Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (Review)

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (Nintendo DS)
Rated "T" for "Teen"

Welcome to the world of Ace Attorney’s and the adventures you must endure. You are Apollo Justice, a new young attorney. As Apollo, you must take on cases and find your clients “Not Guilty.” Nothing out of the norm for any attorney, but you are wrapped into the world left by another Ace Attorney.

You won’t be alone. A professional magician, Trucy, joins you and helps you along in your trials. Not only does she provide insight, but she herself is wrapped in the world of that an Ace Attorney traveled.

For those new to being an Ace Attorney, there is a simple equation to how things work. Investigate, go to court, and repeat if needed to get your client off the hook. While the bulk of the story will unravel in the courtroom (new and shiny), but you have to find evidence and talk to those involved in the case outside during your investigations.

Most of the game has remained intact from previous Ace Attorney games. Some new features include FMVs that are used mostly in the beginning of each chapter, but are also sprinkled around in the cases.

Along with FMVs is the inclusion of the 3D aspect. You will be able to look over evidence you find in 3D. That does add a dimension to the game as you may have to look at evidence a little harder to make sense of things. Other senses, other than visual, will be used. And you will also have the opportunity to try your hands with some forensic work thanks to a blast from the past.

Apollo also comes equipped with his own handy powers. His power to Perceive people exposes moments when a witness tenses up on the stand. Perceiving these actions will help bring the truth out of anyone.

As always with this series, story is the main attraction. Sure there are a few new features that help rejuvenate the game, but the story is what you are here for. This one will not disappoint. No, you don’t have to have played the previous Ace Attorney games to know what’s going on, but it does add to the emotion of the game. Pay attention closely because the twists and turns and the twisting of turns that come along as you progress through the game will drop your jaw (especially during the latter half of the game). Never before has the story had such a grip on your attention. If you loved how things wrapped up in the previous titles, I will guarantee that you won’t be disappointed as you finish off Apollo’s trials.

Capcom’s new cast of characters delivers. Fans will flock and enjoy their time spent in court and the package of the game as a whole could pull in new fans and maybe entice them to check out previous Ace Attorney games. It would help them become familiar with who some of the familiar faces are that appear in front of Apollo and Trucy. Especially this guy.

5 out of 5

February Entry

- Work -

Mm…blah.

We had a review not too long ago. Most people I saw going in came out not too happy. I thought mine would turn out bad, but it didn’t. They were pushing for me to be an editor and I gave my view on it. The fact that I’m anal and would take time to make stuff does conflict with their “have it done by tomorrow” way of doing things. Plus I’d have to learn how to use the programs well, which would mean I’d be producing junk for a month or so. Also I’d have to stop the other 4-5+ things I do normally whenever I get a project. I could do all of them at the same time, but time wouldn’t be evenly spread when a project with more priority comes whenever.

I gave them my opinion on what I’d be better at – grammar editing. They already know I’m good with finding errors in scripts and in videos as it pertains to text (spelling/grammar errors). So I threw it out there to go over scripts and the catalog. They fought it for a bit because they wanted me to be an editor so bad. But I retorted with that I can give immediate results with what I suggested as opposed to what they asked for. I got what I asked for. Not a big victory, but a victory nonetheless at work.

They recently gave me new desks. I told them I didn’t want them, but the owner didn’t like how it looked as if things were just thrown in place. I had grown accustomed to the set up and liked it. So even after saying I didn’t want new desks, they went and got it for me. First off, let me say what I have in my office.

4 computers

2 computer monitors

4 television monitors

1 MII machine

1 VCR

1 mixer

5 external harddrives

3 tape decks

2 shelves

And a bunch of miscellaneous things

So…had to unhook those things and move them out to get the old desks out and have the new ones put in. Thankfully I had help in that. But putting together I did alone because I’d have to have things a certain way. Took the last 2 hours of that day and the first 2-3 hours of the next morning putting things back to where they were originally and have everything working again. I don’t like it. I had to rearrange a few small things to make it easier to access for myself. That was a hodgepodge of unplugging and plugging of things again. My biggest complaint is that one of the desks they got me is a corner desk. While I don’t have my back towards the door anymore, I can’t see what another computer is doing on the other end of the room. Before I could watch everything from where I sat, but now that one computer by itself has been ignored when it completed its task 30+ minutes ago. I did tell them I didn’t like the new desks and now they’re giving me the chance to redesign it all. So I’ll think about it before doing anything. The one positive from the new desks is the amount of room I have in my office now. Never had an issue with it, but at least the flow is better.

- Games -

“No More Heroes” rocks. Did everything in that game. It had been a while since I completed a game to its fullest. Loved every minute of that game.

Currently working on finishing “Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney.” I’m enjoying that. I should be done well before Smash Bros comes out.

And a friend of mine called me up about a video game tournament he’s throwing. I was skeptical about it at first because I never really enjoyed the few tournaments I participated in before. But I owe him for the many times I had flaked on him. He did show up at the Roast without hesitation. Little details were released on what’s going on, but I do know a few things. 30 players. 40 games ranging from NES to the current generation of games. There are prizes, but I think it’s mainly for bragging rights. He has not told anyone what games are being played so that way people don’t start training themselves like crazy. I know I won’t be good at some of the games, but I’m not going in thinking I’m going to win. Just going to play games…and the free food.

- Recent Gatherings -

A few things happened. February was pretty busy. Le had her baby back in January so we had her baby shower this month. Patrick, Mike, and I went in together to get her a baby monitor and a car seat. Babies are expensive to shop for.

Danny’s birthday at Kemah was fun. I don’t do rides. Glad I wasn’t the only one. It was still fun though. Dinner at La Madrid was nice also. Expensive, but very delicious food.

Le’s birthday was the next day. Nice little dinner at Lasagna House. The bear drawing contest was intense between AndrewN and Chamal, ha.

Jill’s birthday is today, Leap Day. Guess I’ll talk about that next issue.

- Music -

I ordered all of CSJH’s Japanese singles. Ordered 4 and I already had their 5^th one. Was a day of delight. The ones that came with DVD extras were nice to watch. Mostly had the music video and then behind the scenes of the making of the music video. I like extras like that. I’ll order their Korean singles soon.

I downloaded all of Tommy February/Heavenly6’s albums. Wish I got into her stuff earlier. I remember seeing her with her first solo debut on Hey Hey Hey years ago, but I never followed her after that. And then I found her “Lollipop Candy Bad Girl” video and liked that very much. Thanks, Anh, for showing me where to get her music from. I favor her Heavenly stuff over February, but February is still good. Cuter.

BoA* - I’m waiting for my copy of “The Face.” Then she has a couple of compilation CD sets and another concert DVD being released next month. I’ve been watching her last concert (Made In Twenty) a lot lately to learn the dances. Good stuff. Good exercise. I’ve also been uploading some of that concert as well as other videos (BoA*, CSJH) into my iPod to watch.

- Miscellaneous -

“Justice League: The New Frontier” was pretty good. I liked all the extras.

“Batman Gotham Knight” is going to be awesome. Can’t wait for that.

“The Batman” Season 5 is almost over. Will buy the whole series once it is released.

I’m not going out to eat lunch as much. Save some money and eat healthier.

$11 of shaved ice of 10+ toppings split into 2 bowls…a lot.

I won 2 raffles. Both times I felt I was going to win them.

My car is chubby.

Almost time to Smash.

Leap Year.

Kaba Modern.

Back and neck hurt.

Shirts.

Exercise.

C-BAM!

Rated-R Superstar!
Take care.

No More Heroes (Review)

No More Heroes (Nintendo Wii)

Rated “M” for “Mature”

Welcome to Santa Destroy.

Population: Dwindling.

In “No More Heroes,” you are Otaku turned assassin Travis Touchdown. Your job is to work your way up the ranks to become the number one assassin. And…that’s about it.

Suda 51 makes the life of an assassin fun. The ways in how you kill people in your way are very fluent with the Wii’s controls. Move Travis with the nunchuk and kill with the Wiimote. Even though you press the “A” button to swing your not-at-all-copyrighted-sword, you control whether you swing high or low by how you hold your Wiimote. And to top it all off, you will be prompted to swing your sword in a certain direction to deliver a deathblow to your foe.

There’s also a slot machine that plays after each kill. Like real slots, it’s all luck. Getting 3 of any symbol gives you an added effect ability that increases the fun factor in your assassinations. Who knew Strawberry On The Shortcake would be so unhealthy.

Not only do you inflict pain with your beam saber, but you can utilize a number of wrestling moves. Travis is a wrestling fan. You’ll find various luchador masks that teach you new maneuvers. You can also watch old videos to emulate what you see on TV. The wrestling cues are just like deathblow cues. Thrust your nunchuk and Wiimote as shown and you will drop your opponent to the ground. And for any wrestling fanatics, the directional cues actually feel like the hold you’re performing.

The style of “No More Heroes” is very much like Suda’s “Killer 7.” The game play is totally different, but the art style is the same; straight out of a comic book. Very colorful. Very graphic. Transitions and camera angles are pulled off well and very stylish to fit the theme of the game. The story…well, there’s not much of one. You work your way up to be the number one assassin and that’s what keeps the game going. It follows the same odd story progression of “Killer 7,” but has less of a story AND is less confusing.

This game very much deserves its “M” rating in every way possible. Things are very over-the-top. Cursing, sexual innuendos, the humor…it’s all there. And of course the most notable is the gallons of blood. Hope you like the color red because it explodes with every kill you make.

The few little complaints (short game length, not so clear map display, slow and mundane tasks to earn money) are far outweighed by the good that Suda 51 packs into “No More Heroes.” If you aren’t one for graphic edginess, confusing content, or just killing then this is obviously not for you. For the killers at heart, this game has everything you could want. The action is fast paced leaving you wanting it to never end. The pop culture humor is funny and not overused. The characters you interact with are all unique and over-the-top. It’s all over-the-top and it’s fun. An action filled stress reliever for your inner assassin.

5 out of 5


X-Play's Review

January 2008 Entry

- Intro -

Just in case there are new readers, I update this thing at least once a month. Kind of like a subscription to a magazine. But the once a month thing is to shed light on some personal going-ons, but nothing too personal. Obviously if I don’t want people to know, I’m not going to put it on a public internet blog. Anything else that goes on here are small little things like video game reviews or something I’m excited about that is going on or happening soon.

- Work -

So far in 2008, work has been more tolerable all around. I don’t know if we’ve all just gotten used to it or that we know that we need to communicate properly to get things done now. Maybe a mixture of both. While stupid projects and complaints still go around, at least we’re not afraid to voice ourselves (when acceptable) about how things are going. Ridiculous deadlines will be there, but we could side step those with better planning.

My stuff…very mundane. One computer to upload PPVs., one computer to capture video footage and make DVDs with., one computer to do important projects on and capture video and make DVDs with and be online with, and one computer to do any miscellaneous tasks it can handle. Yeah, I think my office is the only one that has a fan running even during this spell of cold weather we’ve been having lately.

But my attitude towards work is still on the blah side. I do my stuff and don’t need to be bothered by anyone. I’m always doing something. Even when I’m in the bathroom, my computers are all still doing something so there is almost never a time when I’m not working in some capacity. Do it, collect paycheck, repeat.

- New Year’s Resolutions -

I don’t normally take on any resolutions like most people do with the attitude that they’ll break it quickly. But I took on a couple of small ones.

1. Exercise more.

2. Reprogram myself to get rid of a few OCD habits.

3. Personal (some know of it already).

Doing well on all 3 so far.

- Recent Get-Togethers -

New Year’s Eve, fun like always, right? This was the first time in a few years that it was family and friends. Last couple years were just with friends. This was also the first New Year’s Eve in years without a performance. One was already done at AndyN’s Christmas Bash so no need to do another.

People got some late Christmas presents. “Rock Band” got a lot of people jamming. “Scenes From A Hat” was funny, but I think our try at it during Christmas was funnier. “Questions Only” was a fun time. Watching fireworks, chilling, relaxing, eating, being with close friends and family add up to “Good Way To Start The Year.”

Fun at the park. Don’t get to go to the park that often. Food, throwing of frisbees around, flag football, getting stuff stuck in trees (sorry for accidentally starting that), Twister, and picture taking all around.

Pizza and then back to AndyN’s. Speed Mafia was pretty fun. Ninja Mafia was also funny. Cranium of 2 kinds of course brings out our competitive/jerkoff sides. Monopoly with the credit cards was very high-rolling and somewhat more fun than normal Monopoly.

Happy Birthday, Kids.

- Cheon Sang Ji Hee -

I sure do love them! I’ve decided to track down and buy all their singles. Some tracks on their singles don’t get released on their full albums (like most Asian artists do). There aren’t many. I’m splitting up buying them so I could use up some coupons I have left on Yesasia. It won’t take long to get them all (2-3 more orders should complete it). Some came as CD+DVD packages so I’m getting the ones available. Some were limited edition and out of press so I just get the next best version of it. I’ve only bought one so far (and it came within a week’s time).

- Miscellaneous -

I bought a new belt.

I bought some new cologne.

I bought “The Secret World of Alex Mack” on DVD (LOVE!)

I lost a bet.

I left Xanga (no announcement, just don’t do anything on it anymore).

I think my eyesight is getting worse.

I keep waking up around 3AM on weekdays.

I have already used up 1 vacation/sick day at work.

I eat out at restaurants more (and NOT always 101…geez).

I listen to music on my Ipod all day at work.

I am getting used to my new car.

I had a really great dream not too long ago.

I love “No More Heroes!”

I love BoA*!

I love Cheon Sang Ji Hee!

And that’s 15 “I…” if you cared to count.

Take care.

December Entry

Merry Christmas!

- Work -

Gerry is gone to Mexico for a few weeks so I’m taking over in shipping. Still trying to do a few small things in my office at the same time (upload PPVs and make DVDs). The days will certainly go faster now.

- Games -

I think I’ve gotten in that mode where people just beat a game and not come back to it. Just don’t find the time like I used to. Oh well. I could always go back to them if I was really bored.

- Christmas -

Andy’s Christmas Bash was great like always. It’s always a different feel (at least for me) every year. I think there were more laughs in this year’s than any other year. Obviously because of what we had lined for entertainment. Had a great comedian, our skit went off well, and Scenes From A Hat was hilarious (and I want to do it AGAIN).

Gift giving was festive. I hope everyone enjoyed what I gave them. Other than the random ones I handed out, only a few of you got your own specific gifts. Everyone else that helped at the Roast in a big way got their colorful dinosaur.

(The ones that found new homes that night and then all of them together.)

Barry’s calendar…that was just insanely awesome. Thanks, Barry.

And I can’t thank those that contributed enough to the gifts I got. Thanks, everyone.

The family Christmas party was more fun that I thought it would be. Food, stories, and laughing. The younger generation had fun playing Wii together (Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games and Wii Sports). Just us being kids again and laughing at each other, ha.

(would show a family picture, but having some phone issues…)

And what’s left? We close out the year the same way we do every year. It’ll be fun seeing everyone again really soon. Enjoy your holiday breaks and remember to be safe and enjoy yourself during the holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

SM Town - Only Love


Take care, everyone.