Thinking Long and Hard

It is no secret that I enjoy the GameCube due to all the rereleases and whatnot from my favorite games and consoles of days past. Well, today I am trying to decide which Resident Evil titles to pick up for the console. I am leaning heavily toward the first two installments right now, but am wondering if they will be worthwhile on the GC. I mean, I am hoping that the games still have the same "feeling" that they had back in the 90's. Remember the horrible voice acting and whatnot? I'm hoping that the game hasn't been "touched up" too much. I don't want to get into the whole "Greedo shot first" thing if that is how any alterations were made. Basically, I want to hear from you all. Should I buy Resident Evil 1 and 2 or should I start at Resident Evil 0 or 3 or what (keep in mind I'm not too sure if RE Zero is the "first" game). 

Bearing in mind that I've played and completed RE1,2 and 4 and know what I'm getting into in terms of gameplay, I just want to know if anyone has played these adaptations and whether or not they are worth picking up. I don't want to spoil my appreciation for these old school (that feels weird to say) titles by playing a doctored up adaptation that might soil my feelings for the originals.

Anyway, I'm done rambling. I'm leaning toward RE1 at the moment, but will likely pick up whatever based on your opinions and experiences. Thanks again guys!

Diamond Rings at Blue Nile

A couple of posts ago we talked about all the many options when looking to make an online purchase whether it be video games, dinnerware or appliances. Well, today I want to talk about the only (in my own opinion, best) option when looking to buy certified diamonds online; Blue Nile. As one of the most respected online diamond retailers, Blue Nile has been featured in countless publications (The New York Times, Forbes, Money) as well as is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ exchange. 

In addition to holding an extensive repertoire with reputable publications and dealers, Blue Nile offers their clients an assortment of wonderful services. One of the services that really impresses me is the ability to customize a diamond ring for that special someone. I mean, when I got engaged a couple of years ago, I had to scour the ends of the Earth to find the "right" ring and then I had to pay all kinds of fees in order to get it sized and shipped. Well, if I was smart, I would have gone through Blue Nile and not only had my specifications met, but also received free sizing, packaging and had a warranty included for the purchase. Hindsight being 20/20, I probably would have avoided the large chain stores had I been educated on Blue Nile. In addition (for my international readers/subbers), Blue Nile has also begun accepting international currencies. So now whether you live in Europe, North America or Asia, Blue Nile has something for you and should you change your mind there is always the hassle free 30 day return policy.

Having said all that, I have to wrap by saying that whether you are buying diamond rings or GameCube games, it is important to shop around and find not only the best product, but the best deals. 

8-Bit Memoirs on YouTube

I was putting together a couple of articles today for both 8-Bit Memoirs and 2.0 and decided that it would be a great idea to put together a quick video for all of 8-Bit Memoirs' subbers and followers. It has been a long strange road thus far and I just wanted to thank you all for hanging about for all this time. Feel free to sub and friend the new YouTube channel "8BitMemoirs"as well as drop comments from time to time. I hope to put up a few gaming videos from time to time and really use the channel as a companion to both Memoirs blogs.

Thanks again for all the support!

Where do you buy your games?

I've oftentimes wondered if many gamers build their collections in the same manner that I do. Deeper still, I wonder if they buy their games and consoles through online retailers, specialty stores or major "Big Box" retailers. Personally, I try my best to steer clear of the big boys on the block such as GameStop, Wal-Mart and Target. I mean, there is something a bit too corporate about those guys. Maybe it was due to working for a couple of them during my teenage years that turned me off, or having friends tell me how these businesses "sucked the fun" right out of gaming for them (personally, I find it hard to believe that the fun could ever be sucked out of gaming). Without circumnavigating the point of this article too much, I'd have to say that my method of choice for building my collection would have to be purchasing online. I mean, no checkout lines, grumpy associates or snarling traffic (I live in the Austin area). 

Having said that, I'm always interested in knowing what my readers think. How do you buy your games? Do you visit different websites like Amazon, ShopWiki or Half, or do you hit the local GameStop or Target? How about for other items? If your Mothers birthday was next week and you had to buy her dinnerware or something, how would you go about it? In my case, my wife has a birthday next month and I need to pick up a new dishwasher and am debating whether or not I want to buy it at Lowe's or via ShopWiki. I mean, an appliance is an appliance, but I want to make sure I'm buying it from a reputable place as well as getting the best price possible.

With that said, I wish that we had so many options back in the day. I mean, I remember standing in line at the local Toys'R'Us with my little paper ticket waiting to get a hold of Pitfall 2 for the Atari. Not that it was terribly pricey or anything, but it would have been nice to have a few options in regards of how to obtain a copy. But then again, can you imagine what the internet would have looked like on one of those old Macintosh computers... scary. So how about it? How do you make your gaming purchases?

Lego Star Wars Completed at Last

I finally finished Lego Star Wars last night and I have to say it was a really enjoyable game. I have to say that the game was a little bit short for my liking, but it was still fun nevertheless. Having said that, the sequel will likely satisfy my urge to finish the Star Wars Lego saga. I am yet to actually order the sequel, but I'm sure I will either this or next week. 

Currently, I am playing Sonic and Knuckles on the Genesis which I decided to take up due to our friends over at VGGameplay who are currently reviewing that game. In fact, I was looking over their list of completed playthroughs that are ready for upload and am thinking of following their lead for a little while. I believe the Resident Evil titles are coming up in the near future, so I'll probably queue up their videos to sync with the reviews for a little while. 

Anyway, I'll be posting a complete review for Lego Star Wars over at 2.0 tonight or tomorrow.

Lord of The Rings; The Third Age Review

Hey everyone, I just posted the new review for LOTR; The Third Age over on 8-Bit Memoirs 2.0, you can read it here. I have to say that I am pretty happy with the game thus far (I've had it since Friday and have about 12-15% completed), but there are some things that I could surely do without... Other than LOTR, I have been playing Lego Star Wars and am looking forward to doing a review of it in the near future. 

I wanted to also give a quick heads up that I have nearly depleted all my old school games and have another batch (5) on order via Amazon, but am waiting on their arrival so in the meantime I'm going to write some reviews for the GameCube. As I mentioned, I have Lego Star Wars on tap as well as Luigi's Mansion (which was surprisingly cool), Metroid Prime 1 and 2 as well as Resident Evil 4. 

Anyway, thanks for tuning in and checking out the new review over at 8-Bit Memoirs 2.0.

(This page is likely going to fall into the format of gaming related updates as well as personal gaming info, so reviews will likely be more comprehensive over at the new blog. Feel free to sub or follow both! Thanks again!)

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

So there are quite a few great games on the GameCube as well as great compilations of old school games, but Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is the equivalent of a late term abortion. I bought this game a few weeks back and played it for about 20 minutes and couldn't stand it any longer. Not only is the gameplay way too slow and aggravating, but the concept is bad. If you have played this game before then you know what I am talking about, if not let me try to explain it.

You begin the game innocently enough by selecting a character and class, but then you are forced to wander about in a village and eventually in a "Crystal Caravan". The voice of the narrator is enough to make you want to rip out your pubic hair with pliers. Anyway, once you get passed the atrocious narrator you are faced with a clumsy battle system as well as sever limitations on your movement. Not only can you not move off of the path and roam freely throughout the rich environments, but you can't move outside of your protective "light bubble" of your crystal chalice. Now this is the real bitchy part. Your main character has a Moogle flying around carrying the chalice, well, the Moogle cannot fly as quickly as you can run/walk so you constantly find yourself in that awkward ballet of run to the end of the screen, wait for the Moogle to catch up then run some more. It is like when you are walking and somebody gets in your way, so you move to the right and they do as well, then you move to the left and they do etc... same awkwardness here.

Other than that, the game is atrociously repetitive. I mean, you basically walk through the same areas over and over again getting crystal juice (which I call Chrizz) for your chalice then returning to your village to dump your excess Chrizz to further power their crystal. I don't know, I just didn't care for this one at all. At this point, they could slap the words "Final Fantasy" on a dirty diaper and I'd go out and buy it so I guess the problem is mine alone.

There is also a feature on this game to play some sort of four-player mode with friends via the Game-Boy Advance, but I don't have one nor do I have 2 or 3 other people who I would like to see writhe in pain and agony over this pile of Chrizz. Anyway, opinions on this game are far and wide, some love it others hate it. Personally, I hated it. I like my Final Fantasy more like the original turn based (think FF1-4 and 7-9). Here is a video of some gameplay, you will see what I mean about the ballet.

8-Bit Memoirs 2.0, no ads more games!

8-Bit Memoirs 2.0

Feel free to visit the new blog 8-Bit Memoirs 2.0 which features only gaming posts and no advertisements, sponsored posts or spamminess whatsoever.

8-Bit Memoirs 2.0

8-Bit Memoirs Loses Its Way and Spawns 2.0

This post is to address a couple of comments and concerns that have been passed my way over the last few weeks.

In order to continue funding my gaming and reviewing (8-Bit Memoirs), I've been utilizing a few pay services on this blog (LoudLaunch, Blogsvertise and Adsense). I understand that some of my readers have been upset over the paid articles that find their way onto the site from time to time. I understand your frustration, but ask that you give me an opportunity to compromise. Simply put, I will be eliminating my contracts with both Blogsvertise and Adsense on this blog. This will cut down on 75-80% of the paid articles or as some put it "spam articles". 

As I had mentioned in response to a comment left earlier today, that the reason I am utilizing these revenue options is to supplement my old school game collection for both my own private enjoyment as well as material for this blog. Having said that, if you are an avid gamer you understand how difficult it is to purchase and play a huge array of games over several consoles. Unfortunately it costs a decent amount of cash that in these difficult economic times must lead to a bit of compromise. That compromise is a sponsored post from time to time and picking up a second job to help pay my bills as well as my hobbies. 

After hearing the backlash from subbers and readers, I'm going to open up 8-Bit Memoirs 2.0 which will be free of advertisements of any kind. No Adsense, Blogsvertise, Social Spark etc. On this site you will find more classic reviews as well as gaming news. I am creating the new blog for all of you out there who have stuck with me through the advertisements and deserve something less "sponsored". Basically, 8-Bit Memoirs 2.0 will be a mirror blog without the ads. 

I should have the new blog up and running this afternoon sometime! Thanks for your patience and feedback. Not only is it always appreciated, but it is what spurs action. Thanks again!

Struck Out Again

I just returned from the mailbox only to find some random junk mail and no video game from GoHastings.com. Needless to say that I am still waiting for Lord of The Rings; The Third Age to arrive. In the meantime, I think I will likely replay the last couple of rooms on Metroid Prime 2 as well as Lego Star Wars and maybe (maybe) a bit of Streets of Rage 2 on the Genesis. 

I have to say that I was hoping to receive that game today, but oh well, life goes on. I did check on my yahoo account and already received a couple of emails regarding the latest Suikoden installment, but nothing on KOTOR 3. If you've got any info or links, please feel free to send them my way via any of the links in my sidebar, myspace, email or via comment at 8-Bit Memoirs (all comments and info are sincerely appreciated).

Comprehensive Insurance Claims

If you own a home and have ever suffered any damage, you understand the difficulty in filing insurance claims as well as the difficulty in ascertaining the correct disbursement in order to fund repairs. Fortunately, MySmartClaims.com offers a simple and comprehensive property insurance claim in order to guarantee a correct settlement to repair your home or business. 

Knowing a bit about the insurance industry, I can tell you that oftentimes a lot of money is left on the table without the knowledge of the insured party. In fact, oftentimes the insurance company deliberately attempts to "short" the insured due to the complicated measure of insurance settlements. Having said that, an insurance settlement will often offer vague reports as to what items and repairs will be covered on your property, leaving the insured with little clue as to what they should expect in the "grand scheme" of things. One of the excellent benefits of MySmartClaims.com is the availability of a detailed report which breaks down work to be completed by duty and by room. Think about that, a report that goes into painstaking detail over the exact duties that will be carried out in the event of damages. That is not only piece of mind, but honesty in business.

In addition to the aforementioned detailed reports, they guarantee that nothing was kept out of the reports and repairs as well as local costs and supplies were used in order to maximize repairs and that all aspects of the settlement are applied evenly and professionally. If you have suffered property damage and are looking to empower yourself, give MySmartClaims.com a review, I think that you will likely come to enlist their services. 

Lord of The Rings; The Third Age

Being a bit of an RPG/Lord of The Rings fanatic, I decided that it was time to play Lord of The Rings; The Third Age for the GameCube. Unfortunately, I am still waiting on the arrival of the disc via GoHastings. After checking out reviews online as well as some sample video on YouTube and other video sharing outlets, I decided it was time to go out and order a copy. Granted, I will likely not be offering a comprehensive review of the game due to my lack of time for such things (old school games require much less work and carry a certain nostalgic flare people enjoy). 

Anyway, I am on my way out to the mailbox in a few minutes to see whether or not the game has arrived. I seriously hope that it is in there because I have the next couple of days off and could also use a quick break from Lego Star Wars. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the game but am having difficulty on a couple of parts and could use a bit of a hiatus. Having said that, I have enjoyed the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit games that I have played in the past and am looking forward to an RPG/Adventure title from the franchise. I am honestly still trying to figure out why I never bought this game earlier.

In other news, I have been searching for a bit of information regarding a couple of titles and would be happy for links or info on either. The first is any info regarding a new Suikoden title and the second is any info regarding the next Star Wars Knights of The Old Republic. I haven't been able to find any reputable information on either of these even though I know full-well that they are in the "works". Anyway, thanks for tuning in and ignoring the recent "nature" of some posts (rough economic times=more advertising)...

Rent To Own Industry

It is no secret that many people from all around the world have been hit hard by the faltering economy, but despite current woes there are plenty of bargains to be found for the savvy consumer. Over my last few posts, I have mentioned a lot of great discounters and online stores from which to purchase video games and accessories for pennies on the dollar and now I want to talk briefly about a rent to own association called RTOHQ. This industry leading association offers a wide variety of resources and information regarding nearly every aspect of the rent to own industry.

Whether you are interested in the actual state of the industry (which is booming by the way), or you are looking for information regarding retailers, wholesalers and the like, you will find everything industry related here. In addition to the wealth of information available on the site, you will also find several handy links to APRO (Association of Progressive Rental Organizations), rent to own magazines and their rent to own newsletter. 

As I mentioned earlier, the industry is doing quite well in these troubled times and there are many great offers out there for anyone savvy enough to check them out. Whether you are looking to learn more about the industry or jump into an RTO yourself, you should definitely take a closer look at the RTOHQ website and ARPO. In addition to all of the informative features I mentioned earlier, you can also visit their website and listen to different audio clips from industry professionals, so why not take a look?

Lego Star Wars

After completing Metroid Prime 2 for the GameCube, I decided it might be fun to try Lego Star Wars. After playing through most of Episode 1, I have to say that I am enjoying the comic mischief, but am a bit disappointed in regards to the pod-racing level. If you have ever played that level, you know that the gameplay is kind of sh@#ty. I mean, how can you lose by running out of time when you are leading the race? Think about it, you take the lead and lose because a timer runs out; that is utter bulls@#t! 

Now that I have that out of my system, I have to say that the other aspects of the game are enjoyable so far, but I am curious whether Episode 2 and 3 will be any different tan the first portion. I mean, it has been enjoyable thus far, but I don't know if I will enjoy playing through the same exact thing three times on one disc. Well, I guess I'll find out as I have the next couple of days off and am looking to satisfy a serious GameCube hankering.

At any rate, I would definitely recommend this game to any fan of Star Wars or Legos for that matter. I don't know how much a serious Star Wars/Gamer would enjoy this title, but hey give it a shot if you'd like. Here is a quick video I pulled off of YouTube with gameplay footage. 

Xenon Project

I had written a post sometime ago about my budding interest in RC Airplanes, and have finally taken the next step and purchased one via Xenon Project. One of the reasons this process took me such a long time was due to the specs that I was looking for. First, I was hoping to find a 4 channel airplane that offered a wider chassis in order to mount a small video camera so that I might film some flights for my YouTube channel. Fortunately I was able to locate a couple of nice models (Dynam Extra 330 and Dynam Focus 400) that will suit my needs perfectly.

I have to say that I was torn between a few different 4 channel models and may at some point examine the other 2 channel models more closely. I'd definitely recommend checking out the Xenon Project website if you have been considering purchasing a plane or any other RC product. In addition to the airplanes, they also offer a wide range of gas and electric vehicles such as helicopters, cars, trucks and even tanks. There really is quite an impressive array of "toys" for RC aficionados. 

As I had mentioned earlier, I hope to be posting some new video on YouTube when my plane arrives and will likely post it here as well. Before I wrap things up, I want to mention the "hassle free return policy" offered via Xenon Project regarding purchases. Not only are they a reputable online retailer, but they stand by their products with the aforementioned policy as well as competent customer support via phone, email and chat. Anyway, if you are thinking about making an RC purchase in the near future, check out my friends over at Xenon Project.

Donkey Kong Jr.

One of my favorite old school games of all time was Donkey Kong Jr. for the NES. I don't know if it was just the simplicity of the game or the fact that it reminded me of all the classics on the Coleco Vision and Atari, but either way, I loved it. Granted, when I first played it I think I was 9 or 10 and didn't appreciate the way I do now, but hey wtf. In fact, now that I am older, I have found a way to incorporate drinking with the gameplay. I'll tell you this much, if you manage to down a bottle of beer in the time it takes to pass a level then you are on pace with the old school gaming crew.

In regards to the game itself, I can sum it up in one word, "easy". I mean, I'm pretty sure I finished the game the very first time I played it. In fact, if memory serves, there are only four levels that loop continuously. Having said that, I still can't take anything away from the timelessness of this cart. If you haven't played this game or the original Donkey Kong, you need to. No, I'm serious. Open up another window, go to Amazon.com and place one in your cart. I wouldn't go with 2-day air, but at least pony up the dough for media mail you cheap bastard. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, but come on.