Hey y'all, it's about time for a new blog, eh? Thought so. Godofnerdyness started doing this two weeks ago, but I've been too busy actually playing my games, to write about them...until now. So here we go, week 1 of "What I'm Playing": special summer feature (might go past summer).

Oh yeah, inFamous, baby! I love this game! The set-up is that you are Cole McGrath, New York messenger. A package you deliver ends up being a bomb that wrecks the city. You wake up in the middle of an inferno, and slowly realize that you can harness electricity to use at your discretion...and it goes from there.

I'm having so much fun with this game. It's basically Assassin's Creed, except modern, and it's a shooter (rather than the hand-to-hand game AC was) with no guns. LIGHTNING BABY! The game could also be described as a superhero game, which is accurate. Lightning is used as a proxy for a bunch of superpowers; gliding, calling lightning storms, electo-shields, force push, and defibrilators (not kidding. You get good karma for doing this to injured citizens). The game is really tight, fun, and well realized. It's one of the few western games with a story that I'm really engaged in, not to be a JRPG-elitist. If you have a PS3, I recommend you ive this game a shot. Ride the lightning!

I don't like to put box art for this thing, but Cross Edge, being an RPG, doesn't lend itself to badass pictures like inFamous does. Anyway, Cross Edge is a crossover RPG from a bunch of different series. Let me name a few (characters included): Morrigan and Lilith (Darkstalkers), Raze and Lily (Mana-Khemia 2 FTW), and Etna and Prinny (Disgaea), among other series like Ar Tonelico. It's neat, but the story isn't too impressive. It's hard to do that with a crossover game, and the game is fun to play, so that makes the story forgivable. It's not that bad anyway. The game features a few original characters like York (he's the pistol-dude front and center in the picture), but it's really about the other series that are featured. Really. In the first 1.5 hours, I had 10 characters, hailing from 5 different games.

You explore on an overhead map, getting into random encounters along the way (you can trigger a battle at any time with R1, as well). When you get into a dungeon, it turns into a basic, 2D platformer for some strange reason. Odd.

The battles are turn-based, like you'd think, but each side of the field is divided into a 4x3 grid. You have your 4 fighters in a formation you create in a menu, which affects which attacks you can use, among other things. The game has an awesome combo system as well. Basically, each skill is labeled A, B, C, or D with a number 1 through 5. If it's a spell, it's labeled as (A-E)-Enchant (1-5). It's also given a designation (an upwards, downwards, or horizontal arrow), that tells you if you can equip it (each weapon can only use certain skills). The C-1 things tell you what skills combo with another skill (e.x: York's Massacre Shot (<- R-1) combos with Morrigan's Libido Touch (<- R-1)), which in turn create combo attacks that you can turn into more powerful combos, and so on. The best part, is that your turn is over, only when your AP is depleted (each character has a certain amount, and each attack drains a certain amount, depending on the skill), or you willingly end it. Okay,enough, I've written way more than I planned on here! You can probably tell that I'm into this game, right? Well, I am. It's better if you watch a youtube video to see what this game's about, but I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Prototype 8/10

Prototype...is about blowing the shit out of everything. That's what I've gathered from my two-and-a-half-or-so hours of playing. It's constantly on in this game. Nothing takes it easy on you. Seriously! The gameplay is essentially GTA except you have mutant powers. You can drive tanks and helicopters, run up the side of skyscrapers, glide over buildings, have multiple powers, upgrade extensively, blow up a helicopter then throw it at another helicopter, and general crazyness. I would've never played Prototype, simply because I like inFamous better, but I managed to get a free copy.

The father of one of my students at my Kung-fu school asked if I could be entertainment at his son's birthday party (who has the same birthday as me, wierdly). I said sure. I got $40, lots of candy and cake out of it. The best part, was at the end when I was talking to the kid's dad. Turns out, he makes games. naturally, I was like "Awesome!", but then he asked me if I had heard of Prototype (because I appearantly, don't look or act like I have any interest in games), to which I said yeah. The dad told me he was a programming engineer on Prototype and asked if I wanted a free copy. Naturally, I said hell yes. Yesterday, after class, he walks up to me and hands me the game. I went straight home and played it. Fun game, but I still like inFamous better. I think it's the pacing. It's super intense during a mission, but then it halts to an almost stop and you have to run to the next mission. The story's alright, but I suspect it will pick up...inFamous had me from the start, though. Whatever, this game's fun, pick it up if you like to blow things up and/or be a homicidal maniac.

That's all for today. I've been playing more games, but I've wrote a lot already, so I'll write more tomorrow. Until then, laters!

P.S. The dad also said he's starting pre-production on the Spiderman 4 game, so except that in, I think 2010/2011. You heard it here first.

The entirety of the following tale details the ambitions of one on a path, never meant to be taken. This may seem to be a conflict between the forces of Law and Order, but what it truly is, is a clash between fantastic delusions and realistic notions. This tale is the battle between a man of prosperity, and the one who would forsake their own purpose, and cast aside the very notion that life cannot exist except as it is.

The world does not exist in a single state. It alternates between phases of order and chaos: decline and prosperity, respectively. This is because the life on the planet cannot exist in a perfect reality. They would perish, unable to adapt to the absence of randomness, tragedy, and the flaws that make up our reality.

A group exists, known simply as “Chaos”, named for their purpose. They live within the fabric of reality, itself, and exist only to be the heralds of chaos. All to allow life to thrive as it should. The beings of Chaos are known as Avatars. All Avatars live with crimson clocks imprinted above their heart. These clocks are in sync with the cycles of the planet. One full rotation marks the end of one side of the cycle, and the beginning of the other.

When the planet is under the influence of chaos, the group is made of humans, called Harbingers. Though they are mere mortals in this state, the members of Chaos do retain some level of their supernatural ability. When the world goes through a season of order, Chaos is a group of Avatars, and have full control over their talents. The time when Chaos’ members are Harbingers, is called the Chaos Phase. When Avatars reign, the time is called the Avatar Phase.

The single difference from one full cycle of chaos to order, and back, is its length. One could be as short as twelve hours, and the next as long as a year. The Chaos Phases passes naturally; however, the Avatar Phase must be forcibly progressed by Chaos. This is done in the manner most fitting the desired result: cause chaos. The Avatars do whatever they can to maintain aspects of chaos. This includes, but is not limited to: murder, natural calamities, plagues, minor accidents, and other menial problems. However, they’re efforts are meaningless unless done in pairs, as one Avatar cannot channel enough energy for the planet to feel any effect, and any more than two Avatars for one task puts too harsh of a strain upon the world.

Chaos’ current leader, also puts limits onto which activities that Chaos is allowed to perform. The leader is chosen based on who progressed the Avatar Phase the most in the previous cycle. Consistently, the leader had been a man known to his peers as Charos. However, the latest leader was the younger, Seth. Seth had plans for the future of the world, and there was nothing, that he believed, could stop him.

            Seth stalked away from Chaos’ headquarters, through the dark mists that surrounded the world he lived in, called Null. Not far in the distance, was a door made entirely of light. I’ve begun… He thought proudly, staring at his crimson-bathed hands. Seth was not teen feet from the door that would lead him to Earth, when a black figure stepped in front of it.

            “You are guided by deluded notions, Seth.” The figure stated in monotone. Seth furrowed his brow, his proud grin contracting into a dark frown.

            “I’d recognize that voice anywhere, Charos.” Seth answered, walking forward until he was within arm’s reach of Charos. “I’ve already started this, so you can’t stop me. Don’t even try!” Charos folded his arms across his chest.

            “I don’t intend to, Seth.” Seth looked puzzled. “I’m merely here to see you off.” Charos continued, stepping aside. Seth looked at the opposing man darkly.

            “Why aren’t you going to stop me?” Charos is cold, but he’s not stupid, and he certainly doesn’t lie. Seth asked, mentally attempting to deduce what Charos’ intentions could be.

            “Any human does what they feel they must. We are no different. I see no reason to stop you, if you truly feel that you are walking this path to do good for our world.” Seth’s ruby eyes flared in anger.

            “You mean that I’m wrong, and destined to fail, so there’s no reason to stop me, correct?” Seth translated angrily. Charos cocked his head, an action he did whenever trying to reason someone else’s reasoning. It was his only display of humanity, and justified it with the phrase “My action is not complex, rather very simple. I don’t immediately understand.”

            “Don’t try to act like that’s not what you meant!” Seth shouted, watching Charos’ head tilt. Pushing through the door of light, Seth added one last statement. “You are one of the only two Avatars left. Since you really think I’m wrong in my beliefs, come stop me and prove it.”

            Charos stood at the entrance to the mortal realm in silence. You are a fool, Seth. Everything in existence is facing erasure because of your actions. The lone man turned and looked back at the Chaos headquarters, his only home, impassively. He knew what lay inside, but, like always, he felt nothing towards it. A side-effect of what he was: empty. Putting his hands in his pockets, Charos idly strolled towards the building. When he opened the door, he saw a woman crying over several cadavers.

            “Calm down, Pandora.” He said, taking a seat next to the woman.

            “Calm down?!” Pandora repeated, incredulous. “They’re all dead, Charos, and you want me to calm down?! Xoán, Anxo, Riku, Kerr, Ryota, Shiro, Emil, Luka, and Senka are all gone!” Charos passively observed that Pandora was excruciatingly close to breaking down.

            “Have you forgotten Seth’s ‘talent’?” He asked. Pandora clenched her fists, staring at the floor. The scene was quiet for a short moment, as she tried to reach tranquility.

            “So they’re dead…” She said finally. “…And they’re Seth’s puppets…”

“They are Seth’s puppets, yes, but Seth’s talent resurrects them.” Charos corrected. Pandora swore under her breath.

            “I’ll get that bastard. One way or another…” She muttered. Charos stood up, summoning two daggers in a swirl of dark mist. He handed one to Pandora, and kept one to himself.

            “Blood oath.” He explained, sliding his dagger across the palm of his right hand. Pandora did the same. “We heralds of chaos swear upon the blood of Avatars, an oath of murder. Seth’s life will disappear, or we sacrifice ours as payment for failure.” Both Charos and Pandora recited, as they did before undertaking any task involving murder or assassination.

            “Our whole organization is against us, Pandora.” Charos advised, standing in front of the door to Earth, with Pandora.

            “I know…” She replied, sullen. “…Seth will pay for this…” Charos nodded, and ushered his partner through the light, following after.

Humanity as a whole, attempts to put a face, a cause, or even reason into the calamities of their world: Hitler and the Nazis; government; or science, in the case of a “natural” event. The truth behind these incidents is Chaos. However, the struggle that Chaos will eternally find themselves in, the struggle that keeps the planet within its manmade limits, will soon become more than a struggle. Do you hear the drums of war?

Every Avatar has a unique talent. They also have the ability to summon any object they have written a blood seal onto. The talent of each member, except for Charos’ talent, is public knowledge among Chaos. Charos’ is a secret known only to him and Pandora. For good reason.

It's about god damn time I wrote something, eh? Well, all I have to say about this, is that it seems like a promising project, and is about as fun to write as The Archangel Legacy was. I just wish Giantbomb could display mathematical expressions like MS Word, because there's supposed to be one at the very beginning. One can dream, I suppose. Read and review!

Title Track: Breaking Inside - Shinedown

These songs relate to the chapter, and just generally set the mood. You don't have to listen, obviously,  but I find that it makes the experience better. Plus, don't you guys wanna know what I listen to, and possibly find more music you like?

PROLOGUE

August 13, 2008

3:18 PM

“I’ve been…afraid…afraid of what I’m becoming—what I see…” A boy explained, lying on a couch. Wiping the sweat from his brow, the boy let his arm drape down the side of the furniture, grimacing as it moved. “I walk down the same street I’ve been on hundreds of times, and sometimes, it twists, darkens, and the buildings around me transform. The sky turns a pinkish-crimson, and everything else is inverted, and washed out. People’s shadows rise from the ground, like someone played a tape of them melting, in reverse. The shadows run some kind of spike through the people, killing them in a spray of blood. Next, they turn to me and charge. I close my eyes, embracing my fate and…everything’s normal when I open them…”

            “From what you’ve said, Noah, I can only conclude that you are beyond my help. Your case is extraordinarily unique. You almost seem…conscious of the shift between reality and your hallucinations.” As if I didn’t already know that… Noah thought dryly, sitting up.

            “Thanks for your help, anyways, Doctor.” The psychiatrist finished writing his notes down on the notepad he seemed to always have, standing up and leaving the house, nodding to Noah and bowing graciously to Noah’s parents. The boy sat up silently, and stalked into his bedroom, leaning on the closed door.

Noah threw off the long-sleeved shirt he had been wearing, staring down at his right arm. No matter what those ‘psychiatrists’ say…no matter what anyone says…this place…is real. He gazed blankly at the lacerations on his forearm, subconsciously clutching his head with his left hand. I don’t want to see there! This world is all I want!  Slowly, the world dimmed, and everything contorted, appearing to be trying to defy the laws of physics. No! Stop! I don’t want to see it! Noah screamed in agony, falling forward, hitting the wooden floor with a hard thump. A soft, harsh voice beckoned from the depths of Noah’s mind, bringing with it, the abyss. “Let me in…only then can we judge…”

“Noah!”

“Son!” Noah’s parents shrieked, slamming open the door, witnessing the teenage boy lying facedown in a pool of ruby liquid.

The darkness gave way to light, as Noah blinked open his eyes, staring up at the aqua ceiling of his bedroom.

“What happened?” He asked aloud, waves of pain radiating from his right arm.

“You had another attack.” A cheerful voice answered. Noah looked over at its owner, smiling at the girl.

“Sorry for worrying you, Soleil.” He said, pushing himself upright. The girl plucked her tan coat from the closet, slipping it over her purple top, brushing invisible dust from her white pants.

“Not a problem, Noah.” Soleil answered, squeezing Noah in a tight hug. “I can only imagine how tough it must be; you can always talk to me if you need too.” Noah nodded. I’m trying my damnedest to stay in this world, so there’s no chance in hell I would ever want to visit the other, just so I can talk about it… Soleil was the only person that Noah thought might actually care about him, without obligation, so, naturally, he didn’t voice his thoughts.

“Unfortunately, though, I have to run.” The girl said brushing some of her long, black hair from her brown eyes. “Math homework doesn’t write itself…and if it did, I’d be out a lot of fun!”

“I couldn’t keep you from your precious equations.” Noah replied, laughing. “I think I’ll sleep some more anyway.” Soleil slid through the doorway, waving goodbye, shutting the door. The moment she left, any trace of happiness left Noah. He stared straight ahead, truly afraid of letting his mind wander. I just want to live normally… Distant sounds called to Noah, so faint that he couldn’t decipher what they might say. “Tick tock, Noah…time’s a wasting, and there are Shadows to bring to light…”

“Why can’t that strange place and those voices just…go away?” As he asked himself the question, Noah watched as everything around him accepted the darkness. Terror running through him, Noah backed into a corner, huddled in the fetal position. It’s okay, it’ll go away…it’ll go away… He convinced himself, watching as his room moaned, changing. Please…stop… A pool of black, opened in the side of the room, opposite Noah. Stop! A figure rose from the puddle, bearing serrated fangs, and crimson eyes. Aside from those two characteristics, the figure looked a lot like Soleil, shrouded in black mist. It snarled, its expression contorting into a sadistic grin. Noah brought both trembling arms to either side of his head, as if to shake away the chance that this was real. Blurriness edged through his vision, most likely from frightened tears, though possibly from the onset of a sudden migraine. Why won’t you go away!? The creature extended an arm, sharp barbs poking from the flesh. With a quick exhale of breath that sounded much like a hiss, it charged, barbed-arm going straight for Noah’s heart. I’m going to die… Unlike every time before, Noah didn’t close his eyes. They were wide open, watching as his personal reaper drew closer. Why was I doomed to go like this? The offending arm an inch away from penetration, time skipped for a fraction of a second. Along with the phenomenon, a single phrase echoed through Noah’s head. “Accept this reality and let your strength flourish…or continue to flee and eventually condemn yourself to a meaningless death.” Instantly, the beast exploded into a cloud of mist, and the world returned to normal.

“W-What…in God’s name…” Looking down, Noah’s emerald orbs settled on a large gash, just below the heart, bleeding profusely, his left arm already covered in blood and traces of black. Being diagnosed with CIPA (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain), he easily brushed off the wound, terror worming through his system. “I’ll make this ‘other world’ go away. Just let me in, Noah!”

Having cleaned and bandaged his chest, Noah put on an ash shirt, and threw on a black jacket, zipping it up to the top of his chest. It had been at least twenty minutes judging by Noah’s internal clock, and he could barely contain himself. Spasms still raced through his body, so Noah had decided on going for a run to both relieve anxiety and give him some time to think.

“I’m going now!” Noah called behind him as he left, letting the sound of instrumental music in his ears soothe. He dove off the staircase in front of his door, falling into a roll as he landed. Keeping up his momentum, Noah dashed down the street, hopping, sliding, and avoiding all obstacles in his way. As he ran, townspeople greeted him with upbeat auras and emotion. Stupid people… Noah thought angrily. They all know who I am, and know my problem, so they pretend to care…damn them… In a flurry of emotion, Noah headed for the forest in his local park, just to escape the people’s prying stares. Ripping the headphones off his head, Noah flopped onto the ground, pushing ragged, dark-grey hair from his face. Noah shoved a hand into his pocket, retrieving the painkillers he always took with him when he went out, should he suffer the usual migraine. Christ, I hate this… He thought, swallowing a pill. After a few moments of rest, the troubled teen stood up, using a tree to brace himself.

“Night’s coming awful fast…” He mumbled, consciousness leaving him. Just before the darkness fully consumed his mind, Noah barely made out the landscape shifting, blackening. Damnit…why…now? He thought finally, his mind succumbing to the abyss. “Good lord, finally! Sit back, Noah, and watch the master work his trade…”

11:49 PM

Shrouded in darkness, a terrified man tore down the streets as silently as he could, dodging around any and all sources of light. I have to get the hell out of here! He screamed mentally, frantically searching for a place to hide. The only conceivable place was a nearby alley. However, the man hesitated, shortly wondering if it was a dead-end. The rhythmic sound of shoes hitting pavement shooed away any doubts, and he dived into the alley. Damnit, a dead-end! He thought, looking at a stone wall. Instantly, he whipped around, desperate to find another place. Anything to stay away from that black, demonic, figure. The man only managed to take a step before a hand slammed into his throat, pinning him against the cold stone. Oh god…I’m dead…I’m dead!

“You’ve been a bad person…” The hand’s owner hissed, bearing a toothy snarl, fangs glinting in the moonlight.

“I-I haven’t done anything! I swear!” The man protested, trembling.

“Maybe not you, per say, but someone very close…” The figure insisted, twirling a dagger in its free hand.

“So kill them!” The figure cocked its head in confusion, and the dagger stopped, blade angled at the man’s jugular vein.

“Why waste the effort, when I could just kill you and get the same result?” Before the man had another chance to speak, blood sprayed in front of his eyes, his jugular slashed. The figure watched the man fall, running a hand through blood-speckled, azure hair.

“You have the right to know the name of your killer, I suppose…” The figure said, locking eyes with the fallen man, watching the life drain. “Chronoa will do just fine; however, I’ll have to attribute this unfortunate event to Noah…” Grinning in delight, Chronoa drew a finger across fresh blood of the now deceased man, and began to write on the alley wall.

He read aloud, deciding it sounded exactly right.

Chronoa paced down the empty city streets, bored. What to do…what to do… He wondered idly, observing the twisted black buildings. He sat down on the sidewalk, sharpening the ebony katana he had found lying around the local forest he awoke in. Giving it a few test swings to gauge the cutting power, Chronoa slid it into the rope loop he had prepared, tying it around his waist so that the sword was horizontal across the small of his back.

“Hey!” A distorted voice shouted, a man rising from the ground, black mist encircling him. Just after him, three other men of great physical ability, judging by their looks, rose. “That’s my sword! You’d better give it back, boy, or be ready to die!”  Chronoa eyed him darkly. Disgusting creatures…all they are, is evil. Nothing can come from their existence… The blue-haired teen stood up, brushing invisible dust from his jacket.

“Get off it!” Chronoa barked angrily. “There are no laws in Siphous; I can have it if I want it!” In response, one of the bulkier men lunged at Chronoa, jabbing with a spear. Chronoa glanced at the spear impaled in his side, uncaring.

“Oh right, I’m supposed to be in pain!” He laughed, drawing his sword. His laughing stopped the instant his attacker was beheaded. “Let me do my work…” He mumbled, ripping the spear from his flesh, suddenly all business. The other two men rushed forward, one wielding an axe, the other a katana. Chronoa, holding both the spear and katana, span in place, lashing out with the spear, catching the axe-wielding man in the arm. Just as the other man swung his sword, Chronoa brought his own katana in place, knocking the man’s sword back. Next, the lone warrior hopped over a horizontally swung axe, burying a sidekick into the sword-bearing man’s gut. Still in the air, Chronoa brought his blade around, driving it into the owner if the axe’s heart. A short burst of fire confirmed the death of the Shadow.

“You guys aren’t any fun.” Chronoa complained, mocking a pout.

“Die!” The remaining opponent cried, wildly slashing his blade. The azure-haired teen nimbly dodged each attack, but the assailant proved just as proficient at not being hit. Chronoa stabbed, only to have his sword knocked away. The man brought his blade downwards, aiming for Chronoa’s head, but the boy easily blocked, backhanding the man with the same arm.

“Okay!” Chronoa sighed, annoyed. “This has gone on long enough.” As each word passed his lips, Chronoa’s skin grew darker and darker, more black mist swirling around his figure, markings etching themselves in his skin. Finally, crimson eyes glowed ominously, hinting at the eternal darkness in his opponent’s future.

“Welcome to hell…” Chronoa hissed, elongated fangs poking out from his closed lips.

“Oh lord…a Siphous Knight…” The bulky man said under his breath, but one thought racing through his mind. Run! Complying, he threw down his weapon, turning and ran as fast as he could. The black-shrouded teen chuckled and dashed after him. You can never run from me! Quickly, Chronoa caught up, leaping on to the man’s back, tackling him to the ground. He landed on his back, Chronoa sitting on top of his chest, pinning his arms under his knees. Then, the maniacal teen hammered fists into the assailant’s face, laughing all the while. After a few blows, Chronoa raised his katana, bringing it down, using both hands, onto and through the man’s skull, flames engulfing the body.

“Well, that was certainly fun.” The boy commented, standing up with a satisfied grin and turning to face the only person left, already yards away, running for dear life. Chronoa frowned momentarily, his grin quickly returning, taking off.

After only a few moments, Chronoa’s speed allowed him to catch up to the runner.

“Hello there…” He greeted with a cherry voice, tripping the man. “What’s your name again?”

“U-Uhh…N-N-Neir, sir…” He stuttered, backing away slowly. Chronoa paused, his blood-colored orbs observing Neir curiously.

“You can go, Neir.” He said soon, a smile worming onto his features.

“I-I can!?” Neir cried happily, but confused.

“Sure.” Chronoa affirmed, gesturing to go. “I killed you fifteen minutes ago, why go through the effort to do it again?” Neir froze, wide-eyed. He killed me? “Surely you know that when your human ‘Mirror’ dies, you go too?” Chronoa explained, quizzically, wondering if a Shadow could not know that fact.

“I did—“As if fate was attempting to spite the man’s plight, he burst into a cloud of flames. Chronoa watched the embers slowly dissipate, a dark snarl on his face. ‘Chronoa’ will do just fine… He thought, his mind relapsing to the murder in the alley fifteen minutes prior.

A short sprint later, and Chronoa was back at the alley. Nodding absentmindedly at the corpse, he sat down, resting against the cold concrete. His appearance falling back to a regular teen, Chronoa drifted off to sleep, letting the other presence in his mind take dominance for when he woke up. Surprise, surprise, Noah…

People describe reality as something tangible. However, with millions of different perceptions, all without common factors, reality is lost. The truth? “Reality” fails to exist…

How was that? All my stories have slow starts, but it gets interesting soon, I promise! I appreciate any and all feedback, positive and negative. It helps me get better, and I write faster when I have an audience to write for (proven fact. I've written 4 chapters of Reality's Fangs, already, and it took me a month (being lazy and having other stuff to do, didn't help). I've written multiple chapters to The Archangel Legacy in a week, before, but I had an audience of about 6 to write for). Viva la internet! G'night folks, I'm off to play some Persona 3 FES!

*I don't own any of the "Title Tracks" songs, I'm just linking to them for you to hear.