• Manufacturer: Tediore
• Damage: 119
• Accuracy: 89.6
• Fire Rate: 1.9

Description: While the AX10-A Blast Law Sports only a 2-shot clip, which it exceptionally small for a Revolver, it does carry a x2 Chance to cause an Explosion.  Coupled with the 3.7x zoom it makes Head-shot ‘Crits’ quite lethal.  This Revolver also has +62% Reload Speed and +33% Fire Rate buffs and has a resale value of $2,034.  I have been using and enjoying this weapon as of late, but like all weapons in this game, it won’t be long before it is surpassed.

Borderlands

-SG

With the arrival of Borderlands the ‘Great Game Flood of Fall 2009’ has kicked into high gear.  Yesterday I picked up my $40 copy of the game (thanks WalMart Canada for brining down the price) and proceeded to plug away for 4 hours after I got home from work!  I started two careers, one as a Soldier for my single-player, and one as a Hunter for my co-op experience.  I enjoyed my co-op session yesterday the most because I was able to go into the start of the game with a couple of hours of experience under my belt already.  On the other hand I prefer my Soldier to the Hunter class.

At the end of the day I see Borderlands taking up a lot of hours of play time, even in the face of games like Modern Warfare 2 and Forza Motorsport 3.  I am pretty early is so I am eager to see what other fruits this game has to offer.

Borderlands

-SG

Take it Back!
Completed "Take it Back!"

Gamerscore = 40   Acquired 9/10/2009

Finally, after 30 levels of experience, 44 completed quests, 282 game saves, 145 hours, 53 achievements, 1130 Gamerscore, and 2636 enemies dispatched, I completed the Fallout 3 main storyline!  Fallout 3 has easily been the most involving and captivating RPG I have ever played in my storied gaming history.  With the onslaught of games arriving in the next few weeks I thought now was the time to put the petal to the metal and complete the main story arc.  It was a great feeling and a sense of relief to finally get there, to see this epic journey to its inevitable conclusion.

Now, though I have completed the game my time in the D.C. wasteland is far from over.  I still have several quests and areas to explore in the capital wasteland as well as the Broken Steel DLC storyline to complete, but for now I think it is a good time to give Fallout 3 a rest.  Between the massive game and its 5 downloadable expansions, I have seen a lot of this world, and I think an absence will make my heart grow fonder. 

So one titanic game down, now perhaps it is time to explore another giant world.  I have been thinking about revisiting Liberty City as of late.  As I was able to stretch Fallout 3 over the last 10 months, GTA IV could fill that RPG-esque void.  That and there are two expansions to build on that world as well.  In conclusion Fallout 3 was very good to me, an amazing game, and I will be back, you can count on it!

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

This Galaxy Ain't Big Enough…
Completed "This Galaxy Ain't Big Enough…"

Gamerscore = 40   Acquired 20/8/2009

In my quest to complete Fallout 3 I completed the last of the DLC side-missions, Mothership Zeta.  The DLC offered a break from the Washington D.C. wasteland and offered a few of other Fallout locals such as a pre-holocaust Alaska, Pittsburgh (a.k.a ‘The Pitt’), Point Lookout Maryland, and finally a view of the ravaged planet Earth from orbit.  When we first bought in to Fallout 3 I suspect that not many of us would have thought the game would have grown so much and offered such wide ranging quests.

While Mothership Zeta did not offer as much variety in scenery (often hallway after hallway) it did offer up the goods with sci-fi weaponry and valuable ammo for your previously recovered ray-gun.  My slow play allowed for about 6 hours of gaming on the ship, and try as I might, I could not find all the recordings for the achievement ‘Alien Archivist’.

So now it is the run-up to the end-game.  I have spent nearly 140 hours in the game, and with the Fall rush just around the corner, I think I need to see this game to its newly expanded ‘Broken Steel’ conclusion.  So technically I still have one more DLC pack to finish!  It has been quite the ride!

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

A Meeting of the Minds
Completed "A Meeting of the Minds"

Gamerscore = 20   Acquired 1/8/2009

Fallout 3 has been my gaming obsession for 2009.  Bethesda is very much responsible for that my continuing to bring quality DLC to the game.  Though I completed the final quest on the 1st of August, it still took me several more hours to mop up the rest of the quests that were available in the content.

Point Lookout definitely felt like the most realized of all the downloadable content I have played thus far.   I spent approximately 14 hours on this content, and when you consider most full-price retail games on the Xbox 360 and other gaming platforms take less than 10 hours to complete, 800 Microsoft Points feels like quite a bargain.  Point Lookout could nearly stand alone.

Point Lookout is easily my favourite of the DLC for the game thus far, and from what little I have played of Mothership Zeta thus far, I suspect that will remain unchanged (mind you I have yet to complete Broken Steel, but that is a different beast all together).  I loved the spooky feel of Point Lookout, Maryland.  It almost makes me wish that Bethesda would make a supernatural-themed game to explore some of the areas they experimented with it this download.

So 125 hours of play later and I am still excited about Fallout 3…but I think it is time to get close to the end game.  Next I am planning to complete the ‘Zeta’ content, then I will move towards the end game and Broken Steel.  Should be loads of fun!

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

Several months ago took a leap and picked up the collector’s edition of the much maligned RPG, Two Worlds.  I have enjoyed my recent forays into Western-style RPG’s with such games as Bethesda’s Fallout 3 and Oblivion as well as Fable II and Mass Effect.  Two Worlds looked kind of like Oblivion, but word on the street was that the game was kind of a crap.  Well I decided I would buy it for some rainy day play time. Really, how bad could it be?

Yesterday I did find out how bad it could be.  At that time I had nothing better to do and saw Two Worlds sitting on my shelf, so I placed the disk into my Xbox360 and prepared myself for some RPG action.  What I really should have done is prepared a barf bag because my initial impressions were making me ill.  Diving right in I discovered that while the games graphics could almost pass at the level of quality for this generation, the production levels, combat, audio, voice acting, control, etc. were so poor that it is amazing that this game was not a bargain title out of the gate.  This too after the game received a patch correcting several huge flaws.  The in-game cut scenes and voice acting are amongst the game’s worst crimes.  I really cannot understand how the developers could not see that it was not passable.  The world appears to be vast and interesting but as soon as I hit the woods I was ganged up on my various creatures and animals that left me with little chance of survival, especially with the clunky combat.  After about fifteen minutes I had enough and powered down my console.

You would think that after that escapade that I would be through with the game for good, but there is still something about this game that keeps me curious about it.  Am I curious enough to look past all its glaring faults and try again?  Not sure, put stranger things have happened.  Perhaps I will have a read of the manual next time so I may be better prepared to face three wolves and a grizzly bear all at once the moment I hit the game world.

Official Two Worlds Website

-SG

The Nuka-Cola Challenge
Completed "The Nuka-Cola Challenge"

Gamerscore = 20   Acquired 20/5/2009

My dillegence has only spiralled me deaper into my Fallout 3 obsession.  In fact the other night I found myself trapped my super-powered ghouls in the sewers, I got lost because I was so tired, I just wanted out so I could sleep!  So I finally got out, went to bed, and when I got up I went straight back to the game.  Good times in the DC wasteland.  Makes me want to play Oblivion again!

-SG

Free Labor
Completed "Free Labor"

Gamerscore = 40    Acquired 25/4/2009

Fallout 3's latest DLC package entitled 'The Pitt' was a monster for me.  I sure cot my monies worth as I spent the better part of 8 - 10 hours exploring and questing until I reached my ultimate goal and earned the above achievement. 

So far The Pitt is the better of the two available expansions.  The post apocalyptic Pittsburgh is quite interesting to see with its large bridge, the city skyline, and its steel mills.  Once you get going you find that you have a fairly sizeable adventure to undertake.  Also it is definitely worth the ride to The Pitt just to upgrade your weapons and armor.  I am particularly partial to my new power amour and Infiltrator assault/sniper rifle.

Now that I am done in The Pitt, all i have left to do is pillage it for supplies and make some extra caps.  I do so love my scavenging!

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

After another brief hiatus (both blogging and from Fallout) and completion of my F.E.A.R. games, I thought it would be a good time to return to Fallout.  After a stop in Oasis I decided to head out a help the people of the Pitt(sburgh).  What I have liked the most of the DLC content is that it takes you into different environments.  As much as I love the Capital Wasteland, seeing Alaska and the Pitt is a breath of fresh air (note: air not so fresh in the Pitt).  Also I love getting jacked-up with all the new hardware I am collecting.  I love my Fallout, more good news to report on that front...

Viva New Vegas!  Bethesda announced this week that a new, not a seaqual, Fallout title will be arriving in 2010!  The new game will take place in New (Las) Vegas and will be developed by Obsidian Entertainment (KOTOR II).  I like the quick reaction time by Bethesda to keep this franchise going, even if they have to farm the development out.  More Fallout is always a good thing!  Now enough typing, I have some buisness to take care of in the Pitt.

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

Bethesda has a funny way of celebrating April Fools.  Here is the excerpt from The Elder Scrolls website:

04.01.09 - OBLIVION 360 DLC ON SALE (MOST OF IT, ANYWAY)
In celebration of the arrival of April, the wackiness of April Fool’s Day, and the upcoming 3rd anniversary of the release of Horse Armor (Friday, April 3), we are pleased to announce that for the next week (through April 7) all Oblivion DLC for Xbox 360 is half price, except for Horse Armor, which is twice as much as usual.

Nice!  So I picked up all the DLC that I didn't already own including Knights of the Nine pack.  I had to skip on the Horse Armor this time (I wonder if anyone will bite on the increased price?) but who knows, perhaps when it goes on sale...

Between Oblivion and now Fallout 3 I have spent 160+ hours between the two games.  With these DLC purchases and the Shivering Isles expansion,  I really have to go back and continue my adventures and gather achievements in the province of Cyrodiil

The Elder Scrolls

-SG

Operation: Anchorage
Completed "Operation: Anchorage"

Gamerscore = 40   Acquired 8/2/2009

Usually I reserve the 'Mission Acomplished' post for when I finish the campaign in a game.  For this edition I am a using it for the downloadable expansion for Fallout 3, Operation Anchorage.

If you have read anything about Operation Anchorage you will know that the two main tenants of this DLC pack is that it a.) plays like a shooter rather than the scrounge-fest that is the main game.  that is mostly because of the fact that b.) that you are SPOILER.....playing in a simulation.

Overall the DLC pack may take about 3-4 of gameplay so it is not overly too taxing.  So why the 800 point price tag?  I think the achievement points that are easily earned as well as the kick-ass weapons and armour you will earn at the end  are worth the price of admission alone.  So if you are looking for a little change of scenery from post-apocolyptic Washington D.C., why not pay cyborg-Palin a visit in beautiful war-torn Alaska!

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

My brief Fallout 3 hiatus is over.  Today the first of the three DLC packs has been released.  Operation Anchorage is the reason I held off on the game for the last couple of weeks, I wanted to save myself up for this as I was levelling my character too fast.  This and the next DLC's should see me to level 20, then the third will take me beyond as the level cap will be off.  It is nice to be back, so far Alaska is looking super-sweet, it is reminding me of home right now.  The only thing in Fallout's way right now is F.E.A.R. and Resident Evil 4, but I will be sure to make time for my favourite RPG.

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

November of 2008 saw to titanic RPG's released for the 360, Fallout 3 and Fable 2.  I decided to complete Fable first and then sink my teeth into Fallout 3 during my Christmas vacation.

Christmas vacation has been pretty rough.  Between bad weather and bad illness I have had a heck of a time.  What has gotten me through this time was Fallout 3.  I am totally hooked into this game!  Because I was sick and had nowhere to go I was able to devote a lot of time to this game, a lot more time than I have been accustomed too.  I would easily lose 3-4 hours at a time to the game and would eventually have to force myself to put the controller down!  I am having a blast just exploring the wasteland.  With hundreds of hours of gameplay to be had you have to have commitment to get a lot out of Bethesda's RPG's.  As I write this I am already looking forward to my next session.  I will be back to work on Monday, but I am sure I will be dreaming of the D.C. wasteland!

Fallout: Welcome to the Official Site

-SG

If you are looking for me, I will be in Albion.

Fable II will be a huge time sink for me, even with all the games coming out.  See you there (because you may not see me here to much for a little while)!

Lionhead Studios - Fable II

-SG

Well it may have taken a couple or few years after the fact but I finally have completed Fable, or rather Fable: The Lost Chapters.  Knowing that the sequel would soon be upon us I decided to pick this game up some time ago.  When its release date was announced and with all the games that were to be coming out I thought that now would be the best time to get my Fable story straight before this October.

I really relished my experience this time around.  I was able to appreciate the game much more as well as play smarter with my character development.  I think it will also help going forward learning more about the backstory.  In this game the adventure does not end where it does in the original Fable, rather it extends the story and provides more background, characters, clues, weapons, and items.  I clocked in this game at about 25 hours, so as an RPG goes it does not amount to a huge commitment.  I suggest those who are considering Fable II go back and play the original.  Probably the most important thing I got going back was an even greater appetite for the new title!

Fable: The Lost Chapters is a tremendous game which holds up incredibly years after its original release.  Fable II will blow the doors right off!  If you choose to wait for Fable II and skip the original, perhaps check out Tales of Albion for more on the story so far.  As I had mentioned in a previous post, 2008 is the year of the RPG!

-SG

Now to close out the last half of 2008, three major RPG's will be hitting, and in turn will be eating into what little free time I have.  Now if you have not guessed already what they are, here is the big three:

Too Human - While listing the great RPG's of the past I skipped over Phantasy Star Online on purpose.  PSO was a game I played more than all the games I listed previously combined.  More an action RPG, PSO focused on loot gathering and levelling as its key focus.  Too Human is bringing that same addictive gameplay to the next-generation, this time offering a deeper story and a trilogy of games to tell it all.  I love the demo (4 complete playthroughs and counting), I can't wait for the final version!

Fable 2 - Quickly becoming my most anticipated game of them all, Fable 2 is greatly expanding on the foundation laid out in the first title.  Online co-op, canine companions, XBLA pub game connectivity, revolutionary combat, and HUDless display are just a few of the cool new additions to look forward to.  I suspect I will be spending a great deal of time in Albion once more!

Fallout 3 - From the makers of Oblivion comes the post-apocalyptic RPG that will keep you busy for a very long time.  With 500+ endings, who knows how your adventure will end?  All I know is I am looking to forward to exploring the wasteland that is Washington DC.  With Bethesda's pedigree, you know this will be the deepest of all the RPG's.  And with exclusive content coming to the 360, the adventure will just keep going!

Wow, that is an incredible lineup!  And that is in a nutshell the bulk of my RPG experience and experiences to come.  Who know what other games are hiding in the RPG woodwork?  All I know is that I have a lot of gaming ahead of me, and so do you.

-SG

After many false starts and games passed, this year I have finally come back to the RPG.  After purchasing Mass Effect in late '07, I realized that I was yet to complete the most western of western RPG's, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.  So starting the year of the RPG (2008), I made it my mission to at least complete the main storyline.  I finally did so, but it doing that I know I still have much, much more to do there.  Specifically the Shivering Isles expansion.  From there I moved on to Bioware's new IP, Mass Effect.  It took a few months of here and there play which added up to approximately 55 hours.  All those hours were well worth it as this game captured my imagination like few others before it had.   As much of a work of art as games today can be.  Not only was this game designed with the 'western' underpinnings, it was also created in Canada.

The last two I have recently blogged about.  Penny Arcade Episode 1 was a nice and quick RPG available for download in the Marketplace.  A lot of fun and laughs as well as a seriously good RPG to boot.  If you want to know what the combat in Grandia II was like, this game would give you a strong indication of what it was all about.  Three more episodes are to follow, and I am looking forward to each one.  I have also started recently on Fable: The Lost Chapters, playing this via the backwards compatibility of my 360.   I have sunk about 14 hours back into it and I am truly wowed by this game all over again.  There are so many possibilities, I may have to play this game a second or third time!

Now if that was just it I could say it has been quite a year for RPG, but it is not even close.  In the last part of my RPG roundup, I will discuss what the rest of the year will have in store, and it is going to be awesome!

*Continued in Part III

-SG

...well, at least for me anyway.  I have never claimed to be the biggest role-playing gamer, but at times of my life I have been so more than others.  Back in my early teens, my brothers and I owned a Commodore 64.  That was our gaming system, and thanks to a little 'help' from some friends we had quite a gaming library.  But probably the best of the best games back then were the RPG's.  These were some of the first to hit the market and were very solid, even by today's standards.   These were not your typical J-RPG's (Japanese/Eastern), these were the wild west's first forays of gaming adventures.  Questron, Ultima's III-V, Autoduel, and Wasteland (father of the Fallout series) were where I cut my teeth with RPG's. These experiences and gaming styles are why I have such a fondness for the western product.  But, as I got older and moved away from home I moved into the console era, where for me the allure of the RPG was not as strong as this is where the western RPG went to die during the 90's.  It would be some time again before the genre would capture my attention.

I try not to speak outside the (X)box in this blog, but in order to tell my story I need to talk about the Dreamcast.  For me, the Xbox was the spiritual successor of that system.  Unfortunately, the DC was doomed in the face of its competition, making way for Microsoft's titan to carry the torch going forward.  While the DC died an early death, it a a full lifecycle of first-class and unique titles that people still talk about years later.  For me to re-embrace the RPG genre it took the one-two punch of Grandia II and Skies of Arcadia to make me play and complete epic adventures once again.  While these games are not of the western school of gaming, for me they offered great new mechanics and adventuring that for me was closely related to what I loved about RPG gaming.  Skies was a grand adventure that took combat from the ground level and put you in the open air with huge ship to ship battles!  Combine that with the ability to explore the lands and skies of the game quite freely, you had the makings of a classic RPG from Japan with western sensibilities.  Grandia II leaned towards the traditional Japanese game style, but what I loved about that games was the pace of the combat.  It was pseudo-realtime and kept you on your toes.  I really enjoyed these two games, but it would be several years before the RPG would come back front and center.

*Continued in Part II

-SG