Jarod’s Den

XBox 360 vs Playstation 3

VS

If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know that I recently got an XBox on loan. I have no idea that console games can be so fun. All this while I was just a PC gamer.

Seeing that I’m hooked, now the question is which console to buy? Microsoft has launched their XBox 360 while Sony is launching their PS3 in November 2006 (hopefully they don’t postpone it again this time). It’s difficult for me to decide which one to get. Both prices are not too far from each other. I believe XBox 360 is the cheaper one.

According to my friend, Sony is evil because of the blue ray. But then again, Sony has pretty good titles. Has anyone seen the trailer to Assassin Creed? That is simply awesome! And don’t forget God of War.

On the other hand, I prefer XBox controller over PS3’s. It’s more ergonomic. Unfortunately, XBox titles doesn’t really appeal much to me with the exception of Ninja Gaiden. By the way, I only play RPG.

So which one should I get?

Tags: Games, microsoft, ps3, sony, xbox

Da Vinci Code - The Movie

I have finally caught the movie. I made a 3-day advance phone booking but most of the cineplexes are already fully booked for that show. Finally, I managed to get tickets at a cineplex that is so far from my house you think you need a passport to get there.

Anyway, the movie was a disapointment (at least to me). It just didn’t feel as intriguing as the book. Also, there were some scenes from the book which was changed. The most noticeable is the one where Remy died (or murdered) and the one where Langdon finally found the sarcophagus of Mary Magdalene. I like the book better.

At the cinema, there were many different kinds of people watching. And there were many different reactions. The type of reaction ranges from “I thought this is a movie about conspiracies. Why is it talking about the Holy Grail?” (talk about being blur!) to “Hmm… interesting…” (yup it’s pretty thought provoking). And yes, I’ve looked. There were no one picketing, protesting, complaining or strapping bombs to themselves. It’s just like any other movie day. That’s what I love about my country. People use brains here.

All in all, the movie is not a bad watch. But if you’ve read the book, chances are you’ll like the book better. If you haven’t read it, then go watch it first.

By the way, Tom Hanks is getting old. And I think I’m falling for Princess Sophie. How can you not love her smile?!

Tags: Books, conspiracies, da vinci, movie

Hatake Kakashi

Has anybody ever seen Kakashi sensei full face? He’s always hidden behind that mask. There was an episode where his 3 students did all sort of funny things just to get him to unmask but with no success. Wonder if he really has fat lips or a buck teeth like they speculated?

Tags: face, kakashi, naruto

Ninja Gaiden Black

In my previous post I mentioned that I will conquer Ninja Gaiden Black. Well, I am pleased to announce that I managed to complete up to Chapter 2. Hey, at least I got past the initial stage.

It took me a while to get used to the game pad. I manage to reach the first boss, Murai. I got beat up pretty bad the first 3 times and had to repeat the entire sequence from start. When I finally beat him, I got labelled as a Ninja Dog. Bloody hell…

After that, I discovered how to fight properly with the game pad. All this while, I was simply slamming buttons. And I managed to beat Murai with this technique. Not bad eh?

I was starting to get the hang of it and successfully beat all those brown/white ninjas and the samurais. I gave up after the 5th time trying to beat Masakado. He has got those irritating ‘magicians’ that keep appearing and disappearing all over the place. That’s cheating (according to Jarod’s handbook of gaming ethics).

Anyway, I stopped there and went to bed. Will continue later. Next time I’m sure I’ll beat the crap out of that horsey fellow.

Tags: gaiden, game, ninja, xbox

Xbox Virgin

I’m working in a game development company. But believe it or not, I’ve never played any console games before (with the exception of the 1st Atari when I was a wee little kid). So when my friend loan me his xbox set last week, you can imagine my excitement.

I hooked it up to my 21 inch. The TV not my… never mind; and started reading the manual. I don’t usually read manuals but I wanted to make sure I got everything right. Besides, they didn’t come up with the word “RTFM” for nothing.

Together with the xbox set, my friend also loan me his collection of games. The first game I tried out was Ninja Gaiden Black. I gave up at the first level… the level where you’re suppose to get to the top of the hill… I didn’t manage to get there. Yes, I’m ashamed. Shut up. May I remind you that this is my FIRST console game.

Then I tried Jade Empire. I got to level five before I restarted with another character up till level 5 again. Didn’t quite like it. I then tried Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. I was hooked. I played on for a few hours before my aching body start screaming “GO SLEEP!”

Well, I’m gonna have this xbox for a sometime so I’m gonna maximise it. As for the stupid Ninja Gaiden Black, I’m gonna conquer it no matter what.

Tags: console, game, xbox