http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php A current listing of cheap video games, video game sales and video game deals: CAG en Sun, 19 May 2013 08:36:36 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=10422 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:32:05 GMT Image: http://images.quickblogcast.com/101455-94893/Dreamcast_VMU.jpg?a=7 The guys at...

The guys at Tech-Gaming have all posted their DC memories on the site: http://tech-gaming.com/2009/09/09/ha...dreamcast.aspx

Come and share yours as well.

Highlights include a Target stampede, life after death, and Chu-Chu Rocket. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=10422 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9516 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:22:35 GMT A past CAG posed a question asking what people did to secure these homes. Here's a brief rundown of the stuff I can show. Our wonderful Governor Schwarzenegger decided to ban .50 weapons, so I don't have any of those ;)

Here's what I keep under the bed. The knife is a kukri (sometimes spelled khukuri); a Napalese knife made from the melted springs of old Mercedes. The material allows the knife to keep an unbelievably sharp edge, yet still resist being brittle.

The pistol's name is Gladys ("Glocks get "G" names, the DesertEagle is named 'Dolores'...). She's a G22, a .40 S&W version of the original Glock 17; I picked her up in 1994. She's 7.3 inches long, 5.4 inches tall, and almost 1.2 inches wide. She's a paltry 23 ounces empty, making her a lightweight girl, with a pretty good punch. I've put nearly a 1,000 rounds through her without any problems. About one a month, I take her out for some quality time. Please don't mention Kb!s around her, she won't stand for such talk.

Welcoming visitors to Desert's abode.

Next time, Broadswords, Sally, and a Ninja Blade without QTE's. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9516 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9334 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:25:46 GMT Man, those Germans give funny names to their games! Image:... Man, those Germans give funny names to their games!



How do you prepare your sausage? ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9334 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9240 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:54:27 GMT Image: http://images.quickblogcast.com/101455-94893/screenshot_382939361_1242836767.jpg With a...

With a scant three titles over the last two console generations, the old west has been an underrepresented environment in gaming. Cinematic interpretations of the setting have focused on rapid gunplay, tense showdowns, and sweeping vistas, creating a presumably idyllic context for the pastime. Developer Techland awkwardly mined the cowboy mythos for 2007’s Call of Juarez. While many enjoyed the title’s first-person shooting elements, the game’s stealth missions and object manipulation puzzles felt woefully forced.

Fortunately, the recently released prequel Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood largely omits those superfluous elements, wisely focusing on Wild West gunplay. In this pursuit, the game often becomes steeped in linearity, feeling as antiquated as an old, dusty stagecoach. Enjoyment emanates from slaughtering an enemy posse in the streets of a sandy pueblo, but revisiting staged set-pieces and the repetition of brotherly banter detracts from these pleasures. The first respite from the game’s preset pathways doesn’t appear until the sixth chapter of the game, offering a handful of exhilarating open-world sub-missions. It’s a shame that a recurrent, screen-blanking, glitch robbed this section of its verve, forcing a retreat to an earlier save point.

Continued: http://tech-gaming.com/2009/06/28/ca...-reviewed.aspx ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9240 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9181 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:15:05 GMT

Vertigo and Conduit done, 7 more to go. Jeez, I've almost forgot what the sun looks like.

Not pictured is Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9181 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=7995 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:15:07 GMT Image: http://xbradtc.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/fubar3ql.jpg Alexa is one of the most popular...

Alexa is one of the most popular methods of tracking website popularity, but has its fair share of detractors. Until recently, Alexa's data came solely from people who have installed its toolbar into IE or Firefox. Many didn't, as there was little benefit for them, and most virus scanners reported the toolbar as 'suspicious' as it sent data back through the web. Supposedly, that oversight has been remedied.

Some say that since Amazon.com owns and operates Alexa, providing links to Amazon will lower your ranking (lower=better; Google=ranked first in popularity, Yahoo is second). Although I don't have an real data to prove that, I did notice a slight improvement when I posted link to Amazon products on my site. In hindsight, putting links to a game in reviews felt cheesy, and I discontinued the practice.

A few weeks ago Alexa changed their ranking methods. I've seen many websites fall in ranking (Here, CAG was in the 8,000's and now is in the 10,000's). My site was in the high 100,000s and now is in the mid 250,000. Several friends have experienced the same.

Now here's the kicker, recently SeanNOLA posted a review of the Valkyria Chronicles DLC that found it's way to the Sega, and Sony Blogs, resulting in some huge numbers for us. Alexa doesn't show ANY of that, and indicates a DECLINE in hits. My numbers show a steady growth in the past few months, but Alexa indicates a shrinkage. WTF?

So why does this all matter? Is it just e-penis comparison? Nope, advertisers look at Alexa too. So the bottom line is affected by this errant calculation. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=7995 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=7384 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:29:37 GMT Image:...

These inflammatory words are the work of Andy Anderson of the Mid-Missouri Internet Crimes Task Force. I can only assume Andy Anderson is a pseudonym this investigator uses when doing 'undercover' work in the interweb's chat rooms. Obviously, the bad wig is part of his disguise.

"There is no reason an adult should have this game," he said, going on to state that adults who play games like Animal Crossing are likely doing it for "the wrong reasons."

So what prompted Anderson's vigilant endeavor?

"Right now, we only know of the three Missouri children who have been contacted." Yes, 'contacted' by adults using the game.

Links: http://www.kmiz.com/news/story.php?id=13725

http://mmictaskforce.com/Coordinator.aspx ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=7384 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=6610 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:45:59 GMT Image: http://www.trade2save.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/gamestop.jpg Two weeks I...
Two weeks I preordered Loco Roco 2 for the PSP using Gamestop's 'handy' online reservation tool. Embeded within the ordering process is some small print- You may be charged a five dollar service charge if you don't pick up your game within $48 hours of release.

From Gamestop's Webite- "If the product is not picked up within 48 hours, you authorize us to charge you a $5.00 fee to cover the cost of shipping and handling to the store. "

Wednesday, I have a few available hours during the day, and I called to see if LR2 was in. At 3 PM, the final shipment of the day was received, therefore my game was delayed until the following day. The only problem was I was going to be working from 9:00AM-9:00PM for the next three days.

Monday, I head to the Gamestop to pick up my game. It was told that my credit card was charged $5. I explained my situation- that Wednesday, the release day was my only available window of opportunity to pick the game up. Since these was no manager available, I had to leave my info.

The DM calls with a surly attitude letting me know, "As a courtesy, GS will refund the CC charge." He later explained three times this was a "One time waiver."

Buyer Beware. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=6610 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5856 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:44:04 GMT Image: http://www.jayssite.com/stuff/childhacker/Hacker.jpg Send from Niero, D-toids, editor: ...

Send from Niero, D-toids, editor:

"This is the letter every web site operator hopes he never has to write: it seems a glitch in our web site allowed someone to exploit the database this weekend. We have confirmed that the intruder succesfully obtained everyone's username and password.

As soon as we were alerted we shut down all servers, changed all passwords, took our forums offline, and notified everyone via email... We're doing everything we can do prevent this from ever happening again and deeply apologize for this incovenience.

On the bright side, we intentionally store very little personally identifiable information. However, you may still be at risk: If you frequently use the same password for other web services... we strongly urge you to update your password ASAP"

They are also offering $1000 for the prosecution of the hacker. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5856 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5850 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:36:58 GMT Image: http://www.stus.com/images/products/blg5830.gif It must be a slow time for doing anything...
It must be a slow time for doing anything about the housing mess, or the unemployment situation; politicians are attacking games again:

Representative Joe Baca (Surname: Spanish for cow) is pushing HR 231. (http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.231:) This bill would require any game rated 'Teen' and up to have a warning sticker that would read: "WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior." I want a warning sticker placed on politicians stating, "Warning, is susceptible to PAC kickbacks, hookers and blow"

New York Legislature is considering a bill that would limit all game sales to people over the age of 18. (http://action.theeca.com/t/2858/camp...paign_KEY=2509). I'm sure Gamestop's tower of money, will quash this, but why not write your congressman to tell him there are far more important issues, like maintaining the integrity of the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5850 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5644 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:37:33 GMT Image: http://losangeles.metromix.com/content_image/thumbnail/1x1/351/875191 While many may...

While many may believe that the growing trend toward casual gaming is the most worrisome trend facing the industry, I bring you one far worse: the Hollywood release party. Recently Fallout 3, Rayman Raving Rabbids, and Shawn White Snowboarding have held them, with Skate 2, Street Fighter IV, and Killzone 2 parties on the immediate horizon.

The setting is always the same: some chic Los Angeles club, bought out for the night by a PR firm. Sure, there's an open bar, and a number of kiosks to enjoy the game, but the actual release is far from the focal point of the evenings festivities. Borderline celebs (and media whores) like the Kardashians, Shane Sparx, and others who fill the cable TV wasteland, fumble with controllers and feign interest. I wish I could show videos of 'celebrities' being taught to hold the Wiimore toward the screen.



Upon closer inspection, things are a bit worrisome; the attractive young women in skimpy attire are actually paid to be there and mingle. 'Stars' like Dane Cook spend more time taking pictures in front of the game logo than actually playing the title. The affairs usually feel like the worst possible amalgam of Hollywood and Gaming.



In the end, press coverage in minimal, maybe a few 'entertainment' blog might run some pics. To your average consumer, I doubt this make games any less cool/dorky to play. I suspect these shows are put on to make some of the PR people feel important.

Favorite quotes from a recent party:

"So there are web sites that just talk about videogames? Are they popular?"

"Actually, I haven't played very many games since they had they guy who cleaned through the castles" (Mario?)

"They really just need to find a way to put these (Wiis) in the gym." ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5644 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5574 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:22:24 GMT Image: http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/omega_man_1942/BF2/PileOfShit.jpg First, we have...
First, we have the 'Microsoft denies using Home to conduct meetings' story, then we have this:

http://www.destructoid.com/left-4-de...s-117304.phtml

Not only was it bad enough that destructoid ran it, the ECA newsletter picked up on it, too.

The blogs are making the National Enquirer look Pulitzer-worthy. Her's my dilemma- I'd like to support the ECA, but I can no longer read their daily newsletter. It's a steaming pile of elephant crap. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5574 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5547 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:06:42 GMT http://tech-gaming.com/2009/01/07/an-open-letter-to-former-egm1up-staff---please-continue.aspx ... http://tech-gaming.com/2009/01/07/an...-continue.aspx



Although I can’t recall if I read Electronic Gaming Monthly from its inception, the magazine launched when I was ten years old- right when my reading and gaming skills were being honed. I do remember as a youngster, placing the magazine before me on the floor, and laying down transfixed in its pages. Every story, review, and even advertisement was carefully scrutinized in preparation for a future discussion among my classmates. In this pre-internet era, I was mesmerized by the previews and screenshots of upcoming games. I would reread the publication methodically, until the bottom edges of the magazine were left dog-eared and inkless.

Periodically, I’d receive a yearly subscription of EGM from a relative savvy enough to know I had no interest in Mad, Cracked, or Ranger Rick. When issues arrived in less than pristine condition, often with ruffled corners, or tears that obscured screenshots, I’d be coolly incensed. Later, other magazines caught my fancy: NextGen with its first-rate page stock, or Die Hard Gamefan with its screenshot heavy layout. As each of those diversions moved to the internet, I returned to EGM. For the past four years or so, the periodical experienced a renaissance; it was one of the last bastions of true game journalism.



For the past few years, I was also a regular listener to the 1up podcasts, from 1Up Yours, Retronauts, and 1Up FM. Each of these show’s had a wonderfully dynamic cast who were genuine gamers; they brought a level of authenticism and professionalism that was exclusive to the industry. While attending E3 for the past few years I had a change to meet some these personalities. I found each of them to be amazingly friendly and delightfully knowledgeable. From discussing the merits of Bionic Commando with Jeremy Parish, sharing a bit of post-Microsoft disappointment with Garnett Lee, or meeting a young Nick Suttner at a Cheapassgamer meetup, each of these meeting was amazingly memorable. I’m sure the 1Up offices fostered an amazing synergistic quality that the industry may not see again.

I suppose Ziff-Davis’ sale to UGO was inevitable. Producing a steady output of podcasts, videos, and magazines with some of the top people in the industry couldn’t have been inexpensive. Being able to hold onto brilliant minds like Shawn Elliot and Jeff Green was probably difficult when greener pastures (hill zones?) beckon. Still, I’d like to think in a better world, a company like Ziff-Davis could survive, if not thrive.

My advice to all of the displaced 1Up staff is to follow the advice dispensed by countless arcade coin-ops. When your accomplishments have been temporarily interrupted, listen to the machines, and heed its advice to ‘please continue’. Although fate has separated this group of remarkable individuals, I take solace in imagining each member of EGM and 1Up elevating the level of journalism in all their future outlets. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5547 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5499 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:44:29 GMT Image: http://img.engadget.com/common/images/2883445133488767.JPG?0.5318760707118525 So our...

So our site tabulates the phrases used in google that brings people to our site. While most were pretty boring, number nine today was very interesting:

"Do you get piss tested if you work at gamestop"

Don't believe me? Do a search on the phrase, we are number eight.

Note the use of the term, "piss tested' rather than the denotative term, "drug tested".

For those seeking an answer to the question, my local manger states that they will test if employees appear "sluggish or inebriated". He added that any hesitancy to the "you''d pass a drug test?" question used in a initial job interview will result in peeing in the cup. In all, it's up the discretion of the district manager. ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5499 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5454 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:26:16 GMT Image: http://images.quickblogcast.com/101455-94893/NRSnowman.jpg Finish him! ...
Finish him!

http://tech-gaming.com/2009/01/04/ne...t-edition.aspx

-360
No Releases

PS3
Savage Moon

-Wii
Cid the Dummy
Fishing Master World Tour
Paws & Claws Pet Resort

-PS2
Cid the Dummy

-DS
Bigfoot: Collision Course
Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero
Jumble Madness
Moon
Paws & Claws Pampered Pets

-PSP
Cid the Dummy

-PC
Cid the Dummy
Saints Row 2 ]]> DesertEagleXIX http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=5454