Becoming a God: GODS OF EGYPT

Off Subject? Me? Never...
By now you've read the title of this post and said, "Hey, this is Arcade, not Cinema" and you're absolutely right, there's a method to this madness, check out my most recent post on My Cinema to find out what that method is. Or just keep reading.

Okay, so above we have a theatrical poster for Gods of Egypt. Below we have something that has come and gone in video gaming, reverse box art for games. Typically this happens in video games where you can play as either the good guys or the bad guys, or at the very least, where the two opposing sides receive equal screen time and fan-squealing at convention. So why did I take the time to redesign this poster into those? Well first, it didn't consume all that much time, though it's a little shoddy, I'll be the first to say it, second, because this was a BETTER VIDEO GAME THAN MOVIE!

Here's the thing, to do Gods of Egypt on the scale the company wanted to do it, they had to computer generate literally every moment of the movie, it's ALL shot in front of a green-screen, and even the actors are CG throughout the movie. I'm not really here to critique the movie though, you can find that up there ^. Instead, I'm here to tell you what I think could have been done for this as a game.

So, for starters, how about we look at potentially the simplest method of execution. Do basically the same story (maybe get the names right, fix the setting up a bit, don't butcher the lore so much?) then give us control of our two male heroes, Horus and Bek. Then take a sort of Superman 64 approach to it (no, not wreck it, that's been done once already,) and give us puzzle sequences, and combat sequences. During puzzle sequences we'll control Bek a la Prince of Persia, and during combat sequences we'll rely on Horus, a la God of War, at least...the combat portions. Meanwhile you have some fun side game potential with Thoth and Hathor (did they even call her that?) 

This is pretty simple, you start out with really basic abilities for both characters, actually, you START the game as full power Horus, but upon losing his eyes he goes back to "level 1" and has to relearn his abilities through the game. Maybe even give him a Devil May Cry/Dante's Inferno level up system where he gets to progressively get better based off an in game currency. Give the same thing to Bek, and let him be playable in combat as well, but with more emphasis on Horus. Similarly, Horus is necessary to complete some puzzles, but Bek is clearly more reliable when it comes to that. Boom, you have the entire game already laid out, with random encounters with wild mythological beasts (giant scarab beetles and...minotaur goats come to mind) and some of Seth's crimson soldiers (whatever he called those guys.) Boom, done. Need more material? You still have a pantheon of Gods to call upon, heck, maybe even let some of them lend Horus their power, as opposed to Set slaughtering them all and only taking one piece from any of them! You still have an epic final battle too.

The other option? RPG, full blown. Play as Bek, Horus, or even Set in the setting, and follow your own path. Or even have to play any other character, may Horus doesn't live through Set's betrayal, and a mortal has to ascend to Godhood to face off against Set. Unless I'm mistaken, the pharaohs were supposed to be Ra's divine will on Earth (maybe even his embodiment?) so why not another character deemed worthy of this? You can go on random side quests, join a religion, develop the world, let Bethesda build the game and you're basically guaranteed a beautiful experience. Just...get...things right...use one translation for all of you names, and stick as close to lore as possible, while maintaining and understandably enjoyable game, if you have to cut off a few toes (or talons) so be it.

But...just please get that time machine, jump back in time, and correct this mistake (and give me credit? Please?!) 

What Would Your Adventure Start With?: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, A LINK TO THE PAST

Jumping on a late train (no, not a Spirit Train)
Okay, so here's a game I haven't played even though apparently I should have, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Why haven't I played it? I really think it was just because I didn't know it existed. Like, I had heard of it, but I've never seen it or had the chance to play it really. Until I saw MatPat on the Game Theorist talk about it, saying that it was better than Ocarina of Time! What?! Well this simply cannot be, A Link to the Past is a 2D top-down game, while Ocarina of Time is a 3D third person game. How can the 2D game be better?!

You can actually see how here!

Well, actually, that's a stupid question, a lot of games are better in 2D than 3D, but those things are beside the point. The point of this is, A Link to the Past starts on a...weird note.

 Don't leave the house!

If we jump back to the original Legend of Zelda for the NES, our hero link starts out with no equipment except his shield. If you walk into the first cave you'll get Link's sword, an (apparently) nonessential item that REALLY REALLY helps with the rest of the game. Like, I don't really see how people could beat the game without a sword, but apparently they do, so whatever. Anyway, so yeah, the first item you have in this game is your shield, and the first one you obtain is your sword.

Take this!

That...makes sense right? Well obviously in any action/adventure game, the most important thing is your main weapon, so you have to start with it, or get it first, right? Let's take a look at a few others...Zelda II, Link starts with his sword and shield. Ocarina of Time, Link starts with nothing, but the first thing he obtains is his sword (or his shield if you decide you want to pick up and throw enough bushes to get those forty rupees.

 Remeber this?

Yeah, the good ol' Kokiri Sword, speaking of which, guess what items you start out with in the next game in the series? That's right, the Kokiri Sword, and the Hylian Shield too! Thank the Great Fairy...that Deku Shield sucks. Where do we go from there? Well, I really haven't played much after that in the Zeldaverse (I know, I know, blasphemy) except Wind Waker, and I don't remember it all that well. But...we can look at some other Action Adventure games...Metroid? We start out with the arm cannon, and we keep it the rest of the game!

 Here's a link to that website too.

There are hundreds of action adventure games, and most of them start you out with a weapon that will be iconic for the rest of your journey, or at least will be improved upon later. MOST of them...but not A Link to the Past.

You got the lamp!

Yep...ol' Link to the Past gives you...the lamp. Now at first, I thought "This is the stupidest thing ever." And I mean, really, you're about to set out on your grand adventure and you get a lamp, how lame is that? Well, for starters, that lamp is really useful, you're going out at night, during a storm, so obviously Link may need the lamp. Then you get to the dungeon and you get your uncle's sword and shield (spoiler alert!) and then you need the lamp in the basement because there are no lights. There's even puzzle elements like lighting torches...or...or...to...open a door...

Wait...it's the first item you get...it sounds useless...and then it turns out to be useful early on...

 #IlluminatiConfirmed

Okay, so technically this is not the first item you receive, but you do receive the lantern early on in Fable, and as far as I recall it serves literally no purpose except to open the first demon door you encounter.

Looking at it now, in broad daylight, not in the middle of the night tiredly pecking away at my DS buttons trying to progress through the game, I can see whereas the Lamp might be a cool item, heck it would kill some difficulty in the 3D Zelda games, at least before the fire arrows, and even then if you don't have arrows it would still work. Or...you could just break a pot or bush and find some arrows. Either way.

 I love lamp.

Hey! Thanks for reading this through to the end! I hope you enjoyed, and I'll catch you next time, in My Arcade.

Misconceptions and Facts: POKéMON

FEELIN' RANTY?
So earlier today there was a leak that Nintendo had copyrighted Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, not really all that surprising that we're going to get another generation of games (though we're still looking for Z!) but, I was pretty convinced they had already copyrighted these names years ago and just hadn't employed them yet. Well obviously internet, I was mistaken, whatever. This did create something that kind of upset me though:

I can't find any information regarding the Sun and Moon hacks for Ruby and Sapphire that were in production back in 2006, I figured there would be a youtube video demonstrating progress or something...but no. At least, not amongst the four thousand Pokémon fans who are posting "theories" about Pokémon Sun and Moon.

So, let's just get right into my rant, one of those videos (which I erroneously clicked on) claimed that Nintendo simply HAD to remake the fourth generation games Diamond and Pearl. Why? Well the initial argument is that the remakes have sold better every generation (HeartGold and SoulSilver sold better than FireRed and LeafGreen) but wait! He had no evidence! Aside from HeartGold and SoulSilver, the only other remake is Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, which actually shows lower sales than it's predecessor! What's that nonsense? Additionally, HeartGold and SoulSilver sold better than FireRed and LeafGreen because it came out during the early age of the DS, it was going to be a classic game on a completely different console! With better graphics, new features, and even a new gaming peripheral! I mean come on, how cool was the PokéWalker?! Meanwhile, FireRed and LeafGreen launched with...a wireless adapter...which wasn't even really a wireless adapter, it just let you play Pokémon with the kid across the room instead of having to sit next to him, can't get those cooties! Blech.

 (Thanks Wikipedia! I tried to find a picture of kids using this, but no luck -_-)

Okay, so here's the thing about his argument, he also stated that Diamond and Pearl needed a remake because they were the best games in the series (or something VERY close to that), whoa boy, ain't nobody takin' that spot away from the first three gens. His basis? Well Pokémon sales are on the fall, they have been since Generation 1, every generation they have sold less copies...until Diamond and Pearl revitalized the franchise yay! But, they didn't.

 http://vgsales.wikia.com/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon

What revitalized the franchise was not those terrible games, it was the introduction of a new console, much like HeartGold and SoulSilver outselling FireRed and LeafGreen. It wasn't that the game was better, it was that the console was newer. Since then, the games have gone on the decline again, not because the followups were worse, but because the "Dual Screen" has lost its newness, and now we're throwing 3D out there like that added any new mechanics, it didn't Nintendo! And that's why the Pokémon market went back on the decline after Fourth Generation, there aren't really a lot of new gimmicks. Sure, Game Freak tried the riding Pokémon gimmick in Sixth Generation, which I was excited about, until I learned it only worked in one or two areas, what the heck is that?!

 http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/545400-pokemon

Also, how are you going to introduce a totally awesome feature in the Generation 2 remakes, and then take it out?! Like, in my opinion, sequels...follow ups...look games in the same series, that take place after games in the series, should only improve on features, not just throw away all the features. Generation 1 and 2 had the right idea. Hey, there's a new area now, let's link them! Hey, let's let you trade back and forth between the two very different games! You know what would be cool? If you could make Pokéballs. Gen 3 comes along...remember all those great ideas we had? "Yeah!" Screw'em. "Oh..." And Gen 3 introduced the Contests, a unique take on the gameplay, "Yeah...let's drop those too" in Gen 4! I don't feel like I need to say it, but what we lost between Gen 4 and Gen 5 was pretty simple, it was a feature only in HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pokémon that followed you around. I MEAN COME ON! Everyone who has played a Pokémon game has thought, "Hmph, all these NPCs have Pokémon follow them around, why can't I?" It can't be that ridiculous to do either, you've already done it twice! Once in Generation 4, with ALL Pokémon, and then the origin, Generation 1, Pokémon Yellow where frikkin' Pikachu followed you around!

 (Thanks Bulbapedia...adorable)

It's not like it's not even in the other games! It's a minor feature in Diamond and Pearl, and they even give a shout out to it in Generation 5 with the Mienfoo, and characters who follow you around!

Now then, are you done ranting yet Caleb?

No, not yet, internet! In fact, I may never be done! But...for now let's say that I am. Catch you later internet!

Sword Upgrades I: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: MAJORA'S MASK

I GIVE!
There's an evolution from purpose, to scheduling, to downfall, back to purpose. Is evolution the right term? Maybe not evolution, more like metamorphosis, not necessarily consistently to a benefit. But I want to be at that final step of the metamorphosis, and that's where I just write when I want to, and when I have something I want to write about, which was sort of like the original reason I started blogging, right?

Well, on that note, I've been playing a lot of a certain game recently, I'm sure you're aware, and it's time to jump into another post regarding that game!

TITLE: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask


So, what's the topic of the day? Swords of course! Ironically a key feature of the Zelda series, and I haven't even glazed over the use of swords in this game! The last several days I've been playing Majora's Mask every day, with some goal in mind. I picked up the Goron's Mask:
http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2014/11/08/majoras-mask-3ds-screenshots-artwork-gallery.htm
Grabbed the spin attack upgrade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb7YrEwzTbA
The Magic Meter Upgrade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkxfgLUb7jg
And of course, the Gilded Sword Upgrade:
http://es.wikihow.com/conseguir-la-Espada-de-Esmeril-en-Zelda-Majora's-Mask
Wait...that's not right...I went out of my way to get gold dust!:
http://www.wikihow.com/Category:The-Legend-of-Zelda:-Majora's-Mask
Okay, awesome, that's what I was looking for!

So yeah, picked up the...third strongest?...sword in the game, the second being the Great Fairy Sword, and the best being the Fierce Deity's Sword. Is that right? I'm pretty sure that's right. Considering I have every intention of grabbing the other upgrade to the standard sword, it may be a bit of a waste of time to grab the Gilded Sword, especially considering I had to restart twice because I kept screwing this up -_-. But, I have it, and that's what counts, I guess.

The Gilded Sword increases the range and damage of the Kokiri Sword, even greater than its predecessor, the Razor Sword. This sword pairing essentially replaces the Giant's Knife and Biggoron Sword from Ocarina of Time, but while filling a lower strength level, with greater durability. While the Giant's Knife breaks much quicker than the Razor Sword, the Razor Sword lasts longer (unless you immediately play the Song of Time...whoops). Unfortunately, the Biggoron Sword has every advantage over the Gilded Sword as far as pure attack value, being longer and hitting harder than it's successor, the catch? The Gilded Sword is a one-handed weapon, it will still let you guard between attacks. Yay! Also, this is an early-mid game upgrade, compared to the Biggoron Sword being a mid-late game upgrade, meanwhile the Great Fairy Sword will replace the Gilded Sword, still allow you to block, and deal just as much damage as the Biggoron Sword, so yeah, overall your swords in Majora's Mask surpass those in Ocarina of Time, at least, as far as I can tell.

Since picking this up, I've actually found myself spending less time rolling around as Goron Link, and more time running around with my bunny hood and hacking away at monsters, I don't care for the lack of power of the Kokiri Sword, but this weapon makes it all worth it.

I'll have another post later this week probably about something else I've accomplished in the game, but not yet, so 'til then, ttyl!

Time to Bear Up: RARE REPLAYS

FINALLY
The last of my first five video game remakes blog posts is in the process of being completed! I thought I had already hit this goal, but I was actually looking at my side-tangent post, so I've got one more post that I nearly forgot.

TITLE: Rare Replay: Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie

Old...New!

Uh-oh! The bear and bird! Subjects of a life-time! The greatest 3D platformers of all time! Okay, maybe they're not ALL that, but they are really great. I loved these games when they first came out, played them both into the ground. Sadly, I never beat them. Some issues presented themselves and I never made it to the final levels. Since then I've tried emulation of the games once or twice, but really emulation is terrible. When the opportunity presents itself I'll have to play right through them in the Rare Replay pack, along with trying out some of the other games.

I think I'm just too much of a fan-boy for Banjo and Kazooie, supposedly the third game in the main series, Nuts-n-Bolts was a complete mess, but I honestly really enjoyed it. I was upset that the game wasn't a straight platformer, but the vehicles and their customization did add some very different experiences into the game. Plus, there was some semi-platforming going on, in the cheating one could perform anyway.

But seriously, these original games were brilliant, taking the format of Super Mario 64's success and reproducing it with an entirely new cast, new mechanics, and a...new...plot, Banjo-Kazooie stormed the N64 and basically owned it. Rare Replay brings back a lot of successes created by Rare as well. Unfortunately, since Nintendo owns the rights to Donkey Kong, what we don't get in Rare Replay, despite massive success, is Donkey Kong Country, and the Donkey Kong 64 game. Too bad really, those would really top off an amazing list.

Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie have delightful soundtracks that really stick out on their home console, and their graphics aren't nearly as terrible as you'd expect, but, with the Rare Replay update even those graphics are refined. Their gameplay is far more innovative than Super Mario 64, introducing a series of maneuvers utilizing the team's unique abilities, and the the second game only further expands on this!

Anyways...yeah, really looking forward to eventually ripping through these games!

Gotta Blog'em All: POKéMON! HGSS

PUNS!!!
I obviously try to slip a pun into my blog post title occasionally, but I think this is the best I've done! I've already given a huge spiel about the Pokémon games in my previous side-tangent post, so pardon me if I rehash any ideas.

TITLE: Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver
Old...NEW!

These are the games of formative years, revived for exposure to the next generation, and the revitalization of the previous generation. I didn't own the original Pokémon games for too long, they came and went right through my hands, despite this, I beat every last one of the games in the second and third generations, and because of that I beat Gold Version at least twice. I loved these games, the idea of raising a team of Pokémon to become the greatest trainer in the world, while seeking to expand your collection of the magical creatures is simply enthralling, and Gold was my first experience with that idea.

Frankly, post Generation Three, I feel like Pokémon went downhill, with Generation Two being it's essential Pax Romana. Really the original games were incredible, and my experience with the remakes only served to further my opinion that they were the best. The remade games offer more depth and customization as well, right down to every trainer's dream of having a Pokémon travel around with them, just like in the anime! A lot of things effect us in our childhood, and I don't know if I would be better or worse without having Gold in my life back then.

I don't really think I need to say much beyond that, Pokémon is a big enough franchise to speak for itself, without even touching it yourself.

Sneaking in a Post: METAL GEAR SOLID HD COLLECTION

CATCHING UP!
Woot! Did you all see that? I finally returned and posted something up here. Now I need to move forward into my next post! Easy-peasy.

TITLE: Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Old...New!

I have no clue where I originally picked up Metal Gear Solid 2, but it was the first game in the Metal Gear series I played, and sadly, it's the only one I've completed to this day. Just like the two prior entries here, it's also one of a handful of games I've beaten a dozen times or more. Excessively so too, because just like Star Fox 64, I never actually completed the game! I mean sure, I beat the game and kicked Solidus Snake into the dirt multiple times! But...I never collected all of the dogtags, and because I jumped on the Snake train late, I didn't get any of the bonus items, like Snake's bandana.

I'm sure you've noticed though, this isn't just one game that's been re-released, it's both Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3, with Peace Walker thrown into the mix! I had wanted to play Snake Eater a lot in the past, but the opportunity never presented itself until this hd collection came along, then I knew, I knew I had to beat these games again! And...so far I've failed. I decided that since I shredded Sons of Liberty so many times it should be no problem to complete it in hard mode...well that was a mistake.  I've yet to actually beat either game since buying it, and haven't even touched Peace Walker.

Nonetheless, Sons of Liberty was one of those core games for my experience with the PlayStation 2, and the only stealth game I find myself going back to over and over after completing it. There are fantastic interactions between the characters, particularly those interactions that aren't directly a result of the story, such as Otacon commenting on Snake's perverse actions, or the Colonel commenting on Raiden's predicaments. Plus, just like all the previous entries on this list, Snake managed to make it into the Smash Bros. character list!

I suppose I owe yous guys two more for last week, and another five starting this week...ugh falling behind sucks...