Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Minecraft Breaking News!
Okay, so Notch announced yesterday that the 1.7 update will be broken up into two updates since they really want to push pistons out (pun intended) and have a lot of work to do on the adventure update. This means the adventure update will be in 1.8 rather than 1.7. But he released some cool new information about the adventure update and will be releasing more as time goes on. The most exciting information to me is the future addition of NPC villages. Once the adventure update drops Notch says it's going to change the way minecraft is played, adding reward to what you do normally in game. For more information about this split of 1.7 and the adventure update check out Notch's blog as well as the minecraft wiki that details what features have been split between 1.7 and 1.8.
Nuzlocke update!
As I did last week, I will fill you in on my team and progress in my Soul Silver Nuzlock Challenge. Here's my team:
Muscle (level 33 Machamp) - this guy survived a Flail from Seaking when it was at like 1 HP (Flail does more damage when a Pokemon is at lower HP) AND a Swift from Starmie directly after. I am very proud of this Machamp.
Whirlygag (level 29 Politoed
Charr (level 30 Quilava)
Shinobi (level 25 Scizor)
Erinyes (level 25 Nidoqueeon)
Keese (level 15 Zubat)/Garuda (level 16 Pidgeotto)
As you can see, my general strategy was to get as many fully-evolved Pokemon on my team as possible. Whirlygag actually fainted at one point, but then I reset. Hopefully the Nulocke gods won't smite me down...
Boxed:
Rocky (level 19 Onix)
Byuuki (level 21 Dratini)
Togetaro (level 18 Togetic)
Catobleep (level 13 Tauros)
Oouroboras (level 11 Slowpoke)
My original intention was to use king's rock on my Slowpoke and evolve it into Slowking. Unfortunately, some cool trainers had other ideas. I was lucky enough to find a metal coat on a Magnemite, which I promptly attached to my Scyther and traded it to my Platinum, upon which it evolved into a Scizor. I traded my Poliwhirl to Platinum instead of Slowpoke to evolve it into a Politoed. Then my mom (in the game) was nice enough to give me a Moon Stone so I could evolve my Nidorina. I'm about to fight Chuck (I've been mostly grinding since the last post).
Muscle (level 33 Machamp) - this guy survived a Flail from Seaking when it was at like 1 HP (Flail does more damage when a Pokemon is at lower HP) AND a Swift from Starmie directly after. I am very proud of this Machamp.
Whirlygag (level 29 Politoed
Charr (level 30 Quilava)
Shinobi (level 25 Scizor)
Erinyes (level 25 Nidoqueeon)
Keese (level 15 Zubat)/Garuda (level 16 Pidgeotto)
As you can see, my general strategy was to get as many fully-evolved Pokemon on my team as possible. Whirlygag actually fainted at one point, but then I reset. Hopefully the Nulocke gods won't smite me down...
Boxed:
Rocky (level 19 Onix)
Byuuki (level 21 Dratini)
Togetaro (level 18 Togetic)
Catobleep (level 13 Tauros)
Oouroboras (level 11 Slowpoke)
My original intention was to use king's rock on my Slowpoke and evolve it into Slowking. Unfortunately, some cool trainers had other ideas. I was lucky enough to find a metal coat on a Magnemite, which I promptly attached to my Scyther and traded it to my Platinum, upon which it evolved into a Scizor. I traded my Poliwhirl to Platinum instead of Slowpoke to evolve it into a Politoed. Then my mom (in the game) was nice enough to give me a Moon Stone so I could evolve my Nidorina. I'm about to fight Chuck (I've been mostly grinding since the last post).
Monday, June 27, 2011
Poop, it's monday! Quick, Pull Together a Minecraft Monday!!!!
It's Monday, 10:00 PM!!! I have almost forgotten to post minecraft monday yet again! Not this time. Improvisation and briefness begin!
1.7 does not currently have a set release date, but it does contain a few interesting features I'm excited for.
It's officially the "Adventure update." No telling what the specifically means until the update drops, but Notch mentioned that it's an attempt to flesh out the game a bit more, make combat more interesting than it already is and essentially reward the player for exploring and gathering. We can expect a possible central quest involving gathering several ancient relics to defeat a boss. This is an idea he mentioned in an interview with Todd Howard of Bethesda.
Two big features to anticipate are Shears and Pistons!
Shears will allow the gathering of leaves, finally, as well as a non lethal way of gathering wool. Initially they were set to defuse TNT, but instead will be able to be picked up with your hands and will be set off with redstone devices only.
Pistons will model after the piston mod but will be much cheaper, and be crafted with wood and cobblestone instead of iron. They won't shoot you or sand into the air like the physics of the original mod, but they will still accomplish the movement of blocks as demonstrated by the mod.
Sticky pistons will be included as well and will offer the first craft-able use for slime balls. Sticky pistons hold on to the block they are moving, so the block moves with the piston.
Here is a video Mojang posted that introduces pistons and displays their physics.
These are going to be huge and will really change the game. The fact that they will actually be able to interact physically with the world will open up many different possibilites. I'm personally excited for lights I can turn on and off and secret book shelf doorways! :) Even a doorway like in the video is amazing to me.
In my opinion, 1.7 is going to be one of the biggest updates we've seen since the dispenser update. It may even be bigger than that update! Notch has been intentionally keeping it a secret, and I've only scratched the surface of what will be included. There is even going to be a new scary mob!
Time to huddle in my cave until 1.7 comes out, then I have to search for a new underground ravine, and defeat the evil monster boss thingy. Miner Tom is preparing to arm up, and pimp out his home with pistons.
1.7 does not currently have a set release date, but it does contain a few interesting features I'm excited for.
It's officially the "Adventure update." No telling what the specifically means until the update drops, but Notch mentioned that it's an attempt to flesh out the game a bit more, make combat more interesting than it already is and essentially reward the player for exploring and gathering. We can expect a possible central quest involving gathering several ancient relics to defeat a boss. This is an idea he mentioned in an interview with Todd Howard of Bethesda.
Two big features to anticipate are Shears and Pistons!
Shears will allow the gathering of leaves, finally, as well as a non lethal way of gathering wool. Initially they were set to defuse TNT, but instead will be able to be picked up with your hands and will be set off with redstone devices only.
Pistons will model after the piston mod but will be much cheaper, and be crafted with wood and cobblestone instead of iron. They won't shoot you or sand into the air like the physics of the original mod, but they will still accomplish the movement of blocks as demonstrated by the mod.
Sticky pistons will be included as well and will offer the first craft-able use for slime balls. Sticky pistons hold on to the block they are moving, so the block moves with the piston.
Here is a video Mojang posted that introduces pistons and displays their physics.
These are going to be huge and will really change the game. The fact that they will actually be able to interact physically with the world will open up many different possibilites. I'm personally excited for lights I can turn on and off and secret book shelf doorways! :) Even a doorway like in the video is amazing to me.
In my opinion, 1.7 is going to be one of the biggest updates we've seen since the dispenser update. It may even be bigger than that update! Notch has been intentionally keeping it a secret, and I've only scratched the surface of what will be included. There is even going to be a new scary mob!
Time to huddle in my cave until 1.7 comes out, then I have to search for a new underground ravine, and defeat the evil monster boss thingy. Miner Tom is preparing to arm up, and pimp out his home with pistons.
Top Ten In-Game Groups
Sorry for a lack of updating last week, I was busy visiting doctors all weekend and most of the week. Yeah, I'm gonna get healthier soon.
For this week we're gonna look at my top ten in-game groups. Of course there are many groups in videogames, but these are my ten favorite.
Number Ten: Vault-Tec Industries
Vault-Tec is the company that designed the nuclear shelters in Fallout. They also ran experiments on the inhabitants. Saving the world while also being evil geniuses? Vault-Tec wins a spot on the top ten.
Number Nine: Task Force 141
Americans and British kicking ass together. An elite squadron of fighters, led by a madman bent on aiding the beginning of World War Three. Yeah, another super cool yet super evil and good group.
Number Eight: The Rebel Alliance
Star Wars fans rejoice! The rebellion has made the top ten. Just from the history aspect the Rebellion is pretty neat, not to mention their cool ships and Princess... Yeah. In all Star Wars games I have played the rebel soldier/rebel heroes are always my best units. I rock with them, they're cool, they get on the list.
Number Seven: S.T.A.R.S.
Racoon City's finest officers join STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Squad). They are home to some of the most kick ass videogame characters. Wesker? STARS. Chris Redfield? STARS. Jill Valentine? STARS. Rumors have it even Chuck Norris is a member of STARS. Anyhow, they are a cool cop squad.
Number Six: New California Republic (NCR)
NCR is pretty cool. A group of people dedicated the the values of democracy and rule of law AFTER the nuclear apocalypse. Yup, their dedication and similarities to today's democracy (that is, it is all run by money) makes me proud of NCR.
Number Five: The Normandy
The crew and ship itself are pretty cool. Joker is pretty sweet. Dr. Chakwas is awesome. Yup, Commander Shepherd's ship and crew are a fine specimen.
Number Four: United Nations Space Command (UNSC)
The first and last line of defense in space houses Master Chief, arguably one of the most famous videogame characters of all time. The UNSC is pretty bad-ass and Sgt. Johnson, Capt. Keyes and Chief make the UNSC that much cooler.
Number Three: Team Rocket
Two games feature Team Rocket and they appear in more places in the Pokemon universe than any other evil organization. Their constant annoyance and dedication to destroying one kid makes them a joy, a pain, and a laugh all at once.
Number Two: United States Army Rangers
Why wouldn't I hold a special place in my heart for the people who defend my homeland? The Rangers are and always will be one of the most kick-ass groups in gaming and the real world. Rangers Lead The Way.
Number One: Umbrella Corporation
They're Umbrella. What more do I need to say?
Honorable Mention:
- Shinra
- Apeture
Who else would make your list?
- Neezo
For this week we're gonna look at my top ten in-game groups. Of course there are many groups in videogames, but these are my ten favorite.
Number Ten: Vault-Tec Industries
Vault-Tec is the company that designed the nuclear shelters in Fallout. They also ran experiments on the inhabitants. Saving the world while also being evil geniuses? Vault-Tec wins a spot on the top ten.
Number Nine: Task Force 141
Americans and British kicking ass together. An elite squadron of fighters, led by a madman bent on aiding the beginning of World War Three. Yeah, another super cool yet super evil and good group.
Number Eight: The Rebel Alliance
Star Wars fans rejoice! The rebellion has made the top ten. Just from the history aspect the Rebellion is pretty neat, not to mention their cool ships and Princess... Yeah. In all Star Wars games I have played the rebel soldier/rebel heroes are always my best units. I rock with them, they're cool, they get on the list.
Number Seven: S.T.A.R.S.
Racoon City's finest officers join STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Squad). They are home to some of the most kick ass videogame characters. Wesker? STARS. Chris Redfield? STARS. Jill Valentine? STARS. Rumors have it even Chuck Norris is a member of STARS. Anyhow, they are a cool cop squad.
Number Six: New California Republic (NCR)
NCR is pretty cool. A group of people dedicated the the values of democracy and rule of law AFTER the nuclear apocalypse. Yup, their dedication and similarities to today's democracy (that is, it is all run by money) makes me proud of NCR.
Number Five: The Normandy
The crew and ship itself are pretty cool. Joker is pretty sweet. Dr. Chakwas is awesome. Yup, Commander Shepherd's ship and crew are a fine specimen.
Number Four: United Nations Space Command (UNSC)
The first and last line of defense in space houses Master Chief, arguably one of the most famous videogame characters of all time. The UNSC is pretty bad-ass and Sgt. Johnson, Capt. Keyes and Chief make the UNSC that much cooler.
Number Three: Team Rocket
Two games feature Team Rocket and they appear in more places in the Pokemon universe than any other evil organization. Their constant annoyance and dedication to destroying one kid makes them a joy, a pain, and a laugh all at once.
Number Two: United States Army Rangers
Why wouldn't I hold a special place in my heart for the people who defend my homeland? The Rangers are and always will be one of the most kick-ass groups in gaming and the real world. Rangers Lead The Way.
Number One: Umbrella Corporation
They're Umbrella. What more do I need to say?
Honorable Mention:
- Shinra
- Apeture
Who else would make your list?
- Neezo
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Nuzlocke Tuesday!
Continuing with my Nuzlocke challenge, I will show you my progress thus far. This is my team:
Charr (level 27 Quilava)
Muscle (level 23 Machop) - this one was an in-game trade, that's why its name is so silly
Oouroboras (level 10 Slowpoke)
Erinyes (level 18 Nidorina)
Garuda (level 16 Pidgeotto)
I also have a Sudowoodo, but I'm planning on replacing it with an Eevee. I only wish Eevee wasn't so low in level when you get him. Boxed Pokemon are:
Togetaro (level 18 Togetic)
Byuuki (level 21 Dratini) - I am very sad about this
Rocky (level 19 Onix) - also an in-game trade
Morty KO'd all three. Dratini was KO'd by Gengar's Shadow Ball, but Togetaro KO'd it with like fifty Extrasensories. Haunter then came back and ate Togetaro's dream and KO'd it in ONE HIT. But strangely enough, it evolved into Togetic even though it was fainted. Rocky was also KO'd by Haunter's Dream Eater. Also, I'm proud of my haxing skills in beating my rival - I used paralyzed his Crocnaw and Smokescreened it like four times with my Quilava, and Quilava KO'd it with like ten Embers. Very nice. Next up: Gym Leader Chuck! Hopefully I won't be Focus Punched to death...
Charr (level 27 Quilava)
Muscle (level 23 Machop) - this one was an in-game trade, that's why its name is so silly
Oouroboras (level 10 Slowpoke)
Erinyes (level 18 Nidorina)
Garuda (level 16 Pidgeotto)
I also have a Sudowoodo, but I'm planning on replacing it with an Eevee. I only wish Eevee wasn't so low in level when you get him. Boxed Pokemon are:
Togetaro (level 18 Togetic)
Byuuki (level 21 Dratini) - I am very sad about this
Rocky (level 19 Onix) - also an in-game trade
Morty KO'd all three. Dratini was KO'd by Gengar's Shadow Ball, but Togetaro KO'd it with like fifty Extrasensories. Haunter then came back and ate Togetaro's dream and KO'd it in ONE HIT. But strangely enough, it evolved into Togetic even though it was fainted. Rocky was also KO'd by Haunter's Dream Eater. Also, I'm proud of my haxing skills in beating my rival - I used paralyzed his Crocnaw and Smokescreened it like four times with my Quilava, and Quilava KO'd it with like ten Embers. Very nice. Next up: Gym Leader Chuck! Hopefully I won't be Focus Punched to death...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Nuzlocke Challenge
Has anyone done any of the following when playing a Pokemon game?
-Not use Pokemon Centers
-Battle only in "set" mode
-Capture only one Pokemon per route/area
-When a Pokemon faints, NEVER USE IT AGAIN (deposit it forever or release it)
I'm doing all of the above(!) in my current play through of Soul Silver. I'm thinking of scratching the first rule, as I am running out of PP. I treated myself to a level 1 Dratini from my Platinum Version. I'll keep everyone posted here as to how it turns out. Wish me luck!
-Not use Pokemon Centers
-Battle only in "set" mode
-Capture only one Pokemon per route/area
-When a Pokemon faints, NEVER USE IT AGAIN (deposit it forever or release it)
I'm doing all of the above(!) in my current play through of Soul Silver. I'm thinking of scratching the first rule, as I am running out of PP. I treated myself to a level 1 Dratini from my Platinum Version. I'll keep everyone posted here as to how it turns out. Wish me luck!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Munchlax Monday!!!
I am eating Miner Tom's Post today!!! Mwah ha ha ha ha!
Instead, we have MUNCHLAX!
Mmmm. Munchlax.
Instead, we have MUNCHLAX!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Top Ten Storylines
The storyline is an important part of any game, but some stick out above the others. Some games have complex, multi-game storylines while others stick to a simple, one-game story. This is the list of the top ten stories from the games I played.
Number Ten: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Fire Emblem was amazing both as a game and as my introduction to a new genre, turn-based-strategy. The story was deep and involved, but not over-the-top. The story was fun and understandable and did not distract from the game itself. It was a classic fantasy story with the same twists and turns, but with its own distinct flavor that made it much better than most other games. The original Fire Emblem for the GBA was the best (well, if you're a purist it is much better than the others) and paved the way for many similar games. Fun, fast, and deep, this storyline is one you can enjoy and remember for ages.
Number Six: The Dig
The Dig is probably a game most people don't know of, but it was one of the best games I ever played. After many changes and drafts, this "movie" was eventually converted into a PC game. Orson Scott Card, the science fiction writer, is credited with being the writer of the script. The storyline is intense and a basic, yet amazing, sci-fi adventure. Astronauts save the planet, end up on another planet, and the main character is an unlikely (yet practical) hero who save an entire alien race and his crew. If you're not into retro games or point-and-click adventures you may not want to play the game, but if you're a sci-fi fan you may want to find the script and story online and give it a browse. It's just as enjoyable a read as a game.
Number Five: Mass Effect
Another Sci-Fi adventure set in the distant future, Mass Effect is an amazingly detailed yet customizable storyline. The overarching story trumps the choices you as a player make, but your choices do influence parts of the overall story. You can be a badass or an angel, a species-ist (loves humans, hates aliens) or a space hippy, an assault soldier or a psychic sniper. Whatever you do, you need to save the galaxy. The depth and detail of the storyline is wonderful and the gameplay and graphics makes this a complete, and amazing game. (Oh yeah, I'm pretty pumped about ME3! I want to see how this all ends!!!)
Resident Evil is a complex storyline with many twists and turns, all of them good. Bioweapons are a modern danger (well, maybe not to the extent of Resident Evil) and these games play on our worries as human beings of this time. Large, evil corporations ruining the world and causing unimaginable mayhem, evil, and disasters around the globe. Few people stand a chance against these nightmares, and stuck in the complex schemes of evil men fewer actually survive. The chracters are in-depth and believable and the plots are evil and detailed.
Number Two: Final Fantasy VII (series, extended)
Possibly one of the most complicated and twisted storylines of all time, Final Fantasy Seven can boast its storyline as one of the best. The focus on minute details and complicated twists makes my brain hurt. Seeing the entire storyline at a glance is impossible. This complex web of mysteries and mayhem has been made into many different games and the storyline keeps growing. The intensity of FFVII and its immense, complex storyline makes it one of the best ever.
Number One: Starcraft (series)
Number Ten: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Indiana Jones is amazing (what fourth movie?) and always will be. Add Indy to an awesome storyline and you get FoA. Though many fans will bash this game, the basic storyline is excellent. You have three paths you can follow and two endings (well, two successful endings). You can guide Indy as he brawls through the Nazis and finds Atlantis alone. You can use Indy's wits to outwit the Nazis and find Atlantis alone. Or you can team up with the female lead and work through the elements and beat the Nazis to Atlantis as a team. The endings are either solo or duo. Depending if you save the female lead or not you will get one of two endings. Alas, the many choices do not undermine the basic Indiana Jones adventure.
Number Nine: Modern Warfare
Infinity Ward likes to throw us curveballs in Modern Warfare ranging from an unexpected enemy to the death of a main character. The constant thrill of the unknown and the always present sense of danger makes the storyline intense and consuming. The one downside is that you may lose track of the story and forget what you went through while you play. Then again, it is common amongst FPS. Minus that small fault, I would say the story is involved, intense, and in-depth. I am stoked to find out what happens in MW3 this upcoming year!!!
Number Eight: Fallout (series)
The Fallout series is set in a post-apocalypse alternate future, which opens many possibilities. The stroyline is fragmented, which makes it seriously non-linear and hard to connect, but each game continues the storyline in one way or another. The alternate future and nuclear wasteland story makes for an enjoying game and amazing story possibilities. Your choices always influence the outcome and can change the entire wasteland. The stronge customization of the story and intense nuclear wasteland action offset the fragmented and non-cohesive elements very well, or well enough to get to number eight on the list.
Number Seven: Fire Emblem
Fire Emblem was amazing both as a game and as my introduction to a new genre, turn-based-strategy. The story was deep and involved, but not over-the-top. The story was fun and understandable and did not distract from the game itself. It was a classic fantasy story with the same twists and turns, but with its own distinct flavor that made it much better than most other games. The original Fire Emblem for the GBA was the best (well, if you're a purist it is much better than the others) and paved the way for many similar games. Fun, fast, and deep, this storyline is one you can enjoy and remember for ages.
Number Six: The Dig
The Dig is probably a game most people don't know of, but it was one of the best games I ever played. After many changes and drafts, this "movie" was eventually converted into a PC game. Orson Scott Card, the science fiction writer, is credited with being the writer of the script. The storyline is intense and a basic, yet amazing, sci-fi adventure. Astronauts save the planet, end up on another planet, and the main character is an unlikely (yet practical) hero who save an entire alien race and his crew. If you're not into retro games or point-and-click adventures you may not want to play the game, but if you're a sci-fi fan you may want to find the script and story online and give it a browse. It's just as enjoyable a read as a game.
Number Five: Mass Effect
Another Sci-Fi adventure set in the distant future, Mass Effect is an amazingly detailed yet customizable storyline. The overarching story trumps the choices you as a player make, but your choices do influence parts of the overall story. You can be a badass or an angel, a species-ist (loves humans, hates aliens) or a space hippy, an assault soldier or a psychic sniper. Whatever you do, you need to save the galaxy. The depth and detail of the storyline is wonderful and the gameplay and graphics makes this a complete, and amazing game. (Oh yeah, I'm pretty pumped about ME3! I want to see how this all ends!!!)
Number Four: Halo (series)
I think I'm a sucker for fantasy/sci-fi storylines... or that's all we're given in the videogame world. Anyhow, Halo is a classic story in the world of gaming. One super soldier stands between the extinction of the human race and its survival. One man stands on the brink of immortality. One man ruins the entire plans of an empire. One man kills the largest threat to sentient beings. One man and his gun. Master Chief is one of the most memorable characters in videogame history and the protagonist of one of the best storylines in game history. I doubt I need to explain the storyline much more, but this is one FPS that does not suffer what I mentioned earlier.
Number Three: Resident Evil (series)
Resident Evil is a complex storyline with many twists and turns, all of them good. Bioweapons are a modern danger (well, maybe not to the extent of Resident Evil) and these games play on our worries as human beings of this time. Large, evil corporations ruining the world and causing unimaginable mayhem, evil, and disasters around the globe. Few people stand a chance against these nightmares, and stuck in the complex schemes of evil men fewer actually survive. The chracters are in-depth and believable and the plots are evil and detailed.
Number Two: Final Fantasy VII (series, extended)
Possibly one of the most complicated and twisted storylines of all time, Final Fantasy Seven can boast its storyline as one of the best. The focus on minute details and complicated twists makes my brain hurt. Seeing the entire storyline at a glance is impossible. This complex web of mysteries and mayhem has been made into many different games and the storyline keeps growing. The intensity of FFVII and its immense, complex storyline makes it one of the best ever.
Number One: Starcraft (series)
Starcraft has a simple sci-fi story of aliens and humans fighting out for survival. But it is the details and immense size of the story that makes it great. In the original games (Starcraft and Brood War) you got the storyline from all three races and got all the angles on the events of the Starcraft universe. This well-rounded and huge storyline is one of my favorites. It gets top billing for its details, relationships, well-roundedness, and immense scale. I waited for years for SC2 and one major reason was the storyline, I needed to know what happened next.
What stories are your favorites? Comment below.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Minecraft Monday!!
Hello fellow Minecraft players. It's a bright new week. Lets talk about Minecraft.
After 1.6, Notch came out with six or so subsequent updates to fix any bugs created by 1.6. He also changed some functionality of existing items. I'll go over them.
Bonemeal can now grow tall grass, and on occasion flowers, when you use it on grass.
Glowstone and wool now only take 4 pieces of glowstone or string to craft.
Glowstone must be gathered with a pickaxe so its a bit tougher to gather, but when it's gathered it yields up to 4 glowstone dust. This is very good, because before it wasn't worth tromping through the nether trying to gather 9 glowstone dust only yielding one from every glowstone you broke. Much much more efficient now.
So, surprisingly, that's really it. Notch said himself we shouldn't be getting another update until the 1.7 update. But, something exciting he mentioned was that the 1.7 update will be the adventure mode update! Exciting. The only details we really have about this update is that it will be a more controlled version of the existing game. I'm hoping it has controllable limits and more of a narrative, and NPC villages. That would be an excellent update.
After 1.6, Notch came out with six or so subsequent updates to fix any bugs created by 1.6. He also changed some functionality of existing items. I'll go over them.
Bonemeal can now grow tall grass, and on occasion flowers, when you use it on grass.
Glowstone and wool now only take 4 pieces of glowstone or string to craft.
Glowstone must be gathered with a pickaxe so its a bit tougher to gather, but when it's gathered it yields up to 4 glowstone dust. This is very good, because before it wasn't worth tromping through the nether trying to gather 9 glowstone dust only yielding one from every glowstone you broke. Much much more efficient now.
So, surprisingly, that's really it. Notch said himself we shouldn't be getting another update until the 1.7 update. But, something exciting he mentioned was that the 1.7 update will be the adventure mode update! Exciting. The only details we really have about this update is that it will be a more controlled version of the existing game. I'm hoping it has controllable limits and more of a narrative, and NPC villages. That would be an excellent update.
So, I've got my gear, I've lit the nether portal. Time to get me some glow stone to deck my cave out.
-Miner Tom
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Top Ten First Games
Some games stick out in my mind as the best games I have played, but it is a certain few games that really addicted me to gaming. This is the list of the ten best games/ most addicting games out of my first games.
(For clarity I mean these are my favorites out of all the games I originally started playing.)
Number Ten: Paperboy
It was simple, yet nearly impossible to beat. I loved watching the crazy things that were on the road. I also loved trying my best at delivering papers. The gameplay was simple, but for a six-year-old it was a challenging game to beat. It was fun yet annoying, but I found myself coming back again and again until I was able to beat the first level.
Number Nine: Starcraft
The original Starcraft was amazing and I was hooked to this sci-fi action RTS immediately. Though I was unable to beat many campaign levels without cheats it was amazing. I loved the storyline and the graphics. I also loved the idea of an RTS (Starcraft was my second to Age of Empires II). I loved it, until I realized how bad I was at multiplayer and then stopped playing. I was one of those guys waiting for years for SC2.
Number Eight: Super Mario Bros 3
My first Mario game was also one of the most memorable ones. It was a fun game in which my whole family and I played. I emerged the best and logged hours in playtime. I eventually ended up fighting Bowser in the end, and I won. The first NES game I ever beat alone. This game was so much fun that I didn't care about the lame graphics or lack of a real story. (Then again I was six at the time.) This is when I married Nintendo.
Number Seven: Project S-11
A simple game in which you pilot a plane and shoot aliens that come at you. I received it for easter and had the hardest time beating the first boss. After I trudged through each level one at a time I ended up winning. I then kept playing, getting better and better. I loved it and the music. It was soon a habit to play and led to more and more addiction to games.
Number Six: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
My first Sonic game was impossibly hard. I put the right imput but never seemed to get the desired results. Wait... that was the case for all my GameGear games. Whatever. I loved it enough to play again an again. The joy I had beating the first level and even making it to the second boss was amazing. (Yes, I used to be the worst gamer ever.) I hid in my bed late at night and played, lucky for me the battery guzzling GameGear had a luminated screen. I only stopped playing when I got my Game Boy Color.
Number Five: Mario Party
Though I never owned Mario Party I always played at my friend's house. He was DK and I was Yoshi. We would play for the entire time, and I always seemed to lose. (Little did I know that he had his handicap set so high I never stood a chance.) But the game was fun, and the fun it brought made other games seem fun as well.
Number Four: Mario Kart 64
My same friend had Mario Kart 64. I was MUCH better at MK 64. The ability to actually beat other players for the first time made this game one of my favorites. Also, the comical value, entertainment, and replay value made it a great game.
Number Three: Pokemon Blue Version
Yup, the infamous Pokemon! As a game I was hooked and spent the most hours playing any game asside from Fallout 3 (which is a fairly new game in comparison). It was my second Game Boy Color game and the one I logged the most time playing. It introduced an era of addiction I have yet to overcome. This game was my drugs as a ten-year-old kid.
Number Two: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Though my father played most of the game FOR me (I'll admit it, I really sucked and he did all the real work) I loved it. I LOVED Indiana Jones as a kid (I dressed up as Indy for fun almost everyday) and the fact this game was based on him made it so much cooler. The storyline was exhilarating, the graphics fairly decent, and the point-and-click awesomeness was well, awesome! Tons of fun, and way better than Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!
Number One: The Dig
I guess I was a sucker for Lucasarts at an early age. This was the first in-depth game I completed. It was complex, quite complicated, yet the controls (as a PaC adventure) were simple enough for a seven-year-old to understand. I played through for hours on end and eventually ended up winning. I tested both endings, which meant more than one playthroughs. I liked the graphics (not as good as Indy for the people but amazing backdrops) and absolutely loved the soundtrack. I still love the soundtrack, but what got me most was the sci-fi storyline by Orson Scott Keyes. Yup, he wrote it. I also loved the main character: Boston Lowe. He made the game fun. Only one problem: That Mother-F$%$ING Turtle Puzzle! DAMN YOU TURTLE PUZZLE!
Remember, these were MY first games and some of the ones that left the largest impacts on me as a gamer. What were your top ten first games? Feel free to comment below!
- Neezo
(For clarity I mean these are my favorites out of all the games I originally started playing.)
Number Ten: Paperboy
It was simple, yet nearly impossible to beat. I loved watching the crazy things that were on the road. I also loved trying my best at delivering papers. The gameplay was simple, but for a six-year-old it was a challenging game to beat. It was fun yet annoying, but I found myself coming back again and again until I was able to beat the first level.
Number Nine: Starcraft
The original Starcraft was amazing and I was hooked to this sci-fi action RTS immediately. Though I was unable to beat many campaign levels without cheats it was amazing. I loved the storyline and the graphics. I also loved the idea of an RTS (Starcraft was my second to Age of Empires II). I loved it, until I realized how bad I was at multiplayer and then stopped playing. I was one of those guys waiting for years for SC2.
Number Eight: Super Mario Bros 3
My first Mario game was also one of the most memorable ones. It was a fun game in which my whole family and I played. I emerged the best and logged hours in playtime. I eventually ended up fighting Bowser in the end, and I won. The first NES game I ever beat alone. This game was so much fun that I didn't care about the lame graphics or lack of a real story. (Then again I was six at the time.) This is when I married Nintendo.
Number Seven: Project S-11
A simple game in which you pilot a plane and shoot aliens that come at you. I received it for easter and had the hardest time beating the first boss. After I trudged through each level one at a time I ended up winning. I then kept playing, getting better and better. I loved it and the music. It was soon a habit to play and led to more and more addiction to games.
Number Six: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
My first Sonic game was impossibly hard. I put the right imput but never seemed to get the desired results. Wait... that was the case for all my GameGear games. Whatever. I loved it enough to play again an again. The joy I had beating the first level and even making it to the second boss was amazing. (Yes, I used to be the worst gamer ever.) I hid in my bed late at night and played, lucky for me the battery guzzling GameGear had a luminated screen. I only stopped playing when I got my Game Boy Color.
Number Five: Mario Party
Though I never owned Mario Party I always played at my friend's house. He was DK and I was Yoshi. We would play for the entire time, and I always seemed to lose. (Little did I know that he had his handicap set so high I never stood a chance.) But the game was fun, and the fun it brought made other games seem fun as well.
Number Four: Mario Kart 64
My same friend had Mario Kart 64. I was MUCH better at MK 64. The ability to actually beat other players for the first time made this game one of my favorites. Also, the comical value, entertainment, and replay value made it a great game.
Number Three: Pokemon Blue Version
Yup, the infamous Pokemon! As a game I was hooked and spent the most hours playing any game asside from Fallout 3 (which is a fairly new game in comparison). It was my second Game Boy Color game and the one I logged the most time playing. It introduced an era of addiction I have yet to overcome. This game was my drugs as a ten-year-old kid.
Number Two: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Though my father played most of the game FOR me (I'll admit it, I really sucked and he did all the real work) I loved it. I LOVED Indiana Jones as a kid (I dressed up as Indy for fun almost everyday) and the fact this game was based on him made it so much cooler. The storyline was exhilarating, the graphics fairly decent, and the point-and-click awesomeness was well, awesome! Tons of fun, and way better than Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!
Number One: The Dig
I guess I was a sucker for Lucasarts at an early age. This was the first in-depth game I completed. It was complex, quite complicated, yet the controls (as a PaC adventure) were simple enough for a seven-year-old to understand. I played through for hours on end and eventually ended up winning. I tested both endings, which meant more than one playthroughs. I liked the graphics (not as good as Indy for the people but amazing backdrops) and absolutely loved the soundtrack. I still love the soundtrack, but what got me most was the sci-fi storyline by Orson Scott Keyes. Yup, he wrote it. I also loved the main character: Boston Lowe. He made the game fun. Only one problem: That Mother-F$%$ING Turtle Puzzle! DAMN YOU TURTLE PUZZLE!
Remember, these were MY first games and some of the ones that left the largest impacts on me as a gamer. What were your top ten first games? Feel free to comment below!
- Neezo
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