The new “Death Stranding” trailer features cute scene-stealers.

All aboard the hype train! The latest look at Hideo Kojima’s new game “Death Stranding” was the highlight of The Game Awards 2017. There is so much mystery surrounding this title but what I really want to know about are those flappy/floppy/blinky lights mounted the heroes’ shoulders.

The lights seem to act as some sort of enemy indicator. In the trailer, when the foes close in they flap harder making a very satisfying shutter sound. It’s possible that they are taking pictures at the same time. Capturing photos of the invisible creatures in their alternate reality? Could be a thing. Sounds like a Hideo trope.

Anyway, I am pretty obsessed with the light rig. How they will actually come into play in-game will be interesting, I’m sure. If you haven’t seen the new trailer, check it out below:

Our forefathers weep.

But I’m not. I think it’s incredible Twitch streaming and playing video games for a living can be a viable way to make a living in the United States today. Humans have come a long way from spending their days inside one of Henry Ford’s car factories.

Big names on Twitch like LIRIK, Summit1g and Shroud absolutely rake in money from their thousands of viewers on a daily basis. Many people think to themselves, if the famous streamers can get notoriety and money doing what they love, why can’t I? After all, it’s the American way! So, they get to work. For some, the dream pans out and for others it falls flat.

Anecdote Time

One of my coworker’s unfortunately is getting laid off from the company. His backup plan is to go full-time streamer on a website called Caffeine. This gentleman is falling back on streaming after working at a huge corporation. The fact that’s even an option is brilliant.

I’ll be right back, I’m kicking off my streaming career right now. Oh–I mean I’m chasing the American Dream!

❓ ❓ ❓

You wake up early and get that sudden urge. Take care of it now or wait till night, what do you do?

For me, nothing beats an A.M. session. Clear head, bunches of energy and throw a coffee in there, forget about it! Perfection talk. Don’t get me wrong, a little private time late in the evening still has it’s benefits. Blowing off some steam after a long day at the office being one of them. Then, there are times when a partner or partners (if you’re lucky) aren’t around till later, so it kinda has to wait. But don’t get me wrong it’s still a blast.

I just love picking up a controller in the morning and gaming way… Seriously, what else would I be doing? How about you guys, when do you like to game? Some questions just need to be asked.

Now take a look at this “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” teaser that caught my eye on the YouTube:

With Net Neutrality laws likely coming to an end on Dec. 14, 2017, I can’t help but think what is the world without Internet going to look like and more specifically in the gaming? Right now, I stay social playing games with my friends who live in different states thanks to an Internet unregulated by ISPs. So, if the laws get 86’d, it’s good bye to multiplayer games (and friends lol) and welcome back to the ’90s where single player games are king.

Why It Could Happen

In a recent interview with Gamespot, Xbox boss Shannon Loftis believes single-player-only games aren’t dead in the current market but they do have questions to face around their economic viability. Yeah, well, after Net Neutrality laws get dashed against the rocks lets see if she starts singing a different tune. Paying for multiplayer features through your ISP won’t be economic in the slightest and reverting back to single-player-only games could be the only option for these huge developers.

For us weebs, single player games like “FFXV” are what’s good and it would be cool to see more energy go into making similar titles. “COD” boys will have to get used to games that don’t revolve around scorestreaks–but I don’t see that happening. I’ll be over here drinking G Fuel and Cokes playing some games, solo!

As gamers continue to understand video games on a deeper level, strategy guides have pretty much gone to the wayside. I may be a pleb for saying it but I miss those beautiful books, they are your friends.

The reason why strategy guides are even on my mind is because I started “Pokémon Y” and “Warframe” recently. Both of these games are FILLED with content and I’ve resorted to looking up walkthroughs and tips online. This made the experience of jumping into these titles less daunting and more enjoyable. Letting go of the reins as a gamer is incredibly satisfying. There is nothing like reading that guide and letting it lay out the the groundwork for your gaming adventure.

A shout out is in order for the folks who put in the time to write up detailed, accurate and easy to read walkthroughs online. The ones I’m following are impressive and I appreciate them. They can be found here: “Warframe” and “Pokémon Y“.

Next time you take on a new game, grab the strategy guide or an online walkthrough and become BFFs with it.

Electronic Arts or EA has really done it this time.

The mega video game publisher recently released the “Star Wars Battlefront” sequel and–wow, it’s been rocky as hell leading up to it. Players are flipping their top over the microtransactions in the game. Then, EA tries to cool everybody off by doing a Reddit AMA but ultimately the effort backfires. Now EA is like the most thing in the world right now.

Are the employees at the publisher disagreeing with their employers methods? What is moral like in the office? It must be crazy to work at EA right now and see so much controversy engulfing the company. According to Kotaku an employee reportedly received death threats over “Star Wars Battlefront II.” It kinda turned into fake news though.

Looking back on my days at Best Buy I was forced to sell these warranty packages for certain products. I hated it and didn’t believe in the service. So, is that what the EA employees are feeling right now? Do they believe in the microtransactions that have royally pissed off everyone? Do they want to play games that cost a grand total of $2,100 to complete? I wouldn’t think so.

Hopefully “Star Wars Battlefront II” tanks. I don’t want to see this game be a success because it would turn video gaming into this obscenely expensive luxury activity.

The holidays: a time for family, food and “Max Payne.”

The 2001 classic from Remedy Entertainment features insane bullet-time gun fights and a stellar comic book, noir-style story line. Max Payne, the lead character, is lovable with all his witty dialogue that will keep you angaged. Think of “Max Payne” like the 1988 flick “Die Hard” which, after much debate, is a holiday movie.

“MP” is set in a blizzard-ravaged New York City. Baddies lurk in the shadows, junkies tremble in abandoned apartment buildings each casting a backdrop for some of the best gun battles your PS2 and mind can handle. Duel Ingrams, am I right? Snow on the ground leaves my holiday senses tingling. The muzzle flashes serve as brilliant Christmas lights.

Okay, really being honest here, I got “Max Payne” for Christmas when I was like 12 for my PS2. Learned how to use duel analogue sticks playing this gem. So, the possibility that “MP” only rings holiday bells for me is likely. But I’m telling you right now, you play this game this holiday season and you will be on my level!

Check out the trailer:

“Call of Duty: WWII” is a hip-firing good time despite its flaws.

As you all know I picked up the new “CoD” with PSN credit recently. I’ve put 10 hours into the multiplayer and I feel the same hype for this installation like I did with “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” on the 360. The gameplay in “CoD: WWII” feels tight and refined. New additions like HQ make the experience feel fresh. Shout out to EA for going with a more social lobby. It’s a fun gimmick that attracts my attention. Sure, the loot boxes are a blatant money grab but watching a friend land an epic item is sweet.

More thoughts on the HQ lobby. Players can now 1v1 against each other easily. A shooting range is available to test out your guns before ruining your K/D ratio in a real match. It’s kinda dumb but the you can even play 15 different classic Activision games by spending some of your in-game currency. All these little bonuses add a spark to the game I felt the series was lacking.

The title does have some bugs. Loot boxes will go missing, your main character’s outfit will change randomly and last but not least the matchmaking screen is laggy. Plus, the PS4’s headquarters social space is completely empty because of server issues, LAME! It’s frustrating now but in reality these problems will be fixed in an upcoming patch.

Dude in this vid is a full-on bro (classic “CoD” player). But he gives a pretty decent tour of the HQ:

This $100 PSN credit is burning a hole in my wallet.

There are so many old and new games to purchase on the PlayStation Store–sadly, all over priced. So, it’s exciting when I’m in a spot where I can really buy just about anything. Let’s take a look and see what’s peaking my interest.

Call of Duty: WWII

Yes, EA’s latest entry into the “CoD” franchise is $60. It’s also brand new, came out literally the day I’m writing this. As I think about buying this game I’m trying to fool myself into believing that I will play the single player campaign. This will never happen, multiplayer only, and I don’t think it will ever have anything on “Rainbow Six Siege.” But I’ve been loyal to the series in the past and I may very well be now. Additionally, some folks are pissed about the loot box system.

Final Fantasy XV

This RPG is sure to satisfy my urge to grind into oblivion. Square Enix’s epic is on sale for a ez pz $25 bones. It’s true, the game will require a ton of time. I just want to ride some Chocobos and drive that car that I’ve seen 1000 times in the trailers.

Assassin’s Creed: Origins

I just recently jumped back into the “AC” series with “Assassin’s Creed Syndicate” and I loved it! I would consider dropping $60 for “Origins.”  Has the game’s formula changed much? Probably not but who cares–jumping around stabbing enemies in the neck can’t get old.

Okay, update time. As I’m writing this, I’m watching Lirik stream “CoD: WWII” and it’s riling me up. Gunna drop the $60 on the damn, money-grubbing EA title. Wish me luck. I’ll write up a review soon. Feel free to leave a comment telling me how much of a pleb I am. Anyway, still have $40 to burn!