The BIG Update- April 2nd 2013!

Hey all!

First and foremost, the Youtube update.

My current computer is SHOT. It’s an old computer that is definitely outdated and just not good enough anymore.  That’s not why there has been any videos as of late. However, I am using this time to prepare myself to make a big comeback with a lot of change to what I make.

Here’s what you can expect:- The return of “Adam’s Gaming Corner.”
-The return of the “Video Game Update” videos.
-New cartoon related videos.
-New content/series that break away from the “reviewing” genre.

I think I will get back on track in one or two months. So, please be patient with me!!

So what about the website?

Well, with the Youtube re-booting, StrikerBlade will have a lot more content featured. The films I want to make will be EXCLUSIVELY featured on Strikerblade(dot)com and those will be featured in the summer.

I will be posting more and more blogs as well about a variety of subjects that I do not want to make videos regarding. More AGC text editions will take place, and my views on more current subjects will be here as well.

Along with that, the “StrikerBlade Podcast” is actually FINALLY on it’s way. It will be featured on the site first, and then Youtube in a certain amount of time.

With all that said, I want to assure all of you that I will return in video, text and audio form soon enough, whether you like it or not!

Thanks for reading,

-Adam E.StrikerBlade Productions.

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Movie Reviews-”21 And Over” and “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone”

Hello!

Well, this weekend I went to two movies in theaters, and figured I might as well review them since I’m really bored.  Here’s the rating system.

SEE IT- Go to it in theaters NOW!

RENT-Maybe worth watching in theaters, but it’s probably best you wait it out to watch it on TV or Netflix.

PASS- Don’t watch it. It’s bad. It’s pure evil.

“21 And Over”

21 And Over was your average party film. You have three characters, one is more outspoken and comfortable with making people uncomfortable, another character who is more conservative and feels out of place in their situation, and then we have the third mystery character who carries the plot by being in a troubled situation.

The movie tells the story of Jeff Chang, a college student whose friends are celebrating his 21st birthday by taking him out to a few bars for some alcohol. Shenanigans ensue, and things get out of control and crazy.

This film has it’s fair share of over-the-top moments. Violence, nudity, and obnoxious jokes are to be expected, much like The Hangover or Project X before it. Eventually, sincerity is brought into the flick to give the characters more personality, but it’s rather drab, and almost comedic (in the wrong way) and how drab it is.

I didn’t hate this movie, and found myself laughing now and then, but this movie was definitely nothing special. It’s a decent movie, it has it’s laughs and moments, but it isn’t anything special. It’s the kind of movie that you go into knowing what’s going to happen and just hope to god that there’s something special to it. Unfortunately, there really isn’t.

RENT (if interested)- PASS (if not)

“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone”

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, starring Steve Carrell, Jim Carrey, and the tremendously underrated Steve Buscemi, was actually somewhat of a surprise to me. At first, I was surprised that Carrey was even involved in this movie, since it seems his focus isn’t the goofy comedic roles he’s loved for anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a great actor, and his upcoming Kick Ass 2 portrayal looks amazing to me, I just cannot remember a goofy Jim Carrey movie like this since Bruce Almighty (which also starred Steve Carrel).

Wonderstone tells the story of two magicians (Carrell and Buscemi) who grew up unpopular but used the magic of…well, magic, to create a powerful friendship. However, over time, it’s apparent that their act has become old and what’s popular in magic is drastically changing with the influence with the new edgy magician in Steve Gray (Carrey), who is like a hybrid of Kris Angel and David Blane.

I laughed quite a bit in this one, however, the crowd I was with, didn’t.  I wasn’t expecting anything oscar-worthy with this one,  just a few laughs and a decent story, and that’s what I got. Buscemi’s acting once again made me ask the question of how he isn’t more successful, but Carrey was definitely the funniest character in the movie, his physical comedy talent stole the show, at least for me.

However, despite the title and my satisfaction with the movie, Burt Wonderstone wasn’t very incredible (see what I did there?). It had some laughs, a cameo or two, and a decent plot/story, but other than that, wasn’t very memorable. I recommend watching it, but I’m not quite sure about in theaters. This movie will probably be on TV a lot in the future, that or Netflix, and maybe it’s best to wait it out to see it there.

RENT

Thanks for reading this post! Let me know if you enjoyed it, or want to see more movie reviews in this style. Thanks and have a great day!

-Adam E.
StrikerBlade Productions

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Where have I been?

I’m still here, just not making videos for now.

I’m currently saving up for a new computer, as well as some new equipment.

My current computer is barely hanging on, and video editing is way too much of a pain to even attempt now. This computer has been in the house for almost EIGHT years now, so I’m thinking it’s time to move onto something new and better.

I’ve got plenty of videos in the process of being created right now. Most of which have already completed scripts.  There will be videos about comic books, pinball machines,  and of course video games and cartoons. Also, not only that, but I even plan on creating some original web series that are WAY different than anything I’ve ever put online.  With better equipment, I’m hoping to finally be able to put more time and effort into each video. I even plan on buying a camera so I can do some segments with my ugly mug gracing screens worldwide!

So with all that said, thanks a ton for the support. There will be plenty more videos coming sometime in the future, I’m expecting to have enough ready in a month or two. In the meantime, check out the post script for specific announcements for content.

-Adam E.
StrikerBlade Productions.

UPCOMING VIDEOS:AGC: Resident Evil Retrospective
AGA: The Aquabats Super Show!!
StrikerBlade Roadtrip #3

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StrikerBlade Is Growing…

Well, I have found a lot of free time on my hands, and as a result, I’ve decided to take this whole thing a lot more seriously.

StrikerBlade is growing, but for now with web content.

This website’s original purchase, when the URL changed, was to host my movies that I thought I’d be making by know. Due to a lack of money, and equipment, I never felt comfortable enough to try to actually make a film. I don’t want it to turn out more pathetic than Birdemic.

So, what inspired this engagement I’m declaring?

All of the support I get from you guys.

Seriously, that and…well….money.

Before you say StrikerBlade is selling out, please (PLEASE!) hear me out.

Since I’ve become a Youtube Partner, I’ve earned a decent amount of cash (more than you’d probably think).  It really gets me finding more enjoyment out of making videos.  It adds more purpose for me, and it makes every aspect of making a video more enjoyable.

I’m not a rich person, and funding my game collection took a job. Since I’ve stopped collecting, and no-longer have a job, spending has been on the small side.  I feel really stuck, and want to start working again. I will be getting a job soon, and that may take a lot of time, but I have a ton of videos in the works that I will take much more seriously.

I have a “Adam Gets Animated” episode almost entirely done. I think it will go up later today or Tuesday. Also, a new Adam’s Gaming Corner script is coming along quite nicely. A new series is in the works that I think many of you will enjoy, and I will continue to write one or two blogs a week.

That’s all I have to say. I know, this was a rather boring self-centered blog. I promise I’ll cover something cool soon!

I once again want to thank everybody for their support. I appreciate it, and will continue for as long as my hearts beating.  Thank you so much!

Take care,
-Adam E.
StrikerBlade Productions

 

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Wii U Loses MAJOR exclusives.

I’m not going to lie. I love the Wii U. It’s a great system, with one of the best controllers ever invented (in my opinion, of course).

This system has a lot of potential, and while the list of exclusives wasn’t great to begin with, there were some heavy hitters like the improved version of Ninja Gaiden 3 and the game that I bought the system for, Rayman Legends.

Both of those games listed above, are no longer Wii U exclusives.

This is a massive blow to the system, as exclusives are a VERY important part of a system. Nintendo NEEDS these exclusives to make their console NOT seem like a third option to play a modern gen game on.

I am not as surprised about Rayman Legends not being an exclusive anymore as I am with Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. The big problem I have with that going multi-platform is the fact that Nintendo HELPED Team Ninja develop it. Kind of seems like a dick move…

Rayman Legends was made with the Wii U in mind, and was meant to be released this month. However, thanks in large part with Ubisoft declaring it being multi-platform, has been delayed in September of 2013. So, I’m just flat-out pissed. That was my most anticipated game of 2013! I bought the system for it, you jerks!

The Wii U still has some heavy hitters that are exclusive to the system. Obviously, Nintendo has all their first party licenses like Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Smash Bros., and more to take advantage of. Platinum Games has the sequel to the critically praised Bayonetta, and the unique looking The Wonderful 101.

I don’t know what went wrong with Ninja Gaiden 3 and Rayman Legends, other than the obvious demand from fans too proud to own a Nintendo “kiddie” console (Oh yeah, I went there!), but I truly hope that Nintendo really steps up their “A-game” and gets some exclusive content heading in the U’s direction.

If I was in charge of this situation, not that I’m an expert or know what I’m talking about in the first place, I would HEAVILY promote the next entry in the Super Smash Brothers series with online play capabilites. Promote the FREE online. Work on improving Miiverse to be much less strict (have a Underground like Miiverse where you can cuss and draw all the penises you want), and work/negotiate hard to get a heavy hitter franchise to make a U exclusive game.  Getting a major exclusive title with one of the following names attached, Borderlands, Call Of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, Battlefield, and more would only help the system. It wouldn’t be impossible for Nintendo to do this, but it is rather unlikely. Still, if I was up to it, that is what I’d be trying to do with all my time.

The Wii U isn’t a bad system, and it’s just in the early stages of it’s life. No console has an awesome first year. The PS3 was bashed heavily too when it first came out. Times may be tough for the big N right now, but there’s still plenty of time to improve and make advancements to making the U one of the best systems of all time!

Thanks for reading!

-Adam E.
StrikerBlade Productions

 

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This Generation Of Gaming….My Last?

I don’t like where things are heading in the gaming industry.

I was going to make a video, filmed it and everything, about how I WOULD NOT be purchasing the PlayStation 4 if the used games patent goes through.

Well, it looks like Microsoft might be doing the same thing with their new X-Box system, as well as REQUIRING online to play anything.

Microsoft…don’t you know that the internet isn’t always on?

Don’t you know that not every gamer can afford internet?

I can’t believe how crazy things are getting with these new systems. I usually look forward to hearing about new gaming hardware, but every bit of news I find out about the next gen makes me wonder a very scary question.

Is this generation of gaming going to be my last?

It’s unlikely that I will give up gaming forever, but I don’t want to support companies that are basically flipping off customers who have to work on a budget.

I don’t know about you guys over at Microsoft or Sony, but I need money for bills, food, and priorities. Gaming is only a hobby, a great hobby, but when it keeps becoming apparent that you are screwing over your customers, some of them are going to leave, and I will be one of them.

I hate how cheap the world is getting. Some will say it’s been this way forever, but I disagree. Systems like the Super Nintendo still work great, I expect them to work for years to come, along with the games. The system was built to last, and it’s games were durable, and are able to play on any system any time. All features in the game are available UP FRONT. No DLC, no online game modes you have to pay for, and no patches that you have to download every single time you log in (That don’t always fix the damn game in the first place).

Gaming is already on it’s last leg for me. Any more stupid features, and I may be on my way out.

Let me know what you think!

Take care,

-Adam

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Game Informer is still dumb.

Silent Hill HD Collection was a mess. For god sakes, it was even quoted that the code the HD collection used was not even for the finished game.

Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself.

For those too lazy, here’s the good stuff.

“We got all the source code that Konami had on file — which it turns out wasn’t the final release version of the games! D’oh!” says Huelett.

Almost everything about the HD collection upon release was  a mess. Controls were delayed, textures and frame-rates were terrible, the fog was missing. Yet, Game Informer didn’t even acknowledge those in it’s magazine or online review.

Geez, I thought frame-rate was one of your big determinants of whether a game was worth getting or not? You did cite it as the main reason as why the extra content filled Wii U version of Batman: Arkham City is not as good as it’s Day 1 release counter-part.

So what did Game Informer give Silent Hill HD Collection, one of the most broken games I had ever played in my life.

An 8 of 10…. obviously.

Again, see it for yourself: Shitty Review Link

Let’s take a look at what they claim. My comments are in bold. Their comments are in italics.

  • Concept:The bad dreams recur in even more vivid detail. Right. That’s why all the fog was removed and textures were both muddy and blurry. 
  • Graphics:Better than the original, but these are still clearly last generation games. How in any way is choppy frame-rate, missing objects and unfinished code make a better game? Again, did you even play it?
  • Sound:The new voice acting is a vast improvement, and Akira Yamaoka’s soundtrack is still incredible and haunting. I’ve never heard anybody else claim the new voice acting was better, to be honest. Oh, and that’s nice of you to not mention the terrible lip-syncing that was not in the original release. Akira Yamaoka is indeed amazing, though.
  • Playability:The rigid controls and restricting camera will frustrate gamers unfamiliar with classic horror titles. Yeah, let’s not at all mention the REASON why the controls are rigid or the camera is restricting. It’s all done on purpose to add tension and strategy to the game play. James Sunderland is not a goddamn ninja, or a bad ass for that matter. Silent Hill is not about combat or mowing down enemies. It’s about survival, hence the survival horror moniker.
  • Entertainment:It’s fun getting creeped out if you can get past awkwardly fighting enemies and solving weird puzzles. Again, fighting enemies in Silent Hill is only an option. It’s not even encouraged for the most part since you are underutilized to defeat them. Weird puzzles? Am I reading that right? Isn’t that one of the most praised features of the Silent Hill games? Testing your mind while making you scared out of your wits?
  • Replay:Moderate I would have put none, since the initial release was complete trash. Silent Hill 2 is one of my favorite games of all time. I can play it anytime. The HD edition however, I stopped within two hours and sold it on ebay after playing the original version to confirm my suspicisions that the horrible controls, terrible graphics, lip-syncing, etc, were exclusive to the new version.

Then, of course, they hand a good Silent Hill game, Silent Hill Downpour, a rating of 7 (which in their rating system means, average). Again, let’s take a look at their quick rundown, just like last time, my comments are in bold. Their comments are in italics.

  • Concept:An attempt to return to the moody atmosphere and visceral combat of past entries that results in hollow scares and clunky enemy encounters . Silent Hill is not a brawler. It’s encouraged that you “flight” instead of fight. Hollow scares? Aren’t you  the same people who recommended Slender?!
  • Graphics:Environments and enemy designs look great, but the facial animation and sloppy textures leave much to be desired  Yeah, but Silent Hill: HD Collection didn’t have either of those apparently…
  • Sound:Dexter composer Daniel Licht does an excellent job capturing the town’s spooky essence, but the voice acting isn’t great  I thought this game’s voice acting was much better than the HD Collections to be honest. Just my opinion, though.
  • Playability:Puzzles are straightforward and rewarding, but the cumbersome combat will have you dodging every monster or swearing at your controller The game wants you dodging monsters, if possible. They kill you.
  • Entertainment:Don’t look here for big thrills; the scares are few and far between While Silent Hill Downpour isn’t the scariest game around, I’m sure it’s a hell of a lot scarier when you’re not playing it around a bunch of friends in the middle of the day. I’m sure you don’t take your work home with you, Game Informer.
  • Replay:Moderate Not much to say about that.

I think Silent Hill: Downpour was a good game. I’m not the only one, either. Two picky (…but in a good way!) Silent Hill fans also openly admit to enjoying it. Dena Natali  and Razorfist, both are excellent reviewers who actually understand what survival horror is about.

Oh, and GI made an online article mentioning the patch for Silent Hill: HD Collection. It acknowledges the problems, but doesn’t at all bring up their positive review that fails to point out any of those.

So, that ends another blog by me. Again, writing about Game Informer really pisses me off, so I’m going to play some Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game. It’s really good so far.

Take care,

-Adam

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