JFlannes's GameLogBlogging the experience of gameplayhttps://www.gamelog.cl/gamers/GamerPage.php?idgamer=729Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas (PS2) - Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:46:39https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2924Every moment in GTA is more fun than the previous as you accelerate in the plot and in your weapon capabilities. When the genocide of random citizens gets to be too much, or simply boring, you can fly planes, gamble, and do other ridiculous things we all wish we could do in real life. The game, like all games, is not perfect however. The constant exploration of the island can get slightly boring after weeks of playing; although, at this point it really does not bother me. Rockstar has truly created a game for the masses. Allowing people to do things they wish they could everyday of their lives in the form of a video game is genius . The simplicity of being able to do whatever you want is what makes this game so remarkable. In other games with detailed exploration of cities and whatnot, people have always had the urge to just mess stuff up once in a while. Now there is a game that permits that along with a steady plot. It's no wonder so many games try to emulate it. After the end of my second 45 minutes I continued playing, switching off "lives" with my roommate as we released massive chaos on the city of San Andreas for hours to come.Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:46:39 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2924&iddiary=5514Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas (PS2) - Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:40:03https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2924Who doesn't love the Grand Theft Auto series? This genius piece of art is a single player, 3rd person shooter with great driving capabilities in which you do certain "missions" to make money and "fight crime." While fun and entertaining, these missions do not entail what the real gameplay is like. Gameplay: Playing this game, like the other GTA games, is fun from start to finish. Immersed in a world with no rules, players essentially do anything they want, from pimping prostitutes to driving the wounded to a hospital for cash. The player can retrieve all types of insane weapons from grenade launchers to brass knuckles, hitting any civilian that has crossed his/her path. The cinematic sections of the game are impressive also as various crime bosses inform you on how to make it in the business. Fighting the cops, gangsters, and even pedestrians, this game proves itself to be truly one of a kind. The game is one continual laugh as you have the ability to the most ridiculous things. Although the game is not a two player game, it can be the life of the party as you pick up people in a taxi cab and total the car 3 blocks down. By the end of my 45 time slot I was having a great time.Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:40:03 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2924&iddiary=5513The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) - Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:25:57https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1960The second half of my gameplay was more exciting than before. I was moving along in the game, able to run and was acquiring new weapons rapidly. The bosses of Zelda are one of the most important parts of the game. They provide the perfect challenge, not too difficult, not too simple. They are slightly frightening (at least they were when I was younger) and leave you giddy when they provide you with a heart at their demise. One problem with the game is its clear lack of multiplayer and group participation. I don't really mind, however it is certainly not any form of a social game. The map, is a bit too small in some situations. The ability to explore is somewhat limited and although very advanced at its time, today is a little confining. Something about the plot, however, keeps ya coming back. This thorough development of Link's story is enticing and just makes you coming back for more. I kept playing after my second 45 minute slot until I finished all of the pendents. Now's time for the master sword!Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:25:57 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1960&iddiary=5511The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) - Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:10:47https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1954The Legend of Zelda: A link to the past is a single player, overhead, RPG game and remains to this day part of one of the most successful RPG series ever. It's certainty a great game with an elaborate plot and entertaining gameplay. Summary: What pulls you in initially in Zelda is it's superior plot. Despite its rudimentary graphics, something about the plot (perhaps my own nostalgia) keeps you intrigued. This classic damsel in distress story really does it well. Being able to walk around and explore the city of Hyrule is a great feature of the game. Entering shops, talking to random city folk, being able to cut down bushes for resources, makes the game more than a simple task seeking RPG. Unlike many RPG's, the tasks that you are determined to execute are not tedious or unnecessary. The game has an excellent flow. It contains the perfect amount of battles and rewards. Once you complete a level and get a pendant, one would not expect the sincere feeling of relief that comes along.Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:10:47 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1954&iddiary=5510Mario Party (N64) - Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:15:30https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2594The second half of my gaming experience was a little more tedious. Continual gameplay took a toll on our good group atmosphere. Where it was previously jovial, it started to get a little stale. The game does do a commendable job in lubricating social situations because it is easy to learn and it is highly unpredictable. Many times throughout the gaming experience, our group of players was laughing hysterically at the outcomes of various circumstances. The game lacks a final "goal," as do most socially stimulating games. Perhaps this is why, after 45 minutes the game was getting tiresome. If I were the game designer, I would have designed it in such a way that players could make progress through gaining levels, skills, etc., and still obtain the atmosphere that the game provides. The characters are fairly limited in number, also adding to the repetition that comes with the game. Luckily, no one or two characters are clearly superior, which allows for more unanticipated results. Mario Party lacks any concrete plot, which in some games can be intriguing; however, it doesn't feel exactly necessary in this set-up. Overall, it's a great game. It truly creates a "party."Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:15:30 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2594&iddiary=4937Mario Party (N64) - Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:05:49https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2597Mario Party is a must for any follower of the Nintendo classics. Any game lover has at one point in his/her career as a player played this wonderful multiplayer game. In Mario Party, you pick a character and essentially play with three others in a virtual board game. Up to four people can play this game divided amonst several "mini-games" that occur after each turn. GAMEPLAY Playing this game is fun, simple, easy to understand, and entertaining. It requires little previous skill in video games and can yield completely unexpected results, livening up the gameplay atmosphere. My first round at this game was highly joyful. Three friends and I rented the game from the library and began playing at around 3 p.m. By the end of the first round I wanted more. However there are a few problems in the game. First and foremost, the game moves really slowly. By the end of the game you have probably spent one-fifth of your time actually playing. In addition to waiting for three other players to make their rounds about the map, players may indulge in single-player games, "chance time," and other time-consuming diversionary activities. The game's graphics are adequate and allow for a pretty clear 3-D world. Overall, the first 45 minutes were well-spent.Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:05:49 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2597&iddiary=4934Super Smash Brothers (N64) - Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:33:54https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2296Super Smash Brothers is a game like none other and truly deserves its "classic" label. It is a single or multiplayer game where characters from other Nintendo classics battle in various Nintendo sceneries. If you haven't played Super Smash Brothers you most likely haven't played a Nintendo 64. Gameplay: The game plays fairly well. Each character comes with his own set of attacks and defenses. Each level has it's own signature characteristics. One includes a reoccurring wind, another with a rising level of lava. When playing the game, the player has numerous options in attacking his opponent so repetition is hard to come across. With the inclusion of items, players can spice things up, bringing in an array of various attacks including pokemon and hammers. After almost an hour of playing, the game begins to get slightly repetitive. Even playing with numerous different characters and levels, the game begins to get a little boring. After 45 minutes, we were beginning to try to switch things up. For example, we added more items to our fights, but to our dismay made the game merely more chaotic. After 90 minutes we felt done with the game. Design: The game design is unique and entertaining. Its cartoonish, classic Nintendo theme is fun and separates it from other combat games like Mortal Combat and Tekken. Its non-violent approach to fighting is fun and lighthearted. In a way it is exactly what Nintendo needed. The levels of the game are entertaining and well crafted. However, after playing through each one 3 or so times, they begin to come pretty bland. Certain levels, for example Kirby's, offer little to no variation that other ones, aside from art. What the game does well in its level design is to keep them small. This leads players to be in continual combat and maintain interest in the game. One great part of the game is that it creates a great atmosphere in the room where it is being played. The randomness of the game provides for tons of laughs and jokes amongst players. You are constantly being lightheartedly competitive throughout your gameplay. In combination with the fun tone of the game world and silly violence creates for a great game. The game's single player provides for a whole new series of fun levels too. Fighting metal mario, 30 yoshi's and others allows you to open up new characters including Ness and Luigi. It is a bit short however, as the game can be completed in 25 minutes or less. Overall great game, a bit boring after a long period of time, but highly entertaining.Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:33:54 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2296&iddiary=4402The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) - Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:13:17https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1954Summary: In The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, you play as "Link," a young man in search of his princess who has been cruelly captured by evil men. Locked in the basement of Hyrule Castle, the princess asks you to travel around Hyrule, collecting various pendants and swards in preparation for your fight against the evil Ganon. The game is a one player RPG with overhead perspective. Gameplay: Overall playing this rather simple, plot driven RPG is highly entertaining and easily withstands the test of time. The plot seems gripping for some reason, despite its relatively primitive presentation. You find yourself intrigued in the feat that lies ahead of you and keeps you playing. Unlike some role playing games, the various and at certain times random tasks you must complete do not seem tedious or drawn out. Upon collecting the various prizes at the end of each level you are excited as you open massive treasure chests for new weapons. The bosses are interesting and frightening in some cases. The characters are interesting and although they are often not very complex what they have to say is often fairly sophisticated. Perhaps partially as a result of my nostalgia for playing this game at a younger age, I still fully enjoyed playing this game and to this day think it is the best of the Zelda continuations.Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:13:17 CSThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1954&iddiary=3837