I'm not here to say it was right or wrong that E3 rejected me this year, only to point out how much I'll miss it.

Somehow, someway last year, I convinced E3 that a university radio station in the Turlock/Modesto area in California deserved to be there. I didn't expect them to admit me. I only thought that since I had nothing to lose, I might as well throw up a hail mary and see what happens. It was funny, because in my initial interaction with the staff through email, they told me I would not qualify as media. But I applied anyway, despite their initial rejection of the idea that college media is real media, and miraculously two weeks later they told me I was in.

Rest assured, attending E3 does live up to all the hype. I once wrote a long Tumblr post about it, as well as talked about the experience on my radio show numerous times. http://reinman64.tumblr.com/post/6672483363/final-thoughts-on-e3

Initially I thought this was some fluke, until I tried to see what would happen if I applied to other events. After E3, I got accepted to every single convention I applied to as press. Of course, nothing ever lived up to E3. Nothing. I won't list every event I've been accepted to, but the list is quite surprising and even includes the prestigious Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. After a while, I felt invincible. Unfortunately, I had no money to drive to Las Vegas and couldn't make it, but getting accepted into that proved to me without a doubt, that getting into E3 last year was no accident, or so I thought.

In the past year also, I joined my university newspaper as a way of not necessarily adding to my credentials for these events, but to make myself a better journalist regardless, because I truly and honestly love reporting on video games.

But, as the title of this blog mentions, E3 rejected me this year. I have argued with them about it over email, saying our station is getting a new transmitter which will expand our reach, pointing out that there's absolutely nothing different about the qualification process as last year, only to have them reply their rules have magically become stricter.

I don't know anymore if I'm just a really gifted writer to have made all these conventions believe I belong, or if my university media status legitimately qualified me for every event that I was accepted to over the past year. It does not matter. My luck ran out.

It's their event I suppose and they can do what they want. I could go on and on about how inconsistent it is for them to admit me one year, and reject me the next despite turning in the exact same application materials. It's over though. It would not matter if I wrote 10 pages about this. I'd be less surprised if a chocobo flew threw the sky than me entering E3 ever again.

I just wanted to share my story. I went to E3 last year representing a small radio station in Turlock, CA, and I will probably never duplicate such an accomplishment again. Thanks for the memories.

Around Christmas time, I bought a 3DS!

As far as games, the only retail one I have is Ocarina of Time which came with the 3DS. I've bought some off the eShop though, such as Excitebike in 3D, Pyramids, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Earthworm Jim, and I have some demos too, such as Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Resident Evil: Revelations. Plus, the multiplayer centered Zelda game The Four Swords was a free download.

An Improved DS Lite?

The console looks and feels similar to the DS Lite. It definitely has a similar thickness. But, the main difference of course is the large screen on top. When I play a DSi game such as Earthworm Jim, it doesn't take up the whole screen, so there is a noticeable change. Also, people might notice the Zelda design on the back. The 3DS I purchased came with Ocarina of Time as a special promotion, so I got a nifty design that will hopefully make it a collector's item one day.

On the lower half of the 3DS, the analog stick on the top left also sets this portable handheld apart from its predecessors. That leaves the directional pad on the bottom left, which makes some games slightly uncomfortable. My left thumb definitely feels cramped after playing Super Mario Land 2, which makes me try and revert back to using the analog. But once I switch to the analog, it does not feel right either. Game Boy games were meant to be played with the directional pad.

As for the four buttons on the right, they are in the same exact spot as on the DS Lite. The two triggers on the top left and right remain. The start and home buttons are right underneath the touch screen. They feel a bit cheap to press because it's not part of the touch screen, but they don't feel like regular buttons either, but rather cheap plastic. It does not affect the gameplay though, so that's good. The power button is on the bottom right. I have no problems with that. The stylus sits next to the top left trigger this time. When I first read that it moved there, I thought it would be a hassle compared to its location on the DS Lite. But I'm fine with the stylus where it is on the 3DS.

Without headphones, the sound comes off a little soft, even at the highest setting. Some might disagree with that. When I wear headphones though, the sound comes in crisp and clear.

The battery life does make a disappointing impression. With the full 3D effect on, expect only an hour and a half worth of gameplay. However, I'm always near electrical outlets and can usually find one quickly. The battery life could be better, but it is adequate.

Extra Features

The web browser, although one of the worst web browsers I have ever experienced except for the one on the Wii, does came in handy. The browser works for checking email, reading news, or using mobile Facebook. Don't expect to upload pictures directly to Facebook. That brings me to the next fault of the 3DS.

The pixel resolution for taking pictures...it's terrible! I read that the resolution is only 0.3 MP. Yes, I know the 3DS is meant for games...but...even my non-smart phone (Samsung Alias 2) could take pictures at 3 MP. At the very least, Nintendo should make their consoles capable of beating the lowest cell phones in picture-taking quality. But it doesn't. The video quality equals the picture quality in terribleness.

But...as long as good games come...

Overall, I'm still satisfied with my purchase. I have not experienced any online games yet, and I hear the system for playing others on games such as Mario Kart 7 is much more streamlined, but I need to find out for myself. The main reason I bought the 3DS is because I'm never home and I figured it would help me as a gamer to take a portable gaming device with me, so that I could play as I stand in line doing errands. I attend lots of conventions, so it will certainly help pass time if I'm waiting in line for a certain panel or event. For now, I am overlooking the faults and will give Nintendo more time to improve the 3DS experience.

A few weeks ago, I had high hopes for the Wii U, Nintendo's upcoming console. After all, I have a Wii. I love Nintendo characters. The Wii U looks like the Wii, and even plays Wii games. But like a lot of people, I was never completely happy with the Wii. I never felt there was anything wrong with the processing power of the Wii. However, there are problems.

Wii and Wii U, Same Name and Same Problems?

• Mario 
• Zelda
  
• Games that don't scare people who don't play video games
  
• Virtual Console
• Backwards compatibility with Gamecube discs
  
• Online play exists

• Games with depth are far and few
• Lack of quality WiiWare titles 
• Online infrastructure is stuck light years behind Sony, Microsoft

The Problem Lies with the Creator

"A key word for Nintendo in the online sphere has been creating an experience that's comfortable for all players, so we'll still look at that and stick to our idea of trying to create an online experience that's welcoming to everyone."

The Power of Mario

I can't help but feel attracted to Cooking Mama.  There are several things to like about her...  
 

• she cooks
• she is famous
  
• her hair always looks perfect
• she has big eyes
• she smiles a lot. I like a girl who is happy
• she has straight teeth

I've probably stated this opinion somewhere on Giant Bomb before, but might as well make a long blog post about it! 
 
Super Mario Bros. was fun, and still holds up today quite well. There's a reason why the Mario franchise became so legendary, and it starts with this game.  It's amazing how happy a fire ability could make people. I couldn't wait to get the flower, as well as many of you couldn't wait to get it either. Of course, besides that and the star, Mario had no other abilities in this game. You run and jump. The levels were pretty straightforward.

I do.  I was disappointed in the overall lack of melodic tunes that I could hum along to.  The difference in quality could even be seen in the shop music...
 
 

Well I am extremely new to anime.  On a completely random whim, I decided to stop by my university's anime club last fall to check things out, despite having very, very little to no knowledge of anime.   In the club, they didn't just show comedies, there was a bit of each genre.  But for some reason, the show with the least hopeful premise on paper won me over.  It didn't happen at first.  I came away from the first meeting thinking most of the shows played were average to not interesting.  I even skipped a few meetings over the next month, unsure if I wanted to continue with the anime club.  One of the shows though that I considered "average" at first, Minami-ke, stuck in my mind more as time went on.  I found myself re watching the episodes over YouTube on my own time.  Eventually, I became a bit addicted (obsessed) with an anime starring 3 cute sisters who live on their own.
  

Nintendo does a lot of things differently than Sony and Microsoft.  Many of their actions, although questionable, are defensible by the Nintendo faithful.  
 
However, I do not see how anyone can defend their online system.  It completely detaches you from the experience of playing against real people.  I own Mario Kart Wii, and yes it is still an excellent experience, but it could be so much better.  For one thing, if I am in random mode and find someone I like playing against, because Nintendo does not allow any form of communication, not even written text, I cannot even get that person's friend code!  Of course, that may not be the case for ALL online games on the Wii, specifically EA games which have slightly more freedom, but Nintendo games that are capable of online play are definitely crippled.  
 
I hear the argument that some gamers do not want to be bothered hearing little 12 year olds curse on the headphones during a game like Mario Kart.  Well then, why not just make it an option to be able to turn off the headphones, so those that want to hear voices and feel the full online experience can enjoy talking to people, while those who do not like it can just hit the off button?  I believe that solution would satisfy everyone.  
 
At the very least, let us write some text on the screen so that we know we're talking to real people!  It's frustrating when the same track is picked over and over, possibly by new racers who have not realized that specific track was picked already.  Maybe with some form of online communication, racers can be convinced to pick a different course so that those who have already played Rainbow Road ten times in random worldwide mode can experience a new course. 
 
Just get friend codes online you say?  I thought the Wii is supposed to a streamlined experience though.  Yet, Nintendo makes it difficult by forcing gamers to search the internet for friend codes.  
 
My hope for the next generation is, that at the very least, Nintendo games like Mario Kart, Smash Bros., and all other Nintendo online capable games require only one friend code across the board for all games, so that someone on your friend list for Mario Kart will automatically be placed on your friend list for Smash Bros.  I mean really Nintendo, is someone I play Mario Kart against on a daily basis, suddenly perceived dangerous if I play the same person in Smash Bros.?  I hope Nintendo lets their guard down a bit in this subject, because although I seriously do love Mario games, I cannot stand Nintendo's convoluted way of setting up their online experience.    
 
I think they eventually will catch up.  Hopefully it will be in the next generation. 

Hello again!  Well I am sitting here in geography class at my university and thought I'd make a second blog.  I picked a random topic, and that topic is...Final Fantasy 7.
 
A Final Fantasy 7 remake for the PS3 would be a bad idea.  I mean, there are boatloads of remakes out there already, not just in Final Fantasy but in other franchises as well.  Out must wonder, if there is a team that Square-Enix could put together to make a PS3 remake, could not they make a new game with new ideas instead?
 
I like the way Final Fantasy 7 already is, even with the graphics.  The blocky graphics give the title its own unique personality.  For example, whenever I think of the Midgar train scenes with Barret or anyone else holding his head in hands and shaking it, all I could think of is how absurd his frustration looks in his block form.  But I start smiling and listening to the music accompanying the scene, and the blocks make sense.  I do not need to be listening to incredible voice acting for Final Fantasy 7, because the music helps tell the story.  Plus, without voice acting, the script has to be much stronger in order to hold the attention of the gamer, and the script does rock.  
 
With realistic graphics, those simple scenes would come out much darker and wouldn't fit the music in some areas.  
 
Plus, I just believe remakes set a bad precedent overall.  If a company can make millions of dollars focusing on remakes, then why would they put out new games faster when they could just cash in on remakes?   These are companies after all, not our friends.  
 
What MIGHT interest me is an HD release of FF7 on the PS3, but with absolutely everything else in the game remaining the same.  Maybe that would not require too much effort either, so they could work on newer games.   I understand having a clear picture is important.  But again, I like the blocky graphics.  They are an art form to Final Fantasy 7, just as much as the 8-bit graphics are important to Mega Man 9. 

Hello!  Well I am new.  From what I have seen, the structure of this website looks superior to anything I have seen from other gaming websites.  I am very used to Gamespot, but the mods there are a bit harsh on me, so now I am here!
 
I would like to take the profile I have on here seriously, maybe write some reviews on games, and update this blog frequently as possible.  
 
My first gaming-related topic will be the future of how games are purchased, and how this will affect the industry.  I believe a time when games can only be downloaded from the official Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft store will be the death of video games.  Okay the use of the word "death" might be harsh, but this will be a mistake if it ever gets to the point that all games are downloaded only.  Yes, I realize the used game industry is the anti-Christ to game companies who work hard on their games.  But to eliminate the used game market just because some companies are angry they are not getting new game sales is crazy!  
 
First of all, without the used game industry, some people would never be able to afford video games.  The PSP Go has proven that game companies are willing to rip consumers off by offering games on their store that should be at least $10 cheaper.  That takes me to my next point, having one official store to buy all your games for a certain console eliminates all competition!  So Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony would have monopolies on their game prices.  You HAVE to buy the game at their price, whether or not you think the game is overpriced, because it is only available online and there is no competition from the used game market to offset the price. Most casual gamers will not consider that certain games should be a lower price for what they are getting.
 
Notice that Nintendo never lowers the prices on their online shop.  I mean, must EVERY VC game stick at the same price point always on the Wii?  Couldn't there be some sale to attract new buyers?  Even a Christmas sale where certain Super NES and N64 games become 500 points for two weeks would be great in terms of promoting the service.  
 
 I am not a Wii hater.  The only console I possess is a Wii.  But I am worried.  Are all those WiiWare and VC console games going to transfer over to the next Nintendo console?  If not, then if I want to keep those games, I must never get rid of my Wii?  I like to keep one console at a time, as it keeps things neat and organized in my room.  If I end up buying $200 worth of downloadable titles that cannot be transferred to the next Nintendo console, it might discourage me from upgrading early on.  
 
At the very least, I am hoping for a gaming industry where retail and download co-exist peacefully, even if my games do not transfer over.  I do not want great places to buy games, like Amazon and eBay, to not exist as an option anymore.  
  
Thanks for reading my first blog!