State of the Industry: Multiplayer

With the new generation of consoles install base growing, our ability to play across the world wide web with friends from any locale has become incredibly simple. As of late, a hot topic around podcasts and interviews has been the necessity of multiplayer. Does everything we do in the industry have to revolve around the concept of online gaming or is it possible to have the same if not equally better experience just playing by yourself?

Personally, I am not a huge multiplayer fan. Mostly because I lack the time necessary to enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, I once had a lvl 55 Hunter in WOW, and I used to play Halo 2 'til my fingers ached, but lately I have been turned off to the whole multiplayer experience. While maybe for me, it is just the saturation of games with multiplayer, Pete Wanat (producer of the new Wanted game) in a interview expressed a frustration with how the press and marketers push to simply have multiplayer to spice up the box or add one more feature, regardless how useless it is (play The Darkness; great game, terrible multiplayer). He certainly makes a good point, and it is easily justified by seeing how many FPS games have multiplayer. Most FPS games now are pushing for a more team oriented structure (IE: Team Fortress 2, Resistance 2, and soon Killzone 2), but accessibility is an issue, because most games now require individual accounts per player and a maximum of 2 players per system for online play, it is demanding for even gamers to get friends together and play online when everyone has to have their own system and sometimes own account. COD 4 has done a good job of keep the LAN alive and providing a 4 player split screen for you and your friends, but I was confused when I rented Quantum of Solace and could only play one player online, no split screen, no guest options. I mean, a Bond game should always have 4 player split screen. Goldeneye anyone?

And there will be more FPS games coming out that stress the same multiplayer available in previous games we already have, each with there own twists. So is there a silver lining? Funny you should ask, because it is coming from an unlikely hero, Capcom. Here is a quick look at 2 games coming out, which have unique ways to multiplay.

Street Fighter 4








Got it last night! Play for like 6 hours straight because I just had to have every character unlocked... but lets talk about the online play. Simply put, its perfect. First of all, I played for like 1 hour online and experienced no lag, latency, or drops and not only can I just quick match and fight somebody on the fly, but I can build custom matches, send friend requests and build up my battle points to flex my muscle online. On top of all of this, the coolest option has to be playing the Arcade mode, but leaving the online mode running, so random challengers can pop in every couple rounds for a wallop. I don't think it could get any better unless I had a cabinet in my living room, but for the price of $150, the Mad Catz Tournament stick can bring the arcade to you. Mad props to Capcom for bringing the spirit of 1 on 1 competition to next gen consoles.

Resident Evil 5








Granted I have only played the demo, but was able to test the co-op with a friend. Another very near perfect multiplayer experience. The entire game is built around you controlling one of two characters as you make your way through the levels. At times you will have to separate to unlock certain areas or defend one another from an elevated position. A human counterpart tends to be much better than AI, so first they enabled co-op on the same machine via split screen, which is great and hopefully will be a seem less process, meaning a 2nd player may jump in and out at any time. Not only that, but then you can go online and invite or join friends to play through the story co-op. Which is perfect because it helps build the tension when you have to protect your buddy from chainsaw wielding zombies, instead of a AI partner, who can't give you shit about it later. Watch for this game to drop on March 13th.



All pictures provided by www.google.com/image and http://www.penny-arcade.com/

Gaming Outdoors: arcade ufo

My girlfriend and I went down to Austin this past weekend for a charity event and we decided to stop by a local arcade for a spin. Best idea ever! This Arcade is what cabinet gaming is all about. You enter into a small lobby which has your typical driving and shooting cabinets, with the bonus of their very own UFO crane machine, but it is to your left that you find the true gem that this arcade is. Two rows of sit down, Japanese style cabinets await you. Each containing some of the hottest games from the east, including the biggest reason to stop in, Street Fighter 4.

That's right! I have finally played it and was in love after the first hadouken. The graphics are astounding, game play nostalgic, and fighting system is a welcome edition after the variations seen in the Alphas' and Third Strike. In 4, they use a new "parry" system called a focus attack, which lets you counter one hit when in focus stance (hold mp+mk). The longer you hold the focus stance before you are hit, the harder the counterattack, which can stun your opponent, leaving room for you to finish them off with a super or ultra combo. You can also use the focus stance to stop mid-combo to save you combo meter and then you can dash in or out of focus. Did you get all that? Well, just think how confused your opponents will be after you can pull all this off. In any case, it was a treat and not the only new game I got to play. Besides the Cave shmups (my girlfriend and I played a little Death Smiles), I also tried some blazblu, capcom vs tatsunoko, and revisited arcana hearts 2. All very good and all exactly what I am missing. There were more games there, but not enough time and we had a future engagement. Please, if you're ever in Austin, make a stop at this location and drop a couple of dollars. Wouldn't want to see something like this fade away. Also stop by their website for details on upcoming tournaments, who knows, with SF 4 coming out in 2 days, I might be training for the next one. Here is the website.

http://www.arcadeufo.com/

STREET FIGHTER IV VIDEO APP

Ever wonder what you would look like in Street Fighter 4? Now you don't have to wonder, thanks to Capcom, you can find out yourself just by uploading a picture. Enjoy this short clip of me kicking Crimson Viper's ASS!

And you can do it yourself at this website http://www.streetfighter.com/myfistyourface/

Got a new title up!

Won't admit how long it took me to design it, but I think it came out ok... >_<

*EDIT: Should have mentioned this before, but the character jump kicking the title is my interpretation of Alex from River City Ransom.

So little time, so little time

And we thought 2008 was oversaturated with triple A titles and sequels. Taking a look into 2009 I begin to question why I waste my time doing the little things like school, work, or leaving my house. You know, all the stuff that gets in the way of whats important, playing more video games! With so many games coming out, I thought I would set up my most anticipated games for 2009. Here we go:

1. Street Fighter 4 (xbox360,PS3)

2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)

3. Resident Evil 5 (xbox360,PS3)

4. Killzone 2 (PS3)

5. Assassins Creed 2 (xbox360,PS3)

6. Mad World (Wii)

7. inFamous (PS3)

8. Borderlands (xbox360,PS3)

9. Ghostbusters (xbox360,PS3)

10. Brutal Legend (xbox360,PS3)

Other notable mentions include Rhythm Heaven (DS), GTA: China Town Wars (DS), Prototype (xbox360,PS3) and Bionic Commando (xbox360,PS3)

Entertainment Software Day is Official

According to a post on www.gamepolitics.com, Gov. Rick perry has declared February 3rd as Entertainment Software Day or Video Game Day! Supposedly this is the first time a state has recognized the gaming industries publicly for it's support of the state economy, bringing in $395 million last year for Texas, according to the ESA. Speaking of the ESA, here is a comment from ESA CEO Mike Gallagher:

"The support of Governor Perry, Senator Duell and Representative Dukes for the entertainment software industry in Texas is an endorsement of the artistic and economic contributions our industry has made to the state.These lawmakers are helping grow our industry as we work to create new jobs for Texans; boost the state’s economy; and help discover new ways computer and video games can improve the ways Americans live, work and play."

Great to see that this is being announced, but I only wonder if this would have had any precedence if done earlier? I mean, we have seen at least 3 studio closures; Vigil Entertainment, Ensemble Studios, and Midway Austin in the past few months. And like all aspects of business right now, the gaming industry is NOT recession proof. Hopefully, this announcement will inspire some new studios to come down south and try to set up shop in DFW or Austin. I will keep my fingers crossed.

image courtesy of http://www.theesa.com/images/gallagher.jpg and article can be read in full at http://www.gamepolitics.com/2009/02/03/guv-declares-quotentertainment-software-dayquot-texas

DFW Gaming Convention Incoming

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ScrewAttack, an online community for gamers which boasts original entertainment and news, has posted the early pre-registration on their website for the gaming convention being held in DFW this year. SGC will take place July 3-5th, 2009 at the Westin Dallas/Fort Worth Airport- only 3 minutes from DFW Airport. Prices are as follows:

Early Pre-Registration (through February 28): $30
Pre-Registration (March 1 - June 19th): $40
On Site Registration: $50 for the entire event or $20 per day

It should be a blast if we can get everyone in the metroplex out for 72 hours of gaming, and with a host of guests being anounced, there is sure to be something for everyone. Hell, just to get my picture taken in front of Ecto-1 is worth the badge. You can check out information about ScrewAttack and their convention through the following websites. Hope to see you there.

http://www.sgconvention.com/

http://www.screwattack.com/

*All images are courtesy of http://www.sgconvention.com/

Recommended Reading

For those calm sunday afternoons, when it feels good to get away from all the hustle and bustle of our weekdays, sometimes you need a good book. Being in grad school right now, I am kind of strapped for time. I can't imagine reading some Tolkien, while trying to cram a Consumer Behavior textbook into my brain, but I refuse to stop reading for pleasure. Information is like food for me, although if all I keep eating is these meaty textbooks, botulism will surely ensue. So, I picked up a new book from one of my favorite editors at Kotaku, Brian Ashcraft, who decided to explore the arcade ulture that has held the country of Japan captive for the past 25 years or so. Behold, Arcade Mania!

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To me this book was more than just an "average" book for two reasons: first, I grew up on these cabinets. I can remember being in a bowling league when I was like 8, and in between frames I would run over and watch all the teenagers tearing up Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter 2. And then when I was in High School I worked at a go-kart park, occassionaly spending a night working the arcade, adding free credits to Killer Instinct and Virtua Fighter cabinets to feed my fighting game hunger. Second, I just got back from Japan in May, and I went to alot of arcades while I was there, so much so, that I would stop mid-chapter sometimes exclaiming "Oh! I have been there!" and continue reading as I walked down memory lane, wishing I was at a Street Fighter IV cabinet in a smokey basement in Akihabara.

For anyone living in the U.S. now, they know the sad state of our Arcades, considering anything mom & pop was pushed out of the market by these Gameworks and Dave & Busters years ago and who inevitabley has done a great disservice to the industry, by filling the floors with dedicated cabinets at $2 per play, while removing all the long standing fighting, adventure, and retro-games that we all know and loved. But this is not the case worldwide, because for all the rhythmically charged, robot flying, card based games existing in Japan now, there is still a calling for all types of games. From shooters to Majhong, in Japan, the arcades have evolved with the people and not only does this book feature historical aspects of the multiple genres that inhabit Japan's arcades, but it also explores the people who have helped create, inspire and prolong this cultural phenomenom. My favorite had to be player 4 "the beast", as I recall gathering around a friends computer back in 2004 to witness Justin Long beating the crap out of this guy ("the beast") only to have his super combo parried 15 times and die taking Shinryuken to the face.

Another great part about this book, was to see how much I had missed. I only spent about 5 days in Tokyo, so there are thousands of Arcades left for me to visit, and if I can see half of them, I will die fulfilled. All in all, this book has been a treat and already has me planning out my next arcade fix, half way around the world.

Thanks for reading.

You can purchase this book at Amazon.com here.

*Images provided by http://www.bornrich.org/images/brianashcraft_2_12.jpg and http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QM+RRfyiL._SS500_.jpg

Fable 2: Knothole Island

The Fable 2 DLC is available today after a little delay. Thinking about it, I am happy to have chosen the path I did at game end, due mostly to the fact that I will still have my dog. Most of my roommates were more noble than I and will therefore be doomed to wander the land of Albion alone.. like the Incredible Hulk.

**Correction: I was watching my brother and found that it is possible to bring your K9 companion back, BUT, for all you goodie-to-shoes out there, know that you must sacrifice one of the lovely villagers of Knothole Island.

State of the Industry: Video Game Violence

State of the Industry: Video Game Violence*

I am a gamer. And from previous posts it is obvious that I am using this medium to share my opinions on games and other aspects of the industry, as well as excerpts of my personal life. So, I am going to start running this monthly post "State of the Industry", to analyze a hot industry topic of my choosing. Obviously, I chose to fore go the frying pan and jump straight into the fire by choosing to tackle every one's favorite subject: Video Game Violence.

I suppose it started with a post I read a couple of days ago on Games Radar here: http://www.gamesradar.com/f/2008-a-year-to-dismember/a-2008123111202491034

The post takes a look at video games as an expression of human fulfillment and fear, through the recent obsession that occurred in 2008 with dismembering our opponents in a video game. There seemingly being enough games to make it a trend, I took his article to heart, but felt it lacked causality. Links are made between multiple theatres in life; from the human psyche, war, global economy, and literature such as Faust or the Divine Comedy. And maybe the article is right, sure we all subconsciously exert our fears and desires through games at times, and whether or not we know it, there could be an inherent desire (or lack of) to dismember something. The article uses some 6 games as examples, I will examine the two of which emphasized the concept of dismemberment the most: Fallout 3 and Dead Space.

The Rise of the Sequel*

Now, Fallout 3 is obviously a sequel, from a long standing series of PC games by the same name, and although it has made its transition to consoles, the core elements remain the same. It takes place in a wasteland and you are the wanderer from a vault who must make decisions to help save humanity or not. But, really the change comes in the combat. What was once a kind of 3rd person, turn based, strategy combat system, had been traded for Bethesda Studio's "Oblivion" engine and was played from either 1st person or over the shoulder view, real time. Again, with Bethesda trying to stay to those core elements led to the creation of VATS, a turn based targeting system, based on the original AP system that would let you target someones body part in hopes of scoring a critical hit. But even if you crippled a body part, nothing fell off until your opponent is dead and the "Bloody Mess" perk which makes most opponents explode upon death, actually originated in the first Fallout back in 1997. I think the only reason this is getting so much attention, is because how beautiful the graphics are in this game. And by beautiful, I mean, slightly disturbing by how close to real the Wasteland is. The entire concept of "dismemberment" may only come from Bethesda's attempt to replicate the feel of past Fallout games. Which brings me to my first point, maybe the reason we see more emphasis on violence this past year has to do with the fact** that we are seeing more sequels to some of our favorite violent games. I count around 15 (depends on the definition of violence) sequels in 2007 and 30 in 2008. It would seem to me that any game that starts out violent, would only have to find ways to spice it up in the coming sequels, not only to out do themselves, but to keep up with new IP's who may be creating new ways to be violent, if only to differentiate themselves from the industry.

Shoot the Limbs*

Now Dead Space being a new IP is truly the front runner for the argument. I recall reading numerous press releases and interviews that touted "strategic dismemberment" as the defining element of this game. And it is exactly what it sounds like. A over the shoulder survival horror game that requires you to eliminate your opponents appendages to kill them. I personally found it particularly entertaining and executed skillfully. But for a game which has been accused of borrowing concepts and elements from so many other games (IE: Doom 3, Bio Shock, Resident Evil 4) it does a very good job with its atmosphere and inventory system to deserve more than just a dismemberment generalization.

In conclusion, I think it is important to note the shear number of games being released now. It seems that for every violent video game released, we see another wave of simulation and party games that have almost no violence at all. It may just be that the industry is growing rapidly and like any medium (music, movies, television) we as society will continue to push the envelope of what is acceptable. Some would say that this will desensitizes us to inhumane actions, especially since the gamer is participating in these actions. Maybe it is something in our subconscious that's creates desire for violence. But for games like Fallout 3, its design allows users to make a choice to be inhumane or not. Although you will have to kill your enemy, some violent games allow the choice of how they should be killed. And how evil the character acts is a direct result of the actions users take, and will even affect the way the NPC's in the game react to your presence. Kind of like the real world.

*All images courtesy of Google Image search, and http://www.penny-arcade.com/

**Please refer to the Wikipedia lists for Notable Games in 2007 and 2008 and realize that this is not a grounded Fact, but a gross estimation.

Happy New Year!

As the festivities get under way around the world, take a moment to reflect on 2008. It has been a rough year, with international tensions constantly in flux, some natural disasters that seemed merciless, and the occasional wack-o in your local electronics district. And I for one, am thankful that my life has been so easy when compared to the big picture. As everyone around the world has there own traditions on New Years Eve, the most frequented is the Babylonian tradition of the New Years Resolution. What's mine you ask? Well, besides the annual "I will work out everday, eat right, and maybe cut back on the cigarettes", I am gonna have to say its time to start watching Anime again, if only to retain what little Japanese I still remember from college. On the plus side, I am sure to get a full dose of slapstick humor, gratuitous boobs, and giant robots. While on the other hand, i will also get a continuous vibrato of whiny protagonists, never ending flashbacks and feathered hair. Yeah, its a love hate thing.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

E3 2008: Nintendo & Sony Press Conference

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

E3: Nintendo & Sony Press Conference

Alright, my expectations are obviously too high. And since a have a similarly dissenting opinion about both of these, I decided to make it one blog. Lets take Nintendo's first, and I have to say, barring my biased opinion of what IPs Nintendo should be making more games for (Punch Out, Kid Icarus, New Zelda), the Wii did have a couple exclusive titles that look promising, on top of the new motion+ peripheral.

So here is a list of the big names and I will problem examine 2 of them:

-Shaun White Snowboarding (uses balance board)

-GTA Chinatown stories on DS

-Animal Crossing

-Wii Sports: Resort
which uses the new motion plus (and will be bundled with one accessory), has some pretty interesting game modes: including throwing a frisbee to your dog, some Samurai/Kendo style sword action, and a Jetski!! Reggie Fils-Aime used the jetski, and although he increases the dork factor (watching him play is ridiculous) it does look like a pretty good re-iteration of the Wave Race 64 days.

-Wii Music
presented by Miyamoto himself, this is another Rhythm game or so we thought. But at the presentation and demo of this, it really isn't a rhythm game at all. In fact, its more of a simulation to give the user a feeling of what its like to play music. But lets face it, Tuba on a wii remote really doesn't simulate anything. You just kind of push buttons when u want, move the wiimote around, and the tune plays its self (there is a certain amount of timing to get everyone in your party to get on the same beat). Although, with over 50 instruments, and 70 tracks, plus a authentic drum set simulator (this looks way cool), and directing an orchestra etc... this could be the kind of family fun oriented game people are looking for. And I really want to see my Mii playing a massive Taiko Drum.

Now onto Sony, who never fails to disappoint. Here were the things missing from their press conference.

-No new footage of HOME
-Only 4 Exclusives shown (Killzone 2, Resistence 2 and Little Big Planet are old news)
-Little Big Planet had another slight delay, by a couple weeks.
-A 30 sec. clip of GOW 3, which was dumb, because we already knew they were gonna make it, and there was no gameplay.
-What about Square Enix? Did they forget about you Sony....
-Were was The Agency? Its a game being made by your own production company and you barely mentioned it.... (I think it was in a video montage)

But what did Sony do good?

-Continued PS2 support (110 games slated over the next year)
-Lots of PSP games coming that look sweet (go LocoRoco 2!!)
-brought video rentals to the PSN and a bunch of new games that frankley look like more fun than Xbox Live's (save Portal)
- Killzone 2 does look incredible. So real, you can taste the dirt between your teeth.
- A mysterious fourth IP called MAG (Massive Action Game) that is highly ambitious. Designed to bolster online gameplay between 256 people!!! That has a complex military heiarchy, where you start as a grunt and can become a General. Also, looked very pretty. If they pull it off, it may change the gaming world.
-Best Stage presentation of the 3 press conferences.

So, even though Sony didn't have alot to say, they certainly know how to say it.

E3 2008: Microsoft Press Conference

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

E3: Microsoft Press Conference


Yes, I am a gamer. And since E3 is one of the many ways to wet a gamers appetite, I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents for each Platform's Press Conference. Of course, Microsoft got day 1, and of course they tried to blow it up, but to be honest the whole thing was kind of obscure, up until the last 5 minutes...

First, hardcore gaming: we have Fable 2, Gears of War 2, Fallout 3, Resident Evil 5 and Halo Wars. OK, I will avoid Fallout and RE5, because I know they will be on PS3 and I want to see how it looks on there before I have an opinion (Sony's conference is at 1 pm today).

Fable 2: and it looks good. The on-line co-op is nice, if it works and there is an intuitive way of interacting with your friends (no more lobbies), also the NPC to PC interaction is astounding. In fact, you can do everything from getting married to having children, all of which affect the world you live in and the life you create. Knowing me, I will probably be so obsessed with looting and leveling that I will be twice divorced before game end.

Gears of War 2: Nice. They pulled an Ashley Simpson during the demonstration (2 people were supposed to be playing live, but 2 minutes in the image cut out and it looped back to the beginning, I bet it was pre-recorded). But looks to have a better story line, tons of new weapons and vehicles?! and a 5 player co-op!! Really hoping these guys live up to the hype because if they do, it will kick ASS!! Chainsaw duel anyone?

Halo Wars... I don't really play RTS games and this is Command on Conquer, in a Halo skin, overall it looked nice though.

They had numerous other 3rd parties come in: Rockband 2, Guitar Hero WT (that presenter was such a poser), Lips (360 Karaoke), etc. But Microsoft's big push is the new Live setup. You can see it all online, it is pretty extensive, from joining forces with Netflix, creating Avatars (lame), a ton of games (new Portal anyone?) and the potential of being able to rip your games to your HDD! That's right, bye bye load times.

And for the grand finale Square-Enix took the stage. Now, as I already knew, Square has made 2 or 3 new IPs for 360 and they all look good (Last Remnant, Infinite Undiscovery, Star Ocean Finale), but they fucking sold the boat by announcing that Final Fantasy XIII will be on the 360... SHIT!!!

Now, the PS3 may be in a run for their money, considering the Exclusive games that made the PS2 the greatest selling video game platform of all time are available somewhere else. We will see if Sony has what it takes.

Snake is "the Man"?

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Snake is the "Man"?

Alright, I am a huge Metal Gear fanboy, and I found this Blog on through Kotaku from some uber Metal Gear nut (his credentials justify this blog) that proposes Snake has NO penis. http://binaryfractal.blogspot.com/2008/06/solid-snake-has-no-penis.html

Normally, this wouldn't interest me, but Snake being a clone and just finishing up MGS 4, I gave it a chance. And he actually makes some very good points (besides the look at everyones crotch montage...). And with numerous doctors and important characters throughout the series having commented on Big Bosses clones being unable to reproduce and how they were designed for war and only war, it seems legit. But i think the most concrete arguement is the following.

Your a guy, and you have been out blowing up PMCs, fighting giant mechs, and killing sudo-psychotic bosses with inferiority complexes. But, when offered to have sex from a chick like this:

(This is the real life model that Naomi's Character is based off of)

Would you really say No, like Snake did? Come on, Really?

Well, to each their own I guess...

For Your Consideration

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

In retrospect, this trip to Japan has been an experience which defines me. I learned alot about meeting new people and assimilating culture in ways I can't explain. One memory that will always stay with me is a night my brother and I went to Roppongi to check out the clubs. We had been riding the Metro lines during our 2nd stay in Tokyo, because they were the only line running near our Ryokan. And as we descended into the tunnel the weather was overcast but nice, only to arrive in Roppongi and a torrential downpour would ensue. So, there we are, lost, standing at a street map, looking like the dumb Americans short an umbrella, when low behold a middle age Japanese women appeared behind use and offered her umbrella. At first we declined, but she insisted she lived around the corner and it was only right that she pass it on to us. Really, it saved the evening and warmed my heart (tear...).

So, that is how I will remember Japan, a land of mystery and beauty, home to a people, whose shyness is overshadowed by their hospitality and generosity.

Thanks for reading.

Don`t Feed the Animals

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Don`t Feed the Animals

Back in Tokyo.

We were staying at another capsule. But had some time to kill, so we went back to Shibuya and hit up some guitar shops. When I say some, I mean many. There were like five or six 3+ floor music shops on the same block. I tried out this sweet sunburst Grass Roots Guitar and Tim was jammin' on a murdered out Les Paul. Afterwhich, we went to a drum room on the top floor of one building, where Tim played on a custom Yamaha electric set. He said it was the staple for all electric drum sets (cost like $3800) and whats even funnier was the throne he was sitting in cost about $4000!! Must have been made out of baby cow or something. We hit a couple arcades again, btw finally found they have porn video games, I couldnt figure out how to play it, but it was weird, kinda like a card game but you would unlock sections of a picture. Then crashed in a capsule.

Next morning we had Japanese Dennys for breakfast, and decided to go off to the Zoo. For Tokyo it was what I expected, huge, full of animals, sadly, Ling-Ling the giant Panda passed away in April, so we did not get to see him, but otherwise it was a very eventful place. We also went to the Tokyo National Museum and learned alot about Buddhism in Japan, Meiji and Edo armour and weapons and other aspects of culture.

By this time we could get into the new Ryokan, Sawanoya and I am throughly impressed. The owner speaks English very well and even has a book published about how he turned this dying Ryokan around to become one of the best in Tokyo. I will probably get a signed copy before I leave. Also, the bath here is amazing. It was a rainy morning and the bath has a small window and garden next to it and between the hot bath and cool weather, it was the best bath I have ever had in my life (or at least that I can remember). Anyway, today we leave for Ikebukuro, gonna hit up the Toyota Auto Salon so be prepared for lots of car pics.

A Shinkansen Away

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A Shinkansen Away

In our last day we decided to push the limits by going from the Golden Pavilion in the Northwestern edge of the city and walk all the way to the far North Eastern edge called the Silver Pavilion (which at the time was being restored, but the view was great). After which we travelled to the beautiful and recluse temple, Tenin-in, just off the Philosopher's Path. It is a one of a kind location, of which an anamolly foreign to me exists, quiet. It seems this city boy (I.E. myself) had been neglected this sensation, or at least a more accurate display of what "quiet" really means. It was an exuberating experience.

Finally, we ended in the Kyoto Handicraft center, where there were 5 floors of authentic Japanese crafts from the countryside. After some gift buying, including my very own Yukata (Japanese Robe), we got back to the Ryokan we were too exhausted to got back out for food, so it was time to try a Japanese Mcdonalds. It was suprisingly spot on to any Mcdonalds I had ever been to (whether or not that is good or bad...) And I say that only because anytime we would try some form of western food here so far, it still taste very Japanese. Even the eggs for a western breakfast, the cook them slow and rarely flip them, so it almost comes out like patte, but I really like them, so its all good.

We leave for Tokyo tomorrow, so expect more odditties.

As it Rained in Kyoto...

Sunday, May 25, 2008

As it Rained in Kyoto...

I was a little upset thinking that this would some how ruin our day, but in reality it was perfect. It was cool enough for us to spend the next 9 hours hiking around the city and exploring the temples. Getting to the Ryokan was a little tough though. Nothing like seeing your wheels on the suitcase slowly degrade into the streets of Japan, as you look feverishly for the Inn, hidden amongst the narrow alleys. Anyway...

We woke up refreshed and went to Nijojo Castle. Awesome stuff. If you look at the map it actually had 2 palaces and outer palace for guests and an inner palace for the shogun. We could only tour the outer palace but it was still pretty amazing. Everything from the architecture to metal working all seemed way ahead of its time and they even built a "Nightengale" floor that squeeked no matter how quietly you walked (a security feature at the time). There were also Gardens and towers within the walls and wow, when I say walls, look at the pic of Tim standing next to one!

Afterword, we decided to visit some buddhist temples. The first was Sanjusagendo and it held 1001 gold statutes of a goddess, protected by 22 deities. It is actually the longest wooden temple in all Japan. Sadly, you will notice that most places would not let us take pictures of the interior due to age. From what I understood, this temple was built in the 1200s, and because of its length (394 feet), it is home to the Toshiya (archery contest). Another thing I did notice in Kyoto was Geisha. In most cities in Japan the Geisha have all but died away, but Kyoto (being the home of Geisha) they are still active today. You will see pics of a mako and her host mother walking her around as we were out in the city.

Next we went to Kiyomizudera, which was a massive grouping of temples built into the mountains, east of Kyoto. It was an amazing site, and while there we had a summer lunch of soba noodles and shaved ice (the best strawberry flavoured anything I ever had). Also, while walking around a small group of school kids had me help them with some English homework, which was fun in and of itself. Tired as we were we still stopped at a massive pagoda, some small shops and finaled at one of the largest buddhas in the world. It was amazing!

Tomorrow, we are off to the Golden Temple and philosphers path, and if we have time we will stop in Kyoto's craft district. See you tomorrow night!

Im in Japan!!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Im in Japan!!

So, made it across the sea and am in the land of vending machines, hidden streets and what sometimes feels like waves people. It wasn't easy though, we actually missed our original flight due to the tickets being mis-printed, but thanks to a no BS attitude we got a direct flight out of DFW instead, which was to our advantage. Once, Tim and I arrived in Tokyo it was a little rough. It took about an hour in the airport, cause I had to get a bunch of rail passes and rent cellphones, but luckily i know enough Japanese and everyone else knows enough English for us to get around.

So, after the airport we went to Shibuya, it was closer to the Square Enix Studio and all the arcades we wanted to stop at, but the trick was finding a new capsule hotel. This would have been fine except for a couple things; first, we did get a little lost... second, when we finally got there, the lockers were not big enough for our luggage (everything bigger in Texas, everything smaller in Japan) and lastly, Tokyo is abnormally hot. I mean, i may just be me, but I was sweating my ass off the whole night. You could probably tell by some pics of me in the arcade. But yeah, we found lockers, then we hit up the arcades. They were gamer paradise, made me long for the days of arcades past, but I haven't found any crazy japanese games yet. Mostly, tons of fighting games and racing games. Plus, 2 floors for gambling and the worst crane machines ever. They are impossible.

Eventually, we passed out in the capsules and woke up to a nice breakfast in a cafe over the 7-11. Then we hit up the Square Enix Studio. For anyone that plays Final Fantasy it was a wet dream, but you can see the pics yourself. Then we hit up the Shinkansen to Kyoto and here I am in our Ryokan blogging.

Tomorrow we will got to some castles and temples so I will see you all later.