7 Highlights of An Underrated Game - Alice: Madness Returns

Don't mind the blood stained knife ... It's probably fake for all we know ...

Out there, there are tons of games which are absolutely brilliant … but practically no one knows about them. Okay, maybe some people. And I’ve stumbled (randomly) upon a very, uh, lovely game by the name of Alice: Madness Returns. It is perhaps one of the greatest and most gripping reimagining of C.S Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Why? Well, it’s a game for starters … But anyway … So, because I’ve been so incredibly charmed by this game … I need to write about it. And praise it. A lot. So here we go!~

1.    Innovative reimagining

Like I said before, Alice: Madness Returns is possibly one of the greatest reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, and it genuinely reflects the original, though portrayed in a really dark light. Oh wait … that was contradictory, but yeah, whatever. Anyway, the dainty Wonderland along with its inhabitants become new as Madness Returns warps their personality and appearance. Dark themes jump all around, like murder, insanity, horror, some realistic themes, and just all ‘round creepiness – characters like the Cheshire Cat turn from whimsical bright-eyed weirdos into creepy, nearly malicious, and devilish monsters. And it is awesome. Because it’s handled so brilliantly.

2.    Thorough exploration/platforming

Madness Returns is a platformer than anything else. Well, there’s lots of action too … but the platforming. Like a cross between Zelda and Mario, added with lots of insanity!~ Anyway, you have the normal stuff; jumping, stuff to land on. And then you have gliding, and … twirling (yes, interesting name) and ironically, “shrinking.” Gliding is self-explanatory, but twirling … well, another name for double jumping. Just cooler. Butterflies!~ Ok, so back to business; the platforming is just fantastic – the jumping and gliding and twirling fits so seamlessly into the game and they just have this really great feel to them. Oh, and you can shrink too. After drowning yourself in purple stuff. And it’s really awesome. Shrinking allows you (obviously) to crawl into small spaces, and it even let’s you see … things. Like, weird drawings all over the place, which are actually hints, even invisible platforms for some extremely well-designed jumping. Anyway, the platforming and the exploration are definitely top-notch.

3.    Slick combat

You know, I thought the combat quite resembled Zelda, especially with weapon changing and Z-Targeting. But anyway, fighting is just a blast. Actually ... it’s more like a blood bath than anything else. A very satisfying one. Anyway, I should start talking about it, right? So basically, it’s a bit like a button masher, with six different weapons. It’s a mix and match kind of thing, so you can get really creative with your combos. Ranged attacks also come with precise aiming, for when auto-aim keeps targeting pesky grunts. And with this, comes dodging, manoeuvring, that kind of stuff. And plus, it all mashes together perfectly. Hacking and shooting, with these awesome little pauses in time before an enemy hits you for a quick dodge - nothing is too overpowered, or useless; it’s perfectly balanced and flows with the rest of the incredibly well designed world. It is awesome.

4.    Interesting story/continuation

Madness Returns features a storyline continuing from the previous Alice game; Alice is now no longer insane (er, well, that's debatable really...) and works at an asylum for kids. And it is creepy. But still, the tale folds out exceptionally well, and Alice's tale is actually interesting to hear. And it ends with that "ah-that-was-a-good-movie" kind of feeling. And you really wish it wasn't over.

5.    Collectibles galore

There is so much to collect in this game. Seriously. Teeth, bottles, "radula rooms", awesomely designed dresses, pig snouts (yes ... pig snouts), and memories. And it really makes the journey more fulfilling, especially with memories; they play interesting little clips about the world of Alice, and it fits with how Alice is trying to regain sanity and all that stuff.

6.    Beautiful art direction

The world of Wonderland is ... well, wonderful! ... Wonderfully creepy at least. But there is so much colour! At least, when you're not in Hysteria Mode ... but anyway, Wonderland has some great environments, and they're pulled off with style. Seriously, I have not seen a more beautifully insane world in a while... The art style alone is enough to catch your attention ... aside from the blood stains everywhere.

7.    Immersive universe

This one's a bit general, but once you fall into the world of Madness Returns ... you get stuck there. There are all of these characters and worlds to discover and weapons, dresses, everything! It's such a detailed world, and it's just brilliant to immerse yourself in such a fantastically realised reimagining of Alice in Wonderland!

Ok! I think that's enough waffling for now!~ But I have to admit, at first, I was a bit put off by the horror. But I still had some interest ... but now, I am very much in love with the world of Alice: Madness Returns. One of the many diamonds in the rough of the gaming world!~

Sums up Alice: Madness Returns.

Sorry!

Sorry! If you’re reading through my blog, (as unlikely as that sounds) I have bad news. I will be going away for a bit. Um, well, okay, about two-ish weeks. Well, maybe one and a bit weeks. Something like that. So obviously, I won’t be able to post anything during this time … sad face moment. Anyway, check through the archives if you want to find more. Or check the Navigational Links, and click into a label. So try it out! Find something new! And be happy!

LGBT in Gaming

Now, this post is entirely my opinion, and I’m not trying to force it into people. But it’s just me expressing … well, me. This is also about educating others about LGBT rights and how they’re being raised through the gaming world.

Today, I’m writing in more of a serious tone. This’ probably the first time I’ve written in a serious tone too … so yeah. But anyway… Homosexuality in gaming. Well, I shouldn’t just limit it to homosexuals, but rather, the entirety of the LGBT group (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual).

Anyway, as we all know, it’s been a tough road for those on the other bus. People have been murdered, tortured, and discriminated against just for having a different preference. It’s like saying you like playing Zelda more than Mario, and being scolded for that. It’s a grim reality we have, even though we might think of it as lovely and dainty. Back then, (and I mean like a couple of decades ago) you were “weird” if you didn’t only like the opposite gender. It was all of this social pressure, cultural influences, and the very fact that it was simply wrong to have other preferences. They used a word – “queer.” And people lived under this namesake, and they were … “not normal.”

And even today, as of the 21^st Century, we’re still struggling to let go of those old prejudices. In places like schools or the workplace, there’s a certain stigma attached to you as a person if you’re gay or a lesbian. It happens. We all know it. I’m pretty sure you’ve at least pointed at a gay person and talked about them like they’re some sort of animal at a zoo.

But, it is slowly changing. Even though we might not have let go of that negative association with the LGBT group, it is now seen as normal. People can openly say that they’re a lesbian, or that they’re gay. There are pride parades and campaigns for their rights.

And it doesn’t stop there. The gaming community is supporting the LGBT community as well. I heard that EA had a worker who changed their gender, and guess what? EA shouted it out to the world, saying that they would support that worker.

And I think that’s just brilliant. It’s a moment where you can truly see how far LGBT rights have come. Years ago, it would’ve been all hushed up, and now, it’s been openly declared. And that’s the way it should be. When it doesn’t matter what preference you have, and that the people around you will support you. Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Skyrim are also supportive of this – gay romances are possible, and that’s another good sign for the rights of the LGBT community. Street Fighter has Eagle and possibly Zangief hinted as being gay, Fable II with Reaver openly admitting his sexuality, and I think it’s really a great thing to have the gaming world acknowledge other preferences. Each day just gets a little brighter. Well, aside from the other worldwide worries … but one problem at a time.

The gaming world is opening up a little wider and taking a broader perspective. It’s not wrong if you have other preferences. And that is really how it should be. Gaming is taking notice of this, and those who don’t, should start now. The message should spread through the gaming world – that other preferences are ok. We should support the LGBT community instead of bitching behind their backs. We can all show our support and our acknowledgement. So let’s all be happy! Play games to our heart’s content with everyone, anyone! No matter what kind of stereotype, sexuality, race, or any of that stuff! Just play games! Be happy!

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon vs Pokemon Ranger!

Battle of the spin-offs! It’s the popular Pokemon Mystery Dungeon against the interestingly thought-out Pokemon Ranger! So, today we’ll see which is superior in terms of graphics, sound, presentation, gameplay, and uniqueness!

So, just to refresh memories, or to introduce these two games, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon is … well, a dungeon crawler. You are a Pokemon for starters, after you take a personality test that is … interestingly written. There are some strange questions in there… Anyway, you play it out in a central hub where you buy stuff/sell stuff/store stuff/train/link moves/similar thingy. Then you go do missions in dungeons. That’s kind of it. I'll be using Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky as a reference.

Pokemon Ranger, however, is a completely new take on this world. Well, to be blunt, the gameplay consists of drawing a circle. Yes, you heard me. A circle. Well, lots of ‘em. You loop and loop them like a lasso, and then it equates to throwing a Pokeball. That, and some adventuring and some generic action-adventure stuff. And I'll be using Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs as a reference. So, let's begin!

Graphics

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon

Can I just note that the graphics are ... well, exactly the same as the first Mystery Dungeon game? Seriously, I'll give you a comparison! Look below! Anyway, Mystery Dungeon has some rather sub-par graphics, still stuck in the Gameboy Advance world. Quite a pity. Well, that's usually in the dungeons, but in the overworld, it's rather cutesy and lovely, but ... could be better.


Pokemon Ranger

Unlike a certain other game, (*looks up at Mystery Dungeon*) Pokemon Ranger has actually gone in leaps and bounds with it's graphics, especially with Guardian Signs. Seriously, these are some beautiful backdrops, with all these pretty effects, and in general, it's just a joy to see everything in the latest in Pokemon Ranger. Well, apart from the pixelated characters/Pokemon. But you hardly ever notice because you're too busy looking at everything else.

Sound

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon

As with any Pokemon spin-off game, there are some great tracks in here! The sounds are groovy and very nice to just listen to, and they always fit the occasion, whether it's an epic battle, a carefree environment, or the dangerous depths of a dungeon. Sound effects are alright, and mostly comprise of battle noises, and they fit the situation mostly. So yeah, overall, pretty damn good sound!

Pokemon Ranger

Meh... It's ok, it fits the mood ... but sometimes there's just not enough variety. There are some cool tunes in there, but they're mostly forgettable. Mehhh....

Presentation

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon

Overall, the feel and look of Mystery Dungeon is quite nice - the menu screens are quite cute and the presentation of things is usually cutesy and anime-like, so it's actually quite appealing to the eye. In general, it's a nice game. Very nice.

Pokemon Ranger



In comparison to Mystery Dungeon, I reckon that they're both at the same level. Pokemon Ranger has a fairly sleek feel about it, with some pretty good presentation in storytelling and pacing and all that. Not bad. A tie with Mystery Dungeon!

Gameplay

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon

The above is pretty much the gameplay. That's it. And it's incredibly addicting. Once you start playing ... you can't stop. It's just amazing to see how they managed to make dungeon crawling so fun!

Pokemon Ranger

Well, the basic gameplay is ... well, drawing a circle. Drawing lots of 'em. Around a Pokemon. And that's a capture. Then you repeat that for the rest of the game. Oh, and did I mention there's adventure-type stuff too? To be exact, Pokemon Ranger is actually quite diverse in gameplay, as of Guardian Signs - jumping around, swimming, diving, running around, flying, all sorts of adventure-ish stuff. It's fun. Very fun. Just ... not as fun or addicting as Mystery Dungeon. 

Uniqueness

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon

Dungeon crawlers? Yep, that's normal. Dungeon crawlers + Pokemon? That's ... a different look at it. Mystery Dungeon does do a few new things, like actually BEING a Pokemon, in a Pokemon world where they talk, and trade, and do missions. The general backstory is also quite nice - it's got a great feel to it.

Pokemon Ranger

Loopy looping? That's new... Anyway, Pokemon Ranger is a literally, COMPLETELY different look at Pokemon. Mystery Dungeon may have taken it one step, but Pokemon Ranger takes it to the top of the stairs. Another layer of dimension to the Pokemon world, you are a guardian of nature, protecting and preserving. It's a totally different view, and even the gameplay is quite unique ... albeit simple. Overall, it's a very unique look on Pokemon.

Results:

- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon - 2 points
- Pokemon Ranger - 2 points

IT'S A DRAW! Personally, these two are actually really even. They both specialise in totally different areas ... and they perform just as well as each other. So, it really depends on preference. Both are nice games though!

10 Reasons Why MapleStory Is Great!

Right, I’m annoyed. Someone I know said that MapleStory was a mediocre game. And now I’m here to prove them wrong. Yes, because I always blog about my daily gaming life with people I know. Anyway, I should let you know, I have always had a soft spot for MapleStory – true, I’ve had a bit of an on-off relationship, but I still like it. Seriously.

1.    Clever use of graphics

I seriously don't get how these graphics are bad...

The first thing they said was this: “I don’t like how it’s a 2D scroller with weird graphics” … or something like that. Well, when you compare the graphics to a 3D MMORPG, you’ll find that MapleStory’s graphics are a whole lot more polished and tidied, whereas most 3D MMORPGs have quite a few graphical limitations. It’s like saying that for a gig at a restaurant, you’ll play a piece that’s simple, but you’ve practised a lot, or a complex piece, that hasn’t been practised quite as much. The graphics in general are very very cutesy and charming, so it all balances out. And it's not so pixelated now too (they changed the resolution.).

2.    Superb sound and music

Now, I know a lot of MMORPGs have great music … but still, you have to admit, MapleStory has some beautiful tracks in there. Really, there are some fantastic scores … but I guess that’s a given, seeing as it is a fairly popular MMORPGs. Oh, and since it’s a 2D scroller, there’ll always be different maps, most of which have differing themes to them, which means a ton of variety, which is really great. And plus, when you’re fighting monsters, the cutesy sounds they make … it adds quite a bit of flair to playing, so everything’s been tuned very very nicely with sound.

3.    Heaps of classes

Now, in terms of balancing the game and all that stuff, the amount of classes is just ridiculous. But from a gameplay point of view, it's fantastic. There are 15+ classes to pick, and even though they all fit into a category, like a mage-type, or warrior-type, or thief-type, they all have a different style of playing. And it's seriously fun just to keep making more and more characters just to play around with the classes.

Yes... because tons of classes are necessary to keep a MMORPG alive...

4.    Easy rhythm

There’s just this wonderful pace you get from doing storyline quests and even grind quests – you fall into this nicely repetitive pattern; it’s hard to explain really. You just got to play it to feel it. 

5.    Polished up

Now, this is quite the general term, but it’s true. The graphics, sound, UI, quests, mapping, and etc, are all very polished up, after years and years of experience. They’ve made it pretty sleek and useful, and in general, it has a very pleasing effect to both the eye and the instinct.

6.    Ridiculous amounts of randomness

Um… Not sure if it's good or bad … Well, it's not that ridiculous... Ok, there is some random stuff, like the monster designs and some weapons found in the Cash Shop, but these contribute to that whimsical and carefree attitude that MapleStory gives off. It's this kind of randomness that makes MapleStory ... well, MapleStory.

Randomness x 9999 = MapleStory!

7.    Idiot-proofed

I’ve seen a lot of MMORPGs … and some of them just plonk you straight into their world without another word – sure, you can always read about how to do stuff … but I can’t ever be bothered. But MapleStory has been idiot-proofed once, twice, thrice, a billion times. You can’t go wrong – they teach you EVERYTHING. Well, aside from some more complicated stuff. Anyway, MapleStory will carefully guide you through, which is really a joy if you’re a newcomer.

8.    Customisation galore!

There are so many ways to make your character yours. Ok, most of them are options through paying real-life money, but even without paying cash, you can still dress up your character in all sorts of outfits, equip awesome weapons, and all that stuff. It's a very free environment, where all characters will not look alike. 

9.    Simple but effective

MapleStory doesn't have any complicated stuff. Well, there are some other complicated thingies introduced that are a bit gimmicky, but overall, it's a simple game. Go through a couple of story based quests, and then grind and do grind quests, and job quests and yeah. It goes on. And it's fun. That's what makes up the "effective" part.

10.    Easy and fun gameplay

 Press Ctrl to do normal attack. Press Alt to jump. Assign skills (press K) to keyboard. Press I to get items. Also assign to keyboard. And when you level up, press S to develop your character. Press Q for quests. Alright! You now know have to play MapleStory! Just like that! Anyway, everything happens in real-time, so no more of that yucky turn-based stuff. Mash that hotkey until all monsters die! It's a whole bunch better than sitting and waiting. There's even some platforming thrown in the mix too - jump quests (where you jump up platforms) are extremely satisfying when completed. Except when you can't finish them. Then you will hate them.

... Whew. That was a long rant on how MapleStory is awesome ... but it is. It's developed over the years, and it's become quite fun for the newcomer. To the veterans, it's not so great, for nostalgic reasons. Other than that, MapleStory is still an incredibly great game that every gamer should not miss. So go download and play! 

Star Wars 1313 - A Mature Star Wars

Star Wars. We’ve all heard of it; pretty much half the planet has. And us gamers all know about it’s … sometimes mediocre but sometimes fantastical games! (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic forever!) Anyway, I’m getting off topic. I’m here today to give my thoughts on the new Star Wars 1313 – a different take on this world of guys who whack each other with beam swords and the Force.

Everything about this screams "epic reimagining!"

So, Star Wars 1313? Heard of it? Well, even if you have, I’ll explain anyway. It’s basically the Uncharted of the Star Wars franchise. Ok, I’m getting the feeling that every game has this need to copy off Uncharted which copied off Tomb Raider. Never forget Tomb Raider, got it? Uh, anyway …

So as I was saying, Star Wars 1313 is not another “become-Jedi-kill-people-with-Force/lightsabre” type thing. Nope. As I said earlier, think of it this way. Imagine Uncharted … and now think of a Star Wars version of it. Pretty … interesting, isn’t it. Anyway, it’s a 3^rd Person shooter, set in the slums and underworld of Coruscant, and it is very very nice. It’s all about the dark world in the city, with bounty hunters, murderers, bad people, and so it gives off quite a mature, gritty feeling, which is quite a new thing for Star Wars. It aims to be the newcomer that'll change it all, and well, I think it's going pretty good. 

Yes. Yes indeed.

Now, here are my own thoughts. It’s a very exciting new take for Star Wars, concept wise, and the presentation of it is just brilliant. It’s got that Hollywood-blockbuster feel to it, but at the same time, it feels dark and gritty – it’s just great to see all of this. By the way, it is EPIC. The cinematic fights, and gameplay is just ... stunning. Really. The graphics are just gorgeous. Seriously, they are. And the sound is pretty good, with exciting battle music and what not, but the gameplay is … well, an exact copy of Uncharted. Don’t get me wrong, I love Uncharted, but … it feels too similar, but that could be because I barely know it. But combat-wise, it looks fairly alike. But who knows? There might be some gangster like gameplay in there too! Overall, it’s a nice package, but there are some conceptual problems I have with it (too much like Uncharted!) but it’s a fresh new take on Star Wars – best game since KOTOR. Yup.

Yes, because all games require you to be scrambling for your life on a burning piece of debris.

I'll be sure to follow this game. You should too! I'll probably talk about it again when I'm in the mood.

Nintenviews - All About Nintendo

Do you love Nintendo? Well, that’s a dumb question to ask, everyone does! If you’re a big time fan of Nintendo’s games, consoles, or anything to do with it, then Nintenviews is for you! It’s a blog dedicated to the wonders that Nintendo pushes out!

Now, the blog covers a variety of stuff from ... well, Nintendo, like consoles, even ones like the Nintendo 64, games, going into the nitty-gritty of the history, and most importantly, reviews on Nintendo stuff. The blog is really well organised - a page there tells you absolutely everything you need to know!

Here's the link!

http://nintenviews.blogspot.com.au/

Yep, it's a thumbs up to Nintenviews!

You know, I quite like using this picture. Thumbs up!