Remember the E3 predictions by real-life psychic Madame
Christine? Madame Christine told Chad Mirror's Edge 2 would be revealed at E3.

However when it wasn't, deeming the psychic incorrect. I was a very sad panda indeed.
I love Mirror's Edge. I really want more!

Now though, it looks like she was correct all along...

Speaking with VideoGamer at E3 2009, EA Europe’s Patrick Soderlund said, “You’ll see
another Mirror’s Edge for sure. It’s just a matter of when that time is and what we do with it.
We have a small team on it and I’m excited about what we do.”

So it was revealed at E3? Looks like Chad was too quick to shoot her down. Maybe
this proves Madame Christine truly is the real deal.Maybe I'll get Project RS3 sometime soon
after all?

Late to the meme as always, but...

10. I was born with HUGE ears!

Like the sun shining through my ears on an old photo kind. I wish I had it here so I could show you all the
horror. They were seriously huge. However my Mother had them pinned back so now I have two lovely
discreet scars on the backs of my ears. And one I can part the gristle.

9. I was also born with a squint eye!

My eye was seriously squint. This too got straightened out ant the Royal Eye Hospital in Manchester. To this
day I can still taste the awful concoction of medicines they gave me in a little tub. It was the worst thing I've
ever tasted.

8. I "OD'd" when I was younger.

Once, whilst at my grandmother's, a cousin of mine and I apparently swallowed a whole host of pills and
medecine designed for the older lady. Anyway, we then were promptly taken to hospital to have our
stomachs pumped.

7. I once had a close call with caustic soda.

So there we were, a friend and I, playing in his Mother's car before school when we found a bottle of
Lemonade. I mean, it looked like Lemonade and had a Lemonade sticker on so what could possibly go
wrong? A little argument ensued over who would have the first swig. I, being the "guest" of the car, thought I
should. He, being the "owner" of the car pulled rank and took a swig. Cue a gag and a keel over holding his
stomach and I realised it was probably best not to drink it. The boy of course ran into the house screaming. I
got out the car and went to school. He went to the hospital.

6. Beautiful Katamari was my first Katamari game.

This sucks so much as everyone says the others were so much better. I just haven't gotten around to it yet
so one day, I will. I did just buy I love Katamari for the iPod Touch though. S'alright, I guess.

5. I once managed to drop a brick on my own finger.

How this happened, I shall never know. From what I can remember a friend and I were playing on a local
green when a couple of guys who were up to no good, started making trouble in my neighbourhood. I then
decided to confront them with a brick I found to scare them off. The next thing I knew I had dropped the brick
onto my own finger and shattered my nail completely off. There was blood everywhere and I ran off
screaming. Will Smith never did that. To this day confrontations are bad, and I always remember that brick.

4. I am still Time Lord's bitch.

Ever remember an NES game called Time Lord? It was pretty unknown, I think. However I still remember it
to this day, because it was the first game that I couldn't beat. I can't remember too much about the game
specifically. other than you are a time traveller that has to collect orbs, but I do remember that the orb I was
stuck on was a bastard. When you walked near it, it went up, when you walked away from it, it came down.
There were no platforms around to jump from, and no visible way to collect it. It left me stumped.

3. I've never beaten the first Zelda game.

My favourite game series has and always will be The Legend of Zelda. But it was not the first Zelda
game that made me fall in love with it, but the second. My first Zelda game was Zelda II: Link's Adventure
and boy did I love that game. That was my first game ever and from then on it's been a slippery slope to
where I am today. But throughout all these years I have never gone back to beat the original. Why? Simply
because Zelda II was my first, and it always will be. I will never beat the original, for if I did, I'm afraid it would
destroy the Universe. I'm saving all of you!

2. Today is the first day I've officially had a "Snow Day".

Never before have I seen so much snow in my life! I mean, I've seen snow and played in it. But that was only
ever a few inches deep and was never enough to have school cancelled. Today however, all trains have
been cancelled meaning I have actually been snowed in. It look slike something out of a Christmas movie.

1. I once beat some kind of UK Nintendo Champion...when I was six.

So my memory of this is actually very hazy. I Vaguely recall playing someone, however the story was retold
to me some years ago. Apparently I was in one of those Toys R' Us stores, with the demo units, playing
the NES with some older kid. The game we were playing is never known but it was something competitive.
My brain wants to say Spy Vs. Spy, but only because that would be epic. Anyway, he beat me the first
time, but then I beat him a couple of times. He was getting pretty annoyed with this. He was visibly getting
frustrated. Overly. When my Mother, I think, mentioned this to a random person in the crowd they said, "He
should be upset, he's the UK Nintendo Champion." The UK Nintendo Champion? Getting beat by a six year
old? Well I can't for the life of me remember, as I was so young, but it apparently happened. Or so the legend
goes...

Well, turns out I do have some time. Christmas makes work go slow. So I thought I would share with you one of many blog posts of this kind you will undoubtedly see from now until the New Year...Top Ten of 2008.

This isn't just any Top Ten list though. No, this is my Top Ten list. That makes it more awesome-er than any of yours. So here it is, complete with a little blurb on why I chose each respective game.

Let the countdown begin...

10. Banjo-Kazooie XBLA



So I can hear some of you right now thinking, "How dumb is this guy?", but to be honest I don't care. It's only just been released on XBLA therefore it's eligible. It doesn't matter whether 14 year old DanGale is playing it in his dark bedroom with the sun shining outside and all the kids playing on the street or if 24 year old DanGale is playing it in his dark bedroom with the sun shining outside and all the kids playing on the street, this game is still absolutely brilliant. It's just plain, good, old fashioned fun. And at the end of the day isn't that why we all play games? With new widescreen support and the ability to play without fear of worn out analogue sticks fighting agaisnt you this is undoubtedly the definitive version.

Bring on Banjo-Tooie.

9. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon



Of course most of us in the western world probably haven't played the Fire Emblem as much as we would have liked to, but of the five games that have been released ocer here so far it wouldn't be far off to say that this is the best one by miles. Whilst I love, love, LOVE Path of Radiance there's just something else I love more: portability. Quite literally I play this game everyday on my way to and from work. The suspend points make it easy to fold away. The gameplay is deep and engaging and the stat management is intuitive enough even for a strategy n00b like me. Plus, although I've yet to finish it, the story is shaping up very nicely. Icried a tear at the intro to the game alone. I just want to know if Marth will get his kingdom back and bring peace and prosperity to his people.

Oh, and before I hear anybody say, "But DanGahlay, it's not out until next year?" let me tell you that it's out here, it counts and it's bloody brilliant. You US gamers are in for a treat next year. This just makes us even...

8. Super Mario RPG



...alright, maybe not. After all in Europe we had to wait 12 years before this one found our shores. Released only this year means that I had to evade spoilers for 12 years! I am the true Spoiler Ninja. Eat that, Sterling!

Regardless of it's age though it was still one of the best games released this year, which shows the magic of a retro Square RPG. It may initially seem a little simple to seasoned RPG players but once you scratch the surface you can see that Square/Nintendo magic shine right through. The characters, the dialogue the mock-self depreciating attitude, even the battle system. It's all gold. This is the game that pretty much started the Paper Mario series. So that's another reason for it to be awesome. If you havene't downloaded it yet then I would suggest you do so.

7. Mega Man 9



Have you noticed a pattern yet with this list? So far all of these games can be considered "retro". A statement of who I am? Probably. A statement that retro games really are awesome? Definitely. None this year though was more retro than Mega Man 9. This game was the ultimate retro challenge. Even those that considered themselves retro were wetting there pants playing this game...including me. Wily's Castle in Mega Man 9 was perhaps the toughest yet. Especially the four platformed, ball spike throwing bosses. They gave me nightmares. Everything about this game screamed "retro". The sprites, the level design, the enemies, the music, the sound effects, hell, even the sprite flicker if you so chose. This was the perfect present Capcom could give those that yearned for a taste of the old.

6. Mario Kart Wii



This entry may be a little controversial, but really this was the best Mario Kart game yet. Sure, it was a little unfair on the better players. Sure you could get hit by three red shells in a row. But if you wanted a game to show off your driving skills then you should have probably picked up Burnout Paradise or something. For everyone else, the ones that just wanted to have a blast, the ones who just wanted to be a little crazy, this was the perfect antidote to the banality of life. This game cures depression. The bright colourfully designed tracks were some of the best in the series. My personal favourite was Moonview Highway. So detailed were the tracks that it actually felt you were driving around the Mushroom Kingdom. Of course if these new tracks really didn't float your boat there was always the retro tracks to play on your nostalgia. with 16 classic tracks returning, if you so chose you would never need to hit the 16 original ones.

Of course after the mammoth content packed Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart Wii did seem a bit light. Then again, was it ever really meant to be taken as something else?

5. Professor Layton and the Curious Village


A second entry on this list from the DS. Professor Layton was a true, genuine classic. It was a murder mystery game that appealed to EVERYONE. And when I say everyone I don't mean those dreaded "casual" gamers, I truly mean everyone. Oh, apart from stupid people. Yeah, if you are stupid then there is absolutely no way this game is for you. The kind of mental thinking this game would dish out on you was as brutal as Mega Man 9 was on your thumbs. This game was hard, REALLY hard. Even now there are some puzzles I just can't do.

Though I'm told this is a personal favourite of Stephen Hawking.

4. Lost Odyssey



Now I'm not a huge fan of modern RPGs. Even the modern Japanese ones. It's just something about them that makes them try and be more than they should. Lost Odyssey however knew that there was nothing it needed to pretend to be. It didn't try to be clever, or original, or "innovative", or grounbreaking or anything other than a classic 3D RPG. The characters were not only likable, but also unlikable for the right reasons. For an audience to dislike a character because of the lack of character is usually bad design. But for an audience to dislike a character because of the character they truly our is genius. Jansen was that character for me. I really disliked him. But not in a Gears of War-Marcus way, in a truly genuine, human way.

There was nothing new about this game, and for that it's brilliant.


3. Super Smash Bros. Brawl



What can I really say about this game? The development time it took for this game really shows. There was so much content packed in that it was a fanboys wet dream. My favourite thing was the soundtrack. Not just the main theme either, but the whole soundtrack. Every last track lifted from the classics and either dropped straight in or revamped. The Kid Icarus modern theme alone is worth buying this game for. But you know my favourite thing about this game: The sheer depth anyone can play with. If like me you want to just sit around and beat people up you can. The game is a dream for beginners too. There's not much to remember. No combos. No button combinations. You can play it as a button masher and have a good time. But if you're serious about your brawling then you can turn off all items, head to final destination and make sure you're both playing as Fox. You can play the game like that too if you want too. And isn't that the sign of a great game? Something everyone can find something they like about?

2. Braid



Games as art. It's all a bit bollocks really isn't it? I mean you CAN look into the deep, philosophical meaning of every intricate detail to be found in Braid. You CAN deconstruct it's very essence. You CAN do that. But if, like me, you just want to play a great game filled with excellent platforming and intelligent puzzels that will entertain you over and over again then Braid is also for you.

Quite why there are forums, upon forums, looking into the meaning of every single detailed pixel is really quite beyond me, the true genius of this game isn't the pretentious art twattery lauded upon by indie art kids. No, the true genius of Braid is it's level design and control. The true test of calibre when it comes to games.

1. Lylat Wars



Let's face it, Lylat Wars has been not only the best game of 2008, but also the best game of '97, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '03, '04, '05, '06 and '07. It just can't be beaten. There's not really much to say other than this game will probably be the best game for the next ten years to come too. So bite me. This game is awesome in any year.

All in all, a pretty good list. Sure, some of you feel I copped out at the end but it really had to be said. :)

Hey everyone! Sorry for the short failblog.

So Christmas is nearly upon us. I know this post is a couple of days early but with finishing work and packing to go home and other family related Christmas exploits there's very little chance I'll get a chance to post this if I don't do it now.

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I would love to have made an awesome credits video but I don't have the time. So pretend I did and that I missed nobody out. Unless you yourself have ever done a credits video. Because I always get left out and therefore you should all burn in hell...

Just kidding. (Almost).

I'll leave you with that message of goodwill and wish you all a Happy New Year too should I not be able to do blog for a while. See I'm getting an awesome new computer (that can hopefully run Left 4 Dead) and something may go horribly wrong.

Anyway, in summary:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Also, I hope you all get lots and lots of presents from Santa. I look forward to the onslaught of blogs that will make me jealous.


Also, I know I've been very ineffective the last few months but I promise I'll try harder next year! In fact, it's my New Year's resolution: To be more of a [b]community[/b[ member. :)

Also, cocks.

EDIT: Where the fuck is my Avatar Christmas hat?!

Note: I planned to include embedded videos but BBCode is messed up. Clickable links will have to do. Sorry.

Now, I'm a pretty cool guy. I like cool movies. I like cool books. I like cool music. In fact, if you were to google "cool", you would no doubt end up at my Facebook profile. I'm so cool that when Guitar Hero: World Tour comes out I'll no doubt be an elitist cunt about the soundtrack. Unfortunately though, it can't possibly cater to all my tastes. You see ladies and gentleman, sometimes I like music that is most definitely NOT cool. And sometimes I would like to see this most definitely uncool music in my Guitar Hero.

So here I present 10 embarassing songs that I hope make it to Guitar Hero: World Tour at some point.

Number 10: You Can't Hurry Love - Phil Collins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3TesujRfpY

When I was a small boy one of my earliest memories (aside from Zelda II) was watching a VHS tape entitled 'The Best of Phil Collins'. I would watch this tape over and over singing along to many Phil Collins tracks. I was Phil Collins youngest fan. Now over 20 years later I can still dabble in a bit of that. 'You Can't Hurry Love' is quite possibly my favourite Phil Collins track and the thought of swinging from side to side feverishly with a plastic guitar makes me wet my pants.

Number 9: Hold The Line - Toto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f-cEM1l7Ks

Another "hit" from the eighties, Toto's 'Hold The Line' is quite ridiculous. I mean look at the video, look at that moustaches. Another one I want to rock the guitar on, though maybe this time they could package in a curly wig and moustache so we can get the whole experience Toto has to offer.

Number 8: You're The Best - Joe Esposito
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qae_TUTeGo

Now rather than rock this out on guitar, I would kill to sing this track, surrounded by friends and family, at the top of my voice for all embarassment to reign over me. Those of you nostalgic to this will recognise it from the Karate Kid soundtrack, but it's brilliance doesn't end there. It's a homage to any person you see fit. Mother. Brother. Sister. Girlfriend. You see, I just want to sing it to someone and make them all embarassed and uncomfortable.

Number 7: The Year 3000 - Busted
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZshm4EbXtw

Ah, one of the guilty pleasures. Now we're really heading into embarassment territory. What could be more pitiful than a grown man rocking a plastic guitar to teeny pop. Nothing, that's what. Though the song does teach us that The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker isn't just a game, it's prophecy.

Though somebody should tell them that seven albums in a thousand years is quite frankly, rubbish.

Number 6: Obviously - McFly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qlPHlSx_ZM&feature=related

Once again in the same vein as Busted it's really quite pitiful that I want nothing more than to bob up and down singing, "She's got a boyfrieeeennddd...". As with Busted though, the track features no vocals. Instead the track is mimed and you are scored on how well you do that.

Number 5: Love Story - Taylor Swift
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4xmxb9K8RI

Now before you bestow shame upon me let me just say, I am not embarassed to like this song. It's brilliant. No lie. It's catchy, memorable and er...well, she's a little bit attractive. And what coud be better than playing a few chords in Guitar Hero whilst singing along too. You would be playing as two players, vocals and guitar. You'd feel like a proper singer/songwriter.

Number 4: Unforgivable Sinner - Lene Marlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g47HSVt_ykc

A long forgotten track about sinners doing things unforgivable (probably). This track from the Swedish (projectexodus pointed out that she is actually Norwegian. Apologies for any offence caused. Norway is cooler anyway.) beauty is a beauty in itself. The chorus is amazing! Once again you can throw this in the singer/songwriter category that has you playing two players worth of work at once. To leave this out of Guitar Hero: World Tour would be an unforgivable sin.

Number 3: Run - Snow Patrol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qen3Xovtfc

Fun fact for you all, although I have a drum kit buried away somewhere I am infact pants. That's right, I'm useless. I could never hold a beat properly. Things always went awry. Except for this song. You see this song uses perhaps the most basic drum skills ever. A monkey could hold this beat. Therefore I would like to see it in Guitar Hero: World Tour because to be quite frank, it's probably the only song I could ever do on the drums, and that is an embarassment.

Number 2: Best of Both Worlds - Miley Cyrus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4Ck4fs7o4Y

I'll admit it. I love Hannah Montana. Now I could probably play the whole "my-14-year-old-sister-likes-it-so-I-do-it-to-relate" card but that would be a ball faced lie. I do infact watch it whever I get the chance to. It's brilliant. But not more brilliant than the theme which I would KILL to sing at. Yeah, you heard. I don't even want this for the guitar. I just want to sing it. No guitar. No drums. No cool stuff.

Number 1: The Touch - Stan Bush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD7_u7zInpU

Now this song is an EMBARASSMENT. But the good kind. That's all that can be said.


So, anybody still think I'm cool?

Hands up retro gamers!

If you’re like me then you most certainly had your hand in the air, possibly both, though if your anything like me you’re probably playing Megaman 2 RIGHT NOW!

And now, hands up those with a distaste for people of the infant variety, i.e. children.

Yup, me too. Great!

Well, with everyone identified here’s a short note garnered from The Sun, yes the very same one as in my previous blog.

It seems that in celebrating 75 years of man’s favourite electrical gadgets (let’s face it, we all know a woman’s is a hoover), they asked the children of today what they thought of technology of the past. It was all as you would expect, with the little tykes not being seemingly impressed with any of the old tat like Invaders from Space, but there was one comment that left me utterly devastated. One that borders on video game blasphemy!

Little, adorable eight-year old Abbi Minot from Minot of Borehamwood in Herts (a small boring town where black and white TVs possibly exist) was given the chance to actually play an old, brick style Gameboy. She exclaims that it is really old-fashioned (no shit, it was the 80’s). She then says that she played Tetris on it but it wasn’t as good as her DS version (a statement I can live with). Then, then the little fucker who’s most likely to be knocked up by 15 with the BF Tyrone and little Britney on the way, said, “There’s no colours on the screen at all. It’s just green and black and it plays a really boring tune over and over.”.

Boring tune? BORING TUNE?! Somebody should drag her away from her precious Hannah Montana (who is awesome by the way) and smack her over the head with a Gameboy whilst it plays some Bitshifter! The Tetris theme is a staple of gaming and quite probably the catchiest video game theme of all time.

Somebody should teach the little brat some manners. Fucking boring indeed. Hrmph!

[Source]