My FH5 Log: Euro Trash

Would you look at that? The European Automotive update of Forza Horizon 5 is constantly littered with European junk cars out from the junkyard and into the ever-growing FH5 car roster. The cesspool of junk cars keeps on growing.

First up is the Lancia Fulvia from the Hot Season Playlist. Powered by a 1.3L V4 engine, it's the car that made Lancia win its first World Rally Championship. Not bad for a front-wheel-drive coupe that costs more than the Jaguar E-Type when it was new.

Next up is the Citroen DS 23 from the Storm Season Playlist. This is the iconic hatchback that first introduced Citroen's signature hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system which uses liquid hydraulic and gas-pressured suspension instead of springs, giving it a comfy ride on all kinds of road surfaces. It was the first to use disc brakes.

Fresh from the Dry Season Playlist is the Series 4 Lotus Esprit, the last V8-powered Lotus ever made and one of the last production cars with pop-up headlights.

The Hot Season Playlist featured a double bill of German garbage; the Volkswagen Double Cab Pick-up and the Mercedes-Benz 500 E. The Doka is basically the pickup variant of the Volkswagen Type 2 minibus while the 500 E is the V8-powered variant of the W124 E-Class made from a Porsche factory.

Let's give the quintuplet of European garbage a good dirty driving, and showcase just how good these rusty beaters from the Old Continent were. Roll the tapes.

These rusty beaters proved their point but as it turned out, they were nothing compared to the worst European toxic waste of the pack; the AMG Hammer Wagon from the European Automotive DLC Pack.

The AMG Hammer Wagon is a one-off W214 wagon built for a client from the USA. Started out in life as a diesel-powered W214 wagon until the original owner commissioned AMG to convert it into a super wagon, armed with a 6.0L V8 engine producing 375hp of power while mated to a 4-speed AT. It even comes with a locking differential to help the rear axle endure the punishment from the V8 engine, among others.

Want to see how the AMG Hammer Wagon roars? You're in luck because let's get the tape rolling.

The latest batch of toxic waste dump proves that the cesspool of rusty beaters never stops growing, giving Gen Z players uncontrollable anxiety, complaining about why the Forza producers keep dumping junk cars in such a wonderful racing game.

Are we seeing more junk cars in the next FH5 series update next week? Yes, there will be junk cars next week so brace yourselves for more rusty beaters ruining your FH5 experience.

Forza Horizon 4: Let's review Series 35 cars!

The Jeep Gladiator, Citroen DS, and the Porsche 928 are the cars Forza Horizon 4 players worked hard to obtain throughout the course of the Series 35 update, and as new challenges await, let's take a quick pause to review the trio of Series 35 cars obtained throughout the update.

The Jeep Gladiator that you've obtained from the Summer Playlist, so what is it? Well, the Gladiator name has been revived by Jeep for their first-ever pickup truck since the Comanche and it's based on the Wrangler JL. You can think of it as a Wrangler JL with a rear bed to store some raw American stuff only Cowboy Charlie can think of. Despite the rear bed space, the Gladiator works and feels just like the Wrangler and so are the choice of engines with the range-topper bearing the Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine.

Next up is the Citroen DS 23 Pallas that you've obtained from the Winter Playlist. This is the iconic hatchback that first introduced Citroen's signature hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system which uses liquid hydraulic and gas-pressured suspension instead of springs, giving it a comfy ride on all kinds of road surfaces. It was the first to use disc brakes. There was a well-known trivia that because of the Citroen DS's durability, it managed to keep the French president Charles De Gaulle safe from a failed assassination attempt, putting his loyalty to the car company behind this car.

Lastly, the one that you've obtained from the Spring Playlist, the Porsche 928. It's one of the infamous trio used on the Top Gear Patagonia Special alongside the Mustang Mach 1 and the Lotus Esprit. Unlike most Porsches derived from other vehicles, the 928 is all-original and it's the first V8 FR Porsche that caused quite a controversy from purists everywhere and so is the price tag.

Now that we got to know about those Series 35 cars, let's give this trio a quick spin just to find out what's like to be in one of these sweet rides. Roll the tape!

Enjoy your new rides!

METAL GEAR SOLID SNAKE EATER 3D

METAL GEAR SOLID SNAKE EATER 3D

As 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the Metal Gear franchise, the story that started it all returns and for the first time, it's on the Nintendo 3DS.

METAL GEAR SOLID SNAKE EATER 3D has the same old stuff you've experienced from the hit 2004 PS2 game (or also from the MGS HD Edition from the PS3 and XBoX 360 if you're playing one), but it has been redefined for the 3DS. The story that started it all goes stereoscopic. So what you should expect. At first, it does feel the same but it you flicker the 3D Depth Slider, you will see that most of your favorite Snake Eater memories come to life in stunning, glasses-free 3D. It's like you're in part of the Operation Snake Eater as "Naked Snake", a soldier who's on a mission to stop a nuclear attack and overall, eliminate The Boss, who defected to the Soviet Union.

Unlike the original which you can pause the game to initiate Survival Viewer, Snake Eater 3D offers some easy access for the players. The top part of your 3DS is showing your gameplay while the bottom part of your 3DS served as your Survival Viewer. You can check the map, change weapons, check the food and animals you've captured, change camouflage and facepaint, and also heal injuries with a series of medicines. The user can also initiate FPS view, TPS view, or Auto Aim feature, for some effective strategies in the battlefield.

The new feature you can find on the Snake Eater 3D is using your photos as camouflage! Use the camera feature on your 3DS to take photos and use them as a camouflage, which sounds original but I wonder that if those worked as cover against your enemies. As remember, camouflage is highly essential in stealth mission.

For an added surprise, Yoshi from the Super Mario series appears on MGS SE 3D! Instead of a Kerotan that once you shoot it, triggers a Kerotan sound, there are several Yoshis around this game. Shoot them all and you'll be rewarded with a Stealth Camouflage at the end. Be warned, finding hidden Yoshis are gonna be tough.

New Love Plus

NEW LOVE PLUS

When I've arrived home, everything look promising. That is my Valentine's Day gift. Ah, there's a note. It's from Konami. It says "Dear ********, hope you enjoy taking this to the max. P.S., it was developed at the most advanced hand held console." Oh, gosh. This wasn't what I had in mind, but since I was here, and they're payed for, I have no choice but to get on with it.

Well, it's certainly good. Same as Love Plus but it features new features developed for the Nintendo 3DS. This is NEW LOVE PLUS!

NEW LOVE PLUS is a beefed up version of the hit 2009 Nintendo DS dating sim game and it's now been coupled with new features to have players enjoy taking this to the max. You could expect enhanced graphics compared to the original 2009 Nintendo DS Love Plus game, then you can take advantage of the 3DS' gyro sensor to peek around your favorite gal (Rinko Kobayakawa, Manaka Takane, and Nene Anegasaki), take a picture (Photo Travel works fine), secure your gal with the new lock feature, bring your gal to life with the augmented reality feature and a flick of a 3D Depth Slider, and more. It's good in that.

It's actually better than good and I have to admit that this is one of the best 3DS dating sims you can buy and NEW LOVE PLUS is brilliant...at home but on public places, feels like it's ruined because most people think you're obsessed with it, finding your nearest date spots all over Japan. It's not just ruined, it's expensively ruined because it costs 6,980 Japanese Yen for the game alone but you may need about 33,850 Yen for the complete bundle that features the Nintendo 3DS (specially marked), Love Plus Art Book Complete Box, New Love Plus Original Soundtrack, a poster of your gal of choice (Rinko, Manaka, and Nene), 3D Clear File, and pins.

3DS

Nintendo 3DS

On sale in Japan since February 26, 2011, later on in North America and Europe in late March 2011, the revolutionary glasses-free 3D hand held video game system, the Nintendo 3DS, marks the new genre of portable 3D gaming experience, The Nintendo 3DS is the world's first portable 3D video game console that brings video games come to life in 3D and yes, this new category will shape up the Japanese video game brand and to bring the coolest appeal to the customers.

The styling of the 3DS derived from its predecessor, the Nintendo DS, to make it more of an enhanced version of the flip top portable video gaming console, A huge change is the addition of an analog stick that made a huge twist in the 3DS. Another thing standard on the 3DS is the new 3D camera, that allows users to photograph everything and watch them come to life in 3D.

What's included in the 3DS is the built-in software made for fun-to-use every time. It even has a Mii Maker to create your own Miis, which is different from creating Miis from your Wii, AR (augmented reality) games, 3DS sound, which allows you to listen to your favorite music and even record your own sounds, Face Raiders, surf the internet, and others that made the 3DS more interesting to handle.

The 3DS is the world's first portable hand held device that features motion sensor and gyro sensor. Moving the 3DS anywhere you want is like the same way you did from a Wii remote! Just be careful not to pull some epic fails on this feature!

The Nintendo 3DS not only plays 3DS exclusive games but also allows backwards compatibility, allowing the will to play almost all existing DS titles (except Guitar Hero), including Pokemon Black and White versions!

List of 3DS exclusive titles include Super Street Fighter IV, PES/Winning Eleven, and Ridge Racer are finally sold separately by the time the 3DS is here. Other titles such as Biohazard/Resident Evil: The Mercenaries, Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater, Legend of Zelda, and other 3DS exclusive games may soon follow. As for now, feel free to enjoy the rich lineup of 3DS titles and see if which 3DS game best fits you. A lot of Japanese 3DS first timers must have pick the Professor Layton game and even the Ridge Racer 3D game. This must be the start of something new...

Those who are in the US and Europe may have to wait 'till late March and when that happens, it will be a great pasalubong for the kids.

WHAT'S GREAT: 3D, borrowed some features from the DSi, create your own Mii, analog stick, motion sensor, and backwards capability.

WHAT'S NOT SO GREAT: Pricing starts at about 25,000 Japanese Yen, $250 or about 15,000 Philippine Pesos when it arrives. Two colors; Blue and Black

Official Site:

Japanese: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/index.html

English: http://www.nintendo.com/3ds

French: http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/fr/

Spanish: http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/es/

Call Of Duty: Black Ops

Call Of Duty Black Ops

The newest addition to the best-selling Call Of Duty franchise, Call Of Duty: Black Ops, welcomes COD veterans and noobs alike to experience the best jaw-dropping first-person shooter as the Black Ops forces ravaging through various missions spawn across the globe. And yes, this game is way better than the Medal of Honor video game for sure.

When playing solo, COD Black Ops' gameplay is so astonishing. The best weapons, menacing AI, and realistic damages in the corner makes it the best COD game to experience since last year's COD Modern Warfare 2. If you are a COD veteran, you may be familiar on how you play. If you were a noob, it's okay, you can learn various controls and maneuvers that help you survive in the blazing war zone.

The best feature in Black Ops is the legendary Co-op gameplay that lets you play with other COD veterans and noobs from across the globe. You can do some combat training with your pals or even fend off a bunch of zombies! You can also participate in multi-player battles to earn points to buy weapons, equipment, and others that help you gain an edge. It's just how you try to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. You can also gamble your points for the new wager matches.

With so much fun-to-play multiplayer features, think you can frag or be fragged in a middle of a world-scale battle?

LIMITED EDITION:
Two limited editions are offered, and both of these are in limited availability, so best to buy one of these quick before they disappear! First limited edition is the Hardened Edition that contains not only the Black Ops game, but also some perks and privileges such as the premium SteelBook case, Black Ops medal with display case, 4 additional co-op maps not in the standard edition, and a special avatar outfit in XBOX Live/PlayStation Home. Second Limited Edition is the Prestige Edition , it contains most from the Hardened Edition and bonuses such as the remote controlled RC-XD, as seen as a killstreak prize.


Trivia: There's a Jeep Wrangler in COD Black Ops!

If you are a COD veteran, you can frag noobs on multiplayer battles! But if you're a noob to the game, take your time. Learn and master various methods and you can outsmart the veterans.


...signing off...

3DS coming in 1st Quarter 2011?!

Recent news flying around from the guys at Nintendo at they will be launching the much-awaited Nintendo 3DS early next year.

Scoop: http://www.pcworld.com/article/206550/8_things_we_know_about_the_3ds_launch_so_far.html?tk=hp_new

I'm really preparing for this! With the launch date coming early 2011, and tons of new 3DS exclusive games, including Snake Eater (originally on PS2, now revised for 3DS), I'm sure most Nintendo fans will get into that. It will come this year! Now all it needs is some 3DS version of Loveplus as other otakus speak.

Trick DS -Kakushigami no Sumu Yakata-

With the success from the 2000 mystery J-drama series and movies especially the latest Rei Noryoku Sha Battle Royal movie, Konami (famous for its flagship titles such as Metal Gear, DDR, Silent Hill, and Akumajo No Dracula, otherwise known as Castlevania) has decided to bring the mystery drama straight to Nintendo DS, as a direct alternative to PSP's Misshitsu No Sacrifice.

This Trick game made exclusively for the DS is far more to be a mixture of visual novel that covers the new adventures of talented magician Naoko Yamada and eccentric professor Jiro Ueda and as a searching game to look for items and puzzles that proceed you to different aspects.

It might seem rough to do it but this game is much more like the PSP game called Misshitsu No Sacrifice, but the storyline is original, showing not only characters from the TV drama but in-game characters as well. I think this game is rather more primitive than other games that were visual novels at first but its a puzzle-solving game that requires the player's mind to solve puzzles for a very long time.

My point: The TV drama seems to be OK in the eyes of a J-dorama addict but fans are going to be frustrated when they're playing this DS game. It's worth attempting...

Pooyan this, Pooyan that, Heryan, Pooyan Mission!

Guys! Does anyone who loves video games remember some classic video game called Pooyan?

If you know what Pooyan is, there's a clip:



It's a game where you must shoot arrows to some balloon-hanged wolves trying to snatch your baby pigs. Well, of course, you know this old-age video game right?

Some might consider, the classic Pooyan is pooling in some Konami games like this:

On the left is some Nintendo DS game called Hayate No Gotoku! Ojousama Produce Daisakusen (日本名: ハヤテのごとく! お嬢様プロデュース大作戦 ボク色にそまれっ!) The second Hayate No Gotoku game for the Nintendo DS sold in Japan. As you may know, there are two versions of this game. Both versions let players have Nagi Sanzenin, Maria, and Hinagiku Katsura. However, the Oyashiki Hen (Mansion Version) lets you have Isumi Saginomiya, Sakuya Aizawa, Wataru Tachibana, and Saki Kijima (unlockable character when you're done), while the Gakkou Hen (School Version) allows you to have Yukiji Katsura, Ayumu Nishizawa, Izumi Segawa (the leader of the Hakuo Three Amiga), and Hermione Ayasaki (which is odd that person is Hayate Ayasaki but its an unlockable character when you're finished with this version).

In some part of this game, you (as Hermione) will play their version of the Pooyan game called, Heryan. In that mini-game, you will have to shoot some arrows through the balloon clinged Tama(s), otherwise Tama will start...ugh.. how can I say it politely.... you! Happen this three times or when the time is up, its game over! Once you're done, depending on your performance, you will gain goodies to raise your character.

Now, you guys know how does Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker feels like, right? There is also an extra ops mission called "Pooyan Mission". (Ugh, here goes the Pooyan reference!) Shoot the balloons that abduct soldiers before it reaches the sky! Fail three times and it's game over!

Got it?

Enjoy the Pooyan memory!

Yumeiro Patissiere My Sweets Cooking

Yumeiro Patissiere My Sweets Cooking

Mmmm...mmmm...good. That DS game based on the Yumeiro Patissiere manga and anime, Yumeiro Patissiere: My Sweets Cooking, never been tasted this good but this game makes it a perfect gift for a little girl who wanted to be just like the aspiring Ichigo Amano, the story's main character, in her quest to be the best pastry chef.

If you have a dream to be a pastry chef, just like Ichigo Amano, Yumeiro Patissiere My Sweets Cooking, is good game for you. It features more than 100 sweets recipes to cook, from the milfeulle (sounds tasty), milk crepe (yum), choco fondue (yummy), tiramisu (hey, I'm familiar with that pastry) and more.

You can also use the Wi-Fi to get more ingredients and recipes to grow your collection, but doing everything on this game seems to be a hard act to do if you want to inspire your pastry creativity. I guess this game would be a perfect birthday gift for your daughter (who aged from 6 - 10) or for your wife, your girlfriend or your best friend.

Don't tell them to someone who's taking HRM! Results not typical for them.

Nintendo DSi

In 2004, Nintendo created the DS, the hand held video game system that gives gamers use the new stylus function and the microphone, then in 2006, a nimbler version of the Nintendo DS also known as the DS Lite provides the same quality as the original DS but with the cheaper price, and now, in 2009, Nintendo created their first handheld video game system with the camera to send it between friends. This was known as the DSi.

The Nintendo DSi provides the same DS quality, like for instance, playing your favorite DS games, and the new features in store for this newest hand held gaming console. Notice the SD Card slot in the side, this is where you can show pictures and play music to this new kind of DS. On the upside, there is a camera function here, meaning you can take pictures of your friends or when you're on the go looking for adventure and best of all, you can draw your pictures you've taken for more fun factor to show it to your friends. You can also store it to your Nintendo Wii's Photo Channel and enjoy your precious moments stored on the small screen. Also, the audio player only plays AAC format songs, meaning you have to find a way to do so with your mp3 files. On the downside, the GBA slot has been removed, meaning you can't play your favortie Game Boy Advance games or using the guitar like accessory to the Guitar Hero On Tour game.

Having the same DS quality with the quality of an MMS phone, the DSi is a new way to impress others more than gaming. It's more on taking pics and listen to your favorite music on the go.