I was a initially a little upset to learn that Ground Zeros is going to be the prologue for MGS5: The Phantom Pain. Only because I would have liked to have two new Meal Gear Games. After thinking about it a little more, MGS2 and MGS3 both had similar prologue missions that lasted a couple hours. Both of those games were very successful in my opinion.

MGS5 looks amazing and I am very excited to check it out. In the mean time I think I'll boot up the HD Collection and finally commit to playing through Peace Walker since it looks like the story is somewhat related to that of PW.

So, are you guys hyped? Looks like snake is missing an arm now too. CQC with a hook?

What is a game you really like but doesn't seem to have gotten the attention it deserves? What makes it so great?

For me I think that on game I really (still) enjoy is Star Ocean: The Second Story. I haven't really played through the newer games but but I do own them. I am not sure how much I like the direction they have gone since the merger with Squaresoft (SO:TSS was made by Tri-Ace and published by Enix). I have mixed feelings about a lot of Square-Enix's more recent games but I'll save that for another day.



For me this game stood out because of the level of options you had for how to play the game, You could chose from two different main characters Claude and Rena. Depending on this choice you have to ability to recruit different people through out the game.



There is also an option when starting a new game to choose the style of battle. I remember reading somewhere that there are over 80 possible endings in this game. I could go on and on about why I like it, but I would like to hear about your most underrated games.

I have to say I like this game a lot, I'm not very far in but so far the AI is my only gripe. The Battle AI has been really frustrating. It seems like the tactics aren't really all that effective in controlling the AI. It just seems to make the worst possible decision in any given situation. I end up having to fight bosses multiple times because the AI thinks that the best way to fight a huge fire boss, that is weak against water is to get up close attack it with Oliver's wand for 1 dmg, rather than cast a spell that will to 60-70..

I am sure there is a combination of having the right familiar set up with the right tactic that would prove at least some what more useful. I noticed when fighting Moltan or whatever that thing on the volcano is that the AI NEVER anticipates big attacks by defending or evading. Even worse the AI actually canceled defend when I used it in anticipation of a large attack (I was trying to switch to other character to defend/evade with them too) and both my characters took full dmg from it. I wonder if Level-5 could patch the AI or something to make it more effective. A quick Google search for "Ni No Kuni AI" shows that I am not the only one who has had problems with this.

Alternatively, what games you already own do you see your self continuing to play in 2013?

I would be interested to see what some of the Dtoid staff have there eyes set on.



My five picks for 2013 would probably look something like this.


Tomb Raider

Ni No Kuni

Castlevania: LOS 2

MGS: Ground Zeroes

The Last of Us




A few games I see my self continuing to play excessively in 2013 are..


SFxT, UMVC3, SF3OE

Diablo 3, CS:GO

Skyrim, FFXIII, MGS:HD Collection

Check out this kickstarter fundraiser for a documentry my friend is making. Make a donation if your interested in helping out.
Fighting Game Documentary

Cheers

(SPOILER ALERT: If you have not played Metal Gear Solid their may be some spoilers, though I don't think its anything too major that would ruin your experience. Proceed with caution)

Shadow Moses Island, Alaska.

Called out of retirement, Solid Snake is tasked with destroying the bi-pedal nuclear tank (Metal Gear Rex) thought to be housed in the nuclear facility on Shadow Moses Island. Behind the development of Rex and plot to use it, is a terrorist cell comprised of members of Snakes former commando unit FOXHOUND. Alone, Snake infiltrates and fights his way to the heart of the island to face off with his mysterious brother the leader of the terrorist cell Liquid Snake.



Looking back on the game now its hard to tell that when this game came out the visuals were actually quite impressive. The different areas of the island were all unique, wildlife (Wolves, Rats, Ravens ect.) added character to otherwise empty spaces and made the game feel more lifelike. The radar was very accurate in showing the layout of a specific area and with plenty of hidden areas and alternative routes.

In Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, a grey-haired Snake returns to to Shadow Moses island. The place has been abandoned since "The Shadow Moses Incident" (the events of MGS1). Walking around to different locations triggers the recollection of memorable codec transmissions and flashback cut-scenes remembering what the area looked the first time Snake visited the island.


Being the first game I played in the series, I'll never forget the location of the SOCOM, repeatedly tapping the O button to regain life as you resist Ocelots torture or the the dramatic battles with Sniper Wolf and ultimately facing off with Liquid. If you are a fan of the series and have not picked up the HD collection, I highly suggest checking it out. It does not include a remake of MGS1, Hopefully one day we'll get something like that.
I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.

Cheers