The Guildmasters

Ok i’ll admit it, i’m hooked on this one, the disappointment in how short the game was has been replaced by the fact that you get some real enjoyment out of playing through this rpg several times.

I’m on my fourth trip through the game as i’m trying to get my levels up to 50 so I can enter the quests which require level 40 and above.

I won’t be completing the game for the fourth time as i’ll spend most of the time maxing out my levels on the last area but one, this way I leave all the unlockable areas open.

I’m also looking at playing online over the next few days, there are quests you can choose to do alone or with multiplayer, my guild rank is only 3 and I noticed a lot of players complaining because the higher ranks won’t play with them, which is why i’m writing this post.

If anyone wants to join me on some quests send me a message, my world id is knightofthe9 as always, i’m almost always signed in but that doesn’t mean i’m actually playing but i’m mostly on in the evenings for about 5 or 6 hrs and i’m GMT – 5 if you can work that one out,lol.

I have started my geo town and believe i’ve only scratched the surface of what can be done here, i’ve got 4 houses each with two residents and some shops, I haven’t found out how everything works so if your willing to help each other i’m your player.

One thing I don’t know about is how to change my main character for playing quests, I would like the option to do the quests using leonard but it always picks another character, is there a way to change this?

So far i’ve got 10% of the trophies and these are going to be harder than most games simply because they take a long time, if your just going for trophies this could get boring, i’m a trophy hunter myself but it really helps if you enjoy this type of game, one trophy is to aquire 10 million in gold and even though i’ve completed the game 3 times now I still only have 100k so that gives you some idea of the time you’ll spend on this if you want all the trophies.

This is another reason i’m looking to play online with others, hopefully it will add some fun and seem less tedious for the trophy hunt, I don’t see me getting bored with it any time soon, and with the added quests which are being added every couple of weeks it should add lots more playability to the game, some quests will be permanent ones and some temp quests which will only be available for two weeks at a times so keep your eye out for those, you’ll need to be signed in for them to show up.

That’s about it for now, feel free to post here or catch me on the geo network.

Tony 🙂

Update:


Wow this takes a long time to get your levels up, i’m at level 41 now and Guild Rank 5, i’m re-doing the big red quest to get my rank up to 7 so I can use the more powerful weapons then i’ll go for getting level 50, I was hoping to have been there by now so that I could have entered the higher quests for the chance to win one of the figurines this weekend but that isn’t going to happen now, hope they do something like that again.

Remember i’m always willing to help out lower level players complete some online quests, just let me know.

Tony 🙂

Second Update:

Well I decided to give multiplayer a go today and it was great, first time I tried the “all in the cards” quest a player called Fran joined me and thanks to the way that played out I found it to be quite fun, decided to give it another go and 3 other playes joined me which gave me an S rank, I would have never got that on my own, it’s a shame I didn’t get those names as I would have liked to thank those players too.

I’m now at level 43 and guild rank 7, rank 8 is going to be a long haul, can’t believe some players are at rank 12.

I’m doing something wrong though here as my attack with the ornate longsword is only hitting around 67, but I noticed other players were hitting with over 200, i’m guessing it’s because of the higher levels, i’m still not sure about the binding but i’ll keep at it and experiment, if anyone has any help for me please let me know and if anyone needs any help if I can I will.

Tony :)

I’ve just finished playing the demo of God Of War III and the E3 demo didn’t do it justice, it’s just awesome. This is not even my type of game but I was hooked after just the first few minutes.

Released in a little over a week this is an opportunity to pre-order from amazon as usual with a pre-order bonus of $10 off your next game purchase and an in-game “apollo skin”.

Read below for the story and more details on gameplay.



Key Game Features:

# Only on the PS3 – The award-winning development team leverages the processing power and technology of PlayStation 3 system to make God of War III one of the most-graphically advanced next gen titles available, with even the dramatic cut screens running off the in-game engine.

# Groundbreaking Depth of Scale – Kratos will explore areas up to 4 times larger than those found in God of War II, as well as carve through entire armies while navigating on the back of Titans – living, moving, breathing levels as tall as the Empire State Building.

# Realism – Players will battle in detailed and unique 3D worlds lit by thousands of dynamic lights and textures with quadruple the resolution, which allows for realistic muscle striations, detailed facial expressions, and new heightened levels of brutality and gore.

# Signature Gameplay – Brutal combat, intricate puzzles, exploration of awe-inspiring worlds, and a compelling and satisfying ending to Kratos’ epic story.

# Sophisticated Storyline – The God of War III storyline is the epic conclusion to the trilogy; the storyline will be told in a way that is true to traditionalist roots in Greek mythology, from moral consequences to brutal battles against the gods.

# Ridable Creatures – Several of the menacing creatures of Greek mythology in God of War III can now be manipulated against their will, as Kratos uses them to cross chasms, inflict blind rage against enemies, reveal puzzles and secrets, and as tools of complete annihilation.

# New Weapons and Combat System – New deadly weapons such as the Cestus — powerful metal gauntlets with devastating strength — and other brutal instruments of war that will allow Kratos to learn ruthless new techniques such as grappling with enemies and launching explosive wall-to-ground attacks.

# Lighting Technologies – The dynamic lighting solution employed in GOW III is only feasible through the computing power provided by the Cell SPUs. For example, using the High Dynamic Range Lighting (HDRL) technology, the camera – when using Krato’s sightline – will emulate the human retina, causing players to feel a sharp brightness when Kratos exits a dark area and enters a sunlit area, similar to how the human eye would need to adjust.

Story:

God of War III allows players on the PlayStation 3 to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he treads through the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus and the dark depths of Hades once more to seek revenge on those who have betrayed him. Armed with double-chained blades, as well a selection of new weapons, Kratos must take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus and the mighty Zeus himself.

Yes, the long awaited arrival of Final Fantasy VIII is actually within our reach, in stores on March 9th you can, as always, pre-order from amazon and this is one game that will be worth the price tag of $59.99, at least to the thousands of Final Fantasy fans like myself.

Amazon.com-Exclusive Pre-order Bonus:

Pre-order Final Fantasy XIII and get a PDF of select pieces from the game’s official strategy guide. A link to the PDF will be emailed within 10 business days after the release date. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Promotion valid on all existing pre-orders. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time.
Read below for even more detailed info on the game.

The Story:

Cocoon — a utopia in the sky. Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.
Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.
Their tranquility was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.
The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse — the feared and detested lowerworld — awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.
Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.
They become l’Cie — chosen of the fal’Cie.
Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fateharsher than death itself.
A prayer for redemption.
A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.
After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

Features:

* Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.
* Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system – The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.
* Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.
* Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System – Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.
* Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

Product Description:

From the Manufacturer: From the creative minds behind FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY X comes the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series. As FINAL FANTASY VII was for PlayStation, and FINAL FANTASY X for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360, and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand. Players will follow Lightning, Snow, and the other heroes who are dealt a hand of fate by the god-like fal’Cie. Cursed and regarded as enemies of society, they have the world against them and nobody to rely on but each other. Will they find the strength within themselves to break free of their curse and determine their own fates, or will they succumb to this higher power? With a story that is sure to connect with players’ hearts, diverse new characters from world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, and exciting new gameplay features centered around an evolved Active Time Battle system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the pinnacle in gaming experiences.

The Characters:

Lightning: This solitary young woman speaks little of herself – even her true name is a mystery. She is known to others simply as “Lightning.”

Vanille: Vanille is an endearing young woman with a relentlessly sunny disposition. Her bright personality gives no hint of the dark resolve that lies within.

Hope: Hope has enjoyed a markedly uneventful youth on humankind’s haven of Cocoon. His life is turned upside down at the hands of the Sanctum’s Purge.

Fang: Fang is a mysterious woman who is working with the Sanctum military despite bearing the mark of the detested l’Cie. She has a strong-minded personality and is unconcerned with trivialities.

Snow: An irrepressible, fiery young man, Snow dives headfirst into danger using nothing but his powerful physique as a weapon.

Sazh: Sazh is a friendly, cheerful man who is never without his curious companions – a chocobo chick and a pair of pistols. He is quick to banter, but also keeps a mature perspective on matters.

Sera: Sera is Lightning’s younger sister and Snow’s fiancee. Always showing concern for Lightning, she has an inner fortitude that allows her to make her own decisions without relying on her older sister.

I look forward to playing this one shortly and I may just write the walkthrough on this one, I don’t think this Final Fantasy is going to be disappointing, it’s been too long in the making and the video footage i’ve seen of it so far, it just looks awesome and very much lives up to previous Final Fantasy Titles.

Tony 🙂

I don’t think i’m going to be writing a play by post on this game, instead i’m writing the review even though I haven’t completed the game yet.

A play by post would probably do the game an injustice as the main game offline isn’t really it’s full potential and I don’t think it was a game that was intended for offline play.

From what i’ve read so far from others who have completed the game is that the main story mode offline is fairly easy and quickly completed, the main idea of this game in particular is they have turned it into a MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game) which is cool and makes for a game which can be played forever more, a bit like world of warcraft, the difference being is it is a more final fantasy type rpg.

For the game itself,for me personally there were a few disappointments but on the whole I was impressed. I was pleasantly surprised that it was so much like a final fantasy type rpg. Being bought up on final fantasy type games it was cool to have one on my ps3 and I will definitely finish this game.

I will also try the online play once i’ve finished the main game and write a seperate review on that also.

Anyway the game so far is very graphical, the storyline is fairly basic and nothing new, princess gets captured by bad people and the good kid has to rescue her, it was the storyline which disappointed me most as I thought with such a long time in the making they would have come up with something a little more original but it’s not a big deal as the gameplay will satisfy any final fantasy fan.

Very open ended, many different sections of the map to explore, many different types of monsters to fight to get your levels up which is where i’m at right now, it didn’t take too long to work out how to use the combat system although there are still elements of it I don’t quite understand.

You can switch characters and learn different abilities, use a points system to learn extra abilities like archery, longsword, healing, magic etc..I’m not going to give any spoilers away yet as I would rather people ask questions and i’ll answer them as I go. As before I will only write a walkthrough if enough request it but I think the real gameplay is going to come into effect on the online play.

You can also visit guilds in this and buy quests and I believe that is probably how the online part will play out but will update as I reach that point. So far it’s definitely worth playing if your an rpg fan and are waiting on FFVIII which should be out later this month I believe.

There are trophies in this one too for the added extra playability, I picked up a trophy last night and I haven’t yet checked what they are but i’m guessing it’s the same as most trophy games, there will be some easy ones and some hard ones, will update that as I go along.

Tony 🙂

Well I have new game coming on Monday which i’m looking forward to, White Knight Chronicles: International Edition, this game was released earlier this month so i’m pleased to be getting it so early, it sounds awesome as does the story and the playability, if you read further down you’ll see what I mean.

Available at amazon from as low as $20 used which seems more than fair if the game hold up to it’s promises.

First the gameplay:
White Knight Chronicles is a Japanese RPG (JRPG) centered around a turn-based battle system in a local single player story-driven campaign that is supported by online multiplayer functionality. Gameplay questing occurs from a third-person perspective and follows Leonard and up to three other AI companions, which can include the customizable character that players assume in multiplayer mode. Once quest members are assembled, players utilize the strengths of the overall group as a whole, and are able to switch between characters at will. Combat being turn-based, players must be able to cue up and control the actions of each character in quick sequence for each combat scenario faced. The game facilitates this via the Function Palette, located in its Battle Preparation menu, allowing players to prepare in advance a series of commands for each character to carry out. These can involve magic or weapons use and can be merged into combos. Multiple palettes can be saved, making it possible to optimize actions for specific types of enemies, and making for quick changing of commands. As with any RPG, throughout quests players accumulate experience which allows their character to level up, purchase items and abilities and generally grow stronger with an eye towards besting the increasingly challenging creatures, bosses and situations faced.

Want to know more? Here is the story:
The story of White Knight Chronicles is set in the fictional Kingdom of Balandor and follows the adventures of a boy named Leonard who realizes his role in a drama started thousands of years in the past. Working in the proximity of the palace, Leonard stumbles on a plot to kidnap the enigmatic Princess Cisna. As he helps her escape he also becomes aware of his connection to a transformative power which allows him to take on the ancient shape, and harness the devastating power of the White Knight. Yet there are other elements at work here as well, including the forces of an evil wizard with powers that stretch back to the same ancient times which produced the White Knight. With the help of his friends and the power of the White Knight, these are the forces that Leonard will have to face in his quests.

So what about the online multiplayer?
Along with a compelling single player campaign, White Knight Chronicles also contains an exciting online multiplayer component. Within this, up to four players can engage in more than 50 multiplayer quests, with each player creating their own unique customizable character which can be leveled up in a combined group effort, and take advantage of created items and new skills. Although unique to the online game mode, which is designed for multiplayer action, these quests can also be played alone if players wish. In addition to this functionality available in the online multiplayer mode also includes a variety of ways to interact with the wider White Knight Chronicles community on the PlayStation 3 platform. Included in this is town building through the Georama functionality, which allows players to construct a town to their own specifications that can be populated offline with characters from throughout the single player campaign and then taken online where it serves as a base for quests hosted by players, as well as a persistent online location that other players can visit and buy items your town’s population has for sale. The game also offers an online interface known as GeoNet that allows players to communicate with others via blogs, forums, quest logs and voice chat functionality, as well as post snapshots from their journeys using the Crystal Camera in-game tool.

Key Game Features:

* White Knight Transformation – During single player combat players can transform into the giant White Knight, gaining the ability to challenge large enemies as well as troops of soldiers throughout the adventure.
* The Customizable Avatar Character – Using a wide array of sliders and customization options, players are able to create a unique character that can join the adventure in single player mode as well as online.
* Combo Battle System – Engage in an accessible, active turn-based battle system that caters to players of all levels allowing both default attack settings and a system for for maximum damage.
* JRPG (Japanese RPG) Action for PS3 – Experience true JRPG action on PS3 that incorporates a variety of online gameplay elements.
* Beautiful Environments – Players traverse through 13 stages, as well as visit up to six towns/villages to visit and purchase items at shops or interact with NPCs. Stages include lush fields, open desert, vast wastelands, tunnels, and ruins.
* Multiple Playable Characters – Six playable characters are available, with up to three controllable characters on the screen at the same time.
* Build Special Weapons and Items – Combine different weapons and items to create a huge variety of weapons.
* Quests Galore – Engage in 50+ unique online side quests in which players can gain special items along with unique weapons and armor.
* Town Building – Build an online village for your character where you can invite friends to complete quests online and purchase unique items and gear.
* GeoNet – Through the online component, players have the ability to write their own blogs, communicate with other players via voice chat and more.
* Take Snapshots with Crystal Camera – With Crystal Camera functionality players can take pictures during their journeys which can be shared with other players via their GeoNet page.

Here is the actual product description which could have actually been put in the story part:
White Knight Chronicles is an epic fantasy tale about two kingdoms in midst of a longstanding war. The King of Balandor, wishing to put an end to the war, invites the duke of Faria to his castle to celebrate his daughter’s coming of age. But this celebration is sabotaged by the Magi, a rogue sect seeking to steal the White Knight, an ancient weapon of war sealed beneath Balandor castle, in order to take over the world. During the ensuing chaos, a young man named Leonard accidentally unlocks the power of the White Knight as he attempts to save the princess. With this power, Leonard manages to fend off the Magi attack, but not before they escape with the princess. With the kingdoms in chaos, Leonard is entrusted with the mission to find the Magi and rescue the princess. With the help of his trusted companions, they travel throughout Balandor and beyond on a quest to save the princess before the Magi unlock the other knights. The journey is fraught with danger, with Magi warriors at every turn, mythical beasts and monsters to battle, and forbidden powers revealed. As Leonard learns more about the power of the Knight, he realizes that unsealing all of them could trigger a calamity that could end the world.

Ok by now your either bored stiff or your thinking about giving this one a go yourself, if you do drop us a post here and if requested we can even do a play by post right here, let me know ok? Oh yes, i’ve just checked and it appears to be exclusive to the PS3 so hopefully that’s what you have.

Tony 🙂

Hustle Kings is my most recent purchase on the playstation network or playstation store to be more exact, at $9.99 I wasn’t too sure about what to expect but I certainly didn’t expect such a realistic pool game.

The graphics are really sharp,everything is crystal clear, it runs so smoothly too and it’s definitely the most realistic pool game i’ve ever played and I have a few from the older systems which were pretty cool.

If there is a shot that can be made on a real table then it can be made on Hustle Kings tables also.

PS3 trophy hunters will be pleased to know there are trophies in this game but some are going to be fairly hard to come by, 11 trophies in all, the harder one’s being silver.

This game will suit anyone that is interested in pool, the beginner, the novice, even pro’s can play this one it’s that good. There is a career mode which covers pretty much all the different game types as well as a couple you may not have heard of depending on what country your from.

There are trick shots which you can learn and to be fair they look really cool and are not that hard to accomplish with a bit of practice, the tuition is easy to understand and if you follow what it written you’ll be performing some pro trick shots in no time, i’ve decided to upload all my trick shots to youtube if anyone wants to check them out, I think i’ve put about 4 up at the moment.

This is the link to go to to check out my trick shots and see for yourself how cool this game really looks. Tony’s Trickshots

At only $9.99 it's well worth it plus you have online play, one trophy is to beat 100 online players so if you want to go for it there is plenty of action in this game, you can purchase que's, balls and more with your career earnings, basically a lot of fun.

If you want to catch me for a game my username on PSN is Knightofthe9, catch you later.

Tony :)