Video Games

Honest talk, here’s the “Call of Duty: Warzone” tea or “Call of Du-Tea®.”

Skill based match making or SBMM is sending me and my video game constituents down a very deep, dark hole of un-fun-ism. Every round since July 6, 2020 has contained large numbers of sweaty frag monsters. Exhausting, annoying, unbalanced are a few words to describe the current in-game competition.

I’m no MLG pro at “Warzone.” Sure, I’ve played my share of rounds, but by no means should me or my friends be paired up with sweats who seem to eat, sleep, breathe “CoD.” Squads rushing at a speed I didn’t think possible, subsequently murdering every last person on my team appears to be the new normal. All this equals zero good times.

Before the SBMM ramp-up, the game was a blast. Didn’t feel impossible to pull off a win. Opposing players weren’t soulless sweat boys. Squad animosity was lower. Just about everything felt different. Now, it’s just like why am I playing something that isn’t fun.

Doubtful the game will go back to normal. What’s the next course of action? Tank my stats to drop tiers? Quit all together(sad thought)? I called this game the “Fortnite” killer. Now “Warzone” is killing me in the state that it’s in.

We are–once again–in the midst of major AAA video game meltdown.

As every gamer knows, the first “Last of Us” from Naughty Dog is held in the highest regard and the fans are fervent. According to Metacritic, it’s the 5th highest rated game on the PS3. According to every video game player ever, it’s GOAT. Any sort of sequel would need to be special.

The sequel is… complicated. Pre-release leaks of the game give away huge moments in the story line (not going to give anything away here). After seeing those, fans flipped their lid at the direction of the sequel’s story. Misinformation and hate spread out of control. Game’s getting trashed before it’s even out.

“The Last of Us 2” critic review embargo lifts. IGN, Game Informer and plenty more reputable outlets give it solid 10s across the board. 3rd highest rated PS4 title of all time on Metacritic. Must be an absolute masterpiece, right? Well…

“The Last of Us 2” releases on June 19, 2020. Metacritic user score tanks, hard, as you can see above. Impossible to not see a huge discrepancy in opinion between the critics and users. Fans are obviously raging, a classic case of intense review bombing is underway.

On the topic of review bombing, it does give fans a powerful way to voice their opinions, positive or negative. Besides flat-out not buying the game, numbers on Metacritic really speak the loudest. Let’s be honest. It’s universal, just one glimpse at the scores and gamers and non-gamers alike can see something is wrong.

What are your thoughts on “The Last of Us 2”? Does it deserve the criticism? Let me know in the comments.

The days of conventions/large crowds could be done. Since I’m a nostalgia basic B, I have no problem reminiscing about last year’s most-famous video game show, E3. I captured some goofy images with my E3 partner in crime Andrew Ramirez. Let’s take a peek at the pre-coronavirus fun.

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Sadly, COVID-19 could put an end to events like E3 or Anime Expo. Big restrictions inbound. All we’ll have are poor pics to reminisce over. But who knows what the future holds. For now, enjoy some video games in doors, drink Cokes & gulp G Fuel.

The “Valorant” closed beta is in full swing. Folks are going completely ape over Riot Games’ new title. The question must be asked, should games be praised for being total rip-offs?

It’s Overwatch

Did an intern at Riot play one round of “Overwatch,” record it on an iPhone, take it to the office and execute replication order 66? Probs. One look at “Valorant” will make you see the obvious clone vibes.

“Valorant” graphics–come on now–scream “Overwatch.” Visual comparison police here, and you’re under arrest sir. Plead no contest. It’s not a joke though, should we be okay with blatant copy-cat antics?

Moving right along to the characters and the special abilities. They are basically the same lol. The Verge thinks “Overwatch” and “Valorant” share similarities with the two character options as well. Except they’re all hype and annoying about it. Irking.

It’s Counter-Strike

Where does “Valorant” get off on mimicking the most-iconic shooter of all time, “Counter-Strike”? Everyone would really like to know. Can “Valorant” be any more than a copy of the king in the eyes of long time “CS” fans?

The Riot game clearly swiped the “CS” HUD look. Turn on Summit1G’s stream for one second and observe. Looks like “CS” huh? Like a ton. Sure, the weapon skins look different, but that’s where the variances end.

Movement looks similar too. Basically “Valorant” lifts the entire movement library straight from “CS.” What the h*ck is with that? Something a little unique please.

Nabbing that title from “Fortnite,” “Valorant” could be the new Bros Intro. Except, “Fortnite” is a totally unique concept. Stuff continues to stack up against “Valorant.” Yikes. Just play “Counter-Strike” if you want to play this type of game. OR give “Overwatch” a shot. Stop combining perfectly good games. The lack of innovation with “Valorant” is stunning. Come on.

Check out Ninja playing the game:

You are probably holed up during the coronavirus pandemic with nothing to do. Unless you play vidya, then you are absolutely in luck. Here are the must-play quarantine games for you and yours.

Bloodborne

“Bloodborne” is a feeling, a mood and an ecstatic. It’s the real world today. Revisit this absolute classic and drift away in its beautiful hopelessness. Worthy or repeat replays.

Fallout 4

“Fallout 4” is pretty great. The game represents the chaos amid the coronavirus pandemic. Things haven’t gotten quite so apocalyptic…yet. Better brush up on your scavenging/survival skills. Fire this one up ASAP rocky.

Death Stranding

Not only is “Death Stranding” my favorite game of 2019, but with all that’s going on with the coronavirus pandemic–my love for the game has gone next level. Seriously, don’t miss out on this Kojima classic. Especially with what’s happening in the real world. What a backdrop for a surreal game.

Hopefully, these titles will bring you joy during these strange times. Being praised for staying indoors is so weird. Take advantage.

It’s exciting when a new challenger enters the BR arena with “Fortnite.” “Call of Duty: Warzone” is the heavy-hitting competitor this round and odds of a victory royal are nice. Here’s why.

Not “Fortnite”

The first thing you’ll notice about “Warzone” is the beautiful fact that it isn’t “Fortnite.” That’s the end of that.

Redefining Battle Royale

“Call of Duty: Warzone” takes the basic-B battle royale formula, pile drives it (gulag style), and ultimately shape shifts into something much more.

Traditional BRs are prude when it comes to allowing players back into the game after death. “Warzone” gives you the 1 vs. 1 gulag opportunity and infinite buy-backs from your surviving teammates. At no point in the match do you feel trapped in spectator limbo. This is good because getting merc’d in “Warzone” happens a lot.

Loadout drops are a sweet new feature and play a dope role in “Warzone.” The custom slots created out of the myriad of guns can be called directly onto the map using said loadout drops. While loadout drops can be bought at the buy stations, others spawn directly into the match. Take advantage of these options and you make come away with a W.

If you are new to “Warzone,” it’s worth it to check out this expansive look at the weapons. Really good info in there.

Does It Really Beat “Fortnite”?

Yes, “Warzone” is the game that will finally dethrone “Fortnite.” So many excellent additions to the BR formula make for a truly unique and addicting experience. Tack on a worldwide quarantine and–BOOM, “Fortnite” gets kicked to the curb.

So, am I wrong about this hot take? Let me know in the comments!

I’ll leave you with legendary gameplay from TeePee:

For $30, “Control” is worth every bit of said cost. Purchased my copy of the Remedy game from Best Buy after splitting a full bottle of wine with my lovely wife. Tipsyly price matched GameStop to sweeten the deal. Let’s take a peek at “Control.”

Setting the Stage

It’s clear from the get-go, “Control” isn’t going to be an everyday action game. Bureau directors are blowing their heads off with magic guns, janitors are all-knowing and common household items are possessed and blood thirsty. The trippy story unfolds inside the Federal Bureau of Control or The Oldest House, where the said director took his own life. Oddities continue to stack up, and that’s such a good thing.

For “Max Payne” Fans

“Control” is a spiritual successor to the fantastic “Max Payne” franchise. Sure, “Control” veers away from the iconic bullet time formula, but offers a slew of interesting abilities to keep you plenty entertained. “Control” just rules in similar ways to “Max.” Mind-melting action sequences await in eerie corridors. Strange story telling devices keep the player looking for more and more. Does all that sound like “Max Payne” to you? Hit 1 if “yes.” Oh, and the cherry on top, Max Payne’s voice actor James McCaffrey lends his voice to a main character in “Control.”

Nice Nonsense

Everything in “Control” has a purpose. Whether it’s a rubber duck or a possessed refrigerator, things appear crazy, but everything ties in well enough. The perfect video game loop. Keep it coming.

If you are looking for a weird single player experience, snag “Control.” It’s LNG approved for sure.

P.S. sorry for not posting quite so often. I’ll be better, prommy.

The PS5 will be released and all will be right in the world. As long as the new Sony console has a few updated features that is! Let’s bust out the wishlist.

Back Compati

An already confirmed component, backwards compatibility will bring V nice things to the PS5. Talkin’ all the games from the previous PlayStation systems. Just soooo many gems to play for the first time or revisit. Couple things though,  all the games have to be playable and it better be free. 

A dude from Game Tower in Northridge, CA tells me that the PS5’s backwards compatibility will be at a cost. Nothing would be worse than having to eat an expense for old games. After all, why make it free when it could be 5 bucks a month? Seems like it could be real.

Better UI

Xbox One’s homescreen/interface situation is miles ahead of the PlayStation’s in speed and clarity. PS5 has to improve in those areas for sure. If anything, just reduce the navigation lag to zero or next to zero. Please make the dashboard cleaner. Also, don’t spam the player with random info as soon as the system boots up e.g. sales, PS Now offers, etc. Make the whole thing as simple as possible. Thanks!

No Patch Copying

How the PS4 handles game patches currently is the dummest s–t ever. Kotaku even weighs in on the whole process. Takes 30 minutes to download the update, then 3 hours for the “copying” portion to complete. Wouldn’t be a able to tell you what copying is doing to the PS4. Honestly, don’t know, don’t care. Obviously, something substantial. Cuz it really takes forever and a day. If the PS5 does anything like this, players will riot.

The PS5 should release sometime between October and December 2020. Info about the system will likely come out before that time. Hopefully checking off the wishlist above! In the meantime, let’s be plebs and speculate about the whole thing. Maybe have a glass of G Fuel.

Getting hyped on “Death Stranding” again! Here’s an edit:

The key to having fun in “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4” is to never play it at all.

Leave all gameplay up to Twitch streamer, TeePee. The dude’s a maniac. He makes the game look good. Even when everyone knows the game could be considered a desynced mess.

After sinking many hours into the Blackout battle royale mode, I can confidently say I’m hot garbo on a Tuesday afternoon just before peek heat. Compare my gameplay to TeePee, I dare you. I’m no match and no fun. TeePee literally serves jaw-dropping moments at almost every exchange of gunfire. 

To draft off of what I am saying above, “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4” has quality gameplay and memorable moments, but only at the hands of a worthy player. Average players will only find pain and suffering here. Leave it up to the pros to entertain, unless you want to grind out more than a few hours(like 300) before becoming a proper BR competitor. Better yet, just stick to “Fortnite.”

Gunna follow my own advice and fire up Bros Intro right now. Maybe even dump a few scoops of G Fuel in a mason jar, follow that up with some water, chug that back and finally become one with the broskies. All depends on how much time I have.

Watch TeePee here for just a taste of his brilliance:

Just when you think he’s doing good for the industry, Ninja starts cussing again. The most famous streamer in the world getting all edgy for the world to see matters. Here’s why.

As soon, or almost as soon, he took his talents to Mixer beach, Ninja devolved back to when he had to be outrageous for viewers on Twitch. Rage and curse-laden tangents have found their way back into His normal streams.

Not long ago, Ninja prided himself for being a role model for his audience. A family friendly streamer. The article linked back there speaks for itself. Ninja establishes himself as the gaming community’s knight in shining armor. Well, the article is fake news now, sadly. Every Mixer stream shows Ninja wigging out on his “Fortnite” duos partner. At this rate all the positive behavior will be for not.

When Ninja ditched Twitch, his absence was immediately felt on the platform. The positive vibes, whether they were genuine or not, he put on display everyday had weight. I was a major fan  boy and have praised Ninja for is attitude in the past. Now, his behavior could be used as fuel for anti-gaming folks who actually believe most players are who they think we are. Losers. Ninja’s discrediting us all.

Some would argue Ninja has returned to his roots with his Mixer antics. Others might say he’s doing what he does now on stream to prove to viewers he hasn’t sold out and  been lost in the sauce. In Ninja’s case, the luxury of going back to your roots isn’t an option. His family friendly crusade borked that. 

Maybe being a family friendly streamer isn’t as lucrative as it would seem on paper. Perhaps Ninja’s old ways attract an audience with more money. Money is always a motivating factor for streamers these day. Streaming hasn’t been a hobby for a while now.

Ninja is not looking good look for the world’s biggest streamer who we put on a huge pedestal. Feels like everything he did is now

Watch Ninja dropping major F-bombs here.