My Last of Us Multiplayer Review

Last of Us is an amazing game by Naughty Dog. It has amazing graphics, pretty awesome gameplay, touching story line and believable characters... and the AI doesn't suck too much, which is nice considering it's a giant escort mission.

But enough about that. This is about the multiplayer. It's entitled Factions and you chose to play as either the Fireflies (the group fighting against the military's martial law while trying to find a cure) or the Hunters (the group that randomly kills people on site, no questions asked, just to take there stuff... how nice). I normal play as Firefly, but we're not here to talk about that either.

First off, the basics. After choosing your faction your basic mission is to increase your population by playing though either Supply Raid or Survivor(s), while also gathering supplies to maintain your clan. You can collect in either game and it can get a bit tough as you'll get missions from time to time witch either increase or decrease your clans population depending on what mission objective you get.

The ultimate goal is to complete twelve weeks. At that point you've "won" and can start the process over again... if you wanted to.

Second, the good. I don't know what it is about this multiplayer, as your just running around killing off your enemies till you win/lose/or run out of time, but I like it more than the other multiplayers I've played or seen. Maybe it's because I normal don't play multiplayers and this one isn't much of a challenge. It's addicting, as you get all the weapons from the story line and you can customize your equipment and skills as you see fit. Mostly I play with a silent hunting rifle, silent 9mm with Explosives Expert, Marathon Runner and Crafter (at level 3), but once again not about me. I also like that you can make your own logos and the one time bonuses you get from missions are nice to. Plus I just like to beat people

And blow them up on occasion.

It's also nice that you can hear enemies, because if they have a shiv they can, and will sneak up on you and shank you... in the neck... it's not fun. It also helps with bombs and stuff too, but normal I just booby trap the tool boxes and wait for the fireworks.

Now for the bad. Most of what I don't like about the multiplayer has to do with the customization or should I say the lack of customization.

Hats, Helmets and Mask... that's it. That's all the customization you get. You don't even get to pick your gender! You play as one of the twelve or so generic avatars they already have programmed into the game. And of those only about three are female. If full customization Skyrim style is too much at least let us pick from the avatars. That way I can play as a chick all the time. I'm a gamer girl, I want to play as a girl. All I'm saying.

Another thing I have an issue with is the settings for the battles. Not that I have a problem with the settings themselves, just the way it's handled in multiplayer... I'm not making much since so let me explain. Once you choose with of the two games you want to play (Supply Raid or Survivor(s)) your placed in a loading screen to wait for seven other players (It's normal played 4vs4). After all the players have entered in (of the game gets bored) you vote on two arenas. Personal I think this is kind of backwards. Shouldn't we be able to choose our arena first? That way we can play in the setting we like so that we enjoy playing. I'm a sniper mostly and I would like to play in arenas were they're are decent spots to snipe from. The Dam, The University and Downtown are the worst for snipers as there are no good snipe spots. I hate getting stuck playing in these places goes I always lose.

Last thing I'm not to crazy about (and it's not a big thing, just something that should be looked at) is your skill point cap out at thirteen. This is suppose to be so players don't become over powered. The problem I see with that is, players will choose the most powerful weapons (mostly silent burst rifles, shorties and military snipers or flamethrowers) and top it off with a one maxed out skill and be overpowered. This seems to happen a lot with the Hunters. It makes it seem as if they have an aggression bonus or something. Maybe if the cap was at around twenty instead, player could balance their characters a bit better. I'm not saying this will solve the douchebag problems... I just expect those at this point,

But at least it would make it a tad more enjoyable. Not that it's not enjoyable now it's just... you know what, you guys get what I'm saying. Overall it's a good game and I love playing it. My team just needs to get it together. 

 NOT WHAT I MEANT!

     

       

 

Calmer Now

Wow I went off earlier didn't I? Just want everyone to know, that whole thing about fast food and high school drop outs... sorry. That came off kind of harsh. It's just that I don't want to work in fast food or really any restaurant. I found that I don't do well in high pressure jobs and while there aren't too many jobs out there that don't come with some kind of stress I'm looking for something that I can somewhat enjoy despite the stress.

I thought that working at a movie theater would be my thing, and it was okay until management made poor decisions and made the place a nightmare. And it really was just the one manager and he's plaything. Most of the other managers I got along well with. I could see most of the other managers being really cool to hang with outside of work had I not had all the theater stuff going on as well as school (for awhile) and my families car situation at the time.

I've come to term with the fact that I'm a horrible person, but I at least try to be nice for the most part. I'm an odd duck.  

Blogger Rant

It's not so much a rant as just something that must be said.

For the last year I have been unemployed because my last employer; who will remain unnamed because it'll only make me want to go blow something up (in a video game... not really in to serving jail time), decided to fire me for being sick. Okay so it was a no call no show, but I was still sick, I did see a doctor and I did try to explain things to him, but his mind had been made up to find a way to fire me since I made it know that I didn't find it okay for him to promote his girlfriend to manager over me (background, i had been working for these people for about three years when she got hired, four by the time she was promoted and he was married at the time they hooked up. And they were and as far as I know still together despite what they will try to tell you).

So I've spent the last year working in theater, on my media art stuff and now writing and blogging trying to find my niche. Some of the theater work does pay and I know it's not a steady job, but it is work and when I do have money I help out where I can. And with any luck my blog will start making money as I write and maybe once my skills are a little better I'll start writing a book or something. Point is I never stopped looking for a job all this time and I have been doing things that will bring money in every now and again.

But it's tough going as most of the positions I've seen open are management positions and I've had no management training. I could have, but well I've alright explained why.

However, the way my parents and my sister talk all I do is play on the PS3 and on my computer and laze about doing nothing at all. I heard my mom and my sister talking about it again like I wasn't in the house and couldn't hear them. And they wonder why I get all pissed off when they bring it up. I'm trying, I'm doing everything I can think of and all you can do is assume that I just don't care.

And they are always telling me that this place is hiring and that place is hiring, but it's always crap jobs at fast food places. I'm not a damn high school drop out. Look out for stuff I care about, things you know I'll half way enjoy doing.

The live theater stage here in town, The Paramount, that I work shows in all the time is talking about updating their lighting system. I'm going to be reapplying there in hopes to get on as one of the lighting technicians (with any luck at all). I just reapplied today for the Home Depot here in town. I'm not a lazy good for nothing and to be treated as such is more than a pain in the ass.

Maybe I'm not out everyday begging on hands and knees for any old job that come available, but I don't spend every hour of every day playing on the computer and the playstation. I have an older computer, I have three games on here and I can't get near the playstation unless my sister is at a friends or at work. So in the mean time, I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for stuff and applying for the things I think I'll enjoy while working on theater, media arts and writing.

Maybe It's not "fair" for me to still be unemployed a whole year later, but I'm not getting a lot of support either. So who's really to blame here?

Nintendo Direct for E3

Okay now for my first love. Had to watch this one on youtube because the Direct thing was streaming while I was still asleep.

First of news of Pokemon X and Y. We're getting a new pokemon type... Fairy! Sylveon is a part of this new group and they are effective against Dragon types. Also mini-game called Pokemon Amie. This will let you do stuff like pet and feed your pokemon to strengthen the bond between you and your pokemon. We also got a release date of October 12th. I can't wait!

Next is a new Mario, Mario 3D World. This ones is going to have multiplayer where you can play as either Mario, Luigi, Toad or Peach. We're also getting a new power up. Two words... Cat Mario. This ones due out in December.

We also have a new Mario Kart. Number 8 is going to feature anti gravity and have gliders and motorcycles as well as underwater sections. Also online multiplayer. Due out in spring of 2014.

Games in development, Wii Party U and Wii Fit U have been pushed back to October and December releases respectively. They want more time to work some stuff out with both games.

Miiverse is also getting some upgrades. A new Art Academy is in the works and Nintendo will be releasing some of the tools from the game for the Miiverse. This came about because of the artwork people where putting up on the Miiverse with the drawing tools there. Kind of cool, more interested in the Art game though.

They then showed some games from 3rd party studios. Some of which have already been shown for the other two systems at E3. 14 new games there for Wii U and 3DS. Also 11 more games are coming to the eshop for Wii U and 3DS.

Wii U is also getting a version of Legend of Zelda Windwaker with a few updates. One of which is a trade out. Instead of the Tingle Tuner your now getting the Tingle Bottle that will connect with the Miiverse. All and all I don't know how I feel about this, but it's never stopped Nintendo before and I will always love them so...

New game: the Wonderful 101. This looks like a superhero version of Pikmin so it you like Pikmin you'll like this game most likely. It's due out September 15th.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze will be coming out on the Wii U in November. This go round DK, Diddy and Dixie are up against Vikings. There's a two player multiplayer and although being a side scroller,  the camera will be able to move in some cases as you get shot around in those barrels. Like I said Dixie is back and she will be a playable character.

Next up was a look at Bayonetta 2. It's looking good, still looks to play a lot like the first game just on a bigger scale. Bayonetta also has a new look. She's cut her hair and has a new outfit so... yeah. She's coming out on Wii U in 2014.

New game: X? I think that's what it's called. Looks like Final Fantasy with robots to me but it's due out in 2014 so maybe the more I know the more I'll want.

Super Smash Brothers is coming back people! Thank you Nintendo. All the characters from the other games are back plus a citizen from Animal Crossing and... Mega Man. Oh yes Mega Man is joining the crew for this new battle and he is looking sick! Can not wait, this one also due out in 2014 for both Wii U and 3DS.

So my predictions for the holiday season are this... Nintendo will be back in the game with it's new line up. I do think they need a price drop before the holiday season to be a real contender, but they're looking good. The XBox One will sale, but it will be mostly the XBoners who don't care about all the issues the SpyBox has and will love it till it explodes on them and then they'll run out and buy a new one. But the real winner this year will be the PS4. Being not only a hundred bucks less then the SpyBox, PS4 is looking to have the better game selection and there are more games coming out for the PS3 and the Vita to give Sony the real win this year. I don't know if Microsoft will care enough to deal with their issues, but knowing that Sony isn't putting any restrictions on the PS4 a lot of people will be turning from Microsoft for Sony.

It's been quite the E3 and my hopes are next year, I can be reporting from E3. Stay Shiny readers and keep playing. Lots of Love, Ashira.      

The PS4 is Here!

And now on to the one true love of my live... okay second love, but never mind that. Sony delivered tonight!

We started out with a rock star entrance because they can, then they announced that Vita's not going anywhere. That bad boys got 85 games lined up to come out by the end of the year.

As for PS3 we've got Last of Us coming up this week I think, Puppeteer which kind of confused me but it still looked cool, Rain which is also confusing but cool looking, Beyond Two Souls, and Gran Tarismo 6 (sorry if that spelled wrong, went by kind of quick).

Also Batman Arkham Origins, GTA 5 Bundle with a headset and 300 other games by the end of the year. A lot of which I think will be indie games, but we'll get there in a moment.

Now for the PS4 and may I say, Baby is looking good!

Sony Entertainment said they were working towards unlimited music and video available day one with the PS4 (Can't remember if we have for PS3 but this is awesome).

They are also bringing Redbox Instant, Live Events Viewer for Pay Per View, and Flixster to the PS3, Vita and PS4.

There are 30 PS4 games in development as I type this, 20 of those with be out first year of PS4's life with 12 of those being brand new ideas. One of which is a steampunk game by the name of The Order 1886. Looks to be about Werewolves and it looks good.

Next was the first person shooter Killzone: Shadow Fall. Now I'm not normally into first person shooters, but this bad boy looks to be worth my time. Also Drive Club... yeah racing still not into it.

Then Infamous Second Son which was just... yes please.

Knack was the next game they showed. Kind of cutesy, but I like so I will try it out.

Killzone and Drive Club will be available at launch while Second Son and Knack will be out in 2014.

They then showed a clip from a game in production to show off the new super realisticness, cool but I could have got that from the previews and gameplay. It was a funny little clip though.

Supergiant Games showed off there new baby: Transistor. The artwork alone is worth it to me for this one. It's a 2d one proving once again that we don't always need real.

They talked about self published games a bit and showcased some indie games which I was really happy about. I like when the little guys get to show off at big events and some times even show up the bigger dogs. All of the games previewed would be PS4 exclusive.

We also get Diablo 3, nough said.

And then Sqaure Enix made my night. Update on Versus 13 oh no wait we're Final Fantasy 15 now kids (my sister called this one from four miles away). And Kingdom Hearts 3 is in development (Sploosh!) They showed a really shot in game preview and I can't wait, It's going to be amazing. They did say that FF 15 would be on PS3 and 4, yay!

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Demo: It plays like all the other Ass Creeds it's just now your a pirate. Still can't wait to play.

Watchdogs Demo: Yes please! This game looks so just, I can't even it was that good. And I know I'm using that a lot but I don't know what else to say. Sony just came out and made sweet sweet love to us, cuddled a bit and then loved us some more... Yes I know I'm a fan girl leave me be!

Anyhoo, NBA2K14... that is all.

Elder Scrolls Online: Beta coming to PS4, can't wait. Big fan on Skyrim so...

Mad Max game. Yes you heard me right, there is going to be a Mad Max game on PS4. Looks cool, no demo just a trailer, but it's something.

There are 140 games in development for the PS4 and they all look good so far. During the demos there was some lagging, mainly in Assassin's Creed and the last one (getting to it) but they have time to work it out. I believe in you Sony.

And then the big news of the night... wait for it... No Restrictions. None, zero, zip. Sony took out it's much bigger dick and slap Microsoft silly with it. None of this need for an internet connection, no online auto check-ins keeping your system on all the time, none of that. They're working the make the PSN better with more stuff and PS Plus is carrying over to PS4. That's right, if you have PS Plus your not going to have to pay anymore it's just going to be there for the same price it's always been.

They closed out the with a demo of Destiny. Once again not really a first person shooter kind of gamer, but I'd play this in a heartbeat. I love during the demo the two guys playing... they got new weapons during the play right and one of 'em got a sniper rifle (my weapon of chose). And the first dude was all "I like the long rifle. What's it's name?" and the other guy answered "Shut up and get behind me." I do love fan boys sometimes.

After that it was a quick chat about the Cloud. Sony not loving the Cloud as much as Microsoft but not denying it's a good idea. Using it as a backup which I feel like is what it's suppose to be used for but maybe that's just us. To top it off Sony dickslapped Microsoft again by putting a $399 price tag on the PS4. My sister already has plans to preorder. All and All the day went to Sony and Microsoft dug its self even farther into the hole. EA pulled its self back up and Ubisoft... yeah what did Ubisoft do again?

Anyhoo tomorrow Nintendo Direct takes the stage and after that I kind of don't care. Good Night gamers!

Ubisoft... Kind of

I actually had things to do so I didn't get to see much of Ubi. From what I read online there wasn't much gameplay just a lot a trailers.

I did kind of get to see Watchdogs. Rabbids Invasion an interactive tv show coming to Nick. Assassin's Creed Black Flag which looks very nice. And Trials Frontier on moble with Trials Fusion for the consoles. Not much more, going to write up a quick chapter for Life with Sephy and then bare with bad internet connection so I can watch Sony's press con. Laterz

EA Download at E3

One word: SPLOSH! Oh my god, EA pulling themselves up. I'm really impressed.

They kicked of the con with Plants Vs Zombies Garden Warfare, a third person shooter. It looks so amazing, I can't wait. The only issue is it sounds like it's only coming to the XBox One and 360 after. I hope they put it cross console and not just One and 360. Popcap also teased Peggle 2. Way to kick it off EA! Start things off right.

Next was more on Titanfall. Other than learning it was multiplayer or has multipalyer I'm still not all that impressed and I could do without.

Then they talked a bit about their software engines, EA Sports Ignite and Frostbite 3. With Frostbite they teased Star Wars Battlefront and Need for Speed Rivals.

I'm really impressed with Need for Speed Rivals. It looks good and the multiplayer jump-in runs seamlessly. They showed how you could start a race as a racer and then have an online jump-in with the cops and there was no start over, no "new player has entered" it just ran smoothly. Not much of a racer gamer, but I'm looking forward to this one. Also Need for Speed movie... that is all.

Next was a trailer for Dragon Age Inquisition... still a Skyrim girl, just saying.

Then EA Sports came out. We have NBA Live 14 (yes NBA Live is coming back), NFL Madden 25, FIFA 14 and UFC. The only one I care about even a little is the UFC game and even then I could live without.

More talk of smarter AI... Having trouble with this one. Don't know how I feel. If the AI gets smarter can we not call it AI anymore?

Next: Multiplayer Battlefield 4! Yeah, the whole 64 player multiplayer thing there doing... I still don't care.

And then the big news. Hold on to your seats people... Mirrors Edge 2.

That was it, EA looking good for the most part. Glad to see them picking themselves up a little. Next up we have Ubisoft and then at nine... SONY! Thinking I'm going to have to stream those online, but as long as the weather here in my part of North Carolina doesn't knock the power out I'll be back to let you know what's up from E3.