Video Games

Devout Nintendo Switch players can find “Astral Chain” amongst great titles released in 2019. It’s a gem churning with hack-and-slash goodness and purely lacking in spotlight. Remember when I bought it using a $100 Best Buy gift card, lol?

Combat Depth Style Juice

“Astral Chain” prides itself on slick, unique combat. The action is so nice you do it twice. Let me explain. You simultaneously control your character and a spectral warrior, called a Legion. Of course, all the while both parties are hacking and slashing like a couple of angry banshees at your behest. An impressive display for a lil ol’ Switch game.

See some action here:

Weeb’s Delight

“Astral Chain” builds a world fit for new and veteran anime fans. If you don’t like what anime has to offer, then it’s probably best to play “Luigi’s Mansion 3” where you will feel right at home. Seriously, even if anime isn’t your favorite “Astral Chain” has plenty to offer. The writing is in the same vein as the rest of the game. Anime-style, baby. Actually, the jokes land very well in this game. Better than other games, that’s for sure.

Fun RPG Business

RPG elements in “Astral Chain” are wonderfully straightforward. You won’t find yourself struggling just to build out a character. Instead you will be outfitting your Legion with helpful abilities and special skills using a very simplified skill tree. So, stat menus aren’t quite as daunting and action takes gameplay center stage. Love it!

All in all, “Astral Chain” rules as a Nintendo Switch exclusive. There’s a little something for everybody here. If I was you, I’d go to my nearest Best Buy, purchase a Switch (if you don’t have one) and buy “Astral Chain”! Then you can play it and tell me how wrong or spot-on I am about this title.

Tootles!

If you’re on the fence about purchasing another PS4, I took the plunge for you on Black Friday like some sort of silly goose. Read on fam for the pros and cons of the whole shebang.

Blu-ray Capability

Wanna become a blabbering physical-copy hoarder? Cool, as did I. Completely digital media has lost all soul and gumption it had left. So, let’s throw it back a generation when disk media hung out like an old best friend. The medium is here to stay and, of course, you are more than okay with that sentiment. Brass tacks moment, Blu-rays look nice. Could be just placebo science going on but jeez they look nice. Opening the keep case offers a fine dose of nostalgia as well. Gotta feel it.

Additional Gaming System

Don’t sleep on the Sony console’s primary function dawg. Get that second ability to play AAA games in another room of the house. I put the secondary PS4 in the living room, if you must know. Now, I can play split-screen “Fortnite” without packing my friends into the dark, dank gameroom. It’s a nice bonus.

Cloud Saves/Accounts

Cloud saves aren’t as instantaneous as a player would expect from such a premium machine. That means, making progress in one game between the two PS4s is harder than it should be. Save files should be the last thing to worry about. Also, don’t you dare turn on the PS4s at the same time. Sony’s account management gets all haywire and boots off one your account on the secondary system. Kinda annoying.

In conclusion, this is quite the luxury item. If your home doesn’t have a Blu-ray player in it yet, then absolutely grab a PS4 for this reason. It’s freaking topnotch. Also, starting games that you know will only be played on the secondary machine works out very well. You won’t crash and burn due to the cloud save mess. In the end, buy a second PS4! Love you all.

Can old games ever be matched at this point? A sad but powerful question for most longtime players to ponder heavily and strangely. Like a fiend, chasing the dragon could be your normal when it comes to finding the next gaming rush. SAD!

I’m familiar with such a dismal feeling. Will any new games fill the empty void in my cartridge-shaped heart? Those early SNES, PS & PS2 gems really left a lasting impression or something dumb in the old steel trap. Maybe my nostalgia is too strong for the days when games came complete with zero battle passes or idiotic loot boxes. Possible. Or my nostalgia is too strong in general.

Here comes some XL exceptions to the ranting above, “Death Stranding” has restored my faith in games. Like seriously. The new “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” gives me a sliver of hope for the future of the industry. “Rainbow Six Siege” owns–and has for like 4 years. So, it’s not all bad out there. A little whack is all.

If greed continues to rule the industry, chasing the dragon of videos games will be the standard. Something tells me and whispers in the universe’s ear it will only get worse before the pendulum swings. Pessimistic view, but when in Rome. Maybe an industry redo is in order, where money isn’t the priority. Whoa, pipe dreamer over here. Anyway, let’s drink a tumbler full of G Fuel and reminisce about vidya days past.

I’ll leave you with a little something I edited together:

We all saw it. IGN decided it best to give “Death Stranding” a 6.8. So, my expectations were skewed going into the game. Completing “DS” has made me realize something. Hideo Kojima’s latest sci-fi epic is just that–epic.

LNG’s Words on “Death Stranding”

At first glance, “Death Stranding” kicks ass and continues to kick ass through 50 hours of some of the most innovative gameplay ever conceived. Sure, plebs who are too geeked out on G Fuel will call the game a walking simulator. Don’t listen to steamy trash can gumbo, fam. “DS” offers constant versatility. Weapons & equipment upgrades make each expertly crafted delivery route fresh and exciting. Each addition to your suit’s load out helps you tackle the roughest terrain. Jaw-dropping.

I, for one, am maxed out on open world style games. They lean on the side of being large and annoying. “DS” is technically an open world game, but plays like a linear one. Go from point A to B without being spammed by nearly pointless side missions. “DS” prides itself on keeping the player focused. Allowing for total immersion, at no cost to the brilliant gameplay.

Kojima’s vision of peace is actualized in the most beautiful way in “DS.” Freaking rainbows act as warning signs for tar ghosts, man. And that’s not all, going out of your way to deliver other players’ lost cargo is super rewarding and can be done literally infinitely. Satisfaction comes in heaps helping fellow porters out through the online network. If you’re a selfish player, it’s fair to say that you may not enjoy what “DS” has to offer. Kojima, thanks for making a game promoting how far kindness can really go.

As far as the story goes, there’s nothing like it. Completely unique, albeit strange at times, but pays off handsomely in the end.

IGN’s Words on “Death Stranding”

The IGN review is upsetting honestly, so I grabbed some of the bolded and super thought provoking key statements /s from the review and kindly pasted them below:

“If Death Stranding sounds like a series of glorified fetch quests, it’s because that’s exactly what it is.”

“Taking Sam for a short walk up a slight hill feels more like trying to push a wheelbarrow full of bricks up a flight of stairs.”

“It feels like being declared the winner of a food fight, only to find out that your prize is a mop and bucket.”

“It’s clear that it’s Kojima who’s really taking the piss.”

Can you even imagine writing the words above seriously?

Anyway, “Death Stranding” goes way above and beyond. A game won’t offer an experience like this one in a long time. Don’t miss it.

I basically went nuts talking about “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” in the first-ever LNG Chop-A-Thon. First impressions are long over and it’s official–this “COD” is a nice fish dinner.

You’re looking at this post’s title and thinking: how can Infinity Ward’s game make someone feel younger? Easy. It’s similar to “MW” 1, 2 & 3 with extra-special twists sprinkled throughout. It takes the best out of classic formulas. Movement isn’t annoying. Guns can be customized until the cows come home. Graphics will melt face. It teleports my janky body back to the glory days of multiplayer console gaming.

Guns

Mentioned it before and will say it again, the guns are show-stoppers. Every gat looks, sounds and fires in a truly unique way. Combinations are in abundance. Build the exact weapon that will suit your “Call of Duty” play style. Level up each gun for maximum fun–and a patience test. The satisfaction of max leveling can only be compared to completely blinding a poor schmuck with a stunner only to then absolutely wreck him silenced Uzi edition. Just like the good old days. If you catch my drift.

No Loot Boxes

So far, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” hasn’t hang itself out to dry with BS loot boxes. Not saying this won’t change, but for now the game feels like that of an old classic. Not getting bombarded with skins and experience boosters is nice nice. Fingers crossed similar devs see what a difference the absence of blatant money grabs has on their games in the future. Nostalgia over games that focus on fun and not money, think about that for a sec. Makes you feel young again, huh?

Quality Modes

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” features a grip of game modes including all the classics and two new showstoppers, Gunfight (2 vs. 2) and Ground War (32 vs. 32). Gunfight rotates the player’s gun each round for a new shooty experience. Maps are small the increase the amount of action taking place. Honestly, this mode gives BRs a run for its money as far as watchability. *Insert Twitch ad here. Ground War on the opposite hand is purified chaos. Vehicles, tanks, snipers and other deadly treats can and will pounce you at any moment. Keep your eyes peeled, fam.

The game has life and soul, and it shows. It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the franchise. Let’s all say a silent prayer there won’t be any surprise microtransactions to wreck this now-fabulous experience.

Also, sorry for not posting quite so much lately. Beautiful wedding happenings have taken priority in my life. Not to mention, “Death Stranding” has absolutely sucker punched me in the face as I look sideways chatting about “COD.” More to come about Hideo Kojima’s instant classic soon. Love you guys.

Changing things up a bit on this post! Listen to my glorious voice below for “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” hot takes:

Hideo Kojima’s upcoming sci-fi epic, “Death Stranding,” shines light on those who risk it all to deliver the mail.

Your neighborhood mail person and Norman Reedus are tasked with cargo delivery in unspeakable conditions. It’s a thankless job, but someone has to bind the fractured United States back together. Watch out for them inter-dimensional monsters on your route. They’ll get ya.

Mail people share routes and advice–and so does a player-controlled Norman. Yes, offering help to others is a large component in “Death Stranding.” Though a weeb’s lense, it’s obvious Hideo glorifies individuals who are in the delivery business. Jeez Luis, did he create an entire AAA game and possibly new video game genre dedicated to the U.S. Postal Service??? Absolute mad lad, this guy.

Perhaps after the game’s release on Nov. 8 there will be an influx of heroic delivery people. Everything would be right in the world.

Enough goofin’ around, “Death Stranding” will be a milestone in video games. Whether it sucks or not. Either way, mail folks are winning.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Here is the latest trailer:

What “Blasphemous” is trying to say, however, goes right over this pleb’s head. Developers, The Game Kitchen, focus on religious imagery and Old English to progress the narrative. It sounds and looks very cool, but I just don’t know the context of most of that content. Despite the story, everything is made whole in “Blasphemous” with slick combat and exploring. Let me explain.

“Blasphemous” goes heavy on slashing, dashing and parrying. Think of a side-scrolling “Dark Souls,” if you will–thanks weebs. The core mechanics work almost perfectly in “Blasphemous.” Bad-ass sword upgrades take the slaughter to another level. For instance, purchasing the slide attack allows The Penitent One to thrust his sword mid-slide for devastating damage. That’s one of many brutal options in the extensive skill tree.

Thank goodness this game’s map isn’t procedurally generated. Why does procedurally generated stuff ruin exploration? Well, when everything is always unfamiliar, what is the point of visiting the spot in the first place? “Blasphemous” & “Super Metroid” use a very similar map system. It’s beautiful, simple and should be the gaming standard lol.

Closing statements. “Blasphemous” has a trippy, religious story, but everything else in the game really thrives. LNG approved for sure.

Leave a comment if you agree, fam!

Peek at the trailer here:

Papa’s got a brand new bag.

Over Labor Day weekend 2019, I got married AND spent a $1-0-0 Best Buy gift card. Well, LNG what did you drop that sweet ,sweet illusion money on? I’ll tell you right below, GO!!!

“Astral Chain” fam! The weeby PlatinumGames title has been on my radar for like ever. Everybody knows that I’m quite obsessed with Japanese games that have flashy combat/visuals. Plus, the reviews have been super positive. Talk about being pushed over the consumerist edge. A combo made in heaven.

Bigger surprise purchase here, actually pulled the trigger on “Super Mario Maker 2.” Picked it up from Gamestop, yep. Like, is it weird that I don’t want that company to go under? Support those weebs. “Mario Maker 2” is fun by the way.

Back to “Astral,” the thing is what is nice in the world. I’ll leave it at that. Hope you got it. KK, love you. Bye.

Is it the dope 2000s or something?

“World of Warcraft” Classic officially went live on Monday, August 26, 2019 to hella eager fans. What is “WoW” Classic? According to CNET, it’s the same old Blizzard game before the many years worth of expansions. The MMO king is back to the basics and people are losing their nut.

Have I ever played “WoW” myself? Nahhh. PC games have always eluded me in my gaming career. My family computer, which was an eMachines from Best Buy at the time, couldn’t exactly play games or do anything for that matter. Regardless, I’m still impressed by this game. The way players get absolutely absorbed and addicted to the grind is unlike anything I’ve seen. Friends dedicated literal months of gameplay time to “WoW” and it looks like we have a second coming of that type of behavior. Too late for me to get into “WoW” now though. I’m just a pleb.

Here is a close friend of mine’s Twitch channel who will be grinding “WoW” Classic for a loooong time: