Co-Optimus - Multiplayer Cooperative Gaming Hub

Co-Optimus – Multiplayer Cooperative Gaming Hub

If you haven’t checked this out yet, Co-Optimus is a terrific site dedicated solely to multiplayer COOPERATIVE games.  They don’t even touch on titles that are single player, or if the multiplayer experience is solely competitive.  I personally love cooperative multiplayer games, especially for game time with my hubby.

The site even details what kinds of multiplayer options are available in each game (e.g. online or local, how many players, etc), and what kinds of modes you can expect.  I’ve always felt gaming is better with others (even single player games), especially in person.  You guys have had gaymer nights, too right?  Where booze and laughter is plentiful, and clothing and shame are scarce?  Can’t just be me, right?

Check out Co-Optimus todayfor all your multiplayer co-op game needs!

Dragonborn Deathbrand DLC Walkthrough

Dragonborn Deathbrand DLC Walkthrough

Pirate’s booty?  If only Dragonborn was available for my poor little PS3 version of Skyrim… Pretty soon, though!

For all you lucky XBOX 360 Skyrim players, see IGN’s walkthrough here.

Deathbrand (Walkthrough)

Are We Getting a New Kingdom Hearts?

Are We Getting a New Kingdom Hearts?

I didn’t play Kingdom Hearts until well after it was released, and even then only after I watched my boyfriend play through it entirely, by himself (LOVE him).  Us console exclusive, non-hand held gamers have gotten little love from Square-Enix in the way of Kingdom Hearts games, so it would be exciting if we were actually getting a Kingdom Hearts 3!

Could Sora and company be back for a true third installment?

It’s too bad the HD remake of the original Kingdom Hearts and Chain of Memories isn’t being localized, but this article has my hopes up!  See the full story here.  Would you look forward to a “new chapter” of Kingdom Hearts?  Discuss in the comments below.

Kingdom Hearts “Next Chapter” Localised for the West?

Ni No Kuni Preorder Fiasco

Ni No Kuni Preorder Fiasco

Luckily, I got my standard copy of Ni No Kuni from GameStop and didn’t have to put up with this mess.  I understand Namco-Bandai’s position, but they just aren’t handling this very well at all.  There are no doubt hundreds if not thousands of dissatisfied customers out there, many of whom are fuming about essentially being shafted.

And their solution? Providing a $20 clubNamco voucher and the special edition game guide?  First of all, its obviously a PR move to try and get the miffed customers to go back and buy more Namco products.  Good luck with that.  Secondly, you’re giving a strategy guide to someone for the game they will not be getting…  If that’s not a slap in the face, I don’t know what is!

It's too bad this mess has tainted the release of this awesome game.

I know some of you are going through this unfortunate situation.  Did you get your preorder?  If not, what have been your options?  How do you feel about the way Namco is handling this?  Discuss in the comments below.

3 Reasons I'm Excited for the HD Wii U Wind Waker Remake

3 Reasons I’m Excited for the HD Wii U Wind Waker Remake

…and one reason I’m dreading it.

While many may not agree with me, I believe Legend of Zelda – Wind Waker is a game worthy of a remake.  For its time, the graphical design and gameplay were innovative and unique.  Here are 3 reasons I’m looking forward to the reiteration.

3. Time for a Replay.  My Wind Waker has been collecting dust in my pile of forgotten GameCube games, but I’ve been wanting to fire it up again for a long time.  The first time through, I never really got to “experience” the whole game, and I’d like to see it reborn on the Wii U.  Plus, now I have my boyfriend to help me perfect it, like we did with Skyward Sword.  100%, here we come!

A screen from the upcoming remake.  Looks rich!

2. Awesome Visual Style. Ok, slap me in the face (with your hand or otherwise) if you don’t agree, but I thought Wind Waker was a gorgeous game.  Yes, it’s “cartoony”, but it was done well, and I’m sure the touch-ups Nintendo is planning for the HD Wii U version will make it look even better.  I enjoy the bright, somewhat abstract environments, and the flourishes of detail sprinkled throughout, like the white swirls of the passing wind, the deep blue ocean splashing on the side of your boat, or the soft light flickering against Link’s face as you pass by a crackling torch.  Say what you will, I think the game looks beautiful!

Wee!  You better love sailing if you play this game!  A LOT.

1. It Is a Great Zelda Game.  Period.  Don’t get me wrong – I still think Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time, and Link to the Past (yay SNES) surpass Wind Waker in terms of overall game quality, but the title is still pretty damn good.  There’s tons to do – the world is huge and littered with collectibles.  Pieces of Heart, Treasure Charts and the accompanying booty, and dozens of willing (and unwilling) subjects to capture in your Picto-Box, not to mention a respectable array of equipment Link is known for lugging around.  There are many islands scattered across this submerged version of Hyrule, many of which are non-essential.

ZOMG!  A chest!  Pwnzors!

The only thing I’m NOT looking forward to?  Sailing.  Yes, I’m sure everyone will agree with me on this point.  You spend an inordinate amount of time on the water in Wind Waker.  While you can use the – ahem – Wind Waker to change the direction of the wind to make it more favorable, or teleport to various points on the map, more times than not you’ll just be sailing uneventfully over open seas for what seems like forever.

Despite this minor set back, I’m still looking forward to HD Wind Waker.  It’s one more reason (but not THE reason, for sure) to buy a Wii U!