ESRB Ratings Widget

I am generally against the censorship of video games, especially since as an adult, I feel that I should have the freedom to choose the type of media that I consume. I guess I can also say that I am against most forms of media censorship as well.

However, I can understand the need to restrict the access of inappropriate materials by children. And in this instance, I think that the best methods of doing this is self regulation by the industry, increasing information about game ratings, and getting retailers to enforce these restrictions.

As I have ranted before, the sales of inappropriate video games to minors often continues due to either 1) parents buy these games for their children without knowing that they are, and 2) retailers selling them to said children.

The Electronic Software Ratings Board has done a fairly good job on accurately rating these games, and parents have a good amount of information to base their purchases on. And they have just created a widget that can be added to any website or blog, giving users the tools to check out the ratings on any game. I have added this widget to my page, because I feel that I share the responsibility in helping to highlight the available information.

If you're a gamer, I hope you feel the same way too.

Iron Man: The Movie: The Action Figure

As you may already be aware, I am filled with anticipation for the new Iron Man movie. He's always been one of my favourite characters, alongside Batman. I guess the idea that normal humans can exceed their limitations through technology, discipline and training is appealing to me.

I knew that there would be a toy line coming out for the movie, and I was eager to go check it out. Based on the images I saw online however, I was a little disappointed. The toys looked a little... underwhelming.

That left a bad taste in my mouth, so I decided to check out the real deal at Target, at a nearby shopping mall. And I have to say, the damn thing looks a whole lot better up close. The photos had the figure in a odd pose, and I think that worked against it.

I think I might just go and pick up one for myself.

Deichkind - Ich betäube mich

Fresh it up. Mega Ultra Wow. 1000% Yes.

Stealthy like a Ninja

I went to GameScore yesterday with the express purpose of picking up a cartridge case for my DS games. And while I was there, I couldn't resist picking up Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword for the Nintendo DS, along with Burnout: Paradise for the Xbox360.

I've heard some good buzz for Ninja Gaiden, and I was keen on checking it out. So far, it hasn't disappointed, but I'm still fairly early into the game. But I've got one minor gripe with the game. Or at least, a gripe with the opinions of the gaming press regarding the game.

Over at 1up, there have been claims that the game is too easy, and that it isn't much of a challenge. All I can say to that is... Bullshit.

I only just defeated the second boss, but only by a whisper; And it was on my second attempt. The first time I tried, I got my ass totally handed to me... by a leg-less pig ogre. And that's not counting the number of times I died getting to the boss in the first place. Apparently there are werewolves in the world of ninjas.

And I swear, things are going even more crazy now. There are ninjas that look like demons, and demons that look like dogs. And there's some chick with half a face and a tentacle for an arm who calls herself "Ultra-Fiend" or something like that.