opinion: Why Refusing Review Embargoes Isn’t the Way to Go

JaxonH

Yes, it all comes down to the consumer taking a stand. Unfortunately, for me at least, pre ordering means more than just a trivial weapon download code- for me it means an extra $10 off... for most multiplats anyways (Best Buy $10 pre order rewards). When combined with the $12 off through GCU, we're talking just $38 for a game day one.

So that's my predicament. If I don't pre order, I'll have to pay $10 more to buy it after reviews hit. Or wait til price drops at Best Buy, but even by the time it drops to $39.99 I'd only be saving $6 as opposed to pre ordering, so it's hard to justify playing the waiting game.

Perhaps a little discernment is all one needs, to play it on a case by case basis. Games like AC or CoD, perhaps those should be skipped in the future if reviews aren't up in time. And if it turns out they're good, I'll just have to wait. Usually if they're good though, they'll get their reviews out in time.

Re: Review: Assassin's Creed Unity (Xbox One)

JaxonH

@Gamer83 We're the same age it seems. Graduated in '02, so I was also a senior in high school when the first game came out.

How do you switch the graphics like you say? And what was that weird skull thing I got for pre-ordering? I see I have an inventory slot for skulls in Halo 1, but it says I don't have any despite my preorder bonus download thingy

Re: Review: Assassin's Creed Unity (Xbox One)

JaxonH

@Gamer83 Yeah it took forever to install lol... This game and Bayonetta 2 are two of the most highly valued games you could ever hope to buy. You're just getting so much bang for your buck it's ridiculous, ESPECIALLY for someone like me who has never played any of the Halo games (save for a few MP rounds with my roommate back in the day).

So far I've only played the first mission, but my initial impressions are that the controls are flawless and the scenery is gorgeous. It gives me a vibe akin to Star Wars- like that of a classic sci-fi story...

Re: Review: Assassin's Creed Unity (Xbox One)

JaxonH

@Gamer83

Yes I did. I beat the first mission in the campaign for Halo 1, but I went back to playing Bayonetta 2 because I'm so hooked on that game. Once I finish it though I'll probably pick up Halo and play through the first game. Eventually I'd like to play through the campaigns of all four games.

So far I'm really diggin' it.

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Four

JaxonH

@sinalefa I played Bayonetta first so that I would have some better foreknowledge going into the second game, and I've got to say I definitely appreciate the improvements in the second game, like tiered pricing for witch hearts/moon pearls, floating down from a jump, items not counting against your trophy medals, more balanced difficulty, fairer priced items, much more impressive combos, and many many many other things too numerous to list.

But, I think I like her voice acting better in the first. Same actress for both games, I just think she did a better job in the first game. And, the first game was just so fantastic and so good... I do think I agree that the second is better though- I've played enough of it to make a fair assessment

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Four

JaxonH

Just finished Bayonetta, and now I'm well into Bayonetta 2. Until I beat this game everything else is on the back burner, nonetheless, here's the full slate I'm in the middle of playing...

Wii U: Bayonetta 2.......... Stealth Inc 2
Xbox One: Sunset Overdrive
PS4: Lords of the Fallen..........CoD Advanced Warfare

3DS: Fantasy Life
Vita: Freedom Wars

Wii: Metroid Other M.......... Zelda Skyward Sword

Re: Review: Sunset Overdrive (Xbox One)

JaxonH

I really wasn't that excited for this game. Or at all, if I'm being completely honest here. I had hopes way back at its reveal, but as the gameplay clips started releasing my excitement level just drained completely. I even considered canceling my preorder, but seeing as I've owned my Xbox for four months and still don't own a single game, I figured what the hey, I'll give it a go, even if just to ensure my disk drive works properly before warranty expires.

And yet, as it turns out, this is one of those situations where the game is SO much better than I thought it would be. Not only is it a good game, it's a great game! Finally, my reason for owning an Xbox. I unlocked my first achievement today too. Well, my first real achievement anyways.

Hot dang, it feels good to be an Xbox owner!

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirty Three

JaxonH

@Anthinator

I don't think you need to start with the first Shantae. In fact, the first one's age shows pretty well. There are references to the prior games but nothing you won't catch on to right away. I would recommend playing the new one, seeing as it is, in my opinion, the best so far, and much more modern too obviously. And Risky' Revenge is decent, but I would put that one on the back burner as well until you've played Pirate's Curse.

I was playing the original just last night in fact, just to see how well it held up against the new one, and don't get me wrong it's still a great game for GBC, but it's much less enjoyable when stacked against Pirate's Curse or even Risky's Revenge.

And don't forget that Half-Genie Hero is on the way, which, I think if you play Pirate's Curse you'll probably be as excited for it as I am.