My favorite Mario Spin off (and probably my favorite puzzle game) is Dr. Mario. The game is tactical, fun, and has a catchy tune that lingers in our head. Check out this comical animation of Dr. Mario’s song with lyrics.

Dragon Quest (known as “Dragon Warrior” in the United States) is one of the most celebrated names in the RPG world in Japan.  Sure, Final Fantasy may be more popular in the US, but without a doubt, Dragon Quest is the dominant of the two franchises in Japan.  However, today’s blog is NOT about Dragon Quest, but rather, “T-Dragonquest.“  Nope, that was not a typo.  There IS a “T” in the front.

“T-Dragon Quest” has an uncanny visual resemblance to normal Dragon Quest.  However, it is not a bootleg version of Dragon Quest.  It was released exclusively for the Japanese home computer system, the Sharp X68000.  The first model appeared in 1987 and used an operating system is called Human 68K (similar to MS-DOS), created by Hudson Soft.  My bro and I used to own one.

Here’s an image comparing the two games:

Comparing T-Dragon Quest (L) and Dragon Quest (R)

Despite the obvious similarities, I would like to believe T-Dragon Quest as a legitimate game on its own.  I see it as a reaction to the overwhelming popularity of Dragon Quest thus forcing an individual to create this game out of admiration of the series.  The “T” in “T-Dragon Quest” is derived from the creator’s name, Hide Tanbo.

I am currently playing this game and I love how old-school and uniquely-original it is.  If you are an otaku, and a hardcore RPGer, you must try this truly rare game.

See more screenshots of T-DragonQuest: http://ssrs.at.infoseek.co.jp/tdq1reve.htm
Find out more about the X68000 home computer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_X68000

Okay, building a meaningful relationship with someone of the opposite sex.  I don’t handle rejection too well, and that’s why people like myself find solace in the virtual world.  But today I found out that relationships in the game world can also be nasty…especially went it comes to divorce.

A Japanese piano teacher was arrested for the murder of her virtual husband after an abrupt but messy online divorce.  The 43-year-old from the Kyushu province in southern Japan could face a maximum sentence of five years in jail if she is found guilty of killing off her digital partner.  She is accused of hacking into the profile of a 33-year-old office worker from Sapporo 620 miles away, whose avatar on the Maple Story computer game was married to her character until he unexpectedly demanded a divorce.

I learned two things for the story above.  First of all, I’m never ever going to get married online (geez! thanx alot!  I’m now even more of a commitophobe!)  Secondly…the lady was 43-years old, playing an MMORPG,got married online, got pissed and murdered her virtual husband…enough said.  Let’s all hope we’ll find a significant other by her age.

So kids, stay in school because it’s cool.

Go have fun and possibly find your significant others at Maple Story: http://www.maplestory.com/

Street Fighter was THE fighting game to play.  It paved the way for the future fighting games, and is still wildly popular even today.  It is a Legend.  However!  Today let’s talk about Sagat.  He first appeared as the final boss in the first installment of Street Fighter (Renamed Fighting Street for the TurboGrafx-CD port), and later returned as one of the Four Grand Masters in part two.  His special move “Tiger Uppercut” is still my favorite.

BUT!!! Did you notice his scar in part two, which wasn’t there in the first game?  Look at the images below comparing the two versions of Sagat.

Sagat’s scar is a brutal reminder of his loss to Ryu.  The scar was caused by Ryu’s special move “Shoryu-ken” (Rising Dragon Fist), a jumping uppercut.  The scar pattern is consistent with Ryu being right-handed and the directionality of Ryu’s uppercut.  This defeat propelled Sagat to master his “Tiger Uppercut,” which is a mirror image of Ryu’s “Shoryu-ken.”  Some scars heal…but Sagat will always carry the scar of defeat.

Here’s a short video clip from the Animated Movie “Street Fighter,” where Ryu’s “Shoryu-ken” leaves Sagat crippled.

A recent study have linked violent games to increased aggressive behavior among Japanese and American teenagers.

In this study the researchers evaluated three different groups of teenagers with ages ranging from 9-18yrs old.  These groups were further binned into two different categories:  teenagers in Japan or in America. Different modes of measurement was used to evaluate “aggression” in each group:  the 6 item Buss and Perry physical aggression scale, the 1-item self report measure of frequency of physical aggression (involving punching or kicking someone) in the last month, and an index of teacher, peer, and self-reports of physical aggression, such as hitting, kicking, and getting into fights in the last year.

The average odds ratio across the 3 samples was 2.10 (teenagers are two times more likely to express aggression than those not exposed to violent video games).  Furthermore, the findings also contradict another popular alternative hypothesis:  that only highly aggressive children (either by nature, culture, or other sociological factors) will become more aggressive if repeatedly exposed to violent video games.

This is one of the many studies suggesting a link between video games and violence.  Despite their findings this article should not be used to solely explain the phenomenon and should not be quoted to make this association.  First of all, each sample used different methods to measure “aggression.”  They are not normalized to one standard method.  Social and developmental psychologists typically define “aggression” as an act conducted by 1 person with the intent of hurting another person; it is not an emotion, thought, or intention.  Only two of the three measurements used in this paper accurately fits this definition.  Secondly, the odds ratio is low.  An odds ratio of 2.10 may be statistically significant, but is it clinically relevant?  A world renowned biostatiscian teaching at our school believes findings are only relevant when the odds ratio is 3.0 or above.  Good statistical analysis is largely dependent on the discretion of the researchers involved.  Finally, the time lag between the 1st and the 2nd assessment was approximately 4-6months.  It is too short to measure any kind of significant long-term effect a video game may have on any teenager.

Despite my skeptical view of scientific studies, I do quietly believe there is a correlation between video games and aggression.  Whenever I play Mario Bros, I have this irresistible urge to stomp on turtles…especially teenage turtles…who are mutants…and who practice ninjitsu…

Wanna know how violent you are?  Try the Buss and Perry physical aggression scale and see where you stand.

SOURCE: Yahoo! News, “Longitudinal Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression in Japan and the United States“

Okay, so Mega Man (aka “Rockman” in Japan) won’t be in the movie theaters any time soon.  But, how would it look like if were to hit the big screen?  Check out this video clip of a fanciful movie trailer to find out.

The National Institute on Media and the Family issued its 13th annual video game report card and red-flagged ten violent games for this holiday:

• Blitz: The League II
• Dead Space
• Fallout 3
• Far Cry 2
• Gears of War 2
• Legendary
• Left 4 Dead
• Resistance 2
• Saints Row 2
• Silent Hill: Homecoming

Do violent video games lead to aggression?  Read our previous blog “Violent Games lead to Aggression?“

Are you in love?  Do you like playing Mario Kart?  How about “are you in love with Mario Kart?”  If so then check out this beautiful, romantic, lovely, but yet very…VERY…geeky song.

check out his other songs here.

Final Fantasy X is widely loved among the loyal FF fans.  The strong emotional themes, deep character development, and beautifully-rendered cutscenes are just few of the many impressive features of Final Fantasy X.  The game was released in 2001 exclusively for PlayStation 2…or at least that’s what we thought.

It is rumored that a group of Japanese hackers recreated Final Fantasy X for NES using Final Fantasy 2j beta roms.  Obviously the game was recreated in 2D and lacks the detail of the original, but the uncanny resemblance to its 3D predecessor is impressive.  It is uncertain whether or not whether these FFX NES screenshots and clips are fake, but nevertheless it is worth mentioning.  Check out the image below comparing the original and recreated Final Fantasy X.

Source: Mikes Homepage, HUHEN, Siloconera

I’m not a big fan of bullet hell games, but even I can appreciate this video clip.  Check out these mad skills!!!!  Seriously, this is ridiculously insane!

SOURCE: Game Addiction Blog

Does the title sound pornographic? Sorry guys! It’s not about porn. It’s about the XBOX 360’s reputation for breaking down. The list of problems include frequent overheating, frequent general system failures (”Red Ring of Death”), sudden loss of video, jamming disc tray, and drive malfuntion. One of the more recent and serious problems is the possibility of scratched discs.

On 12/9/2008 an Illinois man, Jason Johnson, filed a suit against Microsoft claiming that his XBOX 360 ruined his games. The characteristic circular scratches are made when the console is changed from its horizontal to vertical position (and vice versa) during game play. But Johnson was far from being the first to notice and not the first to file a lawsuit either. This malfunction was discovered prior to its production in 2005. Three possible solutions to the problem were suggested but were never implemented. Johnson filed suit after his console scratched three store-bought game discs, and is seeking $50,000 in punitive damages. A 2007 lawsuit made similar claims and is currently seeking class action status.

SOURCE: Yahoo! News, Wikipedia

Hadouken (波動拳, hadōken, “Surge Fist” “Wave Motion Fist”) is a special attack from the fighting series Street Fighter. The character accumulates spirit energy (”ki”) in his palms and then thrusts them forward to send out a shock wave of energy to their opponent. This technique is utilized by many characters including Ryu, Ken, Gouki (known as “Akuma” in the United States), and most recently by Gouken from Street Fighter IV.

Hadouken first appeared in Street Fighter I back in 1987. As the series continued to grow, so did Hadoken in its appearance and variations.

Variations in HADOUKEN:

Shakunetsu Hadouken (灼熱波動拳, shakunetsu hadōken, “Scorching Surge Fist”): Originally known as the Fire Hadouken in Super Street Fighter II and first used by Ryu and then Akuma. A Hadouken which is imbued with the power of fire. Executed by Akuma, anyone touching this Hadouken risks immolation and will be knocked down. When performed by Ryu however, the flames will stun the victims, but not knock them down. In the original Street Fighter II (as well as in Street Fighter II Champion Edition and Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting), Ryu and Ken could perform a red-colored Hadouken once in every 255th occurance, although this variation had no difference between it and the regular Hadouken.

 

 

Shinkuu Hadouken (真空波動拳, shinkū hadōken, “Vacuum Surge Fist”): A Super Combo version of the Hadouken; when executed, the Shinkuu Hadouken can hit the opponent multiple times and destroy other projectiles launched by the opponent. In the Vs. series, the Shinkuu Hadouken takes the form of a huge energy beam launched from the character’s hands. This type of Hadouken inflicts much more damage than the normal versions of the Hadouken.

Gou Hadouken (豪波動拳, gō hadōken, “Great Surge Fist”): A slightly more powerful Hadouken used by Akuma. Some versions can hit multiple times.

 

Zankuu Hadouken (斬空波動拳, zankū hadōken, “Air Slashing Surge Fist”): This is an air fireball used by Akuma, which travels diagonally down and towards the opponent. Some versions of the Akuma character can launch two Zankuu Hadouken at the same time, with both traveling at different angles towards the arena floor.

 

Messatsu Gou Hadou (滅殺豪波動, messatsu gō hadō, “Magnificent Surge Destructor”): This is a version of Gou Hadouken was used as a Super Combo by Akuma, and is somewhat similar to the Shinkuu Hadouken.

Tenma Gou Zankuu (天魔豪斬空, tenma gō zankū, “Heavenly Demonic Great Air Slash”): This is a more powerful version of the Zankuu Hadouken used by Akuma as a Super Combo. In the Vs. series, it is a barrage of fireballs.

Denjin Hadouken (電刃波動拳, denjin hadōken, “Thunder Blade Surge Fist”): A Hadouken backed by the power of a Japanese thunder god. In practice, the move begins in a similar way to the Shinkuu Hadouken. The player can then hold down the punch button and rotate the joystick to charge the move to its full strength (leaving them vulnerable). The move cannot be blocked and at full strength, will instantly dizzy the opponent while dealing heavy damage.

Metsu Hadouken (滅波動拳, metsu hadōken, “Destructive Surge Fist”): The evil version of the Denjin Hadouken used by Evil Ryu in Capcom vs. SNK 2. This Hadouken electrocutes the victim. It behaves as a more powerful Shinkuu Hadouken but has an execution delay and is rose-red in color with energy trails whipping around it. This technique is used as Ryu’s Ultra Combo in Street Fighter IV. (picture not shown)

unrelated story:

Ryu and Ken may have trained under the same teacher, and their skills may look identical, however, the two characters’ paths started to diverge starting from Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. Ryu was given a faster and stronger Hadoken while Ken was given a wider arcing Shoryuken and multiple hit Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku.

Wait… Was that Hadoken? That’s right! Check out this video clip of Megaman X showing of his Street Fighter skills.

SOURCE: SVC CHAOS, Strategy Wiki, Mugen Replay, Answers.com, Wikipedia

One of the most overlooked scene in Street Fighter II, is the car wrecking bonus stage in between fights. What if you are crazy enough to recreate this scene in real life? Apparently, there is somebody who’s crazy enough to do so. Check this out yo!

Reference: DISGRASIAN

The Chocobo is an iconic figure of Final Fantasy.  Not only is it a cute bird, but its theme song is catchy and one of the most memorable songs in the Final Fantasy repertoire.  But!  WHAT IF there were a real-life Chocobo?  Well there is!  And, not only does it look like one, it can sing its own theme song!  Check it out!

I like how it sings the last bit, haha!

Biohazard 4 (known as the Resident Evil in Wetern countries) features the very cool Leon as its main playable character.  But even he needs a hand time to time.  Check out this video clip where hackers tweaked the game to replace Leo with Kamen Rider ZX.