Yearly Roundup: 2011

As 2011 comes to an end, I thought it would be a cool idea to look back at the year in games. Specifically, the year in games added to my ever-growing library. If you’re a frequent visitor to the site (I greatly hope you are!) you’ll no doubt know I do a weekly blog post about my newest games. So below I’ve collected every game I added this year (well, really only half-year, because I started this blog in late July). I’ve also linked any relevant posts I’ve done about said games, like reviews, Modern Classics, and gameplay videos. Enjoy the small retrospective, and here’s to another fantastic year in gaming in 2012!

 

Sunday Roundup: 12/25/11

Merry Christmas everyone!

Not really a tradition and more so my tastes don’t really change, every Christmas I usually receive a few video games from my family. This year was no exception, and I am eternally grateful and pleased that my loved ones get me any gifts, let alone games that I really want to play! Here’s what 2011 did for Jsick this Christmas.

 

What Makes A Game “Rare”?

To follow up on my last post about video game collecting, I wanted to go through some of the games in my collection and discuss why they are considered to be “rare.” A game can fluctuate in price fairly easily and the cause of this change can originate from many different places, not the least of which being scarcity of the item. So as a collector, what do you need to look for in a game, and more importantly, what games should you look for to add that special gem to your collection.

 

The Humble Indie Bundle and Why You Should Buy It

As the holiday season is already in full swing and Christmas is right around the corner, I have been in a spirited mood as of late. No doubt many people like the holidays because of the gifts they’ll receive (I know love it for that reason), but an equal or greater number of people like to give more than receive. As 2011 comes to an end, we as gamers can help out those that really need it this holiday season, and we can score some truly amazing games in the process.

 

 

Sunday Roundup: 12/18/11

Last week was half-priced PS2 games at GameStop.

This week was half-off GameCube games.

I went nuts.

 

Video Game Hunting & Collecting 101

One of the most exciting part about being a gamer is the joy of finding a new game. It’s always great when a new title comes out, especially for a series you’ve played in the past and enjoyed (like Marvel vs. Capcom 3), but I’m talking about when you find an older game. One you’ve been looking to find for a long time. One that might be a rare spectacle in and of itself. These are the exciting moments I’m talking about. After eight or so years, I think I’ve amassed quite a collection of titles, and I’ve learned a good deal from my experiences. If you’re thinking of starting a collection, already have a pile of games sitting around, or just want to learn the best ways to get the games you’re looking for, this article is for you.

 

Review: Xotic

The concept was sound: combining the drive for a high score seen in arcade games with the intensity of a first-person shooter. The execution and end result probably looked better on paper than it actually turned out. Xotic (pronounced “Exotic”, because E’s are apparently overrated) is an indie Xbox 360 title that attempts to blend the above mentioned genres together, but instead shows us why some things don’t mix as planned.

 

 

 

Gameplay Vault: Xotic

Xotic is a first-person shooter/arcade style hybrid game released for the Xbox 360. The game is indie in design, but has a lot going for it, including relatively high production values and an interesting premise to say the least. Unfortunately the game just doesn’t work as well as it should. I recorded some gameplay for you all to see, and you can hear my commentary about the game as well. Check it out…

 

 

 

Sunday Roundup: 12/11/11

What does half off PS2 games at GameStop mean?

It’s time to pick up those expensive games you’ve always wanted.

And what were those games, you ask?

 

 

 

 

Now Playing: The Sims Social (Part 2!)

I blogged a few weeks ago about how I couldn’t believe I was playing a Facebook game, and as fate, or luck, or whatever the hell it is would have it, I am still playing the game some time later. And, well, I actually like the game. A good deal. I’ve improved upon just about everything in in the game since I last wrote about it, and have some new pics and details to share with you all.