How´s it going with me as an overall general state?
Well, I'm actively searching for a place of my own, but the house market is expensive, and also very competitive, so despite that I am ready for moving out, I will simply have to keep searching and wait for an opportunity to arise, so that I will finally take the next step.
I control my responsibilities and my tasks of my current job, which means that the challenge and stress are pretty much over with the exception of last minute unexpected incidents, projects or changes which demand agile handling.
This means that I am ready for a true promotion, or atleast the next IT career step, because I think that I have done enough of service desk and local support in order to become for instance a system administrator, which can manage various environments.
IT certificates which I have achieved since late 2015 include ITIL Foundation, MCSA Windows 7 and PRINCE2 Foundation, while I am working my way up with MCSA Windows Server 2012 by preparing for a re-take of 70-411, which is Administering Windows Server 2012.
If I have obtained MCSA WS 2012, then I think that my company really needs to provide for a true upgrade, because otherwise I will stagnate, as my current job hinders me from doing even basic server tasks, which is a shame. My company has promised to let us all become system administrators, but if they cannot realize it on a short term basis, then what's the point?
So, while I will be able to study on my own, do workshops and learn, I will wait with some patience this year, however if there is no true merit towards the promises being made then I will simply look for a new challenge elsewhere, as I am really craving that so called career ladder right now!
And I know that I am able to perform better, skill and competence, experience and knowledge wise. This also goes for other aspects in my life, including keeping a social network, confronting romance, maintaining body health and keeping on dreaming about travelling, my own video game and general happiness.
So what is the consensus on my overall current state? That would have to be "Content, but I am working on Improvement!"
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Hollow Knight
This is the best available indie Metroidvania so far, and I have experienced plenty of them already. The main catch is that your weapon of choice is a nail sword which can hit in 3 directions.
Hollow Knight engages you into the strange dark world of Hallownest, a mostly underground environment consisting of deep yet cozy areas, each consisting of their own unique settings to make them consistent and memorable.
Insects occupy Hallownest, and the overall plot reeks of subtle development, meaning that there is hidden lore to be found, and more background information can be obtained if you peer into the dreams of the deceased.
The music is otherworldly, melancholic and astonishing, resulting into a soundtrack of pleasant variety. The controls are precise, floaty and interesting, as you can bounce of enemies, and there are mandatory upgrades in order to progress. Think of a double jump, a super dash, wall climbing, etcetera.
Another unusual feature is that the magic and hp meters are fused into 1 bar somewhat, so that whenever you hit enemies, your soul bar goes up, and if you consume it, you can either heal up or use spells.
It’s a huge game for it’s sub genre, and it gets bigger if you include all of the optional areas and content. You will guaranteed get lost several times in the first playthrough, as the game has the special mechanic of only being able to purchase maps if you find a particular insect, plus unless you have a specific charm equipped, you will have to memorize where your current position is.
The charm system in here reminds me of Paper Mario’s badge system, where you can only equip a handful of them, and yet they all seem valuable and efficient. The charms felt balanced and I think that multiple styles are definitely available.
Secret locations and weird NPC’s galore the game everywhere too, as you will have to do your very best if you wish to achieve the 100% completion status. The game rewards exploration, and thanks to the great level design, you will naturally move to every spot in order to see what’s coming up next.
The only downside is that input lag exists, and it usually happens at predictable events, such as jumping through the acid water, or it unfortunately can also happen randomly mildy, especially during platforming or not getting hit by bosses can it be frustrating, but the gameplay is great enough to continue trying.
Hollow Knight is a magnificent video game with balancing and varied gameplay which includes enemy design, presentation and features, and is an absolute must play for any Metroid, Castlevania or Metroidvania/Castleroid fan.
Rating: 8.6
Friday, April 28, 2017
Three Third Person Shooters, Online
Let's keep it simple this time and take a quick look at the online experience of 3 PS4 games I already previously reviewed!
The Last of Us
Unlike generic online shooters, The Last of Us mixed this up with survival management and scarcity, while teamwork is of course encouraged. The first two modes are self explanatory; Survivors is a deathmatch with no respawns, while Supply Raid adds a counter, or it is a permanent defeat if your entire team dies together at once.
The third and last mode is Interrogations, where you can gather intel from downed enemies in order to locate their lockbox which is the goal in order to acquire the objective of more intel, supplies and subsequently win.
Additionally, The online environment adds as a sub plot, as you gather supplies for survivors who are potential new recruitments, while you can choose between two factions and unlock rewards and bonuses.
The Last of Us online can be thrilling, but in a different way.
Metal Gear Solid 5
The formidable Fox engine works wonderfully and smoothly, even when playing online. After you have become accustomed to the controls through the single player mode, preferably you would be ready for multiplayer gaming.
Also known as Metal Gear Online version 3, Deathmatch is available, but what´s more insteresting are the various stealth related modes which emphasize on that method in order to win the matches. Rescuring or capturing objects as missions complete the variety.
There´s also another online system active in the background while you play the single player, and that is building up your Mother Base´s Forwards Operating Bases through the means and methods of resources, human or not, as well as defending your FOB´s from invasions.
All in all, the smoothness, the variety and the emphasis onto stealth gaming makes Metal Gear Solid 5, or Metal Gear Online v3, an exceptional experience.
Uncharted 4
Competitive multiplayer is the meat of the online environment here, and as you play familiar faces from the characters of the Uncharted series, you will have to defeat your opponents in normal fashion, or into special fashion called Mysticals.
These can enhance the advantage of the player grabbing the legendary items, such as damaging enemies or healing allies. There are summonable sidekicks available with various roles to play such as immobilizing enemies or hunting them down with the sniper rifle.
Treasures can also be found throughout the levels, which is a tradition of the Uncharted games, and they allow you to buy weapons and items. The experience is also improved further by the entertaining voice acting of the playable characters.
Uncharted 4´s multiplayer is in overall an enjoyable time!
All 3 video games offer distinctive multiplayer gaming despite being third person shooters, and I applaud the developers for that.
The Last of Us
Unlike generic online shooters, The Last of Us mixed this up with survival management and scarcity, while teamwork is of course encouraged. The first two modes are self explanatory; Survivors is a deathmatch with no respawns, while Supply Raid adds a counter, or it is a permanent defeat if your entire team dies together at once.
The third and last mode is Interrogations, where you can gather intel from downed enemies in order to locate their lockbox which is the goal in order to acquire the objective of more intel, supplies and subsequently win.
Additionally, The online environment adds as a sub plot, as you gather supplies for survivors who are potential new recruitments, while you can choose between two factions and unlock rewards and bonuses.
The Last of Us online can be thrilling, but in a different way.
Metal Gear Solid 5
The formidable Fox engine works wonderfully and smoothly, even when playing online. After you have become accustomed to the controls through the single player mode, preferably you would be ready for multiplayer gaming.
Also known as Metal Gear Online version 3, Deathmatch is available, but what´s more insteresting are the various stealth related modes which emphasize on that method in order to win the matches. Rescuring or capturing objects as missions complete the variety.
There´s also another online system active in the background while you play the single player, and that is building up your Mother Base´s Forwards Operating Bases through the means and methods of resources, human or not, as well as defending your FOB´s from invasions.
All in all, the smoothness, the variety and the emphasis onto stealth gaming makes Metal Gear Solid 5, or Metal Gear Online v3, an exceptional experience.
Uncharted 4
Competitive multiplayer is the meat of the online environment here, and as you play familiar faces from the characters of the Uncharted series, you will have to defeat your opponents in normal fashion, or into special fashion called Mysticals.
These can enhance the advantage of the player grabbing the legendary items, such as damaging enemies or healing allies. There are summonable sidekicks available with various roles to play such as immobilizing enemies or hunting them down with the sniper rifle.
Treasures can also be found throughout the levels, which is a tradition of the Uncharted games, and they allow you to buy weapons and items. The experience is also improved further by the entertaining voice acting of the playable characters.
Uncharted 4´s multiplayer is in overall an enjoyable time!
All 3 video games offer distinctive multiplayer gaming despite being third person shooters, and I applaud the developers for that.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Horizon Zero Dawn
This is easily the Dutch’s best achievement into video game design, philosophy and sales yet, and I’m proud to recommend this new intellectual property towards the world.
Horizon Zero Dawn is developed and published by Guerilla Games, using their own household engine Decima to bring the breathtaking world alive with natural details and enough assets to keep you observing around.
The setting looks like what at first seems to be human tribes fighting for survival against demonic machine nightmares, but as you will eventually learn to discover the rich background and lore with the gifted hunter Aloy, there is more than meets the eye here.
Combat wise, it’s not just a third person shooter with a bow, there’s also stealth, crafting, melee and elemental attacks to consider, and thanks to tactics like setting up traps, overriding machines and throwing AOE bombs, there is enough strategy and approach towards battles.
The enemy design is normal when it comes to enemy humans, but towards the machines which look like metallic dinosaurs, appraisal should be considered, because they are the main show of the adventure, each of them fulfilling natural and/or mechanical roles. From weak to tough foes, there is enough challenge to consider.
The story is decent on the foreground, and I liked the wrap up and open ending, but the background’s lore sometimes went a bit overboard with it’s specific terms, or perhaps I wasn’t invested enough into the immersion. Still, the world building is another remarkable benefit.
Open world as a formula and sub-genre of gaming is more mainstream than ever these years, and this game simply takes a good approach towards it, with enough content implemented, and enough exploration to do.
A minor criticism is that I found out that rolling through the entire adventure seemed to be the most versatile and swift progress for me to do towards uncharted territory, unless you were fast traveling using a pack. Sometimes, Aloy would also clip into inescapable objects, leaving me no choice but to either suicide or fast travel out of it, and the lip synchronization was off during several conversations.
Other than that, Horizon: Zero Dawn is well worth your time as a PlayStation exclusive, just don’t expect innovation or truly groundbreaking scenarios to happen. I could easily see a solid sequel happening, given it’s critical and commercial success!
Rating: 8.4
Monday, April 3, 2017
Mega Man Zero
One of those rare series which only got better and greater with each entry, and it ended on a perfect conclusive note, featuring the one and only Red Maverick as the star lead, Mega Man Zero is my favorite in overall when it comes to the gradual raise of quality by Capcom.
Developed by the new Inti Creates and co-produced by Keiji Inafune, back then, he still was the proud face of the franchise, and together, they managed to create a mature dark story what in my opinion was the most engrossing to delve into, which would normally take a backseat with previous series.
A century after the conclusion of the Mega Man X timeline, Zero re-awakens in a new barren world where humans and Reploids still are at war with each other, and is unsure about the situation, until deciding to protect the resistance and their leader Ciel.
Due to a energy crisis, the Reploids are blamed by mankind, and thus a genocidal crusade is executed by Copy X who presides over Neo Arcadia, in order to reduce energy consumption, and any rebellions.
Zero's new enemies including the Four Guardians feel as if they are doing it for a just cause, but he opposes them for the in discriminated violence, and seeks to find out what happened to his best friend, and to discover the truth.
I have to admit, the first part of this game before I got to Neo Arcadia the first time was dull, mostly because of the mission structure. Combined with the difficulty level, which is more so than most Mega Man games, Mega Man Zero was and remains a tough cookie.
Cyber Elves are introduced as a main feature and lore in the sense that they add various abilities and effects towards Zero during the action bases gameplay, which is as you would remember from the X series, but now it is based on a new setting, and it also features stylish death animations for Zero's saber to slice through.
Just as I was warming up towards the structure and formula of the game, it ends openly, begging for a sequel to be made. And luckily, Inti Creates complied.
Rating: 8.0
One year after the defeat of Neo Arcadia's leadership, Zero wanders in a desert, and continues to combat any foes thrown at his way, until collapsing of energy. After getting carried and recovered back to the resistance by an unlikely figure, Ciel is trying to end the war peacefully through development of a new energy source.
The new leading figure of the resistance named Elpizo instead uses a militaristic approach to assault Neo Arcadia, and fatally loses the battle. While Zero is busy fighting off the remaining Neo Arcadians, Elpizo eventually discovers and absorbs the Dark Elf, an insidious Cyber Elf capable of corruption.
Originally it was known as the Mother Elf which brought the cure towards Mavericks and the Maverick Virus in the past, but now it has been tainted dark, and it serves an evil purpose. Zero's friend X plays a more active supportive role, now portrayed as a Cyber Elf as well, and explains the backstory and motivation for the current events.
Mega Man Zero 2 is a step up in all aspects, including the soundtrack which just sounds better, the improved gameplay, the newly added weapon rod and the overall presentation. It also features a classic stage select interface, and Burble Hekelot is an entertaining boss to fight.
Rating: 8.5
The best one yet, but also the easiest to beat. This game had one of if not the most impressive stories told in Mega Man history so far in my opinion, and with a twist reveal like that during the climax final boss phase, they really made a special product in here.
The Dark Elf's true origins are explained and displayed, Copy X is resurrected, the Eight Gentle Judges are sent with extreme justice after Zero, the Four Guardians struggle in the overall conflict, and the major antagonist Omega is revealed.
And all of that just because my favorite Mega Man villain is introduced in here, who is pulling all of the strings, which is Dr.Weil, an exiled scientist punished for his inception of the Elf Wars, the corruption of the Dark Elf and the usage of Omega, and for that, his cyborg body continues to regenerate damage indefinitely.
The Secret Disk system is interesting for lore which makes fans of the story even more happy, as they contain lots of info about Mega Man history. Cyberspace is another new feature which again affects gameplay and lore further, affecting your mission results amongst others
Furthermore, Mega Man Zero 3 has the most bosses, the best music and the first secret boss in the Zero series, plus hidden mini games. It's extremely easy to persevere and play through it because it's just awesome to experience it's story, stages and presentation.
Rating: 9.0
The finale to all of the wars. Emphasizes less on the incredible story from Zero 3, but still has the most satisfying ending for a Mega Man game yet, because it literally ends all of the fighting. With Neo Arcadia's old leadership now truly gone, Weil is leading now, and he plans his revenge on humans and Reploids even bigger as he plans to unleash Ragnarok.
With an operation led by his new loyal figure Craft and his combat unit the Einherjar Warriors, all nature must cease to exist surrounding Neo Arcadia, so that Weil forces all humans and Reploids to return and live under his rule.
Mega Man Zero 4 gives us the Zero Knuckle instead of a rod from the previous games, which is fun, too bad that it’s awkward designed to throw each stolen part away. The weather system doubles as a difficulty and stage changer.
The multifunctional Cyber Elf makes things simpler, but I never played around with it too much. The music is arguably the best in the series, and Tech Kraken is easily my favorite Neo Arcadian with a mind blowing stage theme. The difficulty is fair and square, and sub tanks are your friend, even in Hard Mode. And of course the gameplay is more of the same satisfying quality.
It ends on a very high note as Zero defines his reason for fighting towards the psychological, megalomaniac al and evil Dr.Weil, who in return states that despite all of his actions and behavior, that he is still human under his current body, implying that he cannot strike him down fundamentally.
Mega Man Zero 4 is the best ending that any Mega Man game or series could have gotten, and I am so glad that Capcom left it alone and pure, so that the focus could be done on other series anno 2005, but mannn do I crave for a revival of any kind from the franchise right now!
Rating: 9.1
P.S. I am also the proud owner of the Zero Complete Works, a book containing all of the official information regarding this series.
Developed by the new Inti Creates and co-produced by Keiji Inafune, back then, he still was the proud face of the franchise, and together, they managed to create a mature dark story what in my opinion was the most engrossing to delve into, which would normally take a backseat with previous series.
A century after the conclusion of the Mega Man X timeline, Zero re-awakens in a new barren world where humans and Reploids still are at war with each other, and is unsure about the situation, until deciding to protect the resistance and their leader Ciel.
Due to a energy crisis, the Reploids are blamed by mankind, and thus a genocidal crusade is executed by Copy X who presides over Neo Arcadia, in order to reduce energy consumption, and any rebellions.
Zero's new enemies including the Four Guardians feel as if they are doing it for a just cause, but he opposes them for the in discriminated violence, and seeks to find out what happened to his best friend, and to discover the truth.
I have to admit, the first part of this game before I got to Neo Arcadia the first time was dull, mostly because of the mission structure. Combined with the difficulty level, which is more so than most Mega Man games, Mega Man Zero was and remains a tough cookie.
Cyber Elves are introduced as a main feature and lore in the sense that they add various abilities and effects towards Zero during the action bases gameplay, which is as you would remember from the X series, but now it is based on a new setting, and it also features stylish death animations for Zero's saber to slice through.
Just as I was warming up towards the structure and formula of the game, it ends openly, begging for a sequel to be made. And luckily, Inti Creates complied.
Rating: 8.0
One year after the defeat of Neo Arcadia's leadership, Zero wanders in a desert, and continues to combat any foes thrown at his way, until collapsing of energy. After getting carried and recovered back to the resistance by an unlikely figure, Ciel is trying to end the war peacefully through development of a new energy source.
The new leading figure of the resistance named Elpizo instead uses a militaristic approach to assault Neo Arcadia, and fatally loses the battle. While Zero is busy fighting off the remaining Neo Arcadians, Elpizo eventually discovers and absorbs the Dark Elf, an insidious Cyber Elf capable of corruption.
Originally it was known as the Mother Elf which brought the cure towards Mavericks and the Maverick Virus in the past, but now it has been tainted dark, and it serves an evil purpose. Zero's friend X plays a more active supportive role, now portrayed as a Cyber Elf as well, and explains the backstory and motivation for the current events.
Mega Man Zero 2 is a step up in all aspects, including the soundtrack which just sounds better, the improved gameplay, the newly added weapon rod and the overall presentation. It also features a classic stage select interface, and Burble Hekelot is an entertaining boss to fight.
Rating: 8.5
The best one yet, but also the easiest to beat. This game had one of if not the most impressive stories told in Mega Man history so far in my opinion, and with a twist reveal like that during the climax final boss phase, they really made a special product in here.
The Dark Elf's true origins are explained and displayed, Copy X is resurrected, the Eight Gentle Judges are sent with extreme justice after Zero, the Four Guardians struggle in the overall conflict, and the major antagonist Omega is revealed.
And all of that just because my favorite Mega Man villain is introduced in here, who is pulling all of the strings, which is Dr.Weil, an exiled scientist punished for his inception of the Elf Wars, the corruption of the Dark Elf and the usage of Omega, and for that, his cyborg body continues to regenerate damage indefinitely.
The Secret Disk system is interesting for lore which makes fans of the story even more happy, as they contain lots of info about Mega Man history. Cyberspace is another new feature which again affects gameplay and lore further, affecting your mission results amongst others
Furthermore, Mega Man Zero 3 has the most bosses, the best music and the first secret boss in the Zero series, plus hidden mini games. It's extremely easy to persevere and play through it because it's just awesome to experience it's story, stages and presentation.
Rating: 9.0
The finale to all of the wars. Emphasizes less on the incredible story from Zero 3, but still has the most satisfying ending for a Mega Man game yet, because it literally ends all of the fighting. With Neo Arcadia's old leadership now truly gone, Weil is leading now, and he plans his revenge on humans and Reploids even bigger as he plans to unleash Ragnarok.
With an operation led by his new loyal figure Craft and his combat unit the Einherjar Warriors, all nature must cease to exist surrounding Neo Arcadia, so that Weil forces all humans and Reploids to return and live under his rule.
Mega Man Zero 4 gives us the Zero Knuckle instead of a rod from the previous games, which is fun, too bad that it’s awkward designed to throw each stolen part away. The weather system doubles as a difficulty and stage changer.
The multifunctional Cyber Elf makes things simpler, but I never played around with it too much. The music is arguably the best in the series, and Tech Kraken is easily my favorite Neo Arcadian with a mind blowing stage theme. The difficulty is fair and square, and sub tanks are your friend, even in Hard Mode. And of course the gameplay is more of the same satisfying quality.
It ends on a very high note as Zero defines his reason for fighting towards the psychological, megalomaniac al and evil Dr.Weil, who in return states that despite all of his actions and behavior, that he is still human under his current body, implying that he cannot strike him down fundamentally.
Mega Man Zero 4 is the best ending that any Mega Man game or series could have gotten, and I am so glad that Capcom left it alone and pure, so that the focus could be done on other series anno 2005, but mannn do I crave for a revival of any kind from the franchise right now!
Rating: 9.1
P.S. I am also the proud owner of the Zero Complete Works, a book containing all of the official information regarding this series.
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